A Little Bit of Sunshine

2011-09-08T17:02:00.001-05:00

Alright, so I have failed at keeping up the blog. So, I'm not even going to lie and say "I'm going to write more." because we all know I won't. I'll try. But, well, life gets in the way sometimes.
As it is, I'll update you on the life and times of Audrey.
Job is going great. No one really believes it but I do care about my employees and want to make things better for them. However, my hands often times get tied. But I do what I can when I can and hope that I have somehow made a difference.
The kids are great. The dog is too. The rats need a new home. We survived the tornados and Tropical Storm Lee. The Durango didn't fare so well after Lee however. She will be getting a new windshield and hood next week.
No matter how much I dislike it, I'm single. And I'm ok with that...now.
So, that is it for now. I'll update again soon. Maybe next week, maybe tomorrow or heck, it may even be 2 years from now. Who knows? :-)

New year...new me.

2011-01-21T20:13:00.000-06:00

Seriously, I'm going to do better this year. I really will post more frequently and I will add more pictures. (Or I'll try. But we all know how I am.)

I begin the weight loss challenge on Monday. The ladies ministry at church-THE DIVAS- are all taking part in the challenge. We are partnered into to teams of 2 to see which team can loose the highest percentage of weight. Not sure of the time frame yet but my personal goal is 50 pounds by May and 30 more by August. I'll be keeping the blog updated with my progress.

Tonight is date night for the Bug and me. Dinner at Olive Garden (My last hoo-rah before the diet) and a movie. He is growing up so fast. It seems like just yesterday that he was my cuddly little baby. Now he's almost as tall as I am.

I don't like it I tell ya. Not one little bit!

In the past week, I've had to realize that ALL of my babies are growing up. Ethan turned 14 last Saturday. 14-one four- almost driving... Where did the time go? He is now in that stage of "yeah mom, I love you just don't make me say it or show in front of my friends." That makes me sad. He's growing up, getting girlfriends, having voice changes and GROWING FACIAL HAIR!!!!!!!!!

His face illustrates how I feel about that whole growing up thing.

AND BELLA.......Dear Lord Baby Jesus, thank you for blessing me with a beautiful daughter but couldn't you have made her ugly?! And less curvy? Geez! By the way, the kids growing up thing doesn't stop with the boys. BELLA IS TURNING 15 ON MONDAY!!! She'll be able to drive! Worse yet, she reminded me a few days ago that I had told her that she could double date when she turned 15. Is it too late to say I was drugged when I said that?

Where can I get a tower to lock her away in until I'm ready to let her grow up?

Ok so that's a little update. Later!

Peace and love!

OUCH!

2010-08-09T21:49:00.000-05:00

Tuesday of last week was a painful day. Followed only by an even more painful Wednesday. For the last few years, my hips have been a pain-literally. I can be walking along & one will pop and then hurt for hours or as the case was on Wednesday-sometimes, it will dislocate completely then realign itself causing unbearable pain from my waist to my toes.
When I left work Wednesday, my toes on my right foot were numb and a slow moving tingling sensation was creeping up my leg to my thigh. I finally found a chiropractor who could see me and by the time I drove to his Alabaster office from Homewood, I was in tears. 5 minutes of paperwork, a series of xrays, 10 minutes of electric therapy and a quick adjustment-I could at least walk without literally dragging my leg behind me. So it was doctor ordered "taking it easy" for the weekend. completely shot my plans for a surprise visit to my mom because I couldn't drive longer than 2 or 3 miles before I started getting numb again.
So this morning, I visited Dr Weber again and the xrays revealed that my left pelvic bone is @ an inch smaller than the right. which causes me to walk "off center" and causes my hips to hurt and dislocate. OUCH!!! after discussing options for treatment, I had a 15 minute session with the electric therapy unit and then a quick and slightly painful adjustment.
THEN IT HAPPENED!!!!!!!! HALLELUJAH!!!!! I CAN TOUCH MY TOES!!!! (which was really exciting since I couldn't even bend slightly on Wednesday)

I know lots of people say that chiropractors are "quacks" and that its a waste of money. But I can promise you that its money well spent. Well, for me anyway.

On a less painful note....one of my bestest friends came to spend the weekend with me! We had so much catching up to do. It was so great to spend time with someone who I haven't seen in over a year. She went to church with me Sunday to OMCC and thanks to Pastor Geno's message; she was able to let go of some old pains and regrets and realized that God loves her no matter what. I love you girl! And I am so proud of you!

Well, I guess its time for hugs & goodnight kisses for the kiddies, prayer time and then slumber.

Peace, love and blessings!
A

A really long and random update....

2010-08-06T00:06:00.000-05:00

So in the last few weeks we've had some pretty eventful times in the House of Odd. (was that a really bad B movie? I can't remember but anyway...)

My Pastor opened up the door for pranks when he poured water over all of our heads on the last day of VBS. So of course, I told him to expect retribution when he least expected it. This is what happens when Jerri, Tonya and I are up to no good.

We are all waiting on his next prank on us. No worries though, we have more where this came from.

This is one of the cutest babies on the planet! Julianne helped us out at the fund raiser car wash we held at Burger King.

