Friday, May 29, 2009

I guess it is just another day in paradise...

Well, this week Jalen has been sick. He had a mysterious fever and it has now turned into a cold. Last night we went to Elmo Live and I have to say if your son/daughter likes Elmo and friends then it is a WONDERFUL show and definitely worth every penny. Jalen loved it. Within the first 5 minutes the kid behind us puked everywhere, so if after that we say it is a good show, then it is a good show. Despite Jalen being sick he clapped, danced, sang, and even, got to meet Baby Bear and a new girl that we didn't know who she was. Since Jalen has been sick he has been a 'Mommy's boy.' Tomorrow will be the first day I go back to work in 5 days, so he has had his fair share of me. Tonight he was super cute. We went shopping and stuff for his new room (more to come on that!) and he kept telling me that it would look good and laughing. Love that boy!

While we were out shopping for Jalen's new room, I called my Dad. I was telling him about my day, which consisted of getting bit by the dog. Yes, I have a tooth wide hunk of skin out of my finger all over a stupid, yellow ball with a smiley face on it. At the end of my stories, I said ' I guess it is just another day in paradise.' My life may be crazy, hetic, and all of the above, but it is my paradise and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I would take a little vacation, but I would look forward to come back to paradise. :-)

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Love my iPhone!

As you can see, I love my iPhone. When you do not have a camera around, you can take an excellent picture with the phone. If you look through the pictures, you'll see a picture of a cake that looks demolished. Well, yes, Jalen helped himself, while I was busy around the house. He came to me and said 'Mom, I ate cake!' I simply let him take me by the hand and show me what he did. How can you not laugh? Well, Grandma didn't find it funny one bit. Oops. Jessica and I just ate the cake where he did so she would never know again. Ha. The life of a two year old.










Our Life in Pictures












Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Thankful Tuesday

What a wonderful week!

I'm thankful ...
* Jalen is feeling better after his mysterious fever. Not sure what that was about.
* The weather held up and we were able to cook out 4 times this past week! So nice and quick. Love it!
* We found Jalen a shirt to wear to Elmo Live! It took 4 different stores to find one and needless to say, the stores weren't Target.
* I still have time to spend with my Mom and Kia before they head out on new adventures that will make them stronger people.
* Our family beach trip is coming up soon. Sun! Sun! Sun!
* For our military that serve us every day. Thank you!
* I have a loving family, as always!

What are you thankful for?

Monday, May 25, 2009

Happy Memorial Day and Happy Jon&Kate Day!

Happy Memorial Day! I had to work today and at work we are giving 10% off to military. I was ringing up a guy and his wife who was in the military. He asked me about my Joey Lagano pin on my apron, which is the Home Depot NASCAR driver. I said they gave them to employees and he had the look on his face like "man, I wanted that." I didn't even think before I took it off my apron and gave it to him. I thought he was going to fall over that someone gave it to him. I said 'Thank you for your service and have a good day." He looked at me and I truly had tears in my eyes and he said 'It was my honor' and shook my hand. I have to say I love America. There are people in this world who do not understand the amount of freedom they have and if it was not for the men and women fighting for our freedom, we would not be where we are. Be proud to live in America and be an American. If you're not, you don't belong here. Simple. Harsh but true.

Jon and Kate starts a new season tonight. I'm super excited. The previews look sad and I hope things turn out. Through it all, I admire her and think she has a lot of good views on things. Everyone has their faults and yes, I don't know them, but I do want them to be a family and be happy. I would even let them stop their show. Plus, I'd love to have her hair.. Gosh!

Happy Memorial Day and don't forget to watch at 9 tonight on TLC!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Fun in the Sun

Maybe spring/summer is here to stay? This week has been full of adventure for Jalen. On Tuesday, Jalen, Li, Ki, Ryan, and I walked to the Kids Together Park and ate at Subway, then walked back. We had tons of fun and lots of trouble. Funny pictures will tell the story soon. Wednesday, Jalen, Li, Ki, Ryan and I met Kinley and Sarah at Pullen Park. The kids had a blast hanging out together and doing the rides. Everyone had a great time and again, Jalen was worn out. Even though he was worn out, he still had energy to go back to the neighborhood park for some fun with Ki, Li, and Ryan. Today, Jalen went to Monkey Joe's for about 3-4 hours with Li, Ki, and Ryan. Kinley met Jalen there. He had a blast. He came home and rested, then headed out with Kia and I to play with Malcolm. They had a great time playing in the dirt and then in the water. We've had a great week! Will post pictures tomorrow! :-)

Live your life. Smile and have fun. There are people in this world who do not understand what life is really about and it is sad. It is the simple things in life that mean the most and without your family and happiness, you have nothing. :) Be happy. Smile. Summer is cominggg!!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

ABC Book of Jalen

I made an ABC book for Jalen almost a year ago for his 2nd birthday. Today I was looking at it and thought I would share it with some who hadn't seen it before or are not familiar with the wonders of Shutterfly. Enjoy!

