Hunting with Daddy!

For those of you with hunters in your house, you know that it is that time of the year again.  E and M are so into wanting to hunt with their daddy.  I don't think they are ready for deer hunting(plus I am a little scared of that), but last week started dove season.  I know, doesn't sound too exciting but to Michael, E and M it is a HUGE deal!  So, on Labor Day, Michael took the kids hunting for dove.

Here are my hunters!  Yes, E and M both have a dove in their hand after their daddy shot them.  They had so much fun and if you are wondering, they did have dove for supper.  Me, no!  I had a turkey sandwich! Ha!

I am so thankful to have a husband that loves to involve his children in things that he is interested in.  He is such a great daddy and I am so thankful for him!  I am blessed!

Catch Up Time!

OK, to say I have been too busy to post lately is an understatement but I want to post about all that has been going on since the last post.

First off, me and the kids went to our church's children's camp this year.  I went as a counselor and this was the first year M got to go.  He is actually still too young but the leaders were very understanding and let him come along because Michael was working and I didn't want to leave him with anyone else since we had just been in Vegas 2 weeks before.

He had so much fun!  I think he fit right in and didn't have a clue that he was younger than everyone else.

I was blessed to get to be in E's group this year.  She had so much fun but I had a great time being with her and seeing her learning about Love.  I came across some notes she took during one of our sessions the other day and it just made me so happy to see her heart taking in what was being said.

E and her cousin G canoeing at camp.

So, the next weekend, I guess we had not actually "camped" so some of our friends from church all got together and camped on the lake.  I have to say I have never tent camped before but it wasn't too bad.  We had alot of fun talking and hanging out with everyone and "jug fishing".

Our little home on "survivor island"

It was an island, in the middle of the lake.  I was very nervous about the whole "bathroom" issue cause I am not an outdoorsy girl.  I like outdoors but I also like my mattress, air conditioning and bathroom. Ha! Thanks to the guidance of our trusty friend Tina, and her leg to use as our handicap rail we survived, didn't we Mandy?!! 

Michael loving camping and eating a yummy breakfast!

All the kids having fun in the lake.

Ok, I told you we have been busy!  So the next weekend we went to the beach with my family to move my little brother to college.  We left a day before everyone else though and enjoyed a day on the beach.

I love the beach!  Fortunately, when we go to the beach we always stay at my great aunts beach house.  It is so nice to just go down and hang out. Love it!  But check out this pic!

Do you see it?  There was a storm out off of the beach and it was sunny on the beach but you could see this storm and all of a sudden a waterspout formed!  It was pretty cool to see and it actually got a little bigger before it went away.

While we were at the beach, we met some friends of our family that we used to go to church with until they moved to Wilmington.  It was so good to see them!

Then, Saturday came.  The day to move Tyler to college.  Broke my heart!  He was born the day after my 15th birthday so I have kind of mothered him his whole life.  He is such an awesome person and I know God has great plans for him.

Both the kids had their UNCW shirts on.  Saying goodbye was hard and I didn't let him see me cry.  I walked to the truck crying but he never saw me.  After we left the college, me, Michael and the kids went to the USS North Carolina Battleship.

We had alot of fun!  It was unbearably hot though but one cool thing we found was a list of people who served on the ship from our area.  We were real surprised to find Michael's great uncles name on the list.

Pretty cool!  

Well, that pretty much sums up the rest of our summer.  Told you we have been busy.  Will post about all our school activities soon.  We had an extremely busy summer but a good one with tons of memories.  I think next summer though, we are going to slow it down a notch.  Hope you all had a great summer!  I am so ready for Fall!  My favorite season!

Viva Las Vegas!!!

Two weeks ago, I went on a trip to Las Vegas for a business conference for my job.  I was so excited but also so nervous.  First off, I have NEVER flown before and this was no small trip!  Plus, leaving my babies behind and being almost 2,000 miles away made me very nervous.  I knew they would be in good hands with my parents but I have an issue with control.  Anybody else like that?

Fortunately, Michael was able to go with me.  It is a good thing cause I don't know who else's hand I would have squeezed so tight on the plane when we took off.  I actually left nail prints in his hand!  Well, we took off but I never realized a plane shook so much!  Scared me so much!  Thank you to everyone who I sent out my panicked text to requesting prayer when I was sitting in the airport.  Once we got up to about 30,000 feet I calmed down and was able to relax.  Michael kept trying to go to sleep cause he had worked the night before and he had only gotten 2 hours sleep before we had to get to the airport but he didn't get much.  I think he was too excited about our trip plus every time we hit turbulence I would grab his arm.

I finally started to enjoy flying and looking out the window.  Flying over the Mississippi River.

Flying over the beautiful Grand Canyon!

It was absolutely breath-taking!  How awesome is our God to give us such beauty to look at!  So amazing!

Once we landed, which the landing was rough.  I thought I was on a roller coaster and was going to throw up but we finally touched the ground and I was fine then.  Just so you know, I wasn't the only one.  It was pretty rough!

