The "A" Team

Halloween 2013

2013-11-05T06:57:00.001-06:00

You know how you have visions of sugar plum fairies, rainbows, and butterflies when it comes to taking pictures of your kids on special occasions? Yeaaah. Well, this is the first year SB semi-dressed up and we have no good pics of her. The toddler will not sit still. Nor did she like the makeup on her face {clown paint} so that was a bust, too. Anyhow.

Thought I would share a few pictures of my bigger kids from the week of Halloween. You know, for memory sake.

This is pretty much all I have of SB in her "costume". It's supposed to be a clown.

Here's Michael Jackson. Caden rocked it, was not sure he would make a good Michael- but yeah, he did. Thriller.

My 50's sock hop waitress!

I thought she looked totally adorbs. I know she's mine, but she's beautiful. Even in cat eye glasses. She can stop growing at anytime. For real.

Yeah, he was a hippie. This cracked me up so much. Oh, Camden.

Hope y'all all had a fun Halloween!

See ya later!:-)

Trip to the pumpkin patch

2013-10-28T15:54:00.001-05:00

Friday morning, the kids were out of school for teacher conferences. We decided to take the kids to the pumpkin patch after we were done. It was a PERFECT sunny 55 degree day!

First, we had lunch at Mooyah burgers and then we headed to pick our pumpkins!

Hayride fun!

Have I told y'all what a daddy's girl SB is? Well, she is.

Sweet girl picked out her OWN pumpkin.

SB is OB-sessed with animals of all kinds. No, she's not scared. She even shares her binky and kisses them:-)

And that boy? He melts me.

Happy Fall Y'all!!!!

Anglin beach vacation 2013-part 1

2013-08-19T09:54:00.001-05:00

We spent almost two weeks at the beach this year! We had a blast and I cannot wait until next year! The only thing I would do different is not take so much stuff..I overpack everywhere we go..and it's alot of work putting it all back up.

My best friend and her family came with us and stayed at the sand condo complex so that was fun!

Erin and I at the Wharf in Orange Beach.

We spent our days on the beach!

Hash tagged our sandcastle!

We went out for dinner most nights..

Tacky Jack's

Camden

My mom went with us, too!

Our family!

Laiken and her daddy..melt me!

Sawyer Bliss and Laiken Addison

Sawyer B. did great and slept wonderfully in her pack and play. She had just started a new medicine when we left so she was a little off. She was exhausted by lunch and we went in for naps. We took turns staying in with her, then went back to beach. She did have a couple of seizures..I think she got overstimulated. She was a happy girl and loved the water!!

Part 2 tomorrow!

Race to remember

2013-06-26T01:32:00.001-05:00

Saturday was the race to remember. It was such a great day. Saturday morning dawned sunny and bright, but by the time I got to the event that afternoon, it was pouring! Sawyer had been fussy all day and I was praying she'd be calm in her stroller. The rain stopped right before the balloon release.

Love seeing all the balloons fly!

I don't know why, but I really just wanted to walk with my best friend Erin and enjoy it. My mom came for support;) It was nice just having Erin there. Laiken and Camden ran the 5k. They rocked it! Camden ran it in 27 min I think and L wasn't too far behind. He won his division and is planning on running a few 5k's coming up. So proud! I had a hard time leaving my kids alone at the start line. I knew they'd be ok, but it was sad to think they ran alone. Made me nervous:) My mom waited for them at the finish line.

The part where I left them:)

I snapped this as he ran by me. He was booking it.

Erin in her pink shirt pushing her boys.

My mom snapped this as Cam crossed the finish line.

I was SO proud of this girl.

Us with mom after. I was a SWEATY mess. See hair. Caden did not walk or run, ha. And I have to laugh at my mom in a dress. Only she would wear a dress to a RACE.

This is Michelle. She attends my church and lost her son Jackson. She was volunteering at the race.

Cam getting his award. Yay Camden!

Sweaty girl!

Balloons by Michelle!

Love those initials!

We ate free hot dogs and nachos and just enjoyed ourselves. In the last few months, two girls I know have lost babies and I saw them there. While I was walking, I prayed for them and the other people I saw I knew and for their babies that have touched my life.

Can't wait until next year!

It's summa summa time..and the livin' is easy..

2013-06-20T21:45:00.001-05:00

I am fortunate that where we live we have a pool that we can live at. I love evenings at the pool with the lake in the background glistening. Our neighborhood is a lake community, the whole neighborhood is built around a 375 acre lake. Needless to say, we have found our summer time home away from home!

I can lay out while SB naps in her stroller under the covered awning area.

She has the good life.

The amazing thing is the new cafe at the clubhouse. Hot dogs, cheeseburgers, cheese fries, candy, ice cream, you name it. My kids my get dinner here quite a bit since their daddy is off working. Shhhh. And huge fountain drinks with Sonic ice. Sigh. My kids may or may not ride their bikes there to get me an occasional diet coke.

Sawyer B. is a water baby!

And she digs the ice, too. We ditched the bikini top. Cause we are rednecks like that.

She is the copper tone baby! Tan lines and curls and I die.

Besides the pool, we go get snowcones occasionally. I especially like going at night, sitting in the car with the kids....windows down with Jason Aldean or Luke Bryan singing to us...just relaxing with snowcones under the stars.

I just love summer..everything about it. Popsicles dripping, mowers mowing, sprinklers going, pool time, snowcones, tank tops, flip flops, crickets, bullfrogs, country music sounds better in the summer..., windows down, twinkling stars, corn on the cob, grilled food, cookouts, fireworks, it's a known fact the Fourth of July is my fave holiday, the beach, (counting down the days!), sweaty kids, the smell of chlorine and sunscreen mixed is my fave smell, 6 mile walks at night..

