THE KENTUCKY RUMERY'S

Sweet, Sweet Papaw...

2011-02-09T08:42:00.000-06:00

As the kids get older, I find myself getting busier and with less time to do the things that I enjoyed. I'm not complaining though. It's so amazing to see these little people transform in what seems to be overnight, into happy, healthy, whole individuals. Brock is now 6 years old and is in Kindergarten. He is excelling in school! So much, that they are testing his reading level within the next week to see what grade level he is actually on. He reads all the Kindergarten material like it's a breeze and almost like it's boring! Berkley is hell on wheels but I love every minute of it! She has such a fun and care free personality and is stuck to me like glue!My grandfather, one of the loves of my life, passed away on Christmas Eve night. He suffered from some liver problems and it finally shut down on him. We knew it was coming but not that quickly. They called in Hospice and he only had them coming to the house for around 2 days before he passed. He was always there for me. ALL.MY.LIFE!!! All I have now are the memories, and I can say that they were all good. He was my biggest supporter and up until his death, I would still crawl up in his lap and he would rock me. I miss him so much and I still cry every day because he isn't here. I know time will heal but his memory remains in my mind and heart forever. One of the toughest things right now is dealing with the kids. Brock tells me all the time he misses his papaw and Berkley says that she wants papaw to be with us and to come to Granny's house. She says he is with the angels in heaven. It's almost like she has hope that he will come back to Granny and back to us (insert tears...). It does seem to give her a sense of peace, that he is with the angels. Brock has had a harder time because he knows he isn't coming back. It's just sad. I knew this would happen some day, of course. As my grandparents get (got) older, it is inevitable...we are all here to die. I still have Granny and she is precious. She is my best friend. Unfortunately, her care taker, life partner, best friend and soul mate isn't here anymore.... At least I have her, I'd just love to have them both. Someday, I know I'll be with him again. My worst feer now, is losing Granny.All in all, life is good and I will try hard to update more, if anyone out there is still reading.Love,Crystal

It has been FOREVER! In the meantime...

2010-09-06T16:47:00.002-05:00

...my baby Brock turned 6 YEARS OLD! You said what?! Yep. He turned 6. Okay, he isn't really a baby anymore but it is so hard for me to believe! It really seems like yesterday he came into my life and he has truly been the light of it ever since! He is just so precious. Here is a sneak peak of our HUGE celebration this past Saturday!

I promise to blog more. It's been so hard getting on here. The kiddos keep me so busy during the week...I have no time! Brock is now on a strict schedule because of KINDERGARTEN! Yes, I said it...KINDERGARTEN!

Berkley's 3rd Birthday Party is this coming Saturday so I'm sure I'll blog that!

Much love,
Crystal

Brock & Berkley-ism's

2010-03-17T19:28:00.001-05:00

Brock: Mommy, when I stick my finger in my ear like this (sticks finger in his ear)

Mommy: Uh huh.

Brock: I almost can touch my brain!

Mommy: Um. Really?

Brock: Yeah.

Berkley (2 years old): Mommy?! Mommy?!

Mommy: WHAT?!

Berkley: I need to talk to you. I gotta talk to you.

Mommy: Okay, Berkley. What? What is it?

Berkley: Mommy, I gotta talk to you.

And yes, this goes on and on and on!!!

Hot Flashes

2010-03-14T20:31:00.000-05:00

I think the hot flashes are going to be the death of me. Since my hysterectomy, they haven't been this bad. Just awful!!! Ugh! That's all I have to say about that.

The End!!!

The REAL scoop on Kady Paige Blankies and The Duggars

2010-03-09T07:10:00.000-06:00

I do not have much time this morning but I thought I would write a little blip. I will not be using the apostrophe key because I DO NOT have one. Just got the computer back and Berkley decided it would be cool to rip the key off and also the little rubber thing in under the key. ARGH!

Anyhoo, on with business. My new found friend, Jennifer over at Kady Paige Blankies (see previous post) has become a good friend of mine. Kady Paige, her little girl (one of four children) was born premature. She weighed a little over a pound and according to Jennifer's (yes, I used the apostrophe blank on my keyboard) they did not know if she would make it! You should see Kady today! She is a beautiful, healthy, bubbly baby girl! WOW! I saw someone comment that Jennifer's ring would fit around her wrist like a bracelet! What a miracle!!! Jennifer makes the most beautiful blankets! I won a $20 gift certificate to her shop and ordered an adult sized blankie all for myself. It should be arriving anyday so I will post on it once I get it in! YAY! Just talking to Jennifer through chats and convos on etsy, I feel like I have met a long lost friend. It stinks because she is in Oregon and I am in KY but I think our friendship will thrive through conversations on the telephone!!! Hopefully, we will visit my father in law this year (he is in Oregon too) and I will officially get to meet her. It is wonderful how the internet can afford so many friendship opportunities and opportunities that we never would have had otherwise!!!

I have been watching The Duggar re-runs this am since I was cool enough to sleep in the recliner last night (ugh). My question for you is, when do you have enough kids? AND, if you have one daughter that has the possibility of needing more care than all of your other children and possibly facing death, how could you say that you may have more children! I understand the whole philosophy of the Duggars that they will leave it up to God. I just do not understand how they could not just count their blessings and be content with what they have in life. It is not my decision to make though and not for me to judge. They seem to do the whole bunch of kids thing very well and sometimes I wish I could have the patience that they possess. Michelle Duggar seems to be so mild mannered, soft spoken and I truly believe that she is a fantastic mother, as Jim Bob is a great father. I just think to myself that maybe it is time to stop with the kiddos! I cannot fathom life beyond 2 children so I do admire them for their organizational skills, their loving kindness and compassion for each and everyone of their children as well as their Faith in God!

All is well here. Berkley is a little firecracker as usual and Brock is still the smart, sensitive one. Till next time!!! Time to get ready to work now!!!

C

KADY PAIGE BLANKIES!!!

2010-03-06T23:35:00.000-06:00

Check out my girl, Jennifer here

Her blankets are just amazing! She actually made me a full sized one and I can't wait to get it!!! Her blog is here! She is funny, witty and full of talent! She is having a fantastic giveaway right now!!! Go and enter!!! I won and so can you! Love you Jennifer!

Crystal

Can't Get this Out of My Head!!!

2010-03-02T05:45:00.000-06:00

Orianthi
According To You lyrics

According to you
I'm stupid,
I'm useless,
I can't do anything right.
According to you
I'm difficult,
Hard to please,
Forever changing my mind.
I'm a mess in a dress,
Can't show up on time,
Even if it would save my life.
According to you. According to you.

But according to him
I'm beautiful,
Incredible,
He can't get me out of his head.
According to him
I'm funny,
Irresistible,
Everything he ever wanted.
Everything is opposite,
I don't feel like stopping it,
So baby tell me what I got to lose.
He's into me for everything I'm not,
According to you.

According to you
I'm boring,
I'm moody,
And you can't take me any place.
According to you
I suck at telling jokes cause I always give it away.
I'm the girl with the worst attention span;
You're the boy who puts up with it.
According to you. According to you.

But according to him
I'm beautiful,
Incredible,
He can't get me out of his head.
According to him
I'm funny,
Irresistible,
Everything he ever wanted.
Everything is opposite,
I don't feel like stopping it,
So baby tell me what I got to lose.
He's into me for everything I'm not,
According to you.

I need to feel appreciated,
Like I'm not hated. oh no
Why can't you see me through his eyes?
It's too bad you're making me decide

But according to me
You're stupid,
You're useless,
You can't do anything right.

But according to him
I'm beautiful,
Incredible,
He can't get me out of his head.
According to him
I'm funny,
Irresistible,
Everything he ever wanted.
Everything is opposite,
I don't feel like stopping it,
Baby tell you what you got to lose.
He's into me for everything I'm not,
According to you. [you, you]
According to you. [you, you]

According to you
I'm stupid,
I'm useless,
I can't do anything right.

I have no idea why I woke up this morning with this song in my head!!!!! Well, I guess I do but I am not getting into that. Some days things are just fine and the next they seem to fall apart. Not too much I can do about it anymore...

On to positive notes, Brock is doing so well in school! YAY! He literally skipped into school yesterday he was so excited to be there! Whew! Finally! We have parent/teacher conferences next week to talk about his progress and readiness for Kindergarten. He does not have a choice about going as we already held him back a year. He will turn 6 before October 1st so it is mandatory for him to go. I am not worried, however, as he seems to be bored with pre-school and ready to move on. He is a lefty so writing is not the easiest for him and none of us are left handed so it is very difficult to practice that with him because I cannot show him how to hold the pencils or form his letters. He seems to write the letters differently (backwards of sort) as a lefty. He cuts right handed and does pretty much everything but writing and eating with his right hand. Hmmm. Maybe ambidextrous? We will see!

Anyhoo, it is like 6 am and I am very tired. Until next time. And I will be posting newer pics of the kiddos.

I'm BAAAAK!!! I think.

2010-02-25T07:49:00.004-06:00

I know you are thinking "whoopie--she never really talked about anything interesting anyway..." I've had bloggers block or something. I really loved blogging about this and that but life has been so nuts lately that most of the time I fall asleep sitting up at the computer. The recliner is comfie...I just can't help it. I finally have my laptop back. After months of no keys, I took it in to the Geek Squad and it is fixed. All with the exception of the apostrophe key that Berkley decided to rip off again last night which she successfully broke and now I can't get it to reattach. Go figure.

Greg is working in Ohio now so he is home on the weekends. After being home for a while, going back was quite hard on me and the kiddos because we had been accustomed to him being here and being a part of our everyday world. The change has been very hard because the kids love daddy and mommy having to do everything all the time...well, it's just hard. Brock came home from pre-school yesterday and informed me that he told them at school that he "doesn't have a daddy at home." So sad. Luckily, I had already told his teacher that his daddy works out of town. She too can identify with this as her husband drives a truck.

I've been going round and round with Berkley lately because she refuses to sleep at night which makes mommy very ill and tired! I don't know why my precious, exorcist fit throwing 2 year old won't sleep at night. She is fed, has a drink...everything...and it doesn't work. I will make her stay awake all day with no nap and she still won't sleep. I am seriously thinking of taking her to the doctor next week to see if there is ANYTHING I can do to help her out. I don't like the thoughts of drugging my child but my sanity (what little ounce I have) is on the line here!!! I have tried benadryl (the doc said to) and that doesn't help. She needs to sleep. In order for her little brain to grow, she has to sleep. I just worry about both the kids so much. Worry. Myself. Sick. Argh!

In October, I started working for my mom and dad. I was at the high school for a month or two. That didn't work out to say the least. Luckily, it worked out that the business mom and dad started (used auto parts) needed my help. I do love working there so very much. Of course there are challenges but for the most part, I love being there, going there and helping my FAMILY!!!

My b/f/f Leigh is about to be here to watch the kids for me while I work! She is the only person that has ever watched the kiddos besides my mom or granny so it's awesome that they love her enough to let her stay with them. They call her grandma!!! (and she's 30). I'll be back on here again. Probably tonight. I have so much to document. As for now, I am just going to let it flow. Whatever comes out, comes out. As much as I would like to outline my posts, I am just going to let it floooooow!

Much love to you all and it's wonderful to be back!!!

I'm bad...

2009-07-09T12:08:00.002-05:00

I am so BAD! You all are nice enough to follow me and I never blog anymore. I just don't seem to find the time anymore! When I'm home, I feel so exhausted. I'm not sure what that's all about!!! It's July 9th and I haven't taken the kids to the pool one time. It just seems so complicated these days. One running this way and another running the other way. I will blog later! Working time is almost over.

I love you guys!!!

My ballerina

2009-06-27T17:16:00.006-05:00

Berkley is only 21 months old but we went ahead (for fun) and started her in Baby Ballet. I have more fun doing it with her than she has doing it. It is a good time. Teaches them coordination, following instructions and actual ballet technique. Of course, they aren't expected to do everything. The first class she was very quiet and didn't say too much and didn't want to participate. Needless to say, Daddy was videoing through the glass and once she saw him, he had to join us in the class. The second class was much better. She ran around and did as much as she could. Of course, once in the comfort of her home, she will do all the steps and things we did in class. It's amazing to see that she really does retain the info. She has a pink leotard with nude tights and her little pink ballet slippers!!! Here are some photos I wanted to share with you all.

Here she is all ready to go to her class!!!

From the left: Catherine, Reese & Berkley...her new little friends!

She didn't know what to think about holding hands with the other girls!

Having fun in the dance studio!

Her square...we learned how to pivot and what diagonal lines are. The point was to run diagonally across the room and leap over the flower. She is the youngest in the class and of course didn't get it but we had fun anyway!

I'm sorry for my lack of posting lately. I was afraid you all would abandon me because I don't write enough. I've just been in a funk lately and the computer has been far from my thoughts!!! Thanks for sticking with me though! Much love to you all! XOXOXO

THANK YOU FRIENDS and 30 30 30 30 30 30!!!