Anyways, when we landed is was ONLY 111 degrees outside!! We got to our hotel and were blown away by our room.

It was a very, very nice suite and we had an amazing view.

Our hotel was so huge we got lost.  Once we got there we had to go register for the trade show we were attending and then get ready for a reception we needed to go to.  It was very nice but once it was over we were exhausted and called it a day.

On Thursday and Friday, I had classes to go to and the trade show to go to also.  I learned alot.  We got to eat some great meals.  On Thursday night, our conference had a concert for all of us with Leeann Rimes.

She gave a great concert.  She is actually the first person that I have heard in concert that actually sounds like what we here on the radio.  She did a great job and was very personable.  She would stop and take pictures with people and seemed very down to earth.

Over those 2 days, we walked the strip to see the different hotels.

The Mirage

Inside Ceasar's Palace

Eifel Tower at Hotel Paris

We went up in the Eifel Tower, which was 1/2 the size of the actual one.  We went up 46 stories and we saw an amazing view.

You could see forever and the lights were beautiful!  We also got up at the top of the tower just in time to see the Fountains at the Bellagio.

We promised the kids that we would get them some M&M's at M&M World while we were there.  We decided to walk there.  We didn't realize it was that far and we were shocked at what we saw on the way.  When they say Sin City, they are not joking.  I was very uncomfortable and felt like just yuck trying to get to M&M World.  I have lived a very sheltered life and was blown away by the things I saw.  We made to M&M World and there is a whole other story once we got there but the kids got their M&M's.  We then went to Coke World and Michael tasted all the different flavors from around the world.  Pretty neat but I was ready to get back in the safety of our hotel so we grabbed a bus and got back to our "home" away from home.

Saturday morning, we got up and went on a Pink Jeep Tour to Hoover Dam.

I have to admit, this was my favorite thing of our whole trip.  I like historical landmark type stuff and this was right up mine and Michael's alley.  No big crowds and no other stuff, just lots of open space with beautiful Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam.

Beautiful!  It was hot so I am so glad we took the morning tour.

On our way back, we were looking through the desert and our driver took us by this park with lots of Big Horn Sheep.  Michael just loved it!

Of course, in his mind he was already dreaming of a hunting trip to come back out here to get one of these.  It was a great day!  We came back and collapsed from exhaustion.  We got ready and went to our final dinner before we took the red-eye home.

I have to say we had a wonderful time.  Even though I was in shock and uncomfortable at times, it was an experience I will never forget.  Thank you to Melinda for giving me this awesome opportunity and trusting me enough to do a good job for you!  We both appreciate it and thank you from the bottom of our heart!

We had alot smoother flight home and were exhausted but so happy to see the kids!  This trip taught me alot about me too.  I had to trust God to protect us and our children while we were gone.  Everytime I would get in a tizzy before our trip, I felt Him tell me that He is in control and He can take care of us better than we can.  I also learned that I need to be more confident in myself.  I met people from all over the country and I had to present myself professionally.  I am sometimes shy around certain people but this made me step out and become bold and just introduce myself and meet many interesting people.  I am thankful for that!

Thanks again for your prayers and again, Melinda, thank you for sending me!  Love ya!

Summer is Starting out with a Bang!!

Ok, I know it has been a couple of weeks but here is the latest since my last post. Well, first E had her dance recital.

She did a great job and I think we are both happy that dance is over for this year!  E also had awards day and got her perfect attendance award again for the 3rd year in a row.

E's class did a presentation on the next to last day along with an ice cream social.

They were so cute.  E has been in the best class this year and had the best teacher.  A teacher who really loves what she does and loves her kids.

E and her teacher, Mrs. Houser

On the last day of school when I picked up E, 3 of her friends came home with us for a pool party!!

They had a blast!  When E started school this year, my prayer was that she would do well in her studies but also that she would make some true friends and she has.  These girls are great together.  Actually, tonight we went to one of the girls houses because these girls are starting a book club this summer.  I am glad they are close and I hope they will be in class together next year.

Of course, M had to hang out with the girls too!  He loves to entertain them and even more, I think he loves to aggravate his sister.

That weekend, my little brother, Tyler, graduated from high school.  Of course, he did better than me in high school.

Look at all the cords and medal.  Very smart!  Actually, he left his cap and gown with all the cords at my house by accident and I keep telling him that I am going to take my picture in it so I will feel smart with all that garb on me. Ha!  Very proud of him!

After graduation, we had a pool party at our house with lots of friends and family.  I was so busy I didn't get any really good pics of the party.

If you haven't realized I have put more pics on this post than usual.  I am moving up in the technology world.  I got me an iPhone! Whoo-Hoo!!  Now I can get rid of my dinosaur dial up internet and tether my phone to my computer and have alot faster internet. Yay!!!!

We had Vacation Bible School last week.  Very busy week but had a wonderful group of girls.  They were just precious.

