Holding Hands and Making Memories.

Its been a long time but there is a giveaway!

2010-04-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

Check over at http://www.thomasandkristenstabler.blogspot.com/ to enter to win a Paula Dean baking dish! I LOVE ME SOME PAULA DEAN and I LOVE A GOOD GIVEAWAY!

Its way to early.....

2009-10-21T04:26:00.000-07:00

to be awake!

I was up several times in the night and finally I was wide awake and couldn't get comfortable. So for the sake of The Hubsters I removed myself from the bedroom and made my way to the couch. For the last hour and a half I have surfed the web and watch 18 Kids and Counting on TLC. I would get some work done but that means noise and the slightest noise means the puppies will be awake and in no way am I dealing with them because their nails on the hardwood floors will wake up the snoozing Hubsters.

I guess this lack of sleep and restlessness is to be expected with only 9 or 10 weeks left.... thats right I said 9 OR 10. Im due in 10 weeks on December 28 however, we went for our checkup at the doctors office today and we discussed an induction. With it being around the holidays and most of our families being so far away the doctor thought that an induction would be best all around and most importantly we would be able to spend Christmas at home with our wonderful baby. Now this induction is not a guarantee but it is most likely. I will go to my doctor a few days before and she will check to make sure that my body is getting ready for the birth and as long as I fall into a few guidelines for a non medical reason induction then all will be great for Monday Dec. 21! However, she can always come earlier and throw us all for a loop... :)

I have gained 5 lbs total! That is correct 5 Lbs... but according to the measurements Kenley is growing as scheduled which is wonderful news. The doctor says I will be smaller when I leave the hospital than I was before I got pregnant... pretty cool huh? And before you ask... yes I eat. But at 30 weeks Im still sick most every morning and if not in the morning then sometime during the day. So I don't eat until lunch usually unless I'm having a decent morning (which happens every once in a blue moon) and I still have days where I'm sick all day. I can't wait to wake up and be normal again :)

Well, the nursery is coming along great and the house is getting put together slowly but surely. I mean its livable just not fully decorated and the guestroom/office area is not completely organized... but Im working on it. I actually worked on it a good bit tonight which is another reason why I don't understand why I couldn't sleep. We had a long day and I should be sleeping like a baby lol OH WELL.... guess that means nap time comes sooner today. I have not been napping that much during the day so I will be able to sleep better at night but that may be changing soon! I also still have a small cough that has decided to hang around. I had pnemonia a few weeks ago and the cough is just here... but it better not be to stay. It needs to pack its bags and be out soon, it has overstayed its welcome!

All in all we are doing great and Eric can't wait for December to get here. He has been so wonderful and understanding. He never complains and is always so great at helping me to get going in the mornings. He has been so busy but has made sure to help me around the house (while I worked on the guest room tonight he gave our bathroom a much needed scrub down which was such a big help bc moving around in the shower was getting hard to do and I have not been able to lean over the jacuzzi tub for a while now). Last week Eric was voted in as the new treasurer for the camp we take the kids to every summer... and he has been working on getting that stuff together this week. Moving all the records to his office and figuring out the best way to pay bills and all that. Since Im at home now and he has that to do I may take back the job of paying our bills and dealing with the check book (yuck) we will see :) Eric also reads to the baby and talks to her. It's so cute!

Well, the sun is coming up and soon Eric and the puppies will be up too... maybe I'll make him breakfast... we will see if my tummy allows the smell of food this morning or not.

24 weeks yesterday!

2009-09-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

I still have morning sickness but Im thankful its better than it was in the beginning . Kenley is still going at it like crazy. Growing and moving and kicking. We put together the baby furniture last week and bought the bedding! Its becoming more real! Here is the link to our pictures on facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/album.php?aid=143535&id=584662305&ref=nf
Also, here is the link to our pictures of our new house. More pics to come as we decorate and paint..... nothing has been painted or decorated as of yet but im in the process of finishing the dinning room..... then on to the kitchen and then the living room!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/album.php?aid=143811&id=584662305

24 weeks
How your baby's growing:Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

sinus infection + pregnant= really sick

2009-08-23T15:32:00.001-07:00

On Monday we moved into our new house! YAY (That post will come soon.... when I start feeling better and can decorate and take pics)..... so on Monday I started feeling bad. I thought I was just tired form a long day but Tuesday I woke up with a sore throat! YACK! As the day went on I began to feel worse and nose started running.... DOUBLE YACK! Wednesday I spent all day in bed.... with the occasional visit to get sick. Wednesday Eric came home from church and told me that he knew of at least 4 kids at church that had the flu and one being swine flu. So first thing the next morning my hubby helped me get ready for the doctor and drove me there. After 2 hours I found out that I only had a sinus infection (a really bad one). By Friday I was sick to my stomach all day and today I have not left the couch because my tummy hurts.... I guess when your pregnant its harder to get over a bad sinus infection. :( oh and this cough will be the death of me.....

On to a brighter note:

Kenley has been kicking me like crazy. I feel her a lot and Eric can feel her all the time too! Yesterday she kicked me so hard that she moved my arm that was laying over my belly. I had a visit with the baby doctor last Thursday as well.... I have officially gotten back to my pre-pregnancy weight. :) The doctor is not really happy at the fact that I have not really gained anything but what can I do when I cant get rid of the pregnancy sickness, but she is not real concerned since Kenley is growing on schedule. So all is well with the baby... even though mommy is under the weather.

Pictures for the post below

2009-08-03T13:15:00.001-07:00

HERE ARE THE PICTURES FOR THE POST BELOW

These are a few pictures form our wonderful cabin on the top of the mountain.

These are a few pictures form white water rafting.

These are pictures from tubing..... these pictures don't do my story below justice. This was from the easy part (I would compare it to the lazy river portion of the trip) since it was much to rough to take pictures through out the rest of the ride down.

SIX FLAGS

These were from the hiking trip. (also, thsi pictures was from the easy part of the hike. I only wish the whole hike looked like this lol)

Last week in a nute shell..... a large nut shell! :)

2009-08-03T12:41:00.001-07:00

I tried to post picks but blogger was acting up so those will come soon!

Our life is crazy right now.... but we are loving it! This summer is coming to and end and we just finished an amazing trip! The Senior High group goes to the mountains every year during the summer. We went hiking, tubing, and white water rafting (I slept on the bus during the rafting trip), then on our way home we went to six flags.

I made it through a 5 mile hike in the mountains..... WOW! It was crazy but I made it up and over all the hills (hills are an understatement) down to the water fall and back. Did I mention it was a hike? That mean in the middle of the woods with no bathrooms...... pregnant lady needs her bathroom often and this hike was so hard it took about 3 1/2 to 4 hours. I was a little sore the next day but it was so worth the feeling of accomplishment!

The next day we went tubing...... or should I say we went white water rafting on our own personal tube! It had rained the night before and the water was up at least a foot and a half and the trip down river should have taken at least and hour and a half but we made it in 45 minutes! So yes, the water was MOVING! It was like going down a class one white water rapid and a little $2.00 inter tube from wally-world..... the first time down (yes we were crazy enough to do it more than once....) we had a few bumps and scratches but we wanted to go again...... like once down a rushing river with 55 degree water wasn't enough. The second go around wasn't as smooth. One teens tube popped adn he went down one of the rapids holding his tube, one teen ended up with stitches, and everyone (except Eric) ended up with a bruise or several scratches. I was one of the lucky ones that never actually feel out of my tube but I was pushed into some huge boulders and was forced to get out of my tube and crawl across the rocks through parts of the river that were really fast with my tube in hand..... I stepped down between two rocks and that how my leg got all scratched up..... but we finally made it down river and past all the rapids. It was really fun... even the teen that has 11 stitches had fun.

I wasn't able to go white water rafting with the group so I napped all afternoon on the bus.... the group had a blast! The pictures are so funny.....

Six flags isn't any fun when you can't really ride the rides.... but my hubby walked around with me so it was a good day. We didn't stay all day because we had had a long week and we had a long drive home a head of us!

We had a lazy day on Saturday and today we are preparing to leave again. We will be leaving tomorrow for Lake Martin. I have looked forward to this trip since we drove away last year. It's the Youth Minister's Family Retreat and its sucha great way to end a crazy summer. We get to hang out with other families like us (youth ministers and their wives). We have a whole week to talk to others about the year we have had and struggles we have faced. We are able to bounce ideas off each other and learn from each other. It's nice to know that when we all come together we understand each other..... :) I can't wait! Then when we get back on Friday we leave for a weekend youth rally! BUSY BUSY BUSY! Im so glad that my husband has been able to provide a way for me to be a stay at home wife and soon a stay at home mother. It was really hard when I had to work all the time and do all these things with the teens it never left time for us... and these past few months we have been able to spend so much time together!

HOUSE UPDATE!!!!! GOVERNMENT= SLOW!!!!!!

It should only take a week or so to close on a house....... unless you involve the government! We are crossing our fingers for next week but nothing is for sure. I know your thinking a month to close on a house..... its a special program that we qualified for because our house is in a specific location (outside the city limits pretty much) and its gonna save us lots of money (that's how we were able to get bigger house, 2,000 sq ft, with a huge back yard).... so it's worth it but I'm not fond of being homeless.....

BABY UPDATE:

ITS A GIRL!

We know of a name but have not picked out a middle name for sure yet so we're not telling anyone yet.... sorry. My mom bought her first outfits the week before last and I cant wait to decorate a nursery! Over the last few days I have started to feel her "flutters" in my tummy. I wish Eric could feel them to. He puts his hand on my tummy and tries so hard to feel them. :) He is really excited over a little girl! It took a little while to sink in but last week we were talking (I dont even think it was about the baby) and he stopped and looked at me and said, " I dont think I have told you but Im excited about our little girl."

Baby Center update:
Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.

Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.

DQ give-a-way!!!!

2009-07-23T10:47:00.000-07:00

head on over to the chicks with cents website and be enterd for a $10 gift card!

YUM YUM!

17 weeks...... and updates

2009-07-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

We have been settling in to Mobile and waiting for our house to close so we can finally settle into a home instead of being in the rental. A rental (while nice on our pockets$$$$) just doesn't feel like home especially when your pregnant. But our paperwork was sent to the home office on Saturday and we should close about 10 business days from then. So we are just around the corner and it can't come soon enough! :)

Last week we went on a canoe trip with the middle school age and we had fun! This is a trip they take every summer and they enjoyed the day event! By the end of the day I was tired but it was worth it.

