Decker Dayz

LOGAN TURNS 10!

2011-08-09T08:15:00.000-07:00

Let's get the obvious out of the way.
Yes, it's been way too long since I've blogged.
Yes, I regret it and feel horrible I've missed documenting the past few months of our lives.
However, it was a good break.
I feel refreshed and ready to write again!
Let's start with my Most Favoritest Son's 10th Birthday.
DOUBLE DIGITS PEOPLE!!
I whipped up these snazzy little invites to resemble real Baseball Tickets.
Even with a bar code at the bottom!

This year, instead of inviting all the boys in his class for a sleep over (every parent needs to experience this at least once) we let him choose 4 friends to spend the night and go to a Nashville Sounds ballgame. We had an awesome group of boys. We had PRIME seats. Right behind the Sounds dugout!
There was also a good group of enthusiastic people around us including a little league team!
I've found that it can really affect the mood you're in by the people you sit around at big events like this. (i.e. concerts)
This here is Ozzie the Cougar. Not real sure what he has to do with "Sounds" but, he did a great job of amping up the crowd.

Little boys pigging out on hot dogs, slushies, pizza and...

FUNNEL CAKES!!!

About half way through the boys were getting a little restless. Let's face it, baseball games are long! Thank goodness there's a cool little area for kids to play around on. Obstacle bounce houses, trampolines and velcro walls.

The velcro wall was hilarious. I don't think the boys were quite heavy enough to make themselves stick to the wall so Josh had to end up throwing the boys against it to make them stick!

Evan got completely stuck up there and it took all 4 boys to get him down.

My son. He does awesome tricks only a 10 year old boy can do.

I think they're singing here? Their facial expressions are hilarious!

So after all that fun we made it back to the game. It was getting to be a real nail biter! Sounds were down by 2. In the 7th inning we scored 2 runs and tied it up! Our 5 had made their way down to the front row. Right behind the dugout! The little league team beside us were going crazy! They started chanting this little diddy:
We want a single just a little single s-i-n-g-l-e single single single We want a double just a little double d-o-u-b-l-e double double double We want a triple just a little triple t-r-i-p-l-e triple triple triple We want a homerun just a little homerun H-O H-O-M H-O-M-E-R-U-N HOMERUN
And wouldn't you know?? The next batter got a HOMERUN!! It was amazing.
Those little boys were so excited thinking they'd caused the homerun (maybe they did!?) and our guys were really into it by this point.
So by the 9th inning Sounds were up by 1 point.
All we had to do was hold them in the Top of the 9th.

First batter up...3 strikes and he's out!
Second batter...3 strikes!
THIRD BATTER...3 strikes.
OUT!
9 pitches, all strikes. Annnnnd
THAT'S THE GAME!!

IT.WAS.AMAZING!!
On top of that, there was a couple sitting next to the boys above the dugout. The guy kept hollering to the pitcher to give Logan a ball 'cause it was his birthday. The pitcher kept trying to ignore/wave him off. The guy was relentless and the pitcher gave in!
Logan got a game ball!!

Oh it does not end there my friends. After the field was cleared all the kiddos were invited to run the bases. The excitement of 5 10 year old boys running a real baseball field was immeasurable!
To end the night, there was a fireworks display to the tunes of Mr. Michael Jackson. It was like our own personal amzing light show! We were so close to the action!
And that is the story of the Most Awesome 10 Year Old Birthday EVA!!

The Truth

2010-12-07T09:25:00.000-08:00

Below is a transcript of a conversation I had this morning with Logan before school:

Him: Mom. Poppy told me Santa isn't real.
Me: *heart breaking* What? He didn't say that. Why would he say that!?
Him: Well that's what he told me. You can't help me with my list this year.
Me: OK. Why not?
Him: Because I'm going to see if I get the first thing on my list. Then I'll know if Santa's real or not.
Me: What is it? Heely's?
Him: Nope that's 2nd.
Me: A Wii?
Him: Nope that's 3rd.
Me: You want Heely's more than you want a Wii? *assuming that the thing he wants most will be first.
Him: No mom! There not in order! I'm just gonna make a list.
Me: Ummmm ok.
WOW! He's good. He's going to make a secret list of things he wants. This list will be in no certain order & will be kept hidden from the parents. This is his master plan. To find out The Truth.
After he'd left for school I texted the FIL.
Me: Did you tell Logan that Santa wasn't real? *I'm a bit frustrated. This is something I felt Josh & I should handle. You know...kinda like the Birds & The Bees talk.*
Him: He said he thinks he knows where the presents come from (smart kid). Asked me if it was so. I said it's ok to believe Santa Claus is real in our imagination. Best way I knew to tell the truth. Hope you're not mad.
Me: *this man is one of the most faithful I know. He didn't want to lie which is understandable. I mean, he IS a preacher after all.* I'm not mad I'm just not ready.
Him: Sorry. Wish he had not figured it out.

Then I went on to cook lunch for Brynn & I. The tears came. The sadness of a little boy growing up too fast consumed me. I knew it was coming. He had lots of questions last year. I just wanted to hold on another year or two. Does this mean the magic of Christmas will be lost for him? How do we broach this subject? Will he shed tears? I want to make it more about The True Meaning of Christmas for him now. The miracle of the birth of Jesus. The REAL Reason for the Season. Maybe I should go on and tell Brynn The Truth now and save us all the agony later.

Farm Day

2010-09-29T11:48:00.001-07:00

Last weekend we headed down the street with the kiddos to the

2nd Annual Agricultural Day.

It was going to have farm animals, hay rides, activities and it was

FREE!

I heart FREE.

We learned where our food comes from,

about composting & recycling &

what happens when our waters get polluted.

They had a huge Farm Animal Petting Zoo.

I decided to pass the camera off to The Hubs for the day.

Just to see what he would capture.

It was hard to let go & by the looks of things, I think I'll be holding onto it from now on.

This is Brynn & Smokey the Bear.

She LOVED the dressed up characters and hugged them

and gave them high fives like it was going out of style.

BUT, this is what he got. *sigh*

Now if you know my husband, you know is picture taking problems.

There's either always an eye closed, both eyes closed, a strange face or

he's just plain not looking.

I swear it's harder to get a picture of HIM than it is of the kids!

Please tell me this isn't an inherited trait.

Yes, that's a pet chicken and B loved him.

She loved him so much she almost squeezed the love right out of him.

Here's some shots of Logan on the hayride.

I'm not sure if Josh was even looking in the view finder for these.

I mean Logan's barely in the shot!

Poor guy. At least he was trying.

One reason I wanted to hand the camera off was so I could

actually be in some pics too.

I'm always behind the camera and I want them to know I was always there with them!

Even though Josh didn't get the BEST shots during the day,

he did get this one.

I actually really love it!

That's rare for me to say about a picture of myself.
We had a great time.

Just the Four of Us.

Who knows...

Maybe I'll hand the camera off again one day.

The Day That Shook Me To The Core

2010-09-13T13:27:00.000-07:00

Sunday was gonna be a great day!

I had high hopes for that day.
The weather was supposed to be gorgeous, I was really looking forward to church &
the NFL season was beginning.
After church I got a message that my Mema was coming to town.
I couldn't wait to see her!
I headed outside to round the boys up (my nephew was with us) because Josh was mowing and I knew they needed to come in before I left.
We were standing in the driveway.
Josh was in the middle of the front yard.
At least 20 feet from us.
I heard a loud smack.
Turned to Logan and saw red.
Blood curdling screams & Gushing red from Logan's head.
Dear Lord!!
What The!!??
My heart is pounding.
Josh stops mowing.
We run into the garage, I grab towels and apply pressure.
I devise a plan.
It's called the "Gotta Keep Myself Composed & Strong For Him" Plan.
I have to draw strength from somewhere.
Just then the In-Laws arrive (they'd planned on coming by after church).
We've gotta get to the ER!
The blood is literally squirting from his head and
the wound looks like a mini cave carved right out of his little skin.
Deep enough that it might have hit the skull!
Josh jumps in the back with Logan and I ride up front with Steve.
I'm trying (unsuccessfully) to keep my plan intact.
I have to hold it together for him.
It's not working!
Steve is driving the fastest I've ever seen that man go!
Like 50 MPH!!
Remaining completely calm the whole time.
I hear Logan say from the backseat,
"I'm really tired! Can I just go to sleep?"
NOOOO!!! GOD NO!!
I'm Losing him! This is it.
"Buddy, You have to stay awake. Sleep is not an option. Please GOD keep him awake!"
The minute I step foot in the ER I loose it.
Sobbing uncontrollably. I can't even get out our last name to the receptionist.
She looks shell-shocked.
Logan is turning very pale. He says he can't see and needs to go to the bathroom.
Josh carries him there while I'm attempting to fill out papers with a completely unsteady hand.
A man rounds the corner.
"There's a kid throwing up everywhere! We need help quick!"
I'm thinking, "Great! Some kid in the ER is super sick and Logan might catch that now!"
NOPE!
It's Logan!
They get us in a room.
Josh asks Logan if his ok.
He turns and sees the floods of water pouring from my eyes.
"I'm ok. Is my mom ok?"
I think, "Dear Lord! He knows he's ok because he's going to heaven!
He wants to make sure I'll be ok!! How can I be losing my little buddy this soon!?"
Routine cleaning and sterilizing begin. The doctors look nervous.
He's so pale and the wound is so big!
We wheel down to do the CAT scan.
I'm standing in the room with the nurses watching the X-rays of his brain on the screen.
Looking for any sign that something is wrong.
"I can't watch," I think. If I watch and see something that is really nothing it will not help with the whole "Gotta Keep Myself Composed & Strong For Him" Plan.
I turn away. Test is done and we will have results in 10 minutes.
Longest.10.Minutes.Of.My.Life!
If I had a knife I would've cut that tension to shreds.
But, Logan's talking. He's remembering things like what happened yesterday and what our plans for the week are. Color is coming back.
The Dr. strides in. He has an air of confidence about him.
This has to be a good sign."You're CAT scan results came back normal! Everything looks completely fine!"
The life that had been sucked out of me for what felt like forever finally returned.
My head stopped swimming with what if questions.He would be ok. He would be ours to keep and raise and cuddle for many many more years.
Then the Dr. turns to us and says, "I'm going to speak to you in grown up terms now so he doesn't understand."
I'M thinking, " Well, if he can't understand them then I probably can't either!
How old does he think Logan is?"
I prepare to follow along with some very scientific words and he says,
"He got very lucky. If the laceration had been a little farther left, on the temple,we might have had a very different outcome."
WOW! Very difficult to understand there buddy!
Now that we know there's no skull fracture or brain bleeding we wait.For close to 3 hours to complete the stitches.
But, I don't even care.
Cause my buddy is there and he's having conversations with us and joking around and he's here.
He will have stitches and a head bandage that resembles The Karate Kid for a week.
When we got home he said he was sorry for bleeding all over my dress and that when he threw up in the ER he stretched his neck as far out as he could so he wouldn't throw up all over his dads clothes.
Seriously, the kid is thinking of us when he's got the massive head wound.I slept in his floor last night.
I knew I'd need to get him to flip back on his back and re-adjust the bandages. He was very nervous and wanted to make sure I'd be waking him up every so often.
It was nice to be there and to be the one taking care of him and soothing his fears.
The bandages have now been replaced and the wound cleaned.
Life will resume tomorrow and I pray I never experience a day like that again.
Having the actual real life fear that you're losing your child is
the most painful thing I've ever experienced.
I can't help but think his Guardian Angel was in full effect that day.
I Thank GOD that the in-laws arrived when they did
that father-in-law had a steady hand and remained calm enough to drive us safely
that mother-in-law was there to watch the other kids
that HE gave him to US for keeps.

Because I Was Tagged...

2010-09-08T11:19:00.000-07:00

Yep, I got tagged by Ann.
So I'm gonna answer a few of her random questions.

If you could buy one object, no matter the cost, what would it be?
3. Because It's a good round number.
Again, this is if money was no object sooo no, it won't be happening.
Sorry, Mimi.

What is your favorite food?
Cheese dip. More specifically, queso from chili's.
Ohhh or Zaxby's chicken salads! I could eat those things every day!

How many cousins do you have?
MAN, there's ALOT of us!
Hold on, i gotta count...
There's 13 on my side
and, if I'm counting right, 23 on Josh's side.

Who was your first celebrity crush?
Leo DiCaprio. fo shizzle! I'm talking Growing Pains days here.

If you could interview any celebrity, who would it be and why?
Definitely Dave Matthews.
No question about it.
He's got an amazing backstory, being from South Africa and all.
PLUS, he does tons of humanitarian work.
AND he's an awesome, with a capitol AWE, singer/song writer/guitar player

What was the first concert that you went to?
Beach Boys.
My mom super hearted them.
It was at Starwood with the fam.
And we got to toss the beach ball around in the crowd.
Man, I miss Starwood.

Share your most embarrassing moment.
Probably when I spilled chocolate milk all over my white jeans in the 8th grade.

Another Year Older~Another Grade Higher

2010-08-31T11:24:00.001-07:00

Everyone says, "Fourth Grade is when it starts getting tough!"
More homework, more responsibility, more, more more!
Well, so far, they're right!
But before we get back to school we had a
Back To School Bash!
Lots of Kids
+
Lots of Water=
Lots of FUN!!!

NOW Back to School...
Getting back into the swing of things was not really something anyone was looking forward to. Gone are the glorious lazy days of summer. Waking up late, staying up even later.
This summer was a far cry from last summer when school couldn't get here fast enough. I think it's because Bynn's older and her and Logan actually PLAYED together.
We sure have enjoyed ourselves this summer, even if we didn't go on vacation. It's evident from the pics below that no one was ready for summer to end.

BUT, we made it.

And with this year, as I said earlier, comes more responsibility.
This is the year he gets his laptop.
Yep, his very own MAC(blasphemy in our house) to use until 6th grade!
You see, the hubs works at Dell and has for some time now!
The mere mention of us getting a MAC (I would LOVE to have one) has caused huffs and puffs that could blow a house down!
But, it's coming.
I hope we don't burst into flames when it comes through the doors.
And now I'm being asked to set up a kid friendly email account (that I monitor of course).
He will be able to communicate with his teacher this way, teaches him email etiquette and basically how to use this popular form of communication.
So much responsibility for such a little guy!!
I mean, isn't 9 just like a big toddler!?
I digress...
He is definitely entertaining at this age.
And it's pretty fun to carry on a conversation with him 'cause we kinda have the same sense of humor. Yes, I have the sense of humor of a 9 year old boy and I'm proud of it!

Welcome To Fourth Grade Buddy!!
can't wait to play on your mac.

The Sleep N*zi

2010-08-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

It was a nickname given to me by friends when my firstborn was a tot.

I know, I know, it sounds really bad but,

I was strict!

I'm pretty sure he had a 6:30 bedtime til he was 5.

Ok, maybe not that long but, pretty long.

He was NEVER to miss a nap.

If, for some odd reason, he did miss a nap

it took me forever to get him back on schedule.

See, he needed this schedule.

I needed this schedule.

I went something like this:

Wake: 6-6:30

Get us both up, fed and ready for day.

Him off to preschool, me off to college.

Study, learn, study, learn

Pick him up at 12:15

Nap: 12:30

I could study & get homework done.

Wake: around 3

Play, take a walk, get ready for dinner (eat promptyly at 5 cause mamas hungry)

Bedtime: 6:30ish

Me: possibly off to night class

See how perfectly planned the day was!?

Now, with my secondborn, I'm definitely a little more relaxed.

She must take a nap but bedtime can be pushed back a little if need be.

Like Fourth of July, she was up til 10!!

That NEVER would have happened with Logan.

There's even been a crazy occasion or two where she's missed a nap!

Like, if we are on the lake at nap time.

This isn't often but it's happened.

See how much more lenient I am now?

So why so strict with sleep schedules? What's really the point?

I mean, they'll be out of the naps soon anyway right?

Don't they need to work around my schedule?

I'm glad you asked!

These are my thoughts. These are in no way meant to be seen as THE way and if you don't do them you're a bad person. Just my thoughts and how & why I do things. Yes, sometimes I get heckled for my strictness, hence the nickname but, hey I'm ok with that!

