Pigtails & Leapfrogs

3Day prep

2012-07-30T00:08:00.001-04:00

planning on doing the 3 day walk with a group. As long as my knee holds up! We did a walk Sat morning. out of ten miles I was able to 8. Granted, I was also pushing a 23 lb kid in a stroller! ;) I did stop at 7 miles. Didn't think I could go any further...after a short rest...mustered up energy for one more mile. Got to the lake and jumped in fully clothed. :)

Disney/Summer Vacation

2012-07-08T17:59:00.001-04:00

We stayed at the Boardwalk Inn from Tuesday through Thursday. Best investment was the meal package...we ate like kings and queens our entire trip...And pretty sure our first meal paid for the rest of the time. The kids had a blast. Considering how last minute this trip was...everything fell into place. I've never been to Magic Kingdom and not had to wait for ever to get on a ride...my longest wait was 10 minutes. Truly magical. :) We went to Blizzard Beach on Tuesday, Magic Kingdom and Epcot on Wednesday and Animal Kingdom on Thursday. Had a wonderful time! The kids really enjoyed their time there!

Dinner/Dessert at Kouzzina

The girls at the Magic Kingdom

Our hotel had the coolest pool...a big slide that comes out in a clowns mouth! :)

We had dinner in Germany (Epcot) and strolled around before their big Fourth of July firework display

Hardee Night Swim & TBAY Inventational

2012-07-08T17:39:00.001-04:00

In Hardee (above and below) Madison getting a pep talk from her daddy before her race and below about to hit the water. This was the first time since we've been on the team that they had a night race...it was super fun and fast!

We hit Lakeland last weekend for the two day swim meet...it was fun, fast and furious! Madison did a great job! It's tough competition in big meets like this and I'm super proud of her. Not one single DQ!!!

Fourth of July vacation

2012-06-26T16:11:00.001-04:00

Well it was made official last night...we are going to stay at Boardwalk Inn for two nights and do a water park Tuesday, Magic Kingdom on Wed for the Fourth of July and the Animal Kingdom on Thursday. Im so excited. The kids are going to have a blast. Even our hotel has a super cool pool and slide. And fireworks on the Fourth will be awesome! Just hoping we have clear skies and that it isn't too hot!!!

2012-06-25T16:35:00.000-04:00

Our little town was hit by a few tornadoes yesterday...one killing a young mother (down in Venus). This is one that hit down from my mom's house - causing quite a stir....just some of the damage. It really doesn't even really show how much of a mess it is over there. Tropical Storm Debby may be weak...but she is show throwing a punch!

Two week in review

2012-05-26T10:02:00.001-04:00

Madison had a swim meet. First one of the season. Got first place on breaststroke and third on freeystyle. yay! I turned 35. My mom had a party for me. I had a craving for sushi...got it on the go and enjoyed it will waiting in the school pick up line. Got some new shoes so hopefully Ill be ready for the 60 mile walk in October. Jackson is adding mixes to his climbing. Putting chairs ontop of things. boys!

week in review

2012-05-16T07:53:00.001-04:00

Florida has been missing a lot of rain, first Kentucky Derby without granddaddy, swim season has begun, graduation dinner at Orchid, Mothers Day shopping, and baby playing peekaboo. ;)

Happenings in LP

2012-05-09T13:41:00.000-04:00

It seems like forever since I've posted a real post. Life has been so crazy!

I sign Olivia up for Kindergarten tomorrow....this makes me sad. It is hard to believe that she is already big enough for Elementary School! Where has the time gone?!?! She started soccer this year and well...proving not to be much of a soccer player. I think we may hold off another year or two before trying this out again. If she is even "in the game" she stands there. But most of the time she is on the sidelines complaining she is starving or thirsty. (because apparently, I don't ever feed her). ;) Finally hit a growth spurt too...graduating from a 3T to a 4T...just like her sister...slow to grow.

Madison has been busy. Non stop. She had two pretty important tests in the past month FCAT and SAT10. So, for two weeks it was making sure she was getting enough sleep and on her toes for the next day. She has also been playing soccer and rocking it. I love seeing her out there not even caring about stealing hte ball from a boy. She has also kept up with tennis and took a break from Warrior Kids due to either the testing or being sick. Swim started back this week though...so it is keeping her busy. New coaches this year have us super excited. Will be a great summer!

