What do you think?

I generally don't watch the news. Scratch that. I never watch the news. It is depressing.

It seems my main source of information is the social media we all are addicted to (you know you are), Facebook. With FB, you read about opinions rather than facts. That's how the media is in general. Plagiarism, falsehoods, and hearsay.

With that said, I am completely over attacks on our nation. In our backyard. To our neighbors. But, are these things really happening? Are there really people that would "fake" these tragedies to gain popularity? Or are people really that sick? Is our human race so dysfunctional that we are turning against each other?

What's to come of the future for our children? Look how much has changed in 10 years? I remember as a kid, you never heard of horrific acts of violence. Shoot, my mother started letting me walk to school as a first grader. Would you let your child today walk to school as a first grader? I know for me the answer is no.

What will it take for us to wake up? How much more can we take? I don't know the answer. Do you?

Where has the time gone?

Hi there!

Well it's officially been 1 1/2 years since I last posted.  And let me tell you, my life has changed sooo much!

First off, in the Fall of 2011, my husband and I joined a wonderful church and got baptized at the ripe ol' age of 27.  It's never too late to change your life!

Second, in the Winter of 2011, my husband resigned from his job as a police officer and took a job as a contractor in Afghanistan.  That changed everything!

Fast forward nearly 18 months, and my husband is still contracting and I'm here in Georgia holding down the fort.  We have been able to maintain our family living nearly 3000 miles apart.  It's not easy.  It's stressful.  It's lonely.  But it's a sacrifice we are making and we KNOW that God's plan for us is great.

My first born is nearly 7 years old with 3 permanent teeth in her mouth!  She is in the 1st grade, can read, add, subtract, make her own peanut butter sandwiches, and give herself a bath.  These things are HUGE to me.  Where has my little baby gone to?

My second born is now 3 years old, potty trained, talking like nobody's business, and back to sleeping in my bed.  I still try to baby her, but then she acts like a typical 3 year old and I'm hunting the wooden spoon.  Seriously.

With these little updates, I hope to do this more.  I enjoy reading back on how much our lives have changed.  Not to mention, I have a lot on my mind.  And I know you probably do to.  So let's talk about it!

Peace.

Never Too Young

In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I thought it would be fitting to share my story. 

In the Fall of 2001, ten years ago, I was a 17 year old high school senior with normal teenage worries.  Never once had it crossed my mind that I should be aware of my breast health.  All that changed when I was catching an itch on the inside of my left breast.  I felt a knot that I knew shouldn't have been there.  I freaked out, told my mom, and off we were to the next available doctor's appointment.  The doctor confirmed my discovery and sent me to a surgeon in Eagles Landing.  They immediately scheduled me for a lumpectomy.  A week after the lump removal surgery I went to get the results.  Thankfully, the results were not life threatening.  The lump was a calcified deposit that formed into a lump.

Fast forward three years; I am now 21 years old.  Recently married and starting my new life as a wife.  In the shower one day, I felt sore places all throughout my breasts.  Naturally, I freaked and off I went to the doctor...again.  She, too, confirmed my suspicions and sent me for a mammogram and ultrasound.  The mammogram came back inconclusive and the ultrasound showed fibrous cysts.  I was then diagnosed with fiber cystic breast disease.  Again, not life threatening, but worrisome nonetheless.

So, fast forward again to last week.  I am 27, mother to two beautiful babies, and wife to my high school sweetheart.  Last week I woke up from a dream with shooting breast pains.  I feel around and find what I believe to be lumps.  I got a doctor's appointment for this past Monday.  The doctor felt like it was not suspicious, but to be sure she sent me for an ultrasound.  That leads me to today.  I went to the Spivey Station on 138 in Jonesboro.  Let me tell you this, that place is WONDERFUL.  If you ever need the services of a women's center that specializes in breast health, this is the place.  Top notch for sure.  I got an ultrasound by the technician and she was so reassuring and informative.  She immediately took my results to the doctor and he gave me the all clear.  What a relief!!

I know what you're thinking...hypochondriac.  Well, not really.  I never go to the doctor.  But I immediately freak out when it comes to my body and dealing with issues that can't be solved with over-the-counter medicines.  The purpose of telling this story is this:  YOU CAN NEVER BE TOO YOUNG.  Breast health should be a concern for all women.  Cancer doesn't know age, color, race or gender.  Do your monthly self checks.  One day that could save your life.

