It's a wonderful life...

Already?

2012-11-27T12:07:00.003-05:00

Where does time go?

Wow.

It's almost December.

I'm at a loss for words.....

...for more than one reason....actually.

We'll let the pictures do the talking. ;o)

I am in love with this picture. (and the lil' guy in it!)

He is the BEST Christmas gift ever!

Some days are just plain hard. I'll be brutally honest with you.

I've said those words, "I need a break".

(and as a mom, one DOES need a break....if you don't feel it yet, no worries....it's coming.)

But I must say just how thankful I am that I have the opportunity to be a mom.

It's not always fun and games. Discipline is hard. Tough love is hard. I keep telling myself that it's going to pay off.

I believe that it will.

When my boy tells me that he loves me, and that I'm the best mama ever.....

then I know....

....although parenting is hard....

I MUST be doing something right!

Every day I'm so thankful for the precious gift of life that God has blessed us with.

Even if it's waaaaaaay.......

"less than perfect".

I took these photos this past weekend in between some Holiday photo shoots with other clients. I'm so proud of my lil' man and how well he did!!!

I have updated the STR{Seasons to Remember} blog recently.

I hope you'll check it out!

Happy week before December. =/

Not too sure how I feel about that.........

Seasons of F-U-N

2012-10-27T16:10:00.000-04:00

For Christmas last year we bought Dollywood Season passes for ourselves. It has literally been the gift that "keeps on giving"! Every season this year has been filled to the brim with fun. Bradyn has had a blast!

I have a TON of pics to share from March - October.

{My favorite lil' cowboy!}

{The swings!!!!!}

{Riding the Elephants! Bradyn always chooses one with an orange shirt. ;o)}

Dollywood is VERY kid friendly with different themed play areas, an annual kid's fest and a splash park!

Lil' man loves spinning rides! (I do not.....) Dad gets suckered into all of them usually. ESPECIALLY the scrambler. EEK!

{On the Lemon Twist!}

{He loves DW's hotdogs!}

{My heart!}

{Mom's lil' sheriff}

For Bradyn's birthday celebration we took some buddies along with us to Dollywood.

They had a blast!

{I was brave for riding with these two.....}

{WRECKLESS driving at it's BEST}

{Sweet boys!}

{His smile.....lights a room!}

{Happy lil' ducky!!}

{Nap time on the way home---HEAVEN}

{Lil' man loves riding the trolley to Dollywood. Mickey likes it when he gets to tag along....}

{Trolley Riding!}

{At the entrance...}

{......and with the famed Hot Dog}

{The perfect caption........}

{Real men drive PINK cars!!!}

{Love the Fall Decor!}

{Two peas in a pod!}

{Lumberjack Lift!}

{My honey and I. MIL---he needs a hair cut, YES! He'll get one before we come see you...lol}

{Bradyn loves playing with my phone while we drive to Dollywood. This is what you get when you give a four-year-old a smart phone....}

Hope you're having a great weekend! It's another busy one for us. ;o)

Q's & A's

2012-10-20T16:25:00.000-04:00

Nonny {Frances} has nominated me for the Liebster Award so I get

to do something I really don't think I've ever done on my blog....

in order to receive the award I've got to answer 11 questions

about myself and my life.

Here are the Rules of nomination and reception of the award:

List 11 facts about yourself. (Since I've never really done this before on my blog, you should be intrigued...ha!)
Answer the 11 questions given to you.
Create 11 new questions for the bloggers you nominated for the award. (My 11 questions for each of the 11 nominated blogs are near the bottom of this post.)
Choose 11 bloggers with 200 or less followers to nominate. (You will find the links at the bottom of this post.)
Go to each bloggers page and let them know about the award.
Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog.

So here goes.....11 "fun facts" about myself.....

1.) I love to curl up with a good book. I don't get to often, and when I do I normally fall asleep. That's the busy life of a M-O-M for ya. ;o)

2. The last book I read in it's entirety was "The Help". I liked it a lot better than the movie.

3. I L-O-V-E all things southern. I never really appreciated my southern heritage UNTIL I moved away from it back in 2002. I'm so grateful for a southern mom & dad that took me to church and taught me manners. FOREVER indebted!

4. I am borderline OCD. I never knew this about myself until I became a mom. When we put our house on the market a whole new dimension of OCD came out of me. I do like things just so-so.

5. I absolutely LOVE to decorate for parties, holidays, and in general. Every year when I get the Christmas Ballard Designs catalog I literally lay awake at night from ideas roaming around in my head.

6. I love being a mom, but I will admit I'm not perfect and sometimes it is quite exhausting. I pray that I'm a good role model for my baby boy though. Patience definitely is a virtue. =)

7. I love dressing Bradyn up in colorful, fun clothes. It's really hard to find boy accessories sometimes. Thankfully I have a mama that sews. We plan on keeping those hand of hers busy for quite some time!

8. The first and LAST tree I climbed as a kid still stands in my parent's back yard. They've lived in the same house since I was seven years old. My brother convinced me to climb up a limb and then he knocked the ladder down. In so many ways he has taught me to be absolutely FEARLESS. I'm forever indebted to him. ( and almost every time it storms bad my left ankle that I sprained that day aches something awful....ha!)

9. I love my husband's family just as my own. That happens when you've been in the family for a while, and it is a very special relationship. I'm close to my mother-in-law. She is one of my best friends, and very trustworthy.

10. I absolutely love dogs. I am not a feline person in the least bit. Our childhood dog adored me and I could dress her up in a million and one outfits. She was awesome!

11. I love kids. I love the fact that their minds are fresh and just like sponges. Seriously, I am so far from perfect, but I'm so glad that God has blessed me with the revelation that I am to be an example to my sweet boy. It's overwhelming and yet refreshing in a weird way...it's almost like I get a second chance at my own life...just watching MY offspring live and learn.

..and the nominator's questions for me....

1. Q.)Where were you born?

A.) Clarksville, TN

2. Q.) Your favorite radio talk show?

A.) It's a toss up between our local sports talk radio afternoon show

"The Drive" or "Dave Ramsey". I love sports talk radio when the Vols are doing well.....otherwise if we aren't listening to "Kid Music" we are listening to Jazz , Gospel or Dave Ramsey.

3. Q.) Your favorite color and why?

A.) Most people who know me well would say my favorite color is orange. I do love orange, but I am literally a fan of ALL colors. Red, Navy, Yellow, Green, etc. Orange is at the top of the list though. The reason I love it so much is because it's the color of our Tennessee Volunteer Jersey's and such. I'm a Tennessee girl at heart.

4. Q.) Your favorite sport?

A.) To watch = football. To play = probably tennis or softball as a kid I LOVED playing badminton.

5. Q.) Your favorite Bible story?

A.) That's a good one....I didn't really have a favorite one but when I think about it.....I do like the story of "Ruth and Naomi". I think it's important to have leaders in your life that you believe in and have faith in. People that you can trust and you KNOW will lead you in the right direction. People that when they say "they're praying for you and they've got your back" you have confidence that they REALLY do.

6. Q.) Where was your first date?

A.) Arby's on Riverside Drive, Clarksville, TN. Took place September 22nd, 1996 with my one true love, Brady. It was definitely a memorable one. =)

7. Q.) Who is your best friend?

A.) Hands down, my husband. Next to my mother, and one of my dearest "sista-friends", Krista. These three I would definitely trust with my LIFE. They know me well. Bless their hearts, they have been there through the thick & thin of my life. I don't like to use the term "Best Friend" much because it seems to set the other friends aside....but seriously if I had to choose just one it would be, Brady. He has definitely seen the "good, bad & the ugly" of me and he still loves me. I'm BLESSED!

8. Q.) If you could build a home anywhere where would it be?

A.) Near my parents. Not necessarily in their back yard, but definitely close. I grew up near my grandparents, and I definitely want that for my kids. Ever since my brother passed away my life has changed in a million and one ways. Ideally I would love for my parents just to follow my family around wherever we go...but as I get older I realize the importance of HOME and family. All the memories I made with my brother growing up in our home (where my parents live) are irreplaceable & precious.

9. Q.) If you could drive any car, what would it be?

A.) My husband would laugh at this, because I am the "safe" one in our relationship.....;o) I'm guessing it would be a nice, newer SUV or mini van with third row seating. I love the Honda Oddessy. My hubs would vote for the {luxury } SUV. He is not a mini-van kind of guy.

10. Q.) Your favorite website?

A.) Pinterest. I painfully admit it. Once I snap myself out of being covetous of all the yummy houses, decor, and clothing.....I actually can find some amazing things on pinterest. I've got a few ideas involving recipes/home decor/clothing that need to be put into action. It keeps my mind off mindless things and keeps me busy. =)

11. Q.) Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A.) Definitely living near family and actively involved in a growing church. Still focused on living for God and raising my family in God's house. Hopefully with another lil' one running around. (Surely this can and will happen in the next 10 years. Hopefully in the next TWO)
Bradyn will be fourteen years old in 10 years. Oh how time flies!

Here are my nominees:

1. My sweet friend, Nicole @ Life is Sweeter With You

2. My adorable sista friend, Krista @ The Red Door

3. Krista's amazingly talented sister, Robyn @ Chocolate Polka Dots

4. An amazing role model of mine, Latrissa @ Presson Ponderings

5. My overseas friend, Heather @Wish You Were Here
{Still living vicariously through you lovey!!! Ha!}

6. A bloggy friend, Crystal @ Our Life--The Sisemore Girls

7. Another bloggy friend, Rebecca @ Our Simple Life

8. A fellow Tennessee Volunteer Fanatic, Amy @ Sunglasses & Sippy Cups

9. A bloggy friend, Kendra @ Natural with Kendra

10. Yet another bloggy friend, Jessica @ The Crazy Oh-So-Wonderful Life of Jessica Leanne

11. Finally another bloggy friend, Kathy @ McMarathon Moments

Thank you Frances for the nomination and also for introducing me to some really neat NEW blogs to read/follow!

Now here are my 11 questions--

1.) What did you want to be when you "grew up" per say?

2.) What is your dream job?