Jackson is well...running. Into EVERYTHING. I honestly, can't sit down for more than a few moments before I'm having to save him or get him out of trouble. We've had to put locks on the cabinets. I have to keep all chairs firm against the table so he can't climb up onto the table. Gotta keep shorts on him so he can't get his hand down his diaper. He just makes a mess with toys wherever he goes. I'm hearing this is typical of a boy...but I'm not buying it. I think he has a sprinkle of extra boy in him. Even his sisters are taking note of his badboy image. Olivia said to me "Jackson can be such a pain in the ass sometimes". I couldn't even get on to her about "ass"..because well, she was pretty spot on with her observation! LOL I think she was fed up with him stealing her crayons - butt didn't quite fit in with how she was feeling. :) Love her.

We are going to Orlando this weekend to watch my brother graduate from Rollin's College. Very exciting. Then NEXT weekend....my mom is having a birthday party for me! The big 35. Hard to believe! I was trying to figure out how to have a "red carpet" entrance - still may pull it off ... just got to figure out logistics of it all.

No big summer plans. I'm sure we will head to the beach for a few days but other than that our big trip is in October and honestly....this summer I am just ready to chill out lakeside!!!

week in review

2012-05-04T20:45:00.001-04:00

Father Daughter dance...olivia was super excited! Madison trying on her daddy's gear...a rainbow on an evening stroll...Olivia being a soccer diva and ending the week with Field Day at school!

week in review

2012-04-26T16:49:00.001-04:00

A little tennis...some whitewash from the storms...healthy breakfast...Olivia wearing "heels"...memory lane...more soccer...oaks about as old as me...feet up enjoying awesome weather!

week in review

2012-04-20T10:12:00.001-04:00

this week....Jackson helped at the office, girl scout playtime, JP and Olivia bike ride, first soccer practice (they look thrilled huh? and FCAT week! i brought the class some goodies. :)

Easter

2012-04-10T18:32:00.002-04:00

Time Flying!

2012-04-10T18:11:00.003-04:00

It is hard to believe that it has almost been a month since my granddaddy passed away. :( I still think about picking up the phone to call him or send him an email. And it is very weird for me to not have a reason to go to Bartow anymore. Sad. :(

Anyway...since then..our lives have been NUTS! We all got the flu about a week after his funeral. I had my weekend all planned out to get things done and the only thing I did was do load after load of laundry to keep washing out that virus. It was terrible. I've not felt that bad in a long time.

Madison hasn't had any tennis or Warrior Kids this month just due to either sickness or being gone. And now we are about to add Soccer to the weekly list of things to do. I think her social calendar is more full than mine! She has something every night of the work week except for Mondays! And doubles up with things on Tuesday & Thursday! And swimming starts in May! Dang girl! Olivia is going to try soccer out for the first time. She finally said yes - she better not back out...there wasn't any discount for siblings! :)

Jackson will be 15 months this month. Wow. While his talking has pretty much stopped....he does blow kisses, high fives, and goes out of his way to make us laugh. He will put a bra on his head and walk around. I really think he knows what he is doing. He is already proving to be quite the comedian! And he is all boy and all trouble. While I was trying to get out the door yesterday (he was already bathed and dressed) - he grabbed my coffee cup and spilt it all over him and the couch. While I was trying to clean that up...I hear clinging in the dining room....he got in to my tea cup collection...like the ones that were passed down to me from my God Mother collection...thankfully, he didn't break any on the tile but - there is never a free minute for me. Never! My only free time is driving! LOL that is only because he is fastened in a seat belt! haha

Olivia has hit a stage where she doesn't want anything to eat. Nothing. What happened to my child who ate anything I gave her? I say influence from an older sibling....but it is a pain. At least Madison still eats whatever I make her! Needless to say...there have been a few nights Olivia goes to bed without dinner. Her choice. She knows what her meal is and I'm not making special meals for one person. She needs to learn to eat what we are having. I did take her to an allergist to take a look at her eczema and we found out....the one thing she eats a lot of - she is allergic to! Peanuts! Thankfully...it isn't as severe as some kids but that is why (we are assuming) she breaks out in hives. So, hopefully, cutting it out will help her skin clear up too. We are going back next month for more food allergy testing. Had to break it up - those tests are expensive y'all!

