Randoms

Just a bit of what we were up to last week (on top of the playdate)....

Swimming with Nana

Getting ready for dance (starts this week)!

Meeting daddy in Orlando- he was there on business.

We can't go to Orlando anymore  without going to Disney.  We went with friends while daddy was working!

It must have been a busy week for her to fall asleep during the parade!

Finished by a nice ride :)

Playdate: Success :)

Madelyn and I held our first playdate at our house last Thursday!  It turned out great if I do say so myself!  It was a little crowded and VERY messy with toys within 10 minutes of the kids getting here but there were no huge arguments or meltdowns so I consider that to be successful :)  We had a total of 7 adults and 11 children in our tiny little house.  One of Madelyn's good friends is highly allergic to several food products so I took that into account and had very little even available that she couldn't have.  It made for a much more relaxing time for both her mother and myself!  I'm so happy I decided to suck it up that our house we're in right now is so small and just do it!  I really enjoy hosting and planning things and, although this was a very casual event, it was fun to put together.  Unfortunately, I didn't think to get any pictures before or while the kids were here but I did snap a few of the aftermath.  Take these pics that are in Madelyn's playroom and picture the living and dining room looking the same way....That's what my house looked like. BUT, it was fun!

Notice the random toy car?  haha

Seriously, EVERY toy was out.

Crazy mess!

My top ten "buggers"

I recently stumbled upon a blog written by a high school teacher of mine.  I highly doubt she remembers me, but I, along with probably everyone else, adored her class. How often do you get to cook/eat in class almost every day and actually get graded on it? Anyway,  her blog is so well written and is so enjoyable to read that I thought I'd carry her most recent post over to my own.  Here's a link of the original post if you're interested.

Now, on to my own "buggers" or pet peeves which are in no particular order....

1) Wal-Mart and the people associated with it.  Jeremy "forces" me to go there since he swears it is cheaper but I loathe that place.  I cannot count the times I have left there in the worst mood possible.  It's always crowded with the most obnoxious and rude people imaginable, there are never enough clerks working the checkout stands, and the meat and produce is terrible there.  I'd gladly visit Publix and Target in order to obtain the items I need than step foot in Wal-Mart.

2) People talking down to me.  Just because I am young and do not have a "real" job, doesn't mean I'm in any way, shape or form less of an intellectual than you. I still remain informed with current events, I still prefer to read books over watching tv, I still do my research when needed, and I can still carry on an adult conversation. 

3) Being told I can't do something.  Want to get me to do something?  Tell me I can't.  Have I ever mentioned that I was raised in a fairly competitive family?  Well, that would be the reason I am this way.  I mean, obviously, I'm aware that I can't lift a car over my head and I'm even smart enough to know which areas are my weaknesses (i.e. math and science courses).  However, within reason, I'll give you a good run for your money!

4) Shopping for cars.  Ugh.  This could probably correlate with number two.  However, it deserves its very own number.  Look, I worked at a  dealership and I KNOW what you can and can't do for me.  I research the vehicles I am interested in extensively before I waste both your time and mine.  I know what I can/ am willing to afford, and, after visiting a few dealerships, I also know what my trade in is worth.  So don't BS me!  Got it?  I have plenty resources in the automotive industry who can tell me if I'm getting screwed.  I may look sweet and a litte clueless, but I'm your WORST nightmare.  I will tell you in the first five minutes of our conversation what I am looking for and will also tell you I don't want to waste your time or my own.  Take my advice, and trust me on this.

5) Sticking your two cents in where it doesn't belong.  If I don't ask for your opinion, don't give it to me.  I'm going to do what I feel is best for my family whether you agree with it or not.  Yes, I may make mistakes, but they're mine to make and I'm hard headed like that.  If it's a family matter, and you are not my husband, unless asked, but out please!

6) Putting things where they don't belong.  I have a place for almost everything.  (However, in the house we're currently in, there are things that are simply placed somewhere to be out of sight.) Things may not be perfect, but I can tell you where just about everything inside my house goes.  If you are not sure where something belongs, please ask.

7)Trash in my car.

8) People who deliberately harm children or animals. 

9) Telling small children to shut up.  I really just dislke that phrase.  (Yes, I admit, I've used it.  I'm not perfect.) 

10) Inconsiderate people.  You have common sense.  Use it.  If you see a woman with a large stroller walking toward a door, help her with the door.  If you see an elderly person headed to the door, open it for them.  If you see a small child wiggling around in the bathroom line and a mom who is in a shear state of panic that her child is about to pee on herself, please let them go before you. (I admit this one is in direct regards to myself.)  If you absolutely MUST smoke, please do so as far away from children and others as possible.  If you see that your waiter is swamped, don't dock their tip because they're taking too long.  If there's a line of cars behind you and you see a car trying to get over/out, let them.  I could go on and on with this one.  Seriously, just be a little compassionate to others not because you deserve something in return, but because it's just polite. 

