Blessed with Boys

An Update...

2007-06-07T09:34:00.000-04:00

So I just thought I'd update everyone on the happenings of my life lately. Let's see, the boys finished out their ball season about 3 weeks ago. They both recieved a trophy and to be honest, Jack and I were glad it was over! No more practicing 4 nights a week and early saturday morning games. But it was alot of fun watching them play. It's amazing to see how much the kids improved from the first game to the last. I'll be looking forward to next year when they can do it again! Scott has already informed me he wants to play soccer in the fall and Ryan wants to do basketball again.

Memorial Day weekend we all went camping with my cousin Sarah, her husband and their 2 yr old Ryeland. We went to Durhamtown Plantation in Union Point, GA. It's pretty much like Disney World for people who love to ride ATV's . Sarah and Jeremy brought their camper, and there was a little restaurant there, tons of trails and tracks, and even a swiming hole. Ryan has a small dirt bike, and it was so fun watching him ride around the 'pee wee' track. We all had a blast! Ethan loves to ride the four wheeler with me and enjoyed playing with his cousin. Finally, a kid his own age to play with!

My neighbor and good friend Clarissa who lives across the street had her baby last wed. and I offered to keep her 2 kids during her hospital stay. Spenser is 10 and Chloe is 5, so when you combine them with my 3 little monkeys, it was like a zoo in here! Poor Jack would come home from work so tired and help me with the kids, he was so patient and understanding that I really wanted to do this favor for my friend. Her baby is so precious...his name is Easton and he weighed almost 9lbs. I absolutely love newborn babies- to me there is nothing more precious in the whole world. For a split second I almost got baby fever, then I quickly snapped back to reality when he started crying and needed a diaper change! :)

Sunday morning we woke up and Ethan had to be taken to the emergency room with pink eye...It is clearing up since we starting giving the antibiotic drops. Vacation Bible School started on sunday evening. Lori and I are leading the preschoolers (3,4,&5 yr olds). It has been alot of fun but a little stressful at times. I guess when you get a group of kids together it's not always going to be perfect. It is a blessing to see these kids learning all the songs and dancing, and really putting their heart into it. We do snack time, recreation, missions, bible study, and arts & crafts. Tonight is family night when all the parents will come to see what the kids have learned and awards and prizes will be given. I was so glad to be able to help out again this year and do my part. Also I have enjoyed spending time w/ Lori!

Only one more week and we will be leaving Beaufort. Our vacation starts on June 16th in Orlando, and let me tell you- this girl can't wait for vacation! We'll be going to Universal Studios, Island of Adventure, and probably Sea World again. The boys have been waiting for this since Christmas, and It's finally here! When that's over, we'll be going straight to Georgia to move into our new house! I am very excited to see what God has planned for our lives.

PCS-ing

2007-05-18T22:49:00.000-04:00

Or in other words, permanent change of station. That's the orders my husband recieved about 10 days ago. It was very sudden with no warning- I was at the pool with my boys and Jack called my cell phone and told me the news. Obviously I was shocked, actually for a minute I thought I might have a panic attack with all this information coming at me at once! He was asking me what I wanted to do, he had to give and answer by the end of the day. You see, he was served with the orders and if he accepted them, he would have to re-enlist and we would be moving to the Atlanta area this summer. If he denied the orders, he would no longer have that option to continue his career in the Marine Corps. We had been contemplating for a while about getting out, moving back home to TN or GA and just being a normal, non-military family! I know I have spend many nights in prayer about the future- where will Jack work? Where will we live? How in the world will we pay for insurance? I guess we've gotten a little spoiled by the government...and to be quite honest, it made me sad to think of my husband getting out. I do love the military lifestyle (minus the deployments) and it's what I've known since I was 19. I guess it's just kinda scary to make such a big change. So to make a long story short, I said a quick prayer that day, and felt like this was simply a door opening up for us. I told Jack I have a good feeling about it, and go ahead a sign the papers. That weekend we drove up to Marietta, GA and found a lovely house that I'm sure was built just for us ;) and things are moving along smoothly. We have prayed consistantly for God to guide our footsteps, and He is good all the time! I feel like this is Him saying he has something wonderful in store for us and to just trust him. I am thrilled to finally be close to our family again. We will be less than 2 hrs. from all grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, ect.! And my mom & dad will be a short 6 hrs. away as opposed t0 8. I truly feel blessed right now!

