tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69773002772235464842024-02-18T17:50:08.410-08:00Red Letters- My JourneyEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17039159020657055098noreply@blogger.comBlogger341125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977300277223546484.post-72249269271585323952017-02-11T05:51:00.000-08:002017-02-11T05:51:05.732-08:00Torn and WorriedI have been thinking about writing this post for the past week. Honestly, I thought long and hard about it because I do not use this blog much anymore but I also do not want to come across as complaining. I am an educator. I am in my fourth year of teaching in the public school system. I am one of the many teachers who expressed a great deal of concern when the Secretary of Education nominee was named. Betsy DeVos. I had never heard her name before a few weeks ago, but now I fear I will become all too familiar with it. Honestly, I was not too worried about it initially. Then I started seeing clips from her confirmation hearing. This is when my worries kicked in.<br />
<br />
I ultimately decided to write this post because there are people in my realm who are genuinely confused or unaware of why so many teachers are against this nomination. So here are my reasons.<br />
<br />
<b>1. She IS unqualified</b><br />
This is an argument that people seem to think is up for debate. It isn't. Trust me she is unqualified for this position. That much was made very clear in her confirmation hearing when she didn't know the difference between growth and proficiency, not terrible for a normal everyday citizen. But ANYONE who has been engrossed in the education community at all in the last few years should have at least a skeleton knowledge of these two terms. It has been a hot button issue in the education community.<br />
<br />
<b>2. She is unfamiliar and personally does not support public schools</b><br />
She has never attended a public school, nor have her kids. Now, that is not a crime. I have nothing against private schools. I, myself, was blessed with the opportunity to attend private school 6-12 grade. However, I also have been blessed to teach in two public schools. I have specifically taught in two different Title 1 schools. The majority of the students that walk through my door know that when they are at school, they are going to get their two best meals of the day there. They know it is a safe place. We literally have students who do not want to go home at the end of the day because they know their world is more stable at school. It is heart breaking and challenging but it is my job and I love it. I love that I get to be a part of their world and showing them what they can accomplish no matter what is going on elsewhere. It is hard to support someone who is clearly not in support or at the very least does not understand what it is like to work in or attend public school.<br />
<br />
<b>3. She supports taking money away from public schools.</b><br />
You might have heard about the whole school voucher issue. At first glance, you might think- well that seems great. I mentioned earlier I attended a private school throughout middle and high school. I am grateful for that opportunity and naively used to think it was silly that my parents' taxes went to fund public schools when they didn't have any kids in school there. If you or your kids attended or attend private schools, you might find yourself in that same realm of thinking. I also mentioned earlier that I am a teacher in a public school. As a teacher in a public school, I know there are often times where I spend my own money to fund things because I know I wouldn't be able to get it for them otherwise. I try my best to weigh out the cost and the benefits. I am very worried about having someone in office that would take money away from public schools by pushing the voucher issue.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Accountability </b><br />
In the time I have spent learning about Betsy DeVos and her campaign for charter schools through a voucher system, I have been troubled. The main trouble I have is accountability. This was also an issue that came up in her confirmation hearing. She flat out refused to answer the question about whether or not these charter schools would have to answer to the same accountability measures that public schools do. Here is a hint, the ones she has supported do not. So even though they would be funded with tax payer money, they are not held accountable to the same degree.<br />
<br />
Those are just 4 bullet points that will maybe help you understand why educators are against this nomination and appointment. Personally, it is more insulting than anything else. If I had been asked similar questions and gave similar responses in a basic job interview for a teaching interview, I can guarantee I would have been ushered out the door and would have never heard another word from them about a potential job offer. Instead, we are ushering her into the most powerful position available in the education community. This is why we are worried!<br />
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17039159020657055098noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977300277223546484.post-28095630468235602432016-09-14T18:58:00.000-07:002016-09-14T18:58:49.777-07:00T-ball for the ThreenagerOK, let me start by saying I am well aware it has been ages since I have touched this blog. So anyone reading this might think, why in the world come back to it now? To be perfectly honest, it is for purely selfish reasons. Shocker!<br />
<br />
Here's the deal, my kid is three and a half and a full blown threenager! He is down right exhausting some days and there are times that I just want to throw in the towel on the whole motherhood thing and just take my chances that he will turn out ok. Then, I am hit with mom guilt, or maybe the Holy Spirit, and am reminded that while my son is ultimately God's child- I have been entrusted to raise this wild and crazy kid. So here I am finding my outlet to tell my stories to anyone who is interested...but mainly for me and my own sanity. If you find some semblance of identity here- awesome!<br />
<br />
Most people, aside from my immediate family, would read the above paragraph and think, "Surely she is talking about some other child!" Here's the deal- most of the time my kid rocks the socks off of other kids (absolutely no bias there). But within the confines of our home, boy does he push, pout, and test me to no end. People in this world are so cruel when they say kids go through terrible twos. I am here to clear up any confusion. If your kid glides through those 2 year old years, brace yourself for those 3s. They are not for the faint of heart.<br />
<br />
My boy started baseball this fall. Well to be more accurate, he started some sort of form of t-ball which is really just downright comical. Anyhow, he has been very excited about it and had his first practice last Saturday morning. I played sports all my life, so I just naturally assumed I would fall right into this whole ball mom thing with such amazing grace and ease. (Insert the sound of glass shattering here) So here is more how that day went. I got up and got in the shower, got dressed, fixed my hair, etc. So far if you are following, all stuff about me so far! Humble, I know! About 15 minutes before we need to leave I start getting my son ready. He was really excited about the baseball pants so getting dressed took no time. I got him loaded up in the car and left. So far, rocking it! It was about two minutes down the road when I realized he had no water bottle. So I thought no big, a stop at Walgreens can fix that. Which would have been a great idea had we not passed the display with the little model cars on it. My little threenager insisted he be able to get one. That request was met with a firm no and that was that. Did that last part make you laugh? It should have, totally joking. This resulted in tears, whines, and pouts. That trio lasted all the way until we were pulling in the parking lot. I was driving up thinking, "Awesome, I am going to look like one of those moms who is forcing her kid to play sports." Luckily, once he realized we had arrived, not having one of those cars was no longer the end of the world. We got on the field, got his jersey put on. Practice was going great. He was stretching, running, and catching the ball. He was having a blast, which was the most important part. Then it came time to hit and this is when it all came crashing down. He was told he had to wear his ball cap under the batting helmet. My little threenager found this absolutely unacceptable. No amount of talking was going to convince him otherwise. He was literally willing to not bat instead of put that helmet over his hat...how dare you suggest such a thing?!?! Fortunately for him, his church friend is on the other team and has his own helmet that we borrowed. Fast forward to time to leave and he says, "That was such a fun day of baseball." Well glory, glad it was all sunshine and flowers for you!<br />
<br />
So needless to say, we took a trip to the store the other day and I, well he, is now the proud owner of a t-ball bat AND his own helmet. Say what you want but that is $20 well spent to avoid meltdown city! Accepting mother of the year nominations all week! ;)<br />
<br />
Oh, and we are for sure breaking it in before Saturday!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1sCOQwVsQYM/V9n_QA6SwAI/AAAAAAAA-KI/DwoZxP2fMLobXnEK90oyWTHUCOLu3Ub-ACLcB/s1600/14233103_636804737011_2191762279837555625_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1sCOQwVsQYM/V9n_QA6SwAI/AAAAAAAA-KI/DwoZxP2fMLobXnEK90oyWTHUCOLu3Ub-ACLcB/s320/14233103_636804737011_2191762279837555625_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17039159020657055098noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977300277223546484.post-6285969548363300452014-12-09T06:53:00.001-08:002014-12-09T06:53:19.027-08:00That 4 Letter WordL-O-V-E. Four letters. Two vowels. Two consonants. Four letters make up a word in the english language that means more than words of much greater size. Yet, it is a word that gets thrown around by all too many for all the wrong reasons. All too often, people only attribute love to romantic relationships. This is a way to lose out on all the love people around you have to give.<br />
<br />
