Happy Birthday Emily Klair!!!

WOW !! where does the time go?? top pic on her 3rd birthday..bottom pic on our beach trip this summer..what a difference!!

Last year on her Birthday!!

My baby is 6 years old today!! I have no more babies in this house....I was looking at some old pictures today and thought I would share some of Emily Klair from the last three years...it is amazing to me at how much she has grown. She is a sweet girl and is a big daddy's girl..she loves to draw and be the center of attention!! She is shy yet will talk your head off once she feels comfortable with you!! She is special in her own way and brings such joy into our lives!!! She is in kindergarten this year and loves it. She is doing well for the most part with the seizures..(wish the meds helped get rid of them all...or better yet just wish she would out grow them all together).. Hope you enjoy some of these pics they were some of my favorites!!

Snow day!!!

On days like today I really miss my camera. I would love to show some pictures of this beautiful winter wonderland we have right now. The kiddos played outside for about 2 1/2 hours this morning in it. They had a ball!! I went out for a while with them but not the whole time!! They were frozen by the time I made them come in... I love snow like this because it might have been mentioned a little on the news but not anything other then a few flurries.no big deal!! It was so beautiful coming down and sticking to everything!! I do not know why but it is always more beautiful and fun to me when they have not predicted it and talked it to death..it was quite a lovely surprise to say the least!!! I made lunch and we ate it picnic style in the living room watching a movie while they warmed themselves up....have I mentioned I love having my kiddos home??? Today has been a great day!! the only regret..no camera!! I've got to get that on my Christmas list asap!!!

BAHUMBUG!!!

Sorry that I have not blogged in awhile. Just a busy time for the Robinson's I guess!! Give-Away day was a huge success we saw over 705 families that day!!! We had some excitement this year. We start giving out numbers at around 5 am, well this year we had families show up at 2pm the afternoon before and sit out in the parking lot in lawn chairs. At about 4 am we got a phone call thinking they were calling my father in law (which does not happen alot but does occasionally) telling us that a fight had broke out and they had to call the police, fire, and ambulance. It was a mad house and has been described as a mini riot by some that were there. I think we are going to have to come up with a better system in the future. We had a great Thanksgiving and made it safely to MI and back. My dad took all the guys and Krysi to see the Titans play the Lions on Thanksgiving day!! Tyler had a ball...I played outside with the girls and we built their first real snowman...it was such a blast!!! Warren is in Boston this week and I am missing him already! We are making it just fine without him but will be glad when he his home. We have a lot to be thankful for and I am....but I am also having a very hard time getting into the Christmas spirit this year! I am hoping that will change in the next few days...we now have our tree up (which was a huge event in itself..it kept falling over..it was nuts!!) and I am almost done with the shopping...so hopefully I won't be bahumbug for too much longer!!

Give-Away Day....

Tomorrow is give-away day at my church and I love this day. Every year, all year we collect items like coats, furniture, diapers, clothing, household items, school supplies, cleaning supplies, linens, book, toys and we even have big items donated like computers, T.V.'s, and bikes. Our whole community is invited and we usually have around 550 people show up. They are given a Bible and a number then they are called to go through the rooms to get whatever they need. At the end of the rooms they are given a bag of groceries with all the fixing's for a Thanksgiving dinner, ham included. It is a wonderful day and I am blessed beyond measure, and this day always helps to remind me of that. I love this day for other reasons to though, it is a day of great fellowship with my church family. I also love it because my children are welcome to help, Emily Klair is still to young to really realize what is going on and what she is doing to help but Tyler gets it and has already been a big help. After working at church yesterday afternoon and on into last night, his bed time prayer was very sweet, the boy has a very tender heart! I pray for tomorrow and the families we will be helping.

What a weekend....

I am so exhausted so please excuse this mess of a blog entry today. Last week was a busy and stressful week. I was getting ready for an annual retreat to Lake Guntersville with the youth at church. I have not learned that one little word "no" yet and I was in charge of the games and theme for this year's retreat (along with my partner in crime..my sil Stephanie) and on top of that my 17 yr old little sister Jesi had an internal defibrillator put in on Thursday of last week. So when I say stressful I mean it!!! Jesi came through the surgery great and is one tough chic let me tell you. She is doing well and is in little pain..let's just say it has not slowed her down or stopped her from doing anything. God is good!!! I was already married when my parents adopted her and Krysi, and I probably am more like a mom then a sister. But these last 2 years Jesi and I have gotten closer, and I am thankful for that. Thursday was a hard day, it was so hard to watch her be so brave. I hope she knows that she is an inspiration to me and that I love her. This weekend was great!! The weather this whole weekend was wonderful. The games and tribal councils seem to be a success. The theme was Survivor and when the kids heard about it they asked for physical challenges..not church camp things (you all know what I am talking about!!) well ask and you shall receive...We did some pretty intense things...I can not wait to get some pics to post. We made them build a raft out of 9 random objects, we played soccer with an 8ft ball (where I took a hit from a big football lineman..it hurt but I am a tough girl...got one gnarly bruise from knee to hip!! but it was worth it!!) talk about laughing so hard you pee your pants!! That was soo much fun and funny to watch! We had tribal councils where we set up 50 tiki torches and had some interesting team swapping and alliances made. Overall it was a great weekend. The kids had a great time!! Rusty and Zac out did themselves with the prayer centers this year they were amazing. I love this retreat for many reasons, one of them being that we have went to the same camp forever, I went as a camper during high school. The other reason is it is a special time away from everyone and everyday life, it is a chance to worship God and grow closer to one another. This year's seniors are "my girls" I have taught them from 8th grade on...we have been through alot together, from a death of one the prettiest,sweetest friends we have ever known, to one of them breaking their back and having major surgery, to helping them through some tough teenage decisions, to having their backs when they mess up and need someone. I would move mountains to help these girls. If you don't work with teenagers it is hard to understand the bond..if you do then you get it. I can't explain it so I am not even going to try but I have been thinking alot here lately (and have been told on more then one occasion) I missed my calling. I should have went to school for something involving kids esp. teenagers...I am thinking and praying hard about what to do. I mean I am fairly young, right??? I mean I could go back to school, right???I just wish I knew what direction I want to go with this?? I feel so confused because I have this nagging voice telling me to get on the ball and go back but that little voice is not real clear on what I need to go back for??? Well I'm not sure any of this makes any sense but these are some of the thoughts and prayers I have right now...who would have thought that I of all people would even be thinking about going back to school???