Schedules

Kids love schedules. Really it's true! I can't remember a book or article I didn't read this in.

They like to know what's coming next. That lunch will be around 11:30.

That they'll nap after lunch and so on and so forth.

Ofcourse there's times you need to be flexible (ie vacations, special outings) but, for the most part, stick to what they know.

I mean, let's face it, they'll have a schedule pretty much the rest of their lives. Whether it's school schedule, work schedule or just palin being on time to meetings/events.

Kids are happier when they know what to expect and get the right amount of sleep.

Especially when they have a nap.

It's easier for you, for them and for whoever may be keeping your kids if you're away.

Schedules makes for less tantrums throughout the day and

who doesn't want less tantrums!!??

Falling Asleep and Staying Asleep

One of the hardest things to teach babies is how to fall asleep and stay asleep on their own.

I have taken the Feber approach with both of mine to help with this.

It takes time and patience and no kid will do it in the same amount of time as the other but, it works. If you stick to it and a few days or weeks of trials will payoff ten-fold in the long run! The Ferber Method, is not a leave them to cry until they pass out method as some might think. It's more like, do your sleep routines (bath, book, bed etc...), get them drowsy but not asleep yet and put them to bed. If they start fussing, wait 5 min., go in to re-assure them, say goodnight and leave. Never pick them back up.

Add 5 min. every time until they finally fall asleep.

This teaches them to not only expect sleep at certain times but, also how to put themselves to sleep. And even put themselves back to sleep if they happen to wake up in the middle of the night. These are lessons they'll need for the rest of their lives.

Co-Sleeping

Not.My.Thing.

At all, not ever.

I know it works for some, having a family bed and all and they love it.

I say more power to 'em.

I, however, like my bed and my room in that bed. I like my personal space when I sleep.

The only time I've let our kids in the bed is in their first few months because they are nursing throughout the night. B was in her bed at 2 months and Logan at 5 months.

I have never laid down with them to get them to nap. They can easily get confused, think that's what they need to sleep and then it takes so much longer to break that habit. I can't imagine having to do that everytime they were supposed to nap! I'd never get anything accomplished. I have had an issue with Logan sneaking in the bed in the wee hours of the morning but, that's because he's beds wet and that's a whole other topic!

White Noise

It is a life saver. I highly suggesting purchasing a sound machine before the babies home.

They are used to that sound of swooshes and whooshes in your belly. Plus it helps to drown out any background noise that might wake them (ie other kiddos, doorbell, having friends over). This does not mean falling asleep to a tv. That, to me, is just another bad habit. One that just might follow them into adulthood. I think you'll just know when to stop with the sound machine. When Logan was around 4 he pretty much told me he was done with it and it's never been an issue. That kid could sleep through anything.

I know my thoughts are completely different from others and I am in no way saying it's my way or no way but, I do have pretty strong feelings regarding sleep. It's worked very well for us. Having these sleep habits instilled early in life can only make for

happier kids throughout the day.

To sum up my thoughts, this is a great excert from a book I love

Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child:

"Sleep is the power source that keeps your mind alert and calm. Every night and at every nap sleep recharges the brains battery, increases brainpower and your attention span. Sleeping well allows you to be physically relaxed and mentally alert at the same time.

Then you are at your personal best."

To see short term and long term effects of good sleep habits

(or lack thereof) check out this link.

Sleep Habits

What are your thoughts?

Potty Training 101

2010-07-28T13:05:00.001-07:00

I had been planning since Brynn's 2nd birthday to start the potty training process this summer.
My plan of attack was to just stay home as much as possible
and let her run around naked, moving the potty from room to room with us.
Her prize would be a sticker to decorate the potty and a few chocolate covered raisins.
I figured that summer would be the best time since we didn't have any vacation plans
and I wouldn't have to worry about running Logan back and forth to school.
Well, our washer broke, as you might remember.
At the beginning of summer.
Plans were thwarted.
BUT
Floors are now dunzo!
And potty training has begun!

Notice her strategically placed sticker for one success.

Things went very slow.
She'd have 3 accidents to every success.
I was feeling discouraged.
"Did I start this too early? Is she really ready? How will I know for sure?"
So many questions.

A week and a half later.
We are getting there.
Today was a major milestone!
She pooped AND peed without me even having to ask!
To make the day even better,
Logan ran upstairs to me this afternoon and said she'd pooped again!
She had even taken it to the big potty, dumped it out and flushed!!
All By Herself!!
Today has given me renewed confidence that she IS ready.
She CAN do this.
Who knows, maybe she'll be fully trained by the time school starts back in a week.
Plus, it's pretty darn cute seeing this bare butt running around the house all day.
*although dads not too thrilled with it*

And not one accident has happened on our
glorious new floors that I'll post about soon.
Promise.

My Dear Son Logan's Future...

2010-07-23T20:59:00.001-07:00

Apparently includes this:

Which is completely fine!
Because I LOVE Jeeps.
BUT

It also includes these:

And if you don't know, those are spinners.

Yep.

He wants a Jeep with spinners for his first car.

He's been saying this for about a year now.

Hmmmmm
So I guess it'd look a little like this:

But in my mind,

it looks like this:

Yes, I know that's a hummer but still.

To make matters worse...

He spotted one of these gems in my sis in laws car the other day

(for what reason she had it in there I haven't a clue)

His eyes twinkled off the fake gemstones.

As soon as I saw it I knew what was coming.

"MOM! What is THIS!?"

Eyes of wonderment are abounding.

"Can I have it?"

I do NOT like where this is going.

I mean, kids change their minds all the time right!?

My Daily Monlogue

2010-07-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

Having Brynn toddle along behind me all day

makes for some very interesting conversation.

Really!

It's riveting!

I'll give you an example:

Me: Brynn are you hungry?

Her: A ewe hungy?

Me: Brynn, where's your cup?

Her: Wheres cup?

Me: MAN! It's so hot outside!

Her: Soo Hot Mom!

Me: You're hot too?

Her: Hot too?

Me: Brynn! Why are you soaking wet?

Her: soakin wet.

Me: Did you play in the potty?

Her: Play potty?

Me: BRYNN! Why is there poop all over your bed!!??

Her: POOP BED!!

Me: Did you poop in your bed?

Her: Poop bed?

Me: Yep, I think so.

Her: Yep, tink so.

These are just snipets of stimulating conversations that happen 24/7 around here.

Like a conversation with yourself all day long.

Maybe one day she'll actually start answering questions but,

for right now, it's pretty darn funny and I'm ok with that.

Her: Ok wit dat.

Finding Sleep

2010-07-13T07:26:00.000-07:00

Some nights it's very hard for me to find sleep.

It doesn't happen alot

but when it does,

MAN my brain is on overload!

WELL

Last night was one of those nights.

Ofcourse I think about things that are stressing me out

But, I also write blog posts in my head.

I do this ALOT

and they never get written.

So today I decided to write a small list of posts I wrote in my head

This way, I'll HAVE to write them!

At least before the end of the year.

Here Goes:

9/11

(this would be thanks to the movie Remember Me that I just watched)

My Super Awesome Amazing Friends

He's Not So Little Anymore

The Sleep N*zi

(Don't want to use that term loosely but that's what my friends call me)

The Tales of a Two Year Old Toddler

Soooooo That's 5 right there.

I know I can do it!

*UPDATED*

I went to see what the kids were into and Logan informed me he HAD to build this castle from Lego's. He'd laid awake thinking about it and designing it and it had to be built!

WOW we are so alike it's scary sometimes.

THIS TOWN

2010-07-06T12:36:00.000-07:00

This Night

This Crowd

Come on put em up

Let me hear it loud.

This Town

This City

This Crowd

Stand up on your feet

Put your worry down

And everyone of you

All Around

Come on ya'll let's take this town

I know I've mentioned Smithville before.

And the Fiddlers Jamboree that's held there every 4th of July.

My entire dad's side of the family lives here.

But, in all my 30 years of going, I've never really taken any pictures of this spectacular event!

Well, that's all changed now my friend!

I wanted to really capture the

True Essence of Smithville.

Let's explore it through photos now:

This is my cousins pool that we swim at every year.

It's on a golf course and right beside my Mema's house.

It's peaceful and country and I love it.

Here we have the Square.

Where all the action is!

I spent MANY evenings scouring these streets for boys

with whichever friend made the trip up with me that year.

And, ofcourse, with my dear friend Rachel (whose family I mentioned before) from ATL.

Obviously this was many years ago.

This particular photo

Cracks

UP!

I mean, when will you ever see

Facepainting

Bratwurst Ice Cream

Italian Bistro

And a man clad in a sleeveless tiger shirt.

Yes.

Really.

That's ALL happening here.

I have no clue what these little puppets are actually called

But I had to have one!

Every year!

You just weren't quite cool if you weren't walking around

with a fake pet on marionette strings.

Anyone know their name?

Mmmmm

FESTIVAL FOOD!

Fried Twinkies, Oreos AND Moonpies.

Deep Fried Pizza

And Batter Fried Veggies.

Ehhh

I'll start my diet tomorrow.
These rays were

BREATHTAKING
I have no good commentary here

except I really liked these colors.

Don't you just want to sit on the curb

With a Sweet Tea

And maybe a

Deep Fried Moon Pie

And listenin to these fellas!

I told you my ENTIRE family lives here.

I'm pretty certain there's also a

Cantrell's Car Lot

Cantrell's Cemetary

Cantrell's Pizza Inn
*maybe not*

I just really liked this shot.

He looks all

Teenagey

and

Angsty

And I love the fact that the mailbox beside him has

SPARKLE

written in the dirt.

Ole Timey Pharmacy

My other cousin is the pharmacist here.

This may or may not have been a

good boy meeting alley.

Look at those ladies!
And that pink building!

And the aqua detailing!

I can definitely see why

Cantrell's Jewelry

Is Going Out of Business

with

Granny's Goldmine

to compete with.

This shirt along with a

Belly Button Lent Brush

were just a few of the treasures we encountered.

Yes, belly button lent brush.

My OTHER cousins house is just up the street from here and you must see it!

He's selling it and I took the photos for him.

It's glorious.

I'll post them soon.

Til Next Year Jamboree!

Ahoy Matey Shower

2010-06-24T10:49:00.001-07:00

As me and the girls were sitting around brainstorming ideas for this shower it seemed to be going nowhere. Maybe we shoule just do colors. Not really a theme. That's kinda how her room is decorated anyway.

Then it hit us.

Like a ton of bricks!

A sailboat theme!

Blues & Reds & Starfish & Sailboats!

AHOY!

Our main inspiration is from the photos of the

Proud Parents to be below.

These crazy kids had Team O (for Overton) shirts made for a canoe trip one year.

His said Captain on the front and hers, First Mate.

I decided to use a photo from her recent Maternity shoot I did as the guest book.

And I also FINALLY got to make these adorable Pom Poms I've been dying to make
(via Martha Stewart)!
Don't they just SCREAM party! I love them.
So festive.

Everything on this cake is edible.

EVERYTHING!

Even that plastic looking baby.

Honestly it kinda freaks me out.

A baby being edible.

But man that cake is gorgeous!

See!? Would YOU feel right eating that baby!?

These tees were made by our friend Katie. Some were iron ons and some she sowed
(is that the right word)! How cute is that guitar!

I had to throw in this shot of sweet Annabelle.

She's not feeling the baby eating either.

Seriously. I'm dying to take this little girls pictures!

One Proud Mama-To-Be

You think it's hard to take pictures of a group of kids?

Try a LARGE group of ladies!

Seriously, when we all get together it's pretty much constant chatter & laughter.

I Love You All!

Exhibit A:

Where's Jenn? I can't see Jenn?

Emily, what are you doing to Baby Ethan?

Amanda, are you still eating?

At least Michelle's ready.

Exhibit B:

Still can't see Jenn.

Teesha? Is that you peeping in there?

Now Michelle's gone and Katie & Emily are just so HAPPY to be there.

Exhibit C:

Carrie. Why are you still singing?

Amber, Carrie's singing is not THAT funny.

Tina. Smile!

Michelle's still gone but there's Jenn!

Exhibit D:

FINALLY!

I think we got everyone In

And everyone Looking!

Can't wait to meet you Baby Ethan.

You guys will be Amazing, Loving parents.

He's one lucky little guy.

Artificial Cousins just like the sweetner but better

2010-06-23T15:15:00.000-07:00

By the looks of them

You'd never guess

That 2 of them

Live 10 hours away!

They pick up

Right where they left off.

Everytime.

Like a never ending

Game of Monopoly

Their Love

Is that everlasting.

They will be

Friends Til the END

But it sure is hard to say goodbye.

Washing Machine Disasters

2010-06-04T18:49:00.000-07:00

It was a typical day in the Decker Home. Logan had spent the night with his Mimi & Poppy the night before & Josh had left for work. It was just me and the Beezer. I showered, made breakfast, threw in a load of laundry (because B had peed everywhere AGAIN) & swiffered the tile. I decided I would mop after I'd placed some photo orders for clients.

I was upstairs for 15 minutes when I heard a blood-curtling scream like no other!

I ran down to see B soaking wet.

Then I see a little wetness on the floor.

"Great, she's gotten into Ellie's waterbowl again," I think.

But, then I keep looking. I keep seeing more water. And more water. An inch of standing water in the kitchen, living room & the hallway is drenched!! Do you see the drenchedness!! (yes, that's a word) I panic! What the heck am I supposed to do! Call Josh. He comes home and immediately calls insurance company.

"Please LORD, Please let them pay for the flooring! PLEASE!," I pray.

First they decided to sent out a cleaning crew. So for the past week we've had NINE of these bad boys on full blast.

Yea, it's been great! The noise of a furious wind tunnel and the smell of 20 wet dogs living here for years. MmmmmMMmmm. Then there's this guy:

Apparently he takes moisture out of the air and pumps it into our sink somehow. Pretty cool huh! On the upside, we get all new flooring in both downstairs baths, new baseboards, hallway & (hopefully) bedrooms carpeted. I'm tellin ya, if they don't re-carpet the whole downstairs me and Mr. Insurance Guy are gonna have a chat. I mean, the carpets are done buddy. I'm not gonna have carpet in the hall & one bedroom matching and freshly new and old wet dog smell carpet in the other 2 bedrooms. Not gonna happen!

OH, and since our washing machine did this I'm having to farm-out our washing.

To Be Continued...

The End of an Era

2010-05-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

I can still remember the first time I saw it on TV. The ever-so-close-up of the eye opening. The tall swaying trees that were mirrored there. The sheer chaos that Jack sees when he first stumbles onto the beach. A mangled plane, the ear piercing whirring sound, grief-stricken screams, an explosion. I didn't know where the show would take me or what exactly was in store for the characters but I did know I was 100%, without a doubt, hooked.

If you don't know by now, I'm talking about LOST.

It has taken me a few days since the finale aired to write about. I needed time to process what I learned, how I felt & whether or not I was satisfied with the outcome. Now that I've seen LOST in it's entirety, would I recommend it to a friend? Can I even try to sum up what it was about?

The writers of LOST wove a story so intricately that people will still be talking about it 50 years from now. I don't think you will be able to talk about television without mentioning the show. It was nothing like anyone had ever seen.

I feel that, at it's core, it was a character study. The paths people choose and those that are there with them. What will we remember the most on down the line about our lives? The people. There are many details that remain a mystery but, I think it's because it wasn't really that important to begin with. The answers may not have been put right in front of our faces but, they're there. People tend to get so completely wrapped up in details that sometimes you miss the big picture.

It was a show that mixed theology with physics with the ever-elusive time/space continuum. It introduced you to different books and made references to certain things or people in history. LOST made you think and read and research things you probably wouldn't have otherwise. It made you dig deeper and broaden your horizons. Constatnly pushing itself and, intern, made you do the same.

Was I happy with the finale? YES! Did I cry throughout? YES! And did I sob the can't catch your breath sob for the last 10 minutes? YES! If you haven't seen it...Do So! You won't regret it. Promise.

LOST you will be missed.

We had a great 6 seasons together & I wouldn't change a thing.

Thank you for making me think just a little harder each week.

This Is The

2010-05-16T17:52:00.000-07:00

Heaven Help Me

Age Ain't Nothin But A Number

2010-05-11T22:11:00.000-07:00

And I truly believe that.

