tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45578189225613898422024-03-05T04:58:41.992-06:00AWatsonAndrea http://www.blogger.com/profile/01199119819269141865noreply@blogger.comBlogger239125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4557818922561389842.post-42935029723646290882022-01-16T18:18:00.003-06:002022-01-16T18:18:53.020-06:00Still a Blogger<p>I have missed this. Wow, have I missed this. Blogging my life is like journaling for me. It is a type of therapy. There is something so healing about typing out my thoughts, The good, the bad, the random, the big moments, and the small moments. Yet, I like so many other moms, have spent the last sixish years exhausted doing all the mom duties. I cannot tell you how many days I felt like if anyone were to add even one sprinkle to my plate, I was going to completely collapse. I wouldn't change a single minute of it. However, if I were to think about my daughter living her life the same way, I would want to stop her. I would want her to know how important she is. That her happiness is key to raising happy kids. That finding time to breathe, doing things she enjoys, she isn't selfish. It is vital to being healthy. </p><p>I want to be healthy. I want to find time to blog. I enjoy doing it. It isn't a job. It isn't for someone else. It is for me. </p><p>I am not sure where, when, or what my next content will be, but for now here are some recent pictures to catch you up on the family. :-) </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcHuPPpchO-5Gdx60QBbHH-fZlTtBLGzKjGgpvuPfL1grjKSpY-tUO5t0EHBWWHIsK9aWu47r4jOlElZZ9UL9_ao04oi3KDYfxpNuaAbPLAA-PpUAqNq2H0-f0yDgIAoTi1it9OqEIZ2hPvQKaARXimGxnhYEqgp0Gfe7J8Jv71bz-4_kkf_-v-uHLYA=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcHuPPpchO-5Gdx60QBbHH-fZlTtBLGzKjGgpvuPfL1grjKSpY-tUO5t0EHBWWHIsK9aWu47r4jOlElZZ9UL9_ao04oi3KDYfxpNuaAbPLAA-PpUAqNq2H0-f0yDgIAoTi1it9OqEIZ2hPvQKaARXimGxnhYEqgp0Gfe7J8Jv71bz-4_kkf_-v-uHLYA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdC6_TRiOcqWP5h4ko4LNE7duSUMjeYx5tQmCCPtF3RAzA7Rpn4RNV_UjLifI-NpDYBB1eY05W0cO2uHbUdNaU4XKVNegUlr3lfDmYf4QerowX3kRqTswLDsL9NnYBJT_5IlaED6bf01BQV_WCepErZer0ZqPC0nPgF4G9mIIaNiF_REuLldY27XewTw=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdC6_TRiOcqWP5h4ko4LNE7duSUMjeYx5tQmCCPtF3RAzA7Rpn4RNV_UjLifI-NpDYBB1eY05W0cO2uHbUdNaU4XKVNegUlr3lfDmYf4QerowX3kRqTswLDsL9NnYBJT_5IlaED6bf01BQV_WCepErZer0ZqPC0nPgF4G9mIIaNiF_REuLldY27XewTw=s320" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQ1fBxQODuJ5iR-QJ-XST8wtQcjoJG3nu_Efq0FzlWsjT-yaTYafYnDkUI_x3PNFmKAP2y38fO0VtzPGXacnKsaoAPQ2XVK6dYu28z2PX52riH9I2wbQ32I1aLpjicWEOYhveinmFGfrfXSoEv2f0V58f7YVhs9M_-KOLwQfrld32bVUITwuWDeY53MQ=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQ1fBxQODuJ5iR-QJ-XST8wtQcjoJG3nu_Efq0FzlWsjT-yaTYafYnDkUI_x3PNFmKAP2y38fO0VtzPGXacnKsaoAPQ2XVK6dYu28z2PX52riH9I2wbQ32I1aLpjicWEOYhveinmFGfrfXSoEv2f0V58f7YVhs9M_-KOLwQfrld32bVUITwuWDeY53MQ=s320" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgc8OEP0d06q_-fpW0hjbeGSjzei5aXR56STdqykiM2gjQNtTnBO1pMJqCt-JvXi6pqXsec6Y6EbcITPvF7tuvpwLDiofvdHF4PTC2bVAb-PZ7yyUbinsxmg6c8gXmVE2dV5kVl-f3E6f_gmFqPEqkXQ25852Ehug1Sp0M4vlzRMuNiCaxJ6PfqDnQ-Gw=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgc8OEP0d06q_-fpW0hjbeGSjzei5aXR56STdqykiM2gjQNtTnBO1pMJqCt-JvXi6pqXsec6Y6EbcITPvF7tuvpwLDiofvdHF4PTC2bVAb-PZ7yyUbinsxmg6c8gXmVE2dV5kVl-f3E6f_gmFqPEqkXQ25852Ehug1Sp0M4vlzRMuNiCaxJ6PfqDnQ-Gw=s320" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2D3thJC7M_1QF1WVZ1eKqxl6eVOCiSoz6qdYtaN0Z0vEeLsG6IJr4TMdKalAiruuxu39I1CbTJVYdgUsYuFA0d5MAbiPhs293rxRrMcNyHmwBHqqa-tf4xvSOySyvgDdwljDM7qwIWWuWWBn0QuoC75UfhrUv22Y741_6QgFb1VP3eXebYu9ZnVVO7g=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2D3thJC7M_1QF1WVZ1eKqxl6eVOCiSoz6qdYtaN0Z0vEeLsG6IJr4TMdKalAiruuxu39I1CbTJVYdgUsYuFA0d5MAbiPhs293rxRrMcNyHmwBHqqa-tf4xvSOySyvgDdwljDM7qwIWWuWWBn0QuoC75UfhrUv22Y741_6QgFb1VP3eXebYu9ZnVVO7g=s320" width="213" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Andrea http://www.blogger.com/profile/01199119819269141865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4557818922561389842.post-21608160262830203212017-06-25T22:27:00.000-05:002017-06-25T22:27:35.193-05:00Raw Emotion Man I don't blog very much anymore. I miss it. I need it. It, like many other things, goes in the pile of "when mom has extra time" stack. Ha! Me time, that is a real joke.I have a massive stack of laundry, giving me dirty looks, right now in fact.<br />
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I know you can already see where this post is heading. It isn't going to be a flowery post. Please don't misunderstand me, I know I am blessed in so many ways. It is just that right now, I feel like if I don't let some of this out, my heart might actually explode. Hey, it's my blog and I get to make the rules.<br />
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I've been sitting here looking at this picture tonight.<br />
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I cannot seem to stop. The raw emotion captured is not something we usually want displayed. It has gotten me on somewhat of a downward spiral. The picture was taken during some of Ty's final hours of life. Marshal and I have had him for 16 years. It has been a rough year for the Watson pets. Ty makes the third loss.<br />
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I could go on about how sad I am over the loss of Ty. It makes my heart hurt so much. The thing is though, as I am looking at this picture, I can't help but think about the emotion I am displaying. The picture shows something I wouldn't show very many people.My cheeks are literally stained with tears. It isn't really a proper FB or IG pictures.<br />
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Here is the thing about that picture; I am hurting. It is ok that I am hurting. I have the right to hurt.<br />
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I am not going to sit over here and act like I am the only one with problems. I absolutely understand that most everyone has something that challenges them, that makes them hurt. Life is full of ups and downs. I get it. Some of us are up, way up, and some of us are down.<br />
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The deal is...Sometimes I get really really tired of smiling. Sometimes I am not ok. Sometimes I just need you to see the raw emotions in the picture. Sometimes I just want it to be ok for me to cry and you to not try and stop me. Having a husband that is unemployed stinks. Sometimes I just want you to ask me how I am and not expect me to lie to you. Having parents that are sick is hard. Sometimes I just want you to talk to me and not change the subject. Dealing with the lack of insurance and not being able to get the medicine I need leaves me feeling desperate. Sometimes I want you to actually check on me. Financial instability is scary.<br />
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Before anyone gets any ideas that I am talking about someone in particular, I am not. I am not writing this to anyone except myself. I know I am the one that has the problem. I put on this show, like it is expected of me. Everyone else in social media land has a perfect life, I should too, right.<br />
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Well I am admitting my life isn't perfect. In fact right now I don't really like it at all. And I just admitted that to everyone. I am quite certain that is a total gasp worthy no no in social circles everywhere. I guess raw emotions don't always make a pretty picture.<br />
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I will smile again tomorrow, but for today I am allowing myself the time to just not be okay for a little while. And guess what...I've decided that it is okay.<br />
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Andrea http://www.blogger.com/profile/01199119819269141865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4557818922561389842.post-9232030493868128412016-11-27T21:22:00.001-06:002016-11-27T21:22:28.097-06:00ATTENTION: Army Party Details Jaxton turned seven! I cannot even believe it! He is all about army everything. He was so excited to have an army themed birthday party he couldn't even stand it. I had fun making all of the party details come together.<br />
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First, I put together these little party favor bags.<br />
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Next, up was decorating the house with the party theme.<br />
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Then of course, the boot camp.<br />
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There might have been a couple of prisoners taken hostage.</div>
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And a couple of cute moms that just chilled inside while the nosy party took place outside.</div>
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But most importantly there was an ecstatic little boy that loved being surround with his favorite people and his favorite things on his 7th Birthday!<br />
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Andrea http://www.blogger.com/profile/01199119819269141865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4557818922561389842.post-13660031536376954992016-07-07T20:09:00.000-05:002016-07-07T20:09:35.295-05:00I LOVE cactuses! Oh and I went to Arizona When Marshal and I were on our ten year anniversary trip we made a promise to each other that we would take another trip together in five years. This year was the five year mark. We searched and searched for places to go. Nothing seemed to stick. Either the price was more than we could spend, with the other things we have going on, or we just didn't get too crazy excited about it.<br />
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Over the past several years, I have become more and more interested in going places I've never been. Kind of on a whim, I threw out Arizona. We did a little bit of internet searching and it stuck. Three weeks later, we were on our way. <br />
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I had absolutely no idea what was in store for me. I assumed I was going to have a good time. I was going on a vacation without my children; of course it was going to be fun. Y'all this vacation literally shocked me. I must of said "this is so beautiful" at least a billion times. I kept wishing my eyes were little video cameras, so that I could share everything I was seeing, with my friends and family at home. It was so much more than I had planned on. I was grinning from ear to ear every minute of it.<br />
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I am usually not a huge selfie girl, but my goodness, on this trip, I took a zillion of them. I know this makes me sound ridiculous, but I couldn't get over the pure happiness on my face. I wanted to capture it so I could keep it forever. <br />
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We stayed at a resort in Carefree Arizona.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewhM7I9gD4U">Carefree Highway by Gordon Lightfoot </a></td></tr>
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Carefree is not only an awesome name for a town, but it is the home to the America's largest sundial. Some new knowledge for you, right.<br />
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We stayed at The Boulders Resort and Spa. It is stunning! It sits on 1,300 acres of the Sonoran Desert foothills, surround with tons of boulder formations to explore. Wow you guys! Wow!You could go to Carefree and stay at The Boulders for days and never leave. <br />
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I have a thousand more photos of the resort alone. This post is already going to be a mile long with photos so I am trying to refrain. Eeek! </div>
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One of the things that got me so excited about going on this trip was the opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride. That has been a bucket list item for me forever. Marshal and I hadn't been at the resort ten minutes and I was over at the concierge getting it booked. So darn excited! I was absolutely amazed by it! So so fun! </div>
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We saw these donkeys from the air. Ok they called them burros. I had no idea they lived in the desert. They told us that back in the gold mine days they brought them in and apparently abandoned them there.<br />
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Landing is kind of tricky. You just go where the wind takes you. We had a chase crew that followed us on the ground. When we started getting closer they drove out to meet us. We had to deflate the balloon in a spot that didn't have vegetation that would tear up the balloon. As we were getting close to the ground the pilot told us that we were in a brand new balloon. The first group to ride in it. He pointed out how it was all pretty and clean and how it was about to get dirty once we landed. It was so cool! Anyway, while the crew was putting up the balloon they served us breakfast and champagne.<br />
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Marshal was not all that crazy about the balloon ride. At 7,000 feet all he could think about was the basket tipping and us tumbling to the ground to our death. Maybe it is the emergency manager in him. The thought never even crossed my mind. Ha! </div>
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Oh well, he got his adventure too. He chose taking a side by side out through the desert. I loved it because it allowed us to get truly out into the middle of nowhere desert. It was just us and our tour guide who was so great to us. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuxjsEsgbGhnimr6RRh_dvMLvZ4KW7TooCB7jgUK9QpCLJZglkyAJn-YTEd_x0ERbaoyvX-kBLtzjdPnZBM1CbfZv24fEgy5yQYBd2Piti68nSyPpzpTXQDf18u4lj-7EtzagXBpesYcy/s1600/IMG_1850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuxjsEsgbGhnimr6RRh_dvMLvZ4KW7TooCB7jgUK9QpCLJZglkyAJn-YTEd_x0ERbaoyvX-kBLtzjdPnZBM1CbfZv24fEgy5yQYBd2Piti68nSyPpzpTXQDf18u4lj-7EtzagXBpesYcy/s320/IMG_1850.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only time M is up and smiling at 5:30 a.m. </td></tr>
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We spent a lot of time traveling so that we could see some amazing places. We knew if we were going to be that close we wanted to go to the Grand Canyon. It was a three hour trip from where we were staying. I already can't wait to go back!<br />
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We also spent a day driving to The Petrified Forest. It was four hours from our resort. On the way there we stopped to see the Meteor Crater.<br />
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And of course if you are going to do that, you might as well stop and get your picture made on the corner of Winslow Arizona... (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI3F687SsoU">Thank you to the Eagles for that song) </a></div>
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The Petrified Forest was packed with amazing scenery. One minute you were seeing The Painted Desert.</div>
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The next minute you were seeing the ruins left behind by the Puebloan people and petroglyphs they drew on the rock surfaces. </div>
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Then the beautiful sand of The Blue Mesa.<br />
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And The Petrified Wood. Oh the petrified wood was unbelievable! You need to come visit me so you can touch it. I couldn't keep my hands off of it. I had to buy some and bring it home with me. Yes it may have caused me a little trouble getting through TSA.<br />
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"Excuse me, ma'am what do you have in this suitcase?" "Wood. Why do you ask?" "I am going to need you to step over here with me for a minute."<br />
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Marshal watches Bar Rescue so on the way "home" we had to stop at Chilleen's on 17. Although, I am going to tell you, even if Marshal didn't watch Bar Rescue we would have probably stopped at Chilleen's on 17. Interstate 17 has nothing, and I do mean nothing, on it except a bunch of mountains and people that think the speed limit is 95. </div>
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The moonshine drinks and the food was delicious in case you were curious. Great job Jon Taffer and crew!</div>
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We did spend a couple of days relaxing at the resort. I got Marshal to spend an entire day with me at the spa. Now before you get to thinking all sorts of crazy things over there, let me explain that the spa included a pool, meditation garden, sauna, organic garden, along with indoor men's and women's steam rooms, jet pools, etc. I got a massage and offered to book one for him. He doesn't even know what he is missing out on. Awwwww....it was sooooooo goooood. </div>
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Ok so Marshal didn't really like the meditation thing. I thought it was really cool. I am pretty sure he just made fun of me the whole time. I also loved picking fresh lavender to take back to the casita with us. He thought I was just making a mess.<br />
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I thought it was pretty funny he picked the one chair that just happened to be by the emergency telephone. <br />
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I had to take a picture of this shower. It doesn't do it justices, but it was huge and I loved it and I am not even exaggerating, I went back in that locker room and took a shower in there 5 times and just stood there. I know, I am a total dork. It was just perfect what else can I say!<br />
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We saw lots of animals during our trip. I really wanted to bring a chipmunk home. Imagine what TSA would have said to me about that.<br />
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Our resort had tons of bunnies. Tons! I am pretty sure Marshal was excited that I wanted to stop every single time to take a picture.<br />
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I can tell you Marshal did not like me stopping to talk to the elk. He kept saying they were not my friends. They were though.<br />
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I thought these birds had the funniest hair!<br />
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The chipmunk is in the center of the picture, in between the top and bottom branch. Those suckers move so fast!<br />
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I tried really hard to see a bobcat and a mountain lion. Every time we left the casita I called them. "Mister Bobcat come see me." They did not love me. So sad. </div>
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And this is as close as I got to a picture of a coyote. </div>
