10 days and counting...

Having one of my not so great days today. I had pictured in my mind a June Cleaver kind of wife with the clean house, clean well-behaved kids, dinner on the table and flowers set in the middle when Jon came home. I just realized...... I am NOT freaking June cleaver! It's been 10 days... I have cleaned up more pee puddles from the puppy than I care to count... Haven't had a complete nights sleep since Jon let.... And the taxi driver (that would be me) is seriously wearing out! I need a back up but he's not here so I just meander along. 

Took Trevor to school this morning... Smiles, talking, no problems... "love you Trevor" and off he went. Got home, pulled in the garage and get a text "help,I left my computer at home." I run in grab the computer and head back to the school to get there before it starts, I text him, tell him I'm there and he says he can't come outside. I then remind him that I'm in my pajamas! I run home, grab Connor and take him and the computer back to Trevor's school to deliver the computer. 3 trips to the middle school in 15 minutes. What a start to the morning! Good thing, tho, was that after a few more snafus, the day got better and I got to go on a field trip with my sweet boy and his 3rd grade class. Love spending time with that boy!

Where does the time go?

It is sometimes amazing to me how we think a particular day takes forever to pass. Then, when we really think of it, we realize that the last 5 years passed just as quickly as the day. It seems the older I get, the faster time goes!
I was looking through my blog tonight- some old videos and such. What great memories I have posted here. It definitely helped me want to be better about keeping this thing updated- a hope I've had on more than one occasion and yet I've never been very good about it.
Jon is still out of town- been gone a week now. It is definitely difficult to get used to him not being here. Sometimes I feel as though we are building a life without him, a little crazy I know, but then I've been accused of worse! I definitely have a new found respect for military wives and I don't have to worry about my husband being in an active war zone. They deal with their husbands being gone for months at a time, not just days or weeks.
The kids are keeping busy here in NC and thus, so am I. Meghan is dancing, Connor is busy with soccer, Trevor does band. We found a great church here that I really like- The Cove Church, and Trevor is active in the youth group.
Pray that our house sells in MS- that would definitely take a load off!

Clinton Third Graders Present.....................

Trevor had his 3d grade play today and did a really great job. The play was about saving the Rain Forests and I was really proud of him. He even remembered his lines without having to read too much!! The whole group did a really good job- it definitely showed that they have spent a lot of school hours practicing!

The video shows one of Trevor's parts-- of course it also shows the backs of people's heads as I'm trying to contain Connor and record the video at the same time!

The Lucky One

My sweet little boy got baptized tonight. At 9 years old he made the decision to follow Christ and have his sins washed away. He decided to allow everyone to know that he is a Christ follower. Wow- at 9. This little boy brings such joy and pride to my life. He goes at everything with a passion. He is persistent in what he wants- even if I don't necessarily agree. We went to church this morning, he went to Cove Kids and I went and listened to the lesson. He came out of Cove Kids immediately wanting to get baptized and I told him I wasn't sure he was ready, his Daddy wasn't there to watch... the boy had answers for everything. I told him I wanted him and me to have a chance to talk about baptism and what it meant and we left...... for a while.
It was time for the 6 pm service and I had to take Trevor to work production. I asked Connor if he wanted to go listen to the speaker who happened to be talking about baptism and he jumped at the chance. We went to church and I could see the excitement building in him-- excited to learn about Christ and baptism. It was so nice to see him excited about Christ. He listened intently at all the speaker had to say- he even laughed at funny times which let me know he really was listening. Then the speaker asked us all to close our eyes and asked us to say a prayer with him and ask Jesus into our lives. We prayed. Then he asked if there were those who needed to follow on their path of obedience to Christ and get baptized. We prayed. Then he asked for all those who prayed either of those prayers to raise their hands and I immediately felt Connor hand go up beside me. They were told to raise them a little higher and Connor was about to jump out of seat. He finally said he was going to count to 3 and everyone that had raised their hand was to go immediately to the back of the church and there would be people there to pray for you. One..... Two..... Thr.... Connor jumped up and went. I waited a few moments thinking someone was praying with him to solidify his decision and then I went out looking for him. He was standing in the line to get changed for baptism. He was so sure of his decision that he begged me to sign the form.... so I did.
What a proud moment to watch your child get baptized. Such a big step in their life. This is when my story changes. I AM THE LUCKY ONE! Since we've been here in North Carolina, Jon has done a lot of travelling and I have really struggled with it. Struggled to the point that I'm sure he would call me a less than supportive wife. I have asked on several occasions when he would be home and why was it taking so long. How in the world was I going to do this parenting thing by myself. I have unknowingly made him feel bad that I was sitting at home sad. NO MORE.
I am the lucky one.  I got to sit front and center tonight and watch my sweet boy make one of the most important decisions of his life. I got to be there with a smile on my face and my camera just clicking away!! I got to see him look for me the moment he was brought out of the water searching my face for pride and approval (both of which he saw in spades!!)
My sweet, hard working husband got to watch a video in Kentucky. He saw the smiles and was unable to smile back. He got the phone call but no hug. He had to miss this because he is gone supporting his family making sure we are financially taken care of.
Although overwhelming at times, I get the blessing and joy of being the mom-- ALL the time. I get to see the things they do every day, I get to give hugs and kisses.... and yes, discipline. I get to make sure that my children do not miss out because their dad can't be home-- I will step in if I have to because that's my job.
I'm not perfect, I'm sure I will complain again but I'm hoping this is a turning point for me. Because, with the love of my kids and a hardworking husband, I truly am the LUCKY ONE!!