The BIG one has come and gone.

I don't feel a day over 25.

Probably never will.

Being thirty doesn't bother me in the least.

I kinda feel like I was made to be a 30 year old.

That being said,

I've never been one to make a big deal about my birthday plans.

I'm more like, "Here's what I'm doing."

"Can you come?"

"GREAT!"

"Can't make it?"

"Maybe next year."

I wanted this year to be different.

To be surrounded by my friends.

Don't get me wrong,

I had a fabulous family night.

But I really wanted my friends night

(this completely excludes my dear friend who's 9 months preggers &

Ann who I COMPLETELY forgot to add to my evite list!!! I'm so stinkin sorry)

It was stressing me out completely.

I just wanted someone to help me because I was lost.

Basically it ended with a friend coming to the rescue a week and a half before

And, with that short of notice on TOP of the flooding, only a handful of people could come.

Changing the date wasn't even an option.

I had already asked off for that weekend

and everyones calendars are filling up fast!

I am so thankful to those that did come.

Even after their worn out days of work and endless responsibilities.

It means more than you'll ever know.

I mean, 30 only happens

once right!?

Sometimes I feel like maybe I was expecting too much.

I guess everyone has grandiose ideas about such a BIG milestone.

I had a blast with those that came.

I mean, We DID have our own private concert

at a beautiful cabin inspired joint.

And hilarity ensued when games were played.

But I can't seem to help but feel down.

I may not come to everybody's everything

But I make sure I'm there when it really matters.

Even if it's hard on me for a day.

I can't say it was the best birthday ever.

I wish I could.

I wanted sooooo bad for it to be.

There's always next year right.

Can You Guess...

2010-05-06T06:05:00.000-07:00

Her Age?

Well right here she's probably about 1.

Born on 5-6 at 6:05

This probably explains her weird obsession with numbers

but that's a completely separate post.

By this time she had been walking for about 5 months already

and had potty trained herself.

That's right, don't feel bad.

She's just that smart!

Seriously.

She's lived in the same town her whole life

and wouldn't change a thing.

Family is tops in her book!

Her town went from a small & sleepy to one of the fastest growing in the nation.

Probably thanks to this little gal right here.

*i kid i kid*

Rarely got in trouble until she drew a hopscotch board on the harwood

just like on Sesame Street.

Or squeezed an entire tube of toothpaste in the sink

just like Ramona Quimby.

Organized a BabySitters Club

but never got business.

Spent summers at Center Hill lake with her Mema for weeks at a time

Kingsport for the Hot Air Balloon races

Myrtle Beach or Clearwater for vaca

And once a year to ATL to visit family friends

I'm told, as a child, she never met a stranger

and was constantly smiling.

Had here Voltron collection next to her massive Barbie collection

(that her daughter will one day inherit and she better be hapy about it).

Joined the Swim Team in HS

But would have rather joined Track.

She loves, loves, loves music and wishes she could draw.

Playing piano helps her relax.

Regrets not joining the School Newspaper or Photography Club.

Had a few semi-serious boyfriends but none compared to Him.

She got a little lost somewhere around here

but found her way.

Remember, she is

Just That Smart

Graduated college with a degree in PR.

And had some of the best times of her life!

(none of which will compare to what's ahead)

Is now on her way to growing her very own

Photography Business.

She married her highschool sweetheart

And has the closest of friends all from right here in the Middle TN area.

That and Two of the Most Beautiful Children EVER

Complete Her Life

That's right.

It's Me

And Now I am 30.

*ps i totally backdated this post*

And Now For The Sappy Birthday Post

2010-05-05T13:38:00.000-07:00

The other day

I was talking to one of you classmates mom

who has a daughter in middles school

She talked of how she feels so un-involved in the middle school

Rarely eating with your child in the cafeteria

Small amount of communication with the teacher

Basically not much assistance is needed at all from us Parents

This made me sad.

I know it's coming.

You're

NINE

now for heavens sake.

So as I walked into your class to eat your birthday lunch with you

and deliver cookies to the class

I thought of how lucky I am to be able to do this.

To come into your school freely and see if your teacher needs help

To bring special things in on special days

To be involved with the school as a whole

And, in turn, be involved with your life, your friends, your work.

I shudder to think of the day you won't need or want me as much anymore.

I know it's a part of growing and spreading your wings

BUT

As for now, you need me!

More importantly, you want me there!

So I'm there.

You are maturing so fast!

And observing surroundings even faster.

You're kind to others

Make friends easily

Love music, video games, candy and soccer.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Lightning Thief and Silly Bandz.

You read your FIRST long chapter book with NO pictures this year!!
(The Lightning Thief)

While in your class your teacher had all the kids say something nice about you if they wished

What your friend Joseph said

Made My Heart MELT

"Logan, I like you because you're a really good friend and

whenever I'm sad you help me put on my happy face."

On Your 9th Birthday

2010-05-05T11:11:00.000-07:00

I had a LOT planned!

Everything Outside

It would be your very first SleepOver

I was nervous, excited, ready for my impending night of non-sleeping.

You could hardly STAND to wait for Saturday to come.

The boys were to come at 3pm for WATER WARS

Capture the flag watergun style

Then we'd play

badmitton

basketball

ladderball

maybe even slip-N-slide

HOWEVER

weather had a different opinion of how the day would go.

Serious threats of tornodos surrounded us

Everyone was nervous considering what happened last year.

The boys eventually came but, not til 5:30

We DID manage a few games of Capture The Flag (minus the water guns)

You guys LOVED it

You Strategized

And made Secret Sneak Attacks

And took your Flag Guarding

VERY seriously

But it got dark quick and we had to retreat.

Ohhhh Mother Nature

Why do you test me so!?

Many MANY video games were played

You wrestled and fought and made faces on silly stinky boys make

Cake & Pizza were consumed

and so was

HELIUM!

Yep, and I think I actualy started that one.

WHOOPS sorry parents.

They all began busting the balloons and talking like cartoon versions of themselves.

I made an attempt to corral the boys for a fun game of

CHARADES

But it didn't go so well.

I think you guys finally drifted off around

2 AM

We gave out water guns, blow pops and

SILLY BANDZ

For party favors

Wake time was somewhere between 5 & 7.

I can't be too sure exactly

I was a tad tired.

BUT YOU

had a blast!

And so did your friends!

Can I jus say how awesome these kids are!

Yes, they're rowdy at times

But they're also kind and respectful and encouraging to others

We Survived! Your First Sleepover!!

Love you Buddy

Happy Nine Years of Life

*sappy post from mom to come*

What Can Water Do?

2010-05-02T18:25:00.000-07:00

Well, it's great for drinking!

Keeps me hydrated throughout the day.

I also like to shower using it.

Washes dirt & grime away nicely.

Also helps with the brushing of teeth.

And let's not forget swimming!

Swimming pools are a staple of summer around here!

BUT

Water can do more...

Much MUCH more.

You know that awesome new pool you got?

The one you couldn't wait to use?

Yea, no need for it really.

Not now that there's a lake in your yard.

What's that?

You wanted to catch some pre-season practice at LP Field?

Not today.

A nice cruise down the Cumberland at sunset on the General Jackson?

Something tells me it'll be a while.
OH you're hungry!
For cheese dip.
You mean that awesome little Mexican Restaurant
I think they're already closed.

Well, we were supposed to go to your game tonight but

All Games Have Been Cancelled

The water that has dumped on the Middle Tennessee area

the past few days was/is

No Joke.

So many people have had so much heartache

Rescue searches are still being conducted

People are still stranded

Some refusing to leave their homes!

I didn't think our area could take it again!

The image below is supposed to be our interstate.

A main vessel in and out of Nashville

One I've taken many many times.
Can you even imagine the sheer terror these people felt?

My heart aches for them.
The images are saddening.

People have lost loved ones

Cars have been destroyed

Their homes, their place of safety

The place you wanna go to when you've had the worst day ever

Is un-inhabitable.

Mother nature has had her way with us

and she doesn't mess around.

Lives will continue

There may always be a hole but

Hearts will heal

Houses will be re-built

Things will be re-bought

Cars will be replaced

Streets will be repaved

And businesses will eventually carry on *hopefully*

Our area will be OK

And we'll all still be here til the

Cows Come Home

*all images via WSMV news site/FLICKR*

That's My BOY!

2010-04-23T12:44:00.001-07:00

Every night

Before bed

Logan lays his clothes

out for the next day.

Just as if he were wearing them.

Although I was DEFINITELY not like that at his age

I am now.

What a funny little guy!!

Pickles & Ice Cream Shower

2010-04-20T12:30:00.001-07:00

Last weekend we had a fabulous shower

for a dear friend

Carol.

She's adding a new baby girl to our mix!

Baby Macy

{love that name}

Me & the girls brainstormed ideas for the shower.

First it was just gonna be an

Ice Cream Sundae Shower

Then We thought

Pickles & Ice Cream!

Brilliant!

Above is the adorable invite *ahemthatimadeahem*

Below is probably my favorite thing from the shower!

I designed these little onesies on the computer and printed them on

Iron On transfer paper

Iron them on, hang by cutsie ribbon & voila!

A cute decoration AND she can actually use them!

Close up of my favositest little onesie for my favoritest new little girl!

The Sundae Buffet in all it's glory.

Mmmmmm I'm getting hungry just looking at it!

In the back you can see the Sundae Glasses.

We gave those out as favors *they're from the Dollar Tree*

and attached a cute little saying to the bottom

with adorable ribbon of course.

In the very back is a hand painted canvas *by the oh so talented Julie*

that we all signed and wrote well wishes on.

Just wanted to make sure I made you good and hungry...

Here's where the pickles come in.

Jamie brought her mother's homemade pickles to go with the cravings above!

Really, who doesn't like pickles!?

Pink Carnations stuffed in ice cream cones.

Another hand painted canvas by the talented Julie.

Seriously, she needs to go into business doing this stuff!

If she had a blog I'd totally link to her.

I've got her working on something for my bedroom as we speak!

Had to throw in a shot of this adorable little gal and her mama!

I love a good chunk baby and she fits the bill.

Group Shot
Can't wait to meet you Baby Macy!!
Brynn has lots planned for the 2 of you.

Dear Blog,

2010-04-07T11:45:00.000-07:00

I'm Oh So Sorry I've been neglecting you!

I haven't been just loungin' around twiddlin' my thumbs though.

Promise.

I wouldn't do that to you!

I've been

Working

Taking Care of nephews PLUS my own 2

Spring Breakin' it

Plannin' an UBER-Cute baby shower that I'll show you all the details from soon

Plannin' a 9 Year Old's Birthday Party

Attempting (unsuccessfully) to plan my OWN brithday soiree...

Dirty 30's here I come

But

Most importantly

I've been workin'

HARD

on my very own

PHOTOGRAPHY WEBSITE!!

That's right!

You heard it here first.

Well, maybe not really first but whatevs

Wanna see it?

You knoooooow you do!

OK! OK! Calm down! Here it is

Just click the image below with that beautiful little girl:

Now That You're 2...What Can You Do?

2010-03-08T19:35:00.000-08:00

Talk like nobody's business. You repeat the last word or two of everything I say!

"Brynn, you're supposed to poop on the potty!"

"Poooop on Potttty"

Recognize letters and either start saying, "A, B, C..." or "wettters"

Same with numbers. You count to 5 if I say it along with you but at 6 you always say 7!

Recognize and can name animals, as well as, the sounds they make.

LOVE being outside. If the door is left ajar you are out in a flash!

Running at lightning speed saying FAST as you go.

Greet everyone you meet with a HI and a grin.

Love storytime and talk about it every morning.

Sing:

I Wub Ewe

Happy Burday toooo CAKE

Itsy Spiiiiiider

Remember places we pass when we're driving in the car.

Ex: Everytime we pass the bank with the water fountain that turns to ice in the winter you say

ICE! MOMMY ICE!!

Fun Facts:

We say, "Be Sweet!"

You...tilt head to rest on your shoulder and give sheepish grin.

You have a super awesome fake laugh!

The Mema Walk. Nuff said.

Milk is a necessity in the morning. You chug it like you're an old sailor at the end of a hard day.

You & Logan are oh so fond of each other and play well together (for the most part). To send him off to school in the morning you wave, say baaayyaaa & blow kisses. Then you yell BOBO!

And tear up.

Oh, you've got the *sad face* down pat. I've never seen a lip so far out and eyes so pitiful before in my life! Me & your dad try to avert your attention and then secretly laugh to ourselves. It's so darn cute and I'm pretty sure you know it.

You love to wear

Our shoes. Your puuuse. Necklaces.

Anything girly.

Barney, Kai-Lan, Yo Gabba Gabba & The Wiggles are your faves.

I ask how old you are and you say

I 2! And hold up your 2 pointer fingers.

Your the Best Baby Girl I could ever ask for!

Being 2 suits you.

Me & My Boobs

2010-03-02T12:10:00.000-08:00

There. I said it.

Boobs.

We go everywhere together.

Like 2 Peas in a Pod.

I've become quite found of them and them of me. It's part of what makes me a girl.

What if, one day, they were gone!?

Replaced by fake chicken cutlet thingys!

Smooshy, little, gel-like thingys.

Oh the Horror!

Even worse, what if Just One was gone!?

Then there'd be the one real and the one fake.

Always one feeling inferior to the other.

How strange would THAT be!

It's a reality I'd rather not face but, one I'm destined to deal with.

The fact is, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer at around 36!

HOLY COW!!!

That's just a few short years from now!

Logan would be 14 *gasp* & Brynn would be 8!

And Josh 39. Just on the cusp of 40.

So many years ahead of them that they'll need me for.

They may not admit it but they'll need me.

I'll have words of wisdom and inspiration for them and I'll always be their biggest fan!

There through the good and the bad and I Want It All!

Every Stinkin' Minute Of It!

So I'm taking steps.

Precautionary measures to find tell-tale sings that might signal a problem.

When I first mentioned something to my GYNO about wanting to get started with mammograms she sent me to a Dr. Woman.

Upon first meeting she was shocked at my age. Said they'd never had someone as young as me come in. Then she used the word HIGH-RISK over & over again.

I kinda wore the title like a badge of honor while in her care. We questioned whether or not insurance would cover certain things and she'd say,

"Well I really think it's important and I'll appeal it if they don't. I'll write off your office visits if you're not covered cause I wanna follow you."

In some weird way, that kinda made me feel special.

Her first recommendation was BRCA (sounded out like Braca).

A genteic test that shows if I carry a gene for Breat Cancer.

But would I really want to know this? Yeah, I think so. If it came back positive I can take steps to reduce my chances of getting it by 50%.

So yeah, I think I'd rather know and be able to care for it early than turn a blind eye.

If insurance does NOT cover BRCA I am still scheduled for yearly mammograms with every other year doing the Breast Ultrasound.

Dr. Woman feels that having both of these gives you the best overall image of the area.

At the age of 28 I had my first mammogram.

At the age of 29, my first Breat Ultrasound.

Wish Me Luck On My Journey.

Brynn's 2 Sweet Candy Shop

2010-02-27T05:51:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take a minute to discuss what kind of party planning actually

went on behind the scenes of this 2nd birthday party.

The theme was pretty easy.

One of my favorite sites for party ideas is Design Dazzle.

I was stuck between the Milk & Cookies party and the Candy Bar.

Once I googled the candy bar party and saw all the magnificient things that

could be done my theme was decided.

Her Mema got her an adorable outfit to wear that had a 2 on the shirt and a cupcake skirt.

I took photos of her and the lollipop and preceded to design her invites in photoshop.

I'm pretty pleased with how they turned out!

On to the Candy Bar!!

Most of the glass jars were flower vases I had or were borrowed. All except for the round ones with the lids. They were half off at Hobby Lobby! Love that store.

These little treasures below are called Cake Pops

& were inspired by the oh so talented Bakerella.
Nana is the baker in the family and created these as well as the Birthday Cake below.

My Giant Lollipops!
These were soooo easy and so stinkin cute! I got 2 big dowel rods, cellaphane and ribbon.

