Oh How Time Flies

I can't believe it's been so long since I posted on here. I have to say that I miss it, I just don't stop long enough to post anything. So, I thought I would make an effort and start with a trip I just went on...

My grandparents have always traveled. They traveled a lot before they retired and now they stay gone most of the year. When I was younger they took us (me and my two cousins) places for the summer and during the holidays. I have so many wonderful memories. I love to hear my grandfather share stories of the moments and memories of when I was little. Makes me wish I was still that young!!
This past week we went to Pigeon Forge, TN and stayed in a cabin at the campground where my grandparents have their camper parked. It was my cousin Jennifer, her 3 year old daughter, my mom and her friend Randy .
On their way to TN two weeks ago, my grandfather pulled into a hospital about 40 miles before Pigeon Forge with chest pains. After being transported by ambulance to the Knoxville hospital it was said that he had a heart attack and they placed a stint. He then chose to stay in Pigeon Forge against doctor orders and wait to see his great grandkids come to TN.
We arrived last Wednesday and went straight to Dollywood on Thursday. My grandfather walked around a little and rested a lot! But most importantly (to him) he was able to see his great grandkids enjoy Dollywood. The rest of the trip we went swimming, enjoyed Cade's Cove and walked around Gatlinburg.









At the end of our trip we drove my grandparents home. They left the camper in TN because they will be heading back as soon as my grandfather gets a clear check up!! You can't stop that man.
In the end I have to say... I wouldn't trade anything for the time I had with my grandparents. Glad they are able to enjoy my child and I hope that Colby will remember them and these moments. They have made a huge impression on me. I have been truly blessed! I probably don't see them as much as I could because of how busy my life is. Is the business worth it? I have good intentions of doing better, visiting more, calling more often, but I fail tremendously. This week has shown me how fragile life is. The sweet memories that we made can't be replaced. I need to start making more of them!!

Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Bunny

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Easter Egg Hunt

This was our first actual 'Easter Egg Hunt' for Colby. Last year I just couldn't grasp the idea that our church did not have an egg hunt. We always had egg hunts when I was little. It is something I have fond memories of. So, I volunteered to head up an egg hunt!! With lots of GREAT help, we had an Easter Story, egg hunt, cookie decorating, egg decorating, face painting and hot dogs. I volunteered to make 200 sugar cookies from scratch for the cookie decorating. So Friday afternoon after burning up my mixer, my mother in law took the remaining ingredients and mixed it up at her house to help me finish making the sugar cookies and the butter cream icing!! What an experience... But I must say, they were delicious!! We had around 100 people show up to the egg hunt, a great turn out!! A few kinks to work out but I can't wait until next year's egg hunt! Now, just days away from the Easter Bunny stopping by our home!! SO EXCITING!!

Words of a 22 month old...

This morning after waking Colby up I couldn't stop thinking of all the little words that are so unique to him.

In the mornings I always walk in Colby's room, he wraps his arms around my neck and the first thing he says is 'JUICE'! It's not the same unless you hear it... It doesn't matter what I say from that point on every answer is 'juice'. Throughout the day if it isn't 'juice' it's 'yilk' (milk). When he wants to listen to or watch Veggie Tales it's 'bop bop' because of the opening song to Veggie Tales. And of course there's Elmo also known as 'Welwo'. And the biggest one of all, 'LALA'. For those of you who may not know what a 'LALA' is, it's anything that has wheels. We aren't sure where this one came from but it works for now! And the list goes on. I hope I never forget all these little things!

Saturday was a great day!! We got to Baton Rouge and stopped by the mall to have lunch. And who would have guessed there would be a Carousel in the food court! Colby started screaming and reaching out his hands for the horses.

Once we left the mall and headed to the convention center, I must say I was a little worried about how things were going to end up. For those of you that may not know, I get a little stressed when Colby doesn't act 'just right' in public!! But... Colby blew me away. He was SO good and LOVED ELMO!! As soon as the show started Colby's face was priceless. I wish everyone could have been there to see it. He kept smiling, squealing and looking back at me like "Is this real? Is that really Elmo right there?". He would close his eyes when they told everyone too, clap his hands and just sat in awe of what was going on on that stage. It was all worth the trip. At the end of the show my mom HAD to get him this Elmo toy. He stared at that toy the whole way home!! And showed everyone that he could when we got home. So glad we had the experience of seeing Elmo Live!! Thanks MOM!!

