MBKimmy's Krazy Thoughts

Ok Blogger You WIN I give up!

2011-09-02T22:31:00.001-04:00

I used to love blogging.
Loved sharing about my family.
Our Travels
Our Problems
Our Prayers
Our Work
Our Love of all things
AND NOW >>>
I am lost ... I can't comment any ANY ONES blog
so I read and then get angry and leave!
I am so far behind on all things that have happened to our family!
I am so far behind on your families ...
SOMEONE PLEASE tell me how to fix this!!!

I MISS BLOGGING! Frustrated beyond reason!

No Comment

2011-07-13T11:05:00.001-04:00

I can not comment on any ones blog that is with blogger
I don't understand - but I can't
I log in and fill our the comment box, put in google account
type in the security word and then Poof it takes me back to the log in place -
DRIVING ME BATTY!!!

Mothers Day

2011-05-12T11:11:00.000-04:00

Mine was horrible - how bout yours?

Again ... year 7 of going to the races.

They were wonderful

The weather was THE.BEST we have EVER had

and the race was AWESOME.

But the day we packed up to go home ...

HORRIBLE!!!

Did I already say that?!

Hope yours was better!

Lift me up!

2011-05-09T15:47:00.001-04:00

I am in tears, have had a horrible couple of days -
I guess this is me reaching out!
Hope my days get better asap!

Camping

2011-04-15T21:46:00.003-04:00

So I told you we were going camping ...

Well it isn't the type camping you would call roughing it!

hahah

18 campers (travel trailers or RVs)

36+ Adults (+ because each night we have visitors)

14 + children ages 18 months - 8 years old (+ again due to visitors)

and we HAD A BLAST!

We went ahead and booked our sites for next year -

It will be our 4th annual get together at Ocean Lakes

We are already up to 21 campers reserved for next year and

HOPE TO get more!

Do you RV? Camp? Want to join us?!

Bowden showing his mad 4 wheeler skills! Tatum loving swing time with Grampie! This is only a portion of the "young'ns" A view down our road! Tatum trying out a friends bike ... she LOVED it as you can see!

Forcing myself

2011-04-06T11:28:00.004-04:00

Forcing Myself

As of today

I am going to FORCE myself

to post 1 time a week

I just looked back in time

and I am missing so much that I used to keep up with

How do you all do it daily?!

I mean who has that kind if time?

We go camping Thursday

18 campers =

36 adults and 14 kids

should be a BLAST!!!

I am sure that will leave me with all kinds of stuff to post about next week?!

Without bad luck we would have NO luck

2011-03-08T21:22:00.002-05:00

Well I know I said that I was making a come back ...

I lied!

Not intentionally!

But I did and I am sorry!

This is my last few months:

In no particular order ...

Our house was on lease to buy - the lady backed out

When they moved out she messed a few things up

My work ... we lost our law suit YEP $451,000 gone

lost it. not only did we not win, but we have to pay the OTHER lawyer $50,000+

SO the pay cut I got a little over 2 years ago that I thought would be fixed this year is a NO

We went to Disney ... got there and realized I left my camera charger at home, and the camper had 3 problems! (all minor, but problems non the less)

Our ac/heater in out kitchen went out ... yep we have 4 of the dang things ...

we had 5 when we bought our house - got it down to 4 and only use 3 - well 1 of the 3 bit the dust

we replace said unit and the BRAND NEW one doesn't work

we have a renter in our house they are great people, but for whatever reason thought that we wouldn't put the house back on the market -

we have missed 2 months of house on market

Tatum ... she has been sick since Christmas

yep had strep while @ Disney.

She was strep positive just before Christmas and has yet to go a week without antibiotics or a positive strep test.

So now we have surgery scheduled for Tuesday ... to remove her tonsils!

So if you can spare them please say a quick prayer for me to have some strength to make it through all of this ... I know I will but geese!

WOW where did I go?!

2011-02-01T20:24:00.002-05:00

I hate that I keep posting this but I AM SORRY!

WOW I can not seem to get a grip on posting!

I am sorry!

My New Years Eve was a disaster.

I got upset with my husband, and well ... showed my ass pretty good.

We both own our own companies, so with that, life, 2 babies and well just LIFE - things get hard.

Things get sticky!

You (at least I do) get tired and cranky.

We take advantage of those closest to us and really this is when we should treat them the best.

BUT most of us don't.

Anyway it has been a rough start to a new year.

I am here, we are here and life is still going!

We leave this weekend to go see THE big MOUSE!!!

I can't wait!

I will be back with pictures soon!

Notes

2011-01-14T10:15:00.002-05:00

Do you need to keep track of notes?

Do you work in construction?

Remodeling?

Want to remember every little detail of your pregnancy?

Need to keep track of your trips?

Anything that requires a time or date stamp?!
I found the PERFECT program!!!!

Jot down recipes?

Evernote

It is awesome - go check it out -

I own/run a construction company

and it is imperative that we keep notes on jobs -

A daily log of weather, conditions, problems, # of people on site, hours worked, anything!
The notes come in handy especially if it is a time sensitive job.

I can track problems and delays that would have cost extra time - especially if the problems, or delays are not our fault!

Thank you STC Computers I am glad I asked for your input on which program would work

It is awesome!!! And today is only first day using it! I can't wait to get elbow deep in it!

Forgive me

2011-01-13T09:36:00.002-05:00

For my lack of posting -

it seems that my family is on a sleeping strike.

I never thought about the nightmares, and dreams starting

or what age they would come ... but they are here and in FULL affect!

I am a person that needs sleep - I don't need A LOT but what sleep I get

needs to be uninterrupted and good sleep while I get it.

I think it has been 3+ weeks since we have had a full night sleep.

I keep trying to remind myself that I will miss this when it is gone.

Any suggestions about how to get my 3 year old to sleep through the night when she is clearly scared?! We are in the works of remodeling so we can put her room up and ours down ... she will be closer to her brother and not all alone - I pray that this will help her stress some!

Making a move

2010-12-29T10:41:00.002-05:00

SO ... Tatum has figured out that at night she is down stairs ALL ALONE.

It all started about 2 months ago when her and Bowden started to "watch" movies.

She doesn't say the words "I'm scared" but she says " I don't like it" which I translate to she is scared!

We have never let them sleep in our bed - but unlike making Bowden CIO (cry it out) for sleeping purposes I CAN'T leave her in her room KNOWING that she is scared.

Even though CIO with Bowden broke my heart I knew it wasn't "hurting him" this is terrifying to her and she understands!

SO we are toying with ideas on how to make her more comfortable.

She already has 4 (yes 4) night lights in her room AND the light in the bathroom which is connected to her room we leave on.

IT DOESN'T HELP ...

SO we are trying to figure out if we will:

1. put her upstairs (our room and Bowdens room is up, hers is the only one down) We could move to her room

2. remodel our extra living room into a master bedroom with attached bathroom (her room and our room would then be down leaving Bowden up by himself)

3. put her and Bowden in our room together ... in separate beds ... our room is HUGE and us move down.

4. Put her in our room alone, us move down and keep Bowden in his room by himself. (would make both up but separate rooms)

Do your kids co-room?! Have they ever?! Is it hard to move them from each other when they get older ... should I just focus on NOW or worry about older? The constant waking up and the 1 hour + that is takes us to get her back in her own bed is killing me ... we have started to let her come into our bed but not until after 5 am ...

HELP!!!

Merry Christmas from The Kemps

2010-12-20T09:27:00.000-05:00

SICK HAS TAKEN OVER

2010-12-19T11:49:00.003-05:00

We are all sick - Both kids have Strep Throat
Mommy has a ear ache and sinus infection
Just thankful it is this week and not next!

Bzzzz Christmas with my BE's

2010-12-07T13:14:00.004-05:00

The host always gives a "gift" the gift always has the year, and place of party. This year Najshula was our host and we went to her house in Clinton, NC ... our gift was a ornament! Love it!
This is the Front

Here is the back of the ornament

This is the 8 of us (Tennille had to go back to feed baby Ellis) @ Walmart shopping for our gifts - this year we donated to toys for tots!

This is our group photo in Naji and Jarrett's back yard! Their house is beautiful!

Amy and JD prayed for baby Will for a long time ... here she is with her baby boy! Loving him fully!

This is me and Ruthie - isn't she adorable - she belongs to BK and Drew!

Had a blast as always .... I miss my SnowBE's already!

Christmas Cards Ordered

2010-11-30T10:07:00.002-05:00

OMG I love Shutterfly!

I just used my code and got 50 free cards.

Which saved me over 1/2 of my card costs!

NICE! Merry Christmas to me!

They also gave me a link to share our Christmas card ...

HECK NO!!

It is in the mail!

If you don't get one in the mail - come back here

Jan 1 and I will post it!

Love it!

I also got free shipping - you can get free shipping on any order over $25 with the code ship25!

So will you get your cards from Shutterfly?!

To be honest I had a little bit of a hard time getting the free cards - IF you do it make sure that you chose a 5x7 STATIONERY CARD the link to those specific cards is attached.

I picked a "photo card" and it was not considered a stationery card. Go figure!!! But I called customer care and after a short wait was helped by a very nice man!

Thank you Shutterfly!

Christmas Card

2010-11-29T14:51:00.005-05:00

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas in our house and I am ready to design my Christmas cards! Have you ever used Shutterfly for your Christmas cards?! I used Shutterfly last year for my cards and I loved them!

My favorite card this year is one that allows me to add 5 pictures to it! You can go here and see if they have a Christmas Card you would like. They have so many choices, I really liked the ones with a monogram section but I really liked the one I picked.

I also used shutterfly for the birth announcement of Bowden - IT was adorable!

You know what else is nice about Shutterfly ... they have invitations too! Yes invitations ... you can look at those here.

I have been trying to create a calendar for our parents this year - and Shutterfly does those too. What could be a better gift?! A personalized calender for the grandparents with the little faces they love the most?! Can't think of anything better!

How bout you ... are you doing personalized Christmas cards?!

Did you know that Shutterfly will give you 50 free cards if you blog about it?!

YES you read that right - 50 free cards is you blog about it!

WOW Shutterfly you ROCK!!!

I did a @ home photo shoot yesterday with my kiddos trying to catch a few good shots for our card ... one is above ... and I can promise that Santa was not harmed in the making of the photos!
Did you know if you blog about Shutterfly you can receive 50 free cards too?!
You didn't?!
Well all you have to do it go HERE! It is easy breezy!
Thank you Shutterfly you make photo sharing easy!

Its begining to look a lot like Christmas

2010-11-29T10:49:00.003-05:00

Well we got all of our Christmas decorating done this weekend -

I LOVE this time of year!

Our yard looks kinda mix matched because the kids LOVE the big blow up items and I like the more traditional items, but you know it is all up to the kids.

We usually put up 3 trees, but this year we only put up 2 and I love it!

I love to wake to the trees lit, the stair banister covered in lit garland and all the decorations.

Love it!

How bout you?!

Have you decorated yet?!

Pictures to come ... but for now how bout this sneak picture of what I hope to put on our Christmas card -

Our Elves on the Shelves - do you do this?!

Ours are Charlotte and Wilbur

yes the babies LOVE Charlotte's Web!!

This is my attempt in trying to get a good photo for our Christmas cards ... hahah

I did get some good ones but you will have to wait and see it in the mail!

Take 30 -

Tatum being silly with our roses from the garden!

Take 200 -

My Minnie & Mickey

2010-10-28T10:28:00.005-04:00

I love Halloween!

I like to see the kids, the families and all the pople that dress up inthe spirit of it all! This year our entire family is playing dress up!

