Supporting or Destroying...

I have to run a story by all of my fellow moms out there. I honestly want to know if I am off my rocker or is this just the norm these days.

So I'm standing in line today at Chick-fil-a and I recognize a girl from high school with her 2 children. She briefly glanced my way and glanced away, and I, for some reason, kept trying to get her attention to just wave and say hello. I wasn't really good friends with her in high school, more of just acquaintances, but none the less, the two of us seemed to have something in common right off the bat...both in our sweats and tennis shoes, no make-up on, 2 kids in tow, on a rainy day at the mall; I figured she was in the same boat as me, just wanted to get outta the house to make the day pass by faster until that man we call daddy gets home. I thought it was odd that she turned away...my first thoughts were, wait are we still in high school (lol), am I intimidating for some reason, do I have a booger on the side of my face or spit up in my hair, was she just having a bad day, or did she not recognize me? I don't know, but it was just one of those things where I knew she recognized me...it was way too noticeable and awkward when she kept avoiding turning my way. I checked my shirt and hair, no booger or spit up. After walking away and thinking about the situation, I suppose I could have walked up to her and spoke no matter what, but then again, she made it quite clear that she didn't want to speak. I was sad for a moment there.

I'm so confused these days by women (a lot of them being moms) who are so caught up in comparing their lives to one another or trying to one up each other that it destroys their relationships or makes it hard to even start new ones. It seems before we even meet one another, we are giving the up and down stare checking out who has what and who's doing what. We are all very different people, creatures of habit and I'm just trying to understand why we can't be more supportive of one another instead of tearing each other down. Time after time I see jealousy and envy get in the way of friendships. Yes, even my own. I've basically lost 2 really great friendships in the past year over what I believe to be jealousy. Although, I wouldn't know the exact reasons, because all of a sudden these women cut me out of their lives with no explanation...literally. Yes, cut me off and didn't tell me why. Folks, we're talking years of great friendships...not mere months...and folks we're also talking women in their 30's! Whatever happen to pure communication? If I have dealt any one of my friends a bad hand, I need and want to know about it? Don't dare keep it from me. I am one to be very hard on myself and suppose it's something I did. I keep losing the friends so it's obviously something that I'm causing. At least that is where I keep going with things. I'll talk to one or two of my really close girlfriends (basically the 2 I have left) and they'll both say, no, Allyson, you are doing everything right. They are just jealous.

Really? Jealous? Jealous of what? Not saying that I don't have a blessed life that I am very thankful for, but I also surround myself with some fabulous women and all of them have wonderful, Godly lives, full of happy and beautiful children, husbands with great jobs, nice homes...at least from the looks of it that is how it seems. We are all pulling from the same pile here so why in the world would any of these women be jealous of what they already have?

But time and time again, I turn around and see it happening everywhere. I can't throw my children's birthday parties without someone thinking I'm some uppity mom who has these lavish parties for children who won't even remember it. I don't judge those moms that send out a write-in who, what, when, where, why birthday invitation just because it's not up my alley...again, we are all different people and that is OK, so why judge me if I want to go over-the-top (and yes, I admit, many times I do). Wonder if they ever stopped to think that maybe it's something I truly enjoy doing. It's MY hobby. Yes, I'm allowed hobbies right? This stay-at-home-mom does do something besides sit on Facebook all day and post every step I make or give status updates of how great my life is and me, me, my, my! ugh! Makes me sick.

Question is, does anyone ever think of anyone but themselves anymore? I admit, I'm guilty too...of being self-centered and loving my life, but I honestly believe and hope that those who I reach out to and go out of my way for notice it. Even if it's little things like an invite for a girls night out that is declined every time or just having a friend come up and go through hand-me-downs before I put them in consignment...does she know I give her first dibs on everything I own? Or inviting someone over last minute and serving them lunch just because...no big plan involved. Having the same family over for dinner time and time again never getting an invite back to their home. Let me clarify that I'm not asking for notoriety. We don't do it over and over again because we expect something back, we do it because we WANT to do it...no other motives folks.

Looking back, I've had my feelings hurt pretty severely numerous times in the past 5 years and ya know what, they were hurt all by MOMS! As adolescents, we all go through our high school feuds, fights with best friends, boyfriends, parents, etc, but never in my wildest dreams did I really think that in my 30's it would be harder to have a relationship with a fellow mom than it would to maintain a high school relationship with a fellow friend. Gosh, it's so much harder!

