Living A Lewis Life

Bringing Blogging Back

2012-01-21T07:03:00.001-05:00

Figured there was no better reason than this...

Getting to the root of the problems.

2010-09-24T11:22:00.004-04:00

(being silly before her procedure)

So I have felt like I've tried to be patient with our pediatrician(s) regarding the regular vomiting that Addi has done since birth...and really not so much the entire time I breastfed, around 10 1/2 months. Sometimes she'd just plain gorge herself and projectile but that wasn't anything I didn't do as a baby.
But really, enough has been enough. I think in my last post I explained that its random puking, she is fine, acts fine but she is to the point that she feels sad or guilty when we have to clean up after her or it embarrasses her when we are out in public. I mean who wouldn't it do that to, right? I think about elementary and that kid who gets sick...the trauma of other kids seeing it, making fun (yea, we all know it happens whether its my own child or yours) but it can hurt kids and I don't want her to hurt any more mentally or even with physically throwing up. Its just not normal. Then there is the issue of going to a preschool or elementary school and this continuing. I'd be very close to a truancy officer I'm sure!
I believe not for any particular reason other than the fact that our pediatrician was diagnosed with cancer and we worked to just see who we needed to when we needed to because in all honesty she hasn't been sick...we've done routine yearly check ups with a bout of congestion here or there, nothing serious though and we were continuously reassured each time we did go, with logs of throwing up, that she was within her weight range and height. She does eat good, well the things she wants to eat which we found out probably weren't helping the throwing up. She loves spaghetti, lasagna - anything Italian (guess she just comes by it honest since its in her momma's blood) ha! For the past few consecutive times we have seen Dr. Coffman and he began to listen - mainly because I was forcing the issue. We went for bloodwork at Childrens (which resulted in my identity being stolen ... 7 credit cards open or attempted to be open all of which were maxed out before I ever even got the first one in the mail, another blog in iself!)

Bloodwork came back fine so we were referred to a pediatric G I, Dr Devoid. Heard both good and a few bad scenarios but my mom does work with his ex wife who did make a call to him and just gave a little background. Fortunately I've been force to take some time off with Addi since Nana is on vacation this week. Meghan was nice enough to keep her on Tues. She took Mady & Addi to the creative discovery museum, big river grill and then home to play in the water. I'm so very lucky to have such incredible friends in my life who love not only me, but our entire family. I feel like they too are all my family. I'm blessed.

So we met with Dr. Devoid who confirmed how we'd always felt, that reoccuring vomiting is NOT normal in children over the age of 18 months and that we'd order an upper GI imediately. I think I was a bit confused because I thought we were immediately having an endoscopy & that she'd have to be put to sleep and maybe we will have that eventually but this morning we went to Chatt Imaging in Hixson, they really were so wonderful. Addi thought she super special b/c we got our own waiting room with Handy Manny and the Mickey Mouse clubhouse to watch. She just didn't understand why she could drink anything, that is until they tried to get her to drink the barium drink. It was grape flavored and shouldn't have been a big deal but the whole sensitivity to smells then causes her to gag. I will say she may not look like her momma but this girl is me made over when it comes to willpower (and attitude at times). It was pure torture. I felt so helpless I had to leave the room crying. At that point I think the nurse felt better if I left as well so that she could just try to make her get it down. I regained my composure and one of the ladies watching the images being taken just explained what was going on & how they were able to catch a great image of her trying to throw the drink back up. The whole staff was very comforting and helpful in trying to put us at ease. DEFINITELY SEVERE ACID REFLUX!!! I'm not certain if I will even hear from the dr today or what the next steps are but at least we did leave our initial appt with Dr Devoid with Nexium (not covered by our insurance - or any for that matter) and we still have the zofran but I'm hoping we can wean off of that knowing the severity of the reflux. Just with doing the nexium in her apple sauce at lunch yesterday there was never a hint of gag or that she may throw up.

So, even by this picture you can tell, this morning was super stressful and just glad I've had the last 3 days with my girl. Needless to say we left the procedure, stopped by to see YaYa (and started smiling again!!) then headed to Target where we walked out with 3 movies, some stickers, headbands, a leotard for our tumbling class we started (jeesh I'm way behind in blogging huh?) Our time together this week has really been priceless and so sweet. Although we haven't packed our days in busy we've just had some good old fashion quality time snuggling and hanging out. Much needed!

I must say that I know God is in control although sometimes I get overwhelmed in knowing I can't control her being completely healthy or incredibly sick....I'm blessed for those that he puts into our lives to help shed some light in either their own situations & perspectives. And for those in the medical industry who are really there to help us and often get misrepresented/mistreated ESPECIALLY by myself, since I work in the insurance industry, and I often fight fights for those that can't afford the necessary procedures they may need. I'm grateful for the job my husband has and that I'm able to no matter the situation walk in and know that my family is going to get the care that they need. I just know regardless of the issues we endure we are still incredibly blessed and sometimes I just need to "close the complaint door" as my Bible for mothers tells me.

I will continue to update and honestly sometimes facebook gets out of control with knowing each others business and the personal stuff we post but in all honesty I've had more people praying for my family and well its sometimes just nice to see all the believers out there standing up and putting their faith in our God to take care of us and not afraid to show it. Thank you all!!!

I could NEVER make this stuff up!

2010-08-26T08:41:00.004-04:00

Life with Addi is absolutely the most fun. I mean the stuff this child comes up with are things that I could NEVER in my wildest thoughts come up with....Here are just a few Addi(ism's)....

Addi: "don't leave just yet babe, I wanna kiss you bye!"

Addi on the death of Grammy & Papaw's cat Sasha....."I need God's phone number to call and check on Sasha"

Addi: while in a public restroom she squats down and is a peeping tom...."Look mom, her panties are cute aren't they?"

Addi: "Shut the door it stinks in here, I'll tell ya when I'm done!" (pic below)

At 9pm at night we hear screams for help, only to find Addi looking like the Michelin Man. She had on everything in the pic below. I wish I would have gotten a pic but she was freaking out and I just needed to get her stripped down.

5 pairs of pants.....4 shirts.....3 pairs of shorts....and 2 night gowns all over the night gown she had on. WOW!!!

I love this girl with all of my being but if any of the things that have happened in the past 3 yrs is a preview of the next 3 well then we've got our hands full!!! But I believe we already knew that!

Remember This???

2010-07-26T21:20:00.004-04:00

I was going through some old photo's and found this.....I literally laughed out loud (and can NOW) when I saw this little mischievious face. I can vividly hear her cute little mousy voice when she said, "I just wanted some Wo-tion momma." Let's just say it takes some serious kitchen soap to degrease butt paste ~ Enjoy a good laugh!

Brave Heart

2010-06-29T08:23:00.002-04:00

Ironically when I walked into work today there was a Blood Assurance flyer on the door for a blood drive. Typically I've always got an excuse as to why I don't have time to donate blood....really its just my own self being a baby because I don't like needles at all. I must say though my perspective on both giving blood and how tough (emotionally & physically) our little girl really is.

Most of you know the battle we have had with Addi throwing up 2-3x a week if not more. The dr's have never been really concerned because of the fact that she's always in the 50-75th percentile for weight and continued to gain weight but seriously who likes to throw up? Not to mention that it usually happens when we are in a restuarant or if we are at a birthday party (for kids) & we scare the beejesus out of everyone thinking we have a virus or something. And most importantly its just plain sucks to watch her child say "I don't want to throw up" & then there it is. Her sense of smell is ridiculous - she can smell food which then causes her to gag or even throw up. This is just constant. For instance the other day we were laying in bed & I was eating a vanilla oreo. She looks at me, says what are you eating & then gagged. Its just constantly like this & so unfair to her. We addressed it at her 3 year check up so we were given orders for blood work & a stool sample culture.

I got even luckier when I posted on FB that I was dreading taking her to T.C. Thompson for all of this....a girl I played ball with in high school & now see all the time in our slow pitch leagues actually works in the lab there. She told me when she worked & she was so ready for us when we arrived. Deanna, if you happen to read this, you are wonderful.....I didn't sleep a wink for thinking about this & how traumatizing it might be. I was warned they take a good bit of blood, or at least a lot for a 3 yr old. Daddy met us there after working all night & you could tell that both he & I were much more ancy than Addi was. She was discussing with us as we walked down the hall of the hospital "what are they gonna do with my poop?" (let's just say I will not give the details of me racing Addi to put seran wrap on the toilet in hopes of catching poop! She thought that was fun)

I introduced Addi to Deanna, who just so happen have Nemo & Dori ALL over her scrub top, yet another reason she's fabulous. Addi hopped up into my lap, she was very hesitant & was getting to that "I'm not doing anything I don't want to" stage when Deanna started showing Addi my viens and stuff. She said you might feel a little stick - I grabbed my phone & started showing Addi all of our pics from our girls lunch & pedicure with Arden. She was telling Deanna all about it when the next thing I knew the needle was in & blood was coming out.....LOTS of it, uhhhh feeling faint just talking about it.

So hopefully this will give us some answers. They are testing for all food allergies, celiac disease, & so many other things I just don't have a clue what. If this doesn't provide any answers I guess we are back to the drawing board & may visit an ENT to see if the gagging/sensitivity to smell has anything to do with the ears. Keep sweet Addi in your prayers please - its just pitiful to see her go through this when nothing "major" seems to be wrong. I just know that if we don't get some clear answers I may have to quit my job completely when she starts a real day care or school. We all know people tend to freak when they see puke, me on the other hand - well I've learned to just catch it, scoop it, hide it and SANITIZE, SANITIZE, SANITIZE!!!

One day she will eat these words.....

2010-06-22T10:36:00.006-04:00

One day when she's 38, closing in on 40, she is going to remember the day, b/c I will tell her, when she wanted to be 5 not 3....which would now make her 40 not 38.

Addi turned 3 over the weekend and well when you're an only child (as was her momma) you make a weekend of it. I used to get the whole month, then I got married....Josh settled for a week. Now a days I'm lucky if I get the actual day. ha! I took off on Friday and let Addi choose a friend to go have pedicures and lunch. She wanted Arden to go with her. I love that she loves Arden as much as I love Arden's momma. Its even sweeter because they rarely get to play or even see each other yet I still hear her in her room talking on her cell phone having a conversation with Arden all the time, or even better that she randomly will say how much she misses or loves her. Gotta love the heart of a child, huh?!
So anyway we picked Arden up & headed to get pedi's. Addi explained to her the whole way that it tickles & she laughs a lot. Watching these girls was just the funnest. They picked out their colors & both wanted pok a dots. Funny thing is that one picked green & wanted pink pok a dots & the other chose pink & wanted green pok a dots. They loved it & had so much fun but was definitely ready to hit Chick fil a for ice cream & the playground....um, I was more interested in the original chicken sandwich with no pickle please. After one tea spill, ice cream in the hair, ice cream in Arden's hair b/c of Addi they were eager to hit the playground. I could hear the shrills & screams from my window view. They had so much fun together & Arden wasn't very happy that I was taking her back to the shop, she wanted to come to our house and had Addi not needed a nap we'd taken her in a heartbeat.
Saturday was her actual birthday and we had her party at the Spiritbarn in Hixson. Fab....fab....fab....especially for summer birthdays when its blistering hot out. Its also awesome for those mom's who go to parties & have to do more work to keep their rollers/crawlers out of things. Here you can put the kids down & they can run wild. They ALL ran wild....even us adults.
We were all pooped and hit the hay early that night. Needless to say it was a success & I can't even believe I have a 3 yr old. I just have no idea where the time has gone. I love that little girl with all my heart & am very blessed to be her momma.
We love you Addi Grace!!! Happy 3rd Birthday!

So excited for girls day with Arden!

(who cares that mom

took the day off to spend with her)

Loving her Grammy & Papaw

My family

YaYa, Addi & Mommy....Group Hug!

NON STOP!!!

She literally loved on every gift and said Thank

you before I could give reminders....what a good

girl!

Ohhhh Yeah!!! MAKE UP!!!!!!!

Another year "burnt"

Straw...straw....ba...ba berry....

Strawberry Shortcake!!!

Dessert with Arden

Big girls getting their toes painted

Andi...this is SO fun!

Birthday Girl!

Hot...Hot....Hot!!!

2010-06-16T10:32:00.004-04:00

Super Star

Wanting to be just like Maddie

Mommy is silly

Brad is even more silly

Gosh I love my family!

Do you see what I see????

Loves her daddy!

Just catching some rays

Riding tractors at the Cookie Jar

Such a diva

Man its HOT!!! I def do not remember it being this HOT this early unless I think back to about 3 years ago when I was about to pop at this time so maybe my judgement is a little cloudy. ha!

We've been busy just doing fun stuff as Miss Addi requests, needless to say that swimming has been a huge part of it. Above are just some pics of our happenings lately. Hope you enjoy and stay tuned.....some one is turning 3 very soon!

Happily Ever After

2010-05-11T09:14:00.006-04:00

Josh's cousin Kim got married on May 1st. Their wedding ceremony was literally a page out of a fairy tale. I loved the fact that Kim allowed herself to have so much fun and be very light hearted about her wedding. I was probably, ok not probably I was, more uptight and stressed than the bride was. You know that discussion in my last post about that little girl that won't do anything ESPECIALLY if you ask her to or if all the attention is on her WELL she struck again. Kim asked Addi, and 4 other little girls to be "fairies" instead of flower girls in her wedding. Let me just say that there is by far a difference in an almost 3 yr old and almost 4, 5, or 6 yr olds. Can you guess who the lone defiant fairy was? I must say though when it came time to walk down the aisle she did just that, with much help from Caroline, Chloe & about 8lbs of sugar in suckers & candy..... and high tailed it to momma. The wedding was fun with music from 101 Dalmations, Cinderella and many other Disney movies and the ceremony was beautiful. We are so happy for Kim & Michael and thank them for including us in their special day.

Ready for Rehearsal

If I would have allowed it she so would've worn this ALL day!

Walking with Caroline

The bride with her fairies & their momma's

The Lewis clan (MOST of us)

Family Photo

Just a few of the Lewis ladies (Anne, me, Stephanie & Sherri)

Dancing during the father / daughter dance

(if that doesn't make your heart melt I don't know what would!)

Sherri & Rick, me & Josh, Anne & Allen during the reception

Time Out....SOCCER MOM!!

2010-05-10T11:29:00.007-04:00

I think I deserve to put myself in TIME OUT for the lack of blogging. Our laptop is on the "DL" list and I've been putting off taking it to Best Buy for the Geek Squad to look at it and say "we have to send it off!"

I used to have a little down time at work that I could catch up on blogging occassionally but those days are so long gone its not even funny. Not funny at all.

So in a nutshell the Lewis' really haven't slowed down any even though the blogging has. We signed Addi up for soccer. Its been a learning experience for ALL of us. I think that if you have ever met Addi you know she's by far not shy. Usually she's having deep conversations with those she meets atleast 45 seconds into their meeting however soccer is a completely different story. The day before I stood in the Target aisle of shinguards, soccer balls, socks etc.....thinking to myself "where did the time go?" I seriously was trying to not let the tears that were building in my eyes to actually slide down my check as I grabbed the pink & white shinguards and jetted.

Day 1 of soccer - Addi woke up, bright and early of course, and was so excited about soccer. She put her shinguards on about an hr and a half before it was time to even leave the house. She carried her ball with her like a big girl and was talking all about soccer......we got to the field where our team (which consists of 5 kids and 10 parents...ha!) was warming up. WELL our team was short a member for the first game. Addi wouldn't step foot on the field, didn't want any party of it so she and I sat on the sidelines and just talked about the team, the field, the game, we also discussed the birds, who that was walking across the field, why THAT GIRL had her ball and anything you could think of that didn't have a thing to do with soccer. I think we went to the potty twice. Just as she was gearing up, said "I'm ready to play" it was "snack time" and the game was over. Needless to say it was a little stressful....I promised myself I wasn't going to get all ancy or uptight if things didn't go according as planned. (thats a whole blog in itself!)

