The Price Family

Saving The World One Animal & Baby At A Time

2010-06-04T23:10:00.002-04:00

Well, in the last few weeks.... this oil spill has really created one big mess! And its a little depressing since its ruining so many beautiful beaches! But with that being said, Chris and I never watch the news. We just can't take the stress of the world. I kinda like living in my land of oblivion! So, my thoughts here are to go to the beaches and rescue every living creature and nurse them back to health. Now, in reality, is that really possible? No probably not. But I still want to help out somehow......

To the latter part of the title, Saving a BABY! Yes! I want to extend our family, somehow. I really want another baby. But like the animals, how realistic is that?? Not really. I say that, but ultimately the Lord has a greater plan and that just may be his plan... whether is a goldfish (what Chris wants) or to take on an orphanage (what I want!). After watching The Blind Side and seeing that you can help out kids even without taking on the legal route has helped me see an easier approach to expanding the family. Then theres the animal shelter thats right up the road, I want to adopt all the animals! I dont know! I almost feel like our family isn't complete, we need to extend it out somewhere.... and Im not really sure if this child needs to physically come from me? You know what I am saying?! Nod your head yes here please! :)

Its definately a thought that I am interested in..... whether it be a dog, cat, duckie covered in oil from the stupid BP people, a child that needs a little more direction in life, or a baby that needs to be welcomed into our family for life....... I have the desire to expand, but I really don't want a goldfish, I can't love on them!

I'm Itching!

2010-06-04T23:06:00.002-04:00

Oh! My! Gracious!
I haven't blogged in many many many months! I just can't keep up with it all.... but Ive got the itch to get started again! WEIRD! So my last post we were 3 weeks into Kindergarten with Hudson and I was excited about that Hat! Now we are 3 weeks post Kindergarten and the hat that I am wearing is definately my ball cap! Whew! SCHOOLS OUT FOR THE SUMMER! We are going to the pool, hanging out and just going to play!
So heres to my little itchy... Im scratching ya! I just MIGHT blog for a few more months then stop again, who knows! Like who really follows me anyhow!?!!

The Hat That I Have Always Wanted To Wear!

2009-09-02T21:02:00.002-04:00

Growing up, I knew that I always wanted to be able to stay at home with children as the grew up, went off to kindergarten, came home in the afternoon, took them to practice, you know... all that stuff! I want to be the cool mom that all the kids want to be around, but most importantly, I want MY kids to want me to be there. We are currently in Hudson's 3rd week of kindergarten and he loves that we are able to be so hands on with him at school. Im so excited to be able to participate in so much that he does there. I love picking him up from school... which daddy tends to be the one taking him and picking him up everyday. But I get the giddies when I see him walking down the walkway, then waiting patiently for his turn to get in the car to go home. We have also recently started him in Soccer. He loves it! Hes beginning to be sure of himself and the decisions that he makes... so this is good for him. Today, I started Coley in Mommy & Me gymnastics! Whoa! that boy needs to let out some energy and he did so today! He had a blast!
So the hat that I SO PROUDLY WEAR IS THE : "Carpool, hat wearing, coffee drinking, pajama wrinkled, soccer, taxi mama!"
Hee hee! I just love the title!

So Long, Farewell

2009-09-01T21:16:00.002-04:00

As you can tell by the previous post, my life has been through some major changes in the last few years. During this time, some relationships were let go of and many new ones were built; which I am extremely grateful for in both of those cases. But Im so frustrated! I just don't get how some people can just be so rude and stuck on themselves to treat others the way that they do and think that its okay. Then again, they maybe thinking the same thing about me. I maybe rude and only thinking about myself. Ggrr! Why oh why did this all of a sudden start urking me tonight when its been over and gone for so long now?!

Battle of Mind-- I WILL WIN!

2009-01-06T11:27:00.002-05:00

Let me first start this out by saying that I am FAR from perfect. Some of you have commented that you are amazed that I spend time with the Lord everyday like I do. I have to. I will tell you shortly why I am so dependent on Him, like He has called me to be. Over the holidays I wasn't as faithful as I wanted to be, I felt rushed or didn't even open my Bible or sit and talk with Him. (My talking in journaling) This morning, the alarm was set and did go off at 6, but I didn't get out of bed until 7:40. I was probably tired because I sat on the computer last night blogging!

Let's go back alot of years. I was saved when I was 12. I went to church regularly. I was involved in choir and every summer would go on choir tour and tell others about Christ. Looking back now, Im not even sure if I knew what I was really doing. After I graduated from high school. I did my own thing. A few years later, Chris and I married, few more years later, got pregnant with Hudson. Then I realized that I needed to get my spiritual life back in order, maybe not even that, just get one period! We visited churches, found one that we loved, but got out of the swing. We then joined Oak Hill, which we loved! There, Chris and I both came to know Christ together and got baptized together. That was an awesome experience. My walk with the Lord was growing, however, not like it should. I was still in bondage to several things that did not honor the Lord in any way, shape or form. We then got pregnant with little Coley. I thought that my walk continued to grow, but it was growing the wrong way. Satan had began to attack my mind, my walk, my marriage, and so many other areas of my life, that once again, were totally not honoring the Lord. After Coleman was born, things began to improve, spiritually. But Satan was still on the prowl. Chris and I then joined Shadowbrook Baptist where my family has been such a blessing! Over the next several months I began to get sick. January 2008 was when it all started. Between then and March, I lost 17 pounds, wasn't able to function as a wife and a mother, couldn't do anything. Little did I know that Satan had totally taken over my mind and he was winning the battle. On March 6th, 2008, the battle was far more than what I could handle anymore. I was taken to the hospital and then went on to Peachford. I am SO NOT ASHAMED of this. People think that mental health is a taboo subject, but let me tell you.... everyone suffers with something somewhere. How awesome it was to be stripped of everything! The Lord literally picked me up from my life that was crumbling, placed me somewhere that I was safe and alone with Him. Then and there is when I realized that I could no longer play "Christian". I couldn't be a pew warmer, I couldn't pretend anymore. He wanted me! All to Himself! He wanted me to focus on Him. So from that day forward, I have tried my hardest to not allow Satan to enter my mind or even try to look at me. That nasty thing... I can't stand him! I have to make the effort to take the time every morning. When Im fresh and can focus on Him and our relationship. If I don't, my day is literally in shambles and Satan will start prancing around me trying to get my attention. My attitude is ugly, Im just not nice. The day literally falls apart before it really ever began if I don't begin it with Him. When I brought this up in Sunday school a very sweet lady recommended to me that I read "Battlefield of the Mind" by Joyce Meyer. I got that and the 100 Devotionals that go along with it. And this has truely helped me alot!

Here is one part that I always turn to, that I love!
2 Corinthians 10:4-6
"for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of the fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete."

~"Lord Jesus, in Your name, I cry out for victory. Enable me to bring every thought into obedience. Help me not to allow Satan's words to stay in my mind and steal my victory. Amen!" (This prayer is from Joyce Meyer in the devotional book and on a sticky!)

I am a major fan of sticky notes and if you have been to my house within the last 10 months, you will see so! I place scripture on sticky notes and put them everywhere! I have to! There has been a handful people that have been complete prayer warriors for me during all of this. Knowing that I ALWAYS have you to lean on has been so awesome. You know who you are and I love you dearly!

So today, if you are one thats struggling with Satan. Struggle no more! Turn to God and turn it all over to Him! "Cast all your anxiety onto Him, for He cares for you!" 1 Peter 5:7. That one was on a sticky note in the car, fridge, cabinets, mirrors, etc!

You will win the battle, but not alone!

Struggles

2009-01-05T20:39:00.002-05:00

Here are a few, and I mean a FEW of my struggles that I deal with on a daily basis.
I'm usually pretty good up until a stressful moment, boredom sets in, or Chris is munching on something that I should not even lay eyes on. Everytime the boys want a snack, for some reason, I think that I need one too! Or when Im walking by the pantry, I think, wonder if anything new is in there? Who hasn't ever opened the fridge or pantry and just stared at it, hoping that something magically appeared there that would satify us?!?! And a biggie here..... I hate to throw away stuff; birthday cake, brownies, that kind of crap, so I will just eat it until its all gone. Give me some advise on what to do in these situations!

And Im currently having a hard time maintaining a good balance of everything that I do. Mainly right now, fitting in the time to work out. I have no excuse not to. The flipping treadmill, weight thinger mabobber, and stair master is literally about 20 feet from me right now.
Heres my daily schedule, tell me where you think that I could make adjustments. And please note, no 2 days are EVER the same.

