Twilight

Well, I finally watched Twilight. I LOVED IT! I am a little ashamed to admit that I watched it two times today. I never got into the books, because I thought the idea was a little weird. I so not like ANYTHING scary, and I thougth a book about vampires would be scary, so I decided to avoid the Twilight hysteria that everyone seems to have. Until today that is...I went to get a movie for the girls at the video store, and there was the last copy of Twilight. I went to it immediately. The movie is a complete love story. Now, I am going to read the books. I hope I haven't ruined them by watching the movie first. I think there are four books. I am heading to the library tomorrow.
The girls were suppose to have a friend spend the night, but a little before she was suppose to be here, she changed her mind. They were so disappointed. They had already cleaned their toy room and bed room. I completely understand, but I also hate for my children to hurt. So, we spend the evening in. The girls were doing great until they got into a huge fight at about 8:20. They were watching the new episode of icarly, and I heard them screaming and hitting each other. So, I went in there to break it up. I calmly walked over to turn off the tv, and they lost it. They started screaming and crying. They told me that I was the worst mommy in the history of mommies, that they hated me, and that they couldn't stand me. I told them I loved them, and to get their little butts into bed. It was a trying evening. Now, I have to spend what would be a nice relaxing Sunday with my girls grounded because of the way they acted tonight. FUN!! I think I would like a do-over of this weekend. Between Saturday school, no sleepover, and the fight tonight, I am tired. But, on the bright side, I did get to meet the wonderfully intense Edward Cullen. Seriously, you HAVE to watch that movie!

You just never know...

This week has been a week that has made me think. There was a lady here in Coeburn, 31 years old, who died. One minute she was fine and the next she wasn't. I don't think they know the cause of death yet. It just makes you think. You never know when your last day on earth will be. She left behind a husband, and two daughters. One is six, and the other is 18 months. I feel so sorry for those girls. I personally know what it is like to lose a parent at such a young age, and it is tough. I wonder every day how my life would be different if my dad was still alive. I deal with it ok. My hardest time of the year isn't his birthday, or the day he died. It is Father's Day. I have never celebrated that day, and I can't help but feel sad on that day. It is hard to explain. I think I just feel cheated out of knowing him. But, I know that one day I will be reunited with him.

Friends

I have the best of friends. I will be thirty in about two months, and for the first time in my life, I think I have a true friend. Alicia knows everything about me, and accepts it. She doesn't try to change me. She just listens and helps when help is needed. I just like having someone to talk to. We are both very busy, but we make time for each other. That is nice.
We are going to Outer Banks, NC in June for a week long vacation with Alicia & Jeff, Teresa & Keith, Miranda & Mark, and all their kids. So, there will be eight kids and eight adults all in one house. It will be chaos, but fun. We have a house on the beach, with a pool. This will be the first time my girls have been on a beach vacation. They have been to Virginia Beach to visit Todd's family, but they only went to the actual beach for the day, if that. I can't wait.
Ok, well enough for tonight...TTYL

Wonderful times

This past week has been wonderful. I have finally collected all my girl scout cookie money, and I almost have the plans finalized for the rest of the year. I have only worked one day this week, so I have actually had some free time to get some things done. I thought we were going to get a snow day today, but we only got a snow schedule. I guess I should be grateful...we are already going to school three Saturdays. I don't really mind though. It doesn't really matter to me. They have finalized the schedule for next school year, and that means that little Molly will be starting big Kindergarten on August 6th. She is excited, but thanks to big sis, she has learned that she has to get shots first, so she is nervous about that. Well, not much to blog about tonight...I am going to try to learn how to blog from my phone, so hopefully I will update more often. TTYL!

What time is it?