2009-06-17T14:15:00.003-05:00

Thanks so much friends (followers) for your wonderful advice on parenting. Mimmy, I love everything you said and I have already learned so much from you, your children, grandchildren, etc! I really do value each and every one of you all. New friends and old, you are my family!

Any hoo, you probably are wondering what the 30 30 30 30 30 is for!? Yesterday, June 16th, I turned 30 years old! The big 3-0!!! 30 WHOLE YEARS!!! I really prepared myself for being a bit depressed, and really wasn't sure how the day would go but it was really fantastic. Lots of people from work gave me cards and that was very unexpected! Greg previously bought me the Cole Haan bag I found on sale. The kids had gifts for me. (Greg actually went shopping for them to give me something.) Brock had me this one. (click on one) Berkley had this special gift for me. (click on this) They also signed a card for me. It was awesome! I love them. My mom also had the kids get me this one along with a key chain with beautiful beads. Mom and dad also got me a beautiful plate with a holder with a saying on it about "daughter". I also got a very nice silver bracelet with a bible verse on it about "mother". Mom got me a beautiful hand painted wine glass with 30 30 30 30 30 30 Thirty Thirty.....all over it. It also said "It took 30 years to look this good!!!" My cousin also had a dozen red roses on my kitchen table when I got home from work. Let's not forget to mention the incredible dinner at mom and dads; roast, mashed potatoes, homemade gravy, carrots, asparagus wrapped with provolone and ham, mac & cheese and a beautiful birthday cake complete with 30 sparkler candles! YUMMY! Everything was fresh and home cooked!!! Woot! One of the best birthdays I can remember! All of my friends are getting together at a local restaurant/bar to celebrate this coming Saturday! They always have a band and fantastic steaks! YAY! I'm going shopping on Friday with my friend Jen for my party outfit!

It has taken me hours to post this due to storms, potential tornados...etc. Everything seems to have calmed down weather wise. All in all, it was a great birthday!!! Much love to you ALL!

Missing in Action

2009-06-10T18:16:00.003-05:00

Written Yesterday:

I realized today that I hadn't been on here for a bit. I went to google reader and I had over 250 blog posts to read. ARGH! I've been very crabby at night for some reason and haven't even been on here. Berkley has been so fussy for the last week. I'm not sure what's up with that. I started therapy (not physical - ha!) and I absolutely love my therapist! He is so awesome. We have set several goals and I see him once a week for now. I don't really have any pressing issues, just bouts of depression and such. He really helps me look at things differently. It is really nice!!! I asked him how we could talk about nothing and I could feel so much better. He said that we were talking about things, just slowly.

Today...right now:

I'm sitting here listening to my 20 month old daughter throw the worst tantrum. She's screaming because daddy went outside without her. She's hyperventilating. I don't know what to do with her. I'm going to let her scream it out. As much as I can't stand hearing it, I also just can't give into her. I am sooooo sick of the screaming. Even distracting and offering candy doesn't work. I'm about to lose my cool. I will blog later. Hopefully this will wear her down and she'll sleep.

10

2009-06-01T21:34:00.001-05:00

10 people love me! Wow! I have 10 followers!!! WOOT!

I'm exhausted from NO sleep last night. More to come!

Seriously? Placenta in your Freezer?

2009-06-01T05:05:00.003-05:00

I stumbled upon THIS blog. I love the whole natural, mother earth idea even thought I'm not anywhere like that. There is no way in hell I'd store my PLACENTA in my FREEZER!!! That is just too much for me. (And if I did, I wouldn't tell ANYONE about it!)

I'm not trying to be mean about this sweet girl, I just don't get it!!!

Bowling Green Hot Rods Pictures!

2009-05-31T11:13:00.006-05:00

GETTING READY TO LEAVE THE HOUSE FOR THE GAME!

WATCHING SOME OF THE PLAYERS WARM UP.

BROCK HANGING OUT. WE BOUGHT AN EXTRA SEAT SO NO ONE WOULD SIT NEXT TO US! SAD I KNOW!

WATCHING THE PLAYERS STRETCH. MOMMY HAS NO COMMENT! (HEHEHE)

MORE WARMING UP.

ONE OF THE PLAYERS CAME OVER AND SIGNED BROCK'S BALL!
ACTUALLY, TWO PLAYERS DID!

HEY BATTER, BATTER, BATTER!!!

THE PITCH!

DADDY AND BROCK. BROCK WAS SHOWING HIS "BIG EYES!"

HE WASN'T WANTING ANYMORE PICS!

THE HOT RODS MASCOT, AXEL. THEY WERE SHOOTING T-SHIRTS TO THE CROWD.

WE HAD SO MUCH FUN!!!

Bowling Green Hot Rods

2009-05-30T22:42:00.002-05:00

We have our very own minor league baseball team now, complete with a brand new stadium. Greg took me and Brock to a game tonight and we had a ball. Brock loved it when the crowd cheered! He also got a couple of signatures on his ball! I'll post pics soon. My allergies are on the brink of making my head explode so I'm going to bed! Night all!

No Spacebar!

2009-05-30T03:14:00.004-05:00

Consider yourself warned...this is going to be a random blog!

Berkley decided it would be really cool if she broke my laptop space bar off permanently. I've really been unable to type since she did it. I have hubbs computer tonight so I'm able to actually type a blog... I have to take my computer to Best Buy (for the 4th time...don't get me started on HP).

WAIT! It's 3:15 a.m. Not night time. Berkley has been up with her daddy most of the evening (okay, all night) and when she finally got me up around 2ish, she wanted pizza chips and dill pickles!!! YUCKO! She finally went back down with daddy and of course, I'm wide awake now. It worked out though cause when I woke up, my sinus' were full and hurting so I started with the saline nose spray and commenced to blowing!!! I had my tonsils and adenoids removed when I was like 22 or 23 (I DO NOT recommend this for any adult. My son had it done at the beginning of the year and did GREAT...me, not so much). I noticed yesterday that my throat felt swollen so I looked at it in the light. Sure enough, on the back of my throat were bumps. Honestly, I think it's allergies. I swear, I am going to move to Arizona where everything is dead! I also feel a hot flash coming on. Gotta love menopause at the age of 29 1/2. Speaking of 29 1/2...I'll be 30 on June 16th. Oh my! I get depressed around birthdays. Not because I think "I'm getting older," it's just something that happens every year...since I was 15ish.

Natalie--a response to your comment. Yes, we are going to be fast friends! Yay!

Red Tag Crazy!

2009-05-30T03:08:00.002-05:00

You all have to check out this website. The prices are PHENOMINAL! Seriously!!!

Here's $5 to spend at redtagcrazy.com

Vintage Wedding Refashioned Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-05-28T21:56:00.000-05:00

Vintage Wedding Refashioned Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

I want this soooo bad!!! Enter to win!

Welcome New Friend, Natalie

2009-05-26T06:42:00.003-05:00

It is a SMALL, SMALL world!!! My newest friend, Natalie...let's just say that she and I have a weird connection as to how we know the same people. I'm going to leave it at that. ;-) I happened to stumble across her blog one day because her last name is Brock (and my son's name is Brock so I thought that was cool) and finally I put it all together!!! Just from chatting through email, I can tell you that she's awesome! Check her blog out HERE! Welcome Natalie and I'm so happy we are friends!

Happy Memorial Day!

2009-05-25T20:30:00.002-05:00

I hope that everyone had a fantastic long weekend. Everything was great here. The kids and I went to a friend's house (hi Randi) to swim and play. Brock and her son Haeden had the best time together (again). We are all EXHAUSTED. Randi is a fantastic cook and she just eyeballs everything. That amazes me. I measure to the millimeter!

Anyhoo, I'm so thankful for best friends and for many things this Memorial Day. I am also remembering the loved ones we have lost on this day.

Gone Fishin'

2009-05-23T20:53:00.007-05:00

My parents took me and the kiddos to Campbellsville to visit my dad's great aunt who is 93. We do this every Memorial Day weekend and have since I was a kid! While visiting, Brock got to go fishing with my dad(papaw) for the very first time!!!

Checking out the pole!

He reeled it in all by himself!!!

Brock decided to name him BUDDY! He had to pet him before we let him go. When we baited the hook with the worm he was afraid it was hurting the worm. Dad told him that it didn't hurt the worm and the worm was happy to catch the fish for us!!!

There's the BEAST! Buddy the Blue Gill.

Taking the hook out of him to set him free!

Fun times with family today! (hubby had a previous engagement today so he didn't get to go this time.)

Pics as promised...

2009-05-20T18:37:00.005-05:00

Berkley's hair. Tee hee hee!!!

The princess on our new deck! (my husband is awesome!) Notice the Pebbles hair!!!

Mommy looking like a scrub...seriously...S.C.R.U.B.

My smokin' hot son at the Soap Box Derby!

Brock's preschool class...I'm so sad he's off to Kindergarten now!

The hayride at Chaney's Dairy Barn and last field trip with the Preschool Learning Center.

I WON AN AWARD!!! Woot! Woot!

2009-05-20T11:52:00.008-05:00

This is my first...and probably my only award but I graciously accept it with a loving heart and admiration for the person who sent it to me! Pretty Personal Gifts sent this award to me after she received it. You MUST check out her blog and the link to her store. She is a super nice person (we've known each other for 2 days and yes, she is so sweet) and she has the most beautiful items in her shop. PRETTY PERSONAL GIFTS

Your following is also greatly appreciated. I don't know why it is so exciting to have "followers."

I'm told the rules are as follows:
1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.
2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award. OK, newly discovered...I'm not sure that my list is what you would consider newly discovered, but I'm doing my best here!
Here's my list- new or not...

1. My Delightful Obsessions

2. Williams Family Blog

3. Whitney Caroline Designs

4. Our Whittle World

5. imperfect

6. Little Bitty SpiceCakes

7. High Heels & Combat Boots

8. Boss Sanders

9. There's a Cow in My Lane

10. The Chronicles of Windy Ridge

I could only name 10 because honestly, I don't have time to go through all of my daily reads. I know for sure these are my favorite!

Get Real Girls...

2009-05-20T11:39:00.002-05:00

How do I put this nicely? I love designer things but my pocketbook doesn't love them at all. I work 1/2 time, take care of 2 kids and I have a husband. We own our home...a simple home in the community I grew up in. I put my family first and not myself...even though the hubby does let me splurge now and again. One of the regular blogs I read posted about how she wears high end designers with PAYLESS SHOES. OH MY!!! Come on now. Are people really that vain and materialistic? As if it is just horrible to get a steal of a deal on something. Sounds to me like the world is full of spoiled brats!!! I'm not jealous. I just don't want to be that ugly of a person. I also care about more than myself and my mommy and daddy don't pay my bills. And who calls their mother at the age of 20 something Mommy???

Anyhoo, just wanted to vent! I will continue to read the blogs that I read and I will laugh quietly to myself and wait for karma to bite them in the butts!!!

Mommy has the preschool blues...

2009-05-19T21:07:00.002-05:00

I can't believe tomorrow is Brock's LAST day of preschool! I have gotten really comfortable with him being at his "church school" and I hate to see him take the leap into kindergarten! I REALLY AM NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO IT!!! I have already cried and school doesn't start until August 4th. Mark your calendars....Crystal will be a mess anywhere near that time!

Brock's preschool program is Thursday night so I will post some pics after the show!

BTW, I have a new follower!!! I am totally stoked about it! I am a terrible blogger!!! Check our her at Pretty Personal Gifts!!! There is a link to her store there. She creates some beautiful items and has some for everyone!!!

GelPro Rug Giveaway from The Funky Monkey

2009-05-18T12:14:00.001-05:00

Check out the giveaway here!!! Follow her instructions and get your entries in!

Hugs,
Crystal

Just wonderin...

2009-05-17T19:59:00.002-05:00

Does anyone actually read this??? If you do, are you a follower?

Bath Time

2009-05-17T19:55:00.001-05:00

I have a broken space bar on my laptop so my thumb is working extra hard. I have to slam it down in order to get it to work!!! This POS will be returned to Best Buy for the 4th time. One time warranted a replacement. I can only hope this is the case again. I have had no luck with Dell or HP!!!

I have gotten to where I can't stand bath time around here. Two separate baths is HARD WORK!!!

Rain, Rain Go Away

2009-05-14T09:04:00.004-05:00

Rain really gives me a headache for some odd reason. I suppose it's the pressure in the air (or lack there of.) I am also really, really sleepy today.

Everything has been good around the home front. We are building a 22 foot deck on the back of the house. Since Greg raised the floor in the old laundry room (it will be part of the kitchen soon), there was about a 3 foot drop off out the back door and I've been using a step ladder. I can't wait to get it finished and have a cookout for friends! We never entertain because we don't have a lot of space so I'm hopeful. The deck will also feature railing all the way around with slats close together so the kiddos won't fall off. We are also going to put a gate at the steps so I can "corral" them in. If our drywall guy would come and finish the new addition onto the kitchen, we could knock out the wall and get it going. I'm excited for it to be finished but I'm not excited about the mess this will pose. I despise drywall dust so this should be interesting.