This week we have an appointment on Thursday to try and find out the sex of the baby! YAY!:)

My afternoon sickness is almost gone and my morning sickness has eased up a little.... last week I had one morning that I didn't actually get sick I just felt bad.... so that's improvement! And I'm not getting sick in the car unless its a really long trip. So it hasn't gone away but I'm still not crossing it out! All I can do is hope :)

Eric bought me my first maternity item.... its a pretty blue dress..... maybe Ill get a belly shot in it soon ( I know some of you have asked for the belly shot). He also bought me a few shirts (not from the maternity store) but that will be great for when the belly gets bigger and I can wear them and the dress even after the baby is born! My mom called today and told me she had bought me a few items as well!

HERE IS THE 17 WEEK UPDATE:

How your baby's growing:Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop

15 week update....

2009-07-06T15:26:00.000-07:00

We have been running like crazy around here. We have been here a month and have already had VBS and 2 weeks of camp! YEP that's right only one week of down time....and even that week we made visits out to the camp. This week we have something most every night but it shouldn't be too bad.

I'm hanging in their but still hoping for this "all day" sickness to go away. It has gotten a little better. I can go more than 2 -3 hours without getting sick.... and trust me that's improvement. I still feel queezy through out the day (but that I can handle). We go for an ultrasound July 23 to find out the sex of the baby.... WE CAN'T WAIT!

We should be in our new home in a few weeks... and for that we are so thankful. This new house has everything on my want and dream list (except for a garage but I'm not complaining). We wont be in a subdivision piled on top of each other.... we will have a yard bigger than our yard in Prattville and our house is a little over 2,000 sq ft. So we can grow into it over the years! AND NO CARPET! My allergies are already thanking me. We will also have a big concrete patio outside.... I am so excited. The only thing we have to do when we move in is put up the new privacy fence and paint..... (yes paint, the house was built in 1993 and that wallpaper in the kitchen is out of style lol). Wish us luck (and speed) with the loan office! The faster they work the sooner we get into our own house!

Here is the baby update this week....

How your baby's growing:Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (Don't be too disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down your baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and on your baby's position. He or she may be modestly curled up or turned in such a way as to "hide the goods.")

The move.....and the pregnancy......

2009-06-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

As most of you know Eric has had a job change. He is still a Youth Minister but we are at a different church. We are now residents of Mobile, AL. This move has been difficult in so many ways but in the end it's Gods will that has to be done.
We love the kids and parents in Prattville and had not dreamed of leaving them. But sometimes God has other plans. We always knew that we wanted me to be a stay at home wife and mother and God answered this prayer (in a completely different way than we thought but he answered it). We had a few other long term goals and they too have been answered with the move. We struggled so hard with this decision but when you pray for things and God gives them to you (even though it may not be exactly what you had in mind at the moment) you have to follow his lead. After all he does know best. So after much prayer and discussion we made the decision to move. This decision came with many tears and sadness but also the joy of working with more teens. This is truly our calling and the Lord will lead us where he sees fit.
I am looking forward to hearing who the new youth minister in Prattville is. All of the top three would do a great job!

On Monday we loaded up the rest of our stuff (with the help of some amazing people) and headed to Mobile. (Most of you know I grew up in Gulf Shores so I'm close to home.) We were greeted by some of the church members at the rental and they helped us move our stuff. Our rental is about 30 minutes away from the church and is only temporary. We should be closing on our house in Prattville in the next few weeks and soon after closing on the house here in Mobile.
The rental is way out in the country. One of the members at an area church owns some land with horses and stables. He put two cottages on the property for his kids. Right now they are vacant and he is so kindly letting us use one of them for a low cost, with no lease, not deposits and we can bring our dogs! It was a life saver because we though we would lose all sorts of money on pet deposits and have to stay in a little apartment for a year (bc of the lease). So this was a blessing! The rental in about a mile off the main road and we see rabbits and deer (no snakes yet) and of course the horses are about 30 feet from our front porch. The only down side is the flies. Between the people who moved out last week and us moving in this week its bad.... but we are getting them under control :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pregnancy

Last week I was nine weeks pregnant, sick and the nurse at bible camp! Talk about dedication! I would not have missed the last big trip with the PYG for anything in the world! So I sucked it up and did the best I could. I felt yuck all day and only had one really bad morning were I laid around. So all in all I would say it was successful! We had a great time and memories were made!
We got home from camp on Friday and we spent all Saturday afternoon with the kids and we were at church all day on Sunday (we had 2 fellowships) and then Monday we loaded up the rest of our stuff..... so yesterday I laid around all day till my wonderful hubby took me to dinner. This morning I was really sick but I needed to be at the church for a teen work day.... so once again I sucked it up. Im ready for a nap...

~10 week update~

Though he's barely the size of a kumquat — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, your baby has now completed the most critical portion of his development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature.He's swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function, though they'll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy.If you could take a peek inside your womb, you'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin.In other developments: Your baby's limbs can bend now. His hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. The outline of his spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord. Your baby's forehead temporarily bulges with his developing brain and sits very high on his head, which measures half the length of his body. From crown to rump, he's about 1 1/4 inches long. In the coming weeks, your baby will again double in size — to nearly 3 inches.

2009-05-31T11:33:00.000-07:00

I saw this contest on Jenny's blog and thought it would be fun! Check it out!

here is the website http://www.clothdiaperblog.com/feed-your-stash-friday-bumkins-sample-kit/#comment-7819

Our Baby at 8 Weeks

2009-05-20T19:23:00.000-07:00

We went for an ultrasound today and we were so excited when we could actually hear the heartbeat! Beating a whopping 165 beats a minute! I had been very nervous up until this point and hearing the heartbeat put all my worries at ease! Because of the disease and me not being "regular" we were not able to pin point how far along we actually were at out appointment last week. She told me maybe 5 or 6 weeks (but I was sure I was further since I had been so sick and bc of when the sickness began)..... and sure enough I am 8 weeks and 2 days along. Our due date is December 28, 2009. I feel kinda bad bc I dont want our child to be gypped their birthday with Christmas and all.... but we will find some way to have a wonderful celebration of the life we were so unsure that we would be able to have! We are two VERY proud people.

This is a growth update from a website I found on Jenny's blog.

Your pregnancy: 8 weeks

How your baby's growing:New this week: Webbed fingers and toes are poking out from your baby's hands and feet, his eyelids practically cover his eyes, breathing tubes extend from his throat to the branches of his developing lungs, and his "tail" is just about gone. In his brain, nerve cells are branching out to connect with one another, forming primitive neural pathways. You may be daydreaming about your baby as one sex or the other, but the external genitals still haven't developed enough to reveal whether you're having a boy or a girl. Either way, your baby — about the size of a kidney bean — is constantly moving and shifting, though you still can't feel it.

WE ARE PREGNANT! and other updates

2009-05-12T07:37:00.000-07:00

We have been trying for several months and had decided that this may not be the way for us. We had decided that we would not do fertility treatments and that we would put that money towards an adoption in the next year or so...... and then we officially found out that we are pregnant yesterday (Monday, May 11) although we had known for a little over a week. God works in his own time and at his own pace..... he was working in our lives and making sure things were right before he gave us this incredible blessing..... we will have a December baby and can't wait. I have been told by a few people at Church that with us moving away I will have to update the blog often. I think I can do that. :) We are overwhelmed and overjoyed this week with all that is happening and we look forward to our adventure together! ***Oh and as some of you know I have been sick for about two weeks now. I'm sick most all day (I'll spare you the details) but I really don't feel good or feel like eating till about 6pm. I try to eat lunch but I usually just make myself nibble and then eat my dinner. BUT the doctor was so kind (and I think she felt so bad for me) that she gave me some meds for the sickness. I'm not a medication person so I'm not going to take it everyday..... just on really bad days or days we have a lot to do..... I will also be taking it during camp! lol But I have told Eric and a few others that I will gladly deal with this sickness if it means we have a little one inside growing!

As many of you know we were asked to work with a congregation in Mobile..... after weeks of talking and many prayers we decided that God was sending us in this direction. Too many things had worked out for it not to be Gods plan. It was hard to decide to leave Prattville..... those girls mean the world to me and helped me in my life more than they will ever know. Their are some that I will have life long friendships with and look forward to the future with them in it. Their are wonderful parents who care so much for their children and also care for us. But in the end we knew we should move to Mobile. Creekwood (the church we will be at) is another amazing congregation with wonderful people. Although its hard to leave here we look forward to our work there. We pray that Prattville finds a youth minister (and a youth ministers wife) that wants to work with these kids as much as we do..... who will love them as much as we do..... and care for their lives as much as we do.

Also, we got an offer on our house yesterday (yes the same day we officially found out we were pregnant)..... talk about a GREAT day! We did not accept their offer and we countered back with a good compromise for us all. We are waiting to hear something today.

************Oh and I forgot about graduation...... I graduated from EMT school this past Friday! It was a long hard class and I studied a lot.... I was happy to have the highest grade in class! AND my little brother graduates high school next Monday! Then in August he leaves for boot camp for the ARMY! He has made me very proud!

What Nobody Told You About Trying to Conceive....

2009-04-15T11:56:00.000-07:00

I found this on a blog of a fellow PCOS woman. We share the same disease and so many of the same heartaches. So many people with this disease may not even know anything is wrong but she and I live with the pain it brings everyday (like so many others) and the new lifestyle that we must live. These are real quotes from real women going through infertility. It's things no one ever told you...Things nobody told you about trying to conceive!
That unprotected sex doesn't necessarily lead to pregnancy.

That you would see your OBGYN/RE more often than your DH (Darling Husband) at O (Ovulation) time.

That the longer you TTC (try to conceive), the more PG women spring up around you.

That deep down inside, I can be a very jealous person.

That I should have gone to medical school like my mom wanted, because I've had to do so much medical research by now just to figure out what was wrong with me, I might as well be an M.D.

That I would know more about the female reproductive system and menstrual cycle than most of the doctors I go to.

That living your life in 2 week increments would be the norm.

That you never knew how much you wanted to see those 2 pink lines......until only one shows up every month.

That simply relaxing will NOT get you pregnant. (your dh has to do some work too)

That you have no control over some of the goals you set...

That wishing really hard for something doesn't make it happen, and staring at your chart doesn't make it change!

That one day my DH would know so much about how my uterus functions and what it looks like from the inside (thanks HSGs).

That a pregnancy doesn't always equal a baby.

That miscarriage is so common.

That I would wish we had started TTC earlier.

That my friends' pregnancies would start to make me sad instead of happy.

That I wasted ALOT of money on Birth control pills!!

That I'd EVER be willing to stab myself in the stomach every day in the hopes that it will help get me PG.

That it wouldn't happen the first time you didn't use birth control like we were led to believe in school.

That you wouldn't know how important a baby was to you until it took so long and you realized what you were willing to go through to make it happen.

