Last Monday August 2nd the kids started back to school. Britt is now a junior, Austin started high school in the 9th grade, and Hunter started kindergarten. They all had a great first week, however Hunter complains that school is to long. He has learned how to spell "red" and is so eager to learn how to read, he tries really hard. Stephen and I were able to take him to school for his first day and it was bittersweet. I originally had school, but lucky for me my instructer has a 5 year old little boy that started kindergarten as well so she delayed school for an hour. Hunter was so excited he could not wait to get to school. He rode with Daddy and they talked about school the entire way and he could not wait to get there.

His super cool mystery machine lunch box

A few words of encouragement from Daddy as they walked in to school.

Hunter has been in school since he was 2 so I should be use to this, right? No, I still got weepy and shed some tears. As Stephen told Hunter's teacher, it's always harder on Mama than it is Hunter. He is so right!

Hunter and his teacher Mrs. Wilson. He is going to have a really great year. Both of his teachers are super nice.

Austin looked handsome as ever, of course! He is at the age now where clothes matter....and brand names matter. He is all about the girls now and looking good for them. He is so funny and we are so grateful that we get to spend everyday with him. He has grown into such a compassionate young man with a hysterically funny sense of humor!

By the time the boys got home it was after 4p.m. and they had a long day. I sure was glad to see both of them home!

My summer vacation is quickly coming to an end. Last week Stephen and I decided to take the kids on a road trip and had checked into several different locations. With the funds being low we did not have a whole lot to choose from, therefore, we ended up in Cherokee, NC and made our way back down through Helen before heading on home. While in NC Stephen and I played a little while in the casino and took the kids whitewater rafting. We had an amazing time must I add. It was Brittaney's first experience on the water and I was a little apprehensive about her paddling abilities because she tends to be a little, well a LOT lazy! I must say we were pleasantly surprised. She and I managed the front of the raft while Hunter kept the cooler in the middle and Stephen steered from the back. Austin was on his own in a fun yak until we stopped down the river for snacks and drinks and at that time he and Brittaney traded boats. Once we got loaded back into the raft and started down the river again it was hard to keep up with Brittaney. She looked like a pro in the fun yak, and her Daddy was worried for no reason, she did great!

While in Cherokee we went to a petting zoo, did a little shopping, played in the creek, and had the kids ole time pictures taken. They turned out so cute and the kids actually had a good time dressing up. As we got ready to leave Friday morning I had to go to the laundromat to wash clothes because I did not know if we were going to spend the night somewhere else. Stephen, Hunter, and I went to the mat to get clothes washed and once they were put into the dryer Stephen and Hunter rode down the road to the fireworks store. I sat behind talking to the lady at the mat hearing her Jerry Springer story. Stephen calls me and quickly tells me " go look outside me and lil bubba are getting into the helicopter". So, I walked outside and waited on them to fly over. It was a short trip, but it was Hunter's first trip in the air and he loved it. Stephen said that he was scared at first, but did great. He was excited to be able to wear the head phones and be able to talk to Daddy. The clothes finished so we headed back to the hotel to get packed up and head towards Helen. Britt dropped Stephen and I off at the casino to play our $40 comp tickets that the casino had sent us. We were down to our last $20 and he called Britt and told her to come and pick us up. In the meantime, he told me "let's go to the $5 machine and put it in". I was not happy about that because I knew that we were going to blow our money. The first spin I did, and of course I lost! The second spin I told him to do to see if he had any better luck than I did. Of course, he hit triple seven's all the way across and won the jackpot! To bad we only played two bets and not three because we would have hit for more money, but I was happy with what he won because it paid for our trip. The kids came and picked us up and off to Helen we went.

On our drive towards Helen the scenery was absolutely beautiful. We were making our way through the mountains and headed UP the mountain...our headlights were facing towards the sky. Brittaney being the genius that she is says "Daddy are we going up the mountain or down the mountain?" Keep in mind she is an A & B honor roll student. If I had to choose I would rather her have book sense then common sense though. She did give us a good laugh. We finally made it to Helen to tube the Chattahoochee. It took us about two hours to float down the river, but it was definitely more work than rafting. Britt and I stayed together for most of the trip and Stephen and Hunter were tied together. Austin would occasionally run into Britt and I or Stephen and Hunter. As we made our way back to the car we changed into our dry clothes and it was off to the go cart track. Stephen and the kids rode the go carts while I took pictures. Hunter was actually able to drive the cart with Stephen and he was in heaven. He said "I been wanting to drive for years". We finished the evening with a great steak dinner at the Safari Steakhouse and then it was time to head home. Stephen and I wanted to sleep in our own bed, it's just not real comfortable sharing a queen size bed with a little boy who has to sleep under his Daddy's shoulder.