Ok, it hasn't even been one complete day yet, and this time change thing has me confused. I keep looking at the clock to see what time it is, because my body keeps telling me that the clock is wrong. I love the summer time, but it is hard to deal with with kids. I know that they are not going to be ready to go to bed tonight when I am ready to put them to bed. I am dreading it already.
This week has been crazy. My mom had her back surgery (the 5th one) Thursday. It went well. Not a big deal really. She came over and stayed at my house for a few days to heal. I don't go to her house, because I am not a fan of her "boyfriend". So, she stayed here and tried to rest. As you may know, it is very, very difficult to rest with a house with a seven and four year old. They never sleep past 8 in the morning, and my mom could sleep all day. She is definitely a night owl.
Also, at this same time, Todd's sister, Tiffany was in town. She just had a baby, who is about six weeks old now. Then, his grandmother, and cousin came in from Virginia Beach to meet the new little man. So, needless to say, I have had my fill of family this week. I love Todd's sister (and new baby) to death, but the others are so hard to take sometime. I just don't deal well with any of Todd's family. I have tried, but I think I am done trying. I don't know what else to do. It seems like it just gets worse. Sometimes I wished I lived somewhere very far away.
But, all are gone now, and I think it is finally getting back to normal around here. This week looks pretty calm, and I hope it stays that way. The only thing about this week is that I can't work any, again. As you may know, I substitute at the primary school. The only problem is that I can only work when Todd is off work, and he has to work all week. We do not have a babysitter here, so it sometimes creates a problem. I would like to work more, but I guess I have to wait until next year when Molly is in kindergarten. I am just going to enjoy what little time I have left with her. Before I know it, it will all be over, and she will be the one wishing she lived far away from her family. Have a great week!!!!!!!!!!!!

My little four eyed beauty!

Well, I took Kailey to the eye doctor yesterday, and she did need glasses. He said she was having a hard time focusing up close. Her prescription is +.50. Which isn't bad, but it was bad enough to cause headaches and to make her squint. She loves them. She got two pair, thanks to the buy one get one free deal at Drs Valuevision. One is black and one is purple. It was so sweet/sad, because on the way home, she had her brand new glasses on, and she said, "Wow, so this is how everything is suppose to look!" She was just amazed that she could see so much better. They dialated her eyes, and it was so funny. She kept rubbing her eyes and trying to see. She was very disoriented. Kailey is so proud and excited about her glasses. She told me that she secretly wanted them, but she didn't want to act too excited when the doctor told us she needed glasses.

I may be getting a little sentimental, but I have never had trouble with Kailey growing up. She has always been my big girl in my eyes, and I have just been able to deal with it pretty well. But, with that said, my little girl has grown up so much the past few months. Her looks have changed so drastically. She cut her hair, got bangs, got glasses, and her two front big girl teeth are almost completely grown in. Just take a look at the pictures above. The first two were taken this morning, and the others were taken in the past few months. She looks so different. And, as we all know, Molly is just a hop, skip, and a jump behind her. I am going to have teenagers before I know it.

Another week complete, another crazy one coming up!

Well, here it is Friday! What a week...we had one snow day, and then I worked the other four days. That is a lot for me. I usually only work two or three days a month. So, I am loving the chance to work some. We definitely need the money. The problem is that I can only work the days that Todd is off work. We do not have a babysitter, and it seems to be too much drama to use the grandparents, and they aren't here that often anyway. I really like being a substitute teacher. I get to meet all kinds of kids, and if they get on my nerves, I usually only have to deal with them for the day, and I can handle anything for a day. I may try to get an aide job at the school next year. I would like to work in pre-k. The younger the kid, the more respect they have. Or, come to think of it...it may be fear. I just know that the older they are, the worse the class is.
I am glad I got to work this week, because I can't work at all next week. Todd has to work Monday, so that day is out for me working. Then, I have to take Kailey to the eye doctor and dermatologist Tuesday. She has been having trouble seeing, and her teacher told me that she is always asking to move closer. Wednesday Todd has to go to Roanoke to take a real estate test. He has been taking classes online, and is ready for his test. Then, Thursday, Mom is having surgery. She is having the neurotransmitter taken out of her back. It hasn't helped with her back pain, so she is getting rid of it. She will be staying at my house for a few days while she heals, so say a prayer for her (and me!).
Well, now you know all the details about my crazy life. Wait, I almost forgot to mention the most important thing...I will hopefully be completely finished with all the Girl Scout cookie business this Monday. All the parents are suppose to turn the money in at the meeting. I just hope and pray it all goes smoothly.

Oprah made me feel better

Well, as the media keeps telling us, we are definitely in a recession. Luckily, my family is still ok. We live paycheck to paycheck, but we still have good income, and a wonderful house to live in. I watched Oprah today, and it was tough to watch. It was full of people just like us that have lost their jobs, their homes, their entire life. They had successful careers making good money, and lost them. I couldn't imagine! I feel sooooo fortunate for my hard working husband, and wonderful family that helps me make it through the day. I am not going to take it for granted. I am completely aware that it can be taken from you at any moment. So, try to be thankful for what you have and save what you can.

