Nothing Exciting

I follow several blogs atleast daily (more like several times a day) and I am so inspired. I think WOW they are such good bloggers and they have so much more interesting lives to share. I guess that is why I don't blog more often, I don't feel like I have anything exciting or earth shattering to share. No words of wisdom or great inspirational examples of this Christian woman I call myself. But I figured since it has been almost a month I should share something.

Halloween brought fun for my kids .... Madison was Madeline because her costume that she wanted never came (thanks to the Freiberg's letting us borrow the costume), Tanner was a part of the SWAT team and Jayden was Squirt (turtle) from Finding Nemo. I will try and post some pictures. On Halloween, we (with my Mom) traveled to my sisters house. She lives near DC. We got to Trick-or-Treat with my two favorite nieces. I love them and wish I could see more of them. On Saturday, we went to DC and did lots of walking. Madison really loved seeing all the "sites." She was very excited and came home and made a scrapbook. She is such a good writer and artist. She amazes me. Those are not talents she got from me!

So, now the month of November is on us and I am spending time thinking of all the things I am thankful for. Without a doubt I am thankful Jesus died on a cross for me! Although, I struggle daily to walk in His ways I am proud to call myself His follower. My prayer is that when others see me they get a glimpse of Him. So this month, I will focus on my example. At church, we have been doing a study on sharing the gospel. This is hard for me but I know it is what I am called to. Secondly, I am thankful for a husband and three children who forgive me for ALL my shortcomings (and they are many). I love them with all my heart and can't imagine life without them. Okay, so enough of that. Let me see if I can post some pics of the kids!

Blessed Be Your Name

There is a song by Matt Redman entitled Blessed Be Your Name. It talks about no matter what life's circumstances are God is good and He is Blessed. It is a song that I have always liked on the radio and sang hundreds of times at church. I never spent a whole lot of time thinking about it - I just sang it over and over. There is a verse that says: You give and take away, You give and take away, My heart will choose to say, Lord, blessed be Your name. Two years ago today, this verse came to life for me. It totally describes my Mom. You see 32 years ago today God gave my Mom the gift of life (Me) and 2 years ago today, God called home another life (my sister), and still today my Mom would tell you Blessed be the name of the Lord.

I wish I could tell you without a doubt if God chose to take one of my children any day (much less on the birthday of one of them) that I could write Blessed Be Your Name. The truth of the matter is that God is Awesome despite the circumstance. It's just easier to say that during the good and blame during the bad. I know He knows the bigger picture - that's just hard for my finite mind to understand. So, in following my Mom's example, I will say Blessed Be Your Name!

Stef - I miss you and I love you. I wish I could tell you one more time. I wish my phone would again ring at 2am because you were bored and couldn't sleep; I wish one more time you would beg me for Madison to come over; I wish you could see Jayden and what a joy he has brought to our lives. I know where you are and that I shouldn't wish you back but some days I honestly do!

A Weekend to Remember

My mother in law graciously sent Stephen and I to Family Life's A Weekend To Remember. I can honestly say it was just that! If you ever get the chance to go, I highly recommend it. I feel like our marriage is better than ever and I am learning what a blessing and gift Stephen is in my life! Thank you to Stephen's Mom seems to little but from the bottom of my heart it is how I feel.

The kids are doing great! Madison had soccer practice today. She seems to really love it and she has quite a good team. Her coach is wonderful. Tanner is loving school and growing bigger every day! He has the sweetest disposition and most of the time is very good mannered. I can remember when he was younger how WILD that boy was. Words can't describe how crazy he was. When I found out I was pregnant with Jayden and I didn't know how in the world we were going to survive. I could barely keep up with Tanner there was no way I could keep up with another little boy. But Tanner has calmed down so much and really turned into such a sweet, sweet child.

Good Week ....

Well we have had a good week. Busy but good.

I am reading Karen Kingsbury's newest and last book from the Sunrise Series. It is really good. Wow - I wish I could be a part of the Baxter family! It is so very amazing and it inspires me.

I am excited about the new movie Fireproof. I hear it is awesome - if you get a chance go see it and let me know what you think. I think Stephen and I are going next week. His Mom is so sweet - she is sending us to a "Weekend to Remember" and keeping our kids. How awesome is that! Thanks Mom!

Tanner had a fall at church on Wednesday. His nose is all banged up.

SO.... I thought since it was Friday I would try to come up with something profound that happened this week. I guess this week would have to be that God has given me some really good friends. One of my close friends lives away from me and while I miss her deeply, I am thankful that God has given me some friends who live so close!

It's Monday.....

Well, I hope everyone went and researched Carol Kent - if you did tell me what you think?????

