Fun in the Fall

So my sweet husband who happens to work very hard and sometimes falls asleep on the couch within minutes of sitting down ordered me a Christmas gift. The only thing was is he used my computer on my amazon account. You can imagine my suprise as the email came through on my phone while he stood up from the computer! LOL His first words were.."Dang it!" The he said, "Oh well, we can use it for Christmas cards." It was a new Cannon Rebel camera!! I have been wanting a nice camera for a long time and was super excited to get it a few days later!! Needless to say I've been playing with my new toy! So here are some new and improved pictures of my cute kiddos :)

One of the first pics we took with the camera. How can you not love that kid?!

Playing the Papa's (my Dad) creek.The boys love Papa's hay barn!And many rounds of hide and seek were played!

Told him to say "Daddy's stinky!" LOL

Why I run.

So running is the type activity that you either love or hate...sometimes it's even a love/hate all in one. I am currently training for a half marathon in January with my sweet hubby. When people find out I can get some odd looks...like a I just bit into a lemon look. They say things like "I've never gotten the running high," or "I get so bored!" And I can tell you every run I make is not a perfect experience. I have to mentally and physically challenge myself to go farther or faster. But there are several reasons why I run. I run to clear my head. It's easy to get in a zone when I run. I can smell the air and listen to the sounds of nature (if I'm outside) and just take in the beautiful world around me which is much more difficult to do in a car. I can think. I think about God. I think about my week...about the world around me. I run because it's an accomplishment. I think to myself "How many other people ran 9 miles this morning?" And no one can take those 9 miles away. I did it. And it's done.

But mostly I run because I can. If you knew me as a teenager there were a couple of years where walking wasn't even in the picture. Due to a degenerative bone disease I had two spinal fusions (one with hardware) which landed me in a wheelchair and a hard plastic brace that went from my chest to my tailbone. I was a swimmer at the time. I remember telling my doctor in tears how the water was my life and I love to compete. And I will never forget his words. "There will be other things," he told me as tear ran down my face. Once I got over my own pity party I bucked up. Have you ever had one of those times where you want to do something even more because someone says you can't? Yea, this was one of those times. I refused to have help in school as I pushed myself campus. I drug books out of my locker and put them on the back of the chair. I even went to PE and worked my upper body. I was stubborn...still am. Almost two years later I was in the clear I went back to the pool...and I joined the cross country team just to prove to people I could do this. And I did. My senior year I was co-captain of that team. And although I was never fantastic or truly talented I was competing again..in two sports.

I am still not super fast..gotta remember I am barely 5'2, not exactly built to run. I still have days where I drag. In fact just yesterday I fell flat on my face while running (my nerves in my right leg still aren't exactly firing on all 8 cylinders). Thank goodness I live in the country and the road I run on has very little traffic so no one saw my graceful act. The key is that I got up, dusted myself off, and told myself, "OK let's go." I do this because I can. And now that I am able to run I don't want to waste it by not doing it.

Now I have a child that has been told "There will be other things." So I run for him. I run to raise money so that maybe one day he will enjoy some wedding cake or Thanksgiving supper. The Disney World Half Marathon and CURED (http://www.curedfoundation.org/) will help me do that.

So if you live in Georgia and see some little thing trucking down the road singing the chant in Finding Nemo where Nemo passes to through Mount Wannahacaloogi (oo ee oo ah oo oo oo oo) to the beat of my feet hitting the pavement...it's just me, running because someone once told me "There will be other things."

Georgia on my mind

It's been a bit since I've posted, sorry, it's been chaotic around here. We have moved to Georgia, school started, and everyday life has just taken it's toll.

I can finally say, though, that we are settled. I can now get to various areas around town without staring at my GPS every 4 seconds. We found a church we like. Little Joe has a new doctor in Atlanta. And the little kids are in PRESCHOOL two days a week. Y'all I have freedom!! Someone might need to pull out the fainting salts. LOL

Little Joe turned 8 since my last post. He had some friends over and they had a great time with movies, video games, and silly string. He has settled into 3rd grade really well. Still bringing home great grades and even reading on a 5th grade level!! How can I not be proud of this kid?!

In honor of his belated birthday (sorry Bud) I will list my 8 things I love about Joe.

