Girls Night Goes Red...

This past Thursday night was my Go Red for Women Event called Girls Night Goes Red. It was held at the amazing Belcourt Theater in Nashville. What a funky old place. The event was basically to introduce the faces of Nashville that are Go Red Women and to watch a 30 minute intro video on the program. The American Heart Association introduced the Go Red for Women Campaign this year and it is to rise awareness to women about heart disease, heart attacks, etc.

Did you know that Nashville, TN is the LEAST heart healthy city in the Nation! How sad is that. Heart disease is the #1 killer in women and 1 in 3 women will have heart disease.

This is a program that I believe in wholeheartedly. All you do is sign up and they send you a red dress pin in the mail and some heart healthy food choice receipes via email monthly.

Since I am one of the faces of Nashville, I was introduced to the crowd and a portion of my Casting Call video was shown. I cried all the way through my Casting Call so it was hard to see again. Going back to what happened with Josh is often so hard, but on a night like this, it was amazing. I had the BIGGEST crowd of support ever!

My number one supporter Josh was there with his camera and he captured some sweet shots. It was a wonderful night filled with lots of RED and love from my family and friends. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to those of you that came and supported me. It makes me who I am and I am so grateful for that!

Harris Family Update...

To say that the past couple of weeks have been a bit overwhelming...would be a huge understatement. Let me give you the run down.

Josh got the flu the Friday before we left for Disney World with the whole fam. We went to Disney with him feeling somewhat better. We returned from an awesome trip and he got sick again on Tuesday. Maggie spiked a high fever on Wednesday and a quick dr. visit confirmed that she had the flu. I have been able to continue to work thanks to awesome Aunt Lyndsey and my JuJu. Josh was felt strongly that I should save my days just in case I end up getting the flu.

We headed to Disney during Fall Break and it was the time of our lives. We stayed at a beautiful resort complete with an awesome room and a pool that was amazing! Maggie did wonderful on both the flight there and home. She loved the peanuts on the plane and the pull down tray was her absolute favorite. She played with it the whole trip. She did receive her first pair of flight wings!!!

I would have to say that my sister, Brea, is the BOMB.COM at planning and executing a trip to Disney. We ate great, we knew what rides were awesome, seriously...between Mom and Dad being so much fun to be around, Brea's awesome planning, and watching all the kiddos smile and have a great time...it was amazing. Here a few pictures that daddy, Josh, took...enjoy!

I am get into the giving spirit with a GIVEAWAY on my sewing blog!

I am giving away a $30.00 Gift Certificate to use how you wish for any Maggie Moo's Mom item. Head over to my sewing blog to check it out and all you have to do to enter is comment away! Drawing ends Nov. 7th at midnight.

The next event that is on our calendar is the Go Red Event Night. I know that most of you know that I am one of the Nashville Spokeswomen for the Go Red For Women campaign hosted by the American Heart Association. Basically it is a campaign that they have started to promote heart health in women. I haven't dove into the campaign yet, meaning, getting all my friends signed up, but that is on my to-do list!

This past Saturday I headed to Nashville for a photo shoot to get ready to promote the campaign. All of the representatives got to have a personal photo shoot so that they could have pictures for the promotional brochures, etc. It was awesome. Josh was able to go with me to the Grant Lovett Studio and it was so fun. Of course, I was a total goof ball!

All of the pictures will be revealed at the Go Red Event. I would love it if you could join us at this event! See the details below and if you can make it, just let me know. It is for the whole family, not just women.

You Say Disney...I Say MICKEY SHIRTS!!!!

We are heading to Disney for Fall Break. When I say we, I mean 11 people. JuJu, Poppy Eddie, Aunt Brea, Uncle J, Anna, Isaac, Luke, Mary Elizabeth, Josh, Maggie, and I. Sheesshhh! We have a crew...It is going to be out-of-this-world FUN!

Apparently, I went as a child and Josh and Maggie have never been. We are Disney Virgins!!!

Mom and Dad booked it and Brea and Mom and Dad have planned it. Since I don't remember one thing about it, I had nothing to contribute...EXCEPT some awesome custom Mickey Shirts for the whole fam! Yep, 11 of them. All different, all made with TONS of love! Cool colors and cool fabrics! Even my Dad liked his!