And It Begins......

We are officially here and partly unpacked. It's strange to think that Jon and I started our married life on the other side of the country. Now, 15 years, 3 more kids and 2 states later, we are residents of North Carolina.

Our home is different now. It's really strange, weird and sad not having Kyle here with us. I miss him. He drove me crazy sometimes, he made me mad and sometimes even hurt my feelings, but that boy has always had a huge piece of my heart and I miss him very much. I keep hinting to him that he needs to move here so maybe some day!

The kids are adjusting... I really hope they meet some kids soon because they are bored. They're spending LOTS of time together and all moms know how that works after a while!

Please keep praying for us and pray that our house in MS sells soon!

We are here!

I really hope that North Carlona welcomes us because we are here. I meet the cable people at the house tomorrow for TV and Internet and the furniture is being delivered Friday. Our weekend will be spent unpacking and then Jon goes on his first business trip. There is a lot to see here and the kids and I will definitely stay busy! 

Keep praying that our house in MS sells!

A new beginning

Well, we are officially starting a new chapter. We are out of Mississippi and will move into this house on Friday. Jon started his new job and seems to like it so our adventure is off to a good start. Keep praying for us and for a smooth transition!

Halfway There...

Jon, Trevor and Meghan left today. Our new adventure has officially begun. It seems strange. 

Connor and I are hanging out thinking of all the stuff we are going to miss -mostly people- and remembering different things we've done in this house.

The tears have already started. Goodbyes are hard, I truly don't like them. There are lots of people here I've become close to and I'm dreading losing that. Alas, duty calls and my home is where my family is and half of them are already back east.

Are we there yet??

I'm feeling rather overwhelmed today. I'm getting anxious, the kids are getting anxious, and it's raining outside. Not a good combination! We are all getting on each other's nerves. 

The house is ready for us. Jon and my mom walk through on Sunday and get the keys. The kids are really excited to see it and start their lives in North Carolina. I won't get to see it until Wednesday or Thursday- the movers should load up on Monday and then I'll leave here. On Thursday, the people are coming to set up our Internet, phone and TV. I get to sit in an empty house from 8-5! 

Please keep praying for us and PRAY our house sells!!

Stress.....

It's a good thing I know my husband loves me because right now, we don't like each other all that well! We are both so stressed about the move and him starting his new job that we are snapping at one another. I'm trying to be extra nice to the kids because they're getting nervous and he's snapping at them-- we've kind of gone to different extremes. I guess that levels it out but it doesn't make life to easy!

Jon and the kids leave Saturday- crazy to think we won't live in this house anymore. Jon and I have lived longer here as a married couple than any other place. This is the only house Connor even knows-- it's going to be a huge adjustment for everyone.

The movers come on Sunday to start boxing things up and then they'll load on Monday. I'll take off out of here shortly after that. There are so many people I'm going to miss and I know the tears will be flowing as I drive out of town! 

Please continue to pray that our house sells- it will be one of the last major stressors in our new adventure!

Getting closer....

The big move is less than a week away. Things are falling into place so I know that God has a plan. We have found a house (YAY!) and the kids are getting more excited- even Connor is coming around.

We will be welcoming a new member to our family- NO not a baby- Abby, our new German shepherd,will be picked up our first weekend in North Carolina. I'm excited and the kids are over the moon!

Trying to wrap things up in Mississippi-final doctor appointments, last orthodontist appointment, the kids' new glasses- getting prepared to leave. I'm at the doctor now- total of 65 pounds lost! Yay!

Keep praying for us please!

Moving East....

When things happen, I write. If I don't, I tend to dwell on them and make huge, gigantic mountains out of m&m size ant hills.
We are moving....... again. Not just down the street but 4 states over. That means we have moved from California to Texas to Mississippi and now to North Carolina. Jon got a great job that he's really excited about. It's nice to see him excited about work-- but nerve wracking, too, because he was, once upon a time, excited about Batesville as well.
The kids are another story. Kyle will be going to Ole Miss in the fall- and although I would like to demand that he go with us (and I can't say I won't try) I just don't see that happening. There's a certain "mommy failure" at play- sending him off to college with no where for him to come home for the weekend. Having a hard time with that.
Trevor and Meghan are both excited about moving. Connor, on the other hand, is sad. He has made some really good friends here and he's scared to leave them. He's afraid he won't make new friends. For those that know him well, you know this is not likely because he is extremely outgoing and makes friends quite easily BUT it still hurts my heart to upset him.
Then...... there's me. I've lost 55 pounds in the last 9 months. I had lost 40 before we moved to Mississippi and gained 60 of it back!! I tend to fall into a nervous depression when my world turns upside down- not sure why as we moved a lot when I was a child but, alas, it happens anyway. And I eat....... and eat....... and eat some more. Sadly, it's comforting.
Please pray for us- ask that we transition into our new lives easily and comfortably. Ask that I handle things well and can just be excited for my husband and not selfish just for me. After all we are just moving East......