Wow! That was refreshing!  You should try it!

Busy Busy week

Gosh...Sorry I'm slacking so much lately.  This summer has been super busy!  Just wanted to post some pics of this past week.  My best friend and her family came in to visit and we had a blast (about 450 pictures worth to be exact)!  Anyway, here are just a few and I'll be back into the groove of things soon....

PS- Lots of thoughts and prayers go out to our friends Lindsey and Alex this week!  They'll be meeting their sweet baby girl!!!!!! 

Sweet :)

Two very pretty princesses

Sweet Love

Uncle Russell won a "Harley" for Madelyn :)

2 generations of best friends!

Family "vacation"

Kisses before church!

Entering a new phase!

The time has come.  Madelyn is no longer a "baby" and is finally able to take fun classes like dance and tumbling!  She has shown a great interest in dancing and singing and I have really felt that she would truly enjoy lessons.  So...I hopped on the phone/internet and began my search!  As it seemed, most places I searched online would only take children 3 and up.  Well, I just couldn't take that as the final answer.  See, Madelyn may only be two, but she certainly acts more mature for her age and won't even give children her own age the time of day.  It's like she has a prequalification for her friends: you must be almost three or older!  So, I took to calling and almost ALL of the places I spoke to said they'd atleast give her a chance and see if she is able to take directions and fully thrive in the class. 

I gathered all the information from about four or five different places and finally decided on one!  So......we register on the sixteenth and she begins on the 30th!!  We're both SO excited :) 

We spent two days hanging with my mom and the three of us shopped for cute girly dance clothes.  My favorite purchase is the incredibly precious dance bag with her name monogrammed on it.  We pick it up tomorrow!  Madelyn's favorite purchases are her dancing shoes :) 

I can't believe my baby is such a big girl now.  I love making these memories with her and watching her experience all these fun new things!  It's so bittersweet....

The pic above is her dancing in her dress up ballerina clothes that a family friend sent her for her birthday.  She absolutely adores the Sleeping Beauty song and dances around to it all day :)

Rainbow reminder

I have certainly been tested this week.

I was pretty much bitter and pissy and in no mood to suck it up and get over it.  Just one of those weeks where you just want to whine about poor pitiful you. I don't think I'm the only one who has experienced this...I hope.

While in the car yesterday, I looked up to the sky at all the clouds.  I guess just looking for an escape for a while (Jeremy was driving).  I promise you, I saw the coolest most odd thing I believe I've ever seen.  In the clouds, literally a part of the clouds, was a rainbow.  It was not the typical arched rainbow that everyone is used to seeing.  It was straight across and formed with the shape of the clouds.  I wish I could have gotten a picture. 

I took my sunglasses off to make sure I wasn't just seeing things and, although it was less vibrant, it was still there.  I asked Jeremy if he saw it but he said he couldn't.  Maybe it was because he was in the driver's seat and the rainbow was higher up in the sky on my side.  It's the only logical explaination I could give.  I even borrowed his glasses to see if I could still see it.  Sure enough, there it was.  So, maybe I wasn't the only person who saw this.  Maybe others caught a glimpse of it too.  But if not, I KNOW I'm not crazy.  I saw it. 

Needless to say, I stopped my poor pitiful me act. 

Just a bit of random

I have a few random pics I wanted to post. 

Miss Thang in her new sun glasses!

Madelyn and her FAVORITE, Dora!

Little Lady

Do I see pro surfer in our future?! haha

Jeremy's first ponytail! Not bad :)

( I did go behind him and redo it.  I want him to know how

in case something ever happens to me. We can't

have Madelyn looking like a little hoodlum now can we!)

BUGS!!!

  I don't really have a fear of all bugs, I just really don't care for spiders and roaches.  I mean, I do all I possibly can to avoid them at all costs.  The only time I will confront them is when Jeremy is not here to squish their icky guts out with his shoe. Ugh!  Anyway, after this week, I knew I needed to do a special little bug post.

  I was leaving a friend's house Tuesday night along with another friend of mine.  She and I were packing up the car and I was waiting for someone else too pull out of the driveway so that I could help.  I'm standing there, minding my own business, when a freakin roach comes RIGHT at me!  I couldn't go left (car), I couldn't go right (car), the only way to avoid the thing was to go UP! I jumped on top of my friend's cooler.  Yep.  Skirt and all!  I scared the crap out of my friend who then died with laughter when I told her what I screeched and jumped for.  Calling all over dramatic idiots... **Raises Hand**

Now, let me go back in time.