The pool noodles were donated by Mimi & Poppy. See, no one thinks to sell pool noodles in the middle of February! Boggles my mind. Hot glue pool noodles into a circle. This is no easy task and must be done with 2 people. One to glue and one to hold noodle in place. Let it dry for a few minutes and ram the rod through the middle. Wrap with cellaphane.

Tie with a ribbon and voila! Giant Lollipops!

My next project was the Lollipop Topiary. Now for some reason I have a lot of different size styrofoam balls, ribbon and a lot of small/medium wood dowels laying around. So I used 2 of the balls, 2 of the dowels, got 2 silver buckets from the dollar store and some lollipops.

Put square styrofoam in the bottom of the bucket and fill with marbles or rocks. Whatever you have to weight it down. Stick the lollipops in the styrofoam balls. Insert the dowel into the foam in bucket and hot glue it together. For extra support. Insert ball into other end of dowel and hot glue it at the base of the ball. Put tulle in base to hide rocks and tie with ribbon.

Lollipop Topiary

Candy Shop Labels

Now these jars would been cute just plain with the candy showing but, let's go one step further. I made up some labels. Printed them out and cut with scrapbook scissors. Used some of my extra ribbon from the topiary's to put around the jars. They looked OK but, something was missing. I had some old scrapbook stickers (you see, at one time I intended to scrapbook...then I found BLOGGING!) I think these were Martha Stewart. I added them to the sides of the labels. NOW it looks finished! It's all about the details people.

The Banner
Scrapbook paper cut into triangles. Unfinished wood letters from Hobby Lobby. Half-Off! Seriously people, Hobby Lobby has phenomenal sales! Paint letters and glue onto paper. Let dry and hot glue ribbon.

TWO SWEET BANNER. Easy-peasy

Chalkboards

AGAIN, Half-off unfinished wood chalk boards from HL. Hot glued excess ribbon I had from Giant Lollipops and add a few pieces of candy from crafts I already had. I used these for a HAPPY BIRTHDAY sign & for The Candy Store menu.

Last but not least...PARTY FAVORS & GUEST BOOK!!

I kinda felt a little bad about all the sweets. Just a little. So I got the 3 pack of toothbrushes from the Dollar Tree and the swirl lollipops from my work (I get 40% off!) Tie with a ribbon and add a little tag. DONE
Logan didn't know what to get Brynn so I suggested the Dr. Seuss Happy Birthday To You book. We sat it by the favors and had everyone sign it. I made a little picture to go with it so people would know to sign it. Can you see the shout out to my favorite musician in the writing;)?

All in all I think the party was a success! Lots of people commented on the decor. Yes, it was time consuming but, the crafts were not hard! Honestly, I think the more stuff you can do yourself, the more meaningful & in-expensive it will be! I had a blast doing it and I think she had a blast being the star of the show.

Go Figure...

2010-02-25T08:31:00.000-08:00

I first heard of them at work.

Girls of all ages were in search.

Even girls in highschool!

You could tell as soon as they came in the door what they were after.

They stormed in. An air of hysteria about them.

Panicked even.

Marched striaght back to the counter bypassing all the

Justin Beiber

New Moon

& Zhu Zhu Pet

Paraphenalia.

You

Have

SILLY BANDZ!?

A crazed look appeared in their eyes at the sound of the word.

"No, I'm sorry! We've been out for a few weeks now."

A slightly muffled maniacal laugh would escape their lips

as they slowly backed away from the counter.

Still in search.

The silly, stretchy, made-of-plastic bandz that will surely make their life better!

I wondered to myself if Logan would like these.

Nah, they're bracelets! They're probably just for girls!

The first week of February he comes in the house.

I know that look.

I've seen that look before.

Panicked

Air of Hysteria

Crazed Eyes

"MOM! I need SILLY BANDZ!!!"

"They're cool and stretchy and shaped like things and Evan has like 30 something and Joseph has like 60 something.

Go to Wal-Mart, Blockbuster, CVS or maybe Walgreens.

They have them.

I need them!"

I heard the slightly muffled maniacal laugh start.

Every day the same look, same questions, same laugh.

I had, in fact, found them but was saving them for Valentine's Day. Oh it seemed like so far away! I considered giving them to him early to ease the pain but thought the surprise would be better. Surprises always are.

So I waited and he panicked.

He was BEYOND thrilled when he got them.

Well, as thrilled as Logan ever looks.

Eyes light up and a small crooked half smile forms.

I know it's thrilled.

He wears them with pride.

Patiently awaiting the day he can go back to school and begin his trading.

The morning finally arrives and he's postioned them up his arm.

He turns to me and says,

"They're probably not even cool anymore.

They've been around for a while."

GO FIGURE!!!

p.s. he was wrong. they are still way cool and have just been banned at his school.

I Should Have Known

2010-01-26T08:59:00.000-08:00

I Should Have Known

When you were playing quietly for 5 minutes.

I Should Have Known

When you came to me saying "hurt" and pointing to your diaper.

And after further inspection finding a rice krispie in there!

I Should Have Known

When you then immediately wanted down

And continued playing quietly for 5 to 10 minutes!

I Should Have Known

You were up to no good!

But I was so relieved to have those few quiet moments to check my emails.

And how could I stay mad at this face anyway!?

Did you Know...(not for the queasy of stomach)

2010-01-25T11:43:00.000-08:00

That there are rules or, should I say, guidelines for when you get sick?

You know, throw up?

Yeah, me neither.

Well I guess I've just never really thought of it.

I assumed (and we all know what assuming gets ya) that everyone just kinda knows.

I was wrong.

Dead wrong.

Now Big Brutha has never really thrown up before.

That is, until Sunday morning.

At 5 AM.

Fun.

He is attempting this in a standing position.

Just kinda aiming.

I try to tell him he has to kneel down and hover over the toilet.

He does this for about 5 seconds and then stands back up!

Why ohhh Why!?

"Get down buddy!" I tell him.

He does not heed my warning.

I'm sure I don't have to explain why one must get down

but if I do...

Splash! Everywhere!

Since this is his first experience he's freaking out!

He can't breathe!

So in the midst of him trying to stand and release his dinner

He turns to me.

Dinner is going everywhere.

I can't breathe! I am going to Die!

Tears are forming.

I assure him he will not Die and he needs to

Stay Calm

Get on His Knees

And Hover for Pete's Sake!

He still does not.

I think he was so panicked about the lose of breathe and

the whole incident in general he couldn't comprehend what I was saying.

Needless to say, after said incident was over we had

A Talk

About The Rules.

Never saw that one coming!

My Darling Daughter...

2010-01-19T11:45:00.000-08:00

CAN FINALLY WEAR PIGTAILS!!!!

And immediately take them out!

Ohhh boy, we're gonna have some battles over this.

What can I say!? I was the same way.

The Day I Learned Alot

2010-01-17T16:38:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday was going swimmingly. I was attending my first ever Photography Convention at Opryland Hotel and I was pumped! About mid-way through I noticed I had just missed a call. As a matter of fact, I missed eight calls from a number I didn't recognize.

This can't be good.

While my phone was still in my hand investigating the missed calls it rang again. Same number.

"Lindsay, this is Cory(racking my brains for Cory's that would call me)....Your Cousin.

Michelle passed away this morning."

Michelle is my Aunt Patty's wife.

Or at least, they had a Commitment Ceremony many moons ago.

Honestly, I didn't know Michelle as well in recent years but my heart ached for my Aunt Patty.

She has buried her father, mother, uncle, sister (my mom) and now her wife.

She hasn't even hit the Ripe Ole Age of 50 yet! I pray that she finds some kind of inner peace cause I know exactly what she's thinking right now.

Her family is gone and it sucks! And she's right! But, I'm here. And it's apparent from today's Celebration of Life Service for Michelle that so are ALOT of other people. People who were, in some way or another, touched by Michelle. They loved her dearly. Just because someone's not related to you by blood doesn't mean they can't be your family. Seeing the sea of faces today made me realize,

"Maybe Patty will be ok. Maybe she can be happy again!"

God that is all I want for her.

Being at this service made me think about my own arrangements. Morbid. I know.

But it was the most beautiful, harmonious, full-of-life service I've ever been to that was held because of someone's passing.

We walked in and were greeted by those she knew and loved. It gave a nice peek inside her life. Inside their life. There was a food table that was 4 rectangle tables long. Because, what else do people do when they don't really know what to do but, want to do something? COOK! The musice wafted down the long narrow foyer as we made our way back to see my Aunt.

Not just any music. Live music! The best kind!

Bongo Drums, Harmonicas & Acoustic Guitars paired with soft melodic voices.

The preacher spoke some very appropriate verses and had kind words to say.

Do Not Stand at my Grave and Weep.

I am not there. I do not sleep.

Now, I'm sure I've heard this before but it really resonated with me today.

Michelle's Poetry was read and original songs were written and sung just for her.

It was truly beautiful. It was a Celebration. Of course people mourned and cried at times but, people also laughed and ate and drank and shared stories and tapped their foot to the beat of the drum. People enjoyed themselves and the comradery the day brought.

This is what I hope for myself. I don't want people sitting around all mopy when I die. Ok, well a few tears of sadness will be ok but, for the most part, I want my family & friends to enjoy themselves! Revel in the time we had together and the things we learned from each other.

Play music! LIVE music!

Dance

Eat

Be Merry

Cry when you need to but, don't be afraid to laugh!

I've also come to the conclusion (well almost) that I too want to be cremated. I mean, taking up space here is, well, a waste of space.

Do Not Stand at my Grave and Weep.

I am not here. I do not sleep.

My organs should be donated to maybe, possibly (fingers crossed) save someone. Really, they are doing nothing for me anymore! And my ashes should be scattered.

I'm not sure where yet but, hopefully I got a while to think on it.

I won't need the body anymore cause I'm with God and I'll be perfect up there with him!

And so is Michelle.

New year, New header

2010-01-05T18:20:00.000-08:00

What do you think? I'm sure I'll get bored with it soon enough but for now I like the new header. And the fact that my background is white. Makes everything kinda PoP, dontcha think!?

So here we are.

2010

WOW! Am I really gonna be the Big 3-0?

Surely not.

Welp, I'll make it the best year of my life so far!

But what else am I gonna do this year you ask? you did ask right?

I'm gonna be more outdoorsy. I love love love the outdoors and the many wonder it has to offer. There's a whole plethora of stuff that can be done outside. I've always wanted to be that girl. You know the one, hiker/mountain climber/health food lover/regular indie concert goer/yoga instructor/I'mskinnywithoutexcercisingcauseIgetsomuchfromallmyoutdooractivities Girl. Yep, It may take some getting used to but I am kinda on my way there.
I'm gonna further my realtionship with The Big Guy. I think we may have found the perfect church for us. One both Josh and I feel like we are actually getting something from the services. Not one where we just go because that's what you're supposed to do on Sundays and we end up at one neither of us are really into anymore. One day I'd like to work with the youth group. I know how much my leaders were there for me (and still would be today if I called on them) and I want to return the favor.
I'm gonna expand my photography knowledge/business. I know this kinda thing takes time & patience and I'm a pretty patient person. This holiday season went really well for me so I'm gonna continue reading and studying and practicing. I'd also like to dabble more in the graphic desing part. I get really inspired by some of the work that's out there and love sitting at the computer, no idea what to do and it just starts flowing.
I'm gonna eventually learn to sew (had to keep with the whole "I'm gonna" theme). This may take more like 3 or 4 years but, by golly I'm gonna do it eventually!
I'm gonna go back to Bonnaroo. Wether it be with a free pass by working a shift or two at CenterRoo or by a pleasant surprise for my birthday or maybe even by generous anonymous donations no pressure. The girls and I had such an amazing time when we went that it's a MUST I return! I mean it's right down the street for pete's sake!
I'm gonna look H-A-W-T on my 30th. Or at least try really hard to. How? See number 1.

That about sums up the personal goals I have for myself this year. I never set these kinda goals in stone cause, well, the stone usually gets smashed to smithereens. But I'm giving it a go this year. What have I got to loose? I'm gonna be 30 ya'll!

Our Very Merry Holiday

2010-01-03T20:17:00.000-08:00

Yes, I realize I.Am.WAY.Behind with this post!

We had a wonderful season full of

family gatherings

friends laughing

church going

Santa seeing

cookie making

gingerbread house decorating

gift buying

elfing ourselves

letter writing

card designing

carol listening

christmas light sight seeing

new job doing

cocoa drinking

photograph taking

I'll wind up our time in pictures.

It only takes a glance at these to see how blessed I am.

It's not about the stuff we get or the rush of time we feel.

It's about the ones we choose to spend our time with.

Merry Christmas (eve) To All!

2009-12-24T07:02:00.000-08:00

And to All A GoodNight!

Do Not Even Try...

2009-12-21T10:23:00.000-08:00

to top this Santa picture.

It just can't be done.

I mean the pure excitememnt and joy in an 8 year old boys face,

the terrified horror in an almost 2 year old girls face

and the bored-get-me-outta-here-so-I-can-grab-a-drink look in Santa's face.

Tis The Season!

The True Meaning

2009-12-15T19:43:00.000-08:00

Tonight I ran to Wal-Mart...kiddos in tow. We had to grab some M&M's for Logan's class party this week. It was blistering cold and the wind was whipping in all directions. Not to mention I parked in the LAST spot in the BACK of Wal-Mart parking lot. I wanted to hurry in and hurry out as fast as possible. Wal-Mart, a week and a half before Christmas, is not where I want to be. However, a very important lesson was learned from this trip and a very important lesson was remembered.

As we were walking in a large, Santa-like man was ringing the Salvation Army bell.
"What's he ringin that bell for?" Logan asked.
"He's collecting money for people that don't have any. Maybe it will buy them some coats or a hot meal for the winter."

We rush in, grab what we need and head out. I start digging around for change so Logan can put it in the SA bucket. A few other people had started dropping change in as well. He puts the money in and gets a BIG grin from the Santa-like man who then thanks him whole-heartedly for his contribution.

As I'm walking the mile back to my car, my 2 beautiful healthy kids in tow, Logan says quietly, "Mom, when we went in the store I was feeling pretty bad but, now I'm feeling good!"
"Oh yeah? Why is that buddy?"
"Cause no one was putting money in that mans bucket and I felt bad for not giving any. But then we did and other people were too!"
So basically Logan just realized the true meaning of Christmas. On his own. With no prompting from me. In that short, fast trip to Wal-Mart, that I just wanted to get through and get home as fast as possible, he experienced one of the most important things he'll ever experience. The reason for the Season.
And me? Well I was reminded of just how much I have to be thankful for. Yes, I had to park in the very back of Wal-Mart but, I could park. Because I do have a car. And yes, it was a mile hike to the door with kids in freezing cold but, we walked. Because we are healthy enough too. No, I didn't want to go to Wal-Mart to buy M&M's but we did and we bought because we do have money (albeit not much). And the kids? They were with me. Two clothed, fed, happy kids were with me.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2009-12-14T19:32:00.000-08:00

Welp, here we are again. Another year has flown by! I'm a closer to my 30's. Logan's considered a Tween. Brynn's a full-blown toddler. Josh is ALMOST mid 30's!hehe And now it's time for The Most Wonderful Holiday of the Year (aside from my birthday).

As some dear friends pointed out to me, I've been a gynormous blog slacker! What with the holidays, working here and here , trying to keep my house in order and keep up with the kids schedules I'm strapped! Simply strapped! And worn out! But I will be better. I promise.

I did, however, want to take some time out to show some of our holiday decor/traditions. Let's roll!

Mom's Christmas Carolers (that I will sadly have to split with my dearest sister one day. tear)

Oh how I love their joyous little faces and rosey cheeks.

Fizzle who joined us last year. You know, The Elf on the Shelf craze! Yes, he watches the kids behavior and reports back to the big man himself.

He moves every night and Big Brutha LOOOOVES finding him!

Stockings hung by the chimney with care.

Very minimalist and simple

Above the fridge

Lots of Dollar Tree ornaments hung from light in kitchen

Floral Arrangement I made myself a few years ago. I think I wanna change it up soon though. Maybe just some long berry sticks next year in a tall cylinder vase.

One of my all time favorite things about Christmas was my mom reading us The Nutcracker every year. Not just any Nutcracker either! The one illustrated by Maurice Sendak. Love him. I wanted to be Clara soo bad in the ballet performance at TPAC.