3.) How many kids do you want to have (or did you choose to have) & why?

4.) What stores to you like to shop at for clothing/accessories?

5.) What is THE most important lesson you have learned in life thus far?

6.) Are you "crafty"? What do you make?

7.) Your favorite vacation spot?

8.) What do you do for kick-back, relaxing fun?

9.) How do you stay fit? Any health goals you want to meet?

10.) Where would you live if you could live ANYWHERE in the world?

11.) Balancing work/family life what is your best tips?

Hope everyone is having a terrific weekend!

Outdoor Expedition

2012-10-08T13:57:00.000-04:00

My husband is glad I'm outdoorsy. Not to brag, but all women aren't.

{To be honest.....I wasn't always this way...living near the Great Smoky National Park has definitely changed me for the better.}

For our anniversary this year we decided to save some money & go camping.

{We've been married 12 years and had an anniversary trip almost every year outside the state of Tennessee, so I was OK with this.}

Lil' man stayed with Granna & Papaw at our house while we roughed it at the

Cades Cove campground.

When I say "roughed it"....I do mean JUST that. Hubs did an amazing job at packing, but he somehow forgot a lantern and flashlights. Let me tell you when it gets dark at a campground....it's just that....

pitch. BLACK. DARK.

Thankfully, I've grown out of being scared of the dark.

{somewhat}

I was a bit scared of bears....but it rained. A LOT. Ha! I think they were staying in their "shelters". Our feet did get a little wet while sleeping in our tent, but thankfully that was about it.

I didn't take any pictures of our campground. I now wish I had of, but I did take pictures of our time cooking out & hiking to Abram's falls.

{Hanging out and having fun!}

Our anniversary is near Labor day every year, and we thought it would be crowded in the cookout area so we got there early. The rain scared everyone away though.

{These two are the light of my LIFE!}

We convinced Granna & Papaw to take a hike with us. It was a five mile round trip. It was strenuous, yet fun!

Bradyn seriously walked most of the way. I have no idea where he gets all of this energy!

He did really good. It was Granna & Papaw I was worried about. ;o) They did amazing though. It was their first "real" hike in the GSMNP.

My second or third...maybe fifth. I've lost count. I love hiking.

What we saw once we got to our destination was WELL worth it!

Loved every minute! Bradyn was dying to "go swimming" in the water. It as kind of cool though...and no one else had "swim clothes" on.

We had a fabulous time camping & hiking.

There is NO beauty comparable to God's creation.

Orange & White Life

2012-10-05T11:27:00.001-04:00

Welcome to picture OVERLOAD!!!

Finally I'm blogging Bradyn's 4th birthday, which was an absolute blast!

We spent the week prior to his party in Middle Tennessee with Granna & Papaw. It was so much fun! Earlier in the summer while shopping at Hobby Lobby we found football invites, napkins, and deco for CHEAP. Bradyn chose to have a football party rather than dinos or pirates. I was quite proud...yes I was!

This was the first "family birthday party" that he's ever had. Living 3.5 hours from family is a challenge sometimes. He had a GREAT party and had a blast playing with his MANY cousins. The park we had his party at reminded me a lot of East Tennessee. =)

It was right by a creek and woodsy. Nice and shaded for the most part. It was HOT out!

My friend, Michelle, is the BIGGEST Tennessee Volunteer fan and loaned me a few dishes, and some decorations. I was SO thankful! Bradyn chose his cake design. We found it on Pinterest. My cousin, Katie, made his cake. She did a phenomenal job!

Bradyn helped me make chocolate football cake pops!

The end result! Cute & soooooo good!

Bradyn loved making them, but didn't try one. =(

Blowing out the candle!

Since Nana & Poppy live in Northwest Missouri, they weren't able to make it to the party, BUT we recorded Bradyn opening his presents from them. We also skyped when he opened his football uniform.

To say he was excited is definitely an understatement.

He wears his helmet all the time. Especially when "our boys" are playing!

I can't remember if I shared these with you or not, but we took his birthday pictures at Neyland Stadium. We snuck in during band practice. ;o) It was an unforgettable experience.

He was mad in the picture below because I wouldn't let him "run on the field". All I could think is...."Yea, Oh boy! Let's get locked in Neyland Stadium! ".

I do love the orange seats behind him though!

He got LOTS of amazing Orange & White goodies for his birthday! The shirt he's wearing says "Lil' Vol, Big Attitude!". Thank you Aunt Marjorie & Uncle Howard! It fits PERFECT!

Eating his favorite snack {a mustard sandwich} at home.

Game day!!! He was singing "Rocky Top"--thus, the motion blur. ;o)

Lil' man has become SO independent and strong! I had to stand back and PRAY that he wouldn't fall when he was climbing during a recent visit to the park with his buddies.

We did the Vol walk about a month ago. Holy cow it was HOT, and I seriously almost passed out. First time ever in my LIFE. I think we'll do the Vol walk again once it's cooler, maybe late October. We didn't get to see the team walk to the stadium because I had to step back and sit down. I can't tell you how horrible I felt. Thank you to the nice State Trooper who gave me some water and the nice couple that helped me find a place to sit and cool off.

...Before the overheating expedition...Oh my goodness! It was smoldering!

Later on after we were home we watched the game. (FL vs. TN...not a pleasant outcome for our Vols......) Bradyn enjoyed eating chips & salsa while wearing his football helmet though.....

Another trip to the park....this was the last day he got to wear his "Dooley pants". =(

A sad, sad day for me...haha! Coach Dooley always wears orange pants for game day. They're imported from Italy. It's crazy.

I found these at a local consignment event last fall. Yes, I JUMPED on the deal!

Love his birthday shirt! Thank you Granna!

Granna has made Bradyn quite a few Tennessee themed shirts this fall. We are in LOVE!

This lil' guy is crazy with his expressions! I LOVE the Sevierville McDonalds. So modern & HUGE! Lil' man loves his Smoky shirt! Thanks Granna!

I also LOVE my "famed lucky socks!". Seriously if I forget to wear them on game day....the Vols play kind of bad....then I put them on...and they get good. Ha! It's weird.

{It's all a "mind game" with me I know......}

Papaw got these for me at a garage sale a couple of years ago. I always have to make sure they're clean on game day....;o)

A couple of weeks ago TN played the Zips. (non SEC team....) We couldn't watch so we listened. Bradyn was happy. He got to watch Umizoomi while I listened to football. =)

Lil' man and Mommy in all of our "Game day GLORY!".

Bradyn & his buddy, Carter, sporting matching orange & white bow ties from

Granna's Etsy shop.

Cuddle/Cartoon time with buddies under the warmest, most awesome blanket ever.

Bed time reading.... =)

The Bible and Veggie Tales Bedtime Devotions

PLUS......

The University of Tennessee Football Vault.

This was a birthday gift from Bradyn's cousin John, a UT Alumni. =)

It's really neat and we'll cherish it forever.

Lil' man and the College Game Day bus! They came to Knoxville the day we did the Vol Walk!

Our family is pretty Vol-crazy you can say!

We love our VOLS! Bradyn says he wants to have a football birthday party next year, and the next year, and the NEXT year. I think I may be getting my money's worth out of the football deco...ha!

Thank you to our sweet family who made Bradyn's birthday party really special!

Can't wait to get together again! And Let's go Tennessee LET'S GO!

(I'm glad tomorrow is NOT game day for the VOLS...I think they need a nice break!)

We'll still wear our orange though....

Life for us is Orange & White.

Strong Enough

2012-10-03T08:50:00.000-04:00

This is a continuance of a series of posts about overcoming grief & loss. I've learned I'll never FULLY recover from the tremendous loss of my big brother, BUT I've also learned that I have HOPE that is indescribable through God's grace.

Today I have a guest blogger posting about her journey with grief & loss. I haven't known Nonny very long, but I can tell you from the short period of time we've been "blog buddies" that she is a strong woman with STRONG faith in God. I hope you'll read her story & be encouraged.

...And please do check out her awesome blog

here.

Hey there! I am Frances from Notions from Nonny. I came across Jen’s blog a few months ago and I have really enjoyed reading her blog. Lately, we have corresponded here and there talking about dealing with hurt and grief. I am honored that Jen asked me to write of my experiences. This is definitely a reader’s digest version and a lot of gory details were left out. I just more anything, want to bare my heart, and encourage someone that you can make it. You can go through a horrible trial and come out on the other side whole and stronger than before.

The sun was brightly shining, beautiful and cloudless, and life was good. With a lovely family, I was very blessed. I was married to my high school sweetheart, a wonderful husband of 22 years, with three precious boys; a daughter in law also came during this time, and soon thereafter a grandbaby. I had an ideal situation, with what some would call a perfect life. I couldn’t ask for anything more. Oh believe me, as a family we had our share of trials, but we would bounce right back, and things were great again. I never anticipated what the future would hold. Whoever does?

The day came when our family began the trial of our life. First, tragedy struck our family in the form of cancer. My healthy, vibrant father-in-law was diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer. We bound together and started praying. We knew we served a prayer answering God, but as time continued, my foundation of life was literally shaken. The sun that was shining soon became obscured by dark, black storm clouds. I was dealt one major trial after another. They came in as rolling waves. Just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, a roaring wave of tragedy came, as each one of my family members held on for dear life. There was not one of us that were not affected. I would stand back up because I was fighter, but to be knocked back down again. The weight I was carrying was becoming so heavy, and my very existence was questioning if I could ever survive this storm.

I know the days of dark despair, where you are so cold inside, even though the sun is shining. Or the sleepless nights, where you are constantly tormented in your dreams, praying for any bit of sleep to keep your sanity. The gut wrenching times where you have no clue what the outcome is going to be, whether you’re going to receive your miracle, or just have to deal with a devastating outcome. I know the feeling of desperation for a child that is struggling through life, and the grief of losing someone you love. I know heart breaking experience of losing something so precious, something that you have poured your life into, only to never regain it again. Yet, I look back now and see how far I have come. How did I come so far? How did I survive the most horrible two years of my life? I believe there are three main reasons why I made it through to the other side of the storm, to where the sun was shining again.