I'm trying to take this summer day by day, minute by minute, and relax as much as I can. My days are certainly not easy...DUH. I have four kids and I'm alone most of the time but I'm trying to relax and soak it up. It's working so far..the stress of packing stuff for us all for the pool is worth it all when I see the kids have fun. Isn't that what summer is about?

I love my crazy, chaotic, beautiful life!

Sawyer Bliss-15 months

2013-06-20T01:15:00.001-05:00

I seriously cannot believe this child is this big. She is the light of my life. She is the biggest bundle of joy.

I treasure every moment this angel girl lets me hold her. I'm so, so thankful for her.

Does she seriously not look so big? She obviously loves phones and keys.;)

Sawyer has had a shift in her medical diagnosis and we are still in the midst of figuring it all worked out. She's seeing a geneticist and neurologist. She has a gene deletion and has a rare disease that may or may not be related. We are seeing a new neurologist in July and I will update. She looks perfectly normal, but her main issues are random abnormal movements, tremors, and muscle contractures. That's the Dystonia (the rare disease)...I still get very irritated when I've told people about her issues and they say she looks normal. I cannot even explain how annoying this is to me. Anyhow. I will explain more about it later and update as we find out more. It is quite the frustrating journey.

At 15 months:

*Sawyer is finally developing her own personality. She loves to have people look at her.

*She is a definite girly girl. She loves purses, brushes, makeup (don't let her wear it, she just pretends to rub lipstick on), she is completely obsessed with my wallet, beyond obsessed with my iPhone (thank heavens for life proof cases!)

*She loves food. She doesn't care much for bread. Her favorite foods are tomatoes, olives (the child inhales olives), chicken, oranges, strawberries, and cheese. She's not picky. I am trying to limit the fruits and veggies right now and give her more fats and fiber because we have toddler diarrhea...yes, it's a condition. It is AWFUL. She has had consistent diarrhea since the week before Memorial Day. They've tested it for everything and now it's toddler diarrhea.

*She adores her siblings. Adores. Especially her sister. I see a love between them that makes my heart skip beats.

*She has crazy hair. And the prettiest long curly eyelashes.

*Homegirl loves the water. She is a pool baby for sure! She screams when we get out. We have a neighborhood pool so we go a lot.

*We go to physical, occupational, and speech therapy three days a week. It is a huge commitment. She is doing great!

*Last week, she started walking! She can walk about 10-12 steps at a time before her ankles lock up.

*She is still in our room, but in her own crib.

*We are off of the bottle completely.

*The binky will go nowhere. She can have it until she's 5. Seriously. She's attached to the wubbunubs like whoa. And I don't care.

*She is pretty much perfect and I couldn't have asked for anything more!!!!

Walmart Fashion Thursday!!

2013-05-30T16:27:00.001-05:00

I totally think that this will be a regular thing on my blog now! I find cute stuff at Wal-Mart on occasion, and I thought it'd be fun to share.

Now let's keep it real. I am a terrible photographer, I used my iPhone to take pics, and I took pics in my dining room. Next to the table covered with laundry that needs to be folded. Done with disclaimers. I feel better. Let's get started! I picked two outfits to share.

I bought this top the other day and yesterday, I decided to see if Wal-Mart had any cute blue jean shorts. I was totes surprised! I think they are super cute for the price! Score;) I wore the tank today with rolled-up jeans.

I could have paired with a necklace, but I honestly wore Old Navy cheap flipper floppers today and just ran to Target and to get my iPhone screen fixed for the umpteenth time. But I do love my earrings..I got these at Old Navy. My grandpa calls them "trash can lids." I am totally serious. But what does he know?

Next outfit. Dress up or dress down, I love this dress! It totally looks like a boutique dress. I got three of them! But for all practical purposes, I'm showing you just one. Please excuse the awfulness of the pictures.

How cute is this dress? I love the drawstring and the colors and it is oh so comfy! Like I've worn one twice this week to just therapy and it feels like pajamas. And you can dress it up with accessories and different shoes. I love this bubble necklace with it.

I feel like it is flattering to all body types!

The necklace and bracelet are from my little boutique. Deets are in picture.

And you could add fun arm candy! I am wearing the initial bracelet today.

Well, this was fun to do! I may do this weekly/monthly..Wal-Mart Fashion Thursday. Sounds good to me. I just don't typically spend a ton on clothing, but I still like to look cute! Happy Thursday;)

The real me

2013-05-25T00:36:00.001-05:00

You ever felt pressure to live up to way more than you can give? Well, that's me right now. Swimming to stay afloat. Life's good, really it is...I'm not complaining.

It's just the pressure I feel to be a better mom, wife, cook, decorater, crafter, organizer, etc. is weighing on me. I can't even handle Pinterest lately. Like, completely can't handle. Social media and blogging make the pressure more intense for me. I see perfect homes, perfect children, perfect cakes, beautifully made casseroles, fancy teacher gifts, and outrageous birthdays...and I'm not totally a failure...nor do I disagree with you if you are sitting right now planning your child's next birthday extravaganza. Because I'm a little jelly I'm not that mom. Just a little.

I'm just not one of those moms. Sometimes I feel like I have nothing to blog about because I never even take pictures of my kids with a real camera anymore, and I wish I did...I have no fun craft to share, nothing interesting for you to pin, and I'm not even the best writer. I do, however have things I want to say.

