Racy Casey

Five years and about 38 weeks ago I remember clearly. I was on the phone with my Dad having some emotional breakdown that, looking back, was so insignificant that I haven't a clue what it was. My Dad said these words, "Well, I wanted to tell you Kathy is pregnant. Maybe that will  make your night better."

How could I have ever known that very soon I would be able to hold the sweetest little big eyed girl. Casey and I are unusual sissies I suppose. We don't pull hair or read each other's diaries, but we have something far more special. Casey added something to my life that I didn't even see was missing. Ten years ago I never would have guessed that I would be a big sister. I love it!


The other day she melted my heart. She said, "Sissy, you know what I want to be? I want to be a Mommy cause God gives them babies like you, and I love you."


Priceless. Tomorrow I plan on letting her do her own makeup, eat ice cream for breakfast, take her swimming, and above all, make her know just how much I love her.

Happy 5th Birthday to my little Sissy!

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Don't Count the Days, Make the Days Count: Meeting Baby Brady

Don't Count the Days, Make the Days Count: Meeting Baby Brady: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

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He thinks he's just golfin'

On Saturday I was putting the house back together and getting ready for a cookout at my Nana's house. After re-cleaning the same room three times I think Jamie realized I wasn't getting anywhere. Jamie's work schedule has been different the past few weeks, and he hasn't been able to do the things with the boys like he's wanted to. On Saturday he proved to me once again what a wonderful father he is. I packed Charlie a bag with lots of juice and a change of clothes in case he refused to pee in the grass. I sent my big boys golfing. I never realized how wonderful it was to see my boys spending time together. I remember times like this from my childhood, so I know Charlie banked this memory away. The next Tiger Woods? Hopefully not, that guy's a nut job, but maybe a Mickelson. Doesn't really matter because they had fun making memories.

(click here if you can't see the video)

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Brady is 2 months old.....and growing

Two months?!
 Yes, how did this happen? I have been wondering that this week. My little guy is two months already. Even though this past weekend was a whirlwind of fun, I had this horrible, nagging dread in my stomach because I knew what was coming....SHOTS :(
Jamie knows I can't emotionally handle seeing my babies hurt, so he came with me. I couldn't help but smile when I walked into Dr. Baker's office. The ladies there are so nice, and I can tell they love seeing us. When Nurse Heidi came and called Brady's name I cringed. I cracked some stupid jokes to lighten my mood. Heidi joked with the boys and, like always, understood my craziness.


She put Brady on the scales and she burst out laughing. After she belly-laughed and finally was able to catch her breath, she told us he weighs 17 pounds. Oh my goodness. Everyone tells me he's huge, but 17 pounds?? I love it. I secretly had a huge comfort flooding over me as I held my big boy with pride. I was so thankful he was healthy, and that I have been able to help him be that way.


Dr. Baker came in with his usual jolly smile. He made small talk with Charlie and laughed about his dinosaur collection. The checkup was great....until the needles came out. I'd have to say I did better this time than Charlie's first. Heidi didn't even have to wipe my mascara from his leg. Of course he cried....and of course I fed him. Jamie went to pay and take care of the next appointment with Charlie, and I took those few peaceful moments and held my little chunk and wiped his tears. Nothing in my life is more rewarding than motherhood. I will always remember the look on his chubby face as I snuggled him and watched his clutch his silky.

He was a little grouchy, but recovered well. I'm not only thankful for a healthy boy, but so thankful to Dr. Charles Baker and his entire office for reminding me once more that there are still people out there who care enough about my children to know them by name, and to know me well enough to pat my back in comfort as I walk out of the office. Another blessed day to be thankful for......

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Ford of the Lie

"Ford of the Lie" is a direct quote from my niece, Kendall, when she was younger. Translated: "Forth of July." There is no way I could ever put into words the fun we had, especially after reading the story told by, Kendall.  Read it here.......http://areecefamily.blogspot.com/2011/07/fourth-of-july.html

Grant and Kendall

Here goes anyway....

Our July 4th weekend was full and fun. Chris, Marti, and Ivy came and stayed with us. Charlie and Ivy played and we just laughed a lot. Good times. On the actual 4th I loaded up my already ridiculously full car with swimming shorts, blankets, crocs, snacks, Marissa, and my boys and headed to the Banner Elk parade. 

  

(I'll have to add that I have been boycotting the parade in Boone since I witnessed the most unpatriotic and flat out disrespectful floats I believe I have ever seen. Blah on them and their unAmerican propaganda....anyway, off of my soapbox......)The weather was very hot, but I whipped out Jamie's massive golf umbrella and Brady slept in the shade while mom held Charlie in the stifling heat. He had a blast.

We followed the end of the parade to the park. Charlie played some putt putt and then it began to rain a little, then a little more. I knew the storm was getting worse, so Marissa and I weighed to options and decided to RUN and I mean SPRINT back to the Bayou parking lot to get Lee's truck and my car in order to save the kids from electricution. I left the boys with Mom and ran. As she fed "Pie Da Man" every smarty she could find, we ran for it. It was pure hail! After we got the kids in and threw our stuff in the bottom dropped out. Whew...it was rough on this older and still slightly overweight Mama.

We went back to my sister's and did a few rainy day crafts and refereed some matches.  My brother-in-law, Tommy, led the trip to see fireworks at Grandfather Golf course. They were BEAUTIFUL! Charlie kept saying, "That's my favorite!" Even Brady watched.

I drove home listening to my patriotic CD (thanks to my equally patriotic sister, Tiff) and watched the glow of fireworks in the sky. I took time to thank God for the day, my home, my family, and for my country. I hope I never take for granted how much God HAS blessed America. 

"Those who expect to reap the benefits of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it." – Thomas Paine

I am thankful for those forefathers of our country who underwent "the fatigue of supporting" my freedoms.

 

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Young Patriots

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free." -- Ronald Reagan

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He's my lobster

....for those few Americans who don't get my sense of humor, here's the explanation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKBovKaCUHQ&feature=related

Wiping my tears

It really seems like yesterday that I was walking around the church ready to open the doors when my Daddy reached over and kissed me, and my sister jumped to catch my mascara filled tears as they began hitting my dress. It wasn't yesterday, it was 8 years! There was no way that I had any idea how the Lord would bless my life. It seemed almost surreal after all of the wedding rush. With my closest friends by my side, my wedding day was perfect. No, it wasn't the rain, it wasn't the ridiculous amounts of bicycles of the roads, it wasn't the dress, the hair, or the flowers, it was my "lobster" that made my day perfect. 

Jamie and I have had a wonderful life together. I really have thought about that a lot as this week arrived. Today I was talking with one of my very best friends, Jesse. We began dating and then got married within months of one another. Today we spent a few minutes, and I do mean few due to our children :), talking about how blessed and thankful we are. 

Our engagement picture

I don't want to celebrate our wedding anniversary tomorrow. I want to celebrate the love and friendship that has grown for 8 years. I can't ever explain, especially in words, what these years have meant to me. We have so much fun together, and now we have 2 wild little boys to enjoy it with us. Tomorrow night I am looking forward to a special meal with three dinner dates. 

Happy Anniversary to my lobster...I'm going to celebrate you tomorrow, because you are the one who got the short end of the stick. I'm the lucky one, and I love you.

June 28, 2003

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