I LOVE my son! I LOVE my family. I LOVE my friends. I have some beautiful and cherished people in my life who I would go above and beyond the moon for if they asked me to, and even if they didn't ask!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8V94iFsG-M/VIcM0HB394I/AAAAAAAAqwE/QgO7XBYfhzs/s1600/IMG_20141127_194057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8V94iFsG-M/VIcM0HB394I/AAAAAAAAqwE/QgO7XBYfhzs/s1600/IMG_20141127_194057.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
But lately, the Lord has been pulling at my heart to dig deep and find out more about what the Scripture says about his LOVE. There are things I know in my head. For instance, I know that the Lord has an unconditional love for me. I know that His love is greater than any other love. But are those things I truly let seep into the corners of my heart. Do I just know those things or do I feel them and live them? So I am going to be attempting to make my quiet time with Him more focused on reading what the Scripture says about his love.<br />
<br />
Love is a complex thing and I am blessed to have a lot of love in my life. One of my friends whom I love dearly is going through a rough time and my love for her compels me to reach out to her any way I can. It compels me to ask you to pray for her so that she may be lifted up in His strength and wisdom!<br />
<br />
It is hard to imagine the Lord loving my son more than I do- but He does! He loves me the same way! He loves my sweet friend more than anyone and I just want to have the Scriptural knowledge I need to be able to show the people in my life exactly what our road map says about His love.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17039159020657055098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977300277223546484.post-43347623960026435232014-11-19T07:53:00.002-08:002014-11-19T07:55:00.306-08:00It's the MomentsI have grown quite accustomed to the way my daily life goes. I wake up no later than 6:30 a.m. Sometimes that time comes earlier. Sometimes I get up earlier because there is a little voice coming through the monitor that needs me. Sometimes I get up earlier because my mind simply can't or won't sleep any longer.<br />
<br />
This morning I woke up to the sound of my alarm at 6:30, pleasantly surprised that my mind and my little boy had both stayed asleep! I reached for my phone and turned the alarm off and did what I typically do in the morning, I look at the daily verse on the Bible app and then I look at instagram and facebook. This particular morning there was a video someone had shared on facebook and it was one I knew I shouldn't click on but I did anyways.<br />
<br />
After watching the video clip that was filled with emotions of joy and happiness, I felt a tear slide down my cheek. I didn't even realize it but I knew why it was there. Unfortunately, it wasn't because I was so overwhelmed with happiness for these people I didn't even know. It was because I didn't get that moment. It was because I can never change the memory of how that moment went for me. I can never get that moment back. It will never be a moment filled with joy and happiness in my past. It was a moment filled with hurt, confusion, anger, and pain.<br />
<br />
I never should have watched that video of a wife telling her husband they were expecting a little baby. I never should have watched as he got so excited that he cried tears of joy. I knew better, but I watched it anyways. I watched a video of what I had hoped that moment would have been like for me and cried a solitary tear when I was reminded I can't change the fact that it was not like that at all.<br />
<br />
I don't think about the past because it doesn't help anything and it
surely doesn't resolve anything. But there are moments when something
hits me and I can't help but wish for different memories. Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17039159020657055098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977300277223546484.post-29433677795120611982014-10-27T09:26:00.003-07:002014-10-27T09:26:18.054-07:00New JourneyTime to dust off that old e-mail from over a year ago, figuratively speaking. Literally, I will be digging through e-mails of over a year ago when my attorney emailed me a copy of the divorce papers and agreement I signed with my ex.<br />
<br />
I thought I had all the time in the world to enjoy life with my little one. Do fun things with him, get to experience the first times for so much more. My ex is coming home, for good. I am still not completely sure how I feel about it all. He is coming home with his fiance. Believe it or not, that is not the part that bugs or bothers me in the least. I am genuinely happy that he will get to be a part of Ian's life the way I know he has wanted to be all along.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fg9IY4AKH3A/VE5x-q6H3II/AAAAAAAAo7U/iCW9W15IHxs/s1600/20141026_085230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fg9IY4AKH3A/VE5x-q6H3II/AAAAAAAAo7U/iCW9W15IHxs/s1600/20141026_085230.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
The hardest part for me will be the changes that occur in the coming months. I have but a few weeks left to enjoy my little boy to myself before it is the legally binding, and right, thing to do to share him with his dad. I feel like a little kid who is merrily playing with their favorite toy only to have it stripped away at a moments notice and told to share. It is appropriate that I feel like a little kid because I am fully aware that I sound like one!<br />
<br />
It is something I promise I am working on. I know it is important for him to develop and have a relationship with his dad. I don't harbor any kind of ill will towards him by any means. I just hate that it means I lose time. In order for him to gain time, I must lose time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I9DbxccRDGk/VE5yDqMva8I/AAAAAAAAo7c/tscSjmU3AQw/s1600/20141026_203214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I9DbxccRDGk/VE5yDqMva8I/AAAAAAAAo7c/tscSjmU3AQw/s1600/20141026_203214.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
It is hard and I struggle with wondering what first experiences I might miss out on. What holidays am I going to miss with him in the future? Then there is that little whisper that comes up and says, "It isn't fair that I will lose time with him because of the actions of someone else!" That is one of those times that I have to go through the forgiveness process all over again. I have to remind myself that even though I wasn't directly responsible for where I am today- I made choices that helped put me here. While some of those choices are ones I wouldn't make again in hindsight: I gained a wonderful little boy to love and cherish.<br />
<br />
It will be quite the change but it is one I know I will adjust to because frankly, there is no other option. I just pray for peace and strength in the moments that my sinful selfishness tries to take hold. I pray that good things are to come from this and that God helps me fill my calendar every other weekend so I don't go crazy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pdQgqPt4rUM/VE5yIvRFTMI/AAAAAAAAo7k/bUQKmBP_9Ak/s1600/20141027_081154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pdQgqPt4rUM/VE5yIvRFTMI/AAAAAAAAo7k/bUQKmBP_9Ak/s1600/20141027_081154.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17039159020657055098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977300277223546484.post-69646540924280364792014-10-23T05:36:00.000-07:002014-10-23T05:36:02.734-07:00Ick!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mA0-062tPng/VEj18VYU2rI/AAAAAAAAotU/sD95UzBfKkc/s1600/20141022_170140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mA0-062tPng/VEj18VYU2rI/AAAAAAAAotU/sD95UzBfKkc/s1600/20141022_170140.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
This little booger has been feeling a little icky, turns out he has an ear infection. A little medicine and three hour nap did wonders for him yesterday! Praying he continues to feel better!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LrdA3QGLAeU/VEj18aEs-gI/AAAAAAAAotU/XoOf6pFSquw/s1600/20141021_162349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LrdA3QGLAeU/VEj18aEs-gI/AAAAAAAAotU/XoOf6pFSquw/s1600/20141021_162349.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17039159020657055098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977300277223546484.post-53442555222296536622014-10-21T10:15:00.002-07:002014-10-21T10:15:49.672-07:00The UnknownIt is really scary when you don't know what is around the next corner. It is easy to mentally plan out in our minds how we think life should be or what we think it will look like until a curve ball comes our way!<br />
<br />
Just when you get comfortable, that is usually when things get all shaken up again.<br />
<br />
I am desperately trying to remind myself that God is in control and He knows what is up ahead. As long as He knows and I trust in Him- He will equip me for whatever lies ahead. Father, please allow your strength to flow through my body so that I will be more than ready for and twist and turns!Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17039159020657055098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977300277223546484.post-63538904490156863062014-10-08T12:27:00.001-07:002014-10-08T12:27:14.625-07:00Don't Blink!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lo70Vj7J-cY/VDWNNPzBYdI/AAAAAAAAoQk/mlMjze7zC5w/s1600/20141004_095054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lo70Vj7J-cY/VDWNNPzBYdI/AAAAAAAAoQk/mlMjze7zC5w/s1600/20141004_095054.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
My baby is becoming a boy and I love and dread it all at the same time! I feel like I have done a good job of cherishing each stage. When he was a newborn- I cherished the way I could hold him for hours. When he was an infant I cherished his smiles, laughs, and coos. When he was mobile, I cherished watching him explore and discover things for the first time. When he turned one, I cherished watching him run and play. Now that is a year and half- I cherish his love for ball and try to play with him as much as possible. I cherish the way when he gets up in the morning, he still wants to snuggle with his blanket a little longer. I cherish the way when he is tired prepare for a major melt down over the simplest of things, but also prepare for the way he will want you to pick him up and snuggle him.<br />
<br />