I am so stinkin' excited about Disney I can't wait. I can't wait to see our crew sporting these awesome shirts!

An Awesome Giveaway Opportunity...

Lassiegirl is one of my all time favorite sellers on Etsy. I found her forever ago and she made Maggie her first pinafore that she still wears today. She contacted me about hosting a giveaway over on her blog to help us both out. Ashley always has amazing pinafores and scrap packs available, both through Etsy and her website.

This pinafore is one of my new favorites. Since I teach and all, I am obsessed with apples!!

So hop over to Ashley's Lassiegirl blog and register to win by leaving a comment. It is a super sweet write up of me and my craft. You can win a FREE scrappy lanyard made by me!!!
Check it out! and Comment AWAY!!!!

http://www.lassiegirl.typepad.com/

My Sweet Baby...

...is getting so big.

Her smile makes my world go round. Her laugh makes me laugh. Her sweet little dimples remind me of her handsome daddy.

She is the light of my world.

Change is Good for the Soul...

Lately, life has been so yummy. School is going so well. All of my students and teachers are rocking my socks off. I have loved getting up and taking Maggie to Mrs. Donna's, who she loves as much as me, and then going to teach and make a difference.

I have been struggling with my hair for a bit. It had gotten so long and heavy. If you know anything about me you know that I have super crazy thick hair. So much so that I have to use at least 3 ponytail holders to keep it up in a pony-o. It was time for a change.

I decided to help a child out and donate my hair that has recently gotten super duper long to a company that makes wigs for children who are in treatment for Cancer. My amazing stylist, Nicki at Mitzi's in Rivergate, asked me while she was shampooing it...so, what do you want to do to it today. I said, I need a cut...maybe like 3-4 inches. She said, almost jokingly, well if you cut at least 6 inches, you can donate it and help out a child who needs a wig. Say no more. I said, okay...go for it. Enough said. It is: a. just hair and it will grow back and b. if it were Maggie that was bald from being sick, I would hope that someone could help her out. So off 7.5 inches went. YAY! So, I contacted Vanderbilt Medical Center today to find out what I needed to do to get this hair out of my house (yuck!!!) and where it can help others. The awesome lady that wrote me back suggested the Pink Heart Funds. After reading about her mission on her website, I could not get that hair in a plastic bag and in the mail fast enough.

I love the new look. It is fun, short, and nice to have a change.

For Meredith and CK4...

This awesome sign has gone to bestie, Lyndsey's, camp director Meredith. Lyndsey worked this past summer (just returned home yesterday!) for Lifeway at Centri-Kid Camps. She was gone for 11 long weeks are everyone is so glad that she is home.

She asked me if I could create her an awesome sign, like Brea's, with their camp verses that they have founded the summer on. I loved this project. It was supposed to be personal from the whole CK4 team, which was 24 people. I wanted it to be a bit girlie, but different.

The verses are John 15:16-17...

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command:

Love each other.

Lynds said that Meredith loved it when it was presented to her on Friday before camp ended. That made it so worth the work. I loved the way it turned out and was a nervous wreck packaging it to mail to VA!

Welcome home Lyndsey!

What are you doing with your Saturday Morning? Encores and More North!!!

It's Consignment Time PEOPLE!!!!!!!!

This morning is one of my most excited mornings in a long time. My awesome sis, Brea, runs THE BEST CONSIGNMENT SALE in the STATE OF TENNESSEE...Encores and More North. It is held in the old Goody's building in the Rivergate area next to Dick's Sporting Goods and Best Buy, across from Sam's. Her sale has always been unbelievable...but this one is sure to rock your socks off. She has already given out over 850 Consigner numbers...SERIOUSLY! If you want to be a WORKER, you get to shop super early before the public and the consigners. Also, Brea's BF Angie V. arranges lots of yummy food and drink stops for the workers...How cool is that!

Drop-off is happening today the 8th through Wednesday the 12th. Check HERE for appointments and information on that!

New MOMMIES get to shop early. Find out about that HERE.

Encores and More North is Open to the Public:
Saturday, August 15 10am - 6pm
Sunday, August 16 12pm-6pm
Monday - Wednesday, August 17-19 10am - 6pm
Thursday, August 20 10am - 6pm -- 25% OFF DAY!
NEW MERCHANDISE ARRIVING DAILY!
Half Price Days:
Friday, August 21 10am - 6pm
Saturday, August 22 9am - 1pm

These are the pics of my car and Josh's car of all the awesome goodies I am taking to sale. I love to CLEAN OUT and make some money all at the same time.