We had a great time and shared so many laughs that we will never forget. One of my main goals as a mother is to give my children memories that will last a lifetime and Stephen and I did that with our trip. We can not wait to go back next year! Now summer is coming to a close for me because I start school on July 12 and the kids go back the first of August, but I think they can say that they have had a great summer!

Thank you Jesus!

Life has been great the past two weeks. Brian graduated high school on May 29Th. There was a struggle the past two years, but I knew that he could do it and we are so proud. Then on June 2 my niece Stevie gave birth to an 8lb beautiful baby boy named Aidan. I was able to drive up to Delaware on June 3rd with my Mom, Britt, Hunter, and Trevor to visit with them. The last time that I have seen my sister and her children were 4 years ago. My niece gave birth on Tuesday and graduated on Saturday with a 3.8 gpa, great job Stevie! It was a great visit with them and I loved reminiscing about the past.

As I was driving up on Thursday around 1:45 p.m. I got the call that I had been waiting on for years now. I was accepted into the nursing program. I was not expecting to start until October because my advisor said that there "are so many students applying". I was accepted with the understanding that I had to pass the drug competency test which was today. My nerves were going 90 to nothing because I have not taken the math for meds class since summer of 2007 and was afraid that I had forgotten everything. I took the test this morning and passed! I could not get out of the classroom fast enough to call my husband to share the great news with him. Now classes start on July 12Th and that will be the beginning of my journey.

My sister in law (Stephen's baby sister) is due any day now with our new nephew Maddox Seth and I am anxiously awaiting his arrival. I can not wait to have a little one to spoil rotten. Also my neighbor Michelle (who is like my little sister) is expecting a boy any day. What blessings God has given me in just two weeks and I am forever grateful. I feel as though I need to wake up from this dream that I am living any moment now. I am one lucky woman and have the most amazing husband, family, and friends to share this with. Life is good and all I can say is Thank You Jesus!!!

My Mother's Day

This year Mothers day was great. I woke up to breakfast served to me courtesy of Stephen and Hunter. Then Brian had given me a basket of roses, azaleas, and some greenery with the sweetest card. "Happy Mother's Day Thanks for everything Love Brian" so sweet. My inlaws came over for lunch and when we were finished eating Hunter was so excited and wanted me to check out something on the back porch. When I walked out there my bicycle was waiting for me. I jumped on and went for a ride. It was really funny to see me...a large girl on a bike. I wanted it for that purpose, to ride with Hunter through the neighborhood and to possibly lose some weight. I thought all I was going to get was the peace lilly that I had picked out earlier when we had went to Wal-Mart, boy was I surprised! I ended the day with my Mom and took her Mother's day gift which was some flowers because she has such a green thumb.