The hardest thing sometimes about being a single mom and not knowing what the future holds is not knowing if I will get to love another little one of my own. I save most of his clothes in hopes that I will but I don't know if I ever will and I know with time- I will feel down right silly for holding on to things that I hope I get to use again. Even now, when I go to put away his clothes- I am more picky about what I save. I evaluate how many times he wore it and whether it fit him well or was true to its size. I know eventually, I will probably go through all those old clothes again and do the same thing to clear space.<br />
<br />
I know it is silly. I know there are things I would keep regardless of whether or not a future little one would ever be a possibility. It is silly to think about but I am having a hard time with not knowing if he is the first and last. If he is, I am perfectly content with that. God has blessed me beyond measure with this little life and I pray God continues to give me the strength to raise him the way He needs me to raise him. But there is a vast difference between choosing for it to be your last and not knowing. So I cling to moments not knowing if I will ever go through the stages with another. He would be such a great big brother. I don't know if he will ever get that chance. If he doesn't, I am sure he will find some little brothers and sisters to "borrow" from time to time. In fact, he would probably prefer it that way! ;)<br />
<br />
I am so thankful for the role God has given me, I can only hope and pray that peace will soak every part of my being- regardless of whether or not I am a mom of 1 or many.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17039159020657055098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977300277223546484.post-71517462847865827252014-10-07T08:45:00.001-07:002014-10-07T08:46:16.486-07:00Just a little light reading<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8o74uq561cQ/VDQJXYOyRxI/AAAAAAAAoQA/gvUixDdiltU/s1600/20141005_082134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8o74uq561cQ/VDQJXYOyRxI/AAAAAAAAoQA/gvUixDdiltU/s1600/20141005_082134.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
What are you reading these days? I am in the midst of a Bible Study on Thessalonians so most of my reading revolves around that. I checked out a book from our church library a shameful amount of time ago and am looking forward to being able to read it soon, like next month maybe! ;)<br />
<br />
It kind of makes me chuckle to think about the amount of reading I did before I became a mom. I love to read and reading a story to my little man is by far the favorite part of the bed time routine but I do remember when I used to read books that didn't rhyme.<br />
<br />
One of my favorite Christian authors is Karen Kingsbury, but I can't tell you the last time I had the luxury of picking up one of her books. It isn't because I have no desire to, it is more due to the fact that I like to get through a book quickly. My brain is not organized enough to start a book and then slowly finish it- all the while remembering the little details that make the story what it is. It is a luxury I am not very familiar with anymore. Maybe one day that will change- you know after that to-do list gets done! ;)Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17039159020657055098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977300277223546484.post-77539769645124243912014-10-06T12:20:00.003-07:002014-10-06T12:20:50.995-07:00To Do list?What does your to-do list look like? Mine doesn't look like much of anything. mainly because I am rarely organized enough to make a to-do list! Every now and then, when tasks begin piling up so does a list. So here are some things I had hoped to get accomplished this weekend:<br />
<br />
Consignment sale shopping at the Y: hands down best place to get Ian's play clothes because who doesn't love scoring a shirt for $1!<br />
<br />
Tumbling Toddlers: I have heard about this gym class you can take little tots to and Ian has been old enough for a while now. It is drop in and I have been trying to pencil it in for weeks.<br />
<br />
Grocery shopping: I needed to get some basic things that seem to always slip my mind every time I am in any other kind of store.<br />
<br />
Shoe shopping: I have had an itch to hunt for some to-die-for neutral colored shoes for a while now.<br />
<br />
Bulletin Board: I have been meaning to decorate the bulletin board on our nursery hall for all of 3 weeks now. <br />
<br />
So, you ready to hear what I got accomplished: consignment sale. Yep, that is it! I was genuinely excited about being able to hit up the consignment sale and intended to take Ian straight over to let him run around and play in the gym and do whatever they do at this thing! It was the first Friday that I had ample time to do so. That was until I woke up feeling like I bus ran over me! It was literally about all I could do to make it to the consignment sale. Even that trip was touch and go for a while. My extreme desire to find a bargain overruled my stomach's plea to just lay as still as possible. There were a few moments standing at the 18 month clothes rack sifting through clothes that I thought it was all over. I just knew any moment that I was going to be that woman. You know, the one who hurled all over some clothes, was forced to buy said clothes, walk out in the rainy weather and put said clothes in my car where the stink would no doubt cause a cycle of incidents on the drive home (all the while pouting because I didn't want to buy those clothes- they were not even that cute and some were $3!!). Luckily, I made it through and instead probably just looked like the girl that had too much to drink the night before. Either way- mom of the year award coming my way!<br />
<br />
Anyhow, needless to say, I didn't think I could handle a toddler jumping all around and what not- especially since you are required to walk your child through whatever hoops they are to jump through. So sadly, that got postponed- again! At least my child is not old enough to know about the fun thing he would have been doing had mom not felt like the walking dead. Praise the Lord for my easy going little dude who was content to play and watch the evil one eyed monster upstairs while mom laid on the couch and tried not to move.<br />
<br />
By the late afternoon, I was starting to feel a wee bit better. I was able to at the very least engage in what Ian was doing and spend some time with him, rather than just existed on the couch. That evening was the Homecoming football game at my alma mater and I knew I wanted to go. So feeling a little better gave me the extra push to get out of my sweats and put on some presentable clothes and head to the game. Ian had a blast, he always does. He loves ball games. He danced and ran around and actually sat surprisingly still for some of the game. I got to see some old classmates and introduce them to Ian. I can only hope his cuteness made up for my lack luster appearance!<br />
<br />
Saturday was dedicated to college football. I opted out of going to the game and instead stayed home to watch it and other games that were on tv. It was a crazy day in college football Saturday and I was glad I opted to stay home so I could witness some of the madness.<br />
<br />
Sunday was church, baby shower, and church again. So with the majority of my list theoretically unchecked, it is probably a good thing I never wrote it down. :) Not I get to go to the store on my way home from picking up Ian. Maybe, just maybe some of that other stuff will get done. Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17039159020657055098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977300277223546484.post-83877634317319976362014-09-18T09:06:00.000-07:002014-09-18T09:06:00.477-07:00Snips, snails, and puppy dog tails?The old saying says that is what little boys are made of. You are officially a year and a half old today. 18 months have flown by and crawled all at the same time. You are learning new words and phrases every single day. My favorite so far is this past week when I got you to say, "You got it dude" which of course sounds unbearably cute coming from your mouth, "Got it doo." Everyday my heart seems to burst at the seams and I just don't know how but I manage to love you more and more each passing moment. But I have to tell you that the saying is not true- you are not made of those things up above.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wTlALdbZKUY/VBr7mdKS3kI/AAAAAAAAnkc/188bId-kNUc/s1600/20140916_195230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wTlALdbZKUY/VBr7mdKS3kI/AAAAAAAAnkc/188bId-kNUc/s1600/20140916_195230.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
You are created by God the most high and He loves that you cherish His creation. You love to be outside and whether we are playing ball, planting, or just walking around the yard- you are one happy guy. It probably doesn't hurt that you get to check out planes that fly over and trucks that drive by.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RBLed40WmZg/VBr8qPGfjeI/AAAAAAAAnks/G64AuCkRElI/s1600/20140830_132331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RBLed40WmZg/VBr8qPGfjeI/AAAAAAAAnks/G64AuCkRElI/s1600/20140830_132331.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
You love to read your books and even when it isn't bed time- you love to pull out your books and "read" them. I love the moments where I catch you in your room playing with your books. I pray that never changes because books will take you places your feet never will. They will water your imagination so that it can bloom into something beautiful.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7XXoThQosUI/VBr80-t1iWI/AAAAAAAAnk0/nMkQWeT45Bc/s1600/20140912_210051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7XXoThQosUI/VBr80-t1iWI/AAAAAAAAnk0/nMkQWeT45Bc/s1600/20140912_210051.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
You have the most infectious smile I have ever seen and you share it with anyone. You love people and love making people smile and laugh. Strangers will be a hard concept to teach you when you get bigger, but that is something I am thankful for. It is so heart warming to see the connections and relationships you have built with the people in your life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iH26UhhzbtY/VBr9SzqVPwI/AAAAAAAAnk8/fzjlmt-VmS8/s1600/20140912_161705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iH26UhhzbtY/VBr9SzqVPwI/AAAAAAAAnk8/fzjlmt-VmS8/s1600/20140912_161705.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