I'll post more later on. I am about to nod off!!! Happy Thursday!

Bubble Blowing Skirt and Top GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-05-13T19:36:00.000-05:00

Bubble Blowing Skirt and Top GIVEAWAY!!!!

Too cute!!!

Loose Teeth Vintage Inspired Sundress with Petticoat GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-05-12T15:28:00.000-05:00

Loose Teeth Vintage Inspired Sundress with Petticoat GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Oh my gosh!!! I want this dress more than anything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Enter to win!!!

Etsy It Up!

2009-05-11T06:44:00.001-05:00

Most of you know that I HEART Etsy. I have purchased some great things from many different peeps on there. Etsy It Up is hosting a giveaway. Click here to enter!!!

You Must Read Miss Janice's Blog

2009-05-10T19:59:00.002-05:00

Miss Janice, the queen of etiquette, is hosting a giveaway for a wonderful book in celebration of National Etiquette week. Go to her site to enter and become a follower. You will not regret it!

Much love to all on this beautiful Mother's Day.

XOXO,
Crystal

Fit for a True Southern Belle!

2009-05-10T12:47:00.003-05:00

I awoke this Mother's Day morning to a huge surprise!!! When I say NICE, I mean these babies were so expensive, I'm terrified to wear them!!!

Have a look at what my wonderful husband and kiddos did for me!!!

The gold hook closure also has a diamond on each side!!! WHAT?! I couldn't believe my eyes. These are cultured pearls and Greg said they are in the top 30% of all pearls sold!!! I'd believe it after examining the extended warranty which so nicely had the receipt in the folder. I almost felt sick...but so thankful at the same time!!! WOWZA! Pearls are also my birthstone. I am so thankful for my family on this Mother's Day and of course...I'm thankful for my pearls! YAY ME!!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

2009-05-10T06:12:00.003-05:00

For all mother's out there, I hope you have a beautiful day and are showered with the love I know you deserve!

I think that sometimes as a mom, I fail to recognize what a blessing my two babies are and how lucky I am to be a mother to them. Motherhood ain't easy and I've always said "It is the hardest but the best job you will ever do!"

Happy Mother's Day, girls!

XOXOXO,
Crystal

Head strong child...

2009-05-07T22:36:00.003-05:00

As I type this, Berkley is screaming and sobbing and wailing to the top of her lungs. All because she doesn't want to go to sleep and wants to go outside. I take her, she flails her arms, legs and is horrible. I'm sitting here trying to pretend like I'm not paying her any attention. I hope to god it stops soon. She has been screaming so long she is hoarse. Has to be an hour now. Great, now she's coughing and gagging. I can feel puke coming.

Not only her behavior meltdown she's having right now, she also has a horrible skin rash. I thought it was eczema but I'm not so sure. Now she's starting to dig at it and she screams when I put her in water. I've tried special lotions and nothing has worked. Even petroleum jelly hasn't work....so it's off to the doctor tomorrow for her.

.

GIVEAWAY!!!

2009-05-07T19:33:00.002-05:00

Check out the giveaway. Beautiful art!!!

Allezvous Giveaway

2009-04-29T18:03:00.000-05:00

Check it out here!!!

Migraine

2009-04-27T11:15:00.002-05:00

Brock coughed most of the night. To the point of gagging and almost losing his supper. I patted his back most of the night. He would roll over and say "mommy, pat me." He was so, terribly pitiful. About 2:00 a.m. I woke up to the most horrible migraine I have had in a long time. Then came the involuntary upchuck. It has been forever since I've been like this or have had one to this extreme. I almost went to the ER it was so bad. I took something and went back to sleep. Woke up at 5:45 with the same headache...still in horrible pain. I inevitably had to call into work and was at the doctor at 9:00 a.m. for meds. It was absolutely horrible but has gotten a bit better. Still a twinge in the forehead but nothing like it was. I felt like I was having a baby...in my head.

Picnic Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-04-27T10:17:00.000-05:00

Picnic Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

I just LOVE giveaways and classy, beautiful blogs! Check it out!!!

Another Great Giveaway!

2009-04-25T22:30:00.002-05:00

An excellent giveaway from Lauren Nicole Gifts!!!

Check it out!

I keep hoping to win something from someone!!!

Fabulous Friday

2009-04-24T21:51:00.004-05:00

Mommy is so proud!

2009-04-21T21:06:00.000-05:00

Brock has had a bit of trouble with #2 on the potty. He has been terrified and has refused to do that on the potty. While in the bath tonight, I suppose the pain hit him. When I went back into the bathroom, he proclaimed, "MOMMY, I POOPED ON THE POTTY!" Of course I praised him and told him how proud I am of him! He had to call Nana and Papaw, and Granny and Papaw to tell them what he did! Afterward, we made a little chart with the days of the week on it. I made some random boxes and told him that every time he pooped on the potty, he would get a sticker and when the whole chart was filled up, he would get a big prize! We have Thomas the Train reward stickers that I have been holding onto and this is the perfect thing to use them for! Pray it works for us! He's definitely ready...finally! Pee pee on the potty isn't an issue and maybe we are about to tackle the other!

Yay!

Beach Bucket Giveaway

2009-04-21T16:47:00.002-05:00

Go over to My Monogrammed Tahoe and check out her Beach Bucket Giveaway! These are the cutest personalized buckets and I've fallen in love with them! If you follow the instructions at the end of the blog, you too can enter to win!

I have yet to win a giveaway but I'll keep trying!!!

4 people and random blurbs!

2009-04-17T22:34:00.006-05:00

4 people love and follow me! Yay!

I just won two dresses on Ebay for Berkley. They are little cotton knit everyday dresses from Lands End. They are normally priced for 19.00 and I got them brand new for $4.99 each! What a deal! I have also bid on some Nike shorts for Brock for like 3.00! Brand new and very cheap! I also won a brand new pair of American Eagle Jeans for $15.50 regularly $49.99! I have become somewhat a queen of bargain shopping these days!

Getting ready to plan our vacation! A real vacation for mommy and daddy...only! I can't wait!!! Greg and I won't know what to do with ourselves. Aruba? Jamaica? St. Thomas? St. Lucia? It's definitely going to be somewhere like that! Hopefully June!? I don't even care when...just as long as it is soon! I'm giddy just thinking about it! If you are reading this honey bunny, I can't wait to spend ALONE time with you with no worries! Mom and Dad will keep the kiddos while we go on our adventure! We aren't doing the whole family vacation thing until the kiddos get a little older. Then we plan on doing Disney. Berkley isn't a good traveler and Brock wouldn't really remember a cool vaca just yet. Brock will actually be more likely to travel with us in the near future than Berkley. We want him or both of them to enjoy themselves. I think it is just miserable to take kids to a strange place and actually try to enjoy yourself!

Anyhoo, I'm trying to watch "Nights in Rodanthe." I read the book years ago and LOVED it! The movie is a little slow but nice so far.

Mucho love to all,
Crystal

Sit here or exercise?

2009-04-13T18:26:00.009-05:00

I think I'd much rather sit here than exercise. I have got to get off my large booty and start doing something. My friend over at My Delightful Obsessions started using the elliptical machine and she got slim and trim and even more beautiful! She makes gorgeous jewelry btw. Check out the link to her etsy store from her site. Anyone know where I can get an elliptical for cheap??

We had a really fun Easter! Brock and Berkley got waaaay too much stuff as usual. They were sooooo cute in their Easter outfits too!

He's so cute...I just can't get enough of him and his sweetness!

They love each other...most of the time!

He was so excited about his TON of eggs!

Berkley actually, really got into it!!!

Posing on mom and dad's porch swing!

Much love to all.
Crystal

Happy Easter Weekend!

2009-04-10T20:11:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone has a safe and fun-filled Easter week!

What plans do you have?

Snotty nose, busted mouth, not enough hands and too much to do!

2009-04-06T01:35:00.014-05:00

For some unknown reason, I had forgotten my obligation today. I volunteered to work both morning and afternoon shifts at work. That really isn't the issue because working more, equals more on the paycheck. BUT, Berkley is SICK. The kids have done so well with sickness lately but she is absolutely miserable. The started with a runny nose and now it has went to a pouring nose, non-stop sneezing and a bit of a fever. We have to be very careful of any kind of infection because of her kidney. An infection in her body could cause more kidney damage so anytime she gets a tiny bit sick, you'll see me rush her to the doctor. There are problems with getting her to the doctor. First of all, Brock has school so mom will be tending to him throughout the day. Secondly, mom has Cody and Tanner so when Brock gets out of school, there's no way she can take her to the doctor. Thirdly, Greg just can't take her...well because I said so and because he has to work. I just feel like that's something mommy should do!!! Under normal circumstances and a normal work shift, I'd have plenty of time seeing as I get off at about 10 till 1:00. But today it is 5:00. I could take her on my lunch break but I am also going to have to drive from BG to Richardsville to pick her up. Granny will be watching her for today and can't drive her into town. She's 72 years old for Pete's sake. What a time for someone to get sick. And, I'm working on a MONDAY until 5:00. Golly GEE WHIZ! What was I thinking? I'm going to have to figure out something or another.

Little Berkley also fell on Saturday morning. She was walking across the floor with a blanket on her head and she fell flat on her face. The passie in her mouth cut the inside top lip all to pieces. It's swollen and tender. So tender that she cries when she tries to bite into something.

Berkley kissing her new coloring book.

Brock in Nana's whirlpool!

My studious little children!

Berkley was coloring very precisely. :-)

This was the night she put herself to bed!

All dressed up to see Dr. Adams at Vandy!

Emmersen's 1st Birthday at Chaney's Dairy Barn!

She loved being at the party!!!

Speaking of Berkley, she just got up around 2:00 a.m., miserable and has screamed and cried for an hour. Off to the doctor we go for sure. Bless her heart!

It's 3:37.....WHAT?

2009-04-03T03:37:00.005-05:00

Yes, it is 3:37...in the morning. I went to bed with a pounding headache and I am nursing it this morning. I feel okay...I just want to make sure it doesn't turn into one of those screaming migraines!!!

Not much to report on the home front. The kiddos are doing well as is hubby. Berkley is repeating everything and anything anyone says. She is also trying to say some of her ABC's when you prompt her! Yes, my kiddos are smart little ones! They make me so proud (except when they act like hoodlums.) Brock has now picked up the back talking and smart mouth...naturally from kids at school. It is amazing some of the things he says and I can promise he DOES NOT get them from home. He spent most of his evening in trouble because of back talking. If you tell him to do something, he will say NO or will argue. NOT ACCEPTABLE. Berkley has also started doing everything brother does so if he yells, she yells....and so on....

Well, must get some more beauty rest (hahahaha).

Much love to all.
C

Last weekend, one of my b/f/f's stopped into Bowling Green with her fiance. Jen and I had not seen each other since I graduated from high school which was many, many moons ago. I don't remember her being quite so tall. She laughed and said "I've always been 5'8." Man I felt short! Cameron was very quiet but nice. Unfortunately because of Mother Nature and her tornadoes the night before, we didn't get to visit but walked around Sam's Club for a bit. Love you Jen!

I heart Vanderbilt Children's Hospital and Followers!

2009-03-31T17:33:00.002-05:00

Today was Berkley's 6 month checkup with the pediatric urologist at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. Vandy is a hospital unlike any other. I have never been to a hospital that is a happy place and Vandy sure is that! It is so colorfully decorated and everything is kid oriented. Our doctor was running behind and we ended up on the bottom floor where they have a big model train set up. Brock just about had a stroke (you all know his love for trains). While we were standing there, I saw a little boy that was tiny. He had a feeding tube coming out his nose and what looked like hair loss. I immediately thought cancer and turned around trying to conceal my eyes that were tearing up. I told my mom that I just couldn't look at that. Not because I was disgusted, but because I don't understand how a little child could suffer like that or why children have to fight illnesses such as cancer. I need to count my blessings more...let's put it that way!

Speaking of healthy kids...Berkley's kidney is doing GREAT! We go back for a checkup in November. We had been going every 3 months, then 6 months and now 7 to 8 months! He said that if she continues to do well with no infections, we will keep scheduling further out. He also spoke about the next hurdle; POTTY TRAINING! I thought...WHAT? She's almost 19 months old and we are thinking of potty training already??? He said that we could not rush her and we had to let her do it on her own time. We also have to make sure she goes to pee every hour to hour and a half. This will help prevent a UTI which is our main threat everyday. If she gets a high fever without any symptoms of something like a common cold, strains to pee, doesn't pee as much, we have to notify Dr. Adams immediately so they can get a urine sample. (This is horrible because she's too little to pee in a cup so they have to cath her.) We have had to do that once besides right after birth and luckily she didn't have an infection. Peeing every hour will also have to happen even after she goes to kindergarten. That should be interesting because someone will have to take her to the bathroom and make sure she pees everytime she goes.

Anyhow, I'm tired of typing. More to come later...it has been a really long day!

P.S. I only have 3 followers...but I LOVE them!!!

Followers

2009-03-25T14:41:00.001-05:00

Sad day...no one follows me.