Jayden had his 15 month appointment today. He is 26lbs, 33 1/4 inches (I think) and his head is uhhhh big! He was in the 75% for height and weight and greater than 90% in head. I have a bad memory but that is about right. He had two shots and got put back on his steroids for his asthma. Guess I made a bad decision taking him off. His doctor said the next step is to take away the pacifier. Urgghhh....any suggestions?? Does it really matter if he goes to college with it? I mean he is cute with it :)

Madison has a bad cough. Poor girl. She is doing great in school. She had soccer practice tonight but had to miss because I had a PTA meeting at her school. She did score two goals at her first game last Saturday. She is a pretty good soccer player if a mom is allowed to brag!

Tanner is awesome. He is just a cute kid. What else can you say?? My favorite is when he says, Mommy and I say yes, Tanner and then he says I Wuv you! Oh melt a Momma's heart and put it on a platter.

An Exciting Weekend

I had some Mommy time this weekend with two of my best girl friends. I went to the Extraordinary Women's Conference in Lynchburg, VA. It was awesome to put it mildly. I set out going because Karen Kingsbury was one of the speakers and I LOVE HER BOOKS!!! I can read one book in a day. I strongly recommend her Redemption Series. You will fall in love. To my surprise all of the speakers were great.

Friday night started out with Chonda Pierce. She is a comedian and she was hilarious. What is great about her is she was able to use some of her life experiences, humor and love for God all in one presentation! On Saturday, Angela Thomas, Carol Kent, Karen Kingsbury and Thelma Wells spoke. Mandisa performed and she was phenomenal! I especially loved her American Idol story of how she forgave Simon form completely humiliating her about her weight. What a testimony of the power of forgiveness.

Carol Kent by far was my favorite. I had never even heard of her before going. In fact, I had gotten up to go get lunch when she started to speak but her testimony brought me back to my seat where I stayed unmoved for the entire time. She talks about her new "Normal." If you ever get the chance to hear her speak I would strongly recommend it. I would drive hours to hear her for 10 minutes - honestly!! I will share more tomorrow but for now it's time to hit the hay!

Blessed beyond measure and better than I deserve,
Heather

Seven Years Later and it still makes me cry

As I was coming home from taking Tanner to preschool, I was listening on the radio about it being 7 years since 9/11. To me that was just an amazing - that seven years later I can still remember EXACTLY what I was doing. Down to the details of what the sky looked like what it felt like to sit in a chair holding my first baby and not knowing if we would ever live to see her first birthday. I can remember the fear I felt, and how I never thought life would be the same. It is amazing how much life has gotten back to "normal." I guess that is good but I have spent this day trying to focus on all of those lives lost. I heard a startling fact that over 100 babies were born after their fathers lost their lives on that day. Wow 100 babies who never got the chance to meet their Dads (atleast on this side of heaven) and I am sure many more who were too young to remember.

Driving home I started remembering all the "things" life was like back then and while I would never want to go back to that day - there are so many things that have changed since then that I wish I could go back. First being, Madison was just a baby. I miss those days so much. Her and I were at Gymboree play and music when I heard the news of what was taking place in our country. I dearly miss those days of being at home with her. Now 7 years later she will soon be eight. Secondly, my Dad was still alive. He only met Madison (not the boys) and he loved her soo very much. I remember I was suppose to fly to Nashville to see him in November but I was too scared so we drove. Dad died the February after 9/11 and I so wish I could tell him one more time I love him and even more so I wish he could have met my boys! Thirdly, my sister Stephanie was still alive. We talked at long lengths about how scary the times were. There are so many times late at night when I am lonely that I wish I could call her just to talk. When its too late to appropriately call the rest of the world you could still call her!

Thank you to all the men and women who serve our country (Fireman, Policeman, Hospital and Ambulance workers and of course are Servicemen). I am forever indebted!! God Bless America - and lets promise to never forget.

His obsession or mine ....

Both of my boys have a blue dog that they sleep with. Madison never had anything she was particularly attached to. For some reason I really wanted Tanner to attach to something so I remember my friend Kelley telling me to always hold it when I was nursing him and when I was holding him. Well I guess it worked because Tanner is very attached and sadly I think I am attached too. When I found out I was pregnant with Jayden I found another one exactly like it and bought it for Jayden. Now Tanner can tell the difference between the two so don't even try to trick him.

We spend lots of time searching for his dog that he has lovingly named "puppy." I must admit I am rather fond of puppy too! He brings a lot of love to my Tannie man!

The Things I Love About My Daughter

Madison was our only child for four years. She was literally the center of our universe and the poor girl now has to share her life with two little brothers. And let me tell you she does so graciously. She never shows any signs of jealousy - she loves her brothers and is always more than willing to help. I'll never forget her excitement after Tanner was born and her telling my mom after Jayden was born that "she all ready loves him so much and she has only known him for one day" Isn't that precious!

