My New Blog

I have been thinking about doing this blog for a while.  I even think it might be a little embarrassing, but I figure the more people I let know about what I am doing the better.  I so often have just kept losing weight a secret because of how often I fail.  So I have created this blog to journal my struggles, triumphs, downfalls, and successes.  I have the desire to change and I hope that you will all visit it often to go on this journey with me.  I hope by knowing that if you might check it often I will be able to work through the struggles and become successful in the end.  Please leave comments of encouragement, tips that I might add to the pages, healthy recipes that have been proven successful in your families, and links that might have helped you.  I would like to post these things on the various pages of the blog. These are things I would like to add.  I even want to add pictures, which is embarrassing itself, but what a great way to see progress.  I can't wait to hear from you all.  See you on my journey......
http://watchmybuttshrinkthejourney.blogspot.com/

Emilee's Kentucky Trip

I have been meaning to put this up for some time, but just haven't had the motivation or the energy to do it. After a few weeks, I finally got it together. As most of you know, Jeremy travels a lot for work. One of the places he has to go is Lexington, KY. Last year Megan and I tagged along on one of his trips for her birthday. Emilee of course wanted the same thing, so this year again I tagged along on one of Jeremy's trips and we took Emilee up to Kentucky and enjoyed pretty much the same things. She of course was ecstatic. She couldn't wait to go to the horse park, ride horses, go to the children's museum, swim in the hotel pool, and hang out with just mom, dad, and her. When Megan got home last year, she told Emilee all about Riddick. Emilee of course wanted to ride Riddick as well. I told her, that might not happen, the workers choose a horse for you and it had been a year. A lot can happen in a year. I couldn't believe it, out of all the kids that were there, Emilee ended up with Riddick. She was so happy and couldn't wait to tell Megan. She did really good. A lot better then me, though I have to say, I had a HUGE horse, by the name of Big Boy, and I felt very high up. I also think I am allergic to horses 'cause last time my eyes puffed up. I had thought it was just plain old outside allergies, but I ended up at the eye doctor because it was so bad. This year my eyes seemed fine, until I got off that horse. After petting the horse and rubbing my eyes, they become puffy once more. Not as bad, since I took my contacts out immediately this time. That is what happen with me and cats, so I think I must be allergic. It was fun to watch Emilee though. I would do it again.
We got to see some fun horses, some small, some huge, and some pretty and different ones. We watched some do tricks with riders, and run around the track. It was a beautiful day. Warm, but beautiful.
We also went to the children's museum downtown. Emilee had a blast, running, playing inside big bubbles, working on patients, and going to the moon.
Last year, on the way home, Megan and I stopped at one of the caves, called Diamond Cave. This year on the way home, Emilee and I stopped at Hidden River Cave. At one time this cave was probably the most Toxic Cave in the Nation, because people would drop trash, dead animals, and anything else they didn't want down in the cave. In the '80's Kentucky made a law against that sort of thing. Some organization cleaned it up and the water started cleaning itself up and now is the town's primary water source. It is now know as the Nation's greatest ecological miracles. Before it went through all of that, in the '20's it was a dance club. They had a big band down there in one of the "cave room", set up lights, tables, refreshment areas, and danced the night away. I thought that was pretty cool. I guess many of the caves in Kentucky did the same thing.
We had a good time. We were happy to be home, but we had lots of stories to tell. I guess Hunter thinks he is next. But he has to be 8 to ride the horses, so it will be a couple of years.

Catching up.....

A few things have happened since the last post that I have not had a chance to bring up. I decided that this would be a good time and instead of making many small posts, I decided to make all the events into one big post. First of all, I just had the opportunity to run the Cotton Row Run, 5K event. I have been running for awhile and 3 miles at that. When some friends from the ward decided to run it, how could I say no. Of course I tried, many times, for fear that I would come in last, 'cause I am not the runner I use to be, but my friends were all encouraging and kept me going. Well, Memorial Day came up and I actually went and ran. While I was running in the extreme humidity, I was thinking about the instigator of this crazy thing and wanting to step on her foot or something like that. (I guess, I am not a very nice person when I run) I finished and not even last with over 100 people behind me. It was awesome and just motivated me to want to try it again and work harder at getting myself fit for the next time. All I have to say is, watch out Emily, next time. You are truly my inspiration.

