What a Night!!

So, there are some pretty good perks to being best friends with the wife of the lead singer of "Due West" how else would I end up going to the CMA Awards!! It was a great night and so much fun. One of the best parts was even from our seats in the nosebleed section we could see Tim sitting on the 2nd row (YES THE 2nd ROW) living one of his lifelong dreams. I'm sure walking the "Red Carpet"was pretty cool too, but we missed that, we were somewhere between getting ready in a whirlwind 30 minutes and breaking into Tims car to get our tickets that were locked inside. We did manage to make it to our seats in one piece and on time, even after a quick stop at the First Aid station for Bandaids to cover the 2 inch sections of my heels that were no longer covered in skin. Thanks for taking me Berta! It was a night i will never forget.

Actually the reason I count Roberta as my "best" friend has absolutely nothing to do with her husbands Celeb status and everything to do with what an awesome person and friend she is and how lucky I have been to have her in my life for the past 6 1/2 years.

My New Hobby!

COUPONS!!!

Last month I was in line behind a lady at target and after waiting and waiting for her to use all of her coupons (she had two carts full of groceries, paper products, cleaning supplies...) I started being a little nosey and checking out what she was buying and then when I heard her total for all of the stuff she bought, I really couldn't believe it. It was something crazy like 50 bucks for $600.00 worth of stuff. At that moment I was hooked.
Pretty much everyone who knows me knows I rarely pay full price for anything. I LOVE a deal and whether it's clothes to cars to a new hot water heater I am not happy unless I get it at a discount, a deep one, and I'm not talking about 25% off . In retrospect I thought I was doing pretty good with my grocery shopping and I think in comparison to the average shopper I probably was, but I wanted to do better. I have always used coupons, if I have them for something I was already planning to buy. I know people who have done amazing things with them but, until this last month I wouldn't say I was a couponer by any means. I am now converted!! Check out my last few grocery trips, Publix, Kroger and Target.
Total Spent $37.90 Total Saved $442.02!!!

My Best Deals this week:

Post Honey Bunches of Oats Pecan Crunches cereal Reg Price 3.99 on sale Buy One Get one Free and I had a 2.00 off coupon =FREE (I bought 10)

Hormel Chili Reg Price 1.34 with coupons and a sale I paid .13 per can. (I bought 30)

Glade candles at Target on sale for 2.50 each I used a 1.50 off coupon and a buy one get one free coupon which made my order 5.00 for 10 candles (this purchase also qualified me for 2 $5.00 gift cards)
Final Cost: FREE + they gave me a 5.00 gift card!!!

Nauvoo

A few weeks ago we had the oppertunity to spend a couple of days in Nauvoo. It was such a fun trip and one I know we will never forget.

The Nauvoo Temple

We spent an entire day walking around Nauvoo and seeing all the exhibits, sites and historical locations. We took a carriage ride in the country and a Wagon ride downtown. The kids got to make a rope, candles, bread, bricks... they had a blast. It was really quiet since it was during the "off season" so we were able to take our time at each different place and take almost every tour.

It was an awesome experience to be able to connect the different places and buildings with the stories and history. We were able to stand on the bank of the Mississippi river where the Saints crossed over into Iowa, walk along Parley Street and envision the families waiting to leave their precious homes and Temple. The faith it must have taken is unimaginable,

the courage awe inspiring.

When we were in Quincy I couldn't help but think Emma crossing the frozen river with her children. I have often felt a deep connection to Emma, and she has been an example to me of strength and calm perseverance. I have had only a taste of loss and death, where she had to endure so much more

Carthage Jail

We stayed one more night so we could see Carthage Jail. It was so worth it!! We arrived at the visitors center just before they opened and because the kids were a little rowdy we decided to have a family prayer. I asked Heavenly Father that each of us could feel the spirit, and that Zac could sit quietly and not ruin it for anyone else. (if you have not met Zac, this is a real possibility) I had high expectations for this particular tour and it was so much more powerful than I could have imagined. We watched the video then toured the jail and the rooms where Joseph and Hyrum spent their last days on earth. It was one of the most spiritual moments of my life. To sit there and know without any doubt that Joseph was a prophet of God and that he saw what he said he saw and did what he said he did. He refused to deny his faith and gave his life defending it.

Even better than my own experience was that of my children. To see the looks on thier faces as they were touched by the spirit was priceless. As we left we took some pictures and walked around the grounds for a few minutes. We then left for St Louis, and really didn't mention our visit much more until we were talking to Jacks mom and dad on the computer last Sunday night (nearly 2 weeks later). Zac who always tries to be the center of attention heard his brother and sister start telling about Nauvoo, the horses, the things they made and other highlights from our trip. He jumped in with an exaggerated story about the bad man's house (jail) and the bad men (mob) who shot a hole in a door (the shot that killed Hyrum) and a other man (Joseph) who was shot with a gun and fell out the window. And it all happened by the "Zippy" (Mississippi) river. It just reminds me that even when I think he may never grow out of his terrible 2's(he's 3 1/2), and that he is defiantly the most willful, stubborn, child I have, he is a child of God and can be touched by the spirit and such an experience can leave quite an impression.