Beautiful Blog--Beautiful Jewelry

2009-03-25T14:34:00.003-05:00

You can win a beautiful necklace made by Kristin Pearce of Miami, Florida!

Check out her blog! It is under the post "100 Follower Giveaway"!!!

http://kristinpearce.blogspot.com/

XOXO
Crystal

Southern Charm

2009-03-20T19:32:00.001-05:00

I want to be a southern belle. Time to get the pearls out and take etiquette classes!

C

Diva in Training...

2009-03-20T16:05:00.007-05:00

Berkley got her new shoes in that we ordered from The Polka Dot Door. They are too small but she won't take them off. Watch the video and you'll see why! They are hot pink patent leather and they...

SQUEAK!!! Wee Squeaks are the best kids shoes. They ensure that your child is walking correctly...heel to toe! I ordered hers from The Polka Dot Door. You can also find them online at www.littlemonkeytoes.com. If you live here in BG...you will find it cheaper to get them there and not pay shipping!

Brock starts soccer tomorrow! We are so excited for him. Tonight is haircut night. He has to have this mop buzzed before he can play because he gets very very hot and the hair is not helping matters! Brock has decided that he wants a hamster. I think the Easter Bunny might bring him the hamster or maybe a bird. I think birds are better...and when they bite, they don't hurt as bad as a hamster! He was so cute the other day when we went to the park. He was begging to get one because he wants to name it buddy! I miss my little parakeet, YZ. He was such a nice bird and so much fun!

Everything else seems to be going well enough. I'm still having trouble with my arms, hands and elbows but because of out insurance deductible, the test costs $479.00 and that isn't going to happen right now! Life goes on I suppose.

Hope everyone is doing well. If this video would ever finish uploading, I would actually be finished with this post!!!

Happy March!

2009-03-16T14:14:00.009-05:00

I am a bad blogger! It seems as if I have no time these days. I don't know why though. LOL!!! Everything is going well around here. We are so ready for Spring and Summer! Brock starts soccer this Saturday and we are really looking forward to that!!! I don't care if he runs in circles, just as long as he has fun!

**I couldn't get her to be still and pose for a picture but this is her bikini! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!! Having a girl is so much fun!***

**One of Berkley's new spring dresses!!!**

**This is Brock shortly after waking up! Notice the bed head!!!**

**Berkley LOVES to feed herself mashed potatoes!**

**A handmade dress from www.etsy.com. It's so beautiful. I am going to go broke buying dresses! She's too precious in them though!**

Berkley has also started talking and she can say anything! Her first official sentence was "I want, I want candy!"

I'm going to try to keep up with this more! Check back!

TIRED

2009-02-11T17:06:00.002-06:00

I'm absolutely, 110%, EXHAUSTED. I must sleep tonight...no matter what.

The end.

Tonsils and Adenoids SUCK

2009-02-08T20:14:00.004-06:00

I don't wish a tonsilectomy and adenoidectomy on anyone. Brock will have a few hours where he seems to be doing fine and then he falls apart on us. The surgery went well. He is having major ear pain as well as throat pain. He wants to eat so badly too. Of course, all of the things he isn't supposed to have such as pizza, cookies and crackers. One day at a time. If this night doesn't end soon, I'll lose my mind for sure. I only got 2 hours of sleep last night because he was up and down all night.

I'm pooped. Must pass out now!!!

Pictures. What?

2009-01-23T19:36:00.012-06:00

I keep saying I've been horrible with posts...and it's true. I usually post colorful things with pictures. I'm having horrible trouble with carpal tunnel in both hands so typing for prolonged periods of time has become quite painful. Not only that but Berkley always wants to sit with me as I type. She is well into the terrible 2's and she's only 16 months old!

Here are some of my favorite pictures I recently snapped! As I speak, Berkley is kissing me over and over on the lips and is trying to make it "pop". I take what I said back...maybe it's not the terrible two's Maybe it is just the red hair!

I'm thrilled about my pigtails, can't you tell?!

Berkley's new winter hat!

Look at all of my beautiful teeth!

16 and counting...

He is so sweet!

Christmas morning all sleepy-eyed!!!

L & N Train Depot--The reading of The Polar Express

Mommy and Brock at the train depot waiting to board, hear the story and see Santa Claus!

Berkley on Christmas in bubby's safety goggles!

My blog format is messing up! Argh! Till next time!

Home again

2009-01-21T11:54:00.002-06:00

Another day out of work. Berkley has pink eye in both eyes and also hives. She has been doing the eye drops and benadryl.

I have been a horrible blogger lately. Papaw is having surgery tomorrow. Wish us luck and say a prayer.

Berkley has also started saying "mommy" and "ma"!!!

The Holiday's

2009-01-07T13:45:00.005-06:00

From a previous blog that was not posted...

So, it has been a while since I've been able to return to blogging land! My computer CRASHED and had to have a brand new hard drive put in it. Anyhow, I'm back in business! I am so looking forward to Christmas. What has been such a busy and stressful season has really turned out to be a blessing. Several things have changed in my life and I must say it is all for the better. It was tough getting here but I made it!Berkley is the sweetest child alive! She has now started grabbing me and hugging me and kissing me! It is the most perfect thing! She especially does this when she is in trouble. Greg wanted me to throw in here how great it is to be married to him! My husband, the comedian!Brock is progressing well in school!!! He loves it there and it saddens me that he can't stay another year. We are looking at Plumtree Montessori School as one more year of pre-school. As of right now, he isn't ready for full-time school. He's exhausted after 3 days for 3 hours. Montessori school is pricey but we could then enroll him the year after in public school for kindergarten. I'm really not sure what to do. To be continued...

I am so behind on blogging. I don't think anyone has noticed though!

Everything went well over Christmas and New Years. I have been sick for a month and I think I'm finally seeing the end of it! Sinus infection, chest congestion and more snot than I thought a person could produce. Brock has another round of strep. Another shot for him last Friday. He seems to be better now and went back to school today! We have an appointment with the ear, nose and throat doctor on the 20th. His ped said he needs his tonsils out. To be continued...

Berkley is hilarious! I wish I could catch her on video. She is talking up a storm and can now identify her nose "no", ear "e", eye "I" and mouth which she usually sticks out her tongue! And yes, that's how she says them. She is also saying "Papaw, Pappy, Puppy, Bubby, mommy, daddy, dog, hot, baby, bye, hi and hey." Those are the ones I can think of right now.

Brock is doing so well in school. He gets so excited when it is another school day! They are starting to work on math and numbers this semester of school. It should be interesting. It will also include concepts like temperature and telling time. He will record all of this in a book he will keep to show his progress. I should be receiving an email from his teacher giving me her opinion on putting him in kindergarten vs. another year of pre-school. We'll see the outcome. She did send me one telling me that he is making progress but they are still working on empathy and learning and understanding how others feel. She said this will come with time and experiences that will happen.

GUESS WHAT?? Brock is POTTY TRAINING! He has done very well. We are doing big boy underwear in the daytime and pull-ups at night from the advice of our pediatrician. It's like last week...it clicked in his head. No pee pee accidents in the big boy underwear. It's going to be number 2 that will be hard for him. He apparently held it for a few days and went in his undies and when he did, it really hurt coming out. I know...TMI. He hates to sit on the potty so I'm not sure how that will go. We are at least getting there. He also does a pee pee dance when he needs to go so I have a sign that prompts me to ask him if he needs to go. Sometimes he goes without even telling me and no prompting!

Greg is doing construction on the house...and it is going quite well. Will be complete very soon. I have pictures of the stages. What a difference it will make to our kitchen and our family.

I am going to do a post of pictures for you all soon.

Oh, and more to come on New Years Resolutions!!! My goal is to lose 20 pounds. More to come...

Much love,
Crystal

Agenda for next blog:

post pics from holidays and of the kids
school for Brock
New Years resolutions
Papaw's surgery on 1/22/09
write more about the kiddos Christmas and how much they were spoiled and what they received.
updated pictures of house construction

Winter Blues, Sickness and Tired!

2008-12-02T18:35:00.003-06:00

Yes, long time no blog! I know you all are just dying to read my mess. Brock had a sinus infection, Berkley a double ear infection (2 meds for 10 days) and I have also had a sinus infection along with other issues (2 rounds of shots for me.) I can't even begin to think about just how much work I have missed but they have been gracious nonetheless and I am thankful to still work there. I worked yesterday and made it through. Made it through only 2 hours (of my 4 total) today and had to come home...stomach issues. I will live. I believe I'm finally on the downhill swing.

Other than the sickness, things are well. I have the winter blues I must admit. The cold air makes my bones ache and my joints ache especially. Old age? Probably! I am totally NOT ready for Christmas. I haven't bought one Christmas present yet and I haven't put out one decoration yet. I'm totally focusing on the kids this year and I don't even think I'm sending out Christmas cards. So sorry people who are far away...I doubt there will be cards coming in the mail. It's time to pinch pennies and the kids are the most important!!!

As for what the kids are getting? I have NO IDEA!!! I think my mom bought everything already. Just kidding. I think I'll leave it up to Santa this time! That reminds me...Brock and I have to write a Dear Santa letter. He wants to actually put it in the mailbox to go to the North Pole so that's what we'll do!

We have a big Christmas party on Saturday in Louisville at The Galt House. I don't want to go but I'm going. With everything going on lately, I just want to stay at home!!! BUT, I'm going. I have to get a cocktail dress...hmmm...and my hair colored too. Brock also wants a haircut (gasp). He said "mom. I want to go to Jackie's hair cut store and get my hair washed and cut. My hair is stinky." It's not really stinky...I promise!

Greg and I are doing very well. I'm not going to brag. He is truly the best. No matter what I say, I can get through anything as long as he is by my side. Aaah! I love him.

Blah...winter time blues...

2008-11-21T17:17:00.004-06:00

I really strongly dislike this time of year. For some reason (maybe seasonal depression) when the season changes from Summer to Winter, since there really is no fall, I get really depressed. On top of that, we have all been sick and I just feel horrible, as does Brock. He has a sinus infection and fluid on his ears. I woke up at 1:30 this morning with a migraine from you know where. I took some pain meds for it and prayed it would work. I got up again at 5:30 and it was gone so I started getting ready for work. As I got ready, the twinge in my head came back and I fought it until about 10:30. Just rotten. Every time I walk outside, my nose runs like a faucet and runs down the back of my throat. I'm sick of being sick and I'm sick of the kids being sick. Brock carries all of this junk home from nasty little children at school. I know it is a part of going to school and he will become more immune with time but that doesn't mean that I have to like it. Believe me, I DON'T! My body just hurts. I'm in a bad mood. The kids are bouncing off the walls. I think I need a break.

The End!

**On a positive note, Berkley got her 12th tooth. She has 4 on the top front, four on the bottom front and all 4 1 year molars.**

Life as we know it...

2008-11-17T05:05:00.003-06:00

Do you think at times we take our lives for granted? I know that I have and I'm trying to become a better person in many areas...I'm sure Greg would beg to differ. I have been awake since 3:30 a.m. I fell asleep sitting upright in the chair (crick in my neck) and got up about 12:30. Went back to sleep (in the chair) and woke up to Greg yelling at me. Brock was asleep of course but fell asleep on the couch. He was clothed and had a blanket and was fine AND our couch is comfortable. Greg is standing over me..."wake up...I can't believe you fell asleep and didn't put him in bed and he's sick." Okay...Brock coughed a total of 5 times yesterday and had a tiny bit of a runny nose. Nothing serious. Did I deserve the smart mouth at 3:30 in the morning?? NO! And I'm tired of it. My only retort was that I didn't mean to...then he had more comments and I went to the bathroom. I'm so tired of everything. SICK of it and yet I love my husband. He begs to differ but if I didn't love him, would I still be here? NO!

Anyway, I'm going to try and think about something else for the moment. I have run myself ragged all weekend and I haven't hardly slept at all. Who wants to sleep with a million things running through their mind? Who can sleep? Not I! Even with medication sleep aid, I sleep for a bit and then I'm awake. I'll crash this morning at work around 10 to 11. By the time I get off at 12:48 (yes weird time), I'll be ready to fall over. Oh well...I'll live. I find myself saying that a lot.

I did get to see my B/F/F Angela yesterday. I stopped by her bf's apartment to give her a little present I've had for a bit. She is a writer and can honestly write some of the most wonderful poetry I have EVER read. I have always been a big fan/supporter of her writing *her soon-to-be ex husband did not support this creative outlet* so I had a journal made for her. It had a soft cover with stained recycled paper in it. It's very soft and had a medallion on the front that said "LOVE". I was hoping to inspire her writing again in a positive way.

Well...I'm cutting it short. I'm tired of rambling.

Later.

Thank You

2008-11-16T10:16:00.002-06:00

Thank you Angela for the long chat this morning. You are able to put things into many different perspectives and it allows me to see many sides of things. You are a gift to me and I love you!

Life just stinks sometimes...