All about the journey.....

My weight loss journey has been trekking along for about 5 months and I'm down almost 40 pounds. I'm pretty sure it didn't take 5 whole months for me to put on those 40 pounds!! Nor was it has difficult- eating a piece of chocolate cake is much easier than 30 minutes on the elliptical or 1 hour in zumba class, but, such is the world of weight loss.
I started exercising, a lot, in January- the 8th of January to be exact. I know it helps with weight loss and it has helped me a lot BUT I don't like it! So many people talk about how "fun" it is or how it helps them relieve stress, stay calm, etc. I HATE it! I always laugh in zumba during one song that the music dies down and the lyrics say "y'all havin' a good time?" My instructor gets really into this part and screams the words along with the lyrics. Lots of people in class scream "YEAH" or words about the same. I really want to scream "HELL NO!" I'm sweating (literally dripping), my muscles hurt, my lungs are crying, I'm breathing heavy and want some water that I can't drink or I will throw up!! Of course, I'm not having a good time. But the most important thing is I'm doing it.... I'm working out. I want to watch my kids grow up and have family's of their own. I want to watch my grandson hit all those milestones that all grandparents love to watch. I know this will not be AS possible being overweight.... so I'm committed to changing, even if I don't like it.
Jon and I are going on a cruise on May 26- I'm really excited and this has helped push me to push harder. I want to feel comfortable with what I wear and I want to wear a "little black dress."
So for my kids, and for my cruise, I will continue on this journey that I've started. I continue to set goals, and so far I've been reaching them which helps with setting the next one. My husband is very supportive and encouraging which I'm very grateful for...... he gives me the time to go to zumba and never complains.
The journey will continue....... if there's one thing I've learned, weight loss is all about the journey and not the destination- hopefully embracing this will make this a one way journey and one I won't have to face again!

A Work in Progress

3 posts in the New Year! Not Bad!! LOL
2013, as with any year, started with some New Year's Resolutions for me. Jon and I are going on a cruise at the end of May so, my biggest, was to lose some weight and buy a "little black dress."  So far, I've held pretty steadfast to that resolution. I've been working out 5-6 days a week- have even gotten to where I can last 20 minutes on the elliptical and on Day 1 I only lasted 8.
At Weight Watchers this week, I lost 3 pounds. Nothing to write home about (or blog!!) but I was still proud. I've been really liking the program because it allows me to eat whatever I want- if I'm willing to give up the points for it. Saturday night I even went out with some friends and had a daquiri, cheese dip and tortilla chips and salsa- yep, still lost 3 lbs!!
Another of my resolutions is to work on me in general. I tend to be a home body- I can sit in my house all day and not think a thing of it. Problem is, I tend to lean a little towards depression and spending day in and day out by myself does not help that issue. I haven't been very good with this resolution but, as they say, I'm a work in progress.

weight no more

Weight.... I never knew what a bad word that was when I was a kid. I've fought with my weight since I was 22- up and down on the proverbial rollercoaster. Well, in the last 6 months,  I've lost 25 pounds. I started to the gym last week and today I ventured into my first weight watchers meeting. I don't want my life to revolve around my weight- don't want the kids to look back and remember a fat mom. Oh, I know, I have a thyroid that doesn't function- at all- but I think I've used that as a crutch for too long. I'm going to go through my journey via blogging- not really for anyone but me to see but if it helps someone else, then great.
Of course,  I won't be posting numbers except for hopefully pounds lost. I think I'm on the right track!!

Tackling Mountains

Well, it has been forever since I've "blogged." One of my resolutions this year is to be better about updating- if nothing else except to allow me to look back at the memories that are posted.
Last night, I was watching Kyle's basketball game at the church. There was a scuffle- nothing major, just some pushing "man stuff" and my first thought was "don't you mess with my kid!!" Now- being that Kyle is going to be 21 in just a few months and stands a whole foot taller than me, it is easy to see that he is much better equipped to defend himself than I would be. But yet, that was my first instinct. I even jokingly said aloud, "don't mess with my kid.." Of course Jon just laughed- and well, Ashleigh (Kyle's longtime girlfriend) cracked up while saying "I don't know you."
My question is: when do we stop feeling the need to tackle mountains for our kids?? The answer, of course, is NEVER. I know a few people who have lost loved ones this week- one very strong lady lost her daughter. She is in a position that I hope to never be in and my heart breaks for her. What happens to the mom when she is forced to stop attempting to tackle mountains?  Well, the answer is FAITH. We have to have faith in the promises of God. We have to have faith that we have taught our children these promises. We have to have faith that we have raised our children in such a way that they are equipped to tackle their own mountains. And, when there is nothing else, we have Faith that God is with us helping us through the dark paths- that's what happens to the mom. She becomes, again/still/forever, a child of God and allows him to tackle the mountains for her- at least for a little while.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5