Sadly, I never quit got the Point thing down.

I CAN.NOT. wait to take Lil Sista to see this on stage when she gets a bit older!

Maybe she'll be Clara and I can live vicariously through her.

I really need to work on the kids trees too. I want Lil Sista a white one but, I love the sparkly birds I found for hers. Big Brutha's could definitely use some lovin too. His treee holds all my old tiny ornaments from Hallmark.

Since we are The Fakey McFakersons with our tree

at least we can pretend we have a live one.

And last but not least, the presents. I'm almost done! Brown shipping paper, red & white yarn for bows and a silver sharpie for monogramming names is

how I rolled with the wrapping this year. I love it!

That's it folks! I swear I'll be back sooner.

Surely things will start to get back to normal soon Right. Right?
Happy Holidays to You & Yours

From Us & Ours

Thanksgiving: A great day for turkey NOT for tummies!

2009-11-27T07:46:00.000-08:00

I'm just gonna say, our Thankful Thanksgiving started with a sort of bang this year. I came home from work around 11:45 pm on Thanksgiving Eve...starving & exhausted. I had 3 slices of cheese and hit the sack. Now, mind you, I had my morning completely planned out. Wake B at 6 AM so she'd nap at 9:30 and be up and in good spirits to leave for Smithville around 11. She needs at least one good nap. Finish the 48 deviled eggs that I'd boiled the day before. Unload & then load dishwasher. Fold clothes and put them in their places. Finish my Tom the Thankful Turkey project (don't worry, I have pictures and he's adorable). Pack car and, if there was time, work on pics from a session I had the other day.

Okay, now that's a full morning of stuff. So, like I said, I ate some cheese and went straight to bed...zzzzzzzzzzz...5AM I am jolted from my peaceful slumber by excruciating pains in my stomach. I am hunched over writhing in my pain with no way to make it stop!! I think, "Maybe fiber"...go to get the HUGE jar of applesauce and just dig in (although the thought of putting anything in my mouth makes me want to vomit) but it's MOLDED!! We just bought this! So it's back to the writhing. I wrap myself in the hard coldness of the bathroom floor and wait it out. Finally an hour and a half later I start to feel somewhat better. Get Brynn up cause I gotta follow through with her nap plan and pretty much lay around til 9:30. Get NOTHING done. Thank goodness Josh finished my eggs for me and went to get some medicine. I attempt a nap while she's sleeping. Get up, get showered and head to Smithville. Finish Tom the Thankful Turkey on the drive and realize this will NOT be one of those Thanksgivings where I actually enjoy the food. Good thing I love my family and always have a blast with them no matter what.

So enjoy the DAY & family togetherness I did. The food? Not so much. Monopoly was the game of choice this year. Logan is like the Monopoly Master! He always beats me and I really hate to loose! I guess it's a good lesson in patience for me. He played with cousins in Smithville and again at the Decker's. B was the star of the show. Only girl there, only babyish one there and she was eating it0 up. Let's wrap it up with a few pics shall we...

Clay has a totally cool app on his totally cool phone.

Point it up and you can see exactly where constellations, planets & the moon are.

The Game...

of choice.

Sure do miss him when he leaves!

My Mema...I adore her.

Tom the Thankful Turkey. Head & Body are styrofoam balls wrapped and wrapped and wrapped with yarn. Face is made from felt. Everyone wrote what they were thankful for on the construstion paper feathers. I love him and he will be our tradition.

Boiled Custard with ice cream is another tradition.

So are oyster appetizers which is a little strange but whateva.

We lost Uncle Tim (on the Decker side) a few weeks ago to a sudden heart attack. It has shaken everyone. He was a family man with 5 kids ages 12 to 28. They all live in NC but came here for Thanksgiving. Everyone wrote a few kind words about him on this balloon and released it Thanksgiving night. It was emotional to say the least.

Please pray for his wife & kids. They need it!

My Secret Garden Take 2

2009-11-12T09:28:00.000-08:00

As we begin our morning walk at MY Secret Garden I immediately spot them...

The Chicken/Turkey Ducks.

Ohhhh aren't they U-G-L-Y!!

Then this strange little guy crosses our path:

Continuing on and we see a train begin it's journey.

He even lays on the whistle for us!

I try my hand at catching some Sun Flare.

Look up Little One! It's FALL!

Just as we come over the hill.... Look at those colors!

On our way back we find Grandfather Tree.

Twisting limbs and all.

Magnificient right?

TWENTY-THREE Canadian Geese!!!

Onto Dancing beneath the Pavilion

A duck & a mallard walk into a bar...

We pause for a break

if you don't know what this is I'm not telling

A perfectly framed picture.

Annnnnnd

We're out

2009-11-09T08:29:00.000-08:00

Here are the kids.

In their Spook-Tacular costumes.

With side-by-side comparisons.

mine are totally cuter

Better late than never right!?

Happy HalllloWeeeeeen!

2009-10-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

From the bottom of our hearts.

All Hallows Eve

2009-10-30T18:05:00.000-07:00

Today we attended Mrs. McPhee's Fall Party today. I have always tried to stay very active in Logan's school. Whether by being the actual Room Mom, dropping in to see what I can help with, lunching in the school cafeteria or chaperoning field trips. He wants me there. He loves when I'm there. I'm gonna soak allll that up while I can! I know a time will come when mom's will no longer be cool and he may completely ignore more (fingers crossed...let's hope not!). I think it's very important to be involved with their education. Knowing who friends are and their parents. Having a good relationship with the teacher. And just plain keeping up with what's going on in your child's life.

So today we helped with the Fall Party. This is soooo not easy with a very active toddler who demands your full attention but we had fun. The kids decorated cookies, made candy necklaces, heard a ghost story, played candy corn bingo and painted pumpkins. Oh and some mom made these awesome eyeballs from marshmallows that you can see below.

He's super pumped for All Hallows Eve.

I've been getting daily countdowns.

A Hidden Treasure

2009-10-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

Lately, after Big Brother is dropped off at school, B and I have been venturing around town. You know, finding the beauty around us and all. Well I'd passed this far off fountain thing that looked to be in the middle of a pond, from what I could tell, a few times now. There was also a newly constructed building nearby. I could never figure out how to get to it and what it actually was.

Well yesterday on our way home I found what could be the entrance. We made our way there this morn and as I got closer to the area I could feel the excitement creeping in. Like a hidden little treasure in the middle of town. My own Secret Garden per se. There was bustle all around the area, but the walkway itself was completely isolated. I wasn't sure if it was actually open or not yet but I saw no Do Not Enter signs sooo fair game right!?

I got B out and loaded the stroller. Rounded the first corner and saw The Beauty All Around Us! Beautiful walkways, lined with lamp posts, a huge pond with a sprinkling fountain, bridges and trees and hills galore!! It was a photographers dream and I forgot my stinkin memory card. We walk the length of it and back. Saw a crane in the middle of a huge field. I wanted to startle him with our presence so he'd spread his massive wings and B could ohhhh and ahhhh at his grace. He wasn't budging no matter how much I rustled the grass. However, on our walk back, the pond was FULL of ducks...mallards, solid white ones and ugle chicken/turkey looking ducks. Twenty or so beautiful ducks for B's viewing pleasure.

The path is on a hill and is a little far from the actual pond. I knew B would be thrilled to see the ducks just a little closer. I take her out and walk about 5 steps towards the pond. We silently watch the 20 ducks float towards the other side with the ugly chicken/turkey ducks smack in the middle of the line. They spot me. They emerge from the water and are coming straight towards us. "Ohhh look at the pretty ducks B," I say. Ohhh they're coming faster. I stumble backwards. This doesn't look good. Either they're gonna Wing Attack us or they want food, which I don't have.

By this time, all the other 17 ducks have noticed they're (apparent) leaders have retreated from the pond and are quickly following suit. Twenty ducks. Coming towards us. Eithere hungry or lookin for a fight. No one is around. No one will hear me scream! I manage to scramble to the top of the hill. Don't bother putting B back in her seat and scurry away as fast (but calmly as not to startle them) as I can! As I'm scurring I turn back to see if any are hot on our tail. They have slowed and a few are furiously flapping as if to say, "GetOwwnOuttaHeea!"

Ohhh I will! For now. But we'll be back ducks.

You can BetYerBottomDolla on that! This is My Secret Garden!

We'll Be Back.

What Makes A Happy Heart

2009-10-22T09:14:00.000-07:00

In my case? Organization!

I began my fall wardrobe makeover a few weeks ago. You know, out with the summer in with the fall. Then. I got sick. BLAH! Body aches off and on all day and when I'd feel a tad better and get up to get things done my energy would be zapped. Like, "If I don't lay down right now I'm gonna pass out." The body aches and energy drain were my only symptoms for a week and a half. Until last weekend when it turned into more of a sinus infection feeling. So yeah, this kept me from my happy heart. But now, I can so with Pure Joy, it is complete! It may not last long but it sure will be nice while it lasts. If I'm feeling stressed or down or just plain BLAH I go take a peek at my beautifully organized closet and all is well again. Yeah, I may be a tad OCD.

Doesn't that make you happy!?

Lindsay Renee Photography

2009-10-12T13:48:00.000-07:00

Did you notice my new Facebook page button for my photography over there on the right?? Well, check it out and Become A Fan!

Decisions, Decisions

2009-10-09T12:11:00.000-07:00

Although I always said I'd be sad when I couldn't choose Logan's Halloween costumes anymore it sure has made the decision process ALOT easier!! He knows exactly what he wants to be and all I gotta do is get it together. I have no idea where he gets the decisive attitude from but I'm sure thankful for it.

Brynn, on the other hand, can't make these decisions yet. I.Am.Torn! You have noooo idea how long it took me to narrow it down to just 3.

Should she be:

This adorable, colorful peacock?

Orrrr...

This fluffy, cuddly little lamb?

Orrrr...

This prescious, girly ladybug?
Opinions welcome.

An Incident with the Pavement

2009-10-08T18:31:00.000-07:00

Today B's nose met the pavement. She climbed up the back steps and as I go over to help her down I see her bouncing (as if counting 1...2...3!) and she attempts to JUMP down. There was only minor crying but man did those little scrapes bleed! She's a pretty tough cookie. Welcome to toddlerhood Miss Brynn.

Updated to show scabbing effects

Style

2009-10-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

Leggings: Check
Tunics: Check
Shirt Dress: Check
Jeans: Check
Uggs: Check
Pink Converse:Check

Lil Sista is well on her way to being winter ready.

Now we gotta work on Big Brutha!

Thank You Mema for getting her started!

Wilderness Excursion

2009-09-30T08:07:00.000-07:00

For some times now I've been meaning to hike some trails at the Barfield Park. And when I say hike I mean HIKE!
I had never ventured to those trails before cause I was never sure where the trailheads started and never really felt pulled enough to stop at the Wilderness Station and ask. After stepping out for my weather test of the morning I thought it would be a perfect day for The Trails. We have had rain for, I swear, about 3 weeks but not this morning. This morning the sun was shining and the air was crisp. Fall is coming and man does it feel great!
We pull up to the playground area and I notice a small path leading up through the woods. Alright, we'll start here! Unload the kids, bike, stroller, snacks & camera and off we go. As soon as we are through the first veil of trees we start an uphill trek. The path curves and winds and I can't find the level ground I'm hoping for. Round & Round and Up we go. I am now at a 90 degree angle trying to push this stroller with Logan on my heels struggling to push his bike. He wants to stop and go back to put his back up but there is NO WAY I'm turning back now! We've covered such little ground but gone soooo far! Poor kid. This has turned into a lesson in endurance.

We FINALLY reach the top of Mnt. Summit and I do a small victory dance full of whoop whoops and take that's. Just a little one...no one is around for pete's sake! Theses are serious nature trails. None of this I'll take a little stroll down the greenway. We were up and down and around almost the whole time. Logan didn't even want to ride his bike. Plus I'm pretty sure I saw a No Bikes Allowed sign somewhere along the way. I'm guessing it's just for nature walks/runners.

After our victorious defeat B & I were taking in the scenes. Our moment was distured when I heard a Whomp! And then an Ahhh...HEY!! Logan had been collecting whole acorns from the ground and was apparently spotted by a squirrel trying to prepare for winter. Yeah, he threw an acorn at Logan's head. We dropped the acorns and scurried off but, I'm pretty sure we were being watched.
Then we noticed these little plaques all along the trail that told about many of the trees in the woods. It showed what kind of bark & leaf a certain one had. Well this was a scavenger hunt in the making and a pretty good lesson on nature while we were at it! Logan loved trying to identify the different trees by their leaves. Then he would have to find that leaf on the ground and store it in the stroller to take home. "This is like an awesome treasure hunt, " he exclaimed!

Our last stop was to the West Fork River overlook that was .5 miles from our You Are Here location. We pass more plaques, spiders, squirrels and falling leaves and finally make it. We parked the stroller/bike and hiked down to the river bank. There were small stone steps for this part. It was VERY muddy from the 3 weeks of rain but Big Brutha loved it and declared it him and his dad's new fishing spot. So it shall be.

Now remember our up-hill battle? Yeah, we gotta go back down. Imagine me, back arched, heels to the ground holding a stroller carrying a 22 lb. baby with one hand and trying to help Logan steady his bike with the other. I am sooo glad we went out early during a week day and no one could witness this. Although, that also means no one was there to witness my amazing multi-tasking skills! This all happened on Monday and my legs are just now feeling the wrath! Ohhhh the pain!

We did have a blast hiking through nature though. It's nice to get back to that quiet, peaceful one with the world feeling every once in a while. I'm hoping to instill that into the kiddos as well.
This is just a shot of B from My Point of View. She loves to kick back and relax in her stroller! Must be nice;)

Dear Ann...

2009-09-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

See that? Those blogs over there to the right? Those are for you. Your welcome. And Ann (and anyone else un-aware of this awesome site), let me let you in on a little secret. It's called Google Reader. It's amazing and the organizational side of me looves it. I know yours will too. Here's a screenshot of my Google reader. You can click on the pic for further details.
Basically one would want to do this so they don't have to keep checking individual sites daily to see if new content has been posted. Just go to one site and manage all your subscriptions there and IT lets you know when new content has posted. Pretty convenient huh!

Brynn, you are NOW a toddler!

2009-09-09T11:13:00.000-07:00

So Whatcha up to these days??

You will dance to almost any & every song you hear! And girl you've got some rhythm! None of this white-man shuffle thing. You've got full on shoulder, hip, twist and SHOUT action.

You love airplanes! Anytime one flies overhead you yell and point, say HI and then BYE and blow them kisses. It really is fascinating to watch you.
You are FAST!! Why just the other day in Barnes & Noble you almost had a fit over an Elmo doll. When I finally snuck it away from you (the thing was $15 for a small plush toy for pete's sake) and walked to the front of the store you did the arms up back arch move to slide out of my arms and took off full speed to the back of the store to retrieve your Elmo.
I had to SPRINT to catch you!
Elmo & Eebee are your favorite charcters although you're not really into tv.

You have many serious-face moments.

You can almost see the wheels turning trying to figure out this crazy world we live in.
Me Too Girl!

Your hair has gotten much lighter over the summer and I see some ringlets forming back there. All I really wanted (aside from health & happiness of course) was for you to have good hair and I think it's beautiful! Your eyes are a warm caramel color that reminds me of a favorite cappacuino and your skin is olive.

A perfect combination.

There is nothing you won't try. Especially if you see Big Brutha doing it first. Jumping on beds, couches & cushions is a big hit with you. Speaking of Logan, he adores you and you him. Watching the 2 of you interact is usually the best part of my day. People at the parks are amazed at how well you can do and go and climb for yourself.

I think the elder sibling has helped with this sense of adventure.

You can find your

Eyes, hair, ears & nose

Belly, hands, fingers & toes

You have mastered climbing UP the steps and are well on your way to sliding yourself

(on your belly) back DOWN the steps.

Your vacbulary is expanding daily.

Family:

Mama, Dada & Bobo (logan)

Mimi & Poppy

Nana, Pop, HayHay,Cway & Minny (Clay & Vinny respectably)

Kiki, ZaK, TayTay, Addy

Animals:

Cat, Dawg hose, frog, duck, coooow, efant

Manners:

Peez (please)

DaDu (thank you)

Random: Hungy, by-by, HI, hewoow (hello), hug, A Dun (all done), Dumpy (jumpy) & baby

Just to name a few.

