Month in Review: February 2019!

Rachel had awards day at school, and she got AB Honor roll!! She has been doing so great in 4th grade so far, and has stayed on the honor roll consistently. She also made Citizen of the Month!! We were surprised on that one. She asked me what is a good citizen?? LOL. I really am proud of her though, she is a sweet kid and helpful and kind to others. 

After 3 long years, Brooke got her braces off!!! The reason she got them on at such a young age was that they said we needed to correct her jaw shape. It was a V shape instead of the normal U shape, and pretty misaligned. You can tell from the pictures it really did make a big difference in her jaw and her smile. She was so happy to finally be able to eat taffy and popcorn again. She has to wear a retainer for awhile now, but it is the clear slip in kind, rather than the metal kind I had as a teen, so not too bad! 

Arnold and I have found our home church! It was one of my goals this year and it is now accomplished! I grew up Methodist and so switching over to Baptist made me a teeeeny bit nervous, but they really aren't that different! Although Baptists don't celebrate Lent, Ash Wednesday and giving something up leading up to Easter! Who knew?! Anyway, we officially became MEMBERS the other week, and we are thrilled. We have met a lot of amazing people already.

Arnold has become part of the praise team! Every few weeks he gets to get up on stage with the other musicians and play guitar! The kids and I have gotten a big kick out of watching him. We're like his own little fan club ;) The first day he played he was blushing on stage and so nervous, but I think he's getting the hang of it now! 

We have been really great about going to church every Sunday, and getting back into the swing of things. I have had to get out of my comfort zone a little and wear dresses, leggings, etc. to church on Sundays. We came from a very laid-back, casual church before, so I was used to wearing jeans! And I know it doesn't technically matter what you wear to church, but I was always taught you dress up nice for Church out of respect ;) Poor Rach isn't loving the dresses either, shes more of a tomboy these days! ;)

What do you do when you get your braces off?? Go out to celebrate and eat cheesecake of course! You think she would have picked something with caramel or nuts, something she wasn't supposed to have while she had braces. But she was happy with plain ol strawberry cheesecake! It was ok because I got to finish what she didn't eat ;)

I have gotten back into reading on a regular basis this year, and I still prefer a good old-fashioned book to a kindle, so one weekend I went out searching for a new book to read. I had heard great reviews on "Where the Crawdads Sing" and so I picked it up. Well it lived up to the hype-- I loved it!! It actually will probably be added to my list of all-time favorite books! It's somewhat of a mystery, but the actual story is just really good and sucked me in. I stayed up one evening really late and had to finish it! Then I loaned it to my friend Kim. And she loved it too! Now my mom has it and I think she'll enjoy it as well! 

We had a tree cut down in our yard last month. It was the pecan tree in our front yard. Arnold had been saying for a while that it was unsafe and the way it was positioned in front of our house, it would have been dangerous if we had a bad storm or something, and it fell on our house. Luckily our neighbor across the street cuts down trees and he gave us a great deal! We made it a family affair afterward and had everyone pitching in to clean up all the limbs and sticks in the yard, because it was a mess! I know it's silly to get so emotional over a tree, but I hated to see it go. We often took pictures of the kids in front of that tree. 

Brooke has been growing her hair out for a long time, and everytime I suggest cutting it, she fights me on it and says that she looks soo much better with long hair and she would never cut it. But there have been so many frustrations and tears over knots that would constantly get in her hair, and she eventually agreed to go get some cut off. So although it wasn't drastic, she did get a few inches cut off and the split ends are gone, and it looks so much better. 

That same day we were at the mall getting Brooke's haircut, we stayed at the mall for awhile, doing some shopping, and the kids had to stop for soft pretzels and lemonade! My mom used to always get me a pretzel when I went to the mall with her as a kid :)

Our poor Rachel got the FLU last month!! We got a call from school one day saying she had a fever. Arnold took her to the dr and sure enough, she had flu! A few days later, Brooke got the flu also! Our house was full of germs for days! I am SO happy and confused as to how Arnold, Caleb and I didn't catch it, but thankfully we stayed healthy! And this all happened over Valentine's, so we didn't have much fun this year! And Rachel missed her class party! :( But her teacher was sweet enough to save all the valentines and candy she got and bagged it up for her when she got back :)