The car wash was a huge success as was the yard sale the next weekend.

The kids all took turns holding signs by the road.

Liz & Josh: one of the Attic's guys and his beautiful mom.

Rod was the grill master!

While we sold massive quantities of stuff, we also decided to have another car wash. Wheeler wrecker was a BIG help by sending the roll-back out to be cleaned up.

Of course, they also had a good time with the 100 foot slip & slide.

Josh even used cookie Monster to draw in customers.

Stay tuned for the Bowl a thon happenings next week. If anyone wants to donate to the Attic give me a call!

And on the home front...the kids are all excited about school starting on the 12th. I'm not so excited. Not only did I pay over $300 for school fees (that doesn't include sports fees) but my baby girl is starting HIGH SCHOOL!!! I am not ready for that. At all. She is super ecstatic about being on the color guard for the band. I'm pretty psyched about it too!

Ethan is planning on trying out for the golf team and track & field. No rest for mom...

Bug is ready to start 5th grade. He thinks he may want to play soccer. Or baseball. Or maybe just take art. He really hasn't decided.

As for me...I am getting old. No really-I am. Or at least my hips are. As I type, I am wearing a TENS unit which is sending electric shocks through my hip and lower back to lessen the pain I'm feeling from the pinched nerve I managed to get when my hip dislocated then popped back into place again. Fun times. So I'm hobbling around for the next few days. WOOHOO!!!!

I think that just about sums up the last couple of weeks. OH!! I forgot! we rescued a baby blue jay that fell from the tree in our backyard. It looked like a teeny tiny featherless blue chicken. It was really kinda gross. It is now at Oak Mountain Animal rescue center.

I hope you are all having a great week! See you later!

Blessings,

Odd

2010-07-28T22:55:00.001-05:00

What a busy week! I'll update soon but suffice it to say there has been praise, pictures, saran wrap and bubbles involved!

Short Sunday post

2010-07-18T21:52:00.000-05:00

Great service this morning! Thank you brother LaDon for reminding us that we have to keep believing.

We are getting geared up for loads of find raising for our youth trip. Car wash this weekend at Burger king in Alabaster. we are asking for a $5 donation for each car washed. Thank you BK manager Valerie for supporting our youth.
Next weekend there will be a church wide yard sale at my house in Saginaw. Everyone come out and find some really good deals on clothes, housewares, tools, etc.
And our final fund raiser will be a bowl-a-thon on August 31st at Vestavia Bowl. The kids are all asking for pledges for each pin they knock over. (10 cents per pin X 100 pins= $10) or just straight up donations will work too!

I'm uber excited about this trip!

Much love everyone!
Audrey

Today I needed this more than ever.

2010-07-16T21:42:00.000-05:00

Thank you Amy Badalalalala. It seems that anytime I start doubting myself and my world seems to be falling in...a friend sends me an uplifting message.

My Child, There's no way to slip through life, dodging the hard things. Trouble is as inevitable as breathing. Ever since sin came into my creation, that's how it's been. People who live their lives trying to incubate themselves from painful experiences will find themselves so busy hiding from reality that they will miss the spontaneous joy of trusting me in the moment. So when hard times come to you, hold on to the fact that I am with you in the midst of everything. And also keep Heaven in your heart. In Heaven all the struggles will finally be over. And I'll personally wipe away every tear you've ever cried. The Lord of Now and Forever. God

MY GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!!!

2010-07-14T22:32:00.000-05:00

Today, was a trying day. Overslept, had to work longer than I had planned, transmission is acting stupid-again-, argued with my sister over something I thought we had long put behind us, found out that financial aide will run out before I finish culinary school since I had to use FA to pay for part of medic school and have had a headache ALL day.
Now I could allow all that garbage to weigh me down and defeat me. But I refuse to let that happen. Why?

Because God woke me up today-he could have taken me home to Him.
I have a job that He provided for me.
The transmission is fixable and He will help see me through this.
At least I have a sister to argue with. Some people have no one.
Financial aide will pay for this semester and I will put what I have left over in savings for the Spring and I can save the rest between now and then.
A headache is MUCH smaller than the ailments that some have to deal with daily so I am blessed to only have that.

Thank you God for allowing me to see that the little things are what matters and for giving me a wonderful group of friends who don't judge me and who love me unconditionally-Just like you love us all.

Tonight I felt His presence all around me as my youth group sang His praises. The sound of 20 kids worshiping the one true God with their voices gives me chills and a joy like I have never felt before.

These are a few of the kids in The Attic...some of the most amazing young men and women I have ever met!

(BTW...Lemon butter cake with Raspberry filling was a HIT at church tonight!! Thanks everybody for the words of encouragement and love. I'm so excited about the journey I'm about to embark on!)

Peace and love to you all!
A

2010-07-13T23:00:00.001-05:00

It has been decided. I am officially changing my major tomorrow. I was thinking of how I would still be dealing with teenagers long after my kids were grown if I went into teaching. I really can't see myself behind a desk and grading homework for the next 30 years. So.... I will be following my dream and my passion. Starting fall 2010 I will begin formal culinary training. My official degree will be in Hospitality Management but my job will be baking.