The second week was better, not perfect but she at least tried. She kicked, ran but I will tell you when anyone cheers for her or tries to tell her good job she goes into panic mode, shuts down and is D-O-N-E, at least until she wants to be. She is ALL WOMAN!!!! We missed our 3rd and 4th game because of scheduling conflict with Addi being in Josh's cousin Kim's wedding (and yet another blog, jeesh I am behind, huh?). So tonight will be our last game & pictures. Needless to say this year was a learning experience for all of us. I just want her to be active. I don't care what she does, although we are extremely bias to softball....however what ever she wants to do we will be 100% behind as long as she is learning something & getting some sort of exercise and interaction with other kids. So here is to being a soccer mom, at least for 1 whole day!

Um, I think I'll hang here

with my mom.

If .......you will just kick it

mommy will take you to Chick Fil A

Ok, but just 1 time!

All that decision making on whether to play

sure did work up an appetite.

Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many. ~Author Unknown

2010-02-16T11:09:00.012-05:00

So this past week was a big week for me, in the perspective of years that is. I turned 30 whether I wanted to or not. I chose to go ahead with it. People keep asking me am I ok with it. Well for one do I have a choice? Uh, no but I do have a choice in how I perceive this "milestone" of a birthday. I wouldn't consider it a milestone as I think each year that I'm healthy enough to make it to see another birthday is in itself a milestone. I'm happy to turn 30. I feel like I'm starting a new chapter or heck even a whole new book in a way. I've never felt better - spiritually, physically & emotionally. I'm learning new things about me every day....some things I don't like, those I'm working on and other things I love - I do love me. That may sound so conceited and I don't mean it that way at all. I learned from Susan to learn to love me first, b/c if I love me then I'm willing to love others whole heartedly and I know that I'm worthy of being loved. And man.....am I ever loved. From the minute I put my foot on the ground that morning it was nothing but thoughtfulness all day long. I got some of the cutest gifts from wine glasses & stationaries to what some like most....$$$ & gift cards. I was told repeatedly how much I was loved, appreciated and thought of. There are so many people that continue to show me just how much I'm loved. My husband for one - forked over his wallet to Starla, Britt & Meg so that I could have a party I'd never forget. Every single detail of my birthday was so special. Mom made sure I had the oohhh la la boots I'd been wanting - Addi told me over and over Happy Birthday Mommy in the sweetest singing voice ALL day long. We had Formosa for dinner, yummy! I had one of the best cakes that Publix makes from the office. Seriously folks this cake was to die for. Its one of their signature desserts.

People were so thoughtful in the gifts they gave, which were so not even needed or expected. I'm just so blessed. Meghan designed the most adorable invitations & Starla made sure that I had the cutest of cute cakes for the party....and from what I hear my hubby was a champ b/c it wasn't cheap!!! And well probably the most favorite and most thoughtful gift.....Britt apparently had emailed folks asking for their addresses, most of the invite list actually. She sent them a letter which included a self addressed envelope & colored construction paper. Each person was to write down as many memories on separate sheets that they had that included me & them - they sent them back to her prior to the party. She put all of those memories into a "memory box" for me which was also on the cake table at my party for others who didn't get to participate with the mailing. When I opened the first piece of paper that read "I will never forget going ring shopping and planning the proposal for Starla" - Jeremy Painter....well I started crying.

There were memories from Jr High, memories from high school, college, maternity days, and so very recent days......it was so incredibly thoughtful. I have literally read them over & over & over. Some are so hilarious that I laugh out loud and some....well, some are like "memoirs of Marilyn Monroe", that is they will be taken to the grave. ha! If you know me well then you know that this gift meant more to me than any thing with a price tag. I have so many people that I love and to hear what our relationships with each other meant to them is truly priceless.

I feel like although I know there will be hardships to face, whether its death, the roller coaster of marriage, parenting, that I'm blessed and I love my life & everyone in it. I'm blessed with a husband who respects & loves me and a daughter that is healthy & makes me smile a smile no one else can.

So I say to the question of "how do you feel about turning 30?".......Bring on the Memories!

Paul said it would be like this.

2010-02-07T00:22:00.003-05:00

Our road at 4:15 on Friday 1/29

Being silly girls

Cutest snow angel ever!

We all know that we all give the weather men grief throughout the year. They, unlike most of us, can completely foul up a prediction yet still keep their job. :) Its actually comical. And even though Paul did say we would be getting snow I'm pretty sure they missed how quickly it would arrive and they certainly missed predicting how much we would get. Predictions said 3-6 inches in the higher elevations. This is how those predictions affected the Lewis'.

I had attended a meeting up on BCBS' Cameron Hill Campus. Around 11:30 when the meeting was over I called to check in with the office since Sandra & Kim were supposed to come downtown & we were going to take Dianne to lunch. Kim was being told school's were letting out so that put a nix in our lunch plans since she needed to get her kids. It really worked out b/c I headed on into the office thinking that since I'd already been gone all morning I'd just work through lunch. We leave at 4 on Friday's anyway & I can assure you I have plenty of snacks in my desk. Sometimes a handful of teddy grahams or half a box of wheat thins later I get through a crisis...ha! Anyway back on track here....Sandra ran to get her some lunch and was literally going across the street, she called and said, "look outside" it was really coming down. Jeff came by and said just use your discretion. You know where you need to go and how long it will take. I knew I needed to go to the grocery....uhhhh yea. I mean we didn't have juice, milk, anything for Addi to eat so I knew I HAD to go. By the time I got to the Bi-lo in Hixson the grounds were covered, about 45 minutes later Josh calls to say the rr had called overtime & he was going in. I said "Really?? Have you looked outside?" He was like uhhh no I'm still in bed and then he says "oh...guess I better tell them I'm not coming." He went to get Addi and we all worked to get home. It was pretty slick and by the time I got to Highwater traffic was backed up to 27, two cars were in the ditches and we were sliding when we stopped. It took 13 minutes to get from 27 to Dayton Pk....probably not even the distance of a football field, maybe. We made it home and got a good play in the snow. By 7:00 that evening we had over 7 inches on our back deck. It was crazy how fast it was coming down and for how long. Addi was loving it and we got an extra night with Daddy!!! :)

Around 2 the next morning we lost power. It did not come back on until 9:45 that night. We didn't stick around to wait on it though. Fortunately for us we are loved! We packed up a ton of snacks (I mean I was at the grocery so might as well prepare for it!!) and got super comfy and we headed to Jeremy & Starla's. The kids played hard and we laughed hard. Its wonderful having such good friends to take care of us.

And while I thought it was beautiful andI'm glad Addi has seen it - done it I'm good with the snow now, I'm ready for spring. Yea alot of good you were Punxsutawney Phil!!

God Bless the Broken Road.....That Led me straight to YOU!

2010-01-06T10:39:00.008-05:00

That song, by Selah, has been just about the only thing other than praying that has brought me any comfort lately.

I will apologize now if this post goes all over the place, that is just where my heart is, and honestly I'm not even certain I'm ready to blog about it but I'm gonna try.

December 22, 2009.

I got up like any normal day, got ready for work but had planned my day a little differently. Our office was having our Christmas Luncheon at Public House, a new restaurant downtown (which I highly recommend). I knew that I would enjoy a glass of wine or two so we had planned for Mom to take me to work then Josh & Addi would pick me up from the restaurant so that I could enjoy the lunch w/wine and not be on the road, that right there is incredibly ironic in itself for the turn of events that took place. We were leaving for Christmas in Knoxville from there. Josh got home before we had left that morning and mentioned that as he drove by 4th street that a pedestrian was struck. Call it intuition or whatever but at that point I got the sickest feeling in my stomach & couldn't get this person off my mind. I prayed the whole way to work for this person. Work is ridiculously busy so I immediately went to working away when I got a text from my s-i-l that read, "Did you hear about Susan's accident?", I logged onto facebook right then and had a message in my inbox from my old Team Leader from Unum, Tonya, that read something to the extent of how it was the only way she knew to contact me but gave me details and that Susan WAS the pedestrian struck. She was in surgery and that was all we knew at that point. I was in a bit of shock, I just didn't really believe this was going on. I'd read what the online reports were saying about a car-jacking then hit and run. Sick to my stomach really just doesn't explain it.

I was packing up my things getting ready to leave the office when Tonya called and I swear to you time stopped. I still have such a weird feeling that time really is still going at a turtle's pace. Her words still ring in my ear "Andrea" and there was just silence.... "Susan died." I rode to the luncheon with my boss in silence - I sat at the table, in as much silence as I could without being the "party pooper" of the bunch but my heart was & still is broken. Broken, broken, broken, broken.

So that takes us back to 2002 when I met a broken Susan Parker. I had not been at Unum long when Susan came back to work. At this time in her life her husband had left her and she was now a single mom caring for two young children. I believe Rachel was 5 and Brody 2 or 3. Keep in mind I was straight off the Lifeguard stand, a young 22 yr old who just had her first real corporate job in an entry level position. Cube world ring a bell? She was devastated. Her husband left & now she was having to leave her children to make a living and provide for them. And let me just say, she wasn't afraid to tell you all about it and in the midst of a story would burst into tears. I kept thinking how in the world am I supposed to sit here and get my work done when this woman is telling everyone everything and jeesh, can't keep it together at that. She was broken. She was attending a divorce care class at church and coming closer and closer to God. She & I became closer & closer as well. She was a friend I never knew I needed....God sure did though. Over the next few years we were attached at the hip. We went for breakfast, lunch and just strolls around the common area when we needed a break. During early spring and early fall we would leave Unum and walk down to the Walking Bridge and back for a breath of fresh air. We'd take in the birds chirping, the foliage, and all the people. Ohhhh how she LOVED fall. We shared many secrets, laughs, lunch picnics right on the lawn of Unum and even shared many tears but she was someone I knew was a forever friend. And as our friendship grew so did her love for the Lord. I watched a very dependent woman turn into someone who was standing on her own two feet and providing for two beautiful children all the while. And as she became more and more independent she grew that much closer to her Father. He knew all along what, or should I say whom, she needed. Insert Matt Wood. Matt & Susan knew each other from school & he now worked in the IT dept at Unum. They chatted occassionally but in Susan's eyes it was only friendly conversation. And low and behold he went and did something that I'm sure for a second, maybe a mili-second he wished he'd thought twice about.....he asked her out on a date. Now, if you knew Susan you know she spoke her mind and boy did she let him have it. "Didn't he know" she was a single mom of two kids, very much disliking men (YES ALL OF THEM), struggling to make ends meet, yada, yada, yada. Needless to say I'm sure he was like yikes. But you know what...God sent him again, and he asked again....AND she said yes. The rest my friends is history. Beautiful history I should say. He proved to her that they aren't all the same - they courted just like high school kids. They truly could make one sick, ha but in the most loving of ways. They went on a date to the wedding of Josh Lewis & Andrea Smith 2 months into their relationship where Matt caught the garter and Susan fought like crazy but didn't catch the bouquet. In November 2004 they married. She was the most beautiful bride and he was the most smitten groom. Brody hid under his mom's dress and Rachel gazed up at them as if she were watching Cinderella & her Prince.

Although I left Unum in January of 2005 my friendship with Susan only grew stronger. She saw me through a lot of difficulties during 2006 but was right there with daily devotions through email and phone. We met monthly at Sticky Fingers to catch up - I'd come walking down the street and see that smile blocks away, and then hear "Smith get over here and hug me." Even after I married she still called me Smith.

I was thrilled when her family joined DBBC because I knew I would not only get to see her once a week but more importantly I was getting to sing praises to the Lord with her. And I still got one of her hugs once a week too. She would always go on and on about how beautiful my family is, how great I looked or what a wonderful man I had but it was just fluff - she was genuine, she was my friend and she is gone.

We sat in the court room on January 12th and had to not only see the young man responsible but we listened to the horrific details of what happened on December 23, 2009. Horrific, unimaginable, wrong, callous.....details that weren't just the result of an accident but more a result of irresponsibility & lack of respect. It was one thing for this to happen but as most of you have seen the gentleman responsible had not only been drinking from the hours of around 3am-7am but after he struck Susan he never stopped - never hit his breaks or never even slowed down. Instead, and I understand scared, he fabricated a story that he had been carjacked - that he was the victim in this. Obviously the police did their job & it too many inconsistancies led them to what really happened. He was drinking & driving, killed a mother, a wife, sister, daughter & friend and NEVER once thought twice about stopping. It was later revealed that not only did he kill Susan he was on the phone with a friend when it happened, told her "I think I just hit somebody" and later called her back to say "Remember that conversation we had, well forget about it - it never happened...its been taken care of."

I can't imagine the strength and courage it took for a friend of this man to stand up there, only 1 person in between them and testify to all of that. She, unlike this young man, has a conscious. I thank her for that.

Although his attorney fought to keep him out of jail and the bail at a minimum cost the Judge felt no remorse. As she looked around the court room which was packed full of family members, friends, and co-workers she saw our pain and justice for the time being was served. He was taken immediately into custody and his bail doubled to $360,000. Justice WAS served.....but the pain hasn't gone away. I'm not certain that it will. Its not black and white here. This isn't over, and in fact its really only begun. There have been articles on the Chattanoogan, the news has reported it all over the TV, Unum is having a celebration of Susan's life & in fact they are now going to give an award in her name to an employee that shows the same characteristics that Susan showed every day - even to complete strangers. But you know.....the pain is still there.

Although I had everything to be thankful during the holidays they were tough. I had a hard time not just wanting to crawl into bed, cover my head and sob....and actually I did just that several times.

And all the while I'm thinking of the Wood & Berry families as a christian and well as someone who has a heart so full of compassion my heart breaks for this man's family. Its obvious with looking at records and hearing about his past that this young man was no stranger to the law. A DUI here, public drunk there, aggravatted assualt and well a list that isn't all that long but a list that is compiled of laws that were broken and who knows - if he'd paid for his actions earlier in life Susan may be here. And again, as a Christian I know that 1. Susan was ready, she never missed a day or opportunity to tell someone how ready she was to meet her Father & 2. God chose her to spend eternity with Him, it was her time. At some point though this family will need to learn that they are no longer responsible for him or the decisions he makes. They must stop trying to "help" by bailing him out, providing $ etc. At some point they are going to have to turn their backs physically but drop to their knees and pray for him & pray for tough love. They didn't get to say good bye to their son that morning, he was immediately handcuffed and taken away so yeah they'll have to visit him in jail to see him but they can.....we didn't get to say goodbye to Susan but the difference is we must visit her memory at the cemetary.

I'm thankful I no longer work at Unum - I honestly do not know how I would walk past a memorial that has been placed by her family when I haven't even been able to drive down 4th street. I've taken every route I can just to ensure I don't have to see it yet. Silly but just my own grieving I suppose.

Susan's birthday was the 19th this month, just two days after Josh & my 6 yr anniversary. Matt had commented on facebook about remembering our wedding day, how fun it was and how that was one of their first "dates" as a real couple. Its a day that I will cherish forever because Susan taught me to appreciate things in so many different ways. I know that she knew I loved her, that I was grateful for her friendship but my heart is now broken over and over again when I walk into church and see Matt with no Susan. We are all leaning on our God heavily and in all honesty that is exactly what Susan would want. And although we miss her I do know that if her death brings JUST ONE person closer to God, well.....she wouldn't have it any other way.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-31T10:59:00.007-05:00

Yea, nice original title to what else, Christmas!! I love Christmas, always have but now that I'm a mom the "festivities" of Christmas have gotten so fun. We did Elf on a Shelf, we made gingerbread houses, we went to look at lights 3-4 nights a week, we ran here and there and exhausted ourselves to the max. The end result was one spoiled rotten but ecstatic little girl at each and every place we were. I'm so thankful that I got to spend the time with family and friends that I did during Christmas but my heart was heavy, and well to be honesty still is. But that is another post worthy of its own. To recap Christmas.....

12/23 Office Party Luncheon at Public House - 12:30 PM

12/23 Drive to Knoxville

12/24 Christmas Eve in Knoxville with my family 6:00 - 9:00 (drive home and arrive by 11:30)

12/24 Santa needed a little help from us putting together some things that he'd left Addi. But here is the thing - Santa doesn't deliver until Christmas Eve night so that left daddy putting together a My 1st Kenmore Refrigerator and Stove until 3:00 AM!

