Bye 2008, Hello 2009!

2008 was year that often had surprises for me, and not always good ones! But, I still learned some leasons....What I learned in 2008:

Sometimes you have to just wait because no matter what you do, say, or think, the situation will not change until the time is right (God, I'm still waiting, and not very patiently at times)

Even 11 year old boys like to wrestle with Mommmies and they never let the mommies win (mostly because when the 11 year old and 3 year old team up together, mommies don't stand a chance!)

Babies grow up WAY TOO FAST! This hit me like a ton of bricks earlier this year....now I take more time to snuggle and say I love you and read books....it won't be long until they won't want me to do those things anymore

Going back to school was tough but it took much more for me to get enough courage to take the first step than it did for me to take the classes...finished first semester with 3.75 GPA!

Loosing weight wasn't hard at all once I put my mind to it....I feel much better being 20lbs lighter.

Jesus really does love me

Things I need to learn in 2009:

That the number of friends you have isn't important, it is the quality of those friendships

Let go of the past and stop comparing myself with others who seem to have the "perfect" life

Happiness is a choice, I must choose to be happy and content with whatever place I am in and trust that God has a plan for me

And the list goes on! Too many lessons to be written.....I have many "resolutions" but ultimately, in 2009, I want to be a better wife, mother, friend, and most importantly, reflect Jesus in all I say and do!

Happy New Year!

Travel Time Again!

The boys went to SC yesterday and I am headed there today. Can't wait to see family and friends! This time I will have plenty of time to visit. I am so thankful that I have a job that allows me time off (and still get paid)! I am already working on my New Year's resolution list....trying to think of things that are realistic and that I might actually be able to accomplish.....Anyway, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Visiting Friends

My friend Amanda came to visit this weekend with her son Jared and daughter Hannah. They stayed with us and since her husband Mark didn't come, and Dan was out of town, we got to do whatever we wanted!!! Amanda graduated from Walhalla in 1992 but we did not know each other until our boys played baseball together and went to the same school in Anderson. Friday we stayed up really late (WAY past my 9PM bedtime) and then Saturday we braved the cold and went to Dollywood. It was a chilly 30 degrees but it was SO pretty. Every building and tree in Dollywood has lights and all of the shows are about Christmas. As a bonus, it snowed for about an hour Saturday morning and the kids had a blast! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE for people to come and visit, especially if they stay with us! So, anytime anyone wants to visit just let me know....I will get the couch ready for Joseph and his room ready for you!!!

Yeah for Thanksgiving!

Today we had a Thanksgiving dinner at work. Everyone brought something and we had ALOT of great food. I am now stuffed and ready for a nap but have about four more hours to work today. I can't wait to get to SC Thursday and visit with family and friends!!

Let It Snow!

It is very cold here in the Smokey Mountains, and the peaks are all covered with snow. I cannot describe how beautiful they look. Hopefully this weekend we will get to drive up to New Found Gap where it truly is a winter wonderland. The South Pole doesn't have anything, well, except Santa, on the Smokey Mountians!! Even though we don't get the snow, it is fun to know that it is SO close!

Zach's Jokes

Today on the way to school Zach asks me, "why did the chicken cross the playground?", and of course I said that I didn't know. I thought that he was just repeating this line and wouldn't know the answer, but to my surprise he came back with, "to get to the other side!". And then he started laughing histerically. Of course Joseph and me just looked at each other and then started laughing ourselves. Needless to say, all the way to school Zach asked me why the chicken crossed the playground! Kids.....

Jehovah Rapha

I love this name for God. It means (I guess this is using the wording from the King James), "the Lord that healeth thee". I like to say, " the Lord our healer"...it's easier to say :o). Anyway, To me there is so much meaning in it. Not only does God heal us physically, but also emotionally, spiritually, financially, and everything in between. To me healer covers everything that we may face. God can "heal" us from everything. What a special name!

3 Year Old Prayer Requests

I help in the 3-4 year old class on Wednesday nights at our church and always find our prayer time very amusing. When we ask the kids if they have prayer requests, a few will say mommy and daddy or other family members but most of the time ALL of them only want us to pray for their pets. The requests get followed by long stories of what thier pets did all week, in detail. So, we pray for each childs pet every week. It really is too cute.