You love taking selfies and I find that hilarious and scary at the same time. You have even started taking "pictures" with your play phone. I guess that goes to show how much I take pictures of you with my phone but please know it is because I don't want to miss a beat. I don't want to miss the silly moments or the serious ones. I want to look back and know you weren't always embarrassed by me!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BLURd4Ju0jA/VBr98xEe9sI/AAAAAAAAnlI/crPtuct7llI/s1600/20140906_111245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BLURd4Ju0jA/VBr98xEe9sI/AAAAAAAAnlI/crPtuct7llI/s1600/20140906_111245.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
You make friends easily and play with friends well. You go with the flow and have fun with just about everything. You light up when I drop you off at daycare in the morning and your two buddies come running to greet you. I am delighted that you have such good friends to play with during the day and at church. It is wonderful to see that they enjoy your company as much as you enjoy theirs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9lnfTLv76eY/VBr-sU3L8sI/AAAAAAAAnlQ/Ht93Qy4h_Ww/s1600/20140910_184702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9lnfTLv76eY/VBr-sU3L8sI/AAAAAAAAnlQ/Ht93Qy4h_Ww/s1600/20140910_184702.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
You are a great helper! You love to clean. You love helping move the laundry over. You love to help close the dishwasher. You love to help clean up your toys. You even to love to get the swiffer broom and run it over the floor. I love that you love those things because I know one day they will be chores and will be no fun- but you will still help! Don't say that you weren't warned! ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AKR2mmrg-3w/VBr_oaWQgKI/AAAAAAAAnlY/mYi9GaOl_WE/s1600/20140901_190838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AKR2mmrg-3w/VBr_oaWQgKI/AAAAAAAAnlY/mYi9GaOl_WE/s1600/20140901_190838.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
You love to build and play ball. You are very focused when building and it is one of the few things you will be still for. You love to play ball and even watch ball on TV. I imagine you will love sports and I imagine I will be one of those crazy moms trying to balance normal life and your ball schedule. I look forward to those days with fear and anticipation. As long as you go pro and make a lot of money...;) Just kidding- as my dad would say rule #1 is to have fun! Your first sentence was "I wan ball." I think you will fit in with our family just fine with this passion of yours dear boy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LsIH7__mgHc/VBsA641sZJI/AAAAAAAAnlk/vml2KE4jaZo/s1600/20140907_075027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LsIH7__mgHc/VBsA641sZJI/AAAAAAAAnlk/vml2KE4jaZo/s1600/20140907_075027.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
You are growing up right before my eyes and even my sister commented how much more you look like a little boy with your big boy haircut and your thinning face. You have brought me so much joy and laughter and I thank God that I have been given the beautiful blessing of being your mom! I know the next 6 months will fly by and you will grow even more and learn all kinds of new things. Just remember my sweet boy, I love you more than you could ever imagine and I am your number one fan but you are not made of silly things like snails and puppy dog tails. You are made of love and laughter and crafted by the Heavenly Father whose love for you far exceeds my own. I pray for you daily to grow and understand that love so that you will one day allow that love to take over your life! Happy 1.5 years baby boy. I didn't make you a cake but we will get a special treat this weekend! I love you!<br /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17039159020657055098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977300277223546484.post-317878236022355672014-09-17T10:06:00.001-07:002014-09-17T10:06:54.847-07:00Golden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Db6PprmUzMg/VBm9S8va35I/AAAAAAAAnjc/Cl3DiCVfKWA/s1600/10357186_644042679043310_1333249543557713785_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Db6PprmUzMg/VBm9S8va35I/AAAAAAAAnjc/Cl3DiCVfKWA/s1600/10357186_644042679043310_1333249543557713785_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
A dear friend of mine recently shared this with our Sunday School class and I absolutely love it. The sad moments of the last couple years are fewer and far between and I can truly be grateful for where I am in life. I have some gold in me that has made me more beautiful than I was before. God is that gold. He has filled the places of my heart that were left empty. When I think about that, they were meant to be filled by him in the first place.<br />
<br />
When I was going through my separation and divorce, I honestly spent a lot of time thinking about how I would find someone else, if I would find someone else. I mean- I am a nut sometimes and now a nut with a little 18 month old attachment! I don't think like that anymore! I love my life and I love how God has filled my heart with peace and joy. I may never fully understand why everything happened the way it did but I don't have to. I honestly know that I looked over important things because I was blinded by love and I am comfortable in saying that I am glad to be in the place I am in now rather than where I used to be.<br />
<br />
I have no idea whether or not some knight in shining armor will come along with an industrial size broom, because honestly that is what it would take, and sweep me off my feet. But I love that I truly don't care if that happens or not! I never thought I could get to this place and I just want to celebrate that arrival! I have my own goals and I am going to work towards those goals and will cherish the moments with whoever life brings- friends, family, and of course my spunky little man.<br />
<br />
This post didn't really have much of a purpose other than to celebrate in the fact that I have reached the part of my journey where I have finally come to grips with being happy with whatever comes my way because God is in control and He hasn't failed me yet! Praise the Lord for the gold in my life!<br />
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17039159020657055098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977300277223546484.post-52689979792557039282014-09-15T10:00:00.001-07:002014-09-15T10:01:20.039-07:00What is 2?Well, for one- it is one more than one! It also happens to be the number of pounds that has been taunting me the last week. I have been doing pretty good with eating a normal lunch but eating lighter at night time. And I am only 2 pounds away from my first mini goal! The only problem is I have been 2 away for 2 long! ;) 2 many 2s!!!<br />
<br />
Anyways, I don't feel the need to be as thin as I once was because I highly doubt that will ever happen again and I could kick myself in the behind for not enjoying it while it lasted! Haha! Never the less- I do want to feel good about myself and be able to step on a scale in confidence, not fear!<br />
<br />
We planned on going to the football game on Friday night. Lighting and rain proved to have other ideas so after attempting to wait it out- we eventually decided a dinner trip to The Varsity was a better plan! Confession: this didn't help in the attempt at those 2! Anyway, Ian has never been to the Varsity so it was fun to take him on his first trip and he had fun. He had a hotdog, fries, and of course some of my FO! He also discovered that he likes to dip. He tried ketchup and was a fan! Although, more often than not he was just eating the ketchup off the fry and then dipping again! Goofball! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yHSLv_yybFg/VBcZQLzeefI/AAAAAAAAneI/7XFsfn5A_kc/s1600/20140912_210051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yHSLv_yybFg/VBcZQLzeefI/AAAAAAAAneI/7XFsfn5A_kc/s1600/20140912_210051.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
I also finally got a chance to pick up some more art work for his big boy wall! Took down his little baby animals that go with his baby bedding. One step closer to being a big boy's room. No tears, no tears! I was excited when I discovered these gems for 50% off at Hobby Lobby. LOVE that place!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PbHf9K5l7b8/VBcZQLO7VbI/AAAAAAAAneI/115yQCx1fzM/s1600/IMG_20140912_161833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PbHf9K5l7b8/VBcZQLO7VbI/AAAAAAAAneI/115yQCx1fzM/s1600/IMG_20140912_161833.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Ian's new favorite past time is feeding the dogs their breakfast. I love that he is interacting with them more and more. Now, if I could only get him to stop laying right on top of Trooper! Poor thing, he is true to his name though- he is a trooper and puts up with Ian's overwhelming love!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AR1nEX115GA/VBcZQItXEtI/AAAAAAAAneI/CSY24LjQe2Q/s1600/20140912_081648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AR1nEX115GA/VBcZQItXEtI/AAAAAAAAneI/CSY24LjQe2Q/s1600/20140912_081648.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17039159020657055098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977300277223546484.post-37960103667798792432014-08-26T11:26:00.001-07:002014-08-26T11:26:28.679-07:00Pink Pits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This was another weekend that made me grateful for the normalcy of the work week! We hit the ground running and we didn't stop until Sunday afternoon. Here is my weekend in a glance.<br />
<br />
-Friday we stole my younger nephew from my sister for the day. We started with breakfast at Cracker Barrel where Ian proved to still be terrified of the singing and dancing skeleton. Halloween should be REAL interesting if he is afraid of that. Of course, the night we took him to a Braves game happened to be Zombie night and that didn't seem to cause any tears. Maybe it is just the fact that the skeleton is so skinny that terrifies him...I shall use that as my excuse to not lose too much weight! I mean, I don't want my son to be terrified of me! ;) The rest of the day we ran errands and then headed home. After a nap in his second bed (more on that another day) Ian joined his cousin for a swim.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3p2AknjE6pE/U_zNN1vQPaI/AAAAAAAAm1A/Xi4cr6s-2xY/s1600/20140822_162118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3p2AknjE6pE/U_zNN1vQPaI/AAAAAAAAm1A/Xi4cr6s-2xY/s1600/20140822_162118.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
