feathers from my nest

2011-07-06T17:11:00.000-07:00

We had a FaBuLoUs 4th! Spent it in Atlanta, GA...one of our favorite places to go every summer to watch our favorite baseball team, the BRAVES! We headed out on Friday, got there just in time to catch a game that night and stayed for Saturday nights game as well. They won both games against the Orioles, so that made it even better :) Chad & I have been going over to Atlanta every since we were dating and now love to take Sam!! Nothing better than being with my 2 favorite boys, braves baseball, & some wonderful fireworks!!Hope all of you had a wonderful weekend celebrating this wonderful country we live in!!

the days go by...

2011-06-23T16:43:00.000-07:00

...faster & faster! I cant stay caught up! So just a quick catch up!!

back at the end of May our Red Sox came in 1st place in the wood bat championship in Madison

Whoo-Hoo! Way to play Red Sox!!

and to kick of the first week of June,

sam & some of his best buds & team mates went to a baseball camp at bob jones... they had a blast, learned alot, but wow... was it hot out there?!

today, Sam finished his week at UAH basketball camp... every camper was to get a t-shirt & basketball but my little ball player walked away with 2 shirts & 2 balls! He won a game of "gotcha" & "hot shot" He was one proud little boy and of course I was a proud Moma :)

It has been a busy busy June with VBS coming up next week. In between ball camps we have managed to have some late nights watching movies, sleeping on the couch bed, lazy pj days which are the BEST! Some wonderful days by the pool with friends, too many trips to get ice cream! Oh how I am looking forward to the July days ahead. Our only scheduled plans for July are a week at the beach and I can not wait!! Slow down summer va-cay!! We are having too much fun!

Siesta Scripture Memory Verse 11

2011-06-05T14:36:00.000-07:00

Hold your plans loosely and leave room for God to adjust them ~ James 4:13-16

This is not the actual verses but a great interpretation of them!

I never realized just how fast time would go....

2011-05-26T15:05:00.000-07:00

Before having Sam I remember people telling me "when you have children time with them just goes so fast".... I never even came close to understanding at that moment.

Today was Sam's last official day of 1st grade. It seems as if I was just typing a post on him heading off to Kindergarten... We just get so caught up in our daily routines of ALL that has to be done that we forget to just stop and enjoy all of these bittersweet moments :( As I am tying this I think back to the days of Sam being a sweet little toddler...me being so proud of each new little thing that he learned to do...staying home all day just playing, watching playhouse disney, taking naps...play dates with friends...Oh, how I long to just go back to those days and just take each and every sweet little moment in. I never knew how fast it would go.

Now, I have the most handsome, tender-hearted, loving, smart little boy that is going into the 2nd grade. That seems so big!! He still has so much innocence and not a care in the world, so happy go lucky. Can I just freeze time?!?! He makes me beyond proud...my heart feels as if it could just burst sometimes when I think of how much I love him and how bleSSed I am. I always look forward to summer break and him being at home with me. We have so much fun making memories. Yet, this time of year always makes me sad... I think even more so than at birthday time. Its when you see how much they've learned and grown in that school year. Having to let go of another year, another teacher, and move on to another grade. Sam had an ABSOLUTE AWESOME 1st grade year at Bethlehem Christian Academy!! His teacher is AMAZING!! I know that Sam will always have memories of his year with her. I am so thankful that Chad and I listened as God led us to BCA and that we have stuck with it and not listened to our doubts. We will definitley be continuing on there next year and I know it will be another great year!!

This past Monday at BCA was 1st-5th grade awards night. Sam's awards were High Honor Roll for making Straight "A's" all year, Spelling Achievement for keeping a 100 average all year, bible achievement, and accelerated reading achievement. Chad & I were so EXCITED for him and he was beaming with smiles all night :)

Here are a few pics from that night :)

2nd place in the Early Summer Shootout

2011-05-19T07:19:00.000-07:00

So proud of the North Alabama Red Sox this past weekend!! They played SO hard & won 3 out of 4 games in the tourney and got 2nd place. Sam had an awesome day and made this moma proud. Started the day off in the first game, we were last at bat and down by 2 with 2 on base and Sam crushed the ball to score the winning run...dont know when I've seen him so excited. It was a great day with our Red Sox family!!

Siesta Scripture Memory Verse ~ 10

2011-05-16T06:36:00.000-07:00

Lord, I want to be like the one whom you said .....

Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." Matthew 15:28

One of life's GREATEST BleSSings....to be a Mother!!

2011-05-09T10:54:00.000-07:00

HaPpY MoThErS DaY!!

What an absolutely fantastic mothers day weekend I had!! I spent it with all the people who mean so much to me...FaMiLy!! I am bleSSed beyond words with the sweetest most precious son ever. Without him I wouldnt be a mom and to God I am so very thankful for him!! Sam recently {finally} learned to ride his bike. I love to ride bikes so while we were out looking for Sam a new bike I told Chad I would love for all 3 of us to have bikes so we could ride together. Well guess what I got for Mothers day.....a new bike. After a wonderful lunch out with my 2 boys to Connors {{yummy}} I was so excited to go out to the madison greenway on Saturday and all 3 of us go for a ride. It was GREAT, the weather couldnt have been more perfect and you gotta love the honeysuckle fragrance that feels the air right now!!
Hate to say we didnt make it out with one little scraped up kneee, but Sam is doing great and loving it!! We spent Friday night with Chads mother along with pizza & GiGi's cupcakes. Sunday was spent with my family at my moms. Hamburger/hotdogs on the grill. the afternoon spent on the screened in porch with family while sam played ball and on the tire swing. Oh, I almost forgot.....homemade strawberry ice cream. It was a FaBuLoUs day! Then it was home for another bike ride through the neighborhood and an end to a wonderful weekend! I am so thankful & BleSSed. Hope all of you had a wonderful Mothers Day with your loved ones!!

our new rides
my sweet sweaty dirty little boy
me, my mom, & sister
My nephew Wes & Sam. Sam LOVES his cousin Wes & when he is home Sam is he shadow till he leaves :)
sooooo much fun!
my sunshine!! me & mawmaw

Siesta Scripture Memory Verse 9

2011-05-05T07:37:00.000-07:00

"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. "

Isaiah ~ 41:13

A verse that gives me much comfort but I pray that all who are suffering so bad right now after such a trying week that they can just give God their hand and trust that he will help them get through this!!

What a week?!?!

2011-05-05T07:08:00.000-07:00

Today is Chad's first day back to work & Sam's 2nd day back to school after being off for a whole week after the tornados that hit Alabama on April 27. That will be a day that everyone in the south will never ever forget. There has just been devestation beyond anyones imagination!! As I sit here in my quiet house this morning missing my boys who are off getting back to some sense of normalcy my heart continues to break for those who have lost everything in our community & in our state. A week without power, a mangled trampoline, losing what was in my fridge.... these are just so small compared to what people have lost....I just cant help but feel guilty yet so very very thankful for God's blessings on our lives. I am SO THANKFUL that He protected us, my family, & freinds during such a horrible tragedy! I will continue to Pray.Pray.Pray & Pray some more in the days ahead for all who have lost so much and ask that you will do the same!! Also, words are not enough to express the thankfullness I have for all the workers (EMT's, police, firefighters, our linemen with the Huntsville Utilities, TVA, volunteers, everyone that has worked so hard this past week) We appreciate all that you have done so much!!

feathers from my nest....

2011-04-26T07:28:00.000-07:00

A new blog name...a new start... I have been in the biggest FuNk lately!! Basically it would take me forever to catch up on it all but if it could happen...its happened! I am hoping & praying for a new start because it just seems this year has been FULL of UPS & DOWNS!!!
In this midst of all of it we have had some great times since I last posted... Sam turned 7 and we partied for a whole week. Love my baby boy and still cant believe that 7 years have come and gone!! Baseball season started...Sam is still playing for North Alabama Red Sox travel baseball and Chad is the assistant coach so this has kept us busy but we wouldnt have it any other way. Love spending my weekends at the ballpark with my Red Sox family watching some baseball.
We are still visiting churches and PRAYING God will soon show us where it would be that our family will call "home". Visiting new churches is so hard & I dont like feeling "homeless". Im ready to be involved again and have a church to call mine. Currently we have been visiting First Baptist in Meridianville and have been there for about 3 months. We have really been enjoying it and Sam especially loves the kids worship and has several friends there so the transition for him has been great.
Easter weekend was wonderful!! Sam was out of school on Good Friday, played in a tournament "Easter Egg Scramble" all day Saturday (even got to see Joy at the ball park & that made my day) and Sunday was spent at church and with family. It was a GREAT day!! My nephew who has always been like a little brother to me announced that he and his wife are expecting their first child. God is so Good & Sam will be thrilled to have a little baby in the family :)
I hope that I can get back in the routine of blogging...mainly because its just a scrapbook for my family. Not sure how many of my blogging friends out there will still be reading but it'll be great to stay caught up and in touch!

had to color a few eggs!!

oh how i <3 these 2

me & my mom

Seven days till my baby will be Seven...

2011-03-11T06:10:00.000-08:00

I have seriously been in the dilema of shutting this blog thing down. I honestly just havent been feeling it lately. So much stress in my life yet so many bleSSings to be thankful for. If anything I will try to keep it up for Sam and as a "scrapbook" seeing that I never have time to scrapbook anymore!!! I love all of my blogger friends and so thankful for all of you!!

So for the next Seven days I will post a picture of my sweet baby Sam. How is it possible that my baby boy is gonna be Seven years old.
For this child we prayed and God has granted us our request Samuel ~ 1:27

The most precious bleSSing I could ever recieve and I am so thankful for him!

Siesta Scipture Memory Verse~5

2011-03-02T06:46:00.000-08:00

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm~100:5

This past week has been very trying and I am reassured to know this verse, to know he always loves me and he is always faithful!!

Siesta Scipture Memory Verse~4

2011-02-16T10:42:00.000-08:00

A verse that continues to get me through each and every day!

For we walk by Faith not by sight

2 Corinthians~5:7

Time for a Magic Party

2011-02-08T06:58:00.000-08:00

Meridianville Magic that is... The boys were so excited for their basketball team to be together one last time and celebrate! Cookie cake and trophies = happy boys!!
Way to Go Magic!!

Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always Psalm~105:4

2011-02-07T07:40:00.000-08:00

Today I went for my cycle day 11 ultrasound and blood work. The words out of the nurses mouth as she did my ultrasound were "Whew, girl!!!...." I already had a feeling, as I have felt fullness and crampy the last 2 days. She said I had a "whole crop" of follicles on my ovaries!! 10 of them on my Right side... So after 7 nights of fertility shots, they have done their job to say the least!! Wednesday will be the day for the IUI..... I appreciate all prayers from you guys!! I have enough fertility meds for one more cycle after this one if this doesnt work. After that we are done with the treatments.

"You can have as much of Me and my Peace as you want, through thousands of correct choices each day. The most persistent choice you face is whether to trust Me or to worry. You will never run out of things to worry about, but you can choose, to trust Me no matter what. I am an ever-present help in trouble. Trust Me, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. Psalm 46~1:2

These are words from my devotional that I read for Saturdays devotion. What a peace I have right now. I may never ever know why God has brought me through this valley of infertility but I know one thing, through it HE has brought me closer to Him. I cant explain how much....my Faith, my Trust, it has never been stronger. It has gotten so much easier to let the worries go. I wont say that they arent still in the back of my mind and yes, if it doesnt happen again this month I will be let down and discouraged but today I know I trust him. He is ever so present, He has already answered prayers by showing us improvements in some of the issues that have caused us to be unable get to get pregnant to begin with. As I continue to wait I choose to trust Him and not worry. He has got this, I know!! and no matter what the outcome I will still trust Him.