I'm just struggling with the fact of why we cannot be more supportive and happy for one another and tell each other our feelings if something isn't just right. Aren't we all mature enough to take it as it comes? Sure, feelings will be hurt, but wouldn't you rather know than have the friendship turn fake? Isn't it just natural to be happy for someone when they, let's say, get a new car, new job, new house, new baby or even when their child does something great? I'm jumping for joy when something good happens to a close friend. I'm wanting to celebrate for and with them! Here lately, it seems so opposite for our family. I feel like we have been shunned out of people's lives when things like that happen. It's judgement on every aspect and it's so exhausting. Like I said, I can't have a birthday party without being judged. I can't tell someone that my child is in the advanced class at school without being looked upon like I'm bragging. I nurse my children for one year and I'm looked upon badly for that? What, am I horrible because I'm consistent and I stick to things? When did that turn into a bad thing? Shoot, I introduce my friends to my other friends, and they go off and make their own group and toss me to the curb! Now how's that for a slap in the face?

I'm sure my rant has a ton to do with my hormones (as right now I'm weening my one year old off the breast which puts my body into post pardum), but these are feelings I've been having for years. I'm sure I can find another blog post on here years back about being in playgroup when Brayden was 2, remembering the moms competing over who learned their abc's the fastest and what was wrong with their child if they weren't on track with the next. Oh, I learned quick that it wasn't a contest. I remember saying to one of them, honestly, do you think in 5 years we are going to be talking about who learned their 123's first? No! So why in the world are we comparing?! Now here I am 5 years later and looks like I was right! I don't hear the moms in my sons kindergarten class asking each other when their child learned to count, or at what age they first walked or when they were potty trained! It's all caught up in the moment and I wish other moms would realize that! It's definitely ok to praise and boast humbly about your children, but to rub it in someone elses face is just wrong! It's not a contest and just because your child runs faster at 3 than my child, doesn't mean he's gonna be the next future olympic track star for crying out loud! Don't get me wrong, it's good to have dreams for your children, but comparing and contrasting them to others is not going to get them there, that is for sure! It's probably going to set them back if anything!

So I don't even remember my point of this post. I just know I'm going through a really hard time trying to figure out if I am being the best person I can be, and if I'm not, why no one is telling me and will this ever end?! Let's try to support and be happy for each other. It just seems like people are more likely to find criticism in someone else's good doing rather than just saying one kind word and complimenting them. I can honestly say, I try to go out of my way to let my friends know my feelings when they express something that has gone good in their lives. Even if I am a little jealous, which is natural to an extent, doesn't mean I don't still feel genuinely happy for them and that I'm going to shun them for the good things that are happening. Let's lift each other up for heaven's sake.

So if you are out and about today and see a fellow mom struggling or maybe one who looks like they just have it all together and things couldn't be better, give her a wink or a wave or a small hello, because I'll tell you what, it would make my day if I received something like that from time to time! Just someone who is in the same boat as me and knows how good they have it, but who can also admit how hard it is, too. Let's try to remember our old golden rules...treat others how you'd like to be treated and definitely this one, don't judge a book by it's cover. Just because it looks like they have it all together doesn't mean they do!

ONE...for real?

I'm still in awe that Hadley is already one. Seems like everyone else is as well. Everywhere we go I hear, wow, she's already one? It sure puts this life's 'timeline' of mine into perspective. It makes me realize that when I'm going through a hard time whether it be with the kids, friends, family, or just myself, that this too shall pass and it always does. Might seem like forever when I'm in it, but looking back it goes so fast. Everything does.

Hadley is bustling with joy, laughter, happiness and love...all things good. She's such a low key, happy little thing like she has been from day 1. She now has 3 toothies. Got her first top tooth just last week and top #2 is coming in right behind it. Took her first step the day after her birthday and is almost off walking. She's getting braver and braver everyday. It's so cool seeing her learn. I'm trying to take it all in!

Her first birthday party was this past Sunday. We did a cookies and milk drop in and it went wonderfully. I've been working on and off for about the past month on decorations and set up details. I used some of her bedding fabric and pink and blues, lots of glass dishes and stands. It was a really pretty party made just for a special little girl. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I'd actually get to plan and throw a girly birthday party, but here we are in this life, never knowing what's next and it just keeps getting better and better.