One: I relied on God for my strength and direction. If I hadn’t relied on God, who knows what is best for me, I would be in a sorry state. His word and presence gave me the courage to take another step when I didn’t think I could. Oh, and his miracles! I cannot go without mentioning the miracles. In the middle of the storm, God would give my family miracles that would give us a ray of hope to continue. He moved mountains that man doubted could be moved, but my God moved them and I will forever be thankful. The book of Psalms was also a blessing to me during my darks times. Even now, when I am discouraged, I go back to Psalms and his many promises. If you do what it is right, God will fight your battle for you. I know he will, because he did it for me.

Two: I sought counsel with someone wiser than I. My pastor was a huge help through the storm. I realized that my thinking was not the best, and I needed another voice to lead and direct. I submitted myself to him, knowing he would give me the right advice. It was amazing how he always had the right thing to say, almost as if he saw my heart. Sometimes it hurt, but in the long run, I am a much better and stronger person.

Three: I depended heavily on friends and family. I am so blessed with an awesome family. Not only do I have my parents and sister, but my husband has a large family. We are all very close and lean on one another. We’re always encouraging each other and we’re just great friends. I will never forget the text messages or phone calls of encouragement or the many hours that my family would just listen. Even when I wanted to shut everyone out, they were there just to let me know everything would be okay. Just hold on. There were even times when they struggled and it was helpful for me to give back, because it would take my mind off my problems. There were also countless friends that did the same. They could have walked away because it was some very dark times, but we had great friends that stood by us. Those are friends that are precious and I thank God everyday for them.

The sun is shining again for my family, but as my pastor always says, “You are either going into a storm, you are in a storm, or you are leaving storm”. I thank God everyday that I made it out of this storm with my faith and family intact. It was not my doing, it was God’s. I will forever be thankful that he helped me through this. If you are reading this, and are going through a trial of your life, you can’t do it alone. Find God, find someone to counsel with, and find a friend or family member you can trust. Surround yourself with strong and positive people. That is the key for when you are struggling, and when you come through this, you will be a stronger person. The scars will eventually heal and your testimony will be a blessing to someone else in need. "Ignore the rushing waters.....ignore everything that tries to pull you under or knock your feet out, or obscures your view. Plant your feet on a solid rock."

I leave you with my favorite quote:

“She stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails.”

I now hold my head high and trust God to lead and direct my path, for He never fails. And if another storm comes, I know what I have come through and how strong I can be. Just hold on….. The sun will shine again.

Nonny, thank you for being so transparent, and sharing your heart. I can testify to God's goodness as well as you. You are living proof that holding on is worth it even when you feel like you're not strong enough. God's strength is PERFECT!!!

Everything Changes...

2012-09-28T06:13:00.001-04:00

{After reading the last few(2 part posts "My Heart", you've probably realized that the altitude of this blog has been altered.....if you haven't read yet....go to the bottom of the page...click older post, and please read. I promise I'm going to blog "happy" again...but in some strange sense....these heart-to-heart talks and the "deal with it" conversation IS happy....because it's part of overcoming.}

I will tell you that feeling alone is the absolute WORST feeling in the world. I can't tell you how comforting it has been to hear someone tell me that they've faced what I've faced (and currently facing). Of course I'd rather NOT hear that someone has lost a sibling, but.....

in my case..it's comforting. The days & weeks after that horrible day of tragedy was filled with such unexplainable, overwhelming peace & comfort. When I step back and realize what I've faced and just how drastically my life has changed....I am amazed at my own strength.

That strength came from God....and I'm FOREVER grateful.

It probably seems strange to some that I just now seem to be coming to grips with the loss of my brother, but seriously I have been dealing with it all along. Seems like now that Bradyn is older and not so dependent on me I have more time for it to sink in. (That, among quite a few other things which we'll discuss as time goes on.....)

The minute I heard the dreadful news that my brother had passed, my life changed forever. That's a given, right? I live it daily. I live missing my brother, longing to hear his voice, and simply just to get one of those BIG bear hugs again. My way of thinking has changed drastically. I'm going to be completely transparent with you, just because it only seems fair. If I'm going to share my story....then I might as well tell the honest-to-goodness TRUTH.....I was bitter. My heart was hardened. I was lonely...VERY lonely. I was seriously clinically depressed. I was hurt, shamed, felt guilty, wish I could have changed it, blamed myself.....etc. All the while, other people's lives went on like normal.

AND....it wasn't their fault...that their lives seemed normal, so it goes...
Grief is a REAL sucker I tell ya. It comes like a flood some days and you don't want to think about your life....much less live it.......and then other days all you want to do is talk about your loss, and deal with it head on. It's all part of overcoming I suppose. After he passed it seriously took me about two weeks to look, REALLY look in the mirror and even care about how I looked, felt, or appeared to others. I knew if I looked into my eyes....all I would see was sadness. I couldn't face it.

Through the past five & a half years my life has changed drastically....got pregnant..David was there calling me, checking on me, teasing me about my watermelon belly, making sure I was OK, not overdoing it....and just being what a BIG brother should be. Our last Christmas together as a family I was pregnant with Bradyn, but none of my family knew because I wanted to be in the "safe zone" before we told anyone. My brother tried to start a wrestling match with me....(so normal for us...even as adults!)..the first thing I did was guard my stomach....our eyes locked, and it's like he KNEW that I was pregnant without me even saying a word. Five months later he passed. He saw Bradyn twice. You can't even begin to imagine the PAIN and GUILT that I've experienced because of that. I'm dealing with it...and with God's help...I'm overcoming and I'm making it.

Honestly, it feels good to "release" these emotions (yes, I'm crying as I type...) but it's also VERY ugly. (I've "ugly cried" so much in the last four years.....I don't know if I can cry any other way. Ha!) I've had many cry it out sessions with my pillow, and a few in my closet. I just don't want Bradyn to see me sad. I don't want to explain death to him, I don't want to "go there". Bless our hearts, women are emotional beings. We cry at the tip of a hat, and snap about practically nothing under stress. My husband has been an absolute angel during all of this turmoil. I never dreamed in a million years I would be facing these GIANTS in my life....but Brady has been honest, open, and so caring. (Even understanding, although he's never experienced loss in this magnitude.)

The reason I'm sharing my heart, my story, with you my few faithful blog readers is not to dwell on my loss or pain. It's my way of reaching out to others and letting them know that you can overcome. It doesn't happen in a day, it definitely won't happen overnight. It won't even happen in a YEAR, y'all. =( BUT with God's help, strength, and through Him carrying you....you CAN make it. I know first hand. There have been times if it hadn't of been for God steadying my heart, and carrying me through, so-to-speak, I KNOW I would have lost my mind. No joke.

People, they do mean well. They do. My best advice to someone who is hurting and dealing with grief & unimaginable loss, is to find someone that you trust....REALLY can trust to talk to and spill your heart to. I'll speak from that person's point of view, because I've tried to be that for other people who are hurting....LISTEN. (I have trouble with that too...I think we ALL do.) Seriously, put your thoughts, emotions, questions aside and just whole heartedly listen to the person pouring their heart out to you. That's what they need...generally speaking...someone they can talk to and trust.

Honestly the best thing that anyone EVER told me after the loss of my brother was, "I'm praying for you". I could feel their prayers. They carried me through months, and months of sorting it all out. What didn't help was silly, mindless questions. I can't list them all. Some of them were so ridiculous...or at least they seemed to me. I got a few like "does this change how many kids you want now that your brother is gone?". (Why yes....honey it changes my ENTIRE LIFE. Really????) Others wanted to know detail by detail how he passed, what happened, etc. I get that. I do...because generally speaking people just "want to know" for whatever reason. Sometimes it's just best to not ask a grieving person questions unless you've truly thought them out before asking....

....and now you're asking I'm sure....well then what DO you ask someone who is grieving???

I'm honestly telling you...there isn't an exact answer for that. You listen when they want to talk about their loss, because for most grieving people it's a challenge to do so. This may be the only chance you get to reach out to them and help them. This is why so many times as someone who is grieving, we DO feel alone, because it is JUST so EASY to hole yourself up, and make yourself think that you are the only person in the world that knows what this kind of pain feels like. My best advice is just to "be there". Be a friend, be caring, and leave all the nosey, mindless questions at home. Whether your grieving friend expected death to come due to illness, or whether it was tragic and sudden, being there, and PRESENT is the best thing you can do.

Life will never be "normal" like it was before my brother's death. Seriously at the time it happened, I was a nursing mother, working part time outside the home, we had just bought a house five months prior. We were still learning how to cope with all the new things happening as new parents.....it has honestly taken me about three years to settle in to the new normal. Some things I can deal with just fine...others I honestly despise, BUT God is helping me deal. Without Him....oh how LOST I would be!

My mindset has changed and I view things differently...I cherish my family like never before. I still fall into the trap of wanting too much "stuff/material things" in life thinking it will make me happy, and "feel better". I've learn to deal with relationships differently which can be difficult at times. (Especially as a woman, oh we are emotional...crazy creatures!) I find that I have a hard time laughing at times...I have to snap myself out of being "too serious" quite often. Trust me, Bradyn has helped me immensely in this area.

God knew what he was doing when he gave us our beautiful, lil' rambunctious, angel faced boy. Oh did He ever! His love is like therapy to me. I seriously miss that kid so much when he's just napping or at the store with daddy for 2o minutes.
I've been taught many life lessons along my journey...and the journey isn't over...
...thankfully I know that God is a true friend, and one that will always be by my side....
no matter what.

This is what I want you to know.....you are NOT alone,
God loves you.
He didn't DO this to you to make you feel unloved, or forgotten...
although you may just feel that way...
He is there. He cares, and He's working on it.

Life is a process. Others may have easier paths.
But we're strong. We'll overcome with God's help.

We are not alone.

Hebrews 13:5

New International Version (NIV)

⁵Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,

“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you

(If you want to know more about overcoming grief, or how to find God so He can help you deal with your loss.....feel free to email me. I'll admit I'm horrible with responding due to my busy life, but I'll definitely try to respond. Email me at hensonjen@yahoo.com)

Love & Prayers to you,
and here's to finding peace, and living a self-less, happy life.