The sad news is I will have to say goodbye to the best friends I have ever had. And I'm not just saying that- I mean I really have some amazing people in my life! Friendship is something I have struggled with since Jack and I were married. We moved to Jacksonville, NC and lived there for 4 1/2 yrs. and when we moved, I never looked back. This is sad to say, but there wasn't a single person that I would miss. I never developed any real friendships- just a few 'aquaintences'. After moving to beautiful SC, we found a wonderful church, and suddenly I was meeting so many new friends I didn't know what to do! The girls in the flip flop club :) have been truly amazing and I'll never forget the memories we've made. There have been times when I don't think I deserve to have such good friends in my life, people that truly care about me and would do anything for me. They were all there for my surprise bday party back in April, and it was SO HARD for me to just accept that they wanted to do something nice! Why do I feel that I'm not worthy of good friendships?! Probably just the enemy tryin' to bring me down...Oh well I'm getting off track. I make a point to praise God everyday for my friends, and not just the flip floppers, also our friends Jeremiah, Bernie, Bobby, Polly, and the list goes on and on. These people have been such a blessing to my husband and me. There's no doubt in my mind God placed them in our path to help us grow in so many ways.

So now how on earth can I say goodbye? I hate goodbyes anyway, I have already begun to build up a wall. Thursday night we missed choir practice, partly b'c I had a headache, and partly b'c of my selfish reasoning. I asked Jack if we could just sneak away in the middle of the night and not have to tell anyone goodbye! LOL It's just so hard, I can't even explain the hurt I feel and the sadness it brings upon my heart. I always knew this day would come when we'd have to move away, but the fact that it's so sudden- it just hurts.

Please be in prayer for us and all the upcoming decisions and changes coming our way. I love you ALL!!!

2007-04-10T14:05:00.000-04:00

Just thought I'd update everyone on the happenings of my busy schedule and let you all know I do still aknowledge that I have a blog!!! My wonderful mom came up for a visit recently and we had a great time. It's always sad to see her go, though. I cried all the way from Savannah back to Beaufort when I dropped her off at the airport...The boys started baseball/tball about a month ago. We were spending 4 nights a week at the ball field and now it's only 2 nights a week which is so much better. It's such a blast watching their games! They're both doing great and loving the game. Ethan's 3rd bday is coming up on the 15th of April so right now I"m planning a small party for him! He is so excited about his birthday. I'm just a little sad that my 'baby' is turning 3 years old!!! Oh and in 2 weeks I'll be turning 27...but enough about that! Jack and I are loving the new young adult choir at church. At first I wasn't sure about it 'cause lord knows I am not the best singer. But I absolutely love it and get so much enjoyment out of it. We all have such a unique bond and I just look at it as this is my way of praising the good Lord! Oh I hosted a dinner at my house on St. Patricks Day for the flip flop club. We had such a blast and I can't wait 'til our next get together. I have the best friends a girl could ask for! So in a nutshell that's about it. Life is WONDERFUL right now, we're all healthy and completely blessed. Things get a little crazy sometimes- matter of fact, I just got finished trying to get a big wad of chewing gum out of Scotty's hair with peanut butter...but that's just a typical day of mommy hood when you stay home! I love you all whoever is reading this and I promise to blog more frequently from now on.

What happened?!

2007-02-28T08:07:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe it's already the end of February! I feel kinda guilty about not keeping up with my blog lately but like everyone else, I've been super busy. The first part of the year always seems to fly by, probably 'cause I have 2 bday parties to plan for my oldest boys and get totally consumed with it. Then of course there's Valentines day and everything in between. I just can't believe that in a few weeks it will be spring!!! It seems like just yesterday it was New Years and I said to myself that I had plenty of time to get to the gym and work out and start eating right before swimsuit season. Now it has crept up on me and if anything I've gained weight...Oh well enough about that! Ryan just finished out his basketball season on sat. He won a trophy and couldn't be more excited about that. Oh and he had his 7th birthday a couple weeks ago! Hard to believe I have a 7 yr. old. I had so much fun watching his games, He got most improved player and I am just so proud of him! In a couple weeks he'll start coach pitch and Scott will be playing t-ball. I can't wait, I never knew watching your kids play sports would be so much fun.

2007-01-23T08:41:00.000-05:00

Since I haven't blogged in awhile I thought I would just update everyone on what's been going on. First of all, we had such a great 'vacation' during the holidays! We got to visit with all of our family, which is spread out all over NW Georgia and SE Tennessee, so there was alot of running around but it was nice to see family, some of which I haven't seen in a few years! We had a professional picture taken of the whole family on my mom's side, which included my Granny, my mom, 3 aunts, my uncle, 2 cousins, my cousins son, my brother and my 3 boys. It was a fun experience, but the funniest part was when the pictures had been taken and we had to go in this little room one at a time to tell the photographer which photos we wanted to purchase, Scott snuck into the other room and started playin' around on the computer that the pics were put into and ended up shutting down the whole system into overnight mode!!! I thought that poor woman was gonna have a nervous breakdown right then & there! It was a disaster at the time but now I can sorta laught about it. We had to do everything all over again! Christmas was great, the kids got lots of neat things, and it was nice to just relax and enjoy family being together. We were really hoping for snow, but it never did. We went to the mountains and did lots of sight seeing, saw a waterfall inside of a mountain, which was so awesome! We got to see Casting Crowns on New Years, and one night we went out to dinner with a bunch of our old friends! Needless to say it was wonderful but I was so glad to be back home. Now Ryan is playing basketball and doing great at it! He's had 2 games so far and it is so exciting to see him play. Scott had his birthday party last week and it was alot of fun, There was 9 children (including mine) and everything turned out great! I just wish I had sent the leftover bday cake home with someone else but myself! Now I'm already thinkin' about Ryan's birthday which is in less than a month...I hope everyone is having a great New Years so far!