Today, she had a moment that every Mom can identify with. She came upstairs while Tanner and Daddy were outside and said "Mom, can I have a piece of pizza and Tanner would like one too." I said sure and proceeded to heat the two of them pizza up in the microwave. A couple of moments later she came back and said "Mom, I asked Daddy and he would like some too." Perfect, I start heating him pizza too (in my mind I am wondering what is Stephen doing). SO, I go back to doing laundry after I give her the three plates of pizza and I hear her in the kitchen getting cups and drinks out of the cabinet and I realize she is serving her Daddy and Tanner drinks. I thought wow that is so nice of her - she has all ready gotten pizza for them and now she is pouring everyone a drink. Fastforward, and a little while later I walk in her room and see her laying on her bed with tears in her eyes watching tv. I asked her what was wrong and she said "Daddy and Tanner ate without me and I wanted us all to eat together." Apparently, while she was upstairs getting their drinks they went ahead and started without her. Of course, they didn't think about it hurting her feelings, my heart stung for a daughter who wanted to serve her family but wanted to be a part of them too! I can identify with that feeling. I just think that was so sweet. Daddy of course came up and gave lots of apologies and love - he had no idea he had her gentle heart!

After a trip for ice cream with friends and a visit at the Barnes house we came home and Madison decided to sleep in the fort her and Tanner made in her room. Earlier when they were building it Madison was so excited because Tanner went in her fort and said "Oh Madison it is beautiful!" How cute is that! I will leave you with a picture of the "Beautiful Fort"

Thanks for listening to my ramblings about my daughter. As I sat up tonight with everyone sleeping God really put her on my heart and reminded me what a gift she is. Sometimes the boys can take up so much of my time that she gets the "leftovers" and I don't want that!

All In All A Good Day

So today, Jayden and I went to church to help out babysitting. It was fun and gives me a new respect for people who teach preschool or work in daycares. Man that is hard work! I was only there a couple of hours and while all the kids were very good I couldn't imagine doing it all the time.

Anyway, Tanner and Jayden are becoming so cute together. Tanner was feeding Jayden applejacks tonight but he kept telling him you have to clear your mouth first. That is so sweet - a three year old actually concerned for his 1 year old brother. I love it - thank you God! Jayden didn't really want to go to bed tonight but as I was walking out of the room I heard Tanner tell Jayden - "it's okay brother is here" Oh words to soothe a worn out Mommy's heart. Thank you God.

Isn't it amazing how sometimes God will give you little tidbits that you might actually being doing something right. I love to see my kids show each other love. That is something I lacked growing up and even as an adult. One of my biggest regrets is the way I didn't always show my sister's love. And you know for one of them it is too late.

Anyway, that was way off from where I was going. Poor Madison didn't get home from the bus until 4:25. Now, school gets out at 2:40. So, I guess protective Mom goes into gear tomorrow and the transportation department will be getting a call. She did not seem to notice in the least that she had been on the bus for almost 2 hours! What a laid back child. I would have been sick as a dog.

Okay, so I pulled this speed test off of my old college roommates blog but it was a lot of fun - and I am not as fast as I once was guess that's what happens when you don't work anymore - but try it out!

79 words

Speed test

Doctor's Visit....

Okay, so I went for my normal annual exam today and I waited and waited and waited FOREVER. And then when the doctor finally came in, he was in and out in like 10 secs - so what in the world was he doing with everyone else??? I mean seriously. I had things I wanted to talk to him about honestly I was so tired of waiting I forgot. Oh well maybe next year!

My good friend Kara was sweet enough to keep Jayden for me! He was a good boy according to her. Tanner went to school and loved it! He was excited to play on the outside playground. He told me that he and Megan pretended Holden was a bug and that Prince wore a green shirt! He is so funny. That is way more information than I have gotten out of Madison in three years.

Madison should be home from school soon and then its hit the books for homework and head to church.

After my doctor's appt I was feeling grumpy and thinking this has been a yucky day and then God spoke to me and said "its all perspective." I was really thrown off for a moment but as I thought about it I realized you know that is true. I had a good friend who was so willing to watch of my most precious possessions - that is love - and I have two kids who are at school and are happy and healthy. What in the world do I have to be grumpy about???

I am going to regret this in the morning....

So, Tanner woke me up having to go to the bathroom and now I can't sleep. Soooo, I decided to play on the computer. I want to figure out how to make my blog "cuter." Does anyone know how I can change the background so its not just the prepasted forms they have.

Well here is a pic of the kids and now I will go back to bed so I can get up in one hour to get the kids ready for school!!

Okay so I am going to get better ...

Well the end of summer was wonderful....

In August, We went to the beach and had a great time. Jayden loved it except he thought he should crawl straight into the ocean. Talk about no fear! Madison loved the ocean and enjoyed Daddy teaching her how to "ride the waves." Tanner had a good time but at night he was ready to go "home." He likes his routine and being away from it was hard. All in all it was a wonderful way to end the summer.