Spooky Ooky Night.....

We had a great Halloween!!

We went Trick-or-Treating with my mom, Kinsley, and Andie! We got drug around the neighborhood for a little over an hour. My kiddos are at the age that I can stand at the end of the drive way or on the road as they run up to the houses. It was fun and such a blast to see as they hollered trick-or-treat and then said thank-you, when they are little and you are dragging them around and reminding them every time what do and say and they are dropping their buckets or crying because they are scared or uncomfortable in the cute outfit you have them in, and you are so stressed out by the end of the night it feels like you will never make it too a fun spooky ooky night...well we have made it and I must admit I am a little broken hearted, my kiddos are growing up way too fast!!!

Kinsley was JoJo and her costume was absolutely fabulous!! (and I have to add here that I am a little jealous of Andie cause she got it for so cheap!) Emily Klair was Minnie Mouse and she loved her costume...the thing she liked the most was the white gloves...go figure when its cold and they have to wear them they hate them but last night she loved them. My little man was a vampire and I have to admit he looked really good! He had the scary face down and it was amazing how mean and scary my sweetheart could look.

After we went all over the neighborhood we loaded in the car and took off for Warren's parents house. His grandmother was in town and the kiddos loved showing off their costumes for her and some good friends of the family. It was a great night and we all had a great time...Hope you and yours had a great spooky ooky night!!!

No post lately...

I'm sorry if you have checked in on my blog and saw nothing new!! I have just been so busy that I have not had time to post anything. We are looking forward to Friday night, we love Halloween!! This weekend we went to the pumpkin patch and had a carving party with some old friends. It was so good to see them and to see the kids playing and having such a great time designing their pumpkins!! (it was quite an event let me tell ya..) I wish that our camera was working because we are missing so many fun moments! The kiddos are doing well and getting back adjusted to school, we had a great fall break!! Emily Klair's medicine just got adjusted again, so we are having a few more seizures then normal. She had her first one at school the other day and lost control of her bladder. She was embarrassed but ok, it breaks my heart! We had a real photo shoot with the talented friend of mine and I am now in the process of trying to pick which ones I am going to choose...it is so hard I am going to end up spending way to much money!!! Tyler is in a soccer tournament this weekend and I am looking forward to it. I am always gone on a teen retreat for church and miss it, Warren always is sending me updates on the cell phone, but this year I will get to be there!! yay!! Did I mention I love watching my Tyler play soccer?? I hope to do better with the blog and get back to keeping it up to date...hope that you all are well!!

I've been tagged...

Seven random things about me... 1. I love Halloween....all the dressing up, parties, haunted houses, decorations...I love it all!! 2. I hate to bake and really cookies/cakes/brownies not really my thing.. (don't get me wrong I'll eat them but I always choose the chips/veggies/or "real" food over the sweets...) 3. Love Love Love family get togethers!!!! Even the boring ones with your cousins that are twice removed... 4. Want to move far away from where I am living right now!!!! But won't because I love being around my family... 5. I am a horrible housekeeper...would rather be in the yard playing with the kiddos! 6. Would love to have another baby...(and look forward to the day we can adopt!!) 7. My favorite past time is looking at houses...those for sale and those being built...I love it!!! I tag Valerie, and Sarah....tag your it!!!

Lovin it..

Ok so when that last week in July rolls around and we are already getting back into school....I frown and whine and just think its awful that the kids have to be in school when there is clearly so much summer left, but when October rolls around and we have the first 2 weeks off...I AM LOVIN IT!!! The kids last day of school till the 20th was today and I am so excited!! I have so much planned and can not wait to get started. I am down to one last regular season game for v-ball next week and then we are off....till the next week till we start practicing for our tournament!!! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel..yeah!! Do not get me wrong I love coaching and I love the girls but I have been in volleyball since the 3rd week in July..time for a break!!! I always feel like such a slacker mom during volleyball season...I mean for the most part my kids go with me to every practice and only miss some of the away games (and that is only because I have to leave so early I'd have to get them out of school...and I do some..just not all) so they are with me, so I do not feel like a slacker on that part...but I do look forward to getting back into a real school routine where when I pick them up we come home get homework done and play, I cook supper...bath time and off to bed!! During v-ball it is more run through the drive through or heat up some nuggets...and rush rush rush around...Slacker mom!!! This is my favorite time of year and the weather is great this fall...tomorrow night is Homecoming I am doing hair for this years Queen, last years Queen and one of the attendants...I love it (although it always makes me miss working... shh I'll tell you a little secret I am thinking and praying really hard about going back to work though shh!)and I am also looking forward to seeing old friends and their families at the game... Hope you all have a great weekend!!!

Calling all mothers...

I have always prided myself on having well behaved children. We have been told how good they are from strangers in the mall, Dr.'s office, and we have even had someone pay for our dinner one time and was told the reason they wanted to do it was because it was refreshing to sit next to children that had manners and was well behaved, and not screaming and making a mess. Now with that being said I want you to know that they are kids and they do make messes and they are loud and they do not always use their manners...but they are also precious and I personally think that they are the best kids...(most days..hehe and I can say that I am the mom!) But here is where I need the help of you other mothers. How do you know when you are being too hard on them?? Where is the line between letting them be kids, picking your battles if you will?? I do not feel that I am hard on them, maybe I am?? I do not want them to be perfect angels all the time, I mean where is the fun in that?? I am asking all of these questions because I want to hear from you moms out there on what you think...We are having some issues with Tyler (7yr old 2nd grader)right now and it is almost as if he is having anxiety attacks..and it is all about something he "thinks" he has done wrong or could have done wrong?? It is has gotten worse in the last few months, and today I got called to pick him up from school because he got so upset (about something very small....) that he made himself sick, physically sick. So I just want to hear from you all and see what you all have to say about it?? I do not want him to feel this way anymore...I do not want him to get sick over small things anymore..and I want him to know that no one is perfect and it is ok to make mistakes. We tell him this all the time and it is just getting worse..it is like he is too hard on himself...how do you help someone with that? Especially when that someone is 7yrs old?? I am pretty open to some suggestions right now, I am worried about him. Please know that he is loved and told daily how proud I am to be his mother and how blessed we are because of him.