  Let me first say, my child isn't really afraid or bothered by anything.  She can tolerate just about anything except, you guessed it, bugs!  I first noticed this a few months back.  I can't recall the exact details but do remember this being odd because, again, she has no fear.  The point was proven right after her birthday when she was swimming in her pool and screamed bloody murder when she spotted one of those water bugs floating in her water.  Jeremy about flipped!  He had NO IDEA what was wrong with her and I just kinda shrugged it off and giggled. 

Current time.

  Today, takes the cake however.  I had just finished running her bath water and told her she could get in.  I stepped out to grab something in the kitchen and about had a heart attack when I heard her screaming in fear.  Of course, I thought she had turned the hot water on or something, so I RAN.  There she was, standing in our bathroom dripping wet.  She had climbed back out of the tub and was pointing at the wall of the tub.  There it was.  A grand daddy long leg looking thing but smaller  probably more scared of her than she was of him.  She was in hysterics saying "Bug! Bug!  Bug gonna get me!  Get it! Get it momma!"  (Remember how I try to avoid bugs....well ya kinda can't when it involves saving the day in front of your child.)  Ugh! Grab a paper cup, scoop it up, and fold the rim over just hoping that it wouldn't crawl out.  Sadly, I have to admit that I threw the cup into the air tight trash we have instead of opening the door and putting it outside.  Now, I have a trash can I can't even open until Jeremy gets home.  Smart.  When I return to the bathroom, she had already began to put her panties on and was looking at me with eyes of fear.  She said,  "I not get bath.  Bug gonna get me." What do you say to that? So, here I am, sitting next to a still very dirty little girl.  Hopefully this doesn't put some kind of hex on bathtime more than just today...

Ugh! Ick!

My date....with Rob

Oh my gosh! Have I ever told you about my love for Matchbox 20?  I don't think so.  I do! I have loved them since, I don't know.... ninth grade or something. I remember riding around in my Mustang (when I was old enough to drive) with the top down, jamming out to Matchbox 20 like no one was watching (or like everyone was watching--who knows)!  

I was deeply saddened when Rob Thomas broke off on his own, even though they said it wasn't the end of Matchbox 20.  How would I ever go on in life?  haha.  Well, I LOVE Rob Thomas! I have come to learn that, although it's still not the same, Rob Thomas's voice is what MAKES the music.  His songs make me happy :) For that short minute and some odd seconds, I am in "my" place!  All my stress melts away and I chill.

You're wondering where I'm going with this right?  Well..... I got to see him Saturday night!!!! For a couple of hours, it was just me and Rob.  Not really, it was pretty much a family affair but that's okay too.  Universal has their summer concert series and usually has some good names.  We also saw Dierks Bently earlier this year.  We have passes to Universal, so that means free concert night for me! 

So, although we didn't get there until a little after he'd already started (which means no front row), I got to see Rob Thomas perform!  And might I say, it was pure BLISS!  He is just as good in person as he is on the radio :)  We even got a little closer to him toward the end.  Oh, and the best part!  He definately threw in some Matchbox 20 songs especially for me!  ( No, not really  just for me but, hey, a girl can dream can't she!) It was a great night!

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to dress up for Rob.  We were at the water park all day.

My favorite FIVE year old nephew!

<3 <3 <3

Rob :)

Yep! I got CLOSE!

Facing the Giants

Have any of you seen this movie?  It's WONDERFUL! 

Redbox is my friend.  I've visited it alot lately.  SO....movies have become slim.  This weekend, we were left with just a few choices and this movie made it when Jeremy saw football.  In all honesty, most football movies are good because they not only deal with football (the guys love) but with overcoming some obstacle/ typical happy endings (the girls love).  I was definately expecting the usual and got it plus some!

Here's a fair warning:  The quality of the film isn't so great and the actor's Georgia accents are TERRIBLE.  It's kinda like Fireproof.  It's a great movie with a wonderful message, but you have to get past the initial shock of a poorly produced movie. 

Seriously though, definately rent it if you're in the mood to get motivated within your life.  It's happy, it's sad, it's absolutely inspirational! 

Cuteness right out of the baby's mouth

I just LOVE some of the things Madelyn says and how she perceives the world around her.  She's always melting my heart or cracking me up. For example, everytime she sees a baby she stops what she is doing and says "Momma look!  aweeee."  She makes sure she over exagerates the look and the awe.  It is adorable and makes the people with the baby smile everytime.  Lately she's been super adorable and I thought I'd share a few of them.  Here goes:

* She knows that when we visit her Grammie and Papaw that means we are going to Mississippi.  The last visit, we went up to their camp which is on a ski lake and spent the weekend on the boat.  She now associates boats with seeing her grandparents.  So this is what she said. "Momma, I wanna go to Sippie Sippie ride Papaw's boat."