Jayden started walking the last week of August. I guess that is it for us - no more babies! How sad!! He is growing up so much and is such a sweet baby. His health has been absolutely wonderful this summer. The picture of perfection. Sadly, that came to an end last week. He got a nasty cold and was glued to the nebulizer every couple of hours. He has seemed better the past couple of days so we are praying this is just a bump in the road to a lifetime without asthma :)

Madison began 2nd grade on August 25th. Her teacher is Mrs. Freshwater and she seems very happy. You don't get a whole lot of information out of Madison but she says school is great and her teacher is nice. Who could ask for more??? Yesterday, she began soccer for Twin City. Her team is the Mustangs (ironic that was the mascot for my high school). She loves it!

Tanner also began school on the 25th. And let me tell you that was quite a hard decision. I suffered through it all summer. For those who know me decision making is not my strong point and I analyze, and analyze and analyze. No matter what I feel guilty. So anyway, Tanner is at a REAL school. He got into the Downtown Elementary School. He is in their Pre K 3 year old class. It goes Mon-Fri 8:15-Noon. Now, I keep him home on Fridays because I miss him. Tanner LOVES school and loves his teacher Mrs. Geyer. He even insists on being dropped off in the drop off line with all the other kids. Oh he is breaking him Mom's heart!! Tanner also started gymnastics today. His Dad insists it is a waste as he is ONLY going to play football but for now he is doing gymnastics.

So that kind of quickly catches us up to now and I will try to be better about posting. It may just be for me since no one reads this but that is all right. I am learning!!

Summer

We are having a wonderful and relaxing summer. Or as relaxing as three kids can be. The month of July has been good.

Jayden has not started to walk yet but he is cruising all over the place. He is a joy and we are blessed to have him. He is a very happy baby and loves to talk (although we have no idea what he is saying). He talks way more than Tanner did but he isn't as able to get around and run the way Tanner was doing at this age. I guess it is true they are all different. Praise be to God - Jayden has been VERY healthy the past couple of months. It is a true answer to prayer! Jayden is truly an angel sent to us and I hope to soak him in completely!

Tanner is becoming such a smart little boy. He amazes me! He is able to play the Wii and the computer with very little help. He has a love for friends and making people laugh. Tanner has gone to a couple of VBS's this summer and truly LOVES it! He keeps asking when he is going to be 5 so he can play football (thanks Daddy!) He is growing so fast but he is just precious. He use to be on the wild side but he has definitely calmed down this summer. He still keeps you on your toes but he is a fun little kid!

Madison - well she got her haircut and truly looks like a GIRL! I can't believe she will be going into second grade next year. I was going through some pictures today and I couldn't believe how much she has grown. She has had a fun summer. She loves to go to the pool and she has had several play dates with friends. She even had a sleepover at our house with 4 girls! Wow- was that fun. She is in love with one of the Jonas brothers ... Kevin I do believe. Stephen tries to ignore that she is growing up :)

Stephen is doing great also. He works very hard at Forsyth and we miss him dearly when he is gone. I don't tell him enough but I appreciate what a wonderful nurse he is. He gives to everyone who he meets. We are blessed to be a family!

I will leave you with an old pic of Madison

Happy 1st Birthday!

Happy 1st Birthday to my sweet Jayden!!! Can it be that he is really a year. Oh it hurts my heart. It's my last baby - or atleast one that will call me Mommy. I love my kids!!!

Jayden had a great day. Madison and Tanner loved showering their baby brother with Happy Birthday love and kisses. They sang we decorated and we ate CAKE!!! It was a very nice day. Lord, thank you for giving me three of the best children ever. I am blessed beyond measure! Now, if the rest of you could just remind me that everyday :)

I am getting slack

Well I would love to say that life has just been boring ... well I guess it has.

Jayden has continued his health issues. Mid May he was having trouble breathing so I took him to the asthma doctor. While there his pulse oxygen dropped to an unsafe level so they sent us by ambulance to the ER. That was quite a trip. I was strapped to the gurney and he sat in my lap - for a Mom who gets motion sick this wasn't much fun :) Allison thought the idea of it was quite funny. Thankfully she was available to pick us up and take me back to our car. All of that coupled with high fevers we have been through the ringer.

It seems now his allergies are giving him a fit. He has drainage out of his eyes and nose but the new medicine seems to be helping.

He keeps us in motion. He is starting to cruise on everything - he is the sweetest baby. Just a blessing to have. One day we will get his health issues under control and he will just be able to be happy.

Tanner finished up preschool. He is a fish and loves to swim as much as possible. He is a great swimmer. He is impressive!! He is the child that will test our limits but he also is quick to tell you just how much he loves you. He is a jewel!

Madison is officially no longer a first grade girl. Where is my baby??? It is breaking my heart. She started Camp Merriwood today (she is missing the last two days of school). She loves it!! She has all ready decided she wants to spend the night on the optional Friday overnight. I am very proud of her. She is becoming a young lady and it is hard to watch!! Today while she was at her first day of camp, I cleaned out her room and bought a new chair. She was so excited - she loved it which of course made all the work worth it. Then later this evening she brought me some of her money and she said "Mommy, I want to give this to you - I said thank you, she then said "I wanted to give it to you to thank you for the chair" WOW - that was all I could say.

