Thankful for our Military

So today is the day that our country celebrates our independence! Like MANY other holidays I feel that it's meaning is lost in the "celebrating", at times even on me! When the thought of the 4th rolls around the first thing that comes to mind for everyone is....BBQs, fireworks, people partying and getting drunk..... The meaning behind this day gets lost!

I hate it!!

I didn't really grow up in a political family, or one with enlisted family members. Well, My Papaw was in the Navy, but not much is spoken about his career. I had an Uncle who passed away in 78 after I think fighting in the Vietnam war, and I had an Uncle by marriage who served in the Army, but he was stationed all over and it wasn't a presence in my life.

I am VERY grateful to the men and women who serve and protect our country.....and really everyone and everything I love! I think that anyone who is willing to sacrifice their time with their family, the births of their children, memories, their safety and even their lives to protect everyone else is just amazing!

I have a lil cousin who is a Marine. And let me tell you, he is a walking poster for the Marines. His passion and strength and devotion for the Marines is commendable. He really loves his country and is willing to fight and die for what he believes in! On his Myspace there is a picture of him with a huge grin and below it says "If you were A Marine at age 18, You'd be happy too..:)" I love it!

My cousin David....if you'd like to send him words of appreciation let me know and I can send you his Myspace info!

As a mom it is hard to imagine having your child so far away and really, in harms way. Not knowing if, when or in what condition you will see your child in again. As I write this my throat is swollen with a knot in it and I keep fighting away the tears. I really am amazed that there are such giving and brave people out there who would do anything for their country!

So, even though some will not remember why we are celebrating this holiday, I for one will be thinking of those serving us, those who have lost their lives or family members and those in the future that will do the same as those before them! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing what you do and being who you are! I know that my life and the life of my child is better because of all the sacrifices made by our service men and women! I hope that each of you know how special you are and always feel the appreciation you have earned and deserve!! Please keep up the good work and know that your dedication is not in vain!!

GOD BLESS!!

I Have Decided

I have decided that I'd rather be angry at someone that be hurt by them.

I have decided that no matter how good of a friend you are to someone, not everyone will feel a sense of loyalty to you.

I have decided that not every step on the way to your destination will be a good one, but it will always be worth the struggle!

I have decided that everyone makes their own decisions and has to live with them. No matter how bad I may think a decision is, everyone has to learn from their own mistakes!

I have decided that even though I know I am supposed to forgive people, it is really not in my DNA to do so! I do not enjoy being hurt and will not forgive so they can do it again.

I have decided that with all the great friends in my life, I need not worry about those that turn their back on me!

I have decided that I need to stop being upset at myself for always being there, and even sending my husband to help. I wish I could take it back, but that is the type of friend I am.

I have decided that my life is too full and busy to dwell on lost friendships and hurt feelings!

I have decided that all I can be is me. Love me or hate me, this is what you get! And truly, I'm a pretty good person and a really good friend!!

Signs of Aging ~ The Poop Blog

This will no doubt be one of my less attractive, non-flattering (of myself) topics to date.......

This morning, after showering, brushing my teeth, putting my contacts on, doing my make-up and my hair.....I walked into my room to get dressed and thought to myself, with a pause......."Did I poop yesterday?"



Okay, seriously?!?! Am I that old, really? Number one, do I already not remember something as trivial as a bowel movement from yesterday?? And secondly, at 31, how important is it that I poop every day or not!?

I guess I had to share because of all the 'make you feel old' or 'did I really just ask myself that' moments.....that has got to be an interesting one to say the least.

So here I sit, 9 am on a Friday. We are getting ready to head to a birthday party with playgroup and I am thinking about pooping! Ha!

So with the heavy question looming around my head I decided to try to figure out why exactly I asked myself such a trivial question. I know that at 16 or 21 or even 25, the query never came up (to myself of course) if I had yet pooped on a said day! I can only assume that as I have gotten older and been more aware of my body that this is now important. Where I once was able to feel like crap .....no pun intended....for a day from something so silly, I, as a mother cannot stop the world to wallow in a tummy ache. And truly, I guess I am old enough to know that being constipated or having my body contentious with me is never a winning battle!

So....my question to you is......have you made the poop today?!

On My Mind....