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Oh well. We did get to see this crazy elephant made out of sand. I have no idea how someone can be patient enough to create something so detailed and amazing as this. </div>
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Our last night in Carefree we ate at the resort. We kept searching and asking around for restaurant suggestions, but then ended up being too lazy to leave the resort. It ended up being so delicious and perfect! </div>
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I had such an amazing trip. I can't wait to go back. I fell in love with Arizona and I think those cactuses are just the cutest! Until next time...</div>
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadAndrea http://www.blogger.com/profile/01199119819269141865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4557818922561389842.post-14738397648899464772016-07-05T22:32:00.000-05:002016-07-05T22:32:03.678-05:00New York Girls Trip If you are my Facebook friend you might have picked up on the fact that I recently went on a trip to NYC with my mom. To say she was excited, is an understatement. Or maybe she was checking in on Facebook everywhere we went because she didn't trust me to keep her safe. You have to love Charlotte!<br />
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Seriously, Ashlynn, my mom and I had the best time! I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to go on such a fun trip with them. We were actually celebrating my mom's 60th birthday and it was my mom and Ashlynn's first trip to NYC.<br />
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As soon as we got there we hit the ground running. We were lucky to have a cute hotel right off of Times Square. <br />
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As soon as we get checked in, we went to all of the fun little stores there.<br />
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Ashlynn got wide eyed at the walls and walls of m&m's. We all had fun making personalized m&m's with Ashlynn and Jaxton's name on them. So cool! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kit Kat is Jaxton's favorite. I was disappointed they didn't have a jumbo size of my favorite at the Hershey store. Poor me. </td></tr>
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I took the girls to my favorite restaurant, Juniors Cheesecake, where I was apparently too excited about the food to take any pictures.<br />
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The next day's adventures included Central Park and hitting up Broadway to see Wicked. I really wish I could have bottled up Ashlynn's excitement! She was literally giddy!<br />
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Afterwards, I semi-taught the girls to work the subway. I was really missing my friend Jenn for this part. I managed to get us everywhere we needed to be, but it took me a few minutes to get my bearings and figure out what train we needed to take to where. I did successfully keep Charlotte from asking any strangers for help. That to me was a total win!<br />
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We visited the Empire State Building. Absolutely love that view!<br />
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Took the ferry to Staten Island so we could get a good view of the Statue of Liberty. I loved looking at my mom and Ashlynn's faces light up as they took in the beauty. The Statue of Liberty is one of those sights that I don't think could ever get old.<br />
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I was also excited to get to see the completed 9/11 memorial. Last time I went, the tower pools were all that had been completed. This was the only part of the trip I missed my dad and Marshal. I know they would have appreciated, the phenomenal effort, that had been put into the memorial. I am not sure how long it took us to walk through the entire place, but I can tell you that never have I had, constant chill bumps, for so long in my life. It was also awe striking that a building could be filled with thousands of people, yet you could have heard a pin drop. I am so thankful to have such a beautiful place to visit, dedicated to such a tragic day in the individual lives of so many.<br />
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To say we stopped and relaxed is laughable. However, I feel like we did try and stop and soak in beautiful moments any chance we got.<br />
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Such a great trip! Such a fun time! Lots of memories made! I know the three of us are so thankful for the opportunity we had for a girls trip together!<br />
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P.S. I did make the girls take me to Carlo's Bake Shop, Home of the TV Show Cake Boss. Hmmm well, it was ok....I am so sticking with Rick's Bakery, who by the way messaged me on IG to ask my permission to use one of my photos in their store. I know, I am so famous! You can have my autograph if you bring me some cake in a cup. Ha!<br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadAndrea http://www.blogger.com/profile/01199119819269141865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4557818922561389842.post-43458213119546723992016-06-29T13:15:00.001-05:002016-06-29T13:23:24.645-05:00The Neighbors As our neighborhood is going through the transition of being a small, phase one, half full place, to the full of construction, phase two being developed, place it is now; there has been lots of chatter. It has made me stop and reflect about how I feel and I thought I would weigh in on how this neighborhood has affected me.<br />
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So I use to be a HUGE type A personality. I had it all together. I don't really know when it happened or how it happened, but somewhere along the way, I've lost it. Some days you're lucky if you catch a single glimpse of togetherness around me.<br />
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I grew up as an only child. I lived on a street growing up. I wouldn't really consider it a neighborhood. I did have a couple of kids my age that lived on the same street. But they were boys, and let's face it people, life is hard for the little chick that can't even learn to ride a bike. <br />
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When Marshal and I got married we moved into a couple of apartments and then bought our first house. I got a little taste of what having neighbors was like then. We were all newlyweds, love struck, poor, and sooooo very young. When we moved back to Arkansas, we bought another house. We tried to have neighbor friends, and we did have a few. However, I can't say I ever knew the joy of truly having neighbors until now. I have learned so much: <br />
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1) I have learned that people can actually see your house dirty and the world doesn't fall apart. I know some of you may laugh at that, but there were many years I wouldn't allow people to even walk in my home if it wasn't spotless. Y'all my neighbors have seen my home look like a boys frat house, after an all night party, and lightning didn't strike me dead. Plus they are still nice to me at the community pool. I mean they may all be gossiping about my dirty house, but hey what do I care. Ha! <br />
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2) Speaking of community pool. Hello! How darn lucky is anyone to live where there is a community pool. I have learned wherever there is water and other children, my children are happy. This means hours upon hours where I can lay and read or visit with my friends.<br />
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3) Ok this next one might not be a positive. Kidding, I truly love it! I have learned you can never cook too much dinner, or have too many snacks. Honestly, you aren't really sure how many mouths you might be feeding that night. Each child has the possibility of having one or two friends over at any given time so..... I have to say this works the other way too. I think one whole week went by when Jaxton ate dinner with a different friend every night. Plus I know for a fact Ashlynn has tried veggies for her friends momma's she would never try for me.<br />
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4) I've learned the doorbell actually can ring so many times that your pets are no longer phased by it. One time the doorbell rang, I opened the door and walked away without even looking. It was a poor sweet little college girl trying to sell books. She was like "ummmm excuse me, sorry to bother you," I came back to the door and was super embarrassed. I just assumed it was a friend and they were just going to walk on in. <br />
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5) This whole friends coming and going thing has also taught me that clothes are a must. Not that I was ever just running around my house naked you silly people, but there is definitely more of an effort to close doors when changing and if I sleep in later then my kids on a weekend (or summer days), don't assume you can walk into the kitchen in your tank top and panties. <br />
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6) My favorite....I have learned that neighbor friends are the BEST friends! My children are both so blessed with an awesome group of neighborhood friends. However, their friends don't even come close to the jackpot I've hit with my neighbor friends. Beside the fact that these individuals are just plain amazing people, neighborhood friends are the best because you are never ever bored. There is always someone around to do something with. Any night can become a party. Literally any night! Plus if you decided to have three surgeries in one summer, you don't have to worry about how you are going to get food, take a shower, or get help doing the chores around the house. Your best friends are two minutes away and will be there before you can hang up the phone. <br />
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I can't go so far to say that now I am flexible. I don't think anyone would tell you my biggest strength is "going with the flow". I still long to have things organized. I still love to have a plan...for everything. However, I can say with certainty my neighbors have changed me in a way I can and will be forever grateful for. <br />
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You see, opening myself up, opening my home up, has made it impossible for me to be "perfect". I hear some people say they get this feeling of "not carrying" once they turn 30, or 40, or whatever milestone it is. I can't say that happened to me. I can say I spent many years of my life trying to strive for that perfectness. I wanted to be the best mother, have the cleanest house, the perfect social status, blah blah... whatever the heck all that meant. It was exhausting and quite frankly got me no where. <br />
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However, the pile of unfolded laundry, the crumbs on the floor, the dishes in the sink, have filled my house with laughs and smiles. My heart is full and so is my iCloud photo storage, but by golly one day I am going to have a heck of a good time looking back on these days! <br />
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<br />Andrea http://www.blogger.com/profile/01199119819269141865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4557818922561389842.post-39791519005719834002016-03-20T22:36:00.001-05:002016-03-20T22:36:23.864-05:00Ashlynn's Art Party For Ashlynn's 11th birthday she wanted an art themed birthday party. She is a lucky girl. She has some great friends that helped make her party amazing!<br />
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The invitations<br />
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The decorations <br />
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First up: Dart splatter painting. Y'all this was so fun! Watching these girls throwing darts was pretty comical for the adults too.<br />
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The art turned out really neat. Ashlynn couldn't wait to get it hung up in her room.<br />
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Next up each child got to create their own art.<br />
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Some great creativity going on.<br />
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A little goofy photo booth action. <br />
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Then on to the food.<br />
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And of course cake!<br />
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I mean I was right there decorating my cupcake!<br />
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And of course what's a good art party without a raccoon hat...or two.<br />
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Ashlynn chose to ask for donations to the animal shelter instead of birthday gifts for herself. That girl loves an animal. Makes her momma's heart smile.<br />
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She had an amazing party. We had a blast and are so thankful for these kids!<br />
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And even the clean up turned in to being quite the work of art, ha!<br />
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<br />Andrea http://www.blogger.com/profile/01199119819269141865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4557818922561389842.post-8650292484511278852015-12-27T22:29:00.001-06:002015-12-27T22:29:57.758-06:00Jaxton Turns Six Yikes, I am a little behind (or a lot behind) on blogging. I seem to be behind on a lot lately. I am going to blame it on work, because I certainly don't want to blame it on myself. Ha! <br /><br />Ok, on with the party. This year Jaxton wanted to have his birthday party at Fast Lane. I have to admit, at first I was a little disappointed. He has been my at home party boy. I have gone all out the last couple of years turning our home into party central for him. When he said he wanted to have his party at Fast Lane, I didn't have a clue how to throw out some cupcakes and be done with it. In the end I was so extremely thankful I didn't have too much more than that to do, because look at me- I am a total mess. Good grief it's taking me over a month to get this blog posted. <br /><br />Jaxton's party couldn't have been more perfect. Not because Fast Lane is an amazing party destination, and not because I am a stellar party planner, but because we were surrounded by people we truly love. Marshal and I are so blessed to live in a neighborhood where we and our kids have built amazing friendships. <br /><br />So amazing I spent most of my time talking and hardly any of my time taking pictures...whoops... <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/12/27/373.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/12/27/s_373.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Oh I am so good at turning these Sams Club cupcakes into amazing dinosaur cupcakes. Ha! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/12/27/374.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/12/27/s_374.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/12/27/375.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/12/27/s_375.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/12/27/376.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/12/27/s_376.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/12/27/377.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/12/27/s_377.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Dinosaur excavation kit party favors. Marshal had no faith that these were going to turn out. What child doesn't want to dig dinosaurs out of dirt? <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/12/27/378.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/12/27/s_378.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/12/27/379.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/12/27/s_379.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/12/27/380.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/12/27/s_380.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/12/27/381.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/12/27/s_381.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/12/27/382.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/12/27/s_382.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/12/27/383.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/12/27/s_383.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/12/27/384.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/12/27/s_384.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And of course the only picture I took in laser tag, was my amazing leggings. Well because that's what any good mom would do right? <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/12/27/385.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/12/27/s_385.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />On Jaxton's actual birthday, November 12th, Ashlynn had to work Aviator Games (their version of a fall carnival) at her school because she is on student council. Marshal and I went with her to that, and my mom and dad took Jaxton to his favorite restaurant, Red Onion, to eat. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/12/27/386.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/12/27/s_386.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/12/27/387.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/12/27/s_387.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/12/27/388.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/12/27/s_388.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> I think Jaxton's day was still special. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/12/27/389.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/12/27/s_389.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />No he didn't eat all of this at once. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/12/27/390.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/12/27/s_390.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/12/27/391.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/12/27/s_391.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/12/27/392.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/12/27/s_392.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/12/27/393.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/12/27/s_393.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/12/27/394.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/12/27/s_394.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Happy Birthday Jaxton! I am so excited you are six! <br />Andrea http://www.blogger.com/profile/01199119819269141865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4557818922561389842.post-67127464937723860732015-09-16T17:39:00.001-05:002015-09-16T17:46:04.895-05:00Falling Apart at 34 Most summers I get on here and get caught up on blog post I have been meaning to write. Then I write some more blog post about all the wonderfully beautiful things I have been doing with my family. Well guess what? This blog post isn't going to be one of them.<br />