Jim is selling like crazy. I am very proud of him. He is shipping out over 14 packages a day. May not sound like a lot....but each of those packages are worth a lot!

we are planning a big trip in October..will have to take almost two weeks off school. My cousin is getting married in Boston and asked the girls to be flower girls. We are taking our time to drive up and make stops in Washington DC and NYC. As well as seeing Boston. Its been too long since my last visit there...I am super excited...especially about NYC, its been five years! too long!

Nothing new with me - just staying busy shuffling kids from here to there but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Thats our life in a nut shell for now.

Memories

2012-03-24T20:52:00.003-04:00

I'm learning about myself this past few weeks...one thing is, I don't like letting go. I don't like saying goodbye....and I'm overly emotionally attached to things.

I knew one day I would have to say good bye to my grandfather. I mean, every breath of life comes with a day of death...and after 34 years you'd think I would be mature enough to handle that day. It's not that I'm not mature...I'm just selfish. Honestly, that is it. My entire life has revolved some way around my grandfather. He was like my dad. I was his first grandchild. I think we just had that bond. Well...that I spent a lot more time at his house. Weeks spent during the summer, weekends spent when mom and dad were going somewhere, holidays, or just because days.

I remember during the summers he would take me to see my grandmother "mimi" when she was working at the Polk County Democrat. I also remember that every time we went there, he would buy me a coke from the vending machine...you know, those glass bottle cokes. We'd go inspect pools, take naps together while watching the Flinstones, riding on his lap while he mowed their big ol' lawn. Whatever it was we were doing, I was his sidekick.

I can only remember just a few holidays we didn't spend together. And it was because he would make the trip to visit an aunt or uncle. But for the most part....every Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter - were spent with my grandparents. I was also blessed to spend my birthdays with him. I remember him interviewing friends at parties with his video camera asking them to wish me a happy birthday.

I've learned a lot about my grandfather this past week. Some things I knew but forgot. He was a war hero, earning a purple heart and other distinguished awards. He and my grandmother met at the University of Georgia. He got a journalism degree. They eloped and moved to California. He worked for the LA Times. They moved to Bartow because that was where my grandmother was from. He came up with a recipe for the best BBQ sauce which ended up in the Cracker Barrel stores. Colonel Pipes Gourmet Bar B Que Sauce. Fancy huh?

The one thing I heard the most about him this past week was the gentleman he was. He stood for women, he opened doors, he never had a bad thing to say about anyone. He was always dressed nicely for the day regardless of what his plans were. His hair combed over, face shaved and smelling fresh and clean. Shirt tucked in and pants with a belt. There was no denying he took pride in his appearance.

The other thing I heard a lot of this week was how he made everyone feel so special. Every woman he saw - they were the most beautiful. Every man - the most handsome. You are smart, you can do anything if you just put your mind to it. And if you failed, he never looked down on you - you just got a pat on the back and well, you'll do better next time lecture.

My mom spoke at the funeral about how when she was a teenager, she wanted to go out and he said no...she cried and said but why? Everyone else was going? He simply said...."because I love you". And that was enough. And that was just how he was. How can you complain with that kind of an explanation?

My grandfather loved music. I'm trying to think of a time that I was at his house that I didn't' hear music on his porch. Or in the kitchen (if the TV wasn't on). Big band music. His life lived through music and just before he died, my cousin, Kelsey, brother and I shared such a sweet moment with him sitting at his table. Listening to the music. He was sick a few days before he died. His eyes were shut, but he was moving to the music. We just held his hand. My cousin asked him if he was dancing in his dreams. He would just nod. His funeral gave him that respect...his music. The visitation was (in the words of a friend) like entering the Pipes' porch...big band coming out of the speakers. As we arrived at the church, you could hear the sounds of Frank Sinatra coming from the front doors. Even as we left the church. They played "What a Wonderful World"...and how appropriate!

If you looked at my grandfather's life - he could have written those lyrics. And as I listen to the song...I can see him in heaven, sitting next to the love of his life, my mimi, smoking a cigar and having a martini, singing that song.

I know the hurt and pain will ease. But, as I walked through his house last night - it was quiet and it hit me that our memories in that house are ending. Have ended....it's final. His chapter is closed and with him a house that I grew up in. I felt myself gasping for air - feeling like the walls were closing in on me. As much as I know I need to let go and remember the good times and all of the amazing memories made with him - it's so hard. I can't even imagine a world without him. Without his house. The smells....even the damn dust! It makes me physically ill to even think about. I've lost this big part of my heart and I don't know if it will recover. I don't even know if I want it to. Time will heal. I guess I need time.