So, here I am. A mom fail of sorts on occasion. A mom who loves her kids more than life. A mom who let her kids eat frozen pizza with chips for dinner tonight. And we don't eat like that. Do we? I didn't think so. A mom who cried today all day because her oldest son graduated 5th grade. Like, as in no more elementary. Cried because her perfect, well almost, perfect daughter got a ton of awards at her assembly today...for being perfect. A mom who is trying to be her healthiest and wants to continue this weight loss journey. A mom who loves Jesus. A mom who occasionally yells at her kids and who has to stop and pray before I lose my cool. A mom who takes her baby to therapy three days a week 30 minutes away. A mom who just found out her sweet baby's genetic code isn't perfect. A mom who really struggles with the fact that her baby has to deal with pain and a stupid neurological disease caused by genetics. But this mom wouldn't take that girl any other way. A mom who is dealing with puberty and attitudes. Yeah, it's totes not all roses here. A mom who has this 8 year old boy that makes her heart a flutter and who keeps me laughing. Said boy causes me me to have gray hair. Not really, but it feels that way. And I'm not just a mom. I'm a wife, too. A wife to a man who is a survivor. A wife to a man who works his self to death to give us a lifestyle we don't deserve, a wife to a man who puts up with my crazy ideas and shenanigans. A man who has a wife who hates laundry. I'm a wife to a man who is my best friend. A man who drives me crazy. We fight. It's not all cupcakes. But at the end of the day, this man is my rock and would throat punch anyone who messed with me or his children. Throat punch? That's an understatement. I'm also a friend, a daughter, and a granddaughter. I have a grandpa who thinks I hung the moon, a mom who would cut her legs off for me, a dad who thinks I'm supermom {lie}, a memaw who loves her great grand kids like crazy, and wears herself out trying to help me. I'm a loyal friend who chooses my friends wisely, and only gives my time to those I really cherish. But besides all of that..

I am me. I'm a girly girl who loves pink and polka dots. And monograms. A girl who loves bubble baths. A girl who struggles with the word no. A girl who is so unorganized. A girl that washes her her daily. Even if its bad. A beauty school dropout. A girl who loves makeup and beauty products to the moon. Addicted to mascara. Like as in, I cake it on in clumps. And don't care. I like it. A girl who has cellulite and stretch marks and still struggles with that. A spray tan addict. Wow, this sounds vain...a girl who loves romance novels. I hate cartoons. A girl that throws her clothes in the floor. Like as in, the minute I get home..the pajamas come on. A girl who gets a thrill out of long car rides and old dilapidated barns. A girl who loves fancy real estate, and old cottages too. Lover of flea markets, and junk stores. Sanding furniture makes me happy. I am a girl who spreads myself too thin, and trying to find a balance. And a way to say no sometimes. A girl who loves the water. Water makes me happy. I love living by a lake. I'm a girl who likes Sour patch kids like whoa, an ice cold diet coke and could eat guacamole three times a day. My favorite Friday nights are a cozy blanket, giggly kids, candles, and 20/20 and Dateline. My car is a mess. I mop my kitchen three times a day sometimes. My laundry is on my dining room table. eBay addict. I have ADD. I'm a former spelling bee champ. I'm overly compassionate. I sometimes feel bad for psycho murderers. I'm a fun person. I love the beach.

I'm just me. Sometimes I feel like I wear too many hats, and have a hard time changing them. I right now am trying to find a balance between everything in my life, and its hard. But my life isn't perfect. It's far from it. Thanks for listening. I have a lot to say. I want to share my life in an open way...well, not everything. I just want to be me. A real, authentic person. And if I'm blogging...I want it to be real. This is just a way to remember my life..a personal journal. I miss it. See y'all back real soon;)

Thirty something

2013-05-14T11:12:00.001-05:00

I haven't been here in awhile, I know I keep saying I'll be back and I am a flake out. I just don't have the words for anything other than a few pictures, which Instagram has completely taken over my photo sharing. Anyhow, somehow I need to find my way back.

I remember the day my mom turned 30. I thought she was older than dirt. I was 9. I may have cried. I thought she was going to die. Crazy. Well, my kids think I'm ancient just like I thought my young mom was prehistoric.

I turned thirty-something last week. Well, 31 to be exact. No longer am I 30. I'm one of those thirty somethings. Scotty and I use to say "when we are in our thirties..." now it's our forties and it will be here in a flash. I intend to soak up my next 9 years of this decade of life, God willing. I think I like my 30's way more than my 20's.

The thirties brought me wanting to be healthier, a better mom, I am more grounded in who I am, less critical of myself, more self esteem and worth...a whole decade of my 20's being married..the 20's were spent in a lot of angst, grief, sorrow, sickness, lack of self worth, and me being completely unsure of myself. So long to her! I don't miss her a bit. Sure, I'm still the same. But I just feel so much more purpose-ful. I'm sure I sound crazy. Completely.

But here's to thirty something. I celebrated with my best friend, we actually share the same birthday. I think God sent her to me, because we share so much more than that.

We had a great time celebrating at my fave Mexican restaurant. I love having a May 4th bday, right before Cinco de Mayo. Guacamole is my love language.

Happy Mothers Day to you all as well! I hope you had a great day celebrating!!! Here are a few of our pics from Mother's Day!

My mom, Laiken, and I

Me and the boys;)

Notice the hair got shorter this week. I have slight remorse, lol;)

I'll leave you with a few Sawyer pics. She's growing up!

Happy Tuesday!

2013-04-25T11:46:00.001-05:00

Hey ya'll! It's been awhile! :)

As most of you know, I have changed my life since this time last year and lost 80 lbs since the day Sawyer was born. (Some of that was baby weight..gotta throw that in there, ha!) I have changed my thinking and my whole life has changed for the better. I still want to lose a few more lbs of fat and get my body in better shape. If you are struggling with your weight, and think it's impossible-it's not. I would love to encourage you! I have had so many facebook messages and e-mails asking how I did it and I wish everyone who asked actually tried. I want everyone to feel good! That said I was asked if I could do a guest spot on my blog for an author who writes a fitness blog. Well, of course! I think she has some very sensible advice and tips to give. You have to start somewhere!!

Prevention Starts with You

It is that time of year when the motivation to keep New Year’s resolutions begins to dwindle. As we step into National Nutrition Month, it is vital to remember that healthy living is a daily decision, not a once a year goal!