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Let's face it, life isn't always full of beautiful flowers. Sometimes it is just really hard and you just have to deal with it. I have said it before, but I think as women we are so caught up on trying to measure up to everyone else that we don't ever let anyone in to see the messy side of our life. Well here it goes. <br />
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By now you all know about the 83 day migraine that ended up with me being admitted to UAMS in Little Rock last December. Finally, in January I started getting some relief from the migraines and felt like I was at least on the right path for treating them. However, by early February this plan had me weighing quite a bit more than I am use to. Going from constant migraines to about 17 a month, I was able to start running again. That was until my bladder decided to not cooperate. I had no idea what was going on. The first couple times I just thought maybe I didn't empty my bladder, maybe I had an infection, I didn't know. However, it kept getting worse and worse. Like I was peeing all over myself. Not just a little, like everywhere. I tried to run wearing a pad. That didn't even work. So I pretty much decided I couldn't stand to continue peeing on myself. No exercising it was. At 34 years old wearing a diaper was not an option I was choosing to make. Giving up eating was also not an option I was choosing to make. Soooo weighing an extra 15 pounds was the option I went with. <br />
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Now, I realized this wasn't a permanent solution. I did go to the doctor about this. I mean I am completely embarrassed that this was happening to me, but it wasn't like it was something I did to myself or something I could have prevented. Apparently I was born with a tilted cervix. I know cool, right. Any way because of this, my other girl parts, are really close to my bladder. Therefore, when I had those two precious babies, they put a lot of pressure on my bladder and it decided it was only going to work properly for 34 years. I am sure working in a classroom and not be allowed to go to the bathroom when you need to for the last 13 years, probably hasn't helped any. <br />
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Because of the 83 day migraine, and the days I needed the previous school year, to be with my parents, I had no more sick days. This is something that leaves me with a panicked feeling as is. I scheduled my bladder surgery for June 15th. Five days after my last contract day and one day before my 14th Wedding Anniversary. <br />
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Surgery was only going to be a one hour thing. I was however pretty nervous. I hadn't realized I would be getting three incisions. Yikes! Plus, even though I had, had 10 IV's in the last nine months, I am still super scared of them. I was also kind of freaked out when I found out my anesthesiologist was one of my students dad's. I mean really, do you want a dad seeing you naked? Embarrassing! <br />
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Surgery went well and I was released to go home by early afternoon. I had three days of bed rest, a week off "work" and six weeks of no exertion, lake or swimming pool water. I don't care if you judge me or not, that surgery was some painful stuff. Wow! The only way I know how to tell you what it felt like is to explain it like this: imagine taking a boat anchor and tying it to a string and attaching it to your organs. Every time I moved, that's what it felt like, pulling. Really heavy, pulling. <br />
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Despite taking it super easy, I still had some set backs. When I went to the doctor a week after surgery, he wasn't happy with some of the bleeding I was experiencing. So I had to really watch it and make sure I was allowing my body to heal. <br />
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Did you also catch that part about no swimming. Ok yep. I am a lucky lucky duck. I live in an amazing subdivision with amazing friends. My kids have the best time swimming with our amazing friends, but no swimming for me. It was ok, though I made the best of it and still had fun laying out and getting my feet wet.<br />
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The day we were set to leave for vacation was my scheduled post op appointment. It was just shy of four weeks after surgery. I thought everything would be great and I could leave for vacation good to go. Well it didn't really go that way. My incisions still were not completely healed, therefore I was still on the no swimming rule. Blah! Beach vacation bummer. <br />
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So fast forward with me now to exactly six weeks post surgery. Yay! Official release date! I can pick up Jaxton, I can swim, I can do whatever I want. Perfect! This is the week I also got to school to set up my classroom. I always like to set up my room two weeks before I officially go back on contract. That way I have one week to get it all done and then one last week to enjoy. <br />
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8:00 a.m. Monday morning I am in my brand new to me First Grade class room. What some of you may not realize is that teachers have to pack up everything over the summer. They shampoo the carpet and wax the floors, so everything has to go up on top of the cabinets. I am a pretty stubborn little girl and even though it is no easy task I move filing cabinets, book shelfs, easels, mini fridges, desk, etc. by myself. I got all of that set up Monday, did some school shopping on Tuesday and still need one more day to finish up. <br />
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Wednesday morning I wake up around 5:00 a.m. with a stomach ache. I do not feel good. Ugh! Around 8:00 I round myself around and tell myself to suck it up and go to school. I don't feel good, but I really want to get my classroom done. I am determined to have my "one last week to enjoy". My mom calls and ask if I want to go to lunch with her. At the time I thought she was going to The Wooden Spoon. Y'all I was feeling so bad I turned down a chance to eat at The Wooden Spoon. That's bad! My pain starts going lower and down to my right side. The more I move the worse it feels. I keep pushing myself to work. Finish Andrea. Just get this Finished. My mom gets back with my kids from lunch and she starts telling me that we can work on this another time. I know she can tell how bad I feel. She finally talks me into leaving. <br />
Later that night I tell Marshal that I am pretty sure my appendix is having some issues. I don't really want to go to the ER so I opt for calling the doctor in the morning. <br />
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I, of course, can't get in with my doctor, but at 10:45 the Nurse can see me. Within just a few minutes she is pretty sure it is my appendix as well. Off to labs and then to the hospital for a CT scan I go. The CT scan confirmed that my appendix did indeed need to be removed. After some confusion and a little parading around showing everyone how lovely I look in a hospital gown, I finally got admitted into the hospital. At 8:00 p.m. I had my second surgery in a matter of six and a half weeks. I really cannot even believe it. My stomach now has three more incisions, not to mention it looks like some kind of pitiful helium balloon that is half way deflated and I am starting over on my six weeks of no swimming, no exertion, blah blah stuff. <br />
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I know you are thinking ok how does this story continue to get worse? So I thought the bladder surgery was bad, this appendix business seemed to be taking forever to heal from. In fact, I woke up one morning with a fist sized lump in one of my incisions. Ummm, I am not thinking this is suppose to happen. Back to the surgeon's office I go. That lump was causing some major pain. She sent me over for yet another CT scan. They felt like it was just tearing of my stomach lining and fluid was building up around it causing the lump. Told me I needed to lay flat on my back as much as possible and keep an ice pack on it. Ha! I am sorry, let me explain teacher in-service week to you. <br />
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And now we are to my favorite part of this story. I am sitting in Dr. Issa's office for my regularly scheduled migraine checkup when I get a phone call from The General Surgery Center. The nurse is like, hey so they were looking at your CT scan and just happened to realize that you also have gallstones. I am sorry, what! "Yes, Dr. Buonagura would like to see you in a couple of weeks to schedule surgery. " I mean y'all I wanted to curl up in the fetal position under my chair. My pulse and blood pressure was so high they didn't even want me to leave the clinic. <br />
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When I called to schedule my appointment, the lady that answered the phone said "oh hey Andrea it's Carol, you know Carol, I just saw you at Dr. Issa's office. How are you today Hun?" I hung up and felt truly strange about being best friends with the Mercy appointment scheduler. Then at the appointment Dr. Buonagura gave me a business card. Wow! Thanks, I think.... <br />
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My third surgery was scheduled for almost six weeks to the day from the appendix surgery. This surgery was a little more complicated because of some damage done during the other two. My belly button had developed a hernia that needed repaired and she went in to make sure the stomach lining tears were healing correctly without needing stitches. The surgery went well and I truly think Dr. Buonagura is the best. Now I have a total of ten incisions in our around my stomach region and am starting over my six weeks of recovery- again. This time I really have to watch it with the hernia repair. It extremely important that I not lift anything heavy or pull my stomach muscles in any way. They all stressed this to me over and over again. If you see me out and about, help me to remember I have the body of a 90 year old. It is ridiculous, but I have to take it easy or I will end up back in the hospital. I am pretty sure none of us can handle that again. <br />
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I turn 35 in 13 more days. I am convinced it's going to be a much healthier year for me! <br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadAndrea http://www.blogger.com/profile/01199119819269141865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4557818922561389842.post-68523084420095653402015-07-10T20:23:00.001-05:002015-07-10T21:28:08.215-05:00Conscious Craziness So my very last day of work for the 2014/2015 school year was actually a training for professional development for the 2015/2016 school year. If you are a teacher you are rolling your eyes right along with me, if you're not , you are just sitting there saying huh? <br />
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Any way, the training was about this discipline approach called Conscious Discipline. Now, I am going to make a confession here. I am certain Conscious Discipline was explained to me. I am certain the speaker shared lots of great ideas on how I could use the discipline method in my classroom. Here's the thing, my brain hurt. Like, I really wanted it to work, but it was floating around with what's for lunch, did I sign Ashlynn up for dance class, wait when is soccer camp, does my new classroom have the same number of bulletin boards? What time is it? <br />
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Then somewhere in the mix of all that, the speaker pulls up this slide show with a picture on it. She goes on to talk about how in pre-school, teachers take pictures of how they want the toys picked up and put up, to show the child the expectation. How this type of cue is a non-verbal way of teaching and discipline, that a child can follow without any stress from either the child or teacher. <br />
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Next she makes a joke about how no one in her house can figure out how to unload the dish washer and put the dishes up in their correct space in the cabinet. So why not take a picture to hang up in your cabinets of how you want your dishes to be put up. <br />
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Oh my mercy, right there my brain was like yes, yes, yes! I am so doing that. I mean not the dishes thing. Come on, Marshal has been married to me for 14 years. It took him a little while to figure it out, but he knows if he ever wants to go to bed at night, every thing has to be put away, to my satisfaction, or he is going to be really sleepy the next day, because I will not let it go and he will not be sleeping until I am happy. <br />
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However, Ashlynn Raye Watson did not inherent the neat gene. Oh that child! I am going to owe her husband a huge apology one day. It's not for the lack of trying, believe me, I've tried. Then there is Jaxton. He isn't getting out of this either. He is much better about keeping his room clean, however he wants to get out, and leave out, every single thing he has ever played with. <br />
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So I thought about my top complaints. What is it I have the most "discipline" complaints about? <br />
* the mess I always find in the playroom<br />
* the shoes left out behind the couch<br />
* the toilet not being flushed <br />
* Ashlynn's drawers being left open <br />
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The pictures for the downstairs didn't take very long to come up with. However, the playroom was quite the project. We have always had designated tubs for toys. The problem is before you know it, the zhu zhu pets are mixed in with the barbies, the Legos are in the army men tub and you can't find the game cards to play candy land. <br />
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I went through and made sure all of the toys were organized. Then once everything was in its proper home, I took a picture of each tub with it's contents. Then I printed off the picture and a label for each tub. <br />
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Next, with the help of Ashlynn's sweet neighbor friend, ( pictured below with Ashlynn and Mister Fluffy Pants) and attached all of the labels and pictures to the tubs. Side note: there were seriously five girls over playing and four boys running around outside playing and this child stayed upstairs because she wanted to help me. Um hello, did we accidentally switch children at birth? This is my kind of chicka! <br />
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Are you ready? Oh this seriously makes me so happy I can't even stand it! Ridiculous I know. The things that bring me joy also make me crazy. <br />
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You can't really see it, but the game shelves have pictures on the side that show which games/crafts belong on each shelf. <br />
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I also made the following pictures for downstairs. I hope to not have to leave them up for long, as I really do not like having things out that do not belong there. I know you never would have guessed that, right. Ha! <br />
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Kids bathroom. I really don't get this. Seriously, just flush. Shouldn't that be a habit? Ugh, why are my kids so gross? <br />
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American Girl organization reminder in Ashlynn's closet. <br />
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When you get something out of your dresser shut the drawer. See the picture? The drawers are all shut. Awe it looks so much better. <br />
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I guess I didn't get a picture of the couch and the shoes. You get the idea though. It may be total genius or it may have been a waste of two of my summer days. I'll keep you updated. <br />
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And just for fun, here are a couple of pictures of some of the summer fun being had while momma is organizing like a crazy lady.... <br />