Joseph

I always feel bad because it seems that I write alot more about Zach than I do Joseph. It's not because I favor one over the other, but because Joseph is so laid back and calm. He just goes with the flow of whatever is happening. He is very smart and does well in school with little effort. So far, he does not conform to the crowd but is more of a leader (I really hope that remains the case) and gets along with everyonE. Zach on the other hand is always into something which gives me so much more to tell. Joseph is a GREAT kid and I am very proud to be his mom.

Movies

This past week Zach has decided that he has to watch movies...we have watched all three Jurassic Parks (more than once), Scooby-Doo (which I think have to be the dumbest movies ever made) and A Bug's Life. I know, a very strange combination of movies but 3 year olds have a mind of their own! Wonder if I could get them to watch a few chick flicks??? Joseph I am sure would protest that!

Politics

OK, I am not very outspoken when it comes to politics, BUT I do feel like voicing my opinion on what I have been hearing lately about this election concerning race. I am not sure when exactly it became about race but to me IT ABSOLUTELY is not a matter of what color the candidate's skin is. It has everything to do with whether or not I agree with his or her views. I believe that this country has made great strides and continually seeks equality for ALL people, and I don't understand why we are even having this discussion. I read in the Wall Street Journal and have heard on several radio broadcasts that people are saying that if Obama looses there will be race wars and riots that rival the 60's. I guess the real question is, WHO is making this election about race instead of a person's individual political views? Many other elections have been lost because the majority did not agree with that person's political views. I personally feel like all of this hype is a threat....does it make me prejudice or a racist if I don't vote for Obama? Should I be afraid if I don't vote for him? I am neither prejudiced nor racists and have many friends with a different skin color than my own. I think that it is very sad (and untrue)that if Obama looses it is because he is black!

rachel Quinley Devotion

This didn't copy and paste exactly as I had hoped it would, but I really like this devotional message so I thought I would share it.


Designed By Who?

I can't believe I did it: Cut Lascoste "alligators" off a pair of socks to sew on my son and daughter's shirts.
My kids--like most middle-schoolers, then--were design-conscious. But we couldn't afford the pricey shirts, so I took care of the problem. Or did I? Rhonda later told me, "I held my breath that no one would see the Sears tag on the back of my collar and know that my shirt was not the real thing."

Ever Felt Like You Were an Off-Brand? Look at the label in your jacket. It may be a "George" from Wal*Mart or a "Ralph Lauren" from Nieman Marcus, but what difference does it make? It's not the suit on the man/woman that counts but the man/woman in the suit.

Don't let people hang a cheap label around your neck. if you're a child of God you're not a "loser;" you're a "winner." Long after the label on your clothes has faded, people will still see the "real you."

Ever Felt Like You Came From a "Clearance Rack?" No matter how good a garment is, if it is stained or has a flaw in it...to the clearance rack or table it goes. These items are never neatly folded or hung straight on a rack. They're usually half-on or half-off and are tossed and shoved around by customers who are hunting for the best of the worst.

Some people may treat you like that. They may say you're worthless and no good, but don't believe them. God says you are second to nobody. Oh, you may have a little stain on you here and there. You may even have a wrinkle or two in your character that needs to be ironed out. But when God gets through washing you in His blood and ironing you with the heat of His purging fire, you'll be "brand-spanking new."

Never mind that your clothes tag says, "over-size," "mini-size," or a perfect "standard-size." Never mind that your nose is too big or your shoe soles too thin. Never mind if you eat at a steak house or at a burger shack. Hold your head high.

Stand tall and sport your designer tag. It says: Made by God.

You've heard it. I've heard it. it's true: "God don't make no junk."

To Look at Me You Would Never Know I Came From Dirt?"For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust (dirt)" (Psalm 103:14). Knee-Mail Prayer:Dear God, Remind me every day that I was wonderfully made...by you.

First Day of School

Well, I survived my first night of school. I am glad that I only have to go one night a week. All of my other classes are online. I did feel a little out of place to start with because most everyone is in their 20's but then a few others came that are my age or older. I guess now Joseph can tell me to go do MY homework :o)....we'll see how I survive the rest of the semester.