A Lunch Date....

Every once in awhile Warren and I are lucky enough to get to have a lunch date, and we usually end up talking no stop about the kids, the house, or some other everyday life issues. Today was a lunch date day, they are usually not blog worthy let me tell ya, but today was different. We just went to Subway and while sitting there eating lunch we started off with the same ole same ole talk..then I'm not sure when or how but we stopped talking about the kids and life and just talked. You know the talking and cutting up that we use to do, about nothing and for nothing other then to have fun and enjoy being with each other kind of talk. I was laughing at him(the boy always has jokes, people tell him all the time he should do stand up) and even when he was making fun of me and my poor attempt at telling a joke(I thought it was funny..he said it was more my delivery then the joke itself..go figure) I realized how much we miss out on when we are so concentrated on the kids and everyday things. Don't get me wrong we still (try to) make time for just us but it doesn't always happen. Like I said earlier and when we do, we still only end up talking about the kids or something else...why is that?? Are we too busy?? Do we put the kids, and life above all else?? or are we just that comfortable with one another that we take our relationship for granted?? What ever the reason I have decided that from now our lunch dates are off limits to anything other then having a good time and being Kari &Warren again....for an hour we are not mom&dad, we are not in charge of anything (work or church), and most importantly the phones go off. We have been together for a long time (in Dec. it will be 12 years of marriage..we dated 4 years before that)and we have been through a lot together. Some might even say we grew up together(seeing as we were 15 when we started dating and 19 when we got married)and today at lunch was a great reminder of why we are together, we enjoy each other and we get one another, we can just give looks sometimes and not even have to talk to know what the other is thinking. I am blessed with a great husband that is supportive, a great father, and takes great care of his family and most of all loves me for me. Thanks for the lunch Warren..I love you!

I'm still here...

Its been a week and I have not posted..very unlike me! I have been sick with mono and last week was the worst week yet. I am a little better this week and back up trying to do my everyday normal things. This weekend is my ladies retreat at church and I am still not where I need to be on some of the details. But, I figure it will all work itself out, I mean it always does!!! The kids are in soccer and loving it, Tyler has a coach this season that really knows what he is doing and he is learning so much. Warren is coaching Emily Klair this season and so far so good...if we can just get her to stop being so nice (did I really just type that??) I have a lot I want to talk about and share just not real sure how to go about it, I've started several post and then end up deleting them, there seems to be alot going on in my little head right now!!! Maybe when I feel better I can get them posted???Hope that you all are not as busy as we seem to be and hope that all is well with you and yours!!

Oh My Goodness...

"Oh my goodness..really??? I am in awe right now!! How do we have that much stuff that we do not use or need?? I am almost..no I am embarrassed of all this stuff!!" This is something I said over and over today. I have been preparing for a yard sale this weekend and going through all of our things from clothes to toys to everyday items that we do not use anymore...and I can not believe my eyes!! How in the world did the kids get so much and why do they not use it or play with half of it?? Its funny that we live in a world that is all about bigger and better and more more more..and I thought as a parent I was doing a decent job of teaching my kids that less is better and you appreciate things more...but looking at this ever growing mountain of toys and clothes, I see I am not doing a good job of that at all. So, tonight I reminded the kids that when they got home from school tomorrow most of, if not all of their toys would be packed up and taken to Nanny's for the yard sale. I really thought that they would whine or complain or even ask why?? but to my surprise all they said was.."ok, mom!" So, I guess that is my cue that it is time to get rid of them and to not look back. It got me thinking why is it we tend to hang on to things, or get things we do not need, when there are kids in the world going to bed hungry? or not having anything to play with other then a plastic bottle, or clothes that are too small or too big, or shoes that do not fit?? Yet again my kids help me have another "reflection" moment and since I am seeing myself in my true "reflection" alot here lately I have to say I am not liking what I see at all. I have alot that I need to change and work on, and it is amazing to me how humbling it can be to see your "reflection" !! So I want to ask you, If you took a good look at your "reflection" would you like what you are seeing??

Just a little behind..sorry :)

I am just now getting these posted of Emily Klair's first day of school....but better late then never!! right??

So far this school year is going great for both kiddos. Tyler loves his teacher, and really seems to enjoy going to school!! He is learning so much..hard to believe he is already in 2nd grade. Emily Klair is adjusting well and seems to really love her teacher and it seems she may be more like me (yet again) all she talks about is the social part, how many friends she has made and not so much about what she is learning!!

Oh yeah and a "dress code" update...I have bought some new pieces of "uniforms" that have meet schools approval and Tyler's...He has now said "these are not so bad mom, at least they are not as nerdy as they could be.." so it is all working out!!!

Attitude adjustment...who me??

Every had those days or weeks where you look back at something you said or did and think... " WOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME??" Well, I had a moment of that earlier this week. My sweet Tyler talked to me in a not so pleasant tone and attitude and I quickly informed him, that is not how we speak to our mother..or anyone else for that matter!! He quickly replied oh sorry! and then he gave me that look...(you know the look)...that says "oh really you do it to me all the time" at first I could not believe my eyes...but then it hit me square in the face (and yes it hurt!) I do, I do it all the time, not even realizing I do it. So, I am giving myself an attitude adjustment and trying so hard to talk and be nicer to the ones I love so dearly. Why is it that we are always harder on the ones we love...I am not sure why? or how? I let it get so bad and why someone has not told me sooner that I needed an adjustment..but seeing my child do it and then "the look" he gave me I realized that it is out of control. I am working on our ladies retreat for church and our theme this year is "reflection" and let me tell you my reflection needs alot of work right now! The reflection I saw coming back at me from my sweet 7 yr old is proof enough for me!!!

