Totally a guy place

Yesterday afternoon, I went with JC (my husband) and his friend to a sporting goods store here in Birmingham. When we got there, I had to go to the bathroom, but when I got to the bathroom, I thought about just had bad I really had to go. Maybe I really didn't have to go that bad. Of course the seat was up and the decor was anything but nice. When I closed the door, there was a hole in the upper part of the door - so much for privacy. I could tell that they cleaned the place because all the cleaning supplies and things like that were up on open shelves on the wall inside the bathroom. Luckily they did have soap. I was really afraid to touch anything.

I thought about my cube neighbor Mary here at work and how she would have reacted to this bathroom. She is a total neat freak. I should have taken pictures but I am still trying to take the image of this place out of my mind. If I ever go to this store again, I will be sure to take measures to ensure that I do not have to use that restroom. The place was a totally a guy's bathroom because the two guys I was with didn't think a thing about it.

Prayer Request

JC's daddy made it through Christmas, but has taken a turn for the worse since Christmas Day. JC stayed over there last night and we haven't seen him all day. On top of everything that is going on, JC is fighting a cold/sinus infection. Please pray that his dad will go peacefully and will not suffer. And pray for JC and his family and the decisions that lay ahead of them in the next few weeks.
JC and his daddy are close and this is all real hard on him. I feel helpless right now because I feel like I need to do something but not really sure what to do. Sometimes the only thing that I can do is sit there beside him and say absolutely nothing. Guess really all I can do right now is pray.

Nice start but not so good ending

My nephews played in a basketball tourney yesterday. We got there about 20 minutes before game time. After the teams warmed up, we noticed that Cody was taking off his warm up top and sitting down with the starters. Yes he got to start his first game. We were all so excited - my sister (their mom) was sick at her stomach from nerves. I don't know who was more nervous Cody or my sister. The entire team played a flat and we lost the game, but both of my nephews got to play and one started. So all in all, not a bad game. I won't get to see them play their next two games since they will be played while I am work, but I can guarantee you that I will be checking in on the score.

Merry Christmas

Wow... what a busy day. We are finally home and didn't even leave town. We had Christmas at home and then headed to my sister's for breakfast. Then for lunch is was off to JC's parents and then supper at my parents. I can say that tomorrow we will be staying here and hanging out all day. I think it only took the kids a minute to go to sleep.
We all had a wonderful Christmas. I personally received too much - Maggie got me a train to go around the Christmas tree and Josh got me the Guitar Hero game. JC got me way too much - an iPhone, which I can't get until Dec 28th and a new video camera. He is a wonderful husband and not because he got me all those things. He thinks of others before himself.
I hope that the rain holds off some so that we can get the kids' new basketball goal up and have a little fun with that.
With everything going on, it is easy to forget the reason for the season. May we all during this busy time remember that Christmas is more that just giving and getting gifts - it is about the One that was born over 2000 years ago in a manger.

Prayer

Please keep JC and his family in your prayers. His daddy is growing weaker everyday - it is all that he can do to just stand up to change his clothes. He also seems to be in a lot more pain but won't ask to increase his pain medicine because he doesn't want to be out of it. It is heart breaking to see his daddy so sick because he was so active. Just this summer while taking chemo, his daddy built an extension to their deck and re-did the stairs. JC would call to help or go over and his daddy would already to work on it or done for the day. And now he sits in the recliner all the time and isn't eating anymore. He occasionally get something to drink but that is getting less and less each day.
Pray that God will give the family strength and peace. His mom especially - she is taking this really hard.

What a day

Let me say that is has been nice having the day off with my kids and my husband. JC spent part of the day over at his parents' house which the kids and I totally understand why. We (the kids and I) decorated the gingerbread house and got a last minute present.
Then about mid afternoon we headed to get Josh's best friend to come and spend the night. Let me say how much I love his best friend and his family. Once we got home, our best friends and their little boy came over to have Christmas together like we do every year. Nothing like good chili and fellowship with good friends.
After they left, the kids and I sat down for about 2 hours and played board games. It is times like this that I miss when they are gone to their dads and I know that I will miss it when they grow up. Tomorrow my two head to their dads for about a day and then come home late Christmas Eve. I really wish they didn't have to go but I know that they need to have Christmas with their dad.
I just miss them so bad when they leave. It just seems like I am missing out on so much of their lives. This is not how I intended to raise my kids when I had them but we don't always get to choose our path in life. But I am thankful that I have two beautiful children to miss and have been so blessed to have them in my life.

