Sugarland - Just Might (Make Me Believe)

Make sure you scroll down to the playlist to pause it or you'll have 2 songs going at a time. Listen/watch the video :)

No words are really even necessary today - this song is enough....but I'm never at a loss for words!

It's funny how I will hear a song on the radio on the way to work (usually after I drop the kids off) that just spells out everything in my mind. For one, $ is tough this week. Dr. Travis has been out of town and I got my last paycheck 21 days ago. I'm used to being paid every 14 days plus we had a birthday blow out for Emma-Leigh during that time. Damion is struggling with getting his customers to pay him. He has plenty of work (praise the Lord) and stays super busy but getting paid (On Time) has been difficult. When I hear songs like this, it makes me focus on the things that really matter. So what I can't go out to lunch today (and have to eat a turkey sandwich for the 3rd day in a row) my entire family is healthy, happy and there is more than enough love to go around. My husband loves me with every piece of his heart, which I still can't figure out and who says you can't live on love? We were able to go on a family vacation this year and our bills aren't late so why should I feel sorry for myself? Madison is in Florida right now and Sarah is taking Emma-Leigh to paint pottery downtown this afternoon. Basically this is a wake up call to me that things could be worse...a lot worse.

Last night we said goodbye to a dear friend -


and Emma-Leigh scooted away on her scooter (in her pajamas) like she didn't even care. I (of course) was teary-eyed.


Here's a sneak peek from Madison and Bayley's "photo shoot" in Florida done by Cindy's sister, Christy.


Aren't they beautiful?

Hot, summer days...

Summer time really doesn't have the same meaning for me as it used to. It's just a season - just temperature, weather. I still have to go to work. Summer time actually costs more for me than any other season. See, hardly anything in this world is free and my kids need constant entertainment. They are having a good time though - guess that is what it's all about! Today my lunch time was spent by the pool, watching Emma-Leigh and Riley swim (while wearing jean capris and a black shirt). It was very short but I did get to enjoy my lunch with them while sitting at a table under an umbrella. It was fun! Better than eating my turkey sandwich in the kitchen at work by myself. Here are a few pictures I took while I was there...


Madison is having a fun time in Florida. Cindy sent me a picture of them earlier. She said they were playing volleyball on the beach with her nephews. I bet they are having such a great time.

Aren't they cute?

I'm having a Mary Kay party on Thursday night. Not very many people are coming. Just mom, Vickie, Sarah, April and Hannah. I'm trying to talk Dawn into coming. Michelle is at the lake. Time is precious so I get why people don't want to attend things like this but it will be fun to just hang out and have some adult time for a change - even if it is a small group!

It's Monday..seems like it's always Monday. They come around so fast.

The weekend was pretty uneventful. A lazy weekend for us - which I guess is just what we needed.

Friday I went out to lunch with Andrea and her little boy, Garrett. He is such a cutey! It was fun meeting him (I didn't see him last time they were here) and catching up with Andrea. Here's a picture of him tasting a lemon for the first time.

Friday night Damion and I went to dinner at Grove Park with Cindy and Randy for their anniversary. Dinner was the seafood buffet and was pretty good. Afterwards we went down to Elaine's piano bar. I love that place! I could sit there and listen to them play and sing all night long. Here's a picture of Damion and I - it is a terrible picture - we both look like we have double chins, I guess the angle of the camera and the way we were sitting didn't help but we were having fun and I want to put this on here just so I can remember it (even if we do look fat and nasty).

It was a late night for us. We didn't make it back to Cindy's house (her mom was keeping the girls) until well after midnight. Madison was ready to come home, EL was fast asleep but I scooped her up and stuck her in the car anyway.

Saturday I was hoping to go to the pool. Madison slept until noon and did not want to go when she woke up. Emma-Leigh didn't at first but later on in the afternoon she decided she wanted to - it was just too late by then. So we didn't go. We did go to Target to get Madison a few things for her trip then I dropped her off at Cindy's - they were leaving for Florida early Sunday morning. EL and I met Shawn, April & Abigail at Chili's for dinner that night but then came home and crashed! After doing absolutely nothing all day, we were exhausted.

Sunday, EL had a birthday party to go too. This was for her friend, Grace, who she has known since preschool. They had a great time together!

We had a huge thunderstorm yesterday. Crazy thunder and lightening. I enjoyed it but I have to admit I was a little on edge. It was unlike anything I had ever seen - and I was driving in it.

So Madison is in the sunshine state and here I am at work - missing her like crazy. I hope she has lots of fun and stays safe. Emma-Leigh has Sarah & Riley all to herself this week since the other little boy Sarah keeps is on vacation. I'm sure she is having a ball!