As for Stephen and I - we are hanging in there. Stephen is still at Forsyth and loving it and I am still at home loving my kids!

WOW - it's been a while

Well, it has been a very long time - and I have to try and think if anything exciting has even happened :)

Madison - she is wonderful! She was just in her spring musical at school. She was a monkey and they did the song Hakuna Matata from the Lion King. It was very cute. She is still playing soccer and is very good, if I don't say so myself. She is an angel and we couldn't love her more. She is such a big help with her brothers. She loves to stay up late and play with her Daddy any time she can. She is definitely a Daddy's girl!!!

Tanner - is crazy ole Tanner. He finished up his last swimming lessons. He did a great job. I think he will be sad when he figures out we aren't going back. He also finished up his first season of soccer. He got a gold medal which he really loved!! All in all he is a very sweet boy but he does love to test the waters - especially at bedtime.

Jayden - is growing like a weed. His newest trick is waving goodbye. He seems to be doing well with the tubes. So far there has only been one infection where we had blood and gunk pouring out his ear. He is sleeping through the night and taking two naps a day so I guess life is good!

Daddy was in a pro tournament (expensive if you ask Mommy) and unfortunately he did not win anything - he says he had fun though! He is still enjoying his job at Forsyth and works a gracious plenty.

Surgery

Jayden had his surgery this morning. Everything went well. He woke up around 3:30am and was very angry that I could not feed him (he was NPO after midnight). Therefore, Mom has been up since then. The doctor said everything went well. They did not find anything in his lungs which is great news but unfortunately means all his breathing issues are asthma and we will have to just deal with them. His right ear had what is known as glue ear (sticky fluid collects behind the eardrum. The fluid blocks the middle part of the ear and can cause impaired hearing.) So they got rid of that and put tubes in both ears.

Anyway, thats that in a nutshell. We are so thankful to God for getting us all through the procedure and now we just plan on a happy healthy summer for all the Clemmons' McLeods!

Almost .....

Well, we almost made it without the Rocephin shots.

Jayden had his pre-op today for his surgery on Monday. It took two hours!!! Tanner and Jayden were so good and sooo patient. 99% of the time was sitting doing nothing so I was very proud of Tanner. Jayden had been acting like he wasn't feeling good and by this afternoon he was running a 102 fever so off we went. He is asleep now and I pray that somehow we make it through the night.
My body and heart are soooo very tired. I know tomorrow will be better so maybe I should just end with this .... Lord, protect my children :)

Heather

Jayden's Poor Ears

Well we went to the ENT on Wednesday, and alas Jayden still has the same Ear infection. It is been about a month and a half so guess what .... we are headed to surgery. On April 14th they are going to do tubes and some airway testing. There were two different types of scopes they are doing but I can't remember what they are called. The doctor was really nice and said in the mean time should he run a fever he needed to have rocephin shots. I have heard those are VERY VERY painful so lets just pray we can make it a couple of weeks with no fever!

Well, today starts spring break for Madison. She is wondering what fun adventures we are up to ... I am wondering the same thing ;) My husband is fishing this weekend and next weekend (that snake). Just kidding.

Well, guess I will run - no one took my survey except me so I guess that I know now - no surveys!

Take care and have a wonderful weekend - we plan on it!

Happy Easter

Happy Easter! We had a very nice Easter. The Jeffords came down on Thursday and we all went to the zoo on Friday. Our good friends Angie (and her two) and Kelly (and her two) went also. It was a beautiful day and I believe the kids had a wonderful time. The adults did too but we were worn out by the end!

On Saturday we went to an Easter egg hunt at the church. It was very crowded but the kids still had a great time! My old neighbor and good friend, Heather joined us for church. It was fun to see her and we even got to go out to breakfast afterwards. Heather probably wishes she had picked a different family to eat with - just kidding - the kids were actually very good.

Tanner and Madison were pleased with the Easter bunny. Tanner didn't even know that the Easter Bunny was coming so he was surprised when he woke up. Church was wonderful. It was very crowded but it was good to worship on such a wonderful day.

I went to see Pappaw today - who is back in the hospital. He seems to be doing okay. We shall see.

Well tomorrow starts back another week. Madison has spring break not this week but the next. Now just as a side note I am doing a survey - I am sooooo excited that Duke lost in the NCAA - only because it gets at my husband :) Carolina is kicking some butt!!!! Let's go Heels!!!

Hello .....

Okay, I couldn't think of a title so I just used hello. Well, I am a little stressed, sad and hopeful all at the same time. We are moving Pappaw into an assisted living care tomorrow. He is very distressed about the situation which is TOTALLY understandable. I can't imagine what he must be feeling. Oh...I just pray he will accept it or if not that we can find a suitable place for him to just be HAPPY. If you have a moment and can please pray for him and for those who will be crossing his path. He was very upset tonight and that is so hard to watch.