Basketball season

My nephews are playing basketball this year for the first time at the school for their senior year. They have both been working hard and Cody as of right now is the 7th person off the bench. The other night he had a great game, which unfortuately I was unable to make. But last night we all went and watched them. I was so excited. We all sat up in the upper section of the bleachers and I sit with everyone until one of the boys goes in. But when they go in, I grab my camera and stand to take pictures. Last night I kept moving around and ending up not even sitting with JC and my family while I was taking pictures.
They have a Christmas tourney coming up, so I know that I will be posting some updates. We won last night 58 - 50. Cody did good and had a lot playing time - Will made 1 of 2 free throws. Cody missed his free throws. He can hit them all day at practice and when we are all shooting around, but gets nervous in a game because everyone is looking at him.
I am sure going to miss all of this once the season is over. It's hard to believe that my little nephews (6-6 and 6-5 so they are not actually little) are seniors. I hope that Josh can grow up to be a good man like my nephews are.

New head coach

After days of wondering who would get the job, Auburn introduced the new head coach yesterday and I have to say that I have mixed feelings about it. He seems to be a nice guy and previous players seem to like him, but his two years as a head coach have me shaking my head in disbelief. I hope that we are all wrong and he is a very successful coach at Auburn, but will the Auburn nation give him time to build a program? Or will he be our "Mike Shula" and fail miserably?

But as long as we are making changes at Auburn, is there anyway that Jay Jacobs and Bobby Lowder can hit the road? I see Jay Jacobs as not being "the right fit for Auburn" and Lowder, well he is just a man with a big ego who thinks he can always buy and get what he wants when he wants it and in my opinion, that is what is hurting Auburn.

But nothing we can do about the hiring now - it's over and done with. All we can do as Auburn fans is suck it up and get behind our coach and try to ignore the loud roar of laughter from the Alabama fans. And trust me when I say that the laughter is loud, because I had to listen to my husband's laughter last night. WAR EAGLE!!!

Gymnastics State Meet

Yesterday Mag had a meet in Tuscaloosa. It was the 2008 Alabama State Compulsory Championships. In the meet they split the girls into their levels and then in groups based on their ages. There were 10 girls in her age group. She had a awesome meet. The first event was the vault and we did pretty good on it with a 8.650. We have done better but vault is definitely not our strong point.
Next we moved onto bars. She was so nervous - one of her coaches was getting her to take deep breaths and relax. On the bars she got a 8.9 and finished in 2nd place with a silver medal.
The next event was the beam. She has been working really hard on her beam routine lately and you could tell. She got up there and did the best routine I have ever seen her do. She got a 9.325 which gave her second place and I was so excited. I was really have to keep myself calm after that routine. The other two girls from our team that were competing at the same time Mags was got 9.3's too - they all did great. They finished 2nd and 3rd for the beam for their age group - the other two girls were in a different age group than Mags was.
The last even was the floor, which Mags loves. She was doing great during her routine and then mis-stepped on one of the moves and so she got a 9.025 which was still great. I was so proud of her.
While all of this was going on, we were keeping up with all the scores for the girls in Mag's age group - yes I was being one of those moms. We started adding up the scores and began to realize that she was leading the All-Around. I didn't want to get too excited because there were a couple of girls still left to compete. But once they finished and we added up their scores, we knew that she had won the All Around - State Champ! They started awards and she was excited about the 2 silver (beam, bars) and 1 bronze (floor) she had gotten, but she was grinning from ear to ear when she came out with the gold medal for the All Around. I will post pictures soon to my Flickr page, but the pictures at the awards were a little blurry. I was so excited that I could not quit shaking. JC was not there since he was at home with his daddy, but he was sending me text messages and telling me "Pull yourself together woman!! Composure!!"
I was so proud of her. I had prayed on the way to the meet and asked God to give her a good meet since she was starting to get a little discouraged. But like always, He gave me more than I could had ever asked for. I don't know why we tend to put God in a box and only expect a little bit when He has so much to give to us.