I can't wait!

Late Saturday...Early Sunday ramblings

2010-07-11T00:27:00.003-05:00

Good morning all.
Insomnia has reared its ugly face so I tweaked the page and caught up on Angie's blog, checked out the goings on at the Humphrey household (I must say if Rory gets any cuter I may just steal her away and squeeze her til she pops!).

Today, I determined I truly detest math. Sadly, its the same Algebra my children did last year in school. Apparently, I took the same type in high school but I swear its all new to me. my professor said "Think of it as figuring out money." Yeah, well, money I know. However, I have never had to multiply a by x squared divided by 32 add 16/32 then subtract -4 when balancing my checkbook. Just saying.

I'm almost tempted to change majors (again). I love the idea of teaching but I just don't see myself doing that forever. What I really really want to do is open my bakery & restaurant. Choices choices. What to do? The kids at church are pulling for the bakery. Judging by how quickly my cakes are consumed by them-I feel sure I'm on the right track with it but is it really lucrative in today's economy? Speaking of my kids at church...

My youth group starts their fund raiser for our beach trip this week. We have gotten 2 Culligan bottles and the kids are doing a change drop. Boys vs girls. Whoever raises the most money between now and August 15 gets to help pick one of our attractions while we are in Florida on Labor Day weekend. I came upon this idea after rolling change that I had collected since June 1st. I deposited almost $150 in the bank on Friday. So hopefully, we will raise enough to rent our house and pay for food for the 3 days we will be there. Keep your fingers crossed!

Ok so that's it for tonight.
Hugs and blessings!
A

Yes, I have lost touch.

2010-07-08T23:46:00.002-05:00

It's been close to a year since I've blogged. Long time-no see. There is no way I can catch up on everything that has happened over the past year in a blog but here are the highlights.

I changed church homes. I am now a member of Oak Mountain Community Church. I am one of the leaders of our youth ministry and I LOVE IT!! God is good and His plan has been revealed!

I'm back in school & currently pursuing a degree in Middle/High school education specifically English Literature. Wish me luck! Adult ADD and school work coupled with a full time job DO NOT mix well.

Bella starts high school in August. Ethan will be following her next fall and Bug is a fifth grader. Am I getting old or is it a cruel joke that my babies are growing up?

In the past year, I have realized that family is not limited by blood. True family knows no boundaries and I am lucky to have several friends who have crossed that line.

I have rediscovered an old love. Baking. Specifically cakes. There are several pictures on my facebook page of them and I've been told they taste as good as they look. We are our own worst critics and I truly hope my cakes taste better than they look to me. lol ;) Judging by how quickly they are consumed-I guess they do taste good.

I am going to be more diligent with posting here.
I promise.

A

Tolerance

2009-08-23T17:44:00.004-05:00

Tolerance~noun
1.
a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one's own; freedom from bigotry.
2.
a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward opinions and practices that differ from one's own.
3.
interest in and concern for ideas, opinions, practices, etc., foreign to one's own; a liberal, undogmatic viewpoint.
4.
the act or capacity of enduring; endurance

Synonyms:1, 2. patience, sufferance, forbearance; liberality, impartiality, open-mindedness. Tolerance, toleration agree in allowing the right of something that one does not approve. Toleration implies the allowance or sufferance of conduct with which one is not in accord

Yes, I have a point.

In our small group class today at church, Joe was teaching from the Book of James chapter 4 & we were discussing how we should all draw close to God. While reading through the chapter, our discussion turned to how we as Christians have become tolerant of what the world (our community, our government, our TV networks, etc) is doing. We have little by little allowed sex, profanity & loose morals to become common place. We have allowed prayer to be taken out of the schools. We tolerate our co-workers ugly jokes or crude statements. I believe it was said today that we have become "watered down Christians". What does that say to you?

To me, it was a smack in the face. Honestly. I'm guilty of saying things & acting in ways that I shouldn't. I've overlooked remarks and occurances because to say anything about them would have caused a tear in the fabric of comfort I like to wrap myself in. But that isn't what I should do. I shouldn't talk ugly or ridicule people. I shouldn't allow crude jokes to be told. I should tell more people about God and what he has done for me. I should tell people that if they don't ask for forgiveness and proclainm Christ as their King then they will burn in Hell for eternity. I shouldn't allow myself to be comfortable and tolerant. God says we should walk with Him & speak for Him but He didn't promise it would be an easy road.

If this somehow offends you and makes you say, "Well, what is she on her high horse for? She's no better than me." No, I am no better but I truly strive to be a better Christian. If that somehow is perceived as "being better" then so be it. No, I'm not perfect. But I crave for a closer walk with my Father and He led me to post this so...

I'm curious to know what would happen if we all stood up and said, "I don't agree with there being so much profanity and sex on television. Stop it now." Or maybe we should say, "My child will pray in school." And maybe it would start healing our world if we all stood together and said "We aren't being quiet anymore-our God is an awesome God and we should live for Him since He died for us."

I think this verse sums it up the best

"Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and not do it." James 4:17

That speaks volumes.