6 AM: Wake-up, drink coffee, and spend some time with the Lord
7:15-7:30: Boys are up, breakfast, get dressed, etc.
8:40: Load up in the car, head for carpool
9:20: Get back home. Usually Cole will take a nap. I try to get on the computer and catch up with work stuff and personal stuff that needs to be taken care of. And at this moment, Im so far behind on everything!
12:10: Get back in the car, pick up Hudson from school
12:50-2:00: We are back home. Lunch time! Play time, catching up on other household junk
2:00-4:00: I try to get both boys down for naps, but Hudson usually will not take a nap. ( Im guessing that I could sneak in a little work out here.)
4:30-5:00: Trying to get dinner started. Virtually impossible with all of the chaos. Im telling you, my boys, mainly Coleman, is a TERROR!
5:30- daddy comes home
6-8 pm: Dinner, bath and bedtime! After that, Im so pooped that I think that I have 3 husbands from the blurry vision! And that, would not be cool!
8-10: Sometimes, not always, Im back on the computer finishing up stuff, paying bills, blogging! But Im seriously too tired to even walk up and down the stairs. And other times, Im telling Chris "yes, babe! I am awake!" But not really, I have already fallen into a slumber on the couch.

I'm Laying it ALL Out There

2009-01-05T20:15:00.002-05:00

Like everyone else around, I'm going to start eating better and getting exercise this year. Why do we ALWAYS do this at the 1st of a new year?!?! Why not March 16th or July 29th? Anyhow, last night I was talking to my friend Jennifer telling her that I have GOT TO GET WITH IT and really meant it this time. She's heard me say that I know, umpteen millions of times, but this time, it's serious.

As you may be aware, I had a complete life changing experience that happened this past March. I have been placed on some medications that unfortunately vamp up my desire to eat. I was born with this natural desire to devour everything in sight and now, oh my stars! It's out of control! Seriously! But back in the summer, I did try Weight Watchers, on my own. The first week, I did lose 4 pounds. And I continued to do well, until Hudson's birthday in August and for some strange reason, me and the Sissom's and my husband all tried to see who could eat the MOST points that day. Yeah, well... I think that I won that day and every day since then. Fast forward to today. This morning, I thought.... I really need someone to hold me accountable. Then that way, I KNOW that I have to report my "results". Last night, Jennifer did say that I should start WW's with her and Richie, but she doesn't scold me enough! Shes not MEAN about it! :) (love you Jenn!) So a little while ago, my friend "Marie" whom I have known since 6th grade, the most fabulous friend in the world, started a new accountability thingy. She has started a new blog page, http://operationbikini2009.blogspot.com/ . And then, the ball started rolling for me! I guess that I am messing with the idea of posting my "results" weekly and letting you (whomever you are!) know whats working, not working, great food ideas, etc. Unfortunately, I'm not one that likes to get eat out alot and eat frozen stuff. I like my stuff cooked.... IN FAT BACK! ;)

Wish me luck! I want to hear from you and how you are doing and please share your ideas with me as well! I need help! There, I admitted it! I NEED HELP!
I NEED HELP!

Happy Weight Loss 2009!

Hyatt Nolan

2008-11-25T22:58:00.003-05:00

Since September 11th, 2008, Chris' 3rd cousin has been in a comatose state. She apparently had post-pardum cardiomyopothy. (Please forgive my medical terminology on this). During pregnancy apparently your heart enlarges, when you give birth, it will return to the normal size. Hers didn't causing her to convulse and then go unconscious, where her husband, Troy, found her in the middle of the night. Since then, she has been in the hospital and unconscious ever since. For more details please view her blog at http://hyatt911.blogspot.com/

Although this information is not posted on the blog, they removed her life support yesterday and just waiting. So please lift this family up in prayer this week and the weeks to follow.

JOIN THE RACE!

2008-11-14T16:42:00.003-05:00

Its been several years since I have headed up a team for the CCFA (Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America) walk. So I've decided to do it this year, well next year really.
I KNOW that its early, but I wanted to make sure that you put it on your calendar!

For those of you that aren't aware, Chris and several of his family members suffer with Crohn's disease. So its our job to help find a cure. Although I can't donate a million dollars, I CAN head up a team to help raise money to put towards research and other educational programs. I pray so hard that my boys will never have to experience what their daddy, uncle, and cousin Casey (15 years old) have been through. A few years ago, Casey was diagnosed with Crohn's, then earlier in the spring he had to have surgery. Fortunately the doctors were able to remove all of the Crohn's, so in essence he is Crohn's free. Some of you may even wonder what Crohn's is. It is a disease that attacks the digestive track, all the way from the esophagus to the rectum. So yes its UGLY! For more information please go to www.ccfa.org

So heres the good stuff.
The CCFA Take Steps Walk Date: May 30th, 2009
Registration:4:00
Walk Starts: 5:00
And the BAD part: Its taking place on the Georgia Tech Campus... Im sure that Chris can rig up something so that we show our GEORGIA BULLDOG PRIDE!
www.cctakesteps.org

Please prayerfully consider this opportunity to make a difference. Even if you personally can't donate anything, your time is valuable to just show up and walk with our team. Please let me know if you are interested and when more information comes about, I will be sure to get it to you.

Thank you in advance for your consideration!

With your help, I hope we can be a record setter!

The Survey Says!

2008-11-12T16:56:00.002-05:00

Okay, so Im getting bored with the long locks. At first, we cut some bangs. Chris hated them. So now Im growing them out. Which Im kinda liking the "to the side thing". Then last Friday, I found this spiral curling iron in my bathroom and thought that I would use it on my 2 day dirty hair! Yes, VERY dirty hair. I had no option of washing it and girls... you know the old baby powder trick! WA-LAH! Good as new! So heres the hair thats dirty. But Im needing some honest opinions. So leave me a comment and tell me what you think. Grow it back out and do the hum drum straight, Im a mommy look, or show me some sassyness look!

HONESTY ONLY PLEASE!

Friday Foto Fun

2008-11-10T10:33:00.003-05:00

Friday night before I was leaving to head out to a bridal shower... Hudson and I did a little photo op! He is such a character! Then Cole and I were able to snap one! My little loves! They crack me up constantly!!!

Mmmm?? Wonder where Coley gets his big mouth from??

Laura, Me, and Lacey (the bride to be!) We've been friends since the 6th grade!

2008 CCFA Torch Gala

2008-11-09T22:13:00.007-05:00

What an honor it is to be a part of such a wonderful foundation. In May 2009, I will be hosting my own team for the walk, let me know if you would like to join us! As you may know, Chris suffers with Crohn's disease, along with his brother, John and his son, Casey. Who had surgery earlier in the spring and the doctors were able to remove all that they saw, so in essence, he is CROHN'S FREE! Praise God! We are in the works of searching for a cure, but in the meantime, all research and findings are exciting because it is one step closer than we were. As a mother, my fear is that my babies will suffer with this chronic disease. It is just plain ugly! It effects the complete digestive tract, causing major pain, upset tummies, sensitivity to lots of foods, and so much more. Many children are being diagnosed at earlier ages because of the awareness of it now. Thankfully there are alot of doctors that are involoved with the research. So Im excited about what the future holds. But I have to play my part too and help out.

Saturday, the 8th was the annual CCFA Torch Gala. This is the very first year that it wasn't black tie! Thank goodness! We were able to wear cocktail dresses and the men suits. Very comfy! Well, kinda!

John, Cindy, Mama Anne, Guy, Me, and the Hubbs!

Who knows what on earth was so funny! What are FAAARRR from a normal family.

John, Cindy, CRAZY Ronnie, Mama Anne, Guy, Auntie Nancy, Me, and Chris.But does anyone know what on earth Ronnie is taking a picture of??

Right before the boredom began.....

Here is where are we are not normal and a very comfortable family!

Fat Girl #1 and Fat Girl #2! We love each other! Can you tell? Earlier, Cindy had leaned over while we were walking through a crowd and I spanked her! Little did I know that we were being watched in this very crowded area! As we walked on, this guy leaned over and tapped my shoulder and said, "I saw that!" Talk about emabarrased! I told him it was cool, she was my sister in law! You can tell we don't get out much!

Eating one of my favorite foods... served via my silly sister in law!

Hudson, This Breaks My Heart!

2008-11-06T22:05:00.002-05:00

I never understood when a parent would say when they had to discipline their child or their child acted out, that it broke their heart.

This week has been a rough one!