That my DH is the most wonderful and caring man!

That it is insensitive to ask people when they are having a baby!

That women who do get pregnant are so very blessed!

That other people's "good news" of pregnancy makes me sad and when they tell me they have good news, I hope that they just saved a bunch of money on car insurance by switching to Geico.

That medicine and procedures are not a sure fire way to get pregnant but it is a sure fire way to lose money fast.

That had I bought stock in Clearblue Easy I'd have my mansion on St. Pete's Beach in FL by now.

That docs should prescribe Zoloft with Clomid.That having flo show up makes you cry, no matter who's bathroom you are in.

That it does not get easier, each cycle is harder than the last.Feeling like you wish your life away in 2 week increments.

That I wouldn't want to hold or see someone's baby because it just hurts way too much.

That I would splash urine on my face while taking apart an hpt (home pregnancy test) in the hopes there really was a 2nd pink line hiding in it.

That infertility is more common than you think.

That one day all of this will make us stronger.

That there is sometimes darkness (infertility) before the light (a baby).

That infertility is not as rare as I was led to believe.

That I would find it extremely difficult to be happy for other people's pregnancies and I would burst into tears upon hearing their news.

That it could hurt so much to lose your innocence.

That I am very bitter towards unmarried accidental pgcys, and slightly bitter towards married accidental pgcys.

That I'd be glad to know that I have PCOS - because at least I know what's wrong.

That I could spend so much time and money on figuring out what my body is doing (or not doing).

That I would have to rely on doctors to give me the final say-so on what I can or can't do (on a med/procedure break forced by my RE against my wishes)

That some people just say the wrong things.

That miscarriage would make me want a baby even more than before!

That I would resent someone who has been trying less time than me telling me "I know how you feel...

"That I would become addicted to POAS (pee on a stick) and not sleep at night because I couldn't wait to POAS in the morning!

That I would be so sad, and ashamed.

That when AF showed up you would feel broken and disfunctional.

That your friendships with your real life girlfriends would suffer because they got pregnant after being off the pill for 3 weeks.

That this would be, by far, one of the hardest things you will ever have to go through.

That the two little words of "just relax" uttered by everyone I know would infuriate me beyond belief.

That someone would suggest adoption to me in order to get pregnant (because it happened to a friend of theirs) before I had even had any testing done.

That my friends who started TTC #1 around the same time we did would already be pregnant with #2 before we get pregnant with #1.

That the people around me would become more insensitive as time goes on. "It is so hard having a new baby, you just wouldn't understand." or "Be happy you're not tied down."

That I would watch a Baby Story every day... only to cry every day.

That I would have to listen to people complain about their children as if they were burdens while a child is the one thing in the world I want the most. Also, they sound as if they are trying to talk me out of having kids, like it is the absolute worst thing that could ever happen to me.

That I would yell at commercials on the TV (that "having a baby changes everything" one really gets to me. I can't watch it without snapping "So does not having one.")That your body has its own mind.

That the broken heart you feel each month that is equal to the pain you feel when you lose a loved one.

Saving Money.... Feeling Good....

2009-04-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

Since I have not been working for about two months now (I'm going to school) I feel an even great responsibility to save money for our little family. Today I went grocery shopping and I saved 41% on my grocery bill and I didn't even get the Sunday paper! So imagine the damage I could have done WITH the Sunday paper! I had made plans to get the paper but we came in town Sunday afternoon from a long 4 days of being in Atlanta with 3000 other Christians (at Lads to Leaders) and I just was way too tired and with it being the last thing on my mind.... I just plain forgot.... OOOPPPPPSSSSS! But still 41%..... Not bad! And the crazy thing is I only got one thing that was the off brand..... I'm not all "gotta have the name brand", but some people are and it just goes to show that if you plan a little you can get all the good stuff at half the price!

SAVING AND A DATE NIGHT!

2009-03-20T16:20:00.001-07:00

Eric and I have been doing our best to stay on a budget and save money for a while. I have been really watching sales for my groceries and we use coupons to eat out to try and stay around our $15 eating out budget (per week). We usually do pretty good. I use the groceries as a challenge to stay in our budget and if we need anything extra like pool chemicals I have done good with fitting that in too! I love saving money and staying on a budget..... I just wanted to mention this for anyone thinking about saving and being on a budget..... I thought it would be hard and no fun, BUT I LOVE IT!

I just mentioned going on a date night and going to the movies thinking Eric may say no since it wasnt in our budget but since we have been doing so well he decided a break would be nice. SO IM GOING ON A DATE NIGHT! AND IM SO EXCITED. Its a much needed treat and im so glad to be spending time with my hubby..... (Jenny I think the last time I have went to the movies was when we went to see Twilight......)

You guys have a Great night while I finish out the last official day of Spring break with my hubby!

Oh and can I say yard work is no fun..... after a winter of not much yard work Eric and I are going to be in the yard tomorrow. However, I cant wait to have the pool swim worthy!!!!! But we are going to have a picnic out by the pool tomorrow for lunch.... how fun?!?

COUPON GIVEAWAY!

2009-03-04T19:20:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about this GREAT giveaway! Visit Amanda at More than words..... (on the side of my page)...... and check out how you can win some awesome coupons!

Sorry....

2009-02-05T08:36:00.000-08:00

I have been in a bit of a funk lately. I just have so much going on. With starting school and some other things I just need to simplify things right now. For my sanity I am putting some things on hold.... blogging being one of them. Its just so hard because I want to be a good blogger so others can peak into our lives but right now.... I just need to make it through the day. I'm giving myself a month from blogging.... I will check in on your blogs from time to time but I will not post for a month. This way I don't feel bad when I run out of time in my day and didn't get it done. I hope you girls don't "count me out just yet". Just check in with me in about a month. :)

Oh and Eric started a blog for the youth group.... he will be posting the schedule, updates and pictures. You should check it out!

prattvilleyouthgroup.blogspot.com

Dont count me out yet girls!

2009-01-21T05:41:00.000-08:00

You know its bad when your husband tells you that you are a bad blogger!

I had good intentions at Christmas but I was so crazy I could have been put in the nut house..... you know the ones with the padded walls. We made it through but I had to sacrifice a few things so my husband wouldn't admit me! Sorry girls, I just had to put the blogging aside. I had so much to blog about I got a little bummed that I didn't get to show you pics from our Disney World Christmas, our home at Christmas time, pictures from Exposure (youth camp right after Christmas) or our New Years Eve Bash! So I decided that I would show you guys anyways! I know I know its a little late for the Christmas pictures but BETTER LATE THAN NEVER!

Here are some pictures from Exposure!

Exposure= Fun filled few days between Christmas and New Years, when about 950 people get together and learn more about our wonderful and amazing God. Last year Eric was asked to be on the executive committee for Exposure and it was such an honor for him.... I'm pretty sure he is the youngest by far :)

Because its right after Christmas we are only able to take a few but the ones that could come had a blast!

How cute! They're twins!

Some are fighting others are smelling their armpits! ;)

Because of the dates of Exposure, as long as he is in the youth group, Andrew will always have his birthday with us in a wonderful hotel room full of people who love him! I cant find my picture of the cake but trust me their was one!

One of the nights we are their Faulkner buys tickets for everyone to watch the Huntsville Havoc (professional hockey team). Their arena shares the same parking lot with our hotel so its a great way to have fun. We teach the kids to love one another and then we go see a hockey game!

This is Mrs. Leslie! She is from the Summerdale congregation (which is close to where Eric and I was before Prattville) and their church goes to one of the weeks Eric directs at camp. I don't think I could ever laugh as hard as I do at Mrs. Leslie, Tracy (their minister), and Tom (their youth minister). We are really blessed with wonderful and fun people for our week at camp.

This last picture is of a screen with our theme for the weekend.

212 degrees- One degree makes all the difference. At 211 degrees water is really HOT.... but when it changes to 212 degrees it BOILS. The teens learned that going the extra mile can make all the difference in their walk with Christ and it can make the difference in other peoples lives as well. Pretty good theme huh?

Resolutions for 2009

2008-12-31T12:15:00.001-08:00

1.) I want to do everything I can to better myself as a child of the King.
- read my bible more
- pray more

2.) I want to be a better wife.

3.) I want to be more compassionate.

4.) I want to learn how to give more of my problems over to the Lord.

5.) I want to loose the weight I have gained due to my disease.

6.) I want to finish my next semester of college (starts in Jan).

7.) I want to be able to pass the national exam to become an EMT (after my next semester).

8.) I want to start planning (by the end of the year) to extend our family.
- I want to stop thinking about if I can get prego. When the doc tells you your already at 50/50 its hard to not think "lets start trying now". I know that if God wants us to have our own baby we will, and if we can't then I hope to have the understanding that God wants us to raise someone Else's child in a christian home (which we are completely open to adoption).

9.) I want to be a stay at home wife (Jenny I admire you for this one) and to only work about one day a week as an EMT before we have a child (but if a child comes sooner than planned we will be completely HAPPY) :)

Where are you.......

2008-12-17T06:05:00.000-08:00

BATTERY CHARGER?!!!?

You have been missing for sometime now... I understand that you don't care much for your job, but you are very important to me. I know I don't give you enough credit and for that I am sorry. I will try to do better. From now on when I talk about how great Ms. Camera is, I will make sure to mention you as well. So will you come out of hiding........ PLEASE! I have looked high and low for you for about two months. I mean come on.... I understand you are a *tad* bit upset that Ms. New Camera has all the fun and you get crammed in some cold dark case until her energy has been depleted... then I expect you to come out of such cave and get your job done with no questions asked and not even so much as a thank you. Again, I'm sorry! So what about now, will you show yourself? Ms. Camera has an important job to do. Next week we will all be venturing to Disney World, if you will just come out of your wonderful hiding place. So what do you say???

OK so sweet talk didn't work...... bribing you with a wonderful trip didn't work...... I will be forced to play hard ball with you..... negotiations are over.................!

If you don't come out right this instant you will be replaced.... and I mean REPLACED, as in you will be out of a job and Ms. Camera will have a new companion! So what do you say now?

Oh there you are..... whats that you were not hiding?
huh?
Just misplaced?
You mean I put you there?
When?
When we were at camp a few months back?
Well then, I am double sorry......
I will (try) not to loose you again ;)

Since I did not have my camera bag with me at the fall retreat.... I put my wonderful oh so helpful friend in my book bag that I used as my catch all bag (it has pens, paper, first aid kit, etc....)..... so yes Mrs. Camera you can blame me for your loneliness for the past few months..... but you can also be glad that I have returned your friend to you. *aaahhhhh.... its nice to once again take pictures.