• Life is far too short! I have always known this, but got a huge reminder when I lost 3 family members over a course of 3 years. They were beautiful, strong women and I miss them!
• Don't Lie! If you care about someone, have the balls to tell the truth. I just don't have the room in my life for liars. I have turned my back on many people I truly care about for lying. And will continue to do so. Everyone who knows me knows I hate liars. So if you do it, you knowingly ruin our relationship!
• Family is always the first in line to screw you over it seems! Why is it the people you love and who are always supposed to be there for you will turn on you in a heartbeat?? Case in point - a sister who drives a car in her brother's name decides not to play the car note for 4 months. The car get repossessed and who is she mad at - her brother!! Seriously, you are old enough to know - you don't pay, they take away! And because of your irresponsibility you disown your brother! Sickening!
• Say what you mean and mean what you say!! This has become my mantra in the last year! So many people say things they never make good on. It's stupid. If I say I will be there, you'd better believe I will be there! How hard is it to mean what you say?!?!
• Why do people stand in the way of other's happiness because of their own selfish reasons?!
  
• Having a child in multiple activities is exhausting!! My hat goes off to those parents who have a few kids, each in a few different activities!! You are amazing!!
• I really hope Regan's love of dance is forever!! She is really good at it and I hope I can continue to help her stay interested and focused!
  

I guess thats all for now!

Dancing Queen

What does every dancing queen need for her own...........................






Her very own dance floor! And we cannot forget a mirrored wall to practice our new dance moves in!! lol

Since moving into our new house we decided that Regan would have her own little dancing area. She wear leotards, dress up clothes and tap shoes on a daily bases at home. She is definitely a dancer at heart!

Well, we finally set our plan into motion last week and she couldn't be happier! There have been many a "show" since everything was put together! And momma is happy that her tap, tap, tapping is staying more in her room and not all over the very loud, echoey ceramic tile! LOL

This is a costume I found at the ARC, cute, right?

And for your viewing pleasure, Regan taking a little spin on her dance floor!

Regan is Officially 5!

So yesterday, to my dismay, my little girl turn the big 5! She seems very ready to be this age! However, momma and daddy are still forever begging her to slow it down a bit. But, as usual time continues to pass and another milestone was hit!!

On Saturday of last week she celebrated said birthday with many, many of her friends!! I decided that making everyone suffer outdoors in the heat just wasn't fair. Especially since due to the lack of grass in our yard, a giant water slide like last year way out! So we booked her party at a Gym nearby. It went really well!! Even the adults were running around and playing with the kiddos!! It was actually hard to leave because everyone was having such a great time!!

Jessi, an amazing baker/friend of mine baked Regan's tiered cake.....Isn't it fabulous??


That E kept breaking on Jessi, but it was exactly what I wanted! I wish I had recorded Regan's reaction when she got to see her cake!! Definitely priceless!

I think she had a great day! Everyone close to us came to help her celebrate and I know it meant a lot to her! She loves her friends!!

Here are some pictures!!

Resting up before her big afternoon!

It was a great day! We are very blessed and our little girl is growing up before our eyes!!

Not in the Mood

I am just dumbfounded at how NOT in the mood to blog I am.......

It's weird! I am never at a loss for words, or a story or in the least, a handful of pictures! The truth is, life has taken my by the [balls?!] and is having it's way with me! We have our weekly dance class and T ball on top of the playgroup and school days. Plus the weekly dinner at Papaw's. And my mission of growing grass has been taking up about an hour a day....EVERY day!

I have been too lazy to post the pictures I promised, too lazy to organize the garage, my closet and the laundry room that I have had on my list for weeks. I have barely been able to keep up with the house and laundry for all the running around and everything in between.

I did manage to polyurethane my cypress swing outside. It was a nauseating chore, but I did it and it looks great!

This weekend will involve 2 birthday parties, a dance recital some crawfish and a trip to the skate zone. And somewhere in between I need to finish laundry, get the plants I bought in pots, finish cleaning up the back patio, continued watering of the lawn and........well if there is time I we will decide what I will make additional time for!

In other news Bub will finally be home - just the 3 of us on Tuesday! When he gets home we are getting family pictures and Regan's recital pictures taken. Then on Saturday my sister Shainah will be flying in! This makes me VERY happy!

So......if you do not hear from me this weekend, I am sure you'll understand why! :o)

And for your viewing pleasure, Regan on Mother's Day!