James' Journey

Blessings

2010-02-17T11:17:00.002-06:00

Patrick and I are in the roughest place we have experienced in our marriage of 13.5 yrs. The things surrounding us are at times overwhelming. Work the plan, stay focused on the end result, breath, the plan, focus....... It is daunting to say the least. I can not go into detail as we both agree this is best left between us and want privacy. But we could use prayer right now!!!!

Soooo instead of feeling over run by things, today I am counting my blessings.

1. My Savior Jesus Christ for loving me in spite of all that I am
2. My wonderful, patient, loving husband- my best friend Patrick
3. My children- your laughter and spirit remind me daily why we are doing what we are. You amaze me with you beauty.
4 Our parents- your support we can not live with out!!!!!

Is it just me or is this starting to sound like a very BAD award speech?!? Yeah I thought so....
Annnnyyyy Waaaaay

5. Our jobs.... we have them nuf said!
6. Our house..... we have one and even though the To Do list is TOOO long we are so thankful we live in a house with enough room and are blessed to be where we are.

So the sun comes out and we get through one more day knowing we are truly blessed, no matter what the situation brings we have each other, God and that my friends is enough!!!!

Bjames

My little girl is 9!

2010-01-13T08:54:00.002-06:00

It is so hard to think that my baby girl just turned 9. I still look at her and see this tiny face with messy curls. I thought I would share some pictures of her that most haven't seen.

My sweet girl,
I am so incredibly blessed to have you. Your laughter is contagious. Your smile tender and your spirit is so caring. I have loved watching you grow and mature. You continue to amaze me daily. You make my heart happy! A million kisses to you.
Mom

From James' Journey

From that to this...... Time goes by fast, breath it in!

From James' Journey

You are so beautiful inside and out. We love you! Happy Birthday baby girl.

Jeremiah 1:5 (New International Version)

5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;

A duck, a hippy and a cat oh my....

2009-11-27T18:47:00.002-06:00

From James' Journey

Mommy's little duck. We finally got him to keep his hat on. When he walked the tail waddled...so cute.

From James' Journey

Brennon dressed up like a hippy for school. He had a big wig and looked very cool:-)

From James' Journey

My little kitty cat. We had everything for this costume- so this was easy a little face paint and walla a cat.

From James' Journey

Our pumpkins- We always do a pumpkin for each child. They get to decide what to carve on it and this year it was creative. I did O's for lil B. Madi and Brennon drew there design and we helped them cut it out.
I love the way they glow- sooo pretty. And the fact that they are still in our front yard uuuhhhmmm! is hilarious. NOT!

We had a very relaxed Halloween this year. Because it was on a Saturday it wasn't so rushed. We hit a few trunk or treats at local churches and called it a night. Since we live where we do we only have a few trick or treaters.

Hope

2009-11-18T10:47:00.002-06:00

Three years ago today was the worst day of my life. It has taken three years to regain hope and realize that God has a plan and althought I will never understand here on earth, his plan is ALWAYS GOOD! We are not made for here.
Heaven will be the only home my baby will ever know. My baby will forever be held in Jesus' arms and loved on by his creator. Although I wish I had, had the chance to know and love him here, I will rest in this daily. One day I will hold and kiss his sweet face but for now his Father will.

I love you and will forever carry you in my heart.

Oct 10th party for Lil B...

2009-11-12T14:05:00.002-06:00

Lil B's birthday cake. Thank you Jan it was beautiful and delicious!

MC eating birthday food.

Aunt PeyPey and Uncle Marty. Great pic of Cooper in the belly. A few short hours from this picture he was here- must have been the spicy food.

Aunt Jami and Uncle Blake- Where's Noah.... Ohh that's right Maw Maw was feeding him inside where the football game was on...

Mommy chasing Lil B down the stairs.

Blowing out candles take 1

Take 2

Take 3

The kids love blowing out candles and hey that is what childhood is about..

The three cake eaters- Lily Grace, Micah, and Braiden

Braiden opening up his presents.

The kids playing with the truck.

MC, LG and lil B jumping or falling on each other.. Poor MC you were a good sport!

Madi and Braiden play so well together. They love to get into things. We have a saying that he likes her best because Madi never has a bad idea it is all fun with her.

We had a great evening and enjoyed seeing our family. Thank you again for coming and for everything. We love and miss you!

My two little men

2009-11-12T14:04:00.000-06:00

Sitting together in the mornings watching TV.

Football Brennon

2009-11-12T14:02:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday to Lil B

2009-11-12T13:33:00.002-06:00

From James' Journey

October the 5th was lil B's 2nd birthday. It was a Monday and we spent the evening at home. We had dinner together and then let Braiden eat his cake. He loved blowing out the candles. I think we lit them a dozen times. He kept saying more. I love the little celebrations at home. It gives me a time to reflect on the year and remember the day they were born.

From Braiden Wesley

Oh, my sweet boy. I love you so much. You were worth everything we went through to get you here. Every day I am in awe of you and your delicious smile and contagious personality. You brighten my life and bring joy and love to my heart.Never forget you are loved and who you are. Always put Jesus first. A million kisses to you.

Brandi

Rub dub dub Lil B in the tub

2009-11-12T13:27:00.002-06:00

From James' Journey

Our favorite time of day- bath time.

Lil B finally has grown to love the bath. We have come a long way from this-

From Braiden Wesley

Psalm 91

2009-11-03T11:57:00.003-06:00

Psalm 91
1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.

9 If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”

Isn't this so fabulous. I am thankful he is holding me.....

Beach baby....

2009-09-20T16:48:00.002-05:00

From Four and a baby

Hunting for crabs..... We had too much fun crab hunting.

From Four and a baby

We laughed at where they sat Brennon at Margarittaville. Brennon didn't noticed till we pointed it out to him. I had my camera ready for reaction, too cute. We laughed till we cried!

From Four and a baby

Everyday while Braiden and Patrick took a nap me and the big kids headed to the beach. We swam and walked on the beach till time to get ready to go eat! Some of my most favorite moments that I will always treasure.

From Four and a baby

Big man in a little train. Daddy and Braiden in a choo choo. He has a love for all things trains. He loves them... So this was a great treat.

From Four and a baby

My little man...

From Four and a baby

Sweet Madilyn Claire

From Four and a baby

My big man.

From Four and a baby

The say cheese face... I love it.

From Four and a baby

We had a wonderful time. It was great to spend time together. Things have been very hectic this summer with Patrick's job (which we are so thankful for), little Noah's arrival, and summer fun. We feel very lucky to have had this opportunity. It is just what we needed. God's timing is perfect.

On a personal note. I would covet your prayers. There are many things we are dealing with. Patrick and I have some BIG decisions to make. These are not easy. My heart just isn't ready to share just yet! But there are big things on the way and happening. I want to honor and do things that are pleasing to God and always listen to his voice. I just wish he would talk a little louder right now! But his will is what my heart desires to do. No matter how hard it may seem at the time.

Thank you

Brandi

Football season is here at last.

2009-09-15T11:55:00.001-05:00

From 2009-09-05

Since this is my blog and NOT my husbands......

WARRRRRR EAGLE!!!!!

Baby Noah's visit

2009-09-15T11:34:00.002-05:00

Well things have been moving around here since school started back. Just getting back into the routine has been an adjustment. I loved having my children around me all summer. I loved the carefree days of swimming and playing with no schedule or things to do. But all too soon summer is almost over and we are back in school, back to homework and study sessions. Back to packing lunches and trying to get out the door on time and calmly. Some mornings have been better than others.
Madi. has a new teacher. She just moved here from Georgia a few weeks ago and seems very nice. She is organized and makes them toe the line. Both of which Madi needs. We are really stressing and working with her about being more responsible this year. She has started back with company. Today was day 1 of learning all new dances for this year. It is good to have familiar things back.
Brennon has the same teacher he had in 3rd grade. It is his favorite teacher. So he is having a ball. For the past 2 weeks during PE the 5 and 6 grade class has gone to the aquatic center to swim for 2 hours. How fun is that!
They are out of school Friday and Monday for labor day. I am looking forward to a long weekend with them. Then Wednesday the 9th we are sneaking away to the beach after lunch till Sunday! I can't wait to play on the beach with my babies.
Speaking of babies. I got to keep Noah the other night while Jami and Blake did some shopping. I met them in town and brought him back to our house. Oh, it was so much fun. Madi sat and held him and loved on him. Braiden called him bebe, he sounded so cute. He held him and would kiss his head. He pointed and named all his body parts. He loved his toes and his eyes. he even helped give him a nurse- that's what he called his bottle and his paci. He is the prettiest baby. I love his hair. It reminds me of Lil B when he was little. Patrick and I fought over who was going to hold him next. Thank you Jami and Blake we had a great time. Any time you need a break, just let me know. We love him so much, he was perfect!
Brennon started flag football this year. It is fun, no pressure just clean, safe! play. Brennon won his first game 30 to 12. We ate lunch with our neighbors and let the boys sit together and play. Braiden just ran from Tyler, Tristen, and Brennon. It was sweet to watch him want to be BIG like them.

Ecclesiastes 3
A Time for Everything
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

Right now our season is full of school, dance, football and family. God is so good and continues to amaze me with his mercies and blessings.

Have a wonderful school year.

The James'

From Four and a baby

Late summer pics and catch up

2009-09-15T11:17:00.003-05:00

From Four and a baby

Here are some pics taken late this summer. I most certainly did not let him go around the house naked! A responsible mother ( and I am) would not do such a thing. Seriously for a few weeks he would not keep clothes on. We have now moved past that.
And have moved onto removing our shoulder straps while in his car seat. Which now means it takes more time to get anywhere. I have to pull over and put him back in only to have his arms out again. This is getting better though. And this too shall pass!

From Four and a baby

He loves this hat and wears it all the time. It has a matching sweater. I love the stripes. I can't wait for cooler weather.

From Four and a baby

Brennon, Madilyn Claire and Braiden playing around one afternoon in July.

From Four and a baby

Guess who found my makeup bag? Ohhh we look so pretty! My lip liner, well that's another story.

From Four and a baby

He loves to be outside. One of his favorite things is riding his 4 wheeler with his sisters helmet on. It has to be maaa's (Madi) helmet.

Blog Hoppin

2009-08-17T12:31:00.002-05:00

With 3 children and lots of after school activities the week day dinner time can be very crazy. I tend to use the crock pot more. It is my little helper on days when you need to eat and run or run than eat. My favorite are Boston butt- you can do sandwiches, with the leftovers you can make anything from pasta, pizza and tacos. Beef tips over rice. Beef stew. Chili. Pot roast with potatoes and carrots.

But my all time favorite is crock pot fajitas. Super easy and fast.

In the morning (at the night before and stick in frig till the morning)
Put one can of Rotel, one pack of taco season mix in the bottom of crock pot. Mix together.
Add 6 chicken breast.
Top with sliced onions, sliced bell peppers, and fresh cilantro.
Cover and cook on low for up to 6 hours.
Remove chicken and shredd with 2 forks.
Add the chicken back to the crock pot and mix with the rotel mixture.
Serve with tortillas, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese. ( or whatever taco toppings you like)

With the left overs I sometimes roll out frig pizza dough and top with the chicken and Mexican blend cheese. 2 meals!

Hope you enjoy!

Brandi

Blog Hoppin

2009-08-11T13:07:00.002-05:00

I love love love this picture. We were at the beach and Brennon was pouting about something ( I can't remember now) and his little sister Madilyn was copying him. Makes me smile.....

Here is our baby boy.....Little Noah

2009-08-09T18:53:00.002-05:00

He had surgery Friday to close the opening in his abdomen. As you can see it went well. He is doing great. They have taken out his nasogastric tube and started feeding. Jami and Blake got to hold him for the first time today. We are just so thankful for how well he is doing. Thank you all for your prayers. Please continue them. Jami and Blake are really beginning to be tired. Jami is doing way to too much, as if she has a choice. Her feet are really swollen and she is very sore. So pray for her resolve and strength. Patience was running low yesterday as well. But he is doing great and we look forward to him coming home soon.

Brandi

Update on Baby Noah

2009-08-07T12:21:00.002-05:00

I spent last night holding his little finger in the NICU. I think he is the most beautiful baby I have seen with the exception of my beautiful babies (grin). He is dark and has a ton of dark hair. Jami and Blake are doing well considering all they have had to deal with these last few days. Please continue to keep them in your prayers. As I can imagine they are getting tired and weary of all this. Here is the update.
Last night they were able to push the remaining intestines in so they were all inn now. He was very uncomfortable and in a lot of pain . They have him on pain medication every few hours. They also have a nasogastric tube in. This keeps his stomach empty. He has had many dirty diapers which is a good.
This morning he had surgery to close the opening.
I will give another update as soon as I have one. As well as post pictures.
Please continue to keep Noah in your prayers. We are praying for complete and total healing and that we will be able to take him home soon. We are all eager to hold and love on him. Janice and I joked that his face will be all wet from the kisses.

Brandi

Noah Camden Creel is here!