12/25 6:30 AM (Yeah...we got an extra 30 minutes sleep from the typical 6AM'er) Addi was in awe of her refrigerator and stove and all the utencils, food prep, vegetables, fruits, pots and pans that she just didn't really know what to say. She just stood there looking and said - "Is this for ME?" and then it was on! She made more cakes in 30 minutes than Rachel Ray can make a meal.

12/25 Lewis Family Lunch - 1:00. Robin & Eric were kind enough to host this year and its always a good time with the Lewis'. You never know what we'll be talking about or who we'll be laughing at....this year it was Campbell and his leather jacket Zoolander immitations.

12/26 Christmas with Grammy & Papaw & the Coffelts. And of course Addi is spoiled rotten even more. She got the cutest, (gulp.....,) cheerleader doll from Anne, Allen and the boys. Its hilarious with doing its cheers and all, Addi even got an (EVEN BIGGER GULP) adorable cheerlearder outfit to wear and cheer with her doll. They are really trying to turn my girl into a "girly girl" aren't they? :)

We were busy non-stop for days but it was nice to be with family and friends and celebrate the true meaning of CHRISTmas. I hate that my heart was sad b/c I feel like I barely muddled through and just got by although I was very thankful for everyone, for the gifts they got for Addi and for us. We are truly blessed.

It's the most Wonderful (BUSY) time of the Year!!

2009-12-14T10:20:00.004-05:00

Addi with Chanda Bell, author of Elf on a Shelf, at the book signing.

Santa & Addi 2009, she didn't want to leave him!

Attempts at a Christmas Card for Grammy & Papaw

Trying to be JUST like her cousins

Gingerbread House making '09

What??? How did that Efl-ette get on there?

Ready for Nana's

Being reminded that her "elf" is still watching the 'tude!!

Early Birds....

2009-12-06T22:16:00.006-05:00

Its no secret that in our home sleeping past 6:30, if you're lucky is unheard of. In fact, I'm usually greated at 6am with two questions...."What are we going to do pun (fun) today momma" & "May I have some milk please." So after the initial search for Cat, our elf that is still being called Cat, I'm hoping we move past that name soon. Anyway, we bundled up in long johns, golashesh, 'boggans, gloves and puffy coats and we headed out to play. It was so fun playing with Addi in her first snow. Daddy was gone on a 4wheeling tree to Brimstone, AND from what he has said its not any reference to Shrek or the smell as they are looking for the dragon while rescuing the princess. So back to the point....we had a little incident with the snowman. Of course it was the tiniest of snowmen anyway but we were attempting to put him on the back porch in hopes to save him for a few more hours well it didnt make it - well it did make a huge mess as it splattered on the floor. Needless to say we got a little laugh out of it. So we cleaned up our mess, came in to change into warm, dry clothes and began making soup, cornbread & a cake. We even attempted home made icing which we made purple with a little learning involved as well in mixing colors...a little red & blue make purple. Never miss those teaching moments, right?! It ended up looking like a huge donut with all the sprinkles we had on it but it was still yummy!

Grazie....Merci.....Gracias!

2009-11-30T11:19:00.006-05:00

No matter what language you gave "Thanks" in the one word just doesn't seem like a big enough word to use for the many blessings in my life for which I give thanks. For those that know the Lewis family you know that it isn't a small one. I know I've said numerous times how lucky I am to have married into such a loving immediate family but even the extended Lewis family is one to be grateful for. Since I started coming around these gatherings some 12 years ago not a thing has changed, well other than hairstyles, # in families, and the amount of food we now have to bring. We counted 55 family members present & can not thank Gary & Stephanie enough for hosting such a crowd. They have a chalk board in their kitchen that the girls had drawn a huge tree on with the word THANKFUL written above. They had leaves cut out for us to tape to the branches on exactly what we were thankful for.....some were silly & some were heartfelt but more importantly we enjoyed a lot of quality family time. From 5 siblings they have 10 children plus 10 spouses and in all of that you have over 20 grandchildren that were running in/out of the barn collecting eggs, roasting smores over the campfire, jumping on the trampoline, riding scooters, and just being "kids" as Granny Lewis used to say. I'm thankful that my child doesn't run and hide when we walk into a gathering this large and LOUD - that she is content following the big girls around and I'm able to catch up with some other Lewis ladies that we don't get to chit chat with that much.

Yes, my child rolling in the grass to play with a dog!

We actually did not travel to Knoxville this year as we typically do but instead headed down to Blairsville, GA to visit with my MIL's brother and his family. Our visits to Blairsville are always minimal throughout the year so it was nice to have a day to get to visit with cousins & 2nd cousins on the Hunter side of the family. As you can see in a few pics - Josh's height definitely doesn't come from the Lewis'. :)

Here is to kicking off the Holiday Season from our family to yours!!!

Boo!

2009-11-04T14:50:00.015-05:00

Halloween was a ton of fun this year......It started out with a costume party at Nana's (Addi's babysitter) and was non stop after that; we attended many parties but the most fun was getting Addi ready to go Trick or Treating. She was so excited she could hardly contain herself. She loved getting to knock on doors and ask for candy. As soon as she would get her candy she would look at me and say, "Are we going to go get more candy now?" Kids....gotta love 'em!

Family Pic - Halloween '09

Addi wanted to take this "punkin" home

It didn't hurt that daddy's friend, a real police

officer showed up.

Turned out to be a beautiful evening

Sugar High at this point

Starla (Robin da Hood) & I (Miss Kitty)

I love this pic!

Miss Kitty, Pocahontas, Princess Leia,

a Bumble Bee & a Nascar Driver

Britt & I at Ashleigh & Casey's Halloween Party

Addi & her BF, Kendall coloring

A ladybug & cowboy with Nana

At this point Addi had spilled something on herself but

you can see another lady bug, a girly clown, cowboy

and pumpkin shirt girl. :)

We found Nemo!

2009-10-22T13:47:00.009-04:00

Ever since we had heard Finding Nemo on Ice was coming to town we'd decided we would go. Well I then received a trip through work and planned a girls trip for that same weekend. I had assumed it was just a weekend show & then heard on the radio that it in fact was not. So I hurried to get online to locate tickets.....then I stopped looking b/c the prices I was finding where just ridiculous. My brain actually kept working & I thought about Craigslist. There were 2 entries for tickets, 1 being for 3 tix the other for 4. The person with the 3 had just sold theirs but the other had a phone # so I decided to give it a try. The next few events just continued to fall into place - like someone knew that I needed this family night before I left my girl & hubby for 4 full days. The lady with the tickets worked in Dalton however her mom would have the tickets, she works downtown - luckily I just so happen to have a meeting scheduled downtown at noon. After she talked with her mom she called me back to tell me that her mom would call to work out the details on picking them up. I asked should I get cash out or would she take a check....a check was fine she stated - just make it out to Brandy Christian.
What??? I say to that "Are you married to Tyrone?"
She says, "Actually, yes I am"
I say, "Um hello we are practically related" (By marriage that is)
I explained that I was Tyrone's stepdad's brother's daughter - in - law (Seriously, did you just follow that?, Luckily she did!)
She then says, "Well I actually won these through the radio & the seats are better than ours but we can't go tonight & have tickets for another night so don't worry about the check - just go and have a good time!"
So I dropped by the radio station and picked up the tickets - called my mom to ask her to run to my house, not wake my sleeping husband and throw my blue jeans in the dryer so I'd have something to wear other than work clothes to the show. I sent Josh a text, for him to find when he woke up, that he needed to get Addi, that mom would meet him at the house to ride together to meet me and we'd have a fun family night at Nemo for FREE!
We had dinner at Cheeburger Cheeburger and had a great time at Nemo on Ice. We had bought the movie back when we just assumed we'd go so Addi has been watching it as much as we'd let her. Its absolutely the sweetest thing to watch her reaction at the end of the movie when Nemo and his dad reunite. Every single time she see's it she squeals & laughs hysterically saying "Nemo pound his dad, Nemo pound his dad" (Uh, yes we still have trouble with "F's").
Well live and in person was no different and it was just the most adorable thing to watch. She laughed, sang, yelled, giggled, squirmed, danced and just did until her little body couldn't do anymore. All in all it was the best night even thrown together at the last minute. Like I said, I honestly don't think I had much to do in the planning....I give the credit to the big guy watching over my family.

Dinner at Cheeburger Cheeburger YaYa and Addi excited to go in for Nemo
Addi telling YaYa all about what is going to happen Love my family Waiving bye to Nemo

Still hugging on Nemo on the way to Nana's this morning.

Kreativ Blogger

2009-10-08T11:18:00.007-04:00

Although I don't feel like a Kreativ Blogger, I very much appreciate Amanda nominating me for a Kreativ Blogger. I met Amanda through email, she grew up with Josh, and was just open to meeting someone new. Although most of our discussions and talks were through email I received alot of good advice through pregnancy from her and have come to consider her a friend of mine, not just Josh's.

Like I said, I don't feel very "Kreativ" especially after reading other mom's blogs - seeing all the crafts, cute lunches, or even clothes that some of these mom's make...well it actually makes me feel like a not so good mom sometimes. I do however try. So I very much appreciate & thank you, Amanda, for the thoughtfulness of nominating me as a "Kreativ Blogger!"

Here is what I'm to do next,

1) Thank the Person for nominating you for this award.
2) Copy the Logo and place it on your blog.
3) Link the person who nominated you for the award.
4) Name 7 things about yourself that people may not know.
5) Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.
6) Post Links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7) Leave a Comment for each of the blogs letting them know they have been nominated.

7 Things about me that people may not know about me:

1) Feels incredibly guilty for working outside the home. But for us that is life. We enjoy the things we get to do or have b/c of my salary. However this week Addi has started saying the whole way to Nana's that she doesn't want me to go to work and it breaks my heart. I enjoy being good at what I do, working with who I do but leaving my girl is the hardest thing I have to do over & over & over.

2) As an only child I swore I would never just have an only child yet that is where Josh & I are. Now before you go giving me your opinions keep in mind this is OUR family, but not to say that I am not open to opinions. We feel our family is complete - we enjoy the time we are able to give to Addi - the education we may be able to give to Addi and can't imagine being pulled apart as a family for one to run to a game here, or recital there. Again, I'm not judging families that make that work - after all its their family and it works for them. I will say that I did enjoy being pregnant. The gift of it all - the movement, the seeing a baby for the first time and I can't imagine not being pregnant again but I'm not guarantee'd a pregnancy as easy as I had it or post-pregnancy as easy as I had it so I'll just stick with the guarantee's that I did have. I don't agree with people who make judgements about only children - I've read the research so if you want to argue with me about we can schedule a debate. The fact is we have no guarantee's that our children will even get along or that we won't lose a child to a disease or accident. We have no guarantee's they will be rocket scientist or murderers - we can only do our best to raise them as Christians and help to mold them into what a God centered person is.

3) I love fresh flowers. I love making my own arrangements and arrangements for others. Its amazing how fresh flowers can brighten not only your day but someone else's just by looking at them.

4) I am a "gym rat." Not b/c I need to fit into a particular size or I need to lose weight. I love the gym. I could spend hours there. I love working out and the feeling after a 2 hr spin class.

5)I am not financially savvy. I wish I were. I am trying couponing - I don't get all the details, I get overwhelmed by it, failure scares me even more & ticks me off. I don't think financial freedom happens over night I just wish I had it in me to be more savvy with finances. I am completely open to advice.

6)I professionally take on WAY too much however in my business networking is big and can lead to various opportunities for business. I am, on the other hand, able to leave my job at 4:30 and head home to my family which is what is most important. I climbed the corporate ladder and at a mere age of 26 was managing a division of a company & other employee's. Its just not for me, now that I am a mom.

7)I fight to end cancer. As I mentioned before I dabble in several things. I'm on the American Heart's Go Red for Women Luncheon board - my father in law is a survivor of heart disease so the AHA is important to me and I'm incredibly active with the American Cancer Society b/c cancer has affected far too many people I love. I've listened to parents talk about their 2 year old children who've passed away, I've watched my 30 year old incredibly vibrant & beautiful friend Bonnie suffer because this disease doesn't discriminate. I watched a group of 4 couples, infamously known as the GG's & their husbands, watch as one of the GG's lost her husband. A man that once came to Relay, we now remember at Relay. My dear DiAnne, diagnosed in January '09 who is now in remission only to find out her husband now has cancer & is actually at the Sarah Cannon Institute AS I TYPE hoping that they don't hear the words "its in the brain". I'm a serious cancer fighting machine and I will teach my daughter to fight for what she believes as well. And until there is a cure, I will fight.

Now to nominations......sounds so "Golden Globish" huh??

1) Christy is my bff, but most of you know that. We've been through so much in our lives together and there isn't another person I'd want by my side going through some of life's most exciting & difficult times. She's an example of what a Christian woman is. She's a wonderful mother, loving wife and the best friend I could ever ask for. She was right there by my side in having Addi, praying for a healthy pregnancy - easy delivery - and a smooth transition in bringing baby home. I could write & write on reason's that I love her or why I read her blog. She is just the best a friend could ask for. Unconditionally - she loves me too! But as a blogger she makes me laugh and is always on the go, reading her blog while we don't always get to get the girls together all the time it keeps Addi up to date on what Arden is doing too!

2) Heidi has been a part of my husband's life since he was born. Heidi's mom and my mother in law (1/2 of the GG's) are best friends. I'm lucky that I'm able to build friendships with people that mean so much to our families. You never know what you will read on Heidi's blog as she has a fiesty 32 month old boy that is by far all boy! She's an excellent mother and has a the funniest sense of humor. She seems to always find the glass half full and I just love her as a person and love reading her blog.

3) Alisha and I went to high school together and although we were not close in school because of technology in blogs & facebook we've been allowed to get to know each other better. I look forward to her Wordless Wednesday's and just watching her young boy grow up too. Its fun to watch people's families grow and see some of the funnies that happen in their lives.

4) Lucy & I also went to high school together. Her blog cracks me up. Life with 2 girls & a baby on the way is never dull. I can totally hear her voice and tone in some of her posts. Her faith is incredible and inspiring. She amazes me with her love for running and what role models she & her husband are to their children & their church. I'm grateful again for technology that has allowed me to reconnect with her, share stories & heartaches & just life's experiences. I love that she got involved with Relay For Life this year - it just touched my heart!

5) Abbie and I played softball with and against each other since the age of 12 I guess. What an incredible athlete that girl was and was always looking cute doing so. She has a beautiful voice and uses it to glorify God. She too is such a role model to her girls, a beautiful wife, mother and friend. Life with 2 girls under 3 with a baby on the way can't be easy but she never looks at a negative thing as poor pitiful me, she is always trying to find the bright side in any situation. Abbie has a smile that is so incredibly contagious - a friend that I've always thought was beautiful inside and out. Her creativity and her skills in monogramming and making clothes inspires me but just a thing I lack - so I'll just continue asking her to make stuff for me. :)

(On a silly note - love that I actually know someone who really did bring back a souvenier from Disney World!!!)

6) Meg, I met Meghan b/c I worked with her husband Eric. Eric & I professionally are very much the same. I was so lucky that she and I developed a friendship and this woman is one of the most beautiful women, physically that I know yet she is always behind a camera. But behind a camera is where she's got it. She captures things I never see, she can turn what I would think a very unproductive photo shoot into some of the best memories in frames. I enjoy reading her blog just because I know that she cares about her clients and cares that she truly captures the moments that take your breathe away. I am incredibly grateful for her friendship and her random acts of kindness towards my family. I'm even more fortunate that our hubbies get along so well and that our girls act like heathen's (in the best way possible) when they get together - but its so fun to watch.

7) Tiffany and I too played softball together. She was younger than I was but always felt like she was more of a lil sis to me. She was an incredible athlete and obviously an phenomenal coach as she helped coach Virginia Tech to a Women's College World Series Tournament. It gives me chills thinking about it. I love reading her blog and seeing what new state Shep, her little boy, has been to, what new mountain she has climbed or where the life as a Doctor's wife has taken her. I believe its Washington State currently. Again, if it were not for technology some of these women who were incredibly close to my heart as an adolescent would not have returned to my life. I cherish these friendships even if its through blogs, facebook or email.

