Life Sucks!

So, today has not been so good. After battling with ovarian cysts for the last 3 days, I decided breaking my foot would be much more entertaining. I stepped out of the car, uh, I mean, I went hang gliding and a bird flew into the wing and the glider started zooming to the ground and I broke my foot. The last part sounds much better than I stepped out of the car and the pavement won. Don't ask me how I broke my foot stepping out of the car. I am still trying to figure it out too. I go to the Ortho doc tomorrow to see if surgery is needed. Life Sucks! Hey, at least the loritab is helping with the pain from my cysts, 'cause it isn't even helping my foot.

My CVS deal of the week!

I went to CVS today and came home very happy. I had to go get toilet paper and wanted to get a few extra items as well. My hubbie gave me a $10 budget to do with as I wished. I ended up getting:

6 - CVS 4 packs of toilet paper

2 - bottles of Gain laundry detergent

2 - CVS duster refills

1 - CVS bottle of rubbing alcohol

1 - CVS bottle of nail polish remover

6 - different stocking stuffers for the kids

The total would have been $ 78.26 but I only spent $ 4.40! After I left I was sad I didn't spend the rest of my budget, but I guess I always have next week!

Starbucks!

The reason I started drinking coffee at age 3. I have never been a morning person and never will.

Pageant and Prom Days!

Okay, here are some good and bad pics of me growing up. Don't know why I'm showing this but I guess I like people laughing at me. HA! HA! Here I am at age 5 in the Little Miss Mississippi pageant. I remember this pageant for 3 different reasons. 1. My Memaw made me a porcelain bunny with a cottonball tail. I loved that thing. 2. Me, my mom and memaw went to Jackson, MS and got a hotel room and I thought that was cool. 3. One of the little girls was playing on the escalator bare footed and got her toe cut off. It was not a pretty sight. For some reason I like this photo even though it is a little Jon Benet Ramsayish!



Onto an embarassing photo. This is what happens when you are 15, just moved from Texas and let your mom and aunt do your hair in a southern Alabama pageant... or you stick your finger in an electrical outlet. Either scenario will produce pictures like this one or the next. This was not a good year for me as you will see in the next photo.



Later that year I was going to prom with a friend. Yes, my hair really is that big. It is not a shadow of my hair it is all me. Why do I look so pasty white? No, I did not look in the mirror at my hair... I had food poisoning. I ended up puking my brains out 897 times. I almost missed Senior leadout. I guess he won't forget his senior prom. Just to let all you know this was the last time I ever wore pantyhose. My toes will never be restricted again by those hateful things.



Here is a much better picture. I grew up a little and found my voice. You know the one that says no to huge hair. I was a junior here and going to prom. I always liked this dress. Maybe because I was at my skinniest. This dress was a size 2 and I had to have it taken up. Sick isn't it?



Here is my senior pageant picture. This dress was my absolute favorite pageant dress. I felt so fancy in it. My favorite part was the 5 inch heels. If I tried to walk in those now I would break my neck. After all these years in flip flops my feet would laugh at me if I tried to pull a stunt like that.

Hope ya'll enjoyed seeing me while I was young and skinny. Do you have any good or embarassing photos you want to share?

Coming Attractions

I've been really busy lately. Really trying that whole Proverbs 31 woman stuff and I don't have much time for blogging, reading, tv watching or anything else fun. Some posts coming soon:

1. Our hiking trip to Peavine Falls.... with 4 kids... yes we are insane and this proves it.

2. Caleb's soccer practice. Same colors and team name as last year... hoping to talk the coach in a new name.

3. Embarrassing pics of me from high school. Hint: pageant days in the mid 90's.

School Days

So, Caleb has been in school for a week now and loves it. I have gotten used to him not being here and am adjusting pretty well. I think we have much better quality time than before he went to school. Maddie Claire and I are having lots of girl time. I love being able to sit with her and play with her babies or just snuggle and give her that one on one time. Also, my house is staying cleaner because I only have one child here during the day to mess it up. I guess I am learning to adjust. I don't know what I will do when Maddie Claire starts K5 in 2012.

Letting Go!

It is the hardest thing letting go of my little boy. I know the cutting of the apron strings starts with this first little adventure. I am not ready. I am not ready for his innocense to be taken. I am not ready for somebody else to be with him more than me. I am not ready to be replaced by friends. I am not ready to let him go. Watching him take these first steps into independence is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I still want him to need and want me. I don't want to watch him stretch his wings out and step out of the nest. I don't know if my heart can handle it. The loneliness for him is overwhelming. I miss my little boy. I thought I would enjoy the quiet it would bring but the quiet is louder than a marching band. It doesn't help that Maddie Claire goes around calling for Bubba. We are both a little lost without him. I know the Heavenly Father can help me with this feeling of lost. I love my little boy so much and because I do I will start letting go no matter how much this momma's heart hurts doing it.