Last week Hunter had his tonsils and adenoids removed on April 19Th. This past week has been really rough on him because he has been in a lot of pain. My heart has hurt for him and the best thing that I could do for him is to hold him. He was such a big boy as he headed into surgery. Stephen and I were as honest as we possibly could have been. We did not want to scare him, but we also wanted him to know that this procedure was not going to be pain free. The morning of surgery we had to leave the house by 7:30 because he had to be at the hospital at 8:30. He could not have anything to eat and could only drink a sip of water. The entire way to Macon we talked with him about the surgery and answered any questions that he had, which were not many. Once we made it to the hospital he was great for about 30 minutes and then he started complaining that he was hungry. In order to occupy his mind and keep it off of his tummy we walked outside, down the halls, to the bathroom a couple of times, and he had his socks on so being the great mom that I am I let him run and slide on the marble floors. I was willing to do anything to pass the time and prevent him from being anymore miserable that what he already was.
We made our way to the second floor about 9:45 am and my heart was in my throat by now. Hunter was still holding out strong. They performed all of the pre-op procedures and answered any last minute questions that Stephen and I had. The anesthesiologist came in and was extremely thorough with us regarding the medications that he was going to use on Hunter. Through out everything Hunter's only concern was 1) he did not want to have any needles and 2) he did not want to stay at the hospital a long time like I had to. Once the questions were answered he was allowed to go next door to the play room and play until it was time for him to go back. He drew a picture of Mommy, Daddy, and Hunter and Stephen got a kick out of the picture because Mommy had a very large head! The nurse came in shortly after to administer versed to Hunter so that he would not have a hard time leaving us. He has never had surgery before therefore never had versed. Stephen held him and they watched Stuart Little together until the nurses came in to answer any questions about the OR. I knew it was time when I saw one of the nurse's put a blanket down in the wagon and I wanted to cry then, but I held strong for Hunter. Stephen layed him down into the wagon and we walked him to the double doors and they stopped and said "OK Mom and Dad this is where we say good bye". Stephen and I kissed Hunter and told him that we would see him in just a minute. They told us to expect 45 minutes from that point so we looked at the clock and it was 10:45am, so we started timing it. We went to the waiting room and ate some crackers and a drink and I checked my watch 11:12am and Stephen looked up and said "I know that is not the doctor that fast". Sure enough Dr. Griffin came to tell us that Hunter did well and we would be able to see him shortly. We had just enough time to sit down and the recovery room called for us to come back.
When I turned the corner and saw my precious baby laying in the bed upset because Mommy and Daddy were not there, I could not make it to him fast enough. It took a little while to get him to calm down because he woke up without us, but once he calmed down he did great. They tried to administer the IV in his left arm, but apparently could not get a good vein so they went into his left ankle. He was not concerned with the IV, he wanted the red oxygen light off of his finger. That was funny. On the way home he was hungry and wanted some macaroni and cheese. Stephen ordered some and he decided that he did not want that, so he just settled for some sprite. Once we got home he ate macc and cheese, a popsicle, and an ice cream sandwich. The rest of the week proved to me miserable for him though. He knew that he had to drink drink drink and that is exactly what he did.
Last night his scabs fell off and he almost choked on them. He was eating chocolate ice cream and went to swallow and they started to go down. He freaked out a little, but once I explained to him what they were, he was fine. Today is the first day that he has gone with out taking any pain medicine and he has done well. His entire classroom sent him get well cards and he was so excited to read each one.
I went for my 6 week check up on Thursday 4/22 and everything was healing great. Stephen and I both have said that we hope we are done with the hospital for a long time. Now, it is time to get back to our normal life.

3 weeks today

Today makes three weeks out from my surgery and although I am on the healing side, I still have a way's to go. I feel so much better than I did two weeks ago, but I still hurt, I am still uncomfortable, and I am still miserable. If it sounds like I am whining...well yes I am. I feel as though I have become a cry baby in my old age. Especially since surgery, I have had two episodes where I have just cried to Stephen that I can not take anymore and being the wonderful man that he is, he just wiped my tears for me and gave me a pep talk.
I can do laundry, dishes, wipe down counters, cook dinner, and sweep sometimes. Things that I still can not do is vacuuming, mopping floors, sleep on my side or stomach, scrub tubs and showers, pick up anything heavy, sleep all through the night, and there are more that I will keep to myself. I am on the upside of recovery and I am very grateful for that. I can drive with the help of the kids (scary, I know) but if I do not have to drive then I will let someone else do it for me. Brittaney came this past weekend and chauffeured me around, and it was really nice being able to spend the entire weekend with her.
I am a very independent person who relies only on myself. Having to rely on my family for help has been really hard, and I encourage them by telling them " only 3 more weeks". I never knew that I would hurt so much. It is funny how the little things in life we take for granted. Just to think I use to complain about cleaning up. Once I'm completely healed, spring cleaning here I come. I will not even complain...well until the cleaning gets old again. Ha, I will just remember this time where all I can do is move from the bed to the recliner and I will shut my mouth real quick.