God is able to do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine. Ephesians~3:20

Fun Day For A Field Trip

2011-02-04T10:39:00.000-08:00

Sam and his class have been learning all about the solar system since the beginning of January. Sam LoVeS science, so he has had lots of fun doing a science project this month on the solar system and getting to go the Space and Rocket Center this month on a school field trip.
I know I have said this before, but I am so thankful that I get to go and be with Sam to all of his school activities and be there for all those memories. I know it probaly wont be to much longer that he'd rather not ALWAYS have this crazy moma at everything with my camera in his and his friends faces all the time :) Luckily this year his teacher has asked me to come and take pics of all of the activities so I just use that excuse as far as the pics :)

FuN TiMeS

{silly boys}

{getting ready to do the rock wall climb}

{whoo-hoo Sam, you made it to the top}

couldnt leave this one out... {best buds}

{and last, the science project}

Siesta Scripture Memory Verse Team ~ Verse 3

2011-02-02T06:43:00.000-08:00

Time to share verse 3 for the LPM Scripture Memory Team. This is a verse that I have read many many times over the past few years as we have prayed and endured the long wait for another child. This week I actually went back to my fertility Dr. after about a 4 month pause in treatments due to cysts that wouldnt go away. All the cysts were gone and that was nothing short of an answered prayer. I started my fertility shots on Monday night {no fun at all} and this verse is gonna be great for reassurance and ecouragement as I dwell on it daily!!

But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. Habakkuk~ 2:3

IT's the 100th day of ScHooL....Already?!?!

2011-01-24T13:59:00.000-08:00

Today Sam and his class celebrated the 100th day of school. Miss Hogan always plans fun activities!! They had to bring 100 of any item they chose but it had to fit in their bag they were given...then their was a checklist to describe what was in their bag to the class and see if anyone could guess.... Sam took 100 baseball cards and one of his buddies guessed it right off =)
Another fun activity, Miss Hogan had 5 containers that each contained a different item and a different amount... animal crackers, gummi bears, goldfish, marshmallows, and pumpkin seeds. The kids each had a turn to guess which one contained 100. Nobody got it, but it was fun!! Then it was snack time... strawberry cream cheese cupcakes....mmm, good!

When he got home from school today I loved reading what he wrote in his 100 book....
I can eat 100 "popcorn"
I can lift 100 "books"
I can make 100 "gummi bears"
If I had 100 dollars, I would by a "car"
Having 100 "dinosaur" could be a real problem!
In 100 years I hope that I can "read"

Too FUNNY!!!

I Love being able to be a part of all these little fun school day memories with Sam =)

Meridianville MaGiC = CoUnTy ChAmPs!!!

2011-01-22T18:47:00.000-08:00

Meridianville Magic 6U boys undefeated & county champs, CoNgRaTuLaTiOnS!!!

Sam, I am so proud of you....of how hard you played this year!! You gave 110%. Best little defensive player I have ever seen!! Daddy would tell you a player to stay on and you shut em down. You learned so much and we are SO proud of you!!

Now, its on to baseball =)

On this pillow you will find...

2011-01-18T13:22:00.000-08:00

a teensy, tiny tooth of mine....

so proud to finally lose another tooth!! it had been a whole year since he lost the first 2!!

On this pillow you will find
A teensy, tiny tooth of mine.
So while I sleep where
dreams are made,
Let's see if you
can make a trade.
On this pillow I will lay,
the little tooth I lost today.
Please, dear fairy,
tonight as I sleep
leave me a coin.
My tooth you can keep.
- Author Unknown

notice this pillow is in the hallway outside of Sam's bedroom door...he's scared for the tooth fairy to come in his room ;)

Siesta Scripture Memory Verse Team ~ Verse #2

2011-01-15T07:37:00.000-08:00

Already its January 15th and time to add on a 2nd memory verse with the LPM Siesta scripture memory team. I enjoyed so much dwelling on my 1st verse ~ Psalm 37:3,4,&7a. The verse I have picked to study this time and the previous one are both verses that continue to give my heart encouragement through our infertility struggle and to HIM I am so gratful for that.

"Now Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see"
Hebrews:{11~1}

bliZZard 2011 = bEsT of TiMeS with fRiEnDs!!

2011-01-12T08:27:00.000-08:00

Blizzard of January 2011...we never ever get this much snow!! The weather men had been predicting this storm for over a week and this time they finally were right on it!! We got 8.5 inches at our house but other areas around us got as much as 12 inches. Today we are on our 3rd day out of school but feel like today will be the last snow day for Sam. Chad went back to work today and what is normally a 25 minute drive was an hour and half this morning, CrAzY. We have thouroughly enjoyed our time at home and in the snow!! I feel like a bear thats about to hibernate though....gotta stop eating and get back on our normal schedule!! We have been sledding.sledding.and more sledding. Made some snow cream that was yUm-O. Snowball fights. Lots of fun times for sure. But....the snow can go now, I am so ready for SpRinG!!

this was shortly after the snow began on Sunday night, it came down so fast and was beautiful

it didnt take long for the snow to accumulate

our house... Monday morning we woke up to 8.5 inches

we headed up to the M-ville ball park where there was a great hill for sledding with friends
me and my boys about to head down the hill!! so much fun!!

the big kids had as much fun as the little kids :)

Love the excitement on their faces

my CrAzY hubby!

going down on the boogie board

Love it!!

gotta have one more bite!

these kids had a blast!! memories to last forever cause this sure doesnt happen often around here!

what a cute bunch!!

Yea for All A's and KK's

2011-01-08T18:22:00.000-08:00

Already time for report cards again?!? and all A's =) Im telling ya, I think time just passes a little faster each and every day. Seems like Sam just started 1st grade and now we are to the halfway point already!! So very proud of Sam and his grades. His reading has progressed tremendously, has become quite the little speller, loves to do math problems, and amazes me reciting his bible passages (not just verses & he is alot better at it than me for sure). Keep up the good work buddy! You make us extremely proud!! Of course the most important part to Sam was getting some free KK for his A's and I have to admit it makes me excited too! Yea for KK!

Jesus Calling

2011-01-06T13:32:00.000-08:00

My friend Kera shared in this post that she had recently gotten a new devotional and loved it so much that she bought several more to give as gifts. Well I was already planning to go to Lifeway this week because I had plans to get Sam a new devotional (we have this same adventure bible for him and love it), so while I was there I went ahead and picked up the one Kera had recommended for myself. Its called Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. It was $11.99 at Lifeway, so not as cheap as you can get on Amazon but I wanted to go ahead and get it. When I checked out the lady immediately said you will love this! She also said she buys them and gives as gifts because its the best devotional ever. This made me so excited to get started on it that as soon as I got in the car I had to read todays devotion and knew I would read the others I had missed later. Can I just say WOW!!!
I will just share with you todays devotion:

January 6

I AM ABLE to do far beyond all that you ask or imagine. Come to Me with positive expectations, knowing that there is no limit to what I can accomplish. Ask My Spirit to control your mind, so that you can think great thoughts of Me. Do not be discouraged by the fact that many of your prayers are yet unanswered. Time is a trainer, teaching you to wait upon Me, to trust Me in the dark. The more extreme your circumstances, the more likely you are to see My Power and Glory at work in the situation. Instead of letting difficulties draw you into worrying, try to view them as setting the scene for My glorious intervention. Keep your eyes and your mind wide open to all that I am doing in your life.

Ephesian 3:20; Romans 8:6: Isaiah 40:30; Revelation 5:13

If you read this, it may or may not speak exactly to you in regards to something in your life and I hope that it will give you as much encouragement and hope as it did me. I was amazed and of course felt like it was speaking right to me!!! I also thought, how AwEsOmE is that... that was my first devotion of the year.... If you are looking for a new devotional to start this new year, I think this is gonna be a great one! I am so excited to see what God has in store for me this year, I just cant wait... and I hope and pray that he has great things in store for all of you!
Thanks Kera for sharing!!

A Commitment I Must Fulfill

2011-01-04T15:49:00.000-08:00

I have followed the LPM blog pretty much since I started blogging.... I love Beth Moore!! Just finished up her Esther study with some great friends before the holidays and let me just say it was a MAJOR BLESSING to me. She is such an inspiration!! Thanks to some motivation from a couple blogging friends I am gonna jump on with the Beth Moore Siesta Scripture Memory Team!! Feel free to join in if this motivates you too, its not too late!! I will faithfully be memorizing 2 bible verses of my choice each month. You share the verses that you pick with all of the other siestas on Living Proof Ministries Blog (Beth Moore). You pick a verse at the beginning and middle of every month and she will let you know when its time share them on her blog. To get the complete details please refer to this post. I will admit I started this last year...I had all of my index cards organized, got off to a great start, but I didnt stick to it....this year its a commitment I'm making to God and myself and its one I must fulfill!! I cant wait to see what God will show me through his word.
I couldnt resist ordering this perfect little binder of index cards that Beth has specifically for this...you can find it on her website...only $3...so Im waiting on it to arrive :)
Thanks Sarah and Beth for the extra motivation on this!! Joy and Kera...Im gonna miss you on this next Beth Moore study you girls are about to begin :( :( :( You all are such blessings to me!!!

Memory Verse 1
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the Lord and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. Psalm 37:3~4,7a NIV

Would love to know if anyone else who might be reading decides to join in!! It will surely be a blessing!!

A Very Merry Christmas!

2011-01-03T06:42:00.000-08:00

Well Christmas break is over....:( Sam went back to school today. I spent the day getting my house back to normal. Sad to see the holidays go!! We have had the best time together!! and there is nothing better than just spending time together as a family. Chad was off work this whole past week....we spent the days staying up late and sleeping in, playing with all of Sam's new games & toys, being lazy, staying in our p.j.'s all day and dont let me forget...dancing!! I bought Just Dance 2 with a gift card for (myself) and it is a blast!! Hilarious but a blast!! Hope I dont bore ya too much with Christmas pics but I took a bunch, as usual ;)We started Christmas get togethers on Wed. before Christmas...this was before we headed to Chad's mom & step dads house

Christmas with Chad's mom & step dad...

Christmas Eve we got together with my mom, step dad, and my step sister's family...Wow! Popa & Granny Sue got Sam a T.V. for his playroom! Now he really hopes that Santa will bring that PS3 he wants so badly!
Sam & Caleb~sweet cousins =)
Popa, Granny Sue, & Sam
then it was time to head home and get ready for Santa! Sam was the most excited about Christmas that he has ever been!!

