Soccer season has started

This weekend marked the beginning of a new soccer season!  We had 3 practices on Saturday!  Talk about just being thrown into it!   Peyton had a special treat at his practice!  Some soccer players from the local high school team showed up to practice with them!!!  They had a GREAT time!!

Peyton on the far right, tongue sticking out!

Peyton #23

Also.. I just finished day 2 level 1 of the 30day shred!  I still had to take a few breaks, but not as many!! and I can feel it in my arms and legs more today!!  It hurts to get up and down from the couch, wash my hair etc.  I just really wish I'd feel it in my abdomen, that's where I need the most work!! :-D

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One more day...

Last night I had a crazy dream

A wish was granted just for me

It could be for anything

I didn't ask for money

Or a mansion in Malibu

I simply wished, for one more day with you

One more day

One more time

One more sunset, maybe I'd be satisfied

But then again

I know what it would do

Leave me wishing still, for one more day with you

 

 
Tomorrow marks 2 yrs since my Grandma passed away.. It's so hard to believe its been 2 yrs since I last told her I loved you, felt her soft skin, kissed her sweet cheek, touched her soft hair..  Its in understatement to say this woman is missed.. Dearly.. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her, and wish I could sit in her living room with her again, watch her hug my kids, or give me a hug. Share another story with her, watch her do a little dance, smile at me.. I try to keep the memory of her alive, share stories about her with my kids, remember things about her.  I remember the night she passed away, and I was sitting on the couch with Jeff, in a complete fog, trying to make sense of everything.. I just kept crying, and rubbing my hands, saying I never wanted to forget her touch.  I always told her I loved her soft hands, we all did.. I miss her dearly... we all do...

This picture brings a smile to my face.  To tell my kids that Grandma had passed, was a really hard thing to do.  Aleena had seen her the night before she passed, and was so upset that things didn't seem to be doing good.  When I told her that Grandma didn't make it through the night, she ran upstairs crying, and came back down with this picture, saying she had drawn it for Grandma, to make her feel better.  I broke down, again. We put this in the casket with my Grandma, and the lady at the funeral home was kind enough to scan it and email it to me. It's now framed, in a collage of pictures in our entry way.

 

What Is a Grandma?

A grandma is warm hugs and sweet memories. She remembers all of your accomplishments and forgets all of your mistakes. She is someone you can tell your secrets and worries to, and she hopes and prays that all your dreams come true. She always loves you, no matter what. She can see past temper tantrums and bad moods, and makes it clear that they don't affect how precious you are to her. She is an encouraging word and a tender touch. She is full of proud smiles. She is the one person in the world who loves you with all her heart, who remembers the child you were and cherishes the person you've become. ~Barbara Cage~


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me and hubby...

Words can't express how I feel about my husband Jeff right now.  Some of you have been around for a long time, and know that our relationship has been anything but perfect!  Jeff and I went on our first day nearly 14 yrs ago!!  Can you believe it?? I was a kid! 19 yrs old.  and I had a kid!! Joey, he was 2.  Jeff was a newly divorced man, I think for about a year or so... and was living back at home with his parents.  I won't go into our life history right now.. 

When I moved to TX from MI 15 yrs ago, I never thought in my wildest dreams I would have met someone who takes such great care of me, and our kids.  He truely treats me like a princess, and I adore every minute of it!  And I count my blessings everyday.

2.5 yrs ago I was consulting divorce attorneys and researching apartments, ready to divorce him, over issues we were having.  I won't go into details on all that was going on, some of you know what was going on..

But today, nearly 2.5 yrs later.  I love this man more then I did nearly 10 yrs ago when we said "I do".. isn't that the way its supposed to be?? To love him more today then yesterday?  I believe that your attitude when you wake up sets the precedence for how your day will be.  If I woke up tomorrow and thought about the things this man does that drives me nuts, that is ALL I would focus on all day long, everything negative.  I'd forget about all of the great things he does for us.  I try my hardest to wake up everyday, and include him in my prayers, pray that I show this man how much I truley love him, and that I only do things that please HIM on a daily basis.  I pray that Jeff makes holy decisions in his actions everyday, that everything he does with me, and the kids, showcases his love for HIM.  Jeff and I can't fix things on our own.. we need HIS guidance to get through things...  Not only with my husband, but with my children.  I try not to think about what others think about the things I'm doing, as long as I know I'm doing the best I can for HIM, my hubby, and my children.  And I think between me and Jeff, we are doing a great job.  Ok, digressing a little huh!  :-)