-Saturday took the cake- but which one, not sure! The morning started with my sister, dad, and myself going to run a 5k nearby. This was my first 5k and due to being a single mommy and not wanting to lose all my spare time with my kid...I had not trained very efficiently. Turned out it didn't really matter. haha. The first half of the race was a trail through the woods with oh about 2 feet in space! Even if you wanted to pass the people walking...there was not really a way to do so. That is my excuse and I am sticking to it (remember no scary skeleton)! Oh did I mention this was one of those races where they throw color powder all over you. Yea, that was fun- until I remembered that I had two weddings to go to later and had to start mentally racking my brain for what dresses I owned that would cover my pink pits! Oh yea, my arm pits were bright neon pink! I scrubbed profusely but that pink was there to stay!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-brH_pRLstYY/U_zOe715wKI/AAAAAAAAm1M/2HlFxKdzQmY/s1600/IMG_20140823_105422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-brH_pRLstYY/U_zOe715wKI/AAAAAAAAm1M/2HlFxKdzQmY/s1600/IMG_20140823_105422.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iX907d7e8Qg/U_zOe0QPSBI/AAAAAAAAm1M/XLyez3AL4fA/s1600/IMG_20140823_105530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iX907d7e8Qg/U_zOe0QPSBI/AAAAAAAAm1M/XLyez3AL4fA/s1600/IMG_20140823_105530.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2aHtQK5Cses/U_zOe9PKg8I/AAAAAAAAm1M/EKvRAwu6_ic/s1600/IMG_20140823_104729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2aHtQK5Cses/U_zOe9PKg8I/AAAAAAAAm1M/EKvRAwu6_ic/s1600/IMG_20140823_104729.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
So after finding the one dress in my closet that covered most of the pinkness, which just so happened to be black. So no offense to old fashioned wedding etiquette about black and weddings, but I am pretty sure people would rather me in black that see my hot pink chest! Luckily, my dear sweet friend understood my reasoning and I don't think she held it against me. Although she hasn't called me this week! Anyone know why? ;)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MZH2nqlSzf4/U_zPLPUPADI/AAAAAAAAm1U/Gp1LUF6cqqg/s1600/20140823_140816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MZH2nqlSzf4/U_zPLPUPADI/AAAAAAAAm1U/Gp1LUF6cqqg/s1600/20140823_140816.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
I am kind of sad that I didn't get a picture of her groom's cake. It just so happened to look exactly like a basketball. Poor Ian! He kept running over and pointing, "Ball, peese." I am kind of glad we had to leave before the cutting of the cake because I don't want to confuse him about what the inside of an actual ball looks and tastes like! After a brief 15 minute break at home, we headed out for wedding #2. Did I mention we ran/walked a 5k that morning and we are still going strong at 4:30 pm!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lis0wzQ760U/U_zQHG9YPOI/AAAAAAAAm1g/0FOjAiC0H8M/s1600/20140823_182248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lis0wzQ760U/U_zQHG9YPOI/AAAAAAAAm1g/0FOjAiC0H8M/s1600/20140823_182248.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4wBDZNWSXzM/U_zQHAyE8qI/AAAAAAAAm1g/fULRKfqUoOg/s1600/20140823_182321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4wBDZNWSXzM/U_zQHAyE8qI/AAAAAAAAm1g/fULRKfqUoOg/s1600/20140823_182321.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kAGpDW1h91E/U_zQHP3LdiI/AAAAAAAAm1g/fLjcu7GpEKI/s1600/20140823_190053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kAGpDW1h91E/U_zQHP3LdiI/AAAAAAAAm1g/fLjcu7GpEKI/s1600/20140823_190053.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
Ian had a blast dancing and running around but seeing as how his rest time had been interrupted twice and cut short, he was spent not long after. He took a little nap before mean mommy woke him up because I certainly wasn't planning on staying up late that night because he caught a cat nap a couple hours before bed time!<br />
<br />
-Sunday was church followed by another family reunion. Ian again slept through the first part and woke up in time to be occupied by his cousin while we cleaned up. When we got home, we all crashed. Any by all, I mean everyone except Ian who had already had a nap while we ate lunch. So while I kept dozing off on the couch, Ian kept throwing me a ball to throw him. It turned into fetch, don't judge me. I was tired and needed more rest time in between throws! Plus, he loved it! :) Glad that the weekend is over and looking forward to Gameday this coming weekend!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17039159020657055098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977300277223546484.post-18526226208481059162014-08-25T13:13:00.003-07:002014-08-25T13:13:25.728-07:00It's Like a DeathAt the beginning, it is hard. Life changes in an instant and you know it will never be the same. The tears come freely and frequently. You are in mourning. There are uncertainties, fears, and doubts. Something that once was is no longer. There are people who attempt to comfort but words only go so far when they are no suffering the same loss as you. There are a lot of lonely moments in rooms filled with people. Even people who know and love you dearly can only do so much.<br />
<br />
It is out of your hands and beyond your control. You come to a point where your only choice is to surrender it all to God. You give it all to Him and ask Him to take care of what is left of your heart that weeps. He tenderly tells you that He has had it all along but that He needs to let go and let Him take on the full weight. You don't know what the future holds. You only know there is a piece of you missing and you long to feel whole again.<br />
<br />
The sun rises and sets over and over again. Some days are a blur. Some days you walk around in a haze. Some days the sadness consumes you and it is all you can do to put one foot in front of the other. Then one day the sun rises and it shines a little brighter than the day before. The clouds part and you can feel the warmth of the sun for the first time in what seems like months. It seeps into every part of you and fills you with hope and strength. It is God breathing strength and life into the areas that you need it the most.<br />
<br />
Still, days come when the clouds move in unexpectedly and rain down. You get wet for a while but you are able to survive the rainfall- all the while knowing the sun will come back and dry you off. But for a moment you get lost in the memories, the pain, and the hurt that you endured and it is like reliving the death all over again.<br />
<br />
God is faithful, the sun comes out. You smile more. You are far stronger than you were when you first lost that piece of you. You don't look back in longing for the life you once knew before that death. You cherish the laughs and smile that life brought and thank the Lord for the good times. You begin to see the beauty that came from the ashes.<br />
<br />
Then, one day, a friend calls and tell you there has been a death in their life. Your heart hurts for them. The clouds return and you remember the pain more clearly than ever. You comfort your friend as best you can because you know what it is like. You know those clouds well. You tell your friend that there will be sunshine again. You remember that strength you have gained and you lend a little to them. You give a shoulder, a kind word, a funny little joke to get a smile, and an umbrella for them to hold. It makes you the tiniest bit thankful for the death you experienced so that you could be an understanding ear in their time of loss.<br />
<br />
Death is not easy, but this type of death can sometimes be harder. It is easier to console yourself when the person you love doesn't have a choice on their departure. It is much harder when they choose to leave your life. It is much harder when they leave for what you can only think of as something they value more. It is a death but not a traditional one. It is not a club I longed to be a member of, I don't imagine anyone really does. Divorce is like a death, the death of a marriage. A bond has died. A tie has been severed. With a few signatures and a check, what was meant to be unbreakable is broken. It requires not just strength but forgiveness as well. A part of you is forever gone and your life is forever changed.<br />
<br />
I pray you never experience this kind of death in your life, particularly at the hands of adultery. Pray strength and love over the people in your life that still under the early clouds of this kind of death. It takes a while to feel the warmth of the sun.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17039159020657055098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977300277223546484.post-64306253598288815082014-08-18T12:19:00.002-07:002014-08-18T12:19:38.212-07:00Hooray for Monday!Yes, you read that right! haha! This weekend was one of those weekend that made me look forward to the start of the week! It was just jam packed with all sorts of fun and running around that it made me long for the normalcy of a Monday! I had fun with all our stuff we had going on but I am glad to have a week to recover before the next busy weekend comes up! Friday we took a very enthusiastic one and a half year old to his first Braves game.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mnldcH-fAbw/U_JOo4h8loI/AAAAAAAAmew/rMVjCJJclS4/s1600/IMG_20140815_163134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mnldcH-fAbw/U_JOo4h8loI/AAAAAAAAmew/rMVjCJJclS4/s1600/IMG_20140815_163134.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
He was excited to say the least. He like watching baseball on tv and knows the chop and yells, "Go Braves." So we were excited (and a little scared) to see how he would do at an actual game.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-25RGRq2Pv_E/U_JOo0xL38I/AAAAAAAAmew/OxYuE_75FmY/s1600/20140815_182952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-25RGRq2Pv_E/U_JOo0xL38I/AAAAAAAAmew/OxYuE_75FmY/s1600/20140815_182952.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