Getting cookies, milk, & carrots ready for Santa & Rudolph
Sam's letter to Santa ;)
Finally got Sam to bed & LOOK! Santa came!!
Love.Love.Love. my baby's excitement!! He wanted a pillow pet so so bad and daddy told him he didnt need it but look what Santa brought!! So excited!!
a PS3 game???? that must mean there is a PS3 here somewhere?!?!
Bop it!! I am addicted to this game...fun!!
Yea...General Grevious Star Wars lego set!!
and finally the last present he opened!! he got his PS3...although not sure who was more excited about this, Sam or Chad?!?!
he even got a phone call from Santa (a tradition that my PawPaw started and after he passed away my nephew has continued the tradation... my PawPaw loved to do this, I can just hear him now....Ho, Ho, Ho!!)

waking up to a white Christmas....it cant get much better!! I dont ever remember this happening and it was just beautiful!!
My sweet family!
and we have done this every year on Christmas morning since Sam was old enough... I think it will be funny and great memories to look back at all these silly pictures one day!
finally we had to make time to go play in the snow before getting ready for Christmas lunch with family.....

my snow angel!!!
and our Bama snowman
the snow was just beautiful!!
can you tell his cheek and ear had been pelted with a snowball
firing one back at dad ;)
back in the house... one last pic with all that Santa had left!! must have been a very good boy!!
Christmas lunch with my family at my moms...
my little brother Wes (really my nephew but may as well call him my little bro! we are so close in age its always seemed that way) and Sam is his shadow!! Isnt Wes' dog Mily too cute!! She is 4 months old and rotten!!
We had a wonderful holiday season and hope that all of you did too!! Cant believe its already the New Year! Hope all of you have a blessed 2011. Enjoy every minute with your family, it just seems to keep going by faster & faster!

December has almost come and gone....REALLY?!?!

2010-12-21T12:26:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted since the first of December so this will definitely be a catch up post!! We have been so busy as usual but having lots of fun!!

We have been playing lots of basketball with an undefeated season so far...only one game left and then it will be tournament time!! My little man is 33 there dribbling the ball... he has improved so much since his first season of basketball last year and has loved it!!

got a new Christmas tree this year and I love it!! I wanted a 9 ft slim instead of my 7.5 ft big tree...i love.love.love it!!
Sam started his lego advent calendar to count down the days till Christmas and our elf dasher made his grand appearance again for the 3rd year (sorry no pics of dasher :)
we took a weekend getaway to nashville and spent the night at the opryland hotel!! this was at the rockettes at the grand ole opry...it was a wonderful show, you weren't supposed to take pics but I had to sneak one of this beautiful nativity....it was just beautiful...the best part of the show for sure!!

saw the "real" santa while we were there!! sam has seen this santa every year for the past 3 years!!
played at ICE!! and can i just say we FROZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZE! "Santa Claus is Comin to Town"

our pic at the beautiful poinsettia tree... this was day 2 and we were headed to play in the SNOW!

Sams favorite thing was the snowball throwing range!! imagine that?!!
This was the best trip!! We had a blast!! Thanks to my aunt Judy...it was our Christmas present from her and we loved it!!
The SNOWBALL KING!!

on to Christmas fun at school!! this was polar express day...which meant wear your p.j.s to school, bring a pillow, blanket & stuffed animal!! they read & watched polar express, had hot chocolate. train cookies, popcorn and played games... fun times for sure!

my try at making some polar express train cookies :/

Class Christmas party on the last day of school and 2 whole weeks off for Christmas break!!

Sam was proud to pass out our Santa and reindeer cookies =)

a big hug from Mrs. Hogan and we will see you in the New Year =)

and I think this brings me up to date!! whew!! what a relief!! I have been putting that post off for a while just because I had let myself get SO behind!!

Now to enjoy Christmas break with My2BoYs!! Im so excited....

I sure do miss these days...

2010-12-02T11:18:00.000-08:00

I will admit every stage and every phase with Sam is so much fun! So many great memories and fun times we have shared!! But.... I sure do miss these days....

{Happy Thanksgiving}

2010-11-24T22:19:00.000-08:00

So many blessings...so much to be thankful for... {Enter His gates with thanksgiving, And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name}Psalm~100:4...all the thanks goes to Him!! Hope all of you have a very BleSSed Thanksgiving with your families. I cant wait to spend the day with mine and all the yummy food!! Love to you all~

2010-11-19T05:40:00.000-08:00

{When God takes something from your grasp... He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.}

Busy Making Bama MeMoRiEs!!

2010-11-15T15:53:00.000-08:00

Well I guess this post comes better late than never!!! A few weeks ago we surprised Sam with his second trip to T-town but first BAMA FOOTBALL GAME!!! We told him we were taking him on an adventure and he had no idea where we were headed!! It wasn't until we were almost to Birmingham before we gave him his first clue... I played a country song "Just Roll With It"... well he didn't get it. So we stopped to eat lunch right before taking the Tuscaloosa exit and after we ate I put a Bama tattoo on his cheek and his response was " ARE WE GOING TO A BAMA GAME?!?!" YEA!!! He was so excited.... It was Bama's Homecoming... couldn't wait to get there and let him see what it was really like!!!
Checking out all the festivities on the "Quad" & Denny Chimes, the homecoming floats, and the Walk of Champions!! We had such a GREAT time!! He was just amazed to see the stadium, the football players, and all the people!! Although it was such a late game!! Can you say game time of 8 p.m.??? needless to say we got a hotel in Hoover that night and that made my little man even happier!! Not sure what it is with him and hotels but he LOVES it!! Hope we can make this a yearly tradition!!!

just a glimpse...

2010-11-01T07:35:00.000-07:00

just a glimpse into our weekend that was jammed packed with lots of laughs & fun times!! whew! I am tired today!! Hope all of your little spooks had a
spook-tac-u-lar weekend!!

{have-a-spook-tacular-weekend}

2010-10-30T06:57:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone has a great weekend!! We are gearing up today for lots of fun!! Trunk or treatin with great friends tonight...then tomorrow church and the afternoon at Tate Farms, Flint River invites everyone to go straight to Tate Farms from church for an afternoon of fun at the farm ...then for some more trick or treatin with friends tomorrow night!! Whoo-hoo!! Cant wait to see pics of all of your little goblins and ghouls, be safe =)

While Im Waiting...

2010-10-26T06:43:00.000-07:00

Well most of you who read this already know we had another failed IUI this month. Im just ready to blog about it now....Last Tuesday was one of the longest days ever. I had my pregnancy test early that morning but didnt get the results till around 3 that day....it was negative...again! I cried and I cried yet I still felt God's peace. I wont say I didnt question why because thats almost impossible to do. At that moment I just felt like I was done. I couldnt keep going through these emotions month after month. Thanks to some of the best friends ever for such uplifting and encouragement!! God knew exactly that I would need you!! Then after some time passed I knew we had to keep "trudging" on. Chad says he's up for it as long as I am, that he just hates to see me so upset. The next day it was bible study day, perfect day for it!! God still was giving me encouragement to not give up on him to still "be still" and wait. A verse that was shared that day in study again pertained to waiting on the Lord..."Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him.{Isa.~30:18)
Beth Moore said do not fret, just wait and long.... and thats what Im trying to do.
Friday came and was another let down... I went back to the Dr. for baseline ultrasound and blood work ready to jump right back in for another month of shots and an IUI to find out that I had 4 large cysts that were basically left over from the previous cycle of Follistim and being overstimulated....what a let down! I was ready to keep going but again for whatever reason God's plan is for me to continue waiting. I cant do shots this month due to those cysts, I will be taking birth control pills in hopes they will all go away this month!! I was very frustrated after I left that appointment but again I just have to step back and look at how faithful my God is and always been to me. I am so blessed. I have to be thankful for that and just continue to praise, worship, serve, and love him.... while I'm waiting.
Thought it was funny yesterday that I heard this song... Ive heard it before but its been a long time...it was actually in the movie fireproof. So when I heard it yesterday, it immediately touched me. Its exactly how I feel.....

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Takeing every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

a "celebration"

2010-10-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

Sam got his first 1st grade report card last week. We have been so proud of him thus far, especially with his progress in reading!! Blows my mind how fast their little minds can catch on!! Anyways, he made all A's!! Whoo-hoo for Sam =) He was beyond proud of himself with every right to be, but when he got in the car that day he said, "mom, we get to have a celebration" and I said, "really, what's the occassion"? Sam replied, " I made all A's and we get to have a celebration" Ha!
So sure enough, we headed out for dinner at Mellow Mushroom (sams favorite pizza place) and then to top that off Krispy Kreme (all of our favorite =). He couldnt wait to show Krispy Kreme his report card and get free doughnuts for his A's!
We are so proud of you Sam, keep up your hard work!!

Fall Break~Overnight Get Away

2010-10-21T06:52:00.000-07:00

Since we had to make a trip to Birmingham the week of fall break...we decided to make it a little fun for Sam!! Just a night spent in a hotel completely satisfies him!! Never have I seen a child who loves to stay in a hotel so much!! So, thats what we did, headed down...checked into our hotel, ate at the CHEESECAKE FACTORY, did a little shopping at the Summit and then the next day after my Drs. appointment we headed for a day at the zoo! It was an AwEsOmE day!! We did have to miss out on my favorite... the elephants because they are doing a huge remodel in the Birmingham Zoo and its supposed to be done by the spring. Just another reason for us to go back soon and check it all out =)

Just felt the need to share... "God'sTiming"

2010-10-11T08:33:00.000-07:00

Over the last week and half so many different little things happened where it seemed God was making it ever so clear to just be patient & not give up. It first started at my weekly bible study... it was about Gods timing. About waiting upon the Lord. It was as if he was there speaking directly to me!! Tears just streamed down my face, it was amazing!! This was actually last week & it just so happened to be the day after I started my fertility shots, a day that I needed encouragement more than ever and he was right there giving it to me!! (First month of actual fertility meds after taking a break from it for about a year)
Then the next few days everywhere I turned he was there...someone sending me an email on faith with words that were again just like they were meant directly for me!!
It had this prayer in it :
Dear Lord,
You know the hurt in my heart and the sting of disappointments I have experienced. Please help me trust you instead of being consumed by feelings. Empower me with a FAITH that is stronger than my emotions.... In Jesus name, AMEN
I have prayed more this month about all of this than ever before....
Been so thankful for the friends God has sent my way during this time...God knew...just like how the timing of the bible study worked out. Just to get texts and emails that just say im praying for you today!! so thankful for you!!
All of my blood work and ultrasounds prior to IUI were looking GREAT!!
Then the "timing" of the IUI fell on my PawPaw's b-day... to me I immediately thought... WOW what if we were to concieve a baby on his birthday, how AWESOME would that be!! You know how close I was to my PawPaw!!!
We headed down to Birmingham Wed. and had IUI Thurs. Chad went over first to do his part and back to hotel with Sam. Then my turn to go... I felt really good about it. God had given me alot of peace. I was just so ready for it to be done. Well the nurse came in and said Chads count had improved TREMENDOUSLY.... i mean not just a little I mean ALOT!! It was a GOD thing, I mean it had to be. The nurse practicioner said it was GREAT!!! OMGOSH, I was beside myself, when she did the IUI she even said lets pray. God sent her right to me, I know!!!
I had lots of GREAT follicles with 3 great lead ones. Everything seemed so very positive. I have to admit my hopes are very high!! How can they not be?!?!?! Faith!!!! but I keep telling myself, even if it doesnt happen this time, God has answered prayers already about Chads issue and I am so thankful for that. I mean seriously after she did IUI, I had to lay there about 15 minutes, and I couldnt stop crying....Just filled with emotions.... we have worried, tryed to figure out, but most importantly prayed about Chads' issue, where did it come from & why???? and just like that God answered... all of that has been in his time not ours and he is defintely teaching me patience!! and my FAITH, wow... its just becoming stronger and stronger. I know when this finally all comes to pass... what a GOD story I will then have to share!!! We will know soon so please keep the prayers coming!! I appreciate all of you and your prayers more than I could ever express. {LOVE}
Be back soon to share about Fall Break =)

Words that comfort me today

2010-10-04T14:20:00.000-07:00

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

{Romans 5:3-5}

Fun times in First grade!

