It's That Time of Year Again!

It's hard to believe it is almost Christmas time.. Over the past week or two we have been trying to finish up our Christmas shopping and settle down. I love Christmas. I love the excitement of going downstairs to see what Santa brought, seeing everyone's smiles when they open their gifts, and everyone just hanging out. Hope everyone has a safe holiday and a happy new year!

Take Time..

to appreciate what you have!

This time of year can be joyful and happy, but stressful and gloomy to some. We all are running around frantically trying to get last minute gifts, trying to cram for exams, wondering why the kids won't just cooperate for one day, and so on... but, the best thing about it all is that we have those worries! Thank God for another day, even if it is going to be stressful at times.

When things get tough, then that is when you have to believe even more!

Mr. Talkative

This week with Jalen has really amazed me. Over the past week, his vocabulary has grown to the point he suprises me with some of the things he says. Earlier in the week, he told me something was soft, which I had never heard him say on his own before. He truly amazes me on how quickly he picks up on things!! He is gearing up for Christmas. He has a Christmas movie with Elmo and has been watching it non-stop. I just finished wrapping up his gifts, so we can see how many times I have to re-wrap them before Christmas. :-) Hope everyone is doing well.

Thanksgiving

It's hard to believe it is already the holidays! Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I have to say I am very thankful. I am thankful for...

Jalen: I never imagined one little boy could change my life around. He has shown me what love is and what life is all about. He is my little miracle and I thank God he gave me him when he did. He may be my baby, but he is my little hero!

Nicholas: We have our good times and our bad times, but the difference between us and a lot of people is we stick together. I can't think of a time we haven't been there for each other when we needed the other the most. <3

My Dad & Mom: Without a doubt, they are always there! I can't tell you a time when they weren't there for me. I'm sure there have been many times they have doubted what I was doing, but there has never been a time they haven't been there for me. I couldn't and wouldn't be where I am if it wasn't for them.

My Sisters: Jessica and Lindsay - What else can I say? They are my best friends. They support me through everything and trust me even when I'm sure they are wondering what I am doing!! There is not a thing I wouldn't do for them and I thank God I have them...

My Other Family -- aka Fenty Family: Thank God for them! They all are loving, accepting, and couldn't be any better with Jalen! :-)

Emily and Julia: Love these girls! They are always a text message away and will always cheer me up. Not sure where I'd be without these two rays of sunshine! :-)

My Friends: Though everyone's name isn't listed above, I'm thankful for you and appreciate everything...

Among other things, I am thankful for my job, my happiness, my life, my house, food, etc...

Just remember you can't take anything for granted and take tomorrow to realize all you have, not what you don't have! Happy Thanksgiving!

Josh Hamilton

Today, I went to church to hear Josh Hamilton and his wife speak. For those of you who are unfamiliar with him, he is from Raleigh and went to Athens Drive High School. He was a first draft pick straight out of high school. Once he got his 3.96 million signing bonus, he turned to drugs. He didn't want to deal with all of his emotions. But, he was not the only one suffering because of his addiction. His wife, Katie, has stayed by his side through everything. She had to put a restraining order on him, so their children wouldn't see him the way he was. She had to move money around on a monthly basis, so he couldn't by more drugs. She went and met a drug dealer in a dark parking lot while she was pregnant, to get her wedding ring back he sold for drugs. Then, one day, he decided he needed to change. He turned his life over to God and is now, living his true dream with Katie and his kids still by his side. His story, as well as hers, is amazing and while I was sitting there listening, I found myself holding back my own tears.

God throws us all kinds of pitches.. good ones, bad ones, ones that are going to nail us right in the head, etc... but we've got to learn to take them as they come. We all have our days where we find ourselves wanting to give up and walk away because it sounds easier than what we're going through, but we can't. Trust me, becoming a Mom at 17 was not easy. I could have walked away and left all this behind, but look where I am now.. I see Jalen smile everyday and need me. I see him laugh until he can't laugh anymore. I have my whole family by my side and all of Nicholas' family. I have a loving boyfriend who supports me in all I do. I have so much going for me and how I could think at one time I was going to walk away? But, all of that took work, and we can't be scared to work for what we want. God does great things and things happen for a reason, despite what we think when those things happen. So, appreciate the good times and the bad, even when you don't want to. God hasn't failed me, yet.

We all make mistakes, but it is about how you learn from your mistakes and how you forgive others for their mistakes.

He has a book out and I started reading it tonight.. It is really good and a true encouragement!

Jamaica Pictures

Man.. I miss Jamaica! No Problems, mon!

Better Late Than Never .. Halloween!

I've been lazy with the posts and I'm a little behind...