We had everyone we love come to wish Hadley a Happy first! She is a blessed little girl to have so many people from far and wide who love her...and some haven't even met her. The party was a drop-in and we enjoyed hosting every minute of it. There was a cookie decorating table for the older kiddos and some fun little extras like Cheerio necklaces for the little ones. She didn't necessarily "smash" into her smash cake. She daintily picked at it, exploring each little piece of pink frosting. That's my girl for ya! Laney helped her open her gifts after nap time and she loaded up on lots of new spring clothes. We are truly blessed with so many wonderful people in our lives. I wish everyday could be like Sunday was. All of our favorite people in one place (minus just a few).

Hadley had her 12 month check-up this past Wednesday. She's is right on track...a petite little thing. 18 lbs, 6 oz - 10% for weight, 28 1/2 inches - 23% for height. Met all of her milestones and she is smart as a whip! Saying thank you, kitty, doggy, baby, mama, dada. She caught me with the gate down from the upstairs and I asked her if she wanted to go night night for nap and I turned my head to do something for a split second and she was crawling up the stairs! Guess she knows where night night is! We definitely aren't letting our guard down on the basement stairs yet. Don't want to have another accident like that again! She loves her dada! She goes crazy when he comes home from work. Jumping up and down until he gives her attention. Following right in those brothers footsteps! Hmmmm...

So a happy first birthday to our baby girl. Hadley Reese, we love you to the moon and back and more than you'll ever know.

Barely Made It!

Trying to make time today to get in a blog for October. Happy Halloween to all! Our boys are super excited this year. Brayden even says that he isn't going to be scared of the couple of haunted houses in our neighborhood. We'll soon see!

October has been full of fall fun and lots of fall birthday parties! Eli's was first. He turned 3 early in the month and had a cool soccer party. The boys really loved the indoor soccer complex. Made for a great party venue. Miss McKenzie June turned 1 and the Germany's really outdid themselves on her party. Photo booth, lots of pictures everywhere...I definitely agree with the theme; she turned 'one in a flash', that is for sure! Time has really raced by this year! Jackson turned 6! The boys also loved his party venue...pottery place in Suwanee. They made cute little ceramic piggy banks. Unfortunately, Hudson's is already broken, but Brayden's is still hanging in there. Russell and I got a night out to celebrate Sam Kendig's 30th birthday. We ventured over to the city of Roswell...a very cute and quaint little happening area at night similar to Buford. We had drinks and a great dinner at Pastis. It was so good to catch up with that crew...always is, and we really enjoyed the evening. Tyler's birthday was a couple weeks ago. The Goldsworthy's threw an amazing outdoor party at their home. Jumpy house, halloween decorations, all very sweet. All the kids played so well together and us parents enjoyed the "sanity station" (beer and wine). Ha-thought that was the cutest thing. Also, a big Happy Birthday to Aubrey and Olivia. Lots of three year olds to shout out to this month! A few of adult birthday shouts are for Jill and Kellen! Happy Happy ladies!

We also did some fun fall activities this month. Uncle Chad, his girlfriend Alyssa and Karen visited the first weekend of October. It was so nice to see Chadwick and spend some time with him. I hope he doesn't wait too long to come again! We've spent a few evenings with the wonderful Young family hanging out. Boys playing ball and enjoying each other. Hadley and Daley are getting to know each other. So glad she has another little girlfriend. We hit up the Cumming Fair with the Dunn family earlier in the month. It was such a beautiful day and the kids were in awe as they always are when we go to the fair. We headed to McDonough for the Southern Belle pumpkin patch with the Taylor's for the second year in a row. This is the best pumpkin patch around. Trust me, we've tried them all! It's a ways for us to go, but since we have good company to go see, we don't mind the drive. They have everything from corn cannons, slides, corn mazes, air jumps, barrel rides, pig races...you name it, they've got it! Hadley enjoyed her first ride in the barrels and I think Brayden and Canyon's favorite thing this year was the corn mazes. The boys made one Buford football game with the Young's this month. Again, they had awesome weather for a fall night of football. Buford won against undefeated GACS which was awesome! What a great month weather wise for Georgia! The boys also got to spend the night with Granddaddy and Becky a few weekends ago. They always have such a good time with them!