Finally a day off

I love this snow! I know most people are sick of it, but not me. Every year I wish for just one good snow. You know, the kind we had when we were kids. About 6 to 12 inches, and no school for a week. But, every year I do not get my snow. Today it has been nice sitting in my pajamas watching the snow fall.
Molly woke up at about 4:00 this morning with a major fever. Of course, I have lost my thermometer (translation: my kids probably took it to play doctor, and didn't put it back, or even keep up with it) , so I don't actually know what the temp was, but I could feel it in her feet. My best mommy guess was that it was at least 102. When she woke up today she said that her throat and legs were hurting. I decided to keep her at home, so we didn't go to church today.
I was hoping to go to church today because we were actually going to be back at our church. As you may know, about six weeks ago, a truck wrecked into our church. Thankfully all the people in the vehicle were ok, and no one was at the church at the time. We have been having service at the Coeburn Middle School auditorium since then. I really appreciate them letting us have service there, but it is just not the same as being at our church. It has been hard to adjust to. The girls have been asking for a few weeks when we would be going back to our church, so I know they are super excited about going back.
Yesterday my girl scout troop had a cookie booth sale at Norton Wal-Mart. It was a huge success. We sold 350 boxes! We are very blessed. Now, I just have to come up with something fun to do with all our money. We make a certain percentage off each box. I guess now I need to start planning. It was a beautiful day to have a booth sale outside. Well, time to check on the girls...TTYL

Sometimes I just don't understand my children...

Today was another busy day. After taking Kailey to school, me and Molly headed to Johnson City. I had to go to the Girl Scout Council to get some things for our booth sale at Wal-Mart tomorrow. Then, we met Mom and Catherine to have lunch. I love them to death, but I feel like a cow when I am with them...Cat is a size zero, and my Mom is a size 4 on her fat days. I am not big, but I am bigger than that. It was a good day, but very rushed. I had to be back to get Kailey by 3:15 from school, so I didn't have long to spend with them. It seems like our relationships have been strained the past few months. I don't know exactly why, but things aren't like they use to be.
So now back home...when I walked into the gym to get Kailey from school today, I did a silent gasp and said to myself "Is that really my child sitting there like that?". No, she wasn't hurt. See, she has these new wispy bangs, and when I walked into the gym, she had put them in a PONYTAIL! HER BANGS! She looked crazy! There she was sitting with a PONYTAIL sticking out from her FOREHEAD! I didn't know how to react. I didn't want to embarrass her. She seemed kinda proud of her accomplishment. So, I just reached over to her, pulled the ponytail holder out, and said, "Never again." I hope that was the last time it happens. I don't know what comes over her sometimes. She confuses the snot out of me.
It was a trying evening with the girls. I had to do some more cookie deliveries, pick-ups, and much more girl scout stuff. They were HORRIBLE all evening. I am just at a loss. I think I am doing things right, then they act like complete hetherns (sp??) . I can barely take them out in public right now. So, please say a prayer for me tomorrow. I have the girls for a FOUR hour cookie booth sale at Wal-Mart! Maybe I will see you there!

Cookies anyone???

Well, what a week! The Girl Scout Cookies came in Tuesday. I spent about five hours at the depot building trying to sort them out between the parents. Now, my house is FILLED with cookies. I have been working on them non-stop. This is a lot of work, especially to be doing it for free. I am constantly filling orders, worrying about money, and trying to keep everything straight. And, on top of all this work I am doing, I found out Monday that a few of the girl scout mothers do not think I am a good leader. Of course they didn't tell me this themselves...they just talked about me behind my back while I was in the meeting with their daughters, going over a lesson that I had spent a lot of time preparing. Apparently, I need to do more with the girls, and I need to do more community service projects. I work like crazy for these girls, and I would do anything for them. I think what bothers me is that they were talking about it to each other instead of me. Most of my mothers are WONDERFUL, but a select few just like to cause trouble. I was upset when it happened, but I have since realized that I really don't care what they think. As long as the girls are happy, that is all that matters. I just let people bother me too much. Anyway, enough of that.
If you would like some Girl Scout Cookies, please let me know...I am sure Todd would be glad to have them out of the house. TTYL!

Happy Family Fun Day!