It's a process.
A hard, long process, but it's worth it. SO worth it!

Family Time!

2012-09-26T09:49:00.002-04:00

I can't tell you just how much I love family time.

Last month we travelled a LOT. Every other weekend actually.

It was challenging, but SO worth it. We got to see just about everybody

expect Brady's grandparents, and his mom & stepdad.

(Excited to see them in about a month & a half!!!)

1. Playing games with Uncle Seth

2. ...and the same game with Aunt Rachel (whom he calls "pretty Rachel")

3. On our way to Papaw Tim's house!!!!

4. Tina, Bradyn & Papaw Tim (Brady's dad) LOVE THEM!!!!

5. Bradyn and his Uncle Seth (Brady's brother) Seth was Bradyn's age when Brady and I started dating. Bradyn and Seth are SO much alike it's unreal. Seth is a great guy! If Bradyn grows up to be 1/2 as talented/smart/good looking as his uncle we'll be happy!

6. Daddy & Bradyn on papaw's "digger". Bradyn was NOT a fan!

7. Bradyn & daddy riding papaw's mower...ha!

8. Brady & Bradyn in papaw's T-bucket.

9. Worn out on the way home from Kentucky.

We don't see Brady's brother often, so when we found out they would be near Nashville for a visit we couldn't pass up going to see them. I can't begin to tell you how much I love my sister-in-law AND how much I miss her. She's the sweetest lil' thing! I have a hard time coming to grips with the fact that the "little boy" who I once bought SUPER loud toys, and loved on when he was a preschooler is old enough to be a MARRIED man. =( It's been sweet though, watching him grow up into the man he is today. Seth is a terrific guy!

(and one of my personal favorites!)

{Rachel, my sis-n-law & I at papaw Tim's & Tina's house}

We spent the week before Bradyn's birthday party with our sweet granna & papaw. We went to Franklin, TN with granna for a Doctor's appointment, and then hit up Opry Mills for a fun visit. During our stay at granna's we had a few visits to the park, visits with family, time spent playing with Scooter, and quite a few football games in the front yard. Being at granna's house and seeing how much Bradyn LOVES being there totally gives me flashbacks of my own childhood. =)

1. Bradyn's very own "Tennessee corner". This is where he sleeps when he's at Granna's house. He has enough TN Volunteer stuff to FILL a ROOM!

2. Lil' man napping in his "Tennessee corner".

3. In "Orange & White HEAVEN" at the Tennessee Sport's Fan store in Nashville.

4. Practicing Target shooting in granna's bath tub. ;o)

5. Warm and cozy after his bath.

6. All smiles in granna's living room!

7. Helping mommy make cake pops for his birthday party!

8. His favorite football! (Go figure.....)

9. Modeling his stegosaurus hoodie that granna created for him!

We LOVED playing in the front yard! I had to keep a close-close eye on him, because he would "escape" to the front yard without asking anyone.

T-R-O-U-B-L-E!

Most evenings after eating dinner we would go outside and play with Scooter.

Scooter was mine & Brady's dog when we lived in Missouri. We got him when he was 10 weeks old. He is the sweetest lil' thing. He ADORES Bradyn, and loves running & playing with him!

We had THE best time with Granna & Papaw. A few lunch dates, lots of play time, and a mini vacation for myself & my mind. ;o) See why I love FAMILY TIME??? My mom is the best. She's so hands on with Bradyn and has worked with kids at church for as long as I can remember. She's so funny and Bradyn ADORES her!

1. Lunch date with Granna at Steak & Shake.

2. Playing at McDonald's after breakfast.

3. Playtime at Opry Mills' kids play area. They have THE coolest play area I've ever seen!

4. Checking out the park where we were having Bradyn's birthday party!

5. Sitting ON Scooter...he is so good with Bradyn!

6. Bradyn about to get his ears licked! Ha!

7. Playtime with great grandma's poodle, Buster. Sweetest, most HYPER, yet sweetest DOG EVER!

8. Catapulting with mommy at "Kids-N-Play" in Clarksville. It's much like Monkey Joe's, but COOLER if you ask me!

9. Climbing at Kids-N-Play! We had the best time and made some new friends!

Here is a video of Bradyn playing the larger than life piano at Opry Mills' play area. The entire area is music themed (Nashville is Music City--fitting!) and most, if not all, of the squishy climbing things are musical instruments and they make noise. Kids LOVE it!

Trust me, the mall is so loud that you hardly can hear the music, but if the kids are happy....that's all that matters. I can totally tune out the noise!

It feels so good to catch up on blogging, and actually have pictures up in a post! I know the grandparents, aunts & uncles are happy now. ;o) Next is Bradyn's birthday party. I do believe it was the coolest one yet!

Weekends & Catching up...

2012-09-22T21:00:00.001-04:00

I'm learning. I have good intentions.

{and when I say "good"...I do mean "GOOD"! }

...but weekends and "catching up" don't mix

sometimes.

We (Granna, Bradyn & I)

just returned home from a wonderful 2 & a 1/2 days

in beautiful Gatlinburg.

WE {Women's Esprit} conference was

seriously life changing.

{I didn't take any pictures at conference. Oops!}

We will catch up soon!

{Birthdays, Camping, Vol Walk, and more of "My Heart" to come...}

God is good. All. The. Time.

My Heart {part 2}

2012-09-16T15:54:00.001-04:00

I googled "blog" and this is what I got.....

blog

Noun:

A Web site on which an individual or group of users record opinions, information, etc. on a regular basis.

Verb:

Add new material to or regularly update a blog.

"On a regular basis" and "regularly update" --those two phrases make me cringe.

[I've failed miserably]

It's not like I've entered into some "contest" or something......

where the "winner" is the one that posts most

"regularly". Right?

Nope.

So I've asked myself lately....."Seriously, why do I BLOG?" "What in the world IS a blog

made up of anyways???"

I'll admit. It came pretty easy, and almost unknowingly...

I've gotten caught up in the "silent/secret blog wars".

(comparison of my life, home, family, etc. to others...and what have you...SO unhealthy!!)

Please don't take any offense....{note the title of this post--my heart}.

I have decided to be just utterly completely honest with you...

[My two faithful readers.....]

It's been WAAAAAAAAAAAY

easier to post fun pictures of my sweet, rambunctious

son, pretties around my house, vacations, and time spent with our sweet family

rather than...

Telling you the plain, awful truth that most days I feel like a wreck, running around like a

chicken with my head CUT OFF,

and just a PLAIN. HOT. MESS.

.....and so it goes with most of our daily lives.

We don't want to tell the ugly stuff.

We hide behind a mask.

{I know firsthand, because ~~I'm kind of~~ good at it....}

I'm going to be completely transparent with you.

The last four (or so) years of my life have been UTTERLY life shaking, habit forming,

and painstakingly hard.

At times I have, yes, sorry to all my dear sweet friends, have felt SO

ALONE.

...this blog and the needs of my son and husband have been

a gracious distraction of my present life.

(A welcomed one as well. I am SO thankful for my responsibilities as a mother & wife!)

Almost four years ago my life changed forever. I don't blog/talk about it to make you

feel sorry for me. I don't like extra attention.

It is what it is though.

It's my life.

I think that's why for so long I haven't talked about it. I've just kind of hid it under the rug,

so-to-speak.

The weekend my only brother passed away, my life changed forever. See, we were just in

Northwest Missouri for a long weekend to see family. It was just a routine kind of day.

We were having a really great time. It was Bradyn's first time to fly on an airplane,

(he hasn't flown since) he was {almost} nine months old.

It was his first trip to Nana's house. Everything was splendid.

Then.....came the phone call.

We were gathered in the living room, just hanging out with some sweet friends that we hadn't

seen in years. When my mom called.

Brady answered. He went outside.

{for the record....he normally doesn't do that.}

I kind of knew at that point, something was wrong.

He came back in. He told me that my brother had been "in an accident".

Not really any other details......

We gathered around and prayed...I bawled.

I felt God.

I felt like He would answer. My brother would be OK.

We sat back down...praying helped calm our nerves...mine especially.

The phone rang again...Brady saw who it was...went outside.

About ten minutes passed...and he came back in.....

WHITE as a GHOST.

Told me he was gone.

That split second....life was changed...never again to be the same

and

The flight back to Nashville seriously was the LONGEST flight of my life. ....

From that day on............my way of thinking has been FOREVER altered.

Thankfully, our parents cared enough to instill in us FAITH in GOD.

All I could do that night was cry, pray, and read my Bible.

(I'm not saying at all if your parents haven't or didn't, or if you are a parent that doesn't

believe in God...that you are BAD. NEVER in a million years...would I address or attack

someone else's lack of faith to make you feel less than/ foolish/ or stupid. This is just a

part of my life story....and one I've been chosen to share.....trust me....I wish it was

different...but apparently God thinks I'm strong.)

All that night......I couldn't sleep. I had a Bible that mom and dad gave me on my 16th

birthday with me....I flipped through the pages and turned to .....

Micah 7:7

King James Version (KJV)

⁷Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.

God knew I totally needed this scripture. Because from that moment on...I had doubts,

questions, & fears. Didn't God hear me when I literally BEGGED Him to let my brother be

OK?

I memorized & quoted that scripture all night....in and out of sleep.

Not to bore you with all the details of what exactly happened, because still to this day.....

we don't exactly know, but.....the months following that dreadful day in May of 2009

have DEFINITELY had it's challenges.

I'll just go ahead and admit.......It's been challenging NOT to become bitter with God.

I wouldn't wish this on anyone, but seriously I've asked God "Why ME??" so many times....

it's crazy.

Every day...I'm reminded in some form or fashion of my brother. I only have happy

memories, and trust me that makes me miss him even MORE.

So.....all this being said....I wish I had opened up earlier about dealing with grief

as a mom to a young child.

I wish I had reached out for help......to someone that knew what I was going through......