One day while Brooke was at a friend's house, we took Caleb and Rachel to Udderly Delicious for Icecream! We love going there, the icecream is the best! I usually get cookies n cream in a waffle cone. They also have the best icecream cakes for birthdays and special events (hint hint Arnold ;) 

2019 Resolutions & Goals

1. Find a church home and get involved
We are in the process of this right now. We have found a church we really like, and we actually know a lot of people that go there. We have been between churches for awhile and I hate to admit it, but we didn't attend church as much as I would have liked this past year. We are ready to change that. At this new church, Arnold has already gotten involved with the praise band and will play some sundays. I will probably end up helping in the children's ministry, because let's be honest, that's what I'm good at ;) Arnold and I also plan to join a small group, and we want Brooke involved with the youth group.

2. Go on a date every month with Arnold
Arnold and I are already pretty good about going out on dates once a month. It really is important to spend one-on-one time with your spouse if you can. Even if it's to do something simple. Thankfully our parents live close by, so they have always helped out with the kids. I know it's hard when you don't have family nearby to babysit. I think our March date will be to go see the new Madea movie.. I can't wait!

3. Get more organized.
I'm ready to Marie Kondo the heck out of this house. I read her book a long time ago and loved it, but I never really did any of her steps. Now the Netflix show is a big hit, and I'm watching it. It's giving me the itch to be organized. I have always been horrible at being organized. I did clean out a few of Rachel's drawers the other day, got rid of some old clothes, and neatly folded her things. I found out two things-- I love being able to see everything when it's all neatly stacked in the drawer. And that girl has WAY too many pairs of pajamas. I'm ashamed to even write the number I counted. Arnold says I have a problem.

4. Read 75 books. 
I am already on my 9th book for this month. But that is not the norm. I usually read a little less than that a month. I spend way too much time on social media and my phone than I should. I could be spending that time reading. I help out at work with toddler naptime, and IF they all go to sleep that day, I get to read for awhile, which is awesome. Anyway, I am going to make my goal 75 books this year... we will see if that really happens. I need to still blog about my book review for everything I read last year.

5. Get my anxiety under control.
Yes most of you know I have *horrible* anxiety and have since I was a kid. I have learned to manage it a little better over the past few years, but I am going through a rough patch lately. I have been dealing with some things, seeing a therapist sometimes and adjusting some things with my medicine. I'm not ashamed to say these things, either. So many people suffer with mental issues and it's nothing to be ashamed of. I actually probably will blog sometime about my struggles with it. I know I am not alone!

6. Do family and couple devotions.
We used to be pretty good about doing devotions with the kids every night before bed, since we were reading books to them anyway. We've slacked off some but I want to get back into the habit. Especially now that the kids are getting older, dealing with new issues and things, and I want them to have a solid faith and positive home life so hopefully they make good decisions when they aren't with us. Arnold said he wants us to start some couple devotions, too. We've never done those together, but I think it'd be fun!

7. Write more blogs.
I love to write. Always have. Even if it's something simple and I know noone will ever read it. I have enjoyed blogging for the past 10 years. I use it as a way to remember things we did, kindof like a family journal. And sometimes I use it for theraputic purposes.. it always makes me feel better to write things out. I used to blgo a lot more when I was a stay-at-home mom, but since I started working I've slacked off. I want to start again though, so I'm going to try my best.

8. Be a better friend.
One of the things I pride myself in is being a good and loyal friend. When I become friends with someone, I am there... to have fun, listen, spend time, and whatever you need. I keep secrets, plan fun things to do together, and pick out special gifts, even just because gifts. Anyway--- I feel like this past year or two, starting to work so much and also dealing with some anxiety, I haven't been the greatest friend. And to those of you out there reading this that I know are my good friends-- I need to say I'm sorry. If I haven't messaged enough... asked enough about how you are doing... planned enough girls nights... I really do care and you guys mean the world to me. I plan to be better this year. Starting with a fun GNO in February! ;)

9. Be more active.
At the end of the day I'm just plain exhausted. I don't want to do much but sit around and rest. But I know that getting outside and walking is for the best, and I plan to do that more as a family this year. Ok maybe not RIGHT NOW when it's freezing cold, but at least soon... as it gets towards Spring time ;)

10. Make me a dental and yearly dr appointment. 
As I am a naturally anxious person, I'm sure you can understand that I absolutely HATE GOING TO THE DENTIST AND THE DOCTOR. Hate it with a passion. I get nervous, I get embarassed, I just hate everything about it. Luckily I have been blessed with not a SINGLE CAVITY my whole life. How that is possible, I don't know. BUT, I do know that I still need to go to the dentist more often, and go get those dreaded woman checks we are supposed to have. I'm behind on both, so I need to just bite the bullet and call and schedule these appointments. I know I'll hate it, but I know my body/teeth will thank me!