Last year in Hudson's 3 year old pre-school, he went on "yellow" one time. (they have a red light system; green=good, yellow=been warned, get it together, and red=down right bad!) After that one time, he never acted out again. And I think that he was talking in the bathroom or something like that?!?! Anyhow, so here we are, not EVEN to Thanksgiving break yet, and he has gone on yellow 3 times already! AND TWICE THIS WEEK. Actually, 2 days in a ROW! UGH! Yesterday he apparently scratched a friend and then he was punching (playing) a friend... in the face! I know, you are never gonna let your children play with mine.. That's okay! I understand! And today, he "grabbed" at another girls face, who he absolutely loves. All of this is in done in a playful manor and out of love. After school today, we were to go meet another girlfriend at the new Dacula McDonald's (we are movin' on uuuup!) I explained to Hudson that if he did not keep his hands to himself today and if he moved to yellow, then we would NOT go. So when hes getting in the car, the teacher tells me that he went on yellow. My heart literally sunk into my tummy! I couldn't believe it! After all we had talked about and it happened again. I know that I shouldn't expect so much at such a young age, but I wanted him to stay on green all day! And please hear me on this.... hes not acting "out" or being mean, he has just come out of his shell. And apparently.... he is never gonna go back in!

So we are buckling up and I explained to him that him that we weren't going to Micky D's. He wasn't happy. And the words just fell out of my mouth. "Hudson, this just breaks my heart." And in his emotional tearful sobbing cry, "Mommy, it breaks my heart too!"

Next week is a new one! And boy have these boys tested me this week! Thank goodness JoJo is coming tomorrow!

Papa's 70th Birthday Weekend Bash

2008-11-04T20:51:00.005-05:00

We had such a fantastic time this past weekend for my father in laws 70th birthday. All 18 people loaded up and headed to Brevard, NC. We stayed in a cozy... and I MEAN cozy, 4 bedroom/ 3 bathroom cabin. It was AWESOME! We had the best time! The kids had a great time staying up late and doing whatever!!!

Don't be jealous, but this was the view from our back porch... and pretty much all the way around the house. Each side had sliding glass doors all across the walls. But how awesome is that picture?!?!?

GOOD MORNING DADDY! Cole was completely naked. He had a major blow out first thing!

Crunching the leaves on the driveway...

On the back porch, about to watch the sunset.

Please excuse us... we weren't trying to impress a soul that weekend!

Poor little Coley, had to sleep in the closet!

Papa going in for his big surprise!
He doesn't understand whats going on. Cindy put together a huge slide show of him growing up and all of the boys and grandbabies. Talk about emotional! And major brownie points! I've gotta top her now!

And yes, this part especially!

Jon & Diana announced on the slide show that they are expecting a

baby girl, "Sofia Marie"!!! The first girl in over 20 years! YAHHHOOOOO!

Needless to say, GamGam was beside herself!

This would be like the 4th time that we stopped coming home. He just had to go on the side of the road this time! The joys of boys!

ELECTION DAY

2008-11-04T07:03:00.002-05:00

Today is election day.

And I am nervous as can be!

Nervous for my family and my business and honestly, simply my future in general.

No matter who may win the presidental race in America, God is ultimately in control and I have to continously tell myself that. I know that He will take care of His children.

So if you wavering still, PLEASE prayerfully consider your vote today. The Lord is blessing us with beautiful weather today, so people, GET OUT AND VOTE! Your VOTE COUNTS!

Maybe I Will Leave the WHOLE Kitchen This Time!

2008-10-28T22:01:00.002-04:00

We are preparing to leave on yet another little getaway this weekend. We are leaving Friday morning heading to Brevard, NC to celebrate Papa's 70th birthday! (Chris' daddy). All of us live here in Dacula, except for Tim, but we are ALL traveling to NC to celebrate a birthday! FUN! I am really excited to get away, again! I keep thinking that I need to pack.... but what on earth!?!? What I am going to pack!??! I have clothes in the washer, dryer, in baskets in the laundry room, basket in Cole's room, all over my floor, and all over the floor in the closet! Oh, and don't forget about all of the laundry that's hanging out in the foyer that needs to be folded and its pretty much blending in with all of the product (bags, koozies, totes, luggage tags, tumblers, etc) that's in the dining room that needs to priced, put together and in The Paper Fairy store by Thursday afternoon! Wait, where was I? I totally went off on something else! Oh, those dern bamboo shelves that I told you about, we are currently up to 16 CANS NOW!!!!!!! But, I think that they are done. And those have to go to The Paper Fairy as well. I will have to check on them in the morning, when I'm not quiet so high from the paint fumes. Okay, yea, we are leaving Friday morning to go to the mountains. Now that I think about it! We might just have to stop by Wal-Mart when we get there and I will just grab a suitcase there and fill it with all the necessities since I won't have time to pack anything here! I wouldn't even know where the clean clothes are! So the sink, and the whole kitchen are staying here! Phew, I'm tired! Thinking about the BIG explosion in my house has worn me out! CAUTION WHEN ENTERING!

In His Time

2008-10-27T07:14:00.002-04:00

As I am trying to boost our sales and income at the shop. I have taken a spin on Saturdays to help that. We offer the ability to do home shows, but in our shop. I think its a great concept, just getting people to actually hold the show is the tough part. Which one would think that people would be knocking our doors down to do one, since they don't have to cook, clean, or prepare for anything. Just show up, with all of their friends & family.

So this past Saturday, I was open from 1-4 pm. I invited a slew of people and the girl hosting the Stop ~N~ Shop did as well. As 2:00 starts to roll around, no one has shown up. I begin to think. Maybe this wasn't such a great idea after all. Maybe I should just sell all this stuff and go on with something else. As the frustration began to build up, a friend from MOPS showed up with her family and her oh so adorable son. I got in a better mood. I played with him and he just cracked me up! But from then onto 4, it was pretty steady. We were able to have some sales, which wouldn't have happened if I wasn't there.

The frustration part comes in when I have put so much time into this. Stay up late, get up early, spend all kind of hours up at the shop putting stuff together. You would think that this would be a piece of cake, and at times it is when we have the flexibility that we do, but you also have to think.... we have 4 mouths to feed, Chris actually counts for 2, so that would really be a total of 5! :)

I KNOW that God has HUGE plan for us! He has blessed us beyond measure with the resources and opportunities that He has laid before us! So I know that His plan is GRAND! So by Saturday afternoon, my mood had changed from "Frustration" to "Grateful".

Okay, now change gears, but not too fast though! Over the last month or so, I have started a daily devotional by Joyce Meyer, "Battlefield of the Mind: Devotional. 100 Insights That Will Change the Way You Think". Its an awesome devotional book! Today's devotional is titled "Positive Belief". In the beginning it talks about Abraham and how God promised Him a son and how he waited and waited for years. 25 to be exact! In the meantime, Abraham conceived a child with his wife's (Sarah) handmaiden, Hagar. Could you imagine, telling your husband to go do it with another woman so that you could have a child! Don't think so! As Joyce Meyer stated in her book, she believes that this delayed God on giving them their promised child. All of these bells and lights were going off in my head! That's it! Not that I am having another child or anything close to it, but the plan that He has laid out for us is going to work, IN HIS TIME NOT MY TIME! And BY HIS PLAN, NOT MY PLAN! I can sit here and plan all this stuff, but it may not be His plan! We must pray first and agree with God's plan not plan and pray that our plan will work.

So she ends with a prayer and I think its too good to not to share it:
"Dear Father in heaven, forgive my lack of belief. Forgive me for allowing Satan to deceive me or make me think I'm worthless or unworthy of Your miracles. I am worthy because You made me worthy. You are the God of the impossible, and I ask You to help me wait on You and never give up..."

NEVER GIVE UP
ALWAYS BE PATIENT!

And you know me.... all of a sudden, a song pops in the head! "Everlasting God!"

After...

2008-10-27T07:12:00.002-04:00

2 visits to church

3 Showers

6 Changes of clothes

12 Cans of spraypaint

... I am almost done with those Bamboo Racks! Grr! Going back to Wal-Mart today to buy more paint! Needless to say, last night at 11:00, I was feeling pretty high. Couldn't talk right and my words were all running together!

Richie & Kelly

2008-10-22T21:31:00.003-04:00

Thank you to my only 2 fans! Your devotion means the world to me and I am so thankful to have you! Maybe we should get together and have OEA meeting since we haven't done so in sometime now!

Price Vacay 2008

2008-10-19T21:53:00.005-04:00

I am so thrilled to tell you about our vacation!

But you are going to have to wait until I can find the time

to sit here and type it all up and add pictures.

So stay tuned!!

By the way... Does anyone read this or is this just a way for me to totally vent about things?