My sister's family lives in Delaware because my brother in law is in the Air Force and is stationed there. My nephew Drew (Brian) is 18 and graduated high school last year and went straight into the Air Force, so now his journey begins. He got his orders and will now be stationed in Valdosta which is 3 hours from our house. I am so excited because he will be close to us and his grandparents. So, last night he spent the night with us and had to report this afternoon at 12. Hunter loves Drew so much he is always talking about him, so when I told him that Drew was coming to spend the night he was so excited and said "he can sleep with me". It was a short visit, but well worth it. I had to snap a picture of him in uniform before he left this morning.

At noon today Hunter had his Easter egg hunt with his class and I was able to attend it with him. The walk from the school to the football field (where the hunt took place) was way to long for me, but I sucked it up and kept on trucking for my little man. I was able to stand on the hill and watch him and when he saw that I was there he was so excited. After the egg hunt was over I checked him out of school early and we went to the grocery store to pick up a few things. Hunter was so excited that he was going to be able to ride on the little hoveround cart with me. Brian met us at the store once he got out of school so he was able to pick up the heavy stuff while Hunter navigated us through the store. We finished up and headed home and on the way home mine and Hunter's conversation went like this:

H: "Mommy I'm so glad I come home with you"

M: "Hunter I'm so glad that you came home with me to you have been such a big help"

H: (loudly) "Mommy wait wait slow down"

(as we get over the bridge)

M: "Hunter what is wrong"

H: "member that bridge shakes your belly"
M: "Aww Hunter you are so sweet, it does jiggle Mommy's belly"

So as we get into the subdivision I said to Hunter "Hey how about giving Mommy a kiss since I checked you out of school early and he replies "I have been waiting on that" and I said "waiting on what?" and he says "A kiss from you Mommy". He just melts my heart all of the time.

Once we got home Hunter unloaded all of the groceries...even the heavy stuff as I put away the groceries. By this time I was feeling some pain so I took my medicine and Hunter and I crawled into my bed and snuggled in for a afternoon nap.

Then tonight Stephen shaved my legs for me. I feel like a new person. My surgery was 2 1/2 weeks ago and I have not been able to shave (nasty!!). I bought that smooth away, by the way works really good, thinking that would help him because he was scared he would cut me. Tonight he called me in the bathroom and said "let's get it done". He used my real razor and shaved away. The bottom of the bathtub looked ridiculous once he finished. Hunter finished up the job by putting lotion on my legs. My boys are awesome! Thanks guys so much, I sure could not have survived surgery without you.

Two weeks later...

Today makes two weeks since I had my surgery and things have been really rough. I had a c-section with Hunter so I was expecting pain similar to a c-section, but not this bad. I have had good days and bad days, but I feel that I am on the upper end of recovery now.

I am one who is very independent and not use to people waiting on me at all. Surgery has definitely changed that. Everyone has had to wait on me and at first it was pretty nice, now enough is enough and I'm ready to get back to my old self. I have a better appreciation of my job prior to surgery. Stephen has told everyone that he also has a better appreciation of the things that I do because he has had to play Mr. Mom. I'm sure it is like any job if you trade jobs you will have a better appreciation for your own job. He has made up his mind and said he does not want to be a stay at home dad.

My whole family has been great throughout this surgery/recovery process. I could not ask for a better husband. I knew that before surgery, but he is amazing. He has had to put me in check when I think I can do more than I can handle, cook dinner, baths, laundry, dishes, get the boys to games and practices, take care of me, work his full time job, and I could go on and on. Never once has he complained he just keeps on going. When I am down he wipes my tears and reminds me that a month from now I will feel better than I did before. He gives me his sweet smile and I know things will be fine. I love that man more than ever, he truly is the absolute best!

My boys have been great as well. Brian has taken Hunter back and forth to school, made some dinners, cleaned up the house, and taken care of me. When he is around he tends to baby me by pushing in the recliner for me and asking me constantly "Do you need anything Heather?" He even took care of me the first night in the hospital. Austin has picked up where I have left off as well. When I ask him to do something, he actually does not complain now. He helps Hunter and when I was in the hospital Hunter had a really hard time with me being gone so his Bubbie was there to play with him and keep his mind off of Mommy not being home. Hunter has vacuumed, washed and dried clothes, put the dishes in the dishwasher away, loaded the dishwasher, fed the animals, helped me walk around, and just gave me snuggles and love when I needed them. What 5 year old knows how to do laundry? Mine. Stephen bought me a new washer and dryer (which is really nice) so Hunter has learned how to start both appliances. That kid amazes me with his intelligence!