Who needs a fish tank?

2008-12-15T06:42:00.000-08:00

My mom sent me her 20 gal fish tank so I moved the seababies into a bigger home. They are greatful. Sticks, the sea urchin, is happy to have more room to roam. But this leaves me with a lonely 10 gal tank that needs a home. It is longing for water...... any takers. The tank (less than a year old) has a filter that is in great shape and I have a heater thats only a few months old. I used this tank for saltwater but it can be used for fresh water as well. This tank is great for beginners or those with small kids..... if you want to set it up as saltwater I will be more than happy to help and show you everything you will need. Any takers???ONLY $15 (the heater alone is $12.00 new).

Things about me.....

2008-12-08T06:07:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Jenny Maddox.

8 Shows That I Watch:- Jon & Kate Plus Eight (TLC), Whale Wars (Animal Planet), Storm Chasers (Discovery), Makeover home edition (CMT), Peoples Court, Judge Mathis (we watch these last two shows on our lunch break), 17 Kids and Counting (TLC), Anything on the Food Network or HGTV.

8 Favorite Restaurants:- Olive Garden, Shogun (for special occasions), Ding How, McAlisters, Chick-fil-a, Tend-a-Chick, Tropical Smoothie (its a healthier place to eat in the new Target shopping center and it has wonderful smoothies), Marchells (I think I spelled it right)

8 Things I did this weekend/week:- Leave for work at 6:40 am 4 days a week, Went to Wednesday bible class (I was teaching little ones the last quarter), Went to GA for a quick visit with Kristy, Brian, and Helen (and had a great time helping Kristy put up her Christmas tree), witnessed the baptism of one of our precious teenagers, heard of the baptism of another one of our wonderful teens, after waiting over a week I was finally able to put my sea babies in their new home (my mom sent me a bigger fish tank and stand that she was no longer using and you have to let the tank run for over a week before you can put your animals in it), got two amazing from the heart gifts from two special people (Lynne G. gave me one of her very own ornaments that she said reminded her of me when she got it out this year- it is one big seashell with other smaller sea shells and pearls on it and it reminds me of home! Jenny M- gave me a handcrafted ornament- it was a clear ball and it had a pink G on it with green polka dots... its was girlie and I loved it! Thank you for my treasured gifts!), we had the Maddox's over for dinner and I loved having them over and playing cars with the boys!

8 Things I Look Forward To:- Heaven, having children in our home, Disney World at Christmas time, being able to stay at home in the (hopefully) near future, when I get to stay at home I want to be able to be involved in the lives of the younger kids at church more and planning things for them, finishing school, paying off my car, Spending the rest of my life with the most amazing man on earth!

8 Things On My Wish List:- To be able to get pregnant in the future, to learn how to better deal with the many symptoms that come along with my disease, to be a better wife and daughter, to be able to home school our kids, to be a foster parent later on in life, to adopt a child in need, to show others Gods love just has my husband helped show me, to be open for the plan God has for my life and to succeed in that plan!

There are my 8 things and now I would like to tag:everyone that reads my blog.... just leave me a comment so I can be sure to read your list!

Giveaway!

2008-12-05T08:59:00.000-08:00

http://comeandpeek.blogspot.com/2008/12/hostessing-holidays-giveaway-fun.html

Click on the above link to see a wonderful blog adn have th echance to be added in a give-away!

Another GREAT month.....

2008-12-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

for PARTYLITE!

Partylite Specials-
~Buy one item at regular price and you get to pick one each of the items from the GIFT GUIDE= product already marked 60% off. (I can send you the flyer via email if you would like to see the product picture and costs from the Gift Guide.)
~But $40.00 in product and you can purchase any one item in the catalog at half price (purchases from the GIFT GUIDE count towards your $40.00 purchase).

Let me know if you have a question about candle colors and/scents or if you need to see a catalog! I will be placing an order on Tuesday Dec. 9, 2008! I also have a party on the 15 of Dec. if you would like to order then as well. These orders will be back before Christmas!

haley.gray@hotmail.com

Partylite Holiday Open House

2008-11-19T14:37:00.001-08:00

Im having an open house Saturday Nov. 22 its a come and go between 5 and 8 pm. Scroll down to my post with the invites that I made. It will give you more details about the open house and how you can get FREE tickets for the Partylite drawing!

2008-11-14T15:03:00.000-08:00

Here's the map dot that I'm from.... Orange Beach, Alabama!

I lived on the Bay that is on the bottom left corner of the Island.

This was the view only a 1/2 a mile from my house.

Where we swam in these in high school...... Even if we didn't know anyone who lived at that condo or hotel..... lol :)

Doing this was a way of life......

And to do some real fishing you had to have a real boat... this is a picture of a local deep sea fishing boat... my grandfather and step dads boat was a few feet smaller than this one. They have since gotten rid of it but my step dad bought another one that he is in the process of completely upgrading! I will be so excited to do some more deep sea fishing!

You looked forward to this event every year.... and you always stood in line for a Cajun pistol (it was a BIG roll that was filled with a cream sauce and seafood)!

Food vendors and people from all over came to set up their inventory! Handmade crafts, jewelry, clothes, live entertainment and all kinds of stuff filled the city beach parking lot for a weekend of food, fun, and shopping.

The boat races started a few years ago and attracted lots of fans about once a year.

Hurricane IVAN came through my senior year of high school and left us with this....

which was a 1/4 of a mile from my house (which was flooded b/c we lived on the water). We had a marina down our road and we ended up with 1/2 of their piers, trees, a small boat, swimwear shoes and souvenirs from a local Surf Style (across the bay), along with personal items that came from peoples homes. We stayed in Foley Alabama a few miles up the road from Gulf Shores and when the eye of the storm passed over the building we were staying in we had just enough time to step outside and see the stars and check on our vehicles before the rest of the storm plowed through. When it was all said and done it was a few days before we were allowed back to our house because the roads were flooded (or washed away) trees, power lines, boats and debris blocked the roads, and the city was doing an assessment of the damage. Once our zone (you have a sticker on your car to tell them what zone you live in on the island) could come back in it was sickening to see. When we go to our house it was heartbreaking! My room was on the bottom floor of the house which was flooded! We only had several inches of water (which is just enough to ruin sheet rock furniture, carpet, stuff in you closet, etc) but it was better than our neighbors that had several feet of water! The water and debris stunk so bad we had to open all the windows and doors and rip everything out. At night we ate MRE's (military food) and went to bed to the sound of generators in our neighborhood b/c you had to leave all your windows open. It was a while before we had electricity and phones but things like cable didn't come for months (unless you had satellite cable which we switched over to). Some people at school were without a home for months and had to live with friends and family. It took about two years for the city to really recover and this past summer was the first completely normal summer the island had seen since Ivan. My parents moved not long later. They moved off the island on the other side of the bay.

Usually the BIG gators were in the middle of the island on the state reservation land (the land was a little swampy) and sometimes you would find little ones in the back yard usually in the canal that we lived on. But this one (along with others) escaped from the zoo during the hurricane. He was found by a police man that was driving a little boat up Hwy 59.... and yes I said driving a boat up the road. Remember the roads and yards were flooded for several days.

The water line is actually almost a mile up the road from where the beach is.

This is all you saw down the beach front for about 6 months and then one by one they started tearing them down.

This was at the entrance of the road I live on and I'm pretty sure it was one of the boats my step dad and his crew helped recover. If you look to the right of that car you will see that their is still water on the road a few days later. That is a four lane rd and we had to take turns using one lane for about a week to a week and a half. And even about 10 months after the hurricane when it would rain roads and yards would flood b/c the storm drains were still stoped up with debris.

We saw these for days and military blocked of roads and entrances so only those that had a zone sticker could enter their road. This way people were not driving all over the city and this kept down the looting. Also, it kept people from going back to their house if it had not been cleared by the city.

This was only about a 1/2 a mile from my house.
This was a road between Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. It was the road I drove on at least once a day. You can see the tops of building covered by the water. This was the day after the hurricane and those are two story motel unity on the state park beach.

This was a storm that will always be remembered.

Tired of Your Mortgage Payment?

2008-11-10T08:22:00.000-08:00

Eric and I will pay off our house in less than 10 years, and we are going to do it without refinancing our house or changing are current standard of living. If you are interested in learning how to do the same thing, get in touch with Eric (334-430-3262) or visit his website at www.u1stfinancial.net/ericgray. I promise that you will not regret contacting him or visiting his website. We thought it was too good to be true, but it's not! In fact, his parents will pay their house off in under 5 years! If you have a mortgage or any kind of debt (credit cards, auto loans, etc.), you need to hear & learn more about this. Check it out.

well hello there....

2008-11-07T06:41:00.000-08:00

my long lost friends! I got sick last Friday with a sinus infection and an ear infection. Can we say YUCK! I felt tired last Friday but by the time I woke up Saturday I felt like I had been run over by a mac truck! Through out the day I wondered if that truck would come back and just put me out of my misery.... but no luck. I laid on the couch in between helping Eric get the last of the carpet up.... and eventually I fell asleep. I slept most of the afternoon and that night I had to get myself up and put just enough makeup on and brush my hair so I didn't look like death before going to our Church's Trunk-or-Treat. When I got their I realized that I was in charge of the BIG inflatable jumpy thing (and no I was not contagious for those of you who had kids that stuck by my side most of the night waiting their turn in the jumpy thing). I had fun but by the time it was over and we helped clean up.... I was ready for bed once again! On Sunday Eric parents were at church and we had fun visiting with them at lunch. This week has been a little bit of a blur..... we have taken Halloween decorations down, moved furniture, cleaned a house, cleaned our own house, I cooked soup for a ladies night, and my cough is still around, oh and we are remodeling our counter tops in our kitchen (a simple and very inexpensive project that makes a world of difference until we can save up for new ones), and I painted 4 kitchen cabinet doors (2 of the doors have been feeling left out for some time now, when Eric painted our cabinets several months back he completely forgot about the ones over the stove. They now feel like part of the family and they are happy with their new look. The other 2 cabinets- well lets just say they were a make over gone wrong... kinda like a really bad hair cut. I tried to put some glaze on them and make them look antique..... well oil base glaze is goopy and it just doesn't look right.... so those poor things were the center of the funny looks and I finally covered up the goopy glaze with some plain white..... ) and this weekend we are going to a pancake breakfast for one of the teens and we are having company over for the football game. I'm also planning a PARTYLITE OPEN HOUSE! Check out the next post for details.

You're Invited!

2008-11-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

Sidenote- I realized today that I mentioned nothing about puting my pretty invite on your page. So Im a bad blogger..... sorry! If you put my invite on a post on your page and refrence my blog you will get 1 ticket.... just make sure to let me know when you have done this! (So you can be entered even if you dont come or purchase..... although I would love to see you!)