Introducing the talented....

It always amazes what talents some have....I just had to show these pictures off!!! First off I know her hair is not combed and it is still wet..she had just stepped out of the pool (we were not planning on getting her picture taken) I have to brag on my friend Jessica Morgan...she has only been taken pictures a little over a year and I have to say that everything I have seen her do I love!!! If you get a minute check out her website http://www.jessicamorganphoto.com To me it so funny, I usually nit pick a photo to death...but with these it does not even distract me that her hair is wet and uncombed and she is in her bathing suit...all I see is eyes and a beautiful face!!! I can not wait to get my kids to her for a real "photo shoot"...she is truly talented!!!

Let the fun begin..

Ok, so both kiddos are now at school (I did better today..I am hoping that this will help take my mind off the fact that I no longer have any babies...) and I have decided that our house is going to get a make over. We are wanting to sell it hopefully this fall and start building our dream house. (we have been dreaming this dream for quite a few years now, but it may be just around the corner) We are working with very little budget if any..so everything has to be done by us...or should I say me! I am so ok with this..I have now decided that this is my job!! I am not just a house wife (not that there is anything wrong with that..) I am going to go room by room and reorganize, paint, and do just about anything and everything to make it look bigger and ready to sell!! We have been saving for a little while now and are almost ready to get some new floors down..I am so thrilled, I just hope that we can get it done fast enough that we can enjoy them alittle before we sell. I will be pulling up the carpet, painting, landscaping, and just about anything else you can think of to get this house ready. We have lived here for 9 years...sooo I sure do have my work cut out for me...so let the fun begin!!

Watch out world here she comes...

Well, I did it...crying like a baby, I did it. I stood on the porch and watched my baby go off to her first full day of Kindergarten. Warren takes the kids to school on his way to work so after the pictures were taken, kisses and hugs all around, and my every present "we know how to behave and be polite, have a good day make lots of friends, remember to say yes ma'am, no ma'am...I will pick you up have a great day! I love you" Off they went to daddy's car, while I stood on the porch ALONE. Warren did the same thing with Tyler, he walked her in and to her classroom today but after today she is on her own. I have lots planned for the house and yard since I am now child free all day but right now I can not seem to move...it is so weird after having everyday be about your kids, their breakfast, lunches, baths, reading stories, playing games with, to have nothing not one kid tugging on your leg, and the quiet oh it is way too quiet!!! I know that she will be fine and so will I in a few weeks but right now I feel kinda lost. I know she will do great in school and all but it is so weird they go to kindergarten little and always seem to come out a big kid...so watch out world here she comes..consider yourself warned!!!

I know there are bigger and worse things in life....

I know that my world is so small and that there are others out there that have much bigger problems much more life threatening and life altering things going on. I get that...and I am in no way throwing myself or my family a pity party but sometimes it is nice to just be able to get out our worries and concerns. As a parent you want your child's life to be great, almost perfect if there is such a thing! If you are like me you worry from the moment you find out your expecting and never stop...both of my children were high risk pregnancies and both of them have medical complications. Tyler was born with spina bifda occulta and Emily Klair has a seizure disorder. My worries rank pretty high let me tell you!! I keep a prayer journal and it is amazing to see how much God has blessed us with both of our children. We have had some pretty amazing highs and lows in our lives as parents..if you do not keep a prayer journal I encourage you too, it is great to look over it and see how much you are truly blessed, and how God has answered your prayers. My heart is breaking for my little boy, I know that God is going to take care of him and that it is all going to work out fine, but I am the mom and it is my job to think of everything, good/bad and ugly. Tyler has been having some back pain for about a month now, so I took him to the Dr. 2 weeks ago, the Dr. ordered an x-ray and we got the results back a week ago. He has now been diagnosed with scoliosis, his spine is curving in a S shape, the upper back is going to the right and the lower is going to the left. I know that scoliosis is not life threatening I know that there are worse things he could be diagnosed with, but as his mother that does not fit in my perfect world I had created and imagined for him. I do not want him to hurt! I do not want him to have wear a brace or go through another back surgery...I do not want him to have to suffer at all if continues to curve and he is misshapen...kids can be cruel! We will have a better understanding of what his future looks like in 6 months they are going to take another x-ray and see how fast it is progressing. So for right now we know nothing other then he has it, and we are praying that he does not progress much more if any. I know that people live with this everyday and I have been reading alot about it since finding out about Tyler..so again I know there are much worse things, I also know that God blesses and takes care of all his children, just needed to vent my worries and thoughts! He is such a good boy...he is sweet, absolutely adorable, and such a joy to all around him!! not to mention he is the next David Beckham...I'm the mom so I get to say all of this and know that it's all true!!! I am sooo blessed!!

Trying to lead by example....

Ok so as I type this entry please know that I am one for rules and I even think that this years school uniforms is a great idea. I am all for it!!! My son Tyler has been in school for3 days and so far we are 2 for 2 on not being in the new dress code. I am trying here, I really am! I have taken the rules and guidelines with me shopping I have found what I thought to be "in code" clothes only to find out that they are NOT. On the first day it was my fault completely, I really thought that the shorts I put him in would be ok...I mean they only had a small "fake" pocket on the leg...WRONG the pants can have only 4 pockets. Which mean no cargo, no carpenter pants, or anything that resembles a pocket. OK not a big deal I will just not let him wear those anymore. Then the second day there were a few questions about the jean shorts he wore because they had a tag on the back pocket that was sewn on that was a little over the 2 i/2 inches that it could be...(seriously on that one I did not even know that it had a tag on the pocket..who thinks to look at that??) So as you can see I have had two days that have been very frustrating and not easy to keep my cool. I am trying to show my kids that just because we do not understand every reason or every purpose behind every rule and stipulation we still have to follow them. That it is not always easy and sometimes is not fun at all (especially when it comes to spending more money...ouch) and that we are sometimes suppose to lead others by examples, including the way we dress, the way we handle situations, and the way we obey rules and laws. It is funny that I am trying to explain this to my 7 yr old when I have been struggling with it myself , on matters bigger then the dress code at school, but about my relationship with the Lord. Tyler got in the car yesterday and the 1st thing he said was "I do not like this dress code thing at all, it is kinda dumb mom" I told him that it may seem that way to him, but that there are good reasons that they are doing this and that we will just have to try harder to get "in code", and that it will all work out. He replied with a " I wish they would hurry up and tell me why I have to look like a nerd, to learn at school." I had to turn my head so he would not see me crack a smile and stifle a giggle...because I have to say that as the days go on I too am finding this dress code thing a little dumb!!!