On another note, I had my first conference with Brayden's teacher. I have to say I was a bit nervous going in. He hasn't gotten any bad marks or any S's, N's, or U's at all...always on E, but you never really know what to expect when you go into a conference. All in all, it was great. She complimented Brayden, of course on his manners. Said his handwriting is amazingly neat (I have to take credit for that one, lol), he is so very confident in himself, he is writing 2-3 sentences on his own every day in his journal, has already made independent reader (one of two students out of 22 in his class to do this) and on his 4th level site words (one of five to do this), and third level math facts, so he is definitely striving and doing awesome in kindergarten. Buford has an enrichment program which is a class that certain students have to be chosen for to go to everyday for 45 minutes that go above and beyond the normal classroom stuff. The teacher said that she is going to refer Brayden for the class. He isn't bored in the classroom, he always makes the best out of every situation, but the level that he is reading and writing on is very strong and the enrichment class will help him move at a pace suited for his level. Russell and I couldn't be prouder of him. He is so nice, polite, lovable, good at sports, and we are thrilled to learn that he is succeeding so well in school, too! Way to go Brayden!

Hadley had her 9 month appt last week. She is 16.5 lbs, 8% weight, and 26.75 inches 20% height. Doctor said nothing to worry about for the low weight. She is crawling and cruising the furniture so much that it's hard to keep any calories on her! She is eating very well! Loves everything so far...really loving chicken. That was new for this month along with her first taste of spaghetti. Luckily she liked it because it is a staple in this household for sure! She is trying hard to step from one piece of furniture or toy to another. Little miss needs to slow down. Mommy is SO not ready for a walker this soon! Still no teeth. Somehow she finds a way to eat whatever she wishes, though, so no harm no foul! We have a little bit of hair coming in. Very Slowly, but surely! Words she can say, mama, dada, kitty so far. She is waving bye-bye too!

Hudson had his fall festival at school last week. He loved it. I volunteered in his room and it was fun to see him in his setting. He is such a sweet boy. He is really tracing his letters well now instead of just scribbling on his paper. That's the big thing in the three's class. Every now and then he has a hard time listening to his teachers. We are working on it. He loves art and doesn't want to leave the art table sometimes....that is what seems to get him in trouble mostly. All in all, he is growing up so fast into a funny, sweet thing and we love him!

Russell and I are excited about our couples small group. We started at the beginning of October for a 4 week meet and decided to keep on going with it. It's a parenting based bible study and it never hurts to learn more about parenting and get other people's views, right?! We have met several great couples in the group and look forward to a fun 6 weeks coming up with them!

We carved pumpkins this weekend and enjoyed the last of October. The Balmes family came over Friday night and we explored our CMA festival vacation a bit more with them. We ordered out and enjoyed a nice time with the newest family of 4! Mom went to the pumpkin patch at the local church with us to get pumpkins on Saturday. We always try to give our money to the church instead of the big patches. We had an awesome lunch at Moonies BBQ in Flowery Branch. Our neighbors own it and everything is fresh and smoked for 16 plus hours each week. It is to die for; if you live in the area it is a must! Cindy and John came to visit on Saturday and helped with the pumpkins. We cooked out and then they watched the kids for Russell and I while we went out for a late dinner and drinks for his birthday, which is tomorrow! I cannot believe November is here and we've got two awesome boys to celebrate next month! Looking forward to Brayden's camo/camp party and also a girls day and night with Kellen! Should be a great start to a great month!

As for tonight...here comes the two cutest ninjas around and their kimono baby sister! Hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween!

Something I want to remember...

Note from Brayden's teacher...he is heaven sent and we are so blessed over and over again to have him as a son. I seem to stop myself time and time again when I want to talk about my great children or something good that they have done. I rarely talk about their "bragful" moments unless it's on this blog or if someone asks but this time I'm letting it out! He deserves an honorable mention every now and then OUT LOUD! Why should I always be hesitant to talk good things about my kids when other parents do it ALL THE TIME?! I'm guessing the compliments are just humbling to us, but this is definitely something I want to remember so I'm posting it.

Allyson,

Just a quick note to let you know how proud I am of Brayden. He is a very confident student. Whether it be trying to sound out an unknown word while reading or trying to write 2-3 sentences in his journal, he is always willing to take a risk to apply learned skills. I am going to put a copy of his journal entry in his folder tomorrow. He really did a great job today.