My kids are obsessed with Mickey Mouse! can you guess what we are ...

YEP! We are the Mickey Mouse Club House!

ALL OF US! Even the Grandparents got involved!

We went camping at Daddy Joes Jelly Stone in Tabor City, NC the 1st weekend of October and had a practice run!

Today was the P-A-R-T-Y for daycare! So the kids get to practice again ...

here we all are:

Daddy = Goofy

Mommy= Clarabell

Tatum = Minnie

Bowden = Mickey

Grammie = Daisy Duck

Grampy = Pete

Nanna and Poppie = Oh Toodles

Poppie - as Oh Toodles

Mickey, Clarabell, Goofy and Minnie

Goofy and Frankenstine (friend)

My Mice!

Court Day

2010-10-11T20:33:00.003-04:00

Today was our final day of court -

IT WAS HORRIBLE!

I cried and cried.

The "other" people LIED so much!

It actually was sad, and they actually were CAUGHT in several lies.

I am praying that the Judge picked up on that and will remember that they were NOT creditable witnesses.

I have tried to tell myself over and over that I did the right thing.

I was sworn in and I TOLD THE TRUTH!
The WHOLE truth, even when I knew the answer wasn't going to "help us."

My company has been owed $451,000+ dollars for 2 years now ... going on 2 years 2 months and it has been HORRIBLE!

The wait has been horrible, it has put a bind in my relationships with my parents, my husband, my workers and most importantly my babies!

It has mentally crushed me!

But the WORST part of all was the lies.

How does a man put his hand on the bible and stand up there and LIE?!

Really that is HORRIBLE!

I am so sorry for them, that they have to live life that way - knowing that they LIED!

I am trying to remain positive that I did MY job the best I could and I TOLD THE TRUTH through out the court process!

Right now the Judge ordered that the lawyers give a "summation" of the trial. (aprox 30 days)

Then the Judge will have aprox 30 days to determine her decision.

I am going to try and stay positive!

Please pray for my strength!

Unanswered prayers ... maybe not

2010-10-06T11:20:00.003-04:00

Over here @ Kellys Korner she posted about wanting something so badly and thinking that God wasn't answering or hearing ... it then lead over here ... to Amy's sight. SO ... we are all sharing stories about how God finally answered our prayers -

My story starts in college 93-2000 (yes I was on the 7 year plan)

I came out of HS with a bad reputation and with HORRIBLE grades.

I got to college and realized this was my life - I had to take control.

Actually my soccer coach said shape up or ship OUT!

My friends ... soccer was my LIFE!

Anyway I prayed and prayed but really what was I praying for- to be good?!

That was all up to me! So I finally stopped praying for that!

I made it through college, with 2 serrious boyfriends (at different times hahah)

Neither of them turned into a life time partner.

I finally graduated with 2 majors and 3 minors.

Then the search was on for a JOB, Hubby, and of course that family that everyone so wants.

I knew I wouldn't get everything I wanted.

Moved home to live with my parents.

I applied for job after job teaching, my parents gave me 6 months of rent free living and then it was OUT of the house I was to go.

I started to beg God to help me find a JOB, a place to live and of course a good boy.

One day on the way to a interview I stopped @ my dads work (he owns a construction company) to bring him lunch - he was in a horrible mood. He was writing all the billings, payables, and payroll in a book with a pencil ... did I tell you it was 2000?!

I asked him why he didn't have computers "those things are too much trouble."

I saw the light - Dad I will come here work for you and I will set up some computers so they are all connected ... blah blah blah and I will substitute teach until I can get a full time job.

Told him he could pay me the least of any employee he had.

I went home and started to research construction software.

I came to work that Monday -

I got the company up and running my dad was amazed.

Then I found a cute little house that needed LOTS OF TLC.

My dad and I made a plan - he agreed to help me fix it up and he helped me get a loan.

I got a small raise because business was picking up (now that we could track stuff we were making more money)

Then it all just fell in place ... ALL IN GODS time!

By 2004 I was married to a wonderful man, 2007 baby 1 was born and 2008 baby 2 was born!

GODs big plan was baby #2.

He was a HUGE surprise. BIG Surprise.

I cried and cried I didn't want a baby - I already had a baby (she was only 5 months old)

Today we are a perfect family of 4 still at times questioning if God is hearing us, but I know he is. I just look back over the years and see all that has happened - I feel him surrounding me - I know my babies 14 months apart is the BEST thing that ever happened to me!

They are wonderful and really it was a blessing in disguise!

Oh yeah I am now the VP of my dads company and I have helped take it from 300,000 a year to doing over 5.3 million 2 years ago. Construction is currently slow right now, but we are still here and surviving!

New Baby

2010-09-20T20:26:00.002-04:00

Okay ... TOO funny not to share!
Daddy told Tatum and Bowden that they could go to *Wal*Mart if they were good on Saturday while he was away ...
We took them today to pick their toys.
Tatum picked THIS DOLL

She begged Daddy to let her take it to bed.

He tucked them in, read them a story and kissed both of them night night.

He said the "baby doll" was sleeping as well as Tatum when I got done putting Bowden down.

I got a tea, snack and sat down with my lap top, not 2 minutes later ...

Tatum was SCREAMING and CRYING like she was being HURT.

I went running in ...

me: "Honey what is wrong?"

Tatum: "My baby wont stop crying"

me: "it is okay baby, sometimes babies cry. she needs her paci"

I then put her paci in her mouth and started to sing and pat both of their backs.

I thought "they" were both asleep

Tatum: "mommy why did she cry?"

me: "sometimes babies cry honey"

Tatum: "well you take her to your room, I need to sleep"

are you kidding me ... I almost fell on the floor!

HAHAHAHAHAH

Just like her momma!

Out of it

2010-09-09T08:56:00.004-04:00

I am out of the blogging world -

haven't even been reading other blogs.

Somehow I have lost interest -

I have tried all week to get a post together

I have tried all week to read other posts and for whatever reason I am BORED!

Weird! I guess I am in a FUNK!

I am tried - it is our go go go go season.

I thank my Dr everyday for tying my tubes because Bowden is so darn cute he makes me want another baby - haha!

Tatum is freaking so smart is scares me - I am afraid of her growing up too quickly!

Today Bowden is 2!

2010-08-11T21:03:00.003-04:00

WOW! How time flies!

Just 2 years ago I was coming home to a 14 month old with a brand new baby in tow.

Bowden was born on August 11th exactly 14 months after Tatum.

He was NOT a happy baby at first.

It took several months for him and I to love each other.

But NOW ... wow the love I have for him is almost breathless.

He is such a handsome, fun, happy baby boy!

His hair is still curly and as blond as blond gets.

His eyes are crystal blue and will melt ANY ONES heart!

I love him so much my heart aches when I look at him!

To my baby boy -

You are growing so quick.

You are so smart!

You already know all of your colors, you can already count to 10.

You LOVE Mickey Mouse and all of us!

You are the MOST LOVING little boy I have ever met.

You will NOT go to bed until you give EVERYONE a hug and "Iss!"

Every time I drop you at day care or leave you with a sitter you chase me down and say hug hug when I hug you, you say "Iss, Iss" and plant a huge kiss on my lips while hugging and patting my back!

I Love you with my WHOLE SELF!

You are the most wonderful unexpected blessing I could have ever gotten!

Please stay MY baby boy for ever!

I love you! Happy Birthday!

4th of July

2010-07-07T10:55:00.004-04:00

We went to Edisto Island for the week before the 4th

We loaded up the camper and the kids for a full week

of camping -

Friday night (the 25th) we went to my Husbands cousins house -

they live on a Plantation, Mullberry Plantation. Jason is the Manager.

It is beautiful. We had a blast!

We also found out that Tatum is either allergic to cats or dogs while there.

My parents have 2 dogs - neither of which shed so we didn't know.

But I am praying it is the cat!

By the time we returned from Edisto I was worn out.

Ready for some down time.

But it was just in time for the 4th -

We had a great neighborhood party - the fireworks lasted 32 minutes.

Not to shabby for donations!

Pics - oh you want pictures - here they are!

PS I chopped my hair off - if you are my friend on FB you know this -

I didn't get 1 picture taken of me ... I am sorry! I will post that later this week!

Melts my heart - I asked them to smile and Bowden went in for the hug and cheese!

Hate to brag but man are they cute!

Just incase you missed it USC, Gamecocks are the National Baseball Champs!

Hahah this one cracks me up - if he were older he would look creepy!

Play time in the camper!

Tatum is 3

2010-06-16T14:06:00.003-04:00

WOW how time flies - My baby girl is 3!

I cried on her Birthday (Friday) I can't believe how fast it is going.

My husband makes fun of me for snapping SO MANY pictures ...

boy oh boy am I glad that I do!

My Dear Tatum,

You are the brightest star in my ski.

You amaze me everyday, your smile melts my heart.

The way that you love and share with your brother is a breath of fresh air.

You are fearless, but a little shy too.

You are so so smart. You passed your 3 year old assessment as a 4 year old level.

You are SO FUNNY and make me laugh so hard at times I think I may fall over.

You have the best hugs, kisses and the BIGGEST tears.

You are great at throwing a fit and trying to get JUST what you want. I struggle EVERYDAY not to give in. But for you and your future I am doing my best to stand ground when I think it is needed.

You so peese and tankyou with everything and have finally started to say wlcome after each and every thank you that I give you.

You are a great swimmer, you can swim without your swimmies (only under water) from one narrow side to side of the pool.

You love the be outside. You really don't like TV but you will ask every night to watch Mickey Mouse.

You love Minnie Mouse SO MUCH that right now you often call yourself Minnie if anyone says you are "goofy or silly" "No I'm Minnie" and I laugh EVERY TIME!

You love to sing "You are my sunshine."

Your favorite color is pink and no matter what it is is HAS TO BE PINK!

You are getting very good at talking on the phone, you actually listen and answer no instead of just a nod of the head.

You know your birth date, our names and your name.

You can count to 20, sing your ABC with pride!

You know Tons of songs and can recite so many books that we ready daily.

You know all of your colors, what to mix to make more colors and you are getting very good at tracing your name, and drawing T's and X's.

You love to color and love to paint.

You love to swing and BEG to go HIGHER HIGHER before I am even done pushing you.

You almost know my phone number ... you mix up the first part but someone could find me if needed!

You are getting better at goodbyes and hugs. You haven't always been a "lover" you were more of a "this is my space girl" but you are getting more affectionate (even your teachers think so.)

You are in gymnastics at school and you LOVE IT!

You are currently also taking swim classes that you hate!

You love to go see Daddy at work and pick out your own 'Fruit!"

I love you with all my heart, you have changed my world.

You have changed my relationship with my mom. (in good ways)

You are a joy, a ray of sunshine and I am blessed to call you mine!

I love you with all my heart!

Mothers Day

2010-05-11T09:19:00.005-04:00

My Mothers Day for the last 6 years has been spent in Darlington, SC.
I am a NASCAR fan and if you have been here before you KNOW this!
This year was no different than the others ... I was with the ones I love and yes it was HOT!
In 2005 and 2006 I was party hardy with no babies and not yet pregnant.

2005

2006

2007

I was 8 months preggo with Tatum and let me tell you it was HOT as all get out!

Preggo with Bowden and Tatum was back at the camper taking a nap - mom and I were being silly putting on these weird hats - I know I was overwhelmed with life and having a baby and carrying a baby - this is the ONLY picture of me there was in the month of May!
2008

Tatum was about to turn 2 and Bowden was not yet 1 - 2009 was a hard one! Bowden still wasn't sleeping and Tatum was into every thing!
2009

Oh look how far we have come. Both were awake and ready to see the cars. We took them to qualifying (only 1 car on track at a time) because we thought it wouldn't be so loud, I got them both noise reducing ear muffs, but was still worried about their ears. - It was perfect - it was so hot that they only lasted 15 cars and were over it ... but hey they loved the 15 cars they saw!
2010

While the 3 years of preggo and newborns was hard I wouldn't trade it for the world!