2010-09-30T09:38:00.000-07:00

~Johnny Appleseed Day~

Last Friday at school Sam's class celebrated Johnny Appleseed day. They were to dress like Johnny and bring their favorite apple snack. They had lots of fun activites and things to learn about Johnny & apples!! If you have kids in school I'm sure you know who Johnny is and that he wore a pot on his head... so if your wondering what that is on Sam's head in these pics, well thats our homemade pot =) I think my Johnny looked pretty cute! I made Apple cream cheese muffins and they were yumm-y! The kids really seemed to enjoy the day and I am so thankful to be there with Sam for fun days like this. I know the time is flying and I will treasure these memories with him forever~

my "johnny appleseed"

sam & ali =)

see you at the pole {2010}

2010-09-23T06:54:00.000-07:00

What a sweet blessing it was to see Sam & his school participate in {See You At The Pole} yesterday morning before school started. It is an international day for student led prayer. For them to just gather together, all hold hands in a big circle around the flag and pray to our God. Pray for loved ones ,for each other, for their school, their teachers, community, our nation, and the list goes on.... Our Father in heaven reveal who you are ~ Matthew 6:9~13

wanna know what makes my heart smile?!?!

2010-09-14T07:59:00.000-07:00

It was a GREAT day at the Ball Park!

2010-09-06T09:59:00.000-07:00

Sams travel ball team has been going strong all through the summer and are continuing on through the fall. Saturday couldnt have been a more perfect day to be at the ball park {all day}!!

The temps started out in the 50's and ended up in the low 8o's and these little boys played their hearts out. Won all 4 games they played and placed 1st in the South Lincoln Labor Day Marathon!! So proud of all of them!! Congrats Red Sox!!

my Sam =)

1st & 2nd place teams... having a moment of prayer

Woot! Woot!! Red Sox!!

Ready for....

2010-09-03T05:29:00.000-07:00

...... BaMa football!!!!
RTR!!!

...and the journey continues

2010-09-01T16:24:00.000-07:00

Well we had our consult with Dr Long (infertility dr.) this past monday....and the news was actually very promising!! I had already prepared myself for the worst!! I just knew that we were gonna be told to move on to IVF (and that isnt an option for us due to the $$) Chad and I had already talked and talked about it and knew if that was to be the next step then we knew that this would be the end of our fertility treatments... well Dr. Long started off with of course the results werent great by any means but there had been some new studies out and he felt that we still had optimal chances of becoming pregnant with me doing injections/IUI. When he said that I know I was grinning from ear to ear and immediately my eyes filled with tears. God is just so GOOD. I knew in my heart there was still hope!!! I know your thinking well this still doesnt mean its gonna happen... NO, it doesnt but it does mean we still have options and Dr Long was very positive about it!! Well it just so happened I was at the beginning of my cycle so why not go ahead and start the shots now...so I went in very nervous and anxious at the bottom of the roller coaster, then after talking with Dr. Long, all the way to the top I went!!! I needed to have baseline ultrasound and bloodwork first. Ultrasound done and the nurses response was "OH No"...im thinking WHAT!!!! She said you have a cyst on your ovary the size of TEXAS!! Im thinking REALLY?!?!!? So that in turn meant no shots/IUI this month in fact Im now on birth control pills to help decrease that cyst. Im prayerfully hoping that sucker will be gone by the end of this cycle and we can get on with it. So needless to say I went right back down that roller coaster. Infertility is SO.SO.SO emotional and full of highs and lows. I try not to get my hopes up but its just impossible!!! The past few days Ive been very positive and just feel like God is gonna bless us, i just know it!! I have to keep that faith. Its been about 3 years now and it would be real easy to just give up!! Especially since I do have Sam!! God bleSSed me tremendously with Sam and I just know he can and will do it again. Its in his time I know. He has tested my faith and continues too and this has made me stronger!! I just continue to remind myself of this verse and its very comforting!!

The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:4-9

Also it couldnt be at a more perfect time that I have started a new bible study with a great group of girls recently and God knew.... WoW!! did he know how much I needed it and these girls to share with and grow closer with. I had previously started this same study back in the beginning of the summer and it was just at a bad time for me... but God meant for me to finish this study when just a few months down the road I was asked to join in on this same study again. I cant wait to see what it is that God wants to tell me. Cant wait!!!

I thank all of you who have read and continued to follow this journey we are on. I thank you most for the prayers and the comforting and encouraging words you have always offered.
Stay tuned as we continue along to see what God has in store.......

Waiting

2010-08-16T09:49:00.001-07:00

UPDATE: No good news :( have a consult with Dr. Long soon... i know it will be to discuss our options. unfortuantely i think i already know those options and it doesnt look good. thanks for your prayers. this is so hard, we want another child so bad and its so hard to explain to sam why he cant have a brother/sister......

The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:4-9

Its noon and I have not done a SINGLE thing today!!! but watch the clock and wait on the phone to ring. At this point Im still waiting.... You can read this last post to get you up to date on where we are at...& then fast forward to today. Another appointment with the infertility Dr. and another recheck... these results will answer alot of questions for us! Are we done trying or is there reason to keep going??? If the results are good we have decided to go with 2-3 more cycles of fertility shots and IUI's. This will be our last go around of it. I am anxiously awaiting some positive results today. I.AM.NOT.READY.TO.QUIT.YET! All this time no matter what the odds have been. Ive never given up on God. I know he can make all the "impossibles" POSSIBLE!!
I still have faith that he can make it happen!

Staying Busy...

2010-08-12T07:15:00.000-07:00

I sure have been missing my little side kick this week!!! Its just been a big adjustment for me that he's gone all day... I know its only 2 1/2 more hours than what he's been doing but it seems like forevah!!! So this week I have tryed to keep busy and do things around here that desperately need to be done!! Yesterday it was to tackle Sam's playroom!!! and as you will see by the pics it was an absolute disaster!! I really dont usually let it get to this point... really, i dont!But we were so busy this summer and it just got so far out of hand and past the point that I even wanted Sam to attempt to clean it up! Plus I thought I was ready to purge some of the toys in there that he never plays with anymore...

Looks bad huh?? I got in there and spent all morning... got rid of the air hockey table and brought down his old train table for him to use for his legos. I really didnt get rid of alot, i just couldnt do it, yet :(

So these are the after pics, lookin alot better now!!!
Today I will try to tackle my closet and thats gonna be an even bigger task than yesterday! Wish me luck!

S.A.R.

2010-08-11T06:49:00.000-07:00

Samuel Austin Reed

things that you love:

God (and for that I am so thankful)

anything and i do mean anything STAR WARS

Sports.Sports.Sports. at the moment it is baseball but lately I have heard you humming the BAMA fight song, so soon it will be all about football!

legos

playing your DSi

you love your daddy but i think you love me lots too :)

Snacks

the beach (i've never seen a little boy love it so much)

you still and think you always will love your "lamby"

books and learning to read

going back to school (me not so much but SO glad you LOVE it)

being with your friends

pizza, krispy kreme donuts, cookies & creme milkshakes, strawberries

you are just "in LOVE" with the fact that you are a "luncher" at school this year

snuggling up in daddy & mommy's bed (anytime of the day, especially when you get home from school to rest a little and at night to watch the Braves play baseball)

The Atlanta Braves!! Brian McCann

you would LOVE to have a baby brother or sister (you talk about it still ALL the time and I so hope that prayer of yours and ours comes true someday soon)

you like:

a little girl Ali in your class... you talk about her all the time and you havent told me she is your "girlfriend" (thank goodness) but your granny sue asked about your class and that is how you classified Ali to her..

things you do not love:

being "bored"

being alone

getting ready for bed.... you are the best staller there ever was and can find more things to talk about to distract bed time

mexican food, i try my hardest to make you like it but you just dont and this one really bothers me :(

to lose

Sam, words I use to describe you:

sunshine

cheerful (your character award in kindergarten)

VERY outgoing

loving

caring

competitive!

eager

handsome

Energetic (i mean full of energy!!)

Smart

Super fast

becoming strong in your faith
friendly

words to describe how i feel about you:

thankful

blessed beyond words

proud

Love.Love.Love.

and more Love!

amazed

happy to be your mom

I love you bud! and I continue to realize with each and every passing day how truly bleSSed i am to be your mom!! God made you for me and daddy and how Amazingly Awesome is that!! I had the BEST summer with you and am missing you now that you are off to First Grade and gone all day!!

I love you forever, like you for always, as long as i'm living my baby you'll be!

The LORD bless you
and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

Love you~Mom

~First day of First Grade~

2010-08-04T09:34:00.001-07:00

Well it is here already!! My baby is at his first day of first grade. I know you must get tired of hearing me say, "its going by so fast" but it truly is and if you are a mother you know exactly.

This summer we stayed SO busy that I think it was even faster!! Hate so much to see the summer come to an end, we had an AWESOME time!! Couple weeks ago we had one last big hurrah and went on a business trip with Chad to Dothan, Al for a few days and with being that close to the beach who wouldnt make another beach vacation out of it?!?! So 6 days total and it was wonderful!! We went on down to Panama City Beach from Dothan and had a great time!!

When we got back it was time for school supplies shopping and a few more fun days and here we are today!! Back to school ;( Sam is attending Bethlehem Christian Academy again this year and I am SO excited about his new teacher and his school year, just wish it could go a little slower!!

Sam was more than ready to head back, he loves school, and that makes it so much easier and me happy!! I on the other hand did shed a few tears!! His first year to go to school all day, WOW what will I do with myself?!?! Thats another post in itself right there!!

So up and at em bright and early today!! Alarm clock was buzzing for Sam at 6:30 after sleeping till 9:30 or 10 all summer. I awoke and said really??? this day is already here??? Sam is most excited about being what he calls a "luncher" this year!! eating lunch at school with your friends that must be the best.... atleast he thinks so!! I thought having lunch home with me was the best, sure am gonna miss that little turkey =)

Hope you have a wonderful first grade year buddy, i love you, and cant wait to see all that you will learn this year!! you always make me so proud =)

Girl Time

2010-07-15T20:43:00.000-07:00

Every girl needs a girl's night out every now and then and thats just what we did !!! Cantina Laredo at Bridge Street was just the right spot!
A few of us just started out reading each others blogs and have been for maybe 2 years now... I'd say it was about time we all get together ;) I had already met everyone except Sarah.
So it was great to finally meet her and have some good girl time just visiting with everyone. Just catching up on what everyone has been up to this summer, of course chatting about our kiddos and the crazy things they do, and figuring out all the same friends we have in common( its such a small world) Kera and I have known each other since about the 5th grade, even used to spend the night together some, lost touch over the years, and now our blogs brought us back in touch. It was a GREAT night with some yummy food (loved the salad Joy) I had a blast and cant wait to do it again REAL soon!! SO thankful for all of my blogging friends God has brought me in touch with, I know you are always there to listen and to offer an encouraging word or advice!!
Joy, Kera, Sarah, Beth... had a GREAT time! Missed you Amy!! Brooke, & Ginny missed and was looking forwad to meeting you... we will definitely do it again!!

thanks for the pic beth

Cant believe how long its been...