1. His mind. I love the way he thinks and he is so smart. I can't wait to find out what the future holds for him.

2. Joe's heart. He is a caring and compassionate kid. Be it a dog, a squirrel in the road, or his younger sibling crying he always shows concern.

3. He is so helpful. Joe loves to help, whether it's holding the door or getting the mail he is so willing and it takes a load of of Mama!!

4. His smile. You can't help but smile back.

5. His old man personality. The kid loves weather and the history channel. It cracks everybody up.

6. His eyes. I see his Dad in those eyes.

7. His bravery. The kids is tough. For all that he's been through nothing stops him. He never lets anything medical keep him from doing what he wants.

8. You never forget Joe :). I love the fact that he always leaves an impression with people. We go random places and kids and sometime adults will call "Hey! Joe!" Most people love him and it is easy to see why.

Garrett and Katie are cute and playful and everything a Mama could want. Garrett can stay this age forever!! He is so sweet and still loves his Mama so much I don't ever want him to grow up. Although he is a bit shy in school, he is fitting in really well. He is really enjoying the other kids in his class. And Bug has turned to Miss Independent Diva. She has hit the "princess this and princess that" and "I do it myself" phase. She totally has Big Joe wrapped. He will randomly say "She is the cutest thing ever!" on a daily basis.

Our house in Georgia is fabulous! I have to say it's my favorite thing about living here. It's quiet, spacious, and without plumbing issues ;). We are in the country where I feel most at home, but yet it is a quick drive to the interstate where Joe can get to work fast (too fast actually...already had one speeding ticket since we've been here ...wink wink). We are about 15 minutes to town which surprisingly has a lot to offer. I have found lots of places I want to explore and shop! We are also very near several parks and lakes so needless to say when the temperature cools down (it's HOT) we are headed out there! The only down side is the bugs. Holy moly at the bugs. The day we moved here I was stung by a wasp (in Kentucky) and I am highly allergic (like gasping for air allergic), so when we got here Joe was very aware of the 8 wasp nests hanging from our new home. Ants are everywhere...including my truck (grr) and I killed a scorpion!!! The bugs....are crazy.
Life is just rolling along though. We are so blessed. Although it may have taken a bit longer and had it's frustrations we have settled. I was reminded in a Bible Study this morning of the verse Proverbs 24:16 that says "for a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again." Enjoy your holiday weekend! And stay safe!

Church Signs

I have loved reading church signs for years. It's something I actually look forward to when we move and settle into a new place. I love to see what they come up with. Some of my favorite quotes have come from church signs like "Fall on your knees and grow there." The signs can also be humorous. I saw one that said "Sign is broken. Please come inside for message," and "Our church is prayer conditioned," and "Under same management for 2000 years." Of course this one was discounted on Snopes but I still got a good laugh http://http//www.ourrisingsound.com/2008/08/19/presbyterian-vs-catholic-church-sign-debate/

And some signs will even make you think like the one I passed the other day "Fear not tomorrow for God is already there." I love that!

I passed one though in town last month that bothered me a bit though. Being near Memorial Day it read "Every Sunday is Memorial Day here." Now don't get me wrong I am strong in my faith and strong in my patriotism. I honor those men and women who gave their all for this country. And Memorial Day is a day for BBQs and family time but it is also a time to remember those who have given their lives. Now I don't see Jesus in this light. Yes He died, but the good news is is that Jesus rose!!! I serve a living God!! I am saddened when I think of the soldiers. Proud, but sad, for they left families...wives and babies..kids and mothers. When I think of Jesus I am in awe, grateful, and HAPPY! I don't think what happened on Easter morning should be considered the same as Memorial Day. Ok...there I said my peace. Thanks for listening to me :o) Here now...have a cute picture :o) Not a true cowboy unless you wear your boots over your footed pjs :o) Y'all have a great week!

Horsing Around

We have had a fun couple of weeks around here. The kids are getting to ages where they tell they want to go or do certain things. They are cooperating in public, just overall pretty sweet. Now if only I could get them to leave me alone when I am on the phone ;).