Still some days I do feel all alone, like I'm the only mother who has nursed a child in a

funeral home bathroom....who's son has no recollection at all of his uncle.....

and those days....I do still have to snap myself out of it, and thank God for the life

that I'VE been given despite what I've experienced along the way.

So....that's really what has been on my heart about this blog.

In the last four years of parenting I've learned an extreme amount of stuff.

What not- to- do...what to do...what I really shouldn't even CONSIDER doing....ha!

Motherhood is a journey...and seriously dealing with grief along with mothering a young,

needy, needing an "ever present" mommy has been SO challenging.

I'm still FULL of fears that I honestly have to lay down daily........grief still comes like a

flood some days and then others like a gentle little "trickle".

It's a daily battle....a daily occurrence...

and a daily NEW experience.

I'm assuming it will be like this for the rest of my life...

So join me on the journey.....

I'll still share fun pictures, family photos of vacations and time spent with friends,

but NOW hopefully you can understand me more...

I'm more emotional, fearful, careless, and thought out than I was four years ago.

(Trust me all those are quite the combination.......pray for my husband! Ha!)

Time flies...and it flies fast.

Embrace each moment.

MAKE MEMORIES.

Your time with your loved ones should be precious to you.

You never know when your's or their "last day" will be.

Tell them you love them.

Even if it feels silly.

(Trust me...it will feel silly...but you get accustomed to it...)

So that sums up "my heart".....I plan on getting back to blogging faithfully.

I'm excited about the journey....and the path our lives is taking.

We've had bumps along the way, but it certainly

does feel GOOD to be ALIVE.

That's one thing I can honestly say about my brother....he loved life.

Good or bad.

He taught me VERY important lessons that I'll cherish forever.

It sure feels good to be ALIVE!

My Heart.....{part 1}

2012-09-14T11:27:00.000-04:00

OK so obviously I'm behind on blogging. (We've had a birthday, camping trip, a week spent at granna's, among a few other things that have taken place since the last time I blogged...) I'm kind of over the "blog guilt", and I bet you're over me apologizing for not blogging.....

Well...a few things have been on my mind/heart lately about this blog. I've been weighing it in the balance..."should I continue blogging or stop".... My busy life says STOP, but something in my heart says "keep going, and dig deeper.....". If you're lost...let me explain.

I started this blog when Bradyn was almost four months old. I started blogging because I knew it would be helpful for our family to stay in tune with our lives. (We live hundreds of miles from our immediate family.) It has been VERY instrumental in us feeling "attached" to our family somewhat. It's been nice for them to know what's been going on with Bradyn and they've been able to watch him grow from a newborn to an active pre-schooler.

That's all good. I've loved that about blogging. Blogging is enjoyable, it's also work. Hours of picture editing is required. (OK...maybe not required, but I'm a perfectionist. I like things to be "just so". ) Lots of time goes into maintaining a blog. Sometimes I feel like it's time that I just don't have. I wish I could brew time in a pot....and make it GROW. Seriously....I never have enough TIME seems like.

Motherhood, and the "hand I've been dealt" in life has weighed heavily on my mind lately. The last five years has been a whirlwind. Seriously, when I stop and think about it....I wonder how I made it through. (I know the answer is ONLY by the grace of God!)

So bear with me.....I'm a work in progress. I will pick up blogging again soon.

Thanks for reading!

(Bless your hearts!!)

Nostalgia

2012-08-19T15:24:00.001-04:00

This time of year always make me reminisce of birthdays past,

and the long nine months (or ten...according how you figure)

of my sweet pregnancy with lil' man.

I can tell you....

God has perfect timing because I really don't know

just how I would have made it through the last three years of my life

if it weren't for my adorable, precious, FULL of LIFE, bundle of

joy. =)

I could be sad because my sweet baby is growing up, but I have to choose to embrace each stage. (I do get sad...don't get me wrong...time FLIES!!!) Yesterday lil' man and I went to the BIG stadium to snap some birthday pictures and oddly enough it was unlocked and a door was open. The band was practicing. (We missed Rocky Top...) Bradyn kept asking if Derek Dooley would be there to "sign his paper", and just "where was Smoky????". He didn't want to leave the stadium. and wondered where the orange and white checkerboard was.... ;o)

This photo was one of my favs we caught in Neyland Stadium....

{His "game face"}

His granna made his birthday shirt (which is becoming a tradition.....) and

I just love the orange seats behind him. =) We spent some time hanging out and he was DYING to run out on the field. Love my lil' energetic guy! Then headed to UT Gardens of which I looooooooooooove.

So many beautiful flowers/trees/artwork there. I've yet to edit all of the photos we took, but here are a couple of my favs.....

This was the best smile of the day. ;o) I DO love that smile!

Lil' man wanted to wear his overalls for his photos. Thankfully they still fit. {barely} He had fun roaming in the flowers!

Granna also made lil' man's suspenders and bow tie. I can't tell you how thankful I am for a creative mother!! I can't believe my sweet angel boy is going to be four next week. He is truly SUCH a blessing!

I love being a "boy mama". =) There is nothing like it.

Something to Blog About

2012-08-17T08:55:00.000-04:00

It's been awhile. I feel like I owe you an apology.

Let's catch up shall we......

Lately I've just been in a blogging kind of "funk". Too much going on to talk about. All is well though. Just the rush of summer coming, and then it seems to be going out as fast as it came in. Ever since summer of 2009 I have kind of not been TOO big a fan of summer. =( Too many anniversaries of bad things to remember.

Usually we take a family vacation in the summer. This year we did vacation early (April of this year). I'm not making excuses, but there hasn't been too much to look forward to this summer. I think that's why my mind has dwelt a lot on the horrific things that happened three years ago. We have Dollywood season passes which were a Christmas present last year to Bradyn, so don't feel sorry for us...we've had LOTS of fun this summer. =)

Speaking of lil' man and fun.....

Check this out!

His choice of "birthday hat" for his party next Saturday...haha!

{97 cents at Wal-mart! We couldn't pass it up!}

We've been in full swing party planning mode. Football is {obviously} our theme of choice. He has great taste! I offered to do just a multi-color football themed party, but he chose "orange & white" for his two colors. I'm proud..I will admit.

{Sonic Happy Hour & Sports Talk Radio....may be an afternoon tradition for us from here on out! He was ecstatic about sharing a watermelon slushie with me after a play date.}

We're 14 days away from UT's first game. =) (but who's counting????....hah!)

I've created a real fan with the orange pants and all. He's into choosing his clothing every morning, and it can take awhile sometimes so I give him choices. Seems he likes to wear his orange pants a lot. (Thanks Coach Dooley!) He refuses to wear ANY shirt BUT the white polo with the orange embroidered "T" on it.....haha! I like it...but we've got to change it up a bit. Those orange pants are definitely getting some wear!

{He and his buddies walking in the mall.}
We've had lots of play dates lately with all the rain we've been getting. Plus with our house on the market, it's nice to get it clean and LEAVE. I find when we're home....it gets messy QUICK! We've had a few showings...so far no major interest. We'll find the right buyer when the time comes. =)

We've all been sporting a lot of orange and white lately. We've made a few trips to

Alumni Hall and I will admit I'm mesmerized by all the orange and white pretties they have.

I'm so obsessed with orange and white football....because my brother was when he was a teenager....and it {in a weird,sweet way} makes me feel close to him and my childhood. His room was orange and white for the longest time. "T" border and all....I could totally see someone in my household wanting a room like that too one day! Good thing I have access to some really cool vintage deco. ;o) I could def pull off an amazing UT vintage football themed room!

Next week is going to be SO busy for us. Final details on the party, which it sounds like it may be large, but it won't. Just family having a good time celebrating , eating and playing games. I'm not really concerned with gifts for lil' man. Don't get me wrong, but being the only grandchild on both sides and not having family around DEFINITELY has it's perks for a lil' guy. SPOILED doesn't even begin to describe........

...and having a granna that is an amazing seamstress definitely has it's perks!

I've been a little nostalgic lately and stumbled upon quite a few pictures of lil' man sporting orange and white throughout his young life. This is my absolute favorite outfit that granna EVER made for him!

I plan on making a collage to have out at his party, and just to save to remember how much he loves Tennessee football!

Tomorrow we have a fun photo shoot planned for Bradyn's four year photo shoot. I'm doing it completely solo....think of me tomorrow. I've picked out about four outfits....ha! He is going to KILL me....we'll have to definitely use the art of bribery...and maybe a trip to the Mast General Store for some retro candy! =)

Last weekend we got to spend some much needed time with Uncle Seth and his wife. (Brady's brother) They were in town for a bit so we drove up to Middle Tennessee to spend some time with them. It was fun!

Bradyn had a blast playing corn toss with Seth & Rachel.

They were both pretty good about letting him make the rules. Ha!

We drove up to Kentucky to see Brady's dad and girlfriend. Bradyn loves his Papaw Tim and Tina! Although being such a HUGE Tennessee fan, he has developed quite the aversion to the state of Kentucky and anything blue. I hope our Kentucky family doesn't take it personal. ;o) Orange is the ONLY color in his crayon box!

Sweet smiles all the way around! =) This lil' guy is so loved!

Seth was four years old when Brady and I started dating. Bradyn reminds Brady and I SO much of Seth at this age. =) It's crazy how much they favor in looks, actions, and personality. =)

Bradyn was so excited to take a ride in Papaw Tim's T-bucket last weekend. =)

He was NOT that excited about being on Papaw Tim's "Digger". Brady enjoyed taking him for a ride though. ;o) I love seeing Brady, his dad and Bradyn together. It just makes me smile to see three generation of Henson men and how much they resemble one another. ;o)

Bradyn was really happy about his "surprise" that Papaw Tim & Tina got for him. Finally he has a toy gun. ;o) He thinks he's "the stuff". I'm weird about toy guns. I know--I know. However, there has been a TON of deer/bear hunting going on out of windows at our house. :o) Lil' man is going to be a hunter I do believe! Good thing he already likes the color orange!

{my lil' hut-hut man!}

We had a terrific time with our family. We've seen family a lot lately which is perfectly fine with me! Bradyn is so blessed to have a loving extended family. =) He loves his "Teddy" that grandma got him the last time she was in. ;O) He sleeps with it often.