Caleb starts KINDERGARTEN!

UPDATE!!!

Caleb's first day of school was "fantastic"! He said all they did was read a story, sing a song and play. To him that would be perfect. The funny thing was he came home with most of his lunch still in his bag. When I asked what he ate he said pizza. Apparently he wanted to eat in the cafeteria and asked his teacher for money to get pizza. I put money in his bag to repay her this morning. He had a smiley face on his daily report and I was very happy. He has developed a love for gab from his momma and I was so afraid he would spend most of his time in trouble for talking. I loved seeing his face so happy when I picked him up.

Caleb getting in the car after the first day!

Caleb ready to head out the door!
Mommy getting the first of many hugs!
Caleb outside the school! The foyer by the library!
Caleb at Mrs. Williamson's door(do you see his name)!
Caleb's desk!

Caleb at his desk looking at his classmates!

Reading Center!

Book Station(this class has over 1000 books)!

Okay, so I just dropped my little boy off with strangers and am trusting them to take care of him all day. Can you tell I'm not doing well with this? This morning I seriously thought about homeschooling. Caleb was a little nervous but very excited. Thankfully he knew how to get to his class and which was the correct class. I was worried because tomorrow he HAS to go to carpool. If I had my way I would walk him in everyday. Probably why they made the rule you can only walk in the first day. I didn't cry (hard) until I left his classroom. I wanted to pretend I was brave and strong for him. I guess it worked because he was fine as I told him I was leaving. I know he will have a great day. I just can't believe my baby boy is growing up so fast. I'll post when he gets home and let you know how his day was. Mine will not be so good until 2:45!

This Little Piggy...

Maddie Claire and I were practicing our animals and the sounds they make. We went through cow...mooo, dog...woof, horse...neigh and when I asked what a pig said she said wee, wee, wee home. I guess we play this little piggy a little too much. I thought it was too cute not to post.

Tres and Caleb
Caleb waiting for the ball
Caleb and Tres being silly

So, last night Caleb had soccer evaluations. He was a little nervous about not knowing anybody and who did we run into but his good friend Tres. They had fun running the drills together and acting silly. Tres was so proud of losing his tooth and told Caleb all about it. Of course when we left Caleb thought his tooth was loose and wondered if the tooth fairy would come tonight. Caleb is looking forward to another season of soccer and hoping he is on the same team as Tres. This will be a fun season!

Scott's 15 Year Reunion

Me and Scott Christen

This past Saturday was Scott's 15 year reunion from Opelika High School. I was able to meet some of his friends from high school. We ate a catered barbeque dinner and talked for a couple of hours then went to a dessert bar and tavern down the street called Eighth and Rail . I met one of Scott's friends Christen and we had fun torturing talking about Scott's high school days. It was fun hearing some old stories and meeting his friends. I am very glad I met Christen and looking forward to establishing a friendship with her. It was a fun night!

My Funny Girl!

Maddie loves to be naked. If she can get her clothes and diaper off she will. She was playing the other day and this is what I found after being out of the room for 2 minutes. What can I say, the girl loves her freedom!

My Little Sparkler!

Do what Daddy?
I am such a big girl now!
What is this?

Here are some pics Scott took of Maddie Claire on July 4th. I love them and wanted to share with ya'll. It is so nice having a girly girl. It is like having my own little doll to dress up and she likes it. Caleb never was much for trying on clothes as a baby. Being the mommy of a girl has been absolutely wonderful. I love it! Hope ya'll enjoy my Claire Bear!

Great Target Deal!

Okay, I just got back from Target and had to share my great deal on diapers and wipes. I have been clipping coupons and printing internet coupons for all grocery, household and toiletries items. Since June 1 of this year I have saved over $400 dollars for our family. I found internet coupons for Target for Pampers diapers and wipes. I made 3 different transactions and this is how it totaled out.

Transaction #1

1 Jumbo pack diapers Pampers Cruisers size 4

1 Refill pack Pampers wipes Calming 216ct.

Total: $15.98

Used: $12.50 in coupons

Received: $5 gift card

Paid out of pocket(oop): $1.98

Transaction #2

1 Jumbo pack diapers Pampers Cruisers size 4
1 Refill pack Pampers wipes Calming 216ct.
Total: $15.98

Used: $8 in coupons

Used: $5 gift card from Transaction #1

Received: $5 gift card

Paid oop: $2.00

Transaction #3

1 Jumbo pack diapers Pampers Cruisers size 4
1 Refill pack Pampers wipes Calming 216ct.
Total: $15.98

Used: $8 in coupons

Used: $5 gift card from Transaction#2

Paid oop:$2.00

I spent a total of $5.98 for all the diapers and wipes. I am having so much fun finding deals and saving money. Of course, hubbie doesn't mind either.