You make animal noises too.

You have a mouth full of teeth. The last 2 sets you needed were your upper and lower incisors. Welp, I noticed the top ones breaking through just today.
Finicky, Toddler-like eating is creeping in and

I'm battling with all my might to keep you a Good, I'll try whatever, kind of eater.

Your Hugs & Kisses are plentiful! All day, every day.

And let's not forget the Hi-Fa's (high fives) & the blowing of kisses...even to strangers.

Well, I don't actually think you've EVER met a stranger.
You love to slide and...

Love to swing but...

The thing you love most right now is ME!

Keep on Growing baby

And never stop Experiencing

Cause I'll always be one step behind
Learning right along with you.

A Little Light Reading

2009-09-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

To stop me from having to say:
Logan put your dishes in the sink
Logan dirty clothes go in the hamper
Logan have you brushed your teeth
Logan you need to pick up your room

50,000 times a week!

I made his very own Chore Chart & printed it at our local Kinkos.

So now all I have to say is

Logan, have you checked your chart??

This makes mama very happy.

He's done fairly well with it so far. Only lost a few coins here and there (even a whole dollar at one point for some not so good behavior). After he saved for about 3 weeks he was finally able to purchase the book his little heart has soooo been desiring

Can we say OBSESSED!! Pokemon is alll up in this house right now! I am very glad I didn't try to re-do his room with touches of Mario here and there cause that character is out the window. I must admit, I thoroughly enjoy playing Pokemon on his DS and find this massive Pokemon Guide very useful for my adventures. It's HUGE!

With all the excitement from his new purchase I need to make sure he finds time to read something a tad more important:

I had gotten a letter from our church stating that they'd be giving Bibles out to all the new 3rd graders with their names inscribed on it. Well I tried to call the office and let them know we'd be there but didn't reach anyone and then *gasp* I forgot all about it! When Sunday rolled around we got ready for early service (late service is smack in the middle of someone's nap) and off we went. It wasn't until I walked in and saw the lady I had tried to contact sitting at the front. Oh crap! That's this Sunday! Poor guy's gonna be the only kid not getting his very own Bible today! Mrs. Touchton immediately walked up behind during the first song and let me know she's ordered him one just in case we made it and that we needed to go up with him when it was time.
It was a great service and touched on a few things that I really needed to hear. Josh & I ushered him to the front for the presentation and prayers from the preachers.

Logan started looking through it as soon as we'd made it back to our seats. It has the look of a regular bible for adults but as we looked through it I was pleasantly surprised how geared toward children it was! It has some really cool colorful pictures and maps throughout it and tells you the story you're about to read at the beginning of the chapter (very handy for me).

He seemed to really like it but, something tells me,

he's a little side-tracked with another good read at the moment.

The First of Many

2009-08-25T06:41:00.000-07:00

"Welp, he's got his Mamas smile!" said Dr. J flashing his unnaturally straight 1000 watt teeth. This was NOTHING to smile about!! My teeth were Horrendous!!

Today was the first of many orthodontic appointments. Today Logan met Dr. J!

My old orthodontist. He is the most phenomenal orthodontist I've had the pleasure knowing. Funny, engaging with the children & knows his stuff. If he can make my smile straight there is hope for all!! Plus he gives away shirts/muffins/coffee & tickets to be used for prizes.

Did I mention the video game area??

(I just noticed how long and lanky he looks in this pic)

How do I know he's destined down the path of orthodontics you ask??

Well this beautiful little smile was my first clue:

Then Dr. J took pictures & X-rays & this was my second clue:

And if that wasn't enough...I left with a packet of information

that included a list of "problem areas" that used words like:

Overbite Crowding Narrowness Protrusion

Dr. J is planning on taking a slow approach to the aforementioned "problem areas". Log still has some baby teeth and teeth coming in which means teeth will be moving. We will go back in February to check the moving and he will possibly need an Expander. I wanted an Expander sooo bad when I was a child! It had that cool key you'd have to turn every night to make it...you know... Expand.

Logan did Great with the whole thing! He's never been afraid of the dentist. I've made sure to never make any negative dentist statements just in case there was ever a fear starting to creep up in him. Actually, I think he kinda likes it what with all the cool art, toys, cave area and the fact that you get to pick a prize. So the orthodontist was just another cool kid friendly office with free things given out and video games that just happens to fix your teeth on the side.

On a complete Side Note:

While in church Sunday I was writing things and Logan would draw a picture to match. I wrote,

"A cat playing with a ball of yarn."

And this is what I got:

Ummmmm son, I love you. Is this an ant eater? Practice makes PERFECT they say

A Day in Your Life

2009-08-20T09:25:00.000-07:00

There are some days that, after talking with Logan about his day, he turns to me and says, "So what'd you do?" Hmmmmm, I often ask MYSELF that at the end of the day. So since what I do pretty much revolves around what SHE does...Here's a few things WE do:

Dishes.

Get Dressed.

Eat.

Take on new challenges.

Love on Babies.

Snack.

Learn something new.

Rest.

Mix in some laundry doing, floor cleaning,

food making, homework helping, counter cleaning, studying,

organizing plus any extra activities that Big Brutha participates in and there you have it.

Photoshoppin' Around

2009-08-17T09:19:00.000-07:00

Now that Logan is back in school full swing and B is on a nap schedule it's time to master some skillz! I am learnin some new post-processing techniques key word:Learning...but here are a few before and after photos.

Before

After

Don't you just love those colors! And those eyes...ohhh those eyes

Before

After

Little more of a vintagey-feel...still working on this step but I'm really diggin the muted colors

Photos courtesy of Aunt Kiki's camera

Our History...in the making

2009-08-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

Remember when I told you how obsessed I was with you when I was a mere freshman and you were a much much older senior? Yeah, I used to watch you come home from school...so what! ha
Then you graduated and I forgot about my childhood crush.
Remember the night we ACTUALLY met? Mom had just passed and you said you had heard and were sorry. I didn't even know you knew my name! Then you showed me a card trick and I was hooked.

Remember our first date to Demos?? Yes, I eat spaghetti REALLY fast...and now you know.
Remember the first time you kissed me? You asked if it was ok. What a gentlemanly thing to do!

Remember when you asked if I was in school? I WAS! How was I to know you meant college. Anyhow, you realized not too long after and apparently you were already hooked too.
Remember when you took my flying? WOW!

Remember how you used to leave me notes on my car while I was in class (in HighSchool)? I loved that.
Remember your nail brush you used to have to scrub with because working in an oil lube will do that to ya.
Remember when you left Romeo & Juliet (all time favorite movie)in your car for me? And how many times we've watched it since? Did you know that song was in our wedding? It was.

Remember that night you asked if I could say I Love You? Well, I just thought you meant could I say it...not, you know, SAY it. But I did making me officially the first to say I Love You. I did mean it though and thankfully so did you.
Remember the day we got married? It really was the best wedding I've ever been to.
Remember when I was preggers? The Over-Alls and how you HAD to help me eat ice cream and just How.Stinkin.Nervous.We.Were!
Remember when our son was born? AMAZING! I knew he would have a great dad to look up to and lead him down the right path.

Remember that time we took a mis-step? Faltered? Got off track? Yeah, me too. That's when you find out the most about yourself.
Remember when we got it right? Like makin lemonade from lemons.

Remember when we got Our First Home? And how loooong I searched for the right one? In the right neighborhood? For the right price? Yeah, we got it.

Remember Hawaii? And Whistler? Two pluses to the job.
Remember when we found out B would be a girl? I thought the technician must not be seeing it right. I just knew it would be a boy and had resolved myself to the fact we'd just have to try again for a girl. Ohhh you didn't know that did you;) I didn't even know I wanted a girl til that very day.

Time's have been fascinating and time's have been enviable and there have been trials and tribulations with many more to come. The more we endure the more I love you.

I am Thankful for you

I think you're an Astounding father.

I think you are Phenomenal at your job.

Awe-inspiring even.

You have Determination and Sticktuitiveness like no other.

I love you when your all of the above and I love you when your flaws show through.

I love the way you love me.

I loved you when I was 15. I loved you when I was 26 and I'll love you when I'm 82.

4 years of dating

8 years of marriage

2 kids

PlayDate

2009-08-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

As I last mentioned, we were invited to a sort of "Let's Kick the New School Season Off" PlayDate. There were 6 adults, 20 kids, 2 baby pools, 1 whale spout sprayin pool, 1 trampoline, 1 slip-n-slide, 1 wooden play set and lots of ice cream!! Oh and, Yes, 20 Kids!! One lady had 6 all by herself. Well, not actually by herself...I mean she did have help. Oh you get my point. They ranged in age from 13 to 10 months. It was wild and crazy but loads of fun. I really liked the parents too. Not too uppity (if there's one thing that gets under my skin it's someone who think/acts like they're better than you), just relaxed moms around my age who were welcoming to a new face.

B was a little unsure

But made friends quickly

Then they babbled and stared at each other for a while...

seein as how speaking real words is not their fortay just yet.

Log jumped right in. Literally (green shorts black top)!

We had to take a comic book break.

All the older "more mature" kids enjoyin sundaes made with...

This.

Think I'll get invited back? Hope So!

Make New Friends...But Keep The Old

2009-08-05T06:59:00.000-07:00

I had awoke that morning and thought, Today Will Be The Day! Today will be the day I put myself out there. Today will be the day that I make a new friend. Maybe (hopefully) she'll have a child around the same age as Brynn. Maybe we will instantly connect and have playdates and maybe even form a small group of friends. You see, I have TONS of friends whom I love oh so dearly. They each hold a special place in my heart. However, they work. The 2 that do stay home live many miles away...one in Hendersonville and one in Florida (works part time). So yeah, not really suitable to meet up once a week. This leaves me alone most of the time.
I didn't really realize that I needed or even wanted another friend that stayed home and had a toddler. It hit me like a ton of bricks for some reason that morning. After B's morning nap I got us ready and hit up my new favorite park.
We pulled in and I see a group of people sitting under the pavilion and many children (from 1 to 12) running and playing. I secretly hoped that they would talk to me and like me. I took B to the slides and let her run around for a bit when I heard someone yell, "LINDSAY!" I saw one of the pavillion dwellers waving and motioning for me to come over. WOW!!! That was fast!
It turned out to be a girl I know, Alyssa. Her son & Logan went to CLA together and both transferred to DS the same year. We've recently started carpooling. She has 4 kids in 4 different schools!
She introduced me to the other girls who all had at least 2 kids with the most having 6! They all graduated around the same time I did although none are native Murfressboroians (pretty sure that's not a word). I sat and talked for the remainder of our time there and B happily played with the children. There were even a few that were her age!
When we left she said that most had met through one or the others kids school and tried to meet up once a week. I explained how I didn't really have anything like this and would love to be included.
Tomorrow, because schools are out for inservice, we will be going to Alyssa's for a water/ice cream sundae making day. This makes me smile. I'm feelin better already.

Writing can be very therapeutic

This NEVER happens!!

2009-08-02T19:23:00.000-07:00

The Way That Babies Play

2009-07-30T20:46:00.000-07:00

This past weekend some of our family from NC came in for a visit. They have a little gal, Chloe, that is a mere 4 months younger than B. Chloe is such a petite lil thing that B looks like a GIANT next to her! This is their running commentary as heard by me:

"Here, you eat that piece and I'll eat this piece."

"OK, now we're gonna both chug our drinks at the SAME time! Ready....GO"

"What's the Big Kid doin? Maybe he wants some?"

"MOM, I just don't really know about this baby."

"Bobo (logan & b's nickname for each other) do you see this kid? We're rockin together!"

"Hey, you're a really good rocker!"

"Thanks, I practice a lot"

Isn't she a doll!

And a shot of B for good measure

My 101th Post...Feel special girls

2009-07-29T07:44:00.000-07:00

Two of my very best friends in the whole entire world have July Birthdays. Mrs. Parker turned the Big 3-0 and Mrs. Marlin, the Even Larger 3-2 (she'll kill me for that ha!) Let's start with Mrs. Marlin's:

If there's one thing the Marlin's know how to do it's Host A Party! Carrie soooo graciously makes the trip from Hendersonville to The Boro quite often to visit her beloved friends. It was time that we reciprocate. There was food galore, many many kids, even more friends, cake and a live band. Yes...a Live Band. Ok, well actually it was just 2 guys playing acoustic (ahheemm...for a mere $40 for the entire night I might add) but they were phenomenal!

Here's a few pics to explain the evening

John telling one of his maaany stories.

He's got an arsenal of them I tell ya

Tiner couldn't believe her ears!The kids (minus about 10) ate some cake.

MeShell got all Indiana Jones on our a$$The band decided to play a few songs to calm her down.

We decided to dance.
(The words are what I sing to B to make her dance)

Carrie's hubby knows the way to a girls heart!

Happy Birthday Mrs. Marlin!!

PS No matter what anyone says you'll never look a day over 31 to me.

Now for Mrs. Paaaarker. Deciding what to do for a milestone as big as your 30th Birthday is hard! She decided on renting tables at The Bay for dinner...The Deckers didn't make this cause we were at the lake with NC cousins. I am never late. Then to The Pig for our ole buddy's (The Peterson's) cover band performance.

The band started to play &

The Parkers wanted a pic with the backs of their heads in it. I thought it was strange but I obliged.
Tiner told the crazy story she'd heard from John to Mrs. Marlin & Mrs. Paaaaarker. They were befuddled!

We decided to make a kissy face pic but a fly caught my eye.

I tried again with Mr. Decker and succeeded

Carol got thirsty.

Happy Birthday Mrs. Paaarker!!

PS You are waaaay hotter than DORA & don't let anybody tell ya different!

Better Late Than Never

2009-07-28T09:00:00.001-07:00

Monday nigth at 10:30 pm we arrive home from Whistler. Tuesday we rested and did TONS of laundry! Wednesday, packed and ready to go, I head out with the kiddos in tow to meet cousins in Destin. That would mean Logan(8), Brynn(1), me, Kristen (sis in law), Zach(4) and Austin(2). We weren't sure if Josh was gonna be able to get off yet so I went it alone. He ended up riding down with the brother in law, Jeff, and meet us there on Friday.

The kids did FABULOUS on the way down. Logan either read quietly or played DS and B would take a nap, wake up to eat (which I'd stop for and let her stretch her legs), ride & play for a bit then fall asleep again. Perfect. As mentioned in a previous post, the ride home was not the same. Hmmmm wonder what coulda made the difference....??

Basically we did a little bit of beach time...

And I must say, B loooooves the beach. She sat on my lap for about 15 min. surveying the situation. Taking in all the new sights and sounds. After her comfort level was established, she was down diggin in the sand, eating the sand, throwing the sand and splashing in the waves. Complete contentment! This, however, was a faaar cry from Logan's first beach trip. He was barely 2 and Would Not touch the sand until the last day of our trip. He is my cautious child (more Josh like), which can be a very good thing. B is a tad more adventurous (more me like).

We did a lot of pool time...

Canonballs, water surfin, hot tubbin, float loungin and swim practicin.

We did the Destin Commons Sprinkler/Play Zone...

Everyone was havin a great time until Zach's jellyfish sting, that he'd apparently gotten earlier that day, started acting up and Kristen had to leave with him. This left me with Log, B and Austin. All was well until I had literally turned my back for 1 min. to check on B and Austin had hit some kid. I realized what was going on when I turned back to see a grown woman yelling and pointing and shaking her finger in Austin's face. "Where's Your MOMMY!!! Where's Your MOMMY! You CAN.NOT HIT!!" A grown a#@ woman in a small childs face. And I mean YELLIN!! I rushed to his side to assess the situation.
"Austin! Why did you hit her??"
"She poked me in the eye!"
"OK buddy, you can not hit people! You need to go apologize to her!"
He immediately did and he seemed to be a bit somber. I think the lady really freakd him out. Ofcourse he should not have hit anyone but shouldn't the GROWN woman have a bit more sense than to get in a 2 YEAR OLDS face like that!!?? She could have handled the situation ALOT better...like saaay maybe a Grown Up!? I could feel the gaze of every person around falling on me so I gathered the children and left the Splash Zone.