Happy Birthday Scott Jakob!!!

2007-01-09T16:21:00.000-05:00

At 3:17 am on Wed. Jan. 10th, one of my babies will be turning 5 years old! I myself find that hard to believe. It seems like just yesterday I was going thru such pain and anguish of pregnancy and couldn't wait to be done with it and meet my 2nd son. I was 10 days past my due date, Jack's parents had come to our home in NC to look after Ryan while I was in the hospital, and once my due date had come and gone, everyone was just kinda watching me like a time bomb- ticking and ready to explode any minute! So I was going to the doctor 1-2 times per week, and on Jan. 9th the nurse did an ultra sound, and to my surprise (and hers) she discovered that there was little to no amniotic fluid left in my uterus! That's 'cause I was overdue and was carrying a large baby...So they rushed me upstairs to the labor & delivery floor, straped me down w/monitors and hooked me up to IV's and got the process started with pitocin. A grueling 11 hours later (which really isn't that bad) my little baby was here. And get ready- he weighed a whopping 10 pounds 8 onces and was 22 inces long! He was so sweet from the beginning. He has always been quiet, easy going, and very affectionate. He is a very smart little boy, he knows what he wants and is very confident. He has brought me so much joy just watching him grow and I thank God every day for having him in my life!

Merry Christmas

2006-12-21T22:52:00.000-05:00

It's been another crazy week for me. Scott had to go to the doctor yesterday for a terrible cough. I was afraid it was strep, but after the long wait to see the doc, I walked away with a bottle of Robitussin...it's just a viral thing, and today he seems a whole lot better. I finished up my shopping and now I can't believe it's already Thursday! We are leaving saturday a.m. for Georgia to spend Christmas at my sister-in-laws. I haven't even thought about packing, mostly because my house looks like an F-5 tornado just came through and my laundry is piled up to the ceiling! I need a maid! And Ethan needs a haircut before we leave, and tommorrow I have a Christmas party to go to and we are going Christmas carroling tommorrow evening (which I am very excited about!) I haven't done that since I was a kid. Anyhow I am feeling overwhelmed right now. I just can't wait to take a little break from my domestic duties for awhile...And I feel bad 'cause I always do this at this time of the year. I mean we're so busy and worried about traveling and shopping and visiting family, when I need to just slow down and remember the TRUE meaning of this holiday, and thank God that I'm able to do everything that needs to be done. So I just want to tell everyone reading this that I love you, especially my flip floppin' friends- every single one of you are a blessing to me. I never thought I would have such amazing women in my life!!! So thank you, and I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! May God continue to bless you all and I'll see you next year!

Cutie-Pies

2006-12-14T09:06:00.000-05:00

Trying to keep the boys entertained before the show! Aren't they adorable? If only Jackson had been in the picture...

2006-12-13T21:50:00.000-05:00

I didn't realize it's been almost 2 wks since my last post! Whew! I know I say this alot but the month of December has been super busy, FOR REAL!!! Literally one thing after another. Between church, practice, parades, and plays I don't know whether I'm coming or going nowadays! Let's see, it all started on the 8th, There was a Christmas party at Jack's work, those are always alot of fun 'cause there's a bunch of fun things for the kids to do. And really good food and at the end Santa comes on a big fire truck! And can you believe we won a door prize?! I never win anything. It was a stereo/cd player. Just something perfect to take to the pool...I'm already dreaming of summer! :) Oh and earlier that day the boys had their christmas program at school. Oh excuse me- HOLIDAY program...It was really cute. Scott's class sang a song about mittens and Ryan's class was dressed as toy soldiers. Then saturday was the pizza party/dress rehersal at church. It was a little hectic with all the changes, but let me tell you (for anyone who wasn't there) It turned out so wonderful on Sunday night!!! It makes me wanna cry just thinkin' about it, just because I know how hard everyone worked. Every child and youth really put there heart and soul into that program. I just can't wait to see it on video! :) Well since then, the boys and I have gotten our flu shots, I have helped out with Ryan and Scott's class parties, been to a meeting w/Scott's speech therapist, and gotten caught up on some Christmas shopping. Oh and today I did my friend a favor and babysat her 6 month old all day...Oh and tonight would you believe we took all 3 kids to the movies to see The Nativity. If you haven't seen it yet, I recommend that you do. It is pretty awesome, bring some tissue...

2006-12-06T09:10:00.001-05:00

This was the back of my van at the Christmas parade...my kids, Angies kids, One of Del's kids, and Jeremiah & the girls! When they saw us coming, they started chanting: FLIP-FLOP-ERS! FLIP-FLOP-ERS!!!