Check out Brea's website and if you need further info...leave me a comment and I will get right back to you!

2 Years...

...this morning at roughly 1:30 am marked the 2 year mark of my life changing forever. Josh went into Cardiac Arrest on July 30th, 2007 and point in time that I will never forget. July, as I have mentioned before, is an emotional month for me. I try so hard to keep it all together for myself, Josh, and mostly Maggie...but the truth is...it is HARD. I spent today thinking about the last two years and how much my life has changed.

I remember last year when it had been a year out...I remember thinking about how we were so lucky that Josh had made it a year out and was feeling better than he had in a long time...I remember thinking how grateful we both were that Maggie was as awesome as she was...I remember thinking that life was a blessing beyond belief.

This year has been totally different in many ways. I spent today waking up to my husband laying next to me ready to start a new day. I often sleep touching him...which doesn't sound like much, but in a huge California king bed, I have to stretch. Last night I slept with my hand on his heart. I couldn't help it. It was not like it was any different than any other night that he goes to sleep, but I needed to do that for me. It was a hard night. Mr. Dick that lives at the top of the neighborhood drives a huge dualie truck that is so loud. He was the first responder that came to help when Josh got sick. I believe I heard him everytime he went up and down the road last night. That was hard. I went to go get a haircut with Josh and "my face waxed off" as I loving refer to getting my eyes waxed and this was when Maggie went up to Josh and proclaimed that he looked "pretty" after his haircut. I went to Macy's at Rivergate and was an American Heart Association volunteer for the Go Red for Women campaign.

I was lucky enough to be chosen to be a Nashville spokeswoman for the Go Red campaign and nothing could thrill my soul more. I am still in the very beginning stages of understanding what I am doing, but I know why I am doing it...so that makes it worth the while. It was an amazing day. Between myself and four other volunteers, we signed up over 60 women for the campaign in only 2 hours. I LOVED that I was surrounded by heart survivors today. It seemed ironic, yet fitting. One lady that I spoke to buried her husband of 40 years from heart disease 10 years ago. It was an amazing story. It brought tears to my eyes. And then she looked at me and said...so, what's your story. So, I told her. A total stranger. She was so touched. She had tears in her eyes and we hugged and I said that I was so glad that she was signing up for the campaign as it promotes heart health for women. She said..."Honey, I have to live each day to honor my husband. We didn't get to finish this life together so I have to make sure that I am making a difference while I can." SERIOUSLY! I was blown away. Her name was Margie. I loved her. We rubbed elbows and hugged and laughed and bonded. We had nothing in common...so I thought. I just wanted her to sign up for the campaign, she just wanted the free ice cream. I believe that we both left with a changed state of mind.

I am so thankful for today. For the feelings and emotions that always come with today. For my JuJu calling and saying...now today is the day right...so sweet, I know she didn't want to ask. I am thankful for my husband. I am thankful that we do go to dr. appts. and feel like we are on date days. I am thankful that we have each other. I would be lying if I said that I didn't miss the "old" Josh sometimes. I would be lying if I didn't say that sometimes I just want to have an Alie pitty party and invite no one. I would be lying if I haven't asked the Lord...why? I would be lying if I said that I wish all that has happened to our family had never happened and we could just be a "normal" family with normal health issues. I would just be lying. And you know what...the Lord doesn't like liars.

What I want to say to others is this...

...I miss the "old" Josh. I miss the Josh that doesn't have a counter full of prescription drugs that cause him to be in bad moods, yell alot, and shut down emotionally 99.9% of the time.

...I want to not go to bed every night scared to death that either my husband or my daughter could possibly get sick. It often freaks me out that Dexter is the healthiest one of the bunch!

...I want to be celebrating my 6 year of marriage on Sunday without saying I am SO glad Josh is still here. Who has to worry about that at 27 years of age.

...I want to STOP thinking about what happened at certain times and on certain days. I want to know that what I am feeling is okay. My therapist says it is...