Its Our Anniversary

2008-10-13T07:39:00.009-04:00

October 12th, 2002

Yesterday, Chris and I celebrated our 6 year anniversary! I can't believe that its been 6 years, then at times, Im like, these 6 years have gone by at a snail's pace!

I love my husband more and more each day! We have both grown to love the Lord more and more, then making our marriage and family stronger.

We spent the day staying busy though. We worked at the shop. He was there pretty much all day and I was there for a few hours. We then went to Longhorn's with Papa & Gam Gam and the boys. It was fun! Not like I had intended it to go. But I think that I enjoyed the way that it ended up being instead of what I wanted.

So six years ago, here is what we were up to!

Whoop Whoop! Anyone wants a table dance?!!?!?! I was shakin' it to: "YMCA!" Can't you see all the village people's hats? And this was totally my father in laws idea! Crazy man!

I Forgot the Kitchen Sink... On Purpose!

2008-10-13T07:34:00.004-04:00

Today, we are preparing to leave for St. Simon's. I am vowing that I will not take the kitchen sink. I am intentionally leaving it here at home. This time, the car will not be loaded down so that we can't move, like the trip to the park. Please see blog titled: I Forgot The Kitchen Sink! As I try to pack, I want to take everything. For some reason I feel that we will be in the middle of the desert with no store a thousand miles in sight. But there is one, a few blocks up! So here is the sink.... its staying home! With the rest of the crap that we don't need!

Tribute To All Mama's

2008-10-02T12:01:00.003-04:00

If you know me, then you know that I love music. Its extremely therapeutic for me. Not necessarily to sing... I can't carry a tune in a bucket. But to just play it, and play it LOUD! But after Coley was born, Steven Curtis Chapman's new CD had just came out. At the time, "Cinderella" was the #1 and even now, its even more emotional because of the recent tragedy that his family has had to endure. But another track that is on there is called "One Heartbeat". If you need to know what was going on during that season in my life, please refer back to my blog on "Domestic Engineer". When this song was brought to my attention, I thought, WOW! What Im doing every second is for something....... Anyhow. This is just a little tribute to all mothers, regardless of season of mothering they are currently in.

You're up all night with a screaming baby

You run all day at the speed of life

And every day you feel a little bit less

Like the beautiful woman you are

So you fall into bed when you run out of hours

And you wonder if anything worth doing got done

Oh, maybe you just don't know

Or maybe you've forgotten

You, you are changing the world

One little heartbeat at a time

Making history with every touch and every smile

Oh, you, you may not see it now

But I believe that time will tell

How you, you are changing the world

One little heartbeat at a time

With every "I know you can do it"

Every tear that you kiss away

So many little things that seem to go unnoticed

They're just like the drops of rain over time

They become a river

And you, you are changing the world

One little heartbeat at a time

Making history with every touch and every smile

Oh, you, you may not see it now

But I believe that time will tell

How you, you are changing the world

One little heartbeat at a time

You're beautiful

How you're changing the world

You're changing the world

You, you are changing the world

One little heartbeat at a time

Making history with every touch and every smile

Oh, you, you may not see it now

But I believe that time will tell

How you, you are changing the world

Oh, I believe that you

You are changing the world

One little heartbeat

At a time

And you're changing the world

Nanny's...

2008-10-01T20:04:00.000-04:00

You've got to love them! They come in, clean your house, do your laundry, cook your meals, take care of your children... all while us moms are watching our favorite soaps, eating Bon Bon's and drinking expensive.... lemonade!

But the REAL "Nanny's" that I am talking about are my grandmothers which are the boys great grandmother. We have Nanny McDaniel, who lives in Winterville, just on the out skirts of Athens. And Nanny Stephens, who lives in Thomson, 30 miles from Augusta. Over the last 2 weekends we have taken trips to go visit both. These nanny's are better than the ones mentioned above. They can spoil to no end and give that unconditional love and memories that will last a life time.

We went to Nanny McDaniel's last weekend. It was quiet a heart breaker to go there and not have Papa there. He's there, just looking down. He passed away back in July. Talking to Hudson about heaven has been tough. Hes just like me, he needs black and white and to be shown every thing. He didn't even realize that Papa wasn't there, but a couple of days later, he did say, "Mama! We didn't see Papa McDaniel." So later that day (we were on our way to school) I had the talk with him. His Papa was the first one that introduced him to good ole Georgia Sweet Tea!

The fun love of a grandparent, they always do what a parent won't! Nanny also introduced Hudson to green onions, he loved it!

Anyhow, Im totally enjoying looking at these old pictures and loving how my grandparents love my babies! Nanny was happy to see us and it was so nice to be able to visit with her. The boys took her a few little gifts and we had such a wonderful afternoon with her.

Riding the gator around the yard and field! Hudson & Daddy... and Dixie (the dog) had a blast!

And then our trip to Nanny Stephens.....

This was a blast! We arrived around noon on Saturday. Quickly unloaded the car so that Hudson could play. He was ready to get in the sand. He was having a ball! Staying HOT and NASTY! Which is exactly the way that he should be!

Then while Coleman was taking a nap, Hudson came in and played with Nanny.... with some crazy toy that we couldn't figure out!

After nap, we headed out to Evans, where my Aunt Claire lives (and she might as well be a nanny too! Shes my "other mother" and grandmother to my babies! What a blessing! Love you Aunt Claire XOXO) We grilled out some YUMMY hamburgers (no matter what you say Tim! hee), corn on the cob, and lots of other yummy stuff. Hudson got to ride with his "Other Uncle Tim" on the John Deere lawnmower, which he enjoyed. Nanny enjoyed feeding Coleman some fruit as well. It was a great time!

Oh yes! And this.... this is the after part. Apparently Uncle Tim was watering the grass and Hudson decided (with Dad's permission) that he could run through the water sprinkler. Then, Hudson is in a mudslide! Ooops! So Daddy had to hose him off! (we were rednecks gone to town!

Cole playing with the computer. And meeting his Great Uncle David for the first time.

Here they are passed out from such a long day. It was only a few hours later that Hudson fell out of the bed and Coleman decided that he would wake up too and NOT GO BACK TO SLEEP!

Shew! We are finally on our way home! Eating an ice cream cone from McDonald's and enjoying the ride! (Hudson is actually saying, "Mommy! Don't take a picture!)

Can He See Me Now?

2008-09-23T06:56:00.004-04:00

One afternoon in the car, Hudson and I were talking. (How do these conversations always pop up in the car??) The conversation got started by him wanting to wear a hat in church and I told him that it was disrespectful to wear them in church, God wants to see us while we are learning and praising Him. So he then asks me, "Mommy, where is God?" To me, this is easy, but to Hudson, a child, its hard for him to understand. (and like me, he needs everything to be black and white... absolutely NO GRAY AREA!) So here I was trying to explain to him that God is waaaaay up in the heavens, He can see everything, everyone, and all that is happening. He created everything that you see around you, the trees, grass, birds, etc, even you and me. I'm looking at him in the mirror during this converation and hes staring out the window intently and says, "Can He see me now?" and I reply, "Sure can Hudson! He can see and hear you all the time!" Isn't that awesome! We get home from our excursion (whatever random errand that we had to run!), pull into the garage, the door is closed now.... "Can He see me now!?!" Hudson asks... really thinking that since we were inside the garage inside the car still that God totally couldn't see us! "Absolutely Hudson! All the time! He is with us and He can see and hear us!" So as the day goes on, Hudson would sporatically ask me if He could see us, and I would once again give the same answer. (I want him to know, that NO MATTER what, God is ALWAYS with him!) Now the house is calming down, Coley is sound asleep and Hudson and I are about to take a nap in my bed. (now thats some good cuddling!) Hudson gets the covers, scoots down, and pulls the covers waaaay over his head. Nothing can be see of him. We never do this, he always sleeps with his head out. I ask, "Hudson, what are you doing?" Quietly and seriously, he says "Can He see me NOW?" Bless his heart! He was trying to see if there would come a time when God couldn't see him! But you know, what an awesome testimony! Absolutely, NO MATTER WHAT, God is always with us! Whether we are in the car, in the garage, in the house, or even under the covers! (HA!) I'm so amazed at all the things that my Lord has revealed to me through my precious baby! He has taught me so much and Hudson will never know the impact that he has made on his daddy and me.

**A small little side note. Last night, I dreamed that Hudson, my mom, and I were in the car (gees! in the car again!) and Hudson said to us, "Mommy, I want to live for Jesus! I asked Him to be my Savior!" Whoa! I pray that this day will come, sooner rather than much later. To have my children live a life of walking with the Lord is going to be awesome!