Click here to view this photo book larger

I'm Thankful!

I'm thankful..
- I only am working 3 days a week. Well, technically, I'm working 2 more hours a week, but in 3 days, not four.
- I made Baked Spaghetti for Jessica's birthday dinner because she needed something special and well, pizza just sounded nasty.
- Jalen woke up this morning looking all cute and acting so sweet. Squinting his eyes at me asking me if I'm better now. In otherwords, he was asking me if I was not grouchy anymore because I got sleep. :)
- Nicholas and I are wonderful and boy, do I love my boys?
- We're going to the beach June 7 for a few days. Do you know how excited I am to get away?
- Nick's family got to come into town and Jalen got to torment, oops, I mean play with Malcolm. Jalen is a very rough boy and poor Malcolm, wants to play, but just not so rough. They have a love/hate relationship, but they are cute together and will miss each other. :)
- as always, for my family. They never fail me.

Have a great week! What are you thankful for?

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Kayleigh and Thankful Tuesday..

Not sure if you've looked to the side of my blog and clicked on Kayleigh's story, but it is a very powerful and moving story. I do not know them but I look at their blog daily for updates, as many times we do in the blogging world. Sadly, Kaleigh went Home today. She's dancing in Heaven. Reading her story makes you really appreciate all that you have and take for granted on a daily basis. Take a look at her story and pray for her family...

I am thankful for...
- A very healthy, wild, loving little boy!
- A wonderful Mother's Day and a special night. Thanks for everything Mom!
- Having a great dinner with my Dad and watching Jalen's face light up playing with his trains and Grandpa.
- Lindsay and Dwight taking Jalen to see Thomas and Friends on Friday. He's going to have so much fun.
- Having a two days off in a row.
- Being able to sleep in today.
- MY LIFE!

What are you thankful for?

Sunday, May 10, 2009

I Love Being a Mommy

Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys
or tried to remember words to a lullaby.
I never thought about immunizations.
I didn't worry about who might
be following in my footsteps.
-
Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control
of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.
-
Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes
and cried myself.
I never got gloriously happy
over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.
-
Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put him down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone
more than I loved myself.
-
Before I was a Mom...
I never knew that I would love being one.

author unknown

Words Don't Explain

I'm not sure that words can explain my mother's day. Yesterday, Nicholas got off work and ran errands. I knew we were going out and he had something planned, but I had no idea what. I got dressed up and ready to go. Kia watched Jalen for us and off we went. First we went to Frankie's, which is a fun place for putt-putt. It is for kids, as well as adults. It's open until 1 or 2 in the morning. Then, we went to the Ale House. I thought we were going home afterwards, but I was wrong. We got to a hotel and I walked in the door to rose petals on the floor and all over and candles lit everywhere. Of course, I cried my eyes out. It was a wonderful night. Very relaxing. Now, we're back to reality our screaming, wild, loving, crazy, all of the above life. :)

We did lunch with Nicholas' Mommy and hung out for a little bit. All of his family will be here this week for Khesia's baby shower which is Saturday. Then, we did dinner with my Mom and Jerry. We just grilled out. We all walked to the park and now Jalen is getting ready for bed. It has been a wonderful day.

I am thankful that I am a Mom. I do not know where I would be without Jalen and I am so glad I am able to provide for him. Happy Mother's Day!

Friday, May 8, 2009

Random Things About Me!