On another note, I was just released from my Relief Society calling. I have been the second counselor in the Relief Society for some time. Even before we moved here to Alabama. In Virginia, it was my calling for 1 1/2 years and then we moved here to Madison, AL. I didn't have a calling for about 5 months and then they called me to second counselor of the Relief Society presidency , again. I guess I wasn't done yet. Well, it has been 2 years and even though I would sometimes kid around about the calling and say it must be somebody elses turn, I truly have enjoyed myself. It was a huge surprise and totally unexpected, but they released me and called me to the nursery. We really do have some good sisters in the ward and they have been fun to serve. I will truly miss them. They are all such good examples to me. I have learned, grown, and been blessed to serve around some of the great and noble ones. I didn't think I would feel sadness about being released, but believe it or not I do. It has been a wonderful two years and I hope I am not forgotten in the nursery.

Emilee, had her very last theater performance the last week of May. They did a couple of numbers, but the one we hadn't seen yet was "Doe a Deer" from the Sound of Music. Don't they look so cute? They did this one on the big stage with tons of people watching. Emilee liked this whole experience, but she did say performing in front of that many people was really hard and scary. I asked her if she wanted to continue in the fall, but she said no. She wants to do gymnastics. I was hoping she would keep it up, but that is OK, as long is she is happy and having fun. Now Megan says she wants to take her hand at theater, as long as she doesn't have to sing. I guess she is not into musical theater. We shall see.

The rest of these pictures are just some fun things we have been doing this summer. Besides swimming everyday for lessons and fun, we have gone to the Children's Museum, movies, the Space and Rocket Center, and much, much more. Megan and Emilee love to dress up at the Children's Museum. They have a whole set up with old time house and a general store. That is their favorite. I can't help but laugh listening to them. It is times like that, I love being a mom. Hunter is listening to the big tree tell him a story. Two years ago, he wouldn't go near this tree. He was so afraid. How he has grown up. Below are some pictures from the Space and Rocket Center. They have a climbing wall there and so the kids remembered their tennis shoes this time so they got to climb. I thought Hunter and Emilee would have a hard time, but to my surprise, they did very well.

Well, I hope I haven't bored you too much. These are just some happenings. I am sure we will have many more this summer. Keep checking back for more and take a look at the slide show above marked "Children". The pictures have been changed. If you are a family member, you will be so lucky to be getting yours in the mail soon. I just know that will be the highlight of the day. 'Til next time.................

Turning Eight

My little Emilee. Yesterday she turned eight and we had a very big day. She has been such a wonderful blessing and I have loved seeing how she has grown. Not only was it her birthday yesterday, but she was also baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This will be a birthday that she will always remember. Things I love about Emilee.....
--I love the way she laughs.
--I love that she usually has a smile on her face.
--I love her sensitivity.
--I love how she is everyone's friend.
--I love how she makes me laugh.
--I love her hugs.
--I love that she loves learning.
--I love that she loves to learn new things.
--I love how she plays with her sister.
--I love how she tries to be a great big sister to her brother.
--I love how she loves to learn about the gospel.
--I love how she cuddles.
--I love that she loves to be tickled.
--I love when she tackles her dad.
--I love when she tackles me.
--I love how messy she always seems to get and always has.
--I love her Valaseraptor scream.
--I love her silly jokes.
--I love that she loves the same musicals as me.
--I love how she plays with others.
--I love that she always tries to do what's right.
--I love how her teachers talk about her.
--I love how she is so helpful.
--I love how she helps others.
--I love how she loves me.
--And just as the others the list goes on and on and on............
Happy Birthday Emilee! You are one of a kind!!

Emilee had a wonderful baptism. She was so excited for most of the day, she hardly could contain herself. Her friend Elisha turned eight the week before and about 2 months ago, they had asked if they could be baptized on the same day. Elisha's mom and I thought that was a great idea. They were so cute together. It was not planned, but what do you know, Emilee and Elisha had the same exact dress, bought from the same place for their baptism day. Now how cute is that? Both of them were so wonderful. It was a great night. Emilee's grandad gave the talk on baptism. Elisha's Grandpa gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. Elisha's brothers sang, "Bring the World his Truth". The bishop and the primary presidents said some wonderful things. I am so proud of Emilee. She is really growing up to be a wonderful girl and I love having her with me always. Now she can't wait to go to Activity Days. She has been talking about it for weeks.