2009-08-05T13:50:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to update real quick about Noah. He was born yesterday the 4th at 4:32 pm. He weighs 7.6 ozs. I do not know how long he is yet. We were not able to see him, we did catch a glimpse of him as he was being wheeled into NICU and the grandparents saw him before he was transported to Children's hospital. The surgeon said it was a mild to moderate case and the prognosis is better than first thought. He had a procedure called a silo last night and he tolerated that well. We even got to hear him cry. Blake was with Noah at Children's and we were with Jami as she recovered. He is so cute, to us he looks a lot like Jami's baby picture. He has a headful of hair also. I will try and down load a picture soon. But for now we covet your prayers. 1. for Jami and Blake while we are excited how well Noah is doing this is very hard for Jami. She had to let him go after seeing him briefly. Anyone who has had a baby can imagine how hard that was. This is going to be a long road for them.
2. For Jami's healing and recovery- we are encouraging her to rest and sleep.
3. For Blake as he is going back and forth, that he too will rest and for strength in dealing with all the decisions that has to be made.
4. For the rest of the family. That we will all find some much needed patience and be supportive to one another as we can be.
5. For the doctors and nurses, that they make wise and good decisions about Noah's care.

Thanks,
Brandi

Blog Hoppin

2009-07-27T22:06:00.003-05:00

This picture is of our newest member of the family. He is almost 2 now. This is one of our favorite pictures. He was jaundice and on a bili light for weeks so that is why he is a little golden. After his bath his hair would dry to this fuzzy baby chick head. I love it. I think he was about 2 weeks old in this picture. Oh how I miss him this little.
Thanks for hoppin by...
On a side note-
Please be in prayer for Stellan and Abby. Their family really needs all of our prayers. It has been a long few days and things are not out of the woods yet for either of them.

Brandi

This week's Blog Hop theme is Favorite Kid Photos. You can have one or more of your favorite photos your kids, grandkids, someone else's kid or even YOU when you were a kid. Funny, precious, heartwarming... your favorite!. Here is a sample post based on this theme: http://www.mcklinkyblog.com/2009/07/blog-hop-72809-favorite-kid-photos.html ...STOP

Urgent Prayers Needed

2009-07-27T09:57:00.002-05:00

Stellan is very sick and things are not looking good at all. I never expected to fall so in love with a baby I have never even met IRL. But I have and my heart is breaking right now. Please join with me and many others as we pray for baby Stellan and his family today.
Sweet Jesus be near, you are the great healer and you have complete control. We love and trust you , even through he tears and fear. Take baby Stellan SVT and convert it to NSR. Father we are crying out to you right now and you said where 2 or more are gathered you will be there also. We are asking for comfort and peace in this scariest of times. God I cry to you to give this little baby strength to hang in there and fight through this.

Prayers once again......

2009-07-26T16:15:00.003-05:00

Once again I find myself asking for you to pray for baby Stellan. He is in what sounds like heart failure. He has been in SVT for a long while and his little body has had enough of it. I never dreamed I would fall in love with a baby or family that I had never met. But the Mckfamily have become very near and dear to my heart. So please take moment and get on your knees for this family.
Heavenly father we come to you asking for you to heal baby Stellan. We ask that you convert his SVT to NSR and let his body rest. We ask that we see that beautiful smile on his face that we have all grown to love. God cover Jennifer and give her strength. Let her feel your arms around her. We love you Lord and trust you, we are just scared and want to see Stellan well. In your name we pray this.

Brandi

3 things you didn't know about me.......

2009-07-13T21:37:00.004-05:00

If you haven't heard we are hoppin. Mck Linky is hosting a blog hop each week. It is fun and super easy. Join in and be in the loop.

I thought long and hard on this one folks and here they are ,not exciting but honest....

1. I am moody, certain days more so than others. I tend to reserve this TUDE for at home. I rarely show this out or toward other people.

2. I still sleep with a favorite blanket and when stressed I calm down by the feel of it... I know how old I am, but it works.

3. I love to dance when alone at the house... I danced for 15 years, so it is part of my soul and who I am. When alone I turn it up and dance away.

So there you go I have no more secrets..

Brandi

Splish Splash

2009-07-13T21:24:00.002-05:00

If you can't find us at home we are probably here.... Playing and sunning away the days of summer. We love having the new aquatic center open this year and so close to our house. In the winter they have an indoor pool, huge baby play area, a vortex pool and a huge hot tub. So I guess you'll find us there then as well. They also have basketball courts, walking track, work out room, weight room, spin room, massage therapy, and best of all child care 0-3 in the nursery and older kids are up stairs in the xbox,wii air hockey ping pong tv room. We really feel blessed to have this facility in our town. If you are in the area you can buy a day pass. Come by and swim with us....

From Four and a baby

Blog hoppin'

2009-07-07T17:30:00.002-05:00

From Blogger Pictures

My precious baby feet

This week, on TUESDAY, 7/7/09, the theme is A FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPH. Post up one of your favorite photographs and a caption that tells the audience about it.

Just peachy

2009-06-30T15:34:00.004-05:00

Summer time means fresh peaches. At our house we eat as many as we can while they are fresh. What we can't eat we freeze for cobblers later. Sunday we drove to Clanton and went "peachn"as my children call it. It was a good day too, overcast with a breeze. We picked 3 baskets for only 24.oo, Sweet and cheap! After we drove to Johny Ray's for some lunch to go and took it to Oak Mountain for a picnic. I haven't been there in 5 years or more. It was great. The kids ran around playing hide n seek in the trees, picking up treasures (rocks) and being silly. While we were picnicking we noticed that we were surrounded by a vast array of people. To our left a Mexican family was cooking chicken, tortillas and corn. To our right a South American family was playing in the lake. To our front left was an African American family enjoying a cookout. Behind us were a Vietnamese family and a dog. In front of us were a large group of friends. Not sure what was going on college group, old friends from high school? Never figured it out. We were in the middle. Where we live we don't see a diverse group of people. So we like to people watch when we are out and about.
We went on a very nice walk in the tree tops. Looked at some rehabilitated birds. One was an owl that was hit be a car 2 miles down from our house. His name Cullman how appropriate. By the end of our walk it was hot the sun was out and our baby boy was give out. So we headed back to the car and went home.
Have I mentioned how much our children are growing. Brennon and Madilyn have out grown everything from shorts to underwear... We made a pit stop by the shoe dept for Madilyn some more tenni shoes. She went from a 2 to a 3.5. Wow girl slow it down. We are already planning our next shopping trip for some much needed clothes.
It was a great day followed by a wonderful homemade taco bar and sharing some of our peaches with the neighbors.
Love summer time.

Brandi

Father's Day

2009-06-29T15:30:00.002-05:00

Father's day this year was a little different for me. It was a very busy weekend filled with 3 days of a yard sale at my house. Madi had a friend over for 2 nights. And it was HOT! 100 with 100% humidity hot. Way to hot for a sale but the previous weekends for the past month have been rainy so we went with the first dry weekend.
We had a great time. Madilyn and Anna Grace played and laughed and stayed up late talking. It was really sweet to watch them together and remember when I had my bestest friend over. We went to the aquatic center and swam Thursday and Friday for half a day. Friday it was just too HOT, so we closed up the sale at noon and headed for some cool water. Saturday we sold till about 2 and packed what was left up in a few tubs (labeled of course). We met my Dad at where else but Logan's for dinner. We always end up there. It is very good and anywhere you can throw peanuts on the floor is fun. My children think it is so cool you get to do that. My dad and Madi always end up in a peanut fight and peanuts fly across our table. Ahhhh, memories for her when she is older. I love seeing my Dad. I really am beginning to see just how much he loves us. I saw him every other weekend and a few weeks in the summer growing up. It was hard for me to have a relationship with him. He is a very quiet man and works a lot. But what ever we needed or wanted he was always there. I know I can pick up the phone and he would be here. I love that.I think that is what being a dad is- being there no matter what. In church we talked about our heavenly father and how he is so willing,and patient with us. It is true, God waits on us to come to him, and when we do no matter what we have done he is there willing. How great is our God!
After church we headed to Brent to see Patrick's parents. We cooked a complete meal and brought it for them. We had a fabulous time. It was very relaxed and unhurried. The kids really enjoyed fishing, feeding the horse (stormy), riding 4 wheelers, watching TV under a ceiling fan ( remember it was HOT), dinner and granddaddy's milkshakes. Since my kids could barely walk they have loved granddaddy's milk shakes. It brought back so many good memories of all the weekends we have spent there and how much fun my children have had. They were always sweaty, dirty and messy. But the smiles behind those muddy little faces says it all. It was a great evening. It reminded me of a time not too long ago when things were simple in our life. No dance, ball... just Brennon with Granddaddy and Uncle Marty and Madilyn with Grandmamma. Things are way different now. They are older and even thought they are still children I see the littleness of them fading a bit. I guess that is something you can't stop. It is fun to watch Braiden do all the things his brother and sister have done. He is learning all about the swing in the big tree out front, feeding stormy, the kitty cats, having tea parties with Grandmama, and how no matter what you touch or break (sorry Grandmamma) it is somehow OK there. Thank you for a wonderful evening. I enjoyed cooking for you and spending some quality time together. We will have to do it again soon!

From Blogger Pictures

Braiden wasn't going to let them ride without him. He chased them down in the field out front. It was so sweet. He would hold his hand out and yell stop. As if saying wait for me y'all!

Braiden and Madi swinging video- click on it!

Out of the mouth of babes....

2009-06-29T15:25:00.002-05:00

Me... Madi we are going to Aunt Jami's baby shower today are you excited?
Madi... Yes I can't wait because I have never been to one of those before..
After the shower...
Madi.... Mom why do they call it a shower? We didn't help give the baby one.
Me... Are you serious? Think about what you just said Madilyn Claire.
Madi..Well they should call it a baby supply party.
Me... Yes Madi they should.

I just love her!!!!

Iyiyi!
Brandi

What's up

2009-06-09T14:34:00.006-05:00

I had a wonderful yet long day teaching this Saturday. I got to meet some wonderful parents to be. I wish them all the luck and hope to hear from them with updates on all the babies. We had 17 Boys and 1 surprise and 4 girls in the class. My sister and BIL took this one. It was fun having them there. I feel like they are ready to become parents. They have had wonderful examples. Both have parents that are still married, love each other and put the Lord first. I am so excited to meet Baby Noah. We still ask that you be in prayer with us for baby Noah. The last report was better. But we are still believing that God can heal his Gastroscesis. But want his will to be done. That is a hard thing to pray for sometimes. Gods will. He may not do what we feel he should do. Things may not always make sense. His ways are higher and he does things for our good even if it doesn't feel that way at the moment.

We have been trying to organize the house and get ready for our out with the old please don't bring anything else into this house yard sale the 19-20th. It is hard work and we have too much stuff. Where did it all come from? Patrick????? My pack rat!

The kids are having so much fun playing, swimming, surf n sliding, pop cycle eating, staying up late watching movies, 4 wheeler riding, picnicing. Summer is good here.

Hope you all are having a beautiful summer.

Brandi

Ahhh Summer

2009-06-03T15:56:00.003-05:00

Don't you just love summer. I am so excited that it is here. Unofficially I think!
I also just noticed that I have a hundred posts. That is an accomplishment. My real life friends and family will tell you I am always late for everything and nothing is ever set in stone with us. So the fact that I have written that many posts this year is great.
I love having the kids home. We went to eat lunch with Daddy at MEXICO. (We were sitting behind one of our friends at church one Sunday and Madi was little around 3 or so. There were some youth from Birmingham Southern there talking about their mission trip and it was to Mexico. Mr Copeland Sr turned to Madi and asked her if she knew what was in Mexico. To his surprise she said yes, sir I do. He said really What? She replied LUNCH!) So now when we eat Mexican we call it Mexico. Well it was funny at the time! A swift trip into Walmart for some organizer bins.( I am determined to get my laundry caught up this summer and on a schedule) Home for a quick nap for lil B. and now we are off to the pool for some fun....
I feel super blessed on days like today. My children are healthy and happy. There are sooo many out there that are not. So many parents are hurting in this world from loosing children or that have sick babies. Please be in prayer for all the sweet children in this world.

"Lo, children are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is his reward." Psalm 127

Brandi

Not Me Monday

2009-06-01T13:16:00.002-05:00

Here is your chance to "kiss and tell" and share all of your Not so beautiful moments.

OK so here it is the truth....

I did Not have the worst PMS E.V.E.R. last week. My kids and husband were Not afraid, very afraid of my raging hormonal, out of body experience, homicidal self. I do not Not wish I had NEVER had this IUC placed and want it out NOW!

After finally starting I did Not feel instantly better and back to old me. Yeah!

My house is NOT an organized mess. With 3 kids home all summer I have Not given up that it can be clean one day soon. I am Not going to let it bother me and just enjoy my children and the summer.

We are Not almost finished with Baseball. I am Not sad and glad at the same time.

We did Not pull out of all stars. I am Not picky about who coaches and influences my children. Brennon was Not OK with this and is Not looking forward to spending the rest of his summer playing and having fun.

Madilyn did Not get chosen for 3 dances for this upcoming competition season. I am Not a bit proud, no not one little bit.

My sweet baby boy is Not teething his 24 month molars. We are Not having a hard time. I am always patient and understanding of his consistent moodiness.

I did Not clean out the deep freezer and find dates from 05!

We are Not spending all of our free time at the new aquatic center. We are Not having a blast this summer.