Something majorly exciting happened last Sunday. My sweet friend/sister from Kansas City got engaged!!!! When she texted me this picture.......

..I seriously lost my breath! I'm so excited for she and her fiance! We are very happy for them and can't wait to be a part of their beautiful wedding in Missouri! I love happy occasions and it will be a great opportunity to visit one of our favorite cities! (Kansas City rocks!!) You can read Krista's proposal story here.

I've also been busy getting my photography blog/business rolling as well. I'm excited about fall family sessions coming up soon!!!

I've made some updates to the "Seasons to Remember" blog.

You can check it out here. =)

Happy weekend!!!

Make some memories!!! I know I will. =)

Monthly Recap

2012-07-31T00:38:00.000-04:00

There's so much to catch up on, I just decided to do it all in one post.

I've got a TON of things circling around this hairy lil' brain of mine.

Lots of thoughts, insight, and stuff going on in there.

I've been praying, thinking, praying some more....about the direction of this blog.

Sometimes it's hard to keep up. I'll admit sometimes I get "behind" and I wonder if "catching up" is really worth it....because I'm SO far behind...but then....I remember how fun blogging is...and I'm reminded of the sweet family members that we don't see much... and how I want to be "in the loop" with their lives and them with mine. So...here goes....

{More about all the "stuff" going on in my tiny "hairy" brain of mine to come...}

So the month of July was a fun one for us. The first few weeks were spent getting our house ready to put on the market.

{Yes, we're selling. No, we don't know where we're moving to yet..the house has to sell first.} We want a house with a flat yard...among other things. Our house has a great yard...but it's also on top of a slightly, slanted, hill. (which hills are VERY popular here in East TN..and Bradyn wants a pool one day..hills & pools don't mix...)

The second week of July we drove to west Tennessee for state wide UPCI camp meeting. We picked Nana up on the way there. It was a wonderful four days. Growing up in Tennessee I had been to a few camps but never this one. It was phenomenal. Life changing even. =) I got to see some friends that I haven't seen in years...it was nice to catch up! I must say I'm SO thankful for Nana. (Brady's mom) Oh my......I can't do conferences, camp meetings, crowded church services without help. Brady does awesome...he's a great dad, but you know that "I'm checking out feeling" that comes when you're a parent to a toddler/preschooler? It seems that often we get that feeling at the SAME time...haha! Having Nana's help was refreshing & SO helpful. Bless her heart....I bet she was SO tired once she finally got back to Missouri. It was a "tired" well worth it though...if I know her. ;o) I didn't get the camera out at all until Saturday right before we dropped Nana off at the airport. We were just busy-busy the entire time, and it rained a lot so no swimming in the BIG pool or any outdoor fun took place.

We met Granna & Papaw at McDonalds for lunch before we went to the airport. Granna made Bradyn a new neck tie. He couldn't wait to put it on...as you can see...GO CHIEFS!!! =)

My mother-in-law is honestly a gift from God. Such a Godly woman, and so caring. She has the biggest heart! I'm so glad we got to spend some much needed time with her. Her relationship with her sons makes me SO happy that I have a son, AND makes me pray that I have the same kind of relationship with my son as he grows up.

{Bradyn was being a real ham...nothing unusual for him.}

After we dropped Nana off we went to Opry Mills Mall. It's open again..and BOY was it crowded. We turned Bradyn loose with his grands and did some birthday shopping for the soon to be birthday boy. (August 28th....he'll be four. Time FLIES TOO FAST!)

We found some great deals and lil' man had a blast playing in the pontoon boats at Bass Pro Shop.

{I have no clue why he had this expression.... I love it though!}

The weekend after camp meeting we had a sweet friend that was in our youth group when we lived in Missouri visit us. She now lives in Middle Tennessee. We had the absolute best time!! She showed some interest in Brady's {many} bows so he didn't hesitate to teach her to shoot. ;o) We had the atmosphere set. Polkish folk music and all. ;o) Great memories were made. Love this girl so much!

Bradyn warmed up to her quite well when she gave him her "light up" glass from Bubba Gump shrimp! ;o) Material things really is the way to his heart...that and candy..;o) It's sad. That's a kid for ya'!

This past Friday was definitely a milestone kind of day for our family. My mom (granna) was in for a day or two and Bradyn went back to Middle TN with her Friday morning. We thought we would be able to head out once Brady got off from work, but we had to get the house ready for a showing. We didn't leave until Saturday morning.

{Right before he left for his first road trip without mommy!}

He didn't cry not once....I knew he would be perfectly fine. We've been apart before but never had 3.5 hrs between us. He's officially a big boy! ;o) I was beyond excited to see him once we got to granna's house. It was nice to have uninterrupted conversation on the way there I won't lie..... ;o)

We had a great weekend with family. Bradyn has been introduced to the greatness of corn hole. ;o) My mom was creative and made little bean bags out of SEC football team fabric. (KY, TN, NC, FL, AL) You'll NEVER guess which team Bradyn chooses...ha!

I kept losing....I just KNOW it's because he wouldn't let me use the orange bags....I got stuck with KY blue.... ;o)

The boy is competitive. Wow. We'll be playing this game at his birthday party. Get this...it's football themed. He chose it. I promise!

Saturday afternoon we went to my grandma's house to meet her new dog, Buster.

He is a ROUNDER...so hyper. I love him though. He's still a puppy. So he has everlasting energy. (Much like someone I know....they got along terrific..yes!)

Sunday I had to sneak and get this photo of lil' man playing so quietly. He was ready for church. Just a 1/2 hour prior he was still in his jammies and dancing to veggie tales. He had "super granna" & "super papaw" dancing with him. It was priceless. I should have recorded it...

We had a terrific Sunday at church with some of Brady's family. I wish I had taken photos..I didn't. We had a great church service, and Bradyn's Sunday school teacher was my mom. It was precious. She was my Sunday school teacher until I was almost a teenager. She taught Brady and I when we were 7 and 8. We don't remember each other! Crazy!

After church we ate at Cafe Fontanella just outside of Nashville. It was sooooo delicious!

Bradyn got some great cousin time in with his sweet cousin, Alexus. He kept snorting at her...and the waitress..ha! While we were eating my kindergarten teacher and her husband came in and sat right across from us. SUCH a sweet family! It was awesome to catch up with them. ;o) It was fun for them to meet Bradyn too!

Today we had a pajama day and unpacked our suitcases. Bradyn's lil' buddy had a bad case of the "Mondays" at lunch time. I can't help but laugh when I see this picture. I hardly blog about the little girl I nanny for...but this picture is priceless!

Bradyn was a happy lil' fella'. He loves having a buddy come to his house during the week, and every weekend he asks "Mommy, who's coming to my house today???".

We were adventurous after lunch and we made a pirate fort. Bradyn and his buddy

loved huddling together and "reading" books. It was precious to hear the laughter and muttering coming from under those blankets.

That sums up our month. It's been another busy-good one!

Just When....

2012-07-24T08:16:00.000-04:00

....you think you have it all together....

life happens!

It's been a busy THREE weeks. {I can't believe it's been that long since I've blogged.}

We'll get caught up eventually.

We've had some much needed time with Nana (Brady's mom), time with Granna & Papaw,

and time with friends.

Throw in a thousand other things....

...and you've got busy.

This lil' guy just rolls with it, he is so easy going!

{for the most part}

Summer has been REALLY good to us this year!

Just for the grands who I know have missed us during our unannounced "blog break"

the most.......

Lil' man dressed as Mickey this morning...well...HIS version of Mickey.

;o)

Now I'm off to make Mickey Mouse pancakes!

May this phase last FOR-EEEEEVVVVEEERRRR!!!

Enjoy your day y'all!

It's going to be another busy one for us!

A Holiday, Monkey Business, & a Sneak Peak

2012-07-10T13:19:00.000-04:00

I realize now that I forgot to blog about the fourth of July. Ours was eventful & fun! We drove to the mountains with our neighbors to have a picnic. All the picnic areas were filled to the brim so we stopped on the side of the road in the GSMNP. (Great Smoky Mountain National Park)

Jessie tagged along. (She's our neighbor's fury child) She LOVES Bradyn to pieces!!!

Bradyn loved being out in the wide open and running non stop. =)

{This adorable all-american, baseball shirt was only $3.00 at Baby Gap! Insane! I've actually found a TON of deals lately for lil' man on clothing at Gap & Crazy Eight. I looooove those stores!!! I'm thinking of skipping consignment sales all together as he gets older.....I'm not a fan of crowded shopping especially when I can get just as good of deals OR BETTER at the mall...brand new.}

This was as good as it gets when it came to pics during our picnic. He was busy-busy!

After a busy weekend of celebrating Daddy's birthday ,time spent at the BIG mall and our lil' local mall due to a power outage that lasted over 24 hrs (Thursday night into Friday evening...we didn't spend the night...we just spent the day Friday mall hopping), a busy day spent at Dollywood Saturday and church on Sunday, we are taking it easy-peasy at home.

{I just love my lil' man and his snuggle buddies!}

Also during our busy weekend I had a photo shoot Saturday morning with a lovely family who I admire so much.....sneak peak to come soon on the STR blog!!

This lil' guy was there and he brought ALL KINDS of smiles & giggles!

Baby Emery has been home for a couple of weeks and he is going strong!

We are SO thankful for his new heart!!!!!!

Can't wait to share more pictures of this lovely family SOON!!!!!!

SUYL--Bathrooms

2012-07-09T08:36:00.001-04:00

{I'm late with linking to Kelly's SUYL link up. Blame it on our busy life! Ha!}

This week's room is the bathroom. We have 2 in our house.

One is the master bath, and the other we call Bradyn's bathroom.

{although he rarely uses it.}

Bradyn's bath (the guest bath) is done in red & brown. No particular theme really.

I love the prints on the wall that I bought from Hobby Lobby for 50% off.

One says, "Dance like no one is watching", and the other says,

"Every day is a gift". I need those reminders on a daily basis. =)

The sink area isn't crowded with a ton of deco just for the simple fact that it's kind of small. The print on the wall is one I printed from Pinterest. It simply says, "Brush your teeth". As a busy mom I need that reminder daily too. ;o) It has an owl on it...and is super cute!