The start of another year...for Miss Emma-Leigh

Well, another trip around the sun has begun for this little lady. I'm tearful just thinking about it. Let's see how much she's changed at this same time next year. . . Currently, she still is afraid of her own shadow. She follows me around everywhere I go. If she happens to be in a room alone (doesn't happen often) she will shout for me - just so she will know where I am. (In my mind I'm thinking - hello? our house is tiny! where else would I be? But then I am quickly reminded that it won't be like this for long. I need to enjoy it while I can.) She loves to snuggle. Absolutley loves it when either Damion or I sleeps with her. It is usually Damion that does, I need my alarm clock and he can sleep anywhere. He loves it though. It's his way of spending more time with her (and sometimes Madison too) since he's always working. She still sleeps with her blankies. The same blankets that we've had since before she was born. They are microfleece - yellow. I love those things! It is amazing how much comfort something like that can bring. She doesn't take them everywhere with her but I have found that if I bring them along, just the thought that they are in the car is enough for her. She and Madison fight like crazy but this past week or two they have been getting along great. Every evening they play together - it is amazing and I love to see them in action. They are 2 creative little people, that is for sure. Some of EL's favorite foods are chicken legs, pizza, crazy bread, corn (on the cob only), any kind of chocolate, peanuts, and she loves to have apple juice first thing in the morning. Riley has got to be Emma-Leigh's biggest fan. She adores "mimi" and they have so much fun together! EL has a "boyfriend" named Ethan who actually called her last night and sang Happy Birthday on the answering machine. It was the sweetest thing I have ever heard and she absolutely loved it! Emma-Leigh is such a fun girl. Full of energy and spontaneity. You just never know what she's gonna do. She can also be a handful - especially when it comes to her temper. She's got a bit of a short fuse and if she is hot - watch out! I have found that when she freaks out like that, all she needs is a hug. That usually calms her down but usually when she's acting all crazy the last thing I want to do is hug her. haha. Our world wouldn't be the same without her. I can't believe she's already 8.

Love Like Crazy

A lot going on inside my head today...I heard this song on the way to work and it got me to thinking. The chorus is what got me.

Heavy heart today...
be a best friend - tell the truth...how do you do that? Successfully?

I've been scoping out Darius Rucker today on youtube. Just watched a rendition of Purple Rain. It was so good! I checked on his tour dates just a minute ago. He's in Greenville on October 28th. There's a meet and greet - for $250 a ticket. Oh how I would love to do that. However, Reagan will be arriving on or around that day....

Emma-Leigh's birthday is today! I can't believe she is already 8. Another reminder that time is my biggest enemy.

Monday (again, already)

Emma-Leigh's fabulous birthday party was yesterday! She had a great turnout and had a blast with all her friends! I am especially proud of the fruit bowl I prepared (with the help of Sarah and Dad). It was delicious! Mom took Emma-Leigh shopping at the mall yesterday while Madison, Sarah & I got things ready. Sarah supplied the blender and pina colada mix, tables, chairs,lots of creative ideas and some back breaking manual labor. So a shout out to Sarah - I appreciate all that you've helped me with this summer :)
So yesterday at 4pm it was raining, pouring actually. It was not looking good. About 30 minutes later, it stopped and the sun came beating down. Hallelujah! I had bought a small pool (which Damion rigged up at the bottom of the playground slide) and a slip 'n slide type thing that you use a boogie board with. The kids had a lot of fun and we were happy it turned out so well.
Here's the (skinny) birthday girl!

The kids doing a balloon toss.

Emma-Leigh going down the slide.


Time to whack the pinata - which I completely forgot about until people started to leave!

The party was over around 7pm or so. Long party! I was just happy everyone was having a good time. All the parents stayed - which I wasn't expecting but it was great! After everyone left, I began the clean up process. Not fun. I also had to (had to) clean the floors - the kitchen and the hardwoood, and vaccuum the carpet. After that - a long, hot, bubble bath was calling my name. I was exhausted.
Here's a picture of the "store" the girls were playing last night with all EL's new loot. Madison is so organized.

They played for a few hours together - this is so nice and so rare but it seems as if it is happening more and more here lately.
And now it is Monday (again) and almost 5pm. I promise to go to bed early tonight, promise.

New phone :)

I got my phone today (sing-song voice). It's super fun! It will take me a long time to get used to but so far, I like it! It's the Droid Incredible!

I got to hang out with Jen today. She came for lunch and we ran around running a few errands. I had to go pick up napkins from the party store and take them to Wal-Mart where I ordered the cake to match them. After that I headed home to pick up my phone which was waiting for me at the front door! Super excited :) Then Jen and I hung out at Verizon for about an hour while they got it all hooked up for me. We then shot across the street to Acropolis where we got take out and came back to work to eat it. I love hanging out with her. We just catch right up, pick up where we left off and it is so fun!

Big Birthday bash on Sunday...it looks like there is a 30% chance of rain.

Another quiet day...

Almost done with the work week - it's exhausting when we are this slow. Summer time is a huge difference for us than during the school year. Kids are out of school, the sun is shining, people feel better in the summer. But wait until a week before school starts, it will be terrible! Riley got to hang out at our house last night. She is so much fun to be around! Madison wasn't home again so it was just Riley and Emma-Leigh hanging out. They jumped on the trampoline, watched tv, ate dinner together, played with barbies and took a bubble bath. Fun times! Well, my new phone was delivered to the house today...although it wasn't left :( signature was required. I'm so disappointed! Guess I will get it tomorrow.

I sure do have a lot of time on my hands this week it seems. I'm all caught up at work, wish I could just leave and go home where there is so much other work to be done!