A Look Back at 2018!

1. What did you do in 2018 that you have never done before?

-Got my nose pierced (didn't last long!)
-Rented a car (for our disney trip)



2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions and will you make more for 2019?
I wanted to lose some weight and lost about 12 lbs. Not much, but it's a start.


3. Did anyone close to you give birth in 2018?
Surprisingly, no! My cousin found out she is pregnant, though.


4. Did anyone close to you die in 2019? 
Thankfully NO! But our sweet dog Charlie died :(

5. What states/countries did you visit this year?
Georgia and Florida. Caleb went with his Grandparents to Missouri. 

6. What would you like to have in 2019 that you lacked in 2018?
Condidence and Patience-- that is what I'm always lacking! 

7. What date from 2018 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Mothers Day was the day we watched our sweet Charlie die. It was so sad. 
On a happier note-- the day we walked into the Magic Kingdom with the kids! 


8. What was your biggest struggle in 2018?
My anxiety flared up pretty badly again and Ive had some struggles.

9. Did you suffer any illness or injury in 2018?
I fell and hurt my ankle pretty badly.. ended up at the hospital but thankfully it wasn't broken!


10. What was the best thing you bought this year?
A new car!

11. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Rachel did amazing at school! She made honor roll all year and made amazing scores on her End of grade tests! 

12. Whose behavior disappointed you?
My ex-sister in law. Man that girl went crazy insane. And really hurt a lot of people. 

13. Where did most of your money go?
Probably to bills, food, and Christmas gifts

14. What did you get really really excited about this year?
Our trip to Disney World and paying off some big debt

15. What song will always remind you of 2018?
"If It's Meant to Be".   Good gracious I heard that song way too much.

16. Compared to this time last year, are you: much happier, much nicer or richer?
I feel about the same-- we are a little more well off now that my job now pays more. 

17. What do you wish you had done more of? 
Spent more quality time with the kids.. a lot of the time were were working or so tired FROM working.


18. What do you wish you had done less of?
Probably should have spent less time on social media! 

19. Did you fall in love in 2018?
More in love with Hubby ;) hehe

20. What was your favorite TV Program in 2018?
My favorite new show I watched was The Good Doctor

21. What was the best book you read this year?
When We Were Young by Karen Kingsbury 

22. What was your greatest musical discovery this past year?
I got more into country music, and especially Eric Church. Thanks to my coworkers ;)

23. What did you want and get?
New floors in the living room!

24. What was the best movie you saw this year?
Kids Movie- Incredibles 2.. but also Christopher Robin. I LOVE Winnie the Pooh! 
Adult Movie- Mama Mia 2

25.What did you do on your birthday and how old did you turn?
I turned 33. Went out to dinner with some friends, and mom made homemade lasanga for me like she always does!

26. What one thing would have made your year more satisfying?
To have been able to get new kitchen floors, but we used too much money paying off debt! 
27. How would you describe your personal fashion statement this year?
Mostly khakis and polos, I am always at work!

28. What kept you sane this year? 
Jesus, anxiety meds, hubby :)

29. What celebrity did you fancy the most? 
The girls got me into Cole and Savannah Labrant, they are youtube celebrities.

30. Who did you miss this past year?
My brother and nieces who are in Florida!!!!

31. Who were the best new people you met this year?
Sylvia and Briana who became co-workers of mine! :)
32. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned this year:
Things can change in an instant, so value every moment you have. 

December and Christmas 2018!

Early in the month of December we got some snow!! We don't get a lot of snow in NC, so it's always a big deal around here. We also got WAY more than we usually get, around 12-14 inches in our area. The kids and I aren't huge on the snow, so we took a few pictures and mostly stayed inside. But it did make the backyard look beautiful! I got a day off of work from it, so that was nice! And the kids got practically a whole week off. Our town practically shuts down when there's snow, no one knows how to handle it ;) We were so lucky we didn't lose power though, so many of our friends and family did! 