2006-12-04T23:12:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful weekend! Saturday my hubby went with some of his best buddies to 'pick oysters.' I think that's how you say it...Later that evening we had our 2nd oyster roast for the sunday school class. Of course I didn't eat any oysters but had alot of fun opening them up for Scott! It was a really fun time for everyone.
Then Sunday after church it was time to get ready for the parade. It rained just about the whole time, but it was such a blast! I got some much needed excercise, too. It was just a really neat bonding experience for us flip-floppers!!! Something I'm sure we'll not forget anytime soon. Then it was back to church last night for children's choir practice. They are getting ready for the big Christmas play next Sunday night and we are very excited about that, too! Overall it was an action packed weekend and I was wore out!!! I spent the day resting and preparing for the next couple weeks which are sure to be just as busy, according to my calender...gotta love it!

Something funny

2006-12-01T19:37:00.000-05:00

Okay so while we were eating dinner, I asked the boys what we should get for Nana (my mom) for Christmas. Their ideas were interesting, here's what they came up with!

-peach pie
-peach candle
-chile pepper ornament for the christmas tree
-chile pepper sticker ?
-photo of the 3 of them
-hermit crab
-calender
-fountain
-coffee
-cofee cup
-pretend rotten teeth

My children never cease to amaze and AMUSE me!

homework

2006-11-29T08:52:00.000-05:00

Last night Ryan said he needed some help with his homework so I went upstairs to his room and sat at the desk with him. The last thing was to write a sentence about his favorite holiday. And much to my amazement here is what he wrote: I love Christmas because it is the birth of Jesus. Can you believe that?! Nothing about getting presents or toys (of course he does love that part!) I was just so proud of him. It made me happy that he realized what the true meaning of Christmas is. The last 2 years we have really been trying to teach the boys that Christmas IS NOT all about getting gifts, but we are celebrating the birth of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. I want them to know that from an early age, 'cause when I was growing up it was all about ME and how much stuff was I gonna get under the tree...Every Christmas we actually sing 'happy birthday to Jesus' so they understand it's kinda like a birthday party for Him. It's easy to get caught up in all the other things and if your anything like me- you get really stressed out about money and gifts and what am I gonna get for this person?! Sunday night at church someone said that they take a bunch of their kids old toys before Christmas and give them to charity, to make room for the new stuff. I think I will do that, too. Actually that sounds kinda bad? I just want to do something good- and to show my boys that Christmas is more about GIVING- not getting...After all, God gave all of us the greatest gift of all that Christmas Day.

Takin' a break from Watching my Weight!!!

2006-11-28T16:03:00.000-05:00

Well not really...I mean I'm still gonna follow the program, but as far as the monday night meetings go, I won't be doing that for a little while. As most of you know we just sold our house and it's supposed to close on Dec. 16th. Thank you Lord!!! But until then, my pocket book ain't lettin' me do anything extra (if you know what I mean.) With Christmas coming up I feel it is the best thing for my family...we all have to sacrifice sometimes- and I will miss seeing you all on monday so don't forget about me! I will still go to Applebees and ALL the Flip Flop outings I can!

Oops, I did it again!

2006-11-25T21:19:00.000-05:00

Yes I changed my blog again, I really like this one. Hope you don't mind Jessica! Maybe I will leave it alone for awhile...

Not-so-black Friday!!!

2006-11-25T19:53:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we woke up at 4 am and started shopping- first Wal-Mart then Target. It was alot of fun 'cause Jack and I got to go all by ourselves! My brother-in-law Brad stayed asleep w/the boys. We found some really good deals and got the majority of our Christmas shopping finished. When we got home at 9, everyone was still asleep, but not for long. By the time the kids got up, we were ready to go back to bed- which was out of the question! So we did some cleaning, and playing, and lots of eating...and about 4 oclock I decided we HAD to get the boys out of the house 'cause they were climbing the walls. SO we took them to the nearby playgroung here on base and let them expel some energy for a couple hours. What fun they had! Soon we were getting terrorized by the bugs so we went home, took showers, had dinner, and spent the rest of the evening lying on the sofa all snuggled up watching movies. What a wonderful day! I got to go shopping, eat lots of yummy leftover Thanksgiving food, and the kids were good and we enjoyed the outdoors and each other.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-22T10:13:00.000-05:00

Here are the things I am thankful for this holiday:

-My husband Jack, for being patient and understanding at all times. You are a wonderful husband & daddy. I love you so much!
-My children, they continue to bless me every single day! Truly gifts from God.
-Jesus-who loves me unconditionally even when I may not deserve His love.
-My parents-my mom is my very best friend, my dad who has taught me so many good values.
-my 2 brothers- I am so proud of you both!
-Mila-you are such a wonderful person. I'm so glad I know you.
-aunts,uncles,cousins,and grandmas,& in-laws-I will name them all... Granny, Donna & Stacy, Christy, Sarah, Jeremy, Ryeland, Wanda, Jeff, Shane, Brian, Warren, Grandma, Susan, Roger, Jordan, Randy, & Kyleigh,Andy, Taylor, Brad, Andee, Johnny, Chris, Shae, Reagan, Edna, & Larry. I love you all!
-my friends
-the flip flop club
-my husband's new friends
-my freedom
-my home
-my church family
-my health
-my children's health
-the Marine Corps
-my job (sahm)
-Wal-Mart
-chocolate!