Peace & love til next time...
Audrey

Warning...this one goes everywhere...but its got a great link!

2009-06-05T17:43:00.009-05:00

Ok...its been a long time since I've posted anything. There isn't anything new and exciting going on-I've just not really felt like blogging. It would have been more like blah-ging. LOL :)

We got season passes to Alabama Adventure. Its fun. The kids love it. They want to live there. :) Pictures coming soon.

In the supervisors meeting today, I learned some rather disturbing and unflattering truths about myself. I have always been opinionated and strong-willed. Lots of times, I come across more brash than I intend. I have lost friends because of it and made some bad first impressions. I admit it. I know its a problem. I try to choose my words carefully but sometimes I fail. Its not ego-tripping. Its just how I am. (Gina & Cheri can attest to this I think. lol) Apparently, I have co-workers who think badly of me due to that very thing.

Anyway, I think we all have an issue sometimes of feeling as though we want to be more, do more, have more, etc. Sometimes we feel as though we don't make a difference. Our worth is less than we'd hope. I know I deal with that alot. Sometimes I want to be known as more than "Bella(Ethan/Blake)'s mom" or "(insert your name here)'s friend" or "that medic". When faced with those feelings, at times, we try to overcompensate by being louder, more demanding, and sometimes (gasp)...rude. Then when we have our moment to shine it is tarnished. Or maybe, we feel as though we've had a few truly spectacular moments and now nothing we do measures up to what we have done.
After the meeting this morning, I reflected on myself quite alot. As always, God led me where I needed to go. And once again, I was led here...

http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/

I want to be her, here as well.

I had an opportunity to know God was with me and feel His presence and witness His work last week. Paramedics are adrenaline junkies. Its a fact & can't be helped. Trauma is fun and we crave it. Medical calls aren't so fun and we generally abhor them. So when the MVA was toned out after we were sent to the headache call last week-I felt a little put out. I'm grumbled. We picked up a sweet man who I had transported before and I admit-I may have even rolled my eyes when given the history of his symptoms. We loaded him up and once we got him turned over to the nurse at the ER things turned bad FAST. I had gone to register the patient and when I got back Trev & the nurse had that panicked look and sent me for more help. I had no idea why but I went and got the doctor and a few nurses. Our patient coded. No warning. Just coded. His wife was sitting in a chair by his bed. As the code team worked on him, I took her to the family room. As I told her what had happened to her husband and what the code team was doing to save him; I felt His presence so strongly I shook. I knelt beside this lady whose whole world was crashing at her feet and with her permission, I held her hands as I asked God to be with the code team and heal her husband. I felt His Legions of Angels in that ER folks. It was shoulder to shoulder around that patients bed and I am not talking about the ER staff. He heard our prayers. That man went home with his wife a few days later.
I was her, here.
No, I'm not praising myself. All of that glory goes to God alone. I'm so glad that my God graced me -ME, can you believe it?!-by putting me there at that time.

My point is this...what do we all do to be her (or him)? What do we do to pay it forward? When we see someone hurting-do we offer help or do we turn away? When we get the cards asking for food to stock a care pantry at church-do we donate or do we go home and fix a big dinner? When we see a wreck on the interstate-do we call 911 or do we say"someone else did it?"
As I type this and as you read it-know we are blessed. Why? Because we have Internet access.
When we are aggravated at our kids-we are blessed. Because ours are living.
When we fill our gas tank-we are blessed. Because we have transportation.

Blessings are meant to be shared. WE are meant to be shared. Our life is a gift. Our salvation is our reward. Share both. Be her(him), here.

Its Amazing...

2009-05-20T21:04:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I like that word. AMAZING. It just makes me feel good to say it. Maybe its the ZING at the end or the nice quiet sigh of AH at the front. But together, its well, AH-MAZING.

The grace of God shined on us tonight at church. Brother Daryl's message was clear and hit home in alot of ways. Am I just "doing church"? Or am I being a disciple and leading others to Christ? I am not perfect. And I can admit that sometimes-I just "do church". I'm good at that. I can sing and praise and worship like its no body's business. But when it comes to witnessing and testifying, I fall short. I try. But then the devil steps in and makes me doubt myself because I'm not as well versed in the Scripture as some are. He makes me feel unworthy to tell of God's greatest gift by feasting on my weaknesses. So I shy away and keep to myself instead of publicly shouting, singing, praising and worshipping Him.

Can you believe I feel stronger now than I did when I started typing this? Its amazing that God's greatest gift-His Son-Jesus- died for me. And you. And our children. I know that even though I'm not a Biblical Scholar, I can still lead others to Christ! God is with me everyday and He'll lead me where I need to go. He'll lead me to His words when I need them. With faith and prayer, I will know Him better.

Here I stand, amazed by the love of Christ.

AHHHHHHHHHH-mazed.

Catch up...

2009-05-17T21:54:00.001-05:00

Its been a while since I've posted anything. I'd love to say that its because I've been chillin on the beach with the waves crashing at my feet while a warm gulf breeze plays in my hair. But its actually because I've been working my butt off and trying to keep up with the end of the school year stuff the kids have going on. Ethan is on next years cross country track team at Thompson and Bella is on the dance team so my calendar won't be empty for another 9 months!