Jeff, Josh, Tay & Babysitter Linz showed up on Friday. We made our usual venture to the Red Bar in Seaside for the beach pics. It was Insanely packed and we got my Jeep stuck in the sand! The kids were NOT cooperating for pics before dinner so we thought we'd give it a shot afterwards. I was literally sitting in the doorway of the restaurant. Completely in everyones way and when I tried to put Austin's lid on his cup the cup crushed spilling drink all over the table and all over me. I scooped B up and stepped outside to breathe, pray & pray and breathe. Dinner was delish as always and we did manage a few pics out of everyone at the end of the night. Let me tell you, this is No.Easy.Feat. One day I'm just gonna sit back and video these crazy photo sessions.

Here's a few random shots I got. Kristen got the nice posed ones.

So with many thanks to Babysitter Linz we actually got an adult dinner and boy was it nice! Also thanks to Babysitter Linz we got to go to the beach while the small children (Z, A & B) took a nap. The waves were crazy big that day and we were getting pummeled! I wish someone had caught this on film cause I can only imagine what we looked like from shore. We would literally get smacked by a wave, recover, wipe hair from face only to get smacked again! It was hilarious! Only a few minutes in did I decide Logan may just be safer playin along the shore.
Thank You Babysitter Linz!

Destin Life

Aside from the Crazy Yellin Mom & jellyfish & gettin the jeep stuck we had a Blast. Mostly just hangin around the condo, pool and beach. Thanks Mayfields for the invite!

Perspective

2009-07-23T19:04:00.001-07:00

My son just called me back to his room cause he needed one last hug. On my way out he said, "Mom! You're the Best Mom In The World!" Love that kid.

And now we have a 3rd Grader!

2009-07-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

I do believe this is the first year I haven't teared up or had a full fledge crying session after I dropped Logan off at his first day. YEAA ME! So here we are, ready for a new school year to begin. We got all our supplies with homemade labels by muah (printers broke), new outfit, new shoes, still searching for a Pokemon lunchbox & top it off with the standard cinnamon rolls on first day of school breakfast...off we go!

It was a rainy, yucky mess out this mornin so we took our standard

first day of school pic in a different locale.

After While Crocodile!
MoooooM! Aren't you comin??

Yes, just had to get that shot! Onward my son

So I took a gander at his teachers, Mrs. McPhee (President of MTSU's wife), class site the other day and found a few interesting things they'll be doing this year. Dissecting fish (not sure how I feel about this one) and growing a garden were the two that stood out. Logan says the other kids were talking about how cursive and division would be up this year. I thought that was fourth grade but we'll see. We did practice them and, I have to say, the kid catches on pretty darn quickly! Here are some shots around his room. Each cluster of desks holds a small beta fish tank in the center that the kids will be taking care of this year.

Logan found a seat for himself and Brynn was entertained by all the kids. Some kids from Logan's class last year even rushed up to greet HER! Aren't his eyes just gorgeous with this shirt!

Logan & Zachary (friends from 2nd grade)

And this is Mrs. McPhee...mid parent speech

I have to say that when we entered her class this year I got a very warm, friendly feel from her. Quite a contrast to his 2nd grade teacher Mrs. Jackson. Stern yet loving is the vibe I got from Nanny...I mean Mrs. McPhee. As the kids settled into their spots the parents tended to linger for a bit. I guess she got the hint that we were waiting for something although, I don't think any of us knew exactly what. So she started with a few words:

"Parents, I want you ALL to know that I have an Open-Door policy in my class. You are welcome to come at ANY time. Don't linger in the hall or hover in the doorway...Come On In! You may call me at anytime with questions or concerns. My phone is open Monday thru Saturday. Don't call on Sunday cause that's my day off. That's my day with the Lawd (in true southern fashion)! This is going to be the best year yet! And with that being said, Parents, will you please excuse us now."

And that was that! The transition was very smooth this year and I think it just might be the best year yet!

A Walking Contradiction

2009-07-21T22:00:00.000-07:00

I went over & over & over this post many times in my head and re-wrote it probably even more. I am a pretty private person when it comes to emotions and for me to put this out there was a struggle. That being said...

I absolutely love staying home with my kids...with all my being and, in that same breath, it's the most difficult thing I've ever done. The fact that we are the ones shaping & molding them daily (ofcourse with help of family & now school) is something that I am sooo thankful for and I feel blessed that I am entrusted with these 2 little beings every day! I am grateful to Josh for the fact that I CAN be with them while they're small!

However, there is no one to give me gold stars or sing songs of praise or a lil slap on the rear end or saaaay a trip to Whistler when a minor feat of parenting has been accomplished. It can be quite lonely.

Although I did stay home with Logan I was working towards something. I was in school when he was at MDO and at nights when he slept. When I graduated I worked part time while he was in real school. I was there to pick him up everyday and could volunteer in his class. This was ideal. So I've never actually just.stayed.home.

I know I need to find my "thing" & I know exactly what I want to do. But to make the time & to find the resources to further my knowledge has been a challenge. I feel guilty for practicing or studying when I could be doing something with the kids or for going all the way upstairs when the kids are in bed and Josh is finally home. I know that before I know it they'll be grown and I'll have all the time in the world to myself so I try to take advantage of the time I DO have with them.

So basically, I'm a big ball of sad, thankful, frustrated, blessed...all wrapped up and tied with a big ole ribbon of In A Rut.

I did not put this out there for pity. Merely to get the thoughts out of my head and into some sort of organized fashion. This helps me identify the problem and find a solution. So if you happen to read this please don't bring it up in person. I'll get all awkward and embarrassed and fumble around with my words trying to explain myself (hence why I have to WRITE this stuff down). My main reason for sharing is to ask a favor of you...if you pray, will you include me?

And This Too Shall Pass

Changes

2009-07-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

DA Sounds

2009-07-15T18:00:00.000-07:00

Log joined Cub Scouts & played baseball this year. Since his dad looooved baseball as a child Logan loooves baseball too (he absolutely thinks his dad hangs the moon)! When I found out his Troop was venturing to a Sounds Game We Were In! I haven't been to a Sounds game since my softball hay-days. Yes, I was an AVID ball player. Lived for the sport! Me & my dad would go early. We'd watch the pitchers warm up and I'd call them as the balls would go zoomin past me. It brought back fond memories and it was so cool to experience that with my own kid.

Cub Scout Pack 108

Nothin better than a ballpark dawg

Suited UP

Oh and B went too! Wasn't sure how long she'd last but we made it to the 7th inning!! Pretty darn good if I do say so myself! And no, she did not lounge like this the whole time. More like 10 minutes out of 2 hours! HA! And did I mention that Josh threw his back out (merely shooting a basketball but don't tell him I told ya) that day so I had to lug this little rag doll to & from car & all around ball park! Sista gets heavy!

Sounds WON 3-1, Josh's back is much better now

& one more deposit has been made to the memory bank.

Rubber Shoes & Lightning

2009-07-13T18:00:00.000-07:00

Last night we had some pretty bad thunder storms here in the heart of TN. Because of a book that circled Logan's 2nd grade class last year:

He knows that Lightning is amongst the 100 things.

When bedtime rolled around he was visibly shaken by the thought of lightning striking him while he slept. Great, thanks kid that brought that durn book to school! I assured him that he would be safe and he was sleeping far enough from the window that he wouldn't have to worry about it. A few minutes later I hear him flip flop down the hallway. "What?!," I think, "is he wearing shoes to bed?"

Logan: "But mom, I know lightning can come in the house. We have outlets on the outside."

I shuffle him back to bed and assure him once again that he will be safe & sound.

Me: "Buddy? Why do you have your flipp floppy's on?"

Logan: "RUBBER SOLES MOM!" I have to have on rubber soles during a lightning storm and the lightning won't get me!"

Me: "OK. If wearing flippy floppys to bed makes you feel better then wear away."

And He Did.

The Deckers take Canada FINALE

2009-07-09T09:39:00.000-07:00

Back to our regularly scheduled program

Our next outdoor adventure took us down the Green Lake for a little White Water Rafting! I really had no idea what to expect since I've NEVER done this. I knew it was only a Class 2 but I had no clue what that meant. Well basically it means, Very Tame! Like let's go round some bends & let's see a few fast paced ripples in the water & paddle through them & BAM we're done. I was like, "Hey, let's step this thing up a notch! I'll take on that Class 4 and OWN it!" Sadly I have not yet ordered pics from this event SO I got no pics for this part of story time.

We were on our own for dinner this evening & one of our new found friends, Adam, (you know the one that got shot and is a total foodie!) told us about a style of eating called Tapas (not to be confused with Topless). It's basically like ordering a bunch of appetizers and sharing them. We had lettuce wraps, lamb burgers, elements signature bruschetta & about 5 other things I can't remember but it was YummaLicious! Desert was creme brulee & sticky pudding.

That night was back to the fire pit

I got to do my hike around the Lost Lake & to the Aborigianl Center that I've been waiting alll week to do! There is a rich aboriginal culture in these parts and I had to experience some.

And FINALLY we have the Farewell Dell Dinner @ the Fairmont. Again, amazing band, amazing food & amazing people.

This guy really liked to dance! And his name was Dick Tracy too boot!

We have to be up & out of the Fairmont by 5:15 AM!! That's right 5:15 AM!! Josh & I were the LAST ones on the bus!

The Deckers & a Nun: A flight from Vancouver

We flew out of this:

And flew into this:

It was terrifying. We circled the city many times trying to land but turbulence was horrid. I'm motion sick trying to hold it all together whilst those around me are crying, hyperventilating & just plain freaking out. We made our final descent into Nashville and the ground never felt sooooo good. That was our Whistler Trip. Thanks for reading! (if your still with me...I'm pretty sick of typing about it myself but I really wanted to get every detail so I could read it many moons from now)

Favorite Photographs...for the moment

2009-07-07T17:17:00.000-07:00

I am about 2 days late and a $$ short on this but here it goes! I'm participating in another blogosphere activity. Show us your fave pics. These pics are from our recent summer vacas. I tried, I really did, to narrow it down to just one but hey, 3's pretty close right!? The first is of our daughter whom we affectionately call B. Her first trip to the beach. Love the colors & her sunkissed face. Oh and those possible curls she has goin on in the back. The next is of her & Big Brutha. He carries her like that all the time and she doesn't seem to mind. As long as she's with him! And the last is from Hubs and I's trip to Whistler, BC. There was NO photo editing at all done to the pic that is just how freakin awesome the views were!
If you like whatcha see here you should check out the rest of our shenanigans!!

Freedom Day Weekend: Dunlap Edition

2009-07-06T06:56:00.001-07:00

A new tradition that's starting to take shape is a trip to Dunlap, TN for more

Fourth of July Festivities

Where is Dunlap you ask? Well it's about 30 minutes from Chattanooga in the Heart of the Sequatchie Valley. Hang-gliding capital of the US

My old college roomie and one of my best friends, Emily, has lots & lots of family in Dunlap. Her Dunlap is my Smithville. Emily and her family

(hubby B-Ri, 5 going on 15 daughter Gabriella and

2 almost 3 yr. old Mr. Owen...Brynn's future hubby)

moved to FL a few years back and I miss her sorely! She always makes the trip to Dunlap for the annual parade and the family gathering at her parents home. How could I let her get that close to me and not see her and those beautiful babies!!?? Well I can't so we make the trip to see them.

It's an hour and a half drive through the COUNTRY! And it's GORGEOUS! I'm really really diggin the TN backroads these days. We could take I-24 but who'd wanna do that!? We miss the parade but make it to the gathering. Let me just tell you. To get to her parents home you drive up a windy one lane road to the very last house on the left. They have a huge yard full of shade trees.

Josh & B-Ri enjoyin the day

There was a bounce house and it was B's first time.

Logan made a crazy face

Me, B & ever-lasting friend Emily

Porchiness

"Cousins ;)" gabi, b, maddy, owen & logan

Left Dunlap and headed to The Parkers for a bit and the to the hizzouse. The people around our neighborhood spend bookoos of $$ on fireworks that there's really no need in leaving! It's always quite a show from every direction.

This is how B felt about the explosions...a face only a mamas kiss can calm

Logan Helping

HAPPY 4TH!!

Freedom Day Weekend: Smithville Edition

2009-07-05T20:20:00.001-07:00

We interrupt this regularly scheduled Canadian program to bring you
Fourth of July Festivities

There's a tradition round here. Fourth of July means visiting small towns. And.I.Mean.Small. Almost the entire Cantrell side (that's me) lives in Smithville. My dad made his escape early and never looked back. Fourth of July=Smithville Fiddlers Jamboree. Smithville is also the home to Center Hill Lake. A gorgeous lake whose banks and mountains remain intact thanks to a "No building docks from your lake house" rule. There are those few docks that have been "grandfathered" in but, for the most part, still intact.

Friday I packed the kids up and we headed out...Josh reeeaaaally wanted to go golfing so he wasn't with us. Now I've never really sat and watched the fiddlers/cloggers/square dancers but I'm told it's purdy amazing. I like the crafts! Lots and Lots of crafts! We did the craft thing and I got an awesome glass blown ball that's different colors and when hung in a window traps negative energy (pic of ball doesn't translate it's actual beauty). Logan got a reloadable rubber band gun and B got a dolly.

*Side Note Tradition
*My Mema and Pauline we're the best of friends back in the day. They went and did everything together, lived beside each other and their kids grew up together. My dad and Doreta (Pauline's daughter) are the same age. Doreta has a girl Rachel who's my age and a boy John Michael my brothers age. Most of Pauline's clan moved to Georgia many moons ago but they'd always make the Jamboree. Rachel & I would trade spending a week with each other in the summer. Some in TN, some in GA. Although Rach hasn't made it back in a while most of the other GA clan always does. Pauline passed a way probably 10 years ago and they're still coming back. I love getting to see them and sharing the stories with Logan. I love that he's old enough to hear and understand the stories. We had a brief history lesson on the way up...Cantrell family tree & Georgia peeps...we've got a rather large family and matching up who goes with who can be difficult. I'm just now understanding how much all of these things we did when i was a child mean to me and how much I want our kids to experience that.

After the Jamboree (Jubilee as Mema affectionately calls it) we went swimming at my cousins and then to the Blue Water Grill. A little restaurant on the edge of the lake that we OWN! No, not really but my cousin Ali is the bartender, my cousins Lee & Kevin cook and now my cousin Abby is the silverware folder/gopher. So yeah, we pretty much own it. We were all enjoying some yummy yummy food on the lake and look how cute the kiddos are

Then this happened:

Little Sista is gonna have a TIME growing up! It was hilarious! I have probably 10 pics of this event and she didn't care one bit that she was sitting there with MoHawk Head. People IN the restaurant were pointing & laughing.

One More Small Town Event to Come

The Deckers take Canada: Part 2

2009-07-02T13:12:00.000-07:00

So after the Peak to Peak excursion we were about to head down the mountain when we came face to face with a Black Bear! We've discussed our plans if such a thing were to occur and attempting to make ourselves look larger and, in effect, scare off the bear was our plan.

Rob demonstrates our plan of survival:

He inadvertently is attackedMy plan goes off without a hitchHow do you think this turned out?? Stay tuned to find out!

That night was a Dell Dine Around. They gave us restaurants to pick from and off we went. We chose Bavaria which is a fondue restaurant and also where Tori & Dean (Home Sweet Hollywood) just partook of on their show. The food was just ok. All I really need is the cheese and chocolate.please.thankyou. We did have some interesting conversations though. One of our fellow diners was head of Retail in Canada. We talked Olympics, Canadian perceptions, healthcare and of course hockey (which I was completely out on).

On our walk back we stopped to do a little dancing which is always fun (josh lost his phone:(). I think all of Dell was there and then to the FirePit!

Rise & Shine! It's ZipTrek/Golfing Day! Again, Josh is terrified of heights so he chose to stay on the ground. He did see a mama bear and 2 cubs sitting at one of the holes...not 50 yards from them. And this video is of one of my zips. It was the longest on my trek...length of it is the height of the Eiffel Tower!!

After our adventures we get ready for dinner & dancing on Whistler Mountain (provided by Dell).