...I want to STOP thinking about the time that Mom, Dad, and Brea drove me to the hospital and I was preparing myself for what life would be like without my husband. I want to stop hearing Brea say...Alie, you need to talk to him...He knows your here. (this was when he was on the breathing machine in the ER). I want to STOP hearing people say you know he is going to be okay. I want to STOP thinking about those terrible blue recliners in the ICU waiting room where poor Maggie thought she lived. I want to STOP thinking about seeing him right after his DeFib was placed and knowing that our life was going to be totally different. I want to STOP thinking about the EMS team shocking him in our bedroom on our floor at our house 3 times and shoving me out of the way from doing the CPR so it could shock. I want to STOP thinking about the time that Dad took Maggie in to see Josh right after he got transferred to a regular room at Hendersonville and him thinking it was the first time he was seeing her.

But...the reality is...I CAN'T. So what do I do.

I have to recognize that this is part of my life now and whether I love it or not, I have to respect it and give the glory to God for being alive to have these feelings.
I lean on my awesome family that loves me and my family unconditionally, even if it is hard at times.
I lean on my best friends that surround me and lift me up when I am at my weakest.
I lean on Maggie for her strength and love for life.

Most of all, I lean on God. He is why my day is worth living. It could always be worse and I am so thankful that it is not. I just think that God loves us the most when we are real with ourselves. You are of no help to others in your life, without helping yourself first.

Two years...these two years do not limit me or define who I am. They only make me stronger.

Maggie Moo Turned Two...

...in a big way. Maggie's big day was actually Friday, the 24th. Josh and I just ran some errands and he had a photo shoot that evening. I had been suffering from a Migraine since Tuesday and had to get a shot to get back to somewhat of a normal in time for Maggie big bash on Saturday.

We decided to do a morning party for lots of reasons. Maggie is her best in the morning. She always plays hard in the morning and sleeps after lunch. We didn't want to do a huge meal or even cake so we did the next best thing, Krispy Kreme donuts. Who doesn't love donuts? It was perfect. We bought a ton of donuts, had a spread of fresh fruits, and chocolate milk. It was perfect. All the kiddos loved it and it wasn't a huge ordeal, which I loved.

Of course, I had to purchase some fresh beautiful sunflowers to decorate with and some funky Martha Stewart star things, but other than that, we just sat back and enjoyed those that came.

Maggie loved her birthday. She totally understood what was going on and when asked she would answer - I'm TWO!!! (and hold up 5 fingers) - our little genius!

Many family members and friends that we love like family filled our house with lots of love, laughter, and joy. That is what I always want Maggie to remember about her birthday's...not the gifts she received, etc. She did love opening presents so Christmas will for sure be a blast. I would open the card and read it to her...she was stop and then say YAY!!! and clap for my reading. After the card, she would open the package. She got some awesome stuff. Kerri Jo and Kaitlin and Baby Boy Dillard got her the cutest cow bowling set. My mom and dad got her her first pair of Toms...they are adorable. She also got some yummy PJ's from JuJu and Poppy Ernie! Grammy and Poppy got her an adorable Dressy Bessy that she has already played with so much one of the buttons fell off! Aunt Patti and Uncle Cutie-Putie-in-his-plaid-shorts Ronnie got her some sweet Princess Crocs. They are precious. Brea and J and crew contributed money towards Maggie's new swingset, which was awesome. Gram and Papa Sam also sent some money. They had other plans already, but wanted to send their love. So sweet! Rachel and Owen got her some coloring items that are the bomb.com. She loves them and they don't color all over our walls!! YAY!!!

The West family got her a super sweet embroidered Maggie beach towel that has such fun striped colors and some sweet books perfect for the car. Grandma Norma and Papa got her a sweet book all about nursery rhymes. Lyndsey couldn't be here because she is still at Camp, but she was sooo thoughtful she sent her an adorable elephant shirt from the Elephant Sanctuary. Maggie loves elephants and that is a sweet little bond for them. It was super sweet. Overall, we had the best day with the best people.

It was so wonderful to look around the room and see people that have been in our lives and supported us through it all. I loved everyone in this house and I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to help fill the love in Maggie's heart. Enjoy the pics that daddy Josh captured from her special day.

So Much to Say...

...so here goes. Hang on to your bananas.

I want to start this post with some random thoughts I have had recently. They might not amount to much to others, but I wanted to share them regardless.