Here are 150 things you probably did and didn't know about me:
1. Jalen is my inspiration for a lot of things.
2. To complete ECU with a 4.0 GPA is one of my goals.
3. Purple is my favorite color.
4. I love the summertime.
5. I used to hate going to the beach to just layout, but now I love it.
6. Cooking is one of my favorite things.
7. I wish I would've done better in high school.
8. I want to open my own bakery/restaurant one day.
9. If I go out to eat, I usually order chicken fingers.
10. My sisters are my best friends.
11. Jalen and I are like best friends. I know you're not suppose to be friends with your kids, but get over it. I am!
12. I love taking Jalen places for him - like Marbles or to the park. It's fun to see him play and have fun.
13. We eat Chick-fil-A and Salsaritas at least once a week each.
14. I cry when I get mad.
15. I love hanging out with my boys, even when they both get on my nerves. :)
16. Target is my favorite store.
17. I love my parents and I am lucky for all the do for me.
18. Nicholas and I will live together July 1, 2009 and we are super excited.
19. We've been doing every other night at each other's house for 2 1/2 years now and we're tired.
20. John and Kate Plus 8 is my absolute favorite show.
21. The Hills is a close second.
22. I love going to the tanning bed because it is 10-12 minutes of pure relaxation.
23. I don't need expensive things - except my Coach purses.
24. I wish I would eat healthier.
25. I love doing crafts and making things - can't wait to have more time to do those things.
26. I do thinking being a teacher will be a good match for me, even though I would still love to be a Stay-At-Home Mommy!
27. I would rather be hot than cold.
28. Dr. Pepper is my favorite drink.
29. I don't have many friends, but the friends I have are real friends.
30. I love taking pictures! Yes, I take 500 a beach trip and it gets on Nicholas' nerves and I still do it.
31. I love my nephew like he is my own.
32. I love to travel and would stay traveling if I could.
33. I want to go to Australia one day, but any tropical place will do.
34. Rainbows are what I wear all summer - even if I am wearing black with brown. :)
35. I don't agree with all of the 'going green' stuff. I think there are bigger problems in the world that we need to fix first.
36. I used to have a pet named Shitkers who was a guinea pig.
37. I used to love NASCAR
38. I miss my grandparents.
39. I'm very thankful my Granddad and Grandnana got to meet Jalen.
40. I hated high school, but loved the times with my friends. We got into a lot of things we shouldn't have, but hey, we're here today! Ha.
41. In Kindergarten I had a bean bag to go cry on until I was ready to come to the group. Mrs. Peele was my kindergarten teacher. I laugh about that now because that hate for school never went away.
42. If you ask me where I want to go eat I will say that I don't care, but will tell you what I don't want if you suggest something I don't want.
43. I'm not patient.
44. I am a texter. I would rather text you than call you.
45. I wear contacts and Nicholas thinks I'm blind. He makes fun of me when I don't have them in.
46. Nicholas and I don't have an anniversary date. We're making one up though. We'll get back to you on that. Ha!
47. I loved being pregnant! It was my most favorite time. :)
48. We got the name Jalen because of a basketball player. Funny thing is I had Jaelyn for a girl, but never thought of it for a boy. Therefore, either way, it was going to be a form of Jalen.
49. I will never name my child a Jr. - I don't know why but I won't.
50. I love Christmas.
51. I love any holiday. I think they are fun.
52. I hate crowds.
53. I hate when I hurt peoples feelings (the people I'm close with.)
54. Jalen's first plane ride was to Charleston, SC to see my Granddad. I will always be thankful for that trip. I have no regrets now. I decided we were going down there 2 days before we did.
55. My first plane trip was to St. Thomas.
56. I've been to St. Thomas, Bahamas, Orlando, Disney World, Jamaica... I probably forgot something.
57. I used to go to Hickory every weekend with my Dad before my grandparents passed away. Those are some of the best memories I have.
58. I love hot dogs - especially on the grill.
59. I will try anything by myself first and I hate to ask for help!
60. I am very independent when it comes to a lot of things.
61. I love getting my hair done.. It's relaxing, but expensive.
62. One day I am going to get to making that quilt for Jalen.
63. My Mom is teaching me to crochet.
64. I never will forget the skateboards and cardboard boxes when we were growing up. Our snoopy skateboards.
65. I love planning Jalen's birthday parties. This year will be extra fun.
66. Jalen starts preschool in September. He's excited. I'll cry.
67. I love hoodies.
68. I love summertime where the weather is nice and little clothes are necessary.
69. I love to bake.
70. I used to eat broccoli until I had Jalen. Now, I hate the smell of it.
71. I hate when people can't spell or write papers.
72. I dislike working in groups for projects.
73. In group projects I usually say I'll do most of the work so it is my way or the highway.
74. I am getting better about rolling my eyes - Nicholas hates it.
75. Jalen rolls his eyes like I do. It's pretty funny.
76. Jalen potty trained way too easy.
77. Reading blogs keeps me level-headed.
78. I think there is always someone that has it worse than you.
79. When I was growing up and even now, I hated when my Dad would try to teach me something. I'm not a good learner. We would always get frustrated with each other. Love you Dad :)
80. I watch Elmo atleast 6 times a day.
81. The best chicken fingers ever are Chili's.
82. I love my sister's cauliflower dish. I keep asking for the recipe but she doesn't give it to me.
83. I spoil Jalen.
84. I love buying people presents. I would rather give than recieve.
