Day 25 {A first}

As a child I often dreamed of going to the beach. Our parents hated the beach so they would never take us there. I grew to hate going to the mountains, always the same old boring vacation. It was so predictable. I do enjoy the mountains, but not  all the time. I like to see new places and new things, new adventures.

When my husband and I were dating he wanted to take me to Mobile to meet his family. It was Thanksgiving, and I had many reasons to be thankful that year. I was thankful to have him, and to be out of a bad relationship. I was thankful to be going on my first trip to the beach.

So we got into his car and left his parents house. I may have been 20 but I was just as excited as a child. It was only a twenty minute drive from his parents house but it seemed like a long trip. I will never forget stepping out of that car and hearing the waves and the seagulls for the first time. I still remember how it felt to have the fresh ocean breeze blowing in my hair. I remember how the sand felt between my toes and fingertips. It was chilly but I didn't let that stop my enjoyment. I wrote our names in the sand.  I watched a cute little crab scurry across the beach into his hole in the sand. I enjoyed everything about that day. Dauphin Island will always be a special place to me, not only because it was my first beach experience but because of who I was with.

Since then we have made many many trips to Dauphin Island. One of my most cherished photos is a picture of my husband and our six week old baby boy under the Dauphin Island Pier. I have pictures of both our children there, the two of us, and family pictures. They are more than just pictures they are moments in time that meant the world to me. We have made several beach trips to Savannah,GA Amelia Island,FL, Gulf Shores,AL and Dauphin Island and D.I.  still remains my favorite place. My husband is amazing, and he has made so many of my dreams come true. I look forward to each and every day that I am blessed to share with him.


One of my favorite songs was written and preformed by a group born in Mobile, The Band Perry. The song is ''All your life'' and my favorite quote comes from the lyrics
''Would you walk to the edge of the ocean Just to fill my jar with sand Just in case I get the notion  To let it run through my hand ???? Let it run through my hand''
My husband did just that. My little sand jar collection sits proudly on a shelf in our living room.

Day 24 {Something that makes you cry}

There are several things that make me cry.

• I cry when my babies get hurt or when they are sad or something is wrong and I can't fix it. I feel like it is my job as a mother to fix everything for them and sometimes that just isn't possible.
• I cry when my kids make me happy. There is no better joy in this world than that a parent gets from watching their child.
• Extreme Makeover Home Edition, I mean really???? I have never watched it and not cried.
• I cry when my family and friends are hurting, I care about them. I laugh with them so I cry with them.
• Every year when we go to National Police Week in Washington,D.C. I cry when we go to the Fallen Officers Memorial and read all the notes,cards,letters,and photographs that little kids have left to their murdered parent. Its absolutely heartbreaking.
• I cry when I watch the news and hear stories about child abuse or a missing child or murdered kids. Number one reason why 99.9% of the time I choose not to watch the news. It is just depressing!
• And last but not least, sometimes I just hold all the stresses of daily life inside of me and never talk about it until one day I just cry. Sometimes it just feels good to cry and get it all out.

Day 22 {Something that upsets you}

Abortion upsets me very much. I believe that life begins with conception. I believe that if a person is old enough to think they are ''mature'' enough to have sex then they should also be prepared. Just because someone isn't ready for a baby doesn't give them the right to terminate that child. How could anyone be so cold and cruel? There are thousands of people who want to adopt a child. Why not give someone else a chance at happiness?

It also upsets me when people have kids and don't take care of them. Children deserve the best chance at life. They deserve to be treated with respect, yet be disciplined when need be. They deserve good memories. Children don't deserve to be abused or molested or murdered. I don't understand why we keep seeing all these stories on tv about parents killing their child because they think life is better without them. Don't want the child, or can't afford to care for it then give it to someone who can give them the life they deserve.

There are thousands of people who so desperately want to have a child of their own and will never get that. So the next best thing is adoption. This whole situation gets me really upset, so before I get all worked up I will leave it at that.

Day 23 {Something that makes you feel better}

Sometimes everyone has a bad day including me, and no matter what makes me upset or sad or stressed out my children can always make me happy. Their laughter brings me so much joy.

My husband always knows when something is wrong. He gives me the biggest warmest most loving hugs and then he fixes the problem. They are my life and I am so thankful and blessed to have the three of them.