Leaving town...

Well, before the craziness that is school, volleyball, and soccer take over our lives for the next few months we have decided to take one last mini vacation to Kentucky Kingdom this weekend. I am looking forward to a little bit of fun in the sun and some good ole family time!!! Warren and I were talking about the last time we went to KK and what an event it was. It is funny now but at the time not so much... When we went last time the kids ages were Tyler-4 and Emily Klair-2 and we had a ball the second day..the first day however was a little bit stressful. We went with another family and us moms and the kids were going to stay at the water park while the dads went and had a blast riding the rides. Well, we get to the park and the guys being the gentlemen they are agreed to get us settled in before leaving for their fun day, so Warren went to buy swimmer diapers (I forgot ours in the car and we were all to lazy to go back and get them) the older kids were already in the water and the moms went to get there swimsuits on. I pulled out Emmy's swimsuit and told the other dad that when Warren got back here was her suit and that she was staying here...sitting in the chair next to him. Off we went to get our suits on, we get back and there sets Warren and the other dad, the swimsuit still where I left it and NO Emmy Klair. At first I thought they were playing a joke on me..but Warren knew it was not a joke and took off looking for her...we had been gone to the bathroom probably 20 minutes or so by the time we walked there ,waited, changed and walked back. The other mother took off looking for her while me and the other father panicked...we walked in the same small circle over and over and could not get it together. I was told to go tell a lifeguard that this happens all the time and they would radio her description and they would tell us what to do next...I could not move from my spot. It was the most terrified I have ever been. What had happened was she got up to follow us as we walked away and the other dad thought I had changed my mind and was taking her with me, I never knew she had gotten up and was following me, so her little legs did not keep up with us as we walked. So she lost us about halfway and just stood there,(I never heard if she was crying or not and I think it best if I do not know what she was doing/or how scared she probably looked) luckily she is so cute that a teenage girl and her boyfriend saw her just standing there and they watched her. When they realized that she was by herself they picked her up and took her to a security person. I can not express how much love I have for this person that I never met or will never get a chance to thank. Warren finally got to a lifeguard, and we found out that she was in the lost and found at the park. So Warren sprinted(I have not seen him move that fast in a very long time and do not think I have seen it since)and collected our lost item. Our daughter!!! We both know how blessed we are, and it has now become this story that we share and laugh about. From this story we have learned alot though, 1st Always know what your child is wearing (most moms do but dad do not really pay attention when it comes to the detail and they need to in case the mom freezes up like I did..) 2nd When leaving your child with someone other then your spouse make sure that your child really understands what they are to do..and always look behind you as you leave to make sure that they are not following you... 3rd Have a plan for everything...I doubt it would have made a difference in how I acted but I would like to think that it would have...I mean I did nothing but walk in a small circle saying over and over "she is gone she is gone, someone has her, she is gone" crying hysterical and not helping matters at all!! It all turned out ok and we are so blessed that it did, we laugh about it now and talk about it like it was not a big deal but I for one know that day took about 10 years off of my life....so please pray that this weekend is very uneventful!!!!

Made to think once again...

I have already posted about blog land and how much that it has inspired me, challenged me, and even encouraged me, but I have been made to think once again and I have found that on this particular matter I have fallen short. The question that was asked was "when you look at your Bible do you see a love letter from your Savior or do you see a book that you take with you to Church?" (you can read this wonderful original post in its entirety at http://www.choosetobablessing.blogspot.com/ ) I could not answer this question right away, in fact I have thought about this all day long. Here is why, I am ashamed to say that I "think" that I see it as a love letter, helping me and my family through our troubles and everyday life and that I know it well. But if someone was to ask my Tyler right now if his mom or dad reads their Bible he would answer "yeah sometimes but really only at Church " (...trust me on this one I already asked him) Not exactly the answer I was hoping for. I thought about this today I tried to count up the times that we as a family have sat down and read and studied the Bible together, and I was very saddened by the number. I always have time to say a night time prayer with them and even read them a bed time story so why have I not made it a point to read and study with them before bed?? Why have they not seen me with an open Bible reading and studying God's word?? So my answer to the original question is this: First off Thank you Apple for making me think once again...I am changing the way I look at my Bible and my children are going to grow up with a mom that shows them God's written word everyday so that they see it as more then a "book" we take to Church.

Not ready for this...

I am so NOT ready for tomorrow!!!

It is the day I have been dreading for a whole year now....school registration day!!

Tyler is a 2nd grader and Emily Klair is a Kindergartner :( We will only meet their teachers and fill out some paper work tomorrow morning, but after that it is official and I am having a very hard time with it!!!

Tyler has always been my little man...we sometimes joke that he is an old man trapped in a little boys body, but for him to be so grown up already, it is really bothering me. I am so proud of him. He is a handsome, smart, funny, and just all around good kid!! Soccer season is about to start and he is all ready..the boy really does love soccer.

Emily Klair is ready for kindergarten...last spring when she was graduating from preschool it hit me...I no longer have a baby/toddler I have a little girl. (I cried like a baby that night you would have thought it was her high school graduation..) She is so cute, funny, and a joy to everyone around her. Pray for me tomorrow...

This pic is from Emily Klair's graduation from preschool last spring

"Daddy your so brave.."

Emily Klair has said a lot of cute things in her 5 years on this earth but last night had to be one of the sweetest, cutest, most adorable moments every.