The month of December we made a lot of weekend shopping trips to buy presents! Rachel went with me most of the times, and we always had to stop by to get some treats. Sometimes it was hot chocolate from Starbucks! 

We went to see the new Grinch movie and it was so cute! And yes I really do have more than one child. but Rachel is the only one who lets me still take a lot of pictures of her! The other two are grumpy preteens these days. 

One of Rachel's favorite things to do is draw. She decided to draw some pretty Christmas themed pictures, and gave some to me and Arnold. Arnold took his to work and taped them up outside his cubicle, I thought that was really sweet. And Rachel felt proud ;) 

We did our week of Secret Santa at work. My friend Scottie had my name. I wasn't sure who mine was, but halfway through the week I started getting suspicious because of how she was always interested in what I had gotten that day ;) The first day she got me some cute owl ornaments! I collect owl stuff, so that was perfect. The next day she got me some butterfingers and funyuns, so it was a nice snack that afternoon at work. Wednesday she got me a big pack of diet cokes. Which Arnold and the kids stole from me! Thursday she got me some body sprays and cute fuzzy socks. And on the last day which was the big gift, she got me a Chick Fila giftcard, and some monogram earrings, all in a CUTE pineapple basket filled with chocolates! She did GREAT and I am thankful for all my stuff!!! :) 

This year we had planned to go to the mountains to pick out a Christmas tree, but we never made it. So we bought one down the road at Foodlion. Sometimes they have good, full trees, but this year it was a dud! I told Arnold how ugly it was, and I seriously wanted to cry because it was skinny, had bare spots, and a few branches even broke right off. But we made do with it and I learned my lesson-- next year we WILL be headed to get mountains to get a good tree! ;) 

Brooke had moved up to WOMENS size clothes! I can't believe it. At Old Navy they had some really pretty shirts I thought would be nice to wear to Christmas events, and when she saw mine she liked it. So I offered to get her the same one. I figured she'd say that was lame because we'd be matching, but to my surprise she loved it! We had to take a matching picture! Aren't we cute sisters?! ;) I always joke that I hope I age well so one day maybe people would mistake us for sisters ;) I'll only be 38 when she graduates!!!!

We had a wonderful time at Arnold's cousin's annual Christmas party. So much of Arnold's family comes over to her house and we have a big meal and it's a lot of fun. This year Beth made homemade lasanga and it was delicious! Rachel picked out the most adorable dress this year to wear, and she looked like a little candy cane! Everywhere we went people commented on how cute she was. I will miss it so much when she doesn't dress "cutesy" anymore! Anyway, I think we all looked pretty good.. even Arnie wore a tie! ;) The kids got some sweet presents, and racked up on some cash to pick some stuff out at the store, which they love doing! 

Max thought he would be my helper this year when I was wrapping gifts! Everytime id get started on one, hed come running and jump onto the paper and sit there. I had to end up putting him in the bedroom so I could finish! I started wrapping the presents and Arnold finished the ends, which I hate to do! 

Christmas morning was so much fun... we had picked out a lot of fun gifts for the kids this year. Not pictured is Brooke, who got a new cellphone. She was on cloud 9. I got a video of her opening it up. Arnold and I braved the black friday crowds to get a great deal on that phone, so I told her shed better take good care of it! She DID use her own money to buy a nice case for it, so that made me happy!!

Rachel still loves dolls and toys, which I love. This year might be the last year of buying stuff like that, so I MIGHT have went a little overboard! She ended up with a few new dolls, a Hatchimal, LOL dolls, a Fingerling panda, and all kinds of the "trendy" toys right now. One thing I got her, she was surprised she got and said she didn't even know what it was. I told her well you circled it in the toy catalog! And she said she basically circled everything! Oops! Oh well, it was fun. Arnold is just frustrated with all the little pieces around the house from all her playsets, so we have to get them organized! 

