I am...

...exactly where I want to be.

I am married to a wonderful man, have two amazing children, a good home in a great neighborhood. I have close friends in all areas of my life. My family is close. We are active in our church, our neighborhood, our school. My boys have good friends and activities they enjoy. I know who I am and what I want. I don't have everything I want, but I have everything I need.

It's been a hard week for my family. I've worried and I've prayed. But, it's made me appreciate what I have. I don't think we tell the people in our lives what they mean to us nearly enough. We take our families & friends for granted. Especially our spouses. I know I can. I'm going to do better.

I'm madly in love with my husband, who also happens to be my best friend. I'm incredibly proud of my two boys. I'm happy. I'm going to remember that with all the bad stuff that's happening. And I'm going to remember to tell the people in my life how much they mean to me.

Fall

Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the start of a new school year. Meeting Garrett's new teacher, his new friends, their parents. I love the pre-school track meet and can't wait for Colby to participate. I love high-school and college football (you can have the Titans). It's the only place I'll eat a hot dog and the excitement level is great. I love Halloween and how excited the boys are about dressing up. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year. My birthday is also in the fall - so that may have something to do with it. Why is it that in March, when it's in the 50s, it's cold - but in November it's just perfect? I love the colors, sounds and smells of fall.

In order to renew yourself, you must shed the old. In order for spring to be so green, fall must come first. Maybe that's it for me. It's the purge before the new. Or maybe it's just all the stuff I love happens in the fall. Maybe it's because I don't like summer and fall means summer is over. I don't know - but I know it's coming and I can't wait!

Happy fall everyone!

Birthdays

Well, as of this month, my boys are 7 & 3. I'm so proud of both of them.

Garrett is 3 weeks into 2nd grade and all is going well. He's really starting to show some maturity. This morning, he actually got out of bed - that took a little prompting - and got himself completely ready and did all his morning chores - without constant reminding. He's still a momma's boy but he's pulling ever so slightly away and exerting his independence. One thing that comes with all that growing up is the smart mouth & eye rolls. Now, that, has got to go. That's when I think he's only 7 and I have, what, 10 more years to deal with that. I wonder if we'll all survive it.

Colby is officially a pre-schooler. Every morning he tells me he's going to the 'big boy class' when he gets to school. I thought that child was never going to go in the potty. But sometime in the last couple of weeks, the light went on and he finally started doing it. I no longer have a baby. He's started dressing himself, another thing I never thought he'd do. He's not slow, just lazy enough to want us to do it for him. He's trying so hard to be his big brother that he's growing up almost too fast.

Seven & Three...It's hard to believe, but not all that hard to accept. I want them to be where they are. I enjoy the ups & downs of every new age. I try not to wonder what the future has in store, just to enjoy where they are today. And to remember that they'll never be this age again.

Happy Birthday boys!

August

I hate August! As far as I'm concerned, only 2 good things ever came out of August. Their names are Garrett & Colby (my children). Really. I choose to live in the south - I don't want to be anywhere else, because this is home. But, come on. 104 degrees?! Triple digits for 10 days in a row?! My electric bill is going to cost me a week's pay. We don't even let the kids go outside for more than a few minutes. Even after dark, it's in the 90s. Hopefully, it won't last much longer.

I'm ready for fall.

Spring Fever

I feel the need to kill time at work today. Not sure why. Maybe it's just time for a break. I'm more focused than this. Usually. Everything is scattered and I can't seem to set my priorities - or even care about them. I used to hear this called spring fever when I was in school. I know teachers who dread the last 6 weeks of school - from spring break to Memorial Day - for this very reason. Maybe I'm just a pre-teen in a 34 year old's body. I honestly can't remember the last time this happened to me. And I can't bring myself to care enough to deal with it.

So there.

About Blogging...

To tell the truth, I'm not sure why I started this.

I have an account with another service where I communicate with a lot of my family and friends, post pics, soccer schedules, etc. I have an account with my university alumni association. My point being, that I already have websites to keep updated. Why add another one?

I don't really need to rant. Anyone that knows me, knows I'll tell you what I'm thinking, or at least I'll rant to my husband later.

I don't have a knack for making the every day things that happen at my house funny or dramatic. I'm not all that great at expressing myself in writing.

Since some of my family knows about this, I try to be careful about what I'm writing. Although, I'm not sure any of them have ever read it. Actually, I'm not tracking my stats, so I'm not sure anyone is reading it. Which is fine, because this was supposed to be just for me. But it makes it hard to decide what to write. There are some things I would rather people that know me not see. I know it could happen, I'm not exactly anonymous.

I say all this to say that I'm not sure what kinds of things I'll be posting here. If you're reading, say hi - and stay tuned...

I just want to say...

Hug your children extra tight every day - especially if it's been "one of those days".
And remember to pray for all the mommies & daddies who no longer have their children to hug.