Things are changing

Today we have heard that Tubs is out at Auburn. Now I wonder who they will be getting as the next head coach now. He was a good coach but if a new offensive coordinator was coming in and possibly a new defensive coordinator, then why not start off with a clean slate. But Tommy Tuberville won't be hurting with the $5.1 million he will be getting.
So now who will they get - Will Muschamp, Mike Leach, Jimbo Fisher - guess will just have to wait and see. Let's just hope things this mess will not hurt recruiting and we will have a good recruiting class.

Thankgiving

What a strange Thanksgiving we had this year.  With everything going on, I didn't have my usual fill of turkey and all the trimmings, which in a way wasn't that bad.  The kids were gone all weekend and we spent most of the weekend at his parents' house helping out with his dad.  So not much to report from this year's Thanksgiving holiday other than a little shopping and watching the Iron Bowl.

Update On JC's Daddy

Over the Thanksgiving Holiday, we spent most of the time over at his parents house. His daddy is resting good and seems to be in very good spirits. He continues to get a little weaker each day, but he is sharp as a tack and is completely aware to what is going on. His comments are still just as funny as ever. And as he sat there this weekend, he still made me smile and laugh.
JC's sister and her family were up and it was nice to spend some time with them. I hate that it takes times like this for you to get to know someone, but it was nice for me to get to know them even more. We pray for a miracle but know that healing will be in heaven and not here. As we know when the time comes that the pain will be hard to bear, we know that he will be in Glory!

Prayer

I received an email from JC this morning and they are calling Alacare, which is Hospice, and they will be taking his daddy home today. Jesse has put up a big fight but it seems that there is nothing else that the doctors can do. They have tried for two days to straighten out his levels but have been unable to.
I am so thankful for the outpouring of love and support we have had so far in all of this from our friends and family. It is my prayer that Jesse will not suffer and that God will bring JC, his sister, his mom, and the extended family comfort and peace during this time. Jesse is a wonderful person who I am glad that I have had the pleasure of knowing the past few years since JC and I have been together. His comments on various things would crack me up all the time. This will be a difficult Thanksgiving for them as they makes him as comfortable as possible and deal with all that is going on. May we take comfort knowing that when the time comes that Jesse is called home, that he will be made well again and that we will no longer suffer.

The right words at the right time

It just amazes me how God can send the right words at the right time. Yesterday morning, we had to take JC's daddy to the emergency room. As we sat there waiting for a few minutes before they took him back, a sermon by Charles Stanley was on the tv. He was talking about a having a thankful heart. Here is the link to the sermon outline: http://www.intouch.org/site/c.dhKHIXPKIuE/b.3876111/.
The words that he was saying were so fitting for the situation that we were in. Here we were, just a few days before Thanksgiving, sitting in the emergency room with JC's dad knowing that the cancer was winning the battle here on earth. He spoke of the impact of a thankful heart:

1. Godliness, because we are aware of His presence
2. Motivation to look for His purpose in our circumstances
3. Submission to His will, even when we don’t understand
4. A reminder of our dependence on Him
5. A stronger witness
6. Attractiveness to others
7. Joy and contentment instead of fear and anxiety
8. Focus on God in difficult times
9. Transformation of our attitude toward others
10. Supernatural energy

Look at point #8 : "Focus on God in difficult times" - as we sat there, we all listened and I realized that God had a message for us. We are to look to him with thanksgiving this year - not only at what He had given us but thankful for who He is and that He will never leave us. We never want to go through what JC and the family are going through, but I can't imagine going through it without depending on God. For we only see right now, but He sees the entire picture - the entire plan.