Life Without My Computer

I have been without my laptop for a week now, and I really miss it! Hopefully it is going to be fixed tomorrow and I can get back to my favorite (mindless) hobby of surfing the internet. Plus, I have a feeling I am really going to need it to help Joseph with his homework....have I mentioned that 5th grade here is the beginning of MIDDLE SCHOOL!!!?!?!

Facebook

I just joined Facebook a couple of days ago and I love it! I had signed up on Myspace but couldn't find hardly anyone that I knew. It seems that Facebook is the social site of choice ;o). Thanks, Tracy, for letting me know about it.

Today we are hanging around the house. Dan is out of town (which is the norm).The boys and I went to church where I survived helping in the 3 year old's class and we haven't done anything since we got home. Some days I think I really need to get a life, but this is life isn't it?

I have to go now and break up a fight (at least the 5th of the day).

Watch the Video

Hi, Friends....I just put this video on my blog and it is very cool. If you have time watch it!

At Work but not Working

I am at work avoiding work right now so I decided to post some pictures of the boys. These were from our trip to the beach....After this I have to get back to work!

Our Little Bird

Well, our little bird died. I was so sad when my Mom told me today(Joseph and Zach are visiting her and took the bird with them). I think that I have been more upset than Joseph. They are having a "memorial" service today. I hope that when we get to Heaven we get to see him flying around all grown up and beautiful.

Another New Pet

The other day Joseph found two baby birds lying on the ground. One had already died but one was still alive. He brought the live one in the house and put it in a box. He has been feeding it and giving it water with a dropper everyday and changing it's box when it gets dirty. He has been so sweet and caring it makes me want to cry. We have now had it for four days and it is alive and seems to be doing well. We pray for it everyday. I hope it lives.

Dieting Update

I've been on my diet for about 2 months now and I must say that I am REALLY TIRED of dieting!!!!! I have lost ten pounds and my clothes are feeling loose but I want to go on a binge and eat a big fat cheeseburger and large fries and then have a coffee caramel milkshake from Chick-fil-a for dessert. But, I will not do this because I want to loose weight more than going on my binge even though every McDonald's calls my name as I drive by!

One Down, Lots More To Go

Yesterday God taught me a gentle lesson. I really was not in the mood to go to church and wrestled with whether or not to go all morning long. It really was a situation of the angel on one shoulder and devil on the other. After a couple of hours (I woke up at 5:30) I finally had a "heart to heart" with God and told Him that I really did not want to go and through alot of tears told him the reasons why. Even still, I felt compelled to go but did not. Instead, I logged on to our church's web site to watch the service online. It wasn't very long until I realized why He had wanted me to go. Pastor Tom's question was, "what is your heart's song?". As soon as he spoke the words more tears came to my eyes. My heart's song hasn't been one of redemption or restoration, not even peace and happiness, but rather one of rejection and defeat. Songs of feeling not good enough or pretty enough, that no one really likes me, that no matter what I do, I will always be stuck in the cycle of dysfunction and issues from my childhood and even the disappointments of my adult life. But as I sat there and listened to Pastor Tom, I realized that it is my choice what song my heart sings. God doesn't want me to keep singing the same song that brings all the negativity that hinders my realtionship not only with Him, but with my family and friends. I watched him call on several people in the sanctuary and ask them to sing their heart's song and I really began to think about what mine should be. So, my heart's song today, and for however long God speaks to me through it, is Rescue by Newsong. This is the first song on the playlist on my blog. I chose this song because of how strongly it says, "I need you Jesus to come to my rescue". Thankfully He is able to rescue me. All this to say, my lesson was this, that God doesn't prompt us to do things because He wants us to be miserable or uncomfortable or even because something bad might happen if we don't do what He says, but He leads us to a place where He can give us rest and be exactly what we need, to a place where He can reach way down and heal hurts that we didn't even know we had or have refused to acknowledge. He does rescue us even when we don't want to be rescued.

New Pets

I was going to label this blog "New Additions to Our Family" but I changed my mind lest anyone think that I meant a baby!!!

Last weekend Joseph came home from my parent's house with two little frogs which had to live in a plastic container until yesterday. Of course when we went to the pet store to get a box for them Zach had to have a fish. He started out wanting "Nemo" but Nemo cost $20 plus he has to live in a salt water tank which we do not have and I don't even know how much that set up would cost much less how to even set it up and maintain it.