We had been playing cards and visiting with some friends of ours last night and got home kinda late. As we pulled into the driveway I noticed something laying in front of the garage door. I then started asking "is that a snake?" and as I was asking, it became more of a statement then a question..."IT IS A SNAKE!!" Warren told us to stay in the car as he hoped out to get a better look at it...what he did next was absolutely NUTS as Tyler says...he bent down to touch the snake's tail, and the snake immediately turned and snapped at him. Me and the kiddos got out of the car and headed for the front door, while Warren decided how he was going to help our little creature back to the field behind our house.

Seeing as how it was late at night and not much light to work with I suggested that he use the grate that goes on the fire pit to keep him from going anywhere and he could move him in the morning when he could see better...so that is what we did. The kids got to go back out and take a good look at the snake without any worries.

We knew that it was a chicken/rat snake but just wanted to make sure so we were looking it up on the Internet when Emily Klair came over to me and whispered in my ear "Daddy was so brave...he really takes care of us" I then replied "why don't you tell him that?" so she stood there a minute and then walked over to him put her arm on his arm and said in the biggest most grown up voice she has.." Daddy your so brave...I'm so proud of you!" Talk about melting his heart...

Well this morning Warren got up and got our little visitor back to the field behind our house and I am thankful that he is so brave because I am not... and if I never see a snake again it would be too soon!!!

Have to brag sometimes...

I just have to brag on my kiddos...I'm the mom so it is my right!! Yesterday was a hard day..I had one of my horrible headaches and my vision was so messed up and it just hurt to close my eyes,have my eyes open, lay down or sit up..in other words I was miserable! My kids are pretty use to these but yesterday they were soo good...there was no fighting, no whining and they even helped me out. I know that I have some good children and I am blessed because of them! I worry about days like yesterday and think how unfair it is to them, we were suppose to go swimming, play outside and just enjoy some of the last few days we have of summer vacation, but that did not happen and they did not complain once! I often struggle with the "am I too hard on them?" question and "are they being allowed to be kids???" Maybe at times I really am too hard on them but I know that I want children that know how to behave, to know what their limits are, and that other people want around..not dread to see them coming. It is a daily struggle and sometimes I get frustrated with them but for the most part they are the greatest kids in the world....at least in my opinion!!

Feeling so small...

Every had those days that seem so hard and you wonder "what in the world, will this day never end?" I had one of those days yesterday and I was grouchy and mean to everyone around me (sorry family and vball ladies) Then this morning I read about Nate and Tricia and my heart just sinks. They have such great faith and a positive attitude as they are thrown such hard times. I have never met them but feel as if I know them just by reading their blog...if you have not checked it out you need to ....confessions of a CF husband after reading it this morning I feel so small!! I let my own little world get me down and worry about the smallest of things and here are these two people that the more I see and read about them I see that my world and my problems are so small. Please keep them in your prayers...

Memories....

We went to the park tonight with our class from church and some of us were talking about how much our children have grown and that we are really out of the baby mode and on to the children raising mode...and we were talking about how it seems like yesterday that they were babies!! Well after that I came home and started looking at some of my old pictures on the computer and I thought I would share some of my favorites...I hope you enjoy some of my walk down memory lane.....ah the memories!!!
This Easter 2005 dying easter eggs in AR.....look at how little my babies are!!
This is Christmas 2005.....Emily Klair was turning 3 ...seems like yesterday!!!
These two pictures are of the kids on our cruise in April of 2006...Thanks mom and dad..it was soo much fun.... Tyler's 1st day of kindergarten...he looks too little to be going to school..
Tyler's 1st school party in Kindergarten...and Emily Klair as Raggedy Anne for Halloween in 2006... Emily Klair's 4th Birthday princess party with Cinderella.... Just being silly for momma and the camera last summer...
Beach trip summer 2007 Beach trip summer 2008.....my how they have grown!!!
I love looking at old pictures and I love talking about my kiddos...Thanks for letting me share some of my memories with you!!!

School is almost here...argh!!!

Where did the summer go??? I feel like we just got out of school and now we are getting ready to go back. My kids register for school on the 30th of July...can you believe we only have around 2 weeks left of playing and having fun before we are back to the routine and the horror of "getting up early"..lol (me and Emmy Klair are not morning people..to say the least!) I am sad about this summer ending more so because this year my baby is starting kindergarten!!! I know she is ready and she is so excited to start but I on the other hand am dreading it and want her home with me. When Tyler started he was so bored and ready to be at school and I was soo excited about him starting..sure I cried the first week and missed him something terrible but I knew he was going to be ok. With Emily Klair I have so much I am worried about and I am also very sad that she is old enough to be going to school...in my eyes she is still my baby. I know she is not a baby and she will be fine but I am still worried about her...what if she has a seizure and no one really knows what to do, and she is out to long??? What if she is not having full seizures but is not there and misses out on what she is suppose to do?? What if she has a big seizure and loses ALL muscles control..will the other kids still want to play with her and be her friend?? I could play the "what if" game all day all night. These thoughts have consumed me for the past few weeks and I must admit they still do, but after church Wed. I realized something.."why am I afraid?" The lesson that night at church centered around Matthew 8:23-27...as I sat there I realized I was not having any faith...that I had not turned any of my worries or concerns about Emily Klair starting school over to God. I'm not sure why?? but I hadn't and I am trying really hard to do so. I never have pegged myself as someone that is a control freak but when it comes to Emily Klair I think that I may be just that!! I pray that I have more faith and that from now on when faced with even the smallest of worries I can stop and remember Matthew 8:26 Jesus answered, "why are you afraid? You do not have enough faith." Then he stood up and gave a command to the winds and the water. The wind stopped, and the lake became very calm.

So cute..and so true!!!

The seniors on the volleyball team always get to pick one of the three practice shirts that we get every year...well this year's seniors did a great job...I love them!! when they told me about the shirts I was not so sure but now that they are here and I see them..yeah !!! The front is no big deal just has our schools name on it...but the back says...... IF VOLLEYBALL WAS EASY, THEY WOULD CALL IT FOOTBALL!!! not only is it cute it is soo true..hehehe

When do you stop being nice??