Most of these women have helped to me to be the mom and friend I am. They've prayed for me, given me so much helpful advice whether it worked for our family or not. They genuinely care about me and my family and I'm grateful for their friendship!! So to all my blog "friends" thanks for your blogs, you may not know who is reading or how what you say or post can help another person out to be a better friend, a better mother, a better Christian...just know it does.

Let the fun begin!

2009-09-22T10:02:00.006-04:00

Disregard the stringy hair but Addi had woke up from her nap before Mommy did. Daddy was "watching" football downstairs (um...watching football=napping 2!) I woke up to this cute lil face that said "I just wanted some Wotion".....needless to say butt paste doesn't really rub in as you can see from her legs. This stuff was everywhere - the carpet, the dresser, her hair, legs, shirt, me....I got her in the tub and well guess what, water beads off butt paste, which is exactly what you want if you happen to have a rash and are potty training right but definitely NOT when you are trying to wash it off every part of a 2 year old body. Her hair was still greasy after it had been washed & dried & I can still smell butt paste.

I must say though, I have many friends or blogs that I read where parents come into toilet paper messes, powder messes, lipstick messes, just all sorts of messes and this was our first. Doing pretty good I think! But I worry about what is yet to come. Sort of like her friend Trace on this one. Last night was the first time she has attempted to take her jammies off. I looked into the monitor, low & behold she had her footed pj's unzipped and was coming out of those suckers at lightning speed. I went in addressed the situation and made sure we were both on the same page about keeping jammies on......we obviously were not on the same page b/c she was coming out of them again this morning.

Addi is in her big girl bed and doing so good with that. Everyone that comes into the house HAS to allow her to show them her "big girl bed." She does occassionally get out of bed but we walk back to her room & as soon as she lays down she is fast asleep. She will sometimes yell at us just to see if we are there. Conversation goes like this....

Addi: "Mommy"

Mommy: "Yes, Addi?"

Addi:

Um, as you can see she is just making sure we didn't leave w/out her. LOL!

She likes to listen to her music which is fine by me. I wasn't sure what kind of music I was going to play for her but I came across a Twila Paris CD that I used when she was first born to nurse. I can remember just sitting in the room with her at night nursing and crying thinking about how incredibly lucky I was that God had given me such a healthy & beautiful gift. How I felt unworthy of such a blessing so when I turned on her music she immediately was comforted....and well it made all those feelings come back again, so I cried. Big surprise huh?

She's a mess but the cutest mess I know. So sweet yet pushing every limit there is. I'm so lucky to have such a healthy girl who loves everyone around her, except me I sometimes feel like. Why is it that mommy always is the bad guy while everyone else gets to be the fun parent/grand-parent etc. I feel like I'm always saying no don't do that, don't touch this - go sit in time out (its the saddest thing when I discipline her & tell her to go to time out chair...she puts her head down, pouting {or screaming crying} and walks straight to her time out chair!) She really is so lovey....she wanted to hold Brittney's hand since she was riding in the back seat with her, told her "your the best".....and will just come up to you out of no where, squeeze you and say "I'm so glad your here!"

I love being her momma & I love that she loves her daddy, like I do, with all her heart.

2 yr check-up (2 months late)

2009-09-03T10:32:00.003-04:00

We visited Dr. Coffman yesterday for our 2 yr wellness visit. Not sure if I mentioned that Dr. Carroll had had a relapse in her cancer. Apparently her initial diagnosis of the particular ovarian cancer she had was incorrect and she has an even more rare particular ovarian cancer. The chemo just wipes her immune system out however her prognosis is looking good. Although we absolutely adore Dr. Carroll I felt its not fair to Addi for her to see a different doctor each time we go and then go back to Dr. Carroll when she is there, so we chose to see Dr. Coffman today. He was very thorough with us and we had a great chat. Addi was very comfortable with him so it looks like we will be sticking with him.

Addi weighed in at 30lbs (80th percentile) and is 36" tall (90th percentile) and her head is measuring right on track at 19 1/2". We addressed the puking issues we have with her...she pukes ALL of the time for no reason. He just didn't feel like its much of an issue b/c after all she is growing more than average so until it seems she isn't putting weight on or there are other symptoms he just said it could be who she is. Fun for mom & dad, right?! I mean really, no reason at all at Sunday lunch @ Olive Garden she puked in 3 napkins & then was just fine. She was exhausted b/c it was way past nap time so who knows. Seriously its like at least 1 or 2x a day. Two of our friends, Arden (3yr)& Maddox (1 1/2yr) have NEVER thrown up - its like a special occassion if Addi doesn't so I wouldn't know what to do...I've just gotten used to it and toughened up my own gag reflex & stomach. I just know that people see puke and immediately think "sick"....Addi pukes and I think "Praise the Lord we've gotten our puke out at 9am...we are good to go for the day, I don't even need to pack a change of clothes." LOL!

So all is well in the Lewis household and our girl is growing just like she should. She is so smart....loves her ABC's...counts to 14....talks ALL the time, hippopatamus is even in her vocabulary and plain as day!

We "sprayed" for Monsters last night - that didn't work. She & daddy had a lot of fun doing it though and our house spelled incredibly potent! (Next time daddy will not be allowed to use the Bath & Body concentrate spray 2x in every room, even Addi coughed...ha!) Tonight we are going to try something else, just not sure if its going to be the red light/green light trick or just plain confinement, which Dr. Coffman did suggest.

Looking forward to the Labor Day Holiday full of Birthday Parties (for someone I know turning 30..I won't call anyone out or anything JEREMY PAINTER!!!), Family cookouts and a birthday party for our friend Mady. Should be a fun filled weekend on the go-but perfect for Addi as usual.

August 2008

August 2009

MRI, Milestones & Monsters

2009-08-26T11:17:00.015-04:00

So summer is coming to a close - which for us is really no big deal. Just means no more days at the pool I guess. I am loving the cooler mornings and evenings tho and that means that its almost FOOTBALL TIME IN TN!!! Ahhhhh I can almost hear the chanting of crazy fans in Neyland Stadium, smell the crisp fall weather and see the beautiful foliage of TN along the river. However that is a whole blog in itself!

First things first - my MRI came back completely normal, which is both a good thing but a bad thing. Bad only in the fact that there is still no idea where the numbness in my leg is coming from. Its obviously not life threatening however its causing a problem when I try to wear heels and walk - I've got a serious case of a lead foot and its just a big pain, after all I love my heels. People will always say wouldn't you be more comfortable in sandals but the truth is I'm just as comfortable in my 3-4inch stiletto's as I am in my chako's, but that is just me, I've been walking in heels since I was a toddler. They want me to visit a neuro for the wonderful prick test so we shall see. I had to reschedule that appointment b/c of work so I will keep you up to date.
We continue to hit these special milestones with Addi which makes me realize just how quickly she is growing up. She is doing soooo good with potty training and although not perfect or any where near it we are setting realistic goals & she gets sticker rewards for going. We used this video with my cousin Nathaniel, who is now in his 20's, and my mom was able to find it after many hrs of searching, on dvd. Its the exact same corny 80's video that I remember and of course means I already knew all the songs such as "She is a super duper pooper" and "Wipe, wipe, wipe yourself".....its amazing to me though how I can think its the silliest, corniest, and almost dumbest movie I've ever seen but b/c Bobby, Lizzy and Katie are pottying well then it must be a cool thing to do - and let me just say its working wonderfully. I am so proud of my little golasha wearing pooping princess! I am certain this is just one of "those" photo's that may circulate through meeting boyfriends.

We have, however, had a huge set back on sleeping. Although I have the early bird she's always been an easy child to put down and a good sleeper. I often would be sad b/c she was ready to get in her bed while I wanted to read another story or say more prayers but for some odd reason, she continues to say daddy told her, she believes there are monster's in the house and is afraid to be left alone. She is sleeping horribly, if at all which means the wife of a 3rd shift working man isn't getting much sleep either. I've been contemplating just sending her to the railroad with daddy. We pray every night for our safety and I've been trying to teach her that Jesus, nor mommy and daddy, would ever let anything happen - its just not working. I hate to see her so scared. I've always been a huge supporter of the cry it out method but trembling scared is different than the "I just don't want to be left alone" and I can not make myself nor will I leave her alone when she is that scared. We go on Wednesday for her 2 yr check up so it will be addressed more then.
I kept Maddox on Saturday while his mommy/daddy needed to get some things done. What an easy child he is. Such a great sleeper, so laid back and didn't mind one bit hanging out with us all day. We are lucky that both he and Addi love each other's parents b/c they have helped in picking Addi up when we've been out of town or really when she's just wanted to go home with them...lol! If I could skip the 40 weeks of pregnancy and the first 6 mos of infancy I'd have two in a heartbeat but I can't...so we won't! They have so much fun together, sometimes a little TOO much (see pic below) and are just a blessing for each other. So below are just some pics of summer fun....enjoy!

Why I love my Body

2009-08-21T09:05:00.004-04:00

http://www.bodybyvictoria.com/#/Gallery/5032

Please vote for my story on why I love my Body. Its a contest through Victoria's Secret for a possible trip to NYC for pampering and a shopping spree. Most importantly though, I have learned that loving your body doesn't mean loving it for its physical features but loving it for what it can do for you....and for me it gave me the best gift ever in Addi!
It only takes a second and you simply click on the heart by my story - there are several pictures as well.

Kay-Shun!!

2009-08-15T12:46:00.005-04:00

Cation-pronounced Kay-shun, you see, could not have come at a better time. Most of you may even know it as, vacation. Addi on the other hand says "Cation" therefor, we do too! We'd definitely been looking forward to our vacation since we had decided to for go condo life and rent a beach house - what a great decision that turned out to be. We'd seen this little community of houses on a walk we took last year from our condo on the beach. Its called Beachside and has 13 houses, a private pool that was bigger than our pool from last year, tennis courts a gazebo with grilling necessities and so much room. The trip down was pretty good - Eli decided he wanted to ride with us so Grammy hopped in with the Coffelts which made Addi pretty happy. I am just very thankful that I have in laws that I can spend an entire week with and that we want to spend that much time together. Really, my little girl loves those cousins of hers and its just adorable to watch her follow them around and even cuter how they really take care of her. The last morning they were playing and Seth had accidentally hit her in the mouth with a flash light, of course here came the blood & tears but the most pitiful part was that Seth went upstairs, got in bed, covered up and was crying - he felt so bad for making her hurt but I felt even worse for him b/c he really does have the sweetest heart and cares for her so much. We just had such a good time with no schedules, whiffle ball games on the tennis courts and beach, go kart rides, bumper boat drenchings, swealtering zoo trips, and just some good old fashion QT. As a family we truly are blessed. Addi slept in the bunk bed room with the boys, and of course again she thought she was such a big girl. And at night the boys would make sure she wasn't too close to the edge of the bed. We love Orange Beach - and can't wait to go back next year. Thank you Grammy for taking care of the "logistics" and making sure we were taken care of. We headed home a day early to attend a wedding tonight so we left out late of Gulf Shores but other than that it was a great trip but exhausting.

Baby Brock

2009-08-02T11:41:00.005-04:00

Saturday Nic & I threw Christy a baby shower for Baby Brock. You know what I love about this day and time...its the fact that you just do what you want. Christy & I have been friends for a very long time so this means so much to me to be able to do for her. She wasn't really sure if it was "right" to have another shower since this is baby #2 but probably with a little pursuasion we went with it. I say a little pursuasion b/c the fact that thru her wedding & Arden I've yet to be able to throw her a shower, show her what she means to me and how excited I am for yet another life event to happen that we are getting to experience together. She has thrown both a wedding shower & a baby shower for me, not to mention the other million countless things she's done for me throughout our friendship. It was a small intimate shower but filled with so much love. As I was driving around Saturday in a hurry to get things done I stopped for a minute just to think. To think about the family Baby Brock is about to enter, what they mean to me and just how awesome God is to give this family another blessing of a baby boy. I could honestly go on and on about what Christy to means to me as a friend and as a mom - we've gotten through many difficult things in life together, shared so much laughter & silliness, and can tell each other anything regardless of the different views we may have. I love that we have continued our friendship and our girls do too. Please pray for the rest of her pregnancy to be as good as its been so far. Christy delivered Arden quite a bit early so they've been extra careful with this pregnancy (Hoggy has had to give her shots once a week to keep Brock in there longer, and I saw that needle first hand & it doesn't look like fun at all!). So, just pray that God continues to watch over her & the baby to keep him in as long as possible. I love seeing her prego, she really is one of the most beautiful pregnant girls I've ever seen....some women just wear it better than others.

Arden helped out so much with cutting flowers & making pretty arrangements.

Yummy Strawberry cake!!

Baby Brock's diaper cake

Happy Birthday Mr. President, I mean Mr. Lewis

2009-07-30T10:49:00.010-04:00

Josh turned the big 32 and we were lucky to get to have a good meal, catch a Lookouts game & enjoy many laughs with family & friends. We hit Las Mas prior to the scorching ballgame and then kept the fun going a little while after. Thank you to everyone that got to come for making him feel as special as I know he is. Not real sure what I'd do without him. He's definitely one of those guys that puts family first and does everything he can to take care of his girls. So Happy Birthday Joshy, hope you had a good time. From the looks of the pics I'd say we all had a good time.

Las Mas fun

Jake & his sombrero!!

Boys will be boys (testing out their "guns")

Anne & Alise

Starla & Jeremy

Love this fam!!! (Arden has salsa on her teeth, its not chipped...LOL!

Jen & Jeremy (we lost Kristi on the ride over! LOL)

M-R-IIIIIIIII.......Don't!

2009-07-30T10:19:00.004-04:00

Whom ever came up with the fact that you have to be in a hole that a mole could dig should be shot, um ok that was a bit dramatic. But seriously why does a MRI machine has to be so tiny and confining? So first things first.....the IBS I had prior to pregnancy is back and in full force. If anyone should need to know where the cleanest restrooms in Chattanooga, Hixson, Red Bank & Soddy Daisy are well I'm certain I can give you ample choices. TMI I'm sure but my blog, my perogative. (oh and why doesn't blogger have spell check? I'm in insurance not an English major! So no judgements please on spelling and grammar!). Back to the point....when I became pregnant what, almost 3 years ago it was a god send not only b/c well the life growing inside of me was the most special gift ever but even awesomer (back off english teachers - my blog!) that this little life was consuming all of my nutrients & they were staying IN MY BODY, for a lot longer than I'd ever been used to. Let's just say from Cracker Barrel to home we make stops. So I was thrilled to think the IBS could be gone, well I was wrong. Almost immediately after I'd birthed that child (a c-sec is still birthing in MY opinion) I was back to the old me which was rather disappointing. I dealt tho. So here we are a few years later and its just to the point of being unbearable again & I'd had some other red flag issues that needed to be addressed. My colonoscopy was scheduled - I will never again drink Yellow Gatorade nor will it ever be scheduled any later than 9:00 am. 11:30 was torture and I was starving, and I like to eat & don't deal well when someone tells me I can't. So I slept most of Sunday to ensure my grouchiness was kept to a minimum. It was also that day that my ever so picky daughter chose to chow down on an Egg Roll right in front of me. Seriously - cabbage of all things.....I LOVE egg rolls. I got over it and went back to bed. ha! 4 pounds lighter and a binge fest at Cracker Barrel all to say a polyp was found, removed and biopsy'd. Doc feels nothing to worry about. Good to go right?
No....I'd noticed about a month or two ago when I was shaving that my left leg, from about my calf down to toes were numb. Kind of felt like it was asleep if I pushed on it but didn't realize until after I had cut myself and not known blood was running down my leg. I then realized I had no control over my toes. I was trying to move them and had no luck. That is an extremely odd feeling & a bit scary at the same time. Sooooo after much hounding from anyone that knew about it I made a dr appt for that. 1 hr MRI later I confirmed that yes, I'm claustrophobic and yes, I'm claustrophobic. Ugh - really it wasn't horrible but I just laid there thinking "don't freak out, don't freak out". I never knew how much I don't like confined spaces until I married Josh. You see he thinks its extremely comical to put me under the covers and sit on top of me and hold me down - in my eyes this is reason for separation, not humor. Really...I will always say (well on those 2 nights we do actually sleep together) stop mushing me - he gets closer and mushes away. Anyway just ramblings of a nervous one today I suppose. Won't know anything for a couple of days, and just hoping & praying that its all a fluke. Even though God knows I ask for your prayers please.
I think I mentioned work has been crazy busy, well it still is. I am on the vaca countdown and almost in single digits. 11 days and counting!! So excited about some family time, beach bumming and the serenity of the sound of the ocean, not to mention the house we are staying in is P-I-M-P.