The worst case scenario in my mind was him screaming at having to sit still for that long!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zrf_XzWPO8k/U_JPK8cldWI/AAAAAAAAme4/7a0zy6ahrPs/s1600/IMG_20140815_220644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zrf_XzWPO8k/U_JPK8cldWI/AAAAAAAAme4/7a0zy6ahrPs/s1600/IMG_20140815_220644.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
He got in for free but that also meant he had to be in one of our laps the whole time. Thankfully, we were on the end of the row and with a good amount of empty seats behind us, nobody had to climb over us! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J_mCZaudLS8/U_JOo9QGRaI/AAAAAAAAmew/PKRgF9QGQ9Q/s1600/20140815_185929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J_mCZaudLS8/U_JOo9QGRaI/AAAAAAAAmew/PKRgF9QGQ9Q/s1600/20140815_185929.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
He was a big fan of his first ballpark dog and fries. He helped Pop with his lemonade. He stood perched in front of mema for a good little while just watching all the pregame activity and eating.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MWh7p-O-uzc/U_JOo0v3ebI/AAAAAAAAmew/DNKMs49qznc/s1600/20140815_221617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MWh7p-O-uzc/U_JOo0v3ebI/AAAAAAAAmew/DNKMs49qznc/s1600/20140815_221617.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
After a 6th and 7th inning nap, he woke back up full speed ahead and sat with Pop for the remainder of the game. We headed a little further down towards the field after the game for the fireworks. He didn't seem to care too much about those. He laid his head down on my shoulder and I covered his other ear so they wouldn't be too loud. All in all, the game and experience was a great one- especially since they won!<br />
<br />
Saturday, after getting home late Friday, my dad and I woke up early for a family golf tournament. We left Mema and Ian fast asleep at home. I have not played a round of golf in two years but I did better than I thought I would. :) After golf, it was time to get ready for the first baby shower of the weekend!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlF34_Gy7AE/U_JQkv5h5RI/AAAAAAAAmfE/RLrzkhizWJo/s1600/IMG_20140816_152631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlF34_Gy7AE/U_JQkv5h5RI/AAAAAAAAmfE/RLrzkhizWJo/s1600/IMG_20140816_152631.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Which meant bath time for this cutie!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWdv5LdTrZE/U_JQkhLy4CI/AAAAAAAAmfE/VaPyNs7FB3U/s1600/20140816_182947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWdv5LdTrZE/U_JQkhLy4CI/AAAAAAAAmfE/VaPyNs7FB3U/s1600/20140816_182947.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
Cutting the cake. So excited about sweet little E making his arrival soon!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d0_l3rrRrzM/U_JQkspUqYI/AAAAAAAAmfE/aGZvP4xV3zw/s1600/20140816_183222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d0_l3rrRrzM/U_JQkspUqYI/AAAAAAAAmfE/aGZvP4xV3zw/s1600/20140816_183222.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
This little handsome man finally stood still long enough to get a picture of his cuteness!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wwEc5n1N85c/U_JQkpHBihI/AAAAAAAAmfE/89jA4oXe8Bc/s1600/20140816_184812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wwEc5n1N85c/U_JQkpHBihI/AAAAAAAAmfE/89jA4oXe8Bc/s1600/20140816_184812.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
Terri getting ready to open E's gifts!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L0xkNOD2_WY/U_JRENS2nGI/AAAAAAAAmfQ/mDM1A7Dxx3A/s1600/20140817_130634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L0xkNOD2_WY/U_JRENS2nGI/AAAAAAAAmfQ/mDM1A7Dxx3A/s1600/20140817_130634.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
Sunday was our H family reunion right after church. Ian was exhausting after running around with his big cousins. He missed out on the good food, and learned later that he missed out on lunch all together (the dangers of leaving him with his Pop). <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-joZELWJnC3g/U_JREO_SeRI/AAAAAAAAmfQ/G0s1yHgutWs/s1600/20140817_133918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-joZELWJnC3g/U_JREO_SeRI/AAAAAAAAmfQ/G0s1yHgutWs/s1600/20140817_133918.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
After the reunion we heading back into the church to help with another
baby shower with church friends and the same sweet little E! Little babies are so fun and we can't wait to meet this little one and love on him! Please keep little baby E in your prayers because he is currently breached. Pray God will help him turn his little body around!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RQz1gP5PNzE/U_JREJi7c1I/AAAAAAAAmfQ/TkmtucBkI7A/s1600/20140817_142221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RQz1gP5PNzE/U_JREJi7c1I/AAAAAAAAmfQ/TkmtucBkI7A/s1600/20140817_142221.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17039159020657055098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977300277223546484.post-74269090839841585762014-08-12T12:18:00.002-07:002014-08-12T12:18:50.965-07:00Doctor Anyone?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wniK2edSyl8/U-pni3sT_FI/AAAAAAAAmIA/ksgLOw_xKZ0/s1600/IMG_20140810_084427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wniK2edSyl8/U-pni3sT_FI/AAAAAAAAmIA/ksgLOw_xKZ0/s1600/IMG_20140810_084427.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
I am thankful that I get to be this boy's momma and he gets increasingly more independent as the days go on. Makes this little momma sad and also makes me wonder how many trips to the hospital I might have to make in the future!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KSzVFGYAYck/U-pniyVPMWI/AAAAAAAAmIA/AUNA27_vPR8/s1600/20140810_114012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KSzVFGYAYck/U-pniyVPMWI/AAAAAAAAmIA/AUNA27_vPR8/s1600/20140810_114012.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
He loves monkeys. I think he thinks he is a monkey at times. He loves bananas and loves to climb EVERYTHING! He spent about 10 minutes climbing in and out of this cubby at church over and over again.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H3uLfl4M8yw/U-pni3osIII/AAAAAAAAmIA/u_ddGckRI54/s1600/20140810_183011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H3uLfl4M8yw/U-pni3osIII/AAAAAAAAmIA/u_ddGckRI54/s1600/20140810_183011.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
He thinks he is one of the big boys. He loves to play big boy games like corn hole! He also followed his big friend H back there all over the playground. There are not many things that scare him...and that scares me. haha. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0-VR5fBaNR4/U-pni3PzEWI/AAAAAAAAmIA/V-Ox7SDkOts/s1600/IMG_20140810_214359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0-VR5fBaNR4/U-pni3PzEWI/AAAAAAAAmIA/V-Ox7SDkOts/s1600/IMG_20140810_214359.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
But at the end of the day, when this face is looking back at you...what more can you do but smile and thank the Lord that we haven't had to go to the emergency room...yet!Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17039159020657055098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977300277223546484.post-41174623311039048362014-08-11T08:29:00.001-07:002014-08-11T08:29:12.508-07:00Snip snip It all started with a little baby whose hair grew too fast for his mommy to keep up with. Ever so often, his mommy was forced to try to keep him to hold still long enough to trim around the ears, neck and bangs. This little boy was much more interested in the scissors and what mommy was doing. What mommy was doing was trying to keep his cute little baby haircut as long as possible.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VFlRX-xANFk/U-jfMhbknSI/AAAAAAAAmEM/p0YkIlXA5aU/s1600/20140808_093442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VFlRX-xANFk/U-jfMhbknSI/AAAAAAAAmEM/p0YkIlXA5aU/s1600/20140808_093442.jpg" height="320" width="180" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It all ended when it became harder and harder to trim as an amateur stylist! So the little boy's mommy took him to see his favorite Sunday School teacher and "gramma" Carol. He was very interested in how the squirt bottle worked. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRdWK7yCe9E/U-jfMp7WA7I/AAAAAAAAmEM/qYsID9tSdGA/s1600/20140808_093451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRdWK7yCe9E/U-jfMp7WA7I/AAAAAAAAmEM/qYsID9tSdGA/s1600/20140808_093451.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
His mommy decided it was time for a big boy hair cut since his hair grew so fast. This was the last they saw of all that hair. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0RWdd09YpLo/U-jfMo7q90I/AAAAAAAAmEM/AjQwj9ECooQ/s1600/20140808_094207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0RWdd09YpLo/U-jfMo7q90I/AAAAAAAAmEM/AjQwj9ECooQ/s1600/20140808_094207.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
The little boy did a pretty good job sitting still for Mrs. Carol. A few snacks and a cool brush to hold kept him occupied long enough for gramma Carol to snip snip all around and turn the baby into a little boy. The little boy seemed to like his new cut but was not a fan of the clippers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LRcsLxYuM7M/U-jfMrb1McI/AAAAAAAAmEM/2M9JqHC-3yY/s1600/20140808_094518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LRcsLxYuM7M/U-jfMrb1McI/AAAAAAAAmEM/2M9JqHC-3yY/s1600/20140808_094518.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
The favorite part for the little boy was getting to spray mema with the squirt bottle after he got through! The mommy held it together and no tears were shred, probably helped that she knew she was off the hook for this haircut and would be from here on out! ;)Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17039159020657055098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977300277223546484.post-47627195716115774912014-08-04T13:57:00.000-07:002014-08-04T13:57:39.885-07:00bzzzz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have a busy little bee lately and haven't really been up for blogging
much lately! I still don't have a whole to update so here are some