This fact was driven home for me when my 13-year old cousin was recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Her diagnosis prompted me to explore ways to help my whole family lead happier, healthier lifestyles through preventative behaviors. I hope these tips will help you as you look for ways to prevent Diabetes in your own family:

Exercise
1. Get Active!
Make activity and fitness a way of life. Going to the gym for an hour each day does not equal an active lifestyle. Park farther from the door; walk the dog; get up and stretch after long stints at the computer – it’s all of the little things you do in addition to a workout that make being active a lifestyle!

2. Move Your Muscles!
Muscles burn more calories that fat, even at rest. The more muscle mass you have, the more calories you can burn all day long. You don’t have to be a serious gym rat to increase your lean muscle mass. Integrate various types of strength training into you life slowly to ensure safety and comfort.

3. Go Play!
Set a good example for your kids by getting outside and playing with them. You will all burn calories and have fun in the process. Games like tag, kickball, capture-the-flag, etc. are all great kids that will be sure to bring out the kind in you!

4. Go with the Flow!
Try yoga as a means of stress relief rather than reaching for a tub of ice cream. The flowing movements and breathing patterns actually lower cortisol levels, a stress hormone that causes belly fat. In addition, orthopedic doctors from Syracuse’s Orthopedics Center explain how yoga is great for bone and joint health, posture, flexibility, balance, and even stress regulation!

Nutrition
1. Search for Sweet Alternatives
Don’t be fooled by the chemical-laden artificial sweeteners. When cutting calories and sugar, opt for Stevia, a natural, plant-based sweetener, or some natural honey!

2. Have Your Cake, and Eat it Too!
Enjoy the foods you love in moderation, and plan the rest of your day’s meals around that particular indulgence. If you know you are going to have a small piece of cake or pie for dessert, just make sure to eat healthy items for all of your other meals.

3. Learn Proper Portion Sizes!
The average American consumes far larger portions that actually need. Eat on smaller plates to not let yourself eat more than you actually need to.

4. Divide Your Plate!
The average dinner plate is loaded with carbohydrates. Aim to fill half of your plate with produce, a quarter with protein, and a quarter with healthy carbohydrates.

Here is a great Guilt-Free Cheesecake Recipe:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup melted butter
8 ounces cream cheese
1 Tbs. Stevia
2 Tbs. vanilla extract
2 Tbs. lemon juice
32 ounces fresh whipped cream

Directions:
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter.
- Press mixture along the bottom and sides of a 9X9” pie pan.
- Mix remaining ingredients, and pour over crust. Chill for at least 3 hours. Enjoy!

Carolyn is a 20-something year old with a passion for life, fitness and overall well-being. She is an avid cycler, golfer and has been known to bust some serious moves on the dance floor. Check out Carolyn’s blog at http://fullonfit.blogspot.com!!

Sawyer's honey bee "bee-day"!

2013-04-11T08:20:00.001-05:00

There are so many things I need to catch up on! I have a review to write, a guest post to put up, I need to update about my life...but for now I just wanted to share Sawyer's birthday. It's crazy to me she turned one!! Seriously crazy.

She had a honey bee themed "bee-day" and it was so fun! I'm just going to share a few pics and I hope to get blogging back on track soon.

Yellow Oreos, and honeycombs for snacks!

We had several tables set up like this.

The food-Scotty grilled burgers.

This is my best friend, Erin.

The Smash cake!

She loved it.

My mom and I aka, Grammy;)

Dancing with daddy

My mom and my grandpa. He ADORES Saw.

Hope you enjoyed a little glimpse into her fun day!

Springtime/Easter!

2013-03-07T12:25:00.001-06:00

I am so ready for Spring! And Easter is right around the corner!! I am just now putting touches of Easter around the house!

I love the bright colors of Spring!

Easter bunny hanging on the pantry door!

Glittery eggs on my candle holders!

And silly sparkly bunnies.

Chevron Easter printable...

I've had so many of you ask to see my new house..well, it needs a little work! Give me time;) I'm just so ready for warmer weather that it makes me excited to think about it!

Here is a glimpse into my living room for all you who asked-

And this came from an Instagram pic-and it's changed a little since then;)

Last night was my Wednesday night to cook at church, and I made this pan of goodness.

I made it on accident a few years ago when making twice baked potatoes. And I get asked for the recipe a lot, but I don't have exact measurements. I'm not a measurer. That's not even a word. Ahem. Anyhow, I'm going to do my best! It's a great Spring potluck dish-and it's not healthy. It is NOT on my clean eating diet before people ask me about it being on my diet! Last night I chopped 10 lbs of potatoes. I think 5 would be fine for potluck.

5 lbs red potatoes, chopped.
1 bag cheddar cheese
1 bag real bacon bits
Green onions, chopped
8 oz cream cheese (use the fat free version)
4 oz sour cream
1/3 cup mayo
1/4 cup buttermilk ranch
6 boiled eggs, chopped

Boil your potatoes in salted water for about 10-12 min. Pour them in serving dish.
Mix together all the bad for you white stuff in seperate bowl.
Place chopped eggs on top of potatoes.
Pour white fattening mixture over the top slowly. Kind of fold it into potatoes until they are covered to your liking.
Pour entire bag of bacon bits on top.
Then cheese.
Sprinkle with green onions.
Refrigerate this goodness for a couple of hours before you eat;)

Enjoy!

At home girls spa party!

2013-02-24T09:18:00.001-06:00

I knew this year I needed a simple birthday for Laiken, at home. If you know me, you know I really don't like planning parties. I know it's totally not southern of me, but I just prefer small family affairs. I also know that my big kids are older, and they want to do more fun things!

So Laiken decided she wanted a few girls over and to have a spa party. I sent out a few invites and told the girls to come in pajamas or robes. Two of the three girls spent the night the night before, and they had a lot of fun.

