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
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
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!
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!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
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!
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!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
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???
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!!
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!!
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