So we settled for a beta fish that cost $5 and a beta starter bowl kit for $10...still less than what Nemo himself cost. When we got home we asked Zach what he wanted to name the fish and he said "Reba" but Joseph talked him into naming him Van instead....yes, we watch too much Reba!!!

Now our family consists of Daddy, Mommy, Joseph, Zach, Patches the cat, two frogs who remain nameless and Van the beta fish! I must say that this fish seems to want to eat as much as Van does :o)

What's Happening Now

Well, I have officially started work at the Hampton Inn in Gatlinburg and it is a BIG adjustment in every way, but I want to share what I have been meditating on lately....Romans 5:1-5

Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in the tribulations, kowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Although I don't necessarily want to persevere, I know that God has a plan and am (trying) to stand on the hope that He has promised.

Still a Lesson to be Learned

OK, so today was my last day of work at the Comfort Inn and I still do not know when I am supposed to start at the Hampton Inn. I keep trying to have conversations with my boss but he keeps telling me to wait until tomorrow....I am way too stressed out and worried and I KNOW that the Bible tells us not to worry that God will take care of us, but it is SO hard not to. My world is completely upside down and I cannot stand not knowing what is going to happen....I am wondering if I accidently prayed for patience at some point because it seems that the Lord is wanting me to wait! I am so not good at waiting. And I am an emotional wreck and it's not even PMS week!!!

Work Changes

It has been very stressful at work the last two weeks....the owners of the Comfort Inn entered a contract with a new management company because they (the new company)are interested in buying the hotel. That puts us down to only two hotels and one new build project in the works. What that means for me is that I will now have to drive to Gatlinburg to work and take a $15,000 salary cut. I am very stressed about that but at least I still have a job.....maybe the Lord is trying to teach me how to REALLY live on a budget.

Yummy Low Calorie Snacks!

I have discovered a few very yummy snacks on my calorie counting diet....thought I would share them....Healthy Choice caramel ice cream sandwiches....1.5g fat and 150 calories, Orville Redenbacher Natural Light Butter Popcorn...1g of fat per cup popped and only 20 calories and Blue Bunny 100 calorie butter pecan ice cream bars...7g fat (a little high) but only 100 calories. Also, Chick-fil-A has a new Chargrilled CHicken and Fruit salad...it is only 220 calories and 8g fat and the Low Fat Berry Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing is only 2g fat and 70 calories. Extra tip, you really do eat less dressing if you put it on the side and dip your salad...:o)
Happy eating!!

Vacation

We were very fortunate to be able to go on a second vacation to Cocoa Beach, Fl last week. We had a great time at Sea World, Universal Studios and of course, the beach! I have a couple of tips for those who may want to venture to these places:

1- Buy the meal deal at Universal. For $19.99 per adult and $9.99 per child you can eat all day long at 4 select restaurants in Universal Studios. For about what you would spend on one meal there, you can eat all day, unlimited.

2- At Sea World and Universal, spend the $8-$10 to buy the refillable drink cups. Refills are $1.70 at SeaWorld and only .69 cents at Universal. You can also buy a refill mug with the meal deal at Universal ($8.99) and the refills at the select restaurants are free (unlimited, all day).

3- Buy the fast pass option at Universal Studios. It costs $36 per person but it cuts your wait time in line to 5-15 minutes instead of 30-60 minutes. We did this and were able to do everything in the park in one day. The boys' favorite was the Woody Woodpecker rollercoaster....I rode it 5 times with them!

4- Stand in line early for the shows at Sea World and sit up front (maybe 3/4 rows up...just level with the tank). You get a great view of the show and there is a 95% chance that you will get soaked! If you sit on the first 2/3 rows you can't see what goes on on top of the water. The shows are AWESOME.

5- Of course, SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN. The spray kind works great and is really easy to use. All you have to do is spray the kids down every couple of hours. The stick kind is great for the face!

The pictures are of Joseph being a surfer dude, Zach asleep with his dolphin that we got at Sea World, the boys with Woody Woodpecker in their "Thing 1" and "Thing 2" t-shirts and Zach digging in the sand.