Happy Mothers say to you all and to me!

I love you

2010-04-16T08:49:00.002-04:00

Out of the blue
for the first time ever
just driving down the road
from here sweet little lips
"I love you Mommy"
unprompted
melted me heart
I cried like a baby!

Circus

2010-04-07T15:49:00.001-04:00

We went to the Circus ...

couldn't you just eat them up?!

Helping me find God

2010-04-05T20:45:00.002-04:00

I have never been a "churchy" person. My mom and dad both grew up in church, they went to church every Wednesday and Sunday their entire lives ... until they married. I guess at that time in life they were frowned upon because my mom had already been married once and she had a child. Her first husband was a emotional abusive asshole and he walked out of her life when he learned she was pregnant. Neither of their churches would marry them and that was it. I guess due to that I never attended church with them.
In high school I attend church a few times ... but to be honest it was only so I could go on the winter ski trip with the youth class. In college (I attended a Presbyterian affiliated college) I attended Church a few times, I did take 5 or 6 religion based classes ... all of which I enjoyed ... again being honest I was required to take them! I have ALWAYS prayed, and I have ALWAYS talked to God. Even with my mom and dad I said my nightly prayers, we prayed before meals and we talk about God ... we just never did it in church.
Through blogging I have met some amazing people ... a handful of which have brought me closer to going to find God and finding a Church that I love. I know it is just an excuse, but with both of our kids being so young I find it extremely hard to get up and get them ready out the door and to church without resenting the fact that I only have 1 day then that I am not running around trying to get everyone ready and out the door. I work M-F and that means that I get up at 6am I take my shower, I get ready, get the kids up and ready and to Day Care before 7:45 then I am at work at 8 - 4 I leave work at 4 pick the kids up and bring them home for aprox 3 hours of awake time and poof then it is bedtime and we do it all over again the next day ... so to add in Sunday too ... well I get anxious and start to throw a pitty party for myself.
HOWEVER I have made a promise to my self ... and to my KIDS ... we will find a church and we will be in a church before CHRISTMAS!!! We will I know that is a HUGE time frame but I must get used to it ... we are starting off by going to church while RVing ... sometime we RV/camp 2 times a month! On the months that we don't RV 2 times we will go to 2 hometown Churches if we camp 2 times we will go to 1 hometown church ... I am praying that this will allow me to see what I like and don't and I wont feel the pressure to pick "one" but it will allow me to serve GOD!
Now you ask what does this have to do with my Bloggers ... well there really are a few that have brought me to this point ... but 1 in particular! It is her and her family that that have opened my eyes ... made me believe that GOD is with you, he has a plan and really NO MATTER the time it all works out the way HE wants it to! I have prayed for this family like I have no other and the things happening in their lives is AMAZING!
I am blessed that I read her blog and I am blessed to call her a friend! I love you guys and I will continue to pray for you!

Sorry the post is vague on the blogger I am speaking of, but the family has some BIG news and I don't want to spoil it at all for them! But I do want them to know that I am thankful that God brought me to them!

Easter

2010-04-05T10:09:00.003-04:00

Happy Easter!

Ours was wonderful!

We enjoyed every minute of the long weekend!

It was beautiful weather in Myrtle Beach!

Sunday after our family lunch and egg hunt we took naps and went to the Circus!

It was a blast!

Here are some Easter photos - hope you enjoy!

St Pattys

2010-03-30T08:54:00.004-04:00

Geese I really need to get a hold of my blogging - I just can't find the time!

I laid off our secertary and now we got some work, but I am holding off

on bringing her back until we figure out what is going on with our Law Suit.

It has all been very difficult!

But St Patty's was fun:

Camping

2010-03-15T13:37:00.004-04:00

We went to Ocean Lakes this weekend
a small weekend stay-cation
the kids loved it
I loved it
we had a blast!

3 peas in a pod -

Maddie, Tatum and Bowden

Bowden on the swing with Grampa

Mommy and Tatum swinging HIGH!

Tatum gets sugar from daddy!

Ready to slide!

Peak A Bo I see you!

Just Chillin in the swing!

I'm gonna get you !

Breath Taking!

My baby boy!

A LOT

2010-03-11T13:51:00.002-05:00

I can't seem to find the motivation to blog anymore - I read a lot of blogs and I look at the computer ALL DAY. Literally I surf the web all day long. I used to have work to do ALL day long, but now I sit at my desk staring blank at the screen wondering just how long it will be until I don't have a paycheck here anymore. I own a construction company with my father, we are dead. NO WORK! I haven't signed a contract in MONTHS ... and I don't see any signs of that changing soon. We are bidding, have been bidding and can't seem to land any jobs.

My pay has been cut - for the first time in my life I am on a budget - something that is hard when you have NEVER been on one. I am paying for insurance for me and the kids for the first time ever and boy does that suck.

Tatum just had a second set of ear tubes put in and boy oh boy am I glad that I am paying for that insurance.

Bowden is still having a LOT of sinus issues so they are talking about removing his adenoids. Again - good thing we keep our insurance.

So in short I got A LOT going on ... my business is failing, after 32 years of profit we are very close to closing the doors. My kids are staying sick and I am ready for a change!

Germ Killer

2010-02-23T15:31:00.003-05:00

Friday Night Tatum had ANOTHER stomach bug

Sunday night Bowden got it.

Is it too much to ask for a germ killer?!

I mean this is the 3rd time Tatum has had it since Turkey Day.

Second for Bowden.

And YES i bleached all the toys in the house after all 3 of them.

(or should I say 5?!)

You know because Bowden didn't get it either time until after 48 hours so I had already cleaned them after Tatum's attack, and then again after Bowdens.

So if you have any secrets wont you sent them my way?!

And just for fun ... look at my babies - they are so cute! - When they aren't throwing up on me!

Bowden and his MarshMellows

2010-02-16T21:11:00.001-05:00

How do I add my video from YouTube?!

This is Bowden telling me he is going to eat his snack ...

it is too cute!

Snow in Myrtle Beach, SC

2010-02-14T20:52:00.006-05:00

I think the last time it snowed in MB was 1989?!
I am sure I could google and find it, but your lucky I am blogging at all!

Well as you can tell by the post title we got SNOW ...

What could be more adorable than babies in the snow?!

NOTHING ... so here ya go:

Getting the babies ready to go play!

Tatum not real sure about the white stuff ...

she got hit by a snowball and the fun was all over!

Sledding ... you know they don't sell sleds in SC ...

so my Daddy used a storage bin lid

Bowden tasting the snow!~

He loved it!

My beauty!

Health conscience Valentines Day

2010-02-11T10:26:00.005-05:00

Both my babies are in Day Care ...

With each passing holiday I TRY to make each teacher a little something.

I am in the construction business and just like everyone else

we are HURTING for work and our cash flow SUCKS!

So the "little" something must also be cheap, but not cheap looking!!

This year for Valentines I was at W*al-Mart

I saw the little $1 hearts with 4 pcs of chocolate in them!

Cheap, Easy and still nice!

Then I thought "How many of these will one teach want?"

So I went with something different ....

Who doesn't love a candle?! The candles were only $0.97 each

The craft ribbon was a $1

and the other ribbon was left over from Christmas!

So ... I still kept it cheap and CUTE and stayed Healthy too!

What did you do?!

We love the Fishes!

2010-02-07T20:34:00.003-05:00

As a local we can go to the Ripley's Aquarium for just 10$ ... we can get a season pass for just $30 - it is awesome and my kids LOVE it!

I love it!
We love it!

Wanna see ...

Christmas ... Came and went ...

2009-12-29T20:39:00.004-05:00

Hey everyone ... um yeah the one person who still reads me ...

I am so so sorry that I have not posted since the first weekend of December -

It seems that life has taken over me.

I used to wake with the gut feeling that I had to blog ...

and then 2 house, 2 babies and a failing business later I am here ...

Trying to live life and stay on top of all the laundry and house cleaning.

Lets see what is happening here ...

Bowden is the love of my life - (Never thought I would say that)

if you have been here before you know that the first 8 months of his life were nothing to be desired, and if it wasn't for the hubby and I NEVER being on the same page at the same time he may not be here! He is freaking adorable! I just want to mush his face with kisses.

Tatum - she is the bell of the ball. One of the funniest kids I have ever met - and I must say beautiful ... she is now potty trained and at 2.5 (30 months) old she was just moved up to the 3 year old class. I do not think it was because she is super smart - because she isn't - (Still doesn't recite the ABC's by herself and sometimes messes up counting to 10 - but she knows all of her colors, shapes, can identify her veggies, knows all of our FULL names and she can sing all kinds of songs ... just not the ABC's - But she is funny as all get out and freaking adorable!

My business - SUCKS - last year at Christmas we had a HUGE party - gave out bonuses, and paid the guys the week of Christmas to stay at home with their families - this year ... No Party, No WORK, No Bonuses, and the last year 38 employee line has been reduced to 6 - yes 6 ... that includes me ... I even fired my dad.

My Hubby Business ... well someone was going to buy him out - it was going to put A LOT of money in our pocket, and a good job for him ... that would have been a literal move ... Sounds okay to me - But it fell through ... the Banks wouldn't help the 10 million dollar a year company buy him ... for a mere 2 million?! Didn't make sense to us ... but they will try again in a year and maybe we will get even more money?! Everything happens for a reason right?!

Okay now onto what all of you come here for ... yep the one of you that still Visits (Thanks Mel) Pictures:
We went to see Santa -

Cheese - this is the best I could do to get them to sit still - hahah

Such a Sutie Pie - Look at those eyes!

The Little things that Santa left Tatum ... he left her a Kitchen as a big gift

The little things that Santa left Bowden ... he left him a tent with balls and a tunnel as his BIG thing!

Bowden being a ham! Love him!

SnowBE's

2009-12-07T10:46:00.004-05:00

Christmas is just around the corner and like ALWAYS it was SnowBE Christmas week. It ALWAYS is the first weekend of December and as always it was a BLAST! Thank you Melanie for hosting.

BK showing us the ornament that MelBel's mom made us!

The 2009 SnowBE Christmas Group!

Our lovely faces!

SnowBE Necklace that I got for Melanie and Naji - wanted to do it for everyone but they were a little $$$ so maybe everyone will get one for their birthday's?!

Me and Amy hiding from the rain.

We had a blast - it was COLD ... we adopted twin 5 year old girls for our "project" each got a new 16" bike, each got a pair of jeans, with a shirt and a fleece jacket. They both then got a smaller toy that was on their list. It was a blast. Hope you are all doing well!

Halloween

2009-11-01T19:55:00.003-05:00

We were Shreck-n' it!

My Dronkie and Fiona

She just eats him up with hugs, and kisses!

My Dronkie ... isn't he so cute!

Our 3 princesses ...

Left - Right and by age ... hahah Olivia Kate, Tatum and Emily Scott!

The Antols and The Kemps had a blast!

All 4 of our babies riding the motor boats! It was a blast!

Flash Back to My Little Pumpkin

2009-10-21T21:08:00.001-04:00

Do Ya'll Remember THIS?!

Travels ...

2009-10-20T12:51:00.001-04:00

So I was going to have a blog make over done to this plain jane blog, but I can't get it done. I can't find the hours in the day to do what needs to be done, never mind the things I just want done. hahah So you are stuck with this ... blog for now!