The master bath is attached to our bedroom. It is honestly one of my absolute favorite rooms in our house!

The storage space & bathtub is what sold me on our house when we bought it {almost} four years ago. I've been wanting to paint the cabinets white...but we haven't yet. Most likely won't any time soon....

My creative mother made this faux roman shade for the glass block window over the tub. The sun shines in SO bright that it's seriously blinding. I love the simple, clean look of it.

The prints beside the towel rack I designed myself on Picnik (before they shut down their website) The each have a crown at the top & one says, "Keep Calm and Dream On"

the other says, "Keep Calm and Soak On".

(as if I need encouragement to do so....haha!)

A few months ago I changed the shower curtain from burgandy to white. Best MOVE EVER. =) I love it so much better now.

Another thing I absolutely love about our bathroom is that our closet is attached to it. So when hubs gets up SUPER early for work he can close the bathroom doors and never have to wake me up until he kisses me goodbye. ;o) If we ever build another house we will definitely do this in it!!!!!

Here is a quick peak at our bedroom looking in from the bathroom. A few weeks ago my mom and I (with some help from dad) recovered our headboard. It changed the entire look of the room for about $26.00. My dad found the curtain panels at a local outlet store near their house for 69 cents each. =) Mom made the curtain tie backs to match the new pillows. I'm loving all of it!

The only thing I would change would be to get a white or creme comforter and maybe paint the walls gray. That will all come in time................

Thanks for stopping in and I hope you'll check out more bathrooms at

Kelly's Korner Blog!

Our Busy Life

2012-07-02T18:12:00.000-04:00

Totally.....life has been busy.

I know I've said that before....but really...this time it has been REALLY busy.

The past two weeks have been filled with cleaning closets, drawers, under beds, etc. and getting ready for a yard sale. Which was a success thankfully! Funny how two weekends ago I thought it was insanely HOT. I'm glad I didn't do the yard sale this weekend. I do believe we broke a record temperature wise in our area. The high of 105! OUCH!!!!!

I'm convinced that my kid is the quirkiest, funniest kid alive. While I was getting the garage ready for our yard sale Thursday night (two weeks ago) he decided he needed his poncho on while he played in the sprinkler.

That laughter....is contagious!

The quirkiness I'm quite sure comes from me.....

The adventurous side of him comes from his daddy!

{Adventure = walking the tightrope-waterhose...}

He was content with Papaw and Granna being in town for the weekend. Granna stayed for the week. (last week) Man....I miss her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

{So does lil' man...}

He gets anything he wants (within reason) with this smile. I'm learning that grandparents have a hard time saying "NO." Ha!

Granna & Bradyn spend a LOT of time reading books cuddled up on the couch. He even had his own "book party" in the bathroom. Seriously. Books EV-ER-Y-WHERE.

I'm really glad that he loves to "read" and be read to. ;o)

Last Monday we took a trip to Dollywood for our first time "Kids Quest" experience. It was fun! (HOT, but fun!) Bradyn got to take two of his favorite buddies along with him. They had a blast! I have a new appreciation for mothers of multiples. I about lost my mind keeping up with not one, but THREE kids. They had so much fun though, and no one was seriously injured or suffered heat stroke, so it was a success!!!!!

{didn't take the camera....wasn't brave enough...haha!}

Much of last week we spent a lot of time deep cleaning our house. Granna was the BIGGEST & BEST help EVER. I couldn't have done it without her. She got the chance to experience Bradyn's helpful spirit in real time. Like...everyday. ;o) He LOVES to help!!!

I do love my family. We took Granna back to Papaw Friday evening and stayed the night with them Friday/Saturday. Bradyn was in Heaven. He loves his grands. I was happy to catch up with one of my cousins and my aunts & uncles while in town too. =)

{forgot my camera at home = no pictures}

Next week we get some MUCH NEEDED time with Nana! (Brady's mom) We can hardly wait!!!!!!!!! Although summer is tough with all of the anniversaries & birthdays of deceased family members....it is a fun time for us because we get to travel more and spend time with our family far away. We're trying to make the best of the heat and do fun things INSIDE.

Which we all know can be a challenge...

SOON it will be FALL though. [Hallelujah!!!] And....time for

football time in TENNESSEE!!!!

Just 60 more days y'all!!! Yea!

He's excited. He's having a really hard time deciding about a birthday cake.

Pirate themed?

Super Hero themed?

or.....

Football themed????

Life for us is Orange & White!!

The choice is all YOURS lil' man! =)

Hope you're staying cool wherever you are.

SUYL~Kid's Rooms

2012-06-29T06:30:00.000-04:00

I'm linking to Kelly for the show us your life spotlight today.

Today's topic is show us your kid's rooms.

Bradyn's room has been {practically} the same since he was a baby. I didn't really want a baby-baby nursery just for the simple fact that kids grow sooooo fast and it can get really expensive to redecorate. I do love to decorate on a dime so everything you see in the room was done on a budget, but still carefully designed to be custom for our lil' boy.

We chose a primary colored, vintage travel themed room before he was even born. I'll be honest with you I despised the color blue until I found out I was having a boy. After that, EVERYTHING had to be blue....haha!

This is looking into Bradyn's room from the hall.

We left the sports themed ceiling fan up because it was cute, and somewhat fitting since we love sports. ;o)

The rug was purchased on Ebay for $20. The train table came from a yard sale, and the big print was purchased at World Market.

The little chair in the corner was found on the side of the road. I wish I had a before picture. It was covered in a dated fabric which was rosy...and quite hideous. My mom recovered it in denim and she ironed on his name to the back of the chair before she put it on the back.

Bradyn loves cars. He doesn't want to change his room EVER-EVER he says.

Before he starts kindergarten we plan on redoing his room maybe in a nautical/pirate theme.

My husband hand painted the sign on Bradyn's door. It says "Bradyn's stop-n-go Garage".

My mom made the quilt, bed skirt, & pillow sham on the bed. Pottery barn inspired. ;o)

(at a much cheaper price!)

{Note the orange stripe!!! Haha! I HAD to have that in the quilt.....}

Below are a few of my favorite things about Bradyn's room.

1. Printed these via Pinterest. "Good night Sleep tight, and Good morning Sunshine"

2. Our very first ultrasound picture of Bradyn. =)

3. Some professional pics from our family session last November. (top & bottom)

The middle picture was taken by me in May of 2010 at Centennial park, Nashville.

4. Pictures of Bradyn & Oso on his 3rd birthday at Disney World, and my all time favorite picture of he and I at Spring practice this year. LOOOOOVE NEYLAND STADIUM!

5. Gumball machine & puzzles. Every boy needs them...haha!

6. His car, toy, and ball bins. Overflowing, yet...somewhat organized.

7. Books, ball, and UT piggy bank. The car on the tin is a Corvette. Bradyn and his daddy LOVE Corvettes!

8. Love the lil' piano we got Bradyn for his first REAL Christmas (when he was 15 months old) and all the MANY books I straighten daily. He has gotten into this habit of unloading his bookshelf and "reading" books.

Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to check out Kelly's blog for more

beautiful, fun kid's room tours!

Day 4

2012-06-28T22:27:00.000-04:00

{Linking to Jenna @ Jenna's Journey Blog again. I can't believe I'm keeping up ! Ha!}

Tell us about your hobbies! What do you do in your free time? What are your favorite books, movies, music etc?

Hobbies. OK. One question......

Is drinking coffee considered a hobby? ;o)

Seriously....I love coffee. I don't even know when the obsession began. I think if I could pin point a time it must have been about six years ago right after we moved to East TN. Brady's mom & stepdad bought us our first real coffee maker. We had an expresso machine for while after we married, and we wore that thing to death. It was a sad, SAD day when we finally had to do away with it. =(

I love making specialty coffee drinks for friends. Although I'm not the absolute best at it, but I have gotten a LOT better with time. Just last week I had my neighbor over for coffee and a chat. It was a fun time. =)

{Speaking of coffee...I already have Mr. Coffee cued for 4:15am for my hard working hubs!}

I spend a lot of time with my son. I'm a SAHM. (Stay-at-home-mom for those who aren't aware of what SAHM stands for....) I do work from home as well. I recently started a small, home based photography business called "Seasons to Remember~ photography by Jennifer". I love photography. Seriously other than spending time with my husband & son photography would be my absolute BIGGEST and most enjoyable hobby.

Please click this link--- Seasons to Remember Blog---

to see some of my work. I have a very special family session coming up next week that I'm BEYOND excited about!!!!! Oh I absolutely cannot wait!!!!!!! =)

I love design, and fashion. Although I don't consider myself to be cutting edge in either. I'm more of a classic/trendy kind of girl when it comes to both. I like being stylish all while being subtle so hopefully I can get some good use out of clothes and decor.

I love kid's fashion as well. I never knew dressing a kid could be SO MUCH FUN!

I love dressing Bradyn up for church & special events like weddings and such. Thankfully {for now} he doesn't mind dressing up. There will come a day...when bow ties, saddle oxfords, and seersucker will be a thing of the past. So I'm savoring every chance I get to dress my lil' man up. No worries...he is SUCH a boy. Sometimes he sneaks outside in just his undies. We do live in Tennessee.....so I guess that's OK on occasion....but I cringe at the sight of it. ;o) He doesn't mind getting dirty either. Thank the good Lord! I love him being all 100% boy!!!!!!!

I love music. Usually around our house we have some kind of music playing at all times. (unless we're watching something on TV)

As far as music goes I love any type of jazz, smooth, piano, sax, you name it. I also love gospel music...you know the "soulful" kind. ;o) My radio in the car is usually tuned to K-love or Air one. If I'm traveling I love searching through radio stations for a good smooth jazz station. I'm well rounded when it comes to music I would say. I love opera & classical as well. The other day in the car Bradyn seriously requested to hear OPERA....I died.