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

So after this blog was posted this morning, I got in my car and all of a sudden, one of my favorite songs came on. God is so amazing! Its amazing how I sat here and posted this blog then He just reaffirmed everything that I said.

Indescribable

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea

Creation's revealing Your majesty

From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring

Every creature unique in the song that it sings

All exclaiming

Indescribable, uncontainable,

You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.

You are amazing God

All powerful, untamable,

Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim

You are amazing God

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go

Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow

Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light

Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night

None can fathom

Indescribable, uncontainable,

You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name

You are amazing God

All powerful, untamable,

Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim

You are amazing God

Indescribable, uncontainable,

You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.

You are amazing God

All powerful, untamable,

Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim

You are amazing God

Indescribable, uncontainable,

You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.

You are amazing God

INCOMPRABLE, unchangeable

You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same

You are amazing God

Are You Ready for Some Football??

2008-09-20T21:26:00.003-04:00

What is it with me and Hank Williams Jr. Everytime I think of a title... one of his songs comes into my head. I sure hope that doesn't mean that I am a redneck... Sssshhhh!! I really am!

However! Not so redneck that I like football! I just LOVE Football season! And those of you that know me, you are so laughing out loud right now, aren't you!?!? :)

To me, that means:

~fall is coming

~projects get completed

~books get read

~magazines get read all the way through instead of first half

~rooms get cleaned

~laundry is washed, folded, hung, & PUT AWAY! Thats a biggie!

~and actually, tonight... I even painted my toe nails!

Goooooo Dawgs!

"Mommy, Will You Pray for Me?"

2008-09-17T10:36:00.004-04:00

On Monday morning, during breakfast, Hudson told me that he sometimes gets scared while he is at school. I honestly think that he is just like me, and maybe experiencing some sort of anticipatory anxiety while waiting to head into the classroom.

I told him that when I get scared like that, I just say a little prayer to Jesus to help me not be scared. I also said that when he got to school that morning, to just say it while he was waiting. (They have to wait in the hallway during carpool in the mornings while everyone is unloading). So here we are, pulling into the school and he said, "Mommy, will you pray for me?" WHAT?!?! My heart completely melted! He totally listened to what I said to him- and what the Lord wants us to do- lean on Him!! As I am trying to choke back the tears of joy, I said, "Hudson- lets say it together! Dear Jesus, please help me to not be afraid today. Amen" I sure did feel better, so I pray that he did too. As he is getting out of the car to go into school, he looks at me and says "Mommy, say a prayer for me today." Of course I did. And everyday since then after school, when he gets in the car, he asks, "Mommy, did you pray for me today?"

But this morning, the little man cracked me up. He's about to get out and we are once again talking about praying and he says, "Mom, you can keep your eyes open if you are driving while praying. It's okay." Wow! What a little thinker! The Lord can hear us regardless, if we are shouting, whispering, silently in our heads, or even with our eyes open! Thank you God for constantly revealing Your Word TO ME through my precious 4 year old!

That Didn't Feel Like One of the Bath Toys!

2008-09-15T19:55:00.002-04:00

So this evening after dinner, I immediately put sleepy little Coleman into the tub. I am tired too, so I decided that I would sit on the floor and read a magazine while he is playing so quietly.

Im catching up on what McCain is saying about Palin, deep into this article because I need to know all the goods. Then IT hit me. Can you believe it--- it WAS NOT a thought! Something landed ever so plump onto my leg and IT DID NOT feel like a bath toy. My sweet little Coley had taken a huge dump in the tub and decided that he needed to throw a not so small terd at his mommy!

Lovely!

Wasn't that Yesterday??

2008-08-22T15:53:00.008-04:00

Wasn't that yesterday when....

~Chris told me just to go back to sleep and stop stressing because I thought that my water had broke?
~Then called mom and said, "Yea, we are gonna go to the hospital... I'll call you later!" But she insisted that she meet us there.
~and the triage nurse says "Oh no Mrs. Price, you are having this baby now!" NO WAY!! I still had 3 weeks left! This just can't be. So I tell the nurse, while balling my eyes out, "But you see, we aren't ready yet. I just had a shower for him yesterday!"

So in 3 short hours, Hudson Troy made his big arrival after 3 big pushes and many tears and a BUTT LOAD of a shock to everyone!

Wasn't this yesterday........

Last night, when Chris and I were putting him to bed, telling him that tomorrow when he awoke, he would be 4 years old. I teared up and said that I was sad. I am, I am so sad, that my baby is already 4. It all seems like yesterday when Chris and I left for the hospital, only to think that we were going to return home in a couple of hours. The only thing that we took was a bottle of water.

And came home with a precious little gift, Hudson Troy Price. 7 lbs 19 inches. 10 tiny fingers, 10 tiny toes and perfect little mouth.

To think that all of this took place 4 whole years ago is baffling to me, I'm almost positive that this was yesterday.

But here is Hudson Troy today..... Every bit of 4 years old.

Check back soon for how the wild birthday party went!

It's A Family Tradition

2008-08-15T15:53:00.008-04:00

If you are from the south... then I just might have stuck a good ole' country boy song in your head by Hank Williams Jr. ... its a singing in mine right now!

Atleast a year ago, Papa Price started a tradition with Hudson and sometimes Daddy will tag along. On Saturday mornings, they get up, go the "Hair Cut Place" (the name that Hudson has dubbed it), then to the "Train Store" (Legacy Station), and to Waffle House. Recently mom has had the honor to fill in Papa's and Chris' shoes. Its fun! But yesterday, we had a new attendee.... COLEMAN WADE! And NO! We did NOT cut his hair. He was just shadowing. Doing a training session if you will.

Hudson is in love with Ms. Sarah. He will not allow anyone else to cut his hair, or really even talk to him. He will talk her ears off only if I "go to the bathroom" or Daddy is in another room getting his hair done. (you are probably wondering.. Room?? Apparently its old house or something?) Once his cut is complete, he recieves his treat, either "rolly pop" or gum. He chose the later yesterday and enjoyed until lunch time! Thank goodness. I always tell him that if he swallows the gum, he will blow bubbles out his button! Could you imagine?!?! Thats probably why HE DOES swallow it, so he can see the "cool" bubbles!

So here is little Huddy sitting so cute in his Zebra cape with Mrs. Sarah.

Now, we are headed to the train store. Coleman has not been here either. We had a blast. We played with everything and Coleman tried to pull everything off the shelf. Its so much fun hanging out with these boys. They keep me laughing all day! So here are a few pictures of the boy at the train store.

So here we are at the end of the day. The boys had a big day. So here they are, precious little things.... Sleeping! PHEW!

Dinosaur Bones & Diamonds

2008-08-15T06:58:00.001-04:00

Who would have thought that digging for dinosaur bones and diamonds would be so therapeutic?
Yes! Please don’t all come at once to see these rare finds! But the Price household has struck gold in their backyard. Yesterday, Hudson and I went in the backyard to dig for dinosaur bones (you and I would call them…. ROCKS!) We were finding those things everywhere. It was unbelievable. Then one had some "hair" growing through it, (that would have been "roots" to us). It’s AMAZING! As we were trying to dig up this big "something", I discovered that it was a DIAMOND! It was beautiful and SO heavy. We added a bazillion bones and diamonds to Hudson’s wagon that he could barely even pull it over the terrain. I think today that he has decided that we are going to build a mountain with it. Sounds good, huh?