favorite pictures as of recent!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a8SXKYwn0eM/U9_y6Yo4E5I/AAAAAAAAlqU/WNwWIN8tIyc/s1600/IMG_20140727_090019.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iVr8f3rkKzo/U9_y6dyV6SI/AAAAAAAAlqU/ygWRQQQHqiM/s1600/IMG_20140726_091541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iVr8f3rkKzo/U9_y6dyV6SI/AAAAAAAAlqU/ygWRQQQHqiM/s1600/IMG_20140726_091541.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working boy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs_nRGQr04g/U9_y6Yxd_qI/AAAAAAAAlqU/jfwfxjPBfl4/s1600/IMG_20140725_191223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs_nRGQr04g/U9_y6Yxd_qI/AAAAAAAAlqU/jfwfxjPBfl4/s1600/IMG_20140725_191223.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheesin'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsRKAjw1RN0/U9_y6e508QI/AAAAAAAAlqU/IRmGWFeusow/s1600/IMG_20140725_115736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsRKAjw1RN0/U9_y6e508QI/AAAAAAAAlqU/IRmGWFeusow/s1600/IMG_20140725_115736.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making some important phone calls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AYxHR9-3eCU/U9_y6RYVm4I/AAAAAAAAlqU/MMzpn3EVoDQ/s1600/IMG_20140723_205657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AYxHR9-3eCU/U9_y6RYVm4I/AAAAAAAAlqU/MMzpn3EVoDQ/s1600/IMG_20140723_205657.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little froggy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2gtpyfjoaz0/U9_y6eOk-TI/AAAAAAAAlqU/XcczoEt-XtM/s1600/20140720_081410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2gtpyfjoaz0/U9_y6eOk-TI/AAAAAAAAlqU/XcczoEt-XtM/s1600/20140720_081410.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handsome as ever</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tzSywTappjI/U812kfZENpI/AAAAAAAAlDM/jFOcnNQVTx0/s1600/20140712_150007.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tzSywTappjI/U812kfZENpI/AAAAAAAAlDM/jFOcnNQVTx0/s1600/20140712_150007.jpeg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pop and Ian going for a swim</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PK4kLSsm73U/U812kai2yEI/AAAAAAAAlDM/zHvbbUTxMqY/s1600/20140712_220612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PK4kLSsm73U/U812kai2yEI/AAAAAAAAlDM/zHvbbUTxMqY/s1600/20140712_220612.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching up with this gem at National Conference</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--i-15HG58Tc/U9_zd_9szcI/AAAAAAAAlqg/MVGXFIvcgPk/s1600/IMG_20140727_191216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--i-15HG58Tc/U9_zd_9szcI/AAAAAAAAlqg/MVGXFIvcgPk/s1600/IMG_20140727_191216.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating big brother's birthday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0VxHpUosr-w/U9_zd-vhk0I/AAAAAAAAlqg/oSaKLB6f02w/s1600/20140720_153331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0VxHpUosr-w/U9_zd-vhk0I/AAAAAAAAlqg/oSaKLB6f02w/s1600/20140720_153331.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting some Emma cuddle time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hQEvQKlCHs8/U9_zd5YkWUI/AAAAAAAAlqg/FW1S01zH0H4/s1600/IMG_20140720_210604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hQEvQKlCHs8/U9_zd5YkWUI/AAAAAAAAlqg/FW1S01zH0H4/s1600/IMG_20140720_210604.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While Ian decides to swim in his clothes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i1CcQhTMrDg/U9_zd2eS85I/AAAAAAAAlqg/DD5b8Uj-Ho4/s1600/20140718_090523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i1CcQhTMrDg/U9_zd2eS85I/AAAAAAAAlqg/DD5b8Uj-Ho4/s1600/20140718_090523.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocking the beads we collected at the parade at the beach!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cd_Y0P7s3h4/U9_zd_jei4I/AAAAAAAAlqg/7rMm6XKyA2M/s1600/20140715_184339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cd_Y0P7s3h4/U9_zd_jei4I/AAAAAAAAlqg/7rMm6XKyA2M/s1600/20140715_184339.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mommy's little model! So cute!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17039159020657055098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977300277223546484.post-82172097676251412962014-07-10T13:04:00.003-07:002014-07-10T13:04:58.935-07:00Sand and SunshineSo, last week our entire family made the trip to the gulf coast of Florida for some time in the sunshine and the sand. I was particularly <strike>excited</strike> anxious to see how Ian would do. I was that neurotic mother looking online about what everyone said about taking toddlers to the beach. I read all about the magical powers of baby powder and stocked up. I read about how some parents took little pools for their tots to play in since they did not like the sand or ocean. I was prepared, I had a little inflatable bath tub to take...no problem! I stocked up on sunscreen and knew I was going to come home with my baby boy as pale as he came! I was bound and determined that it was going to be AWESOME despite reading horror stories. There is one thing you learn quickly as a parent...things never go the way you think they will. Good thing for me that I have also learned not to freak out and just take things as they go.<br />
<br />
I just knew my brave and adventurous boy who loves to swim in the pool was totally going to LOVE the beach. Instead, I put him down in the sand and he just looked at me like I had placed him on a foreign planet and was leaving him to be eaten by monsters who were sure to emerge from those tiny grains of sand any second. So all my anticipated pictures of my sweet boy playing in the sand with his cousins...yea- those do not exist! This is about all I have. Sticking him in the sand and hurrying to take a picture before he attempted to crawl in my lap.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5dy93sqRP2U/U77uP07rM4I/AAAAAAAAkL8/kaYxswREU14/s1600/1044004_575855509751_5122333639530608564_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5dy93sqRP2U/U77uP07rM4I/AAAAAAAAkL8/kaYxswREU14/s1600/1044004_575855509751_5122333639530608564_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
I took my all weather blanket from Initials Inc because it is great for not collecting sand but still gives you a great spot to sit and relax. I tried letting my little love sit on this blanket with a snack. That was fine...as long as I was within arms reach. Whenever I tried to go to the water or actually enjoy the beach. He would just stand at the edge of the blanket and hold his arms out to come get him. Crazy boy! For the record, he was not that far away. And while it was nice to not have to worry about him making a dash for the water or through the sand- it made our stays down at the beach short.<br />
<br />
I eventually decided it was time to try out the whole bath tub idea. So glad I brought it...just in case! I pulled it out of my bag from its folded and crumpled state and prepared to blow it up...only to discover I had brought the wrong thing. (Heart breaking here) You see he has a little sitting pool float that is mostly yellow in color, which JUST so happens to be the same color as the inflatable bath I THOUGHT I had packed. So who knows if that would have worked or not. I have a sneaking suspicion that it would have. Anyhow, I decided I would just hold him and carry him out to the water. He was wary of the waves but doing pretty good- that is until I wasn't paying close enough attention and we both got slammed by a wave. Yea, he was done after that...I have no idea why?!?!?!<br />
<br />
I don't know if I have ever mentioned that Ian loves hats. When I say he loves hats, I mean he loves to play with them. He loves to take them on and off and throw them around. He refuses to allow a hat to be worn for more than five seconds on his head. So all those mommy bloggers that tell you to sunscreen them, put a shirt on them, and put a hat on their head...I got two out of three! Needless to say even with reapplication my baby didn't stay pale for long.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6A8Gd00prE/U77wRv4t3FI/AAAAAAAAkMI/DvyRrzFLC1g/s1600/10314553_575992899421_5861280141171210206_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6A8Gd00prE/U77wRv4t3FI/AAAAAAAAkMI/DvyRrzFLC1g/s1600/10314553_575992899421_5861280141171210206_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Now, with him having a little bit of ginger in him from his dad, he gets rosy when he is outside for a little while anyways but a little more so at the beach. None the less, he had a lot of fun playing with his big cousins and swimming- in the pool of course! It was a good trip and even though we didn't spend the majority of our time on the beach. We did relax and spend a lot of time together and that is the very definition of vacation in my mind! Hoping the next time our feet touches sand that there will be a deeper sense of appreciation from my boy! :) <br /><br />
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17039159020657055098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977300277223546484.post-55181246813112598862014-07-08T13:05:00.000-07:002014-07-08T13:05:02.442-07:00BumsSo we were bums last week at the beach and it was great. I will put out a more detailed update soon but for now, take a peak at one of the snap shots we got of the grands! So presh!! The first photos of all four of them since sweet Emma came along to keep these three boys in line!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4GQlrIggzo/U7xO3hXLc4I/AAAAAAAAkLk/V9mAAJvcdn4/s1600/10526076_576121521661_6781336187455809722_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4GQlrIggzo/U7xO3hXLc4I/AAAAAAAAkLk/V9mAAJvcdn4/s1600/10526076_576121521661_6781336187455809722_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17039159020657055098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977300277223546484.post-8690967731232759692014-06-23T10:52:00.000-07:002014-06-23T10:52:40.134-07:00Monday MoodNeed a pick me up? This does it for me! My dad captured this great picture of my happy boy at lunch yesterday. I am officially in LOVE with this picture! haha<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Kc6eXeZ0pA/U6ho3YVOFcI/AAAAAAAAiok/ghBr6j-zVu4/s1600/20140622_132227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Kc6eXeZ0pA/U6ho3YVOFcI/AAAAAAAAiok/ghBr6j-zVu4/s1600/20140622_132227.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