* So these next two are from yesterday while we were at Animal Kingdom.  When we first got there, we made sure to eat lunch.  I passed some grapes to Asher and said "Here you go doodle butt."  She then took the half eaten grape she was knawing on and when to hand it to him and said "Here you go big butt!" hahaha I died :)

* Again, yesterday.  We were on a safari ride looking at all the wild animals.  The driver pointed out some rhinos and one happened to be laying down on his side.  She says, "Momma! Awe! Him fell..."

* You all know I've been running.  Well, Madelyn goes with me and is very involved with my routine.  While we were in line to see the Little Mermaid, I looked down at Madelyn.  She was bent over touching her toes.  Can you believe that baby said she was marching (stretching) ?! Definately a proud moment of mine!  I'm so glad she is immitating something that is a very postive thing for her :)

* Lastly, still running related.  Madelyn knows which shoes are my running shoes and really likes to walk around in them.  She outgrew her tennis shoes this winter and the only other tennis shoe type shoes are keds and twinkle toes.  Neither are very good for her to run in while I walk to cool down (she's tripped and skinned her knees as a result).  I told her we needed to get her some new running shoes.  So, my mom actually bought her a pair of Nikes while we were there this weekend.  While we were waiting to be seated at dinner, Madelyn took off running around the front part of Outback.  I asked her to stop and come back and she replied to me with this: "Momma, I runnin'!  I got my runnin' shoes on!" 

Hope you enjoyed her funny little comments!  I know they give me a little giggle or a fuzzy little feeling inside :)

Asher's cake

Asher's birthday is next week but we are celebrating this weekend at Disney!  I showed him a bunch of pics of cakes and he chose this one. 

So, I spent the morning in the kitchen making it as perfect as I possibly could with his two favorite colors red and blue.  Not perfect, but certainly not bad right??

Overprotective Mommy Moment

Madelyn woke up yesterday morning with like a thousand little red bumps all over her arms, legs, feet, and a few on her face.  Okay, not really a thousand, but enough for me to worry.  I typically don't worry about rashes but she also typically doesn't get them either.  So I racked my brain for what in the world could have caused these bumps on her and what I have to put on them.  My thoughts were:  Madelyn hadn't gotten attacked by mosquitos since last week (in which case she didn't even have any bumps), she did have a different smoothie than she's used to and in that is raspberries which I don't think she's had (but Jeremy swears she's had them in a yogurt before), she didn't go outside at all the day before,  and  HOLY CRAP!!!! Chicken Pox.

I called my mom to get some advice.  She is a nurse and well, let's face it, most mommies call their mommies when something is wrong with their babies.  It's been a while since she's worked with general patients so she looked some stuff up for me.  Here's the overview.  If it is chicken pox, she would have gotten them two days  ago.  It would take a week for her to not be contageous (not cool), BUT she should also have a low fever.  She told me to go ahead and call the doc.

Called Jeremy.  Told him everything.  He said to go ahead and call the doc.  (He knows me and knows that if I'm truly worried about Madelyn, then it must be severe enough to worry.) 

I called the doc and talked to a nurse. I explained that she has a rash that popped up literally overnight and that it wasn't on her torso and I just needed to know if she was having a reaction or if it were something more serious.  Of course, she had me come in.  Here we go.....me with no makeup, dirty hair, hairy legs and Madelyn with stickers all over her and a nice array of red bumps to accessorize her outfit. 

All I could think about on the way there was that my poor nephew was doomed to have Chicken Pox too since he was with Madelyn for two days straight, and oh my gosh!  My friends are going to KILL me for exposing their children to this junk and oh no.... you've got to be kidding!  This is totally going to mess up our vacation to Disney this weekend!  No way!  If it's chicken pox, Madelyn won't be able to go anywhere, and poor Asher will probably catch it, which will ruin his birthday weekend, and we'll be the cause of a cancelled trip :(    Great.

We entered through the back door at the doctor's office, like lepars, and followed the nurse to the nearest room.  Waited.  Waited.  WAITED. 

Doc came in and took a look.  Did his assessment and came up with his diagnosis.  Wanna know what it was?  You'll get a real kick out of this.  Apparently, while Madelyn was sleeping, a mosquito was trapped in her room and went to town on her.  ALL those bumps were the product of a freakin mosquito.  He explained to he how he came about this conclusion and I was relieved but concerned at the same time.  What the crap do I do now?  Spray her with bug spray every night before she goes to bed? 

Left the doc and called everyone to tell them the news.  I still worried about what others would think when they saw a child with all these bumps all over her.I should have taken a pic of her when the were at the worst to show you guys.  I mean, if I saw a child that looked like that, I'd automatically wonder if it were chicken pox and why the heck this parent has their child in public. 