Start Spreading the News.....

2009-07-14T11:50:00.020-04:00

I think its ridiculously aggrivating that I have to preface by saying, No I'm not prego!

The post title refers to the recent business trip that I took to the Big Apple! I was lucky that I didn't have to go alone, Grammy & Anne got to tag along.

L to R....Grammy & I in Times Square / Up on Top of the Rock in Rockefellar Center / Playing the "BIG" Piano / Mommy & Elmo to send to Addi - which was NOT free! / Love this of Anne & I on Top of the Rock...a bit windy, huh? / Silly ME! / Miriah Carey shooting her "Obsessed" video at The Plaza Hotel.

(If you know me then you know I was all about 5th Ave & Avenue of America's & ALL the stores that come with those streets....Saks, Tiffany & Co, BCBG, Prada, Coach) I do believe I was supposed to have been born into the Trump family just was switched at birth!! However if you know me REALLY well then you know that unless it comes from Marshall's or TJMaxx its a very SPECIAL occassion that I get the real deal! LOL

It was an incredible city to say the least. I thoroughly enjoyed myself & the company, even for it being a business trip. We ate good, saw a few celebrities, got to fulfill a long time "bucket-list" wish in attending the TODAY show and being on TV several times......

.....

AND then almost died on the way home. Sounds dramatic but I seriously thought we were goners, I believe Grammy did too and I have no idea what Anne thought b/c she was hysterically laughing as people were screaming and crying on our flight (no joke - sick sense of humor, huh??). Its just now kind of funny to me how she seriously could not stop laughing.....kind of. Thanks ladies for experiencing some fun stuff, good laughs & a near death experience with me! I would really like to go on and on about the whole trip however I am entirely too busy. What I will say is that after this trip I have now taken my position as President of our Chattanooga Chapter of National Association of Health Underwriters. Its an association that educates and fights for our brokers, carriers etc in Chattanooga. Its an incredible time to be President of this assoc especially with the health care changes that Obama is trying to have pushed through, and will most likely succeed but definitely with problems. That I will try to not get into b/c didn't I say this wouldn't be lengthy. All that aside work is crazy and I have my largest accounts renewing at this time with everyone taking vacation here and there, myself included so we are all trying to cover for each other, keep our current work load caught up and over seeing a chapter that has its obstacles to over come. We'll see how it goes and if nothing else its a wonderful opportunity for me at a young age.

(Johnny Bench was a key note speaker at my conference....very cool for me as I've grown up watching baseball - he did want to argue with me that I was too girly to play ball so I had to throw in the fact that I did play Division 1 ball!!)

It was incredibly humbling to visit NYC & see the void of the World Trade Center Bldg's. I don't want to try to imagine what it was like but its obvious that city nor our country will ever be the same. We did have the privilege of visiting a couple of fire halls and to see the memorials of those that particular group had lost. Just so sad. Gone but not forgotten is a very, very true statement.

AND Last BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST....this picture could explain why my luggage was 12lbs over the limit. I wish I could have asked one of the very aggitated by standers to take our picture as I was tossing shoes over to Anne two desks away to get my luggage "within limits". Thanks to the very kind family in between us that would toss shoes and throw our heavy luggage back up on the scale to be weighed...this went on more than one or two times. And in my defense wedges are heavier than most normal shoes & I did have to pack for business mtgs.

Birthday Fun in Pics!

2009-06-22T11:23:00.018-04:00

Short description and then I'll leave the rest to the photo's. Friday was family night, everyone came to our house to celebrate Addi's birthday. Saturday morning was party at the zoo & then a cookout that night at Jen & Jeremy's. Sunday, Father's day fun at Creative Discovery Museum and then swimming all afternoon. I'd say she had a great birthday - we are lucky, blessed and just over whelmed when I see everyone who loves my girl so much, and us too. And every time we sing Happy Birthday to Addi she covered her face & I would almost lose it. What is it with hearing happy birthday being sung to your child that makes you want to just cry....guess I know my baby is growing up.

We sing .... and she covers her face

Mommy helping to blow out the candle

daddy's never grow up either-

cramming the WHOLE cupcake in his mouth

Seeing what mommy & daddy got her for the first time.

This kid will JUMP & JUMP & JUMP!

She loves her cousins!

BIRTHDAY AT THE ZOO!!

Father's Day at the CDM!!!

I love you daddy....Happy Father's Day!

Addi turns 2!!

2009-06-19T14:17:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday my beautiful Addison Grace!!!! Right about this time 2 yrs ago I'd just met you & actually hadn't even gotten to hold you yet....your daddy was being a baby hog, not to mention I was being sewn up. What an incredible day that was & an even better next 2 yrs have been. We can't even begin to explain our love for you but will do our best to always show you how much you have made our life whole!!

Best Job EVER!

2009-06-17T08:39:00.005-04:00

I've been extremely emotional this week, ok maybe month. I have to say that growing up I had many goals for myself - even as a little girl. I wanted to be several things from a dentist to an attorney. The weird part is that even during high school, college and a few years after that I always knew I'd marry and I always knew I'd eventually have a baby. What I didn't know is that baby would make me the happiest "employee" ever. I've been reflecting alot talking to Christy about Baby Brock that will join their family later this year and how God already had him picked for their family. Just as God had me picked to be Addi's momma (sorry folks, in the south your a momma not just a mom) - a gift I thank him for every day. And while I get caught up in the every day busy-ness of a job that never ends, never gets a break (because really even on a night out you are still constantly thinking did they go down ok, are they sleeping ok, will they wake up after a bad dream and I'm not there??) and sometimes I probably show frustrations more thank gratefulness.

I drove into work thinking about the things I need to get done for Addi's 2nd birthday party this weekend & just had to stop & really explain my thankfulness to God. How was I lucky enough to be chosen to be a momma. God must have a lot of faith in me - trusts me enough to put the fate of another human being in my hands. (I say me, my, mine....this of course never takes away from the incredible daddy who is by my side the whole time!!) He knows that I'll do my best to raise her as a young christian woman in this very messed up world. AND THEN it hits me ...... God didn't love Jesus any less than I love Addi yet he sacrificed his life for our sins. It continues to blow me away to think of that.

I must say that you stay at home mom's are incredible first off and although I love my paying job & the people I work with dearly but no salary amount could ever replace the paycheck I get every night when I hear those words "Sing tiny nose......I lub u....night....night....."

What an incredible 2 yrs its been.

Girls...Girls...Girls!

2009-05-29T09:45:00.008-04:00

Sophie Olivia EasterdayIts so adorable to me how all of our girl friends from high school that have kept in touch have all had GIRLS their first go around. (Amanda, Christy, Val, Me, Nicole, Jamie W, Jamie C) Just sort of ironic....then on Amanda's second she had a boy & now Christy is due with a boy.....and we'll just leave it for the two of them right now. :) Anyway.....

Miss Sophie Olivia Easterday made her entrance into such a beautiful family on April 29 about 2 1/2 weeks early & its probably a good thing as she weighed in at a whopping 9 lbs 1 oz and 21 inches. And might I add she is absolutely beautiful!!!

Christy, Nic &I love, love the Galleries Cafe and that tends to be where we have our girls lunches. We've thrown baby showers there, birthday parties and just absolutely love it. Perfect for our girlie lunches. Here is a pic of Me, Christy & T Tiny (Arden) when she was probably a little over a month old. I know that b/c she was such a premie, and still looks so tiny in the pic but had def grown. (Sorry Tid, I know u say u hate this pic & look like u hadn't slept in days but all I see is beautiful new momma!)

So here we are almost 3 yrs later, getting Nic out of the house for lunch with Sophie Bug, Christy, Arden & myself. I was a bit sad when I found out Arden was getting to come b/c Addi was at Miss Erma's (obviously I'd come from work) so she missed out. Arden kept asking where she was which was oh so cute. I just love my girls.....AND THEIR GIRLS!!!

Christy & Arden Nicole & Sophie Arden trying to escape my "queeze"

Arden talking with Baby Sophie

Until there's a CURE.....We RELAY!

2009-05-20T08:55:00.010-04:00

****FYI This will be a lengthy & emotional post!!!****

Saturday night was the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life. Relay for Life was started by a single man, walking laps around a track for 24 hrs to help raise money to find a cure for Cancer. Relay is an over night event representing the fact that CANCER NEVER SLEEPS. And as the morning sun comes up, it gives that Cancer patient HOPE - Hope to make it through another day of treatment, sickness & fatigue. You see, cancer is a non-discriminating disease. It doesn't care if your a mother, a father, a brother or a sister and it certainly doesn't care if you are a child! That is the very reason I relay. 5 yrs ago, Nicole worked for the ACS - and Relay for Life was her baby so to speak. She'd sent an email asking some friends if they were willing to volunteer on the committee. I at the time was a newlywed, and every new bride knows that when the wedding is over you find yourself wondering what do I spend my time on next. I felt like God put this in front of me & that I was to be a part of this. A few weeks later as Nicole & I sat down to discuss my "chair" she informed me she had just been diagnosed with Melanoma, skin cancer. So right then & there I sat with my friend, shed some tears & knew that this is what God had intended for me to do. Like I said earlier, this will be lengthy b/c at the end I'm going to post my reading from the actual Luminaria ceremony. During the next 4 yrs I served at the Luminaria chair each & every year, even at a swollen 8 1/2 months pregnant. I was often scolded that night for running up & down the bleaches trying to get all the bags out in a mere 20 minutes. It had been raining so we said we'd push the ceremony back, then it stopped so we raced like mad men to get all the bags back out around the tracks & spell out the word HOPE in the stands. Luminaria's are white bags, decorated by children at St. Jude School, and on those bags there are names of those lost to Cancer & those fighting Cancer. So in reality, they are not just bags they ARE our loved ones. Its a lot of hard work preparing for Relay. 9 months out of the year you meet, plan, raise money and work very hard to make the night a success. There were many nights I would think "oh I don't want to have to go to this meeting tonight" and then as I would be leaving that night I'd think how selfish of me.....those with cancer don't want it but no one asked them, so I felt it was the least I could do - seeing how really for 4 yrs the only Cancer scare I'd had was with Nicole & hers was although scary, seemed simple. She had it removed and everything has been ok since. So, not too tell my whole story just yet I'll get back to the actual night.

I was very disappointed in having to move Relay indoors this year, however it was already postponed once due to weather & truth be told it just needed to get done. I set my goal at $500 this year and surpassed it by far. Friday before Relay I had a total of $855 & received another $385 to turn in at Relay. So at the end of Relay I'd raised a total of $1,240. Our teal raised a total of $2,815. The last I had checked the total Relay raised over $56,000 and that doesn't include any onsite fundraising monies turned in at the actual Relay. Incredible huh?

I can tell you that if you ever attend a Relay your life will forever be changed. To watch survivors kick it off, taking a lap around the track, spirits high & filled with hope is incredible. And then as they round the track loved ones take the next lap with them - just all the support they have is touching. Events go on all night, games, contests, etc. Then you have the luminaria ceremony. All lights are turned off at the track & all you see are the glow from candles (& in this years case glow sticks) illuminating & representing someone you love & have lost. All the names are read off and then we all take a lap in silence just remember the fight that some are fighting & remembering the lives we will never get back. Most importantly, what this whole night represents is HOPE. HOPE that we will find a CURE - that we MUST find a CURE. And until there is a cure.....We Relay.

"5 years ago I stood at this very same spot – I would be the first Luminaries Chair of the Hixson Relay for Life. During the months preparing for Relay I sent emails, letters and made phone calls. I was certainly just going through the motions of collecting money for the luminaries, writing their names down then transferring that to the actual bags. The night of Relay I was like a chicken with my head cut off, running around crazy. I could not have pulled any of it off without my family, closest friends, Relay Teams and the children from St. Jude School. But that year was totally different from any of the next 3 that I would head that chair. The difference was cancer was just a word to me. A word that had not affected me personally. I stand here 5 years later a completely different person because cancer didn’t care who it struck. It didn’t mean that I didn’t sympathize with every single person who had been affected, because if you know me personally you know I’m a when people hurt I too hurt. I’m a different person because I not only sympathize with each & every person here I can now empathize. I feel your pain, your sadness, your anger; mostly I feel your hope. Cancer has gotten closer and closer to me each and every year after and well this past year was almost unbearable. I lost 3 people whom I dearly cared about in so many ways.

Patsy Clements practically watched me grow up, her son & I shared a friendship & she was there the day I said my vowels as her husband, Larry was the one who married my husband & I. I can remember going to their house for our marriage counseling session like it was yesterday. We might have spent 30 minutes on the actual session and then another 2 hours talking, reminiscing, listening to their stories about what did and did not work for them. Those stories were better building blocks to a marriage then any book you’d ever read. Patsy was diagnosed on February 14, 2008. Cancer did not defeat her – she won & went to be with the Lord on April 16, 2008.

Jim Rogers attended Relay for his first and only time last year. Bonnie & Jim are so dear to my in-laws, to myself and I wanted to so badly for it to be a “good day” for him. He was undergoing chemo at the time and it was attacking his body with a vengeance. It wasn’t a good day for him; it was a great day for. He showed up proud of his bald scalp and appeared even prouder to put on that purple shirt. I had gotten a wheel chair donated for him but he didn’t need it…he hopped right in the front seat, kicking off the survivor lap, in a very cool convertible decked out with a TN paintjob. And if you knew Jim the only thing he loved almost as much as Bonnie was TN Football, but who could blame him right?

And my sweet friend Bonnie Lowery. Bonnie was the first face of AGA I ever met as I pranced in ready for my interview. Smiling face, boisterous laugh and heart of gold. So it only seemed fitting that she was also the last face I saw when I walked out those doors to take another business opportunity. Its hard to believe that working with folks could bring you so close – close doesn’t describe our farmapalooza girls, sisters is more like it. One of Bonnie’s last wishes was to re-create our adult slumber parties, so we did. Sandra & I took vases and vases of fresh flowers to Papaw’s home on the River…Bonnie wasn’t physically strong enough to travel to the farm so we brought the farm to her. We all brought food, cameras and our over night bags….and Papaw left for the night. Bonnie had literally been spending days in the bed, only up for 15 minute intervals to find that it exhausted her and she would then have to return to bed. Her chemo caused her to be incredibly sick and I remember praying and talking to God the whole way down to Suck Creek, just asking for an hour with her. An hour that she could sit with us and laugh like the old times. Honestly only God can be given the credit for that night with her. Not only was she able to shower, put a little make up on but she actually ate and was up with us until almost 2:00 in the morning. That night my very own 14 month old daughter took her very first steps – I missed those steps and I’d miss them again for another night with Bonnie & my farmapalooza girls. Bonnie, at the age of 30, was diagnosed in June 2008 and her suffering ended in September 2008.

Little did we know as we spent that night together, that 4 months later, DiAnne, another one of our farmapalooza girls would be fighting cancer today. She, along with all of you survivors, will continue to battle with the hope we show tonight & with us by your side because until we find a cure for this disease we will Relay. "

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-11T09:05:00.007-04:00

To say I'm an incredibly blessed mom is an understatement. I am spoiled rotten not with just material things but most importantly spoiled rotten with LOVE! I'm appreciated by my husband, who never goes a day without complimenting me in some way, always telling me how much he loves me and the things I do for him & our family. I have a healthy little girl who gives the best hugs & kisses in the world. I just can't get enough of my family!! I'm lucky to have a mom that I love so much & who helps in more ways than I can even list. A mom that not only loves me but loves my husband & my daughter just as much. I love to watch my mom light up when that little voice hollers for Ya-Ya, or Ya-Yo if she's imitating daddy aggrivating yaya. :) I'm even luckier to have a wonderful mother in law. She's such a great woman, its no wonder Josh adores her so. I'm thankful for such a respectful & caring extra mom in my life.