2010-07-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

Cant believe how long its been since I have posted anything!! I've been reading and still keeping up with all of you but just not making any time to post something myself. Just realized its been like 2 weeks or longer.... So here goes!!

We are still enjoying these long HOT summer days so much ( well not so much the HOT part)!! Just please could it slow down these last 3 weeks, just a little!

Gonna start by catching you up with how we spent our 4th of July.... It was GrEaT!! We headed on over to Atlanta, one of my very favorite places to go. Chad and I have lotsa fond memories of Braves games together while we were dating and after we married. Now its such a JOY to go and make more memories there with Sam. He is ALL AbOuT the Braves!! and boy does his daddy love that. We took him a couple years ago but for some reason missed out on last year. So, this year we knew we had to make it happen! Heading over for 4th of July was the perfect time and the weather, let me just say it couldnt have been any more perfect for baseball!! It was mid 80's and no humidity the whole time, PERFECT!! We drove over on Friday, was able to enjoy 2 great games, great food, some time with great friends who came over for the 2nd game, great fireworks, what more could you ask for!!

Now for lots of pictures =)

Just arrived at the hotel, Sam couldnt believe how big all the buildings were in downtown ATL

getting to Turner Field

of course we had to see Homer

testing out his pitching skills

love these 2 boys of mine ;)

getting in our seats and ready for the game

i took lots of pics of the Braves playing but this guy here is my FAV!

celebrating a GREAT win, in extra innings

one of the best firework shows i had ever seen

a little boy with not a care in the world, he couldnt have been happier

this was our 2nd day at the park, sam running the kid bases

AtLaNtA!!

me & my boys!

i pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America....

we met up with some friends who were there for the 2nd game

after another great win for the Braves, all the kids got to go down on the field and run the real bases!! This is Sam standing in front of the Braves dugout!

finishing up at home plate =) they all got a certificate and t-shirt that says" i ran the bases at Turner Field"

another great day of baseball, headed back to the hotel

just one more pic of my FAV!! yes, i was like the papparazzi as he was leaving to get in his
truck and go home =)
I <3 chipper =")

We had the MOST AWESOME time!! Ready to go back!!

Just couldnt get enough of the heat...

2010-06-28T13:23:00.000-07:00

Um ... I meant couldnt escape the heat!!!

Saturday Sam and his Red Sox team had their first travel ball experience. It was an ALL day tournament in Ardmore!! Thankful for some clouds and overcast that day but still it was Oh SO H-O-T!! I was so excited while I was there to see Joy as she was getting to enjoy a day full of H-O-T baseball too!! Fun times!! Our boys won 2 out of 4 games which I thought was great considering the 2 we lost were to teams made up of mostly 7 year olds. It was a learning experience for a sure. I have to say even though it was so terribly hot, had a great time watching them play their hearts out. They had never played a day full of ball like that.

do they look just a little hot to you?!?!

Sam after making a great catch and play to first base

Sunday we hit the Freedom Fest at Flint River Baptist Church and had a great time. You woulda thought we had enough of the heat on Sat. but no we were back out in it again and had a blast!!

Fun Times Indeed!!

how sweet are they hanging out together

ended the weekend with fireworks

What a month!!!

2010-06-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

My have we been busy around here!! The month of June has been jam packed full!! It started by returning from the beach...VBS...baseball camp...swimming lessons...and just finishing up basketball camp today not to leave out baseball practices for travel ball this summer.... whew, that just makes me tired typing it all out. Sam has had a blast though, fun times & great memories with friends!! This is the first year has attended any type of sports camps and he has LOVED it!! not to mention learned alot as well. Swimming lessons are going great, thinking he really might get it this year, (thanks Amy for recommending the YMCA, it has been a great experience) Looking forward to July and the fact that it will be a little more slow paced including some sleeping in, poolside with friends, trip to ATL for some Braves baseball and of course looking forward to watchin our little RED SOX play some smokin HOT baseball, cause its definitely been HOT around here!!
Hope all of you are having great summers with your families!! It'll be over before ya know it and that school bell will be ringing :(

last day at FRBC VBS "High Seas Expedetion"

Last day of Baseball Camp... coolin off with some popsicles cause it was oh so HOT

what a better way to learn to slide for baseball than with water and a slip n slide!!

Sam givin all the HG highschool baseball players high fives!! to him these boys were like MLB players!!

it was a great camp!!

last day of UAH basketball camp with Lenny Acuff and the UAH basketball players, again the boys loved it!!

my very own little UAH charger b-ball player ;)

LoVe these 2

2010-06-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

I could not be more thankful for the husband God has given me and for the father he is to Sam!! I am truly blessed to have him!! We spent Fathers day first by Chad opening his presents Sam picked out (all had to do with baseball, imagine that), we had lunch at Chad's favorite... Carrabba's, visited with his parents and then with mine. It was a great day spent together!! We Love You Chad, hope you had a GREAT Fathers Day!! You are the best daddy Sam could ever have!!

Way to GO Meridianville Red Sox!!!!

2010-06-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

Way to Go Meridianville Red Sox!! Undefeated season 12-0 and the County Champs this weekend, whoo-hoo!!! It was a great season with some great little ball players who played their hearts out!! I am so proud of my Sam who did an awesome job at short stop and hitting that ball!

Love watching you play ball!!

then it was time to cool off and have fun with friends at the pool

It was a GREAT weekend =)

~Thankful for Our Time at the Beach~

2010-06-04T15:51:00.000-07:00

We had the most AmAzInG time at the beach over the Memorial holiday. We were able to stay 5 days and it was just what we needed at just the right time. I am so saddened at what is happening down there now with the oil spill. It has been our yearly vacation spot forever and to think that it may mess things up for years to come breaks my heart. I am so thankful we were able to enjoy it this year before things got so bad. Praying for all of those who will be so severely affected by all of this, the ones who live down there, the ones who's livelihood depends on it....

Here are some pics I did while there, will share our more candid moments later. We had a GREAT time =)

~It was TIME for some FUN~

2010-05-21T06:17:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday somehow we ended up with a day without any ballgames and nothing else scheduled.... so we thought now was definitely time to take a short little getaway and have some family fun time!! We were off to Lake Winnie in Chattanooga. Chattanooga is one of our favorite places to go!! If you have kids and never been to Lake Winnie, definitely worth going... its LOTS of fun! Lake Winnie brings back memories of going to Opryland when I was little, I loved that place!! Sam had a blast. Even though the summer temps and muggies had hit, it was a GREAT day. Cant wait to go back again =)

My baby is offically a 1st grader....

2010-05-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

It has been a week today since Sam's Kindergarten graduation.... already a week has passed! I mean every day it seems like time just keeps slipping away faster & faster!! So, I am just now getting around to posting this.... this time of year is just SO busy!! Anyways my baby graduated!! It was so bittersweet. I am so proud of him, all that he has learned this year, how big he has gotten yet so so so sad to know I wont ever get this time with him back. In a blink of an eye I will be looking at him in that cap & gown as he graduates high school. So I am just trying to treasure, stop & enjoy, and make a big deal out of all of these moments. The graduation ceremony was great. They sang some very cute songs... "Days of the Week", "Special Me", "My Country Tis of thee".... I made it through the whole thing without shedding a tear and then when I got home and was putting him to bed...... I lost it!!! He hasnt seen me cry to often but I couldnt hold it back anymore. We read " I knew you could" (the little engine that could) and I could hardly even read it, it was so sweet, he kept wiping the tears off my cheeks and kept saying "Im always gonna be your baby mom". Sam I am so very proud of you!! I hope your 1st grade year is as good as your "K" year if not better. Want to share the lyrics to this song.... so what I am feeling right now!! Congratulations baby =)

Find Your Wings ~ Mark Harris

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth
And If I never told you
I want you to know
As I watch you grow
Chorus:
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings
May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh, but more than memories
Chorus:
It's not living if you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly

Now for the pictures!!

with his balloons from Chad & I and a little graduation trophy that he was SO proud of from a great friend of ours.... Thanks Donna, he is still SO proud of it!!getting ready to leave for graduation

almost his turn to walk into the sanctuary
saying his pledges to the American Flag, Christian Flag, & the Bible

singing a song of the "Ten Commandments"

my little graduate =)

getting his diploma from Mrs. Suzy, the director of BCA

proud of his diploma

love my family =)

Granny Sue, Sam, & Popa

MawMaw & Sam

Sam & Mrs. Walker, his teacher

last I got SO many GREAT pics of Sam and his little friends, but only to share one... this was his "girlfriend" Just thought it was too cute not to share =)

He knows how to make my day........

2010-05-17T14:01:00.000-07:00

Bouquet of flowers Sam grew at his Popa & Granny Sue's..... went to run a couple of errons(sp?) and this is what he had for me when I came back =) Love my little man!!

Will have a post coming soon from Kindergarten graduation and a trip to Lake Winnie in Chattanooga, of course lots of pics =)

These Makes My Heart Sing.......

2010-05-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

~It Was A GREAT Mothers Day~

I just love my little family so much. It couldnt have been a better day spent with them and the rest of my family!! Although it started out with a migraine and missing church there was still alot of... eating great food, playing baseball, swingin on a tire swing, visitin with family..... what more could I ask for?!?! Chad & Sam gave me the sweetest cards this year, that of course brought me to tears and Sat. they went and bought me 3 new rose bushes for a flower bed in the back yard we had never fixed. The best part was that Sam got to help Chad plant them and he was SO proud of his self! He kept comin in the house sayin "mom, im working really hard out here and you cant see it till we are done" of course Chad said there was alot of diggin holes and playin with worms but I LOVE it! Great memories =)

Hope all of you had a wonderful day as well!

These pictures make my heart sing.....

stealing some sweet sugar from my little man
Oh, how I love him!

his laughter and personality is so contaigous

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding

2010-05-04T12:11:00.000-07:00

First of all let me start by saying if you have not read "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers.... you so need to!! It is the best book evah!!!!!!! I am so thankful for my sweet friend who let me borrow this book and how it was at such a perfect time in my life to read this book!! "It is a powerful retelling of the book of Hosea in the bible... Redeeming Love is a life-changing story of God's unconditional, redemptive, all-consuming love"!!! I just finished reading it last night.... towards the end of the book there was that popular verse "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding".... as I was reading it I was just thinking about our situation and how at one time it was so hard for me to do that but now how that is becoming easier and easier for me. Just trusting in him and knowing he has a plan!!! I will say I still dont know why or understand why we have to go through this fertility struggle but I do know God has a greater plan and thats why with my faith I have chose not to give up . God has given me no reason to give up. He is always faithful to me!!