Too Cool for School

I have been so absentminded about posting.  It seems as if the time is running away from me and I do all I can to hold on and enjoy the ride.  Since my last blog, which fell exactly on Allie's 5th birthday, so many things have changed the direction of our household.  Our focus has shifted to a routine of homework, playtime, dinner, baths, a story, and bed.  The entire family seems to be enjoying this and we are happy because we are doing it all together :)

Allie began Kindergarten on August 8, 2011.  I can honestly say I was incredibly nervous and felt as if it was MY first day too.  So I'd like to think we started this experience together, for the first time.  My girl has done so well and is one day away from completing her 2nd week of school.  She loves school and has learned so much already.  Her first week was complete with a daily visit to music class.  How perfect for her!  This girl loves to sing, dance, and entertain.  So it was only fitting that she get acclimated with a class that made her so comfortable.  I have to say, though, Allie loves the lunch room.  She loves going through the line with her tray, making her selection of food, and of course picking which flavor of milk SHE wants.  I love that she loves the small things.

With all that being said, I must admit that I miss the fact that she will never get to stay home when she wants, stay up late to watch Billy the Exterminator, or wait for her daddy to come home (all during the week of course).  I realize this is part of growing up and she can't stay a baby forever.

My girl is growing up.....

P.S. Pictures on the way.  I'm bad, I know.

We have a 5 year old

Five years ago, today, I was resting after giving birth to my first born daughter.  I was induced at exactly 38 weeks for no other reason except I am in good with my doctor.  We checked into the hospital at 2pm on Wednesday July 5, 2006.  They started me on fluids and pitocin to jump start the labor process.  I was already dilated to 3 cm prior to this, but without any contractions.  So the first phase of my labor process was already completed sometime before 38 weeks...comfortably at home.  About 2 hours into the pitocin I started to feel my first twinge of cramps.  They actually made me super excited because it was "really happening."  Labor progressed as it should and by 9pm I was ready for the epidural.  I was really scared of getting the epidural.  So the nurses had to calm my nerves and by the time I got over myself they had already administered the wonder drug.  I instantly relaxed and was able to rest which was such a relief.  By about 2am on Thursday July 6, 2006 I remember telling Stephen, "I feel a lot of pressure."  So the nurses came in, and confirmed my suspicions.  I instantly turned into nervous mode.  I was was shaking uncontrollably and was so incredibly anxious.  So started the pushing process.  At 2:40am, my beautiful 6 lbs 8 oz and 18 inches long daughter Alexandria Tate (Allie) was born.  She had a full head of dark brown hair and had the prettiest colored skin. I was so shocked, relieved, amazed that I had just birthed a human that I was unable to even hold her.  The nurses cleaned her off and checked all her vitals while I just stared at her in amazement.  They finally handed her over to me and her and I just stared at each other.  It was by far the most monumental moment of my life.  I have never felt so much love in my heart as I did that very moment.

Today, we have a 5 year old!  A FIVE YEAR OLD!!  I decorated the inside of the house late last night so she could wake up to streamers everywhere.  We had a few gifts for her and all wished her Happy Birthday.  I think she really enjoyed all the focus being on her this morning, which she deserves.  Happy Birthday Allie!  Mommy, Daddy, Abigail and Trigger love you more than you'll ever know :) 

**More pictures coming tomorrow :)

Okay, just one more

I don't usually become agitated or vocal about work related issues; whether it be about my job or others.  My personal opinion is if the issues you become most frustrated about are things you cannot change, then leave it at the door.  Don't burden yourself with the added stress. 

With that being said, I was very shocked and quite appalled at the display of negativity that was broad casted for all to read on the Internet yesterday.  For those who know what I'm referring to, it was a poor display of inaccurate facts.  It frustrates me to see that those who feel as if they have been dealt a bad hand are actually the ones who reaped the most benefits.  Lashing out will get you no where and only shed a bad light on YOU.  Be careful because you might stir the ISH and find yourself being more stinky than those you are pooing on.

That's it, we're moving

I receive a monthly subscription to a parenting magazine. Their July issue had an article titled 'Top 10 Cities to Raise Your Family.' The following is the information about their #7 pick:

“#7 Honolulu, Hawaii – This tropical paradise is much more than just the center of Hawaiian culture, theater, and music. Clean air, loads of sun and surf, and state obesity rates well below the national average add up to a seriously healthy city for raising a family. The strong economy here is powered by tourism, the military, defense contracting, and real estate, resulting in a practically nonexistent unemployment rate, the lowest property taxes on our list, and an easy under 23-minute commute. Fourteen public schools have received the Department of Education Blue Ribbon School Designation for Excellence, and Honolulu had the lowest crime rate of our ten winners.”
Seems convincing enough and only more of a reason to pack up the kids and hit the dusty trail.  But seriously, I will live in Hawaii one day.  Really.