Traveling ...

Lets see, we have been camping at Yogi Bear, had family in town for Labor Day weekend, the race in Richmond, Cancun, and a Panthers game since my last post. I can tell you that while all of it was a blast I am TIRED OUT ... too much! Too much for me! This weekend (well tomorrow) we are leaving for the Charlotte races ... yes I just came home from Charlotte Monday ... Next weekend is my mini reunion party that I have been working on for MONTHS! Halloween is open, then Naji and Jarretts wedding, 1 weekend break and then family in town ... weekend break and then headed to Raleigh for my SnowBE's Christmas! Can we say I am ready to be HOME!

Yogi Bear: Our set up ... 4 camper quads and behind us were 4 other campers with us!

This was the "fun" for most of the weekend!

Play-dough time ... the kids LOVED it!

Bowden ... being the happy baby he now is!

Labor day fun:

Most of the gang
Babies at the baseball game!

Bowden playin in the sand!

Tatum building a sand castle with her daddy!

I have so much more to post - but for now this is it ... we went to the Charlotte Races this past weekend and this weekend I have a reunion! I will be back with more pics soon!

Could we be 5?~

2009-10-06T21:46:00.002-04:00

So I know that I said be on the look out for a change, but geeze the change has still not happened ... and I was holding out for another post until it did ... but I am giving up on my blog make over. 2 reasons ... 1st I am broke! Broke as a JOKE! Just cut my pay in 1.2 at work to "save" my company. Down from 36 employees to 5. 2nd gave up on the makeover when I figured out that I have to find all of the art work ... OMG that is hard! I can't do it right now!!!

Okay I am rambling ... let me move onto the could we be 5 ...

Over the last 3 days I have been wondering if it is normal that after 5 months of crying (when i found out I was preggo with Bowden) then 3 months of praying for him to hurry up and get a little older so we could get past ALL of HIS crying ... begging people for help because I could NOT handle him, his constant crying and I could not handle the fact that I had 2 babies under 2 ... So after all of that How can I sit here and miss it. Miss my babies, so small and wrinkled ... miss the new born stage with missing it HOW ON EARTH could I have actually said to Andy "we could have another!" He looked at me like I was growing a horn out of my eyes. Bowden walked into day care today. Holding my finger of course, but he walked from the car to his room, then asked me to pick him up, (pull on pant leg and grunts) of course with his big blue eyes and his dimples I could NOT resist! I love that boy ... how could I have so seriously HATED the infant stages with him. He was such a rough baby, really he was ... at 8 months old he was still waking 3-4 times at night. It was tough. It put a lot of strain on me and Andy, our relationship, Tatum, our parents (he was to stay out of day care with them until 1o months, we sent him at 7 months) But my GOSH he is such a good boy now! He is SO SO loving, hugging, kissing and smiling! I want to eat him up! For several split seconds I have thought about WHAT IF ... What if we had another ... I am hoping here that Kimmy will snap me out of this and tell me that it is normal, it is a phase and I am just weird!

Look for a CHANGE

2009-08-18T08:38:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone ... all 3 of you that read. I am sorry I have been absent. I knew that 2 would be hard, but then when you throw in ALL the other stuff that we do I am way behind. Bowden had a great 1st birthday. We didn't do anything big ... kept it small and had 3 different small celebrations. Tatum thinks that everyday is "Bubbie Burfday" now. It is too cute!

Andy has asked me to make a camping blog ... so rather than doing another one I have decided that this blog is now going to have a BIG CHANGE! I will if needed blog about other things, but I will be mostly posting our camping things.

The first one will be this weekend ... we are going to Tabor City, NC. Yogi Bear Camp Ground. I can't wait!

I think I will become a Dr.

2009-08-06T19:54:00.002-04:00

This is serious ...

Pay attention!!!

Last Wednesday we left Myrtle Beach to go to Ohio.

We go to Ohio every year to see my family.

(Well my mom and dad's family)

Thursday we arrive ... have to call my Aunt's Dr and BEG them to see Tatum.

She was diagnosed with the Croup.

IT IS VIRAL ... which in turn means NO MEDS for you ... good luck with cranky baby!

Friday Bowden started to get very very cranky.

I chalked it up as a tooth (that has been trying to come out for MONTHS) and the "Croup!"

He ran a fever ALL day ... but as you know NIGHT time is 100% WORSE!!!

So at 4 am we woke with a 103 fever ... his legs were swollen and he was SCREAMING!

We finally left for the ER around 6:30 am.

They sent us home ... "it is viral, it will play it's course."

That day was rough ... a lot of crying and in and out of sleep ...

That day was not SO FUN!

Saturday night was HORRIBLE ... he cried all night HOURS and HOURS of screaming!

FINALLY at 4:15 am Andy and I decided that it was NOT viral and it was time to go back to ER.

(now remember we were in a RV with 4 adults and our 2 kids, also a MEAN ASS dog)

On the way to the Dr I called our local Dr. Crying ... yes of course I was crying!

She told us to go back to ER and demand that we not leave UNTIL they tell us SOMETHING!

X-ray, Blood work, and a catheter ... still NOTHING!
Things from there started to get a little better, but not great ...

He had a low grade fever and we decided to come home a day early ...

We packed up and headed home on Monday!

We got home Tuesday ... swam in the pool and river ... relaxed and just hung out!

I kept them from home on Wednesday ... thought that they needed a "break!"

Thursday I took them to day care ...

We didn't even make it to 11 and they called!

He was miserable ... has a rash and high fever, wont stop crying!

We go get him and take him to our Dr.

Guess ... just Guess what they said ...

VIRAL ... NOTHING is wrong with him!

Are you shitting me?~

They did give him a steroid to try and kick his body into getting better ...

I am loosing MY MIND!

I am going to go to school to become a Dr.

I think it would be cheaper than ALL the visits to the Dr.

I'm Praying ... are YOU?!

2009-07-27T20:22:00.001-04:00

Praying for Stellan!!!
Please pray with me!

SO MUCH Going on I can't see straight!

2009-07-24T10:45:00.002-04:00

Last weekend we went to a wedding ...

Lisa and Vinnie got Hitched!

It was in MD!

We had a BLAST!

Missed the babies!

This week it has been Dr appointment after Dr appointment!

Wednesday Bowden went to MUSC to see the GI specialist about his acid reflux.

Wednesday night we went to a Baseball game ... we were in the box!

Tatum fell off of a stool.

Fell right on her head/forehead! Scared me to death!

I called the Dr that moment!

They told me to "watch" her close!

I did ... she seemed fine!

Thursday daycare called at 2 - she had blood coming from her ear!
I went as fast as I could to pick her up and took her to her Dr.

Dr said it was fine - she could have caused a blood clot to bust loose ...

I was so upset I never asked if it was her head ... they told me to take her to the ENT ASAP!

That night I woke her every 2 hours just to make sure she was fine!
ASAP was this am at 8:30! (Thank you Dr Rosner, we love you)

We got there ... Dr said everything was FINE.

Blood clot was from her body trying to get rid of the silicone ear tube!

The fall knocked it loose, it was not her BRAIN!

YES I cried!

They drained and suctioned her ear.

SHE is fine! I however need a drink!

Need Bloomers

2009-07-15T20:48:00.002-04:00

Can anyone tell me where to get cute bloomers for Tatum ...

All I can find is the long ugly old ones!

All of her Dresses up until now have come with them ...

NEED SOME TO COVER THOSE DIAPERS!

Family Night Out

2009-07-07T20:28:00.003-04:00

Well I am not that great at just "doing!"

I am sure if you have been visiting my blog for sometime

that you know I am not great at differing from my schedule.

My Children are VERY scheduled!

(note the VERY)

Breakfast between 7 and 8 am ... 7 m-f 8 on the weekends

they are obviously on a schedule at daycare

even at home ... they are scheduled ... on Saturday and Sunday

we have 2 snacks one in am one after nap

we still do nap around 12 - and it lasts 2 hours

Dinner between 5:30 and 6 (no matter what day of the week)

Bath no later than 8 (usually is around 7)

and bed is usually no later than 8 ... we have been off the 8 pm bed time 4 times ...

Tonight was one of those nights!

For the FIRST time since Bowden was not considered a new born we went to dinner.

Dinner OUT ... yes we did. I was so so worried ...

but for the most part my kids rocked it!

We only got the eye roll from 1 person in the restaurant and really it was not worthily!
Bowden was "talking" loudly, but it was not a scream and it was not a cry ...

BaBab Dada Mama NiNi ... that is what he was saying and while she could hear it ...

she was definitely a BITCH ... old and must have been past her bed time! hahah

Anyway it went well ... we are home and in bed ... they made it to bed with bath by 8:15 ... so still not bad! I know this means we can do it more, but it wont be OFTEN! Stresses me out!

PICTURES ...

2009-06-25T21:26:00.009-04:00

Tatum goes to the Ball Park

Um yeah this was one of 3 times that the child has been up past 7:30 pm.

I am a freak about her schedule ... it really stresses me out if we are not home and in bed on time ... but we did a late nap and guess what ... she did GREAT! Not even 1 melt down!

I think it helped that we were in a box with food and place to run!

The crowd cheered for a good play ... she joined them!

Tatum and her friend Kaylie ... so glad her and her Daddy joined us!

I love this one ... she was sitting on my lap ...

Bowden Gets Tubes ...

Just like his sister ... I couldn't resist the pictures in that cute little gown ... Of course we were again the only ones in the place with a camera! HAHA

To see Tatum in her gown click HERE

We arrive at the surgery center at 6:30 am

Bowden is STARVING ... hasn't eaten since 11:30 pm

I woke him to feed him knowing if I didn't this would be a bad day

he was happy and really was a good baby!

Look at that diaper hinney ... don't you want to pinch it?!
He has no idea they are coming to get him!

Arrive Surgery at 6:30

Leave by 8

Home playing by 8:45

He did GREAT!

Fun in the Fort!

My mom bought Tatum a tent/tunnel thing for her Birthday ... She has been begging Bowden to go through the tunnel ... but he wont! I decided we (me and dad) needed to play with her ...

Um yeah ... check this out:

Mommy crawls through the tunnel ... Tatum came over top of me and out of the tunnel also!

Daddy trying very hard to get out of the tunnel!

Bowden trying to tell Dada that it is okay ... he IS here to help with a pat pat pat!

Update

2009-06-25T13:47:00.002-04:00

Bowden got tubes on Tuesday, he is doing well! No GREAT changes yet, but I think things will start to get better with his breathing and his constant ear aches.
I have tons and tons of pictures I want to share with all of you and NO (NONE) time to do that right now!
I am not sure who I let schedule all the things for me that are on my calendar, but I say it every year ... I wont do all of that again.
I am not so much into blogging that much anymore ... why you say?! Well I really feel out of control. EVERY blog I read is struggling with; loss, money, posting, romantically, or even with pregnancy. It is not building my spirits any and yes I am one struggling also!
um yeah that is about it for me ... I am out ... love you all ... sorry I have been absent and I will be back to post some pictures!

Do you think she is excited?!

2009-06-11T21:28:00.003-04:00

Tatum LOVED, LOVED the cake, singing and the candles ...

all she wanted was more more more!

My baby is 2

2009-06-11T14:07:00.005-04:00

I am so not sure where all the time went, but it has been 2 FULL years since my Tata was born. Today my sweet baby girl turns 2. I can't believe she is 2. I messed up her 1 year birthday party ... it was HOT, I was 7.5 months preggo and it snuck up and screeched out the door before I knew it. This year I am a little more prepared. We are having a double birthday party for her and one of my best friends daughter. Kaylie is turning 3, Tatum is turning 2. Since we would have invited ALL the same people we just doubled it up. We are having a pool party Saturday in the day and then that evening all babies go to Grandparents and the adults are having a cook out at our house! I can't wait! Melbel found this cute outfit for me on Etsy for Tatum ... check her out ...