A couple days before Halloween we carved our pumpkin! Jalen could choose from Scooby Doo, Thomas the Train, or Blue's Clues and he choose Blue's Clues. We did Elmo last year, so we couldn't do him again. He had fun messing with the tools to cut the pumpkin and tossing the "bugs", or seeds, around in the bowl. He did not want to touch it except very quickly! He turned out cute!

Jalen was an Army man for Halloween. He was suppose to be a monkey, but he is scared of masks. He only wanted me to wear it. He liked the banana that came with the outfit, but that was the only thing he liked about it, unless I was wearing it. He looked cute and wore his outfit all day. Thanks KiKi and AJ for the very cute outfits, despite one being not worn! :)

Julia and Emily stopped by and showed off Julia's cute costume! She's such a cutie and I'm a very proud Auntie!!!

Back To Reality

After a week-long visit to Jamaica, we are back to reality. The weather was beautiful and the wedding was fabulous. We couldn't of asked for a better time. I could get used to living the 'no problem' life real quick down there. Pictures and details will be posted soon.. Congrats to Lindsay & Dwight!

Just wanted to remind everyone to never take anything you have for granted. Thursday before we left Nick got into an accident. All I remember was walking down the hallway to throw a diaper away and then, finding out he was in an accident. It just goes to show you that at any moment of any day, something can happen. Thankfully he was okay and cars can be fixed. Just remember to take a minute each day to thank God for everything you have and realize how lucky each one of us really is.

And now, it is back to reality.. Hope everyone is doing well.. :-)

Exactly One Week..

(The View From Our House for a Week!)

Until We're Jammin' in Jamaica! No Shirt, No Problems!!

Happiness

Today, I was talking with my Mom about a few things and I realized a few things. The last couple of weeks, I've been worrying about things and letting my worries get me down. I was worried about money, the future, school, work, etc.. But, tonight, I was talking with my Mom and I came to the conclusion.. I may not have everything in the world that I want, but I have everything that I need. I may not have all the money in the world, but I am content with what I have. I may not always do the best I can do, but it is the best I can do at the moment. I may feel like I'm not the best Mom in the world, but I'm doing what I can and that is what matters. In conclusion, I may not have the perfect life, but who does? And my life is my life and I love my life!

My Favorite Things..
1. Jalen -- his smile, the way he talks, his cuteness, his everything
2. My Family
3. Nicholas
4. Dr. Pepper & Diet Coke (My Mom did it to me!)
5. Jon & Kate Plus 8 and The Hills (Love my Monday nights!)
6. Target
7. Doing the simple things with Jalen and Nicholas (like going to eat, shopping, etc..)
8. My laptop
9. Cooking, Baking -- It's my stress reducer!
10. When my song comes on while I'm driving..

If you look at my list of favorite things, there is nothing that is expensive or huge because it is the simple things that matter the most!

By the way, Jalen is talking so much more and starting to put words together. Tonight he said "Jalen feet stink!" He amazes me.. We're very ready for Jamaica.. OCTOBER 18 at 6am we're out of here!!

Man's Best Friend

Usually every morning that we stay at my house, Jalen and I wake up and go downstairs to watch Elmo. First, we always grab juice and some "fish." This morning Cherish, our dog, decided to tag along. I never realized how much of best friends they are. Jalen went and got his crayons out to color. He kept pushing Cherish to color. He'd ask her to color and she'd just sit there. He'd grab her a crayon and say "c'mon." Meanwhile, his fish were sitting on the couch because he knows he has to guard them. Cherish sneaked her little mouth up there and ate them all, right out of the bowl. Jalen said "Ah man, c'mon, not nice" then, just proceeded to ask for more. He gave me a kiss, a hug, said 'please' and 'more', and then, we got up to get more. Sometimes he can just tear your heart into pieces. When we went to get more, he still invited Cherish along.

How many times does someone make us mad or upset and we just want them to leave us alone? Sometimes I wish I was back to two again, so I could be so forgiving. Amazing how much a two-year-old can teach you!

Have a good day!

Pictures <3

Ready for nite-nite! (He doesn't use a passy, just pretending he was a baby!) I love him in PJ's.. He's so cute! <3

I love this picture! Very pretty!

Watch out ladies! Here comes Jalen Nicholas in his Ford Mustang!

This is one of my favorites of us!


Yummy! Elmo Cookies!


I would post a picture of my little nephew, but my sister won't scan her pictures! But, I'm proud of him already! :)

*More to come...

Too Close to Home..

Today, my Mom came home from work early to go to beach. She came in and asked me what was going on down the street. I did not know what she was talking about, so I got on the computer and searched. I was in disbelief. A 29 year old woman was murdered. 10 houses down. How could this happen so close to home? I couldn't stop thinking about it while I was at work. It really bothered me that my Mom was up during the hours it took place. When I got off work, I was scared to go home. How can someone be scared to go to their own home? What is this world coming to? 2 murders within a month and only 5 miles apart. Scary.