If heaven had a staircase...I know he would come for a visit, because he loved us all so much. And I could tell him once again how much I love him and how much I'm going to miss him.

Granddad

2012-03-16T09:07:00.003-04:00

As I write this, my heart breaks. My poor granddaddy had a stroke on Friday. He was in the hospital till Tuesday when he went home with the care of Hospice and family. Friday the entire family that was in the state of Florida showed up at the hospital to be by his side. While we weren't sure of his outcome, he looked weak, couldn't breath and couldn't swallow well but had full mobility of his hands/arms and legs. His speech was not very clear but you could understand him. He still was witty and yes, even a bit charming. Insistent they send him home, he pulled his IV out Friday night. Saturday, I felt like he was a little worse than Friday but I still held out hope that he would overcome this. I came back on Monday and spent the night. Helping my cousin and Aunt prepare his house for his arrival. We really weren't sure how many days they would keep him. But, with his demands and Hospice's advice, they brought him home on Tuesday. He started eating Ensure, apple sauce, and puréed things. He still complained. He wanted a powdered sugar doughnut. We blended it with milk...and even though he wanted the real thing, he still ate it.

Yesterday, I stopped by with the kids and he has lost his wit. He looked at me as though he was looking through me. Concerned with being dressed and shaven, he still proves to me that he knows what is going on. I don't see that glimmer in his eyes. He was having a harder time eating - it wasn't going down. Yet, he was still asking for lobster. They did get him in a wheelchair and took him outside for some fresh air and he sipped on his bourbon. (he can get that down). Hospice has said that if he doesn't eat, we could be looking at days.

It is hard for me to imagine him not being there. Not going to his home and visiting with him. Stealing some M&Ms he always keeps handy. Not getting that sweet smile. Hearing his voice. I am at peace with what is going to happen. Whether it is happens today...or months/years from now. I've had 34 years of wonderful memories with him. He has always been a dad to me. A constant in my life. A true gentleman and never met a stranger or an enemy. I am so thankful he had the chance to meet my children. I'm so thankful that they met him. While Olivia and Jackson may be too young for lasting memories of him, I know Madison will.

So, I continue to pray for him. His peace and comfort. I pray he isn't suffering. And I'm taking every chance I can get to be by his side because I want him to have and feel our love during this time more than anything. If his eyes are open, I really feel one of us should be there and so far, it has been that way since Friday. My cousins, Aunts/Uncles and mom/brother and I have all been there with him since this happened...and we will continue to be.

I sure love you granddaddy! And always will.

3 Day Walk

2012-03-14T13:46:00.001-04:00

Yep...it's official...mom and I are walking in October in honor of my grandmother (her mom). All donations are appreciated! :) Share with your friends. Thank you!

My weekend plans

2012-02-24T17:21:00.002-05:00

This is what I plan on doing all weekend...and nothing else :)

More Tennis

2012-02-22T08:27:00.002-05:00

I love how happy she looks in this first picture....seriously, she LOVES Tennis. This child has a natural ability to pick up any sport (okay, not tball)....but, everything so far, she just excels at. She is truly enjoying Tennis. She picked it up immediately. I'm so proud of her!

Bartow Shenanigans

2012-02-22T08:21:00.003-05:00

This day was freezing...Poor kids...the stuff I put them through to get pictures of them together :) We went to Bartow to visit my granddaddy. So, I took advantage of all the blooming camillas and snapped some pictures of the kids. ar

Catching a ride...

2012-02-22T08:19:00.000-05:00

Tennis

2012-02-05T13:46:00.002-05:00

Madison has been begging for two years now to play tennis. I asked on FB last year and no one responded with a coach...so I gave up. Then this year I was passing by the HS and saw a friend out there with a kid...hmmm, I emailed him and sure enough, he is coaching. Got her in - this was her first go and considering how bad the wind was - she did GREAT! Hitting balls already, had her grip down. I'm very proud of her. She is very proud too! She proclaimed she wants to do this all the time - even take it to the pros! haha - well, we shall see...but for now, it's a lot of fun watching her!

Hold it where?