Day 20 {This month}

• This month has been very hectic.
• Some things have been good, others not so good.
• Still I remember the things I have to be thankful for.
• November didn't start out so great first there was the death of my friends baby. I mourned for them and with them. I have been a little depressed because of that.
• There have been two visitors nights at the dance studio, and still another to come.
• My step daughter had her high school dance recital and it was amazing.
• My husband started training a new rookie. So I don't get those little phone calls and texts like I normally would.
• My parents came to visit as well as several of our friends.
• I had the monthly club meeting and it went well.
• I have been busy planning the club Christmas party. I'm looking forward to that next month.
• We had the babies Christmas photos made, and I even started doing a little Christmas shopping.
•  There just never seems to be enough hours in a day to get everything done.
• I am going shopping tomorrow to get everything to make Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday. This year I decided to stay home and invite friends and family over. I'm very excited!
• A plus side to this week/month is that I get to go shopping on BLACK FRIDAY  with my sister in law.
• Then on Friday we are going to have Thanksgiving dinner at a friends house.
• Saturday we are taking baby Nate to have his photos made.
• That pretty much  sums up the month of November.

Day 19 {Something you regret}

I don't regret anything. I believe mistakes in life are just lessons learned. I choose to take a bad experience and learn from it, so that later on down the road I can be better prepared for a different situation. When my children are older they can come to me for advice, and hopefully I will be able to help them with information from my own personal experiences. I know they will still make mistakes, because they are human and humans are far from perfect.

Day 18 {Your favorite birthday}

My favorite birthday is my 25th birthday. It was freezing cold that day, and really windy. Whitney and I went to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. I got up early  that morning got dressed, and drove about two hours to pick up Whit. Then off to Atlanta we went. We stopped along the way to get gas, and snacks. Later on I had to pee really bad so we stopped at a gas station in Atlanta and I got creeped out because nobody was in the store. No customers, no clerk just a car outside. I think I ended up waiting until I got to the aquarium.  It was the first time I had been there. We laughed a lot that day. We were leaving Atlanta and there was a car at next to us and it had bag of chips hanging out of the door. We thought it was hilarious! On the way back home we stopped at the Olive Garden in Anniston{I think it was in Anniston?} We had a great lunch and great drinks! Then we stopped on the side of the road in Pell City, and we parked facing up a hill. We wanted pics of a pretty waterfall in the woods just off of the roadway. We got out took our pics and then when I tried to drive away the car was stuck. The ground was wet and we just had to be parked uphill. We got unstuck by backing down the hill into the road. HAHA it was hilarious. There was mud all over the sides of my Xterra. The best part of the day wasn't going out of town or eating out, it was getting to spend the day with my best friend. We have made a lot of memories over the years, and I always enjoy making new ones with her. Maybe in February we can make another day trip for my birthday :)

We will never forget

The alarm goes off, the tears begin to flow uncontrollably. I hit the snooze button.

That is how my day started.

After hitting the snooze button more than a dozen times I dragged myself out of the bed. Not because I was still sleepy but because I feared the unknown. My husband and I got up, showered, dressed and off to the funeral home we went. Walking in the door, I recognized so many familiar faces. Some I have known for a while, others whom I have only come to know and love in the past few days.

I took a deep breath and walked into the room, there sat the family. I hugged all of them and told them how sorry I was and that I love them. It was then I looked to the far end of the room. There laid this beautiful tiny baby girl, surrounded by beautiful pink blankets and flowers.

I cried and cried and even cried after I thought I had no tears left.

Her coffin wasn't much bigger than a shoe box. It was the saddest thing I may have ever seen.

We went and sat in another room. Later on my friend's sister came and sat down beside me. I put my arm around her. I had no words. I don't even know what to say to them anymore. I know ''I'm sorry for your loss'' just doesn't get it. I honestly didn't know what to say to her. She sat there, and I could see her whole body trembling. I feel like I failed her today, not even being able to speak. Searching for words and nothing coming out. I was speechless.