I think from all of this there is something that a lot of people don't understand..You can't take anything for granted. You have to realize that every day you have is a blessing. You may have hard days, days you want to give up and quit, but atleast it is another day. Atleast you are able to see the sun, your children smiling, your family laughing, and a job to go to.

I am thankful for everything that I have. I have days I don't show it. I have times where I don't say 'I love you' enough. But, I know I have a great life and a wonderful support system that some people don't have. When you think you have it tough, someone has it worse than you do.

I am thankful for..
Jalen - this little boy has taught me more about life than anyone or thing could have ever taught me. He's showed me what love truly is. I couldn't imagine my life without him and he is my world.
My family - they have stood beside me through everything. There have been times I've fallen and they've always been there to pick me up. I am proud to say that my family members are my bestfriends. I love you all..
Nicholas - we've stuck together through a lot. There have been times he's pulled me to my feet when I've just wanted to stay down. We see each other for who each other is and I love you!
My in-laws - they have always accepted me for me. They've always treated me as I was one of them and that we are family. I love you guys!
My friends - Near and far, they always have encouraging words and love..
My job - I am just glad to have one.. Nothing else to say.
A home, not just a house - There is a difference between a house and a home.. Think about it.
This is just a few things I am thankful for.. Maybe I'll continue my list in a different post..

Always remember that life is too short and it is the simple things in life that matter the most.

I Will Learn To Love..

I will learn to let go of what I cannot change

I will learn to forget what I cannot change

I will learn to love what I cannot change

But I will change, yeah I will change

Whatever I, whatever I can...

Home Sweet Home..

Well, we are back from the beach and I am a year older. I woke up to roses and balloons, then streamers from one end of the apartment to the other. I had a beautiful cake that was an ocean scene (and now that I think about it.. I never took a picture of it! Darn!). It was an overall great day. We ate at Joe's Crab Shack and just relaxed. When I woke up the next day, I told myself that I sure hope this morning doesn't predict the restof the year. Jalen woke up at the crack of dawn, his bottle spilt in my Coach purse (which got into my phone and my camera), then I go to get Jalen grapes and a whole bottle of juice falls to the ground and splash! I was ready to go back a year after all that, but the day ended with a lovely dinner and putt-putt with Nicholas!

The beach was good. We got to see my Grandnana and she got to see Jalen swim. We didn't take her to the beach because it was not easily accessible, but we tried the pool. The pool is covered and was like ice-water (seeing as I am sick now), but for Grandnana I put Jalen in so she could see him swim for 5 minutes. Made her day! She's doing good and looks great..

We're now home and preparing for Jalen's birthday! I sit here and think that he is going to be 2 years old and just want to cry!! How is my baby already two? I remember the day he was born like it was yesterday and though I'd gladly go back, I wouldn't give up any of these moments. I never knew a little boy could teach you about what the true meaning of life and happiness is. He showed me what love is. I would never trade him for the "normal" life of a 20 year old. Motherhood is the best.

I was reading Jenni's blog and she made me think... There are so many times that people have bad days. We want to give up and many times just totally quit, but you have to look at everything you have and be thankful. Being a Mom, being in a relationship, going to school, and working are all apart of my life and sometimes things getter harder than I want them to, but I know I have to keep going. Sometimes you just have to be thankful that you were able to live the day... (Gosh, I wish she lived closer!!)

I will post pictures soon.

Remember.. it's the simple things in life that matter the most!
Doesn't the smile from your child mean more than those new pair of shoes?

Me, Me, Me..

A. Attached or Single? Attached
B. Best Friend? My Sisters & Emily
C. Cake or pie? Cake
D. Day of choice? Friday
E. Essential item? Cell phone (I know, I know..)
F. Favorite color? Pink and Purple
G. Gummy bears or worms? Gummy Worms
H. Home town? Raleigh, NC
I. Favorite indulgence? Getting my hair done..
J. January or July? July
K. Kids? 1 - Jalen Nicholas!
L. Life isn’t complete without? Jalen's smiles
M. Marriage date? n/a (Ha!)
N. Number of brothers and sisters? 2 wonderful older sisters
O. Oranges or Apples? Granny Smith Apples
P. Phobias? The dark and bugs
Q. Quotes? It's the simple things in life that matter the most! Think about it..
R. Reasons to smile? My family, Jalen, Nicholas
S. Season of choice? Summer - The beach, tan, etc...
T. Tag 5 people: C'mon now, I don't have that many friends.. Ha!
U. Unknown fact about me? What don't people know about me? I guess that I do not need tangible things to be happy.
V. Vegetable? Potato
W. Worst habit? I hate folding laundry!!!
X. X-ray or Ultrasound? Ultrasound
Y. Your favorite food? Pizza and Chicken Fingers
Z. Zodiac sign? Leo
Z. Which zoo animal is your favorite? Monkeyy!