I also realized that you can't see any of the WONDERFUL details on card number 2..... so shoot me..... at least I'm trying. If you want those details email me and I will send them to you. Trust me.... you want these details on how to get any item in the catalog at half price when you purchase $40.00 in product!

Another blogger drawing

2008-10-27T13:29:00.001-07:00

Click here http://southernhospitality-rhoda.blogspot.com/ to enter in a drawing for a great decorating magazine.

What girl doesn't need a magazine.... so go on and check it out.

Give-away

2008-10-17T13:00:00.001-07:00

Visit the reluctant entertainers blog (to the right of my page) and enter to win a great gift. She has even been gracious enough to include some home made goodies!

Keep On Keeping On!

2008-10-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

When you feel discouraged and like no one understands just remember that their is always someone who went through the exact same thing.... Jesus Christ! He walked on this earth and went through the same things we do.... do you think he was hurt or even felt discouraged? SURE he did! But he knew he had a purpose and he didn't let anything get in that way!

Sometimes we come across people who are hurting so much on the inside that they want to bring others down with them. They want to gossip and turn others against people for no reason other than the fact that it makes them feel better. These kinds of people upset me. I don't like to see others hurt especially for no reason..... and I don't like to hurt..... especially for no reason. But I have to pray for the strength to see past these hateful things that people do and try to love them anyways. Just as Jesus Christ loves each and everyone of us while we are still sinners. Do you have those people in your life that discourage you and make you feel so little? Do they talk about people for no reason and cause unnecessary drama? All I can say is LOVE them.... I have struggled so many times in the past because I would rather avoid the situation and even the person instead of dealing with the problem. I feel like if I never deal with it it will go away and that it wont hurt so bad, if I just pretend like it didn't hurt me maybe I will convince myself that it didn't hurt after all..... but instead it makes it worse. The bible tells us if we have a problem with our brother we should go to them.... and if we don't we are just as wrong as they are. We should be a light to the world and as Christians we are called to be set apart form the world. People should see our "christian light" and want to know about Jesus and what he has done for you and me. Instead, with this hateful behavior people can be turned off to the christian life. God never gives you something that you can't handle. He always leaves for you a way of escape. Showing love in the hardest of times, to someone who is hurting so badly that they want to in turn hurt others, may be a gift that the Lord has blessed you with. If it's not a gift that you already have then pray to God for love in your heart so much that it runneth over into the lives of others. So I say to you.... have you been discouraged or hurt? Why don't you just LOVE them and KEEP ON KEEPING ON!

Can I sleep for the next 24 hrs?

2008-10-13T05:28:00.000-07:00

Friday night was fun but after a long week staying up till 5 am Saturday was hard..... but it was done. The girls came over and we watched a movie and we met the guys for IHOP at 12:30 am and we left about 2:15 am.... we had great service for having almost 30 kids with us. Even though we had two boys that were in a race to eat all the sugar packets we still had a great time.... at least they were boys doing that and that meant I didn't have to deal with their sugar high (Eric did lol). And what a girls night without pulling a little prank on the boys. One of the guys that graduated last year went to help Eric and hang out.... needless to say his car was a good target..... we sorta kinda suran wrapped his car doors shut....(disclaimer: this is something fun to do that causes no harm to the car). Then around 5 am the girls feel asleep and I was waking them up at 7:30..... Eric came home and we cleaned up and took a nap. IT WAS NOT ENOUGH! I could sleep for the next 24 hrs! All in all we had a great weekend and I hope you did too!

Preperation for girls night....

2008-10-10T12:20:00.001-07:00

We cleaned the house -just don't look in the office ;)
~Last night....
Made homemade chex mix with candy corn
Dipped about 4 dozen pretzel rods in orange colored white chocolate
Toasted pumpkin seeds
~On my lunch break......
Baked about 4 dozen cookies
~This afternoon
Make white chocolate popcorn balls
Make lemonade
Make tea

~And in the midst of all of this I made 2 pumpkin pies last night and get this.... Hubby and I don't eat pumpkin pies! lol I know they are a holiday favorite among many and I thought it would be good to try my hand at it.... and I'm not talking partially homemade... I'm talking all the way from an orange pumpkin on my counter to a warm pie in my oven kind of pumpkin pie. And since I can't eat it and Hubby doesn't care much for it.... I brought one to the Doc I work for and another to the lady that owns a fitness center next door. Just don't tell her how much sugar is in that thing ok? ;) I wanted a true opinion and I knew I would get honesty from these two. They said they loved it! The Doc ate almost half of a pie this morning by himself... I may have to make another one so his lovely wife can try it. So apparently I can make a pretty good pumpkin pie... humph.

Is their something that you don't care much for but you still make it for others?

Friday is almost here....

2008-10-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

AND I CAN'T WAIT! I get to spend time with my girls! In case you have no clue what I'm talking about..... the youth group girlies will be at my house Friday night for a sleep over! YAY! The last sleep over I had my house was transformed into a spa.... were the girls got facials, manicures,and pedicures..... but I'm going for something a little more low key this time...... we have been super busy but I knew if I kept it simple then a girls night could be done. So I am going home this afternoon to finish cleaning my house and making some Halloween goodies (I will make sure to post pics this weekend) I'm thinking spiderweb cookies and maybe pumpkin cupcakes. I only have to do a few snacks. To keep it simple Eric suggested them getting to the house about 9 pm, after the football game and after dinner (so I wouldn't have to worry about cooking "real food") and we are taking them to eat between 12 & 1 am. So all I have to do is provide the house, a few snacks, and a movie.... they will do the rest..... TRUST ME! :) Eric will also be doing a guys night at the church and they are going to be playing games. DID I MENTION I CAN'T WAIT FOR FRIDAY..... well I'm getting off work at noon and it off to the grocery store for me. I hope you guys have a great weekend!

~ About ME~

2008-10-03T05:35:00.000-07:00

7 Things I Plan To Do Before I Die

1. Become a better and stronger Christian each and everyday!
2. Go on a mission trip out of the country
3. Be comfortable holding bible studies with others and do them all the time
4. Have children
5. Be a season ticket holder for THE ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE (football)
6. Go to N.Y. and see a play
7. Become a paramedic so I can make a difference in peoples lives!

7 Things I Do Now

1. Spend time with the Youth Group
2. Sit and watch a bowl of water (that's what hubby calls my saltwater tank)
3. Love on our babies (our dogs) and talk to them like they understand me lol
4. Remodeling my home
5. sell partylite (I love burning candles in my home all the time)
6. Work in a doctors office
7. LOVE MY LIFE!

7 Things I Can't Do

1. Cut grass (I have just never done this. I do other yard work like trim hedges and pull weeds)
2. Not get my feeling hurt
3. Control my OCD all the time
4. Understand how people can be so hateful and rude and lie
5. Whistle
6. Sing -I love to sing and wish I could but unfortunately when I try ..... :(
7. Drive past a homeless person (someone who really looks like they need help) and not try to do something for them.

7 Things That Attract Me To My Hubby

He has a strong christian faith
He is a servant to others
His personality & compassion
His simplicity taht makes him so complex
His eyes
His SMILE
He knows how to have fun

7 Things That I Say Most

1. I LOVE YOU!
2. Huh?
3. I don't know? ~I say this sometimes when people ask me about something we are doing with the kids b/c my hubby is a little forgetful and doesn't remember to tell me or he changes the times of things and doesn't tell me ;)
4. Sure ~ I will volunteer for most anything.
5. How are you today? ~When I greet each of the patients when they walk in.
6. What day woul dyou like to come back on ___ or ____?~ When I check each patient out.
7. Millbrook Family Chiropractic, this is Haley, how can I help you? ~ I say this so much when I answer the phone at work that I have to remind myself not to say it when I answer at home.... sometimes I forget though.... lol

7 Celebrities That I Admire

Any of them that can be a celebrity and still be a good person.... and any of them that have good clean movies..... (Im not good with celebrity names off the top of my head....)

7 Favorite Foods

1. Hamburger helper
2. Poppyseed chicken casseroll
3. Just about anything pasta
4. SEAFOOD
5. Cheese cake
6. Homemade smashed potatoes
7. SUSHI (I could eat it all day everyday!)

7 People Who Need To Do This
Everyone! Just let me know when you are finished so I will be sure and check it out!

Where did my weekend go?!?

2008-09-29T08:35:00.001-07:00

Eric and I had planned to go to Macon, GA Friday night after work. However, the doctor I work for called bright and early and said he was sick..... Yuckie (I have had this mess for a week now!). So I got up and headed to the office to call the patients. Needless to say I went home around 9 am and got some things done around the house and we were off to GA early, which was really nice to get to take our time and eat dinner at a sit down place instead of from the drive thru! Oh yeah.... I forgot to tell you guys why we were headed to Macon. Because of Hubby's great speaking skills (can you tell I'm a little partial or what?) he was asked to speak at a youth rally. We didn't take any kids.... we asked them but lately we have been so busy most of them just wanted to stay at home (and I don't blame them.... we have a lot coming up soon too) so Eric and I took the opportunity to go by ourselves. It was an uplifting weekend with great speakers and wonderful singing! We stayed with the youth minister and his wife! The boys chatted a few minutes on Friday night but Laura and I stayed up till 2:30 chatting away! I love getting to spend time with another YM wife. Without even knowing each other we already had so much to talk about and quickly became friends! God knew I needed this little blessing and he sends them at just the right time.... as he did a few months ago when he sent another WM wife my way when I felt I had hit bottom..... we were supposed to leave after lunch on Saturday but I asked Eric if we could stay a little longer so I could hear Laura teach the girls class.... he was happy that she and I had clicked so well.... he said ok! She did a great job with her lesson and she even gave me her outline in case I wanted to use any of the information later on! How nice was that?!? Then we packed in the clown mobile (my aunt calls Hubbys car this because its so little compared to "The Burb" my mom drives lol) and headed back home. We made a pit stop at Hubbys parents house so we could eat dinner with them. His Dads birthday was last week and so we celebrated with them Saturday night! It was nice to see them and to get to spend time with his dad for his birthday. Sunday was very busy for me! We had church and then we grabbed a bite to eat for lunch and then I was doing a Partylite show for a lady at our church. it was from 2-4 and I left around 4:40 so I could get to church in time to have a girls class. Eric and I are each teaching a Lads-to-Leaders class. He of course has the guys and I have the girls..... the book for the girls is called gifts and the boys have one called guard. Each time we meet we go over the chapter (that they should have read) and we answer some questions together. They then have to pick 3 projects to do from the end of the chapter to be turned in at the next meeting. I also had a gifts 2 meeting after church. Then on the way home Eric's car just wasn't in the mood to make it home (I guess he wanted a break b/c of all the traveling he has done over the last few months). For those of you that have not seen Hubbys car..... he has a 2000 and something model Ford Focus. So this thing should not be giving us any tude, as in ATTI-TUDE! Needless to say that thing is out of commission today and it is driving hubby nuts! So when we got home from church last night we loaded up in the Nissan and went to eat. Made it home with enough time to relax on the couch....... before bed. Then I woke up this morning with a soar throat....still............. I feel fine its just my throat that is having the problem! All in all it was a busy but good weekend......... oh yeah.... for those of you that know The Maddox family listed on my side bar on the right.... they were in an accident this weekend. They are all ok with the exception of some bruises. Please pray that they find a car soon and to thank God for keeping them safe. By the looks of the pictures you wouldn't believe that a few bruises was all they have. How was your weekend?