85. I have to buy the perfect gift or I hate giving it. Same with cards.
86. I used to make cool cards to send to my family as Jalen was getting older. I've really got to get back on that.
87. My favorite movie is 'Save the Last Dance.'
88. I loved the new Fast and Furious.
89. I used to love Elmo when I was growing up. Everyone in my family had a Sesame Street name. My Mom called me Grover and I still get called that sometimes.
90. I love flats. :) Sometimes I look like Dorothy with her shoes.
91. I do sing in the car and I know I can't sing, but get over it.
92. I am nosey!
93. I can't stand leaving the house without my rings on. The one Nicholas gave me on the left and the high school ring my Mom bought me on the right.
94. No, I didn't walk across the stage.
95. Yes, I picked up my diploma from the office.
96. Yes, I left high school a semester early.
97. I do not regret that either. :)
98. I found out I was pregnant at 17 and had Jalen 9 days after my 18th birthday.
99. I hate Wal-Mart. Yes, it is cheap, but yes, it is disgusting. I hate waiting in lines and never getting help when needed.
100. Everything happens for a reason.
101. Jessica used to beat us up as kids until Lindsay and I teamed up and whooped her a*s.
102. One time when Cherish got a new kennel we took the new and old kennel and stacked them. Cherish was on top in the small one and Jessica, Lindsay, and I got in the bigger one. Afterwards, Cherish attacked us and especially me. I cried.
103. I love monkeys. They are cute.
104. My favorite animal at the zoo is the polar bears.
105. I hate cleaning, but love a clean house.
106. Sisters by Danielle Steel is a wonderful book.
107. I listed to country and hip-hop/rap. :) Ha!!
108. I hate eating chicken on the bone or matter of a fact, anything on the bone.
109. I like to be in charge.
110. I'm a leader, not a follower.
111. I don't like it when people don't listen to what I have to say when I have to say it.
112. I'm practical.
113. I hate taking medicine but always make sure Jalen takes his. I get mad when Nicholas forgets or may give him a little too much.
114. I baby Jalen and guess what! GET OVER IT. He's my baby and I will do what I want to do.
115. I used to love some Krispie Creme, but the other day I had Dunkin Donuts and they were wonderful. Chocolate with Sprinkles are a weakness.
116. I hate when I don't feel good. I am a baby when it comes to that.
117. I don't know how people say they don't remember labor. I remember it pretty well. I don't know how you forget it.
118. I didn't know what love was until I saw Jalen for the first time.
119. I love french toast - It is all I ate in Jamaica.
120. I believe you only live once so you might as well do all you want to do.
121. I try to not dwell in the past.
122. My Dad and I used to cook breakfast together on Sundays for Mom and sisters.
123. I miss sleeping in until like 1 or 2. Now, I just pray I can sleep until 9:30.
124. I stopped giving Jalen naps so he would go to bed earlier.
125. I love my new iPhone.
126. I can't sleep without socks on.
127. I love blankets.
128. I really hate when kids say they hate their parents. It annoys me. I just want to be like 'don't you know all they do for you.'
129. I never realized all my parents did for me until I had Jalen -- Sometimes I feel bad for all the stuff I did. Ha!
130. I want a big wedding.. Well, not one with all the extended family and people who I just invite to invite, but one where everyone I love and is always there for me is there and it is fun!
131. I want a weiner dog.
132. I can't stand wearing bows and flowers and girly stuff like that. It is just not me.
133. I can't shop with anyone but my family. I can't shop with friends. I have my ways and only my family does it my way.
134. I hate when Jalen acts out in public. Makes me so mad and frustrated with him.
135. I am very lucky to be as close as I am with Nicholas' family. They are like my own.
136. I hate Wake Tech and love ECU.
137. I hate when kids are mean.
138. In the summer time I wear my hair curly.
139. I will always want Jalen to know that his family will always be there for him.
140. I love when Jalen acts silly and I can laugh.
141. I love to dress up and feel all pretty.
142. Sometimes you have to have faith and everything will work out.
143. I think having common sense is better than book sense.
144. I try to always have common sense but sometimes it slips my mind.
145. I want more kids, eventually.
146. Joe Joe's from Trader Joes (like Uh-Oh Oreos) are my new favorite cookie.
147. I used to hate to read and now, I will only read cooking magazines and occasionally a good book from my sisters, but I am more open to it.
148. I am trying to plan a beach trip for the three of us this year.. we'll see if it happens.
149. Nicholas has something planned for Saturday for me and I don't know what it is and it is bugging me.
150. I am a random person! :)

Now it's your turn!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Thankful Tuesday

What an excellent week this has been! It was about 10x better than last week and I have to say I've got a lot to be thankful for. I'm thankful for...
* Being able to go to Apex Peak Fest with Lindsay, Jalen, and Ryan! Lots of fun and cute ideas.
* The cooking show was awesome. It was a great time with everyone and I am ready for another one. We got cool gift bags and Jessica won a prize. We had lots of laughs and just enjoyed being around each other. It was rare we all got to go to one place without food throwing, yelling, 'Mommyyyy', etc... :)
* Nicholas and I were able to go out last night by ourselves. What a wonderful thing! We deffinately have to do it more often.
* The beautiful weather we had been having.. I know it's raining, now!
* I am DONE with school for this semester. I took my final today for Geography.
* I am off for Mother's Day and Saturday

What are you thankful for?