2008-11-16T08:17:00.004-06:00

Not sure how my house or life will be in 6 months. I'm speaking of our "living arrangements." I am not to air my dirty laundry on here but I can tell you that things between me and my husband are not well. I am coping and taking it day by day and focusing on MY children!

On another note:

The kids are doing great! Berkley just cut her 11th tooth! She has 4 on the top front, 4 on the bottom front, a molar on the top right, a molar on the bottom right and the newest molar on the top left! That explains the crabbiness!!! Brock's vocabulary and sentence structure has blossomed the last 2 weeks! He speaks as an adult now with some sentences and words he's using and they are all in the right context!

Well, I just wanted to note her new milestone and speak a little of Brock. Not much to write about because in all actuality...I can't! I was told by Greg that (someone in Greg's fam said) I was not to air the dirty laundry of my family on here...so I'll leave it at that. Contact me should you want to know more details! :-) For the sake of everyone, I'll spare you the rant anyhow!

Much love to you all!

Ed Hardy Shirts & Hudson Jeans!

2008-11-10T19:38:00.007-06:00

Okay...so I said I'd never pay an outrageous amount of cash for an Ed Hardy shirt. I decided to try my hand at wearing one (they are generally really tight fitted) and I LOVE THEM! I was lucky enough to find mine on Ebay for a fraction of the price :-). I am now the proud owner of 3 Ed Hardy's and I can't wait to get more! I also now own a pair of Hudson Jeans. I never knew "designer" jeans until now and I understand why people spend the money. They are the best fitting jeans, wash great, look great and feel WONDERFUL! Ahhh...I love them!

For some reason...I'm totally into the punk/skulls/rock n roll look! Hmmm....mid life crisis? Maybe! But I like it!

TAG: I made myself it!

2008-11-09T09:40:00.003-06:00

Danielle tagged whoever. I do the same.
1. Where is your cell phone? in the chair with me
2. Where is your significant other? kitchen
3. Your hair color? copper brown with cherry highlights and blonde
4. Your mother? friend, beautiful, supportive, loving
5. Your father? funny, sensitive, loving, supportive, friend
6. Your favorite thing? shopping
7. Your dream last night? don't remember
8. Your dream/goal? To raise my kiddos right and strive to be a better wife.
9. The room you're in? trashed...too many toys
10. Your hobby? internet shopping, blogging
11. Your fear? losing someone I love
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? in my dream home
13. Where were you last night? home
14. What you're not? un-opinionated
15. One of your wish-list items? lose 20 pounds and have a flat stomach!
16. Where you grew up? Richardsville and I'm still here
17. The last thing you did? drank coffee
18. What are you wearing? honestly...tank top and panties
19. Your TV? Roary the Racing Car
20. Your pet? nada, allergic
21. Your computer? I'm addicted to the internet. I think it's a real problem...lol
22. Your mood? blah...content
23. Missing someone? yup...Marie
24. Your car? a mess!
25. Something you're not wearing? bra and pants
26. Favorite store? me--Dillards and NY&Co,
27. Your summer? pretty boring
28. Love someone? all of my family and friends
29. Your favorite color? pink, chocolate, black, purple
30. When is the last time you laughed? a little bit ago
31. Last time you cried? Friday

I think I'm going to tag "Motherhood for Dummies, Jenni Alton & A Superhero, Princess & A Monkey!"

Hap-Hap-Happy Saturday Morning!

2008-11-08T10:04:00.002-06:00

Good Morning everyone! I've had a slow start to the morning. Greg was nice enough to let me sleep in until after 9:00 a.m. At that point, Brock was climbing all over me. He'd get in my face and say "mommy, open your eyes!" I'd peek through one eye and he'd grab me and say "oh mommy, I love you. You're awake!"

Berkley is trotting around this morning, drinking her chocolate milk and making a fuss about everything! She has such a little diva attitude sometimes. I think her daddy made her that way! :-) tee hee hee Daddy is in the bedroom playing Hot Wheels on the PS2. Brock loves that game and Daddy excels at games so he's unlocked all of the cool cars and race tracks! They can spend hours and hours playing and talking about the game. Every now and again, Brock will come to the living room and tell me that daddy unlocked a new car!

Not sure what today will bring. I'm really hoping to get to the Christmas Bazaar's downtown at Christ Episcopal and First Christian Church. Holiday stuff, crafts and gifts. I love things like that. Anyhow, I better wrap it up before Greg gets upset.

...Fun times...

2008-11-06T14:41:00.005-06:00

Monday through today, we had monitors at work from our biggest funding source in the office doing an "audit." We do everything by this corporations standards so they come to check on our work and make suggestions based on our visit. So far, we received RAVE reviews and everything went really well. They were very kind to us and we enjoyed having them...even though it was a bit stressful. Today at 4:30 is the celebration! Several of us are gathering at a local restaurant for drinks and to wind down. I am actually going! They go every Thursday and I don't normally get to go but mom said she would watch the kids so I could go for a couple of hours. Of course I invited Greg to go along and really wanted him to but he didn't seem so jazzed about it and has "other responsibilities" to take care of; even though as we speak, he is asleep on the couch. Sounds more important than spending fun time with his wife, huh? ANYHOW...I have tried to get him to meet my co-workers several times to no avail. Sometimes I just think that if it isn't what he wants to do or if it isn't something he's interested in, he doesn't want to go. It's not golf and it's not his friends so he opts out...but he won't watch the kids either. This isn't the case all the time but is tonight. Generally, he is super dad and he does watch the kids and is very accommodating!!! Sometimes there is unfortunately no compromise! He is really great to me...I can't complain. I only need to vent from time to time.

ANYWAY...there's one more thing that is annoying me. Greg, his dad, his brother and friend have planned a fishing trip to Canada next year...all without me knowing in the beginning. The only way I found out about it was because I checked his email and read all about it. What do I think about that? I'll tell you. I have YET to have a real vacation with my husband. I have yet to really do anything with my husband and he is going to go gallivanting off to Canada for no telling how long with no phone service (unless he pays out the wazoo for it). So, of course, I was not happy and expressed that to him. Let's put it this way...we will be going on a real vacation somewhere tropical before the fishing trip next August. ALSO, I'm aggravated by the fact that they are calling all the time about the trip. It's like a year away. Why so pressed to talk about it right now and like everyday? It's all just annoying. No, I don't mind that his friends and family call...that's not the issue. It's just like the fishing trip has become some kind of obsession and I'm tired of hearing about it...PERIOD.

Next step...figure out where GREG and I are going on vacation. Maybe St. Lucia? I'm not sure! I do know that I am very excited and I can't wait! It has been 8 years since I've seen the ocean and that is waaaaay too long.

Much love to all...it's time to go out!!!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T16:20:00.004-05:00

What a day! I thought Halloween was supposed to be fun! Every time I walk outside...my eyes swell up. There are swarming lady bugs. When I mean swarming, I mean millions of them. I don't know if you know...BUT they BITE and they STINK. I hate them! So, now I'm itchy from being outside trying to carve pumpkins...my eyes are red and swollen and I have bug bites. Berkley has successfully screamed for a whole hour due to no nap. Finally, daddy was able to talk her into a nap. It is now 4:22 and trick or treating starts in 40 minutes! Berk is asleep...and, as daddy was trying to get him out of the back of the truck, he somehow managed to slip and bust his lip. Brock says that he can't go trick or treating now because his lip has a boo boo. UGH! We were supposed to go out later (adults) and mom didn't seem too jazzed about us going out and being gone tomorrow and I just feel BLEH. I've realized that as I get older, I don't like large crowds of drunk people as well as crazy college kids, so we will have a quiet night with the kiddos! Daddy and Brock did successfully carve some AWESOME pumpkins. Pictures to follow!

WKU's Homecoming is tomorrow and we are going. (If everything goes as planned! Keep your fingers crossed!) I am going to see some of my sorority sisters I haven't seen in a LONG time! I am so excited!!! We will be tailgating from 12:30 to 6:30...if we last that long! I don't think I'm going to participate in the Sigma Kappa Alumnae Tea at 10:00 a.m. It lasts until 1:00. I'm not an official alum until National's vote on my letter to reinstate me. (I withdrew from the sorority due to Grandpa dying from cancer and other reasons...) Reinstatement is just a process that I have to go through and unfortunately, it takes quite a bit of time.

20 minutes until trick or treating and there are people already out and about. NUTS! WAIT UNTIL TIME PEOPLE!!!

UPDATE!

We had a nice, successful night of trick-or-treating! Brock had a blast. Both kids were asleep by 7:30!

Here are a few pictures...actual Halloween/Trick or Treating pics to come soon.

Bleh. Bleh. Bleh.

2008-10-28T09:25:00.004-05:00

I feel horrible today. It started last night with aching and is still going on this morning. UGH. Anyhow, I didn't go to work and it's probably a good thing seeing as Berkley is now snotty and so is Brock. Ugh. The bad thing about staying at home is that I don't get to rest...I'm taking care of the kids today also. Mom was going to come up and decided not to...so I'm stuck here doing exactly what I didn't want to do. I wanted to rest today. So...that is the life of a mother. Sick and unable to take care of yourself to take care of everyone else. Ugh. Ugh. Ugh. Ugh.

I'm sure I'll write more later.

Headache...

2008-10-19T11:20:00.001-05:00

I woke up with the most horrid headache...bleh. The kind that makes you nauseated. Sick.

Picture Day!

2008-10-19T11:07:00.003-05:00

My sorority sister, Melissa is coming to my mom and dad's house to take our family photos today. We are also having pictures taken with my mom and dad along with Granny and Papaw. This will be the first time for a "whole" family pic with my side. She is very good at what she does and wants practice so we are her guinea pigs!!! Finding us all matching clothes was somewhat of a challenge. We will all be wearing white and khaki. The kids don't have khaki pants so they are both wearing chocolate pants with white. We will all match though!

Well, the princess is screaming! Gotta run. I'll post pics as soon as we get them back!!!

Cuddle Time

2008-10-18T21:39:00.001-05:00

I'm having cuddle time with my baby boy at this very moment. He has his little head on my arm and it is the sweetest feeling ever. These moments are...priceless and I would not trade them for anything in this world! He makes my heart melt.

I love you sweet boy.

Trash Your Dress Photo Shoot and My Sickly Baby Boy

2008-10-15T18:39:00.011-05:00

Tiff finally posted some pictures today of our photo shoot. Ya know, the one where I had a Mohawk and runway makeup??!!

Here are a few of the finished product!! I absolutely love them!

Honestly, I really couldn't believe this was me! Seriously! She must really know Photoshop! My cousin Rose (pictured above) got to see these and she loved them too! We will receive a DVD with all of our pics on them very soon and I can't wait! YEAH!

On a sickly note;Brock has been sick for a couple of days. Finally, Mom and I wrangled him into the doctor (literally). He tested positive for strep (probably the 8th time now) and has an ear infection in his left ear which was probably caused by the strep. He needs to have his tonsils and adenoids out but I can't bring myself to actually take him. The doc said the optimal time is around 4 years of age. I just can't imagine making him get an IV or them having to hold him down to give him the gas to knock him out. He would be terrified. I just can't do it yet...not until the doctor says it is time and it has to happen now. I know in the long run it will be done, just not tomorrow! I had my tonsils out when I was 23 and I was miserable. I actually had 2 surgeries with mine (scabs came off 2 weeks after surgery and I bled and bled and bled and had to have surgery to stop the bleeding.) I know it is better to do it while he is little....I just don't know! This is actually the very first time Brock has ever had an ear infection! Poor baby! He will not take oral meds so we had to get 2 shots...one in each leg. I can tell a drastic difference in him tonight though! Shots are miracles but they really stink while they are happening. It took 4 of us to hold him down...ugh!

Brock just spelled his name! He can write it but has never actually spelled it aloud!!!
B-R-O-C-K!!!!

I'm so proud of him! He is so smart and tries so hard.

Anyhow...it's like 2 days later and I'm finally posting this!

Much love to all,
Crystal

The Walking Machine

2008-10-14T04:09:00.003-05:00

I have a video of the princess walking but I have to learn how to rotate it...hmmm.

Brock is so sick. He had a fever yesterday afternoon/evening and is talking funny like he has a sore throat. He has cried off and on all night so I've been up since 2:00 a.m. He'll have to go to the doctor and I can bet it's strep.

Poor baby. He's miserable.

I typed this the other day and there is an update

2008-10-14T02:36:00.004-05:00

I’m sitting at my Granny and Papaw’s house waiting for Berkley to wake up so that we can go ahead and head home. I stopped by to drop off one of my lamps for her beautiful new living room. They just had new carpet, new flooring in the kitchen done and also bought a new couch and chair! This is the nicest stuff my granny has ever had and I’m so happy for her. This is the house that I grew up in and will always love! We lived here with them until I was 7 years old and then moved out. I have so many fond memories of Granny and Papaw’s house with them, mom and dad. To think that we all fit in this house is an amazing feat in itself! Now that I am older, the house seems so small. The backyard that was once so big is so tiny! Isn’t it amazing how the world around us gets smaller and smaller as we become adults?!