I want to ask a question of all you blogger friends....When is enough enough and you stop being nice??? Oh lets just say that there is one person that no matter what you say and do you are belittled, or made to feel like the worse mother...worse wife...or the dumbest individual on the planet!!! over and over again, and usually in public....when can you turn the filter off and just let the person have it??? tell them what you really think and quit sugar coating it or holding back so that their feelings are spared?? I just spent about 45 minutes typing away about this and well I really think that I need to wait at least 24 hours before I post about this with more specifics...you know try to cool off and read it again to make sure that it is OK and not just a bash fest... I have been struggling with this one person for awhile now and not sure when(and I say when because it has to be done...it is not option to just not have this person around..) and how to do this...so I am asking you my blogger friends...WHEN DO I STOP BEING NICE!!WHEN DO I GET TO TURN THE FILTER OFF AND HOW DO I GO ABOUT IT AND NOT HURT THIS PERSON THE WAY I HAVE BEEN HURT???? Please know that this has been a daily prayer for me for years now....so know that I am trying to do what is best and right but it gets harder and harder...

and so it begins...

Tomorrow is our start of volleyball for this season. We are taking the girls to Belmont for a one day camp. I love this time of year...I love volleyball!!



The gym is always 112 degrees(very old and no air) and my kids love playing and helping shag the balls...but most of all they love the girls. The girls are so sweet to them and really treat them like a prince and princess!!

After tomorrow it seems like I will live and breathe volleyball till Oct. and as much as I may whine about it during it, I absolutely can not wait for it to get started...and then I am so sad every year at the end.
(me and my JV girls, I had just broken my ankle)




I was looking at pictures from our end of the year party last season and it really made me sad...we lost 5 seniors last year!! They will be greatly missed...not just on the court but on the bus, in the gym for practice...being silly with my kids!!

(the whole team..Varsity and JV......)

I thought I would share some of the photos from last season...and I look forward to posting and sharing stuff throughout this season...

This is Tyler with one of his many crushes...

This is the gang....back (L-R) Tammy, Angie, Destiny

front ........me, and Stephanie

We normally go to the beach but this year we thought we would stay closer to home and go to Gatlinburg, TN...and we had a ball!!! We relaxed by the pool, went shopping, and ate anywhere and everywhere BUT McD's!! it was a good time with good friends!! One night we went to the Dixie Stampede it was the first time for most of us....I am already counting down the days till our trip this winter!!! Love you girls!!!

Friends!!!

I am not even sure how to start this post?? I have so much that I want to say and share, but not so sure how to go about it? I just got back from my "girls" trip that I take every year and I always feel so blessed afterwards, not that I got to go on the trip itself ,but that there is a trip!! A little background info on the trip: this was the 5th year that we have done this trip...the 1st year we brought the kids and 2 babysitters (first and last time we did that...hehe) it is also only the 2nd time that all five of us got to be there...and we had a ball. Angie, Tammy, Stephanie, Destiny and myself have been friends for awhile now. We can go months without talking, emailing , just letting everyday things keep us apart but when we do get together it is like nothing has changed and we pick up right where we left off. Stephanie and I are the only ones that are still living here in town. The others have all moved away and are missed greatly and on a daily basis. We all met at church and became fast friends....Tammy, Destiny, Stephanie and I all lived in the same neighborhood (Destiny and I lived one house from one another)we all started our families and went through pregnancies together, becoming 1st time mothers together, and just trying to figure it all out together. We helped each other, watched each others kids, cooked meals for one another, prayed for one another and was just there for one another 24/7!!! (hard to believe that between us we now have 12 kiddos....whew) I still have friends from high school, college, and even from grade school that I keep up with on a regular basis but these friends hold such a special place in my heart. It is hard to describe the bond of friendship that we have!! I want them to know that I cherish them and our trips...I am blessed because they are in my life and my family's life. I look forward to this winter to our annual weekend trip with the hubbies and the kiddos....because it reminds me of a time in my life that was precious and priceless because of them!!!! ****Insert photo here of the five us on this years trip....(but Stephanie who also is my sis in law)...has not sent me the pic yet...so after she does I will post it!!!

Back Home again....

This pic was not the one that was suppose to be here..but the great computer whiz I am can not get it to go away..so anywho I will try and get the right pic on here somewhere....

Well I am home again and this time to stay for awhile. I have one more week till volleyball gets under way and I am looking forward to really just staying home and being a bum next week..(not exactly a bum I'm trying to get ready for a yard sale) I have a lot of stories to write about our beach trip...WE had an awesome time!!!

Our good friends that go with us every year have two children...Elizabeth-9 yrs old and Evan-7 yrs old (exactly two weeks older then Tyler) The kids get along great. We played some great games of putt putt, cards, and the boys really had fun digging in the sand...not sure what they were digging for but it kept them busy ALL week!! One night we went to play putt putt and there was a maze that you could go through and race each other and you had check points and such..the kids choose to do that over putt putt (well everyone but Emily Klair , she really had her heart set on putt putt so her and I had a little quality time playing putt putt while everyone else raced it out in the maze) it was a great night.

Warren has told me (jokingly..at least I think??)that I need to be a part of a beach ministry. He said that I could talk to and make friends with a post as long as it was at the beach. I guess he is right we did meet alot of very nice people. I look forward to keeping up with them through emails.

The week was uneventful...which is a good for us!! The only minor thing that happened was Tyler and Evan were playing in the chairs on the balcony and Evan was spinning Tyler (maybe a little too hard) and they broke the back of the chair...but we got it fixed as good as new and for under $50.00!!! I guess boys will be boys...

I will not bore you with anymore stories..for those of you that know me personally you know I can go on and on...hehe but I am going to share a few more pics with you hope you enjoy!!

This Tyler in his "cool" pose...shhh do not tell him that it is more cute then cool!! The second pic is one of my favorites of sissy sue...she is really starting to look like a little girl and less like my baby!!! The third pic is another "future heartbeakers" picture...we got a better one of them in their swimsuits..I will have to try and get it posted!!!

oh yeah I forgot..