I set up the dining room table as a spa. First, they got hand massages and manicures. I painted all these little fingers.

Actually minus a hand-one little girl had to leave early. They got fun Spring, Easter-y colors!

They got face masks and cucumber eyes! I advise if you do this, use caution. You do not want someone else's child getting a nasty reaction, lol. I was a little worried for a few minutes, ha! They loved this!

We then stopped for cake and if you follow me on Instagram, you've already seen my cake wreck. Not what I ordered at all. But Scotty picked it up, and I wasn't taking it back. It was supposed to be chevron with lipstick and nail polish, etc. For a ten year old. Instead-I got chubby old women bathing in a hot tub. No words.

The edges were even wood grain. Sigh. I forgot to mention before cake, we had lunch. They had Taco Bell delivered to them.

After food, cake, and presents, I did their hair.

They got dressed and wanted to model for me;)

This is a friend of Laiken's.

This is what was in their gift bags. I got all the goodies at Michael's. There were spa socks, eye masks, manicure kits, soap and lotion, bath fizzy, and a cute pen.

I'd say the party was a huge hit and I'm glad we did it!

And I cannot believe that tomorrow my sweet girl is going to be TEN!!!!!!! Ahhhh!!!

Life happens

2013-02-21T10:00:00.000-06:00

Hi! I'm Ashley. Remember me? It's been three weeks since I have posted anything on this blog. I have been so busy, and when I haven't been busy my mind races with the zillion things I need to do. I suffer from ADD. Truth.

We moved. Don't they say that's one of life's most stressful ever situations? Yeah, thought so. I have done it way too many times. And moving with an infant on top of three big kids? STRESS.ful! And let's not mention how high maintenance my infant is. Or let's...

Miss SB is demanding. Super sweet, happy baby. UNTIL you lay her sweet self down to sleep. Or sit her down to get on the computer. Or shower. She loves to be held. She is going through that very clingy, seperation anxiety phase of infant-hood, almost toddler-hood that most babes suffer from to some degree. She suffers in the severe form. I need lots of coffee and hugs and kisses from her sweet self to get through most days. Did I mention she is absolutely adorable? 21.5 lbs of squishy, rolly-polly baby.

The week before we moved, she got the nasty rotavirus for the second time in her life. It left her pretty pitiful and it was hard to get much done. So, right after we moved she got sick with a very high fever of 105 and it wasn't coming down. A week of three hospital visits, 2 pediatrician appointments, and 5 sleepless nights...PRICELESS. Not really. My heart just ached for her sweet self. I can't stand to see her be so sick, and be poked and prodden on and tortured. Yes, it's torture to get an IV and to be catheterized four times in a week. She had a pretty nasty kidney infection. She has had several bouts with UTI's and was sent months ago for kidney U/S, which was normal. However, she was supposed to be scheduled for a VCUG, which tests for kidney reflux. She was not scheduled for the right test. Fast forward and she is suffering from the worst infection yet. So on Tuesday, we took her to Children's hospital to be tested for kidney reflux, which of course she has and requires a daily antibiotic and a consult with a kidney doctor. Did I mention she also got ANOTHER tummy virus in the midst of this? I thought she was doing better, but the last two nights have been trying. She is up screaming in pain. And due to her issues, she is like holding a ton of bricks down. Anyhow.

I pushed myself to no end with sleepless nights right after we moved in, trying to get all the boxes out of my house and pictures on the wall immedietely. It was super important to me to try and make this feel like home. There is not much difference in the square footage of our new house and our other house, (which I leased, by the way=stressful) but we definetely downsized in way of bedrooms and storage. Moving to a certain neighborhood and being in town was super important to me, and in order to afford it, our new house has three bedrooms and our other home has 5. We still have two living areas, which is SUPER important to me. But I have been cramming and purging stuff. In the midst of the chaos, I am so much happier that it takes me FOUR minutes to get to Target. And it's not a hike to the kid's school or activities.

I will be busy the next week or so, Laiken turns 10 (WAAAAAHHHH!!!) and Sawyer is about to be ONE. Please hold me. Time flies too fast. I am planning parties and will be busy doing all of my motherly duties, with a sweet baby glued to my hip. I hope to be back soon with a few posts I have been planning and maybe some party planning/updates. I don't even have time for Pinterest. I am currently letting her slobber all over my iPhone to get this post posted.

If you want to keep up with me, follow me on Instagram. I am an instagram junkie and post too many pictures. :) My user name is Laikenmom. Until next time!

Happy birthday Caden!

2013-01-30T23:10:00.001-06:00

As I sit in a tub full of bath salts and with a face slathered in a Pinterest inspired baking soda mask, I decided I should blog. ;)

Yesterday was Caden's ELEVENTH birthday! Do you hear me?! 11. I feel so old. I swear we were just having Blue's Clues parties and dancing to Barney songs. I remember his first day of school like it was yesterday, and next year he is off to the big middle school. Time really flies.

Friday night, we had a climbing party for him at the Little Rock climbing center. He loved it! So much fun for silly boys! We surprised him with his best friend staying the night. He was elated!

My big three getting suited up.

{these came from my mom's phone, so don't judge!}

He's a monkey.

He is SUPER into fishing.

Scotty and I with the birthday boy.

He hit the money jackpot. I may need a loan. Kids this age only do money these days. Fine by Cade, I think he has every dime spent!

The other boys there were too busy misbehaving for pictures. Oops? Did I just say that?! Truth. Boys of this age are quite funny;).

So yesterday was his actual birthday and I got the great idea that we should get up with the blue hairs for breakfast and go out to eat. So up at 5, and off to Cracker Barrel we went before school. I thought it was fun;)

Miss Bliss didn't mind, either. Because she ate my grits and eggs.

How is SHE this big?