Her graveside service was beautiful. Each family member was given a pink balloon, and they all released them at the same time. The wind quickly took them away. Afterwards everyone was asked to join the family for a meal at Ryan's. So we all headed over there. I'm happy that I was able to be there for my friends during their time of sorrow. If I have learned one thing from this sweet baby passing away, its the fact that she brought two families together. She made friendships grow closer, stronger. She has created a bond between strangers. There is no greater love than that of a child. She was loved and in return she gave everyone who knew her love and friendships that will last a lifetime. I am so blessed to know this family, and to have had the chance to meet this baby and be a part of her life.

Day 17 {Your favorite memory}

How does a mother choose one favorite memory? I have dozens of special moments and memories. The memories that top the list are finding out I was pregnant with my kids, and all the special moments that follow. From being pregnant to the delivery, hearing them cry for the first time during those first moments, all the milestones that come in the months to follow.  My two favorite memories of all have to be the day my son, and the day my daughter said to me for the first time ''I wuv wou.'' Those are the most rewarding words a mother can ever hear.

For months I would hold them, sing to them, read to them, laugh with them, cry with them when they were sick, everyday the whole time telling them how much I loved them. Nothing in this world could ever be better than my sweet babies telling me they love me.

My heart sings everyday when I hear those two tiny little voices saying ''Mommy, I love you'' or ''I love you, Mommy.''

They are two of the greatest blessings I have ever received in my life. I'm so thankful that God chose me to be their mommy!

Six Word Saturday

''For this child I have prayed''

Photo of a cross that I bought my friend as a gift.

The past few days have been really hard. I don't question God I just try and understand. I can't seem to find an answer at the time being. I'm sure in due time God will reveal the answer to her family  and me.

My friends baby girl was born on September 13, and passed away November 9th. She was progressing so well. She was expected to come home at the end of this month. They didn't have the chance to have a baby shower because she came three months too early. So two baby showers were being planned for her. My friends mother told me the other day ''you were planning a  baby shower and we were planning a baby shower, now our family is planning a funeral.'' My heart aches for this family, my sweet friends.

Tomorrow will be her viewing, followed by a graveside service. I fear tomorrow. I don't know how I will react to it all, since I have been a train wreck since they knocked at the door to tell me the news. I will pray for my friends and their sweet family tonight. I will pray for God to give me the strength to hold it together so that I can support them in the best way possible.

Rest in Peace beautiful girl, you will forever be in the hearts of many.

Psalm 23

 ¹The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
 ²He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
 ³He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
 ⁴Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
 ⁵Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
 ⁶Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

To link up to Six Word Saturday head over to http://www.showmyface.com/

Day 16 {Your first kiss}

Day 15 {Your dreams}

Today's 30/30 challenge post will be short. I am sorry but it is what it is. {not like I have a bunch of readers anyways, I mainly just blog because it helps ME}

I am just going through a hard place in my life. This week has just been crappy. If it weren't for my husband and babies and Whit I would go crazy. My dreams right now are so much different than they would have been a week ago. I really don't know anymore. I just feel lost.............I hope that Sunday will bring closure. I hope that I can begin to figure out my life and what direction I need to go in next. So today my dreams are of health for my children and  all children. My dreams are to find more true friends, more friends like Whitney who know and trust me. Friends who take the time to know me from the inside out, not from the outside in.

Thankful Thursdays

Today more than ever I am thankful for my family. I am thankful that God has blessed me with a good loving husband and two healthy children. They are my reason's to be a better person, a better wife, a better friend. A better being. Life is precious and it can be gone in an instant. I never take for granted the moments that I am blessed enough to share a life with my children. I love above and beyond anything else in this world than being a mother. I love everything about it. I love the trials, and rough days. I love the fun days, the sad days, the sick days, and all the days in between. I am so thankful for my family!

Day 14 {What you wore today}

I really don't remember what I wore today. I do know that I wore my heart on my sleeve. I wore my emotions, constantly streaming tears down my face. A baby is supposed to be a happy time in a mother's life. Instead my friend is burying her child. She was born premature, so they never had a chance for a baby shower. A baby shower was recently put into plans, and now instead they are dealing with the task of planning a funeral.

I have been so emotional, I haven't wanted to do anything but sit around and cry. I was only a friend to the family, so I can't even imagine how they feel if I'm feeling this bad. I pray for this family to find comfort in the loss of this beautiful baby girl. My heart aches for them.