Dieting

I have been trying to loose a few pounds (ok, more than a few, but...) and a friend of mine showed me this web site called the Calorie King (www.calorieking.com). Like most other dieting web sites you put in your info and goals and it gives you a plan, but what I like about this is that it gives you the amount of calories, fat, carbs, etc...in just about anything that you can imagine. For $7 per month you can join and there are lots of tools to help you keep track of what you are eating. So far I have lost 5 pounds (in about 3 1/2 weeks) and that's not being "good" all of the time. It is tedious to keep up with what you are eating all of the time but I have become more aware of just what it is that I am eating. Of course, you have to add exercise, too. I have been walking/running everyday and I can tell a big difference in how I feel....now if I could just see the difference in my clothing size! I am proud to say that I can run about a mile and a half now without feeling like I am going to die now (my treadmill is definitely paying for itself now...it took me a few months after I got it to really get into using it). I'm trying to figure out why I even stopped working out to start with. I rather enjoy it since I have started back (alot of years later).

2 Things You MUST Do This Summer!

One - go see Prince Caspian at the movies! We love The Chronicles of Narnia and couldn't wait for the second movie to come out. We saw it the day it opened and it was worth it.

Second - READ The Shack by William P. Young. This is an awesome "true" fiction book. You will see God, healing, forgiveness and redemption in a whole new light! Read about the book and see reviews at www.theshackbook.com, and find out about the author at http://windrumors.com. You will not be dissappointed....I am going to read it again!

New Friends!

Last year we met some new friends at NASCAR Speedpark. We were there for Joseph's birthday and Tracy, Chad and CJ were just having some family fun. We met when CJ and Zach were riding the monster truck ride. Tracy is so sweet and always calls us when they are coming into town. They live in Knoxville so it's not too far away. Last weekend they came and we went to Dollywood. We had a good time....except poor Chad, he had to hang out with the women and kids because Dan didn't make it home in time! He was a good sport, though. Here are some pics from our day of fun!

The Most Important List to Live By

A friend of mine had this on her blog. This is so worth sharing.....

The most useless thing to do......Worry
The greatest Joy..................Giving
The greatest Loss.................Loss of Self-Respect
The most satisfying work..........Helping others
The ugliest personality trait.....Selfishness
The most endagered species........Dedicated Leaders
The greatest "shot in the arm"....Encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome..Fear
The most effective sleeping pill..Peace of mind
The most crippling failure........Excuses
The most powerful force in life...Love
The MOST dangerous pariah.........GOSSIPER
The worlds most powerful computer.The brain
The worst thingto be with out......Hope
The DEADLIEST weapon...............THE TONGE
The two most powerful words......"I can"
The greatest asset.................FAITH
The most worthless emotion..........Self-pity
The most prized possession.........Integrity
The most beautiful attire..........A smile
The most powerful channel of communication....Prayer
The most contagious spirit.........Enthusiasm
The most important thing in life...GOD!!!!!!

So much to blog, so little time.....

So much has been going on lately and I always think, "I need to blog about this" but then I get side tracked....anyway, we had a great Mommy's Day. We spent it with my family. My Mommy graduated from Southern Weslyan University with her bachelor's degree in early childhood education. We are all very proud of her for accomplishing this goal. Hope all of my mommy friends had a GREAT Mother's Day.

Joseph is still busy with baseball. He is turning out to be a pretty good pitcher and is really enjoying it. He also decided to get his hair cut after a couple of years of wearing it long. Before and after pictures to follow.

Zach is completely in the all boy stage of capturing every bug that he can find no matter what kind, size or shape! If we see something we don't want to touch all we have to do is call Zach. He is ready in a moments notice to squash (or otherwise dispose of) any creature that finds itself in our path. The other day he was outside pulling up grass so that he could catch a bug that had escaped him.

Dan and I are both working ALL the time but we both enjoy what we do so it isn't so bad. If anybody wants to come to the Smokies this summer give me a call or email!