Scotty Caden,

I cannot believe you are this big. Seems like yesterday we were dancing with a nameless purple dinosaur. You are the oldest child, and I know you have a lot on your plate because there are three under you who look up to you. I am very proud of you, and how far you've come. You are very special and smart and I love you very much. You are at a very important time in your life as you are changing and growing and not quite a little boy anymore. You take hour long showers but I can't seem to get you to brush your teeth.;) You have deodorant sitting on your dresser, and that blows my mind. I was just powdering your baby butt. You love video games more than anything, but I despise them. {sorry}. I do let you play on my terms though, and I know you think I'm mean sometimes. I hope someday you understand. If I break something, you can fix it. You are SO smart it blows my mind. You are obsessed with batteries. It's odd. We have to hide them around here. Your favorite foods I'd say are cheese quesadillas, lobster, pizza, and a jar of PB with a spoon. I also know you are obsessed with string cheese. I'll love you forever and always, Cade. I know you feel like I don't listen, but I am. I hope you know how much we do love you!

Love,
Mom

Moving

2013-01-22T15:44:00.001-06:00

I've lost it.

Didn't you know they say moving is one of life's most stressful situations? I've done it enough. No wonder I am worn out. And whoa, Nelly..I need to go touch up my roots...

But really, all I think about is decorating and new projects and it's WAY more fun than throwing stuff in cardboard boxes. Promise. And yesterday, I had to rehab this beauty. You know, because I'm sooo bored. I have nothing else to do!

And because I had to have new lamps at my new house like, now! She was in my garage all shiny and brass and begging to be pretty again. So yesterday this lampshade screamed at me from the clearance aisle at Target. I tried to ignore it, but it yelled loudly. So I came home and painted her and I think she's spiffy. Scotty laughs at my flat black paint obsession and said she wasn't pretty. What does he know? He likes camo and horns. Silly boys.

So here I sit, looking at boxes and stuff, and I'm thinking I need to go paint my toes.

I'll be done the day before I move, I promise. It's next week.

Pray for me. I need it.

Growing up

2013-01-16T11:12:00.001-06:00

What? Sawyer is TEN months old!?! And it has been like 3 weeks since I've blogged?!

Well, Sawyer turned 10 months on Sunday. Y'all, that's almost one, right? Crazy.

Because I'm chubby and I know it.

She likes to eat.

She can stand for short periods, if I help her up. She stands on her toes.

She even throws fits in Walmart. Duh....;)

She got sick before her first Christmas and we went to the hospital. These pictures are sad.

Doesn't even look like my pretty girl!

She was SOO sick.
So, her first Christmas wasn't as magical as I'd hoped.

She said no more breathing treatments!!!!

It took like two weeks for her to get better. And what do you know? She's got the tummy bug right now:-((( Bless her.

At ten months, she is now crawling/scooting. She gets around. ;) She is determined! She does it a little funny. But that's ok;) She says dada and mama (with no real meaning, but whatever). We caught her saying "bubba" on video. So cute!
She is happy, sweet, and beautiful! We love her SO much.

We have lots going on around here! We are moving in TWO weeks! I'll be back soon with more on that. ;))

Happy Wednesday!

Special needs

2012-12-19T23:10:00.001-06:00

Yes, my sweet perfect girl has special needs. Cerebral palsy. Those two words have completely changed me.

CP affects movement and muscle tone due to brain damage. There are different types of CP. Some patients only have one limb affected. Or one side. All four of Sawyer's are affected. Her legs are very stiff and her arms fluctuate being stiff and being floppy. Yes, it's painful. CP does not get worse over time. It's not progressive, but signs and symptoms become more obvious with age.

A few weeks ago, as I was sitting in the waiting room at the therapy center waiting on Sawyer while she was getting physical therapy, a little girl walked in the front doors with her walker. A whole group of kids did, actually. They ride the van after school to get therapy. But I only noticed her. She had a cute ponytail and glasses, and she smiled at me. I knew she had Cerebral Palsy instantly. She shoved her walker, literally, into the wall. She looked up at me and started walking towards me. It was about 15 steps. It was so hard for her. It took all she had without that walker. But I realized she wanted me to see her walk. And that made my heart jump. I felt a connection to this pretty little girl in her school uniform. She stared at me for 10 minutes before she asked me my name. We began to talk, and become fast friends. Turns out she's Laiken's age. She's super smart. She told me all about her family, and her older brothers, her dog, and then she said.."I have cerebral palsy.." I told her I knew and she smiled and said "I play soccer, I dance, I do whatever I want. CP doesn't stop me. I knew then that she was put there at that time for a reason. God knew I needed to see her. She told me there was an article about her in a local magazine, so I googled it when I got home that day. Turns out she's pretty special. She didn't take her first steps until she was 6 or 7. Every Monday, I get to wait with her and I look forward to seeing her sweet face and bouncy ponytail. She gives me hope. She showed me that CP doesn't stop her. It just makes her more determined. I don't feel as sad now as I did about SB. I know God has big plans for those little feet. She is so much more than her disability, just like my new friend with the big brown eyes. She is a sweet happy little girl who just so happens to have a disability.

I've learned so much in the past few months, and I wish that what I know now, that I knew years ago. A disability can be small or big, it can be noticeable or not noticeable. But it cannot define the person who has the disability. Just because someone is in a wheelchair and cannot move well, and cannot speak well or talks slow, does not mean they are any less smart than you or I. In fact, a lot of times, they are super smart and have to learn to communicate in other ways.

Sawyer can do whatever she wants. She can sing, dance, play softball like her sister, play soccer, or be a cheerleader. I know this as she is teaching me already about determination. She will not be defined by a disability.

I don't mind telling people she has CP now. It bothered me for awhile, but I don't care now. I love sharing with others, and I hope Sawyer opens a few eyes and hearts in our circle of life in our corner of the world. Don't be afraid to ask me questions if you want to know more about it, I don't mind. And please don't feel sorry for us. Pray for her, but know that she is perfect the way she is.