I took my children with me tonight and tried to go shopping for something to wear to her funeral, instead I tuned into the crazy crying lady on aisle six! I just can't control it, I can't stop thinking about it. It's constantly on my mind.

There are so many undeserving mothers in this world, mothers who abuse their children or even murder their children. Then there is my friend, someone who wants more than anything in this world to be a mother and it's just out of her grasp. I can't imagine loosing one child let alone three. She has an amazing strength, and I hope and pray that someday God will bless her with a healthy child. She deserves it more than anyone.

I hope it's a long weekend. I know I am not ready for Sunday, I know her family is not ready for Sunday. I hope and pray that I can find strength, to know all the right things to say to comfort them.

Today I wore ............tears.

Day 13 {This week}

• Sunday - I spent the entire day at home being lazy with my family. We watched Fast Five, and it was just as good as seeing it the first time.
• Monday - I did a ton of laundry. After my Hubby came home from work we all went to Costco. I got a bunch of stuff we needed. Afterwards the babies and I went out to eat at O'Charley's with some friends. Then we went to Target and I bought one of baby girl's Christmas gifts.
• Tuesday - I stayed at home all day procrastinating even though I had a billion things to do. I did manage to get a few things done at home though. I even caught up on blogging. 
• Wednesday -  Someone knocked at the door in the morning. I opened it to see our neighbor and her daughter. They said ''We have bad news'' I stood there looking at them in shock and said ''What's wrong?'' They didn't say anything they just stared at me. I realized exactly what was wrong. I said ''NO!!'' and they both started crying,I started crying. Their two month old baby girl ''Amaya Faith'' had passed away. She was doing so well,they were even saying she would be home at the end of the month. This was a shock to everyone. Her mom had went for her nightly visit, she changed her diaper and it had blood in it. She got the nurse right away, the nurse took the baby to the doctor on call. He immediately sent her for x-rays. It showed that she had air in her belly. At midnight they took her in for emergency surgery. She had a hole in her intestines due to a bacterial infection. Normally they would be able to repair it. Hers was so bad that there was nothing they could do. They took her off of her machines, and let her family hold her until she passed. She left this world at 4:53 am November 9th, 2011.  This family has become more than just friends, they have become like family to us. The rest of my plans have been cancelled for the week. I can't believe I will be attending a funeral for a two month old baby girl. I never in my life thought this would ever happen. It's heartbreaking. I know that God has a plan for everyone, sometimes it's just hard to understand that plan. This is the third baby they have lost, it just doesn't seem fair. I don't question his plan, I just wish I could understand a little better.
• On a lighter note it was Visitor's Day at ASD. Which meant that I got to take my little girl to her dance class and stay and watch everything she  has been learning. It was nice to be able to go, it was the only time yesterday that I wasn't constantly thinking of the baby. I am so proud of my baby girl. I was reminded yesterday of just how precious life is, and I held my kids even closer.
• Thursday - 
• Friday -
• Saturday -

Random Tuesday Thoughts

I really don't know what my problem is lately. I feel so crappy and worn out. I never get things accomplished in a timely manor anymore. I am so sick of my hair its beyond annoying. There is always a child grabbing it or its getting caught in something. I've decided that it's time for a change. Seriously considering going back to my curls. I miss them so much! I've got to get back into the gym, it makes me feel better plus I sleep  better. Not to mention the fact that it gives me some much needed ''Mommy time'' away from the kids. Plus there is a bonus to going to the gym, I can tan for free because it's included in my membership. Have you seen me lately? I could very easily pass for a vampire. So much that I glowed when we were in the pool on our trip to Gatlinburg!  *sadness* I just don't feel like myself anymore, and I'm certain that it's because I have no me time. I just always feel so guilty about my ''mommy time'' but I've come to realize I have to have it in order to keep my sanity. I go days without even leaving the house, I think that is part of the reason I feel so depressed all the time. My husband and I never have any alone time either, so I've decided that date night is going to be mandatory at least once a month. Starting asap lol!      ''it's way beyond time for a change''

Anyways getting past that subject. My sweet husband bought me two books yesterday. ''The Help'' by Kathryn Stockett which I'm sure you all have heard of, & ''House Rules'' by Jodi Picoult which is about a boy with Autism. I have been wanting both of them for a while. I'm going to see the movie ''The Help'' next week, so with a little luck the kiddos will let me enjoy reading this book without having to referee them all the time.