Congratulations Emilee! Your dad and I are so proud of you!!

I didn't get to put this on the page above, but I thought this was such a cute picture of Emilee and her dad. She is such a daddy's girl.

He is the big Six....

Our little Hunter man is now the big six. Can you believe it? I can hardly believe it. He has grown up so fast. Yesterday was his birthday, but because it was the last day of school and I had so many other commitments, we celebrated it today. He had his first birthday party with friends. Unfortunately, because of the holiday weekend we didn't get as many people as we would have hoped. Hunter didn't even realize the missing people. He had fun with those that could attend.

Things I love about Hunter:
-- I love his silly jokes.
--I love his cuddle times.
--I love his long stories ( Most of the time)
--I love his laugh. (Especially during tickle time)
--I love how he loves being with dad.
--I love his smiles.
--I love his tackles.
--I love his questions.
--I love that he loves me.
--I love how he adds lately (all the time)
--I love his smarts.
--I love when he plays with his sisters.
--I love how he talks about his friends.
--I love his hugs.
--I love how he tries to trick me.
--I love his happy moments.
--I love how he tries to teach me about Spiderman.
--I love how he pretends to be a super hero.
--I love how nice he is to others.
--I love how helpful he wants to be. (Especially when cooking dinner)
--I love when he is so proud of himself.
--And like Megan, the list can go on and on and on.................

Happy Birthday Hunter!! I couldn't have a better boy as my son!!

Megan gets to "double digets"

In the year 2000, we were blessed with our first born. I am in shock still that it has been 10 years. It seems to have gone by so fast, but Megan has been a wonderful blessing in our lives. Things I love about Megan:
--I love the way she laughs
--I love her hugs
--I love her silly jokes
--I love her friendly smile
--I love her sensitivity (Really I do)
--I love it when she makes up shows she wants us to watch
--I love when she plays with her brother and sister
--I love how she cares for others
--I love her love of animals
--I love her creativity
--I love her thoughtfulness
--I love her careful manner
--I love her quiet times
--I love her noisy times
--I love how she takes care of her sister and brother
--Did I mention I love her hugs?
--I love how she loves me
--I love her tackles
--I love her thoughtful questions
--I love her silly answers
--I love her crazy moments
--I love her smarts
--I love her spirtual insights
--Did I mention I love her hugs?
--The list can go on and on and on and on and on......................................................


Megan has blessed our lives through these past 10 years and I can't wait for how much she blesses our lives in the future.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEGAN! IT HAS BEEN A WONDERFUL 10 YEARS!!!!!

Down to three on American Idol

Some of you may know that I have always enjoyed American Idol. Now this season has been interesting. There were many I didn't think should have made the cut and some I thought should have made it, but didn't. I have heard a lot of negative comments about the contestants this year and some by me. Some have even said, it hasn't been worth their time in watching. Even with all that, there were always three contestants I have been interested in since the top twelve was voted in. I have been saying for weeks that these three will be our top three. Well, they finally made it and I was right. Now here are my predictions: Next to go will be Casey, which will leave Crystal and Lee to stand off and in the end, Lee will take it. This has been my prediction for a while. Now, I am not always right and sometimes I get it wrong (like that Fantasia year was definitely a bust and let me tell you, I don't know what America was thinking with that one), but most years it is always so obvious to me and in the end I am proud to say I am usually right. (Not to toot my horn, but why not) I decided to add a poll to the blog above this post. Look at it and put your vote on who you will think will win this year. Let's see if we match up to the rest of America.

Learning to Fish

I was married to Jeremy for about 9 years, before I knew that he liked to fish. I had no idea until we moved to Virginia. He went a few times in Virginia, but he has gone a lot since we moved here to Alabama. The other morning he decided to take Emilee out fishing. I hear they had a fantastic time and Emilee caught quite a few fish. Other people around fishing were left speechless and surprised at the luck Emilee was having. Jeremy tells me that every time she would get one, she would jump up and down screaming all excited. It would have been a sight to see. That's my girl, you know. Emilee says she loves to fish now. I asked, "what if you didn't catch anything, 'cause sometimes that happens" she replied,"I wouldn't like it very much then" For now, she loves it, just like her dad.