Thrifty DIY

2012-12-18T10:42:00.001-06:00

Y'all-I love the Goodwill. And flea markets. And thrift stores. Maybe more so than Hobby Lobby. Or Home Goods.

I spent most of this past weekend doing re purposing on my vintage finds. I do this a lot, so I thought I should start sharing so often what I find!

This chair was $5. I loved her vintage lines and already chipped creamy paint color! I just added the fleur de lis for fun and recovered the seat with fabric I already had. It's a seriously cute accent piece!

This silver tray was 50 cents, and it's now a cute chalkboard. And I love this heavy bowl for $1! It's a shimmery metallic and a perfect piece for my coffee table.

I fell in love with these end tables. I bought the end tables, plus the coffee table for $35. They are heavy wood and I would much rather re-finish them than buy a newer more expensive cheap quality!

A little bit of paint, and she became a beauty.

We have two living areas, and our front room needed a makeover. It was pitiful. I'm still not done with it, but it's better than it was.

New tables, thrift store lamps, and few accessories.

Lamps are my favorite re-dos. And candlesticks. Don't run from the 80's brass! A little spray paint can turn them into gems!

I'm making over my bedroom currently. I'm adding fun chartruesey green accents and I'm loving it! I will share the finished product soon.

This was seriously like .25 and ugly and brass. It just took a little spray paint and voila! Fun accent piece!

These lamps were BAD. Think early 90's blue and mauve. My mom had our whole house decorated in that train wreck. Blue wall paper with mauve flowers, mauve kitchen counters, and I remember bunnies. Craft store bunnies. I digress.

I painted her, added a fun shade from Wal-Mart, and I love it! I bought 2 for $3 apiece and I'm so glad I didn't splurge on new lamps!

I've got a few projects I'm working on right now, so I will share the before and afters soon. Sweet hubby came home this morning with a huge cedar piece I'd been eyeing. So excited to get started on it!

Happy thrifting!

Giveaway!!!!

2012-12-14T09:57:00.000-06:00

Hey friends! I just wanted to pop in and let you know that I am participating in a blog giveaway at Slowly Natural and I should have reminded ya'll earlier this week. Oops. But, it ends tonight! I would love to see one of my friends win! I am giving away a pair of leg warmers or OTT bow, winner's choice. Plus, there are other vendors doing giveaways over there! Just go to Erika's blog and enter. Please and thank you?! Also, go like my Facebook page! Addison Bliss Boutique. I am working on getting new items for after Christmas and I will be doing more giveaways soon. How cute are my bows and leg warmers?! {Cute baby not included, sorry!}

Nine months. For real?!

2012-12-12T22:24:00.001-06:00

Can you believe this?! I can't! It's crazy to me that in three months she will be ONE. Hold me, please. It's flying by.

So so thankful for this sweet sweet princess! She's sick right now so I doubt I will be taking any 9 month pictures tomorrow. Well, maybe. But I'm not sure y'all want to see her snot caked nose and rosy red cheeks;)

Here she is watching a high school basketball game. She wasn't too sure about the noise.

This was her first time to ever wear jeans and I think she looks adorbs in them!

These are blurry pics, but these pictures kind of show SB's CP.

Her legs are so stiff. Her hands have began to seem more affected lately and they shake a lot. She is doing well in PT, she goes for an hour at a time and it's hard on her at her age to last that long. She tires quickly.

She can get up on all fours for a few seconds before her legs give out.

Y'all, she's determined. I know God has big big plans for her and those legs will go far!

Sawyer-

At 9 months...
You are 20 lbs.
You are 27 inches.
You wear a size 3 diaper.
Mostly 12 month clothing.
You squeal. A lot.
You can babble a little. Dada is your favorite word.
You are waking up at 4:00 for a bottle and I give it to you.
You love food. Except avocado. That's sad to me, because I love it so.
We don't do schedules.
You sleep in my room.
Your face lights up when you see your sister and brothers!
You can reach for me..it takes work for you, but you love to reach for mama!
Very much a mama's baby.
You still aspirate, so you are on thickened feeds.
You love to play!
You love praise baby and Dora. Oh, dreaded Dora. Sigh.
Your left side is a mystery. You seem spatially unaware of it.
You make me SO SO happy!
Learning that you have special needs has opened my eyes in a way that I'm so thankful for. Taught me things that I never knew about CP and broke down the stereotypes I once had in my head. And for that, I'm thankful. I wish you didn't have this, I wish that alot..but I know that you will do amazing things..I see it in those sparkly blue eyes. The eyes that I prayed would be brown? Those. Those blue eyes are beyond beautiful and I'm thankful God made you the way you are! You melt me, Sawyer Bliss. If I've said it a gazillion times, you are the perfect piece to finish our puzzle!
Happy 9 months! We ADORE you!

10 years

2012-12-04T10:34:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, we celebrated 10 years of marriage.

10 years ago, I stood with my best friend and promised to love him forever with shaky knees and tears in my eyes. Oh, how young I was and how I wish I could go back and tell that girl a few things...

I'd tell her not to nag. I think nothing gets under his skin more than my annoying nagging.

I'd tell her to just let him go hunting, and quit whining about it.

I'd tell her to show him appreciation more for his hard work. I'd tell her to touch him more.

I'd tell her not to get so angry over little things that she will forget about tomorrow.

Marriage is hard work. It's a promise to love the same person for the rest of your life and to put that person before yourself. Love is a choice.

We looked so young-not sure why my eyes were half open?!:-)

In 10 years, we've moved 12 times.

We have had 4 beautiful babies.

We lost a daughter together.

We have gone though Scotty's illness together.

This was on our 7th anniversary. How thankful I am he is here today.