Caleb mostly wanted Xbox stuff, like games and a new controller. He also got some new Cuddleduds sheets for his bed (the SOFTEST!!) and a few other things, and of course, NEW BOOKS! He actually likes to read like I do. The girls do not really care for it :(

Arnold and I said we weren't going to exchange gifts this year, but of course he surprised me with a few things! He even wrapped them up and stuck them in my stocking.. he is so sweet. He got me a matching necklace and earrings which were a greenish stone, my favorite color! They are so pretty. And some penguin fuzzy socks. AND a 2lb Reeses pack! Those reese cups were HUGE and I couldn't finish even one in a sitting.. I felt sick after all the peanut butter. But I loved everything he got, he is so thoughful! 

Later on Christmas day we went to mom and dads house for lunch and presents. Brooke and Caleb got new hoodies. Rachel got more LOL doll stuff. I got new leggings and a Barnes and Noble gift card (Ive already bought 2 new books with it!!) I got my mom some Soma pjs, a photo calandar of the kids from this past year, and a book called Letters to Mom that I filled out for her. She said she has already read it several times and just loves it. It is filled with memories and inside jokes and everything.. I think my dad was a little jealous! I'll have to buy the Letters to Dad version for him for Fathers Day! Anyway, if you need a sentimental gift for someone, check them out on Amazon! They have versions for all family members, and teachers and friend, etc! 

Rachel recently got a new shirt that said Me plus Dad equals Awesome Squad and that is what she wanted to wear, even though it wasnt Christmas themed at all! She wanted to take a picture with her Daddy, and I guess they think they are all that ;) 

Mom of course made her FAMOUS HOMEMADE LASANGA for Christmas lunch! There is nothing btter in the world! Dad picks on me for taking so many pictures for Facebook and my blog.. he says no one cares what we are eating!! So I take a picture of her cooking at every holiday now as a joke ;) 

Later on that afternoon we went to my Grandpas house to visit for awhile, and then that night we didn't have anything to do, we decided to go out for dinner. Theres not a lot open on Christmas day, and NY Hibachi Grill was too crowded so we ended up at the Hickory Station. I had never been there before. Its not really kid friendly, but it was ok. I loved the shrimp and grits that I ordered, it was delicious! 

Why Preschool Teachers are the Best!!!

Here's to all my co-workers and friends who do these things on a daily basis. Thanks for making a difference in the lives of sweet little ones!!






1. We spend 32, 35, some even 40 hours a week with your little ones.

2. We wipe butts, noses, and spit up off our own clothes.

3. We read books-- sometimes the same book-- over and over again.

4. We sing Baby Shark in our sleep at night because we sing it that much.

5. We soothe tantrums over lost shoes, pulled hair, and not sharing.

6. We search for and locate lost socks, pacis, and favorite toys.

7. We organize parties, special days for the kids, and help fund raise.

8. We know your kids favorite color, what they did last night, and what they say they dream to be when they grow up.

9. We can prepare a bottle, soothe a crying child, and change a diaper all at the same time.

10. We can pat 3 toddlers on different cots at naptime, trying to get them to sleep.

11. We give breathing treatments, apply icepacks, and kiss boo boos.

12. We know your child's special quirks-- how they like their bottle. the only place they will sleep, and what to do when they are grumpy.

13. We have perfected our animal sounds and special voices to get laughs.

14. We can spot a paci thief a mile away.

15. We know how to distract a class when the "scary trash man" pulls up at school.

16. We clean up cheerios, puke, and tracked in dirt off the floor.

17. We scarf down lunch, run to the bathroom, clean up the room on the rare occasion everyone is asleep at at naptime.

18. We say things like "dont lick the wall." "Put your clothes back on." And "If you sleep for just 15 minutes I'll give you a sticker."

19. We add parents on facebook so we can keep up with "our babies" as they grow.

20. We love each and every child, and secretly tear up a little when they move on to the next class.

Life Lately: November!

Life Lately: October!!

We took the kids to Oktoberfest in our hometown. Its always lots of fun but I'm always surprised how quickly you can drop soo much money! The girls rode rides... Brooke even convinved Rachel to try some of the "scarier" rides this year. Caleb doesn't do rides. He doesn't like getting dizzy or shook around, just like me! Rachel used her allowance money to buy this little walking, barking dog, which is what she is holding. She was so excited, it came with it's own leash and everything. But that this is ANNOYING! Oh well. We also got lots of yummy treats of course. 