Back to Reality

Well, we got back from the quick trip down to Myrtle Beach. It was a good trip, but short. It is hard taking Jalen on those short trips. I'm suprised you didn't see us on the news for the drive back. Jalen screamed the entire time after Elmo finished, so for about 2 hours! After being down there and going to the memorial service I realized that sometimes in life we focus on our mistakes and what we should have done. But when you leave this world, people do not focus on what you didn't do and how you could have done things better, they focus on your accomplishments and how much you meant to this world. I guess sometimes we all should forget what we didn't do and learn from it, rather than dwell on it. But, my Grandnana is doing very well and we will be seeing her this upcoming week because we're going down there to vacation for a week. We saw a lot of family and it was good being together.

I started my new job when we got back and it is going good. It's hard having to tell people I don't know how to do something, but I'm learning and getting there. I think I'm picking it up pretty quick. I'm loving having days off during the week because I feel like I get to see Jalen more. Works out good for us!

We'll be planning Jalen's birthday party this week. It is for the 24th. It is just family this year, which will be nice! He loves Elmo, so that is his theme. I just got his Happy Birthday banner from the UPS man. It's very cute. Will put pictures up after the fact. Can you believe he is going to be 2? I wish I could stop him from growing, but I will find out August 20th if I am having a neice or nephew!! Exciting day all around! :)

Like I said, we'll be heading down to Myrtle for a week with my Mom and sisters. Nick, Jalen, and I will leave Sunday night and be down there until Friday. We'll be celebrating my birthday down there on Monday. Hard to believe I'm going to be 20! I don't want to grow up. Ha! Anyways.. I hope everyone is doing well. I'm adding pictures! Enjoy!

Hitting the Road..

Tomorrow we'll be heading to Myrtle Beach for the funeral of my Granddad. It's hard to believe that this day has come and as much as I don't want it to be true, he is in a better place and watching over us. I'm lucky to have all of the good memories we've shared and pictures that will last a lifetime. Please keep us in your prayers as we make the trip in such a short time. Pray for my family (especially my Mom). Also, please remember my Grandnana. Sometimes the hardest thing to do in life is say goodbye..

I'll get new pictures of Jalen up when we get back, since he has his new do!

Welcome!

Welcome! Hope everyone is doing great. We're doing good and just staying busy. Hopefully, this will be a way we can all stay in touch and keep up with how fast Jalen is growing. Take a look and keep checking back.. I'll add new pictures and milestones as we go!

I just got back from my trip to ECU for my Wachovia Partnership East training, or the online program for my Elementary Education degree. I am excited to start and finish! While I was driving I got to thinking about what my life would be like if things would have played out differently. I could being driving that same road every weekend to come home and visit my family. I could be going out every night to the clubs and doing that whole scene. But, after I went through a few things.. I found myself crying and thanking God that I'm not doing that. I could not imagine not having Jalen pushing me to wake up in the morning, or hearing him say "love you", or not having those big, beautiful, brown eyes to look at every day. I have to say Motherhood is not easy, but it is the best and most rewarding thing ever! I can't wait for Jessica and Lindsay to see and feel what it is like to be a Mom.

We leave on Friday to go to Myrtle Beach for the funeral. Hard to believe it will be a month since he has passed. I remember those days we'd go and ride those big bikes with the baskets that now I look back and wonder how they did not break in half while we rode them. Or how he used to bake brownies for us, but then count them to make sure no one ate them. It makes me laugh thinking back on those times! We will miss him, but he is in a better place! :)

On a brighter note, hopefully, we will go Friday to get our Passports for Jamaica!! Very excited for Lindsay and Dwight.

Jalen is still loving Elmo and yes, we still watch the same episode over and over again. We will be having a family get together for his birthday and it will be Elmo themed. He is getting a fish tank for his birthday from KiKi (Jessica), so he will have his own Dorothy the fish. He is just like a fish in the pool and is scared of nothing. Lindsay rescued him in the pool when he thought he could jump in by himself. She said whoever said kids always come back up to the top, was wrong! :) But, he was fine and tried it 5 more times. Keeps you on your toes!!

Hope everyone is doing well.. I'll post new pictures of Jalen soon! :) (I know no one cares about seeing pictures of Nick and I.. Ha!) By the way.. On the side of my blog there are a couple of other blogs to check out.. This is what I spend my time doing while Jalen is sleeping.. Very productive.. I know!