Brandi

A new company year is about to begin.

2009-05-31T15:12:00.003-05:00

Yesterday we got our letter from West Main Dance studio. Madilyn had tryouts in April. She was in 2 dances last year. This year she was chosen for 3 dances. Jazz, tap and hip hop. While I am proud of her I am also concerned. That is alot of responsibility, time and money. Patrick and I want her to do it as long as she wants to and is having fun. It is something for her and I to do together. The boys will not attend the competition weekends and Nationals next year. I do look forward to "our time" together.
I am so proud of her. How hard she works, the time she dedicates to it, and the love of dance she has. I look at her and am amazed. She is no longer a little girl rather a little lady. She has changed so much in just 2 years. She is smart, beautiful, a lot sassy, head strong and strong willed. I can only trust that God gave her those qualities to prepare her for what HIS will is for her life.
She is yours GOD, protect her, keep her healthy and safe. Thank you so much for my baby girl! Help us to lead and guide her to you daily.

Brandi
Mommy to a Madi!

The James' take on the zoo

2009-05-31T14:46:00.002-05:00

Yesterday we met Marty, Peyton and Lily Grace at the zoo. (Grandmother James was supposed to come but changed her mind a few days ago and decided to stay at home.) We met around lunch and had a picnic outside the park of hamburgers from Hamburger Heaven. It had to be the busiest day ever at the zoo. We parked out by the road across from the Botanical Gardens. But the crowd wasn't going to stop us. We saw a bunch of sleeping cats. Zebra's and giraffes. The kids went through he butterfly house. They had camel rides. Lily Grace wanted to ride. We saw the hippo, rhino, all the monkeys. Rode the train, saw alligators, kangaroo's. We let the kids feed the lorakeets. Lily Grace loved it. (Patrick had Braiden looking at the seals while we fed the birds. We have a season pass to the zoo and go often so Braiden did not partake in all the events. He is teething his 24 month molars and has not been in the best mood. He just wants to be held and held more.) We then went to the children's area. We rode the carousel. Went to the petting barn and goat pin where you can pet and brush the goats. The first thing Lily grace picked up was goat poo and presented it to her mom. We left that area after washing our hands really good.Walked around the Alabama wild area where we saw a family of beavers. The mom had just delivered 2 kits. That was all for our zoo trip. M,P,LG went back to Brent. It was way past the babies nap times. On the way home I called Dad who was finishing up a job but was able to meet us for dinner. We met Dad, Janice, Jami and Blake at Logan's for dinner. Braiden did not have the best evening he was pretty much miserable. He didn't want to eat or even play with the rocks outside. You know he doesn't feel good then.He started having a clear runny nose and was generally grouchy with his fingers shoved in his mouth. So we ate quickly and left to come home.
Patrick cut the grass and we let the kids play outside for awhile.
It was a fun day, a hot day but we had a great time.It was wonderful to watch the kids play and experience new things. We will have to plan something else to do with the kids soon. Maybe the drive through petting zoo. We love you and can't wait to see you again.

Brandi

No I have four.....

2009-05-28T15:51:00.003-05:00

I have been thinking about this post since Monday. After our picnic with my family we stopped by the store to grab things to make tacos. Brennon had asked for tacos for dinner and well that was a request I could grant. Braiden and Madi were asleep and Brennon was watching a movie in the car so we locked the doors and ran in real quick. At the check out was our old preacher from our old church. We hadn't seen him in years and he was now retired and had moved back to Cullman. We chatted for a few minutes and he said I heard you had another baby, so that makes 3 right. For the first time in a while it was like he threw a knife in my heart. I didn't know what to say, how much to explain, I just looked at Patrick and he took the conversation over. We said our goodbyes, got things for tacos and went home.
No I have four children. Three I get to share my life with, love and watch grow. But one baby I will never know, never hold. I know life goes on and moves forward but I do not want it to be like he was never here. Never alive and growing inside me. There are still days when I cry, grieve, and miss my baby. I miss all the things that will never be or happen. How do you explain the question (How many children do you have?) I still feel awkward answering that.
I rest in knowing that heaven will be the only home he will ever know. That he rests in his Father's arms. That he will never know pain or sickness, only joy and love. I just wonder if he will ever know my love for him and how much I desperately wanted him.
So, I am a mother of 4 children. 3 are here blessing my life daily and 1 I dream about and will hold and know one day. I am learning to walk this new road God has sent me on. His plan and timing are perfect. I look at Braiden and I am in awe of Gods plan. What a gift to not know the whole story and look back a few years later and have it come into view. He knew all along....

For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,
Psalm 116:7-9

Brandi

Memorial Day

2009-05-27T20:38:00.002-05:00

We spent Memorial Day at Noccalula Falls with my family. We rented a pavillion and all brought food to share. It was a wonderful lunch. The children played football, raquet ball, bubbles, uno and wondered around. It was so good to see everyone and spend time with each other.
Here are a few pictures from our day.

From Four and a Baby

Black Bombers

2009-05-27T15:28:00.003-05:00

Brennon is having a fun year this year in baseball. He is on a team with his best friend and Tyler's dad is the coach. It has been a fun year, not the best record but a fun year. He has started pitching this year and he plays 3rd base as well. We are headed into All Stars soon with only 3 regular games left.

From Four and a Baby

You can't see his number too well, it is #37. From Psalm 37:4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.

Brandi

Water hose

2009-05-27T15:25:00.000-05:00

From Four and a Baby

Spraying my brother and sister is tooo much fun!!!

Dance dance baby

2009-05-27T15:20:00.002-05:00

Braiden has grown up around dance. He is at the studio with Madi, watches her practice at home and goes to competitions with us, so it was no surprise when he dances anytime he hears her music. Here is a small video for you to enjoy and laugh at. It really is sweet. He is feeling the groove.

From Four and a Baby

Brandi

Pretty in Pink

2009-05-27T15:18:00.001-05:00

From Four and a Baby

Let the record state that it wasn't MOM who gave him the bright pink poster marker..
Uhhhmm.

Brandi

Company Banquet

2009-05-27T15:10:00.002-05:00

From Four and a Baby

From 2009-05-01

Madilyn and Jordan her best friend at dance. Jordan has decided not to do dance next year and to take a year off. We are a little sad but are wanting her to do what will make her happy. We will miss her and her family next year. The girls play so well with each other.

Grandmother and granddaddy James kept the boys while we were at the dinner. This is what we came home to.

From Four and a Baby

How cute, Lil B played so hard and just passed out. Notice the baby gate behind the chair. B would pull out the connections from our main computer so we had to gate it. We have these up all over the house.

Brandi

The new babies in my life

2009-05-23T22:55:00.003-05:00

No I am NOT pregnant nor do I plan to be anytime soon. My OB has not released me to get pregnant yet. Not sure when or if that will happen. We are taking it one Dr visit at a time for now. We will have to see, only God knows the plan. I learned after the last 2 pregnancies that it is HIS plan, so I will step to the side and let HIM do his thing.

But I do have a few new men in my life I want to share with you.

Jami is 29 weeks pregnant this week, moving right along. And the last ultrasound showed improvements from the front view. We are still praying for a complete healing for baby Noah.I love you baby Noah, I can't wait to meet you and love on you. Oh and Blake got a new job. A prayer answered! Please be safe in all your travels you are a dad now!

My SIL found out she was also having a boy- Cooper will be here sometime in October. Everything is going well with them. I hear he has his daddies feet and is big for his gestational age.

So our family is growing and I am looking forward to being an Aunty and loving them and giving them BACK!!!!
I mean I can't get my own weaned, did they really nurse for 3 years in biblical times - poor women.

Brandi

School's Out for Summer

2009-05-23T22:39:00.003-05:00

Well it is official school is out and I have reclaimed my kids. We are all so excited. We have many things already planned. It is so nice to have them home all day. Braiden isn't sure what to think. He sometimes acts upset, like his brother and sister are invading his space and his time. We are all having a ball.
Speaking of balls- Brennon's team this year has been hit and miss. Sometimes they play like all stars and other times not so much. He has been nominated for all stars, but a decision hasn't been finalized yet from mom and dad. It is alot of time and can go well into July.
Madilyn's recital went well. She danced and shook all she had. You can go to Propix.com and check out some pictures of her. She was in Mary Lou Retton, Barbie, Lucy Recardo in the evening show- Cruella Deville and Annette Funicello in both shows and the finale. We have a few more weeks off before company starts back. This year I have a feeling will be a growing year for her. Her best friend at dance isn't dancing this year so we are a little sad.
Patrick's business is picking up. I am a little afraid at how well it is picking up. But the money is great to have. Anyone need anything video taped let us know. The moto is We tape anything. I told him might want to clarify "anything".
Summers here time for flip flops, pop cycles, swimming at the new rec center, sprinklers, no real bedtime, late night movies, snuggles on the couch, playing late at night in the hot tub (my kids love this), and doing what you want.
I do require them to do math and read daily. They also have a chore list to do. I know I'm a slave driver.
We have several things planned in the next few days. A family picnic at noccalula falls on Monday and a zoo trip with my in laws next Saturday.
I hope everyone has a safe and happy summer.

Brandi

All in a morning

2009-05-05T11:59:00.002-05:00

Today was just like any other morning here in the James' house. Kids up, get ready for school, lunch packed, breakfast, things signed, things forgotten and out the door for a ride with dad to school. All of this takes place with a ton of help from my sweet husband and their wonderful father.
On this day however Lil B decided to test my patience and to see just how tolerant I can be. Well first he ate my deodorant, got the water bottle and sprayed the kitchen floor to the point we are both slipping and sliding, poured my glass of tea (I had just poured and sat on an end table while getting things ready to nurse him)in the middle of my bed, changed him, nursed to nap, woke up, snack, bath because he is somewhat sticky from something?, I get ready to go and teach later in the evening, while he has climbed onto a chair and reached the pledge bottle and is using it like hairspray, no time to bathe again, go pick up children from school, come home wash his hair yet again, get Brennon ready for his ballgame, fix dinner, wait for Dad to get home so I can leave, Dad home I leave for work, teach my class after having issues with the podium and the computer, rush to watch the last 15 minutes of Brennon's baseball game, starts to sprinkle, get there score 4-11 we are the 4, watched a great comeback and overtime final score 9-12 we are the 9, but the fight was good so all OK, come home to get the children in the showers and ready for bed and school and what do I see in my closet.... My sweet baby boy has pulled my shoe organizer and the shelf down after I left for work. Long sigh here.
So yesterday was very trying for me, but I love it. I love that I get to spend my days with my children. the good, bad, clean, messy all of it is a blessing.
This morning woke up to the tornado alarm going off.. Here we go again.

Brandi

Not Me Monday is back....

2009-05-04T12:59:00.002-05:00

OK if we are being completely honest here and will not be judged in anyway I participate...

I did not let my oldest son stay at home on Thursday because some children in his class behave so badly when there is a sub. He didn't want to write sentences for the actions of others in the class. We did not go and have a picnic lunch with his dad and I certainly did not let him ride his 4 wheeler all day. I am a responsible mom and that would have been wrong.

I am not a part of Madi's recital with a mom group. I do not Not know our dance and I do Not Not feel like a spazzz doing it. If you have seen Hannah M movie you know what I am talking about. (Pop it lock polka dot it) Hoedownthrowndown say what? This should be interesting. Recital is in just 4 days, yikes!

My son did not pitch an almost perfect game. 3 Innings, 6 strike outs, 2 outs at 1st and 1 walk. Go Brennon!!! We lost by 1 point but what a fun game to watch. He did not get the game ball and he did not play with it all weekend. I love baseball season, it is so much fun.

We did not Not get to go to our niece's 2nd birthday party Saturday while waiting for the day in the park to start, only for it to be cancelled at 10am the party @ 11, 1.5 hours away. We miss you Lily Grace! Hope you had a great day. Can't wait to see you soon.

Yesterday we totally were not lazy and hung around the house watching TV. We are very busy little bee's all the time. Patrick and I did not steal some snuggle time while the kids were playing out side and the baby was asleep, like I said we are very productive bee's.

Braiden did not sleep till 5 am this morning with out waking up. That was not the 1st almost whole night of sleep I have gotten in 18+ months. Ahhhhhh!

Madi doesn't have Sever's dz. in her R heel. She isn't running and jumping on it. And it is Not Not getting better. We are not hoping that after recital this weekend that we can rest it for awhile and not end up in cast all summer. Oh God please heal her foot and make her feel better.( In all seriousness she is a great deal of pain. After being up on it she is in tears. Motrin and frozen peas are our friends. Poor baby girl)

So go ahead and air out your dirty laundry. We will not judge and are dying to hear.

Brandi

Catch up time- warning long post!

2009-04-26T15:24:00.003-05:00

I have several things to catch you up on. Life and time just get away from me and before you know it I am behind. I guess that is what happens when you have 3 children doing different activities all the time.

Ok, here we go...

Kite day- Every year at East they have kite day. In years past it has been a flop to say the least. Who can predict the wind right? Well this year was just fabulous. The weather was perfect and the wind was just right. Brennon didn't want us to go to his kite time ( I think he is getting to the age where Mom's don't come to all the activities, how sad, sniff sniff) Madilyn however needs to have you at everything. I had a great time. All the kites were flying and she loved it. Lil B loved running around the big field as well.