Let me say watching someone you love suffer is awful. I learned a lot about faith, grace, and mercy in this time. I was told he probably wouldn't make it and I had to tell myself that whether he lived or died, God was still the same and He was in control. He lived.

The strength Scotty had to fight has kept him going-he works way to hard. He never stops. He works harder than a lot of people who aren't "sick", even when he feels terrible to provide a lifestyle for us that I am undeserving of.

He's an amazing dad and I love knowing that my children ADORE their father.

Those hands change diapers, and work hard for his family.

I can assure you I'm not the easiest to live with. ;) He still puts up with me and all my antics and crazy ideas.

I don't always show it like I should, but I appreciate him more than he will ever know.

I love our life and the sweet family we have created together.

We sure have pretty kiddos;-)

I'm thankful he even remembered our anniversary since he is away working. Yesterday I got flowers delivered to the door, and a new jacket in the mail.

I love you, Scotty and here's to getting old together!! Happy anniversary!

Santa Baby

2012-12-01T19:59:00.001-06:00

"Won't you hurry down the chimney tonight?!"

Y'all, I am so excited for Christmas this year. More so than in a LONG time. I'm always excited to celebrate Jesus, but it's the holiday activities I haven't been into in a long time. Maybe it's the joy and magic a new baby brings?

Well, she's pretty darn special. And her rosy belly is pretty cute.

And those blue eyes?! I die.

And, well she has some pretty darn cute siblings too.

Yes, he has blue hair. No, I'm not a bad mom. It's fun. It fits him. Plus, it matches his blue skinny jeans.

Do you see what happens when I try to stop them for pictures?!

Take two?

Well, that's a wrap. Whew.

The kids and I went to lunch with my dad today and had pizza and then we went and walked around our downtown for fun.

This little chicky had fun sitting in the grass. I think it was her first time.

And the grass goes in the mouth. Silly girl. And y'all don't worry about her not wearing socks in December, cause it was 76 today! Perfect!!! Besides, she just eats the socks anyways;)

I hope everyone has had a great weekend! I know we have so far. I'm participating in a giveaway on another blog, and I will be posting the info soon, so check back for details!

Tuesday's rambles..

2012-11-27T09:26:00.001-06:00

Yesterday we started wearing our Christmas clothes! {disclaimer: yes, I love my big kids just as much, but they however do not want me to take pics of them daily wearing Christmas clothes.}
I am trying to do the 25 days of Christmas and take pictures every day in her different outfits. I just started a teensy bit early!

She is not a fan of her bows anymore. Clearly.

She likes to eat them more than wear them lately. I still try. It's almost hopeless, ha!

We went to physical therapy yesterday and so SB and I went to lunch alone and we went shopping by ourselves. I love spending my days with her!

Waiting on her physical therapist. {who by the way wasn't there and they forgot to call and tell me-UGH!} she did see another therapist but it was only for a few minutes. I will do a Sawyer update in her 8th month update or may just wait until she's 9 months. Clearly I've been a terrible blogger!

Our anniversary is coming up and I'm making Scotty a box to send to New York. Any ideas of stuff I should put in there? I'm a totally clueless gift giver, especially with men. I would love any ideas! Thanks!;)

Today is my grocery shopping day. I despise grocery shopping! It's really no fun!:-( I am not a list maker and not a planner. I fly by the seat of my pants. Every time I get better at meal planning, I fall off that train pretty quick! Especially since I eat my own meal for dinner most of the time and Scotty is gone. My kids dont really want grilled chicken, broccoli, and brown rice every day. I've been sitting with a pen and paper and thinking about it but decided to blog instead! Typical me.

Oh, I am so stinking excited! I saw this last night and it made my day, week, month, even my year!!

Ahhhh! Who didn't love Cory and Topanga? I get excited too easy.;)

Happy Tuesday!

Thanksgiving

2012-11-23T09:31:00.001-06:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Mine was different, Scotty wasn't able to come home and I hated that we were not together on the holidays, but that's just the way it was. We had a very nice quiet lunch at my house, my mom and grandparents came over and we had our usual feast that can feed a million and we stuffed our faces and enjoyed just being relaxed. No dressing up, no having to leave my house, it was really nice. And we took no pictures! I just think we were enjoying the day.

Last week, the kids had Thanksgiving feast at their school and my Memaw went with me. I did get a few pictures there.

Also, I started putting Christmas decorations up last week and I am now almost done.

I love looking at Christmas tree lights!! Seems almost magical still. I'm very excited about SB's first Christmas, and I'm super excited for Scotty to come home!

I've also been working on some landscaping around our house, my brother in law dug the flower beds out and I went and had a ton of fun picking out plants! This was a small fortune, but it was fun to go pick out the plants and it looks so much better!

SB turned 8 months old, so hard to believe!

She had to wear a cute Turkey outfit, but I'm kicking myself. This is about the only picture I got of her in it. :-(

Smocked Turkeys! I can tell you it was cute, even if I'm a terrible mom because I forgot to take pictures!

She is getting SO chubby!

Those cheeks kill me. They get kissed 999 times a day.

Also, 8 month pictures didn't really work out, lol! She gets annoyed that I take a gazillion pics of her.

That's the best I got;)

But I did snap this at the Dollar Store. I don't put her in the buggy much, because she gets wobbly sometimes with her random movements, and she squeals so very loudly every time she sits in the buggy.

This was her first time wearing denim of any kind and overalls;) I thought they were cute. They were an eBay $4 score.

So today is Black Friday, and I plan on staying home all day and away from the crazies and craziness! I love going with Scotty, but I'm not going without him. I decided I had to work out extra hard today to work off all those Thanksgiving calories and enjoy just being with my kiddos. So far, that workout hasn't happened, and I'm just sitting here thinking about the leftover dressing and german chocolate pie in the fridge! I'm snuggled up with the boys on the couch watching cartoons. Maybe a little leftover pie wouldn't hurt?!