There are many others, I will be sure to say thanks to God for all these blessings in my life...Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. Happy Turkey Day!!!

Finally Friday!

2006-11-17T16:26:00.000-05:00

This week has flown by! This time of year seems like just one thing after another- it all starts with Halloween, then I'm planning for Thanksgiving, then BAM! Christmas is here. Of course there's a thousand things in between. Yesterday Jack & I went to have Thanksgiving dinner at Ryan's school. It was a priveledge to get to do that. We were standing in the hall waiting for his class to come, and the principal said "the 1st graders will be coming out soon." I looked at Jack and was like- "do we have a 1st grader!?!!" It just sounded crazy to think my oldest baby is in the 1st grade...Anyway tonight we're going to church to watch the movie "The End of the Spear". It will be nice because the kids will be back in the nursury watching thier own movie. Tomorrow is the fourth Flip Flop Club "Dinner" at Amy's house. Unfortunately, I missed the last one so I am very excited. We always have so much fun together! Tomorrow night will be no exception. I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

spy kid

2006-11-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

some of my favorite people...

2006-11-16T09:48:00.000-05:00

Changes

2006-11-16T07:46:00.000-05:00

Well as you can see I changed the title of my blog! I have been wanting to do that for some time now, and I may change it again before it's all said and done. See, I'm the kind of person that loves change. UNLESS it comes to my family or home, I don't mind things getting changed around. In other words, the big stuff can stay the same; I don't want to move anywhere! We have moved enough! (6 times in 7 years!) But I won't buy the same brand of shampoo 2 times in a row, or much of anything else for that matter. Anyway my point is I get bored with the same thing for too long, so I switched the title of my blog! I think it is more fitting, because the more I grow both mentally and spiritually, the more I realize how truly blessed I am.

Marine Corps Ball

2006-11-15T08:58:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful time last friday night! A special shout-out to Ivette for the dress!!! Doesn't my Marine look handsome?

Happy Birthday Marines!!!!!!!!

2006-11-10T11:56:00.000-05:00

Yes, today Nov. 10th is the United States Marine Corps 231st bday!!! We are celebrating by going to the ball tonight...so excited about that! It's my night to be cinderella and Jack is my MARINE in shining armor! And boy does he look great in those dress blues! My grandfather was in the marines, he fought during WW 2, and I cannot tell you the pride I have that my hubby serves his country. We are a military family, and for us it's not just a job, it's a way of life. I know that at any given time Jack could have to leave, depending on the situation overseas...He has been on 2 different 6 month deployments, and about 6 or 7 training excersises that each lasted 6-8 wks. So that is quite a bit of time away from home. The military has been good to us though, and I just feel proud to call myself a Marine wife! But back to the point- Today is the Marine Corps birthday- 231 years!!! So happy birthday to each and every Marine- wherever you may be. Thanks for all your hard work and commitment! Remember: Once a Marine, Always a Marine; Honor, Courage, and Commitment; The few, the proud; and the title of Marine is earned, NEVER given!!!

Time out for mom

2006-11-07T21:25:00.000-05:00

Well this has been one of those days...you know the ones when you just can't seem to get anything done, the house is a mess, you still have to go grocery shopping and the kids are bouncing off the walls (literally!) All I wanted to do was lay down on the couch and take a nap- out of the question of course! Well as the day progressed, I got alot done, only by God's grace...I have learned instead of getting stressed out (which I have a serious problem with) to just pray about it and God will handle it. He ALWAYS answers my prayers no matter how big or small! I just ask for energy, patience, determination, or whatever, and at the end of the day I'm like "wow, I was supermom today!!!" Anyway I decided that when I got dinner finished, cleaned up the kitchen, all 3 boys got their baths, and Ryan was done w/ homework I was going to take a nice relaxing bubble bath!!! I haven't done that since I don't know when. I kept thinkin' about it and when all my motherly duties were finished- I locked the bathroom door, lit a candle and started running the water- only to discover that since the 2 older boys had taken forever in the shower and Ethan had his bubble bath, there was barely any hot water left...So I settled for lukewarm. It was okay, I was lying there with my eyes shut when all of a sudden I heard footsteps running up the stairs- then a few seconds later Ryan was banging on the bathroom door. It went a little something like this: "Mommy!!! Scotty won't leave me alone! I'm trying to play my video game and he keeps blocking the TV!" Then the other 2 chimed in and were fighting over a toy...So my 10 minutes of mommy time was over. At first I was upset, wondering why can't they just leave me alone for a few minutes. Then I heard a little voice that said- be glad your children can RUN up the stairs, be glad they can TALK to you, be glad that they come to you 1st...Alot of times I get so burned out during the day. It seems like by the time they are done eating breakfast and I get it all cleaned up, it's already time to fix them lunch! I feel like a short order cook most of the time, but I remind myself to be thankful that all I have to do is place the food in front of them and (usually) they eat it! I mean I lay their clothes out and they dress themeselves, I start the shower and they bathe themselves! It's really not that bad, it could be SO much harder. I guess what I'm trying to say is I have a tendancy to feel sorry for myself or think how hard my life is sometimes, but when I don't give in to the negative lies and just thank God for what I DO have, it brings a smile to my face...all my needs are met- they always have been, I have wonderful healthy children and an amazing loving husband. Life is good and I thank God for that everyday.