EL and I went to Wal-Mart last night to do a little shopping for Damion's new office. (Madison spent the night with Bayley.) He needed things like bottled water, cokes, gatorade, fruit, granola bars, cream & sugar...we ran into Brett, Sarah & Riley while we were there. Riley was so cute sitting in the tote that they were buying.


It seems as if Madison is never home anymore. She spent the night with Bayley last night and will be spending the night with Ashley tonight. I did manage to get a picture of she & Riley playing the Wii @ Brett and Sarah's yesterday.

It's kinda hard to see but Madison is standing on the actual balance board, Riley is on a scale. LoL.

Tomorrow Sarah is taking Emma-Leigh and Riley to the Waynesville Water Park (Madison will be at Ashley's). I wish I could be with the girls during the summer time. I wish I could be with them all the time actually but the reality of having to work and pushing them off on someone else to entertain them during the summer sucks. I could do some fine entertaining! Too bad you don't get paid for mom duties - monetarily, that is.

It's a weird rainy monday. Hardly anybody is at work today. Right now it's just me, Hannah & Holly. Not a single patient in the building. It is very quiet. Too quiet. We had a drug rep lunch today - not expected at all. There are only drug rep lunches when we have a MD in the office. The rep messed up but gave us the food anyway. We were pleasantly surprised!

The weekend went by too fast - they always do. Madison spent the night with Bayley friday night and then went to Kippan's saturday night for her birthday. Brett, Sarah, Riley, Emma-Leigh and I went to see Toy Story 3 in 3-D Saturday afternoon. It was their first 3-D movie so it was very exciting!

Here are Riley and EL walking into the theatre.


The movie was good. A little sad.

After the movie -




Sunday we went to the pool - only to get rained on 4 hours later. 4 hours was long enough I guess. It is so nice to just sit in a chair and read a book though. Wish it really were that relaxing. haha. I am reading the book "Eat, Pray, Love" right now. April checked it out at the library and gave it to me to read while she's reading her other book. I am almost finished with it. At first I didn't think I would like it. The first part was hard to get thru but the Pray part was interesting and the Love part is great! I can't wait to see the movie when it comes out in August.

My man, Darius Rucker (as if you all didn't know) has a new single coming out tomorrow. I'm unclear if it's just the single that is being released or the whole album. Probably the single. Anyway, if you get a chance, check it out on you tube. It's called "Come Back Song". I like it! But then again, I like all his music!

7/9/10

Man is it hot or what?! It is almost unbearable! We haven't had any rain for days - I think there is a 30% chance of rain tomorrow...let's hope it happens!

Things have been pretty busy for me here lately. Work, work and more work. Hannah has been here for a full week now and we are cooking with gas. I have 2 small things to take care of on my desk and that is it. We are all caught up! Such a great feeling.

EL got stung by a wasp on the thumb the other day. First bee sting ever. She cried of course and got over it. Then 2 days later, her whole hand puffed up and got hot. Sarah took her to the doctor and they left with 2 prescriptions. She is not allergic though. The doctor said that is common for wasp stings.

We went to the lake for the 4th of July. Damion stayed behind and worked...surprise. He moved to a different office while we were gone. A bigger, better, cheaper place. Shawn joined the masses with On Time Construction on Monday. He has finally bit the bullet and made his move. Damion is stoked! I am hoping they will join forces and kick some butt...and work less, too. I can have my cake and eat it too, right? LoL






proof that I really was at the lake - there are never pictures of me!

Madison went to The Wilderness Lodge in Pigeon Forge with her friend Brianna this week. She had a really great time and is happy to be home for a few days I think.

EL has been spending her days at "Sarah's Summer Day Camp" with Sarah & Riley. She loves her Rileybug so much and I am thrilled they are able to spend their days together.

Tomorrow we are planning to go see Toy Story 3. It will be me, the girls, Sarah & Riley. I am looking forward to it!

It's about time...

Happy Friday ya'll! I have let way too much time pass since my last "real" post...Here's what's been going on...we went on our family vacation (plus Bayley) to the Bahamas - Freeport & Nassau. We discovered that we aren't cruise people. We had a good time but prefer to spend the $ (and so much of it) on something else..like maybe just to a beach. I don't know, I just didn't like seeing the water from the ship the whole time, I wanted to be out there in it.

We left out of Charleston and that may have been where we messed up we did not want to drive all the way to Floria. Our boat was kinda small but that was okay for us, it was our first cruise and we just enjoyed the experience. The girls on the other hand, had a blast!


Yesterday, my new girl at work started. Her name is Hannah. These past few days have been very very quiet. My great and awesome, wonderful pal Dawn covered for me while I was on vacation. She did a terrific job and I am so very very greatful to her!

The girls have been at the lake since Wednesday. It's been a quite couple days at the house.
Here's Madison driving the golf cart.


Best cousins (on most days).

Damion and I went to Ichiban Wednesday night. Shawn met us there (it was his birthday). Thursday night we just hung out at home. When I leave work today, I will head on down to the lake and stay there until Monday. I am hoping Damion will come down on Sunday. We will see!


Happy 4th of July!!