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<br />Andrea http://www.blogger.com/profile/01199119819269141865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4557818922561389842.post-65082064390780386172015-06-16T12:59:00.001-05:002015-06-16T12:59:18.173-05:00A Send Off to Remember If you haven't heard by now...I am a First Grade Teacher! Whoa, I don't think I am use to that yet. Yet, it is so exciting, right! <br /><br />And if you haven't heard by now.... I am a total pain in the butt! No seriously....<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/06/16/186.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/06/16/s_186.jpg' border='0' width='500' height='500' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This quote couldn't be any more accurate. Anytime,I get scared that I might get hurt, I push everyone around me away...just as hard as I can. It isn't fair. It isn't right. I know better, yet I do it anyway. <br /><br />Even though I am truly excited about going to first grade, the reality of it all, was really hard on me. First, it means I have to send Jaxton to kindergarten without me. Never even imaged that would happen. Second, there was some ugly adult mean girl gossip concerning the situation that I allowed to consume me. It hurt....really, really hurt. Third, and absolutely by far the hardest thing, it meant I had to leave my kindergarten team. <br /><br />While some have come and gone, I will never forget walking up in front of a room full of incoming kindergarten students and parents and Missi Pittman making me sing and dance to some song I had never heard before, where you close your eyes, stick out your tongue, and put your booty in the air. I was so embarrassed, but that May in 2006 I became a part of a team, a family, a group of women that I will always be blessed to call mine. <br /><br />Leaving that team made my heart hurt something terrible. I would absolutely love to say I handled it with grace and dignity, but I didn't. I pushed them all away and shut them out thinking it would somehow hurt less. They however, showered me with love, even though I didn't deserve it. My last day,as a part of that kindergarten team, couldn't have been more perfect. Those women are amazing! <br /><br />Amy gave me the gift of sun tan and and lotion, with the real meaning being enjoy your summer, relax, life is too short to worry about stuff. Amy would say " It really is all going to be ok." All I have to say is Fun Fridays are still a thing and I have two windows in my room that let in lots of sun so I think you should come visit me LOTS! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/06/16/187.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/06/16/s_187.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Tammy gave me the gift of chocolate. One chocolate ball for each day of school next year. Yep 178 chocolate balls! I don't know how I will make it without my morning chats with Tammy. She always starts the day with a smile and says " alright girls we can do this. " I also think sometimes Tammy, you might just need a second lunch, you know during kindergarten recess, first grade lunch.... <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/06/16/188.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/06/16/s_188.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Oh Juli. I don't even know what to say. Juli and I are the same kind of crazy. These are my favorite pencils with her favorite pens. We never go anywhere without hand sanitizer and she got me obsessed with the twisted peppermint scent. And well the egg chap stick, I am pretty sure was invented by someone that saw Juli and I trying to use carmex by sticking our whole lip down in the tub so we wouldn't have to touch it with our fingers. When it comes to planing, Juli is the other side of my brain. Juli may not know it, but I so signed her up for vertical teaming with me, even if that isn't really a thing at my school right now. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/06/16/189.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/06/16/s_189.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Sherri gave me citrus oil. I can tell you I have been very thankful for Sherri and her oils this year with all of the many different smells we had going on. Ha! I took this bottle home and decided to set it back with my school stuff. I thought it would be a great thing to start my year off with in my new room. Sherri told me " Andrea, when kids grow up and leave their family, their family doesn't love them any less. We won't love you any less just because you've moved." This oil will kind of be like taking a little piece of home with me. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/06/16/190.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/06/16/s_190.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Schonda gave me a gift certificate to get a new summer book to read. You know, I have known Schonda for years and years. We used to just talk about fun things like the girly books we were reading. This year having her as part of the kindergarten team has been such a blessing. I have learned so much from her and the wisdom of her life experiences. She has an amazing heart and I am just so thankful to have gotten to have that deeper friendship with her. You better still come see me! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/06/16/191.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/06/16/s_191.jpg' border='0' width='320' height='320' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then, what made my heart so so happy, was to be able to go to lunch with my kindergarten team and my new first grade team all together. I could not have asked for a better send off and the words thank you don't seem like enough. I love you girls, always will! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/06/16/192.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/06/16/s_192.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Andrea http://www.blogger.com/profile/01199119819269141865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4557818922561389842.post-74871378684662651322015-03-28T17:33:00.000-05:002015-03-28T17:33:08.963-05:00Smoky Mountains...I May Have Fallen In Love Ok y'all I have always considered myself a total beach girl, but these mountains, oh my mercy, they got me. Absolutely gorgeous! I could have roamed around for days. I cannot even wait to go back and I even want to go back and camp, like in a tent and hike and see a bear and explore everything. I am not even kidding. I didn't even get to skim the surface. Most of the mountain peaks were still shut down for the winter season, or closed from recent flooding. Plus we were only there for a short time. However, the things we did get to see had me grinning from ear to ear all day! Like the kind of grinning that makes your checks hurt. <br />
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Before we went up on the mountains to explore on our own, I talked Marshal into taking the kids on a helicopter ride. I know total tourist thing to do. Marshal was so not near as excited as the kids and I. Of course he had been on a helicopter before and he wasn't getting charged an outrageous amount to do so. It was amazing and I loved it! The kids loved it too and Miss Ashlynn was all to quick to jump on riding in the front seat with the cute helicopter pilot. Oh my mercy, that's my daughter! <br />
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We stopped by Kroger (yes Kroger, oh how I love a real grocery store) to get food for a picnic and off we went. We had done a little research at breakfast about a little old community that was highly recommend by several people in the area to go visit. Cade's Cove. We made that our destination point.<br />
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Let me stop right here and mention breakfast. Ashlynn ordered Reese peanut butter pancakes. Pancakes with chocolate and crushed up peanut butter bites. Oh my mercy I could have died a happy girl right there in the middle of Flapjacks. I mean seriously! <br />
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Ok, I may have had to take a small break to drool over those pancakes again. I didn't order them. I am trying to take this Lent thing seriously. It was Sunday and I did try them. I couldn't pass it up, but I didn't order them. I ate eggs. Exciting- I know.<br />
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Ok, ok mountains I've got it. <br />
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Awe, beautiful! It really was an easy road trip.....anyone else in? I am ready to go back!Andrea http://www.blogger.com/profile/01199119819269141865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4557818922561389842.post-5650692799776358092015-03-27T16:36:00.000-05:002015-03-27T17:06:32.243-05:00So Much More Than Dollywood This Spring break trip beat all of my expectations. I really had no idea what an amazing experience I was in for. I think all four of us grinned the entire trip and loved every minute of it. <br />
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It started out as me just wanting to go to a Dollywood. I have loved Dolly forever. My mom loved Dolly, so I grew up listening to her. I think she has an amazing voice, I love her songs, I love that she grew up having very little and worked hard for what she has become, and I love that she does what makes her happy. <br />
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Arriving at Dollywood truly made me giddy! It was the opening weekend of the season. There were very few people there, so lines were super short. We had a great time riding all of the rides we wanted to, eating expensive tourist food (a funnel cake covered in hot fudge umm yes please!) and just walking around the park enjoying the beauty of it all. <br />
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Even though it was a little chilly we decided to go for it and do the water rides. Marshal, Jaxton and Ashlynn loved the river rapids ride. It was their favorite. I enjoyed it as well, but you get completely soaked on it so I didn't pick it as my favorite.<br />
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My favorite was the water toboggan ride. One because, well it was just fun. Two because we got up there and we didn't weigh enough to ride it. Yep, nothing makes a girl happier then to be told, " I am so sorry you just don't weigh enough to ride this ride." Another family came up and let us borrow their nine year old so that our family could weigh enough to ride the ride. So we had 5 people, they had 3, with one of their three being a two year old, so how could I not make this my favorite ride. I mean come on something had to make up for my headache doctor telling me I'm fat. (more on that in a later blog)<br />
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Oh Dollywood! I can't wait to come back to see you!<br />
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I will be completely honest and tell you that I did very little to prepare for this trip. I didn't research the area. I didn't look into what all there was to do there. Quite frankly for my planner personality, I was a real slacker. I booked the hotel based on distance to Dollywood and customer reviews. I bought tickets to Dollywood. Other than that, I did absolutely nothing. Like really nothing. I know it shocks me even a little to say it out loud.<br />
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So what I had in my mind and what actual reality of Pigeon Forge was, were polar opposites, but totally in a good way. I truly thought there was going to be nothing to do there. Umm hello there was tons to do. It was such a fun city with absolutely gorgeous mountains surrounding it. We had a great time eating at the old mill, visiting the brand new island shopping district, and riding the fastest go- carts we have ever ridden. (Even according to a Marshal so I am not just blowing this out of proportion.) <br />
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You know it's good when your whole plate comes out covered in gravy. </center>
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I am going to have to stop right here for a minute to expand on these go-carts. So most places I have gone the workers you know sit there and watch you and blow their whistle if you are being dangerous. Well these folks don't do that. It seems anything goes on these go-carts. I haven't even mentioned the speed of these things. I got in it and thought I might could die, and that was before I went over the huge humps in the course that sent the go-cart air born, followed by the sharp left hand turn that made you feel like you were going to flip the darn thing. Needless to say I survived, but after that I remembered Marshal talked me into buying the combination deal and we had just ridden the slow go-carts. I couldn't even bring myself to push the gas peddle all the way down on the fast go-carts. Thank all the stars above the guy decided to end our time when Jaxton and I were rounding into the pit so we ended up first and he thought we "won". I get to keep my cool mom status and he never has to know. Don't worry I still managed to wreck the thing and send everyone spinning. Oh mercy sometimes I am not sure I am cut out for this boy mom thing. The three of them are still talking about how "awesome" it was. Hmmm..ok whatever they say.<br />
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I am smiling because i have obviously no clue whats about to happen yet. </center>
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We also ventured over to Gatlinburg. Wow, it's hard to determine which city was my favorite. Gatlinburg was amazing! Like so so cute! We spent a lot of time just walking around. Adorable cuteness everywhere!<br />
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Ok, yes if you are observant you may have noticed that we went to the moonshine distillery in Pigeon Forge and then again in Galtinburg. And yes they did give out free samples at both. And yes I did accept the free samples. And yes for the really observant people there are two different distilleries in Galtinburg. Hey, don't judge, moonshine is actually super delicious and I will be happy to share the butterscotch moonshine I came home with. Just don't expect to borrow the free t-shirt I got for buying so much. I never said the free samples were a good idea on the bank account...<br />
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Some guy Marshal knows from watching Moonshiners on t.v.??? I don't know, you people know I don't watch t.v. unless it's The Bachelor.</center>
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This isn't all of our Spring Break trip, but I feel like the Smoky Mountains deserve a post all by themselves. So stay tuned...<br />
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Posted using BlogPress from my iPad Andrea http://www.blogger.com/profile/01199119819269141865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4557818922561389842.post-13297524474993458702015-03-16T23:09:00.001-05:002015-03-16T23:09:44.458-05:00It is Wild That She is Ten! I have been a mom for ten years today! That is crazy to me. I still feel like a new mom. I will be honest and say, most days I still have no clue what I am doing.None the less, my baby girl is TEN! Double digits! Hold up both hands! Next year we'll have to start adding in toes! <br /><br />I started planning her party last November. No joke. I seriously messaged the cake pop lady last November, to ask her if she would be willing to teach Miss Ashlynn's friends how to make cake pops. I know...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/16/623.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/16/s_623.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This past Saturday was the big day. Ashlynn decided she wanted a jungle theme party. It ended up being a lot of fun to decorate for and I loved learning how to make cake pops! It is a good thing I am a busy person, because I see myself just sitting around and making a big ol slopping mess in my kitchen making a million cake pops and then eating the darn things. Oh my mercy, can you imagine? It was just so fun! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/16/624.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/16/s_624.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/16/625.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/16/s_625.jpg' border='0' width='209' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/16/626.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/16/s_626.jpg' border='0' width='209' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/16/627.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/16/s_627.jpg' border='0' width='209' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/16/628.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/16/s_628.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Welcoming the first few guest. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/16/629.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/16/s_629.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Photo Backdrop Pictures<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/16/630.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/16/s_630.jpg' border='0' width='209' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I have to point out that Ashlynn designed and made Ashley's ( her American Girl doll) dress all by herself. I was pretty impressed! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/16/631.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/16/s_631.jpg' border='0' width='209' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then for the real fun, the cake pop making! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/16/632.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/16/s_632.jpg' border='0' width='209' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Didn't they do great! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/16/633.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/16/s_633.jpg' border='0' width='209' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I wanted to make sure and document this one well. It looks to me like Marshal is looking at the carpet as though he made a mess. Hmmm... Just saying if I find blue icing in the carpet...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/16/634.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/16/s_634.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />After all of that hard work making these fabulous cake pops, we didn't want to eat our hard work. Rick's cake it is! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/16/635.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/16/s_635.jpg' border='0' width='209' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/16/636.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/16/s_636.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/16/637.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/16/s_637.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />She had a great party with some great friends! <br /><br />Today, for her actual birthday, she had to take the PARCC assessment. Ugh! She was pretty bummed about it. Nonnie and Jaxton did bring her lunch and all of her dance friends sang to her tonight at dance. She was also beyond thrilled to score some fun new American Girl things. Hopefully that made up for the yuckiness of the school day just a bit. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=15/03/16/638.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/15/03/16/s_638.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Happy 10th birthday Ashlynn! Thank you for making me a momma! <br />Andrea http://www.blogger.com/profile/01199119819269141865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4557818922561389842.post-67151937716691525672014-12-23T16:37:00.001-06:002014-12-23T16:37:42.307-06:00Dear Santa, Help a Momma Out Oh my mercy, my boy, my boy! <br />
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The last part of this year has been pretty darn difficult. Between my headaches and my grandpa passing away, Christmas decorating was pretty darn thrown together. I was feeling good I got it done though. Part of Christmas decorating, is each child gets to pick two things, they want to ask Santa for, and we write it on the plate. I love this because it allows my planner personality to get started on what, when and how I want to buy things. <br />
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My sweet girl child, picked her two things and has stuck with it the whole time. My boy child also picked two things. The sticking with it part.......oh I could just scream. <br />
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Jaxton asked for a lightsaber and a Spiderman web shooter toy. These both seemed simple enough. I get on Walmart online and see the lightsaber he wants. To my surprise they are actually sold out at most of the local Walmart's and sold out online. I see the Jane Walmart has them in stock. The next morning, I rush to the Jane Walmart and buy both the light saber and the spiderman web shooter. <br />
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I am feeling pretty good getting the two must haves taken care of. Well, I get to looking at the lightsaber and the darn thing doesn't light up. What kind of light saber doesn't light up? I make the decision that even though it it's the one Jaxton wanted, he would be disappointed that it didn't light up. I return it to Walmart and order a different one online. <br />