Well...not much to report. Jayden had his nine month 'well' check today. Well is in '' because I don't know that Jayden is ever well :) He is 20lbs 3 oz. , and 29 inches. He was in the 75th percentile for length and head, and 50th in weight. I don't know why my kids have such big heads. All three of them have always had big percentiles for head. I don't think their heads look all that big - do you? Anyway, enough about that. He still had an ear infection but it was looking better so that is positive. I am sure by the time we go to the ENT it will be all clear and we will be happy to give them our copay at the time :)

Tanner is dandy - he is just a ball of energy. I couldn't love that boy more. He has really gotten into giving hugs. Now you can't ask for one but if he wants one you better be prepared to give it or he will let you have it. I had to chase Stephen down in the car because he left the restaurant without giving Tanner a hug and Tanner had crocodile tears. It is very sweet but can be a little inconvenient at times. We'll keep him!

Madison is great! She loves school and she loves Hannah Montana. I have to confess I had a very BAD momma moment today. They were offering Tae Kwon Do after school on Tues and Thurs and Madison asked me to sign her up. So of course I did and then I never thought another thing about it. Well, Madison usually rides the bus home from school. This afternoon I left the boys with Stephen and told him that I was going to Walmart and that Madison should be home on the bus shortly. I was shopping ... and suddenly at 3:45, I get a message from her school asking if anyone is going to pick her up because the tae kwon do ended at 3:20. Oh MY GOODNESS - I left my child at school. So, I go racing out of Wal-mart to pick the girl up. Luckily she was okay and the school is wondering what kind of lunatic I am. They did inform me that I should be there by 3:20 on Thursday - could someone call and remind me??? ha!ha!

Hooray for the Tarheels!!!

I am very happy to see the Tarheels in the ACC finals but not nearly as happy as seeing that Duke is NOT in the finals (sorry Allison). I would take a loss for the Heels if it meant Duke didn't win that is how much I dislike Duke. Mostly because my husband likes Duke - gosh I am mean : )

Well this week was good all in all. Jayden is still not sleeping all that well and he is wheezing something awful. He scared Hannah tonight he was wheezing so bad. Unfortunately, I have become numb too it. He has officially started crawling on his hands and knees. Watch out world - here comes Jayden. He is my buddy and I love him dearly - I just wish we could get him healthy once and for all!

Tanner had his soccer game today and he did very well. He spent most of the time proudly running up and down the court but he did get a few good kicks. He is so darn cute if I don't say so myself. He is getting very good at his swimming lessons. He has learned to spell his name and is very proud of it - just ask him :)

Madison is the same sweet girl as always. Her soccer started back this week. Daddy took her with her brothers all by himself on Thursday. Mom was at Bunco. He survived and said she did really well. Her sweet friend Maggie is moving this week. I know that will be hard for her.

My uncle is doing much better. He is up and able to recognize everyone and even having conversations. I heard they may be moving him to the VA hospital in Durham - not really sure why but everyone seems like that is a good idea so I guess that is good. Pappaw is not doing so well. He is in the hospital and seems to be very depressed. I am very worried about him - if you can please pray for him!

Go Tarheels!

So everyone but Stephen is very excited the Tarheels beat Duke!!!! Hooray.

Well, Jayden still has his ear infection. We are on antibiotic number for this. We will see the ENT on March 27 and hopefully get some resolution.

Madison was baptized on Sunday. It was very beautiful and we celebrated at chips and cheese afterwards. Thanks to everyone who came and shared this special day.

Tanner his the same as always. Crazy and lovable!!!

We are Healthy!

Hooray, we are all healthy!! Even Jayden for the moment is healthy. Of course tomorrow we go to the asthma doctor so of course he wouldn't be sick :)

I am happy to report that my grandfather is at home and doing really well. My uncle has been able to come off the vent and seems to be doing well also.

Well Tanner is screaming so this has to be short. Happy Tuesday!

Still sick ...

Well, I was diagnosed with the flu and Jayden still has an ear infection. Jayden has been absolutely impossible to deal with. He is pitiful but given my state I am having a rough time. Luckily, my mom has been soooo good to come over and help with the kids. I don't know what I would do without her. Angie also brought us dinner last night. I was feeling much better yesterday and thought I was almost over it but when I woke up this morning I felt horrible. Praying that tomorrow will be a much better day.

Tanner played in his second soccer game today (thanks to Ammaw for taking him). She said he did great and even kicked the ball several times. He has been a sweetheart telling me he is sorry that I am sick (while he is climbing all over me :))

Madison went to a sleepover at her friends Maggie's house last night. They have become such good friends. Sadly, Maggie will be moving in a couple weeks. We will all miss her whole family but Madison will especially miss Maggie. They are in school and church together.