Anyway, then it hit me.  hahahahahah I REALLY just took my child to the doctor for mosquito bites!  Oh Lord.  I bet he thought I was nuts!  Seriously though, I mean, I would have thought for her to have THAT MANY bites, she would have had to walk into a  swarm of bugs. Oh well. Let's just stash this away for when she's a teenager and needs yet another reason to think I'm totally uncool. 

Long overdue update

So, I've been a slacker on reporting about my running progress.  This week would have been... I don't know... maybe week 9 of our program!?  I've lost track with the time because my running partner and I haven't been able to run together for the last two weeks and will not be back together until next week. 

Two weeks ago, I started my week off with 2.2 miles.  By the end of the week, I had successfully achieved my goal of 3.2 miles!!! HELLO 5k!!!! Nice to see you :)

Anyway, I got SO excited that I ran a few more days last week than I probably should have.  I was pretty steady with the 3.2 miles the first couple of days.  However, my last two days were failures.  Yes, you read right.  I failed and probably only ran 2.5 miles :( I know, that's still very good and I was still ahead of the program but still.  I HATE not making a goal I have already achieved.  (Have I ever mentioned that my family is a bit competitive? And I am no exception.) 

So, I took that as a sign and decided to take three consecutive days off.  Although I wasn't physically sore, I really think my body was just tired and needed a break.

Tonight was the first day back and....... 3.5 miles!!!!! Yep!  I am back!  I truly understand those who have said that running is addictive.  I LOVE knowing that I am able to do this for myself.  ( I also had a friend of mine tell me this weekend that she can absolutely tell a difference in my body and that I look great! Brownie points for her!) 

With all of this said, this is officially my last week of the Couch to 5k Program and it was a definate success!  I highly encourage anyone thinking of giving running a try to use this program.  You may feel silly running only a minute at first, but you build, and it WORKS. 

I will still be keeping you guys informed on how I'm doing. What can I say? I kinda enjoy bragging about myself.  I'm hoping to increase my distance on some days and work on my speed on others.  This way, I'm thinking that my first 5k race will be easier for me (a mile is nothing now) and maybe I won't be the last person to run across the line.  So, keep your fingers crossed!

Very valuable information

While on facebook last night, I found this.....

I know it's rather small, so here's the link.  I sincerely hope it works *fingers crossed* 

A friend posted it on her photos and explained that this is a perfectly good explanation to all of her friends who don't have children.  See, sometimes, I feel like I absolutely blow off perfectly good opportunities to call and chit chat to some of my greatest friends simply because I'm "too busy."   There are also days when Jeremy comes home from work worn out and stressed and I come back with "you think you're the only one who's had a rough day!"  Then, when I look back on the day, I often wonder what exactly it was I did all day that made me so busy and stressed and tired.  This newspaper column is the honest to God answer taken right out of my thoughts. 

I swear, it is certainly not that I avoid these people or that I don't have any catching up to do.  I also don't use this as an excuse to one up Jeremy.  But I literally spend almost ever waking hour with a two year old who quite frankly needs most of my undivided attention.  See, it is my job to make sure she is getting the life skills she needs in order to be successful.  It is also my job to make sure she has safe and fun activities during the day to keep her busy and teach her social and educational skills.  Therefore, although I do not have a paying job, I do have a pretty needy boss who does not accept sick days or paid time off! Those of you with a paying job AND a child....bless you.    

I thought this would be good insight for those of you who may not have children and it'd be a good cheat sheet for those who do have children and need the words to explain what exactly it is you do ALL day!

Question of the week

Do you ever get to feeling like your life is just a little ordinary?  Well, I usually don't think about it until I tried to answer the question of the week on my mom's group message board.  Each week, there is a random question that is posted and we all answer just for kicks.  I usually find something good to answer with, but this week I am at a total loss for words.  Here's the question:  If your life were going to be made into a movie, what would it be about and who would play you?

1. PROBLEM: I don't really think I have anything of interest to make a movie about.  I mean, I feel like I lead a pretty typical life.  Please don't get me wrong, I am very thankful for  everything about my life and I am very blessed to have the life I have.  Nor would I change anything about it. But if you think of most of the movies, they are either horror--absolutely not, comedy--I'm not at all comical, drama--again, nothing extra crazy around here, or love story.  Now, I could definately touch on the love story but there's no crazy "almost lost the love of my life but I found him" story there either. I mean, I don't really think my life would be a very good movie subject. 
2. Who the heck would I say would play me?  I'm not too good at thinking of a movie star who I a) look like or b)  act like.

 What about yourself?  What would a movie about yourself be and who would play you? 

Maybe I'll transfer the question of the week over here more often if this has a good turn out.

Here's to a great daddy

Several years ago, ( my brother's 21st birthday to be exact) I met the most obnoxious, big- headed prick I've ever known. You might ought to know I ended up married to him.  I'll save the rest of the "how did you meet" speech for our anniversary or something because this post is not about us, it's about him. 