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Fast forward a month. My Christmas shopping is all done. Presents are wrapped, Santa 's gifts are organized in the attic. Life is good. <br />
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Saturday night we are sitting around at dinner and we're talking about going to see Santa on Sunday. Jaxton is a big talker. If you have ever been around him for more then two minutes, you know this is true. Because of this, I felt the need to talk to him about how other children will be waiting to see Santa and we need to keep our conversation with Santa to just a quick " I would like______for Christmas. " As we are having this conversation, Ashlynn starts telling Jaxton a what not to do scenario. Any way it leads to Jaxton telling Ashlynn in great detail about this Spiderman web shooter toy he wants. As he is doing this, I realize I bought the wrong toy. What he is describing is not at all what I bought. Well crap! As soon as I get the kids to bed I start quickly doing a Walmart search for the toy. Yep, sold out online and at every single Walmart within 50 miles except one. Pleasant Grove Walmart. I quick as I can reserve in online. Whew, dodged a bullet there. We can run by after church Sunday and all will be right in the world once again. <br />
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After church we go to Walmart. I have Marshal drop me off at the door, for what is sure to be a quick in and out trip. I don't have my cellphone with me, so I take Marshal's in to have the reference number for my order. I get back there just to find out the site-to-store website is completely down. They cannot look up my order. In fact they didn't even receive my order. No worries,we will just help you find the item on the self. Well, 45 minutes later, a complete walk through of the entire store, and I am still standing there without the spiderman web shooter action figure. Ugh! The lady had one last attempt to locate the toy. The store system says they have two in stock. She tells me if I have the time to wait, she can go look in the boxes in the deleted items trailer. Twenty minutes later, this poor Walmart employee comes back out covered in sweat and dirt holding my Spiderman Web Shooting Action figure. Awe, yes! Mother of the freaking year right here!<br />
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Now by this point Marshal is pretty sure I have been kidnapped from the Walmart by a crazy person, but I am too excited to get into his "I've been stuck in the car with two children for over an hour" mood. <br />
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We drive to the mall, wait in line for an hour to see Santa. It's finally our turn. Yay! Ashlynn goes first. Just like a perfect little angel,she tells Santa she wants American Girl doll clothes and Orbeez spa stuff. Check and check! <br />
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Now Jaxton's turn. I am standing there with my chest puffed up, all proud that I fought the good fight to get my sweet little boy this perfect Spiderman toy he is going to ask Santa for. Santa turns and asked " What would you like for Christmas ? " Jaxton replies, " I want a Lego set and a transformer. "<br />
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WHAT! Oh my mercy whose child is that? You have got to be kidding me! For a month now it's been the same thing, a lightsaber and a Spiderman web shooter. Now four days before Christmas you decided nope, I want Legos and a transformer. Oh this is just perfect. <br />
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Well buddy, I hate to tell you, unless Santa decides to help a momma out, you are stuck with the lightsaber and Spiderman. <br />
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Surely to goodness my momma didn't have to shed blood, sweat and tears for Pound Puppies, Teddy Ruxpin and Cabbage Patch dolls. Kids these days....... Ha! <br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadAndrea http://www.blogger.com/profile/01199119819269141865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4557818922561389842.post-19326790563407433622014-12-11T13:07:00.001-06:002014-12-11T13:07:38.010-06:00Got Me a Bear So here's the deal, sometimes in life you do things, that you just never ever live down. Mine happened when I was eightish.<br />
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My aunt Arene and Uncle Ed used to live in Pennsylvania. Every summer they came down and went camping at Lake Atkins. We had some good family friends that owned some private campgrounds right on the lake. There was a dock, a screened in eating room and my parents and grandparents bought a camper that stayed parked there. <br />
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So anyway, it was summer, my mom and dad worked, but sometimes I got lucky enough to spend the day at the lake with my aunt and uncle. I say lucky, because the first $100 I ever earned was digging up worms for my uncle to fish with. <br />
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This particular day, my aunt decided to take me fishing. There was this cove off the other side of the campgrounds that my grandmother always had great luck catching fish at. It was called the snake pit. <br />
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Now, why I decided to trust my aunt to take me fishing at a place called the snake pit in the first place is beyond me. But off we went. It was a little bit of a walk. First you had to go through the field, then you curved back into the woods, followed this barely there path and ended up back at the waterfront. <br />
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This particular day we start walking, we make it into the field and I freeze. My heart starts thumping hard in my chest and I don't know wether to scream, cry, or run. There in the middle of the field is a bear. I can't think. I can't move. I can hardly talk. The only thing I manage to say is "go get the gun". <br />
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My aunt just stands there. What is wrong with this woman? Is she just frozen like I am? So I repeat it, "Go get the gun.". This time see hears me, but apparently she is still in shock because she replies with, "why ?". Ok, lady do you not see that bear? So this time I scream at her. " Just go get the gun!" I mean I am only a little girl, but if I have to shoot this thing myself I will. Oh my mercy, she is still standing there. I guess I am just going to die. I mean the bear hasn't moved a single muscle, but if I have to keep going over this gun thing, he is going to eventually hear me and swallow me whole. <br />
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I finally manage to mumble the word bear to her. Geez, having to spell this out is just ridiculous. Now, I don't remember if she actually laughed out loud or not. Perhaps she was loving and kind enough to hold it in, but she leans down and explains to me that my big, ferocious, going to attack me at any minute, bear, is simply a stump that someone had recently burned. Yep, a big black wooden stump. <br />
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Well,I can't tell you how many times that darn bear has come back to haunt me. Me and my bear story have been the brunt of many a joke. My dad has since built a cabin on Lake Atkins and even decorate my bathroom in bears. <br />
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The best though, is that recently my sweet daddy caught that bear for me. <br />
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And now he will forever be mine.<br />
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Hey, at least now you know why I am an inside kind of girl. <br />
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Posted using BlogPress from my iPad Andrea http://www.blogger.com/profile/01199119819269141865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4557818922561389842.post-27896403166626986582014-11-12T16:35:00.001-06:002014-11-12T16:37:09.900-06:00Jaxton is FIVE Wow! These five years have flown by. Five years ago, I didn't know how much I would love a November birthday, but let me tell you- I love it! I love the weather (well the weather we had Saturday, this cold blast not so much). I love the fact that I am needing more cake come November. And I love love love that my baby missed the cut off for kindergarten and he gets to be my baby just a little bit longer. <br />
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This year, I was super nervous that I wasn't going to be able to pull off his birthday party. He wanted it to be at home, which I love, and he wanted a superhero theme. Creativity is not my strong point,yet I knew this party had to be fabulous. Anyone remember Miss Ashlynn's fifth birthday party? (link to if you need a refresher or simply didn't know me then...<a href="http://marshalandandrea.blogspot.com/2010/03/party-in-pictures.html">Ashlynn's Fifth Birthday </a> )I mean come on, to die for princess party, that we hired a party coordinator for. I was major stressing about throwing Jaxton an equally amazing party. I am not sure I can compete with crystal dishes, princess make-up and all that bjazz, but I do think it came together and was indeed an amazing party. Ok maybe it's not ok to brag on your own party throwing skills. And maybe it's the fact that I had a killer headache and still managed to smile and participate in the party, but I was seriously impressed with how cute everything looked and how much fun Jaxton had. <br />
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Here are the party details: <br />
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Yes, I made that five all by myself. I know, impressive. Ha! <br />
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Before the beer and water got iced down in the tubs. Forgot to go back and get a picture. Oh well I think I saw my mom posted one on her FB if you just can't visualize it. Oh yes, it's me with the visualizing problems, not you. <br />
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Superhero capes and mask ( my sweet mom made all 30 of those adorable mask). <br />
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Cape and mask decorating station. Ashlynn must have done the marker design, because I had just thrown them out there. <br />
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My superhero! <br />
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Of course I made a wreath just for his birthday. <br />
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Oh these pumpkins- loved them, even though Marshal thought I was crazy! <br />
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I am so sad I didn't get to bounce this year. Epic Inflatable is the absolute best if you need a bounce house in NWA. We've used them the last two years and they have let us have the bounce house basically all day. My plan was to get in some good bouncing after the party. However, my head decided an ER trip was a much more exciting end to the day. <br />
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What's a party without a little silly string? 16 kids set free with silly string, makes for a very beautiful, fun colored backyard. Is it weird that I totally want to throw an adult party and include silly string now? <br />
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Present opening. I think if all of the kids could have fit in my lap, they would have completely climbed on in. I had no idea how exciting boy toys could be. These kiddos brought some major cool things! <br />
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Sweet Noah and Jaxton enjoying their cupcakes. Jaxton really, really wants Noah to live with us. Silly boy! <br />
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Izzie made me smile. Who needs to decorate a mask when you can stick a star straight on your head. <br />
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Miss Sass has been playing pretty hard it appears. <br />
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Superhero women! Not even kidding, each one of these ladies has some amazing super powers. <br />
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You didn't think, I actually forgot to get my child a Rick's cake did you? <br />
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Actual birthday day cake! Yum, yum! Serves 35 to 40 people or one Andrea with enough to share a bite or two with her kids. <br />
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Posted using BlogPress from my iPadAndrea http://www.blogger.com/profile/01199119819269141865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4557818922561389842.post-31475733971133144672014-10-09T12:01:00.001-05:002014-10-09T12:01:33.853-05:00Marshal Gives Me " Strength "I haven't blogged in so long, I hope I still remember how to do it. Ha! <br /><br />You all know by now I have been struggling with a migraine. Maybe you do or maybe you don't know the ins and outs of the whole ordeal, but it goes something like this. September 16th, while at work, I start getting this terrible headache. I leave as soon as I can after school, get the kids, come home and take a nap. Any way long story short that night I end up having the worst pain of my entire life, not kidding, worse than unmedicated child birth(Ashlynn decided to not wait so I did everything but the final push with no meds), anything I have ever experienced. Now by no means has it stayed at that intensity, but I have had a headache non stop since. At times the pain gets to me more than others. It kind of depends on how tired I am, or how busy I am and if I can kind of keep my mind off of the pain. Today marks my 23rd day straight with a migraine. <br /><br />After day five I made an appointment with my doctor. We tried a shot and some meds. By day seven, I was back at the doctor. New meds and a MRI. Thankfully the MRI showed nothing. However my pain continued. The next day still in misery, I was sent to the ER. Tons of shots and IV fluids. Still no relief. The weekend rolls around. It just so happens to be the weekend before my 34th birthday. Marshal has planned a birthday trip for me that he had to cancel. I am major bummed, but in so much pain, I can't even care. <br /><br />Monday comes, it's my birthday. I am officially 34. I asked for a guitar for my birthday. If that is not the most ridiculous gift for a girl with a headache. This is just great. Ugh! Jaxton and Ashlynn of course are in love with my birthday gift and I can't get the box closed fast enough. My head is pounding. I am seeing neon lights and not the pretty kind you see when you are drunk and dancing and having a good time. <br /><br />Then, Marshal walks over with this little green bag. I open it. Inside it has a key. A beautiful gold key with the word strength inscribed on it. It is hanging from a beautiful gold chain. Attached to the key is a card that reads. " The giving key, give this key away to someone when they need it more than you. " <br /><br />I could have cried. I wanted to cry. Nothing could have been more perfect. It takes a lot to surprise me boys and girls. I am going to tell you what; I am one nosey little girl. I ruin surprises-always. It's just what I do. But this. This is what I needed. Marshal R. Watson, I could not love you more for giving me strength. I held that key so tight through both, four hour IV infusions. I still have a ways to go, no headache relief yet, so I am hanging on to my strength for now. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/10/09/379.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/10/09/s_379.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Picture, I took my first day back after my first infusion, to show a friend that I was feeling better. My headache was only at a two on the pain scale until that night when it came back. You can still see it in my eyes that I hurt. :-( <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/10/09/380.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/10/09/s_380.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Andrea http://www.blogger.com/profile/01199119819269141865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4557818922561389842.post-70524330078246394492014-08-08T09:57:00.001-05:002014-08-08T09:59:58.178-05:00New Orleans: A Bussinesscation <br />
Marshal asked me serval months ago if I wanted to go to New Orleans with him. I of course jumped at the chance. Having lived in Baton Rouge as newlyweds, we went to New Orleans a lot. Honestly, it was the only way we could talk our friends into coming for a visit: a promise of a trip to Mardi Gras or weekend on Bourbon. I looked forward to visiting some of our favorite places and getting some of the yummy foods we used to eat. I had hoped to see some of our Louisiana friends while in town, but the trip was just too short. <br />
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The conference Marshal was attending was massive. Like 5,000 attendees. I didn't quite know what to do with all of those people. Teachers just don't get together in large numbers like that. Well at least not at any conference I have gotten to attend. <br />
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It made me totally laugh to see all the people Marshal "works" with. This is my mean part so close your ears if you don't want to hear my pretty little month talking so ugly. I can remember getting so jealous and upset with Marshal before kids. He would call me while he was at a conference and I would hear women laughing in the background. I would get super mad and give him all kinds of fits. Let's just say, I was waaaayyyyyy off base. The people at these conferences are absolutely nothing and I mean nothing to be jealous of. I know, I know, I am being sooooooo tacky, but for the most part, women in the dispatching/emergency services profession, just don't provide much to worry about. Not that there isn't an exception.... I'm just saying these people are a lot different than my silly little brain had picture. Plus they are into this crap. Like really excited about things I find super boring. Give me some fire, tornados, or hazmats and I can hang with you. But, how to implement a new dispatching software, you can totally keep to yourself. <br />
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Anyway, the trip was a lot of fun and I got to do quite a bit of fun stuff. We stayed on the Riverwalk, neat the convention center. I had never stayed in that part of town. I really never had a reason to. I was super lucky; they had just opened a new mall, in May of this year, right beside the convention center. Monday morning I spent shopping and exploring the Riverwalk area. <br />
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First stop at Cafe Du Monde. I went everyday that I was there to make sure I got my fill. French donuts! Yum! <br />
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I got introduced to peanut butter truffles, so I had to buy a massive bag. <br />