Will & Cody's Game

Those of you who read my blog may not know but I have twin nephews that played basketball game tonight. It was only the second game of the year so far, the first one that I attended. Let me say that watching my nephews play was a lot different than just watching a simple ballgame. I was fine until they would come into the ballgame and then I would get nervous for them. They are 6'6" and 6'5" seniors who are playing basketball for the first year for the high school. They did pretty good - Cody got his first two points of the season. The whole family was out there and I got some pretty good shots which I will post on my Flickr account. It was the first of many games that we will be attending this year.

Kids will be kids

This afternoon at 3:30 I received a phone call from the school. Josh was still there and they were wondering if someone was suppose to come and pick him up. I said that he was supposed to go on to daycare. But Josh told them that his Poppy was coming to pick him up so he just didn't get on the daycare bus. She asked him if he had a note and he told her no but that his Poppy was coming to get him. So I had to quickly call my daddy to get him to go and get Josh. Thank goodness he was home so that he could get him. I guess next time I need to be sure to ask him where he is going after school and who is picking him up. Guess he was bound to go to his Poppy's and not go to daycare. He loves to go see his Poppy because it is do whatever you want and eat whatever you want.

Parenting

Sometimes I believe that the hardest job in the world is being a parent. It's not something that you can do for a while and then one day just decide that you don't want to do it anymore. There are times when the kids don't want to mind and have a smart mouth, that I just want to throw my hands up and throw in the towel. But I have to remember that being a parent is something that you have to remove diligent. There is too much riding on me getting this parenting thing. I just have to pray and ask God for wisdom in this area, which at times I feel like I am a complete failure in. But it is in times like this, that I grow closer to God by seeking Him daily and trusting Him to show me the way.

Bass Pro Shop

Sunday night we headed to Bass Pro Shop for family night since JC has a part time job there. He is working there mainly for the big discount which will help fund his fishing habit. The amount of people there was incredible - we had to make our own parking space. The kids immediately headed to Santa's Workshop which is the department that JC is working right now. JC is wearing an very interesting hat - an elf hat. It's the so lovely. He on the other hand could do without wearing it. I took some pictures which are posted on my facebook page, but I think that he would kill me if I posted them here too.
We stayed in the store for over 2 hours. We met some friends there and had a great time. This is the 3rd Bass Pro Shop that I have been in, but I was very impressed with the store. I loved the Nascar items around the store and of course all the outdoor stuff. But I believe that the most impressive thing was the grounds around the store. From what I could see in the dark, it looked cool. There is a small lake (pond if you ask me), stone bridges, walking trails, etc around the store. I can't wait to take the kids out there during the day to see everything. Josh just wants to go back to Santa's Wonderland and was rather upset when he found out that after Christmas, it would not be there anymore. They had two shooting stations set up and a place to play with a remote control truck. Let's just say that I found a chair in that department and had a seat while I wanted on the kids. Maggie and her friend Morgan played on the boats.
So the next time you are at Bass Pro Shop, stop by Santa's Wonderland and say hello to my elf.

Busy weekend

It was a weekend that was packed with stuff. Saturday morning, we picked up Josh from his friend's house after the spend the night party. Then off to Maggie's meet we went. She did a great job. Her lowest score was 9.0. She got 3rd on floor with a 9.3 and was 5th All Around out of 14 girls in her age group. Our team came in 2nd place - missing 1st place by 5/10 of a point. I was so proud of her. i will post pictures when I get a chance to download them. I just hope they come out since the lighting was terrible.
After her meet and some lunch, we headed to Tuscaloosa for the game. The kids were so excited. We had packed enough clothes that you would have thought we were going away for the weekend. Once we got to town and found a place to park, we headed off the the quad. JC and Josh started playing football and Maggie started doing cartwheels all over. I on the other hand was standing around taking pictures and shivering in the cold. All I could think of was how cold it was going to be at the game. I took Maggie to the pep rally at the library and JC had Josh right behind us.
We got to our seats and things were going good until it started raining during the 2nd quarter. The kids did great considering how cold it was. We stayed until about 8 minutes left in the game right after Alabama scored for the last time. The kids were so tired and were asleep before we were out of Tuscaloosa.