It's easy to let LIFE get in the way.  Get up, go to work, come home, deal with kids, cook dinner, housework, never ending chores, sports, etc.. and we don't always fit time in there to be a married couple!  That's one thing I know me and Jeff need to work on.  Right now its hard though.  Hes gone back to retail which means working a lot of crazy hours, and weekends, and not knowing ahead of time what we have to work with.  Now that our kids are older, we really need to start just doing things together, last minute with each other.  The kids need to see how much we really care for each other, and love each other.  I want the kids to see that marriage is full of great rewards, but also has it's hard times.  Our kids see us disagree, but they see us loving each other later that day.  They know we don't always get along 100%, but I hope they see how much we love each other.

I love you honey, and thanks for all you do!





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Oncology Referral?? One of the hardest calls I've had to make..

A few weeks ago I shared with you about some testing that my daughter Aleena was going through.  She had her blood work done a few weeks ago, and the results from that were normal.  Last week she went in for an Ultrasound on her Armpit and breast area.  The Radiologist told Jeff that day that he didn't see anything alarming, but to wait until we heard from the DR.  Today the DR told Jeff that we needed to take her to see an Oncologist.  My heart dropped when I got this message from Jeff this morning.  She does have an enlarged lymph node.. now to just find out why.

I'm sure that everything is fine, but I'm still scared and worried about the what if's, and will be until I get a clear diagnosis.  Unfortunately the soonest we could get in to the pediatric oncologist is next Friday, the 26th.  This will be an agonizing 10 days for me.  Over the past 5-6 yrs I've done a lot of volunteer work, on various levels, all dealing with pediatric cancer patients in one way or another.  I've taken meals, done balloon releases, attended prayer vigils, funerals, visited in the hospital, given care packages etc.. The past few years I've stopped doing it, not because I didn't enjoy it, life just got really really busy for me, with the kids in school full time, all playing sports, sometimes multiple sports.  I still think about all of the families I've helped, and met along the way.  And to think, I've gotten so settled in my ways, and something like this could happen to me. 

Again, I know it's likely not lymphoma.  But... to have to go see an oncologist, scares me..  a lot.  I broke down at work today, thinking of the possibilities.  The what ifs.. And thinking of my Grandpa.  He lost his battle with Lymphoma a little over 2 yrs ago.  I'll admit it.. I'm scared, and worried..  But I won't let it consume me.  I just pray that in time we'll learn it's nothing! 

I'm one that believes in prayer, I believe in putting good thoughts in the universe, and good things will happen.  I used to be one that when something happened to one of my kids, I'd send a quick text out to family, asking for prayers.. you know, Aleena going to the ER with an injured wrist, ankle etc., Jeff's daddy in the hospital, not doing good etc.  Well behind my back I was getting flamed by family.. for asking for prayers too much and making a big deal of nothing.  Its not like I was sending these requests out every week.. Aleena's been to the ER 3 times in her life, and daddy 1-2 times a year with strokes, and other issues.  But to me they weren't nothings... To me it was something important.  I don't want to see my daughter with a broken bone, in a cast, Daddy going through even more tests to find out whats wrong with him etc.  When I found out my family was talking about me like that, I cut them off, I don't email them updates anymore, or send them texts, and they aren't on my Facebook..  My new saying about life is.. don't make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.. I was wrong in thinking that I could count on my family to be my biggest supporters. I've learned though that it mainly comes from friends.. Don't get me wrong.. I have a few family members I know really have a vested interest in me, and my kids..

I'm one that keeps my family, those here at home and extended in my prayers, but I realize not everyone does that..  SO I ask if you pray, and believe in prayers.. then please keep my family in your prayers!  I'll keep you guys updated here..

Thank you,

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Still alive!!