Labor Day Weekend

We couldn't let such beautiful weather pass us by and when our original plans to go river rafting fell through we ended up canoeing to one of the islands on Percy Priest lake. It was a blast!!!

Getting there: a bit tricky when you consider we had Jack and I, three kids, 2 dogs (one is bigger than any 2 of the kids combined), and all of our gear (I packed as light as possible, but my backpacking skills have considerably diminished with the birth of each child) all loaded in a smallish to medium sized canoe. Even with only the bare essentials we still had to tow a dingy. I'm sure we were quite a site paddling across the lake to the islands, and may have looked crazy but the end result was so worth it.

Our little island paradise: We camped on Raccoon Island, which is about the size of two football fields put together. It was just right to let the kids and dogs play with minimal supervision.

Timmy's Giant S'More Sub!

It was a full moon and I tried to get a good picture of the moon and the reflection, but this doesn't even come close to how beautiful it was.

On Monday the Gates family came over with some friends (We LOVE the Farmers From Clarksville!!!) and their boat. They brought an AWESOME Picnic and we had a great time taking turns tubing and relaxing on the island...

Zac and Bradi preparing to go on a little adventure of their own...

Missy and Lainy on the tubes!!

Success!!!

YAY!!!! our first accident free day. I think he is finally getting it.

Lila and Zac

We made Lila a cart and she loves it (ZAC REALLY, REALLY LOVES IT). Now I don't have to struggle with 2 dogs and a jogging stroller. Rusty and Zac get to ride and Lila can get all the exercise she needs.

Yesterday was good.

Yesterday was a good day. It started out a little sad ( it was Julia's Birthday, she would have been 10 years old) but I ended up having some very sweet moments with the other three.

It actually started with family prayers Monday night, It was Missy's turn and she asked Heavenly Father to tell Julia that we love her and miss her and help us make her birthday special even if we cant spend it with her...I could barely keep my self from crying.

Timmy was the first to get up and came right in to me gave me a hug and simply told me he missed her too. He always thinks of others feelings and I love that about him.

Melissa who has been very aware of her sister and her absence Missy's entire life was the one who pressed to make her a birthday card and go through "Julia's Box" ( a small box of keepsakes like her blanket and the tiny nightgown she wore in the hospital). Her card was very sweet. It included a picture of Missy and Julia holding hands and dressed in matching dresses. on the inside she wrote a very sweet letter.

All of this I expected but Zac was the surprise.

He was sitting on my lap much later that afternoon and he stated that it was his birthday today and I replied that no it was Julia's birthday he had already had his in June... He then said yes it was Julia's birthday. I thought about it and I knew he has heard us talking about her and I wondered how much he actually understood. I asked him if he knew who Julia is... he replied very matteroffactly that "Yes, she is our sister." so I probed some more asking where she was, he answered in the same very certain way "She is in heaven because she died." I asked what else he knew about Julia and he said " She looks like Melissa and I love her" He jumped down and then went on his way as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.

Even now ten years later Julia is teaching us. I hope it will always be this way...not dwelling on the sadness of loosing her but focusing on the fact the we are an eternal family and will be with her again.

Washington D.C.

Jack had a conference in D.C. last week so, the kids and I drove out to meet him and spent a few days trying our best to see as much as we could. It was a great trip. Here are some highlights.

I would like to think they are contemplating the price of freedom and the lives lost to keep this country free... the real reason Zac is sitting still is he is busy taking his shoes off so he can go swimming in this awesome pool.

Great view of the Capital from the top of the Washington Monument

Williamsburg!!

Okay, this stop was pretty much just for me... what a better way to spend the 4th of July than in Colonial Williamsburg! We heard the Declaration of Independence read, toured the actual buildings where such ideas were born. We got to experience some of the history that made this country what it is.

Zac waiting for the fireworks!!!

The Smithsonian Museums

Museum of Natural History

We could have spent a week just going to the different museums of the Smithsonian!!!

Jack and the kids in the "Space Race Exhibit"

Melissa practicing her runway pose in the flight and space museum.

New Addition

Here is my new baby girl!!! She is a beautiful golden retriever named Lila.

