It Does a Mama Good

On Tuesday night, I packed up a bag for us, and two for Chandler. My mother-in-law (affectionately called Nana) came and picked up Chandler on Wednesday morning, and by noon, Brent and I were on our way to Pigeon Forge. By 3:45, we were having a blast at Dollywood theme park, just the two of us.

We were only gone from home about 30 hours, but it was nice to have the time away to ourselves. It was strange in some ways, too, though. I didn't have to change any diapers, prepare any toddler-appropriate food and feed someone else while I was trying to feed myself, or make sure anyone got their nap for the afternoon. I knew Nana was doing a good job of taking care of these things, and doing a little spoiling, too!

We rode all the rides we wanted to ride - most of them twice, Brent got a few laughs since I'm a chicken on fast rides, we ate ice cream and drank coke to stay cool, and held hands like we were teenagers again. It was nice quality time, and we made some good memories together. Trips like this do a mama good, but I sure was happy to see and hear the pitter-patter of little feet in our hallway last night.

Current Chandler-isms

My sweet baby boy is growing like a weed, and at almost 18 months, he says a mouthful! Here are a few translations. I just love them all!

muh (usually accompanied by a point) = more

mah-mah = Mama

deh-deh = Daddy

mah-mah-mah = Grandmama

na-na = Nana

dalh = dog

uht = look

hey (in a deep voice) = hey

geen = green

boo = blue

seek = stick

soo = shoo! (as in something smells or is trash)

ahhl (with an open mouth) = I love you!

Thankful Thursday

This Thursday, I am thankful for:

1) Tips from the Fly Lady- Because of them, my house is now the cleanest it has been in a while. I consider myself to be a decent house keeper. My house has always been presentable if someone came by, and I've always said that every item has a place, but this lady has some awesome tips that even the neatest neat-freak can use!

2) The Alzheimer's Association- I will be raising money between now and October 8 for Alzheimer awareness, and on that day I will be walking 5K (3.1 miles) at Atlantic Station with hundreds of other Georgians. Several people that I dearly love are affected by this horrible disease, and according to statistics, the numbers will only rise. Go to my home page for more information or to donate. I'd love to have you as part of my team!

3) Goldfish Crackers- They really are the perfect snack for a toddler (and for me, too!), and they buy me time while I do other things sometimes.

Everyone Cares About Cancer, But What About Alzheimer's?

If you feel compelled to do so, I invite you to join me on Saturday, October 8 at Atlantic Station in Atlanta as we walk for Alzheimer's awareness. It's only 5k (3.1) miles, and there are no minimum fundraising requirements. Simply go to the website above and find "The Memory Walkers of NE Georgia" . If you cannot walk with us, please consider making a donation. It can make a difference for someone you love!

Why Does It Make Me Cry?

Children are a gift from the LORD... Psalm 127:3
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Chandler is with his Nana for the day, so after my tutoring session with a sweet little boy this morning, I decided to take advantage of the time and do some cleaning out. I started with Chandler's closet. That didn't seem to bother me all that much because I was basically just straightening things up a bit.

The hard part? Going through his socks, hats, and pjs and sorting out the ones that he can no longer wear. I found myself tearing up as I went through them, and even now as I type this.

So, why does it make me cry? My little man is growing up way too fast for this mama's liking, but I am so blessed to have him in my life. He is a precious gift from God.

Lowe's

Brent is teaching his son all about tools, machines, and gadgets, and Chandler loves every minute of it. He especially likes to drive! I love having the opportunity to watch this precious little boy grow and learn with his daddy. Here are a few snapshots from a recent trip to Lowe's.

Mini Golf

Yesterday I went to Target, my all-time favorite place to shop. While exploring the summer clearance aisle, I found this cute little golf set that I just fell in love with. At $2.99, it's the best money I've spent in a long time, because Chandler has played with it pretty much nonstop since yesterday afternoon.

I really don't know who is more excited about it though, Chandler or his daddy. It looks like Brent's going to have a little golfing buddy in a few years!

Thankful Thursday

This Thursday I am thankful for...

1) Family and friends who know just what to say and do to make my heart ache just a little less than it would if they weren't in my life right now; It helps to know that prayers are going up in my behalf, and I know I'll be okay

2) This sweet little miracle, who is such a blessing in my life on a daily basis; He makes me want to strive to be a better person

3) Brent's new job that begins soon; He'll be home with us in the evenings, which is going to be a wonderful thing

4) Summer night sounds; Unless you live in the city, you understand where I'm coming from on this one- so many childhood memories!

Frozen Pizza

I gave my son frozen cheese pizza for dinner. Actually, that's what all of us had. Don't worry, I cooked it first, so get those pictures out of your head of us sitting around eating brick-hard pizza straight from the freezer.

I kinda feel bad, because we rarely do this, but I gave him applesauce, too, so that should count for something, right?

First Trip to the New Super Wal-Mart

A week after its official grand opening, we finally ventured out to the new Super Wal-Mart in Cornelia today. First, Brent took me on a little tour (since he went in there briefly a few mornings ago when he got off work), and then it was off to find the things on the list.

So, what kind of awesome things did we buy on this momentous first trip to the new Super Wal-Mart? Well, let's see:

1) Oatmeal
2) Diaper Cream
3) AA Batteries
4) Caladryl Lotion for Brent's Poison Ivy
5) A Pack of Underwear

Exciting, huh? I must say I am glad that Ingles has some competition now, though, and I can't wait to buy groceries there for the first time because Wal-Mart price matches. It was nice to have a $5.00 gift card to use, too, because I'm all about saving money.

I think I'll have to go back again soon because Chandler took a 3-hour nap when we got home, so I got in a nap as well!

Independence Day

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. - Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)
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* On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee introduced a resolution urging the Continental Congress to declare independence from Britain.

* On June 11, 1776, it was decided that a small group of men from the Continental Congress would begin to work on a Declaration of Independence. The group of men consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston. Thomas Jefferson was assigned the task of actually writing the document.

* On June 28, 1776 a copy of the committee's draft of the Declaration of Independence was presented to the entire Continental Congress.

* July 2, 1776 is the day the Continental Congress actually voted for independence, not July 4. John Adams even remarked in his notes that July 2 would be remembered in American history forever with celebrations and fireworks.

* July 4, 1776 is the date printed on the final written form of the Declaration of Independence, and therefore became the "official" Independence Day of America.

* John Hancock is the only person who actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. He most likely signed it because he was the president of the Continental Congress. Most of the other men signed it August 2, 1776, and some signed it even later than that.
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So, while you are enjoying the hot dogs and hamburgers, spending time at the lake or by the pool, and watching the pretty displays of fireworks this 4th of July, please take a few minutes to reflect upon the reason we celebrate in the first place. If you know anyone who currently serves in the U.S. Military, or has served in the past, make sure you let them know they are appreciated. Thank God that you live in a free country, because many people around the world cannot say the same.