Hello everyone! Wow has it been a long time since I’ve done an update! :-) That’s what happens when your internet has been down.. and working overtime like crazy, barely allowing me time to be a mom and wife, let alone blog. But alas, here I am..
First.. a few updates.. Jeff has a job!! Its back in retail, which definitely has its ups and downs! But, it’s a job! He’ll be working really close to the house which is great. Were not to sure on the hours. I’m worried about how it will work out when the sports schedules pick back up. Peyton will be doing soccer and baseball, Aleena soccer, Jeff Softball and Soccer (playing and ref’ing), and Joey will be ref’ing soccer again this year. But we’ll make it! One thing I struggled with last season was getting frustrated over my busy schedule, and upset over not having anything that was related to what I wanted to do. And I’ve been thinking about it a lot during this off season, and hate that I felt that way. I’m going to try and focus on the fact that I’m as busy as any other mother out there, enjoy all of the moments with my children, even if it does mean were on the go all of the time. And make the most of the time that we are all home together as a family. Soon enough I’ll be wishing for these years again. All too soon I know. I read a quote on someone’s blog today that is so true.. Long Days.. but shorter years…
Yesterday I had a pleasant surprise from my sweet hubby. Jeff has always been great at showing me how much he appreciates me, and doing little things to show me how much he loves me. There is no doubt in my mind that this man loves me. I get told multiple times a day that he loves me, he’s very affectionate, always giving hugs and kisses. I’m trying not to take those for granted either. Sometimes it’s a little smothering, but I know that I’m blessed. He writes messages on the bathroom mirror with lipstick, writes on the shower doors where I’ll see it when they steam up, gives me a glass of tea when I walk in the door, back rubs, etc. draws me bath water with candles and a glass of wine.. Ok, so you get the picture.. Well a few months ago he bought a big box of silk rose petals, and had them leading from the bedroom door into the bathroom, leading to the tub. He had drawn me a bath with bath oil, petals, candles lit, etc.. Yesterday he got creative with those flower petals. :-)

Love is a moment that lasts forever...

Flu bug.. again..

Earlier this month I made this post about Joey getting the flu.. Unfortunately, it hit our house again this weekend.

Friday Night Peyton had a baseball game, and seemed to be fine throughout the entire game.

On the way home he started coughing, and said his throat was hurting "really bad".

We got home and took his temperature, and sure enough, he was running a low grade temp.

When he woke up on Saturday it was still low grade, and we went ahead and cancelled him playing in his soccer game that day.

I came home from Aleena's soccer game, and we took a nap together. By then his temp had gotten up over 101, and he was still complaining of a sore throat. I took this picture

of him after he had fallen asleep in my bed..

I could stare at this sweet little face for hours..

Look at the fuzz on his cheeks.. and those long eye lashes!!

and I love the pouty little lips.. and that little puddle of drool

under his head! LOL.. I don't really love that.. the sheets were thrown in the washer

as soon as he got up... ;-)

He woke up in the middle of the night last night with a temp of 103, and a horrible nasty cough.

I swore he had croup, he sounded like a seal barking. he couldn't even talk, was crying and trying to say something, but nothing would come out!! :-(

So I registered him for Care now at 3:30 this AM, and had him there when they opened by 9.

I LOVE there web check in, no need to wait in the lobby!

They call you when a room is ready for you.. that's the best thing when you don't feel good.

This picture was taken with my cell phone, he was trying to sleep on the bed in the room while waiting for the DR.

While we were gone though, Jeff was doing this for us... :-)

How he's been spending most of his free time...

And doing some breathing treatments...

He's got a really bad sore throat, the DR was surprised he didn't have strep.. and his lungs are full of junk.. she said he was borderline with pneumonia... but that he was getting decent airflow..

so were doing treatments every 4-6 hrs...

I'll be home with him for the next few days.. hoping to get caught up on some housework..

do some cuddling with a sick little guy..

and work on my business some..

Speaking off.. please visit my other site.. www.southerngalsboutique.blogspot.com

I've added a "widget" to the left that shows some things in my Etsy Shop.

Any order placed before December 1st will save 10% off of there order (any total BEFORE shipping/handling) when you mention seeing it here! :-)

What a weekend...And Giveaway!!!!

As with any family, our weekends are always so busy...

but this weekend seemed to just really fly by us!

I miss my bed!! It doesn't seem like I got to be there too much this weekend.

Our weekend was filled with a lot of this...

Aleena and Peyton had a game on Saturday and Jeff had one on Sunday.

Aleena got injured in her game Saturday, so she only played for a few minutes in the first 1/2!