My Little Girl is Growing Up

Tonight I had to realized that my little girl is growing up. I had to buy my little girl her first bra tonight. We got her a sports bra and she was so thrilled. I on the other hand was a little sad because it's just means that she isn't my little girl anymore. It just seems like yesterday that she was my baby girl and I was holding her in my arms for the first time and now she is growing up. Where did all the time go. Times like tonight remind me to make the most of every moment that I have with my kids because before I know it they will be grown.

Josh's Field Trip

Today Josh and his class went on a field trip to Desoto Caverns. Since I had to work, JC went with him. It was his first trip to take with either kid, so I have to give props out to JC. He rode the bus and said that Josh fell asleep on the way to the caverns. By the time I got home, JC was a little tired. Josh said that they had a blast. So thanks JC for stepping in and going with him when I couldn't go.

Remembering Those Who Serve

Today is Veteran's Day - a day to remember the men and women who have fought and died and are fighting for our country. As I was driving in to work today, I was listening to the Opening Drive on JOX - yes I have become addicted to listening to a bunch of people who have never played a day of football in their lives call in and give their wisdom on what the coach needs to do. This morning they played the speech from the movie Patton where he talks to the troops while standing in front of the American flag. If you have seen the movie you know what part I was talking about. As I listened to the speech, it reminded me of something that I already knew - we are a blessed nation. It made me think of the sacrifices that our men and women in uniform make everyday - whether here at home or over seas - so that I may live in a free country. So many times we go about our lives thanking for granted the freedoms that we have in this country of ours. I pray that we never lose this freedom and never take one day for granted that we have to exercise that freedom.

We also need to remind our children of the sacrifice of our troops and what it took to make this country free - not only today but everyday. So many children today do not even have a clue about the history and foundations of this great nation of ours - and that is a shame.

So not just today but anytime you see a veteran or a man or woman in uniform, take a moment to stop and thank them for their service. I would like to say thank you to all of you that have served and the families of those who have served. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

What we can rely on

Every night the kids and I read a short devotion to help them grow spiritually. Last week we started on a section titled "Relying on God". When I started this with the kids, I wasn't expecting the lesson that I would get. Last night the verses talked about God holding our right hand and to not be afraid. Tonight the passage was from Psalm 146: 3, 5-6, 10

Don't trust the leaders of the land to save you.
They are only people...
But good things come to people
who let God be their helper..
He always keeps his promises...
God is King forever.
Cheer for God!

When I read this tonight to the kids I was blown away. What a fitting passage for today with the election going on. As I read the devotional it talked of how we rely on things and people, but we need to remember that these things and people will let us down at times. But no matter what happens, He always loves us. And sooner or later, everything will turn out all right. As I listen tonight to all the talk and see the results, it is comforting to know that even though we don't know what will come tomorrow, God does. So tomorrow morning when my kids wake and are worried that McCain didn't win, I will simply remind them and myself of the lesson that we learned tonight.

Today as I stood in line with my kids to vote, I felt a sense of pride. So many people, some first time voters, turned out in record numbers to let their voice be heard.

Election Day

Tonight as I read the kids' their nightly devotional, I was reminded that God is the only One who will never let us down or leave us. While others around you and the government may let you down, God is and will always be reliable. The verse we read was found in Isaiah 41:13 "For I the Lord your God hold your right hand; I am the Lord, Who says to you, Fear not; I will help you!" Before I read the devotional to the kids tonight I was scared of what the results of tomorrow's election may bring, but now I know that no matter what God is still in control and that He will be there no matter what. This country is the greatest country in the world. I am thankful to be living in a country where I can worship my God without fear. It is my prayer that God will continue to show mercy to this country and that He will not remove His protection on this country.

Halloween

The kids have always been with me on Halloween, but this is the first time that they will not be with me on Halloween. It just happen to fall on his weekend this year. It has been upsetting for me to know that I will miss this with them, but we had fun and treated Thursday as Halloween. We went to Heroes Unmasked at our church and did a little trick or treating at a couple of houses in our neighborhood. Tonight it will seem strange not to rush home to get the kids and head out to have some fun. I know that they will have fun with their dad, but I will still miss them tonight.