Have a good evening!
Amy

Fall is in the air!

Well, looks like my 'August in a Nutshell' theme might be the norm these days. Here is September in a nutshell! I don't seem to have much time for blog writing, facebooking, picture taking (I know, can you believe it) and all those extra curricular internet things with working more and more everyday and trying to get through the amazing book I'm reading, The Help. Any spare chance I get, my nose is in that book! I'm almost done, it's only been a little over a week, and I'm already dreading not having the book to delve into. On some days, you just need a good book to get lost in. I forgot how that felt until lately.

So our September has been fairly active. We are in the middle of a great tee ball season. Our team is 2-2. Brayden is playing the circle again and he and Cooper at first base, have a pretty good thing going. Brayden made 5 outs the other night! I was so happy for him. He also has been hitting super awesome, too. Almost to the fence. I feel a homer coming on next season! It seems like all is coming together and he is really enjoying the game and loving every second of it. He's always loved playing, but now he truly understands the game which puts his enjoyment on a whole other level. He loves when I can get to the field to watch him and is glad that Mee Mee has been coming to a few of his games. A surprise visit from Grammy and John was made last night at the game. We appreciate the support Brayden is getting from the grandparents. It's so important for him at this age.

Hadley turned 8 months in September. She is thriving and full of life! She is just about crawling all over the place. Slowly, right now knee by knee, but I know in the next few days she'll be off and that'll be it for me! She will no longer be a non-mobile child, changing everything all over again! We'll be on to the next stage. She's having fun learning to "play" with her toys and with the boys. She is pulling up in her crib, so instead of the smile when I get to her bed while she is laying down, she is now bright eyed and grinning ear to ear standing up when I open the door! She is also starting to babble a bit. Daddy is trying to get her first word to be Dada of course, but I am also secretly working on Mama when we have our alone time. Hee hee. We'll see which pops out first. I love her to pieces and she amazes me every day of this life!

School is going great for both boys. Hudson had a bit of a hard time at the beginning with listening and sitting at his seat for long periods of time. He has gotten smiley faces everyday since the first week so I think he is catching on. With him being the youngest in the class where as Brayden was the oldest I have to remind myself not to compare. Russell and I didn't know what to do with the frowny face he brought home one day a few weeks ago. With Brayden, he has never brought home a bad mark all his life so we were dumbfounded as to what to do with Huddy...punish, let it go, etc. We are learning...hey, even though we have 3 children in no way makes us experts at anything! We are humbly learning ALL THE TIME! Mee mee and Pop went to his preschool for a Grandparents Day picnic a few weeks ago. They had a picnic lunch with Hudson and did a cute craft. I think both the grandparents and Hudson enjoyed it. We are joyful that even though Hudson is the youngest in his class, he is doing well keeping up with some of the older kids on both a social and educational level. He is doing great tracing his letters, when at the beginning of the year he was just scribbling all over the paper. He is a sweet little boy and I could just eat up that sweet face of his. The cutest thing I've ever seen.

Brayden is loving Buford. He's come home with 6 kindness coins so far. Using good manners and helping his teacher and friends mostly. He just hopped up to the second reading level and is on his 3rd out of 6 sets of site words. Homecoming is this week and they do it up big at Buford. He's having lots of fun and we love the environment he is in on a daily basis. It's so positive and uplifting and supportive in every way. They love their students and their community and we are thrilled about that!

Jill's baby shower at the end of August went off without a hitch! I hosted 28 ladies for a sit-down brunch with Jill's friend, Jen, and it was just lovely. I had so much fun planning it and I couldn't have done it for a more grateful friend. I'm really loving the party planning stuff these days. It's becoming quite the hobby. Who knows, might make it a full fledged business one of these days!

September is definitely the Dunn birthday month! Miss Madeline turned ONE! I cannot believe how fast the time has gone by. I remember it like it was yesterday when Elizabeth told me she was pregnant. Madeline is so adorable and such a sweet little girl. She must take after that mom of hers! Another Dunn family member turned 6. Peyton! Just like Madeline, I cannot believe Peyton is 6! I've known him since he was 3 and it's been a joy seeing him grow up. Brayden and Peyton, even though they don't get to see each other daily, are still the best of buddies. They love rocking out together just like when they were 3! It cracks me up! Wes also had a birthday. Poor guy gets a little jipped for all the kiddos' celebrations, but we still noticed and embraced his birthday, as well! We welcomed Harlow Cassidy Balmes to the world on Sept. 11th. She was 10 days early and nothing was stopping that baby girl from coming into the world on 9-11. She is a gorgeous, sweet chunk of love, with a head full of dark hair. Looks just like her beautiful mama. Also, a Happy Birthday to my cousin Aimee and to Becky. They both had birthday's last week. I think that sums up our birthday's. If I missed someone, forgive me...can't remember everything and do you really expect me to?