From Blogger Pictures

The tree of death for a kite!!!!

From Blogger Pictures

Oh, the sky was so blue and all the kites looked so pretty.

From Blogger Pictures

Madilyn Claire 2nd grade East kite day.

Braiden has discovered an affection for cereal. He loves it. And with his iron level being chronically low it is good for him. One bowl has 50% of what he needs so it really helps us get it all in everyday. We usually feed it to him, but here as of late he wants to d it himself. He is very good at it. Very careful and even drinks the milk at the end like his big brother and sister and daddy does. Such bad habits we teach.

From Blogger Pictures

Here he is drinking the milk at the end. So funny is my little man.

Easter...
We had a great Easter. We went to an awesome worship service our church does at Wallace State. I will guess 3000 were there maybe a few more? It was so good. As I get older I really understand more just what Jesus did out of love. I can't wrap my mind around it all but what a beautiful gift. I feel so unworthy of it all.
(OK change of subject for a minute. How many of you saw the Miss USA pageant? Well go Miss California go. What a great example for you to be able to use with your children. And as far at the judge is concerned, I did not care too much for him myself. He said " she should have left religion and politics out of her answer. God has no place in pageants" Well, Mr who ever you are... when you have God living inside of you, when you are in love with God and when you want to follow him and dedicate your life to serving him HE HAS A PLACE in every thing you do!!!!! DO you want her to lie and ignore her morals and beliefs just because you would feel more comfortable. No sir, Do you not think Jesus would have rather run away then to be nailed to a cross after being beaten?, DO you not think he was uncomfortable hanging on OUR cross?, So go ahead and feel uncomfortable. Miss Cal. did a wonderful job. Rant over, sorry OK back to Easter)
We then went to eat at the nly thing open and where we didn't have to wait too long. Chinese Buffet, I know not exactly an Easter menu but it worked for us. I had a ham, homemade mac and cheese, greenbeans and sister shuberts rolls (if you are not from the south and have never has SS rolls I am so sad for you, they are so yummo)for dinner so the chinese was OK for lunch.
We came home changed clothes, hid easter eggs and played around with the kidos. We even cleaned out the van since we were going on a trip in a day. I live in my car and we are always on our way to something so it has a tendency to become really messy.
We ate dinner and since it was Spring break and we had nothing to do the next day we rested on the couch and watched movies till late.

From 2009-04-18

Braiden in his Easter outfit. A baby blue smocked longall linen bubble. It was so cute. I just love his shoes- my husband however said they were girl shoes and did not share my love for them. They are cute.
His outfit was a little big though. I got it a few months back and was afraid he would grow and not fit in it, so I went big. Oh well, he can ware it through summer and possible next year.

From 2009-04-18

Praising Jesus even before we went to church. Not really but it does look like it!

From 2009-04-18

On the front swing, it is near impossible to get him to sit for pictures.
Egg Hunt...

From 2009-04-18

Doesn't he look mischievious here with the "keykey"....

To the mountains we go.
We went to the mountains over the kids spring break. We had a wonderful time in fact I would go back today. Trying to figure out a way for us to work and live there isn't a far thought. Here are some pics from our trip...

From 2009-04-18

Braiden listening to the ipod on the way, he loved it and we laughed at him trying to sing! Uncle Blake we might need singing lessons.

From 2009-04-18

Madilyn Claire and Brennon watched movies the whole way there.

From 2009-04-18

Our beautiful cabin.

From 2009-04-18

Our cabin really was so nice. 4 master bedrooms with kingsize beds, all had there own bath. 2 decks, 2 hottubs, downstairs had a pooltable, 2 arcade games, even toys for Braiden to play with, washer/dryer. everything you could want, a grill. Indoor pool, putput golf for the kids. We loved it there. If you are ever interested I will give you the number of the people we rented from, super nice, from the Atlanta area.

From 2009-04-18

The bear in the living room that lil B loved.

From 2009-04-18

Lil B eating his donut, strawberries and bananas like a big boy.

From 2009-04-18

While on the trip Braiden learned how to say ohhh woow! It was so cute, he would say it every time he saw something new, which was a lot.

From 2009-04-18

Trying to get a group picture is no easy task.

From 2009-04-18

e="width:auto;">From 2009-04-18

From 2009-04-18

Braiden playing with a corn crib door.

From 2009-04-18

Wonder works

From 2009-04-18

Madilyn and the rock wall climb.

From 2009-04-18

Brennon getting ready climb.

From 2009-04-18

Lil B and the smoke machine.

From 2009-04-18

Madi the astronaunt.

From 2009-04-18

Brennon the astronaunt.

From 2009-04-18

Braiden playing in the wonder dome. He loved it, even rolled oround on it. The floor would change scenes and when you stepped on it, it made different patterns appear.

From 2009-04-18

1st nap of a very long day, The big kids Dad included played laser tag while I took a much need diet coke break with my sleeping baby.

From 2009-04-18

Daddy and Braiden feeding the ducks while we waited on dinner. We love eating here and we had the perfect table. It was at the end of a long hallway, surrounded by windows on all sides and the best part a door beside us opened up to the front porch. The kids played outside while I waited for our food to get there. ANd the best part, apple fritters with apple butter, heaven. We even saw some people Patrick knew from his home town, what a small world.

From 2009-04-18

View from our deck.

From 2009-04-18

Daddy pushing Braiden up the 1.5 mile mountain hike to the falls. See story below for datails.

We went hiking ( not really) walking up to Laurel Falls, it is paved the whole way and so the stroller worked well. Now the nice lady at the Apple Bees where we ate dinner the day we arrived lied when she said oh it is just an easy walk and the kids will love it. Note to self, do not believe people you do not know! It was easy as far as being able to take the stoller and not carry the baby the whole way. But it was 1.5 miles uphill to get to the falls that by the time you get there are not as pretty as everyone was making them out to be. There were signs warning you to keep you children close because deaths have occured from people falling off the path down the ravene. What kind of person would send a mom of 3 small children on a hike where they could fall off and die!!!!!! She obviously did not have kids!!

From 2009-04-18

Me and my older babies.

From 2009-04-18

Worth it, yes but I so wish I had packed some water and snacks when we got to the top. It was beautiful but NOT easy.

From 2009-04-18

Cades Cove

From 2009-04-18

enough said, spetacular, can you imagine waking up to this view.. dream big Brandi!

From 2009-04-18

We took Braiden out of his car seat and let him sit up front with us, mostly driving with Patrick. It is an 11 mile loop and you drive really slow. We saw almost 50 deer, 7 turkeys and 4 bear.
This was the one that was closest for a picture.

From 2009-04-18

On the day we went home we stopped by the Apple barn for some apple butter and a breakfast of strawberry pancakes.

From 2009-04-18

Madi and B sitting in the apple orchard.

From 2009-04-18

Stellan in the smokie mountains.
Go here and you will find out all the info needed as to the reason for this piacture.

From 2009-04-18
Braiden playing in the water at the aquarium. Here shish, shish.

From 2009-04-18

Pictures of the jelly's, I thought they turned out well, not sure what I will do with them but it was fun.

From 2009-04-18

Madi the jelly fish.

From 2009-04-18

It had been a long day and we still had the drive home to go. We stopped by Hardrock for a burger and some good music before we left. Madi and Brennon were a little silly that day.

From 2009-04-18

Our waitress doing YMCA!!!! SO much fun.

Which brings us to yard work weekend this weekend. We stayed home for once and got some much needed yard work done.

Madi had her banquet for dance company Friday night, I had dance practice Saturday morning at 9 ( that is a whole post on it's own and I will share one day). The hubby and kids met me in town at 10 and we went to get the plants and supplies we needed for the day. After a quick stop at a fund raiser for Colton Evans for lunch we headed home for an afternoon of work. Patrick took Brennon for his ball pictures and I put B down for nap and we got to work. I love this time of year!!! My rose bush has done great this year, this is the best year yet.

From Blogger Pictures

Aren't they gorgeous...

From Blogger Pictures

Daddy and B on the wee wheeler..

From Blogger Pictures

Braiden loved the water hose until it turned on him. The water caught some iwnd and blew back on him. It was so funny, he dropped it and looked at it for the longest trying to figure out what had happened.

From Blogger Pictures

Brennon on his 4 wheeler

From Blogger Pictures

The neighborhood girls sitting in the swing on the front porch "Just a Swangin" Do yall remember that song?

From Blogger Pictures

Brennon helping Dad cut the grass. After he said "Mom cutting the grass is exhausting".
Yes son it is and thank you for helping.

New Prayer request..

2009-04-25T15:20:00.002-05:00

another blog baby- an amazing story but now is deperate for prayers. God can interceed. Oh father hear our cries to you in this families darkest hour.

And closer to home. A little boy named Colton Evans. He is in 8th grade and his brother is in Madilyn's Class grade 2nd. He has an inoperable brain tumor. He had been in remission before but now the cancer has returned. They are raising money from T shirts and had a cook out for him today.

I am feeling overwhelmed today with just how lucky ( no wait I don't believe in luck) blessed I am. God has been so good to us. And WE so do not deserve it. I look at my healthy children and just want to scoop them up and never let them go. I am so proud of all they have done and who they are becoming. If I don't say it enough sweet babies, I love you and you make my heart so very happy.

Brandi

My blog babies...

2009-04-23T20:12:00.001-05:00

Want to smile and lift God up in praise..
Check this post out... God is good and his timing is perfect.

Also please keep baby Stellan and his mom in your prayers. This has been a difficult road for her and I think she is just Tired!!!!!

Bj

Pray for Stellan

2009-04-21T12:45:00.003-05:00

Today Stellan is having heart surgery. From what I have read he had a very rough night. Please pray with us around the world for Stellan.
1. For the doctors and medical team taking care of Stellan. God guide them and help them make the right and good decisions.
2. For his family, let them be surrounded by people who love you and breaths life into them. People who will hold them up when they can not today, Lord.
3. For COMPLETE healing for his heart....
4. (this is hard to type) For your will to be done here and you to be Glorified!

I will post about our trip over spring break when I have a chance, baseball, dance and a banquet this week.. Busy, busy!!!

Brandi

Braiden's 18 month check up

2009-04-07T16:36:00.004-05:00

We had our 18 month check up yesterday. A very boring appt over all. No shots we will rap those up at his 24 month appt. He weighs 24 lbs and he is 32 inches long. He is hitting all his age milestones so no problem there. We did check his iron levels. I just got the call that they are lower than in Dec. Urrgggg! So we go back on iron twice a day and a diet high in iron and vit C. We will give this 3 weeks and then recheck. If things are still low I am going to ask for a second opinion regarding this. Patrick has had low iron since his surgery and probably before then. Even with supplements his is always low. Some genetic component is there and we need to know what it is. So if you will keep Lil B in your prayers. Low iron can make you feel bad. If you have ever been anemic you understand.

From Four and a Baby

Yes he is in Christmas PJ's, they were clean and we wore them!

Brandi

A new plan.....

2009-04-07T10:22:00.004-05:00

Well I posted too soon. Stellan is now considered a failure at IV therapy and other options are in place and plans being made. I can not explain it because I have never even met this family but I love this little boy. I almost feel like I'm a stalker? Please join me in praying for him and get to know this family you will be blessed.

Also go over to Bring the Rain and be in prayer for the Smith's today. It is Audrey's birthday. A very hard day for them. Her post will make you cry.

There are days when I really think about it all day. There are days when I feel like something apart of me is missing. There are days when I cling to the promise that we will be together and I will hold our baby. Those days are hard days and to breath takes effort. But God is great and the bigger picture is that I wouldn't have Braiden. I would never know this child that I have been blessed with. Would I have chosen this road for me, NO! But God's plan is bigger than mine. And for the first time in a long time I can honestly say that I am OK with that.

My sister continues to grow and do well. She met me for Kids Mart a few weeks ago and we bought lots of things for baby Noah. I can not wait to meet him.

My SIL is also pregnant. Due in October. This will be a a busy month with 3 birthdays and football games to go see.

Which leaves us thinking about a fourth baby. I have till next Feb. to decide. After that my window is closed. I will be over 35 by the time I would deliver and I prefer not to be. Also we have yet to get the OK to even get pregnant from my OB. 23 weeks of bedrest, breathine every 2 hours, weekly shots and 5 week early delivery brought us to the egde of our breaking point. But you seem to forget the severity of it all. Now all I see is my wonderful family and wonder if Lil B needs a buddy. For now we will be still and listen for God's guidence. And pray for what ever is best for our family.

We are getting ready for Easter weekend. The children are out of schoolf friday and we are headed to the mountains next week for spring break. I am really looking forward to spending some quiet time with them and getting away with my husband. Right now we feel like strangers passing in the night. We haven't been away since the week before we lost our baby. Almost 2 years ago. So we will enjoy the porch and mountain views while the children are asleep.

We love and miss everyone. I think this is the longest we have been without seeing everyone. Hope to see you soon.

Brandi

Answered prayers

2009-04-03T21:31:00.000-05:00

Baby Stellan has been out of SVT for more than 48 hours. He is starting to be weaned off the IV medications and switched to oral medications. So don't get off your knees just yet. This may sound easier than it actually is. So keep praying he has a long road ahead of him.