Three ways you can break your nose!

Three ways you can break your nose.

1. Marsha Brady - A football can hit your nose while you are trying to get your brothers inside for dinner.
2. Robyn (my sister) - A shoe can hit your nose when your not looking. And no I did not do it!
3. Madeleine - You can throw a fit because your blankie is in the washing machine and slam your nose onto the floor.

He Loves Me...

I love my Jesus. He is so good to me. I love my hubbie too. After writing the post Friday on insecurities this is what my hubbie brought home. A bouquet of Daisies. My hubbie has never bought me Daisies before. I asked him if he had read my blog and he said no. As he was getting some sushi from Whole Foods he saw these and thought of me. How sweet is that? It amazes me how sweet my Heavenly Father is to even send me the very flower I had defined my insecurities with. So the question has been answered and yes...He does love me!

She likes me/She likes me not!

I just read this blog post from Lysa at Proverbs 31 Ministries. How many of you out there struggle with this? I am so amazed at how many women responded to her post and still feel like the 13 year old girl picking the leaves off the daisy wondering if they are liked or not. I thought it was just an insecurity issue I was alone in feeling. How is it we still feel like we are in middle school when surrounded by other women? When I walk into a room full of women, whether I know them or not, I convert back into that 13 year old girl. Even as recently as last night when I went out with some friends I kept going over all my conversations and hoping I didn't say anything that made me sound dorky. I hate keeping the cool/dork point tally sheet. I am trying to learn I have value as a daughter of the King. It frustrates me to no end how easily I become insecure and self conscious. Hopefully one day I will be able to look at the daisy without playing the "she likes me/she likes me not" game.

Do you want some Gatorade?

Maddie not feeling well
Maddie trying to be a happy girl
Maddie's drink going in
I've got some fluid in me now let's go!

Maddie had a stomach bug and got dehydrated and had to go to Children's Hospital for some fluid by IV. She was such a sick little girl and not herself at all. After 6 hours of getting fluid she started acting so much better. My sweet friend Michelle brought me some dinner and sat with me for several hours. She made both me and Maddie feel much better by being there. I value her friendship so much. Maddie was released later that night and was feeling much better the next day.

Cap and Gown!

Luke and Ms. Celia
Luke and Daddy
The whole family

Last month Luke graduated from Kindergarten. He has done so well this year and we are very proud of him. His favorite subject is reading and it shows. He is now reading on a 2nd grade level. He is a little scared about starting first grade but we know he will have no problems. Congrats, Luke we are so proud of your accomplishments!

A look at me!

Hey everyone! I am so excited about Blawg Her 2008! It will be so cool to meet all the area bloggers. If you want to learn more about our catfish bash look here. I guess you need to learn a little bit about me. Well here it goes.....

I met my hubbie in October 2005. On April 4, 2006 we got hitched in Vegas baby. Here we are in front of Caesar's Palace. Aren't we so in love? Awwww!

Nine months and 1 day later Madeleine Claire entered the world. For those of you who want to do the math she was born on January 5, 2007. If you look at her hand you will see she wasn't very happy about being born. She takes after her daddy!

Here are the three punks boys! They are in order from left to right: Parker 4, Luke 5, and Caleb 5. They are all boy.

Some things about me you might or might not want to know:

*** I love wine. If you want to make me happy bring me a bottle of wine. If I had to choose between a nice present and a bottle of wine... I would choose the wine. No, I am not a lush. I don't overdrink. I just enjoy a glass or 2 of wine with my meal or if I am cooking a big dinner.

*** I love to cook. It is a passion of mine and it goes well with wine! I love cooking Italian food. I make my own noodles and sauce from scratch. It is so relaxing to be in the kitchen, jazz music in the background making my hubbie something good to eat.

*** I am learning how to sew. I enjoy what I have done so far but need lots of tutoring. Anyone want to teach me?

*** I love to read. I am at the library at least one day a week. I check out around 7 books at a time because I am a fast reader. I love getting lost in the book. I love to imagine myself in the story with the characters. Right now I am reading alot of historical fiction. Tracie Peterson and Gilbert Morris are my two faves right now.

Okay, now you know a little more about me. I am coming up on my 1 year anniversary of blogging. It has been a great outlet and a way to let my out of town family know what is going on with us. Can't wait to meet the rest of you out there.