Maggie went as the lady from Pirates of the Caribbean and Josh went as Boba Fett. We went by and saw my sister and to JC's parent's house. By the time we got done, the kids were tired so we will have to see my parents Sunday night when the kids get home.

What a week!

What a week this has been. I don't think I have slowed down any since Monday morning.

Monday night night we carved the pumpkin that JC picked up for us. And it was a pretty big pumpkin. The kids were all excited until it came time to actually clean the pumpkin out. Josh didn't mind pulling the stuff out, but Maggie, now that was a different story. She did some of it but after a few times had enough of the stuff and stopped. In the end, I ended up cleaning the pumpkin out while they decided on a pattern to trace, which took forever to decide.

Tuesday night everything fell apart. Our internet connection at home went down and when I called about a replacement modem, I was told that it would take 3 - 5 business days for it to arrive. Talk about panic time. I am covered up at work and need to work at night, plus I feel as though I am cut off from the world with no internet. This world has come to a sad time when I start going through withdrawals because I can't check email whenever I need to. My computer troubles continued to follow me this week - I went to my parent's house Wednesday night to work but couldn't get on their network and then the chat program on my MAC laptop at work has quit working and I didn't realize how much I actually use that too.

I am hoping that the weekend gets better and that my new DSL modem comes in so that I can get back on the internet. I have a lot of work to get done this weekend, so keep your fingers crossed.

So Sweet

Sunday afternoon, while Josh was outside playing with a friend of his, Maggie and I were inside writing out her Christmas wish list.  Oh course, 90% of it was from the American Girl catalog.  As we finished hers, she told me that we needed to make my list out.  I really don't need anything but I told her some things that I wanted.  I mentioned that she and her brother could get me the new Guitar Hero game and she told me that she already knew what she wanted to get me.  She said that she was saving her money to buy me an iPhone because she knew how much I wanted one.  I thought that was the sweetest thing for her say.  I insisted that when the time came that I would buy that, but she was set on buying me one, which of course I won't let her do.  She is a very thoughtful little girl, who most of the time thinks of everyone else but herself.  She goes on field trips for school or vacations and buys everyone else something and usually nothing or just a little something for herself.  

What a weekend

I can't believe that it is already Sunday night.  It just seems like the weekend just got started.  

Friday night we took the kids to the Pell City High School game at Oxford.  It was the first game that we had been able to take the kids to because they have been with their dad for all the other games.  Josh got hungry at the game and looked to JC to take him to get something to eat.  He told JC that it was his job to take him to get something to eat.  Some people around us were getting upset about a call and Maggie started saying that it was a bad call. JC asked her if she knew what the call was and she had no idea, but was just agreeing with everyone around her. We got to only stay until half-time, but it was nice be there with them.

Saturday morning, Maggie had a meet at 8 am in Mountain Brook.  She was excited and I was a nervous wreck.  I always get that way when she has a meet.  She did okay on the vault, bars, and beam, but her floor routine was great.  She made a 9.250 on floor.  For her beam routine, she got a 8.7 but they changed her score to a 8.6 and my daddy got a little irritated.  We thought we were going to have to calm him down a bit.  She so loves gymnastics and the ballet that she is taking now is really starting to show in her routines.  She placed 5th in the all around and tie for 3rd for the beam.  She also placed 6th on the beam and 6th on the bars.  The team finished 4th out of 8 teams.  

While we were in Birmingham doing a little shopping, we got a frisbee.  When we got home, we started playing and they loved it.  Josh and I stayed out till almost dark playing.

  

It was nice to have the kids this weekend.  I wish the weekend could have been longer, but I am thankful for the wonderful weekend we had.

We have a TV star

Looks like we have a TV star in the family.  Maggie had auditions yesterday at school for the school's morning show and she made it. They will have 4 teams of kids who will anchors and reporters.  Maggie made it as an anchor so her job will be to introduce people on to the show and the different reporters.  I talked to her teacher tonight at our parent/teacher conference and the school will be giving us CDs with copies of their shows on them, so I will post those when I have them.  She loves the camera, as you can tell from the pictures I take of her, so this is just perfect for her.