On Mother's Day the whole family went to the barn and tried out my new riding buddy. Little Joe was the first one to join me, but we had some strap issues. Poor kid was completely cockeyed by the time he got down. After a little adjusting things were much better. Garrett rode next and loved it, then Katie sat up front with me. I think she is still too little to ride behind. The funny thing about Bug is she insisted on wearing her jockey goggles. She was cracking me up! I also have plenty of help in the stall now as well. :)

We've also just been goofing around. I am trying to get Katie completely potty trained by the time we move in July. So she spends a lot of time downstairs messing around...again with camera unnoticed by Mama. She has also given herself her first haircut. Luckily with the curls it is hard to tell unless you pick up individual curls.

Counting down the days until school ends and of course the move! We are grateful to have signed a lease on a beautiful house in Georgia with a great school right down the street. It's gonna be a good and exciting summer :o)

Garrett turns four!!

My sweet dimpled kiddo turned four on Mother's Day this year. I couldn't have asked for a sweeter gift. He has talked about his birthday for weeks and when it finally got here I was so happy that his party and day lived up to his expectations.

We went to Fun Zone, a local place here with inflatables, mini golf, a skating rink, and arcade games. Our little video gamer wanted a Sonic the Hedgehog theme. Several of his friends from preschool came and they had a blast. Joe and I were very surprised Garrett wanted to hang with his buddies and not follow his brother around like usual. It was pretty stinkin cute.

I had been in Columbus Ohio (Little Joe had some testing done there) the previous several days but still managed to whip up Garrett's cake. He was very happy with it :).

He has been playing with all of his super cool presents since. We are so blessed with this youngin.

Now for 4 things I love about my Garretto...

1) Those dimples...I cannot get enough of them. I want to just kiss him all over when he grins at me.

2) His sense of humor. This kid is getting so funny. He has that perfect "state the obvious" humor most 4 years have.

3) His sweetness. He is a very cuddly kid and I love it. Many a mornings I wake up with him snuggled against my back and I will take it as long as I can get it.

4) He is so caring. This kid is always sharing. He hears his sister cry and brings her something to cheer her up. The other day we were out shopping and a baby in a stroller dropped her bottle. Garrett didn't think twice. He stepped over and picked it up for her. Love him!!!

Happy Birthday Garretto Burrito! You are a huge joy in our lives!

The Greatest Show on Earth!

So just before Spring Break we had the opportunity to go with Little Joe's Scout pack to the Ringling Brothers Circus. I had never been to a circus outside of a couple of small traveling ones that came to my hometown. This was fantastic!!! The show was 2 hours long and my entire family loved it. The animals were amazing and the clowns were super funny. Events would change up just in the nick of time that my kids were losing focus. We had snow cones and lots of fun! Here we are waiting in line outside. Big Joe was saying "Bug, you wanna go to the circus?" "YES!!" She screamed!And Garretto hung out with Daddy. Before the shoe started they invited everyone down to the ring to watch some demonstrations up close. Little Joe got to get pretty close to an elephant! Think he's having fun? LOLThey had 9 elephants in this show. They did a wonderful job. The head trainer also handled the horses and tigers. He was awesome!!

Feeding Tube Awareness Week Feb 6-12

On a normal day I don't usually bring it up . But occasionally I get questions about my oldest boy, Joe. He wears a small backpack most of the day and we get comments like "He must really like that thing!" or "Why do you make him carry that everywhere?" Most people just get a smile and nod others get a deeper explanation. Joe has several gastrointestinal issues which have led to tube feeds since six weeks of age. Inside that backpack is a pump that slowly puts food into his intestines. Although his condition is not very common tube feeds are more common than you think. I remember registering Joe for Kindergarten and they wanted to put him the Special Needs class because they had never seen a child with a feeding tube that wasn't handicapped in any other way. Joe is a very average kid...he just eats differently...and there are hundreds...thousands like him. And we need to raise awareness that this is not "life support" and that a lot of insurances don't like to cover the prescription formulas that need to go through the tubes which can be extremely expensive (Joe goes through a $50 can of formula every 2 days).

There are several different kinds of tube but they all do the same basic need, to provide nourishment . A NG tube goes into the nose and down to the stomach. Almost any preemie baby in the NICU is seen with one of these because they don't have the suck/swallow reflex yet. NJ is again through the nose but guided into the intestines. A G tube is a button surgically implanted into the stomach, and GJ is an external button that goes to the intestines. The NG and NJ are usually used for short term, like the preemies. The G and GJ are more long term use tubes.