Brandi

Storms,,,,

2009-03-25T22:02:00.003-05:00

Psalm 143:1
Hear my prayer, O Lord;listen to my plea!Answer me because you are faithful and righteous.

Praying continual prayer tonight for Baby Stellen.
I don't know what else to do, but pray!

From Braiden Wesley

This is a picture of the tornado that came across Smith Lake 4 years ago, missing our house by less then 1/4 of a mile.

God we will praise you even in the storms.

Brandi

Quick dinner idea for hetic nights

2009-03-25T21:39:00.002-05:00

Since we have baseball 2 nights a week, dance 3 nights a week, church, I teach 1 night a week, things are very busy from 3-9 here. One thing that has helped us is finding things to eat at home either before or after our activities. That way we are not eating out, it is also healthier

My friend is the crock pot. Seriously it is on my counter all week. One thing my family loves is chicken crock pot fajitas so I thought I would share.

6 boneless skinless chicken breasts ( no hormones or steroids if you can find it)
2 cans of rotel ( any heat you want, I use mild for the baby and Madi.
2 packets of taco mix ( I use mild again ole el paso)

That is it...

Empty rotel into the crock pot, add the taco mixes. Stir together until well blended. Add 1 cup of water or chicken broth if you have it on hand.
Nest the chicken breast down into the rotel mixture. Cover and cook 4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low. I then take the chicken out and shred it with 2 forks on a plate and then add it back to the rotel mixture, mix together and you are ready for taco's.
We use hard and soft taco's, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, what ever fixins you like. If I have extra time I will throw together a salad.

You will have left overs, save them. The next night. Roll out a refrig pizza dough and make a chicken taco pizza. You might even have some more left over. LUNCH???

I will try and post some more as I can. This really helps us eat better than fast food and is cheaper in the long run.

Hope you all enjoy.
Please continue to pray, there are so many needs out there to night.. I feel very heavy with thoughts and worry.

The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
James 5:16

Brandi

What is a friend?

2009-03-25T11:20:00.002-05:00

Mckmama posted a wonderful, honest and raw post yesterday. I urge you to click on baby Stellan's button and read. After reading her post, I really began to think, long and hard. It brought me to a place that I will be honest folks, I am not comfortable being. You see I do not have it figured out. Oh, how I want to understand it all, I simply just don't. I am relatively new to the blogging world and I have really enjoyed it. I use it to document things that happen to our children and also my thoughts as I try to figure out life and all it's chaos. But something unexpected happened. I started meeting Godly women who brought the word and spoke truth into my life daily. It has been a blessing. Some are from right here in Alabama. We are wives, mothers, daughters, aunts and friends who love the Lord and are trying to live putting God first. Which leads me to my husband's questions about this blog world.

1. Do you know these people? Well, define the word know. No I have never met them in person. But I know them and their heart. I have prayed with them through bad times and praise with them thought the good times.

2.Are they your friends? Well, we laugh, cry, praise and pray together. We learn from each other. Support each other. Share life and the Lord. So I would say yes, we are friends.

I have to admit I do become consumed by the prayer requests and stories of heartache. But I have been profoundly forever changed by the grace and trust displayed by the parents here in blog world. I can only hope to have the kind of trust and assurance that I have witnessed here. A few stand out to me- Kelly's Corner- and baby Harper, I followed her through labor and delivery, from her daughter may not live to well you will have to go over and check this little cutie out for yourself.

The Macs- I can only say that I still cry, I pray everyday and I admire sweet Cora's parents so much. God is doing BIG things through the life of a baby girl. Her smile will capture your heart and her parents will inspire you. I have examined my own trust in God and his plan whatever it maybe for my life.
There blog is http://themcclenahans.blogspot.com/
They are raising money for a playground in her honor. Click on Cora's playground to help out with this and get some pretty adorable things as well.

I can not remember how I found Megan's blog. But we have a lot in common. We both are from Alabama, labor and delivery nurses, have 3 children, and more. It was so neat to learn how small this world is. She is super sweet , honest, tell you how she feels southern girl. Her love for the Lord shines through in her blog. She is doing a fabulous things for lent. Click on her button and find out for yourself, you just might win something.

Well ,I found Angie's blog on the 1 year anniversary of loosing our 3rd baby. The only thing I know to say is, it was the work of my heavenly father, always looking after me, that night. I struggle with our loss daily. Still today I think about our baby everyday and wonder the what if's and what would he be like today. We have been blessed with another baby boy ( thank you God) since then but I still hurt inside and my heart still aches for the baby that we lost. Angie is real, honest, scripture speaking, God trusting, wife, mother and for me God sent at a time when I was in a very dark place.

There have been others and will be others. We have an open prayer request policy here. If you need prayer or know someone who does it is a great way to get the word out. An army of God loving, spirit filled, amazing women will be on their knees. God is good, so I guess to answer my sweet husbands questions,

Yes, they are my friends.

Please continue to pray everyday. Talk with God, cry out to him, be honest, he already knows how you feel. No matter the outcome always trust and know that he has your best interest at heart and he holds every tear you cry. He wraps his fatherly arms around you daily, you are His child.

Praying now for sweet baby Stellan Lord heal his heart, Cora's parents continue to cover, protect and surround them , Angie, Lord thank you for bringing her blog to my life I pray that the battles she feels afflicted with are won with your word and truth, that Satan will flee have no hold on her , that she knows Audrey is still touching people's life and has "weight" in this world , Megan cover and surround her, let her LIGHT be seen by all who see her, baby Harper we praise you father for mercy and healing and baby Jonah we ask that you heal his skin Lord, that you take away all the blisters and pain, that you protect him, that his parents are able to fall into your arms and feel you God. There are so many more!!!

Brandi

Not Me Monday

2009-03-23T19:32:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

We are not doing Not me to day. McMama's baby boy is in the hospital and is seriously sick. Please be in prayer for them. Baby Stellan is in need of our prayers. He was diagnosed with supra ventricular tachycardia. His heart rate has been as high as 300's. His little body is tired. I am asking that you go to her site and be in prayer.

Brandi

Update on Baby Creel

2009-03-21T21:41:00.002-05:00

Jami had her peri appt Friday at 840. They went to the Kirkland clinic because the perinat... at brookwood was on vacation with his family (springbreak in B'ham). So God was already moving in this because UAB is a much better place and that is where we send all of our pts from STV where I work. They got a lot of answers and some better news. First it is a boy- Noah Camden Creel, I'm so excited I can not wait!!!! Second the diagnosis of the omphalacele was not correct. They have diagnosed it as a gastoscesis. This means there is an opening that did not close around the first few weeks of life and some of his small intestines are protruding out through this hole. they said it was the size of a silver dollar. There is a small chance that more will come out and there is a chance that some could go back in. It is not associated with chromosomal abnormalities and was completely random. He will be going to Childrens to have surgery after he is born but is expected to make a complete recovery and do great. So please still keep him in your prayers, we want God to heal him and have faith that things will be OK. Just keep praying.

Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Brandi

Urgent Prayers Needed

2009-03-16T19:59:00.002-05:00

My sister and her husband are expecting their first baby at the end of July beginning of August. While doing their big ultrasound today they found that the baby has an omphalacele. Basically this means that some of the abdominal organs are growing outside of the abdomen around the umbilical cord. The extent is not known. It is sometimes linked to other chromosomal disorders. It has been suggested that they get an amniocentesis, but they are unsure of this. They are going to see a perinatologist tomorrow. Please pray for them and the baby. This was an exciting time for them and now they are left with alot of questions and uncertainty tonight.Pray for Jami and Blake to have peace and hope. Pray for healing, God is bigger than this and can heal this sweet baby and use this for his Glory. Pray for Dr Gonzolez, that God will give him the knowledge and wisdom to make Godly decisions tomorrow. For the grandparents and other family that we all have patience and understanding of how they feel and what they are going through.

Brandi

Not Me Monday

2009-03-16T17:02:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I did Not have a busy week with my precious children this past week.

We were Not getting over the stomach flu- all five of us. I did Not have 3 children sick at one time and I was Not also sick at the same time. Thank God for the making of Zofran.

I did Not have 8 hours of dance pictures this week. I did Not do this with all my children in tow. I did Not do this without the help of my sweet hubby. The pictures were Not unorganized to the point of me and several other moms wanting to pull our hair out!!!!!!!

We did Not spend 12 hours Saturday shopping for a piece of furniture to put a new TV on or in. This is Not the 2nd time my hubby got a tv that did Not fit into my favorite armoir. I was Not thrilled beyond when he said he was putting the doors back on, only to find out that this TV did NOT, not fit in my favorite piece..... It is Now Not upstairs being used as a linen closet.

I did Not let my children have a skip day to just hang out in the house with mom. It was Not a fabulous day.

Brandi

My church is causing a stir...

2009-03-13T18:11:00.002-05:00

Well apparently my church is causing a stir all over the country.
Visit http://www.daystarchurch.tv/greatsexgodsway to find out why.

Why shouldn't we talk about sex in church. God lays out a plan for sex. So we should teach it right? We have a serious problem with the "casualness" our children think it is. Oral sex isn't sex, friends with benefits, hooking up... People wake up!!!! One man, one women, in marriage. Period!!!!

Brandi

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

2009-03-08T22:10:00.002-05:00

March 1st in Alabama and it is snowing. I heard rumors of this snow all week. I have to admit I did not believe it. All of you in the north are laughing right now at our "snow". Just stop! This is the most snow we have seen in 10 years.
It really wasn't much a few inches and it didn't last long either. By 2p.m. it was gone. But wow it was beautiful. And for a moment I thought it would be nice to live somewhere where we did have snow. Then we got all wet and cold. You see, here in Alabama where is doesn't snow we do not have clothes for this kind of precip. All of our clothes became wet and then we got cold. So it was all fun and games until someone got wet and cold.
Brennon and Madi woke up early. They went outside and played until it melted. They would come in and change their clothes and out they would go. Lil B wasn't too sure about it all. He wanted to play in it but didn't like the cold of it. I couldn't find gloves small enough to fit him, because here in AL we don't use them! I used socks which he didn't like either. The first thing he did was sit in it. He was so funny.
Madi and me make a snow women complete with daffodils as hair, and ice cycle for a nose and poky balls for eyes, the lips were a small magnolia leaf.

From Four and a Baby

Our House...

From Four and a Baby

Nikki and Lulu

From Four and a Baby

Braiden sitting in the snow.

From Four and a Baby

The Lake...

From Four and a Baby

Our snow lady...

4 H club award goes to....

2009-03-02T18:11:00.002-06:00

Brennon.
Brennon won 1st place in the photography contest with his picture of bald eagles he took at the zoo.

From Four and a Baby

And he won 3rd place in cooking with the oreo ball recipe.
The picture goes onto the county competition and if it places will go to state where it has the potential of winning money.

He was very proud.

Not Me Monday

2009-03-02T13:49:00.002-06:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I did not skip all 3 workout days this week. I was not so tired because my sweet baby is sleeping through the night like all 17 month olds do.. right? Really if anyone reading this has any helpful hints we are desperate. This baby is from another planet where people never sleep.

My laundry is not piled up HIGH down my hall. I always am caught up. HA!

I did not fight with my hubby over stupid things that do not really matter, we are in love and being married to him for 13 years has been wonderful everyday.

I did not let lil B go around at home all week with bows, clips and headbands on. He does not have a fascination with his sisters things.

I did not start spring cleaning upstairs and find we are really messy and have too much stuff. My house is orderly and clean all the time.

We did not have too much fun in the snow yesterday. We did not play, come put on more dry clothes and then go back again. I was not glad to see it melt and things dry off.

We did not accidentally shut our outside cat in the playroom and leave her in there over night. I did not think someone was in our house after the kids left for school this morning. I was not relieved to only find the cat. I did not shut the door back to deal with whatever mess she might have made later.

My sweet hubby is not at work today with a stomach virus. He is not stuck in meetings with people from Germany and he will be home soon. I love you and hope you feel better. Come home soon.

Brandi

100 questions

2009-03-01T12:40:00.003-06:00

I borrowed this from another blog. I thought it was interesting and might be fun. Feel free to copy and give it a try....
100 questions.

1. Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed? we took the doors off of our because they opened into the closet and we needed more space. Since it is in our masterbath we didn't mind.

2. Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotels? yes

3. Are you afraid to fly? yes

4. Have you ever stolen a street sign before? no.

5. Do you like to use post-it notes? yes, but I like to make lists better. I have a notebook full of lists.

6. Do you cut out coupons but then never use them? Yes

7. Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees? I choose C

8. Do you have freckles? a ton, with I could connect them all

9. Do you always smile for pictures? yes

10. What is your biggest pet peeve? a sassy mouth

11. Do you ever count your steps when you walk? no

12. Have you ever peed in the woods? yes, not a proud moment but when you have to go...

13. Do you prefer the beach or mountains? beach

14. Do you ever dance even if there's no music playing? Yes

15. Do you chew your pens and pencils? yes

16. Favorite reality TV show? Jon and Kate plus 8

17. What size is your bed? king

18. What is your Song of the week? Safe, Natalie Grant

19. Is it okay for guys to wear pink? Yes, I think it is sexy

20. Do you still watch cartoons? Every day. Backyardagans, veggietales, High 5 ( not a cartoon though)

21. What's your least favorite movie? Anything with a lot of violence and bad language we need more family movies.

22. Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some? ??? not sure. With 3 kids we will not have any.