I'm excited about tomorrow, 1. it's visitors week at ASD which means we get to watch our little ballerina dancing in her class with all her friends  2.I get to go shopping for some new clothes for the graduation we are going to on Thursday {I was supposed to go shopping today but as always that didn't work out}


Don't forget to link up to RTT @ Stacy Uncorked

Day 11 {Your Children}

My children are my life.......my world. They are my inspiration. The source of all my happiness and at the same time the source of insanity. Most of everyone already knows everything about my babies. So I will write about their births.

 I was a very happy pregnant woman. I dislike hearing pregnant women complain ALL the time. I was so in tune with my son when I was pregnant that I actually  had dreams about him before he was even born, even before I found out that he would be a boy. Some of those dreams were exact right down to every detail. I don't know how that happened either, maybe hormones. I also had nightmares when I was pregnant with him.

There is no deeper connection in this world than that of a mother and her child, especially  while she is pregnant.  I dreamed once about my son's birth, before we knew he was a boy. I dreamed that he wasn't breathing when he was born. When the time really came for me to have him, by dream became a reality. He wasn't breathing. I was panicking.

I couldn't even imagine loosing him. The doctor worked on stitching me up and I was trying my hardest to get my half numb body off of the table to get to my brand new baby boy. The doctor told the two nurses that were already in the room to get the NICU nurses. Within seconds the door flew open and there was a combination of ten nurses and doctors trying their best to get  my angel to breathe. I didn't even get to hold him, he was taken to the NICU. He was only tree weeks early, so I never imagined it would turn out that way.

They took me upstairs to my room and I started throwing up and having the worst chills and I was itching from head to to clawing at my skin. They gave me a shot and it knocked me out. Three hours later I woke up in pain, and the nurse come in to take care of me. She asked if I wanted to see my baby. So more than three hours after he was born. I was able to hold him for the first time. It was so much better than I ever imagined it could be he was perfect.


About two months later I found out we would be having our second child. It was unexpected but more than welcomed. I was at work one night and felt like my pants were wet. I looked and it was blood. I immediately went to the hospital. This happened several times with no explanation. My doctor told me it was time to stop working and just stay at home. I had no problem with that. I hardly ever felt my baby move, which concerned me all the time. With my son he moved all the time, and I could always feel it. She always checked out fine at the doctors office though. She came two weeks early.

It was shift change when we arrived at the hospital, which meant I didn't get seen right away. I had to wait in the waiting room. By the time I got to see my doctor I was at 8cm, and still had nothing for the pain.My Dr suggested an epidural, so I agreed. She came back an hour later and it was time to start. She however had to leave to do an emergency Cesarean on twins.

So there I was with my husband and the nurse. I pushed for over two hours. When the doctor came back she said this baby hasn't even moved. I then laid down and just gave up. I told my husband I was tired, and I couldn't do it anymore. I was physically exhausted. The doctor said I needed a Cesarean, so off we went to the OR.

Turns out our little princess was well over 8lbs and that's the reason she had gotten stuck inside my pelvis. She has been mischievous ever since! I actually would prefer  a Cesarean rather than the natural way any day. It was so much easier, I was back to normal the next day.

I love my babies with everything I have. I have been blessed beyond anything I ever imagined. It's bittersweet watching them grow up. I love watching them grow and learn and achieve new things, but at the same time it makes me sad. It goes by all too fast. I try to take lots of photos so we never forget anything. I keep up with the little moments by writting them down and making scrapbooks. There is nowhere in this world that I would rather be than right here with my family.

Day 10 {What you wore today}

Not even going to pretend I wore something nice today. Today I would normally have a hundred things to do but not today. I'm going to enjoy this day being lazy and playing with my kiddos. I'm wearing one of my hubby's shirts and  a pair of cozy pants from Victoria's Secret. They are soft and warm, and comfortable! Can't go wrong with comfort! Going to spend the whole day inside with my kiddos. I have a little cleaning to do but after that, I think the kiddos are in for one awesome tickle monster battle!