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Monday afternoon we set out to explore the Garden District, Jackson Square and the French Quarter. <br />
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I didn't know Marshal and I had our own teaching ministry, whatever that is. <br />
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I know this picture stinks, but I wanted to show you how all the trees on St. Charles have beads hanging from them (they get stuck during the parades and they just leave them). I think it is really pretty. I told Marshal we should decorate our tree at home with beads just for the fun of it. <br />
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Just to show you the Garden District style. This is the Fresh Market. A little different look than ours in NWA. <br />
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Jackson Square with St. Louis cathedral in the background. <br />
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I was sad because I used to love Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro. I was so looking forward to eating there. Sadly it was just ok. It wasn't anywhere near the fabulousness that it used to be. Luckily dinner Monday night was so incredibly beyond fabulous it made up for it. Like so so good! We ate at this restaurant off Bourbon called Court of Two Sisters. The place was also just absolutely adorable. The location was once home to five governors built back in the 1800's. I highly recommend it if you are ever in the area. <br />
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My dinner friend. Pretty baby! Marshal wouldn't let me bring her home. :-( <br />
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Dinner- Chicken Oscar<br />
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And of course a New Orleans original, Bananas Foster made table side. I swear I could have picked up the bowl and licked it. <br />
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After dinner we hung out on Bourbon for a little while. Nothing too crazy because there was an early morning breakfast the next morning. I did get to visit my favorite club ever, the Cat's Meow, where I danced and Marshal sat like a lump on a log. <br />
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Obviously the lightening in Cat's Meow doesn't make me look too good. Ha! <br />
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Another friend I made. <br />
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Look at the statue shadow. How cool is that. <br />
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Tuesday, we bought a ticket for the street cars. (Another tip if you find yourself wanting to explore New Orleans. Takes you all over the place and a day pass is only $3. I had no idea how easy peasy it was to get around.) <br />
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Anyway, we went down Canal to the historic cemeteries. Really super cool. If you didn't already know, the graves are all above ground in New Orleans because of the fact the town is located below sea level. <br />
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I liked this one. Some are designs while others are just above ground boxes. <br />
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It amazed me how many people they put in a single monument. Not sure I would want to be the person that opens these things up when it's time to add the next body. <br />
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This tree was pretty interesting. The inside is almost completely hollow. <br />
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My little cemetery friend. <br />
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Then Tuesday night , the conference hosted a block party at Mardi Gras World. I thought that was so fun! Getting to see the floats being made was really cool to me. I loved the Mardi Gras parades. They were so beautiful. <br />
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I had to get this one for Jaxton. <br />
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Another Jaxton must. <br />
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Look how big these floats really are. <br />
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They also had this area called The Swamp. I tried and tried to get a good picture, but it was just too dark in there. It was complete daylight outside, but when you walked into this area of the warehouse it looked like night time in a Louisiana swamp. So amazing! <br />
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They also had a jazz band playing for us. <br />
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After we had enough meet and greet we headed back down to Bourbon. This time we took the Streetcar so no one had to drive. No one had early morning breakfast meetings either so we got to stay and have a good time. Well, I had a good time. Not sure if sitting and watching everyone dance is fun or not. I love to dance and sing way too much to just sit around. <br />
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This guy was in the middle of he street yelling that everyone there was going to burn in hell. It was intense. <br />
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Ok now is he part where if you don't want to see sweet little me acting a fool, close your eyes. <br />
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Turns our my duck face looks just as stupid as everyone else's duck face. Ha! <br />
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Krazy Korner bar now has given Cat's Meow a run for their money with me. <br />
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It was amazing to me how much of a party that place is. I wasn't sure a random Monday or Tuesday night would be all that fun. Didn't seem to stop anyone down there. It might not have been quite up to the weekend crowd, but still enough people to have a great time. I just needed my girls, so I didn't have to dance alone and with random people. #myhusbandwon'tdance #Iwoulddancewithawall #musicismyhappyplace <br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadAndrea http://www.blogger.com/profile/01199119819269141865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4557818922561389842.post-19807919648898837262014-08-06T17:59:00.001-05:002014-08-06T17:59:05.935-05:00Shortest Week Ever This year's Destin trip was absolutely the quickest week ever. I have gone to Destin with my parents basically every summer for the last 21 years. We always have a good time and I love the familiarity of it. This year was extra great though. Having spent the last two years in a constant state of stress, this summer just felt like we could finally take in the big breath of relief we have been longing for, and just enjoy. (More on that in another post soon.) <br /><br />Another super big plus, was that both kids have outgrown naps and are independent enough to play without someone having to be right on top of them the whole time. They both loved the ocean this year and basically wanted to spend every minute there. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/568.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_568.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Jaxton and Ashlynn made some fun new friends. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/569.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_569.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/570.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_570.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Marshal and I made new friends too. I even had a weak moment and let them talk me into borrowing their super ugly chair..... ( mercy look at those freckles) <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/571.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_571.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/572.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_572.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/573.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_573.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Sunday and Monday were pretty overcast, but made for some fabulous boogie board waves. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/574.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_574.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/575.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_575.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/576.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_576.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/577.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_577.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Tuesday was sunny and gorgeous. I was happy to see the sun, but a portion of my lower legs and Ashlynn's back weren't so happy. It wasn't a terrible sunburn, but enough of a sunburn that we decided to take a break from the beach Wednesday and spent the day at the Track riding go carts and rides. The kids had a blast ( and I might have had a little fun too, beating some teenage boys that thought they could out drive me, sorry boys I have got many years of terrible driving on you. ;-) ) <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/578.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_578.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/579.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_579.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/580.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_580.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/581.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_581.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/582.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_582.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/583.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_583.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/584.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_584.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We couldn't spend the whole day there and not get some beach time in somewhere. We decided to spend the evening on the beach crab hunting. We caught over 30 crabs and the kids loved it!!! Ashlynn had to orchestrate an official crab releasing ceremony. The kids really thought we needed to keep them all as pets. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/585.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_585.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/586.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_586.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/587.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_587.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/588.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_588.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/589.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_589.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Thursday my mom and I squeezed in a massage around our beach time. We have this guy we have gone to at the Aveda Spa in Destin for years. He is so fabulous at his job! I tried to pack him up in my suitcase and bring him home as my souvenir. <br /><br />Post spa happy! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/590.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_590.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Thursday night was family night at the Harbor. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/591.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_591.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/592.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_592.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/593.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_593.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/594.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_594.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/595.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_595.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/596.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_596.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/597.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_597.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/598.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_598.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/599.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_599.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And you haven't seen anything until you have seen a bunch of 70 year old ladies tap dancing to Pharrell William's song Happy. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/600.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_600.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Friday morning Ashlynn and I went parasailing. This was not my favorite year for that. Ashlynn loved it and said it made her feel like a bird. I was kind of scared the whole time. We kept getting caught in these cross winds and it was rocking and jerking us all over the place. Being the adult though I put on my happy brave face. We did get to see a sea turtle, which made me smile. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/601.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_601.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/602.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_602.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/603.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_603.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/604.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_604.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Friday morning Marshal and I had a date morning. We went back to school clothes shopping for the kids and me and ok even Marshal. It was really great to clothes shop without the helpers that are always rushing me because they are bored. <br /><br />One thing I look forward to every year is the food. Not only is it the one place I love getting my fill of crab legs and fruity adult beverages, I love love the atmosphere of eating with the ocean view. So relaxing and nice. Relaxing + food= hello perfectness for Andrea. You guys know how much I love my food! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/605.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_605.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/606.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_606.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/607.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_607.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/608.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_608.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/609.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_609.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/610.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_610.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/611.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_611.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/612.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_612.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/613.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_613.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/615.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_615.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/616.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_616.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/617.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_617.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/619.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_619.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/620.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_620.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/622.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_622.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It was a perfect week of family time and vacation. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/623.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_623.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/624.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_624.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/625.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_625.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/626.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_626.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/08/06/627.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/08/06/s_627.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Just as a random side note, Jaxton has started saying things and including baby to them. Like " ok babe y" all drawn out and cute. I think my favorite "baby" saying was on the trip down he turns to my dad and randomly says " look at this face baby", while putting his hand under his chin. What a mess that boy is. Not sure what we would do without him to keep us on our toes. <br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my<br />Andrea http://www.blogger.com/profile/01199119819269141865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4557818922561389842.post-10551553027820250302014-07-03T13:06:00.001-05:002014-07-03T13:06:37.918-05:00California Girls Yes, I totally love The Beach Boys. <br />
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Those are Southwest Airline drink tickets. Hey, who cares that it was 9 in the morning. It was girl trip time!!!! <br />
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After spending my teen years watching 90210 and Melrose Place, I have wanted to visit Beverly Hills. Yet, I didn't at all feel like Brenda, Donna, Kelly, Andrea, or Valerie. In fact I have to admit the real thing wasn't anywhere near as glamorous as the the picture I had painted in my mind. That is not to say I didn't have a blast, because I absolutely did. It was just fun for very different reasons than I thought.<br />
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I am super lucky to have a cousin that lives in Los Angeles. She is a costume designer. She has worked on several movies and is currently working on the Fox tv series Bones. Besides all of that she has to be my absolute coolest cousin ever. I'm sorry to say it, I love all of the rest of you too, but the Minyard clan has to agree, it doesn't get any cooler than Jeannie, right? Anyway, I was super super excited to see her. I am like the baby, of the baby, of the family. I think my next closest cousin is 17 years older than me. So, I don't really get a lot of cousin hang out time because, I have always been closer to my 2nd cousins age than my actual cousins. In fact , I probably have second cousins older than I am, who knows. Anyway I am rambling like a crazy girl.<br />
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Jeannie and her super nice, super sweet, super fun, producer boyfriend, Sam, came to pick us up from the airport and took us to lunch, thank you, thank you!<br />