Labor Day weekend we spent up at the lake house. Aunt Connie (Bob's sister) and Uncle Bob from PA were in town. It was nice to see them and spend some time together. We don't get to do that too often.

We've been spending a lot of time with our neighbors this month. Lots of cookouts and get togethers in backyards. We have the best times when it's just the spur of the moment gatherings like that. Wendsor and Chris treated us to the Braves game a few weeks ago for Russell's graduation gift. Mom watched the babies for us and we enjoyed the nice night.

We went to Suwanne Day last weekend. It was fun. The boys always enjoy it every year and now I get to shop at those little girly tents with all the clothes and hair bows, etc...it's in sane all this girl stuff that they have out there. I like it alright, but some of the stuff is overboard. I just can't see buying an outfit that the kid is only going to wear once or twice besides for Christmas and Easter, birthday's or baptisms. Before I spend my moohlah, I have to plan out how many times I think Hadley may wear it. If it isn't over 4, then we don't even go there. It's just ridiculous some of it! That's my rant for the day! Hee hee!

Hudson and I have been enjoying our Monday and Friday play dates. Alisha and Ty Ty, Lisa and IV, Rhonda and Eli. All fun dates and nice to see the boys growing up so big! Brayden has been invited over to some buddies houses lately. He and Ethan had been having withdrawals from each other so he went and played at their house the other weekend. He loves his Ethan time. This past Sunday, Cooper Young invited him over for a play date. He played all afternoon at their house. Cooper goes to Buford, too and they play ball together so he and Brayden have become pretty close. It's so fun seeing him form relationships that will probably last for a long time to come throughout his school days. I never was able to have those because I moved so often when I was young. It's something I really want for my children. These are the days!

Russell and I celebrated our 7 year anniversary this past weekend. We got a night out thanks to Kellen's mom and brother who held down the fort for us. We went nostalgic and decided to do Houston's. It used to be our absolute favorite place to go back in early 2000's (early 2000's, what? Seems like yesterday) and it had been a while since we visited Houston's. The evening was beautiful, just like it was on the eve that we got married. It never fails, every year our wedding weekend is always gorgeous~the first weekend of Autumn. Gosh, we sure picked a good one. Dinner was good, but not as good as we remembered. I have to say Houston's food and clientele has gone down a bit. We still enjoyed ourselves, but probably won't be going back there for a while. We had dessert at Aqua Terra-yummy as usually! On our anniversary, we always go through the past years and reminisce. Russell always counts the big things...7 years, 3 kiddos, 3 houses, 5 cars (for me)...wow! Most people don't go through that in a lifetime, but we couldn't and wouldn't trade our life for the world. The last thing I ever expected was to be adding another child to the list this year. Wowzers! God is good.

I got to see Elizabeth and Mike this morning. They came in town for her mother's birthday-oops, there's one I forgot. Happy Birthday Elena (not that she'll ever see that, but oh well)! I haven't seen Eliz since her wedding over a year ago and this was their first time meeting Miss Hadley. They are doing so well and I'm so happy for them. Lots of big things coming up for them in the next 2 years! I really miss my friend and just miss my friends in general-old and new. I feel sometimes like I have no one I can really "let it all out" to without being judged and that's hard. Russell is my bestest friend, but sometimes a girl needs a girlfriend. Don't get me wrong. I surround myself with a great group of women, but there's nothing like a long time friend who knows more about you than your own self. I don't really have any of those that I talk to regularly anymore and it's a sad thing to think about.

Well, enough of the pitty friendship stories. Let's get on with it. I have a blessed life and feel ridiculous even complaining these days.

We have some more fun fall stuff planned for the end of September...date night (yes, again, can you believe it?), pumpkin patches, and another big birthday month for October! Lots of fall babies and one big 3-0 coming up that we are happy to celebrate!