Day 8 {A moment}

When Is 20 years old I was engaged to someone who was wrong for me in every way imaginable. I came to realize it wasn't going to work, but I felt so trapped. I felt like my only option at the time was to stay in that relationship. I began working at a restaurant in Madison Square Mall. It was called Mozzarella's American Cafe. I absolutely loved working there, it was fun, the food was great, and I began to feel free for the first time in a long time. I made friends there that I will remain lifelong friends. My friends would ask me to go out with them after work, I would always say no because I knew if I did I would have to deal with fiance jackass.

After working there for about a month a co-worker Jessi and I had worked the lunch shift. Afterwards we walked around the mall and ate lunch in the food court. We had decided to go to Claire's, we were walking up to a corner in the mall. It was then that a police officer walked around the corner. I looked directly at him and gave him the biggest smile possible. I grabbed Jessi by her arm and said oh my gosh Jessi, look at the size of his arms! At that very moment I said ''that man is going to be my husband someday''.

Jessi was quick to tell me how crazy that sounded. I knew how it sounded. I knew nothing about him, other than he was a police officer. Jessi and I continued on to Claire's and we bought several pairs of earrings. All the girls at work were into earrings. We would wear a different pair every day and we would all compare them lol!

Once Jessi and I made our purchase we headed back to the restaurant, because it was almost time for us to start our dinner shift. We walked in the door, and there he was. He was sitting at a table with another police officer named Vince. I smiled at him again as I walked by him on my way to the office. Apparently he had recognized my uniform, and went to the restaurant and was there waiting for me.

I clocked back in and went to check which section I would be working in for the night. He motioned for me to come over to his table. He asked me what my name was so that next time they were there they could ask to be sat in my section. I told him that I was waiting to turn 21 so that I could apply to become a police officer. He was fully supportive of that idea.

He and several other officers work the security detail at the mall on the weekends. So for several weeks on Friday nights they would come in and ask to be sat in my section. Finally two months later he asked me if I would like to have dinner with him.

That night I met him after I got off work. I sat in his police car talking with him. Another police officer came up and was talking with us, his was Officer Daniel Golden. {Three days later Officer Golden was shot and killed responding to a domestic call.} So after work we had dinner together for the very first time at T.G.I. Fridays. It was Friday August 26th, 2005.

I don't believe it was love at first sight, because I didn't love him right away. Deep down inside, somehow some part of me knew that he would be my husband. Eventually I turned 21 and he helped me get a new car for my birthday. I moved in with him and later on applied with two different police departments, and was accepted by both of them. I graduated from the APD reserve program, and was accepted by both APD and HPD to go into the police academy. I  learned that I was pregnant a week before I was to start. Needless to say I didn't go.

He was my knight in shining armor, only he came in a uniform and shiny badge. He rescued me from a bad relationship. He changed my life in the best way possible. Later on we  got married and now we have two babies. So here we are six years later, married with two children. I'm so thankful for having him in my life. They are my world. Sadly the restaurant has closed. I plan on finding one and us going there for my next birthday, I think it would be fun to go try old familiar flavors.

Thankful Thursdays

I got the idea for Thankful Thursdays from Abby, check out her blog here. I know I'm a day behind by posting ''Thankful Thursdays'' on a Friday, but it seriously doesn't matter as long as it gets done.

• I am thankful for the faith I have found in God.
• I am thankful for HIS love and understanding.
• I am thankful for the life he has blessed me with.
• I'm thankful for the prayers that have been answered, even those that have not been answered.
•  He above all knows what is best for me and will never lead me in the wrong direction.
• My husband is the son of a preacher, and the brother of a preacher. He too has taught me a lot.
•  Prayer is very powerful it can change lives. I know because it has changed mine.
• I was told that I would never have children, I now have two. Prayer is powerful. Faith is powerful.
• FAITH*HOPE*LOVE*

Please join me along with Abby and participate in ''Thankful Thursdays'' Each Thursday in November I will post something I am thankful for.

Day 6 {Your day}

I had a fabulous day today. This morning our neighbor invited us to go for a walk. I had tons to do and Shelby was still in bed, so lil man went with them. I finished cleaning up the dishes from last night, and vacuumed the house. My husband had a class so after it was over he came home for lunch.