Fast foward to around 8:30 a.m. this morning........ my nurse practicioner called me with Chad's results (if you read my last post you knew he was going to be rechecked)
She wanted to just give me the results even though my Dr. had not seen them yet, she wanted to go ahead and share them. Wow, Im still blown away..... the results were GREAT this time compared to all the others!!!
Since Feb. 2009, which was when we discovered Chad's issue, and being checked several several times since then, all of the numbers have improved!!!!!!!! It has been 5 months since the last test. I had told you in the last post Chad and I had just put it on the back burner, Let God handle it, no vitamins like the Dr. had recommended, nothing has been done different. And now his results have changed completely for the good this time...... wouldnt you just say GOD IS SO GOOD!!!!!! The Drs. had no explanation as to why his results were abnormal to begin with, there was never a "diagnosis" made......
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding".
I feel so positive right now...... all morning I have cryed and cryed everytime I even think about it. When you experience something like this and you can just see God answering your prayers, its just SO REAL. So many emotions I've just been holding in and now God has showed me now more then ever..... Be Faithful!!!
So as of now I dont know what our next step is, I am waiting still to hear from what my Dr. recommends. But for now I will just keep on repeating this "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding"

Thank you Lord for answering prayers..............

National Infertility Awareness Week....Our Story

2010-04-27T07:04:00.000-07:00

This week is National Infertility Awareness Week. It is a movement to raise awareness about the disease of infertility which effects 7.3 million americans. Infertility is something that has been a part of my life for quite some time now. We struggled to become pregnant for for quite some time before we were finally blessed with Sam. Becoming pregnant for me is just so "unnatural", with Sam it was fertility injections, ultrasounds after ultrasounds, blood work and more blood work, and intrauterine insemination. Finally it worked!! God blessed us with the BIGGEST and GREATEST blessing EVER and to him I am and always will be so VERY thankful!! I didnt care really how "unnatural" it was... all I knew is I was to be a mother!!

For this child we prayed and God has granted our request ~ Samuel 1:27

Thank you Lord for my Sam!!

I really cant explain how wonderful it has been and my heart truly breaks for those who have never been able to experience that. I have a best friend... we've been friends since around the 7th grade and she and her husband have never been able to experience that and they wont ever birth a child of their own. They are in the process now of adoption and I pray some day very soon their dreams will come true!! Anyways back to our story, after Sam turned 3, we decided we were ready to try and go down that road again. We knew what my condition was (PCOS, polycystic ovarian disease) and knew the infertility doctors had figured out how to treat me and achieve pregnancy and just maybe this time would be easier for us.... well that hasnt been the case!! at all =( With PCOS, basically my body is insulin resistant and causes me not to ovulate. There are many things that can effect it and for me one of them is my diet. As we were trying again, my Dr recommended a certain medication that would help with the insulin resistance and of course a strict diet, basically no carbs =( I did this, and it was easy, I was motivated!! I lost 40 lbs, and with taking my meds, I actually started ovulating ON MY OWN, whoo hoo!! Maybe I would get pregnant on my own???!!! without any help at all this time. Well after about a year of that, it still wasnt happening, so back to Birmingham to ART... Dr Long was wonderful!! His thinking was we will just treat you the same as we did with Sam, it worked so why not try it again? He was very hopeful and positive!! and I was too! Can I say what a letdown that was.

After all those treatments and not to mention the $$$ still no pregnancy!! So this time we needed to recheck Chad and I both, just make sure there wasnt any new reasons as to why all of this wasnt working... this time a new problem arose.... with Chad. COMPLETELY UNEXPECTED and UNEXPLAINABLE..... when he was checked out before Sam EVERYTHING WAS COMPLETELY ABOVE NORMAL now his results were horrible, and after being checked out there wasnt any reason for the diagnosis, there was no apparent reason the Doctors could find that would cause this problem for him. So, now what do we do?? Well the next recommendation from Dr. Long was we needed InVitro and the chances of that working werent even that great..... First of all we DONT have $10,000 or more for this procedure and there not even be a guarantee that it will work!! Needless to say that was back in November of 2009 when we last talked to Dr. Long. Here we are today and Chad and I barely even talk about it, we just cant..... I think about it almost every day!! I have gained all 40lbs back.... and think I really am a little on the depressed side. I try to think Im not, that its normal to have good and bad days... I just always have in the back of my mind that maybe just maybe......

Last week I went in for my yearly exam... my nurse practitioner told me not to give up.... that it wouldnt hurt to just recheck Chad again since its been almost 6 months, that maybe just maybe, his results would change back to normal just as fast as they changed to abnormal!! and to definitely get back on my diet not just for fertility reasons but for health reasons too! So thats where we are..... I havent talked about it on my blog much in a while, I just felt like it was getting to be like a broken record and all of you were probably getting tired of hearing it over and over. Chad will be getting rechecked in the next week or so. Please pray for improvement for him....

I know that some of you that read are currently in this same struggle. We all have dreams, wishes, and plans for our future and that if we plan them that they will happen. Its not always in our timing. Its God's plans and his timing!! I pray God will soon bless you, never give up, rely on your faith, and he will see you through...

As far as the NIAW, if any of you are suffering from infertility check out the website....

Is it already time?!?!

2010-04-21T11:19:00.000-07:00

Kindergarten started in the month of September,
That first day of school we will always remember.

It was hard to leave our homes, our families and toys,
But we found a happy place full of friendly girls and boys.

Our days were filled with ABC's, building blocks and 123's.
We learned to read, we learned to write,
Working so hard to get everything right!

Together we celebrated the seasons of the year,
We comforted each other when someone shed a tear.
We celebrated losing teeth, birthdays and making friends,
Now we celebrate that the years about to end.

Because...we are moving up! We are going to first grade!
We got here because of all the progress that we've made.

We'll never forget our teachers and all that they have done,
For making our first year at school comforting and fun.

So wish us luck on this day as we graduate,
The class of 2010 is ready to celebrate!

I am SO SAD!!! Someone please tell me where has the time gone?!?!

Baseball Buddies

2010-04-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

10 years today... REALLY?!?! where has the time gone?!?!

2010-04-15T07:04:00.000-07:00

(i know this isnt the best quality of picture but i didnt want to take any out of my album so this one had to work =)

Can not believe we are celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary today..... where has the time gone?!?!? We have been together a total of 16 years counting our years we dated!! It doesnt seem possible!! But it has been GREAT! I am so thankful that God blessed me with the greatest, caring, loving, sharing husband, he truly is my BeSt FrIeNd and gotta say the best daddy ever too! We have been through our share of ups and downs and he has been there for me through them all!! I love you Chad cant wait to see what the next 10 years have in store for us!!

~Easter 2010~

2010-04-05T08:07:00.001-07:00

We had a WONDERFUL Easter!! Hope all of you did as well =)
Sam really took in the meaning of Easter this year. We've always talked to him about it and read to him the true meaning of Easter, but this was the year that it "clicked" for lack of a better word and he just amazed me talking about it. I am so thankful and blessed with Sam being able to go to Bethlehem Christian Academy, so thankful for his teachers and Mrs. Suzy who teaches their chapel time, where he was able to learn about what the meaning of Easter all week at school. When Sam went to bed Thurs. night, he reminded me that tomorrow being Good Friday was the day that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and that when he woke up Friday morning he needed to look up to the sun an thank God for his son Jesus that died for all of us. He then went on to tell me and Chad the whole story of what happend to Jesus that day and how he rose again on the third day. It was amazing, he didnt leave out any details at all. So, sure enough, when he woke up Friday morning that was the first thing he did, was go over to his window, look up to the sun, and thanked God. What a blessing!! Thank you God, for your son, Jesus and what he did for us!! and thank you God, for my precious son!!

On to Saturday, it was a busy day!! Birthday party for one of Sam's best friends and then home to color some easter eggs, and later that night we went to Bethlehem Baptist Church's production of "Pierced" All I can say is it was AMAZING. Thank you, Thank you , Thank you Jesus!

Sunday we were up and at em EaRlY!! We went to Easter sunrise service at 6 am. It was such a blessing and I'm so glad we went. We really debated about getting Sam up so early seeing that we would have such a busy day. He did great and was fine with waiting until we got home to see what the Easter bunny had left him =) After getting home and of course a photo session =) and checking out the Easter basket. I had some cooking to do and then we were off again...... It was a great lunch with family at my Aunts house. Sam hunted eggs and threw the football with his favorite cousin Wes. Sam is the only little one in the family so he get ALL the attention!!

We ended the day by spending it with some great friends. Sam got to fish in their pond and he caught one!! WoW, did that ever make his day=)
It was a GREAT day that the Lord hath made. Beautiful sunshiney Easter day. Thank you again Jesus, I just cant say it enough...... Hope all of you had a Blessed Easter!!

time to color eggs

the easter bunny came

time for some pictures after we got home from sunrise service

sam actually took this, pretty good huh?

finally checking out what the easter bunny left

love these boys!

my nephew wes and sam =)

mawmaw with her great-grandsons

granny sue (my mom) with her boys

What a great way to end the beautiful day with friends. Sam catchin a fish just topped it off for him!

~Take Me Out To The Ball Game... I Dont Care If I Ever Get Back~

2010-03-27T14:17:00.000-07:00

It was so GrEaT to be back at the ball park today!! Other than this morning when we had to be there at 8:30 it was freezing and the wind... oh the wind was like 90mph!!! But thats how baseball weather goes. It was opening day at our park. All the teams are introduced on the field, a easter egg hunt for the little kids, and some scrimmage games =) Sam did GREAT!! He is playing at the pitcher position this season (in coach pitch baseball) and made some AWESOME defensive plays to first base!! Hittin the ball great too! Excited for a fun season of baseball! Go ReD sOx!!

Three little birds

2010-03-23T23:05:00.000-07:00

i love that sam loves this song!! we love singin it!!! thought i'd share =) =) =)

Rise up this mornin',
Smiled with the risin' sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin' sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin', ("This is my message to you-ou-ou:")

Singin': "Don't worry 'bout a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right."
Singin': "Don't worry (don't worry) 'bout a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right!"

Rise up this mornin',
Smiled with the risin' sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep

HaPpY 6th BiRtHdAy SAM!!

2010-03-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

Today six years ago my life was forever changed!! God blessed me with more than I could ever have imagined. We prayed and prayed for this sweet little baby that came into our lives on this day and I thank God more and more for him every day! Sam you are growing up way to fast but these 6 years with you have been the best. Cant imagine what life would even be like without you!! You truly are the sweetest little boy I know. You are SO outgoing, never meet a stranger, getting smarter and smarter every day! You are reading now and loving to do math problems, think you are gonna be like your daddy when it comes to math! When we are riding in the car you are constantly saying "guess what ? + ? = " So proud of all that you have learned this year in Kindergarten!! Most of all I love your caring and loving spirit =)
The things you are in to are SPORTS, legos and your Dsi/Wii. Although I love how you convince me to be "in to" legos too, I seem to be the one putting them together and you play with them, thats ok though, I think I like putting them together too!
It makes me sad that you are growing up so fast and you arent my little baby anymore, really sad when I think this means you are halfway to 12! Where has the time gone?!!? Please let it slow down just a little!
Well I hear you waking up so its time to sing Happy Birthday and have another fun day celebrating! Happy 6th Bithday, Love you More and More!!
pics i took of sam couple of weeks ago downtown huntsville =)

It's Party Time

2010-03-15T19:04:00.000-07:00

Im still having trouble believing Sam's 6th birthday party has come and gone. Again he wont be 6 until this Thursday but we are just gonna celebrate around here for a whole week =)

Saturday was party day for Sam and his buddies. It was at Huntsville Sports Academy which Sam was very excited about but we weren't quite sure what to expect.... hadn't ever heard of anyone doing a party there but thought we'd give it a shot! It was a HIT!! The kids L.O.V.E.D. it!