Happy Family Fun Day! Or, as it is often known - Happy Valentines Day! As you may already know, mine and Todd's anniversary is February 10th, so we don't really celebrate Valentines Day. Not much of a point since we celebrate our anniversary four days earlier. And, I am not a big believer that we are suppose to be loving one day a year...do we really need a holiday to celebrate that? It seems like we should do that every day.
Anyway, we are starting a new tradition this year - Valentines Day is now Family Fun Day. So, today we took the girls roller skating for the first time ever. We went to the skating rink in Bristol, TN. It was so much fun. The girls skate at home all the time, but they have never been to a skating rink. Todd is a former rollerblader, and I use to go skating all the time when Vance's skating rink was open in Coeburn, which was like a million years ago. We had a blast today. Todd and I quickly re-learned how to skate...it is kinda like riding a bike...easy to just start again. Molly did good. She took her time and just fell maybe two or three times. Kailey on the other hand tried to be a speed skater and fell about 200 times. I fell once, and it was because Kailey tried to hold on to me. That was a horrible idea...I am not good at helping others keep their balance. I have a hard enough time of that myself.
So, after skating we were all really tired. We went to Logan's to get a bite to eat, then headed home. All in all, I think it was the most wonderful Valentines Day I have ever had. I would love to do something like this every year. We are officially changing the meaning of Valentines Day...the people at Hallmark would have a fit!

I am a lazy blogger

Well, I am officially a lazy blogger. This week has been a little hectic. I have worked a few days at the school, so that has kept me busy. In case you didn't know, I substitute at Coeburn Primary. I really like it, but some days are better than others. Today I was in fourth grade, and it was awful! Not any particular kid, just the entire age is awful. There is no respect. (Now I sound old.) I would much rather deal with Pre-K age, than the older kids. I am still trying to decide if I want to get my masters in teaching or not. I am back and forth. Part of me wants to, but I ABSOLUTELY dread the idea of going back to school. I barely liked it when I was in college without kids. I can't imagine college with kids. And then, there is the $15,000 minimum debt I would graduate with. I am just going to say my prayers and hope I get some sort of sign as to what I am suppose to do with the rest of my life. So, please help me and say a little prayer as well.
I think I am going to get my hair cut again Friday. I got it cut last week, but I want it shorter. This is brave for me. I usually don't do short. I love the security of my ponytails. Well, if I don't like it, at least my hair grows fast.
I am getting use to Kailey's shorter hair. I still don't like it, but I have learned to deal with it. I still haven't talked to grandmother. I am not mad any more, but I just don't see the need to call just to say nothing. I am sure she will call me soon enough. I still don't know if it was an accident or not, but really what is the difference? What is done is done, and there is nothing I can do about it except move on. About the only time it bothers me is in the morning when I am fixing her hair. She has such thick hair that it is actually harder to fix when it is short, than when it is long.
Todd and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary Tuesday. We didn't have a babysitter, and we had to take Kailey to her singing lesson, but we still had a wonderful anniversary. I don't think it is about what you do, but who you do it with. I love my husband to death. He is the best ever, and he absolutely spoils me more every day.

Lazy Sunday

Today was the perfect lazy Sunday. We went to church, came home and cooked a big lunch/dinner, cleaned up a little bit, and then I took a wonderful nap on the couch. I love that my girls are finally big enough that I can do that. Todd was here all day, but he unfortunately had to go to work at 6:00 tonight. This is his last midnight shift for this schedule. So, he will be on day shift for the next month. I couldn't imagine changing my schedule all the time like he does. Oh well, not much going on today, so not much to blog about. Ttyl!

Trust

I am having a hard time right now. See, Kailey and Molly spent the night with their grandmother Thursday night. I sometimes feel guilty because they don't spend the night with grandparents that often. Call me selfish, but I personally like my kids, and I actually like having them around. Anyway, grandmother was going to trim their hair, and I agreed. They have needed trims for a long time, and I just haven't had it done. Long story short, they came home Friday morning, and Kailey's hair was about three to four inches shorter that it was when she went to grandmothers. If you know Kailey, her hair wasn't long to begin with. Now, it is about an inch above her shoulders! I am so upset about this because I did not want her hair cut short again. Kailey did want her hair cut short, and I have told her no, and even successfully convinced her to let her hair grow. Luckily, I wasn't home when the girls came home, and Todd had to deal with all this. He wasn't happy about it either. But, now he is over it, and I am now mad. I wasn't mad in the beginning because I really believe she did not mean to cut it that short, but the more I look at Kailey, the madder I get. I don't know what to do. I can't talk to her right now. When I got home and saw Kailey's hair, I had to take her to get a professional cut because it did not look good at all.
Grandmother says that it was an accident and she was just trying to even it up, and I guess it got out of control. Kailey and Molly said that Kailey ask grandmother to cut her hair. I just don't know who to believe. The entire situation makes me very upset. Her hair had just gotten long enough to have a decent size ponytail, and now we will not have a ponytail for at least another year. And, everytime I look at her, it is a constant reminder that I don't know if I can trust grandmother. I am just so confused. I think I just need to keep my distance so I don't say anything I may regret later. But, I know I will!