Who would have ever thought that very same guy would turn out to be one of the greatest dads anyone could ever ask for?  I did!  Would I have married him if I thought otherwise?  Doubt it. 

Anyway, he's got two great years of being a dad under his belt.  From day ONE, he's been nothing but the best.  The second that baby girl came into this world, I literally saw his heart melt through his eyes.  That was it.  He was a goner. 

This little girl doesn't even know how lucky she is to have this man for a daddy.

Luckily, Madelyn began sleeping through the night early on. But Jeremy was there, right along with me, when she didn't.  He endured those sleepless nights like a champ.  Poopy diapers, spit up, cranky baby with gas, blowouts, routine shots--he was there for everything.  He got up, went to work, came home, helped with dinner, helped with our daily baby chores, went to sleep, got up a couple times throughout the night, and did it all over again. 

Fast forward a bit to present day. 

Here I am, typing up a blog post and where is he?  Work.  Was this planned.  Absolutely not.  I never would have thought I'd be a stay at home mom.  Never thought I'd enjoy it so much.  The plan was for me to go back to work after the summer had passed and find a good childcare for Madelyn.  Never happened.  I just couldn't bear to part with my sweet little girl and Jeremy saw that.  I feel so blessed to have been able to spend all this time with her.  To raise her and teach her as I choose.  Is being a stay at home mom for everyone? No.  But for me, I feel it was the right decision.  Will I always be able to stay at home.  Who knows?  But I will continue to sieze this opportunity for as long as I possibly can.  Jeremy works so hard in order for us to have this lifestyle.  He knows how important it is to me and has done everything in his power to make this possible.

When he comes home from work, Madelyn's little eyes shimmer.  As soon as I mention that daddy's home, she gets so giddy.  He comes in, locks the door, and it's full on Madelyn time from there.  Every second of the evening is focused on Madelyn, on me, on us.  The "hi honey I'm home, sit in your man chair, drink a beer and watch the game" daddy is simply a myth in this house.  Ours is more like this... Come in, change clothes while a little girl is clinging to you, sit at the table and enjoy dinner as a family (no tv), help clean up, sit to watch a little tv with everyone (even if it is Dora),  tea parties, dress up, family stroll by the bay, bathtime, pajama time, Madelyn's prayers, goodnight kiss, go to bed Fred (Madelyn).  From the second he walks into the door to the time we go to bed, it's all about us, our family.  What a valuable daddy and husband we have!  Many women would give their right arm to have their husband do a third of what he does. 

Do you know what I love best?  He stands behind me.  He trusts my decisions when it comes to Madelyn and follows through with what I ask.  He's on MY side.  He knows how important certain issues are to me and agrees with them and the way we go about dealing with them. 

Jeremy dreams of the day where he's running along beside Madelyn and our future children playing soccer, or football, or whatever it is they choose to do.  He looks forward to being the coach that our children just so happen to call "dad" too. He envisions me as the mom who is involved with our children and their school and after school activities.   He dreads the dating years and we argue over how we'll go about boys and cars (good thing we have a while).  He already believes that no man will ever be good enough for our baby girl.  He dreams of where our children will go to college and what they'll do and who they'll be someday. 

I find joy in knowing that Madelyn will have a great person to model her future boyfriends and husband after. I pray that she one day realizes just how special and rare of a  find a guy like her father is.  I find comfort knowing that our son, if we have one, will have such a wonderful role model.  He will learn from one of the best.  He will have someone to show him what it means to be a man.   He will learn how to treat his wife and kids with love and respect.  How to be sensitive but strong at the same time.  Our children will see and know what it means to put God and family before all other things. 

VBS 2010 part two

Well, we are finished with day three of VBS!  My group of kids is GREAT!  I mostly have older kids--they don't do groups by age at this church--and I have one younger little girl who happens to be the youngest in the program.  The youngest is doing a great job and really seems to be getting more comfortable as the week goes on.  My boys--and girls-- are so well behaved for fourth and fifth graders but still keep me laughing all day long :)  I'm so glad I decided to help out this year and definately made the right decision to be a crew leader.  It may have been a few years since I've worked with older kids, but I've still got it! 

Also, Madelyn is too young to be in the program, but she does get to stay with the younger children and play.  Her teacher always brings her in the sanctuary when we're all in there and she has found it quite pleasing to stand on the steps (in front of the singers on stage) and put on a show.  She sings and dances right along with us and even bows when the songs are over.... I tried to teach her that girls plie not bow, but she hasn't quite gotten that.  I have to say, I have quite a star on my hands!  She is LOVING this week and all the attention she gets!  I'm LOVING all the great compliments people say about her.  "She's so polite,"
"she's so mature for her age," "Wow, I can't believe she's potty trained," "She's SO cute," "Are you sure she isn't three?" (I find that one kinda silly).  Even the kids enjoy her and make comments about how cute she is!  Once again, I am so proud of my baby girl and I'm sure you can see it beaming from my face a mile away! 