Turning Over A New Leaf.... or a FEW of them actually

2008-08-15T06:57:00.002-04:00

As you can see in my previous blog post "Mama’s Body", I wasn’t too happy with the appearance. Those lovely parts sagging, rippling, and just down right flabby! So this past Sunday, I have really started to get with the program. Whose program you might ask? Its the Ashley Price Program. Just kinda doing my own thing. I am trying to workout atleast 30 minutes a day, Hudson gets on the stair master beside me and we talk, you know, grown up toddler talk. Its so much fun and quite knee slapping hilarious! He actually sat on the stair master and pushed it down a few times, got off and says "Mama, can you see my ‘button’–what we call the backside— muscles?" WHAT ON EARTH?!?! The child is so silly. Im also trying to do weight watchers. Not attending any meetings! Are you kidding me? Let someone else see my weight, I don’t even like to look at it myself! So wish me luck as I try to stick to this. I knew that I had made some changes last night while at the grocery store when I called Chris to calculate some points for me… that little box of food… 5 POINTS each! So it goes, back on the shelf!
I am currently reading "Being A Great Mother, Raising Great Kids"– By Sharon Jaynes. Its a fantastic read! In the book she said that stay at home mothers have an average of conversation time of 30 minutes a day with their child, whereas the working mother only has 15 minutes! WHOA! So that was yesterday morning that I read that. So all day yesterday, I kept saying… "How many minutes have I conversed with my children now?" Im worried… about entirely way too many things…. Are they gonna grow up too sheltered?… Are they gonna talk to me when they are teens?…. Will they take the right path?…. Will they feel shafted as teens/ young adults from a result in childhood?…. Those kinds of thoughts. I am sure that I am worrying about this way too much. But I want the best for my boys, all THREE of them! I want them to know that we are one family that loves one another and they can always feel safe to climb into our laps. I want them to feel secure and feel like they can come to us anytime and look back later in life with warm hearts.
Hudson will be starting back to school the day after labor day. I can’t believe it. This time next year, he will be attending Kindergarten. This just can’t be! I know it was just yesterday that I was in Labor and Delivery crying at the nurse telling her that he can’t come out now… WE AREN’T READY FOR HIM!!! He still has THREE weeks LEFT!!! But no, Hudson does things on HIS OWN TIME! We bought him some new school shoes yesterday. He was thrilled when we got home. He put them on, turned on the "Super Why" soundtrack on the computer and cleaned up all of toys as he also "worked out" running around the room. We always tell him that we can’t believe how big he his getting. So one day, he said, out of the blue.."Mama, when I get so big, will I still be able to fit in the house?" Hee Hee!
And little Coley…..That little booger! He is a handful! Over the past week, he has turned into a daddy’s boy. Not good! He was a total Mama’s boy. We will have to work on that! Usually everyday when Chris comes home from work, Cole is eating dinner in his high chair. He hears Chris open the door and Cole will immediately start waving and "tisss tisss disss disss"ing. thats usually what all he says! Its precious! He is beginning to walk. His favorite thing to do is "Grab Drawer". Instead of grab bag… he does grab drawer. he goes to the drawer, opens it, he can’t even see in it, but he will reach his hand over into it and just pull & throw things out. Although it makes a HUGE mess, its cute. I tend to like tripping over measuring cups, spatula, pot & pans! He will take anywhere from 3-7 steps at a time. Then he says, heck with this…. Im crawling! He could win a gold medal for the fastest crawler! He is absolutely precious! I never thought that I could have enough love in my heart to love both children (when I was pregnant with Cole). I remember when mom used to say, you will love them differently, b/c they are different. Its so true. These boys are the highlights of my life and its such a total blessing to be a mommy and watch my children grow. Some days I wish that I could just fast forward to the end, but most times, I wish that I could just push the pause button so that I could soak in every little detail of the moment.
So I kinda got away from the topic, but thats okay. To sum up… my new leafs are getting in better shape, eating better, spending more than 30 minutes in conversation with my boys, soaking in every detail, and putting away "things" that are NOT IMPORTANT!

Where is that REWIND BUTTON?

2008-08-15T06:57:00.001-04:00

Why is it that I wake up so darn early and can’t go back to sleep?!?! Could it be that Chris has sawed a WHOLE entire forest since he got in bed? Or is it that I want to make sure that I don’t over sleep? I have a heard of cattle running through my mind screaming thoughts at one another…..
This is at 4 AM, this morning. You know what? I’ll get up, empty the bladder, fluff the pillow, remove my socks, lay on my belly, and THAT will make me go BACK to sleep…….. Okay, get on my side…… It’s the other side that I need to be on, yes that’s it! WHAT ON EARTH?!?!?
Shoot a MONKEY! I’ll just get up! No need staying in here while Chris has logs falling over everywhere, TIIIIMMBBBEEEEERR!! Let’s get some coffee and work a few minutes, then I will rest again before I have to go to the eye doctor. Yes, its true, IM GETTING OLD! I can’t see close up! I knew it was really bad when I was trying to get a splinter out of Mama’s finger and I had to place my bottom jaw on the kitchen table and have Chris hold my top eyelids up by strings. I did get the splinter out though! So here I am…. trucking away on the computer. I did get lots accomplished this morning but I am soooo tired and dragging! The doctors appointment went really well.- going to get glasses tonight.
When I get home, the kids are having a great time with daddy! The house is a wreck! The boys decide that they need to play some instruments. In my house, its the pots and pans with the spatulas and serving spoons. Mmm, this isn’t going to be fun! My eyes are dialated, I can’t see squat, especially close up, I need to wear my sunglasses, IN THE HOUSE! And the boys are BANGING on the pots and pans. Coleman ends up being a little fussy and I decided to put him down for a morning nap.
While we are in his room, Im rubbing his back. What on earth did he lay in thats made his back so wet? I turn him around and there last nights dinner all over my arm, his back, and ooooozing out of his diaper. Nice!?!? Ugh, I just had breakfast! Now hes all cleaned up and Im taking him back to nap. Hes out. The day got better from there. It was never bad or even slightly off, just a typical day- A FUN DAY! Im so blessed that I have my babies, that poop on me!
Hudson and I then went outside to make our Pinecone Bird Feeders. He loved it so much…. eating the peanut butter that is. I actually had a great time. It was therapeutic for me to sit out there, in the sun, and make something with my hands. My hands…. always got to be moving! We hung up 5 pine cones. Im excited about seeing all the new birds!
So that Rewind Button? Would I ever push it? Nah, probably not, then life would be way too boring! And who likes simplicity any ways! I love living a life full of chaos and LOVE! Share the love!

God's Show & Tell

2008-08-15T06:56:00.000-04:00

Didn’t you just LOVE it when you had Show & Tell in school when you were little! The excitement! It was just overwhelming! You were so excited to take your cool toy to show off, b/c you KNEW it was the best one! And there was also excitement b/c you were anxious to see your friends cool stuff that they were showing off!
Well, Im so thankful that my wonderful Heavenly Father plays this game with me every single day. Its so fun! Then when you have kids, its even funner, on many levels.
I love to have my quiet time with the Lord when everything seems to be waking up and the sun starts rise. I typically like to do this in the living room so that I can look out the open windows that stare straight into the bright, beautiful & rising sun. The trees are so thick and green with a flourish of birds flying and squirrels running around them. Its such a beautiful sight!
Over the last several months, I have had some struggles… Simple things…. Just how are we going to make it through and survive, etc. Times are tough, as it is with everyone else. But I still try not to worry, especially now, knowing that it hurts my God! HE is going to care and provide for me and my family. I just have to trust Him! (Something else Im having to get used to!)
But this past Monday morning, I really felt like the Lord was just wanting me to stare out the window (Im hoping thats what it was and I wasn’t just asleep with my eyes open!!). So I would read a little and then… we’ll say gaze, not stare, out the window at God’s beauty! Im currently reading a book called "Anxious for Nothing" by John MacArthur. VERY GOOD! GREAT! FANTASTIC read! I wish that I would have had this several months ago. Anyhow. So Im reading…. get this….Matthew 6: 25-34….. This is where Jesus is telling us to go so that we can be free from worry. 26: "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?" Are you kidding me? This is great! And then here He goes again, telling me to turn my head and look at His beauty…. BIRDS ARE EVERYWHERE EATING! We have a feeder out on the porch and they are all flying around eating, singing, and having a grand time! And a happy little squirrel runs up and enjoys a little too!
It’s just amazing how God can take situations like that and say, "Hey! Trust me! I have it all under control! You can’t do this without me! Let ME take care of YOU!" ….. And so, He does!
Can’t wait to see what He has in our "Show and Tell Game Plan" for tomorrow!

Today's Memory

2008-08-15T06:55:00.004-04:00

Every day is a new day! I try to make each day special. Not sure how I will do that. I tend to run out of fresh ideas to entertain these little monkeys. Unfortunately, I don’t have many childhood memories. Not sure why, I just don’t. And it actually makes me kind of sad. I want to make sure that my boys can look back on their life with heartwarming memories of their childhood and how much fun that they had.
This summer Im trying to add in new, fun, and exciting things. Last week, Hudson and I planted his garden. I got two planter boxes and his very own seeds. He had to plant them. So last Friday when him and Nama when in the back yard, he had seen that they started to grow! The excitement in him was uncontainable (is that a word?)! It definately spread like wildfire through the family. We all rushed down to see HIS GARDEN! So thats one memory. Anyhow, more things are in the works.
But todays memory….. We went out front, to water the flowers, on our scheduled watering day Im sure. Actually I have NO CLUE as to when our watering days are, so Im sure that the lovely couple down the street that has said a few choice words to me will call the county on me. Sorry….. there goes my thoughts again. Okay, so Hudson is out with me, hes playing and Im watering. He walks in front of the hose and I thought…. Mmm, Im gonna soak him! And I did! We had so much fun! He was laughing so much! Telling me that there was a rain storm, he was under a waterfall, and all kinds of crazy stuff. It was adorable! I love doing silly things like that with him. He had a blast and I did as well. And NO! I didn’t get soak…. no one needs to see a beached whale in the middle of Georgia!