I have been reflecting a lot lately. Probably because I have lost a few of my best friends; or people that I thought were my best friends. I think to myself; what did I do? What is wrong with me? Why do I keep losing the people that are close to me? I think it is because I let those that I care about deeply into my life and let them know more than they really should. You think you can trust your b/f/f with your deepest darkest secrets. You think that you can trust your b/f/f with your problems, griping and complaining and the happy moments in life too. I guess this isn’t true. One b/f/f of 15 years stopped being my friend because I am friends with someone she doesn’t like; someone she has never met and knows nothing about…only what I have told her and because she didn’t agree with the situation and the events that happened when I was 19 years old, she has not accepted it for what it is and gotten over it but instead, has judged me and my friend because of it. RIDICULOUS! So yes, I did tell my friend some things about my friend of 15 years. When my friend of 15 years verbally attacked my friend, of course she retaliated and used some of those things against her. I don’t blame her one bit for doing it…she was attacked after all.

My other so-called b/f/f has listened to me complain about Greg and hasn’t always agreed with how he says things to me or how he handles situations between the two of us. Of course, I told her everything about everything and it only came back to bite me in the butt. On an outing to Nashville, Greg had upset me with some comments and on the way home, he made a comment about women and it was only a joke. She proceeded to “go off” on my husband and screamed at him that she didn’t like the way he treats me, etc., etc… I told her to be quiet and that she wasn’t making anything better. We proceeded to an exit to use the restroom, she calls her mother to drive all the way from Bowling Green to Nashville at 1:00 a.m. and got out of the truck and would not return. HELLO? Am I in high school? She said she was not giving control to him and was not going to let him drive her home. She said that we could be friends but not to involve her in anything that had to do with Greg. Is there something about this that wasn’t understood? He is my HUSBAND. Partner in life. MARRIED! That’s different than a relationship. She text messaged me on the way home (I cried the whole way) and said that her mom got her and she was home safe. That’s all she wrote. Hasn’t spoken to me since and it’s not that I haven’t tried. I guess I just wonder; what did I do to these people? I think my answer is that I really did nothing. I have GIVEN and GIVEN myself to these two individuals. The friend for 15 years I walked on egg shells all the time, not to say anything that might upset her. I have found her attorneys for the several times she has been in jail. I have offered her support through the pregnancy and birth of her two fatherless children and how am I treated? I am treated as if this is my entire fault. I stabbed her in the back by telling my friend things about her. GROW UP ALREADY! You are a mother of two children. She actually said to me, “I do this all by myself. Could you say the same?” My response was that “I don’t have to do it by myself and I don’t have to provide for my kids by myself and I’m sorry that she made the choices she did but it wasn’t my fault.” I think its partial jealousy. She’s always throwing in my face that she’s a single mom and she does it all by herself. Just because you are a single mom, does that make you a good one??? A good friend? I once thought so. I tried to apologize to her and it was not accepted. I told her that I was sorry she felt that way. I DON’T HAVE TIME FOR THIS…AND I’M TIRED OF IMMATURE “SINGLE MOTHER’S (no offense to anyone) bringing me down because I have help and support from my husband. As for my other friend that went off on Greg…she said in time we could be friends again. Ya know what? Time’s up!

I’m sure that time will mend everything if it is meant to be. I can assure you that things for me will never be the same with the “friends” I have spoken of. I’m just not sure what to do. I think I need my own TV show like Paris Hilton; “My New B/F/F”!!! That’s a great idea. OR, I could just become a recluse. Friendships were once something that defined me and something that I held very close and cherished. Now, I’m not so sure what friends are for. What makes a good friend? What makes a person a good person? What are the limitations to what you tell your supposed B/F/F? I’m not certain of anything about anything when it comes to friendships and I’m not so sure that I will ever trust anyone; as I did these two individuals.

UPDATE:

I tried to apologize to the friend of 15 years. She said that I stabbed her in the back, betrayed her and could not accept my apology. I told her that I was sorry that's the way she felt and I hope that things went well for her. At least I was the bigger person. I didn't shed a tear, believe me.

I also received a text message from my other friend that went off on Greg. She said that maybe in time we could be friends but I hurt her so much with what I said, BLAH BLAH BLAH and she was so sorry that my life isn't great and that she loves me but can't talk to me because she loves me (insert more BLAH BLAH BLAH). I let her know that obviously she had no idea what was going on in my life and that actually things had come to a turning point and that I realized the only person I could trust was my HUSBAND. She also said she understood why her mom just didn't bother with having friends. I sent her a text back and informed her that no matter how she felt, I feel that it is completely ABNORMAL to not want to have friends. She replied with, "Have a nice evening. I'm going to a meeting." She thinks she's the only victim of EVERY situation. When I say victim, I mean that in every sense of the word. I told her that I was sorry that she'd had the horrid past she's had with men (horrid domestic violence both mental and physical) but not all people were out to get her and that there are actually people out there that cares for and they are genuine about it. Once I mentioned to her that she hurt my feelings too and that had never been discussed, there was no more discussing. My feelings in both relationships with these girls were never a priority apparently. GOODBYE, GOOD RIDDANCE!!! I'm done with immature high school girls who think they should be given a cookie because they are single mothers and bad friends!!! I commend single moms who do it alone; however, I do not think that anything should be held against me because I do have a husband and I do depend on him. I am proud of him, what he has made for us, his accomplishments and for each and everything he does for me and supports me in.

There is my rant! Sorry it was soooo long and frustrating! It sure felt great to get that off my chest. Ahhh, the art of blogging. I may not be a perfect artist but it definitely relieves stress and gets it out of my head.

I didn't proof this....and I usually don't proofread. It is what it is.

Much love to the real people out there that are friends.

Words and Reflection

2008-10-11T20:18:00.004-05:00

Berkley can now say a few words!

1. uh-oh
2. bye
3. buh-buh (for her brother)
4. hi
5. oh
6. da-da
7. ma-ma (she rarely says this one.)

Brock has some of the funniest sayings and I have no idea where he comes up with some of them.

1. Mommy, don't yell at me. I'm just a little boy.
2. Daddy's my best friend
3. Oh no, what happened to my best friend, daddy?
4. I'll make you feel better (as he kisses your boo-boo)
5. Ah-ber (this is something he made up. It is like a proclamation of some sort. Ah-ber, I'll get it for you!)
6. I'll sing you the biggest, bestest Thomas song ever! Two, Four, Six, Eight, Shunting Trucks and pauling (hauling) freight...
7. Oh Mommy, I love you.
8. Mommy, I've been looking for you.
9. Mommy, I'm so sorry I lost you. I been worried bout you.

I wish I could list every little thing he says because the smile on his face or the expression in his words or face is just priceless. He truly does make everything better for me. He can mend any boo-boo or any bad feeling that I may have. I tell him all the time that he is my best friend. He thinks that's the coolest thing! I wish I could remember every single thing that he has ever done, for both of the kids but I know it isn't possible. I wish I could write every word, phrase and milestone down to share with them later on in life or to remind myself when I'm too old to remember.

Berkley is going to be the hard-headed fighter. She is going to be the rough and tough girl with her princess shoes on. She doesn't seem to be scared of much and enjoys playing with trucks and tractors more than her dolls. She's the one to worry about as I can see a tiny bit of a rebellious streak in her!!! Brock is my little sensitive guy. He can easily have his feelings hurt and wears them on his sleeve. He is so attentive, affectionate, caring, loving and extremely intelligent. He pays attention to every little detail of everything and actually remembers those tiny little details that most adults don't retain.

It is a blessing to be a mommy to two wonderful kids. Words can't even come close to describing just how much I love these two little people. So, that's it. I have no more words. Only feelings of pure, unconditional love and admiration for the two angels in my life.

Happy Saturday!

2008-10-11T10:16:00.012-05:00

It's Saturday morning and beautiful. Thanks to Kendra for being a faithful reader and commenter on my blog. It's nice to have blog friends seeing as most of my real ones have disappeared. I would really just love to move. I've actually been looking at houses in N. Tennessee. We can get a 4000 square foot home for much cheaper than here in Bowling Green. Either that or we want to move out of this county. So much red tape here and the cost of land and building is outrageous. We are going to be out of this house sometime next year and I can't wait!!! We are busting at the seems here and it is driving me crazy. We are adding on to the kitchen which will go into the garage and putting down new floors. Hopefully this will help raise the value of the home...even though homes aren't selling right now. Maybe next year.

As for my work, I still love it! It's nice having the option to work or to stay home. Makes the decision much better. I'm there because I want to be and not because I have to be. Plus, I have a stress free job for the most part. Not too much responsibility. I don't make much but what I make is mine to spend. I put in my 4 hours and I still have time in the day to do errands, appointments and to do whatever I need to do or want to do with the kiddos. I feel like a working woman and a stay at home mom all in one! I also feel that working half a day and interacting with other adults makes me feel human. I go shopping, I dress up and I feel great about myself when I do it!!! Most of you that know me, know that I LOVE TO SHOP and I can actually say for once that I think I have too many clothes!!! LOL! I'm not the person that doesn't like to wear things more than once...I just have a wide array and great selection! I can't imagine not wearing an outfit more than once. The things that I purchase are things I love and I will hold onto for years. Found a steal of a deal the other day. A dress from Dillard's that had been $120 and I got it for a whopping $35!!! WUHU! Dillard's is my weakness. I try cheap stores and either things don't fit right or they just end up falling apart with wear and I want things to last.

My most recent purchase (as I mentioned previously in another blog) are my absolute favorite!!!! I got a pair of Ugg's. Actually, I got two but have to return one pair because they are too big. They are the most comfortable boots I have ever put my feet into. These are chocolate and I also purchased black ones. I will be returning the black for a size smaller! The best thing is that they keep your feet at body temperature no matter what!!! No sweaty feet like you would think. I would highly recommend that anyone try them out. My friend Sarah has raved about them for years and I finally took her advice and took the plunge. They are pricey but worth every penny!!!

We are watching the new Thomas the Train movie "The Great Discovery" for the 15 millionth time!!! Berkley just went down for a nap (FINALLY) and I have managed to vacuum, dust, sweep, clean the counters....and well, there is much more to do but that's about all the energy I had left! Oh well! It smells great in here though. It is now noon and we are still in our pj's! What's the point of getting dressed and all pretty to clean and get dirty!? Our carpet is totally and completely ruined. It needed to be replaced when we moved in here like 4 years ago and the kids have completely destroyed it. It has stain after stain on it and looks gross. Thankfully the carpet will go soon.

We (me and the kiddos) went to Sarah's yesterday to play with Jacob. We had a ball! Brock is like 3 times the size of Jacob but Jake hangs right in there playing like he is the same age as Brock. They really had a lot of fun. Berkley was mesmerized by Jake. The thought he was the best thing since sliced bread! The funny thing is, they are the same size. He's running and jumping and climbing and is everywhere and Berkley is still walking like a little robot. Jake turned 1 in June so he is older! She was just in complete awe of him! We'll definitely have to go back over and play soon. Thanks Sarah for the unofficial play date. Brock made it clear he wants to come back over!

Brock picked out his Halloween costume yesterday. Of all things, he chose BATMAN! It has the muscular chest on the costume and it's adorable on him. He wore it forever last night and didn't want to take it off!!! I ordered Berkley's last night from www.etsy.com. I have ordered A LOT OF STUFF from that site and I absolutely LOVE it! It's all handmade stuff and is fantastic. Here is a picture of what Berkley is going to wear! I'm a sucker for tutu's. What could be better...a cowgirl tutu dress with a hat!!! I have also ordered Berkley 2 peasant dresses (one is a Halloween print), two pinafores and another pillowcase dress. I got the pillowcase dress on sale for $9.99!!! I couldn't believe it! That site is amazing. It makes me wish I could sew!

Anyhow, I hope you ALL have a lovely day. I have to get up again and do more stuff! I think I'll make lunch now! I believe some mac and cheese is in order!

Much love,
Crystal

I noticed something...I repeat myself a lot. I will write something in a blog and have already mentioned it in the previous blog...ah, the brain of a mother! What's that called? Momnesia!

Walking...

2008-10-05T21:48:00.004-05:00

Berk is walking everywhere. The middle of last week, she just took off. Still a little wobbly at times but she is now preferring walking over crawling. She has also discovered the kitchen drawers with the whisks and wooden spoons in them. Greg likes to call her a little t-rex walking around with her arms all up and short looking!!!

This evening, Brock and I went shopping! He got two new pair of tennis shoes. I on the otherhand got two pair of tall Ugg Classic Sheepskin Boots (chocolate and black), 4 dresses, a shirt and a pair of jeans which I LOVE!!! Then we ventured to Toys R Us and Brock got two new games for his Nintendo DS since he doesn't have too many. We had a good time!

We also took a family trip to Jackson's Orchard on Saturday! Here are the pictures. My sorority sister, Melissa, took the photos. She did a great job!

Insomniac

2008-09-23T03:30:00.002-05:00

I seriously think that I have a bit of Insomnia. When I wake up with Berkley in the middle of the night, I can't go back to sleep. I'm going to try again though. Good night...or good morning I should say!