I am so proud of Maggie.  She is involved in a lot of things and still keeps her grades up.   Way to go Maggie. 

School TV Auditions

This afternoon Maggie and a few other students stayed after school to tryout for the school's news station. We practiced last night so much that I thought I was getting ready for today.  She said that she knew some of the kids that tried out today.  I asked her how she did and I got a thumbs up.  She thinks that everyone there will make it and just alternate days that they do the news.  So I will update as soon as I know for sure that she got the part.

Gymnastics tonight

Tonight, Maggie went to gym since she will be on her class field trip and will miss gym tomorrow.  She called me when she was leaving with JC - she did her round-off back-handspring.  She was so excited.  And a big thanks to JC for taking her to gym tonight.  He is a big help!

Bama Game

Today JC and I went to the Alabama/Ole Miss game today. It was so nice to spend the day with just him for a change. It is odd for me since I am an Auburn fan to go to Alabama games. Everyone around me is yelling Roll Tide and I just sit there. Today during the game, Ole Miss made a big play and I stood up so that I could see if he was going to score. Alabama had not been scored on in the first half so I waned to see if Ole Miss was about to break that streak. JC accused me of pulling for Ole Miss which was far beyond the truth. I just wanted to see what was going on.
Auburn wasn't playing today so I really didn't care whether Alabama won or not. All I cared about was that Alabama didn't cover the spread since I had picked Ole Miss in the College Pick'em that we have going on at work.
We hope to take the kids back for the Mississippi State game in November. Maggie can't decide if she is an Alabama or Auburn fan or not. While Josh is pretty much an Alabama fan - thanks to JC. We also may go to T-Town for the Iron Bowl - tickets or not - since the kids will be with their dad. If we do, then I will finally be able to wear Orange & Blue to T-town.

A Simple Thanks

The last few days I have had to work some overtime and JC has really helped me out.  He made sure that the kids were fed and put to bed one night.  When I got home last night he had already fed the kids and clean the house some.  I just wanted to say thanks to him for helping me out.  

The weekend

The weekend has come and gone way too quickly.  During the week I don't get much free time with them and then next weekend they will be at their dads.  Friday night, Josh went to his best friend's house so Maggie was the only child.  She was so excited to be the only one.  So since her brother doesn't like Mexican, Maggie and I met JC to eat some Mexican.  What a time it was to just spend some time with just her.  

Saturday JC had to work, so the kids and I went to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and then on to the McWane Center.  Maggie loved the gardens but Josh just wanted to get the picture taking over so we could go to the McWane Center.  It was just the kids and me - it was nice to get away with just them.  We had a great time.  Sunday was a little more laid back but still mostly just the three of us.  JC got home and we all just had a great time.  Boy am I going to miss them next weekend - it's just too quiet around the house without them.  

Field Trips

For the first time since my kids have been in school, I will not be able to attend their field trips with them.  I am saving my days off for time when they are home at Christmas and it is about to kill me.  It is going to be so hard on me not to go.  It may seem silly, but they are only this age once and they are already gone so much that any time I can get with them is precious.  I will have to find a parent that I know who can take pictures of them for me.  

I was one of those Moms

Josh had to take his inhaler to school Thursday, so I had to walk him in so that I can hand the school nurse the medicine. As I was leaving, Josh was coming down the hall with all the other kids and walking right behind the little girl he has a crush on. I called out to him because I wanted to let him know when to take his inhaler and what was going on, and what did I do - I embarrassed him because his girl was in front of him. Already at his age, I am embarrassing. I guess I better get used to it.

A Little Scare

When JC picked up the kids from daycare, he noticed Josh was coughing pretty bad. By the time they got home, his asthma was flaring up. He went to get the inhaler, he discovered that the inhaler had expired. It had been a quite a while since we had used the inhaler. So I called the after hours doctor and we finally got a new one. A special thanks to my friend Matt's wife Allyson for giving us tips on helping calm down his asthma while we were waiting on the new inhaler. He was not too thrilled that he couldn't run and play tomorrow at school. Right now he is sleeping soundly.