So, we have two more days left and I was asked if I minded getting a new child in my group tomorrow.  I'm going to take that as "You're doing such a great job and we really think this child would benefit from being in your group better than others.  Do you mind ?" Yes, I'm absolutely letting myself think this! Thank you very much!  *bows repeatedly to my imaginary audience* 

First Time!

To ride the train/roller coaster and Islands of Adventure of course!  Madelyn has waited for this day for a whole year!  This past Saturday we drove over to Orlando to take the kids to Universal/Islands of Adventure.  Madelyn was SO excited to get to ride this ride for the very first time :) So, of course, I had to document such a special occasion!  Even better, she got to ride in the very front!!! Here's just a few pics of Madelyn and Asher while on that ride! Enjoy!

Waiting in line...

Silly poses.

We're next!

Madelyn is SO excited :)

Wow.

One very happy little girl!

VBS 2010

Yay!  So excited to be a part of vacation bible school again!  It's been a long time since I've done anything with it--since middle school atleast.  Next week is the beginning of this year's VBS at our church and I decided to volunteer as a Crew Leader!  I have a "crew" of nine children right now, but by Monday it may grow a bit more.  It is mixed ages from preschool to fifth grade which I actually prefer from the usual all-one-age groups.  This way, not only can my assistant help me with the kids, the older kids can also help out with the younger ones. 

I remember going to VBS myself growing up and I had a blast every year!  I think it's a wonderful opportunity for children to not only learn about God, but to make new friends and feel like they're a part of something! My absolute favorite thing was crafts and I distinctly remember painting wooden animals one year at my grandmother's church.  It was one of the things I looked forward to each summer :)

I really hope that my group of kids have a wonderful time next week with me and that I haven't lost my touch with the older children since I'm not around them as much anymore.  I mean, I know with a group of toddlers I'd do fine, since I have one and know what their interests are.  BUT, I don't have any contact with older kids anymore and I'm not used to NOT being the "cool" teacher. haha.  Oh well, I guess I will let you guys know how we do next week and how worn out I am after the fact! 

Job Description

I have recently stumbled upon yet another requirement of being a stay at home mom. Okay, so not really a requirement, but more or less something that most of us with toddlers all have in common.

Even when we are not watching it, the television usually stays on during the day just for the background noise.  Before Madelyn, I usually had some sort of pregnancy documentary or chick flick type show on while preparing dinner or washing clothes or whatever it was I was doing.  Now, I promise you, at any given moment (until around 7:00 or 8:00) that if you were to walk into my house, Noggin, Nickelodeon, PBS, or a child related dvd would definately be on. ( I do watch the shows I want in the evenings and she is perfectly fine with it--NO she doesn't tell us what to watch & when to watch it!)  She doesn't even watch tv most of the time!  Madelyn is usually in her playroom making tea or cooking something yummy for mommy but we still listen to her shows.  I find myself rocking out to Yo Gabba Gabba or Wonder Pets atleast twice a week.  I guarantee you I could hold a decent conversation with almost any toddler about what is going on with just about any show imaginable. 

Now, I am not saying all of this to be judged by those of you who don't let you child watch any television.  If you are one of those people, more power to you!  But please, keep your negative thoughts to yourself, I really don't feel like having to defend my parenting style (I know I'm not perfect).  Just stating a common factor that I've noticed between a few mothers and myself :) 

same old thing

So, it's been a while...... Sorry I've been such a slacker this week.  I don't have any idea why, but I absolutely cannot catch up on rest.  I have been walking around here ever since we got back from vacation like a zombie.  I am SO tired.  On top of that, I swear we have been going constantly.  Summer always has us so busy!  We go go go all weekend and then during the week it feels like we never stop either.  Anyway, I guess because of this, I feel like I don't have anything important to talk about.  So, I'll be back soon with something interesting to talk about....eventually.

On another note, the one thing I've kept you guys updated on..... Running!  We are now into the weeks where we run for an allotted amount of time straight.  We are up to 2 1/4 miles without stopping (about 25 minutes).  Go us!  Don't get me wrong, it's NOT easy, but it is definately getting better!  I cannot believe that I am actually doing this for real. Next week we move it up to  28 minutes or 2.75 miles.  We are a little behind on the mileage, so realistically, we'll probably be closer to 2 1/2 miles within the 28 minutes instead.  Still good enough for me though!  We will be completely finished with the program in two weeks and will continue to run in order to make sure we have our 5k down!  Once we get to a plateau there, then we will add onto our mileage :)

Wedding Festivities

As promised, I am continuing with some updates from this past week...