23. What do you drink with dinner? Sweet tea/koolaide

24. What do you dip a chicken nugget in? sweet and sour sauce

25. What is your favorite food? fruit

26. What movies could you watch over and over and still love? Beaches, six weeks, steel magnolias, my home movies of our kids.

27. Last person you kissed/kissed you? Madilyn- she came down again to tell me she couldn't sleep...

28. Were you ever a boy/girl scout? just a Brownie,maybe half a year.

29. Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine? NO! and after 3 kids no one would want me to.

30. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper? Last week.

31. Can you change the oil on a car? Ummm NO!

32. Ever gotten a speeding ticket? No but now that I typed this probably

33. Ran out of gas? yes, driving my husband's truck.He did not put gas in his truck, so does that count?

34. Favorite kind of sandwich? Rumor's Alohaha!

35 Best thing to eat for breakfast? homemade waffles with strawberries and coolwhip

36. What is your usual bedtime? By 11:00

37. Are you lazy? when I want to be...

38. When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween? Barbie, princess, all the girly stuff.

39. What is your astrological sign? Capricorn

40. How many languages can you speak? English and some french

41. Do you have any magazine subscriptions? Southern Living, Paula Dean, Womens Health

42..Which are better legos or lincoln logs? Legos

43. Are you stubborn? Yes

44. Who is better...Leno or Letterman? ? We watch Andy Griffith

45. Ever watch soap operas? "Days of Our Lives" when I can catch it on

46. Afraid of heights? yes

47. Sing in the car? Yes, it is my worship time

48. Sing in the shower? sometimes

49. Dance in the car? no

50. Ever used a gun? no

51. Had picture taken by photographer? Yes

52. Do you think musicals are cheesy? No, I love them.

53. Is Christmas stressful? Yes

54. Ever eat a pierogi? No, but have wanted to.

55. Favorite type of fruit pie? Apple or fresh peach

56. Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid? Doctor

57. Do you believe in ghosts? Just the Holy Ghost

58. Ever have a Deja-vu feeling? Yes

58. Ever have a Deja-vu feeling? Yes

59. Take a vitamin daily? Just pre natal- still nursing

60. Wear slippers? sometimes

61. Wear a bath robe? yes

62. What do you wear to bed? t-shirt and comfy pants

63. First concert? Paula Abdul, Kenny G

64. Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart? Target would be my choice, but Wal-Mart is here in town.

65. Nike or Adidas? Neither New Balance

66.Cheetos Or Fritos? Cheetos

67. Peanuts or Sunflower seeds? SS, but I eat almonds all the time

68. Ever heard of the group Tres Bien? No.

69. Ever taken dance lessons? yes 15years

70. Is there a profession you picture your significant other doing? Something political.

71. Can you curl your tongue? yes

72. Ever won a spelling bee? No... I can't spell worth a lick.

73. Have you ever cried because you were so happy? yes

74. Own any record albums? yes

75. Own a record player? yes

76. Regularly burn incense? Never have.

77. Ever been in love? yes, right now with my hubby

78. Who would you like to see in concert? Natalie Grant, Michale Buble again, seen him twice.

79. What was the last concert you saw? Michale Buble

80.Hot tea or cold tea? cold

81.Tea or coffee? tea

82. Sugar cookies or snickerdoodles? either one, yummo

83.Can you swim well? yes

84. Can you hold your breath without plugging your nose? yes

85. Are you patient? No the fact I'm on question 85 amazes me.

86. DJ or band, at a wedding? band

87.Ever won a contest?no

88. Ever have plastic surgery? yes

89. Which are better black or green olives? green

90.Can you knit or crochet? No

91. Best room for a fireplace? Family room.

92. Do you want to get married? only to my hubby again

93. If married, how long have you been married? 13 years this July

94. Who was your HS crush? .......?

95. Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way? sometimes

96. Do you have kids? Brennon 10, Madilyn Claire 8, Braiden 1

97. Do you want kids? yes, maybe 1 more????

98. What's your favorite color? brown

99. Do you miss anyone right now? not right now

100. Did you watch Next Great American Band on FOX? no

Just a family day, with meatballs......

2009-02-23T09:35:00.002-06:00

Well after a busy weekend of kids, neighbors, work, baseball tryouts, sleepless night we stayed in Sunday morning. Have you ever thought that life was just too busy sometimes and have you ever missed you kids even when they are home. That was me on Sunday. I felt like I had not seen them since Thursday. For lunch we decided to go to Cracker Barrel for lunch. We played checkers in front of the big warm fire and it was so nice to slow the pace and look at them and notice the changes that had happened to them this week. We had time to talk with them and enjoy them. After we went furniture window shopping. Braiden was wild. He went from sofa to sofa and ran from table to table. He loved it.
I love the idea of a big Sunday dinner together with family. Our family lives too far away to do this. Normally Sunday night is hamburger night. My hubby grills. But tonight I wanted to have that big dinner. Upon request from my little bottomless pits, I made spaghetti and meatballs. I love this. It is so easy to fix and the kids love meatballs. They do not take alot of time and are fabulous. (Giada's Everyday Italian FoodNetwork.com). It was nice to see the kids playing together before dinner. My favorite thing is kids laughing and having silly play time. No video games, TV, other kids over, just playing made up games.
After the kids went to bed. Patrick and I had some quiet time. I have been wanting to sit in the hot tub, but it has been too cold outside at night. Last night I did not care. I ran and hopped in. It was freezing (the 20's) but the HT was warm and the sky was clear and a million stars were out. We had time to talk about our week and relax. We felt like the snow monkeys you have seen in the hot springs on animal planet. Now the getting out and dried off was NOT so much fun. My hair had ice in it from where my hair had gotten wet. I think we will wait till it warms up to get back in. It was so much fun and we laughed so hard trying to get dry and back in the house.
Today I have Madi at home. She woke up not feeling well, sore throat, no fever, but she has just laid around this morning and snuggled. Braiden is still teething and very ill. Today I think we will take it easy and enjoy a day of being together.

Brandi

Not Me Monday!

2009-02-22T19:17:00.005-06:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

My weekly confession about a crazy week with three kids and what we did Not do.

I did Not skip my Monday morning workout because I was too tired from Madi's big dance weekend and the kids were out of school.

Tuesday my sweet husband did Not take off work just to be home with us because the kids were out of school that day also.

Wednesday my Boot camp work out did Not almost kill me, I did not almost get sick on the way home (think of swimsuit season girl, think of being healthy and tone). I did Not seriously think about quitting, I am Not a quitter and I can do this.

Patrick and I did Not get our love language right in our marriage class at church. Whoo hoo, we do know and love each other. He is Not a strange man I share a house with and we are Not in desperate need of a date. I do Not feel guilty for thinking this way because so many people I have prayed for have lost their children recently. I do Not feel blessed beyond what I deserve. My children do Not make my heart happy.

Friday I did Not have a house full of boys. We did not end up at the batting cages in the freezing cold. My son did Not hit one ball and end up crying and feeling sorry for himself. His friend from down the street, twins Tyler and Triston did Not hit every ball and this did Not make my son very mad. We did Not eat at Cici's with the rest of Cullman afterwards. We did Not stop by game stop and wonder to ourselves is this all some people ever do???? Really, go sometime and people watch.

Saturday I did Not, not want to go to work and teach all day. That would be selfish of me. And I am not that. I did Not find everything already set up for me by Mrs. Cindy. I did Not feel blessed to work at such a great place with a "mom" looking out for us teachers. I did Not end up having a wonderful class and enjoying the day.

I did Not come home to fajitas and salad fixed by my sweet hubby. The floors were Not vacuumed and the table set for 7. The twins were Not at my house. After dinner we did Not treat the kids to Dairy Queen.

I was Not up all night with a baby who will not sleep longer than an hour at a time when he is teething. Since we are Not teething we did Not miss church this morning because my hubby let me sleep in.

This week I did Not let Braiden walk around with Madi's pink bow in his hair. Every time I took it out he did Not cry to have me put it back in.

I also did Not let him walk around with my hubby's underwear on and wrapped around his tiny body. Again he did Not throw a fit when I tried to remove it. We did not go and pick up the kids one day from school with the pink bow in his hair and the underwear on as well. That would be too silly. Hey, whatever makes you happy babe.

Over all this was Not a great week and I do Not feel incredibly blessed and loved.

"In your presence is fullness of joy." Psalm16:11

Not Me Monday!

2009-02-16T13:12:00.003-06:00

I did Not start a mommy boot camp at a local gym. I am Not in bad shape. I was Not sore. I did Not feel like I was going to die after the first class. It is Not at 5:30 in the morning.

My sweet baby has Not been in the worst mood all week long. Teething is so much fun.

Madi did Not have 5 fillings and sealants at the dentist Monday. She is Not band from sweets for life..... It did Not cost a small fortune.

I was Not late and rushed to get my class Tuesday night. After teaching I did Not come home to find a school project left still to do. Urrrrgggg! We were Not late to bed.

We did Not miss church Wednesday just to have more time at home with our kids. We have Not felt rushed and crazy. I do Not miss them at all.

I did Not take Lil B to WalMart only to leave when he threw a crazy screaming at the top of his lungs, everyone looking and wondering why you can not control your baby. I did Not feel embarrassed.

I did Not have 2 Valentines day parties to squeeze in on Friday pack and leave for out of town on time.

I did Not leave with only one side of Lil B's hair cut again because he was Not crazy screaming at the top of his lungs, everyone looking and wondering why you can not control your baby. What is wrong with this kid. I did Not want to hide under something.

We did Not have to stop 3 times on our way to Montgomery (2.5 hours away) because again my sweet baby was screaming so loud my husband seriously couldn't drive. It was Not so loud.

I did Not rescue scissors from my baby as he ran from he in the kitchen.

He has Not learned to pull the gate at the bottom of the stairs enough to crawl under it.

My house still is Not as dirty and messy as the last Not me Monday post. I am clean and organized.

My daughter did Not win gold at her dance competition Saturday. Her Dog dance did Not win the high point award, 2nd in choreography, and 3rd in entertainment. I was Not proud of her at all. It was Not the longest day in history.

On the way home yesterday we did Not have to stop again for a screaming baby. We did Not have a yummy lunch at the Iguana Grill. We did Not decide on the way home we were never taking our baby on a road trip ever again.

My wild kids are Not happy to be out of school today and tomorrow. I am Not excited that my husband is off tomorrow also. I do not have a Loooooooong honey do list for him to get started on.

I am Not hoping to get a shower soon and go to the store.

I have Not cried and my Heart does Not ache for baby Cora's family.(please be in prayer for them, they need it more than ever and will for a long time.)

SO how about you.......Do tell!

My letter "B"

2009-02-07T22:21:00.002-06:00

If you want to play along, just leave a comment on this post letting me know. I'll leave you a comment and assign you a letter. Post ten things you love that begin with your assigned letter (and let me know when your post is up so I can stop by and read all about you!). When people comment on your list, you give them a letter, and the chain continues on and on.

It should be fun fun fun.....

1. My boys Brennon and Braiden

From Braiden Wesley

2. The BIBLE - yes that's the book for me....

3. The Beach

From Braiden Wesley

4. Long bubble baths- oh one day I'll get to take them again, but until then these are just as fun.

From Braiden Wesley

5. Birthday cake

From Braiden Wesley

6. Births- All of mine, all were very quick and super easy.The most precious moments of my life. I had no words except "Thank you God for this baby". And all the births I have been blessed to witness. I love being a labor and delivery nurse. I love teaching new parents even more. I am in awe of God's grace and love each time I help a family deliver their new baby(ies).

7. Here this past year with a new born and a baby that doesn't sleep too well my Bed.

From Braiden Wesley

8.Brave men and women who are fighting for my freedom.

9. My husbands bald head.

From Braiden Wesley

10 Baby Booties

From Braiden Wesley

Prayers Please!!!!!!

2009-02-05T11:17:00.002-06:00

Please visit this blog and read all about his wonderful family and sweet Abby.

Another baby to be in prayer for is baby Cora.
http://themcclenahans.blogspot.com/
They do not have a link button but this is critical. They need all of our prayers. NOW!!!! God is in the business of miracles. SO please, please, please go to their blog and GET ON YOUR KNEES!!!!!! I'll be sending out emails to all as well. Just pray.

On a praise note baby Harper is healed Praise God. She went from not making it through the night to going home TODAY!!!!! She is too yummy, just want to eat her up.

Baby Brayden is also doing well, still having feeding issues but doing good. He is so cute and reminds me of my lil B.

I have to keep reminding myself that No I do not want another baby right now.

Brandi

Another Monday

2009-02-02T16:36:00.003-06:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

This is NOT a weekly vent on Monday's to confess all the things that did NOT go wrong in your week and you desperately wish you could NOT change and redo.

My house is NOT a disaster and there is NOT a mountain of laundry in my living room to fold and put away. I am a organized mother of 3 NOT busy children and that would be just lazy of me.

My son did NOT go undefeated in basketball this year and he did NOT win the tournament Saturday. I was NOT guilty that I wasn't there to see his last game because I was with my daughter in Bham at a dance competition.