Elmo Live

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Sesame Street Here We Come!!!

Colby and I will be going with my mom to Baton Rouge Saturday to see THE-ONE-AND-ONLY ELMO. I can't wait to see the excitement in his eyes when he gets to see Elmo in real life! I have never understood the fascination with Elmo. I know he is cute, cuddly and SO much fun but how does he do it?! One day Colby was walking by the TV and an Elmo commercial was on, Colby stopped in his tracts, turned around and went to stare at the TV screen. (This was love at first sight because Colby had never even heard or seen Elmo before.) From that moment on he was hooked! And not to mention all the Elmo things that one kid could possibly have, he got for Christmas from everyone... This should be a trip to remember.

You make me SMILE!!

Not feeling my best today, but couldn't stop thinking about the load of clothes in the dryer. Needless to say I folded the clothes. Colby loves to help with the clothes, putting them from the washer to the dryer and then handing each piece to me out of the dryer to fold. Tonight he decided to make this task a little more FUN!! When the roller coaster slows down, or sometimes stays upside down to long, he knows how to make me SMILE!! Enjoy the little things, you never know what tomorrow will bring.

Roller Coaster of Life

My mom said to me today, "Why haven't you written on your blog, I guess it's all on Facebook now". After Heather talking about blogging and mom asking me, I thought why not. So, I made it a point to stop and write... There is no way I could play catch up in one blog from where I stopped. And oh what I have missed out on posting. Disney, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Mission Now Weekend, Valentine's, Snow Days, etc. Time flies so fast!

A short version of our life in the past few months... Disney was GREAT!! Christmas was SO much fun this year and who doesn't like the SNOW!! Recently I thought of my life as a 'Never Ending Roller Coaster'. Working a full time job, being involved in church and being a wife and mother, there is NO extra time. My calander is full with overlapping appointments!! I decided after June I would learn to say 'no' a little more just to take a break. Colby is almost two and Chris and I will be married six years in May!! Some of the greatest years yet and so much more to look forward too! Chris and I are taking a trip to Washington DC in April for our anniversary this year. It was supposed to be last year but I went with my mom instead. (I owe Chris big time!!) I have become more involved in our Children's Ministry at church and I think I have found my place. I am the VBS Director this year along with my friend Jess. Two weeks before VBS Chris and I have planned a mission trip to Arlington, TX for the youth group. I also decided to head up an Easter Egg Hunt for our church in a few weeks. So needless to say, I have overbooked myself a little!!

My grandparents told me I needed to slow down when I was pregnant with Colby. I didn't listen and it has only gotten busier. BUT I know this is what I am supposed to be doing and I love it. I love roller coasters, the highs, lows, sharp turns, twists and even the upside down spins! This is the picture of my life. What more could I ask for...

Can't wait to start writing again!!

26 Days and Counting!!

YAY!! We only have 26 more days until we leave for Disney World. I haven't been since I was in the 8th grade and I can't wait to go again! Sometimes I find myself sitting at work day dreaming of what it's going to be like. Chris' family and my mom are going also. I know Colby probably won't remember any of it so it's mostly for us big kids. I have had lots of advice on what to do with the lil' guy and what not to do. Anyways, until then its more planning and saving... Any advice on those who have been on trips with a little one?

On another note, Colby has done GREAT at the new babysitter's!! It has been a blessing and he loves playing with all the other kids. We had a few days that he cried when I left and now he just gets out of the car and walks up to the door! After cutting back on his milk like the pediatrician recommended he is definitely gaining weight and has a HUGE appetite! What am I going to do when he is a teenager?!

Wow, where has the time gone! I can't believe I haven't posted since May!!