Tatum,

Baby girl I don't even know where to start. The last 2 years have been the best of my life. I can remember my parents telling me to enjoy high school, that those days would be some of the best in my life. Now they are telling me to enjoy your baby years, that soon I will miss the sleepless nights and the cries, rocking and diapers. I see it already. You are growing like a weed. Your smile in infectious and your laugh is breath taking. You are my sunshine. I look forward to your hugs, smiles and "isses", yes even with open mouth. You are such a joy, hardly ever a bad baby. A great sleeper, great eater and a wonderful big sister. You know exactly how to make people laugh and when you catch onto them laughing you will do it every time you see them ... just to make them laugh. I love you, I cherish every moment we have together and I look forward to every moment we will have in the future. I love you, you are my sunshine and hope you have a great birthday!

Let Summer Begin

2009-05-27T21:15:00.003-04:00

Um can we all say BUSY?!

Memorial weekend was the start of all of it for us ...

Saturday we went to the beach,

Sunday we went to the River,

Monday we had a cook out and pool party!

My kids are exhausted!

I am exhausted!

This weekend we are going camping ...

Local to Pirate Land!
With 10 other couples and kids too!

I think all in all there will be 24 of us ... not including any visitors!
Next weekend we are camping again ...

Out of town for my Hubby's Family Reunion!
The weekend after that he has a catering!
The rest of the summer consists of 2 weddings, a bachlorette party and another race!

Tatum and Bowden's Birthday parties.

A trip to Ohio and ending it all with a trip to Cancun ...

Um yeah does that leave any time to breath?!

Pray for us all!

For your viewing pleasure ... My babies

I'm gonna get you ...

Drama Queen

Beach Baby!

River Rat!

What is wrong?!

2009-05-25T20:37:00.001-04:00

Can anyone tell me why MY blogger isn't updating me?!

I installed the ever so nice blog roll on my side bar ...

it is supposed to update each blog with their last post?!

It isn't working ... WHY?!

HELP PLEASE!

It's My Birthday

2009-05-14T09:43:00.003-04:00

I am 34 ... holly cow I am getting up there!

Tuesday my girls took me out to dinner and to a bar afterwards to celebrate early.

I had a blast, but it was not a good idea to go out on a work night.

It took me all day yesterday to recover!

Like always it is Bike Week ... my birthday is always during bike week

and really I think that it is the BEST present. I am in awwe of all the noise, and bikes.

I wish I were not so afraid of riding my own bike.

I used to ride my own bike ... now I am scared. I guess babies will do that to you!

Of course my husband was wonderful today ...

I woke to 2 cards one from him and the other from the babies ...

The card from him ... is the SAME card I got last year read here.

It made me cry last year and again this year. I told him this am it was the same card!

He giggled and asked why they don't take them from the shelf.

I told him I didn't care if he gave me the same card for the rest of my life!

I still have last years card ... and now I have this one too!
I will keep both forever!

Along with the card I got a gift certificate to shop ... I need new clothes! YEAH ME!

(I am still loosing weight)

He also got me a gift certificate for a spa day!

And a small shelf with a picture frame arrangement on it that spells family! I love it!

So dear Internet ... I am off to have a great day ... getting older and wiser!

Hope you all send me birthday wishes!

Less than a month

2009-05-13T13:52:00.002-04:00

In less than 1 month by baby girl will be 2.

OMG where has all that time gone?!

That is the hard thing of having 2 under 2 ~

I feel like I miss so much with each of them!

We will be having a pool party for her in June just after her real B-day.

Anyone have any suggestions for some cool toys?!

I already bought her the Birthday outfit!

I can't wait to show you pictures~!

PS the boy ... slept great for 3.5 full weeks - 7 - 6:30 it was wonderful!

Now we are back to waking up at least 2 times - going back to the Chiropractor!

Funny

2009-04-29T08:52:00.003-04:00

Last night we were playing the OH so fun "where's Tatum game?"

She was running around "I runnnnin" the house.

When she would put the bag on her head she would stop dead in her tracks ...

We would all say "where's Tatum?'

You all know the game -

Each time she removed the bag we would say "There's Tatum"

okay so here is the funny -

After about the 3rd time of me saying "there's Tatum"

she would pull the bag off her head and say "thre she is"

the next time she would say "I fnd her"

It was so funny I almost peed my pants!

She also got to the point where she would have the bag on her own head and say "were tata."

She is amazing me with all that she is saying now!

PS I tried to video it, but every time I tried she would stop.

Gotta get her used to the camera - when you pull it out she says "picher cheeeesss" and pauses for you to take her picture - she doesn't get that we are trying to take video! hahaha

Whisper

2009-04-28T20:25:00.003-04:00

Whisper

I am whispering this post ...

I am afraid if I say it out loud it will all change ...

The BOY ... the Hell Pest ... the one I haven't been enjoying ...

He has turned the corner!

He is human!

He still has his moments, he still spits up a few times a day.

He still requires being rocked to sleep.

BUT ...

He is sleeping so well!

He is NOT crying near like he was!

He is smiling a lot!
FINALLY at 8.5 months he is giggling.

That is the best sound ever ... I never thought I would hear him laugh!

But yep he is ... he is giggling, and he is too too cute!
Thank God he is so cute or I wouldn't have gotten to see this part of him! hahah

Please keep praying for us ... I hope this post doesn't bite me in the ass!

PS he has been doing better for about 3 weeks ... I was scared to write about it before now! haha!

Me and My BE otches

2009-04-27T20:40:00.003-04:00

We call ourselves the SnowBE's.

We all went to college together.

As the years have passed we have all be there for each other!
This weekend was just another one of those weekends.

It was Lisa's Bachlorette Party.

She is finally getting a middle name!!!

I had fun, and it was so nice to get away from the babies and the hubby.
But to tell you the TRUTH ... I missed them so so much!

It was almost like a panic would just take over me.

I would be sitting there laughing having a ball then BAMM I would be crying.

It is SO overwhelming to be away from them.

I love my girls, I LOVED my time with them,

but I hope that leaving my babies will get easier soon!

I will see them all again soon ... we have Lisa's wedding in July.

Naji bachlorette party in August, and her wedding in November.

I love you all ... I had a blast!

No words

2009-04-22T20:53:00.002-04:00

I am in a rut ... I don't have much to say other than WHEN?!

Wont you all pray that the courts will hurry UP and get us in to hear our case.

Oh wait ... have I told you?! Do you know what I am talking about?!

Work -

My work sucks right now. We are on the brink of bankruptcy.

2 weeks we have had to hold off payroll and my dad and I have had to wait 2 weeks for our pay.

We have a $451,000 lien on a job. Not to bore you ... the contractor bonded it off.

So the job was able to get the CO (certificate of occupancy) and now we just wait.

The Lawyer said it could be MONTHS ... Months ... are you serious?!
We wont make it months.

So you add that to having 2 babies under 2, a workaholic husband and the fact that my dad is 63 and does not deserve this ... you can say I am a mess! Yep a mess!

Pray for me!

Great day

2009-04-19T20:32:00.002-04:00

So yesterday was the ABSOLUTE best day EVER with Bowden.

He was an angle ... I don't think he cried all day ... matter of fact I know he didn't!

He took 3 naps ... 2 20 minutes and 1 that was almost 45.

He played and smiled all day! He was so much fun!

However ... Tatum was SICK! She ran a fever on and off all day! Runny nose and bad cough!

Today Bowden was back to his same old ways ... cried all day and didn't sleep at all.

He now is sick and has the fever and cough. It is horrible!

I am glad that I had yesterday with him ... makes all of the bad days worth it!

Easter

2009-04-16T15:16:00.004-04:00

Sorry it is late - here is our Easter in Pictures!

Tatum is taking her Bubbie down the slide with her ...

This my friends is why I have not given him away yet ...

isn't he just adorable!
HAHA this is what they would say if they spoke adult language:
Bowden - "why is she yelling like a cheetah?"
Tatum - "OMG give me my basket!"
Bowden - "Hell no - not until you quit hitting me in the head!"

Did you guys know she could wear something other than pink?!

My gosh we make pretty babies!

In honor of Madeline

2009-04-09T20:15:00.005-04:00

Madeline Alice Spohr

I am so confused, scared and concerned for this family.

I have been a lurker of their blog for a long time.

I never really commented ... I didn't want them to see me complain about my baby boy, when they had real problems. So when I went to the site and it said that she was in the hospital I started to pray. I don't know what happened or why. I have no words to express just how horrible I feel for them. I have no thoughts or ideas on how to make them feel better. I AM going to donate, but really will that help?!

I will be praying, praying for them to find comfort within each other, in God and with the fact that little Maddie touched us all. I am so glad that they had the chance to know her, to live with her, but WHY WHY did she have to go?! I didn't even get a chance to meet her and I just want to lash out and yell at the top off all mountains ... BRING HER BACK! Love to you all and my you find peace with this some way or another!

Camping ... but not in the rough

2009-04-07T20:27:00.007-04:00

My company (I am part owner of the construction company I work at) did SO bad last year that I got HUGE taxes back. Now ... since we did do so bad I offered that money back to my company. I offered it up, and my dad told me NO! (I love you daddy, haha hehe can you tell I am spoiled) Said company pays my taxes every year, but when I tried to give it back my dad said we deserve a break ... to go and buy something we want, but would NEVER finance or buy ourselves. SO ... we did it ... we bought a Travel Trailer!

It is 30' with 2 slide outs ... one in the living area/kitchen table and one in the kids bedroom.

We bought it 2 weekends ago (C*raigs List) and didn't waste anytime taking it camping ... We went to a local campground, Ocean Lakes. It was awesome! My Parents have a RV ... 36' 3 slide outs and yes it is very very NICE. Nicer than some people's homes. We usually go with them, but when we went on the last trip it was hard with 4 adults, 2 kids and a dog ... so Andy and I started looking at Travel Trailers. Knowing it was just a dream until our other house sold ... but when my DADDY gave me back my taxes we JUMPED on it!

The inside of the camper ... living area
Master bed room ... not much room on either side of the bed, but we just jump on it and go night night!

The back bedroom ... it has bunks and a entertainment area ... we used it as the diaper changer ... haha has just enough room for the pack-n-play!

We put a baby gate in the door way ... I heard very bad things about the doors not latching well ... Bowden loved the camper, he didn't sleep well at all! (not unusual) but he was happy the rest of the time.

Tatum enjoying a snack on her rocking chair. She loves the RV ... she has been in my parents too many times to count and she LOVES ours - she can't wait to sleep on the bunks ... we are trying to make something to make sure she can not fall out of. Also because Bowden still doesn't sleep well she slept in a pack-n-play in my parents camper.
OF course the campground was on the BEACH ... I can't wait for consistently warm weather!

Bowden's first hand full of sand!

He is going to be walking very very soon!

Me and my babies. Even though being a mommy to Bowden is by far the hardest job I have ever taken on I do love them both dearly! Thank you God for my beautiful babies!

My Family!!!