Someone kicked her in the calf, just on the outside of her shin guard.

She's OK now though and will be good to go for practice later this week.

While out at the soccer fields I consumed a little to much of this..

On Sunday we went to see these guys play...

(and they lost unfortunately)

Where I consumed more of this then I needed too...

And we had WAY too much of this!! What happened to the cold front that North Texas had a few days ago??

And not nearly enough of this was done!!

Tonight Jeff has a board meeting with the soccer association,

and Peyton has soccer practice. I'm hoping it will be an early night.

The next week will be very busy for me at work, and I'm sure I'll be working some

overtime.

Don't forget about my first giveaway on my other blog... read the post below! :-)

Photo Shoot...

A few weeks ago we finally met with Sara at http://www.sdsphotography.com/ for a much needed family photo shoot!! Below are a few of the pictures.

Happy 3rd "Birthday" Joey!

Today marks 3 yrs ago that Joey's adoption was finalized!! 3 yrs ago today, Jeff became his legal father.

Jeff and Joseph Rogers when we came home from the court house.

Here are a few links detailing what we were going through then... Much easier for those that are new to my blog to catch up on what was going on then. I was a nervous wreck about doing this on my own, without an attorney. I wish now that we had someone there to take a picture of us after it was finalized. My niece Che showed up for awhile but had a class to go to I think.. but she was the only family member that showed up for it.

Our Home Study

We have a Court Date

Not to excited about the recent news..

He was served...

Getting the news he wasn't going to fight.

And its finally done!!

We had an adoption party a few weeks later, and these are some of my favorite pictures from it..

When we had Aleena and Peyton Jeff wore the same scrub, and the nurses placed the kids footprints on the front of it. So at Joey's adoption party we had him put his footprints on the same scrub. The other kids footprints are light, and much smaller so hard to see on the pictures below.

My baseball junkie...

As I've mentioned on here many times.. Sports rule our house.. and not by my choice.. I'd rather be lounged on the couch watching LMN, HGTV, TLC etc sometimes..... of course not all of the time.. I REALLY do enjoy doing things with my family that makes them happy.. that makes me happy.. but honestly, I don't know what's happening in the normal TV world anymore, unless its on Disney etc.. or Foxsports news, ESPN etc..

Peyton has turned into our baseball junkie... he lives for baseball right now, having conversations with strangers about stats, rankings, etc. It just cracks me up.. as I type this, he's watching them play Toronto.. more on that in a minute..

Peyton has played Baseball on and off for the past 5 yrs, since he was 3..

I think it must run in his blood or something..

His Grandpa in his uniform.. and Jeff at one of his games..

In his Early Days of Tball..

Shortly after the picture above was taken 2 yrs ago, he gave up baseball.. His main reason for it was because it was boring.. now he's saying it was because he hit some kid in the head with a ball and felt bad.. I remember him hitting someone during a game, but I don't recall him being really upset about it. For the last 2 yrs he has focused on other sports. Soccer, 1 season of flag football, and some basketball...

UNTIL..... :-)

My friend Kristi's husband gave Jeff and the kids some vouchers to go to a local Minor League Park for a meet and greet and some fun family activities...

Don't get me wrong.. He's always loved going to baseball games.. but before this night, he could care less to watch them on TV. And I promise you, it was like a light switch had been turned on and this kid LOVED baseball.. Again... it is so fun watching him get excited over it. If the Rangers aren't doing well, he'll hide behind a pillow saying I can't watch this over and over. If he's not home watching the game, he's having dad update with the score, who is up to bat, who is pitching etc.. and he now wants to be a professional baseball player! Even wanting to give up soccer after this season so he can dedicate all of his time to Baseball, as he informed us last night!! ... So Jimmy and Kristi.. Jeff says THANK YOU! :-)

Above I mentioned that he was watching the game.. This is how he stands all of the time when a game is.. if he's not hiding behind a pillow.. mit in hand.. and he "pitches" along with the game..

With these huge goals of his, you may want to ask him for his autograph soon! He's a very ambitious young man, and it'll be interesting to see what comes of this..

In the meantime you can catch him out at the fields.. or practicing out in the yard...

I love you Peyton..

He's ready for his game, bag packed and uniform on.. ready to go.. oh and how fitting.. Rangers game just ended.. they won, and he's excited! :-)