Pappaw is suppose to be coming home from the hospital today - I really have no further details about long term plans because I have been sick but I am praying it will be a smooth transition and what will overall be best for him. As far as I know, there aren't any changes with my uncle. They are still unable to get him off the vent.

Well, I am headed back to bed before Stephen thinks I am healthy and puts me back to work. Men - they just don't get it :) My apologies to any man who is reading this .... ha, ha!

Everyone's Sick

Well we have had quite a week all ready. We went to church on Sunday and realized Tanner, Jayden and Stephen weren't feeling well. So they went home. Jayden started running 103 fevers. I have now come down with it too. Urggghhh, there is no time to be sick. I have felt really run down and just achy all over. I guess we have the gunk everyone has. Thanks to Mom for coming over and helping me get everyone to bed. Madison has been a total sweetheart as well. What would I do without her!

My uncle is not doing much better. They had to do a tracheotomy and he is still hooked up to a vent. To add insult to injury my grandfather is now in the hospital. This is really hard on me. He is very special to me - especially since my dad is gone but since I am sick I really can't go visit him. Please pray for my family. Pray God would pour over all of us.

Thanks!
I hope to post with some more uplifting news but for now my heart is just really heavy.

The weekend is here....

Well after a two hour delay for rain this morning :) Madison was off to school. We had a good afternoon. Chrissy came into town which is always a huge hit with Madison and Tanner. They think she is their own personal playing machine. We took the kids out for pancakes and then to Tanner's first indoor soccer practice. It was really pretty cute - although he totally doesn't get it. He likes to use his hands ;) Tanner also did very well at swimming this week. I am really proud of him.

Madison had a good week too. She got two more jewels at AWANA's - yay! She did great at school and we got a week off from cheer leading practice :) She is a precious jewel to her Mommy.

Jayden has had a great week. It seems he is feeling better from his ear infection and starting to sleep through the night again. PTL!!!

Sadly, my uncle Ricky is not doing as well as I had hoped. We are continuing to pray and there are a few indications that he may be getting better.

Well that is all for now - I will post pictures eventually. I know I am terrible with that! If you think about it drop me an email to let me know you read the blog - just wondering if I am writing this to myself :) Love to all!

It's Monday

Well we had a fairly good weekend. Stephen and I got the wonderful treat to go out to dinner with Allison and Jerry (and NO KIDS) on Friday. Thanks to Grandma G for keeping the kids!!! That was very nice. Then on Saturday we went to Madison's last cheerleading game for the season and of course she did great. She is so darn cute cheering out there. On Sunday, Madison and I went snow tubing with her friend Hayley. Now that was a blast!!! I wish Tanner and Stephen could have been there - it was awesome.

On a sad note, my uncle Ricky (who lives with Pappaw) is in the cardiac intensive care. Please pray for him that he would respond to treatments soon so they can get him off the ventilator. My grandfather is up in the air with his own life and just makes me sad. Pray for my whole family. I know God has a plan - it clearly says in Jeremiah 28:11 but sometimes the waiting and watching is so hard.

Well since the boys are in bed asleep, I guess I will try and make it an early night for myself!

Tanner is 3!

Tanner turned three on Monday! What a great day. I can't believe my baby is three. He is such a sweet precious child (although if you had seen him at the mall today you would say otherwise). I apologize to anyone who was within 30 miles of Hanes Mall :) Seriously, Tanner had a wonderful birthday. We celebrated with about 20 friends at Bounce U. He racked up in the gift department. The Jeffords came down from Roanoke and stayed with us. Tanner was sad to see Holden and Carter leave today. Mom and Bill took Tanner tonight and celebrated with him. He racked up once again.

Tanner had his three-year old check up and he is a healthy 5 year old. Just kidding. He is very healthy but in the greater than 95th percentile. He is about 43.5 inches and 41 lbs. Since Tanner was going to the doctor Jayden decided maybe he should go too. He has an ear infection and is wheezing a lot. Right before bed time he was running a 102.5 temp. Ohhh it never ends.

I am excited though to see the beautiful snow. Allison and I came out of K-Mart tonight to be greeted by the blizzard. I haven't seen it snow that hard in a long time. Well, I am off to soak in a bath and read my book (two of my favorite pleasures...eating being the one I love the most). I'll post some pics of Tanney's party soon.

Has it really been six years....

Well it is hard to believe it has been six years since my Dad died. I really thought that by now it wouldn't hurt quite so much. Don't get me wrong it is easier in a lot of ways but in some ways it is even harder. Holding my boys and seeing Madison grow is a stark reminder that he has been gone sooo long. He never got to meet Tanner or Jayden. He always wanted a boy and then I have two. We named Tanner after Dad. It so happens that Tanner was born on the day (3 years later) we found out Dad had died. He died right after Madison's 1st birthday. I probably talked to him for the last time around her birthday. I still have the toy he gave Madison for her first birthday. It is a Bear in the Big Blue House and he dances to the Cha Cha song. I can remember where I was and what I was doing when my sister called and told me that he had passed away. I remember having to tell his Dad (my Pappaw) that his son had died - he had only been home for moments from saying goodbye to his brother (he was dying also). Dad loved Madison!! That is really an understatement. He wanted her all to himself.