We had made arrangements prior to surgery that Hunter was going to stay with my Mom and Stephen was going to pick him up from school and they would come to the hospital to see me. Well, things did not go as planned. Hunter had a really hard time with me being gone. The first night Stephen gave him a bath and told Hunter "come on let's hurry Daddy has to get up to the hospital with Momma" and Hunter started crying that he wanted Daddy there. So Stephen could not leave him like this. He was glad that he got to sleep with Daddy every night. Brian stepped in and stayed with me at the hospital reminding me all night long to put my oxygen tube on. He was a really great caregiver. Mom stayed with me the second night. She helped me to the bathroom and would get water for me and took really good care of me. Stephen would come during the day and help me shower and walk, then he would leave to go get Hunter from school and bring him back to the hospital to see me.

I have had some really good dinners made for me by my friends Michelle, Tammy, and Rachel. It is nice having dinner with dessert and knowing that my family is taking care of. So, thanks girls so much! I am very grateful that I have you in my life and I love y'all so much. There have been so many people calling to see if I need anything and that has been so nice. OK, I'm beginning to sound like I have won an award and recognizing all of the people in my life. No award, just some really caring and loving people who need to be recognized. The purpose of my blog is to look back on it 10 years from now and remember these little things.

Post Surgery

Tuesday I had surgery and spent three nights in the hospital. I have never been away from Hunter that long before. I think that we both were having withdrawals. I was able to come home this morning while Hunter was at school. I climbed into my bed and tried to get somewhat as comfortable as I possibly could. Hunter came in from school and immediately made a b-line for our bedroom. I was asleep so he crawled up in bed with me and gave me lots of love and preceded to tell me how much he missed me and he was so glad that I was home. I remember waking up with him sound asleep up under me. He has never done that before...take a nap when he got home from school.
While I was gone he was able to sleep with Daddy and he was really excited about that. He did not want to stay with anyone except Stephen, they had a really good time while I was gone and I knew that Hunter was very well taken care of. The only thing I had to concentrate on was getting my self well enough to come home and be with those that I love the most. My hospital room was really really nice and the nurses took very good care of me, but there is no place like home and I'm glad to be back.
Brian stayed with me one night and saw to it that I had my oxygen mask on the entire time. I fought with that stupid thing all night long. The next night my Mom stayed with me and took good care of me. I am so grateful to have so many people in my life who love me and take care of me. I am a very hard person to take care of because I want to be the one to take care of others and not them take care of me.

What a beautiful day on Sunday. I have not been myself here lately. I'm not sure if it is because I'm getting a little nervous as surgery is quickly approaching or maybe it is because surgery needs to fix the things that are wrong with me. Anyway yesterday we had the in-laws over and I fixed a big lunch so the kids and husband were getting under my skin just a little (no fault of their own). Stephen decides that he needs to get the kids out of the house and away from me so they head to Home Depot. When they returned home Hunter comes running inside with a handful of butter cups. Talk about guilt...yes I was feeling really guilty. He was so excited that Daddy pulled over so that he could pick these off the side of the road. Britt and Brian helped as well, so Britt informed me that it was a joint effort.
I reallly hope that after surgery my moods will level out and I will not be so edgy all of the time. My poor family is suffering. I'm glad to know that even though I have not been in the best of moods lately...ok maybe for a long time now, my family still loves me. I am one lucky girl to have a gorgous, loving, sweet, husband and the most beautiful, sweet children who love me no matter how mean I am :)
I am not a fan of flowers because they cost to much money and wilt and die. However, these are the best flowers I could ask for. Picked right from the heart. I absolutely LOVE them! Thanks guys I love you so much...you are the best!