For those of you that haven't heard Emily Klair's blood work came back ok!!! Her levels were ok..but not exactly where they need to be so we are messing with her meds once again...I hate that!! Warren will be doing the first part of that this week and we should hopefully be getting her completely off one of her meds..by the time school starts..fingers crossed we are making the right decision!! Thank you for all your prayers on this matter...we definitely need them!

Beach fun...

We went walking on the beach one night and was being silly posing for daddy and the camera...it was so much fun till someone started shooting fireworks and then Emily Klair was done....
We went to Gulf World and had a blast one day..the kids got their picture taken with a sea lion....it shook their hand!! It was a great day!!
Even with a broken thumb daddy had a good time....it only slowed him down a little bit!!!

We are back from the beach and we had a great time!! The kids were so good and we met a lot of great new friends. I have a ton more photos and a lot of stories to write about but I am in the middle of repacking and getting things ready for the kids and daddy..I'm trying to make his life as easy as possible since I am leaving tomorrow for my annual "girls trip"!! I look forward to this trip all year long...(I am just a little stressed that it fell so close to the beach trip...but I will be back on Friday and have a ton of stories to blog about!! looking forward to catching up with everyone!)

Just thought I would update...

Well we have had a very busy week this week...lets see Warren broke his thumb, playing goalie for the adult soccer team he is on. He stopped a goal but in doing so his thumb got pulled all the way back and it tore all the tendons and ligaments and as they were tearing it broke part of his bone with it out of his lower thumb joint(the one that connects the thumb to the hand) and is in a "cast thingy" (I've always been known for my technical terms..hehe) that he can take on and off to shower....(and good thing too because now he can still enjoy himself at the beach.. well sort of minus the pain!) This week was my follow up with the Dr. in Nashville that has been helping with my eyes since this last episode with my migraines...we have found out that they are worse then they were 6 weeks ago and that I have permanent nerve damage in my eyes (the nerves that control my pupils,and focusing) just from migraines...so I have to wear glasses and sunglasses (sometimes even inside) and try really hard to not strain my eyes!!! yeah right! He said my nerves and all really look like a patient that should be about 90-95 years old...my vision is slowly getting worse..but it is mainly my pupils that are causing the problem..it is like having your eyes dilated all the time...it has no control over amount of light it lets in and has trouble focusing on one thing then another. So I really am in a catch 22...the headaches caused the damage and now because of the damage it can cause more headaches!! go figure!! I took Emily Klair for her blood work today and she was such a big girl...she cried just a little bit till she saw the blood in the tube and said "hey that kinda looks purple..I like purple..Hallie likes purple too, that is our favorite color." The techs were laughing at her and they all thought she was such a big girl. I was very proud of her..can not wait to hear the results to know whether or not she can take this new medicine or not?? Tyler has been at football camp every morning this week. He has loved it and talks no stop about it for the rest of the day!! I love that he gets an opportunity to play without "really" playing. I am sorry, this momma loves football but she will not be letting her son play it..not with his missing L3 and L4 vertebrae (spina bidfa occulta) no way no how!!! My husband keeps telling me I will eat those words one day..but I doubt it!! We are all looking forward to leaving town on Saturday for a week...nothing but fun in the sun and family time. I will have a ton of pictures to post and a ton o' stories to share when I return. Please pray that we have safe travels and a uneventful vacation.

Tag I'm it...

Thanks Steph :) 1. What did you do ten years ago? Let's see Warren and I had been married about 2 years and we were living in a duplex...with purple carpet..(all those lucky enough to have seen it remember it well..hehehe) I was cutting hair at a Heads Up in Franklin, TN., and then that summer I began cutting hair in Columbia at Bliss Salon and Day spa.... 2. Five items on my to do list today : Laundry, Clean the house, start packing for the beach, swim, cook dinner...clean the car out!! did I mention do laundry?? 3. Snacks I enjoy.... I love ice cream, Popsicles, grapes, pretzels...and really just about anything!! 4. What would you do if you were a billionaire??? Pay off the debt of everyone I love, build my house, take my kids to Disney World and take Warren on a trip(anywhere he wants), pay for my mother and father to go anywhere in the world they want....same for my in-laws, put away for the kids college....there is alot I would like to do but that is the ones that popped in my head first... 5. Places I would live?? I would love to live at the Beach...I would pretty much move anywhere....I love my family and would miss them but I would like to see what it would be like to move away and it just be us...we would have to make new friends and everything....sounds exciting to me!! That was fun!! I tag Valerie...and anyone else that feels like being tagged...TAG YOUR IT....

New medicine...

Emily Klair has been on so many different medicines since being diagnosed with seizures, you would think that changing it one more time would be not a big deal to us. We went to her peds. nuero. a couple weeks ago and he wanted to change up some of her medicine to see if we can get her a little better controlled, and because she is starting kindergarten in the fall, he seems to think she needs one that is also a mood stabilizer. She also has sensory integration dysfunction.

I like the medicine she is on now and think that it has done the best to control her, but he is the Dr. and that is what we pay him the big bucks for,right? So I agreed to try this new medicine...well we have been on it for two weeks and counting along with her old medicine still, and we have had two seizures this week...so I'm thinking "why am I messing with her medicine?" One of those seizures happened while we were swimming in a friends pool and luckily I was in the water with her. I have always worried about her having seizures when I am not with her but this latest one opened my mind to a world of thoughts and fears I had yet to think about, but as she is getting older there are new fears and concerns.

We have to go next week and get some blood work done to make sure that it is OK for her to take this new medicine...scary thought that I am giving her something that could be poisoning her! She is doing great with it and even reminds me that we have to take both...the kid is amazing at taking medicine (but then again she has been taking something everyday since she was just months old) This is one of the times in my life that I wonder if I am doing the right/best thing for her?? I mean I know she needs medicine to control the seizures but sometimes I feel like we are overdoing! (but then again she is still having the seizures so I guess we are not overdoing, right?)