What drives me crazy...

When you go to see a Cardiologist and the waiting room smells like smoke. Seriously people. Your at the Cardiologist. If you have to smoke, take a 2 hour break and a bath and come smelling fresh and clean, not like a cigarette is on fire in your be hind. That just got all under my skin. I moved two times today in the waiting room at Vanderbilt because I felt like I was gonna go home and smell like I had been in a bar. I would have rather not smelled like a cancer stick.

When my Postmaster/Postman just doesn't pick up our outgoing mail because we don't have any incoming mail. You see we bought this house from my dear sister and our lovely brick mailbox doesn't have a flag so there is no way to know when we have outgoing mail or not. So, in my mind, I would think that the Postmaster would check everyday...not true! Not true indeed!

Okay, I am sure there is many more topics, but we will save those for another day.

We returned to Indiana this weekend to attend Josh's 10 Yr. Class Reunion. It was "interesting" and so fun to go back to his roots. I love his home town. Even though you have to drive across the country to go to Wal Mart, it still has a great warm town feel. I got to see some of his buddies that we haven't seen in about 6 yrs. so that was awesome.

We also went to the new indoor water park in French Lick on Sunday night. It was fun. It was overpriced, but fun. Maggie loves water, so it was great to see her slide over and over again.

Josh returned back to the Cardiologist today. Dr. Churchwell performed a Stress Test and Echo cardiogram on him. We went last week because Josh has had three episodes of tightness and discomfort, as well as his pacemaker portion of his defib going off twice now. We were ready to get to the bottom of why he is feeling the way he is and what we can expect in the future.

Dr. C confirmed that Josh's heart looks good. His pericardium looked as well as he could expect with all that he has been through. There was no fluid around the heart, which was awesome news. He did confirm that Josh has paracardistis again, which is an infection around the lining of his heart. He had this same condition when I delivered Maggie, and then shortly after went into Cardiac Arrest. He prescribed a steroid pack for the third time hoping to knock out the discomfort until we return to his Auto-Immune Dr. on the 23rd.

It was an emotional day for both of us. Of course, we never want Josh to feel sick or to not be 100%, but just the thought of him having Paracardistis again...heck, even just to hear the word, makes me shiver. I hate it! I hate that he is in pain. I hate that he has to deal with all of this. BUT, I am so thankful that he is ALIVE.

July is a super emotional month for me. I know that I will overcome it as I have before. I just try to be real with my emotions and continue to be who I am.

For My Sister...

Last Tuesday was my sister, Brea's, birthday. I wanted to do something awesome for her this year. It has been another big year for her. A new home and a new sweetie JT, I felt it would be appropriate to do something that meant a ton to her.

This is a blank canvas that I used tons and tons of scrapbooking paper on and layer it to death. Then I wrote out some awesome verses from the song Wonderful Maker by Chris Tomlin. The lyrics are kind of scattered so you have to look for them to make sense. I kinda liked it that way.

Then I added their last name and made it say "the freeman family."

I gave it to Brea tonight at her birthday dinner and I think she loved it. I thought it turned out pretty awesome.

I love you Breezy!

Our Second Trip...

First of all, how hilarious is this sign. This is a sign that is hanging on one of the docks down at JuJu and Poppy Eddie's houseboat. We all giggle when we go past it so I thought I needed a picture to remember it by.

Well, let me just start by saying that we LOVE JuJu and Poppy Eddie to death. Mom and Dad were at the houseboat today. I stayed home and sewed and cleaned house all day yesterday so when I heard that Josh had to go to basketball camp with his team...I thought it would be a great day to go the to boat. We HATED to go without Daddy, but we had the best time ever!

Maggie, first of all, has no fear. Period. She has loved the water since she was first born. Even last year at the houseboat, she didn't mind it. When we went to the houseboat a week or so ago, I could tell that she was growing more and more comfortable with the water. We strapped her into her lifejacket and got straight in the "WATTIEE" when we got there this morning. Maggie loved it. She never cried, she just smiled and yelled with enjoyment.

I then realized that Maggie was kicking with a purpose...OH MY!!! MAGGIE CAN SWIM!