My daughter did NOT kick some serious b^&* dancing Saturday night. They did NOT win gold in her dances. She did NOT hold her heal stretch that she hasn't been able to do till that night. I was NOT so proud I could burst.

I did NOT go out to lunch with a bunch of moms and their daughters at the Cheese Cake Factory. We did NOT indulge in yumminess.

I did NOT have to call 911 and put a friend in an ambulance because she started hemorrhaging. She was NOT pregnant with twins. I did NOT send her by herself to be met by her parents. I did NOT take care of her daughter and she did NOT miss her little girl dance in her 1st dance competition. I did NOT call her Dr on his cell phone and got her into a full ER because she was NOT less than 20 weeks. That is NOT the most stupid rule I have heard of. ( She is doing OK, if you were wondering)

After all was OK I did NOT have a drink to calm down after a NOT so crazy, NOT long day. It was NOT good at all. YUCK!

I did NOT joke and laugh with our pastor in our Wed night Fireproof class. That would NOT be right.

I have NOT prayed like crazy for babies and their families I do NOT know.

I did NOT tithe for the 1st time this Sunday and I'm NOT worried NOT one little bit. I have too much faith in GOD and I know that this is what he asks of us. I also do NOT know that all we have belongs to our Father. He will take care of us and supply all of our needs.

My daughter did NOT come home and ask me to sign a spelling test with a grade of 55!!!!!!!!

I did NOT nurse my sweet baby all night in hopes he would sleep and he was NOT in our bed. He does NOT sleep in our bed most nights.

What have you not done?

Brandi

Friday night out??and popcorn..

2009-01-23T17:07:00.001-06:00

Well I'm sitting in the floor of my bedroom listening to my sweet baby sleep and Brennon, Madi and Tyler ( a neighbor) are up stairs playing what sounds like xbox 360. Why am I sitting in my floor you ask? well I have this fear of Braiden falling off the bed and if I sit on the bed with him he doesn't nap as well. Patrick, my BIL Blake ( who sings fabulously and really could do it for a living but feels led to be on the praise and worship team at his church - Church of the Highlands), my sister Jami and I are going to our church - Daystar to see Fireproof. I think we are some of the few who haven't seen this movie. I really am looking forward to it, it is almost like a date.... I haven't been on one of those since November of 2006. And the best part it is free, and with popcorn. Yummy. My Dad and Janice ( my step mom- but we don't use that word it sounds so evil thanks to Disney, she and my dad have been marries since I was 3, I honestly can not remember a time with out her) are coming over to keep the kidos for us.
I do have a praise report of sorts. My Dad had his tests today and they saw nothing remarkable. They took several biopsy's and are checking on some preexisting stomach conditions but over all things look good. No cancer or sig. bleeding seen. My dad and I haven't always been close and I would love for us to be even closer and we are working at it and trying. My mom and him divorced when I was 2 and I lived with her only seeing my dad every other weekend and a couple of weeks out of the summer. Things were also stressed between them and a lot of neg. things were said in my home about my dad. So I grew up with my mom talking bad about my dad and to be honest I was afraid of him for a period in my life. I now know that to be wrong and mostly not true. I'm reading a blog called Bring the Rain and I really have felt so much comfort there. In her blog Angie recommended a book Parenting the way God Parents. WOW this book has changed the way I see myself. I have always tried so hard not to repeat the mistakes of my mother and this book address just that. And Wed night in class Pastor Jerry talked about breaking the generational curse that is in your family. Things can stop with you, you do not have to repeat the parenting styles of your parents. This book really is worth the $ and time to read it. I think I got off the topic of my dad- anyway he is doing better and feeling better. So thank you God, continue to cover him with your healing and love.
I'm really excited to spend time with Jami and Blake. They are young and are pregnant for the first time. Such an exciting time in our family. They can use our prayers also. Things are changing for them and Jami is nervous and a little scared about this baby. Her progesterone was too low and they told her she wouldn't get pregnant, well she already was and didn't know it yet. So this child was in Gods plan and is a blessing from Him.
Patrick and I are going through some personal problems, Mostly about $. When I was on bed rest for 23 weeks and not working it messed our finances up a smidge. We are trying to avoid bankruptcy and work through this. It has been very stressful on us and our marriage. But I have faith and hope that things will be OK. We are starting to tithe the full 10% and that may sound crazy to some when we are faced with all this dept and all but I have faith that God will see us through. We never really tithed the full 10% before and why should God bless us financially when we never gave Him the chance. Really all we have is His, we should give it all. So I'm asking for prayer this is a HUGE step for us, but I feel the right one to take.
Please continue to pray for Harper and Brayden the babies in NICU in Tulsa. Their buttons are on the previous post.

Brandi

Prayer Requests

2009-01-21T10:09:00.002-06:00

Braiden is almost 18 months old and it was planned that we would start trying for our 4th and last baby at that time. That would put our last 2 the same age apart as our first 2. Well things do not always go as planned. I am still breastfeeding this little man and he is showing no interest in weaning. ( if anyone has any hints on how to do this please let me know). We have been really busy with our older 2 and all that they are involved with. Braiden has been a blessing and we are enjoying just being with him. Sooo with that said I am just not feeling that it is the right time for us to have another baby. I know I am deterring from "the plan". I have been in prayer about this for sometime. I want this to be in Gods will for us. So if he wants us to have another baby we will and if not I will be thankful for all our blessings and he will take the desire for a baby out of my heart.
My Dad praise the Lord doesn't have a pancreas problem. He tested + for H Pylori. A bacteria found in your gut that can cause ulcers. So his Dr's are leaning toward this. We will know more after some more tests. He has been so sick and really hasn't felt well for a while now.
My brother is still in need of prayers. God is really his only hope right now. No person on earth can help him and change his heart. We just pray that it will not be too late.
So many babies are also in need of prayer.. I do not know these people personally but I know them through Blog world.... Read their stories and be in prayer that God will be merciful and heal these little ones.

There are also so many more out there but these are a few I am following. The more people praying for these babies the better.

Patrick and I are starting Fire Proof tonight at church. I have already started Love Dare and am finding it to be hard. Is it supposed to be? Am I doing it wrong or are we really in trouble? I am learning a lot about myself and my marriage and let me tell you it isn't pretty my friends. We have been going through a lot of person things these past 3 years and I post more as I feel comfortable doing it.

Just a few things I'm in prayer about today.

Brandi

A new year

2009-01-18T21:49:00.003-06:00

Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. Psalm 63:2-4

Well another year is gone. This one for the most part flew by. Our children are another year older. (10,8 and 1) Patrick and I have been married one more year. (12) Things just keep moving forward and forever changing. We have lost family members and we have gained new ones. The cycle of life goes on. This year as we counted down (in our dreams) the final moments of 2008, I couldn't help but be thankful for all the wonderful ways we have been blessed. I really feel undeserving of it all.

Our children have been our greatest blessing in life. They continue to amaze me with their beauty. I know all people think their kids are beautiful, but being a labor and delivery nurse and having seen lots of babies, I know this to not be 100% true. They are just growing and their features are changing. They are evolving into young adults. Their baby faces are gone and their bodies are starting to take on curvy shapes that make their father shake his head and turn away. We asked each other after Madi comes bouncing down the stairs with just a T on looking for her sleep pants, When did that happen? Where is our sweet faced little girl? Who is this curvy child? Brennon is matureing also. His cleft chin, and soft lines of his jaw are looking more like his fathers everyday. I no longer have to bend down to kiss the top of his head, it is right under my chin. Lil B what can I say, he went from barely 6 lbs to 22lbs in 1 year. Wow the changes he has undergone is staggering. He is beautiful in everyway.

Our marriage has changed, for the better. There were moments when I just wasn't sure. Moments where Satan would creep in and plant seeds of doubt in my heart. BUT..... Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.1 Corinthians 13:3-5 It is a work in progress and we are always working on it. I know that God has a plan. And although we have many faults, being together is part of that plan.

I have heard God speak into our family a lot this past year. Sometimes His voice was a whisper other times He was screaming loudly. God works in funny ways. We were in so need of the word in our life. I had been praying for years for a church where we were ministered to and could get involved. Daystar has been an answered prayer. Our children are forever changed. We are learning about Gods plan and his will for our life. How beautiful it is to know your children have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior and invited Him into their hearts. What an awe moment to see your sweet babies Baptized. God has been so good to us. As I have said before, I feel so undeserving of his love and grace. I can't understand His love for me, I am so grateful for it.

Thank you God for all that you have given to us, everything we have belongs to you, you are all that we need. I pray that you come and dwell in the halls of our house, make your presence known, guide us in this year to come, so that everything we do brings you honor and glory. Protect us and cover us pour out your mercy on us for we are so undeserving of your love. Keep us safe, hold our children close to you, protect them as they grow to know you and love you. Father we love you and thank you. Amen.

Lil B how fast he grew !

2008-12-06T21:10:00.003-06:00

I found this sweet picture and thought it showed just how our sweet preemie baby has grown over the past year.

God we are forever grateful for all you have blessed us with and your unending love.

From Braiden Wesley

October 2007

From Braiden Wesley

October 2008

Haloween Chicken

2008-12-06T21:02:00.002-06:00

Lil B was a Chicken for Halloween this year. We really didn't trick or treat this year because not only did he not like his costume he had no clue as to what we were doing. We did dress him in it for the festival at church, which the kids had a great time at. They had a ton of fair type rides, a hay ride, fair food- yummy and even a scary house which was done in the theme of Jonah and the whale. How cute. I was able to get a few pictures of him.

From Braiden Wesley

He fell asleep on the way tho church and I guess he was very warm and cozy in his chicken outfit because he slept while Patrick held him for a good hour. He was the warmest of all of us there. Madi was Hannah Montana and decided before we left to go home that Hannah needs to wear warmer clothes......

From Braiden Wesley

He even made it on the video the church did. I think he is a very cute chicken.

Boys are at a ballgame so we will go to the zoo!!!

2008-12-06T20:49:00.002-06:00

Brennon and Patrick have a tradition of going to the Alabama homecoming game every year together. Last year lil B was just a few weeks old and we couldn't do much. This year however Madi and me took him to the zoo. It was a wonderful day. Again the weather was perfect. We first went to the lions and tigers and other cats since that is Lil B's favorite. He loved looking at all the animals. He had a ball on the train ride and we had to ride the carousel two times.
It was a very special day. We even found Aubey the Auburn tiger and some orange(of course) and blue pumpkins. I had to get this picture. And even though our tigers had a rough year and are looking for a new coach we still love you all and support you 110% War Eagle!!!!!!
After the zoo we went to Ross for less and even met Brennon and Dad back in Gardendale for some dinner at Chili's.

From Braiden Wesley

Left over Boo at the Zoo decorations.

From Braiden Wesley

Dirty 4 wheeler

2008-12-06T20:37:00.002-06:00

From Braiden Wesley

We finally got the 4 wheeler back from Brent. The kids decided to wash it. They were being so good and getting along so well. One of the few times they show brotherly love and were not out to get one another. It was a great afternoon. The weather wasn't too cold and the sun was warm. I loved listening to them laugh and have fun with each other.

You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.
John 15:2-4

My Big B is 10

2008-12-06T20:04:00.002-06:00

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.2 Peter 3:17-18

Happy Birthday Brennon. We love you so much. We are so proud of the sweet person you are turning out to be. Always amend JOY! Jesus first, others second and you last! You are a blessing and gift that we will forever praise God for. You make our hearts happy, a million kisses to you.

Mom and Dad

From Braiden Wesley

Pumpkin Carving time...

2008-12-06T19:43:00.002-06:00

This year we had 3 pumpkins to carve. It was a special night because it was Brennon's birthday night and we had celebrated with his favorite lasagna, cake and presents. It was a full night. I got to thinking about the pumpkins and how they looked so pretty all lit up at night. Esp the little white one. The whole pumpkin glowed. What if we could be like that. What if we could let the love of Jesus shine through us so that everywhere we went or everything we did we would glow with his presence. How would the world be different, how would our life be different? The bible tells us: In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.Matthew 5:15-17.

From Braiden Wesley

Day at Grandmothers

2008-11-26T12:07:00.002-06:00

This is a late post .I think it was Sept 25th. We spent a Saturday afternoon at Patrick's parents house. The kids love to go and ride 4 wheelers. This trip we took our neighbor Taylor with us. The girls played the whole day and got along so well. Which was amazing because it was the day after Madi's big sleep over at Mary Kate's house and didn't get much sleep. They swung in the swings, rode 4 wheelers, explored outside, played with Lily Grace and Braiden. It was a great day. On the way back home we stopped by Logan's and ate dinner yummy.

From Braiden Wesley

Brennon, Madi and Taylor

From Braiden Wesley

Brennon and Madi

From Braiden Wesley

Braiden in his swing...

From Braiden Wesley

Braiden loves to ride the 4 wheeler. He rides it as long as you will ride him on it. For hours!!!