trick or treatin'

2006-11-06T14:20:00.000-05:00

Pictures from halloween party

2006-11-06T09:40:00.000-05:00

Busy, busy, busy!

2006-11-06T09:19:00.002-05:00

So much to do, so little time! Last saturday(Oct.28th) we went to a costume party at Amy & Billy's beautiful new home. It was a blast! Jack & I have never dressed up but it was alot of fun. We went as a 50's couple...the funny thing is we forgot to turn our clocks back so we were headed to church at 8'oclock the next morning...that had me turned around for about 3 days! I still can't get used to it being dark at 6. Then sunday we took the kids to the harvest festival at church. They got to go on a spooky hayride and got so much candy we could've skipped trick or treating all together! Then of course halloween was alot of fun. We went to Jeremiah & Jessica's and they did a great job decorating the trailer and the kids had another hayride thru the neighborhood, and got tons more candy!!! 13 kids & 13 adults- it actually went pretty smoothly! This was the 1st year Ethan really gets the concept of trick or treat- he loved it! All the kids looked so cute in their costumes. The next day my wonderful mother and father-in-law came for a visit- they were on their way back from a 3 day cruise from the Bahamas (I'm so jealous) and decided to stay here a few days before returning home to TN...We had such a good time, just enjoying each others company. The boys always love seeing their grandparents! And they were nice enough to babysit for us friday night and we got to go to the movies!!! That is a rare occurance for us to go out w/o the kids! So thanks mom & dad! Anyway the last few days I have been running around trying to get ready for the Marine Corps Ball this friday!! I am so excited. We haven't been in 3 yrs ( the last one I was 6 mos pregnant!) And there is free childcare- yipee! This time of year is always crazy- Thanksgiving is almost here- then Christmas...And the boys birthdays are 1 right after the other thru april...whew! Now I'm done. Weight Watchers tonight- oh no!!! I was forced to go to Golden Corral on thursday...wish me luck.

tummy ache

2006-10-30T22:52:00.000-05:00

I missed my weigh-in tonight and boy did I miss it!!! I spent the whole evening cleaning up after my sick 2 yr old...he was so pitiful. I feel really bad for him. At first I thought he had too much candy from church, but now I actually think he has some kind of stomach virus or somethin'. Hopefully he will be well for trick or treatin tommorrow. He is so stinkin' cute in his costume!!! Anyway according to my ww scales- I have lost 1.8 lbs- but that's not official or anything. I know I have done better this week though- I was very good about journaling and I've been excercising some- yep you heard me- EXCERCISING!!!

2006-10-30T13:00:00.000-05:00

Last night was the harvest festival at church. It was a whole lot of fun- We already have so much candy! I told the boys we should just skip trick or treating, of course they didn't go for that! We went on a hayride and ate some really interesting soup...It was fun and really got us into the hallowween spirit- if the kids are excited about something then I am too. I am just way too tempted with 3 bags full of chocolate laying around. I think I have already eaten about 50 pts. worth of kit kats and reese's!!!

2006-10-24T08:05:00.000-04:00

Last night was my 6th weigh-in at WW. I was dissappointed to have gained 1.2 lbs. But I feel extra motivated to lose weight this week! My goal for the week is 2-4 lbs. I think I can do it if I stick to my guns! Well, my hubby was gone all weekend to visit his dear friend Bernie up in Greenville (or Greenwood).Can't remember. Anyway I was so glad he got to go up there, he said it was a wonderful experience for everyone. We are all so happy that Bernie is back home! I had a very relaxing weekend at home with the kids. I got alot of much needed rest, and the rest of the time I got my house super extra clean- which makes me a very happy woman! We are so excited about Amy's costume party sat. night. I ordered mine on thurs. and it hasn't even been shipped yet! I am freakin' out that it's not gonna get here in time, so keep your fingers crossed... Well I have a conference w/ Ryan's teacher on friday- just about his progress. And last fri. I met w/ Scott's teacher. I was so happy to hear he is doing great in preschool, he is so smart and I am just super proud of all 3 of those little boys!

weight watchers wk 4

2006-10-16T21:39:00.000-04:00

Ok this is actually week 4, last week was week 3, ect. I lost 1.8 lbs this week, pretty good considering I went out of town this weekend! I was very proud of myself, so I have lost a grand total of 5.4 lbs altogether! Yeah me! Thank you to Paige for the beautiful flip flop frame and cute candles! And Sandy for my bandana! Sounds like everyone had lots of fun friday, I sure missed my girls night out...