My parents arrived about five minutes after he left to go back to work. Our neighbor came over to meet my parents, they brought a gift for her baby girl who is in the NICU. After our visit we went to Kroger's to  buy the ingredients to make homemade chili, because that's what my husband wanted for dinner.

My Daddy helped me by opening all of the canned items while I chopped up the onions,garlic,and peppers. My mom helped stir the meat until it was browned. {I always cook the meat and then drain the fat, so that its a little healthier as opposed to just putting the raw meant and everything else in all at once} Shortly after that my husband arrived home, we all ate. Then I started getting our little ballerina ready for her dance class. She looked ever so cute. Then my parents left because they were going to stop by my aunt's house on the way home.

I dropped her off at ASD, then went to get gas. I went home after that until it was time to go pick her up. After I picked her up we went to the mall to find a hairbow to match her beautiful Straussburg dress that Mrs.Kathy bought for her back in the summer. I wasn't able to find matching ribbon or I would have made my own bow. I couldn't have found a better bow  than the one I found at Hair Holiday in the mall. I'm ever so excited about having their Christmas photos made tomorrow. My friend bought us the gift certificate to have their photos made. Plus our friend Kathy had bought both of them an outfit back in the summer, so it's only costing me the price of the bow $3.99! I can't wait!

When we were at the hairbow store there was a lady in there who noticed my call my daughter Shelby. She looked at me and said that her granddaughter was also named Shelby. She said that she didn't know of another Shelby. She also said that her granddaughter lives overseas because her father is in the military.  I think it is a rare name. I told her that my Shelby was named after Carroll Shelby. Carroll is the owner of Shelby Customs in Las Vegas. He  also created the Shelby  Mustang, the Shelby Cobra, and Terlingua Racing.  She said her granddaughter is also named after Carroll Shelby. I think its awesome!

Carroll Shelby

Mr. Shelby

My daughter was also named after Lauren Conrad. You may know her from Laguna Beach. She is better known for the hit series called ''The Hills'' I absolutely love the show! I own almost all of the season's on DVD, and her books. Lauren is classy, sophisticated, beautiful, intelligent, she's a great clothing designer among many other things. So now you know the story of how Shelby Lauren got her name.

Lauren Conrad

Then we went to Wal-Mart to get popcorn seeds. Baby girl and I arrived home, and we made popcorn. I fixed myself a margarita. We all enjoyed the popcorn together while watching X-Factor, which is still on. Gotta love that show!



Overall I have had a fabulous day, with my family. I'm thankful for this day. November is the month for giving thanks, so I thank God and my family for such a lovely day. Even the weather was nice!

thirty days

Here is my newest task, thirty blogs in thirty days. This will let people know a little more about me. It will also make me take a look into the past, a look at my fears, my dreams and everything in between. It looks like a fun idea, and I hope that you guys will join me and participate in 30 blogs in 30 days as well. Below is the list of the daily topics.




Day 1 {Introduce}
Day 2 {Your first love}
Day 3 {Your parents}
Day 4 {What you ate today}
Day 5 {Your definition of love day}
Day 6 {Your day}
Day 7 {Your best friend}
Day 8 {A moment}
Day 9 {Your beliefs}
Day 10 {What you wore today}
Day 11 {Your Children}
Day 12 {What's in your bag}
Day 13 {This week}
Day 14 {What you wore today}
Day 15 {Your dreams}
Day 16 {Your first kiss}
Day 17 {Your favorite memory}
Day 18 {Your favorite birthday}
Day 19 {Something you regret}
Day 20 {This month}
Day 21 {Another moment}
Day 22 {Something that upsets you}
Day 23 {Something that makes you feel better}
Day 24 {Something that makes you cry}
Day 25 {A first}
Day 26 {Your fears}
Day 27 {Your favorite place}
Day 28 {Something that you miss}
Day 29 {Your aspirations}
Day 30 {One last moment}

Gatlinburg,TN

Our friends invited us to go to Gatlinburg with them, they completely paid for everything. The hotel,food, and attractions. The only thing I paid for was a few things for the kids and having a few ''Old time photos'' made. Such a blessing that we were able to go and that we have such thoughtful friends!




a train at the Chattanooga Choo Choo museum

 Saturday October 8th was the day we left. We stopped in Chattanooga. First we went to the Chattanooga Choo Choo and toured the museum, went on a trolley ride, then visited the gift shop. It was a lot of fun and my little conductor had tons of fun!