Free

2008-11-25T10:04:00.003-06:00

For the last couple of weeks I have had a heavy heart. I would like to ask that you pray for my family. My brother is facing serious health issues that threaten his life. It has been hard to think about and face. It has esp been hard for my Dad. Laying it down....
I have been very sleep deprived this past week. Braiden is cutting 3 teeth and tosses and turns most of the night. He doesn't want Patrick at night and has taken a new interest into nursing through the night. I know it is for comfort but I am done and really feel like I have nothing left to give him. Laying it down.....
The guilt of loosing our baby 2 years ago has also been very heavy for me. That baby's short life made a difference in me. I am forever changed because of that sweet baby. It does however haunt me, I play that day over and wonder what if so many times. Trying so hard to lay it down...
The economy and how it is causing uncertainty in jobs and the lives of our friends and people we love. laying it down.....
The Presidential election and what the outcome holds for our country. Laying down.....
Our Church and how it is time as a whole church body to standing up for what is right, good and what is told in the Bible. Laying it down but also standing up.......
Everyday famliy stuggles with our children and husband and family. Laying it down......
My heart feels so heavy and tired of all the hurt and fear.

When I am tired I have a tendency to dream strangely. The other night I was dreaming and bear with me- I was doing gymnastics. I was running hard and tumbling. I was however weightless and flipping high in the air. Floating around and free. That feeling of freedom overwhelmed me. I woke up and felt so comforted. I felt as if God was speaking to me and saying I held your fears and heaviness so you don't have to. I was led to
Psalm 107. In particular verse 14 -( He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains.) Laying all of my chains at your feet Father God.

In this time of Thanksgiving we have so much be thankful for. God blesses us far more than we deserve.

Just a few of the things I am most Thankful:

For Jesus Christ who in spite of who I am loves me.

For being a mom to 4 children- 3 amazing wonderful children that I get to share my life with. True miracles. The laughter, giggles, and sound of little feet running down the hall.
And 1 angel in heaven- I can't wait to hold you one day but comforted knowing Jesus always will.

For being a wife to a loving husband. I am so greatful to have you- you are my rock and my best friend. Thank you for holding me up.

For being a daughter to parents who love me like Jesus in spite of who I am. For being blessed with a Step mom who taught me of the love of Jesus and instilling that forever in my heart.

For being apart of a family who is always there even though don't get to see each other often.

For our Jobs, you provide our every need.

For my Husbands family- Always there when we call. Always ready to support us. Even sit in waiting with us. For loving our children.

I am so thankful for Daystar and the sweet people we have met there. You have blessed my life and our children are forever changed. They were saved and excepted Jesus into their hearts at church camp this summer.

For friends who we can count on and be held accountable to. We love you all and are thankful for you.

So much more I couldn't possibly list them all. Point being far more than anything we deserve.

Thank you God for answered prayers and always meeting our needs.

Pumpkin Patch from California.....

2008-11-20T22:30:00.002-06:00

Those who have heard the story of Brennon and California will get the title. Those who do not know, well that is a whole post on it's own. We or I should say I decided to take the kids to the Pumpkin Patch this year. I had this vision of my kids finding the perfect pumpkin and us all happy and leaving with good memories and a few pumpkins. For those who know Brennon you know he is a typical 1st born, very organised and neat. Never likes being dirty or things out of place. ( Since Lil B was born he hasn't been too happy with that aspect of our house. sorry Bren it will get better) He gets what we call the toys r us syndrome. Too many to decide. Well we stood in line to ride the wagon out to the fields and paid what was the equivalent to our car payment for pumpkins and boarded the wagon. The ride was fun and the kids had a great time. That is where the fun ended. We got out and looked up the mountain of pumpkins and we knew a melt down was going to occur sooner if not later. We walked and picked out Lil B's, helped Madi with hers and there was poor Brennon trying to pick out one. He looked at every one in that field before choosing with help and threats from Patrick. We were able to get some cute pictures and even a pumpkin or 3. We had fried pies, caramel apples and Bren had a hot dog- the boy is hungry all the time now. We then took our 3 pumpkins and walked the 3 miles back to our car carrying Braiden who grew tired of his stroller 2 hours ago and vowed the same thing we said last time we visited, that we were never coming back again.

From Braiden Wesley

Lil B's Party

2008-11-20T22:19:00.002-06:00

From Braiden Wesley

Lil B's party was a great day. We had family and close friends over to help us celebrate. We had a bunch of food and was able to sit around and talk with one another. The older kids played outside. The younger ones fought over the car. It was so cute to see the little ones play. Braiden didn't mind Jaxson in his car, he was just going to be in there with him. We laughed so hard at those two. It was a wonderful day and we enjoyed everyone. We love each of you and we thank you for being in our lives blessing it with your prayers and presence.

HighSchool Musical 3

2008-11-17T14:34:00.002-06:00

Madi got invited to a friends birthday party. It just happened that it was the opening night of HSM 3. Her mom asked if I could come and help with the party and take kids to the movie. Well little did she know every girl invited showed up. For those who don't know that was 23 girls. We had a great time. All the girls stayed and spent the night. I am so thankful for this group of girls they are all so sweet and there parents are also so great. Thank you Maria I had a wonderful time. This is important for our girls. You are a wonderful role model for Madi. Happy Birthday Mary Kate - We love you!!!

From Braiden Wesley

Zoo trip

2008-11-17T14:23:00.003-06:00

At the end of the summer we went to the Zoo. We had a fabulous time. Braiden loved all the cats. He kept saying Kiiiiittttty. Little did he know that kitty will eat you!
He loved the train and had a great time lookinf at the Lorakeets Madi and Brennon were feeding. He did not however like them on him.

From Braiden Wesley

Brennon's project.

2008-11-15T22:50:00.003-06:00

Brennon had to take a box and decorate it. We had the best time. We even had a card that played the music from Star Wars inside. He won 1 st place and the principal gave him a gotcha card... he was very proud.

From Braiden Wesley

My sweet baby is 1 !!!

2008-11-15T22:44:00.002-06:00

Braiden Wesley James turns one!!! October 5th

From Braiden Wesley

Happy Birthday baby, you make our hearts so happy. We feel so blessed to have you. You are a gift. I hope one day you understand how much you were prayed for and wanted. We love you so much.

Daddy lovin

2008-11-15T22:42:00.001-06:00

Loving on daddy's head....

From Braiden Wesley

Odd and end pictures

2008-11-15T22:27:00.002-06:00

From Braiden Wesley

Braiden with his shades on.

From Braiden Wesley

Braiden making a mess at dinner.

From Braiden Wesley

Braiden in his carseat, his eyes change colors depending on the day.

From Braiden Wesley

Braiden in the frig, he loves to help put things away, mostly he drags them out.

From Braiden Wesley

Braiden sleeping in our bed. I love having him in our bed in the mornings. He is so snuggly.

From Braiden Wesley

Braiden playing with his magnets on the frig.

From Braiden Wesley

B in his tub. He loves to just kick back.

From Braiden Wesley

B in his new chair. Such a little man.

From Braiden Wesley

Lil B in his car. He loves this toy. We take it everywhere. He will just sit as long as you push him. One day Brennon pushed him foe 2 hours and he still didn't want to get out.

Uncle Marty, Aunt PeyPey, and Lily Grace's visit

2008-08-22T22:15:00.002-05:00

We were so excited to have Uncle Marty Aunt Pey Pey and Lily Grace come to visit us and stay for a couple of days. We had the best time. I feel so bad that we don't see each other as much as we should. We loved it and are looking forward to next time.

Friday night Peyton and I went to Kids Mart. Marty may never let us go again. We shopped for 3 hours and had a great time. We got a ton of cute clothes and toys and even Halloween costumes for the kids. Lily Grace is set on Christmas outfits. Ho Ho Ho!!!

Saturday we took the kids to Sportsman Lake Park. We fed the geese some were very hungry and agressive. Braiden just looked and studied them. We rode paddle boats, road the choochoo and had a great time. It was overcast and not hot at all, in fact at times it was a little cool.
We then went to Rumors to eat yummy. Did a little window shopping.
We came home to rest and recharge- no luck neither child would nap. They kept wanting to go outside so we wentto SmithLake Park to let the kids run and play outside. The big kids played frisbe and the little one swang and went down the slides. We then went to eat Mexican food Yummy again.

We had a wonderful time and miss everyone soooo much.

A bug, a bathtub and a booty....

2008-08-22T22:08:00.002-05:00

Some random pics taken of Braiden.

Brennon holding a bug for Braiden to see. He wanted to grab that grassshopper so bad.

We have come a long way since our first days of screaming at bath time. He now lays back and chillaxes as Brennon says.

At nap time I couldn't resist this picture. He just looked so sweet tucked in like that. This is how he likes to sleep. I don't like it and will turn him over to his back.

I see you..

2008-08-22T22:04:00.002-05:00

We were playing one morning and Braiden was looking out the window and talking to the cat. I thought it was cute and tried to take a pic of it. He thought we were funny also I guess. These pictures came out kinda cute.

Sketty Baby

2008-08-22T21:58:00.002-05:00

Well Braiden likes spagetti. He had a great time eating it. We went straight to the bath after this.

You can see his bottom 2 teeth in this picture. We are now working on our top 2.

First day of school already...

2008-08-08T12:44:00.001-05:00

I can hardly believe school is back in session. We had such a great summer I hate to see it end.
Brennon is in the 4th grade and Madi is in the 2nd grade this year. One blessing is that they are at the same school this year. And their rooms are next to each other. That made Madi feel better. It is so sweet to watch when I pick them up. Brennon is taking care of her, holding her hand, keeping her from getting too close to the road, ect. He does love her!!!

Church Camp Utopia

2008-08-08T12:05:00.002-05:00

The kids went to church camp for a week this year. This was the first year that they spent the night. The years pat it had been day camp. They had a wonderful time and asked to go back next year. They made new friends and got to know kids from church better. They had worship every night. I was able to go to service Wednesday night along with Maw Maw. I was able to see my children get saved and make that important decision. It was a wonderful service.

Dawson, Brennon, Taylor and Madilyn Claire at church camp

Brennon on his top bunk in his cabin.

Brennon and his cabin councilors. They were wonderful....

Brennon's cabin

Madilyn's cabin

Taylor and Madi in their cabin

Madilyn and her councilors.

This picture was from Kids Fest at church. This was 70's night. They had a week of Kids Fest at church. The last week of July/August. It is similar to VBS but better. It was jammed packed with praise and worship, clowns, skits and special speakers. The adults enjoyed it as well. Tuesday night Maw Maw and Paw Paw came up to help out while I was at work. The kids really enjoyed it and are lookinf forward to it next year.

Beach fun

2008-08-08T11:28:00.002-05:00

We went to the beach the last full week of June. It was Braiden's 1st time at the beach and it was so much fun watching him and playing with the kids. Madilyn and me loved walking on the beach looking for sea shells. The few days we were able to get into the water we had fun riding the waves and the kids got body boarding down after a couple of waves. As for Lil B he loved napping on the beach. Any time we were on the beach he would fall asleep.

Braiden and Daddy floating in the ocean.

Daddy and Madilyn building a sand castle.

My sweet babies feet.

Here are some more odd beach pics.

Braiden eating sand.

Starting back....

2008-08-08T08:20:00.003-05:00

Well I thought I'd give it another try...
We had a very busy summer. We went to the beach for a week, the kids had church camp one week, Madi had dance camp one week. The rest was spent at the pool and playing at home. It was a real treat to have them home and to spend all my time with them. I miss them already and they have only been in school 3 days.

Dad and Janice at the Station House in Chatanooga.

Aunt Jami and Uncle Blake were there also.

Braiden eating Daddy's head.

PawPaw and Madilyn Claire on the train.

Maw Maw and Braiden on the cruise down the river.

Brennon and Madilyn Claire at Ruby Falls.

Braiden slept the whole time we were in the cave. While waiting in line to go up the elevator he woke up - go figure...

Christmas on the DreamCatcher Ranch

2007-12-30T22:40:00.000-06:00

On Dec 21 of each year my Dad's side of the family the Murray's get together at my Aunt Sharon's house. That was my MawMaw's birthday so we do our Christmas on that day to remember her. It is such fun. The kids play games, pass the pony, balloon relays, bingo's, we sing songs, play trivia, and guessing games. It really is so much fun being with one another. I look forward to it each year. Thanks Aunt Sharon for all your hard work it is a memory that my kids and I will cherish.

kids playing pass the pony

Madi and the balloon race

Murray family

Janice and James Murray MawMaw and PawPaw

Aunt Jami and Braiden

Big Girl Chloe walking already!!!!!

Brennon's Christmas Party

2007-12-30T22:34:00.000-06:00

This year of all years I'm B's homeroom mom. No one else would do it. So I was in charge of his party at school. We had an early brunch, did a picture frame craft and played a gift giving game. Everyone had a great time. The class picture.. how appropriate.

Smile and giggle

2007-12-30T22:29:00.000-06:00

One of your first smiles, now you smile a lot and have started to giggle. You even have dimples on your cheeks. Braiden and Mom can sit all day and talk to each other. Mom is pretty much worthless at this point.

Getting too big

2007-12-30T22:23:00.000-06:00

This was one of the last times Braiden slept in his bassinet. You are growing so fast. Now you sleep in your crib and do fairly well. You usually sleep from 9-10 till 2-3 wake up and eat go back to sleep till 6 or so. I don't mind though I cherish the time we have together, even at 3 in the morning.