Snow week????

Well here I am only two days into my blog, and I already missed a day. I am just not into the routine yet. This week has been quite a week. I have loved all the snow. I am one of those wierd people who actually like the snow, despite that the kids have already missed 14 days of school this year.
I spent yesterday trying to get the plans finalized for our Girl Scout Father Daughter Dance this weekend. It is going to be fun, but since we haven't had a meeting in over a month due to snow, it took a little extra effort to get it planned. The girls love this, because it gives them a chance to spend a special evening with their Daddy. I will try to post pictures, if that is available on here.
Not to sound like a whiner, but my back is killing me! I don't know what it is, but the muscles running along my spine are so tight. I just need to rest them, and I am sure I will be fine in a few days.
I am getting my hair cut tomorrow. I can't wait! I haven't had it cut since October 2007. That is usually my routine. I let it grow, then I cut it all off. I want it short again, but not too short.
Hopefully it will turn out the way I want...I guess we will see!

Adventures in Babysitting

Well, today is snow day #12. This is the most that they have missed since Kailey has been in school. And, I hear that it is suppost to snow ALOT today. So, we will probably have the rest of the week off. Some people don't, but I personally love the snow days. So what if it takes a little away from summer break...we get enough time then, and I think the kids need the snow days to re-charge and relax. Today I am watching my friends two kids. It just adds to the chaos. But, at least my girls have someone to play with, because I have a feeling they are going to be bored sitting at home the rest of the week.
Today is the day I have to decide what to do about school. First, I was going to get my masters in education so I could teach. Then, I was going to take a few undergraduate psychology classes to get a job with Family Preservation Services. I am so undecided that I think I am going to put it all off. I really want to be there for Molly during Kindergarten. I think she needs me, and I did it for Kailey, so I should do it for her as well. I really think this is the best decision. Who would have thought that at almost 30 years old, I would still be trying to decide what I want to be when I grow up. But now it is a much harder decision. When I was in college, I didn't have to think of anyone but myself. Degree in public relations? Sounds fun, so that is what I did. Now, I think about what would be the best for Todd, what would be the best for the girls, and then what would be the best for me. How come when we become mothers, we instantly put ourselves last in our lives? I proudly do it, and wouldn't do it any other way.
So, my final decision is not to start school right now and enjoy the last year I have with Molly before she starts Kindergarten. Now if I can only decide what to do for my wedding anniversary next week. Can you tell I don't like to make decisions??????

You have to start somewhere!

Ok, so here I go...Blogging...who would have thought it? I don't know why I am really doing this other than I think it would be a good place to use as therapy. You know how some things are hard to say??? Well, maybe they will be easier to write.
I love my life. I truly, truly do. I don't think I would change a single thing. I have had my hard times in the past, but I HAD do go through them. Without them, who would I be today? I don't think I would be me.
My Dad died when I was three years old. I have never dealt with this. It is hard to deal with something that you can't even remember. I want to honor him. I want to know more about him. Ever since I was baptized in April of 2008, I feel strangely close to him. I am thinking of contacting his old friends and ask them to send me their favorite memory of him. I suddenly have this need, this desire to know more. I need to understand him better. Everyone says that he was a wonderful person, but everyone says that about everyone that has died. Don't get me wrong, I learned the lesson to respect the dead, but it just drives me crazy sometimes. It's like people suddenly forget all the bad things someone has done when they cross over to the other side. Anyway, if you have any stories, email them to me.
So, today was interesting...I had to get my fingerprints, again. This is for the substitute teacher job that I am currently working at. I had Todd do them once, but that wasn't good enough....I had to have them done at the VoTech school. So, me and Molly did that, then picked Brody from the kennel. He was there because we went to Tiff's for the weekend. We got to meet her little Reece. He is adorable. I am glad my girls finally have a little cousin, I just hate that he is all the way in Nashville. It is hard to have family that is that far away, and remain close.
Kailey got out of school at 12 today because it started pouring the snow. And, it is still pouring the snow. We will probably miss another week. We have already missed 11 days, and I think we will miss many more. I just hope we get out before our vacation, which is June 20. I can't wait. It will be the first time my girls have had a true beach vacation. It is going to be a blast.
Well, I am going to go threaten the girls one more time to clean their room. Sometimes, I get so tired of being the mean mom. I just ask for a little, and don't even get that.