Oh, and one more thing.....my favorite song right now is a new one by Point of Grace. It is called "How You Live". This song speaks volumes to me and brings tears to my eyes everytime I hear it. If you have time check it out on line, just search Point of Grace or the title of the song. :o)

Doctor Visits

Well, after 10 (I'm not kidding) doctor's visits, two anitbiotics, six shots (no joke...Zach was not a very happy three year old) and a cough medicine you would think that Zach would be rid of whatever has been making him cough (and anything else that might be lingering, too) but yesterday we had to go on ANOTHER DR's visit, and got albuterol, the little mask that you use with that and another anitbiotic!!! Now I thought that since he had to get 6 shots because he wouldn't take all of the first two anitbiotics he would never want another shot....little do I know. He took the inhaler and did very well, but as soon as I tried to give him the new anitbiotic he said, "this is bad, I want to get ONE shot" (he said this while holding up one finger). I tried everyway to convince him to take the medicine but he insisted that he wants to get the shot and even told me to call the doctor. Even putting it in food and drink does not fool him. I guess I should just call the doctor but we have another appointment next week...maybe I can convince him to take it between now and then. I know one day I am going to miss fighting with him over taking his medicine but for now it is very tiring.

Something Funny!

I know I posted about the things that 3 year olds say before but Zach has come up with another funny....he used to say "I will not" when we would tell him not to do something (in a very matter-of-fact tone). Now he says "I will won't". He also loves the letter "R". We have to find them on anything that has writing. And you should hear him sing his ABC's!

Dollywood

Well, we made our first official trip to Dollywood yesterday. We had a very good time. The boys wanted to all get wet but I vetoed the biggest water ride because it was not quite warm enough and Zach is still sick. We really liked the Rythm of the Dance show (Irish dance during the Festival of NAtions). As always, we went to the Kingdom Heirs show. Dan likes southern gospel music, and they are a good group. Another perk of working in the lodging industry in Sevierville, TN, you can get season passes at a GREAT discount (less than the cot of one day)!

Vacation

There are alot of things that I want to blog so here goes.....

1- I now know first hand why it is good to have an "emergency fund". Saturday when I was shopping in wal-mart (in Seneca) someone stole our luggage out of the tool box on the truck. This included everything that Zach owns, a few of Jospeh's things and three of my faorite pairs of shoes! We had everything packed because we were leaving from my parents to go on vacation (spring break). Lesson learned....next time I will take ALL of our things out of the car at my mom's no matter how inconvenient! I was very glad for our emergency fund, otherwise we would have had to cancel vacation and buy Zach clothes instead....I'm sure that the thieves were dissappointed to get a load of size 3t clothes!

2- We are on vacation in Washington DC and there is ALOT to do. The boys have had a great time visiting the museums and monuments. Today we may go for a ride on the metro....Zach has been asking to go on the train since we took him down to the metro station underneath out hotel.

3- I love $39 employee rates at Embassy Suites hotels! This is one reason I may never leave the hotel industry!

4- I have been wondering this week how we have advanced so far in this country but seem to be so far away from our Founding Fathers' principles and beliefs. While we have had a lot of fun and seen alot of cool things, I am dissapponted that evolution is the foundation for the educational aspects of the Smithsonian Museums and zoo. I know that we need to be tolerant and politically correct but why is it not politically incorrect to disrespect Christianity, all it stands for and the people who believe in it? What happened to the beliefs that started this country? There have been people from all over the US and other countries here this week...I wonder do they have respect and awe for our great nation or have we just become a tourist attraction?

5- Thanks, Keyonna, for dinner! It was fun to get to hang out with you and Sandy for a little while....too bad we couldn't drive around and get lost again!

6- I will confirm the known truth that men do not want to ask for directions....we have a Garmin GPS but it never failed that it would tell us to go one way and Dan would go the opposite or turn down the street before. I finally asked him why he even bothered to have me put the addresses in....I guess it's a man thing!

Bluetooth Technology

I just got a bluetooth headset and I love it! Not only can you talk handsfree but you can tell it to call people from your address book so you don't have to pick up the phone and dial. A much safer way to talk while you are driving. I didn't know what I was missing by not getting one sooner! So if I call you out of the blue, it is just because I want to use my bluetooth!

PS- here is a picture of the boys...I haven't posted one lately.

What's Happening Today

Well, Joseph has changed his mind about playing ball and I am glad. I am sure that I will be complaining about it half way through the season when we are running around like crazy people...everyone will have to remind me that I asked for it!