Joe doesn't think he is any different than you or me, which is how all tube fed patients should be feel. He answers questions when asked and goes on with his everyday life. So if your child asks you about a boy/girl that wears a backpack or sees the button on a boy at the pool, inform them just like you would if you saw a child with an inhaler or in a wheelchair. Simple and matter of fact. "He was a very sick baby and that's how he eats now," is what I tell most children when they ask me about Joe. No big deal...Joe doesn't think so so why should I? :o)

Life as we know it :o)

Hey slow down!! January is almost over! Can y'all believe it? Well another day another dollar around here. Big Joe has started his new job, which means a new schedule, which also means we don't get a whole lot of time with him...BOOO! But the good news is he is really enjoying it. He loves being in the field with the guys and teaching them. It's very different than the classroom teaching he was doing for the past year.

The kids are enjoying the tremendous amounts of snow days we've been having. I can't even tell you how many days they've been out...over a week though total. Craziness since it's only January and we can get snow into March.

(from an ice store we had...1/4 of an ice makes Kentucky an ice rink!!)

I have been busy with Army duties, kids, work, and working out. Big Joe got me a treadmill for Christmas and I am sooo loving it!! I've been working hard with a little incentive from http://www.lindsaybrin.com/ and her Shed 5 Fast contest going on right now. I know I probably won't win but wouldn't it be cool?! LOL I'm half way through the challenge and I've lost a couple of pounds as well as inches. I'm finding more self confidence and I am digging it!! I'm also keeping track of my miles on http://www.dailymile.com/ and I have run almost 100 miles! To me that's just nuts to think about :o).

So I don't think we posted our family pictures from the fall. if you got our Christmas card or are my friend on facebook these are repeats sorry.

Hugs and love to you all.

Joyful Years

So just warning you now...I'm going to get all philosophical on you. I promise to make it up with cute Christmas pictures at the end :o)

So I've has several people make the comment "I don't know how you do it..." to me. And I am happy to say it is usually followed "with such a good attitude". Life isn't easy...for anybody. I am sure you all have heard the quote about "...be nice to everyone because everyone has their own battle". Yes, my mother was diagnosed with brain cancer when I was twelve. Yes I spent about half of my time in high school in a wheelchair. Yes, I have lost two pregnancies and almost lost a child due to serious illness. And he still deals with medical issues everyday. Yes, I have delivered two children without my husband and watched my him leave for 40+ months across the ends of the Earth. Yes I have almost lost my own life. However, I love every minute the good Lord has given me. Every day has been a wonderful gift, and I wouldn't change a thing. I have the love of talented, strong, and God fearing man. I have three beautiful and wonderful children. I have a roof over my head and supper on the table. I have friends and family to support me. And I have faith in my God. In this I find joy. So no matter what I face the core of my being springs with joy.

When things get tough I remember that scripture tells us we will have trials. I think about people in the Bible. Did David have it easy when he faced Goliath? Did Job have it easy when he lost everything? Did Mary have it easy when she was engaged to a man and told she was pregnant? What about traveling for days on a donkey 9 months pregnant? Did Joseph have it easy when he agreed to marry Mary? Did Jesus have it easy when he faced the cross?? No. No person has ever walked this Earth without a trial. What matters is how you face them. You can ask "Why me?" or you can pray "Help me." Now don't get me wrong. I have my moments. I have fallen on my face in tears several times, but again so have other children of God. And it is in these moments that we grow stronger, closer to our families, closer to God. If you turn to Him He will help. My pastor once said, "When Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt they didn't jump, skip, or go around the Red Sea, their obstacle....they went through it." God will help you through.

So I don't need to hope on keeping resolutions (which is good since 40% of people don't keep their resolutions until January 7th!!). I don't need to hope this year will be better than the last. I will find joy in every year. New Years isn't a new start....God is the new start. There is a song on the radio right now that I love by Tenth Avenue North and part of it is this..

You are more than the choices that you've made.

You are more than the sum of your past mistakes.

You are more than the problems you create.

You've been remade.

Cause it's not about what you've done.

But what's been done for you.

It's not about where you've been.

But where your brokenness brings you to.

This is not about what you build.

But what he built to forgive you.

So thanks if you have listened to me this far. Sorry but this has been on my heart for a couple of weeks and it was just busting to get out :o). I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and look forward to this year! Here are some pictures from our family.
Told you.....cuteness :)