Happy Fall Y'all!

P.S. I've had some complaints on where pictures have gone. I found out my pixels are too big from my new camera and that is why they won't upload right. I'm working on it. I'll post a blog just with pictures soon. I so behind and I hate it!

Can't seem to get this off my mind...

I mentioned how great our August has been; however, there have been a few downsides to it that I just cannot get off my mind. I wanted to share this with everyone. It's a pretty amazing story.

My 22 year old brother, Chad's best friend, Bobby, passed away from the results of a head on collision with a truck a few weeks ago. When I heard the news I sank in my chair. I had only met Bobby a couple times, but couldn't imagine going through the loss of a best friend and anyway, it's always so sad to hear of a young life lost so soon. I thought, gosh, I'm so lucky to have not experienced a tragedy like this in my life. I've had a few friends from high school that have passed away, but never someone that was like a sister to me. I couldn't imagine. Bobby was like a brother to Chad. He was a great soccer player, but from what I hear he hurt his ankle a few years ago and had to stop playing. He had a scholarship to college and unfortunately had to let it go. After that, sounds like Bobby went downhill for a while due to the pain killers that he was on for his ankle. He was getting his act together and things were coming together for him. In fact, the Saturday before he had the wreck (which was on a Tuesday) he spoke to Jose, his hair stylist actually, but also a minister. Bobby asked a lot of questions about the Lord to Jose that day and ended up giving his life to the Lord and wanting to take the steps to know Him. Jose just happened to record Bobby's testimony, can you believe it?! After all that has happened, I know in his parents heart they have to feel some sort of comfort from this video. The parents have been through quite a bit of trial and tribulation, losing Bobby's brother and step-brother in just the past 4 months. Do the math, that's 3 young lives lost in 4 months in the same family.

Bobby's funeral was packed and as beautiful as ever. The Lord wanted him sooner than everyone wanted to let him go. I've posted the link to the you tube video of Bobby giving his life to the Lord. If you have the time, it's well worth the watch!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mf7J9uGQrWs

One tidbit I have to add. When my brother and his mom were leaving Bobby's house the day after the wreck, a yellow lab trotted up to them. Chad hadn't recognized the dog as a pet of the family, so he asked Bobby's stepfather, Chris, who's dog it was. Chris looked back and saw the dog and stopped in his tracks. He proceeded to tell Chad that they haven't seen that dog since the day after Bobby's brother had passed away. The brothers used to feed the stray a while back and it left after sometime appearing one day after Bobby's brother's death and then leaving again. Now, 4 months later no one had seen him since that day. It was such a statement to Chris, because the dog was appearing again 1 day after Bobby's death and hasn't been seen again. We all know God works in mysterious ways. Maybe this dog was a sign to the family that the boys are safe with the Lord in heaven.

Rest In Peace to the Zimmerman boys.

August in a Nutshell

Our August has been wonderful really. The past 2 weekends have been so nice. We’ve had NO plans and were able to do whatever we wanted as a family! Russell has had a great month with GA Power so basically all of our activities have been compliments of them! G-Braves, Keith Urban, Lake Lanier Islands, PGA tournament…we took the boys for a fun filled day to the islands the weekend before last. Marty, one of Russell’s co-workers, and his wife Casey came along! They don’t have youngins’ and wanted to be around ours! We all had a fantastic time. Brayden rode every slide there, even the triple threat which I won’t even ride. He absolutely loved it and kept telling me on and off all day that this was the best day of his life! So funny! Huddy couldn’t ride much, but we did sneak him on 3 of the tube rides where he could ride with us. He really enjoyed it. He was literally exhausted after 3 hours! My mom was sweet to offer to keep Hadley for us. Thanks mother! I went home around dinner time with Hudson and let him take a cat nap and then we went back up to the islands to do the little fair rides. They have about 7-8 carnival rides outside the park that are free with entry so we took advantage. Every time we do a “fair”, the boys have to pick and choose their rides, but this time they got to ride them all! They were super happy about that! Brayden kept thinking he could only ride a few and was so grateful when we told him he could ride them all…over and over again, too! It’s times like that that make giving them boundaries and rules so worthwhile. It was a great end to a great day!