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I know they were probably bored out of their minds because I had a million curious questions about their jobs. They told me stuff that made my brain hurt. I had no idea how much work went into their jobs. Those people are crazy talented to be able to think and process all that stuff to create entertainment for us. Truly fascinating!<br />
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I am a little dumbfounded by a couple of California things now. First, dogs. Seriously, those people were crazy in love with their dogs. People took their dogs everywhere! I mean everywhere, grocery stores, restaurants, everywhere. We walked into Cheesecake Factory and this lady had her dog sitting at the table with her.<br />
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I realize I am in the minority of people that believe dogs are meant for outside, but come on, dogs eating off your plate at a restaurant is really pushing my dog tolerance. I love dogs, I love animals period. I just don't feel like animals need to be treated like humans and taken everywhere with you. Rock on California and your dog love. I am going to stay living in Arkansas where, for now, at least, I won't be eating off of a plate that someone's dog just licked.<br />
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The other thing I found on the strange side was how Californians' maintain such a healthy life style. I realize my five days don't come close to allowing me any knowledge of an actual California life style, but those people don't walk anywhere and they have huge delicious food options everywhere.<br />
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I know that it's not any different than living in Arkansas, but I guess by looking at the hundreds of sexy, buff built, men and the hundreds of size zero chicks running around, their lifestyle must be more accommodating for health and fitness than ours. (Probably just my made up excuse for trying to make myself feel better for my ever growing food belly. )But, when we told people we were going to walk somewhere, they literally looked at us like we had grown three heads or something.<br />
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We did walk several places, regardless of it being a crazy thing to do. The weather was so nice, it was kind of a treat to get to walk, be outside and enjoy the sunshine and perfect breeze. The first place we walked was to Hollywood Boulevard to see the stars, the Chinese Theater, the famous handprints, and all of the interesting people. We also enjoyed dinner at the Hollywood Street Grill and dessert at Ghirardelli. <br />
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After hanging out on Hollywood for several hours and having the wrong shoes, we decided to get our first Uber ride. Oh my mercy my absolute favorite thing about the whole trip! I had vaguely heard of Uber before and kind of thought the whole thing sounded scary and strange. I was so wrong. It was the coolest thing ever and literally made the trip. The first Uber driver we got was this crazy cool chick named Shannon. She told us all about the ends and outs of using Uber, as well as told us about Uber's competitor, Lyft, including how we could score free rides. The long and short of it is, you use an app that pinpoints your location.<br />
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Random people signup to be drivers for Uber and or Lyft. When you need a ride, said random person can agree to come pick you up and take you wherever you want to go. So it's kind of like a taxi only it's just everyday people, in their personal vehicles, on their free time. There are tons of safely features involved too (mom before you freak completely out while reading this). The thing that made me love it so much was, we got to meet some neat, super friendly people, that live in L.A. and they all had fabulous tips on what we should see and do while we were in town.<br />
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Like how to drive super close to the Hollywood sign.<br />
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And my two favorite suggestions: go to The Farmer's Market at The Grove and eat at Craig's.<br />
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The Farmer's market was just that, a huge permanent farmer's market, but there was also a huge outdoor mall that was so extremely nice. I loved it and could have rich people watched for hours. E News was there video taping some celebs shopping and I know there were several there doing just that. Sadly, I am the absolute most clueless person when it comes to famous people. They would literally have to be wearing a large name tag for me to recognize them and even then I would probably have to google them. I live in an Andrea bubble.<br />
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Awwww why can't we have such fabulous produce!<br />
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Look just walking through the place made us more beautiful. Ha! So yes maybe we did stop to get our hair fixed while at The Grove.<br />
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Ok enough of my silliness and in to dinner at Craig's. Hello fun night! This was our only night to get dressed up and "go out".<br />
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Honestly, we almost backed out on dinner since we couldn't get dinner reservations until 9. So glad we didn't. We get there and immediately realize we are literally the only people in the restaurant, other than the staff, that aren't in the industry. This place is crazy. Everyone in the restaurant knows everyone else and it's like a big party for them. The other thing we immediately notice is that a couple of tables over they are filming something with Jimmy Kimmel, John Stamos, Don Rickles, and Bob Saget. Not that I had any clue who Don Rickles was, but I did watch tv back in the day, so I was all over the Full House stars. Anyway we didn't get any pictures, well not really because we were really really trying to act cool and not like crazy tourist. I did get a sneaky picture of one of the five camera men filming in the restaurants. Quality, right?<br />
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And a picture of the host that Jenn and I kind of fell in love with ( and whom was also kind enough to explain to us that they were filming the show Dinner with Don ).<br />
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When we left the restaurant we were met with paparazzi waiting outside the door. ( I was only sneaky enough to get a picture of one of them. I am such a dork! )<br />
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They didn't want our picture so I took one myself. Ha!<br />
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Anyway I decided since they were standing out there, I would stand out there too and finally take the pictures I had been dying to take all night. Plus unlike the rest of the people there, we didn't have a Bentley, Lamborghini, or Porsche waiting on us to hop in and drive off.<br />
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This one makes me laugh because the cameras were going off like crazy, it was blinding. No wonder they hate the paparazzi. I swear I am still seeing spots.<br />
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Anyway, Jimmy was the only one that left out of the front door. He had a limo and it couldn't pull around back so no sneaking out like the rest of them did. While Jimmy was leaving, Rachel from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills was going in. I only know this because the paparazzi was yelling at her.<br />
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We didn't just do things the Uber drivers told us to do. We also did the regular touristy things too, like shop on Rodeo.<br />
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Me acting stupid asking Marshal which "outfit" he wanted me to bring home.<br />
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Me letting him know what he could buy me in return for bringing home said outfit.<br />
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And us acting like total tourist with our actual purchases from Rodeo Drive. (Cute shoes and a dress for you curious people and Jenn bought a purse.)<br />
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We also went to Malibu, Venice Beach, and the Santa Monica pier.<br />
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The most touristy thing we did was go to Universal Studio's. We went early in the morning when they first opened, which was fabulous.<br />
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However, by the end of the day we couldn't even walk there were so many people, which made us both crazy and we couldn't wait to get out if there. It was fun and my favorite ride was the Jurassic park ride where a massive T-rex popped out of the dark and tired to eat me only thank heavens I was saved by falling 84 feet (yes seriously) down a plunging waterfall.<br />
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Before and after Jurassic Park.<br />
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Transformer guy. Doesn't impress me, but maybe it does it for you.<br />
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Oh hello now we are talking, "Mr. Grey will see you now." For some reason they weren't ok with my request to sit in the conner of the studio and just watch them film hottie Mr. Grey. Odd I know.<br />
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We also went to the Holocaust Museum, which was pretty disturbing, but I am glad we took time to visit and view artifacts from an important historical event.<br />
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And last but not least, we hung out at our hotel. They had a fabulous wall of hotties. Ummmm oh my mercy yes please!<br />
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And a rooftop pool that over looked Sunset and the hills.<br />
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They were also taping the intros for the new season of The Biggest Loser at our hotel, before taking the contestants out to the ranch. Ready for some more sneaky photography? Yes, I got my fill of sneaky camera work in on this trip. I promise to stop now that I am back in Arkansas.<br />
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Obviously this is such a couple of the contestants. They only had one hour of free time and only a few choose to come up to the pool. They were all really sweet and it was kind of fun listening to their busy reality tv schedule. <br />
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Girls trip 2014 in the books! Yay! <br />
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<br />Andrea http://www.blogger.com/profile/01199119819269141865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4557818922561389842.post-80380638311379549752014-06-16T17:25:00.001-05:002014-06-16T17:25:22.354-05:0013th Anniversary CardSo it turns out I am a major cheapo when it comes to cards. I am sorry Hallmark, but I just refuse to buy $3.99 plus cards. To me they have very little value and end up in the trash sooner or later. That doesn't mean I don't think you should say sweet things to people for their birthday, anniversary, etc. I would just rather do it in a more personal, cheaper way. I bought a big box of blank cards and have been using them for everything. I think the box was $2.99 and I just write my own words, from my own heart to give to people.<br /><br />I decided this year instead of buying or writing a card to Marshal, I would just blog to him. <br /><br />Marshal, <br /><br />Thirteen long years, you would say. I can't believe it! It makes me feel really old actually. It doesn't feel like this day was five years ago, much less 13! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/16/829.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/16/s_829.jpg' border='0' width='320' height='320' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I was crazy happy to be marrying you and I think I thought I knew what love was that day. Ha, I had no idea. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/16/830.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/16/s_830.jpg' border='0' width='320' height='320' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A year and three homes later you had moved us to Louisiana. Boy did I hate it there. I know now looking back on it, it was what we both needed to grow as a couple and stop being two only children that relied on our parents for everything. <br /><br />By year number four we had, had our first child. Wow what a crazy life changing event that turned out to be. I struggled big time being a new mommy and still finding time to be a wife. That was the year I gave my heart to you completely. Anything I thought I knew about love grew in the most intense way and I learned that there is absolutely nothing more romantic then watching your husband hold and love your baby girl. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/16/832.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/16/s_832.jpg' border='0' width='320' height='320' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Shortly before our seventh anniversary I took you on your 30th birthday surprise cruise. Worse trip ever! But there is no one I would rather have by my side trapped on a vomit covered ship than you! And hey I still love you bunches for carrying my passed out (from heat exhaustion) self all over the Yucatan Peninsula. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/16/833.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/16/s_833.jpg' border='0' width='320' height='320' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Our eighth year was a hard one for me and probably for you too. I lost our surprise baby and it crushed me. I know you didn't know how to help me, but you were by my side the whole time and I will always treasure the time you spent holding me. <br /><br />This years anniversary picture has to be my absolute least favorite. I was pregnant with Jaxton and felt like a big blob. You however still made me feel beautiful, even though I know you are not a fan of a pregnant girl. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/16/834.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/16/s_834.jpg' border='0' width='320' height='320' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />If that was my least favorite, the tenth year is my all time favorite. Yay for the anniversary trip to the Bahamas! Two children later, that trip was the absolute best. You and I just soaked in our minutes together. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/16/835.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/16/s_835.jpg' border='0' width='320' height='320' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Our eleventh year we bought a new house. Talk about stressful. Wow what a difference it is moving a whole family verse just the two of us. That was the year that I discovered I could do anything as long as you were by my side. You literally were my strength. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/16/836.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/16/s_836.jpg' border='0' width='320' height='320' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Our twelfth and thirteenth have brought on their own set of ups and downs, but that's the thing that keeps me growing in my love for you each day. You and I take each up and each down together. I love that you are my favorite person to be with and that everything, yard work, housecleaning, laundry, etc are always more fun as long as you are with me. You are my perfect other half and I love you so much big bunches sometimes it feels like my heart might explode. <br /><br />P.S. Will you remarry me so I can have some more cake? <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/16/837.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/16/s_837.jpg' border='0' width='320' height='320' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Love, <br /><br /><br />Andrea <br />Andrea http://www.blogger.com/profile/01199119819269141865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4557818922561389842.post-7164093194602173522014-06-08T16:37:00.001-05:002014-06-08T16:37:44.270-05:00Staycation This still being in school, in June, thing totally stinks. However, it did happen to help me win a fabulous staycation weekend with my hubby. Which has me feeling like a pretty lucky girl. <br /><br />You see it all started a couple of weeks ago when my best dance mom friend text me asking if I would like to go to the Blake Shelton concert. Well yes please! The tickets did come with conditions, conditions I could easily abide by, I couldn't pay for them, I couldn't sell them, and I had to do a random act of kindness. Y'all already know, from previous blog post, that random acts of kindness are kind of my thing. So yay Blake Shelton tickets for me! <br /><br />Ok next step-child care. I am beyond blessed to live near my parents. I cannot even begin to tell you how nice it is to have your mom and dad so close. Being an only child also kind of gets me a little bit of spoiling on the parent end. Any ways having said that, there are times they can't babysit and I do have to actually find someone that can. I called my mom to see if they could watch the kids. She said she could, but there was a little problem. If she watched the kids Saturday night, she would have to take them the whole weekend because they already had plans to go to the cabin. It took me about 2.5 seconds to decide that this problem was definitely something I thought we could handle. Then, as if I wasn't already getting excited about a whole weekend of getting me time, my mom told me that since I had to work, she might as well just keep them until Monday evening. Three whole nights, kid free. Oh hello fabulousness! I love those kids more than my own life, but sometimes it is nice to have time to miss them. Plus Jaxton has a huge love affair with GeGe's cabin and I know that both Ashlynn and Jaxton adore every second they get to spend with their Nonnie and GeGe. <br /><br />Soooo my staycation began Friday afternoon with alone time at the pool. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/08/725.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/08/s_725.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I read and relaxed and even managed to get a tiny bit of color on my always sooo white skin. <br /><br />Once Marshal got home he joined me for a bit. Then we decided to come home and take a nap. There is just very little that I love more than I love naps. I didn't even care that it was 6:00 in the evening. We got up around 7:30 and decided to get ready and go out for dinner. Awe no children makes the restaurant possibilities seem endless. Our anniversary is just next week though, so we decided to not get too crazy with ourselves and ended up at Copeland's. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/08/726.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/08/s_726.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/08/727.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/08/s_727.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />After dinner, we went back to the subdivision and hung out with some of our neighbors. We have some seriously cool neighbors. Lately it seems to be one of my favorite things to do, sit in a lawn chair and visit. We ended up back home somewhere around 12:30, so late, but not terribly so. I want to point this out and I want you to remember it, because you aren't even going to believe what we did next. <br /><br />We slept. I mean like slept like we were still in college. When I woke up the next morning, I grabbed my phone to check to see what time it was. I really expected it was around 9:00 and was already trying to decide if I was done sleeping or if I wanted to snuggle back in. As soon as I saw my phone I had to take a screen shot because I couldn't even believe what time it was. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/08/728.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/08/s_728.jpg' border='0' width='157' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Who sleeps until 11:20?!?! As if that wasn't bad enough I didn't even get out of bed when I realized it. Nope, we laid their another hour or so before we got up. Ridiculous, but it felt fabulous. <br /><br />Once we got up I did do a couple of chores that needed to be done, but then we decided we didn't really have time to get a whole lot done, so we went to the pool again. Ha! <br /><br />We came home around 3:30 to get ready for the concert. We wanted to have time to eat before we met our friends at 6:00. We went to JJ's and grabbed a burger and then headed to Pinnacle Country Club where we were to meet. <br /><br />As we were driving that way we saw this massive line. I am talking a mile long, four to five people wide, line. I was feeling extremely spoiled that I wasn't going to have to wait in that line. ( I stole this picture off of a friends Facebook page so you could see. Thanks Jamye! ) <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/08/729.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/08/s_729.jpg' border='0' width='157' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> Nope in fact not only did we not have to wait in line, but we had time to hang out and grab a drink at the club before catching the shuttle. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/08/730.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/08/s_730.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I also had a lady tell me that I had great boots. Yay, for compliments! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/08/731.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/08/s_731.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> We caught the shuttle around 6:45. They took us right up near the entrance and we were able to walk right in and get a great spot on the lawn. ( sorry random people in front of us for posting you all over my blog) <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/08/732.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/08/s_732.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/08/733.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/08/s_733.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/08/734.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/08/s_734.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> It was really nice. There was a breeze and the lawn was great. We had plenty of room to spread out and once the concert started I had room to dance and Marshal had room to stand perfectly still and watch me like I was an idiot. Ha. We even got this cute keychain that I thought was pretty clever. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/08/735.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/08/s_735.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Hey, it doesn't take much to amuse me. <br /><br />I thought the concert was great. Cutie little 22 year old Hunter Hayes was great. He had a lot of energy and started the show off wonderfully. He also happens to sing one of my favorite songs: Wanted. So I loved getting to see him. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/08/736.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/08/s_736.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Blake Shelton was also great. He was funny and just really entertaining to watch. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/06/08/737.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/06/08/s_737.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />He closed the show with one of my all time favorite songs, Footloose. He and his band sounded amazing and the crowd was having a blast singing with him. <br /><br />Thank you Nick and Jill for a fabulous night! Marshal and I had such a great time!!! <br /><br />Today is Sunday. I would tell you all about what I am doing, but it might be completely pitiful of me to admit that I have spent the majority of it lounging in my bed, loving every minute of the peaceful quietness going on around here. <br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Andrea http://www.blogger.com/profile/01199119819269141865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4557818922561389842.post-64930657977359031692014-05-24T13:20:00.001-05:002014-05-24T13:20:26.311-05:00Made My Weekend For the first time in 18 years (yes seriously) I am home for Memorial Day weekend. This weekend is traditionally Marshal's family reunion at Treat, Arkansas. While we have been rebels and gone on trips with friends a couple of times throughout the years, the majority of them we have been at the reunion. Being home seems strange and I think neither Marshal or I know what to do with ourselves. <br /><br />Last night we decided to go eat at the Wooden Spoon. We didn't get there until 5:30 so we had an hour wait in front of us. It was a beautiful night though, so we didn't mind at all sitting around on the swings and just enjoying the evening. <br /><br />Marshal and I are both big ease droppers. We love to listen to other peoples conversations and we have gotten really good and communicating with each other nonverbally about whatever it is we are listening to. This was the prefect set up for us. They had this big round circle with four individual porch swings hanging from it. Therefore, we had three other groups of people to watch and listen to. <br /><br />This one family in particular caught my attention. It was a lady and her three daughters. I kept watching the youngest daughter, as she looked very familiar to me. <br /><br />Ok side story: As a teacher at an elementary school with a high population of free and reduced lunch kids the absolute hardest part of your job is the emotional attachment you have to individual children and their stories. I don't even care to recall how many children have broken my heart with their life story. I am talking about five, six, and seven year olds that have dealt with more pain and heartache than most of us do in a lifetime. <br /><br />Alright back to last night. This family and this little girl, I kept watching her and listening to her mom. She looked so much like a child I knew from school. A little girl that had been neglected to the point that her social and academic behavior were almost unmanageable. I didn't have her as a student, but had the older brother in my class. He had a multitude of needs himself and his parents came in almost daily for various reasons. During that school year the mom became pregnant with another child. I, along with the special education team at my school, became increasingly alarmed at the ability of these parents to care for their children. They were not being neglectful in a purposeful way. They simply didn't have the mental capacity to know how to take care of their children. Sometime in the next year all three children were taken out if the home for extreme neglect . The children were placed in foster care homes. Both the boy and the baby sister were quickly adopted by the foster care parents. However this girl was kicked out of foster care home, after foster care home. Her needs were so vast that none of the families that attempted to keep her lasted very long and the children's shelter would not accept her either. This was devastating to me. I don't know how many afternoons, I spent driving home crying over this little girl and her situation. <br /><br />This girl I was seeing couldn't be the same child. This girl, although the physical resemblance was so much the same, acted so incredibly different. She acted happy, and intelligent, and carefree. She looked healthily and strong. The other kicker was her mom and sisters were not calling her by the name I recognized. <br /><br />I played it over and over in my head. What could I do, what could I say, to figure this out. I didn't want to come across disrespectful, or like a crazy lunatic. Then, as if all my thoughts had been read out loud, a lady in a different family, on another porch swing said to the little girls mom, " How did you end up with three girls? They must be so much fun at your house." The mom replied, well actually I chose to have three girls. They are all adopted.<br /><br />Well I pounced on that comment bigger than day. Talk about total rudeness. I butted my way into that conversation faster than a bumble bee. I could see Marshal with his mouth hanging open from the back of my head. I just went for it. I told her who I was, I told her how I knew her little girl, and then I just started crying. She told me that yes I was indeed right. She told me of the uphill battle she had to fight to keep her. She told me about the little girl asking to change her own name because she had a fresh start on life. She told me about the siblings. She told me about how the child was thriving. <br /><br />Talk about chill bumps. I was moved beyond words. I tried my darnedest to thank that woman. I know my words didn't even come close to how my heart was feeling. <br /><br />I am by absolutely no means belittling the importance of foster care and adoption of a child of any age. However, those that choose to become a parent to a child above the age of five hold a special place in my heart. I have the absolute most upmost thankfulness and respect for them. Once again my words don't seem to come close to what I am feeling. Choosing to take in a child that has already been hurt and damaged by this world is nothing short of being an angel. <br /><br />I have considered many times becoming a foster parent and maybe one day I will. I am not saying that it even comes close, but right now I feel called to love the 20 children that come through my door each August. For some of them I am the only consistent thing in their life. I am their only safe place and at times it can be emotionally draining. However, each child marks my heart forever. Very rarely do I get to see what becomes of the children once they leave my room in May (sometime June-ugh!), but last nights opportunity not only made my weekend, but give me great hope for all of the A's (for safely I am not using her name) out there. <br /><br />After we ate, we drove down to the Illinois River in Siloam Springs. It was really pretty. It felt like a perfect night. I got to see not only the beauty in people, but enjoy the beauty of the outdoors too. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/24/526.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/24/s_526.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/24/527.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/24/s_527.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/24/528.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/24/s_528.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/24/529.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/24/s_529.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/05/24/530.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/05/24/s_530.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />My heart is full! <br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Andrea http://www.blogger.com/profile/01199119819269141865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4557818922561389842.post-17549277521430813172014-04-23T22:43:00.001-05:002014-04-23T22:43:45.747-05:00Shout Out of Thanks Last week was absolutely the most emotionally draining week I have ever had. I thought the week of my dad's trial would forever hold that title, but having your mom hospitalized for heart failure and your dad back in court all in one week now takes the cake. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/04/23/918.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/04/23/s_918.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I couldn't be more thankful though to those that helped get us through it. First, I have to give much thanks to the doctors, nurses, and support staff at Mercy hospital in Rogers. I honestly have never had more appreciation for what those people do every day than I did last week.They were phenomenal! Every single person went above and beyond to make sure my mom and I were well taken care of. From the emergency room staff giving us cheerful good-byes as my mom was transported upstairs, to the nurses that were happy to hand out needed hugs, the cardiologist that did an amazing job diagnosing and treating my mom, the nutrition specialist that were caring and patient as we tried to figure out when and what to eat, and even to the hottie construction workers that flirted with us as my mom was scared going into her first big heart test. Truly truly my heart is bursting over with thanks. <br /><br />Before moving on to my next round of thank yous, I need to thank one more person from the hospital. Not an employee, but a volunteer. Thursday morning my mom had another procedure where she had to swallow a camera thing that showed the doctors the veins in and around her heart. After coming back to the room, it took a little while for the anesthesia to wear off. I was sitting and visiting with my mom when we begin to hear this beautiful music. A nurse came in to check vitals and do whatever and we asked her where the music was coming from. It was coming from the hallway where a young girl had brought her harp and was playing. What an amazing act of kindness. The nurse said she comes a couple of times a week and just plays. I am telling you it was so neat and made us feel so special. Thank you young lady whoever you are. Your random act of kindness was such a calming light to us. <br /><br />The next group of people I must thank is my coworkers. Ok those of you that are not teachers will not understand this the way teachers do, but when you have to be away from your classroom it is a huge hassle. You have to type up sub plans and leave detailed instructions for what is to be done every minute of the day. Typically, I leave everything out and labeled and as organized as I possibly can. However, Tuesday afternoon when I met my mom at the hospital there was no time for sub plans at all. No sub plans for Wednesday quickly turned into no sub plans for Thursday or Friday. This could equal major disaster. However, my amazing team took care of it all. I came back to work Monday and everything was in perfect order. Words can just not express my gratitude for working with a team that I can count on to take such good care of me. Not only are they coworkers, but they are very dear friends. They allowed me to focus on my family and prayed for me through it all. SCE K team you make my heart full! (Sherri you have to get in on the next group picture. :-( ) <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/04/23/919.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/04/23/s_919.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='157' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Speaking of friends. Ok y'all my mom and dad have some total rock star friends! They both totally deserve amazing friends because they are pretty amazing people. I know I am bias, but my mom and dad love their friends fiercely and they deserve to be loved back. Not only did their friends drop everything to be at the hospital with us through each test, they prayed with us, and even came running when I needed a minute alone to compose myself. They also came to my dad's court hearing on Friday. I cannot tell you how much that support meant to all of us. We just felt wrapped in love. While my dad is not the touchy feely kind, I personally couldn't have made it through the day without the supportive hugs I got from my parents friends. <br /><br />Don't think for a minute that I am going to forget to mention my amazing friends. I have always always loved being an only child until now. Although let's be honest, even if I had a sibling, I would never allow them to take charge when it comes to my momma. That is my job. I don't know maybe being an only child created that. Ha. Any way, in this case being an only child got a little overwhelming. While I appreciate all the phone calls and text so very very much, it became challenging keeping everyone up to date. Just about the time I got everyone caught up something would change. I know my friends just waned to check on me and let me know they were thinking of me, but they often were the last people I was able to talk to. My friend Melissa was amazing through all of it. Of course she is always amazing. She was fabulous about just letting me call and blurt out questions or break down any time I needed to. Jennifer was also beyond amazing. She let me know she loved me at least three times everyday last week and even let me just yell and cry on her with all of my overly tired emotions on Friday. Thank you sweet friends. I couldn't love you more if I tried. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/04/23/920.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/04/23/s_920.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/04/23/921.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/04/23/s_921.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And last, but certainly not least, my husband- my other half. Marshal is the rock that keeps me standing. Complete ridiculous song quote, but this life would kill me if I didn't have him. He took great care of our children, while I was focusing on being a daughter and couldn't fill my normal mother role. He sent me sweet pictures of our children and made sure I knew they were missing me, but doing great. I am so thankful to have him. He allowed me to just breathe and not worry. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/04/23/922.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/04/23/s_922.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I am a very lucky lucky girl! <br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress <br />Andrea http://www.blogger.com/profile/01199119819269141865noreply@blogger.com0