Today it has been snowing off and on all day. It has all melted here in Sevierville but it is coming down pretty hard again. Pigeon Forge is covered and it is so pretty! I'm not brave enough to drive to Gatlinburg in bad weather but I am sure that it is covered up as well. Too bad I am at work....I couldn't get any of my employees to play in the snow with me...I know Joseph and Zach have probably had a blast outdoors today....I did build a tiny little snowman at the Lazy Bear Inn when I went there earlier.

No More Baseball

Joseph has decided not to play baseball this year and I am very sad about it. He has played for 4 years and it is something that I have looked forward to. We have both made alot of friends through this sport, but I can't be selfish and make him do something he doesn't want to do. I actually could almost cry about it. But I am sure that there will be other ways for us (especially me) to connect with other friends.....maybe he will miss it this year and want to pick it up again next year.

The Gap barn jacket

Zach has a cute little coat from GAP that has become a tradition with my sister and me. However, the tradition ends with Zach :o(. My sister bought the jacket for my nephew Bailey when he was a toddler. It then got passed to Joseph. After that my other nephews, Chandler and Blake, got to wear it. Now it is Zach's turn. It is a little big, but next year it will be too small. This goes to show that sometimes it pays to buy name brands....this jacket has survived 5 boys. We have decided to "retire" the jacket after Zach so that we have this special memory from our boys!(I will post a picture later...I got up to take one and my camera battery was dead...)

Thanks!

Today I just feel like being thankful....believe me most of the time I have to work hard to conjure up the attitude of gratitude. This is something that the Lord has been helping me with. God is always good to me but this last week He has gone "out of His way" (so-to-speak) to remind me of some things He promised. As I think back to "places" I have been in my life, I am so thankful that I am long way from them. God truely has and continues to restore things in my life....I am very blessed!

Surprising Things

My children are so funny. I think that I know them pretty well but the last week I have been surprised at some of the things that they like. For instance, I came home one night and Zach was eating a mayo sandwich (????). I asked Dan what that was all about and he said that he was going to make Zach a grilled cheese but Zach wanted nothing to do with it and brought him the mayo (who would have thought???). For breakfast the other day Zach wanted a hotdog without a bun and mustard and mayo on his plate to dip it in. Does it make me a bad mom that I acutally let him eat that for breakfast???? As far as Joseph goes he only likes a few food items but I discovered that he likes alot of music that I wouldn't have thought he would like. He likes 80's (all types) and (I was very surprised) Elton John???? He even knows the words to a few Elton John songs...not sure where he learned them, though. And he likes James Taylor...he gets that from his dad.

Sister Chicks and Family

This weekend I went with some friends of mine (AKA Sister Chicks) to Knoxville where we stayed the night at a bed & breakfast, went out to dinner at PF Changs and to our favorite used bookstore (McKay's)! I got some great reads for very cheap and had a great time with 3 close friends! When I got home Saturday the boys (Dan, Joseph & Zach) and I went to play minigolf, eat lunch and take a ride up the mountain! After that we came home and took a nap (YEAH for naps), I finished our taxes and then Dan & I went to dinner in Gatlinburg. Sunday we went to church and I thanked the Lord for His blessings and such a great weekend! (and when we got home I took another nap with Zach snuggled up beside me :o))It really was a GREAT weekend.

Bad Weather Week

This time last week we were on our way to SC for Zachary's birthday. We had an idea that the weather might turn nasty but we wanted everyone to celebrate with us so we came anyway. Well, the weather did get yucky but not before we had a super FUN party at Chick-fil-a! While the snow was falling we decided that it would be better for us to head back to TN in case it was alot worse Sunday. As it turned out, the roads were fine and the weather turned out not so bad. Hopefully we can come back soon and have more fun with our family and friends! Tuesday we got another dose of winter weather and it was not the fun snowy kind. We got up and got ready for work and school as usual, and we were about to head out the door when we got the automated call saying that school was cancelled. Since I had not turned on the TV I did not have a clue that everything in the county was iced over! So the boys got to stay home and I didn't have to go to work until lunch time (very nice). Wednesday and Thursday there was also a two hour delay and we got to sleep a little later. Friday we were back on schedule and looking forward to Saturday