I also found out this past week that I am going to be going to a trade show for work later in the summer.  I am excited and nervous.  I have never flown before and I will be 2,000 miles from my kids.  Fortunately, Michael can go with me so I will not be alone on my first flight.  Please pray for things to go well.

Also, last week my cousins 16 year old daughter was in a very serious car accident.  She actually went down a 40 ft embankment into water up to her chest.  No one saw her and friends started looking for her.  They even had an Amber Alert out for her. Fortunately, a very observant person saw skid marks and pulled off and found her.  She is still in the hospital but seems to be improving. Praise the Lord she is OK!  I read about it in the paper online today and it is a true miracle that she is alive today.  Thank you to all who have lifted her up in prayer.  Praying for you Monica!

Well, I think that sums up the last couple of weeks.  I am not sure if anyone even looks at my blog but this is my way of keeping up with things for my kids.  Later on, we can look back and see what all we have done, been through and where God has provided in every way.  Thanks for reading if you do!!!

Stay at Home Mom...

This week I am a full-time stay at home mom and loving it!  I took this week off because of lots of things going on.  E had to be at LR at 3:40 today after school for her dance dress rehearsal because her recital is tomorrow night!  Lots of things are going on this week but they are exciting things.  I knew if I put working into the mix then I would be so stressed out and wouldn't enjoy all of the memory making going on.
Tomorrow, I am going to do a craft with E's class for a teacher gift and me and M are planning on eating lunch with her too.  Of course, the recital is tomorrow night. (I will have pics later this week)  Adorable costume.  Wednesday, I have to run by work to go over some new AR software.  The girl is coming up from SC so it is my only chance.  Then I am off to have lunch with a friend I haven't seen in probably 2 years.  So excited to see you Shelley!!!

Thursday is Awards Day in the morning and an ice cream social in the afternoon.  Finally, Friday is the last day of school!!!  To celebrate, 3 of E's friends are coming home with her to have a swim party!! I think this is the first time she has had friends over from school.  She is growing up!!

Oh, I think I forgot to mention one of the biggest events going on in our family this week.  My little brother Tyler is graduating Saturday morning.  That is also why I am off of work.  After graduation, my house is hosting a HUGE party for family and friends and there is alot to get done.  I stained furniture this morning that is around our pool.

Like I said lots of things going on but they are good things and I am going to enjoy every minute of it!!

Sprinklers and Space Women.....

Thursday was M's last day of school.  I can't believe the school year is already over for him and will soon be for E also.  Being the last day of school, M had a little party to celebrate and what better way than homemade ice cream and fun running in the sprinklers with your friends.

Fortunately, Michael was off of work so he was able to celebrate with M at his party!

Also, on Thursday night, E had her 2nd grade program.  It was an American Patriotic program.  It was very good.  E's class did a report earlier in the year about an American Hero.  She chose Christa McAuliffe, the teacher in the Space Shuttle Challenger.  At the program they dressed up as the hero they did their report on.

She looked so cute in her outfit I found her online. It may be used as a Halloween costume for one of the kids one day.

This weekend we are adjusting to Michael being back on patrol.  He hasn't worked at weekend in 6 weeks and we enjoyed having him home.  We have alot going on so the weekend will go by quick then we are all off on Monday! Yay!!!!!  So ready to have a day off!  I have been cleaning all day and trying to get laundry caught up so Monday we can hang out by the pool all day until E has dance that night.

Speaking of E, we took her back to the doctor yesterday about her back.  She injured it 2 years ago when she fell very hard on a surfboard at the beach.  We had to come home early.  We have taken her to her family doctor and to an orthopedic twice.  Everybody just says she fell so hard that she bruised the bone severely and it will just take time to heal but 2 years later she still has times where she can barely walk and is in such pain that she will take ibuprofen non-stop for a week to handle the pain.  There are nights I only get a few hours sleep because of her waking up screaming from the pain.  I would do anything to take that pain from her.  So back to taking her to the doctor.  I took her yesterday and told the doctor how frustrated I was getting cause everyone just says it will take time but the mom in me thinks what if they are not seeing something.  I thought about taking her to a chiropractor but the doctor frowned on that so he is sending us to Baptist to see a pediatric orthopedic.  I don't know if they will tell us anything different but I feel we need to go to just know for sure that what she is experiencing is going to be OK.  I feel the doctor was just passing me along because I am frustrated but I want to make it better.  I hope it is nothing to worry about.  Just pray that they will know what is wrong and help us do what we need to do to help her cope and handle with this pain and hopefully alleviate the pain.

Well, gotta finish cleaning.  So close to being done.  Can't sit down till it is done!  I just love it when my house is in order. (It doesn't happen that often!)

It's Official!!!

It may not be officially summer yet but at our house it is officially POOL SEASON!!! Yay!!! Can't wait for all the get-togethers this summer.  I love having people over in the summer!  We enjoy all of the fun with friends and family!