Colby had a check up visit today at the doctor and weighs in at 21lbs!! He is growing so fast. The doctor said he looked great and that I was giving him too much milk, who would have thought you could give a kid too much milk? Anywho, we are going to back off a little and substitute something else.

We went and visited our new babysitter today after the doctor appt. Mrs Pickering will start Monday. She is so nice along with her dear husband who is at home with her. They are an older couple that live close to Chris' work. Deb is having to take care of Mamaw Jo and help Mamaw Betty now. It was just a little too much to be helping/taking care of those three!! Mrs Pickering has two other full time children and two that are only there a few days a week. I think Colby will have a good time!

Well lets see what else... We are going to Disney World in October!! I can't wait! I have started selling Premier Jewelry to help out with some of the bills. I had my training show and 'my' first show was last week. My second show is tomorrow night. It has been good to me so far!! Hope it works out! If you want to have a party call me!!

Catching up Part 2

Let's see, something I left out was for my birthday was that Chris made appointments for me to have my hair done and a manicure and pedicure!! It was great. I had a Saturday with my friends. One slight problem that ended up working out was while at the hair salon (the one I have gone to for years) getting a trim and highlight, I ended up with red and blonde! Needless to say, I didn't ask for red but Shelly fixed it and it was a deep auburn color. It took a little getting used to and I actually had many, many compliments.

Colby moved to his big boy seat! Much better for him and me.

Playing guitar hero! He will definitely will be our lil' drummer.

Easter was great with lots of festivities. The best part I must say was the fact that Chris, Colby and I spent the whole day by ourselves. We don't do that very often, in fact it may be the first time we have done that. It was so nice to be able to just enjoy each other.

The children released balloons after the sunrise service.

We had Colby's picture made with the Easter Bunny at Bass Pro Shop. I was very disappointed. You couldn't view the picture for 24 hours and when I did, it was off centered and just not a good pic. Next year we will definitely go to Northpark.

And now Colby will be turning 1 year old tomorrow! Can't believe it. Hope to post many pics of a fun birthday party on Saturday!

Catching Up Part 1

Once again I have been running around with tons to blog about and haven't sat down to blog. So a little catchin' up! Starting on the beginning of the camera!! My friend Jess got a pair of tickets to go see Paula Deen in Jackson and guess who she invited... It wasn't what we expected but a great experience, thanks Jess! SHE IS HILARIOUS!!

Kirsten, a dear friend at work welcomed her precious lil' tot into the world on March 27 @ 3:48 am. Eva Rhea weighed 6lbs even. Kirsten delivered all natural just the way she wanted. It is a wonderful story and I am so proud of her. She is an awesome woman!! Kirsten and her husband CL along with Eva plan to leave on a journey to India in the early part of 2010. They are very strong and mission minded and seem to have a wonderful mission in store. Please view their blog and share in their effort to further God's kingdom.

A snapshot of little Eva in the hospital when I went to visit.

Next would be Disciple Now Weekend '09!! This is the weekend we wait for every year... This is a weekend that begins on Friday night and goes on non-stop until Sunday at 12. Colby stayed with my dad and step-mom for the weekend and never knew he was away from home!! So the games started and we had our first accident! The game was to throw as many frisbees at the other team as you could. Once you were hit with a frisbee you were out and the last one playing one. Don't ask!! Nobody knows where Chris comes up with these games but the kids like this stuff. And every time I needed my camera it was MIA!

Wilton was hit in the face by a frisbee and it busted his lip.

We had four sessions over the weekend that was focused on getting to know God and finding out who we are. It was great material. The girls stayed at one house and the guys stayed in the gym. We had lots of food and fun. Saturday afternoon we had three big blow up games; gladiator, velcro wall and the obstacle course. Saturday night was the worship service and then we rented the skating rink. Let me just say I NEVER thought I would skate again in my life. I did pretty well, wish I could say the same for Chris!! We had a blast and as usual we were exhausted Sunday after the morning service.

Part 2 will be following...

Reunion!