My baby brother

2006-10-10T22:46:00.000-04:00

Well I am sad to say I won't be able to make it to Paige's dinner party friday, we are going to visit my parents in FL for the weekend, but I will be back for weigh-in on monday. I am always excited to visit my family, I mean it's only an 8 hr drive, but with everyones busy schedule we only see them about 3-4 times a year. I have a younger brother named Jared who will be turning 16 in Dec. so everytime I see him he is so different and grown up even more than the last time. It makes me so sad 'cause now he's practically grown and I moved away when he was 9, so I feel like I missed out on alot. I love my family, they have been so good to me and I treasure the time that I spend with them. It is always special! Please keep us in prayer as we travel thursday! Love to everyone and don't have too much fun friday!

Weight Watchers wk 4

2006-10-10T22:39:00.000-04:00

Well I was totally bummed out last night 'cause I GAINED .6 lbs!!! Maybe it was the belt buckle, maybe it was water retention...anyhow it was a let down. I will go ahead and blame it on the smores from our camping trip! :) Well I am gonna work extra hard this week and journal like crazy. I really want that purse! All of the flip floppers are a real inspiration to me, when I hear how well you all have done w/ your weight loss, it makes me feel like I CAN do it! I won't give up, I just keep seeing myself in that cute swimsuit next summer...ahhhh!

Camping

2006-10-09T09:39:00.000-04:00

Well this weekend was our first camping trip as a family. We left friday after school and stayed the night and most of the day sat., It was alot of work, but so worth it. I didn't know you could have so much fun with no TV, phone,or video games!

weight watchers wk 3

2006-10-04T09:33:00.000-04:00

Well I was so relieved that I lost 3.6 lbs on monday!!! For a grand total of 4.2 all together! This week seems alot easier so far, I'm not as hungry and not as confused about what to eat. Man, I am lovin' this weather! I wish it would stay cool all day though, it is so nice in the mornin' when Ryan goes to school, but by noon it is hot as ever! I'm just ready for full-blown autumn...I absoulutely love halloween, probably 'cause the kids get such a kick out of it, and the weather is so nice and of course all the candy! Won't be eating much of that this year :) And it is so fun when the boys get dressed up in their costumes. Ryan is Capt. Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean, Scotty is a ninja turtle, and Ethan is Capt Feathersword (the Wiggles). I tried to get Scott to go with his bros and be a pirate, too, but he is secure enough in his self to be a turtle I guess, and that's good. Hopefully he will keep that trait forever, especially in high school. See everyone soon. Have a great week!

Jr Marine Ryan

2006-09-29T21:49:00.000-04:00

Will power

2006-09-29T21:37:00.000-04:00

Well we decided to go eat at Ruby Tuesday for dinner, and it was sooo good. And I must say I am real proud of myself, b/c I was so tempted to order the shrimp linguini pasta, but instead got the salad bar & a bowl of soup! And I was actually full! Will power! I did splurge a little, though when I ordered a top shelf margarita!! :) I deserved it.

Jr. Marine Ethan

2006-09-29T21:22:00.000-04:00

Jr. Marine Scotty

2006-09-29T18:22:00.000-04:00

wacky wednesday

2006-09-27T10:59:00.000-04:00

Wednesdays are always the most hectic day of the week. I get up at 6:30 and my 2 boys I babysit get here (ages 5 & 3 mos) Then I wake Ryan up and while he is dressing and brushing teeth, I fix his breakfast- usually microwave pankakes or waffles. Then he plays for about 15 min. and I send him and Zyler off to school. They walk to school, and I can stand on the corner of the street and watch them 'til they get there(it's that close) Anyway Ethan and Scott are usually getting up by now, the baby is still sleeping...After everyone else gets fed including myself, I get a shower and clean house a little, then Scott goes to school at noon, I pick everyone up at 2:30 and Scott goes to speech at 3 across town. We get home around 4 and the kids go home at 5, then 15 mins later we leave for church! Whew! We don't get home 'til around8:30-9:00 then kids take baths, hopefully homework is already done (I usually have him do it in the van) and we all go to bed and live happily ever after!

Here's the 5 of us!