Rachel's school had spirit night at Pelican's Snoballs, so we went by to get some after I got off work. I found out they sell a sugar free version which I got, because I've been trying to eat better..it was OK but I'd prefer the one full of sugar! :D 

Mom took the girls and I to her yearly church lunch. All the ladies in the church bring a dish, they set everything out on a HUGE table, and you walk around and try a little of each thing. I liked it all, especially the dessert part of the table ;) Everyone sends in a recipe that they put together in a recipe book for everyone to take home. They also have doorprizes, and Mom and the girls all won but I didn't this year! :( Oh well. It was funny because Brooke won a giftcard to a local coffee house, and she's just now starting to be into Starbucks type drinks. She didn't get that from me! I hate coffee! 

Arnold and I had a last-minute surprise date night, because one day the kids were off school and Mom offered to keep them overnight and the next day. We went to Red Lobster for some SHRIMP! It was awesome! I may have had to show up in my work uniform, but it's all good. 

The best part of the month was that my brother flew to NC for a few days! We hadn't seen him in over a year! I was so happy I was tearing up. We got to eat dinner over at mom and dad's several times that week, and spend time with him, which was wonderful. He's had such a tough year, but I'm proud of him for being such a strong, good guy. 

Friday night the kids said we just HAD to take uncle Alex to DEFY to jump! They all had a blast, and I got several videos of them all jumping and being crazy. Afterwards we went out to dinner at Mellow Mushroom. Making memories like these is one of my favorite things! 

One of the babies in my class at work, Avery, just turned one! She is the daughter of a co-worker of mine, so she's extra special to me ;) She "loves" unicorns just like Rachel, so her party was Unicorn themed! I took the girls and we had a great time. Avery even walked over to me when she saw me come into the party, and sat down on my lap. It always makes me feel special when the babies bond with me! :) Avery recently moved up to the toddler room, but I still get to see her most afternoons! 

I took Caleb and Rachel to see the new Goosebumps movie. Brooke and Arnold had plans that day. It was pretty good, not as good as the first one though. Most sequels aren't in my opinion! I used to read all the Goosebumps books when I was a kid! Who am I kidding, I read everything I could! ;) Now Caleb reads the books, too, and I love that :) 

We celebrated Mom's birthday at Carrabba's! It was when Alex was in town, so he got to come, also! Grandpa came too! We had some yummy Itatlian food, and got to spend more time with Alex before he left the next day. At the end of the dinner, the sweetest waiter came out and sang Happy Birthday to mom. And MAN did he have a great voice! Everyone around us clapped when he was done! 

One day I went in to work later than usual, and got to go have lunch with my sweet Rachel! She didn't know I was coming, so I just showed up at school and surprised her! She was so happy!

We took the kids to a local pumpkin patch. We went to the same one last year. It was WAY to hot to be October.. it didn't even feel like fall yet. But we had fun. We went on a hayride, saw the animals, went through the corn maze, then the kids all picked out a pumpkin.

The girls ended up painting their pumpkins this year, instead of carving them. Rachlels was "galaxy" and Brooke's was "mermaid." I ended up finding silver glitter ALL over the place for days after this! 

We had Spirit Week at the preschool, and on disney day I dressed as Minnie Mouse! My boss had ears we got to borrow, so I just added a red shirt and black leggings I had, and a white necklace! The babies were a little confused as to why we all looked a little different! ;) 

We also had a PJ day! It was fun wearing them to work, because it felt like we were laid-back and relaxed all day! Can we make this a regular thing?! ;) 

The kids all picked out their costumes this year! I am surprised Caleb dressed up, because he usually hates halloween. He was scared a few years ago at a haunted house and said he didn't want to participate anymore. But he changed his mind when he saw a character from one of his favorite video games! Brooke chose Batgirl (shes now in a WOMAN size costume!!) And Rachel picked a pirate girl! 

Several of the girls from the preschool dressed up on Halloween as emojis! I was the winky face. I wanted to be the nerd but my friend Ashley stole that idea first! ;) 

We took the kids trick or treating Halloween night! Sheldon rode around with us in the van this year. I dressed him up as a Walrus! He was so cute. Although it bothered him everytime the kids went up to a house. He is so protective of his kids! ;) This will be Brooke's last year trick or treating and probably Caleb's, too. I am sad because it feels like another chapter in their lives is over, but I know they have to grow up sometime!