Summer Gala

2008-09-20T10:50:00.004-05:00

I was invited by one of our attorney's at Kentucky Legal Aid, Friday night to a Summer Lights Gala to benefit the Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center here in Bowling Green. One of our attorneys at work had an extra ticket because her husband could not attend because they didn't have a babysitter. BRACAC is an organization that specializes in investigating, treating and support for children of sexual abuse as well as family support. It is a great organization and many many families have and do use their services.

I had an excellent time with Rebecca. I met many people such as doctors, nurses, attorneys...and the list goes on. The dress was cocktail/casual so of course I went to buy a new dress and shoes. Thank goodness for TJ Maxx. I was able to get a dress for a little less than $30.00 which was short, black and the back was cut a little low. My shoes were leopard print ($34.99) and my black clutch was $7.99. All proceeds from the fundraiser and silent auction, every single penny, went to help a child or the family.

I'll post more later.

Love to you all,
Crystal

Brock's Birthday Bash

2008-09-18T02:41:00.010-05:00

Brock had his birthday bash at Imagination Station. One of the employees went around and took pictures for us and I'll be getting the CD today. I'll post those too!

Have a great day everyone. I hope I can keep my eyes open. As of this moment I just cannot seem to do that.

Insomnia

2008-09-18T02:41:00.007-05:00

I can't sleep
I nod in the chair
Wishing I could get some air
Need some rest
Need a break
I think its these new hormones I take
I wish I could sleep just one night through
Until Greg gets home, that's something I can't do
Coffee helps and that's about it
I sit and drink and sip a bit
Tooth picks I'll use, I'm about to pry open my eyes
I am so sleepy, till next time, goodbye!

Probably juvenile poetry but it just came out. LOL!

The Circus

2008-09-18T02:41:00.004-05:00

Brock and I went to the circus last night...Barnum & Bailey Boom a Ring. We had soooo much fun!!! Brock just turned four years old and the last time I had been to the circus, I was also 4 years old. We had GREAT seats and were right near the ring side. We were around 10 feet from the performers and the ELEPHANTS!!!! We did leave at Intermission because at that point, it was already after 8pm and he seemed to be losing interest. We missed the tigers but that's okay!

Let's just say...it wasn't cheap. Since it was his first time, I let him buy several things. The twirly light up thingy, which was I believe $15. Popcorn for $6.00; A decked out stuffed elephant for...hold your breath...$35; not to mention the picture we took together which was $16; the cotton candy with a big top hat for $15; AND, the $10 snow cone that came in a really cool elephant. That doesn't include what I pd for tickets.

It was all great fun though and well worth it to see the smile and amazement on his face. Here are the pics! Notice my little volunteer! He has the red shirt on.

Berkley is 1 year old!

2008-09-14T07:00:00.002-05:00

We had Berkley's Birthday party yesterday at my mom's house. It was a huge success and we had several princesses there with her to celebrate. (As well as some prince's too...hehe).

I can't believe it has been a whole year...SERIOUSLY! It's been a year since I went through the excruciating pain of labor without an epidural (they denied me an epi because Mr. Anesthesiologist said my platelets were too low and I'd bleed in my spine and die or have to have back surgery. Come to find out --the next morning-- the whole hospital's protocal was changed because I COULD HAVE HAD my epi because the way the blood results printed made it look like they were too low.) It was horrid at the time BUT I wouldn't have had it any other way. Immediately after delivery, I felt GREAT!!! The feeling of not knowing about her little kidney is of course still present in my mind today. Luckily, the kidney specialist at Vandy has started to schedule her 6 months out. We go for another kidney check on the 30th and if it is even better, he will probably schedule us 1 year out. With the fluid on her kidney from 5 months inutero, to birth, we are so lucky and thankful that it just gets better and better and better!!! We are also thankful that this condition is not life threatening AND she has not suffered any urinary trace infections. We really DO have so much to be thankful for. Thank you GOD.

It is amazing being a mother. I admit it has its moments of course but even though some would not admit that, it is very true! I am so blessed for my two beautiful, healthy children and I wouldn't trade the moments I have with them for anything in this world! Oh, and I am so lucky to have Greggie-Poo. He is amazing too..tee hee hee.

Here are Berkley's pics! I will get to posting Brock's very soon! I promise!

Happy Birthday Princess!

2008-09-12T03:43:00.017-05:00

Tomorrow is your 1st Birthday Princess! September 13th!!! You were born at 2:51 p.m. on that very special day. I must admit that being denied the epidural was a blessing because I actually experienced every moment of your descent into this world! :-) I can't believe you will be 1 whole year old tomorrow! We love you with all our hearts. Here is a picture review of the past year. It brings tears to my eyes to see how big you have gotten.

BIRTHDAY!!!

1 MONTH OLD

2 MONTHS OLD

3 MONTHS OLD

4 MONTHS OLD

5 MONTHS OLD

6 MONTHS OLD

7 MONTHS OLD

8 MONTHS OLD

9 MONTHS OLD

10 MONTHS OLD

11 MONTHS OLD

We love you more than you will ever know!

MOMMY

Brock's Birthday Bash!

2008-09-08T04:04:00.002-05:00

Brock's party at Imagination Station went really well!!! We had waaaay more people than expected. He had 5 or 6 classmates attend as well as all of our friends. It was a complete blast. They have added so much stuff to the play building. Jungle gyms, lots of wooden swings and tree houses and new jumping things. It was amazing.

I will post the pictures that we took soon and I will have a CD from Imagination Station with the pictures that they took on here.

I'm soooooo dying right now. I've only had three hours of sleep. Berkley got up at 2am and I had a horrid headache. Now I'm nursing the headache and have been since 2. I have only had 3 hours of sleep and today is a work day. UGH! I will be dead and unfortunately, today is a MONDAY and Monday's = MASS AND MAD CRAZINESS AT WORK!

Have a nice day you all. Check back for photos!!!

HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY, BROCK!

2008-09-02T05:04:00.004-05:00

I can't believe that Brock turns 4 years old today. It is amazing to think that at this moment...this very moment 4 years ago, I was walking onto the 2nd floor of the Medical Center and having my weight checked and then sent to my room for induction! At 3:58 p.m. today, it will be 4 years since the beautiful birth of my precious son. He came into this world weighing in at a whopping 8 pounds 12 1/2 ounces and was 20 inches long! He is now 50 pounds and is probably just over 3 1/2 feet tall! Hard to believe, huh? It's amazing how much you can love a little person and at that instant, when they come into this world, they become your everything and suddenly, nothing else matters, not even yourself.

Brock is such an intelligent child! So extremely smart! He is such a kind, caring, loving, compassionate little person and I am so blessed to be his mother.

I love you baby boy. Happy 4th Birthday!!!

We can't wait for the party on Saturday at Imagination Station. It was so much more fun this year because he was able to pick his own party place!!!

Mommy

Here are some pictures I thought I would share!!!

Inspired by Danielle's Blog

2008-08-31T07:09:00.003-05:00

I was inspired by Danielle's blog to list some of the things I'm thankful for. I know that I will forget to mention many things but these are just some that come to mind at this moment.

1. I'm thankful for my wonderful husband. Yes, we have our moments as all couples do but I'm thankful that he is in my life. He is truly my prince charming and it is God's work and fate that actually brought us together to be a married couple after so many years of friendship.

2. I'm thankful that Greg gave me my two perfect and beautiful children. Both of which are miracle babies. After many surgeries for female problems, I had two perfect children that I was once told I probably wouldn't have.

3. I am thankful to be a mother. All my life I wanted to have babies, ever since I was a small child. It is the hardest job I've ever had but the best job. I feel so privileged to have these two little darlings in my life.

4. I'm thankful for my family. I don't know where I would be without them today. My mother is like my best friend and I can share ANYTHING with her. My granny has helped me and been there for me also, throughout my whole life guiding me and holding my hand. I am very dependant on my family for their support and their unconditional love. I am very thankful for my dad who provided my mom and me with a wonderful life, beautiful home and anything and everything we ever wanted for. Even though it may get on my nerves sometimes, I am thankful that my family lives so close and they are within a 5 mile radius should I ever need an extra hand or support.

5. I'm thankful for my extended family also. I never had a close relationship with my first cousin, Rose until last year. She has went through some rough times and THANK GOD, she is recovering. For the first time in our lives, we are like best friends and I thank God that she is here with us, is happy, healthy as her two children are too.

6. I am thankful for my job. I have been blessed with such a great job. I am thankful that I only have to work part-time and in all actuality I don't have to work at all because Greg has provided everything and anything we've ever needed.

7. I am thankful for my friends. My friends are my lifeline for many types of things that I personally have to have fulfilled and only they can do.

8. I am thankful that my 4 year old is so incredibly smart! He amazes me every single day with the things he says and does. He is so affectionate, loving, caring, gentle and he is still that rough and tough little boy. He always wants to make people happy and tries very hard at anything he attempts to do. I am thankful for his will and his unconditional love. I am thankful for those little moments when he hugs me and kisses me and says, "I love you mommy, pumpkin pie!"

9. I am thankful that God has provided my family with a wonderful business that continues to provide for us. Owning your own business is a stressful and I'm thankful that we have all made it through, even the rough times.

10. I am thankful for little Berkley. I'm thankful that her kidney continues to heal on it's own and that she has not required any surgery. I am thankful that I made it through the pregnancy with her without losing my mind from the worry and stress of "what could be wrong." I am thankful that she continues to grow and flourish. I love it when she puts her hands on my cheeks and leans with her mouth wide open to give me a kiss. I am thankful for the moments such as last night, when I was lounging on the couch and she came up and rested her head beside mine. I pulled her up on the couch and she lounged with me and snuggled until she fell asleep.

11. I am thankful for everything in my life, big or small. For the little moments and the big; for those instances that take your breath away or the ones that make you cry. Good or bad, it is all a part of our plan. I am thankful to be alive and it is a privilege to live my life.

That's all folks.

Too long!

2008-08-29T19:32:00.006-05:00

Started this one on Friday, August 29th!

What a day, what a day! It has been too long since I've blogged. So much has happened.

Last Saturday, August 23rd, Berkley took her first assisted step. I bought her a push/walk behind toy. I stood her up behind it and she just took off walking around the house. She doesn't do it much and doesn't walk alone but she wants to so badly. It was precious!

She has been sick with fever and green snot. What a pain she is just to wipe her nose. She hates to have her clothes changed. If she doesn't want you to do it then it's out!!! She then commences to throwing out her back and screaming and bucking like a wild horse! Her hair is really growing too. At her doctor's appointment, she weighed 21.4 pounds!

Brock is now sick too. Daddy and I took him to the doctor this morning. When we got there, he had a fever of 103.6. He tested positive for strep. Instead of 10 days of antibiotics which is impossible to get down him, he got one ginormous shot of penicillin. It was horrible. Thank God for Greg being home right now. I don't know how I would have done that. Brock wouldn't even get up and walk his little body ached so badly.

On a more positive side, my baby boy turns 4 YEARS OLD on Tuesday. I can't believe 4 years have already gone by!!! He's celebrating on Saturday with his friends and family at Imagination Station. They have huge inflatables inside a building and he loves it there!!!!

On another positive note, Berkley turns 1 year old on Saturday September 13th!!! It's been one year since I labored so hard with no epidural and screamed my head off! I just can't believe a whole year has passed. It's hard to believe that she isn't a baby anymore and we aren't having anymore little tiny babies!!! Berkley will be having her party at my mom and dad's house like Brock's first birthday! She is having a princess/ballerina party and she is wearing the following handmade outfit!!! I will post pictures shortly!

Tuesday, August 30, 2008

Greg is playing an early round of golf today. He skipped out on his poker game last night to stay home and take care of me and the kiddos. Berkley's not really sick anymore (knock on wood) but Brock and I feel rotten. At one point last night, he and I were both in the bed, each with a laptop. It was amusing I'm sure! From the time we got home from the doctor (noon), he didn't move last night. He was on the couch or in the bed and was carried from point a to point b. He said he couldn't move his leg (the huge shot).

I really can't believe the kiddos birthdays are coming up. It really stinks for our friends and family that the birthdays are 2 weeks apart. With the way they fall, Brock's party should be labor day weekend but everyone always has plans so we plan it for the weekend after. That means, Berkley's falls the weekend after Brock's party. Next year we will plan Berkley's for the weekend after so they will again be 2 weeks apart. It's hard for people to dedicate one weekend after the other to our parties. So, one of the kids will get shafted. Sad day.

Unfortunately, I had to miss my first day of work yesterday. I felt so bad. Mom called and said that he had a fever and was very sick but she planned on taking him to the doctor. I was about to get into the shower and she called frantic because he was projectile vomiting and she needed me down there because he was so sick. (He had spent the night with them.) I called and left messages at work for my HR lady and for my supervising attorney. I then called back after my appointment and spoke with our afternoon receptionist and tried explaining what was going on and for some reason she just doesn't understand anything I tell her. I told her around 4 times that WE ARE ALL SICK, including Greg and she just didn't catch on until about the 5th time. She was relaying what I was saying to our HR lady and was very vague in her explanation. UGH.