Hunter's 5th birthday party

Man when we party...we really party. We celebrated Hunter's 5Th birthday on February 27Th and rented the entire skating rink. Stephen and I (more Stephen) were worried that we were not going to have many kids show up. Boy were we surprised. With the skating party it covers 30 people and we wanted to make sure that we got our money's worth. I think we did plus some. I had made 24 goody bags for the children and gave everyone of them away and was still short 3! Plus we had the parents who accompanied the children. I think total we had almost 50 people there.
We had a blast. Pizza, chips, cookies, cake, drinks, skates, and fun music now that is a party. Some of the guests had not been on skates since they were their children's age. We even had the grandparents on skates. Stephen and I decided after two injuries that night and the body aches the next day, next year skating was off limits to the grandparents. The only thing that we were missing was 80's and 90's music. Brittaney was running the music so she would not let us play old songs...party pooper! I laughed so hard at everyone, it was such a joy to see smiles on every one's face.
Someone please tell me why I have tried to do Hunter's parties at my house these past few years? Oh yeah because he is only 5! I think every year we will have skating parties. I know how much I love that little guy, but I was amazed at everyone else that loves him as well. Thank you so much everyone for sharing in his special day with us. He told me several times "Mommy dis is de best birtday ever". What a great feeling to know that you make your children happy.

Put your child on restriction and this is what you get...

Last week Brian was on restriction for the weekend. For something small, but I had to follow through with my discipline because I am a pushover when it comes to the kids. So, he decided to make dinner for everyone. I do not know if he was being nice, or trying to suck up so that I would let him off the handle. Either way dinner was absolutely delicious and very much appreciated. I really wish I would have taken pictures of the food on the grill, however I was slacking just slightly enjoying the break. He grilled filet mignon, shrimp, mushrooms and onions, made a few steak and shrimp kabobs, and a tossed salad. Not only did he make all of this, but he bought the steak for everyone.

I told him that he should do this more often. Cook that is not get on restriction. However, restriction was nice for Stephen and I because we were actually able to spend time with him. No wonder as a child we stayed on restriction so much...I understand my parents plans now. This coming week as I head into surgery Brian keeps assuring me that he has the kitchen part covered. I have been cooking meals and freezing them and he tells me "Heather, quit worrying I got this." As long as the kid has zesty Italian dressing he can make anything.
Thank you Brian dinner was great. I love you and am very thankful that I have you!

 

Valentine's Day

With Valentine's Day being on Sunday every woman is so excited I'm sure. I can not stand Valentine's Day! Yes, you heard it correctly I think Valentine's Day is the most ridiculous day ever! Stephen and I have the same opinion about it which is If you can not tell/show me everyday that you love me, well then don't tell me one day! It is a cute romance day for boyfriend/girlfriends, but that is it. Many of you will disagree, but I'm firm in my beliefs. I do buy a little valentine for my children though.
The other day Stephen and his Mom were having a conversation and I overheard it, It went something like this.
Stephen " Hey Momma guess where I'm taking Heather for Valentine's day?
( I quickly tuned in and was thinking to myself What? you know we don't celebrate that stupid day. But I was interested and thought he had something up his sleeve)

Momma "Aww that is nice where are you taking her?"
Stephen " To our living room because Nascar comes back on"
Momma "Well that's nice"

I could not help but laugh. He is a Nascar FANatic and looks forward to Sunday's so that he can watch the race. Thanks honey I really do love you and look forward to watching the race right beside you. Boogity, Boogity, Boogity...let's go racing.

Dancing the night away

Friday night Hunter and I attended the Pre-K ball/dance at his school. Stephen and I went out and bought him a shirt, tie, and new shoes (To match Daddy's) for him to attend this event. He was so excited about going to the dance and wearing his tie. We had to take lots of pictures so that everyone could see him all dressed up.
I asked Hunter what car did he want to take (since this was his night) and he told me Daddy's truck because it's cooler. He was so excited and we could not get there fast enough. Although, he would occasionally ask me "Mommy are you speeding?" No Hunter, I would reply and I honestly was not. He kept naming off all of his friends that he was going to dance with and I was so glad to hear they were boys.
When we arrived at the dance they were taking pictures so I had it in my mind that Hunter and I would take our pictures together because after all this is our first dance. Ha...I was wrong! He wanted to take a picture by himself. I thought that was fine I'm not to fond of pictures of myself anyway. After pictures he found his friend Mia and they hung out together all night...and danced...and danced some more. Yes so much for Hunter hanging out with his boy...friends. He is just like his Daddy and brothers and likes to romance the ladies. He hung with his friends all night with the occasional looking over at me to make sure that I was still there. It made my heart melt as he would give me a smile.
Despite Mommy getting her heart broken because my little boy is growing up to quick we really had a great time. I know that I am still the most important woman in his life and will be for years to come.