Plus, I've been sick with some kind of stomach bug for the last week that I can't shake. Nausea, vertigo, and just plain ole yucky feeling for a week is not my idea of fun.

Today I was very industrious. I changed out the faucet and soap dispenser in my best friends sink. HE had no idea how to do it so who did he call? A plumber? One of his guy friends? His dad? Nope. Me. And I rescued him. I will say this though, he did hold the faucet upright while I tightened it from underneath AND he filled up the soap dispenser all by himself so I could put it in while I was under there. LOL He was a big help and I didn't mind doing it for him. Besides, he changed out the tail lights in my truck since I had one that was blown and he cooked me lasagna for dinner.
Oh! Did I mention that I also put the handle back on the microwave that he broke last week? Cause I did that too! Sorry, I had to brag just a little because if you heard him tell the story it would sound alot like Jeff Foxworthy's routine. "Honey, I know you're busy repaving the driveway so I helped out! I emptied the ashtray in the den!"

OH! And I am a pinewood race car building queen! Blake has a race car derby at church this coming Wednesday. So I (with the help of my next door neighbor who cut the wood down for me a little) carved out his race car tonight. (I'll post pictures later.) I'm very proud. Blake thinks I'm cool. Usually, my kids look at me like I'm from another planet when I try to be the cool mom so I'm taking the "cool points" and hording them.

I hope everyone has a great week. Peace, love and blessings,
Audrey

Its a great day!!

2009-05-08T22:48:00.000-05:00

Just a short post to boast a little! Since transferring from Calera to Thompson schools Bella has felt a little out of place. New school, new friends, new everything-at 13 is tough. But today hopefully, things will get better for her. She has been working her tail off practicing and getting ready to try out for the TMS Warriorettes Dance Team. All her hard work payed of today when we found out that she did make the team. This is a true blessing since her self-esteem took a blow when she didn't make the cheerleading squad 2 weeks ago (especially since she was a Jr Varsity cheerleader at Calera).

But today is a great day! I'm sure you'll get tired of seeing pictures and videos before long but share our joy for now please. (And be patient with a proud mama!)

Peace and love,
Audrey

I VERY NEARLY DIED

2009-05-04T22:19:00.000-05:00

This is a green tree frog.

The frog that attacked me Sunday morning was NOT a mere green tree frog. It was a ferocious monster frog that I'm sure had fangs and razor sharp spines. It was probably oozing poison as well.

OK maybe not that bad but bad enough.

When I went to my truck to leave for work, I noticed a blob of green near the door handle. I thought maybe the kids had stuck something to my truck. Then It blinked when I got close. I realized it was a frog so I did what any girl does in that situation when a guy isn't handy.

I got a stick. A really long stick.

I poked the frog in his rump to entice him to move off my door. He moved-about 3 inches. Now I know that this will haunt me at some point but I'll go ahead and tell you. I really, really, really, really, dislike all things icky that have sticky feet or slimy skin. Frogs fall into both of those categories. In fact, I'm shivering as I type this. Yes, I know. I'm a paramedic and I see and touch all kinds of gross nasty things every shift. Those things aren't free moving creatures. Frogs, lizards, bugs (of ANY variety), fish, etc...I want no part of them.

Yes, I grew up in the country. Yes, I had a pet snake once. Yes, as a child I went fishing, played with bugs and probably caught several hundred frogs in my hands. Will I do it now? No. and you can't make me.

So since the evil vicious tree frog moved only a tiny bit-I still couldn't get in my truck. Why? Because I knew that when I reached for the door handle-he would jump on me. I knew it then. I know it now. I was scared. I couldn't breathe due to that fear so I poked him again. He jumped down to the running board and looked at me. Actually, it was a challenge. I know he was looking at me with those big, googly eyes and thinking, "If she pokes my rump with that stick one more time-I'm gonna eat her."

Well, as he sat on my running board I contemplated my options.

A} Poke him again and get eaten.

B} Open the door and step over him to get in. (Not an option really because of his acrobatic ability. My mind saw Kermit the Frog playing Neo in the Matrix.)

C} Go around and climb in from the other side and go to work. (Not an option because how would I get out at work? When I open the door-he'll jump at me from the running board and I'll have nowhere to go.)

D} Go inside and call in to work until he moved of his own free will. I was pretty sure this wasn't going to be an option really but I started to just the same.

So.

poked.

him.

He jumped off the running board and tried to land on my face. I kid you not-Kermit turned into an Olympic gymnast and jumped at me.

What did I do?

I screamed like the girl I am and ran.

I was late for work. After I finally managed to get away from the killer frog, I walked around the truck twice to check for any other sticky, creepy vermin and then as I backed out of my driveway I hoped I had managed to squash the menacing creature under my tire.

So there it is. Let Sunday, May 3, 2009, always be known as the day I nearly died at the webbed feet of a killer frog.