The pictures below are from Josh, Addi, Jeremy & Maddox working on Starla & my Mother's Day gifts. Honestly, these are the best gifts ever.....they "patiently" had the help of a 2 & 1 yr old on these gifts. They were hand & feet print stones that said how much they loved us. I love the fact that they just didn't go out and buy us something, they put thought into it and took the time to make something from the heart. I hear they had intended on going to Fire it Up however its no longer in business. (If anyone knows of a place similar please let me know.)

We got up, went to church & then Josh & I had nursery with 9 walkers (ages in a range from 18 mos - 2 1/1) during the 2nd service. Let's just say we were beat and ready for lunch. They were all great kids - but 9, phew....and Addi wasn't so sure about mommy/daddy holding other kids since that is her class. So at one point I had 3 in my lap. Let's just say if I ever had baby fever I need to work nursery. ha!

Papaw worked hard on a yummy lunch for us....a delicious salad, chicken lasagna, bread, strawberry shortcake & Anne had made a strawberry cake that Addi LOVED! In fact, that was practically her whole lunch. Nice, huh?

Sunny Day...sweepin' the clouds away!

2009-04-22T11:05:00.005-04:00

You know its quite a catchy tune...I find myself riding down the road, sitting in my office or loading the dishwasher singing the theme song to Sesame Street, I have no idea why. (sense the sarcasm?)
We took advantage of the sunny day on Saturday & spent it with the Smiths...which should come as no surprise. Its so funny to think about the changes in a year. For example I thought that Addi would always be terrified of being put down in the grass but its quite the opposite. Granted Drew & Britt have some sweet soft grass but Addi wanted her shoes off the whole day. We grilled out, played cornhole, whiffle ball, keep the ball in the air, we just literally played outside from 2 in the afternoon until almost 11:30 at night. We even had a late night adult game of whiffle ball that got pretty cometitive and ended with me quitting. Its a whole different post. We might try to go to the cornbread festival this weekend but its nice knowing we have no obligations.
Addi hating grass last year

Couldn't keep her shoes on her

Being a big girl..."I can do it, mom!"

Jeremy, Starla & Maddox even stopped by

When Nature Strikes

2009-04-16T09:43:00.005-04:00

Some of you know that the tornado that hit in Murfreesboro has struck close to home for us. My mom's very best friend, Judy, & the lady who also coordinated my wedding along with her daughter, Tori (who was a jr bridesmaid in my wedding) and a friend were all victims of last weeks tornado. The picture you will see is what is left of their home - absolutely nothing. You can see from the homes in the background that this home wasn't just small home, it was partial brick, siding, whatever homes are made of but it wasn't small & it was what we would call a very nice home, well built etc. There is absolutely NOTHING left of their home. Judy was at choir practice when she heard the warnings & immediately left to go to be with Tori. Brian (her husband, who played the trumpet at my wedding....I don't mean to keep referencing our wedding but I'm trying to give some of you faces with the names) was at work. Judy got home, got Tori and her friend in a closet & completely hovered over them. They began to hear it get louder and louder & that is when they were sucked into the tornado & thrown out of their house. When Judy landed she knew something was wrong. I'm attaching a link for you to view her interview with the news. She is in ICU with a L2 break, a broken collarbone, broken & fractured ribs but the love of God & in great spirits. Their church family & friends have set up a place for them to stay until a friend who is a contractor finishes a home currently under contstruction, they will allow them to live there until they decide either to rebuild or buy a new home. They've had people rummaging through their belongings finding the important things, pictures & sentimental items. Judy was only on like her 3rd or 4th week at a new job. A fund is being set up through Brian's work as well. We just never know in this world when our time is up. Although Judy has a very long road of recovery ahead of her both she & her daughter are alive. Please pray for this family - for all of the families that have suffered because of nature this week. I read about a 9 week old baby girl and her mother that died - the father in the hospital who still didn't know about his family. Its so tragic.

Here is the link to the interview ( http://www.wsmv.com/video/19180489/index.html ).......and

this is what is left of their home.

Thank you, Easter Bunny!

2009-04-13T08:55:00.013-04:00

We thoroughly enjoyed our long weekend but it was most certainly jammed packed full of activities. We had egg hunts at church, egg hunts at home, and of course egg hunts at the Lewis gathering. We were brave parents this year and attempted coloring (a-ughs) eggs with Addi this year. I had bought this little chef's hat/apron combo pack thing & had all intentions of putting it in her basket for years to come helping mom in the kitchen but she spotted it & wanted to wear it. I couldn't have asked for a better photo opp, ha! She wanted to dive right into coloring eggs....its these moments that make being a parent so much fun. Right before bed we talked about how the Easter Bunny visited children that we good & would even leave something for them that was special. This brings up shopping for the basket....Josh wanted candy, candy, a choc bunny and more candy. I chose a choc bunny, hair accessories, books & stickers. He said I was not cool for that so I explained that an almost 2 yr old doesn't need that much candy. I'm a bad mom - ha! Back to Addi, first thing that she said when I picked her up out of her bed was Easter Bunny. I guess I was just a bit shocked that she really remembered what we talked about & that she knew her goodies should be there. And they were. We had a wonderful Easter, I hope you all did too. Our family time seems to be less and less as a large group...we are all in different places with families scattered too so its not always easy. We missed those that were not there but Addison had a wonderful time with all of her 2nd cousins. She's a hoot and definitely doesn't sit on the sidelines and watch, she's right in the middle of it all!

Se-wi-ously?

2009-04-07T10:49:00.009-04:00

As Addi would say, Sewiously...snowing in April?? We were just at the zoo on Saturday in shorts. This weather is crazy.

Its so nice to be home. I can tell you I could not have asked for a better homecoming reaction than what we got from Addi. When we finally landed, after horrible turbulance & many delays we went straight to pick up Addi. She was standing at the window when we pulled up, she saw us and had her hand over her mouth like OMG. Miss Erma opened the door & seriously the kid was squeeling, hopping, running to us. I probably teared up a little. I knew I was missing her bad but seeing her & squeezing her was the best feeling ever. We made the most of a beautiful weekend, & I guess its a good thing seeing that its 40 something out and spitting snow. We took Seth & Eli to the zoo with us, they all had a good time. Sunday was typical church, nap and then we went over to the Lewis compound to see the horses, chicks & fam. I had a hard time getting Addi off the trampoline, she LOVED it! Here are a few pics from this weekend. My girl is just getting so big. She is talking in sentences, told me Saturday morning "momma I want something to eat" and is all the time saying "i don't know, huh" Life is so fun & funny with her. She just never ceases to amaze us with the things that come out of her mouth. It was nice knowing she obviously missed us too.

update from capital hill

2009-04-01T09:50:00.001-04:00

Well I am on day 3 of my conference...our final day. Yesterday was a very long day of sessions and lobbying on capital hill. Oh I will apologize ahead of time for run on sentences and lower caps, I am using my blackberry. We have been able to meet with many senators, house reps etc. Although we all have different opinions on health care, healthcare reform etc its an amazing feeling to be ib our nations capitol as an american. No way to describe the feeling of walking up to capital hill to the offices of our representatives and explaining to them why or why not we do or do not support their views and policies. I can tell you that we have found that our administration def does not have it together although that isn't a surprise less than 4 months in. I will tell you no matter what you believe in, what yoy lobby for....get to know your reps. They need our opinions, our views and our voices and they do listen!
On a funny note...we have double beds in our room so that vacation get a way Josh was looking forward to led to some nice spacious sleep for ME! Ahhhhh. Miss our girl but we have received many videos, pics and calls. We thank all of our fam and friends who have helped in picking addi up. She is a lucky girl as are we!

Block out the bad...Harness the good.

2009-03-23T10:42:00.005-04:00

I'm trying, from the movie "Billy Madison" (Adam Sandler), to Block out the Bad and Harness the Good. I am typically a very positive person but I have this huge amount of weight on my chest and I can't seem to shake it. Last week we dealt with Addi having a 103 temp from Thurs to Saturday morning for no reason at all other than fighting something off. We spent 4 hrs at TC Thompson because after the fever broke she was screaming out in pain constantly. I'd had enough of our pediatrician telling me it was normal but for my child to be so lifeless and in pain it wasn't normal. It ended up being nothing and I am certain after I left they talked about me being a paranoid parent. I put my child through being catheterized, stuck with a needle, several insertions in places that things shouldn't be inserted and just the trauma of it all was enough to rattle my own nerves all to say she was just fighting something off. I felt horrible after putting her though all of that, even though I do feel a little better knowing its nothing. But I can't seem to shake this anxiety I'm having about our travels this weekend. We have taken weekend trips and been away from home but since having Addi when we travel I have horrible thoughts, please don't tell me I'm the only one that does this b/c I know its morbid. I can't seem to get rid of the anxiety of Josh and I flying together and being gone for 5 nights away from her. I've never had anxiety so I'm struggling here. I'm incredibly busy at work this week so knowing I'll be gone for 4 days next week just adds to it. The conference itself it a tad overwhelming too. The fact that I will be lobbying on Capital Hill - meeting with Senators, Govenors, etc with folks that probably could be my grandparents or parents is somewhat intimdating & not to sound all big and mighty but honestly I just don't get intimated much. Its all hitting me at once and I'm trying to process it all, except its not working. I don't have a normal general physician - just called my ob to see if I could talk to her about the anxiety and she retired....um, don't you think that would have been something worthy of a letter going out? So I'm kind of stuck not knowing who to turn to or what doctor to lean on next. I'd definitely take some referrals on who you all use for your ob or general physician. Oh, and add to the fact that my sitter is off on Wed & Thurs and I can't hardly take two days off this week and 4 next so just not sure where to go for that one either. (she certainly deserves those days as well but seeing that Addi was out Thurs & Fri last week I just found that out so not much time to plan). I'm praying hard that this feeling leaves, I'm just not used to such a feeling and well it plain ol' sucks.

And well while I'm on the pity party - we had to miss Baby Maddox's 1st birthday party. For those that know our best friends Jeremy & Starla you know that the thought of a baby Maddox was slim to none. They just knew they never wanted children.....and then that changed and we were so thrilled it did, especially after knowing the love of Addi that we felt. I couldn't imagine some of our best friends not knowing that love too. Maddox goes to the same sitter so its destined that he and Addi will have a friendship, if not a pre-arranged marriage...ha. She talks about him non-stop. It really broke my heart that we were not able to be there for such a special day.

We did however manage to have 20 minutes of a little outside fun, it was already scheduled & Addi seemed to be doing just fine. No fever, no grunting, but still a little grouchy. Meg, a good friend and photographer was taking pics at Heritage Park with rabbits and duckies from Noah's Little Ark for Easter pics. Here are just some of her prancing around the park afterwards. Thanks Meg - can't wait to see them and it was so good to see that precious Madyson!!

Why am I OCD??

2009-03-16T16:11:00.003-04:00

Nothing to blog about lately....seems kind of sad, makes me realize I've not been taking pics. Very, very unusual for me. I did however book Addison's birthday party today which is 3 months away and it makes me wonder why am I so OCD? Not about everything, weird things really. Mom says its more anal not OCD, which could be true. Josh seems to think that I'm more of a Varuca Salt girl (if you do not know who that is then google it....and your un-American!)
When I think of the things I want I am very much a want it now, do it now kind of person. I'm trying to be a bit more relaxed about those things but it never seems to work. I'm seriously praying about it.
Anyway. Summer birthdays are tough because I don't want to do swimming parties every year or better yet I'd like to keep the check book in line. Its always hot and things like the Creative Discovery Museum & Partyville's seem a little too old for her right now to really enjoy. Maybe I'm wrong, especially after I think about the flips off the couch she was doing last night. I did look into a birthday party at the Zoo and hit the jackpot. Mainly because they have a 9:30-11:30 time slot that is perfect for my afternoon napper & perfect because the animals are more active in the morning time as well as the summer heat isn't at its peak at 9:30 in the morning. I was very pleased with the price for what they do for you & provide so its final...Sat 6/20 @ 9:30. Plus if you are a member, which we are its even cheaper!!! I sometimes can't believe we have an almost 2 yr old...then I remember the attitude and its relatively clear to me!

Concerned

2009-03-09T14:08:00.003-04:00

Since Wednesday Addi has thrown up over & over.....and should I mention ALL over me, her car seats, her rocker, the new carpet downstairs....everywhere. I'm a bit concerned so we'll be going to the doctor today. I'm not usually one that worries so much but this is just so odd. She's ran no fever, only had 2 diapers with diarrhea and acts just fine. Yesterday for instance, we went to the UTC softball game, went to dinner at Outback and then got home and had been playing. She got in trouble for something so after her "talking to" she and I went to sit in the rocking chair in her room. She laid her head down on me, got quiet and then proceeded to reinact an exorcist movie and projectile vomit all over me, the glider and herself.
This started on Wednesday & the sitter assumed it was a virus. She threw up 3 times at her house, still no fever, no diarrhea. Thurs & Fri she was home with Josh & threw up a couple of times. Saturday I threw a baby shower, had all intentions of taking Addi with me but she went down for a nap earlier than usual so no time to get her ready as she was waking up when we were leaving. Josh called me towards the end of the shower to tell me she'd thrown up 3 more times. I'm not talking a little spit up - I'm talking full throttle puking. Sunday I already mentioned above...more puking. I'm just concerned this is no stomach bug. If it is its the kind I'd like to have b/c she's sleeping fine, acting fine but her eating isn't the same and well consistantly vomitting is no way to live. We go to doc at 4:30 today so we shall see. Let's pray its nothing but a fluke. At this point I'd take knowing it was a crazy virus and be happy with that.

Spoiled.....and a sweet goodbye.

2009-02-26T09:25:00.007-05:00

I'd like to say the title of my post is about my sweet little Addi but its so not. Although I have known prior to mom's surgery that I'm a very lucky girl this past (almost) week has allowed me to appreciate my mother that much more. Most people would think for both a daughter & son in law that having a live in parent would be for the birds however we are lucky in our situation. Not that there aren't times I'm sure that Josh may wish we had the house all to ourselves or even me for that matter however we are very fortunate to have all the help we have. I did a survey thingy on facebook and there was a question regarding who does the laundry and my response was momma, and not me the momma that would be my momma! .......(now I must give props to my husband because long before mom moved in with us he did do ALL of the laundry so from the get go I've been spoiled!!). So typically by the time we get home from church mom had the floors upstairs swept and mopped, the laundry done or going and lunch prepared. Sounds like I'm housing Cinderella & I'm an evil stepsister, huh??? Anyway to say exhaustion has set in by the time the weekend was over was an understatement. Mom was supposed to spend 1 night in hospital for observation, which turned into 3. No complications but the pain was outrageous...and trust me I could feel the pain. I thought I was going to pass out from the pain...and that was just watching it. I've never felt like a good care taker either so I knew I might have my hands full. My aunt did come down Saturday evening to allow me to go home and get some rest, and mostly to be with my family that I hadn't seen since Friday morning before mom's surgery. I was able to get all of the laundry done, Addi's lunch fixed for the week and the house cleaned up all before having to go back to the hospital on Sunday. I dealt with a lot of guilt though on Sunday night because mom had to stay over night by herself but we didn't have any other option. Josh works nights & well Addi can't stay at the hospital with me so I had to go home.

Addi is becoming quite the mommy's girl since YaYa can't "hold you" "hold you" and to be honest I think its going to be several months before she can. Mom always allowed me to get ready and would do with Addi, not to say I was completely shut off in my room getting ready..no Addi runs and does as she pleases but mom made sure she got fed before the sitter and would address any meltdown's we might have. It made getting ready in the mornings a seamless routine. Now we have chaos....ha! Yesterday I had her shut in my room w/bathroom door open, she kept peeking in the shower and then finally just sat down in the floor crying b/c I couldn't "hold you" right then. She is really doing good though with being gentle with YaYa & is so curious about her boo boo that she wants to "see it" all the time. I guess b/c I've never known what its like to do it all on my own I've become spoiled. I hope that this hasn't at all made me out to seem like an absent mom or a bad mom I've just accepted the help when offered & needed & for us it was just there all the time so its been appreciated & welcomed. So to YaYa...we appreciate everything you do for us but need you to take it easy and recover completely. We don't want to take any chances that you'd push yourself to recover too quickly and jeopardize the recovery you've made so far.