Sunday, Russell and I ventured to the Atlanta Athletic Club for the PGA tournament. I got to see Franklin who had been up here all weekend at the tournament with a few of his buddies. He is crazy about golf and actually really good at it, too. We’re hoping one of these days we might see him in a tournament or two! Russell and I enjoyed lunch and drinks in the clubhouse and then walked half the course. What a beautiful place! We saw Phil Mickelson a few times, Garcia and a few others that we enjoy watching. It was a relaxing day. We ended the weekend with dinner at mom and Bob’s with the boys and Hadley.

Hadley turned 7 months on August 14th! She is sitting up so well and making her way around the house by rolling! I know she'll be crawling in a jiffy and I'm not ready for her to be that grown up! She watches her brothers and is already trying to keep up. She's got a long road ahead of her. A fun litle girl she is and I'm enjoying every second with her.

Hudson’s first week of school went good. I was worried that he was going to pee in his pants, but by golly I think once he hit 3, something just clicked. He’s been dry ever since! He went all week at school with dry pants and got smiles everyday. I was so proud of him! I think we can officially say he is potty trained. Thank you, Lord! I was running out of patience with the process. Hudson loved seeing some of his old friends again and didn’t flinch when I said good-bye on his first day! Just looked up and said “bye mommy” right back to me.

Brayden second full week of school went awesome! He has so far gotten all E’s and even brought home a “kindness coin” last week for helping someone. Like I said, it’s only 3 weeks in, but so far so good! He’s reading his 2-3 library books each week all by himself and passed his white letters, now we are onto the blue. He was so happy when he passed his white letters. The school has morning announcements on tv and they say each child’s name from each class who passes their letters. Guess it’s kind of motivation to work hard and learn to read! He was thrilled to hear his name! I had lunch with him last Thursday. He was surprised to see me in the hall waiting on him. So far we are loving his teacher and the school all around, we are just trying to get an afternoon and evening schedule down pat. It’s a lot and a big change to everyone. Especially this family of 5!

This past weekend was another freeby for us. Russell and I had planned a date night at home. We were going to put the kids to bed and cook some steaks on the grill. Sounds good, right? We were really looking forward to it, but then ended up with half the neighborhood in our backyard. It was just one of those nights where everyone was out and about and stopping by. We ended up having a blast, but were both starving come 11:30 pm! No steaks at that hour so we saved them until Sunday. We really are so thankful for our wonderful neighbors! The kids had fun too and it was nice not to have to follow the school schedule; dinner, baths, reading and bed by 8 pm. Since it was Friday we all relaxed and stayed up late!

Saturday we had our first tee ball practice and Russell said Brayden did great. We are the Texas Rangers and really looking forward to another season of fall baseball. I love the fall schedule. It is laid back and just plain fun! Even better, this year Russell isn’t head coaching. He is going to pitch for our games, but no head coach. As much as we enjoy it, it is also nice to get a break, too. We nixed Flowery Branch football. After much thought, we felt that Brayden wasn’t learning the fundamentals for safety and didn’t want him to get out there and get hurt. I think we are going to stick to Buford sports from here on out.

The Germany’s invited us down for tacos and drinks on Saturday evening. It was so nice to see them and catch up and little McKenzie is walking at 10 months! She is so cute waddling around. I’m so proud of Justin and Teri. They are very good parents and really seem to be enjoying their baby girl. Thanks for a fun evening, guys.

Sunday was cleaning garage day around the house. We do this it seems like once every other week. Laken’s hair is ridiculous and we also just like getting outside with the family and working in the yard and around the house. It was a nice day…why not?! We had our long awaited steak dinner Sunday evening and called it a weekend!

In between the weekends, our weeks have been low key. A few play dates for me and Huddy with Ms. Rhonda and Eli and Ms. Jill and Joey. We are glad to have the Balmes family back after their vacation! Hudson really enjoys his little buddies. Wes and Elizabeth were sweet enough to spend part of their Friday night date night with us, stopping by for a couple hours for drinks and catch up chat. Elizabeth and I are also doing a regular "wine after the kids go to bed" night pretty regularly these days. It's becoming a must on my list. So nice to unwind and get some girl time, even if it is just on our back porches. Sometimes those are better than dolling up and going out anyhow!

I’m looking forward to hosting Jill’s baby shower this coming Saturday! Her baby girl will be here before we know it and we are excited to celebrate with her and her family and friends!

Happy August everyone!