Beware the attack of the green frogs

2009-05-04T08:06:00.000-05:00

When I finally get off work this evening and can post a decent blog I will share the story of the ferocious green frog who attacked me as I tried to get in my truck Sunday morning. (Or maybe he didn't want me to go to work either.)

Some help for those who serve Him.

2009-05-03T18:25:00.000-05:00

Hey guys! Robert and Holly Hope are 2 wonderful people who are being called to God's service as missionaries. They are raising money to go on thier mission trips (6 this year!)and any help you could give would be great! Here is the link to e3 partners donation site. Just put in thier names so it will go to them. I'm challenging ALL 200+ of my Facebook and myspace friends to donate at least $5 each. We spend that much on coffee each week

Donate (e3 Partners Ministry)
Source: www.e3partners.org
600 Development Drive, Suite 120 • Plano, TX • 75074 • 214.440.1101 • 1.800.542.2646 16787 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite 7 • San Diego, CA • 92128-2506 • 858.485.9904

Mommy survey

2009-05-01T16:54:00.000-05:00

Borrowed this from Lauren...I'll try not to be too confusing with 3 kids to answer for!

1}How old is your child/children? 13, 12 and 9

2}Girl(s) or Boy(s)? Girl, boy, boy

3}Bottle fed or breast fed? Bottle...tried breast feeding with the first 2 and they didn't take to it well. With Blake-I just gave up and went bottle first.

4}Are there more children in your future? Not biologically. But I would LOVE to adopt 1 more or maybe find a surrogate. Whatever God has planned will be fine with me!

5}Do you stay at home with your kid(s)? No...with each of them I was able to stay home for a little while but eventually finances won out.

6}Bedtime (kids…not you!): somewhere between 8:30 and 9:30 depending on when we all get done with homework and baths.

7}Where do your kids go to school/daycare? Thompson Middle and Meadowview Elementary.

8}Do you like their school/daycare? So far, we do.

9}Would you ever homeschool? NOPE!!! I'm with Lauren on this. I barely made it through my higher level math classes in high school and college. No way could I teach them what they needed. Plus social interaction is very important.

10}Is college important…will you insist that your child go? There is no option not to go. They can go whereever they want...but they have to go, and have to graduate with a 4 year degree in something.

11}Favorite time of the day: Dinner time. We all sit at the table and talk about our days. Laughing and joking. Sometimes we even talk about important stuff. Its amazing how smart these kids are!

12}Favorite food: lol... they have so many.

13}Kid’s favorite happy meal: They have all graduated into adult meals now but once upon a time it was either hamburgers or chicken nuggets.

14}Do you eat organic? No.

15}Does your child have a security item? Outgrown those too but Bella used to love her woobie (blanket) and the boys both had stuffed animals that they never left alone.

16}Thumb sucker or Pacie Baby? All 3 pacie babies. Thumb sucking wasn't allowed...my mom said it would mess up thier teeth.

17}Any extra curricular activities?Bella-dance, cheerleading, gymnastics (she's way more coordinated than her mother! LOL) Both boys love football and baseball. Ethan is trying out for the track team next year too.

18}Does your child have any nicknames? Bella-Tink, Sister, Sissy, Goose, Lucy Ethan-Eman, Nonny, Bubba, E-fee Blake-Bug, Bubbie, Sam, Blakey (We'll leave the mean names they call each other off of here.)

19}Do your children share a room or have their own? Bella has her own but the boys share for now.

20}Discipline: Time out or spank? I dont do either often enough. Usually I ground them or take things away but lately that isn't working.

Maybe it was meant for kids in between Rory and my 3. It was cute though! Have a great weekend guys!

A late night blessing

2009-04-29T01:05:00.000-05:00

I have totally and completely been mesmerized over the last, lets see...3 hours!! I was checking out Gina's blog (She's a "follower" of mine-as I am of hers- and also a dear dear friend from elementary school). I scrolled down the list of blogs she's a subscriber to and saw the story of Audrey Caroline. Well, of course that piqued my curiosity since Audrey isn't a name heard very often unless I'm at my mom's or at work so I started to read. And read. And while I read, I cried. I laughed. I got angry but at the same time I felt so blessed to have found Angie and her family. I haven't ever lost a child but I know the feeling of abject terror when your sonographer's face goes slack and she asks to be excused for a minute. I know the all-consuming pain of hearing a doctor say that your child isn't as perfect as you envisioned. I know the gut-wrenching agony of being told that "you may have to face a decision that will alter your life forever." Our God is an awesome God and I thank him every day for also knowing the sheer joy and elation of hearing that same doctor say "By some miracle, the cyst is gone. The medication worked. Your baby boy is healthy and I don't foresee there being anymore problems." I know that miracle. He has many names. God. Jehovah. Almighty. Christ. The Lamb. Savior. Redeemer. King. Father. Feel free to add to the list as you wish.

I wanted to share her blog with you guys. I've only read a few months worth of Angie's entries but already I feel as though I know her and her precious family. I grieve for the loss of her Audrey. But I rejoice with her in knowing that she is safe and healthy in our Father's house.

Thank you Gina for leading me to her. Thank you Angie for sharing your life's hardest and most bittersweet moments.