On another bittersweet note......Josh's great Aunt Dora, 104 in age passed away on Tuesday night. This woman was a fireball I tell you. Many great stories she could share and although up until recently did she begin to somewhat show her age she led a great life. She outlived 2 husbands, many friends & family members and to me that is somewhat sad to watch everyone around you pass away. She was very active in her church up until she began to come to the end recently. And recently is within a week or two. We've made many trips to Blairsville, GA to visit her and the beautiful land she lived on, celebrate birthdays with her and as we make one more trip this Friday for her funeral we hope that it will not be our last. I know for Josh's family there are many great memories there, as well as Jane's brother & sis in law. The pictures below are from Aunt Dora's 103rd birthday. We were not able to go this yr for her party as it was the same day as the Heart Gala and it saddens us that she did not get to see Addi in full force but we know she will forever watch over us.

Momma

2009-02-20T09:51:00.003-05:00

Please say a prayer for my momma....she is having surgery today to repair a very large hernia. Its a rather easy surgery however mom has a heart murmur so going under anesthesia is risky but is always closely monitored. Just say a prayer for us, for her, for the doctors and staff that will be taking care of her. Probably just an overnight stay but little Addi isn't going to understand why Ya-Ya can't pick her up. Thanks my friends for the prayers and support!!!

Have a Heart!!

2009-02-08T18:22:00.010-05:00

Saturday evening we went to the American Heart Associations Heart Gala. It was a great evening of good food, good company, a great band and it was also great to hear the success stories of men and women so young in age suffering & beating heart disease. Of course it always hits home in thinking of papaw's heart attack & how close we were to losing him & most importantly how lucky we were to have more time with him. To say we had a great time is an understatement. Nicole does such an awesome job in planning these types of events.

Me & Hubby

Britt, Nic & ISmiths & Lewis'

Loving on baby Sophie!

Doesn't Nicole looking beautiful??

Our group

Let's "squeeze" something else in...

2009-02-02T09:30:00.010-05:00

So the title of my post in mainly because we are going to the American Heart Assoc's Heart Gala this weekend - so I'm trying to squeeze into a formal dress ( & our weekend was packed full of activities). SO maybe it wasn't such a great idea to start Saturday morning off at the UTC Softball Pancake breakfast at Applebee's. Lyndsey Stile's is playing for UTC & being the softball lover I am we're always willing to support any fellow ball player. We picked up Britt & Andrew & arrived at Northgate by 7:40. Addi enjoyed getting to run like a mad woman around Applebee's and the mall since it was all closed. We went down and let her play on the playground - which was so nice because its not something we really do much, if at all. I'm far from a germ freak but everytime you walk by there, there are kids hacking, snotting and really just running wild. I sometimes think some parents believe that they don't have to watch their kids while they are playing there. Loves Nit-ney The big kids got to play too!

From there we went straight to Red Bank High School where Seth & Eli were both in a wrestling tournament. I tell you, I am so proud of these guys for never giving up - wrestling friends and still never giving up - just for giving it their all. Its so fun to watch and being such competitors Josh and I hardly miss an opportunity to watch them. Britt & Andrew tagged along for this as well. We are very lucky to have friends that do such fun things with us, adult things, family things - really anything. We have such adventures with them, there is never a dull moment and we honestly don't know where we may end up that day - but anything with them is a blast!

We took advantage of the beautiful weather Sunday after a trip to the mall & Five Guys. It was so nice to be outside, which Addi loves, just running wild and playing. She had so much fun actually venturing onto new things at the playground. Here a few pics from our Sunday fun, probably the only girl in a girly outfit out there playing but hey, a girl can still be cute and play in the dirt, right?

Calgon TAKE me (far) Away.

2009-01-26T10:07:00.002-05:00

I am not certain that I've been this sleep deprived since I was a distributor for the dairy farm in our home, what almost 2 years ago. I need sleep, good sleep, un-interrupted sleep. The kind of sleep that when you wake up you aren't giving everyone the evil eye for no reason at all. Its tough when your hubby works 3rd shift - I mean yes I still have help - but I'm the mom ya know. Addi is in an odd funk....she is sleeping horribly and I don't understand it. I'd like to chalk it up to maybe molars or even just more teeth but for the past 2 weeks off and on the sleeping has gotten way off track. This past week was even worse and then it started again last night. From day one I've been a "cry it out mom." Is it bothersome? Yes. Do I like to hear her crying? No...but for us it worked. She'd cry for a little bit and then realize we weren't coming back and go to sleep. She goes down at 8:00 and is usually up between 6:15 - 6:45. Just like her momma being an early bird but this is getting out of hand, and honestly I feel like I'm about to lose it. She's screaming around 1-2 am. If I go in there she wants to rock, so we rock and immediately she's out but as soon as I try to lay her down its death grip and not letting go, the screaming starts again. Maybe its just something we are going through but honestly I'm frazzled. I've been taking her to bed with me if I've gotten no where by 3 and that is even worse. Again never have we let her sleep with us (other than when she's been sickly and that is how we all managed to get any sleep), just wasn't an option with us but at some point some sleep is better than none - and honestly sleeping with a kid is ridiculous. They hog the bed, root and slap in the face (not intentionally). I'm so sleep deprived that I feel like I could cry at any moment - just frazzled I tell ya. And trying to get up, get a shower and be on time to work is a whole different story. Temper tantrums don't even begin to explain the maniac I'm dealing with in the mornings. I'm just so caught off guard at where all is this coming from - any advice is welcomed NOW. Its just not the way I like to start my mornings - weeks for that matter. I know terrible two's are around the corner but what do I do with these fits. I've been ignoring her when she starts it and then she goes and mid fit hits her head on a wall, not intentionally its just a result of the drama. No blood, we're good - I continue to ignore. I know she isn't going to be perfect or even good all the time for that matter but this is wearing me out. It doesn't help that daddy comes home in the morning and starts playing matador with her running at his blankie and all is fine. Kind of like I've been making it all up....thanks Addi, now Daddy thinks I'm crazy too - ha!
I kind of would just like to know I'm not alone here. Please throw me a life saver or at this point a xanax would do just fine. Jk.....I'm trying to find humor in the midst of my delirium.

Grow Old Along With Me

2009-01-18T20:44:00.006-05:00

"Grow Old Along With Me" are the words written on a pillow we have in our living room...its also the song my sister in law sang at our wedding 5 yrs ago (Saturday, the 17th). To say I've married my soul mate may sound cheasy but its so true. Josh & I are so alike yet so incredibly different. To think when I met him at the age of 17 that we'd be together this day still getting along, actually probably better is the most incredible feeling ever. He keeps me grounded, we finish each other's sentences, we start sentences at the same time, we buy the same cards for anniversaries......we love each other. Not just love but I really still feel in love with him. I know I come home to a man that loves me - a man that treats me with such respect - a man that loves his family. To say we don't have tough times wouldn't be a real marriage. We disagree, he aggrivates me and I know that my need it done now attitude wears on his nerves but he doesn't show it. Josh is the most laid back, easy going guy that is so understanding, so loving and very affectionate, which isn't always the case for men. I love thinking back to the day we married - I remember walking down the aisle with tears in my eyes thinking that the fairy tale came true which was something I never felt I deserved. The family I inherited is incredible and Josh is so loved by my family. Our wedding was more than a girl could dream of - knowing I was saying I do, going into this committment with someone who was just as committed as I was is a blessing from God. We spent the evening with a few hundred of our closest friends and family with a party that was so memorable. I could have never asked for anything better.

We left Friday night after Sesame Street to go to Gatlinburg with Britt & Andrew. It was a great way to spend our anniversary. We went on a 3.5 hr hike to Rainbow Falls seeing snow, ice and deer. It was rather cold but we were definitely in the zone hiking.....we had dinner in that night because we were exhausted. We are so lucky to have such great friends that not only watched us marry but new friends that we share in special memories such as anniversaries with. Thanks to the Smith's for inviting us to get away when we really wanted and needed it. To say I'm blessed doesn't begin to describe how lucky of a woman, a wife, a mom I feel I am. I can't wait to see what the next 5 yrs brings us.

Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street?

2009-01-18T17:58:00.010-05:00

(Sorry for a side ways video - one day I'll learn you can rotate video's)

To say the girls had a good time at Sesame Stree Live is well, just an understatement. Christy found them cute outfits and had made both the girls bows to match. Arden was excited to get to watch Shrek on the way to see the real live movie. :) I told Josh this morning that I almost got teary eyed when both girls got so excited when all the characters first came out singing the "How to get to Sesame Street" theme song. Just to see Addi so excited and dancing and just watching that sweet reaction was priceless. It really makes being a mom so fun. I love that little grin so much. The program was great, we even bought an overly priced Elmo doll. Anytime Elmo left the stage Addi asked "where elmo go?". Such a great evening with great friends!!

Eating dinner before the show at Christy's.

Us girls during the break.

Having a "nack" (snack)

Cheeeeesssseeee!

How Much is that Doggy in the Window

2009-01-16T10:14:00.011-05:00

Poor dog...First she get put outside after living as an inside "puppy" for over 7 years when this new "creature" started crawling. Sorry but I just couldn't handled dog hair all over baby clothes. But now here it is frigid out & she gets the luxury of coming inside only to be aggrivated by a crumb crunching maniac that from the time she lays her head down to the second she wakes up saying "Hi Zoe" "I see Zoe" "Where's Zoe". If any of you are like my aunt you fear for Addi's life when you see this "puppy" but she's so mild mannered and very sweet to be a 100+ lb rottweiler, yes that is correct. Zoe lets her crawl, hug & kiss all over her...even last night she climbed on top of her like she was riding a horse. I definitely drew the line there! Poor dog though, she just wants to come in the warmth and isn't left alone except from the hours of 8pm until 6:30 am!

Answered Prayers

2009-01-15T14:13:00.001-05:00

I just got off the phone with Sandra….DiAnne is currently having a chest x-ray done to ensure that even though nothing was found on the CT Scan that the chest x-ray itself is clear as well. However here is what will happen within the next few days….WONDERFUL, INCREDIBLE and nothing but GREAT news from this visit. They were very comfortable with this Doctor and very much feel that he is the right one to do surgery on Wednesday at Memorial. NO RADIATION, NO CHEMO will be done prior to surgery, yes you read that correctly. He’s even hopeful but not promising that it can be lapro-scopically and also very hopeful that no colostomy bag will be needed either. He feels he can go in to where the mass is, its in a fold right at the base of where the rectum and colon meet. She will be in the hospital anywhere from 4-10 days. This is truly incredible news!!!
Thank you for all of the prayers - please keep them coming!

Sister

2009-01-09T14:50:00.006-05:00

Please pray for "Sister".

DiAnne (my boss's sister & a lady I used to work with) went in yesterday for a colonoscopy as it was recommended at her age. Actually it was recommended a few years ago but honestly I think her stubborn-ness may have saved her life. You see if you have a colonoscopy & everything checks out fine another isn't recommended for 5-10 years, so this could have gone undiagnosed. At this moment she is having bloodwork, a CT Scan and several other tests ran to confirm what the doctor's believe they saw on the films from the colonoscopy. Cancer. She's scared to death, Sandra is scared to death, I am scared to death. Other than their husbands they are the only family each other have. Neither of them have ever had children. When I had Addi and asked Dianne if she wanted to hold her she said, "Yes, but I need to sit down for this!" I love this woman like family so please just pray that this has been caught early, that surgery can be done to remove the cancer and for a speedy recovery for her. Sandra & I left to meet Dianne at the imaging center at noon, she drank her yummy drink and we sat there with her until she had to go back for the CT scan. I needed to come back to the office and hold the fort down so I'm just waiting to hear what is going on.

DiAnne holding Addi for the first time.

This is from my baby shower that the sisters threw for me.

********************************* UPDATE**************************** 1/12/09

The mass is at the end of the rectum, about 6-8 inches in diameter…YES you read that correctly, from the base of my hand to the end of my bird finger (obviously I have long fingers) is 7 inches so you can only imagine. Two cancer hospitals recommended with Vandy being on of those SO that is a huge blessing too that she’s not going to have to go far away. They want to try to shrink the tumor as much as possible first through radiation in order to make the removing the mass via surgery easier. The main point is she will be alive & she will beat this. The CT scan did not show any spreading to any other areas another BLESSING. All in all this is WONDERFUL news however we all know Dianne is not a vain person but a prissy person and loves her hair, make up etc so this is difficult on her just thinking she could lose her hair. But again people LIVE bald, LIVE with wigs – the main fact is that she will BEAT this and will LIVE!!! She is being referred to a Dr. Stanley who is an oncologist here in Chattanooga whom I believe was on the call between DiAnne and her physician. This appt should be scheduled soon.
Keep Sister in your prayers and Sis as well. You all know she is more than just a boss to me, more like a 3rd mom and it breaks my heart to see her so worried, trying to be the strong one that she claims to be. We all fear those words but in all honesty DiAnne’s life has probably been saved with this routine exam.

Addi's 18 Month Pics

2009-01-06T10:05:00.010-05:00

Master Portraits continues to amaze me. We had these taken on Saturday 12/20 @ noon & we got them in the mail on Tues 12/23!!! Addi didnt want to sit still but from the pics you would never know. We also had pics of all the "grands" since we were keeping the boys as a gift to Grammy & Papaw. I couldn't resist asking them to do the mailbox again to compare the change of pudge to a delicate little girl, I use the term delicate lightly but a mom can wish, huh?

Move over '08....Here comes '09!

2009-01-06T09:06:00.007-05:00

Ready or not 2009 is here. NYE was very low key for us & I couldn't have asked for anything more. We had dinner @ Hennen's which was most excellent & headed back to Jeremy & Starla's to ring in the New Year Wii style. We were in bed by 12:14 (and it was great!)
"Resolutions", no....Modifications, YES! I just hate to set these goals only to fail at them. Maybe its not really failing at them but its putting a lot of emphasis in numbers on a scale, the number of outgoing bills, etc. We do have certain goals we want to reach this year & honestly they aren't too far from last years so really, why do that to myself?
I am trying to promise myself that I'm not trying to lose weight to be skinny. What I would like to acheive is a healthy eating lifestyle. Not only for me but Josh & Addi. Its not that we don't eat healthy its portion control on both of our parts so last night after I kicked my own tail at the gym I went home to a fully cooked delicious meal, spaghetti. I'm pretty certain what made it so darn good was the fact that I didn't make it. Josh had the table set, bread in the oven and the main course completely done when I walked in the door. So day 1 of this whole eating lighter thing. I can promise you I will eat what I want to eat but I did make my plate on one of Addi's plates & surprisingly enough I was full after much smaller portion than I am used to. I won't even begin to describe Josh's heaping plate. With all the death I faced in 2008 I worry about the years to come. Not because I don't believe just more selfishness. I want to grow old & wrinkly with the love of my life, I want to watch him walk our daughter down the aisle, I want us both there to welcome grandchildren into our lives so I tend to worry when it comes to our health. I just think we both could live healthier lifestyles & I kind of feel that we owe that to each other & to Addi & one's to come.
Mostly I want to be a better Christian. I know being a better Christian will allow me to be a better wife, mom & friend. I am learning to lean on God more & more in my life. To realize that this isn't a life I'm owed here, its a life I was given....and I'm not promised tomorrow. I know that my Addi isn't my Addi, she is His & its my job to teach her about Him. I do love that in the car I can look back at her, hands clasped & lots of mumbling going on....I can make out momma, dadda, yaya, papaw, mammy, eli, anne....and down the list she goes to AMEN. It seriously brings a tear to my eye. Although she doesn't fully understand what she is doing yet I do believe she knows its out of love. My relationship with God is forever changed because of his gift to us, I honestly can not describe the love in my heart for him. I am learning that its ok to be imperfect, it makes me who I am & shows me who I want to be.
So the new year is here......so many things to come. It's the last year I'll have in my 20's & although I thought I might feel differently I can't wait to see what my 30's have in store for me (um...remind me I said that in 1 yr, 1 month and 5 days!!), Josh & I will travel to D.C. together this year, I'll visit NY for the first time ever, more family vacations, my girl will be 2 even if terrible 2's are already here! I'll continue to fight cancer with a vengence & hope that you fight for something too. Whatever it is fight with all you have! I hope to make many new friendships & cherish the one's going on 15 years or more. Whatever life brings you this year I hope that I'm there to share it with you!