A Trip to the Dentist

Yesterday we all had dentist appointments to get our teeth cleaned and have a checkup. We had hoped that we could coax Zach into letting them have a look at his teeth (this was his first visit) but our efforts were in vain. We started at 10AM with appointments for two of us. Dan and Zach were supposed to go first. Dan got settled into his chair and the hygenist went to work while I wrestled with Zach and told him how fun it would be to let the other girl look at his teeth. Finally we decided to go ahead with my cleaning. Zach took much joy in watching her "tickle" my teeth with the different instruments. There were times she could not work because of his little head being almost in my mouth. She even let him try out the little tool that sucks the water out but that still did not convince him to let her work on him. We gave up that time and decided that when we came back at 2 (for our other 2 appointments) he might change his mind. Joseph came in and took his place but Zach still would not cooperate. One time we got him in the chair but that only lasted about 30 seconds. After Joseph was finished there was a slight war over his surprises. Of course Zach wanted all the things that Joseph received from the hygenist. After a tantrum on the floor we managed to get to the car. Thanks to everyone in Dr. Nave's office for being so patient with us! Maybe at our next cleaning Zach will be ready.

What is up with the new generatoin???

Can someone please tell me why 20 somethings first of all want a job but don't want to work? Why do they think that everyone owes them something just because they walk in and apply for a job? Also, why do they think that entry level positions should start at $30 to $40K a year? I am so frustrated with employees who think that they deserve the world but don't want to prove why the deserve the world!!! When I first started working I had to prove myself to my employer BEFORE I was given a raise and certainly before I was promoted to any level. And, seniority meant something. I didn't walk in off the street making more than people currenlty employeed by the company. I don't understand today's work ethic! Actually, there is not work ethic. People quit without notice and don't care how that effects their employment history and change jobs at the drop of a hat. It took me alot of years (including the 2 I took off with Zach)and alot of hard work to earn my excellent salary and current management title! Whatever happened to paying your dues and working your way up throuh the ranks?!?!?! I sincerely hope that I can instill in my children the value of working hard and taking pride in the work you perform and not just jumping from job to job because the "grass looks greener on the other side"!

1st Day of Preschool

Zach went to preschool today. He was very excited. First we dropped Joseph off at his school where Zach had to tell him good bye and love you at least 3 times followed by a fish kiss (sucking your cheeks in and making your lips pucker) and a big big hug. I thought Joseph was not going to be able to get out of the car. Finally, we got to Zach's school and he seemed to change his mind about going to school. I had to coax him out of the car by telling him, "let's go in and see if they have a choo choo train". Thus, choo choo trains are the cure all for us. When we got inside he grabbed my hand and held on. But once we got to his class he walked right in and forgot that I was there! Mostly because another little boy was playing with a Deigo helicopter like one Zach has at home. For a moment I felt sad as he started playing. I remember feeling that same way as Joseph marched into preschool without looking back. :o( I did manage not to cry...but the day isn't over, yet!

What a Week!

Wow, this has been a very busy week! Our company took over management of two more hotels this week bringing our total to 6. We are very excited about our growth but it has been very hectic making employee schedules and getting all of our procedures in place. Also, Dan was gone pretty much the whole week working for a car dealer friend of his. He flew out to Seattle, WA, Sunday and drove back (2796 miles!). So, not only was I working ALOT of hours, I had to be sole care giver and chauffer of Joseph and Zach. Thankfully, I have a great staff already in place at the Comfort Inn that could handle most things there and some great friends who let Joseph and Zach spend the night with the them Tuesday (our first day at the new hotels)...thanks Sandy and Gerie. I am looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow but I won't get my hopes up too much because Saturdays are the only days that Joseph and Zach wakeup early. I can't figure out why I can't get them out of bed during the week when we have to get up, and they get up at the crack of dawn when we can sleep in????

Finally, Potty Training 102!

I thought that Zach would never go to potty on his own but the last couple of days he has finally caught on! However, he will only go for #1....when it comes to #2 he asks for a diaper! At least we are half way there....and just in time because he is starting full time preschool on Monday. He is so excited about it. I hope that enthusiasm continues when I go to leave him there.