Blog on sista!

2008-09-25T05:54:00.000-07:00

That's what you guys have been telling me and that's what I'm going to do! Pictures or no pictures you guys get to read about our craaaazzzyyyyy life! Starting with the post below! If you haven't checked out my post...... "What I want to be when I grow up" take a look at it now!

What I want to be when I grow up!

2008-09-24T07:21:00.000-07:00

Eric and I went yesterday to get all the paperwork I needed to start back to school in January! YAY! I'm so excited and a little scared too! I will be entering an EMT/Paramedic program at a school in Montgomery..... night classes here I come...... I have about a year maybe a year and a half until I complete the paramedic courses. I was so excited that Eric and I stopped by Books a Million last night on our way home so I could get a book to start reviewing. I picked out a book that has questions with multiple choice answers and on the back of the page it gives the right answer with and explanation. I was surprised at how many that I knew already (I was at one time certified as a first responder). I have already made arrangements to borrow an anatomy book, until I start class and get my own, so I can start learning all the necessary body parts and functions.... I know you may be thinking to yourself..... over achiever.... but trust me, I'm usually not like this...... I am just so excited and want to be ahead of the game when classes start! Also, this book was made as a study guide for the national exam (so I will get much use out of it when test time comes).You guys have no idea how excited I am to be going back to school and to be taking these classes. I love helping people and this will be a dream job for me! Well, maybe everyday wont be a dream but I know helping people in this way will give me great satisfaction in what I will be doing!

GIVE-AWAY!

2008-09-19T08:48:00.000-07:00

Visit this website if you want to be entered to win her giveaway!
http://inpassionatepursuit.blogspot.com/

She is doing a wonderful tip guide to saving money at the grocery store!

The past two weeks....

2008-09-19T06:32:00.000-07:00

I know you guys think Im horrible with this thing but but but.... ok maybe I am horrible..... but I am trying. Does that count? lol But here is my defence..... tell me if its a good one or not.... by the time I get off work at 6pm, get home, cook dinner, clean up, sit down with my hubby for about 30 minutes its time for bed.... and my weekends have been filled up lately. Trust me If I could be a devoted blogger I would blog my morning away while sitting on my deck by the pool sipping my Starbucks and listening to the birds..... aahhhh that would be the life..... then I snap back into reality and realize that all of you guys are busy too and still you all manage to do updates once a day.... I don't have kids so once a day would be a stretch for me to blog anyways but I do want to be better..... So here is my solution and I will leave you guys with a question...

I love that most of you guys include some sort of photo most every time you blog..... and I love love LOVE photos!!!!! I want to include them when I blog to but I can't upload the pics at work and I'm not taking away the little bit of time I have with my hubby at night to upload them..... so whats a girls to do? I feel like I cant do a post without some photos and since I don't always have time to upload them... my posts are few and far between. Do you guys like reading blogs without photos? Am I stressing the whole photo thing? If you guys will still be interested in my boring life without the photos then I may be able to put my OCD to the side and blog with out the photos..... you tell me?

DIY-er.......

2008-09-08T09:33:00.000-07:00

I love being a DIY-er! As most of you know my hubby and I have remodeled one bathroom in our house and have started on another...... we are bout 3/4 of the way done! YAY! I need to paint my cabinets and get a new counter top and sink (which we can hopefully buy at the end of the month) we already have the faucet. We need to put up beadboard on the walls and lay down the tile (which we have already bought)! I will revamp my existing light I think.... nothing a little brushed nickel (to match my fixtures) spray paint can't fix. I think I may keep my eye out for some new globes to put in the light fixture.... if I can find them at the right price ;). So the next few things will just happen little by little over the next few weeks (as we get money). I am looking forward to the finished product!

We also decided on Saturday to start a FREE DIY project (well at least the part we did on Saturday is free). We ripped up carpet in the living room and will finish the rooms on tuesday. The hardwood floors are so gorgeous! Who would ever want to cover them up? When we are finished witht he bathroom at the end of the month we will sand down these floors and satin them a little darker.

Most of you don't know this but Eric and I were having a house built for us before we moved here. When we moved I was a little disappointed that I wasn't going to get my new-never lived in home. But this old house hasn't dissappointed me yet! We have had a few speed bumps but uncovering this treasure has been so fun!

OH Yeah and for those of you that love to mistreat things...... lol I did my first and second mistreatment all in the same afternoon.... I took pics but yeah you guessed it.... Im a slacker at uploading them..... hey Im a busy girl!

Braving the storm.....

2008-09-01T22:35:00.000-07:00

We went home this weekend (to Gulf Shores) and we rode out Hurricane Gustav with my parents. A month or so back Eric's brother asked if we wanted to vacation with them in Orange Beach. Of course we said YES! It was a great opportunity to spend time with them and to see my family as well. We got up on Saturday to be greeted by Helen. She was so excited to wim in the wimmin poo.... so we got ready and headed down to the beach. Kristy and I made sand castles and took advantage of the great opportunity for a photo shoot. Helen was a great subject! For lunch we ate at our favorite place and then for dinner we headed to my parents house for a shrimp boil.... my step dad is the king of shrimp boils! We had a great time with our family. Sunday we worshiped in Gulf Shores (where Eric and I attended before moving to prattville) and we had a shortened service so that members could make plans for the storm. Some families still needed to board up windows and prepare their yards..... We on the other hand went to Lulu's to eat lunch and watched as the coast guards and other also prepared for the storm. They had mandatory evacuations for Gulf Shores (only the families taht lived on the island) but since we were staying in Orange Beach we were fine. Eric brother and his family decided to pack up and leave that afternoon.... fearing that with the storm surge they could be trapped for a few days. We on the other hand took our time and made it to my parents house that afternoon. We grilled hamburgers and visited and had a great time. Eric and I woke up about 3:30 am Monday morning from the storm. We watched the news to find that we had tornando warnings (or watches... it was really early so I don't really remmeber which one it was). Then we went back to bed and sleep in a little bit. We got up and decided to be bumbs (with the rest of my family) and lay around and watch movies until about 4:00. Then we packed up and headed home. We were in a lot of rain as we left and to keep from getting really worried I took the oportunity to get some more rest :) ! Eric and I finished up our vacay with dinner and a movie tonight. On the way home my hubby said, "well we can add another hurricane to our check list.... we rode another one out." Yes, Yes we did and I'm glad we are all safe! I have had some bad experiences with hurricanes since I grew up on the beach, and while my heart goes out to those that have been affected by the storm I'm glad I am still alive and well with the rest of my family and that I can say..... "We made it through another storm"! As we rush through our busy week remember to pray for those who have been affected by this storm. I know how it feels to have your home damaged and to have to pick up some of the pieces and go on with your life. I know how it feels to be affected by a storm that is so powerful....and I know how after the storm to thank God for everything he has given us.... for we never know when we will have it taken away!

Pictures will come soon! I hope you have a great Labor day!

Summertime part...........................3!

2008-08-30T12:24:00.000-07:00

Here are some more pictures of our vacation......... these are from the aquarium in Chattanooga!

6 Random Things

2008-08-28T06:12:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by my new found friend Susan......

6 Random things about me..... hmmmmmm

1.) I'm actually really shy.... and my hubby is my security blanket. When we are in large crowds it is best that I can at least see him (even if its at a distance).

2.) I am OCD about the weirdest things..... When taking notes I write all scribbly and usually in short hand (then I go back and write it all over again in the proper note taking way.... which helped me study in college).... this is actually the most normal of my OCD. My hubby points some of them out on a regular basis, I just cant think of any good ones right now.

3.) When people find out that I grew up at the beach they think I'm one way and are surprised to hear that mud riding and visiting the hunting camp are a way of life for this southern girl. (disclaimer: I like the hunting camp not hunting.... I have only dove hunted once and I don't mind that but killing a cute deer is something I cant do.... I enjoy others hunting and all the cool gear... and I do own camo.... which is fun to wear....)

4.) I enjoyed growing up at the beach..... I love boats and fishing (even though I didn't do it as much as I would have liked).

5.) I have delegation issues..... (which you could also call control issues). I'm the girl that likes to do it all herself. Even though it's exhausting! I have gotten better at delegating but my hubby says I have a lot to learn.... he is a great delegater (but I think most men are lol). I just like the security of knowing that if I do it everything will match and so on....

6.) I started college my senior year of high school..... yeah I know you are thinking ....... WHAT A NERD! My senior year I went to high school half a day and to the community college up the road half a day..... but guess what.... college teachers don't want to be at school 5 days a week so we only went like 2 or 3 days and well the beach was just a mile down the road for those other few days.... lol So NERD... no way.....

I tag....
Kristy
Leslie
Nancy
Jenny
Lynne
Brandi Gray

Have fun..... and leave me a comment to let me know when you are done!

Scroll down for my second post of the day!

Summer time part 2!

2008-08-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

As part of our vacay this year we went on a youth ministers family retreat..... and let me tell you..... FUN was had by all! Here is a pic of my hubby warming up for a game of beach volleyball.

This is the back porch that overlooked the lake.... we enjoyed sitting out here each night and talking before we went to bed......

On Saturday we had a class in the morning and then we had free time.... we played beach volleyball and then we had fun on the water.... the men played for about 1 1/2 hrs on the BLOB! The women sat on the pier and swam while we watched our men act like kids again.....

Donnie is in charge of this great event and with the help of so many volunteers these few days were so much fun for all the families!

Here is a picture of the group after we returned from dinner..... we ate at a very nice restaurant on the lake our last night there. We learned a lot from Mr. & Mrs. Battles over these few days as well as from others and we had plenty of time to relax and to spend time with other families after a long hard summer! We hope to have more families join us next year!