Let me just take this opportunity to tell you that I LOVED the water. Ever since I was Maggie's age and younger, I loved the water. I could spend hours upon hours in water and never complain or get bored. That is still true for me now. I love to swim. I love how free it makes me feel. I, secretly, always wanted my children to love to swim and be in water. My wish came true. Maggie had a great time and didn't want to get out.

Once she got the hang of it, she didn't want me to hold her or even help her if she got off balance and her face got in the water. Mom and Dad loved seeing her swim. She was a stinkin' fish by the end of the day. I loved it! I loved that we got it on video for Josh to see. I love that my parents kept saying, your just like your mommy...she loved the water. It meant a lot to me.

Thanks for another awesome day at the boat JuJu and Poppy! We love you!

Check out the video of Maggie swimming below. If you look closely in the water, you will see her little feet just working up the town. She loved it!

Living Near A Farm...

I love that our house, while in a subdivision, backs up to a beautiful wood farm with tons of COOOOWWSSSS and HORRRSSSIEESSS.

Maggie loves animals. Seriously, her best friend is Dexter Bing. She loves horses and cows and will often just stare at the farm and say "Cows, Where Are YOU!" from our kitchen window. This afternoon we were outside playing and we saw the horses and cows were close to the back fence so we went back to say hello.

If you listen closely in the video you can hear her click her tongue. Ever since she was little bitty, she as always clicked her tongue when we say "What sound does a horse make?" She is sooo fun at this age, but for sure a handful. It was a great visit with the horsies...I am sure they would have loved us more if Maggie were feeding them something besides sticks!!!

I love when...

...old things take on a new life...especially when I can do it for next to nothing.
Let me explain.
Josh purchased this vintage vanity stool at our favorite antique mall in Springfield, TN the Antique Barn. I think he paid like $30.00 for it. He found it and fell in love with the idea of placing a newborn on it for photography purposes. Well, I had other ideas from day one. I needed a sewing chair. I needed something that was short enough that it could get tucked under my table so that Maggie couldn't climb on it. I needed something that was comfy, but allowed me to move. Answer: Josh's awesome stool.

So I have used this stool for at least a year in this shape. Fabric was a nightmare. At least it didn't stink! But the fabric had seen better days and wasn't my taste anyway. The front, which gets the most use, was destroyed.

So, while Mags was down for her afternoon nap, I had had enough of the wood stabbing me in the legs and decided to make it more Alie-Friendly.
I will let the pictures tell the story...

...the before chair...

So for about $8 dollars in padding, I have a brand new, adorable chair. And Josh can still use it for photography purposes! YAY!

Whatcha think?

Our First Trip...

...to the houseboat this year! Josh, Maggie, Dexter and I headed up to JuJu and Poppy Eddie's houseboat on Sunday morning. We hated to miss church, but it was so great to get in the car with nothing packed except bathing suits and sunglasses and just enjoy my family. The weather was perfect and we had a great time. Brea and her family made their way up there as well so we had so much fun laughing and playing. Josh went down the slide off the back of the houseboat and it was hi-li-ar-i-ious!!!

Thanks for a great time JuJu and Poppy Eddie! We love you guys!

Lucky #100...

May was an awesome month...to say the least.

So much happened that I figured I would pack it all in in one post and I am sure that I will forget a couple of things. First of all, my bestie and I went on a girl's weekend to Atlanta. Lyndsey's birthday was on May 1st so we headed out of town to visit ATL for the first time for me. We had the best time. We saw an Atlanta Braves game, ate some yummy food, went to IKEA, and just were on no schedule for 3 days. I missed Maggie and Josh terribly, but I would be lying if I said that it wasn't great to get away and just be for a while. Lyndsey is one of the funniest people I know so we pretty much laughed off the pounds that we ate while there.

Couple of funny things about ATL:
(Clem-you will love this!)

1. NO ONE in Atlanta uses turning signals...at all...for any reason.
2. Atlanta does not have designated turning lanes for you to turn without backing up traffic for 5 years, which is super annoying.
3. EVERYONE in ATL honks all the time. Lynds and I would hook sometimes just to fit in!
4. IKEA is rid-i-c-u-lously huge...seriously, pack a lunch and a nappy blanket if you plan to visit. Oh!!! and don't dare get off the gray path to look at something...It might be your next birthday before you figure out how to get back on.
5. IKEA has the BEST hot dogs and chips on this planet. enough said.
6. Take a Garmin GPS. Genieve the Garmin was a lifesaver...especially if we listened to her!
7. Go to ATL with someone fun, someone you love, someone you can laugh at yourself with.