I end today with a simple verse from Proverbs 8

"Whoever finds me finds LIFE."

Christmas 2008

2008-12-28T19:53:00.016-05:00

So after an incredibly difficult start to my Christmas holiday I'm happy to say I'm on the uphill swing of things. I don't know that I'm past it, that its over but I can say I know what a blessed life I do have. We all go through our tough times and if its things like this that I have to go through to talk with my husband, to see how much he loves me and his family and what a genuine loving man he is then I suppose I can hack it. Our holiday was more than wonderful. We were showered with more than enough gifts, ate more than our fair share of food and are more than pooped. Santa actually came to Lee Pike this morning. We had Christmas with the Lewis' on our typically Tuesday night family dinner.....Wednesday we traveled to be with my family in Knoxville. Josh had to work Christmas night so he came back Thurs. Yaya, Addi and I stayed until Saturday. Addi LOVED Christmas in Knoxville, she was most fond of the while & chocolate fountains we always have with strawberries, pineapples, oranges, pretzels, marshmellows, mini vanilla wafers and probably more I'm forgetting. It was perfect height for her because she could reach up and grab vanilla wafers and dip them in the fountain and RUN!!!

She was quite the ham. I just miss my family so much after we leave from there but its always so nice to be home. We went ahead and stayed a few extra nights and did Santa gifts this morning since this will be the last Christmas we are away from home, after all we have to wake up in our home when Santa comes (on the real day this time)....funny how things just change after kids. I believe Daddy was really missing his girls too. Addi must have been incredibly good this year because she got more things than I could even remember so they aren't all in the picture above. Those are a just some of the things she got. The slide climber was from Santa. Here are just some more pics of fun stuff we did over Christmas. I'm ready for the New Year though so I'm sure resolutions are to come!!

Thanks for the encouraging words and prayers. I love you all and hope you had the Merriest Christmas.

Perfection or Pressure?

2008-12-24T08:52:00.002-05:00

I must say I am writing a bit heavy hearted today so I'll start by asking for a prayer. I mean seriously, its Christmas. We had a wonderful evening last night with Grammy & Papaw & the Coffelts for our Christmas and yet I still find myself waking up so sad today. As a mom, a wife, a friend, a daughter I've come to realize that I put an enormous amount of pressure on myself. (Don't most of us mom's?) I whole heartedly don't think this pressure comes from striving for perfection because in all honesty I do know I'm far from perfect and in reality I know I never will be nor do I want to be. I do however strive to do things the best I can. I probably try to do more for others than I should, and even typing that sounds wrong. How can you do too much for others? Anyway....as I sit here today, a big kid when it comes to Christmas - the family time I look so forward to, knowing Jesus Christ died for me, I'm having such a heavy heart because I made a mistake....a costly mistake and it makes me feel like such a failure as a mom & wife. I have this weight on my heart & so badly want to be able to smile and really feel happy, something that I really typically have no problem with. I feel like I'm at a loss for words (very rare) & this is just not a feeling I'm used to having so I just come to you, my blogger friends, to ask for a prayer...please just pray for Josh, Addi & I as we travel today to spend Christmas with my family in Knoxville and I can get out of this funk. I've been so excited about this time and I'm having just a bit of a tough time this morning. Merry Christmas!

3 IS more than 1 (did you know that?)

2008-12-22T09:21:00.016-05:00

What a weekend. It was busy to say the least but really makes me thankful for the family I've inherited through marriage. I don't think I have to tell anyone who knows them how great the Lewis fam is but really when I sit back and listen to some horror stories of inlaws it just makes me incredibly grateful. I have a sis in law that is as close to a sister as a person could have & she has a great hubby that we have a ton of fun with. Then there is my nephews which is the whole point of the post. Before Addi came along we did tons of stuff with them. More than we get to do now that we have our own but being the fun aunt and uncle is lots of fun. Staying up a tad later than we are supposed, jumping on couches, eating some sugar - you know the things that make you want to visit those aunts and uncles. I can remember taking Seth to the Unum easter egg hunt, to birthday parties of my friends kids and even once Eli got to stay by himself while Seth had an outing with his mom/dad. We love those boys so much. Even though we don't get to keep them as much as we'd like we always welcome it so when they chose us to stay with while their mom & dad got a much needed weekend away to Nashville we were very welcoming to the idea. They are very good kids so its not like its difficult on us however 3 IS very much more than 1. We had originally planned to attempt Rock City for the Enchanted Garden of Lights (needless to say I invited my mom as well as Grammy/Papaw) however with the rain it wasn't something we could plan on, and well I like to know the plan, its just the anal-ness coming out in me. We picked them up around 11 on Saturday afternoon and headed to have Addison's 18 month photo's made at Master Portraits. I LOVE Master Portraits......affordable, the staff is wonderful and the delivery of the photo's is unlike any other - speedy doesn't describe it. The boys were great in making Addi laugh so that was an added bonus. After the photo's we went to the Railroad for the Christmas Open House sort of thing. We had lunch there and got to go on the caboose to visit Santa....might I add that Addi didn't want anything to do with Santa. She was ok while the boys were there but after that - uh uh...We managed to make a WalMart trip & a quick stop by movie gallery. We veto'd The Hulk & decided on The Bee Movie (Eli) & Star Wars something...something...something...(that Seth wanted, its got more to the name than JUST Star Wars don't you know!!). We had pizza for dinner & I was reminded that they always have dessert however Andi doesn't keep many sweets in the house so I'm sure this was the disappointment of the weekend for them.

We managed to make it to church ON TIME using the new barcode-kiosk system with 3 children. We headed home for lunch, lasagna (which they did not say a thing about having it for lunch the last time they stayed the night, Josh & I were SURE they'd remind us of that! Nor did Eli tell me I needed to vacuum my bedroom this time either). I need to finalize some Christmas shopping so I did that while Addi napped & the "guys" watched Star Wars something...something...something. (PS...don't forget Yaya was there too for reinforcement, I definitely don't want her help in ALL of these adventures to go un-noticed!!). The funnest part of the weekend was making the gingerbread house. They had so much fun with that and laughing at me for getting icing everywhere. I have learned that things don't have to just be "pretty" and "neat" when doing stuff like this with kids. Its beautiful because its their own creativity that comes out. See I am learning I just still have a year or two with my pretty tree, maybe by then we'll have a different house and can have 2 trees, one pretty "store" tree and my Addi tree. :) Here is a re-cap of our weekend in pics. I love those little guys and how much they make my little girl laugh. She tries so hard to be JUST like them. At one point the boys were laying in the floor on their bellies watching tv when she laid down right beside them, I didn't have my camera but it was a memory to melt my heart.

PS.......in case you were wondering, we're not any closer to even thinking about baby #2 yet

Family outing to Eli's Christmas Program

2008-12-18T10:09:00.006-05:00

More than a babysitter

2008-12-18T09:45:00.005-05:00

The transition of me returning to work was an easy one for us. Not because I couldn't hack being a stay at home mom or didn't enjoy my time with my beautiful little girl but because of Miss Erma. Miss Erma is more than a babysitter - she has become part of our family. I must say I'm one lucky mom. From the day we met with her to discuss Addison coming to stay with her I never once felt uneasy about the situation. Josh & I went with to her completely unprepared. I mean, yes I had read many websites & knew what I was supposed to ask. We went with our list in hand and NEVER once got it out. We sat down with her & she began talking about how she ran her ship. She gave us references (other than that she's one of my bff's relative), she talked about how she liked to keep supplies in stock, that she LOVED to give baby massages if that was ok with us....heck I like massages so I knew surely Addi would too, what girl doesn't right? We left there that day thanking God for providing a grandmother not a babysitter. She does this because she loves these kids not because she has to. I mean sewiously (as Addi says) how many of us could keep 4 babies all under the age of 2 all day, every day and not leave the house at all. I can ensure you its not something I wish to add to my resume!!! Add teething, colic, diarrhea, spit up, no naps, feedings, diaper changes.....again, all under the age of 2. Which brings me to the only part of Miss Erma I didn't like - she only keeps them until age 2. I do understand, she basically feeds to Hixson First Baptist & they send her referrals as well. I have no problem with HFB, actually I've only heard how wonderful their daycare is however I have had my heart set on sending her to Hixson United Methodist. HUM is where both Seth & Eli have gone. They both have peanut allergies so I feel like if my sis in law has trusted them I can too. At this point we do not know if Addi will have this allergy (please say a prayer, we have her 18 month visit on Friday and will be taking a spoonful of peanut butter with us to that visit). I just have enjoyed going to their Christmas Programs & the Lewis family has grown up with a teacher there so its nice to have those ties. The downfall is that they don't take them until they are 3, so at this point she's on both waiting list. Then I begin to wonder if its right to move her at 2 then again at 3 when she's gotten used to a new place & attached to new teachers. I'm telling you right now, we are one lucky family - Addi is one lucky little girl. Miss Erma asked me last week if we had her on a waiting list anywhere, that basically she was willing to keep Addison until she was 3. One of the other little girls mother had asked if she'd keep her until 3 b/c of a similar daycare delimma & because Addi & Kendall play well together, because Miss Erma LOVES those Addi hugs & because its hard to find "good" parents (not that others aren't at all, but that she has to be careful as well, I mean after all she's keeping children in her home - it gets tricky and can be sticky situations at times). Needless to say I got a little teary eyed. This is huge for us, I get so sad thinking about moving her. Addison loves her and I see that Miss Erma loves Addison too. Plus she'll get to hang out with Maddox more too. Miss Erma is not just her babysitter, she's an extra grandma to her. She cares about her, she cares about our family & that just melts my heart. So who is this wonderful woman....this is a picture of her. I'm hoping to get one of her & Addi soon - you would think I'd already thought of that huh?

I honestly just can't say enough about her and I truly feel blessed God has not given her to me but to my little girl.

Merry Christmas!!

Its the most WONDERFUL time of the Year!

2008-12-10T14:49:00.006-05:00

I have always loved Christmas but Christmas with a child, well its the best. I love singing Christmas Carols to Addi in the car. Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE Christmas Carols and the absolute best part about XM radio is that I have not just 1, not 2 but 3 stations soley dedicated to Christmas music and it just brings out the inner child in myself. I love shopping for others, I love the look on their face when they open their gift. I love the time with family, I love the time at Church listening to the real reason for the season. I love the Christmas lights, the tree and all of the decorations that come with it. Addi loves the lights - she has been great about not playing in the tree and she even got her own tree for her bedroom from her honorary Granny Lil bit (my boss, Sandra). Its adorable. Its purple (who would've of thought, huh?) and it has the cutest decorations on it, none of which came on it but was decorated with much thought by Sandra.

Something I've never done though at Christmas is the whole Tacky Sweater party.....now don't get me wrong there are some really pretty Christmas sweaters out there and then on the other hand they can definitely get Tacky. I borrowed my sweater from my boss, who is 5' pushing it and tee tiny. So everything she has in her closet is petite and well my pinky isn't petite. She found a sweater that she was so embarrassed to even have so it was perfect. I'll be opting for a more pretty sweater for the next party since the one I wore this past weekend nearly cut the circulation off in my arms - the three quarter length arms, which weren't supposed to be three quarter length, weren't elastic so I still had impressions on my arms the next morning on the way to church. Here are just some of the best outfits from the night. Brad will probably kill me for this too but better to ask forgiveness than permission, right?

A very Thankful Weekend

2008-12-01T10:43:00.006-05:00

For those that know me pretty well know that I'm not one to save vacation time what so ever. We are pretty busy people so it typically is wiped out however this year I still had over a week to take before the end of the year. I decided to take Tuesday & Wednesday off last week giving me a nice bit of time to prepare for the holiday. I've also decided to pick this time of year to become motivated to start using that gym membership again. I can't remember the last time I was that sore though, wow! So for the rest of the year I'll be off on Friday's to burn the rest of my days, which is great b/c we have several Christmas parties to get ready for.

Our holiday was full of lots of much needed family time, some shopping and the saddest UT ballgame I've ever been too, even with a win.

Seriously though, all my life Phillip Fulmer has been a part of UT football. I can remember playing in Kingsport volleyball tournaments and on the way home mom dropping me off at the ballgames to meet my uncle & Brent. The man dedicated his life to UT football and although I was just as bad as the others with saying it was time for a change its just sad that the time came. I have much respect for him and UT will never be the same without him.

It was nice to be back home though. Even though I miss my family so much because the time with them is so few and far between. We got home around 2 on Sunday, unpacked, had some lunch and finished with the decorating our tree and getting Christmas decorations out. I haven't really even started on Christmas shopping - better get to it, huh?

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday. Its so easy to get caught up in what is going on in our life. I love that this Holiday makes you stop and think not only about your family & friends but even the people you wouldn't normally think about (like the verizon guy that has helped up switch cell phone providers, given us numerous discounts and ordered my new blackberry storm....remember, I'm addicted to technology!!)

MEN....& their Remotes!

2008-11-19T21:34:00.003-05:00

What is it about men & their remotes? I mean seriously, as we sit here 35 minutes in Private Practice we've been 10 minutes into the Italian Job, 5 minutes into the Ball State vs C Michigan game only to turn it back to Private Practice right in the middle of a major scene. Was this a class that was only offered to men in school? I can multi task with the best of them but this is taking it just one step TOO far!

***********UPDATE**************

Josh went to work - I finished Private Practice! :)

Addicted to Technology

2008-11-11T14:18:00.000-05:00

I've not "officially" jumped to blogging yet. I still have our babysite set up and I love it because it still allows me to journal for Addi, even though I have a book for her, it seems to be so much easier to sit down at the computer and jot things down - remember funny stories, type in updated weights and the new things she's into. For me though, I love to write - I love to just ponder on my own random thoughts and blogging well - just allows you to do that. I'm a pretty personal person, I take things to heart, I wear my feelings on my sleeve, I love to sit and write about how awesome life is though. Even in the tough times I have to remember that I have a roof over my head, I have a job (that I love - even in insurance) love the people I work for. Leaving my child isn't hard for me because her sitter LOVES her, she loves her sitter, and again I love my boss'. Most importanly I have a husband I go home to at night who loves me more than I deserve and a child that looks at me like I've hung the moon. She doesn't see my imperfections, my flaws or my impurities - she see's her mommmma. I have a mom that would do anything for me and I have a great relationship with my in-laws, something that a lot of people do not. Most importantly though, I'm a christian in a country that allows me to be a christian. I'm continually working on my relationship with God....I know I'm a sinner - imperfect and flawed however I ask for forgiveness and look to the Word for guidance. I do the best I can.

So back to the title of this blog (hmmmm - can I say focused here?). Why is it that I'm so addicted to technology. We have a family babysite, I now have this blog, a myspace AND a facebook. I look at many of my friends and I realize that not only can I write them a letter, pick up the phone & call them but I can email, send a comment, tag them in photo's, text them, chat with them on facebook or just solely send them a message. So right off the bat there are what 8 or 9 lines of communication with some of my closest friends....yikes, do they really want to hear from me that much? Well, I hope so cause I know I'm tickled to get any kind of communication from them. It will only get worse when our contract with our cell phone provider is up, t minus 24 hours and counting - and I jump to trading in the Treo for a "crack"berry as we like to call it. I've convinced myself that I do "need" it - after all if I need to work from home I'm not confined to sitting in the den with my lap top up continually hitting refresh, I can actually take Addison out side and play all the while still working. Ahhhh yes.....I'm addicted to Technology. (um I forgot to mention the dvr but that itself deserves a whole blog alone).