Hubs was raised in Kentucky for most of his life, so we occasionally listen to Bluegrass....not very often. Seriously though if it's on we are doing a KY hoedown. You'd love to be a fly on the wall....I'm sure. Bradyn is hilarious dancing to music.

ROCKY TOP is our favorite bluegrass song. Bradyn knows all of the chorus, and some of the verses.

Movies & TV is practically almost ALWAYS something kid friendly. Disney Junior or Nick JR. I do love watching the morning news & The Talk, The Revolution, or The Doctors. Usually if I get the opportunity to watch any of those..it's not everyday, and only when lil' man is napping, and I'm folding laundry. It's really sad that even morning/daytime TV these days has words that I never heard or knew the meaning of until I was at least 13. I'm not too into explaining the birds & bees just yet. When the time comes though.....Bradyn's daddy and myself will DEFINITELY be the ones to have "the talk".

I can't tell you the last time I sit and watched a movie in it's entirety. I usually fall asleep. I love southern based movies, and anything with Reese Witherspoon in it. (Nashville native,

y'all!!!!)

Our family also loves going to church. My husband and I were both born and raised in the Bible belt. ;o) We are blessed to have had Christian parents raising us throughout our lives. We are working on leaving a legacy for Bradyn as well!

So that about sums it up. I love coffee, girl time with a friend, music, and any southern based (clean) movie, church, etc. I also love to travel and vacation with my family. Bradyn, lately has been packing for a vacation on a daily basis. I think he's hinting around.....haha!

Thanks for stopping by and leaving comments. I don't consider myself to lead that exciting of a life, but you know it's MY life, and I own it. God has been super good to us!

Linking to: Jenna @ Jenna's Journey

Day 3

2012-06-28T08:31:00.002-04:00

{Day 4 will be up this afternoon or tomorrow morning}

Linking to Jenna again today and participating in her challenge going on this week.

Todays topic = social media. Where can we find you? Link to twitter, pinterest, facebook, instagram, or google+. If you don't use those sites, why not? Also, what are your favorite websites? Are there any that you check daily? What do you like about them?

Well.....I am an avid facebook user. I keep my account private though. (Not linked to this blog) I access it daily. It's a great way to keep in touch with my friends all over the United States (and the world) Since we lived in the midwest for almost four years and in Kentucky for two years prior to moving to the midwest we have friends everywhere. The city we lived in at Kentucky was a military town. So we have friends that haved moved to Texas, California, Florida, etc. We also have family spread all across the U.S. I find facebook is a great way to keep in touch.

I just recently reactivated my twitter account. You can find me on twitter by clicking here. I'm absolutely addicted to Pinterest. I visit daily, but usually just have "pinning sessions" after Bradyn goes to bed, and I just need some mindless "me" time. You can follow me on Pinterest by clicking here.

I check my e-mail daily. I get a TON of junk mail. I don't sort through all of the e-mails daily, but I seriously should. I like to check Etsy often if I'm needing some inspiration for homemade goods, or to purchase something personalized.

I normally access Amazon daily searching for free books/games for the kindle fire. Bradyn looooooooooooves "his gamie thingy". Seriously, he loves it so much that grounding him from it for two days really works as a discipline game plan. I hate it that I have to do that, but spanking and time out doesn't always work. I've only had to ground him once from it for a couple of days. He asked me why he couldn't play with it and I told him why....his response was...."That stinks!" Yea, he's three (almost four). I better start reading more books on parenting skills....haha!

The best book that I've read lately was by Steven Curtis Chapman's wife. Choosing to See By Mary Beth Chapman helped me SO much to realize that grief is normal, and it's a process that comes in stages. I cried my way through it. I think I read it in three days. I recently purchased Cameron Bure's Reshaping it all I've read a little bit of it, but life has been too busy to sit with a book lately. I hope to get into it soon. I like the idea that our Physical & Spiritual well being are somewhat attached. The book is about motivation for Physical & Spiritual fitness. I know that if I'm feeling a bit off kilter spiritually...it carries over to my physical health...and vice versa. I do use the Logos Bible app on the Kindle fire a lot as well. The devotions I do are morning/evening. Isn't it crazy amazing how technology and the internet has changed our lives and how we do things?????

Other than blogs I read daily which are listed in my blogroll that's about all the things I read/access on the internet. Unless I'm in "shop mode" which I don't do often. Just near birthdays and Christmas. =) Thanks for stopping by!!!!

Linking to: Jenna's Journey

Day 2

2012-06-26T17:46:00.003-04:00

{I'm linking to Jenna @ Jenna's Journey again. Thanks for your sweet comments.

I'm loving finding new blogs to read. It's a nice break from housework.}

Today's topic=

Tell us about your blog. What do you blog about? Why do you blog? How did you start blogging? What kinds of things do you/are you willing to share with the world? Where do you find your topic inspiration? (Hint: Don't share about your social media just yet!)

I started blogging in November of 2008. Bradyn was just three months old. A friend that I

worked with sent me the link for Kelly's blog, and I became inspired. My husband I moved to East Tennessee in the summer of 2006, and we had absolutely not ONE stitch of family near us. (They're all 300+ miles away) It's still that way. We moved here due to a job change. It has been a pleasant six years.

I basically started blogging to keep our family updated on our lil' man. The blog evolved

and I started sharing more about home decor, traveling and such. The main topic is mainly

still lil' man. (Although he's just not that "lil'" anymore....)

Honestly, what I like to/and am willing to share with the world is obviously my love for my

sweet child & husband, but also my faith in God. The past three years of my life has

seriously been SO surprising and earth shattering. I never in a MILLION years dreamed

that I would be facing some of the things that I am today.

I am really not an open person when it comes to our personal lives. Just because I respect our privacy...and seriously....EVERYONE doesn't need to know EVERYTHING.

God has brought us through some really tough times, and I know that He's faithful to

finish what He's started in our lives. My topic inspiration normally comes from my dear sweet super hero child who inspires me DAILY.

He is a "topic" within itself. Also, I do like to be an encourager to other moms facing

the same things I am, or things that I have been through. Motherhood is the greatest

AND most challenging task I have EVER taken on.

Blogging has helped me in so many ways. I've written about many things ranging from

dealing with grief, recipes, & activities for kids. This blog has definitely been an outlet and a bit of therapy actually the past three years. I'm really surprised that I enjoy blogging as much as I do. Trust me, the grandparents, aunts & uncles are a HUGE motivator.

If I don't post in a week or even a month....they're calling me. ;o)

Linking to: Jenna's Journey

Challenge!

2012-06-26T08:55:00.002-04:00

I read other blogs, but I do admit...I hardly comment. I plan to get better at this. {Lately, I've been too busy to catch up on reading other blogs. Hopefully soon I'll get caught up!}

I chuckle thinking about my mother's generation and how different mine is as a (young) mother. Mom had family members and friends to answer questions & such. My generation has the worldwide web, WebMD, Mommy blogs & such.

So that being said, Jenna @ Jenna's Journey {Blog}

is hosting a commenting challenge this week. I'm a late participator, but better late than never right???

The key is to make some new blog friends, and find new blogs to read. I'm a sucker for blogs written by anyone who has a life remotely similar to mine. {How impossible as that seems..... it happens.} Each day of the challenge has a topic. Yesterday's topic was "ME". So I'm about to attempt to tell you a little about myself and why I blog.

I hope you're still reading...... ;o)

I'm Jennifer. Wife to Brady of almost 12 years. We met in August of 1996. Fell in love in 1997, Married in 2000 and have been inseparable ever since. If you do the math we've been together for 15 years. Yes, I now officially feel old. That's almost half of my life. We have one child, Bradyn. He is almost four. He is honestly the JOY of our lives.

We live in Tennessee. I love ALL things orange. Bradyn does as well. I'm determined to raise him to be a Tennessee Volunteer! He loves Rocky Top & anything with a "T" on it. ;o)

I love being a mother, and I'm SO far from perfect. My philosophy is that I get ONE chance at raising my son. There are NO re-dos. So I try to live daily by it. Some days I fail miserably though.....

Three years ago my only brother passed away tragically. It. LITERALLY. changed. my. life. FOREVER. After the thought of doing "life" alone without a living sibling sank in....it's like a light bulb turned on in my head. I get ONE chance at life. I have to live it the BEST I can. So if I come off as having a strong personality when it comes to the happiness of my little family....that's probably why.

I do love life, even if sometimes it's seriously unbearably hard. Life is a gift. God gives us faith & courage to overcome obstacles thrown our way. Just gotta' trust Him.

Which I'm learning isn't always the easiest thing to do, but it is the BEST thing to do.

So there is a little snippet about me.

I'm going to try to keep up with each day of the challenge better and you'll learn more about me and my crazy-sweet family as we go. Thanks for reading and I hope to get to know YOU better as well!!!

Linking to: Jenna @ Jenna's Journey

Things I want to Remember.....

2012-06-21T23:16:00.001-04:00

Just how much you loooooooooooooove Tennessee football! {Or anything orange with a "T" on it. We are more into football & basketball}

{Only 70 days until "It's FOOTBALL time in TENNESSEE!!}

Seriously, I love how sweet you are every single morning when you wake up. I know once you start school that sweetness will most likely fade. You are seriously the happiest kid EVERY SINGLE MORNING. I love it!

I always want to remember the way you "help" me around the house. Sometimes it is a bit crazy trying to get things done with you tugging my skirt, but you are a super amazing kid that loves doing things with his mommy & daddy. You are ALL about family...whether it be just mom & dad, or grands, aunts & uncles. You love your family and it shows.

I always, always want to remember how loving you are at this age. Throughout the day you come up to me multiple times and randomly touch me on the arm or leg, and say, "Mommy, I love you!" in the sweetest tone.

If there's one thing I know and I know it well.........

...it's that you and your daddy are the joy of my life.

These past few years haven't been easy in the least bit, but

loving you and having you in my life has SURE made it much easier.

Bradyn Lee, I love you beyond words!

I hope YOU'LL always remember just how much you are loved by your mom & dad.

Linking to: Emily Anderson

Adding up.....

2012-06-21T00:19:00.000-04:00

I don't think I can count that high.....

:o)