Happy Anniversary

Well here we are at 12 years, a week late but better late than never. Actually Jack and I have been reminiscing for a few weeks now. I guess you can say we have been taking stock of our lives and all that has happened over the past decade and change. We have been throwing out comments like… remember when I was fun, thin, well rested. Remember how we used to talk on the phone for hours or drive 75 miles just to spend an hour together before we had to drive home again. Remember when we could just jump in the car and go somewhere, no packing a diaper bag or stroller, no checking the weather, no buckling anyone’s seatbelt but your own. Ahh the life.
As I am looking back on the seasons of our marriage I realize we are passing from the decade long challenge of having our babies to raising them. This one is hard for me, I always imagined having a large family and it looks like three is going to be our number, don’t get me wrong I am sooo grateful for the three I have but… On the brighter side I am excited to start the next stage of our lives, no more diapers!!! (hopefully this will start soon)

Trying to sum up the past 12 years is difficult, so much has happened. 1 wedding, 2 receptions, 11 moves, 4 states, 3 schools, 1 graduation, 7 pregnancies, 4 babies, 3 children, 2 dogs , 1 cat, 5 funerals, 7 cars, 11 jobs, 2 people who love each other more everyday.

There is no one else I would rather have by my side than the man I married 12 years ago. I love you Jack.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

First Weekend of Summer

Well summer is finally here... now I can relax. Ya right, I actually hate to relax...just ask my kids who really enjoy a day of TV and laying around the house in their PJs. I can only stand it for an hour or so and I have to get out and do something.
Friday was our official first day of summer and we spent it canoeing down the Harpeth River, the water was a lot deeper and faster than our previous trips and it was fun to take on the mini-rapids in a canoe packed to the brim with Jack and I, the three kids and our dog Rusty. It turned out to be one of our best trips out on the river.
We spent the rest of the weekend camping at Cumberland Mountain State Park, with the Gates. It was wet and rainy but despite our soaked clothes and camping gear it was the perfect way to spend the weekend.

Cumberland Mountian State Park

Throwing rocks into the water

Last Friday Jack and I decided to take the day off and do something fun with the kids. We ended up going to Bowling Green for the day. On our way north we stopped at the welcome center and checked out all of the fliers on the different things to see and do in the area. We decided on an underground river and cave tour. It was so much fun, the best part though was the crazy Indian (dots not feathers) woman who was on the tour with us. She started out by quizzing the tour guide on the depth of the water and the safety features of the boat. She was worried about tight spaces and if there would be enough air to breathe...she was afraid of bats and bugs...she could not swim (mind you the water is only about 4 feet deep in most places) and she did not want to walk too far, or get wet. It was hysterical, Jack and I could barely keep from cracking up. She rambled on for the entire way down to the cave, I was really hoping the guide would suggest she wait this one out and try the butterfly garden instead, but he didn't.

He began our tour by explaining the safety rules, but after each one this lady had to interupt with a question or comment. Right before boarding the boat he said that the children needed to wear life jackets, but guess who wanted one too. I love the guides response when she said she couldn't swim... He turned and asked sarcastically "can you stand up, the water is at best waist deep." None the less she donned a child's life vest. I wish I had a picture... imagine a rather large chested woman with an orange child-sized life vest on... It looked like a big ugly collar resting on top of two watermelon sized boobs. I thought she was in greater danger of strangulation than drowning. Anyways the tour was really neat the kids loved it, especially every time the boat would rub up against a rock or start to tip a bit and Jack would gasp like we were in great danger, just to see the Indian lady freak out, and see how long I could keep from busting out in laughter.
Just a side note of what not to say on a boat tour with scaredy cat: Is that a bat? Don't they attack people.--Are we almost to the rapids? How many alligators do you usually see during these tours? The water in these underground rivers is mostly acid right?
For some reason this woman made more of an impression on us than any of the rock formations or historical facts our guide pointed out--Oh I forgot to mention him, you know the type balding with a long pony tail, teaches martial arts in his spare time. Purposed to his wife in the cave, got married in the cave... classic!
The adjacent park had a neat area for the kids to mine for gemstones and a butterfly garden. Next, we grabbed some lunch and checked out a few thrift stores then headed to a really cool train museum. We got to tour some really neat Pullman cars, just like you see in old movies, as well as a few other historical trains. The best part was we were the only ones at the museum (because it was during the week) and we were lucky enough to get personal tours and could take our time and check out every detail.
It was an awesome day!

Zac's reaction to the weird lady freaking out

The opening to Lost River Cave

My baby

Who's on first...

Remember the Abbott & Costello comedy routine, Zac (Isaac) and I had a similar conversation except I was the only one laughing.

It went like this

Me: What's your name

Isaac: I-Zac

Me: Isaac?

Isaac: No I-Zac, you mommy.

Me: but your name is Isaac

Isaac: getting frustrated, No! me I-zac, you're my mommy! not Zac!

I guess we could not have chosen a more confusing name. First, we mostly call him Zac and that sounds way too much like Jack. Not to mention, that no one gets shortening Isaac to Zac.