Let's just say that Josh apparently HEARTS Cotton Eyed Joe and had to dance immediately! OH if you coulda seen those feet movin! It's a rare occurence when the boy dances but should be witnesses at some point in everyones life. The band was phenomenal. I'm pretty sure the lead singer wanted to be Gwen Stefani circa 1995.

What happened with Josh and the bear you ask??

A picture worth a thousand words.

The Deckers take Canada Part 1

2009-07-02T06:52:00.000-07:00

From Nashville to the Fairmont in Whistler was a grueling 14 hour trip. We had flight delays almost missed our flight change and what we were told to be a 1.5 hour bus ride turned into almost 3 hour bus ride but....we.made.it.

We flew into Vancouver. The city is HUGE and streets are crowded and views are stunning!

Although the bus ride was loooong we got to see things like:

This & This

Arrival

Our first night we had a group dinner at the Fairmont and Nashville began to overtake the FirePit area. I'm really not sure where all the other Dell folks congregated (TX, Canada, India, Latin America) but we made our claim!

It was in the back of the Fairmont and looked out at the Blackcomb Mountain. It was also the locale of one of The Bachelorette's romantic nights.

We awake to fresh mountain air. All Dell employees have to do a team builder down in the lobby and the Plus 1's are free to roam. I quickly made an awesome friend Sarah. Sarah's fiance, Adam, is on Josh's team. He's actually the guy that got shot a few months ago leaving his bartending job in Nashville! He's also a total foodie who I learned tons from! Anyway, Sarah and I ventured out and together we discovered this bridge:

This bridge connects Upper Village, where we stayed, to Whistler Village, where all the shopping, restaurants and gondolas are. We also have to cross through LOTS of Olympic construction. If there's one thing we did in Whistler it was WALK! Everywhere! Everyone there is Fit & Fabulous and totally inspired me! I enjoy the outdoors and there were sooo many outdoor adventures to be had there it made my head spin.

After the Dell Team Builder we got a pretty large group together and decided to do the Peak to Peak. This is a very new attraction. It's also VERY high...Josh is terrified of heights. Basically you take a 25 min. gondola ride up Whistler Mountain. Hope off, enjoy the little restaurant, grab some coffee, maybe some amaretto and gander at the heart melting views :

After you've gotten your fill of this Mountain you embark on a massive gondola that will take you from Whistler to Blackcomb. This is an 11 minute ride 1,427 feet over Fitzsimmon Creek (more like a river would look to us Americans). It's the longest continuous lift system on the globe. Oh, by the way, I got total motion sickness on the way up! I was like a kid in a candy store turning and looking out all the windows to take in all the nature scenes. Not a good idea for someone who gets motion sick. Lesson Learned.

Glass Bottom Gondola...totally not worth the wait.

More Canadian life to come...

The Ride From HEDouble Hockey Sticks

2009-06-30T06:09:00.000-07:00

First off, we've had an absolutely amazing summer!! I honestly need a vacation from vacactioning. I am worn out. I think this all came to a head on our ride home. B did FABULOUS on the 9 hour drive TO the beach. She would fuss a little and then nod off for about 40 min. She did this 3 times. Way home? Not so much.

I guess it coulda been worse but we started out by missing a turn and adding 30 min. to the trip. She fell alseep for a bit but with all the stopping and turning and bumpy roads the sleep didn't last long. I kept saying if we can all just be quiet for a bit I know she'll fall alseep. I did this 5 days before. Josh kept talking (trying to stay awake). Logan kept talking because Josh was talking. Brynn was just blabbing and yelling. I.Was.So.Frustrated! So I say lemme drive, you go to sleep and Logan please read a book or something quietly. As soon as everyone is quiet she falls asleep. I am dead tired by the way. I blow cold air on my face and put in my earphones turned as loud as they will go to stay awake.

Twenty minutes down the road we hit stop and go traffic. Of course this wakes her up and that was the last time she slept. We got about 40 min. out of her on the entire 9 hour trip.

Let's just say I'm glad to be home. I felt very clausterphobic (which I'm not) and in need of space and air badly by the end of the day.
I will blog about all the awesomeness later. I just had to vent.

Me vs. The Canadians

2009-06-18T18:11:00.000-07:00

Canadian Customs Personnel do not enjoy humor. It is frowned upon. They have a very serious job. And take it very seriously. If you do attempt to have casual banter you will immediately be given a stern look. After he is finished with you he will sternly look at you again as if to say, "Move along stupid American."
Lesson Learned.

Summer Vacations

2009-06-16T08:07:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Josh & I will be leaving on a jet plane bright and early in the morn to here:

Whistler, British Columbia

Thank you to Dell's COE program we are going here for FREE! What's paid for you ask...flight, hotel, 2 activities of our choice and all meals (except 2 I think). I love free. Our last COE was to Hawaii about 3 years ago and it was unbelieveable!

Whistler is about an hour and a half from Vancouver nestled between the Blackcomb Mountains. Sounds dreamy right? We will be staying here:

The Fairmont Chateau

Nestled at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, The Fairmont Chateau Whistler defines mountain luxury. With true ski-in and ski-out convenience and on-site golf course, the classic elegance of this landmark Whistler hotel offers a modern alpine setting for unsurpassed guest service, exceptional dining and full resort amenities.

(description courtesy of Fairmont website)

Although we won't be there during prime-time ski weather we will have many outdoor adventures to conquer. While I'm doing this:

ZipTrek Eco Tours

Josh (he's terrified of heights) will be doing this:

Golf at the Fairmont

Then we will both do this one day:

White Water Rafting (hence my new Chacos)

Our free day will be spent exploring the quaint little town. Modeled after a Swiss Alpine Village, The Whistler Village is closed off to car traffic so we can stroll comfortably along cobblestone paths. (description courtesy of Dell trip GuideBook)

Obviously it will not be snowy while we're there.

I will miss our kids terribly but know they are in good hands. This trip wouldn't be possible without our family and I'm thankful. Breaks are needed and good quality time with Josh will be rewarding.

I hope to blog while I'm there but not sure if it will happen. I may be to enthralled with this Canadian town they call Whistler. The day after our return the kids and I are meeting cousins in Destin. PHEW!

Here's to Summers, Vacations, Dell, Canadians and Après

(all photos courtesy of Google Image)

Small Moments=Big Changes

2009-06-14T08:29:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I made the fam venture out with me to help me spend my Binks gift card. I had HIGH hopes of finding some good sandals.

Chacos?

Tevas?

Keens?

So many choices!

Out of nowhere Big L says,

"MOM! Can I get a Life Is Good Shirt, I really neeeed a Life Is Good shirt! I want a blue one and I want to wear it to the beach!"

WOW! I think. Where is the caring about clothes attitude coming from?

Well the Binks at the mall had no blue ones and I told him we'd venture to the one on The Square after B goes to sleep.

He was ADAMANT about us going and definitely going THAT day!

OK, OK simma down now buddy!

B goes to sleep and off we go (Josh is home with her...I did not leave her home alone to take a nap). He brings along his wallet full of birthday $$ and we find 3 that have caught his eye.

One is blue baseball shirt style, one is red with baseball on it and an orange one with a bike.

Big L: "Do you think they have a dressing room? I probably need to try these on."

Me, now trying to conceal my chuckles, heads to find said dressing room.

My son really wanted to go shopping for beach attire and he really needed to try them on and he wanted mom's opinion on what suited him best. This.Is.AWESOME!!

He decides on the blue baseball style tee and paid with his own money. He seemed so grownup in that moment.
It made me remember Baby Logan and Toddler Logan and PreSchool Logan and School Age Logan (DUSTY!! I DID IT!!) all in succession. His whole 8 years of living flashed before my eyes. I got sad.

And now we meet Tween Logan.

I miss Little Logi but I can't wait to get to know Big L!

We had a nice afternoon together walking around the square. Doing some window shopping. Later, during Sleeps, he told me he really liked shopping and it was his fave part of the day.

Man I love that kid.

Buffalo River: Girls Camping Trip

2009-06-10T05:25:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying what an AMAZING group of friends I have! Some of us knew each other in HS and weren't actually friends til our college years. Some of us are from the college years. We are a tight knit group and I love everyone of you!

We have a tradition of canoeing the Buffalo every year. An all girls, only girls camping/canoe trip. There are years where one or the other can't make it (that's been me the past 2 yrs.) and they are sorely missed. Soooo if you didn't make it this year, here's how it all went down.

The drive to Wayne County, TN is mostly done by back roads and highways. In one word, SCENIC!! It was a beautiful day as we curved around mountains, went in and out of small valleys and ventured through small town life. All this combined with some good conversation with Mrs. Overton made for one peaceful 2 hour trip.

We arrive at our destination, Crazy Horse Campin!
Now I have a theory behind the name of this place. On our way to get here we pass by the Natchez Trail. I'm pretty sure Crazy Horse is the name of a famous Indian who has a legend deep in these parts. No, I have no proof but I do plan on researching it.

So we roll in about 3:30 pm and get straight to settin up camp. A few of us arrived much earlier to attempt to get "Our Spot" saved. It is at the very end of the campgrounds with 2 levels one of which is on the edge of the river bank. Sadly someone had gotten there even earlier than our crew and Made Their Claim! We did have quite a large spot just not as secluded as normal.

This is only about half of our site. To the right were more tents and the homemade bathroom...thanks to Jill and her skillz (also great job on the cutlery)! And yes, I said homemade bathroom.

After the setup was done we took to enjoying ourselves. Jill kept askin if we wanted to play CornHole and I'm thinking, "OK, she brought her travel size tailgating one." OH NO! She busted out with her homemade,very sturdy heavy wood one! Carol and I won so I decided to hang up my throwin hands on a high note.

Some nice fellow camper took this group shot for us. Although, it seems there were 2 camera people cause Carrie is the ONLY one lookin the right way. And man is she posin ;)

There's a little local Dive Bar right down the street so after some cornhole and enjoying the fire Jamie decided it was time to put on her Dancin Pants! Man, this girl has the fastest feet in the South! And believe me, there were some interesting locals!

Quick Funny Story Time:

Jamie has hairigami. Jamie Loooooves Hairigami.

Jamie never leaves home Without her Hairigami!

We all tell her, "Jamie it's time to let your hair down (literally) and stop with the Hairigami already!" Mistakenly she left one (yes, she has more than one) at my house a few months ago and asks me EVERY TIME I see her If I've brought the beloved hair piece. Well I happened to find it as I'm packing for the trip and attempt to surprise her with it fashioned ever so gently into my hair. This was a good as I could get it. Apparently I need Hairigami lessons from Jamie but she was elated! Now, I'm thinkin I probably shoulda just thrown the stinkin thing away.

Back to the Crazy Horse. We leave the Outpost ( I think that's the name of said local dive bar) and enjoy some fire cooked hot dogs and smores. We awake bright eyed and bushy tailed (not really) ready for a day of canoeing. We congregate around the fire and await the arrival of our 2 late friends...MeShell & T.

Ready to Hit The Rapids

Tiner is my partner and I'm in the back which means she's the speed person and I'm the direction person. We aren't but 15 min down the river and we see the current start to pick up with a turn to the left and a LARGE tree sticking out of the water. Most of our commrades have made it safely to the bank and are waiting on us...or maybe their just waiting to see someone flip! I'm thinking, "OK, we just don't need to paddle because the current here is pretty darn fast and it will just carry us in."

Keep in mind that I've missed the last 2 trips and my skillz are a little rusty. Faster and faster we speed towards the large brush of tree (or whateva the heck it is) and I stick my orr out to, I don't know...maybe soften the blow! But then what if said orr rams into my juggular.

Orr goes down and we ram this tree thingy at full force tipping us INSTANTLY!! I'm tryin to swim to shore, all our belongings are swiftly making their way down the river, our friends and some randoms rush to help us and, well, Thanks to Mrs. Carol P from Tennessee for grabbing her camera and getting the action shot above.

Onward we push. We pass some pretty waterfalls and 2 areas were people like to

Jump Off the Cliffs. NO THANKS!

A little farther down I feel I'm gettin the hang of being in the back and have learned the Back Paddle...it's a wonderful little maneuver. However, Tiner and I have switched places at this point for a lil variety and, Heaven Help Me, if Mel doesn't get in our way! We hit them and it instantly tips us slowly. I think maybe we can save it and attempt to flip us back but water was fillin just a tad too fast and down we went. AGAIN!! You can see T & Mel cluelessly paddling away in the above picture. Oh and thanks again to Carol P from Tennessee for being ready with the camera.

We finish the 10 MILE TREK (thankyoujamie) in just under 8 hours! The river was packed and I'm pretty sure we were the LAST ones off it! Oh well, We Did It. No Injuries and just a few hang ups along the way. Head back to camp for nacho dinner and some bongo/guitar playing (thanks to our campin neighbors). After a very sleepless night Auto awakes me at 6:30 AM and we get to packin.

Headed home.

Past the Natchez Trail, through windy country roads,

in and out of small town life and a beautiful day ahead of us!

See You Next Year CRAZY HORSE!!

The Things We Hide from Our Kids...

2009-06-03T08:10:00.000-07:00

This week Logan (or Big L as he would now like us to call him) is attending Cub Scout Camp. The drive from our house to the Camp is down a beautiful windy country road. On our way this morning I see a small turtle trying to cross the street and say,
"OHHH NO!! Go back little turtle! GO BACK!"
It's very busy at this time because of work traffic and all the families going to the Camp. I think, "Man, maybe i should turn around and move him."
Logan: "MOM! MOVE HIM! That's what your supposed to do! It's the rule!"
Me: "Your right. Hold on and I'll turn around."
I had just passed the little fella and was turning around to find a spot to park and move him. I'm a lil nervous because there is so much traffic on this 2 lane windy road. So we're heading back..."I know he was right here near this bridge," I think.
Oh wait, I think I see him!
"Ohhhhhhhh Buddy...(i stop myself mid sentence) He must've made it," I said. I don't see him anymore."
The truth? He was dead. Dang it!

Decker Dayz

LOGAN TURNS 10!

The Truth

Farm Day

The Day That Shook Me To The Core

Because I Was Tagged...

Another Year Older~Another Grade Higher

The Sleep N*zi

Potty Training 101

My Dear Son Logan's Future...

My Daily Monlogue

Finding Sleep

THIS TOWN

Ahoy Matey Shower

Artificial Cousins *just like the sweetner but better*

Washing Machine Disasters

The End of an Era

This Is The

Age Ain't Nothin But A Number

Can You Guess...

And Now For The Sappy Birthday Post

On Your 9th Birthday

What Can Water Do?

That's My BOY!

Pickles & Ice Cream Shower

Dear Blog,

Now That You're 2...What Can You Do?

Me & My Boobs

Brynn's 2 Sweet Candy Shop

Go Figure...

I Should Have Known

Did you Know...(not for the queasy of stomach)

My Darling Daughter...

The Day I Learned Alot

New year, New header

Our Very Merry Holiday

Merry Christmas (eve) To All!

Do Not Even Try...

The True Meaning

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Thanksgiving: A great day for turkey NOT for tummies!

My Secret Garden Take 2

Happy HalllloWeeeeeen!

All Hallows Eve

A Hidden Treasure

What Makes A Happy Heart

Lindsay Renee Photography

Decisions, Decisions

An Incident with the Pavement

Style

Wilderness Excursion

Dear Ann...

Brynn, you are NOW a toddler!

A Little Light Reading

The First of Many

A Day in Your Life

Photoshoppin' Around

Our History...in the making

PlayDate

Make New Friends...But Keep The Old

This NEVER happens!!

The Way That Babies Play

My 101th Post...Feel special girls

Better Late Than Never

Perspective

And now we have a 3rd Grader!

A Walking Contradiction

Changes

DA Sounds

Rubber Shoes & Lightning

The Deckers take Canada FINALE

Favorite Photographs...for the moment

Freedom Day Weekend: Dunlap Edition

Freedom Day Weekend: Smithville Edition

The Deckers take Canada: Part 2

The Deckers take Canada Part 1

The Ride From HEDouble Hockey Sticks

Me vs. The Canadians

Summer Vacations

Small Moments=Big Changes

Artificial Cousins just like the sweetner but better