Domestic Engineer...NOW HIRING!

2008-08-15T06:55:00.003-04:00

This is a blog that I did almost a year ago and I think that its so funny! So I wanted to add it to my page!
Friday, August 10, 2007
A Day in the Life of A Domestic Engineer Current mood: exhausted

A day in the life of a domestic engineer, myself….
As the day begins…. Well, it never really ended from the day before since I went to bed at 11, woke up at 3:30 and 5:30 to feed Coleman. Oh, and Hudson woke up needing to find that toy that he wasn’t supposed to go to bed with. Ok, they are both back to sleep and now its almost 6. I will try to get a little more sleep before we are up for good for the day. Now Hudson’s in my face asking me, "Mommy, can I play my game?" "No sweetie" I groggily say. "Its not time to get up yet. Get in the bed with us for a little while." So he does for 10 minutes only to get up again, pull the blinds back and say "no, mommy, its day! We can get up now!" Well, better luck tomorrow I tell myself.
Now, what’s for breakfast? I’ll fix the usual. Scrambled eggs with bacon. Sometimes Hudson will eat dry cereal or even at times, he’ll have a snack. Then some days, I glance at the clock. WHAT? Its already 11!!! I haven’t even had breakfast yet, (not good for a nursing mother!) I’m still in my pajamas! Where did the morning go? Oh yea, that’s right! Coleman was a little fussy this morning and wanted to be held and of course, he has eaten twice since he woke up and now, lets get him down for a nap. Lets let Hudson play his game that way I can keep it quiet for Coleman while I’m putting him down for his nap. Hmm? What’s that I see on the computer desk? NO! That’s not the water bill that was due Monday, THIS PAST MONDAY! Ok guys! Lets load up in this hot as a monkey’s armpit weather and go to the County Water Office. Of course, we go through the drive-thru. There is NO way that I am lugging the baby in with a toddler in tow as well, in this heat. Did I mention how hot it was? So we pull up… Here’s where being a girl comes in handy. "Hello sir! (with a huge smile). I know that this bill is late, it was due Monday, but you see, my son has been sick this week (TOTALLY TRUE!) and…" The young man then says "Its okay ma’am, there won’t be a late fee." Phew!! That’s great! Especially right now! So here we go, back home, in this furnace! Hurry into the house so we don’t suffocate in this heat.
Now, its lunch time! What shall we cook? Wait a minute? Didn’t Chris say when he left that he wanted me to make tea? Ok, lets start that and while that cooking on the stove, I’ll call the Department of Revenue (if you don’t know, Chris and I own our own business and I take care of all taxes, payroll, and books. Sometimes from home and many times we all load up and head to the shop.) and see if I can get this issue resolved. All the while, Coleman is in the swing fussing and Hudson is playing his game, again! Okay, now the IRS and State should be pleased. Now, Hudson and I sit down to enjoy our lunch that was heating up while I was on the phone. No, why is Coleman crying? I’ll just hold him while I bounce, walk, and rock, and swing by the table to grab a bite and remind Hudson to eat too. Did I mention that Coleman has Acid Reflux and Colic? Yea, no fun!
After lunch is naptime. Lets feed Coleman and get him down so that I can spend a few quality alone minutes with Hudson while I put him down. Hurry! Jump in the bed with Hudson, read some books and sing. I come out, he’s going to sleep. (Some days, Coleman is so fussy that I have to call Chris and get him to come home and help me. What a luxury I have to have the ability to call my husband and tell him to come home!) No, is Coleman awake now? Shove the pacy in his mouth and get him back to sleep. "Mommy, I wanna stay awake?" Says Hudson behind me. This battle getting him to sleep only happens every once in awhile, but today was a BATTLE! I had to actually close his door to keep him in there after he came out with 10 different off the wall excuses as to why he couldn’t sleep. Now, lets see? What’s for dinner? The menu thought process usually begins first thing in the morning and the preparations come at nap time. That is unless I’m putting it in the crock pot and I’ll do that when I wake up. Okay, so we’ll have this…. Shh! What’s that? Coleman’s awake again! You see, he doesn’t sleep much. I’ll just put him in the swing so he will sleep and that will give me a few minutes of peace. Back to sleep he goes. Now, its time for Chris to come home. Good thing I got that tea made! This is when we usually have time to talk and share things. Sometimes, its just quiet, which we enjoy. He enjoys his lunch and sweet tea. Since someone has to make us some money, he has to go back to work. I do try to make money, but that comes later in the night. Ooo! That sounds naughty! Totally legal what I do…. I’ll get to that! Well, you know, I think that I am going to sit down and rest for a moment. Just when I close my eyes, I hear Hudson waking up. Oh well! Now we play, do laundry…. No! Is that load that’s in the washer the one that I put in there last night? Yep! Well, gotta re-wash them since it soured. One time I actually washed a load of towels 4 times before they made it to the dryer without souring again! Please just don’t forget that you put those in there again! Now, I believe that I will get in the shower. Better yet. I’ll wait till Chris get home and I’ll barricade myself in there! Oh to shave my legs and wash my hair…
Yeah!! The Jungle Gym has arrived!! That would be daddy! You see. God has blessed me with the best husband and daddy in the world! Seriously, there are only a handful of daddys out there that are almost as good as the one my children have. Hudson literally gets to jump all over daddy! Chris is such a hands on daddy, except for when Coleman poops make an appearance. He acts like he’s allergic. However, there was a 2 week period to where he couldn’t change poop diapers due to a vaccine that was given to Coleman that could cause harm to Chris. Those 2 weeks are long gone and he’s still not changing poops! That’s okay! I tend to enjoy it though. Coleman LOVES his changing table, so I like to go in there and laugh and talk with him anyhow. Its gets us away from the crazy "Gym".
So we sit down to dinner, and Coleman decides that he wants to be fussy again. No biggie! I’ll just walk around with him again and grab bites here and there. We clean up after dinner and then its bath time. The mommy duties are diminishing a little as the daylight hours come to an end. Chris gives Hudson’s bath and I do Coleman’s. We get them in the bed, only to crash on the couch. Here’s where I am to turn from mommy to a "wife". Many of you know what I am talking about. Its not the easiest thing in the world to do, but its worth it!! Some nights, I try to make money. (not necessarily during the "wife" process!) Legally, like I said. I have been listing stuff on eBay well up until midnight. Then, I’m so tired that I crash into the bed only to be woken up in a few short hours by sweet little Coleman, needing to eat again. You see, a day in the life of a mommy, never ends. The days are continuous even though the "calendar days" actually change. I guess that’s why I have missed so many birthdays, bill due dates, and appointments. Since August of 2004 it has just felt like one LONG day!
I hope that this doesn’t offend anyone. This was actually brought on by a conversation that I had with a friend recently in regards to how much money stay at home moms should make. I can’t put an amount on it. But you couldn’t pay me a million dollars to do something else. Although times are tough, the Lord has blessed our family with the ability to allow me to stay at home with our boys and have our boys go to the shop with us. So God bless you, you working mothers! I don’t know how you do it!
It’s a good thing that I am done typing now, both boys are awake again!