And here is a sneak peak at our next destination........ Chattanooga!

This is a fountain that was inhabited by many small creatures (that resembled kids) on this warm day...... This fountain was park of an amazing park..... just behind us was a wide open field next to the water. We saw people having picnics, playing soccer, reading, and tossing a frisbee.

On Saturday we visited the aquarium.... and we found this creature......

I was on a roll last night (I had a Coke at dinner and wasn't ready for bed) and so proud of myself for sitting down and uploading pics..... then of course wouldn't you know it.... blogger started acting up..... so these few pics of Chattanooga will have to do till I can get to the rest.......

Whats been going on this summer.....Part 1

2008-08-15T11:56:00.000-07:00

On Thursday nights during the summer we had bible studies at our house for the teens.... and after that they went out back and played water polo...... well its a form of water polo (I think lol).

Here are my two babies looking on as the crazy kids play water polo.
AbbieKobey

We have a monthly devo and the Browns were so kind and opened their home for us!

Here are some pictures Eric and I took with my youngest sister Maggie while she was visiting with us for a week this summer!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATHAN!

Our nephew turned the BIG 3 this summer!

I also put together a Baby shower for this wonderful mother-to-be!

I made this cake for a girls night at my house a few weeks ago. Every other Tuesday night the girls get together while the guys play "ultimate frisbee"! It doesn't look all that pretty but is sure tasted good!

Up next...... our vacay to childrens harbor (youth ministers family retreat) and to Chattanooga!

GIVE-A-WAY!

2008-08-13T06:40:00.000-07:00

Visit this blog to enter to win a wonderful GIVE-A-Way!
I read this blog everyday and her hubby is writter! She is giving a signed copy of one of his books away! How great is that?

http://www.reluctantentertainer.com/

Guess what?

2008-08-06T06:46:00.000-07:00

We are leaving for our first vacay (alone) since we got married 2 1/2 years ago! Can you look at the picture and guess where our first stop will be? Hint: its only about an hour away. We will be here Wednesday night - Friday morning..... this part of the vacay will be with others. Some we have seen over the summer, some that we haven't seen in a while and some we have never met!

Then we will be leaving and going here........

We hope to do this one night (but we are not sure)...............

But, we know we going here on Saturday.....................................

A weekend with my husband (alone) is just what we need after the busy summer we have had!

Can you guess where my loving hubby is taking me? We will be back late Sunday!

IF YOU HAVE NOT READ MY PARTYLITE POST..... SCROLL DOWN! :)

PartyLite

2008-08-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

UPDATE (AUG. 6): I JUST ADDED THE SPECIALS TO MY PARTYLITE PAGE! SEE THEM BY CLICKING ON THE PARTYLITE LINK TO THE LEFT OF MY PAGE!

I'm such a slacker (but I think we all know that lol). I took a break from PartyLite over the summer and I am now ready to jump back in! I will be placing an order for fall/holiday catalogs today (how is that for motivation)! You have no idea how much I am looking forward to this! I love the holiday season. I have a party planned sometime in Sept (hopefully) and I have someone that says she wants to do one in Oct (YAY) and I will be doing an open house sometime in Oct. or November(ish) as well. If their is anyone out their that has their own home business let me know I would love it if you could join me! Mrs. Nancy (you can see her blog to the left) opened her home to guest last year at Christmas time so that Jenny (Mrs. Nancy's daughter, her blog is also on the left under the MaddoxFamily) and I could have an open house. We did pretty good and had a lot of girl time full of fun and laughter. It was such a blast! I hope to do this again this year, but in my own home :) ! I will be updating my PartyLite blog tomorrow with the hostess and guest gifts. If you need to see a catalog,place an order or book a show let me know.

Praying is a must!

2008-07-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

When you are going on about your life praying daily is a must!

You are traveling down a road and everything seems to be going great. Then you come to a fork in the road. You stop and take a look. Then you decide what road is for you. You begin traveling down what seems to be a great path..... then things start to happen and you get through them. Then more struggles creep in. Somedays it seems to hard to bear. You stop and think, What in the world. Then you realize that you chose that path and didn't stop to ask God what way he would have you go. So you stop and pray and realize that you should have taken the other path. God helps you along the road back to where you started. You are reminded of the things that have happened and you must once again deal with them. Just because you tell God your sorry doesn't mean that everything goes away. Sometimes their are consequences that you must endure. However, you make it back to that fork in the road. You pray to God and ask for forgiveness and pray that he will help you and guide you along the path that he has chosen for you.
You begin down this road and although it seems hard and sometimes you stumble remember to pray and to ask God to pick you up and dust you off. As you walk down this road if you talk to God he reminds you that its all worth it in the end!

Some days may seem to be a battle but if you talk to God daily he will help you through your struggles. Look to God.... Who made heaven and earth. (see one of my favorite scriptures posted to the right of this page)

The BIG 3

2008-07-25T09:32:00.001-07:00

WOW! Our nephew turns three! What a BIG day for such a BIG boy! We miss him so much since they have moved. When we moved here Eric was so happy that he would get to spend time with Nathan, and then they moved! So we cherish each time we get to see him (and his mommy and daddy too)! We will make the trip to Eric parents house tomorrow to celebrate his BIG day! To see some wonderful pictures of his Birthday Breakfast take a look to the left and click on Leslie's blog!

Guess who is getting a new camera...

2008-07-14T12:37:00.001-07:00

ME! We went to pick it out at lunch today and we are going back tonight to get it! YAY! Its one of those big ones that makes you feel like a professional.... ooohhhh lala! GO ME!

The screen moves up or down and it makes it easier to see as well as it has a live digital pic (that means that i can see the pic on the screen as i take it and i don't have to wait till after i take the pic to view it) Pretty cool huh?

Guess What?

2008-07-11T06:40:00.000-07:00

I'm having a..............................A few of "the girls" are having a one of these things. lol I have never done one on my own but this week as I was moving furniture around, so I could paint, I decided that it was time to get rid of my unwanted things. I have a few dressers and some tvs that need a new home. Along with some clothes (that are way to small for me and the doc. says I will never be a size 4 again) and other odds and ends things. So a few of us are putting our things together and getting rid of them on my front lawn on Saturday. If you have things you want to add to the sale just let me know!

THIS IS MY SECOND POST FOR THE DAY SO KEEP ON READING TO CATCH UP ON WHATS HAPPENING! ;)

Thoughts....

2008-07-09T15:12:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had so many thoughts in your head that you couldn't keep them all straight?

Well, thats me lately. I begin to think about one thing... and another just pops in my head. Or I will have a million thoughts in my head all at once.... and that is sometimes followed by a headache..... I know I have posted a few things about me being so busy and everything being hectic. I have just had a lot on my mind and I just don't think it will get much better any time soon..... Why you ask?

For the last few years I have had some unexplainable problems. I have gained a lot of weight even though I have tried to diet and work out and some other problems that only women would understand. I had went to my family doctor and she didn't know what was going on. The monthly fairy had not brought me my "gift" in quite some time... and Eric and I were getting worried. My family doc. decided I needed to see a specialist and that's just what I did.

On my first visit, I told the doc. about everything that had been going on. She said it can be one of two things. You are just abnormal (this was followed my a giggle and a smile) or you could have a disease and/or a form of cancer..... I thought to myself, "this is a cruel joke.... me no way... I guess I'm just not normal, I can handle that." Then she followed it with, "we will need to do an ultrasound to make sure." I went out to the car and I was shocked. I worried a little bit but Eric tried to comforted me and told me that my cycle may just be a little abnormal and they just need to rule out some things with the ultrasound. It will all be ok he said.

On my second visit, I had the ultrasound and I asked the nurse what she saw. She said it doesn't look all that good. She saw several cysts. I asked her what causes them. She says that She thought I had PCOD (poly cystic ovary disease, aka PCOS poly cystic ovary syndrome). Just the sound of this scared me. She said that she couldn't give a diagnosis and that the doc. would look at the ultrasound and a nurse would call me with the results. I left that day a train wreck! Eric had a lunch meeting but I called him anyways, hoping he had not gotten to their lunch destination yet. He answered and all I could do was cry.

You see I asked the nurse more ?'s about PCOD and she explained to me that people at the stage that I am have a hard time having kids, if they can at all. (side note- I watch the show Jon & Kate plus 8. Kate has PCOD and they could not get prego on their own. She had to have infertility treatments and now she has two sets of multiples.) Most all women have weight gain but some people gain more than others. I have gained a lot of weight in the past 3 years but the doc. says I am actually on the smaller side for someone with PCOD. If you don't try to control your weight you could get to a weight that is very unhealthy (another side note- I have lost about 9 lbs in 2 months) I can get cancer in my female organs a lot easier, I will be more prone to having a heart attack (but trying to stay healthy and loose the weight helps decrease that) Sometimes I can actually feel my ovaries hurt.... YUCK! When I eat something with sugar (ie- candy bar, a coke even some fruits that are high in sugar or breads and pasta) my body is incapable of handling the sugar (b/c of the disease) like a normal person can. This is the reason for the weight gain and the anemia type symptoms that I sometimes feel. If you are the kind of person that likes to read up about things you can Google PCOS and read more about it. Their are tons of other symptoms but like I said not everyone has all of them. Kids will more than likely be hard for us..... but the Lord will do as he sees fit. We will just have to wait and see when that time comes. I have a feeling that it will be an emotional roller coaster (Eric and I have already gotten on the ride sometime ago when we had something unexpected happen (at the time we had no idea about the disease but now looking back the disease explain it all)..... we got though it and now we are going down that huge hill in the beginning.... well we have almost made it down that hill and hopefully the other twist and turns, with this disease and with life, wont be so bad). I don't need sympathy I just needed to get it out their..... I began this post several times now and thanks to Jenny, who opened up her heart and feeling a few weeks ago when she and Brandon were thrown through a rough turn on the emotional roller coaster, I felt like I could just sit down and write it and get if off my chest.

Came & Gone

2008-07-09T07:05:00.000-07:00

Eric came home from camp (his second week of camp) on June 28 and he left for the mission trip with the kids on July 5. Yep, he came home on a Saturday and he was gone the next Saturday. I can't wait for him to be home again. This is his last week long trip for the summer! YAY! Our next trip will be to six flags for the day with the kids. Eric planned this trip on a Tuesday so I would be able to go....(my off day at work is on Tuesdays). I can't wait! It has been a few years since I have been and I am looking forward to it. My brothers may be coming up here and going with us! :)
Ok, I know I need to stay on topic...... Eric is gone on a mission trip to NC with the kids. They are putting together a VBS for a church there and they will do a few service projects during the day! I wish I could go. I have such a drive to do things like this and to be with the kids but I have to stay home and hold down the fort...... which means I must stay and work all day and get some home improvement projects done at night. YUCK! I can't wait for the day that I get to stay home! That way I can go on all the trips with the Youth Group and I can help out more at Church (I really want to get involved with the food pantry at church). Their is so much that I want to do but with a job that requires me to be here from 7 am to 6 pm I don't really have time for the extras.... ONE DAY! I don't know when that day will be but it will come..... ONE DAY!