Either click on the photo of the shattered pitcher on the right side of my page or copy and paste the url below to be redirected to Angie's blog. I pray that it will touch your heart as it did mine.

http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com

Sweet dreams...

2009-04-28T22:48:00.000-05:00

I love pictures of babies when they are sleeping. My sweet Peyton looks so adorable and soft. I'm so thankful that Trevor and Amanda share their darling baby girl with me!!

While we are looking at peaceful, easy sleeping babies...here is my 8 month old all stretched out and comfy. LOL

Girls night...

2009-04-28T16:14:00.000-05:00

I had to take off work to take care of some things at Bella's school for cheerleading yesterday so since I was off I decided we'd go with Tonya and her daughter Kelsi to Sips~n~Strokes. IT WAS SUPER FUN!! Here are pictures of before, during and after....

No, we didn't intentionally dress in like colors...but I guess like mother, like daughter.
The girls painted themselves...and the wall.
We had alot of fun to say the least and instead of alcohol we sipped on Diet Pepsi! Thanks Bella for being goofy in our picture.

Just a few random things...

2009-04-27T15:14:00.000-05:00

For some reason, I was dead tired Sunday. I overslept, missed church, stayed in my pj's until 230 in the afternoon. My darling Bella decided that I needed to take the advice of my friends and eat chocolate. So, she and her BFF Maddie made no-bake cookies. Yummy!!! After 2 of them though-I was still tired so I decided to forget chocolate therapy in an effort to curb the expansion of my backside.

My kids & I have always called these cookies "turds". I know its gross. But its priceless to see the look on their friends faces when they ask "Hey do you wanna make turds and eat them?" And of course, there is always the shouting match over who is gonna get the "turd-bowl". My next door neighbor called me yesterday after the girls were done to ask me what her 9 year old twins were talking about when they came in with "brown stuff all over them saying the ate turds at my house." It was hilarious.

I think my dog might not be full blooded Siberian Husky after all. I think maybe she's part goat. I came in from work this afternoon and when I took her out of her crate I noticed a large portion of the area around the door that was missing. She was chewing on it instead of the bone I put in there with her. (No, she didn't eat the missing piece. I found it when I was checking to see if anywhere else had been chewed.) Geez!! Looks like I'll be making a trip to petsmart for a big metal crate now.

Between the crazy dogs, my 2 pubescent children's mood swings and the Bug being as hyper as a 2 year old-I'm gonna end up in the nut house. Because the 5 of them are driving me crazy!!! Just kidding. They aren't that bad but sometimes I do loose patience. And when I do, this always lifts me up and helps me carry on...

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power." Ephesians 6:10

Ahhhhhhhhh.. Saturday

2009-04-25T22:24:00.000-05:00

Lets do seven on Saturday.

1} OMG its too frackin hot in Alabama. Its beyond oppressive. I'm moving to Maine this summer.

2} Yesterday at work I spent 3 hours playing with my sweet Peyton! The first picture is her and her mommy on Peyton's first carousel ride at the zoo. (She was trying to eat the bar.) The second picture is an older one but isn't she just B-E-A-U-TIFUL?!?!

3} Last night at work was horrible. Heat, humidity and stupid people do not make Audrey happy at 3am. Especially when one of those people likes to get rip roaring drunk then spit vomit everywhere in the back of my bus and the room at the ER.

4} I have realized in the last week that even though I was dead tired last year during ball season and said I wouldn't miss it when the boys stopped playing little league ball-I miss it like whoa! Somebody send me the schedule so I can come eat ballpark food and watch the kids play!

5} I seriously can not wait until this summer! (Well, minus the heat.) I wanna spend my off days soaking up the sun, chilling with the kids and visiting the water parks and doing all the summer activities we can cram into our schedules.

6} Today was absolutely amazing!! Even though I was beyond tired I had a wonderful time with my kiddos and our extended family! We had a yummy lunch of barbecue Boston butt, potato salad, homemade mac and cheese and baked beans followed by grape salad. Then we sat around and laughed and talked until late this afternoon. Thank you Lord for the many blessings you have given me!!

7} AND SPECIAL JUST FOR MY BELLA!(who threatened to never do laundry again if I posted mean stuff about her)...when my stunning daughter was a cute, cuddly baby she had a habit that was SO funny I just have to share. When she'd fall asleep and was laid down, she'd pull her knees under her tummy and stick her bottom in the air. I'm guessing that her body was able to relax fully while she was in this position because she'd be sleeping away and then we'd hear little rumbling noises from her raised bum. I thought it was hilariously funny and adorably cute. Her nickname for the longest time was "Pooter".

HA! BELLE! WHAT NOW?!?!?!?!

Have a great night everyone! Be safe on your way to church tomorrow!
Love and kisses!
Audrey

The Ocean Spectacular

2009-04-24T00:25:00.000-05:00

Ethan and I just spent the last 2 hours putting together the ocean in 3D. I think we did a pretty good job. I only came away with 2 burns from the hot glue gun and the mess was surprisingly minimal. Now he's sleeping and I have stayed up past the time that my medicine kicks in and makes me sleepy so insomnia has me in its grasp again.