Mama's B-O-D-Y

2008-08-15T06:55:00.001-04:00

Yea! Right! I know…. a mama’s body! What more can say about it?
In my early 20’s I was alot smaller, size 4 on a good day and a 6 on bad. Nice tan, pretty nails, pretty blonde hair. NO KIDS- well just one, but he was potty trained and could pretty much take care of himself on his good days.
2004: a little weight had creeped on from the late night drive thru’s on my way home from class at 10:00 at night, the previous semester. But also this year, Hudson was born in August! What a joy he was! Perfect little baby! Mama’s body went back somewhat. Not near what it was, but I tried to achieve, just never got there…. bought that LOVELY weight gym thingy in the basement. PROMISED Chris that I would use it and work out. And he promised me that he work out with me….. Have we even been down there together at the same time? Better yet… Has Chris even seen that thing? Probably just in passing.
August 2006: Coleman was conceived! Whew! Got out working out and getting the pre-baby body back postponed! It’s cool, I’ll work on that later! When he was born…. putting him down, NOT AN OPTION! So one would think that my arms would be toned after carrying him around day in and day out. My calves would be HOT and TONED from bouncing on my tip toes ALL NIGHT LONG while he was screaming. But they aren’t.
So now, let’s go today! As I am getting ready, just to go to the library, I look in the mirror and say "What has happened to me? Where did I go?" And the last 4 years flash in front of my eyes…. My TWO VERY PRECIOUS HEAVEN SENT BABIES are where the time and body has gone! Standing there with just my under garments on, I see those weird "rolls" and "lines" on my belly that I noticed on my grandmother YEARS ago and thought to myself, "I will NEVER have those!" But I do… and Im trying to love them.
So lets break it down, from the TOP!:
HAIR: still blonde, with ALOT of bleach.. the gray SHINING through, but I wouldn’t have the gray if my babies weren’t here to give me something worth worrying about.
Wrinkles on my face: I say that they are laughing countless hours and the silly things that they do and staying up late to wash sheets from sick nights!
Yellow Stained Teeth: From the numerous cups of coffee I drink in the morning from staying up all night with a sick baby or one that screamed, but I had those few extra hours just to hold my bundle of joy.
The Saggy Barely There Boobies: Those are from nursing 2 little boys! And I am so proud to say that I have 2 little angels that I was able to bond with that way!
Triple Decker in the Mid section: CRAP! Who knows how ALL three got there! But the ability to concieve and carry is such a gift that I will take a Quadruple Triple Decker if I have to.
BABY GOT BACK BOOTIE!: Well, its just flat and wide…. can’t blame that on the kids…. just plain genes, not jeans…. genes! Maybe if I bought some of those slimming jeans, that would help my genes?
Connect the Dots Legs: Connect the dots, la la la….. No telling where all these bruises came from. Usually from a toy being thrown, tripping on toy, hurrying to clean up & end up hitting the dishwasher, table, or something. But if there were no bruises, that would mean no toys to try to hide from, trip over, or clean up!
Mama’s Body! I love it! I was sad when I really took a look at it today. But every single "problem" that I see is nothing! My boys think that I hung the moon and the love that they give is worth every single bruise, roll, saggin’ boob, wrinkle, not so pearly white teeth and gray course hair! I love my new traits! Thank you boys! It’s not everyday that a woman can concieve and have the ability to carry. So with all of this being said, I’m so very thankful for ALL of my imperfections that I have. Because if I didn’t, I wouldn’t have these two little gifts, whose names are Hudson Troy and Coleman Wade.
Now, who wants to join me for a Molten Chocolate Cake with extra Whip Cream and loaded with ice cream? And a trip to STARBUCKS! MMMM Yummy!

Mama knows Best!

2008-08-15T06:54:00.001-04:00

My mama is the BEST by far…. always knows what to say or do! Whenever she is here, I NEVER have to ask her to do anything. She just always knows what to do, when to do it and does it THEN! She knows my children like the back of her hand. Knows their every sound and what they mean. Knows their daily routine, favorite foods, tv shows, and clothes. Not only does she know them, she KNOWS ME! Like the FRONT AND BACK of her hand, arm, legs, etc! I have yet to even tell her this story, but its stuck in my mind and I can’t get it off, so I decided to do a little bloggin’ about it!
On the day of Coleman’s birthday party, I wanted everything to be perfect, eventhough it was only family and our very best friends coming…. who have all seen us and our home in complete chaos! But still, I always like to look like I have it together and my house always looks that nice and neat! (who am I kidding!) Anyhow, (I know, blah blah blah… get on with the story!). As I walked through the kitchen, I noticed the little filter holder for the coffee pot that was sitting on the counter and thought, "Oo! That needs to be put away!" That thought was the last one I had….. until later that night when I went to make coffee for the next day. The filter holder was NOT THERE! And a small smile came to my face and a sweet warmess to my heart! SHE KNEW!!! She knew that I wouldn’t want that on the counter! I never had to mention to her that I didn’t want that there, she just did it!

"Man Tools"

2008-08-15T06:53:00.002-04:00

Today the kids and I were on our daily walk. Hudson complained that his ankle was hurting, that something had scratched it. I checked it out, nothing that I could see. Then after several steps I realized that a long screw had come loose from his bike. I pulled it out and told him that him and daddy would have to fix it tonight.
At dinner Chris and I explained to Hudson that the screw will need a nut on the other end to hold it onto the bike. As you may know, Hudson is ALWAYS concerned about things and ask 90 million questions. Hudson was asking Chris, making sure that he had one nut to fix the bike…
……Im sure you can see where this is going…..
So heres the conversation at the dinner table tonight:
HUDSON: "Daddy, do you have two nuts?"
CHRIS: "Well, yes, I do!"
Hudson: (with his arms stretched out as wide as they would go) Are they thiiiiiiis big daddy?"
CHRIS: "THEY ARE! And how big are your nuts Hudson?"
HUDSON: (once again, the arms stretched out SUPER far!) "THIIIIIIS BIG!"
HA! Kids! You gotta love them! We were dying! I was on the floor practically! Hudson had (and still has no clue) that he was saying something so crazy!

I forgot the KITCHEN SINK!

2008-08-15T06:53:00.001-04:00

As we prepared for a lovely Memorial Day with friends and family, in the beautiful City of Dacula, located ONLY 4 miles from house…. I forgot the kitchen sink for our 1/2 day trip! How can that be? Well you see, I am self-diagnosed OCD. Not really been confirmed by any type of Doctor, other than Ashley Price!
We headed out around 9:30 to Hebron for the Dacula Parade and we were so excited! Hudson was just beside himself, he couldn’t wait! We had the back of the car PACKED with EVERYTHING, except the kitchen sink. We had a stroller, wagon, cooler for cold stuff, bag for snacks, diaper bag full of first aid, diapers, and all the other neccessities that someone MIGHT need! Plus, several blankets in case we needed them at the park if all the tables were taken up. I know, who else on earth would think of ALL THIS STUFF to take? Oh! I forgot Hudson’s bike! Not in the car, but on my list, I would NEVER forget to actually take something like that.
we had a great time at the parade. Caught WAY TOO much candy! But it was so much fun! And humbling to see all these people in cars, floats, etc that served our country and gave their lives for OUR FREEDOM! Thank you! Hudson came to the conclusion that only baby horses poop on the road because they can’t use the potty like the big horses!
After the parade, we packed up and headed to Little Mulberry Park AKA "Blueberry Park" to have a picnic with some great friends of ours (the Sissom’s) that had way too much fun laughing along with us about me forgetting the kitchen sink…. and moist towellets! The kids had a blast and rode thier bikes around the park. Although, Bryleigh decided that she would rather "Get some exercise" by walking and not ride her bike! Silly little girl she is! It was such a beautiful day to be outside and play and catch some fresh air. Coleman did FANTASTIC! He had to skip his morning nap and just hang in there all day and tag along to the plans. He strolled along all afternoon! Sweet little boy he was! We then made a pit stop at the new Ben N Jerry’s in Dacula. YUMMY!!!!! Although Hudson CAN NOT STAND ice cream, he picked the M&Ms off his ice cream and then headed out to play.
We had a fantastic day of fun with our family and friends! I guess that its okay that I forgot the kitchen sink, we really didn’t need it…. and everything else that I brought!

Another Year Gone By

2008-08-15T06:51:00.000-04:00

So this morning, I’m a little sad! I’m preparing for Coleman’s 1st birthday tomorrow! I can’t believe that my little baby is already ONE and it seems like yesterday I was pacing waiting for him to come EARLY when in fact, he arrive a DAY LATE! My boys (all 3) have been such a blessing to me and recently taught ME whats really important in life… reading books, playing hide n seek, coloring, laying in the grass looking at the clouds (although Cole has to have a blanket, he can’t stand the grass), and the list goes on. Seeing my children grow up right before my very eyes is exciting but yet very sad…. That means Im getting older too! And Chris… well, that means that he’s really getting older!
In this last year Coleman has done alot! As most babies at his age do. He has learned to give mommy a kiss and that melts my heart! He has daddy wrapped about his finger, right beside his brother! Actually last night when Chris came home, I was in Cole’s room changing his diaper and when he heard his daddy he got so MAD because I wasn’t going fast enough. I had to take him to see his daddy (who hung the moon!) so that he would be happy! The boys and their daddy! I’m beyond blessed to have such a wonderful daddy to my children. Over the last week I have weaned Coleman off his "Magic Medicine" (Prilosec for acid reflux) and he seems to be doing great! No spitting up or the fussies!

Be sure to check back soon! I hope to learn how to post pictures from the party!