Different Dr

2009-04-06T20:24:00.002-04:00

Well I have been doing some research ... and some asking around ... it seems that some mommies SWEAR by they chiropractor to help with Acid Reflux. SO .... today my friends I took my 7 month old son to the chiropractor! I was so so scared, however when we got there it was easy as pie. NO crying, NO whining, and really it went all too well. NOW ... wait and see if it helps at all. We were asked to come back tomorrow, I guess to make sure that he is still in line. The Dr showed me the 4 trigger points on the body that effect Acid Reflux and all 4 trigger points were "out of line." I hope that this works. - Best part of all of it ... IT WAS FREE!!!! Our Chiropractor doesn't charge on children until the age of 18. OMG why didn't I try earlier?! He had mentioned to my mom that we should take him in, I was just scared. Our 10 days of meds is up, we will be going back to the Dr. this week and getting a referral to a specialist ... maybe the Chiro will fix it all?!

Stay tuned tomorrow I am posting on our first family camping trip ... we bought a travel trailer and we went to a local camp ground. We had a blast, the babies did well ... all except for baby Bowden and his sleeping. OH Well one day he will sleep ... I just pray it is soon!

Distant

2009-03-24T20:47:00.002-04:00

I am here, I am alive, I am sorry that I am/have been distant.

I haven't been leaving comments, but I have been reading.

I know that one of my blog goals was to one day have 50 comments.

I know I WILL NEVER have 50 comments if I am not posting or commenting myself.

But really ... why do I want those 50 comments?!

What would that prove or mean?!
I can not spell, I am not good at expressing myself and mostly I write about boring baby stuff.

So why is it that I want 50 comments?!
I dunno - just did.

Today right now I am letting that GO!

I am GOOD with letting it go!

I am over wanting 50 comments.

I am still having problems "loving" my son.

He is getting better, So many more times a day I do love him.

He still has very bad days, but they are only about 1 time in a week.

He is so darn cute I could kiss him to death.

(lucky for us and him he is cute, I don't know how I would love him if not, haha)

Then he starts screaming, Tatum starts screaming and it is a mad house.

I really think Tatum starts screaming to get more attention than him ... even though she is SPOILED ROTTEN and gets SO MUCH attention!

But with that being said ... blogging is on my back burner, I do read ... I read my blog roll everyday! I am sorry I have not commented ... I am here with you all!

Love you - miss you all and I am praying for all of you! Please pray for me too!

This week we went BACK to the Dr with Bowden. We tried the 5th formula, and then the 6th. The 5th he was allergic to ... that stopped after bottle 2 ... we are also on a new "spasm" med. Also back on the Axid ... which I think does not help his sleeping, but I really think he is in pain ... and the ONLY pain the Dr thinks it can be is acid reflux. SO ... trial and error again ... we are now on a soy formula. Can't tell if it is working yet! Tatum was a extremely happy baby I do not and CAN not expect Bowden to be that happy but I can PRAY for him to be comfortable. I fear every am, afternoon and evening that there is SOMETHING wrong that we are missing!

Night Night for now ... I am open for some hugs, kisses and prayers!

Pictures

2009-03-17T20:34:00.005-04:00

I had a few requests for some before pictures of me ... so here ya go

This is Labor Day of 2007 ... Tatum was 3 months and I was not yet preggo with Bowden!

This is October of 08 ... Bowden was born in August of 08

I think this was my heaviest. (210lbs)

This is January 09 ... just before the "life change diet" started!

Now ... much lighter and feeling better ...

I am now at 180 ... my goal weight was 175 for Naji wedding ...

I just readjusted that to 167. (I know weird #, but I didn't want to push too much and I wanted to be realistic!)

In the picture below ... I LOVE, LOVE how big my pants are!

Sucks to have to buy all new, but that is a great problem to have!

Andy took this Monday AM ... it was Bowden's first day of Day Care ... I will blog about that tomorrow!

So are you changing your life? Are you working out?! Eating Different?! Share with me! I will hit a flat point soon!

My Weight Secrete

2009-03-11T20:24:00.002-04:00

I got several e-mails and several comments telling me how HOT I looked ... THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! I thought maybe since most of us have at one point or time struggled with our weight that I would share with you my secrete.

A few things:

It was NOT my sickness! I was sick with a head and chest cold ... not a tummy cold.

I have not been HUNGRY at all!

I have been eating 4 - 5 times a day!

Step 1 ... Get a support team. The hubby and I joined our local rec center ... Choose to Loose ... it is like the Biggest Looser, only local. Our support team is our family! (Well his family) they are all on our team! We are very open and honest, we all weight infront of each other, we measure in front of each other and we tell ALL!

Step 2 ... We bought smaller plates. Smaller plates = smaller portions!

Step 3 ... get rid of all good things in your pantry ... yep the girl scout cookies you just bought ... donate them to the day care, or your childs school!

Step 4 ... Go shopping ... buy all YUCKY things ... just kidding! Really we bought all low fat or NO FAT! Really it was hard for a few days, but now it is EASY! It really doesn't taste bad! We switched to only wheat pasta, no sugar (Splenda only), no fried food, wheat bread! Instead of YUMMY fattening snacks we are eating fruit! Also ... lots and lots of chicken and turkey. Turkey ground in things instead of ground beef is really good!

Step 5 ... eat breakfast! Something small and with fruit!

Step 6 ... I am eating out everyday at lunch the same I was before, but now I am leaving 1/2 of all the serving on my plate! That is the RULE leave 1/2 of what the restaurant gives you!

Step 7 ... know that you are HUMAN and you will fumble!

Step 8 ... I promise that if you stick with the good for you food, you will just like it. We went out of town last week and both of us by day 4 had upset stomach from the food we ate!

This is a change of life ... not a diet, not counting or watching what you eat ... just changing what or how you eat it! My friends this is what I did ... we have been doing it since February I have lost 14 lbs, went from a size 22 to a 16. My hubby has lost 31 lbs and has went from a 42 pant to a 38. Today 4 guys at work asked me how much weight I have lost ... NO THEY DO NOT READ my blog! They saw it ... it made me cry! I am proud of my self ... the next step is starting to work out! That will be a little while ... with the babies it has been VERY hard to find anytime, but I will very SOON!

So good luck to you all!

ALIVE

2009-03-10T20:46:00.004-04:00

I am sure you are ALL very sick of seeing that title, but I am here! I am Alive! My baby boy turns 7 months old tomorrow ... and I really have missed it ALL! I have been having a rough time ... with being sick and Bowden still not sleeping well to be honest, I have started to slip. Slip mentally that is. I have not been happy. It has been very very hard. I NEVER imagined it would be like this. The BOY REQUIRES constant and I mean CONSTANT attention. He cries so much. I made ANOTHER appointment to see the Dr. I really think something is wrong with him. It has been hard and I HATE IT! I have missed so so much of his life because honestly I am mad at him. As much as I have tried to push that away and fully love him the way I should and I have tried to ignore his needyness, ( not sure if that is a real word, but I am using it!) but seriously it has been so so HARD! Now I do have to admit things are starting to get better ... I FINALLY have been having at least 2 moments a day that I just want to kiss him to death and love him ... but with Tatum that was constant ... with Bowden it is very minimal ... but at least it has started! I was really starting to worry! I have talked to my Dr. it is not me, I am not depressed with me, him or my family. I do not have PPD he is just difficult. While I haven't enjoyed him, I have never thought of hurting him or myself. I am not in a depression ... I wish I were, or at least I wish my Dr had said I was ... haha for now a very very small *Zanix when I get overwhelmed is helping.

On a good note ... he is smiling a lot more now. I think he will be crawling by Friday ... he has got it down pat, but only for 4 moves and then he spazzes out. He has started eating "graduates" the little melt in your mouth finger food things ... that makes our dinner much more enjoyable! For the most part he has started to sleep more ... 2 day naps around 1 hour each and night time waking up once. He has been eating food and likes homemade better than canned. (He likes it thicker) He is wearing 6-9 month clothes. He LOVES a bath and I can't wait to start bathing him and Tatum together! It will be so much fun! Still no hair, but neither did Tatum! He is starting school on Monday next week, I am hoping that will calm some of his needyness. With us he gets constant attention because we can't stand to hear him cry ... maybe they will help us break that.

Thank you all ... all 3 of you who still read me ... thank you for your Prayers ... I know you all pray for me, cause I pray for you!

We did go for a small camping trip ... last week we went to Atlanta to the races (sorry Chris we didn't have a car and I didn't want to burden you with coming to see me ... I know you JUST as busy as I) We left for ATL on Tuesday ... 4 Adults, 2 kids, and 1 dog in a RV from Tuesday - Monday. Bowden DID NOT SLEEP AT ALL! Tatum did well and I really had a hard time with them ... from 9 am - 3 pm one of them was asleep so that meant that one of us had to stay in the camper with them ... something we have NEVER had to do ... one of us missed a lot! It was sad for me! But we did have fun too ...

Tatum and Bowden playing with the etch a sketch!

He may be a pain, but he is adorable!

After 4 hours in their car seats, we let them out of them to look out the window for 10 minutes ... they did really well going back into them after diaper changes! I was surprised!

Tatum in her P*epsi hat!

My Hubby and I with Bobby Allison ... yes we got HOT passes from a friend! Spent 3 days in the Pits ... best thing EVER!!! PS ... can you tell how much weight I have lost?!

GOing back

2009-02-24T19:57:00.006-05:00

YEP - we are going BACK to the Dr. I am still green and snotty ... Bowden is still green and very coughy. Tatum seems to be the only one that is doing somewhat better ... are you praying for us?! I mean geeze can we get a break already?!
In the mean time ... Bowden is on all 4's ... he is thinking about it, but just not moving yet ...

We tried to give him his first Mohawk ... however he is missing the most important thing ... HAIR!

I can't leave Tatum out ... so here ya go ...

Last but not least ... Check out my new ride ...

I am alive, but barely!

2009-02-22T19:36:00.003-05:00

Well so far I have been to the Dr 4 times in 2 weeks.

Bowden has been 3 times in 2 weeks.

Tatum has been 3 times in 2 weeks.

Tatum is on her 3rd round of PINK EYE!

We have bleached and bleached everything I can see, I just can't figure out where it is coming from!

Bowden is on his 2nd antibiotic and still green as all get out, but he didn't show any signs of pink eye today!

I am now on my 3rd antibiotic, a steroid (yes I admit it too!) and I had a cortisone shot on Friday.

I am starting to feel a little better, but my ear is still very nasty. Oozing all kinds of pretty green, bloody stuff! If it is not significantly better by Tuesday I go to a ENT.

Andy still to this minute is not sick and has fought most of it off. 2 nights he was in bed by the time I was done bathing Tatum. However besides needing extra sleep which may be from picking up my slack is all he has.

I am worn out, very exhausted and today I decided it would do us all some good to get out of the house, by the time I showered and got my hair dried I had to sit down for 5 minutes.

I am hoping and praying this goes away soon!

The last 8 days ...

2009-02-18T18:39:00.002-05:00

Starting last Tuesday I took Tatum to the Dr. she had a upper respiratory infection, and pink eye. We only got eye drops for her pink eye. Dr said the cold was Viral "It is viral, no meds it will play it's course."

Wednesday I took Bowden to the Dr. he had a HIGH FEVER, upper respiratory infection, pink eye. Got drops for his eyes. Dr said the cold was Viral "It is viral, no meds it will play it's course."

Thursday was Bowden's 6 month appointment, we went to the Dr AGAIN. Said his chest was still clear, no meds and he got shots.

Saturday I woke up sick as can be, went to the Dr. I has strep throat, ear infection and upper respiratory infection. Of course I got meds.

Saturday later in the day, I took Bowden back to the Dr ... he was having a hard time breathing. Dr said I am going to give you a antibiotic, but don't want him to have it until Monday ... I filled it that day and gave it to him. He was still very green and nasty ... still had pink eye.