The owner Paul Bakke was wonderful with the kids, he played several facilitated games with them in the batting cages, their favorite was between trying to throw a baseball through or hitting a big tractor tire and then a wiffle ball game. They played for almost 2 hours before it was time for some cookie cake and presents. Sam said it was his best party ever! So glad they had such a great time. I would recommend H.S.A to any of you who have boys that are into baseball, the price was reasonable too!! Thanks to great friends for celebrating Sam's 6th birthday with us and making it a blast for him! Sam got legos...legos...and more legos! So you know what we did today, spent the day putting together Star Wars legos and RC car from the movie Toy Story =)

Sunday we celebrated at Maw Maw's as always with some good food and family!! Sam got new Braves shirt and baseball hat, movie passes, and the best ever Alabama fleece blanket and pillow (its the best cause Maw Maw made it for him) As I said we are gonna celebrate all week. Thursday is his actual birthday so he is still waiting on presents from us =)

We were thinking of taking a little trip to Chattanooga this week but was really hopin for warmer weather!! Spring oh Spring where art thou?!?! Absolutely froze tonight at the ball park!! It never fails the week of spring break it has to be dreary and cold =( Hopin it will get better as the week goes on! Hope all of you are enjoyin your break this week, I know am! Sam slept till 10 a.m. today! and it was about 9 for me. Love catchin up on some sleep!

Time Flys

2010-03-11T20:24:00.000-08:00

Wow!! Time Flys!! Cant believe I havent posted in like 2 weeks. We have been busy,busy,busy!
And really I just havent been able to make myself take the time to post anything, guess I just go through these phases. Well to catch up since I posted last, we went to an Alabama basketball and baseball game and had an ABSOLUTE blast! It was Sam's first trip to Tuscaloosa so we had to show him around, went to the Bear Bryant museum and saw a couple games, made some GREAT memories =) Enjoyed Dr. Seuss week with Sam at his school! I got to read Green Eggs and Ham to his class and made some "Green Egg" cupcakes for "Sam I Am" and his class. We saw the Wizard of Oz Broadway show last weekend and it was WONDERFUL! Has always been one of my favorite all time movies and Sam seems to enjoy it too, it was fun to see it on broadway. Thanks to my Aunt Judy for those tickets =) We're all ready for baseball season around here!! Sam will be playing on the "Red Sox" and will have Mr. Chad B and his daddy for coaches again, looking forward to a fun season of being at the ball park!! Are you tired of hearing about all of this yet?!?! I really hate that I let myself get so behind but I dont want to leave any of this out, its like my journal =) .......... Sam lost his 2nd tooth!! FINALLY!! That darn tooth was going to be the death of me, we went round and round about that tooth, even went to the dentist about it! It was OH SO LOOSE, forevah!! But it wouldnt come out!! Finally he lost umm I mean I yanked that tooth out this week =). The day before it came out I actually took him downtown for a little photo shoot, (since he is about to be 6, and thats a whole nother post in itself, im very sad about my baby gettin so BIG) anyways, I love that in those pictures I took you can see that little "billy bob" tooth as Joy calls it barely hangin in there. Years from now when I look back at those pictures I will smile when I remeber all the drama that went along with that tooth =)
Well that catches me up... now Im preparing for my little man's SIXTH birthday party =(=(=(
I am so sad!! Where does the time go?!?! Could it just slow down a tiny little bit?!?! Each and every day just flys by!!! His birthday isnt until the 18th but we are celebrating this weekend with his buddies at Huntsville Sports Academy!! Imagine that, he wanted a sports/Bama theme b-day party. So again this will be a busy weekend but FUN FULL of MEMORIES and thats what its all about. Gonna try to share some pics now, hope you werent bored to death reading this.

we had arrived... Sam's first of many to come trips to T-town

had to check out the "Bear" Bryant museum
Sam & the "Bear"

mommy & sam ready for the game

my 2 boys =)

can you say ready for the game?!?!

the tip off.... bama vs. ole miss

nothin better than some crimson tide baseball

love him

this is what the ride home looked like
great day.... great memories.... roll tide roll

Read Across America/Dr Seuss week

my very own "Sam I Am"

my "green egg" cupcakes

me reading Green Eggs and Ham to Sam's class

my sweet soon to be 6 year old Sam (before he lost that "billy bob" tooth) (will share more of these pics later)

and after that tooth was FINALLY out
will never ever forget the drama of that tooth

~love those big beautiful eyes~

after the shock was over that I had actually yanked it out, he couldnt believe it!!

we didnt think that tooth would ever come out!!

YEA~~Im caught up!! Im sure your tired of looking at all these pics but it feels better to be caught up again, only its 12:23 a.m. and Im gonna be really tired tomorrow!

What are we SO ready for....

2010-02-22T08:16:00.000-08:00

Baseball Season... hangin out at the ball park... Warm Weather...good times with friends... Spring... sunshine.....

Yes, it could not get here soon enough for us. It has been a LONG winter with all the cold weather and snow. Yes, I wished for snow, I enjoyed it, but now Im ready for Spring and all the stuff that goes along with it!! This weekend definitely gave my SPRING FEVER!! 65 degrees in February, to good to be true!! Sam could not wait to get outside and play some baseball, try out his new bat and cleats... yea, he had to wear his cleats just to go outside play a little =)

It was good while it lasted because now this week we are back to the 4o's for high temps.

Oh Spring please come back fast!!

Catchin up from Valentines

2010-02-19T19:42:00.000-08:00

Well... finally wanted to post some pics from our Valentines weekend. A little late huh?? I just havent been in a bloggin mood, been reading everyones just couldnt get myself to post. Anyways it was great. We made Valentine cookie pops for Sams school party. Chad and I had a wonderful date night, out to Outback and then to the movies to see Dear John (which is my new fav movie and would love to see again). Then a day with my family at MawMaw's which had to include some of her wonderful cooking =) It was wonderful!! Chad and I dont usually buy for each other on Valentines, just a card and then the date night out was perfect. But of course I got a wonderful surprise anyways Sam got me(with the help of my sweet hubby) the cutest Precious Moments figurine to add to my collection.... a little boy holding a heart that says "I love you with all my heart" LOVED it!! Chad started buying me Precious Moments way back when we first started dating and now I have a huge collection. Now he lets Sam give them to me, great memories with each and every one of them!!

Sam fixin his valentines for his friends
valentine pops for sam's class
sam and his "girlfriend"

Kindergarten class

sam with his valentine goodies!! sadly didnt get a pic of me and my hubby =(

love my sam

What more could a girl want?!?!?!

Love.Love.Love!

2010-02-16T13:11:00.000-08:00

Yes, Im so behind on my blogging! Hate when I let that happen. Had a great Valentines weekend with my 2 sweeties!! I will share more on that possibly tomorrow when Sam goes back to school. Did I say I was sick of the SNOW???? I am SICK of the SNOW!!!
Anyways, I saw Dear John this weekend and I LOVED IT!!!!! Reading the book now, cant put it down! ITs great. I really think I could go see it again!! Anyone wanna go???

The Love Month Day 9

2010-02-09T18:46:00.000-08:00

February 9

What do I love today???

I loved seeing Sam have such a good time and being so proud of himself!!!

Tonight we went to Sci-Quest which is a local science museum for children..... because Sam won a contest on our local news WHNT-19. The contest is called Sketch the Sky, children are to draw a picture and send in to the weatherman. Each night he selects the best one for that day and shows it on the news. Then all the winners for that month get to go to a pizza party at Sci-Quest with the weatherman and the highlight for Sam.... be on T.V. =)

He knew MawMaw, Aunt Christi, and Granny Sue would all be watching him on the news tonight and he was so proud of his picture that won him the chance to go!

He kept saying "Mom was I really on T.V.??? and " I want to be a weatherman when I grow up"

Loved it!!

Here are some pics of our future weather forecaster or artist not sure which =)

Sam's pic he sent in, he drew it the night of the Huntsville tornado Silly Sam

Checkin out Sci-Quest

Yes Sam you are on LIVE T.V.Getting ready to give the weather forecast

Sam and Spencer Denton (WHNT-19 weather anchor)

Sam.... so proud of his sketch the sky pic!!

The Love Month Day 8

2010-02-08T14:59:00.000-08:00

February 8

What I Loved Today..........

playin in this crazy SNOW we got that was so not even in the forecast!!! We had fun but man am I READY for SPRING!!

The Love Month Day 5

2010-02-05T09:16:00.000-08:00

February 5

It is a very rainy dreary day here today and I am LOVIN that my hubby took Sam to school and I got to SLEEP in!! Its the little things ya know!!

I havent been up to long, now getting ready to figure out my day. Off to do some running around town and Sams basketball banquet tonight!

Hope everyone has a great Friday!

The Love Month Day 4

2010-02-04T06:53:00.000-08:00

Before I talk about what I am lovin today wanted to ask all of you to join me in praying for a dear friend of mine since middle school who had a miscarriage last night. Her family has already had to suffer such a great loss and now this. I pray that God will just wrap his arms around them, give them comfort, strength, and peace that they will need to get through this.

February 4

Today I am absolutely LOVING this new song by Francesca Battistelli. The first time I heard it, it immediately spoke to my heart. Please pause my playlist at the bottom and take the time to listen to this song, (you tube video at bottom of this post)

Artist: Francesca Battistelli

You were there when your Father said
Let there be light
You obeyed when He whispered
Son, You have to leave tonight
To spend nine months in a mothers womb
Three days in a borrowed tomb

(Chorus One)
But it’s the time in between
That brings me to my knees
Knowing you came for me
And all that I can't be
I'm amazed, so amazed
And I thank You for the time in between

Don't take much for this crazy world
To rob me of my peace
And the enemy of my soul
Says You’re holding out on me
So I stand here lifting empty hands
For you to fill me up again

(Chorus Two)
But it’s the time in between
That I fall down to my knees
Waiting on what You'll bring
And the things that I can't see
I know my song’s incomplete
Still I'll sing in the time in between

So many ways
Your love has saved the day
And I'm grateful for them all

(Chorus 3)
But it’s the time in between
The middle of two thieves
That says everything
It’s the reason I believe
I'm amazed, so amazed
And I thank you for the time in between
Oh Lord, I thank you for the time in between

The Love Month.... Day 3

2010-02-03T06:26:00.000-08:00

February 3

Today I just LOVE that Sam reminded me on the way to school that we hadnt said our morning prayer!!

We were almost to school.... I was just listening to the music and he was playing his DS. He said, "Mom, are you forgetting something?"

Right then I remembered but I said "What?"

Sam replied "Our morning prayer???"

I felt bad that I had actually forgotten but LOVED that he remembered and this time meant as much to him as it did to me.

A friend Amy had just recently posted on praying for our kids.

I was so glad that she did!! I felt the same way she did!! I knew I needed to have prayer time with Sam in the mornings, but I too just got caught up in the craziness of the morning rush of getting to school! Prayer in the mornings sets the tone for a good day! What a more perfect place but in the car on the way to school. Also its teaching Sam that he needs to have his morning prayer time. The same thing that happened to me today about forgetting had just happend to Amy yesterday and she posted about it here.
Thanks so much Amy for sharing your posts on praying for our kids. Im so happy God put that on your heart because now we are doing it too and you are so right, Prayer is so powerful!!