Shortly after ATL, Lyndsey graduated from Western. It was one of the coolest moments ever to watch my Student Teacher that I had become so close with, walk and graduate...all the while knowing that as soon as she gets a teaching job, she is going to ROCK IT OUT!

Josh and I both finished up our school year. My 6th (OMG) and Josh's 1st. I am so excited to have the whole summer with my best friend and daughter to do whatever we want. On this day, we were heading the Green Hills to run some errands. I bought Maggie's shirt that she on before she was even born. It is a 2T...at the time it seemed like it would be a lifetime before it fit her...guess what...she is almost 2! I can't believe it!


Field Day this year was awesome. Beautiful weather and awesome children and parents that were just happy to be there. One of my awesome teachers loved it so much she and her students decorated my office door with the sweetest letters and pictures.

They even decided to post-it note my car! I LOVED it!
Thanks Smells!!! Your the best!

Meet Amani...She is an absolute doll. She was having the time of her life. I loved that she will always remember Field Day and how cool it was to get soaked and love it!

Good ole' sack race...How sweet!

JuJu and Poppy Eddie were kind enough to bring Maggie to Field Day to see me. I loved it. I just remember thinking that I hope Maggie grows up and realizes that both of her parents love children so much that they devote their lives to teaching them and making a difference. Thanks JuJu and Poppy for bringing my Mags. I always love for my parents to see me in action!

Last night Molly Lolly came in town to stay a night with us and have some yummy steaks with the whole fam. She got to meet J.T. and see the rents. It was SO good to see her. She has been my bestie for 10 years now and we are just as close now as we were then. Actually, I think closer. When you grow and rely on each other, you learn and love someone more and more.

She couldn't believe how big Maggie had gotten and what a little character she was. We had a great visit, which included church this morning. We always have the best time, no matter what we are doing. I love you Mols. Thank you for coming to visit and being lovely as always. I miss you already.

Thanks for hanging with me on this long post, but #100 has to be special-right?

Happy May and come on June. Beautiful sunny days and laughter is hopefully in my future!

Craft Show Tomorrow...

Come see me tomorrow at Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church Market Festival.

Right down the street at Beech Cumberland Church between the blinking light for Centerpoint Road and Beech High School.

9:00-3:00

I would love to see you all there. Come see all the cutie keychains, burpcloths, hair pins, children's custom clothes, and more from Maggie Moo's Mom.
Josh will also have some photography information available.

Live band, great food, silent auctions, and lots of fun for the whole fam.
Hope to see you all there!

Mother's Day...More than Just May 10th...

Mother's Day...I remember Mother's Day so vividly as a child. I always remember that time of year coming around and going to the store to get JuJu a card and something. If you know my mom, she just loves everything...yet, is hard to buy for because she has most of what she "needs." Mom was NEVER one of those moms that had a list of items that she expected to receive or else! She just loved the day and looking back I think that she loved the handmade cards and flower pots from school more than she did just "stuff."
(feel free to correct me if I am wrong JuJu!!)

I have been a mother now for two years. But really, so much longer. I remember my first year teaching when my awesome principal said to me..."Congratulations! Your now a mother to lots of children." So true. I love my students more and more everyday and honestly, I do believe that I might be the best example of a mother to some of them. Children now days carry so much "baggage." They come to school and know way to much for their own good. They know that their Mom can't pay the bills and their Dad is not at home. They know that their brother is in jail and the have no lunch money because they don't have money, period. They know that the stuff of the world is just really stuff because they are covered with love by the people that they do live with. They love their life because it is the best life they have to live. I am a mother to some of those children.

Then Ms. Maggie came along. Have you met her? She is quite possibly one of the coolest kids I know. I know, I know...she is mine and I am totally on her team, but seriously, have you met her? She loves life and that silly little adorable bunny more than anything. I admire her awesome spirit and love for a fresh new day. She loves Mrs. Donna and her friends at daycare so that is the highlight of her day. She loves when she sees my car pull up and can't wait to love on me. She loves when I sing silly songs and just sit with her. She loves it when her daddy gets her out of the bath tub and throws her over his shoulder to "find" her. She loves to reach for Josh during prayer time just to play with the fan strings because he is tall enough to get her up there.