This Monday I took Tatum back to the Dr. She had a fever, and stuff oozing out of her ears ... I guess it just comes out with tubes. We got ear drops and were told to continue the drops for her pink eye.

Wednesday (today) I went back to the doctor my antibiotic isn't working. Well my ear infection got so bad, I blew my ear drum. I have pink eye in both eyes and was put on a Z Pak.

Wednesday (today) called the Dr for Tatum ... told then she is still sick, still running a fever and her ears are nasty still. They FINALLY called in a antibiotic, and some stronger ear drops.

So dear Internet will you pray for us?! I need all the help I can get. Playing mommy with sick babies and sick myself is harder than I ever imagined. I am needing all the prayers you can spare me!

Happy Valentine!

2009-02-16T20:27:00.002-05:00

Happy Valentine from US to all of YOU!!!PS Make sure your sound is up - she is too cute!
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

No more smiles

2009-02-11T20:27:00.002-05:00

Well BOTH ... yes BOTH babies are sick!

I am so tired I can't see, I can barely breath.

My body hurts, and my head hurts so bad!

Tatum has PINK EYE and a horrible cough.

Bowden has HORRIBLE upper respiratory infection.

And you guessed it - neither is sleeping!

Which in turn means we are not sleeping either!

We took 3 steps forward with Bowden and his sleeping ...

but this cold has sent us 8 steps back!

I am on edge and going to bed - love you all dear Internet!
One day I will be back!

All Smiles

2009-02-03T20:13:00.005-05:00

This past week with Bowden has been a HUGE change. I am not sure what happened, but he has been happier in the day and sleeping so much better at night. We still have some work to do but he seems to be on a 2 day schedule ... sleeps 2 nights 12 hours then wakes the 3rd night for about 1.5-2 hours around 1am. Then sleeps again for 2 nights. Guess what ... I WILL TAKE IT!

He has been napping well every 3rd day. That is usually the day he wakes at night. The other 2 days he is only taking 3 very small 20 min naps. I can't even get the toilets cleaned in 20 minutes so I can tell you all that our house is suffering.

It is not near as clean as I am used to it being ... and part of that is because we had to let our house keeper go. She was not doing as good a job as I was paying her for and when I confronted her can you believe she was a bitch about it. Seriously ... she came every other week ... we cleaned up all toys and "junk" before each cleaning ... I picked up all the rugs, and made sure there were NO objects on the floors for easier vacuuming and moping. We made sure there was NOTHING on the counters so wipe down could be done quickly. Oh yeah and I caught her using our products which was not part of the "deal." Even left her a very nice Christmas Present and can you believe the letter she wrote that day said "Andy, have to raise the price ... I expect the increase next cleaning" didn't even say thanks ... So I called her that minute and said "______, did you get our gift?" "Oh yes Miss Kim, thank you so much it was lovely" ME: "okay, well about the increase if you are using our products, we are picking up the majority of the house and all you are doing is the bathrooms and floors why are you increasing?" Her: "Times are tough" Me: "No shit, you should be glad that we are still using you." Her: yes mama I am, but my husband lost his job" Me:"well we stay at our price or you wont have a job here either." Her"well I need the extra money." Me: It was nice having you work with us, I wish you luck in the future, but I don't think we will be using you any longer." I hung up ... we have 2 companies scheduled to give us a quote this week ... it has been 3 weeks since the other lady was here.

Wow - sorry about that ... I was posting about my good babies and just went off there ...

Hope you are still with me ... cause I wanted to show you the smiles at our house the last 2 days!

Tatum is a WATER BUG -

Bowden boy has been getting more and more "smiley!" I just say his name and he is all smiles! I love it - this is what it is supposed to be! What ever corner he has turned I am glad we made it without killing each other! I know it is not over, but the smiles and the little better sleep makes life so MUCH more FUN!

Project Cry it Out: FAILED

2009-01-28T08:21:00.002-05:00

Last night was NO GOOD! Something about Tuesday Nights. That is when Andy Bowls.

Bowden must know his Daddy is not home and take advantage of me.

He started to cry around 8:45 - I did the every 15 minute thing for about 1.5 hours.

He was asleep around 10:15 then he woke again at midnight.

He was up from Midnight - 2am. (Andy usually gets home around 11:45)

Andy asked if I wanted him to go in and get him, I told him NO he is going to cry.

I let him cry until 2 (going in every 15 minutes, patting him, paci in mouth and even sucked his nose a few times)

Finally at 2 I gave in, changed his diaper, sucked his nose, gave him some Zyrtec (he couldn't breath through the snot) and gave him a bottle.

He passed out of exhaustion during his bottle. I put him back to bed.

Crawled in my own bed and as soon as I started to fall asleep he started screaming again.

I was PISSED!

I got up, grabbed the boppie and put him in our bed - propped up so he could breath better!

He slept until 7:15.

AACK! What is it about Tuesday?!

Only 2 time

2009-01-26T20:33:00.002-05:00

That is how many times Bowden woke last night!
Once around 11:45 I turned him over, patted his back and walked out!
Then at 3:45 and I fed him, then right back to bed!
We are making waves! HUGE waves!

Other than the sleep issue I have NOTHING to blog about!
For that I am sorry!
You see besides 2 babies and work I have nothing else to say!

We are having some major issues at work -
We currently have a lien on a huge company for $451,000.
Honestly I have to say that if we don't re-coup some of that money, QUICKLY!!!
We will be shutting the doors!
We can't carry that bad debt for much longer.
We have been in business for 30 years.
My dad has never mentioned closing, or the big "B" word.
He has always said he would commit suicide before claiming bankruptcy ...
So I have a very heavy heart! I have been praying for work and my Daddy
like never before.
I just hope that our lawyer can make something happen quickly!

Sleeping Post

2009-01-25T20:09:00.004-05:00

Well things here have been going very well!

Friday night Bowden only woke once - I fed him and put him right back down.

Saturday Night he and Tatum stayed with my parents!

We had a wedding to attend in Columbia, SC and then a Birthday Bash here in town to attend.

So we woke up, got ready, took the babies to my parents.

Then drove to Columbia.

We left the wedding around 5 - got home by 8:30 and then to the bash!
It was a country birthday bash, for several people!
We had a BLAST~

Here I am in my Cowgirl outfit!

Some pictures of the babies:

Project Cry it Out - Day 3

2009-01-23T20:56:00.003-05:00

Well I am almost scared to post it ...

He slept again! 7pm - 7:15am

I really am starting to think that there is something wrong with him.

I have called the Dr and we are going to see her Monday.

You see - 3 nights ago I really thought he was getting ready to break a tooth through.

So I gave him some Tylenol. He slept!
No tooth.

The next night I did it again. He Slept!

Andy and I have both thought there was something hurting him from the start!

The only thing I have done differently is put him "fuzzy" PJ's.

So what do you think?! Is the Tylenol making him sleep?!

Did one night of crying it out really work already?!

How do I make the Dr understand that I think there is something wrong with my baby?!
Is there only something wrong with him in my head?!

Project Cry It Out - Day 2

2009-01-22T14:47:00.004-05:00

Last night was weird!
I am not going to jump up and down in joy - just YET
But that boy SLEPT!
I think it was pure exhaustion, but I put him down at 7:05pm.
NO CRYING at all!
He made a few noises through the night, but NO CRYING!
I got up at 6:30 -
IN A PANIC!!!
I ran to his room, peeked into his room - he was FINE!!!
I took my shower.
Dried and styled my hair, put on my makeup.
First time I have gotten ready without having to tend to him since he has been born - 5 months! After getting ready I laid on my bed - SILENCE it was so nice!
*Tatum doesn't wake until we either wake her or will wake around 8 on her own.
At 7:20am I heard him start to wake.
I ran to his room - picked him up - and hugged his so so tight! I kissed his all over - Good BOY!
Wow what a full night of sleep can do for a girl!

Please keep praying for us! Maybe that is why he slept!

Project Cry It Out - Day 1

2009-01-21T10:15:00.003-05:00

Bowden has still be waking up 4 - 6 times a night

Mostly they consist of me rolling him to his belly, patting his back for 15 - 20 minutes then he will sleep 1.5 hours.

He did really well for about 2 weeks, only waking 1 time to eat. I am not sure how we got back to waking so much, but I know he can do it.

Last night while Andy was bowling I had to resort to trying the cry it out method!

The Stand off started at 8:15 I went to Bowden's room, picked him up and tried for about 20 minutes to calm him, he fell asleep in my arms. I put him back down.

Upon his head hitting the bed the screaming started again. I walked out. I told myself to clean something for 15 minutes and go back. 30 minutes later I was on my second trip up to his room. I of course had tears in my eyes and I was on the verge of sobbing. I walked in his room, patted his belly (he was on his back) and put the paci in his mouth. I walked back out and downstairs. I had his monitor on, but turned all the way down, I could see the lights lighting up with each scream.

I decided it wasn't to late to call his Dr. So I did. She called me back and I started to cry - she reminded me that he would not remember and sometimes this is the ONLY answer. The first stand off lasted 2 hours - (*Note the only reason I made it 2 hours was because of 4 wonderful friends and Facebook! Thank you Stephanie, Robin, Mandi and Allygator) It was 10:23 exactly and he fell asleep. He slept for about an hour and a half.

When he started again, Andy was home. He went in, turned him over patted his back and left the room. He cried for about 30 more minutes and then was asleep. We did this all night. The last stand off was at 4 am. I fixed him a bottle, went it the room, propped his head up (the Dr said DO NOT PICK HIM UP!) stood at the side of the crib and fed him his bottle. When it was gone and I took it away he started to cry - I did pick him up, but not in a loving way - I simply placed him on my knee - him sitting up and burped him. While he was quiet, but wide awake I put him back in the crib, he rolled over, I patted his belly and put the paci in his mouth. I walked out. He cried for about 20 minutes ... that was 5:15 - at 8:22 this am he was still asleep! I looked in on him, and he was on his belly in the corner sleeping like he has never slept before - probably of exhaustion.

I hated it, every minute of it. However I hate that I can't function in my day to day life too! I can't wake with him 4 - 6 times a night. He is 5 months old now - I am worn out and past exhaustion! So once the Dr gave me the OKAY and the promise that if I don't give in it will work I was FINE! I was okay hearing him cry! So many people say it will work I just have to stick to it!

Hope you enjoy my report of the days to come!

Pray for me and for him!

Prayers needed ...

2009-01-20T20:50:00.002-05:00

Bowden is NOT sleeping once again!!!

Last night I put him down at 8pm.

He was up at 11:45, 1:50, 4:35 and 5:43.

I am going out of my mind here!

Currently (8:51pm) he is screaming at the top of his lungs.

I had to walk away.

I have a horrible headache, daddy is bowling and Tatum thankfully is in bed!

Please pray for us!

Pray for my patience, pray that he sleeps soon and pray that this gets easier for me!

Thanks!

Pig Tails, Glasses and a Real Baby Doll

2009-01-19T20:56:00.004-05:00

Look ... you can't even tell she has a mullet!!

She loves my Glasses!
Tatum loves to put "Bubbie" in her baby doll stroller!

I watch close cause he will fall out - but it is too funny!

The REAL boy

2009-01-18T20:30:00.004-05:00

So I told you I would capture my boy at his best-

Here ya go!

I have tried to get video -

but you see he is so spoiled that when I get close to him to take it

he thinks I am going to pick him up, so he stops! haha

In the high chair - guess I wasn't feeding him fast enough!

He had just rolled off of his mat and blanket - I promise I don't let him lay on the wood floor!

Sissy had a BAD diaper - So I laid him in her bed (for his safety) and the screaming started IMMEDIATELY - Andy says it is because he was covered in PINK! haha!