Oh well. Here are a couple pictures of our finished work. It shows the 3 types of ocean life from the top to the bottom.

Being the comedians we are, we even added shark bait to the top layer. The dark blob above the 2 sharks is the underwater view of a surfer. Ok, so its a bit macabre but its funny.

Willow the Wonder Dog

2009-04-23T16:20:00.000-05:00

Willow decided she didn't want to stay outside anymore. The boys and I thought it was pretty cool that she can open our screen door herself and come inside.

Just had to share.

Thursday's Adventures

2009-04-23T15:09:00.000-05:00

WOW!!! Its hot in Alabama! Highs in the upper 80's today. Its April and I shudder to think about August. (That was not the point of this entry today...)

When I woke my eldest son this morning, he had the pleasant demeanor of the cat who got his tail caught under the rocker. He's usually the one who wakes with a smile so this surprised me. His first words this morning to me were "What did YOU do with my belt?" Well, considering I stopped being 22 inches in circumference when I was 12-I haven't had his belt and told him he needed to find it himself. This caused him to want to know why I was yelling at him. (I never raised my voice as I was standing 2 feet away from him but whatever.) When I asked had he looked under his bed (which still had the comforter hanging over the side) he said yes and mumbled something I'm sure I still don't want to know. He said he looked EVERYWHERE and he supposes he'll just get in trouble at school...thanks. . I told him to go to our neighbors and see if they would loan him one of their son's belts until school was out today. As soon as he walked outside, I looked under his bed myself and lo and behold! There was his belt. He was so mad when I gave it to him. I was secretly smiling even while he gave me death looks from the couch. I hope he's in a better mood when he gets home.

Today was also the day for the dog's baths. Usually, we take them to the vet's office and let the groomer there bathe them. Today, we decided to try the PetSmart groomer for the Husky while the German Shepard went to the vet. They were friendly. Willow didn't seem to mind staying so I thought it'd be fine. When I scheduled her appointment, the nice girl said to have the bath, her nails trimmed, her ears cleaned and the "Furmenator" done-it would be $48.00-which is $12 cheaper than the vet's groomer. That's a plus in my book. So when I picked her up I was very surprised to see the total on the bottom of her ticket. Sixty-six American dollars!! Which, for those who are as bad in math as me...that's $6.00 more than the vet. Guess where we aren't going for grooming again?

Some happy thoughts...

2009-04-22T16:15:00.000-05:00

I'm new to this particular blog site. I have friends who have it so I thought I'd try it too.
Here's a little snippet of my day today. While these happenings weren't exactly joyful at the time...looking back they are pretty funny.

After getting off work this morning, I decided I needed some mommy time. A little pampering and something to maybe lift my spirits. So I decided to go to the salon and have my nails done. While I was there, Hannah (who I love) looked at me and said with all the kindness she possesses, "You need to get your eyebrows done." Now, if anyone else had said this, I might have been offended but I doubt Hannah can be mean-hearted so I laughed and said, "Ya think? Okay." Charlie (her equally lovely husband) finished my nails and while they were drying Hannah brought the wax. Now I know that when you wax your legs the wax has to sit for several seconds to "set" and be fully effective. So this is what I was expecting for my brows. No, ladies and gents. It is nothing like that. I close my eyes and Hannah applies the wax and strips ; then...not even 2 seconds later-she is ripping my face off. THEN SHE DID IT AGAIN!!! Not just once on each eye but over the top part of the brow as well-for a grand total of 4 times! So my eyebrows are stinging like crazy and she packs up the wax. I'm thinking, "Ok. Its over. Whew. I made it." Little did I know but she was saving the tweezers for last! When I asked what they were for-Didn't you just WAX my brows? She laughs her sweet little laugh and says to me, " No, dear. I shape them now." What the...? I thought the waxing shaped them! She pushes my head back into the chair and attacks me with tweezers. Just when I thought she'd never stop plucking, she releases me and shoves a mirror in my face and says, " See, all better now. Now you pretty!" As though I wasn't before her 8 minutes of torture. I smiled and said I'd see them again in 2 weeks.

So that was my morning. The afternoon was spent playing with the dogs. All 120 combined pounds of rambunctious, furry fun that we so happily and adoringly named Leonidas and Willow. When I decided it was time to come home, I found myself in a predicament. 2 dogs...1 leash. Solution? (Or so I thought.) Leave Willow on the deck with the gate closed while I load Leo then come back and get her. Simple enough. Until Leo decided to make a break for sweet freedom and nearly yanked my arm off in the process. In a effort to save myself from splattering on the sidewalk at the foot of the steps, I grabbed the gate. Bad move. The gate wasn't latched completely and opened. Causing Willow to follow in her brother's footsteps and make a break for it. So imagine if you will, me flailing for stability while Leo was pulling me from the top at the same time Willow knocked my feet from underneath me. When I finally managed to regain footholds on Earth, I stumbled down the rest of the steps to the driveway where my 2 adorable dogs sat waiting for me at the truck with a look that said, "What took you so long mommy?"

I think I'll go fix dinner now.
Much love....
Audrey