While all this was going on, I was working late at work so kudos to JC for being a great dad tonight. He was taking care of Josh, helping Maggie with her homework, and finishing up supper. By the time I got home, the kids were fed and I had a plate waiting on me.  I was go glad to be home.

End of the season

Today, we had fun day for the end of the flag football season. The kids played games and had a great time. They had contests to see which team would win the games. I was pulling for Josh's team to win and they did. The teams that won were asked to sit down in a circle facing each other and the teams that lost got to pour slime on the winning teams. Josh was not too thrilled to have that mess all over him. It took us a little while to get it off once we got home. It was a mess!

First Gymnastics meet of the season

Friday we had the first meet of the season in Tuscaloosa. Maggie was so nervous and I was nervous for her. She did great. She placed third on the bars. All that hard work paid off. The meet started at 3 pm so even though school was out at 1 for homecoming, we still had to check her out of school to get there in time. Needless to say, by the time we got home, we were all tired. Here are just a few pictures from the meet. The lighting was terrible so not a lot of the pictures I took came out.

Update: Shadow

Heard from the vet this morning and it appears that Shadow will be okay.  The tumor was a low grade cancer and one that grows slowly.  The vet was happy about the results and believes that he got it all.  We all know that there may have been one cell that could have traveled but chances are very low that this happened.  I haven't told the kids yet - they will be so excited!

Shadow

Sunday Maggie and I went out to play with Shadow and enjoy the beautiful afternoon.  It was then that I discovered a huge knot on his belly.  I took him to the vet and they removed it.   We are waiting to hear back from the pathologist to see if it was cancer or not and if so, then how bad.  He will be 12 in November and I can't imagine life without him.  Yes he is just a dog but to us, he is part of the family.  The kids were so glad to have him home and have been praying that he doesn't leave us.  I have never known a dog that is as gentle and sweet as mine - and he loves and protects the kids.  Hopefully in the next week or so I will be able to post some good news.

September 11th

Today is a day that I will never forget where I was seven years ago when I heard on the radio that a plane hit the world trade center. I rushed to work only to see things I wish I had never seen. Th fear that we all felt when our country came under attack.  My only thought was all those people trapped and the moms, dads, sons, daughters - all those people who left for work that day like I did that would never come home. And then to my own two small children who were at daycare and how much I wanted to rush home and get them. 

May we never forget the events on September 11th and the sacrifices that our men and women in uniform make everyday.  It is my prayer that God's hand of protection will never be removed from this great country of ours.

What a difference a year makes

It has been over a year since JC and I got married and what a difference it makes.  The kids have changed so much over this past year.  They seem more relaxed and happy - which is exactly what a stable home will do for any child.  Josh who for the past two years has had very rough times at school with behaving right, is doing so much better this year.   I praise God for turning a situation that was meant to break me and my kids into a wonderful new life.  

Josh playing football

Josh is playing flag football now at a local church. In the Upward programs, score is not usually kept, but JC and I are so competitive that we keep score and we are 2-0 now. Their first game was last Saturday and Josh made a touchdown. I had my camera in hand so that I could capture that first touchdown and did I get it - nope I sure didn't. I was too busy cheering him on and could have just "died" when I realized I missed it. You would have thought he had just scored the winning touchdown for the Super Bowl by the way we were all acting. He played some running back and was doing some good moves, which he says that he learned from his PSP game. So I guess there are some good things to video games. He is loving playing and it's exciting to watch, at least for me it is.

Here we go..

Since I can't find the time to build scrap books and my writing in a journal is all but over, I thought I would try blogging.  I started a journal when Maggie was born that lasted for about 2 years.  Then Josh came along and try as I may with two kids and a full time job, writing in his journal lasted about a year.  And once I became a single parent 6 years ago - well you can imagine what little time I had.  So now that I am happily married to a wonderful man and have two kids who keep me going in all different directions, I thought I would give this a try.