Now, if that doesn't make you grin...not sure what will! ;)<br /><br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17039159020657055098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977300277223546484.post-67559417835214921862014-06-18T13:10:00.002-07:002014-06-18T13:15:53.613-07:00Both SidesBeing a single parent can be great at times, but it also can totally stink at times! I have been a single mom for the duration of my son's life and that can be good and bad. The good thing is that I don't know any other way. I don't have to battle thoughts of if it were easier when there were two. The bad is that I know that people who do not know my story assume things about how my son came to be. The majority of people in my life that I am close to know about my divorce and the rough road that led to that. There are a few people who are new to my life or have come in to the picture later who do not know my story. I know I shouldn't care but sometimes it is hard wondering what they think about my situation or if they asked someone else about it. It is not something people feel comfortable enough to ask about most of the time and it is not something you just share in everyday conversation either. There are plenty of positives and negatives to this life.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sOOXqq5CbFE/U6Hr8Ux9YPI/AAAAAAAAim8/xK87ZxnSuM0/s1600/10390192_574521293531_8150334308326659511_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sOOXqq5CbFE/U6Hr8Ux9YPI/AAAAAAAAim8/xK87ZxnSuM0/s1600/10390192_574521293531_8150334308326659511_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Positive: In my situation my ex is in the military and is away for most of the time. Now before you go assuming I am an awful person for saying that is a positive- stay with me here. I get to spend a lot of time with my son. I, at this point in his life, do not have to plan out weekend expeditions for the weekends I have him, holidays with or without him, etc.<br />
Negative: His father is away most of the time. See, I told you to stay with me here! ;) While, his dad and I are not together- I know he still loves Ian with all his heart and misses him very much. I know he would love to be closer and spend more time with him but it just isn't in the cards right now. I wonder and sometimes worry if that will affect Ian later in life.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oR0_8PusGik/U6Hr7_HMKWI/AAAAAAAAinA/cWLOiQoi2j0/s1600/10371604_574521263591_4431176038466831797_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oR0_8PusGik/U6Hr7_HMKWI/AAAAAAAAinA/cWLOiQoi2j0/s1600/10371604_574521263591_4431176038466831797_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Positive: Little boys love their mommies. I am his favorite and I do not brag about that, but it is the truth. There is nothing like the squeal and laughter that comes from him when I pick him up from daycare after work. I love seeing him run to me and love on me with that big smile on his face.<br />
Negative: Once we get past this little boy phase...ummm not so sure. Little boys eventually becomes big boys who smell, gross you out, and Lord help me- start to like girls. I don't know how to be there for him when what he really needs is a man to talk to.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wnaYMZFAm24/U6Hr9jo6u9I/AAAAAAAAink/eFvFVx_NA4U/s1600/10433887_574520824471_1962137965389203586_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wnaYMZFAm24/U6Hr9jo6u9I/AAAAAAAAink/eFvFVx_NA4U/s1600/10433887_574520824471_1962137965389203586_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Positive: I don't have to consult someone on a daily basis about decisions in regards to my son. I have that right and although at times, input is welcome...it is ultimately up to me to decide what is best for my son. Granted, not a lot of big life changing decisions are made in the first years but have you ever disciplined a toddler?<br />
Negative: Sometimes at the end of the day, I would love to have someone I love and share life with to confide my doubts in. Did I do this right? Should I have put him in timeout for that? Should I have held out longer for him to say please? Is this going to cause him to be spoiled? Etc. Things most, if not all, moms wonder at times- I wish I had a partner in life to voice those questions to.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IQc4pgxFQi8/U6Hr-TQgTAI/AAAAAAAAin8/MR6Lo-NmZdI/s1600/10485296_574519956211_820485081467391579_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IQc4pgxFQi8/U6Hr-TQgTAI/AAAAAAAAin8/MR6Lo-NmZdI/s1600/10485296_574519956211_820485081467391579_n.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
Positive: I love the bond we have. There is nothing like being their go to. I don't have to fight for attention. He loves me and he loves spending time with me. He would rather be doing so outside, which I am ok with most of the time! There is something uplifting knowing that little person depends mainly on you. Do I have an awesome support system in my extended family? Abso-freaking-lutely! But at the end of the day- I am his parent. I am his mom. I am the one he wants to hold him. I am the one he wants to play with. I am it.<br />
Negative: I am it. I have an amazing brother and my sister married a godly man who has made an amazing brother-in-law. My brother just had his first little one a few weeks ago. I love these two men but it is hard sometimes. It is hard to see my brother-in-law play, laugh, and love with my nephews. I wish Ian had that in his life. When my niece was born, I saw how happy it made my brother and it made me wish things were different.<br />
<br />
Things are up and down in this life. It is not about what I do or do not have- because that is not what life is about. God has given me this life and I am increasingly grateful for the blessings in my life. It is hard not having someone to share it with alongside me at times but I firmly believe if that is meant to be- God will direct that in the right timing. I do not want you to think of this post as a pity party because it is anything but! It is rather me asking you to think about the single parents in your life. No matter how they came to be single parents. Lift them up in prayer. Parents of all shapes and sizes struggle. It isn't all black and white. The lines are blurred sometimes and there are areas of gray in this life. However, it is a life some of us are living and I can guarantee you one thing- most single parents you meet are some of the strongest people you will ever meet. I know I am far stronger now than I have ever been and by God's grace that strength is renewed every morning. That and this sweet boy make it all the worthwhile!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2W-hZb2xyRM/U6Hr8s9rMBI/AAAAAAAAin0/EbF44WNhf7o/s1600/10390491_574520909301_4793638253819235726_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2W-hZb2xyRM/U6Hr8s9rMBI/AAAAAAAAin0/EbF44WNhf7o/s1600/10390491_574520909301_4793638253819235726_n.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17039159020657055098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977300277223546484.post-46739119509913822782014-06-11T07:37:00.003-07:002014-06-11T07:37:53.195-07:00Love that smell!Well, I am way behind and since you were last here we have finally been able to meet and snuggle on my precious niece Emma! She was born late on a Friday night and we love her already. Since her arrival her parents have been busy adjusting and getting ready to move this weekend! Very busy and exciting times for my brother and his family. This sweet face makes it all worth it though!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SXmIWKvsKrc/U5homnHY2rI/AAAAAAAAiI4/LPOnKWN80Z8/s1600/10447739_721365374592912_7274947767390913660_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SXmIWKvsKrc/U5homnHY2rI/AAAAAAAAiI4/LPOnKWN80Z8/s1600/10447739_721365374592912_7274947767390913660_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
We have also been busy with Vacation Bible School last week. We had a blast but it was definitely a busy time and one we are glad to be recovering from! I had a great time leading the first grade girls group and Ian had a blast playing with his church friends all week.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gx5ZEtdHra4/U5ho9kKMV6I/AAAAAAAAiJA/TqErimvYpxo/s1600/10447059_254569024728860_107743472048757700_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gx5ZEtdHra4/U5ho9kKMV6I/AAAAAAAAiJA/TqErimvYpxo/s1600/10447059_254569024728860_107743472048757700_n.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
Friday and Saturday was spent doing virtually nothing but relaxing around the house and swimming when the weather was nice! My little sport has become quite a fan of the pool and it is so much fun to watch him stick his face in the water. I am very glad he is getting used to the water and liking it now. It will be interesting to see how he does with the beach. I will be more than ok if he is not quite ready for the ocean! I can see it now, me chasing after him as he runs towards the water every 5 seconds. Sounds relaxing right? Hmmm, crossing fingers that I get some relaxation in. Maybe, just maybe, he will be content to play in the sand. Guess I have a little longer to worry about that!<br /><br />
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17039159020657055098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977300277223546484.post-86685208369993246592014-05-21T08:47:00.001-07:002014-05-21T08:47:26.921-07:00Just Roll With It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QmERWnwaF14/U3zJ-HNpBUI/AAAAAAAAiH8/3o3AswUizvQ/s1600/10376938_572185514451_7338388333700395170_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QmERWnwaF14/U3zJ-HNpBUI/AAAAAAAAiH8/3o3AswUizvQ/s1600/10376938_572185514451_7338388333700395170_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
You know that having a clean house with a toddler is next to impossible right? It is one reason why I love large totes I can just toss his toys in and do a clean sweep in a few minutes. Yes everything has a place and once every two or three months things find their place. However, more often than not- they end up in the totes! Maybe he is just trying to save me the trouble of having to pick his toys up later by just playing with them IN the tote! He is so sweet and thoughtful! :)<br /><br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17039159020657055098noreply@blogger.com0