  We began a very crazy weekend last week as we pulled out of the driveway Wednesday on our way to Mississippi.  What a drive....but well worth it!  Let me first say, I don't usually LOVE to go back "home."  I say "home" because we didn't actually go to my hometown but we were still in state!  I do, however, LOVE to see old friends from college and my very best friends who I rarely get to see. 

This is probably one of the least stressful weddings I've ever been involved with, and thoroughly enjoyed getting to relax and catch up with everyone!  (Seriously thought we were going to have a bridezilla, so I am VERY thrilled to say otherwise.)   Thursday was a day of last minute errands and then the rehearsal.  Everyone's experienced this so I'll spare you and move on. 

Friday! Oh Friday!  Wedding day!  I had a very productive day :)  Got up at 7:30 for a run after being out until 2:30 and having a few drinks.  Definately NOT a good run.  Thought I was going to die and was very glad this run was just an extra since I had finished my runs for the week.  After almost killing over, we went back and enjoyed some time at the pool!  Just Krissy (one of my best friends) and myself!  I never thought I'd cherish laying out as much as I did this past weekend.  I thank my inlaws more than ever for watching Madelyn for us.  It was so nice to be able to just have some girl time!   Anyway, we began to get ready around 11 and did the whole hair, makeup, and pictures this up until the wedding :)   Now, let me tell you about my little princess and her friend Olivia...

Aren't they precious?? Later, they had some sweet baby's breath halos on as well.  Anyway, here's how their 15 minutes of fame happened...  I quickly noticed the previous night that our girls were going to need something to bribe them into staying in the back of the church until we were ready for them.  So, I took a leap of faith, made three different bags of small candies, and dispursed them accordingly.  Worked like a charm!  They stayed with the girls in the back until it was their turn, and then were told that their mommies had the other candy.  Well.....WATCH OUT!  Those little girls began walking down the isle perfectly, followed by speed walking, which then turned into a run! Too cute :)  Madelyn saw her papaw so she stopped to tell the entire congregation that her papaw was there and went on about her way.  The girls did actually make it up to us but then decided they wanted to go back down.  I absolutely didn't stop her and let her make her way back to her papaw where he then took her to the cry room.  Eventually, both girls were in there and the wedding continued!  Same as always, I teared up (in the same places as I always do), vows were said, and we were on our way.  Bride and groom walked out, a few groomsmen and bridesmaid couples went out and then......the cry room door opened and out flew our girls!  haha Back down the isle the came!  I guess they decided they needed that last little bit of recognition :)  Madelyn walked right to me and so I used that as a tool to my advantage! I had Madelyn walk out of the church in the middle of Jeremy and myself (we were all three in the wedding) which made for a wonderful family picture!  (Unfortunately, I don't have a pic but should get one eventually.)  We were told that what we did was precious and couldn't have turned out any better!  What can I say?? I was very proud of my little princess!

Friends and family danced the night away and we had to literally drag Madelyn off the dance floor.  Everything went beautifully with only minor situations.  We finished off our wedding event Saturday morning with tearful goodbyes and were on our way up to my in laws' camp on the lake! 

For your enjoyment...

Terrible picture of myself BUT the only pic of the weekend with my two best friends Krissy and Stacy (the bride).

Bridesmaids with bride

Ugh... I have TERRIBLE posture.  Stacy looks GREAT though :)

Two flower girls and junior bridesmaid Darby!

Dancing queens!

Yummy

Family photo (I don't know why I look so ick)

Happy groom

Reunited friends :):):)

Aloha!

 

Happy week six!

Okay, so there's lots to update you guys on from this weekend. BUT, in order to not jumble everything up into one, I'll make several posts (quite possibly over the next few days).  Of course, since I'm still so very proud of my progress, I'm starting with this.

We have two more days to this week and then we'll be on our seventh week of our running schedule.  There are only nine weeks and we are up to two miles!!  I only know this because I had to run on the treadmill while out of town this past weekend so I was able to see the distance.  I can't believe I ran all that way without killing over! 

So, we began last week with running alternated with walking as usual.  The highest was running 8 minutes.  Then, it skipped up to 20 minutes of running without stopping on the final day. HOLY SMOKES was I terrified!!!  Also, I had to run without my partner (although Jeremy stepped in until the last run).  Can you believe the 20 minute run was actually equal in challenge as the run/walk routines??  I am overwhelmed with excitement about this! 

This week, we have gone back to the alternations and finish the week with a 25 minute run.  I'll be sure to update--as always!  NEXT week is going to be the kicker.... we begin running these 25/30 minute runs all three days.  We'll see.....