After that we took a trolley over to the Creative Discovery Museum it was a blast for all of us. We spent several hours there. I would love to take the kids back again sometime.

We stopped and got something to eat then made the rest of the trip to Gatlinburg. The weather was beautiful there, mostly in the 70's. The tree's were beautiful! We spent an entire day at Over Gatlinburg, we did the chair lift multiple times. We did the alpine slides, the water slides, the animal exhibit,the playground, the maze, and the train.                                                                      

We visited Fannie Farkles multiple times when we were there. The kids loved it, I loved it, lol everyone loves that place! The babies got airbrushed t-shirts, lil man picked Angry Birds, and Miss Priss picked out a ballerina one. She had her photos made at Ole' Thyme Photo. I think they turned out really cute despite the fact that she had a boo boo under her nose due to her runny nose that started Saturday.

One night we were standing outside of a candy store, watching them make the taffy. All of a sudden there was a man dressed up as Captain Jack Sparrow! Not only did he look like him, he talked like him, and his movements were exactly like they are in the movies! We were quite entertained by him. My sweet angel said ''don't let him shoot my mommy'' gotta love the way little ones think! We explained to her that it wasn't a real gun, and that he was only wearing a costume sort of like Halloween, only it wasn't Halloween. She was happy with that and wasn't afraid of him anymore.

We went to eat at Texas Roadhouse, which has great food but poor service. The police were called there because the waitress added gratuity to a check, probably because she knew she wasn't going to get a tip. They wanted her to remove the gratuity, and so they called the police. There was a lot of yelling involved. Anyways I was amused by their high-chairs for the little ones! They are made out of old saddles! Cute idea if you ask me!

We had a wonderful time with our friends. I'm glad that my step-daughter was out of school for fall break and got to go too! I enjoyed spending time with her and the babies.

Monday we ate at the Pancake Pantry, lil man fell asleep waiting on his food. Out of the dozens of times I have been to Gatlinburg it was my first time eating there, I absolutely loved it.



Chocolate chip pancakes

 After breakfast we made another visit to Fannie Farkle's. We all played then cashed in our thousands of tickets for prizes. We walked the strip in Gatlinburg one more time, then started the trip back home. We stopped to see a small waterfall.

We stopped at a train museum in Townsend, it was closed but we still took photos of the kids with the old engine outside. Later on we took the Foothills Parkway, we wanted the scenic route home.

Along the parkway there was a place to stop and park. Then we had a half a mile walk up the mountain to get to what is called Look Rock. I managed to get a cramp in my calf during the walk up the mountain. It was well worth the view once we were at the top though. We could see Maryville, Cades Cove, Clingman's Dome and several other places from this one place. We got to see the sunset while we were up there, and it was absolutely beautiful!

Beautiful view from Look Rock

Gone but not forgotten

I haven't been on here in a few weeks. I'm sure I have missed a lot of good posts. There are also a lot of things I wanted to blog about, but unfortunately didn't get to. So lets play catch up ...................

It has been a year since the murder of my friend Stephen Harlow Williams. I was able to go to his viewing, but not the funeral because I was going out of town. I still haven't made it to see his grave yet, although I would like to. I really don't even know where it is. I've heard that the trial is supposed to start soon. Other than that I know nothing. He was a beautiful person inside and out. I still have the messages saved that he sent to me. The messages contain nothing important, its just nice to have them. I miss his beautiful eyes, and hearing his voice. I still pray for his family. I know this past year has been more than a challenge for them. I still think of him often. I can hear any song by Taylor Swift and instantly think of him. Especially her song ''Hey Stephen'' which is a great song. His favorite number was 13, I think it is odd that he passed away on October 13th.

Stephen Harlow Williams March 20,1986 ~ October 13, 2010

                                                                                                                    
It has been three years since Brandon Allen Koch was killed in a car accident. He was on his way to work when it happened. We weren't close friends but he was still a friend. He had the cutest dimples, and he could always make me laugh.  We have lost so many of our friends who all went to the same school. When I think about how many have actually passed away it is a scary number. I don't always understand why these things happen, but I do know it is part of God's plan.

                                                           TheBand Perry ''If I die young''