Today was a day of reunion for me. While in Wal-Mart, my Friday ritual, I ran into a good friend from school. The last time I saw her was at my wedding shower about five years ago. She looked great and introduced me to her husband and she had her two girls with her. It was so great to see her. Still in Wal-Mart, I got a call from Cathy, a girlfriend at work. She said 'I think I found your dog. What is his name?'. I was like 'no way, where are you, his name is Duke'. I was checking out and we finished our conversation with the assumption it was Duke. She loaded him up in the back of her truck and brought him home. I should have told you before, we came home one day a few weeks ago and our chocolate lab wasn't here. Needless to say we never found him until now! Sure enough, I raced home and it was our Duke. We are so glad he is home!!

My 26th Birthday!

In case you didn't know my birthday is April 1st! I turned 26 today and don't feel any different. Chris on the other hand turned 26 in January and had a really hard time dealing! All night last night he counted down the hours, 'Three more hours and you'll be old'. I reminded him that he would always be 'older' than me!! It's life, right? Everyone has a birthday and gets a year older... I started the day with a voice note on my phone from my dad and step-mom, multiple text messages from friends and family, breakfast from my in-laws, a phone call from my mom and more to come from other friends, a card in the mail, an e-card and a few happies from some special friends at work. A great start to a great birthday.

So my whole life I have had people playing April Fool's jokes on me. Well today I was working with a patient and their father looked at me and said "You dropped some money on the floor" and pointed behind me. I of course turned around and looked. "April Fools" he said! I just thought I was an expert at all these tricks!!

Then I was preparing for Wednesday night as usual and Chris told me we were having a meeting after church at his moms house. So Erin took Colby for me and me and Chris ran home to get his notebook. We pulled up to the house and I wondered why all these cars were there... Chris said "It is a big meeting". Needless to say, I walked in to a dark house and the lights came on with a loud "SUPRISE"! It was the best suprise!! I had no idea. Everyone pulled it off and it was a great ending to a GREAT BIRTHDAY! Thank you to everyone for making it a special day. I am truly blessed to have such great friends and family.

The Suprise!

Next year I just want a '2' and a '7'!!

Of course he had cake too!

Summer and Jessie

Carey, acting like he is interested!

This is a pic of Colby after spending too much time with the little girls at church tonight!! Those are Elmo stickers, four to be exact!!

Easter is getting close! We already bought Colby an Easter outfit and basket. He is going to be so handsome!! Here is a pic of him with my Easter basket that my Aunt Rita made for me in '84. She always made an ornament for for each Christmas and other keepsakes for me. When I had Colby she crocheted this beautiful blue and white baby blanket. All the these things I cherish greatly!! It makes me wish I was still young with no responsibilities!! LOL

A little catching up...

Ok, I am still alive, just slacking when it comes to blogging. I am planning to do better! It seems I got in a slump of being overwhelmed with too much going on. I still have too much going on but I am praying for my way out. I think the Lord is working on me pretty hard, I am just too stubborn to realize what he is trying to tell me. Do you ever do that? Anywho! No need to go over the past, just starting with the present...

I am almost finished with our taxes!! ( I know, you have been finished with yours! ) It's a long story that started from last years taxes though. I have gotten caught up with most of the organizations I am involved in. My house looks like a family lives here, what better way to have it. Still behind in some areas but who's perfect?! Colby is now 10 months old and drinks whole milk. Goodbye to formula!!! He weighed 18 lbs at his 9 month check-up. Growing faster than I want, but I guess that's life. We got a new puppy last week. He is part Schnauzer and part rat terrier. We still haven't named him...





Colby stayed the night with Aunt Jess last and I don't think he has had more than an hours worth of sleep today! A little delerious to say the least, but hanging in there like a trooper. We did a few loads of laundry tonight, one of his major highlights!! I spent half the time picking the clothes up off the floor bc he was pulling them out faster than I could put them on a hanger. When he can actually help I am sure he will run from the dryer. LOL!!

After supper we head to the bath tub. The highlight of Colby's day! If you turn the water on in the tub he comes running (crawling at lightening speed) and drops whatever he is doing. He LOVES taking a bath. We are finished for the night and ready to have a bottle and snuggle for a few minutes...