My prayer is that Dad is in heaven sitting with my sister and that they have a front row window to see my kids (and my nieces) playing and living life. I know without a doubt he would be proud of me and them. So with a heavy heart and a smiling face, I will remember my Dad and I will dedicate this blog to him .... I love you Dad and I miss you more today than yesterday.

So...I couldn't Sleep

Well I figured since I couldn't sleep I would do an update ... this week has been pretty busy.

Tanner started swimming lessons on Tuesday. Let's say my boy is very confident in his skills. The class hadn't been going but about a minute when the lifeguard had to rescue him. They have all of them in the water and holding on to the side. Tanner just assumed he minus well show them all he could swim ... or not. Anyway, other than that incident he was very compliant and did an overall great job. He is with older four year olds and since he isn't quite three he still has a lot to learn. His teacher is very patient and understanding so hopefully it will work out. He goes back on Thursday.

Jayden had his appointment today with the Asthma/Allergy specialist. He did great. They did allergy testing and thankfully he is allergic to nothing. While I am very happy that Jayden has decided to be VERY healthy it made it hard to explain that his wheezing is very bad when he was all smiles for the doctor. The doctor was kind and believed me and has started him on Pulmocort (I think) and Prevacid for reflux. We will pray this is the answer.

Madison had AWANA's tonight. To make things simple Allison went in to get all the big kids while I stayed out with the younguns. Madison let me know that tonight she asked Jesus into her heart. Those were beautiful words for a Mom's heart.

Anyway, better get off to bed as I am sure morning will call soon....I think the coffee at Panera may be to blame. I have always claimed caffeine doesn't bother me but I am feeling like I could bounce off the walls. Too bad I am not using the energy for something good like cleaning the house :)

Daddy is Happy!

Before I get to why Daddy is so happy...

Jayden slept really well last night. Hooray!! I forgot what it felt like to sleep through the night. Boy, does sleep make a difference in my overall mood and when Mama aint happy...nobody is happy :) Jayden is also trying to learn to crawl. I am strongly discouraging such irrational behavior.

Madison woke up not feeling so well, so me and the kids stayed home from church today. Hopefully she is okay.

Tonight we went to the Barnes for the Superbowl and I am not sure which was more entertaining Jerry or the game. Anyway, Stephen is very glad to see the Patriots lose as he really hates the Patriots. So our family is very happy.

Boy I'm Tired....

Well we had our good friends the Jefford's in town today. That is always a special treat - especially for Tanner as he LOVES Carter and Holden. Jayden slept fairly well last night although I stayed up way too late preparing for a party at church. Not much to say ...except TGIF ... Happy Friday everyone!

Jayden's Asthma

So being a Mom of three can be tough. Juggling a school aged child, an almost three year old and a young infant who isn't sleeping.

Jayden has been diagnosed with asthma and has been on 11 days of steroids and 10 days of antibiotics for pneumonia. My baby that once slept through the night is driving me crazy waking two and three times a night. Grrr... My patience is lacking and I have an inner battle of wanting to be a Proverbs 31 wife and Mom and giving into my real self :) Jayden now has four teeth. Two on top and two on the bottom. He is sitting up great but thankfully not crawling yet. Although I think that is going to be happening soon. He has a smile that lights up the room and is a pleasure to take anywhere. He really is a good baby. I pray that we can soon get his asthma under control. We will be seeing a specialist next week and hope to have some help for him!

Madison is in first grade at Southwest Elementary. She just turned 7. I can't believe it! She is a very smart girl and seems to love school. She is also doing AWANA's at CenterGrove Baptist Church. She amazes me with her ability to learn and recite bible verses. She is a delight. Today I worked at her bookfair at school. Lots of Hannah Montana and High School Music books were purchased. The kids are so cute trying to figure out how much they can buy with the money their parents gave them.

Tanner is my two year old who will amazingly turn 3 on Feb 11. He is so darn cute but quite the rascal. He knows exactly what he wants and he doesn't deal well with no! He goes to preschool at Clemmons Moravian two days a week (Tues and Thurs). He had school today. He is happy to be playing his sister's Wii today as he lost the rights yesterday for being a turkey at the mall and then refusing to listen to his Daddy when we got home. Oh....if he weren't so cute I would lock him away.

My first blog

Okay, so this is my first blog ... I don't know that our family is all that interesting but just in case I will try this out. We are a crazy family of 5. Stephen and Heather have been married for almost 9 years! We have 3 kids, Madison is 7, Tanner 3 and Jayden 7 months. We just want to keep everyone updated on our family. We feel blessed to be for the most part healthy and happy!