They are having issues with her at work (and I'm not saying I'm perfect by any means) but she has been there 2 days less than me and she keeps screwing stuff up which I end up fixing. She doesn't complete her work or she does it wrong and I have been fixing it. In the beginning, I didn't mind and I still don't mind but I wanted to make sure she wasn't getting credit for everything. I spoke nicely with our HR lady about it via email and she was happy I said something about it. She said she was not picking up on things like I was and was a little slower about stuff but eventually she would have to complete her work and she wanted me to keep her updated. The Legal Assistants (who will only put up with mistakes for so long) have brought several files back for her to fix and also said she needed to pick things up faster. FOR REAL! It's been a month. I have actually verbally explained things to her before and she honest to goodness just doesn't get it!!! To make things EVEN WORSE, I have around 8 years of legal experience, an Associates degree in Paralegal Studies and seeing that she is the smartest person in the world, she left her pay stub laying on the desk, which is against our policy and she makes 50 cents more per hour than I. I couldn't believe my eyes. Yes, she is older...probably in her 40's and had a lot of experience as a Receptionist but her abilities are very limited. I just couldn't believe that. I'm hoping my hard work will reflect in my raise come evaluation time.

Anyhow, I could go on and on about that.

Off to my daily duties. Brock is up and he seems to be feeling MUCH better!

snot and good friends

2008-08-24T08:13:00.006-05:00

Well....we are all sick. Brock had a snotty nose and it was clear. I thought it was allergies. Then, mom because sick with a bunch of snot....not clear. Now, Berkley has a fever and so much yellow snot in her nose, she can't breathe and is completely miserable. The doc has called her in a decongestant for me to pick up. Poor baby. Her fever made it up to 102 but broke. Let's hope it stays down.

Anyhow...this has been a pretty eventful month I think. I started talking to a friend from many many years ago. She and I used to be very close and many things kept us apart but we are now in the process of rebuilding our friendship and it's so nice to have her back in my life. :-) Unfortunately (well, she initiated it for many reasons so I guess it is a good thing) she is going through a divorce. We'll leave at that because I'm not airing any one's laundry but my own. I care for her so much and I am so happy she's back. My kiddos and her kiddo can finally play together again! That's me on the left.

My job is going well. I absolutely LOVE the people I work with. We had a United Way Campaign kickoff party at the office on Thursday. We closed the office down from 3 to 5pm, had food, drinks and drawings for prizes!!! FUN! I didn't win anything but Daniel was nice enough to give me his gift certificate to eat at a local restaurant.

Brock is getting ready to turn 4 years old! WHAT!? Yes...4! I can't believe it at all. :) Seriously. Time flies. We are having his party at Imagination Station this year. It should be a blast. Berkley will have her party at mom and dad's house. She is having a princess type pink party! I ordered her outfit from www.etsy.com and it is toooo cute. She will be wearing a pink, fuchsia and white tutu with a white bubble sleeve onesie with a crown applique embroidered on it and her name embroidered in the middle of the crown. On her head she will be wearing a pink crochet headband with a big pink peony flower on it and jewels in the center of the flower!!! I'll post pics. The lady I wanted to do the cake suddenly stopped doing cakes so I don't know what I will do. I really really wanted a cake from her...AND, I really wanted Brock's cake from her too. Of course, he wants Thomas again. The local bakery and Wal-Mart don't do the cakes that I want!!!!!! I want the 2 tier with fondant....etc.

Anyhow, I'm jumping off here. Much love to you all. Oh, and thanks to all the people I don't actually know for comments. My own friends don't even comment on here anymore!

Google Ad Sense

2008-08-17T09:18:00.002-05:00

Can anyone help me with Google Ad Sense?! I don't understand how to get the sites on my site. Do I get to pick the sites I want to advertise?

Top of the morning to ya!

2008-08-17T08:31:00.006-05:00

For some odd reason, I fell asleep in the recliner last night laying sideways with my legs all scrunched up. I woke up this morning around 3:00 a.m. and couldn't hardly move my legs. Of course at that point, I was completely awake so I made some coffee and stayed up. Berkley and I went back to sleep around 7ish and got up a little after 8:00 a.m. so I feel energized from my slight nap.

My cousin and her new baby (6 weeks old), Chaz and her 5 year old daughter Keri came to visit and stayed most of the day yesterday. We had a really nice time. Brock absolutely LOVES Chaz and is intrigued by this little person!!! Of course he loves Keri too but he really took to the baby. Here is a sweet video of him rocking Chaz in his carrier and singing! It was too precious!

We also took Brock to eat at Red Lobster on Friday night and went to the new Circus Square. This is where they are building the minor league baseball team stadium. They have an awesome fountain there that kids play in. We didn't have any trunks and it was dark and cool outside so Brock didn't play in it but he loved it. Actually, Friday was the Duncan Hines Festival so they had bands, duck races, cupcakes, etc. We walked around for a while and then headed home!

Today, Brock will be heading out with daddy to the country club to play REAL golf! He is so excited!

Berkley got in her 7th tooth yesterday. She now has 4 on the bottom and 3 on the top! She is also saying oh-ee-oh now and sounds as if she's one of the flying monkey's from The Wizard of Oz!

**I'm feeling much better now. Still a little tender and sore. AND, Brock starts pre-school tomorrow. Work is allowing me to be late so that I may take him myself. I'm a nervous wreck already!!! Separation anxiety stinks!**

Healing

2008-08-15T06:15:00.002-05:00

I am healing very well I think. The thing that bothers me the most is my rib cage and lungs.

My last surgery.

2008-08-11T05:19:00.004-05:00

I tried my hardest to keep from having to go back "under the knife." This morning at 7:10, I'm having my last ovary out...then no more girly parts. It's been 6 months since my last surgery and it seems like the pain comes back every 6 months so my doctor and I decided the ovary had to go. What does this mean? I'm not sure. I know it may mean hormones which I'm not jazzed about taking anyway but I know it's best for me and my health. My body is still producing endometriosis as long as I have an ovary that makes estrogen. I thought removing the uterus would take care of that but apparently I'm one of those people with the different kind of endo.

Anyhow...prayers for me this morning would be greatly appreciated.

Much love,
Crystal

COMPUTER LUCK AND A WORKING GAL WITH ONE OVARY

2008-08-09T08:55:00.008-05:00

I took my computer back to Best Buy a couple of weeks ago because of the mishap with the water. I didn't mention the water by the way. Horrible I know but I didn't want to have to pay another 800.00 for another one. I had not heard anything from HP and since it was still under the manufacturers warranty, I went online to check the status to see if they would even fix it. It said that it was being repaired so I called my local Best Buy to make sure they were going to fix it like it said since I had not gotten a call back like they said. The Geek Squad dude said that actually I was eligible for a REPLACEMENT!!! WOWZA! I was in complete shock. I hopped in the car and drove all the way into Bowling Green for the new one. I got there and they didn't have the same kind and were going to try to ship me one. I explained that I drove 25 miles and that I wanted a computer now. After checking in their system, they said they could give me one that was comparable because actually they do not make them like mine anymore. Don't make it anymore??? I just bought it in June! They had another one that was just like mine but it was a special metallic penny/copper/red color and was $100 more only because of the special color. I asked him if I could get that one even though it was more. The dude looked at me like I was crazy and I said..."okay, I'll purchase the extended warranty if you give me this one." He went to his manager and everything was a-go! I had planned on purchasing the warranty anyway and now I have an even more awesome laptop! It's soooo pretty! YEAH! 2 years of accidental coverage! That's what I'm talking about! WUHU! Dropped, spilled, issues and it's all covered for 2 years! WHOOPIE!

I completed my first full week of work yesterday. I absolutely LOVE it! The people are so nice and helpful. They call me part of the family now and it's so nice. Most law offices I've worked with have had very little staff and actually I was usually the only person working in the whole office. To have people all around me is so nice! They complimented me all week and said I was doing a great job! I thanked my HR lady again for such a nice week and told her I loved it. She told me that it was nice to have someone that cared so much for the job, that wanted to do it right and that I was doing an excellent job! Yeah for Crystal! Score! I love being part-time. Our office opens at 8:30 a.m. and I get off work at 12:48 p.m. It's 12:48 because the other receptionist and I are to have the exact same hours. I'm hoping in the future that I am able to move to a full-time position and am able to utilize my Paralegal experience and education! The pay isn't bad for a full-time position either. They pay all full-time people salary -- with benefits! I really think for one time that I have found my calling. I love to help people and this is the perfect aspect of law for me. They handle a lot of family law which I absolutely love. They also service 35 counties in Kentucky (ours is the biggest office and is the main office of the KLA) so there is lots of work to be done.

I really like being out of the house. 4 hours go by so quickly its almost like I just went out on a shopping trip. Brock likes to sleep late so he is asleep for a good majority of the time I'm at work. We haven't really told him that I'm working. Granny was talking about it one day and he seemed unhappy and said that "mommy stay home with me." He thinks that work means how daddy works. Gone all week, home only for a few days! So, I've been mentioning to him when I get home that mommy had to just go to work for a little bit. He always says, "mommy, you come back. You came back mommy. Oh, I missed you. I'm so sorry I lost you." He freaked out at the beauty pageant his sister was in because I was on stage and then gone, on stage then gone. He thought I left him and that he lost me. I'm not so sure what this separation anxiety is. Is it because daddy is now working out of town? Any suggestions is greatly appreciated. I don't know what I'm going to do when it comes time for school next year. (Actual Kindergarten) The Big Red School called and asked if I was interested in a slot and I said yes. I haven't heard anything back from them yet. All of the good pre-schools are full by now. I was told to check a couple by one of our attorneys at work. I just don't know. I know he needs to go, I'm just so freaked out by it. I like Big Red School but I just don't agree with some things and the feeling I get from it. I know they are great educators, no question about that, I just think he needs a little one on one time with a teacher.

Great news! As I have been working on this blog (all day) I received a call from a pre-school. It was suggested to me by an attorney at work. She said her daughter blossomed and became so confident and comfortable in the program. It is called Pre-school Learning Center and is at the Presbyterian Church in downtown Bowling Green. They offered me a slot! Monday, Wed. and Friday from 9am to 1:30 p.m. He would spend lunch with his friends there but wouldn't be there too long. All of the educators are certified to teach. There is a cirriculum but the best part is that there are only 10 kids in his class plus 1 teacher and 1 aide. They get more one on one time. They will learn to write with Writing without Tears, do crafts, music, science, etc. They follow the school schedule of the Bowling Green City Schools. Brock and I go on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. to tour the school!!! YEAH! I'll let you know how it goes!

I have to go...I'm done with this blog...for now anyway.

KLA

2008-08-05T05:51:00.003-05:00

My job rocks! Our office is sooooo nice! Except for my chair. It's totally broken...I've almost flipped out of it twice. LOL! They have ordered a new one thankfully! You can't lean on the back of it and if you did, you would be laying down. It leans so far so yesterday I had to sit up with no back support. Feeling a little lower back pain this morning!!! It's totally worth it though. I love the people I work with. I have the coffee pot 2 feet from me so everyone on my floor comes for coffee and chit chats! The phone system is the absolute most complicated I've ever seen. There are computer programs associated with the telephone and you can tell the client/potential client how many people are on hold in front of them and how long the wait is. Soon I will be using a headset and won't have to touch the telephone. I will connect everyone to the appropriate place using the computer!!! Then there is the client program that houses all client information and many many many other features that I'm not familiar with. I am toggling between 4 programs at once. One of the 4 is a program that allows us to instant message anyone in the office. We let them know their appointment is there or of emergency telephone convo's on hold. It's just so technologically advanced it's amazing! I open all mail, date stamp it and distribute it. I also log checks, open and close files! It's just not answering the telephones. The part that is nuts is that I believe we had around 8 calls ringing at the same time yesterday.

I was bragged on yesterday which made me feel so good. They said I was picking it all up very quickly. :-) Yeah for KLA and my new job. It's awesome.

Anyhow, it was great talking to my friend April L. this morning! Love you girl! I hope we can get together soon. I work from 8:30 a.m. to 12:48 p.m. so maybe a late lunch one day with Sarah or something!

Hope everyone is having a great week! Much love!

Crystal

HEY! Where are my peeps and their comments? Is there anybody out there?

Job

2008-08-04T15:57:00.003-05:00

I had a great first day at work. It's just half a day so I still get the mommy time!

I've decided that I'm tired of caring about people that care nothing for me. You would think that someone you have been friends with forever would at least invite you and your kids to your child's birthday party as you always invite them to your children's stuff. Makes no sense to me. I'm so tired of caring about people that care nothing for me!!! SICK SICK SICK of it! I've had to deal with this on more than one occasion. Those people mean nothing to me anymore. No more phone calls from me, no more contact. If they feel like caring about me one day then they know how to get into touch with me and they will be LUCKY if I answer the phone.