Quitting

A little advice for anyone thinking of quitting Dr. Pepper… Don’t. I am a week in and am still suffering from withdrawals. Now if you drink an occasional soda or if you are not severely addicted to caffeine go ahead and quit today you’ll probably be fine, but if you’re like me and drink 44oz + a day and still want more, you may want to consider these tips.

#1 Don’t do it cold turkey…just don’t. Wean yourself down slowly, very slowly.
#2 Prepare in advance, as if you were having surgery or a baby. Make a few meals and put them in the freezer, stock your cupboards with lots of sinful snacks and treats, hire a sitter or beg a friend to take the kids off your hands. Get ready this is not going to be a picnic.
#3 Buy some Excedrin, Goodys Powder and laxatives- bet you didn’t know that was coming, but trust me if you are planning on quitting take one now just for good measure…
#4 Clear your schedule, you don’t want to be stuck in a situation that requires patience, thought or friendly banter of any kind.
#5 Get a quitting buddy, it is the only thing that kept me from cheating, at least until we cheated together.

Movie Review

Spoiler Alert!!!

We went to see Knowing last night and this is all I have to say.

It was stupid, really, really, stupid. It had me fooled in the beginning though, but once the Aliens showed up I was disappointed, and the end left me thinking "Dianetics Anyone?" If you want a alien movie with some actual plot and a little suspense watch Signs, at least he cuts their fingers off and sends them home in the end. Aliens with angelic wings and pillars of light---give me a break.

My New Van...I think I'm In Love!

Okay, so maybe it's the comfort of a reliable vehicle, or the fact I do not have rely on the generosity of friends to offer me a ride any longer... Who am I kidding it's the 17 cup-holders and the cool storage caddy with a lazy-susan in the floor, its the dual sliding power doors and the climate control, it's the beautiful bluish-green paint color that matches my eyes and the golden (more like tan, but humor me here) seats that are the exact shade I wish my hair was. I think I'm in love

We are staying put...for now.

Ahhhhhhh. I called our realtor today and pulled our house from the market.

We left to run errands this afternoon, I didn't vacuum, I left dishes in the sink, and not a single bed was made. I know I promised myself I would not make a habit of this, but it felt wonderful!

I really feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Don't get me wrong I was excited to move and finally have a place big enough to accommodate my dad on a more permanent basis, and we know that he will be living with us at some point. But instead of walking away from our house with little to no profit we have decided to just sit tight for a while...
It feels like I have been on the verge of tears, exhaustion, and a nervous breakdown for months. I hate waiting and more than that, I really hate uncertainty. It feels great to have made a decision, any decision.

My laundry helpers!!! Zac and his best friend Bradi couldn't resist a laundry basket (which was full of clean clothes--the operative word being was)

Bledsoe Creek

The forecast predicted great weather for this weekend and finally after 6 years in the south we have learned that if it is nice out TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT because it will not last. Before you know it summer will be here and with it stifling heat.
We headed northeast of Nashville to Bledsoe Creek and it was beautiful. The weather was perfect and NO BUGS. It was close to a full moon so we went on a night hike, only a 2 mile loop but most of it was near the lake and the kids loved every minute of it.
Then next morning Tim, Missy and I saw 2 baby deer (still with spots, and very curious) on our way to the bathrooms, they were so close we could have walked up and pet them. We just stopped and stood very still while they smelled us and kept getting closer and closer. Just when it was getting a little too close for my comfort level, they stopped and took off into the woods.
I wish we could go every weekend, it is so nice to not have any distractions, no cell phones (no signal), no emails, no TV or video games... Just us and it was enough.

I am the lucky one

I really can't say what exactly spurred my thoughts tonight but I know I am the lucky one...

12 years ago I thought I had everything figured out, I thought, I had my life perfectly planned and knew exactly were I was going and what I wanted. I know now I was soooo young and just lucky.

I was lucky to marry a amazing man who, as we have grown and learned and faced life together, has become more apart of me than I could have ever imagined. He loves me and accepts me for who I am and what I want to be... He knows my flaws and loves me just the same. He loves our children and tells them so everyday. He protects me, even if sometimes it's from myself. He isn't perfect but he is perfect for me.

I have four beautiful children., each of which I am so grateful for. Julia who is a constant reminder to keep an eternal prospective. Even though I miss her, I feel her near me often, and think of her everyday. Tim who is kind and thoughtful and so much like his dad. Melissa, my sweet little girl, she never misses a thing. Isaac, my baby, every day I hold him and remind myself that he will never again be as little as he is right now, he seems to grow right before my eyes.

To someone on the outside looking in, I may not seem to have much. I don't drive a fancy car and I don't live in a big house. I doubt I will win the lottery and my odds in Vegas are not very good, but when it comes to what really matters, I know, I am the lucky one.