Two shall become three

There we were, newlyweds, basking in the glow of marriage; I know you know what happens when you bask in the glow of marriage..... we got pregnant! Our first pregnancy, we were so excited. We hadn't even unpacked all my things from moving in, and our wedding presents were still spread all over the living room - which we had no furniture to fill, so we used it as a gift sorting, thank you writing room. I digress - there we were, pregnant. Then like so many pregnancy's we suffered our first miscarage.
We didn't run off and buy a puppy to fill a void, instead we ran off to Atlanta to try and get away for a few days, enjoy some time, and beer with one of my dearest friends.......they are dog lovers!!! For some reason or another the conversation would turn to their dogs, and how much they loved them.....and Alan persisted how much he wanted a puppy oh a sweet puppy. I stood firm - no way were we getting a puppy

Then one week later, still unpacking, Alan walks up to me holding this really old book - "how to train your Labrador retriever" He held it with a very pathetic look, and said "I've had this book since I was a little boy, just hoping and waiting until I could have my very own yard with my own Lab" I melted, I mean what did I know about anything, I'd never had a dog before - so to please my sweet wonderful husband I told him he could get a puppy.

He was on the phone within the hour and we were off to some farm in Mississippi in search for the perfect puppy. I mean really how can you tell what a perfect puppy is?? Alan said he wanted one that stood out from the rest, one that wasn't afraid of the others...... ummmmm, what were we thinking!

Alan took his time, walked around all the puppies watched them for that specific characteristic that he was after; then picked one. I grabbed him, again melted, put him in my lap and he slept on me the entire way home.

I did not give up blogging for Lent

Though my blogging has come to almost a snail's pace, I have not given it up for Lent. I just have nothing to say - and if you know me (and I'm sure all three readers know me) you know having nothing to say is a very rare occurrence. The thing is, I'm in a funk. I'm sure it has something to do with weening Abby and all those wonderful hormones that go with that, or selling our house, or Alan, poor Alan, working 60hrs a week and not getting to see his children. (The picture above brings warmth to my heart b/c this hasn't happened in a while) But I'm sure it has something to do with all the above.

I don't want sympathy, I'm fine - I'm tired, therefore I have nothing to say. I open up my homepage, look at my blog and nothing comes out - again I usually always have something to say, but not now.

Instead, I might begin a short blogging saga about good old Augie - he's somewhat interesting, and has destroyed enough things that I'm sure I have plenty of stories. Until then just know we're still here, cleaning and playing :) God Bless and have an amazing Holy Week!!

Nine years later......one sore body!

It's been nine year since my last college soccer game......wow, nine years! I still can't believe it. So this past Saturday I jumped at the chance to head back to Troy to play in an Alumni game. I got there and realized that the alumni would be playing the actual team....... I got a little nervous. Then I saw a much younger girl warming up in goal - I was relived that I would not have to play in goal; but then again - I'm not a field player

I had a great time laughing at myself with my old roommate Jen; I love this girl and miss her so much! It was old times for sure, the best was watching our children playing together - I guess that means we've grown up

Then the alumni played each other; which meant that this almost 30 yr old body, mother of two, who hasn't thrown herself on the ground in over 4 years had to play in goal (see Jen, I think she's laughing at me, knowing I'm going to hurt for diving on the ground)

I was a little tired

But I had a blast! Did I mention I was the oldest alumni on the field??? Hahahahaha, it was pure entertainment for all to enjoy!

The other member

Ahhh, Augie - I haven't blogged about him in awhile. Usually you just see him in the foreground of a picture, either eating something or licking somebody. If we speak on the phone, then you most likely hear me yelling at him! He's the "other" member of the family. It's really a love hate relationship, I love to hate him! I often say the only thing he has going for him is his good looks....... but sometimes it's more then just that.

When we first put our house on the market you might remember we sent him away; while he was gone I realized that my kids are messy! So I love him not only for his good looks, but also for his amazing food cleaning up skills - b/c dog hair is messy, but it doesn't stick on the floors like food!!
So here's to Augie, who at this present moment is barking his head off b/c I won't let him in so that my children can eat a snack in peace.....ahhhhhhhhh

Just another Sunday afternoon

Alan's been working a lot over the past few weeks. I shouldn't complain, at least he has a job; but sometimes it's hard to remember that when your son keeps asking where's daddy. But this post isn't about Alan's work It's about the precious time when he's home. This past Sunday was the Formula 1 race season kick off, something that Alan and Stephen have come to enjoy together. So when Stephen came running down the stairs and jumped on the couch with Alan to watch the race, I smiled and just let it happen.

I think Abby feels the way I do about racing.

What a difference a year makes!

Happy Birthday Abby!! Well, yesterday was her birthday, but today I'm blogging about it :) What a difference a year makes, and what a difference having two children makes!!

We have been so blessed in our marriage, there are just too many things to list here, but we thank God everyday for all he has given us and for the Grace to push through the tough times that only make us stronger!

But I most certainly want to acknowledge this amazing, beautiful, wonderful, peaceful, joyful, calm, easy-going little girl ;)

Stephen and Abby are almost polar opposites, and not in a bad way of course. I am just so amazed at how two children from the same mommy and daddy can be so different. From the moment Abby was born we could tell.

She's a very chill baby, I believe that's exactly how I described her on day one - just chill. Stephen is full of life and energy, lots and lots of wonderful red headed energy!

Not that Abby isn't, she's full of energy in a different way. She likes to sit back, watch, copy what Stephen does, and just learn quietly - unless I tell her no, then I see the Stephen.... (or should I say I see me) in her.

And yet I start to think, that maybe it's just all me - I mean let's think about for a minute. When I had Stephen I was still working full time, from home - I had no clue what I was doing.... AT ALL, I was stressed out that I didn't know what I was doing, why he was crying, why he wouldn't eat...... therefore, maybe I was the one full of energy

I'm not convinced though - Abby and Stephen are just different wonderful miracles of God. I am so thankful for this past year with my two wonderful children and I pray for the patience to be a better mama, the Grace to raise them in Christ and His Church

And the wisdom to stand back, enjoy them, allow them to be children, explore, make messes, and fall asleep on the kitchen floor before their birthday dinner!

Apple's anyone?

Sometimes we do things b/c we have to - bottom line we just have to. Sometimes we do things b/c we need to, and then sometimes we do things b/c we feel like they're the right thing to do. I'm not sure which one this story falls under. Yesterday we headed to the grocery store, and b/c I was physically tired and didn't want to carry Abby in the sling I became mommy motivated to use the grocery store as a learning opportunity. I mean why not - what could happen??

So Stephen and I went over the rules in the car before we got out, all seemed good to go. He stayed next to the buggy when we got in, we talked about what we needed to get and how he was going to help me...... Then he saw the apples. Next thing I knew he was eating one, then as I took that one and put it in a bag he got another one. Needless to say we had a very random variety of apples by the end of that trip. He did great after that! :)