2012-02-05T13:43:00.001-05:00

Madison caught her first bass...and when her dad tried to get her to hold his mouth and put him back in - that was the expression we got. Um, I don't think so! :) Poor fish, I had to throw him back into the shallow canal. She did out catch the boys...something like 8 fish in an hour. Crazy.

What I want my kids to know

2012-02-05T13:01:00.002-05:00

You know you've seen them. They are lists of things they want their daughters or sons know. A variety of lists are floating around either FB or Pinterest. I've read one or two...seemed repetitive and mine will too...but I decided that I wanted my own list. Something that was personal to myself to my kids. And this goes both ways...and could be for either the girls or my boy or for both.

1. I want them to know their family, history, stories, love and hardships.

2. I want them to know about true beauty. Beauty that doesn't require makeup, surgery, fake tans, etc. The beauty of having kids and still loving your body because any or all little bump, mark, or new mole is a result of a life that has been brought into the world. Natural beauty is true beauty. To love yourself as you are. Every freckle was made for you.

3. I want them to have their own personal relationship with God. I want them to be comfortable to pray for others or themselves on their terms. Not to feel pressured by today's society not to have that relationship. To always know who he is and who is Son is.

4. I want them to be respectful of others. I want them to learn and practice manners. I want my son to open doors for women and elderly. I want my girls to be nice to every girl even if it isn't reciprocated. And while gossip will happen, I want them to remember that there are always two sides to every story and how unfair it is to gossip if it could possibly not be the truth. No name calling. No stealing, no cheating. Love one another and treat each other as YOU would like to be treated.

5. I want them not to be afraid to try new things (ahem...with in reason of course!) Someone makes a new dish, take a bite. Friends want to kayak down a river - go for it! Try a new sport, figure out a new hobby. You never know till you try it! And trying it could open so many new doors!

6. Read...read...read. Get lost in the words on the pages. Go on wild adventures in your mind through the stories. Never lose that love.

7. Rely only on yourself for what you have. Work hard for it, earn it and appreciate it. Don't use plastic to obtain things. Save for the things you really want and admire the hard work you invested into it. Remember to always put a little away into savings.

8. Travel, learn a new language, be outside this box you live in. The world is a big place, so much to see and explore - so, do it! Even if life prevents travel, learn cuisine and lifestyle. Just open your eyes to other cultures and lifetyles.

9. Only date/marry someone who will love and respect you. (and you them). They should share the same interests in family, morals, and even religion. A partnership is a two way street. He cooks, she cleans, She cooks, he cleans. Share the responsibility. I will teach each of my kids how to do laundry, load a dishwasher and run a vacuum. Just know the basics so if you were on your own, you could keep everything tidy.

10. Love your siblings. I totally understand you are going to bicker, fight and argue....but in the end, when you take away friends and anyone else - all you have is family. Be there for each other. Cheer each other on. Watch after each other. Be a shoulder they could cry on. Be the hands that catch them if they fall. And always, always, ALWAYS, love your momma! :)

Been a while

2012-01-23T07:55:00.002-05:00

since I've done one of these :)

1. Where do you hide the reeeally good snacks? I can't hide snacks...too many of us here - someone would find it!

2. Do u keep your vehicle clean or am I the only one who has things falling out of their van? I try to keep it clean...by Friday it is a mess but typically on the weekend I try to wash and clean it out.

3. Have you ever been to Vegas? Of course! Loved it.

4. Warm room light blankets or cold room warm snuggly blanket? Cold room and blankets for sure! I hate not being covered when I'm sleeping!

5. What is the worst airplane/flying experience you've ever had? Coming back from Washington DC it was snowing and we started making our approach for take off and then they turned us around to de-ice....at that point, I was wishing they would just load us on another plane! I also had a flight with terrible turbulence. I got so sick!

Elmo!

2012-01-22T19:05:00.003-05:00

Sometimes....you can have your cake, eat it too,..and still be unhappy! :) Poor guy....I was anxious and ready to do the cake...he was sleeping...I woke him, and this was the epic cake fail. Plus, I think the crowd of people with flashing lights wasn't making him comfortable. I had him in the highchair and he wouldn't even touch the cake...so I moved it to the walker and this was the result. :( Later, after everyone left, I gave him a bite and he was begging for more. Obviously, had a nap and was a lot happier!