I cried so hard

2009-01-17T15:59:00.004-05:00

Okay so does anyone watch Private Practice?!

It is on Thursday evening ... I am only 2 days behind!

So this was the story line

A single Dad -

He, his daughter and his son all had CF.

The daughter got some kind of bacteria.

She is/was going to die, there is no cure.

If the Dad or the son were near her, they too would get it and die.

So the dad had to choose ...

Let the daughter die alone, and stay with the son.

Or go to the daughter and be with her while him and her both die, leaving the son alone.

They were both young children. The daughter was older maybe 7 - son was around 4.

In the end he went to the daughter and asked Addison to see that the son was taken care of.

I cried and cried - one of those cries that I could not stop.

Andy started to laugh at me, "It's only a show honey!"

"I know but I couldn't imagine having to make that choice"

So dear Internet what would you do?!

I would go to Tatum ... I could not let her die alone - I would have found someone to care for Bowden first but I wouldn't be able to watch her die and not hold her -

Andy said he would stay with Bowden - He would need him too.

Even with the big "L" we had a great time

2009-01-13T21:55:00.004-05:00

I am home, I am alive - The Panthers sure did suck! Jake didn't do his job - not even a 1/3 of the job he should have. What a putz. He pissed me off, and it was his Birthday - ass hat should have kept his ass in bed on Saturday - Andy and I had a wonderful time. I drank way too much over the 2 nights we were off. (I say off because we had no babies and no work) I can't tell you how many times I was just sitting there and I would say "do you hear that?" NOTHING - it was NOTHING! Wonderful! We had a wonderful time ... oh I think I already said that. haha

The best part - Saturday am we woke up around 8:30 went down to the Hotel Restaurant and ate breakfast - I was in my PJ's - haha yes I was ... then we went right back to the room and slept until 1:30. Off and on watching tv and napping! OMG it was wonderful - to just lay there no kids, no phones, no computer and we didn't even talk. NOPE, didn't do that either - just were lazy! It really was awesome!

I have a wonderful husband and we both have WONDERFUL parents that made this past weekend possible! Thanks to everyone that helped out!

Dinner Friday night at Nikko's - That lady is the owner!

After dinner it was desert at The Melting Pot

Yummy!

Tailgating before the game!

Love my blue whiskers!

PS I just was asked to pray for a friend ... will you pray with me?!

Adrienne at Our Journey Of Love needs us ... bloggers she needs you too! Pray for her and her family!

BLOGGER

2009-01-08T19:52:00.003-05:00

What is up?! I have this neat new feature on my side bar that is SUPPOSED to tell me when people update their blog ... nope doesn't do it! It is driving me nuts! What is up with that?!

A preview of what is to come ...

What you all are waiting for ... Bowden at his best! haha

We are leaving tomorrow am to go to Charlotte First Round Playoffs for The Panthers!

This was my request for Christmas ... a weekend away with NO KIDS and something fun ...

Just so happened that The Panthers ROCK and we picked THIS WEEKEND!

Andy's Brother will be at our house all weekend and the babies will be all over the place!

Both parents are keep both babies one night of the weekend .. haha Good Luck! I hope it goes off without a hitch and Please Please Go Panthers!

When I get home I will be getting major pictures of Bowden at his best and a good video for you!

For now ... take this one as a preview!

Oh yeah ... Tatum now will wear pig tails ...

Tell me why ...

2009-01-06T21:24:00.002-05:00

So why is it that every picture of our children that we take is a "good" one?!

Today I was chatting with Melanie and she said you know - the only reason I really know that Bowden is a "bad" baby is because I hear him cry while we are chatting! She mentioned that all the pictures and videos I share of him are of him being a "good" boy!

*I must add here that I have 10X's the pictures of Tatum at her age as I do of Bowden. Now some of this is because I am mush busyer now than I was with her ... 2 will do that to ya. The "New" of a baby was worn off with Tatum. (Sorry Bowdie) and mostly because everyone I get if him crying or being ugly I delete.

So TODAY my friends I promise you that in the next week I WILL POST a few pictures of my HellPest and I will also give you all a video of him being him ... stay tuned for the good, the BAD and the UGLY!

The "Big" move

2009-01-05T19:59:00.002-05:00

Well we made the "BIG" move.

We moved Tatum Bug .... DOWN STAIRS!

I really think the first night was harder on me than on her.

However the second night was hard on us ALL!

But it was harder for different reasons ...

Tatum brought home a NASTY NASTY Cold.

You all know - one of those colds that you take them to the Dr. for and then you hear:

It is viral ... let it play it's course, but the kind that sounds like she is coughing from her toes.

SO ... this is the deal Bowden got the cold and he can't breath, which in turns means he can't sleep!!!

Tatum can hear Bowden now. Her room is directly under his!

Well last night (their second night in their new rooms) Bowden slept all of 3 TOTAL hours out of 12. MY GEEZE!!!

Anyway ... here is hoping that tonight is a better night than last night!

PS we took Bowden to the Dr today and all is going to be better ... we got meds!

Bring on '09 ~ May it be wonderful

2008-12-31T20:37:00.002-05:00

I just wrote a 5 PP post and deleted it ... I touched on all good and bad of our 08. Then I figured I should just shut up ... we are all relatively healthy ... (over weight and runny noses are still healthy right?) We have been blessed with 2 babies ... one that is an angle and the other ... well lets just say he is working on it. (side note- tonight we went to my in-laws for a early evening party and it took us 30 minutes to get everyone ready and packed ... he cried the entire time! Yes all 30 minutes ... he acted as if his head was going to explode ... the second I picked him up ... he was giggling!) So while he is sleeping better at night, he is still crying all the time! ALL THE TIME! I am hoping that things with him will get better SOON! We both have jobs, and neither of us have had to lay anyone off. My husband's business is doing better than ours ... we are starting to really struggle. (He owns a produce company that sells to restaurants ... people are still eating out. I am in Construction ... which you all know is hurting) Our business (mostly commercial) is still busy ... only one problem all the housing and condo construction people are slow so they are coming into my world. Under bidding people and making things on us rough! The work that we have we can't get paid for ... the owners are struggling, watching every penny, paying the contractor less, then them paying us less. We filed 2 law suits this past week one for over $461,000. The other for a little over $80,000. I have a wonderful support group, in real world and in the Internet world. Even though we can fight I have a wonderful husband who really loves me! I can go on and on, but then it would be almost like the last post ... so

Happy New Year to all of you!

May you each have a blessed '09!

May you all be blessed and have wonderful things to come your way!

I wish only the best of the best for all of you ... my dear Internet friends!

Bowden is Swingin'

2008-12-30T21:37:00.002-05:00

Hope Ya'll love it!
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

Best Christmas Present Ever

2008-12-28T20:17:00.003-05:00

Well it all started last Saturday ... Tatum went to my mom's, Bowden went to Angee's. We went to dinner and then to a new bar in town ... Cooter's. They have Wii's set up for the patrons to play. For free. We had never played before and we had a blast ... for about 2 hours. Then Andy let go of the remote and YEP it went "threw" the 60" TV ... yep crash! Busted, messed it all up. About 15 minutes into talking to the manager about what we will do with the tv, my phone rings. It was Angee, she needed us ... Bowden had been crying for 2 hours. She kept saying I am so sorry I called you ... I was like "girl I would have called you a lot earlier than 2 hours." Anyway ... we got home with him from her house at 10 ... gave him a bottle and put him to bed .... OKAY Christmas Present here you go ... he slept through the night. YEP ... 10 - 8. Every night since then he has either slept 8 - 8 or only woke one time (usually around 3) and out of 8 nights he has only woken 2 times. So thank you ... thank you my baby boy I love you, this was the best Christmas Present ever!

I have to admit it has been very hard to love him the way I loved Tatum from the get go ... the night before the night he slept he was still waking every 3 hours ... and it was starting to get to me. Emotionally that is, I went to work Wednesday before the night he slept in tears ... my dad sent me home and told me to sleep, take a bath and rest! I needed it ... mentally I was work out, and while I have loved him from the day I found out I was preggo with him it has been rough loving him the way I should have been!

Anyway ... what was your best Christmas present?!

Christmas Eve with my baby boy!

My real cabbage patch kid!

His name is Bowden!

Body Parts

2008-12-19T20:27:00.002-05:00

Several months ago I was so worried that Tatum couldn't point out any body parts ... Dear Internet you all told me to be patient, that she would get it ... Well OF COURSE you were right ... here she is showing off and pointing out some of her favorites! PS the way she says elbow is my favorite of all times! I LOVE LOVE IT!!
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

Parade

2008-12-17T09:35:00.004-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posts and the lack of my comments ... I am reading your blogs, but I am swamped! Mommy of 2 under 2 isn't going like I thought! Haha I am exhausted!

So Sunday we were in a parade - Andy's Company (Whole Sale Produce) is expanding ... they are now selling door to door - A & A Produce on the Go!

In Myrtle Beach you can go to the site and order any produce you want on line

then they deliver it to you ... in a refrigerated box! Very nice! Anyway we were promoting it in a parade on Sunday ... Enjoy the pics!

Tatum getting ready for the Parade
Me and Bowden

Tatum liked the hat better then the ears!
Blowing kisses from the float -

Tatum with Nana - take away the cup it would have been a great photo!

This is what Bowden did most of the parade, the rest of it he was screaming!

I Hope You Dance!

2008-12-15T11:35:00.002-05:00

For your viewing pleasure ... Tatum Dances with the snowmen!
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

Thank you S*ears!

2008-12-11T20:58:00.006-05:00

We had our family photo shoot today ... it didn't go GREAT, but it wasn't bad either. My hormones are still raging so I was very hot and sweaty and I felt like I was melting. Hated that part, but the babies did pretty well with it. Tatum REFUSED to lay on her tummy and look at her brother, but she did kiss his head a few times. The photographer missed each kiss but got one that was pretty close.

So ... here ya go ...

and really you can tell me how cute they are, but I ALREADY KNOW!

HAHAHA

Oh No

2008-12-09T20:06:00.002-05:00

Tonight while cooking dinner, Andy put Tatum on the counter. He usually takes her into the kitchen so she can "help" him cook while I play (tend to) Bowdie. When he put her on the counter she started to try and blow out a candle that at the time wasn't even lit. She was blowing and saying "hot." So I told Andy to let me get the camera and you light it .... check it out she is too cute for words!
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

Christmas

2008-12-09T11:16:00.004-05:00

Okay so in the past few years at work we were able to give out bonuses. 5 years to be exact. The first of those 5 my mom and dad took a loan out against their house to cover it. Last year me, and dad forfeited our bonuses so the guys could have them. Last year they ranged anywhere from $2000-$150. This year ... we can't do them. We have had to borrow money from the bank on 2 occasions to cover payroll. If you are asking why we can't cover it - we have 3 jobs that had/have extras. In construction extras don't always go as planned ... one extra cost us over $320,000 - we have filed a lien on that job and have also called in a arbitrator. So we are doing all we can to recover that money plus the $141,000 in retainage that they owe us. With just that job alone we could cover all our past due bills, and get caught up on payroll. Anyway I am rambling ... we aren't able to do bonuses this year ... all our guys are complaining about it. I blew up and yelled at all of them that they were lucky to even have a J-O-B ... they all looked at me like I was nutz. ASS HATS!

Okay thanks for letting me vent.

PS Joann if you are reading ... I tried to find your e-mail and couldn't - couldn't find your blog either ... the babies are 14 months apart - One in June 07 and the other in August 08. I don't know if twins wouldn't have been easier! hahaha