2006-09-26T23:42:00.000-04:00

my babies

2006-09-26T23:29:00.000-04:00

Well I just posted a pic of my 3 boys...I don't have but a handful of all 3 of them together! Ryan is the oldest, he is 6. He just started 1st grade and he loves to learn and do his very best in everything. He fits the perfect profile of the oldest child- very cautious, sensitive, caring, and defininitely the most serious of the 3. He is my only redhead! Scott is 4 yrs old, he is in pre-K and would rather be sitting at home on the couch watching cartoons! He says it is too long even though he's only at school 2 1/2 hrs a day! He is very outgoing and loves to be silly, he has such a big heart and loves to give/get hugs and kisses. And then there's Ethan James. He is 2 1/2 yrs, and what a mess! He is the roughest and rowdiest of the bunch! He was definitely an 'unexpected' blessing! He brings us so much joy everyday and we just have so much fun with that little boy. I wish he could stay at this age forever (unless he is pitching a fit in the middle of the store.) All 3 of my children are total opposites, but the best of friends. For the most part they get along great and can't stand to be away from each other for any length of time. I thank God for them everyday and continuously pray for there safety, now and throughout the rest of their lives. They truly are my little angels!

3 little men!

2006-09-26T23:18:00.000-04:00

changes!

2006-09-26T22:49:00.000-04:00

I know this looks like !@#$% right now, I am trying to change it all around to look cuter, but I am extremely computer illiterate, so please bare w/ me. It will be more interesting later, I promise! :)

weight watchers

2006-09-26T22:40:00.000-04:00

Well I have been doing this for just over a week now, and I guess it is getting easier. I was a little bummed out last night at the meeting, only lost .6 lbs...that is kinda discouraging b/c I was so hungry all week! I mean I am not used to going a whole week w/o pizza, french fries, cheeseburgers, or ice cream! And I haven't had any of it!!! I had alot of self control, but still went over my points. So this week I will be stricter on myself and continue to write it all down, and hopefully next week will be better.

Officially a flip-flopper

2006-09-25T15:41:00.001-04:00

Well saturday night was my 1st flip flop supper club. What is that you may ask? Well It is a group of 9 'young' women all going thru this weight watchers thing together, and I was so lucky to get to join, thanx to my church girls! Anyway once a month one of us hosts a fun dinner at our house, sat. Lori hosted, and what fun!!! I haven't laughed so hard in I don't know when, this is such a great group of gals, I am so blessed to know each one. There is nothing like friendship, and for me moving around every few years, it is hard to really get to know people. I guess this is just another answered prayer. Well we had a blast, Lori was a wonderful hostess, and cooked an awesome meal! Only about 8 pts. including yummy dessert! Can't wait for Applebees on monday...Loosen up my buttons, baby, so I can eat parfait!!!!!!!

my life

2006-09-25T10:56:00.000-04:00

Well I am going to go ahead and tell everyone a little bit about myself. I live here in the beautiful state of South Carolina, I love this town and the people and atmosphere are so great. We have been stationed here for 2 1/2 years- my husband is in the U S Marine Corps. Before this we lived in Jacksonville NC for over4 yrs. We have been a military family for about 8 yrs, started from nothing and are SLOWLY working our way up. I am a stay home mom with 3 small boys. I spend my days taking the 2 oldest to and from school and running around doing errands and whatever else comes up. There is always something going on, something we need or something that needs to be done, but it's never done! Anyone w/ small kids (especially boys) knows how crazy things can get...but I do have good, non-eventful days. I say if I can make it out of Wal-Mart and my 2yr old didn't have a tantrum and I didn't forget anything on my list, it was a good day! OR if my kids didn't get in a fight over video games or no one is sick, it was a good day! Anyway, my and my hubby have been married 7 yrs, definitely more ups than downs, and I wouldn't trade any of it for the world. We have wonderful kids, wonderful family, our family loves our kids, so what more could we ask for? God is so good!!! We have been so lucky to get to take fun vacations every summer (Jack's mom has a timeshare:)) I think we have traveled alot more than some people our age (Washington DC and NYC) just to name a couple. To make a long story short, life right now as I know it is a little hectic and busy at times. It always seems like I am working towards an unknown goal...but what? I often remind myself of this, LIFE is what happens when you are working towards the future. It's those precious memories that are made during all the chaos and comotion of everyday life that makes our life so awesome! (Dirty feet and popcorn) inside joke-mom!!! Anyways, I pretty much try to pray about things instead of worrying so much and just take things one day at a time!!!

me & my hubby

2006-09-24T22:52:00.000-04:00

this is tricky

2006-09-24T19:41:00.000-04:00

Okay I filled out my profile, now I am gonna try to post some pictures, but this may take a while. Still trying to figure out how to put a title on my posts...hmmm

my 1st time!

2006-09-24T19:17:00.000-04:00

Well this is my very 1st blog entry!!! I am doing this because I have been reading Angie, Lori, and Sandy's blogs and it is just the neatest thing. I have alot of family all over the southeast (we're military) so this is a great way for everyone to keep up with the small details of my crazy everyday life! Kinda like an online journal for everyone to read! Well that was pretty easy, I will be back soon :)