The Love Month

2010-02-02T07:28:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite blogs I follow "For Such A Time As This" is going to do a daily post on what she loves since this is the "Love Month" ya know =)
Today she talked in her post about how to really love others you have to really love God first!! This is so true.
Im gonna play along with her and you can too. Just share each day what you are lovin that day. It can be anything you want... funny, spiritual, serious......
Hope you all decide to play along!!

For February 1, 2010

I was and still am lovin our new Explorer Sport Trac that we just got!!!!

Today February 2, 2010

I am loving that Sam constantly tells me that I am the "bestest Mommy in the whole world and he loves me SO much"! He told me this morning and has been telling that almost every day lately. It makes my heart =)

Cant wait to see what all of you are lovin this month of February! Let me know if you wanna play along!!

Way to go boys!!!

2010-01-25T21:14:00.000-08:00

Way to go Meridianville 5U boys!! First place in the county tournament and an undefeated season!!

You worked hard and had alot fun and it paid off..... Congratulations!!

So proud of my Sam =)

Thanking God for keeping everyone safe!

2010-01-22T11:51:00.000-08:00

This is a picture that I found on the internet of the F2 tornado that came over downtown Huntsville last night. This is actually on Governors Dr. at the First Baptist Church. Not sure who actually captured this photo but I just thought this pic was AMAZING!! Thanking God today for keeping everyone safe last night.

Making Memories =)

2010-01-22T06:26:00.000-08:00

I have been meaning to share these pictures all week and just now getting around to it! But Wow, what a Sunday we had!! Waiting in line at Parkway Place mall for 6 1/2 hours to see Alabama football's Terrence "Mount" Cody!! Sam LOVES Cody, so when we heard he was coming to Huntsville we told Sam and he HAD to go see him! We knew it would be crowded but never ever did we think it would take us that long to see him. And barely see him at that, we got to the front of the line at 6 p.m. which was supposed to be the time he was to leave and everyone had been saying all day he is leaving at 6 on the dot and will not stay any later. Sam was so worried and kept saying "mom we arent gonna make it up there are we" and of course I didnt know what to say! Well thankfully after that long of a wait we made it. Sam had brought from home his football and helmet to get signed and we also bought a canvas of the big "Tennessee block" play and had that signed. Sam was SO SO SO ExCiTeD! I was so tired from standing all day, Chad & Sam were there with me most of the time but after we saw it was taking so long they actually left and went to basketball practice, came back and I was still in line! It was fun making these memories. Hope Sam will always remember these fun times!!

yes.... this is the line we waited in

our day in the line was just beginning
patiently waiting

Sam & his buddy Jackson

and finally we made it to Cody!!

Cody signing our "Tennessee block play" canvas

signing Sams helmet

and one very HAPPY & PROUD little boy!!

ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!

Why I love Blogging....

2010-01-20T16:41:00.000-08:00

God never ceases to amaze me and I just wanted to share this God moment with you. It may not seem like a very big deal to you but to me it definitely was. I find myself lately just "craving" (for lack of a better word) another baby! I have good days and through the holidays we were so busy I didnt have time to focus on it so much but now that things are settling into this new year it has been all I can think about lately! 2 nights ago Chad and I were about to go to bed and I just turned to him and said "I want another baby"!! He really doesnt know what to say anymore I dont think!! So he just listens. I ended up crying my self to sleep. Questioning God.... Why?!?!
I know that is so wrong of me. Yesterday morning I check my emails and I have a message from joy
with a sweet email stating she followed this blog and thought of me when she read this most recent post titled beyond our imaginations hoping it would give me some hope. Below are the words from that post that helped me so much that day.....

"I have been feeling somewhat tired in this early stage of pregnancy and also pondered some tough questions as I stated that the reality of another baby is sinking in more and more. We are excited that God is sending another baby into our lives. Yet a big part of me also aches at the same time because I have so many friends and know that lots of people are on a journey of hoping to be where I'm at- expecting a baby- and yet it seems no matter what they try or do or how hard they pray, their journey ends at a "dead-end" time after time. I can't help but feel some of their pain and wonder how God's plan can be trusted when it seems so cold and bleak. Yet I know that God is the Creator of all- from everlasting to everlasting He is God. His timing is always right. His ways are higher. What we find confusing as we walk life's journey so many times turns into something that goes beyond our imaginations as we look back and we can "see" how He in fact did have it all mapped out. Perfectly dependable; totally reliable; Almighty God. I take great comfort in knowing that even when life's path gets bumpy or takes a turn I hadn't planned for, none of it takes God by surprise. He is with us through it all and has our best interest at heart. And He has a BIG heart too!
Maybe you find your own self struggling with something in life right now that seems overwhelming, dark, beyond what you can bear, or simply leaving you without any peace at all. I hope I can be an encouragement to you that God is near and He will see you through. Your journey might not look the way you had imagined it or wish it would look, but God is always in control and when we give our hearts and lives and futures to Him, He promises to make something beautiful out of our offering. That promise gives me peace, joy AND hope! I trust that it does the same for you too!"

You see when I was so down that night, crying myself to sleep. God heard me. Thats no surprise to me...I know he always he hears me. But for him to just show me in this way! At that same moment before I went to bed, Joy sent me that email at 9:55 pm. The same exact time I was crying out to God. And those uplifting encouraging words in that blog was just what I needed to hear. It did give me so much hope! God is Good. I am so thankful that he has brought me in touch with my blogging friends. It has helped me so much through these hard times to hear your encouraging words. Sometimes thats all I need and it turns my day around. Thank you!

I continue to rely and trust in Gods timing. My heart will just not let me give up on having another baby. Sometimes I just pray that God will just let my heart feel content and complete with just Sam so that I can move on past this, but I dont feel that. Thats why Im still waiting and trusting in him, his timing, and his plan.

These things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. Habakkuk 2:3

Happy 85th Birthday Maw Maw

2010-01-18T15:27:00.000-08:00

Today is Maw Maw's actual birthday.... 85 years =) We celebrated at my house Friday night and she was SO surprised! It was great to have everyone here and celebrate with her.... only I sure missed Paw Paw not being here for it! Before everyone got here Sam asked if he could have one of the balloons to let go up to heaven for Paw Paw so he could be a part of the party!! So he picked a yellow one... wrote I love you Paw Paw on it and drew a sunshine all by himself and then brought it to me. My eyes just filled with tears. I am so thankful that Sam still talks about an remembers Paw Paw since he was 3 when he passed away. So off Sam and I went outside and we sent that balloon right up to Paw Paw =)

When everyone arrived we had some good ole bar-b-q sandwhiches, chicken, potatoe salad, baked beans, and of course what would a party be without some CaKe!

I love you Maw Maw! Hope you had a wonderful birthday and that 2010 will be great year for you =)

Bye Bye Cooties.... could you stay away for awhile

2010-01-15T05:38:00.000-08:00

Early last week Sam had a very mild stomach bug and now this week.......

Sam is back to school today after missing 3 days this week from strep throat =( This is the first time he has ever had strep and he was pitiful! Started out on Monday afternoon with 102 fever and by Tuesday night he had broke out into a horrible rash. The trunk of his body and face were red as fire, luckily benadryl did the trick until we made it to see Dr. Dudley Wednesday morning. She said as soon as she saw his rash and throat/tonsils, she knew he was positive and the throat swab confirmed it! Amazing how fast some Amoxicillin can do the trick though, he was feeling better in 24 hours! Thank goodness!! Now praying Chad and I dont catch it. Bye Bye cooties, please stay away now for awhile!!

Yea, for Sam's GrEaT report card that he brought home from school on Monday! So proud of how well he has done in Kindergarten this year! I am lovin listening to him read and seeing how well his handwriting is improving! Way to Go Sam!!!!

Today I will be working my tail off to get my house clean and clothes washed after doing nothing but laying around with Sam this week (which by the way I so enjoyed snuggling with him for 3 days) Tonight we are having a surprise birthday party for my MawMaw at my house. She will be 85 years young on Monday =) I love her so so much and am so thankful for each and every day we have with her. I really wish I could slow myself down and get over to her house and visit with her more than I do! Love you MawMaw!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and enjoy this heatwave!

So Proud To Be A BAMA Fan!!

2010-01-08T07:25:00.000-08:00

# 1 in the nation!!

Yea for the Snow!! & Roll Tide Roll!

2010-01-07T12:17:00.000-08:00

ready for the game tonight now that we've had some snow to play in!!

Sam has had the best time today in the snow! And I'm still tryin to thaw out!!
these were early in the morning when it was just startin to snow here

then when chad got home from work we went out again, Sam wouldnt even let Chad get out of his work clothes to play in the snow =)

Roll TIDE!

snowball fight!!! hit dad right in the head =) and he loved every minute of it!

makin a snow angel!

Hoping for a BIG SnOw....

2010-01-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

Wouldnt it be so much fun to be snowed in tomorrow!! I think so!! I hope we get a BIG snow. The local weathermen are saying 1-2 inches, i think 3-4 would be good =) Its been way to long around here!! I would love to be able to build a snowman like this one with Sam tomorrow!! Not hopin for an ice storm cause we need our power!! Just some snow would be GREAT! We will see =)

Happy 2010

2009-12-31T10:38:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone has a Happy and Safe New Year!! Cant believe its already fixing to be 2010!!!!

Wow, time sure is flying by!! Enjoy your time with your loved ones!!
2009 was a great year but it was also full of lots of ups and downs.

I am so thankful for all that I've been blessed with in 2009 and praying that 2010 will be the year God will bless me with my hearts desire! I am so very thankful for all of my blogging friends that have been their for me this year with all the words of encouragement. It means more than you could ever know and I know God has put us all in touch for a reason!

Of course I have some resolutions for 2010:

-Lose about 20 lbs!! I have to do it!!!

-be a better wife, mom, daughter, sister, dil, grandaughter, friend.... i know their is always room for improvement!!

-be a better Christian, in that I need to listen more to what God is trying to tell me and not just what Jennifer wants to hear!!

What are some of your resolutions for 2010??

Our Christmas Recap in LOTS of pictures!

2009-12-28T13:33:00.000-08:00

We started off celebrating Christmas Eve night with dinner at our house with Chads parents......

doing a puzzle with nana

and yes the highlight of this night was Sam got band hero from nana and pawpaw shawn! let me say it was hilarious!!

reading twas the night before christmas

letter, cookies, & milk for Santa and carrots for Ruldolph

READY TO SEE WHAT SANTA LEFT!!

checking out his remote helicopter

so proud of his dsi... it was the last thing he found under the tree! and this was 1 of the only 2 things he kept telling santa he wanted!!

love the excitement and joy in my baby's eyes

he asked santa to leave him a bell from his sleigh (like in polar express) and he couldnt beleive santa actually left him one!!

me opening ear rings from sam, he was so proud he picked them out all by himself

had to wear his new colts jersey christmas day!!
christmas day at granny sue's and popa's

sam & mawmaw

mawmaw wrapped up in her snuggie

granny sue & sam playin the dsi

Took lots of pics of family but its takin forever to upload pics, so thinkin i will stop here! May add some more later =) Hope everyone had a WoNdErFuL Christmas!! I know we sure did! Now just enjoyin time at home with Chad and Sam this week=)

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

2009-12-23T20:48:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas from the Reed family to you and yours!
Hope everyone gets all they wished for but most importantly remembers the true reason for the season.... celebrate & rejoice the birth of Jesus!!!