4th of July

2008-07-09T06:35:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I know its a little late but this girlie has been busy. We have been busy with the youth group and I have been super busy at work. I guess better late then never! lol :)

We had the Young Adults over for a cookout at lunch time. We had hamburgers and hotdogs with all the fixins. After lunch we cooled off in the pool. It was a good day! Then later we went to the church for a cookout and to watch the fireworks. I LOVE FIREWORKS! So that was a GREAT end to a GREAT day! I hope to have pics soon.

I found this while I was blog-hopping......

2008-06-27T07:33:00.000-07:00

Check out this website http://krishubick.blogspot.com/2008/06/art-giveaway-and-thank-you.html and enter to win an amazing piece of art!

I'm Back and Going Full Speed!

2008-06-23T05:52:00.001-07:00

We have been so busy..... (i wrote about this in my last blog). Summer time is always crazy and sad (for me). Let me start from way back when (in April). (Please read all of this blog and then visiting our scrapbook blog to see all the great pictures). As of today, Wednesday, I dont have all the scrapbook pages done. I should have them on the scrapbook blog tonight, I'm just happy to complete this blog (I have been doing it little by little in my free time).

Junior Senior Banquet (aka Prom Alternative)

Last year Eric and I started a tradition. We wanted to have a Junior Senior Banquet for those of the group that don't go to their high school prom. It was a fun night and we had a blast. Our theme was "Hollywood- A Night on the Red Carpet"! We decorated the tables with popcorn buckets and movie reels (thanks katie for making those) and we even had a red carpet down the middle of the room. The group had a nice meal prepared and served to them along with strawberry shortcake for dessert. After the meal we had the "entertainment". I had a great idea to present each of the kids with a certificate and they would have to come up with an acceptance speech for their award. Eric came up with the award titles (most all of them had to do with something funny that they did during the past year). The speeches were so funny.... some more dramatised (sp?) than others. We had such a great time. After that we went bowling and we had even more fun! I can't wait till next year!

Graduation 2008

We had several graduate from high school this year. This will be their last summer in the youth group and they will be missed.

Eric also graduated this year! He is finally finished! He graduated on May 31, 2008 from Amridge University (formerly known as Southern Christian University). He has a Bachelors in Biblical Studies. He will be taking at least a year off before returning for his masters. During that time off I am hoping to go back to school (if I can find the time with our busy schedules).

CAMP!!!!!!!!

I could blog about this subject all day! I would be a summer camp junkie if I didn't work! We went to Gulf Coast Bible Camp the last week of May. Eric directs Montgomery/Baldwin county week for 3rd-12th grade (the last week of May). But it all started when we were in Gulf Shores and Eric was asked to direct a 6th-8th grade week (mostly for Baldwin, Mobile and the Pensacola area) in June. He was so happy that he was asked. This is a BIG deal to be asked to direct a whole week of camp. They must have a lot of FAITH in him. (He has only been in full time youth ministry for a little over three years and he has already accomplished so much...... can you tell that I'm a proud wife or what lol). Since last years 6-8 grade went so well he was asked if he would start another week from scratch (Montgomery/Baldwin week). He of course was overjoyed and said YES! (I was really happy for him but later I thought HOLY COW directing 2 weeks of camp! He asked Brian (of the Dalraida Church, click here to see his families blog http://smilingsmyfavorite-jal.blogspot.com/) and they began working...... the week went so well. We had about 100 (I think), with campers and staff. I got to spend the week with my Mom who was in charge of crafts and the kitchen. I was camp nurse (if my lovely husbands appoints me this next year, which I don't mind, Dalraida has to supply my band aids and pay a copay for each child that visits the nurse lol). I would have been rich this summer! We only had 2 broken bones (one fractured ankle and a broken thumb) the whole week. It was more than I wanted but still not bad for a week at camp with that many people. Mostly it was just scratches, tummy aches (homesickness and not drinking enough water) and a few wonderful and smart children who decided to go on a nature walk and swing from unknown branches (apparently poison oak/ivy). I also helped in the kitchen and assisted in crafts. WOW! Next year I'm only taking on two jobs..... Nurse and directors wife are enough! We got to see some of the kids in our "old" youth group who are also the kids that were our "first" youth group. That was fun. We also made new friends. The staff was so much fun. Tom and Tracy from the Summerdale Church are a hoot to be around! They can make you laugh in any situation.... and good ole' Mrs. Leslie just ags them on. The Gills did a great job feeding the army! The Dailraida women have such good hearts and "they" know what I mean! :) Doug (from Dalraida) had a great sense of humor (he had one of our homesick kids in his cabin). He was so wonderful to him and he tried in every way possible to help him. The Group from Forrest Park (in GA) were all great! I saw a few of their older boys taking care of the younger ones and it did my heart a lot of good! Brian (Dalraida) was the co-director and you would have never know that it was his first time to direct camp. Eric loved having him there and looks forward to many years to come with the Montgomery/Baldwin(/GA) week at camp! Gulf Coast Bible Camp (GCBC) has changed a lot over this last year. They tore down two girls cabins and replaced them with one large cabin with two different rooms on each side and a bathroom in the back. Now the girls wont have to go outside to the bath house to shower! And guess what they have A/C, not window units real a/c! The boys will get the new cabins next year! The Mess Hall was also extended! It was much needed (we had outgrown the smaller space provided to eat) and a front porch was added with picnic tables! All of the new amenities are due to one man (Byron) and the support he has raised from wonderful churches! He has worked (broke foot and all) year around to make camp a better place for the campers and staff! I was sad to leave camp and I cant wait for next year! Montgomery/Baldwin week is the best week of camp! (I'll update you about 6-8 grade when Eric gets through it!)

Devo with the Camp Crew
Tracy Moore, the minister in Sumemrdale, came to speak at Dalraida. He and the youth minister brought along some of their teens and parents that came to camp. So Dailraida, Summerdale and Prattville all got together Wednesday night after church at the Faulkner Multiplex. We had a great time seeing our new found friends (it had only been 2 weeks since we had seen them at camp) and we enjoyed the food and fellowship. We all piled into one one and sang. It was the most beautiful singing I had heard in a long time! And for those of you who went to camp with us I would like to let you know that my husband has a new motto..... "What would Tom do?" I'm still not sure if this is good or bad?!?

Bible Studies

On Thursdays, during the summer, we have a Bible Study in our home for the teenagers! Its a great time! They have a 30 min. lesson and then they talk, play Wii and fellowship with one another for about 45 min. We have fun and it's a great chance for them to bring their friends!

Renovations

We have completed the renovations in our guest bathroom and we are half way done with our master bathroom. We had to take a break due to camp and vbs. We will get back to it soon!

VBS

Wow! I love VBS but on the last night I'm glad we are done! Eric and I help another couple at church direct VBS. I am in charge of the 2 and 3 year olds (their classes, decorations, crafts and snacks). I also help with the decorations at the building as well as the odd and ends things for the Teen class, and some of the overall planning of VBS. It was such a blast and a success. I love seeing the young kids growing closer to God in that week!

Odd &Ends

Work is going great I'm just so darn busy! I took a week off to go to camp and it took me several days to catch back up when we got back. I feel like I am going non-stop between work, the youth group and being a wife with a home to take care of. uuuggggg...... need break....... need break! But its full steam ahead till the end of the summer. I am really wanting a break, just the two of us, after the summer. We have not had a vacation for just he and I since we were married 2 1/2 years ago. We have taken 2 vacays in 2 1/2 years. One was back home so we were with family the whole weekend and the other was with a few couples from the young adult group. These were both really fun but I am longing for a get-a-way for just the two of us. I think its much needed as busy as we are. We just dont have the time or the $$$$$$ (gas costs WAAAYYYYY TTTOOOOOOO MMMUUUUCCCCCHHHHHH)! And that gov. stimulus check... ha! That went to Lowes (all $600) for a shower and all to do-dads to hook it up and make it work! All-in-all we are alive and kicking! Sometimes I feel like I'm barely hanging on by a thread but just when I feel like I can't hang on any more God lifts me up to the top so I can start the ride all over again! I have said it before and I think its my motto by now...... Our life is hectic but I wouldn't trade it for the world!

I hope all of you have had a great summer thus far! If you know of anything I have forgotten just let me know! Check back tomorrow for pictures on my scrapbook blog!

I have been doing a lot of work....

2008-06-14T22:48:00.001-07:00

As you can see I have done a lot of work to our blog. It has a new header and I have figued out how to make it a three column blog (all by myself). I also have a new scrapbook blog. Click the picture to the right and you can see what it looks like. It is almost 1:00 sunday morning and I really need to get to bed. I have a busy day tomorrow. I have been so excited about the changes that i wanted to get them just right before I blogged, just in case I lost all the info (while doing the good ole' trial and error method). lol Now that I have it like I want it the next step is to update you guys on what happening in our busy life right now! Sorry I have slacked in the last month but .like I said I have been working on my blog-look and we have been super busy. We have had a week of camp, them I was behind at work (b/c of the week at camp) and this week was VBS. Whew.... Im pooped. But I know I must make time for blog-land sometime tomorrow.

6 WoRd MeMoIr

2008-06-10T09:18:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Jenny @http://themaddoxfamily.net/

This idea came from the book by Larry Smith and Rachel Fershleiser called Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six-Word Memoirs by Writers Famous and Obscure. The book is a compilation that is based on the story that Hemingway once bet ten dollars that he could sum up his entire life in just six words.His words? For Sale: baby shoes, never worn.

Here are the rules:
1. Write your own six word memoir.
2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like.
3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post and to this original post if possible so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere.
4. Tag five more blogs with links.
5. And don’t forget to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play!

MY 6 WORDS:

Holding hands & exploring life together.

I really wanted to tag someone but all of the people that I know of have already been tagged. So if you read my blog and want to participate just leave me a comment so we will know to check out your page. And this will also show me who else in blog-land reads my blog! Have fun!

So what do you think?

2008-06-09T11:52:00.001-07:00

Leave me a comment as to what you think about the new blog look!
As I said on my other blog..... i will hopefully blog my morning away on Tuesday and have all the great pics up of what has been going on in our crazy life this past month! I already have a few good ones picked out!