After I had my miscarriage in August of 2006, I remember feeling like I had failed as a Mom, even though it had nothing to do with me. I just wanted to be the best Mommy to the child that was inside of me, but it didn't work out. That sweet child never formed and it wasn't meant to be at the time. When we got pregnant with Maggie, I felt like I was so undeserving of the ability to devote my life to loving a child. I knew that the Lord had placed that child in my life for a strong reason...and boy did He ever!

Last Thursday, my sister, Brea, became a Mommy again. Number 5. Mr. Joshua Tucker was born in Texas and Jonathan and Brea are, as I type, on a plane home with my newest nephew. Some people say I can't believe that your sister has five children...Honestly, I can't either...but have you met her children. They are the best kids and love their parents and life just as much as Maggie. Brea and J are awesome parents and if they want to have a house full, my heart will just grow bigger to love more and more. I can't wait to get my hands on little J.T. He is just beautiful. I am so thrilled for them and for the awesome life that this little man is going to get to experience because they loved him enough.

Moms are such special people. I doesn't really matter how many children you have or if you don't have any, your always special to someone. Like Mrs. Patti that I love so much. She is JuJu's bestie and I love her like mother. Or Mrs. Jamie...Molly Lolly's mom...what a lady. Or Grandmother Barbara...Jonathan's mom...She loves my family just like we are her's when we really aren't even related. And then their is my AWESOME grandmother Norma Jean. O Mercy...get to Greenbrier and meet this lady. She is responsible for my love of Dr. Pepper's and Little Debbies and so much more. She has love for me that I feel everyday. If you ever knew my Granny, LouEllen or LuLu as I loving called her, she was a woman that loved Hallmark, Yankee candles, and Shoney's on my birthday just to make me feel special. There are so many special people within my life that have molded and shaped me into the woman and Mom that I am today. I am so grateful for all of them.

My Mother's Day was so low key and lovely. I loved every minute of it. I asked Josh to do a shoot of us out in our back yard to just have some pictures of the day after church. I love them. I love the love you see in our eyes. I love that my daughter is growing older and going to "chuuurrrcccc" to learn about the Lord and looks like her daddy while doing it. I love that we live in a community were I see lots of those children that I "Mother" at church and they hug and love me and then say they can't believe I had on "real clothes" the next day at school.

I love that I am a Mom. I thank the Lord for that opportunity.

Maggie Moo's Gone to the Zoo Again...

Maggie giving Daddy her "big girl lips"...SO FUNNY!

So it was a Saturday morning and I roll over and asked Josh what he wanted to do today. First thing out of his mouth...I want to go to the zoo! OKAY! I love the zoo and since Maggie is loving animals more and more, I knew she would love it as well. So we got up and got out the door. It was the fam...me, Josh, Maggie, and Lyndsey. Lyndsey is such a kid at heart and I thought she was gonna pee pants when I told her we were going to the zoo! We are loving her as part of our family!

How great does Daddy look!!! So stinkin' cute!

So off we went. The weather could not have been nicer. It was crowded, but it was a Saturday so we expected that. All of the animals were looking beautiful as ever. One of the giraffes even came up so close like he wanted us to pet him. He was beautiful. Maggie just stared at him. (Kerri, I am pretty sure it was Congo the Giraffe!! hahaha)

I have to say that of course my child....her favorite part was all the WATTTTIEEE...which Maggie's way of saying water. She LOVES water and if it is within a 15 mile radius, she knows it and gets so excited about it. She literally stood at the fish area where there was a little waterfall and just had a ball for at least 10 minutes and screamed when we pulled her away.

She is so fun these days. She knows certain things and words and boy will she tell you about it. We are working on patience daily...all of us. She loves to be outside and as long as she has about a cooler full of snacks (snnnnaattcck), she is a ball.

All in all, it was a great day that provided tons of memories. I was telling Lyndsey that Maggie came to the zoo when she was in my belly, and a couple of times since, so I was so excited to see her interact and point to the animals and wattttieee of course.

And just a Maggie UPDATE: She is doing so great! Back to her usual self! Thank you again for your prayers and thoughts for our family! We loved them! We will keep you posted on her health!