A Trojan Weekend.....(not what you think...dirty minds you!)

This past weekend, we took a break from it all and had a little day trip. Some friends of Blake's from his early Troy days were in town for a few days. I had already had a girl's night out with Nicole, but we hadn't gotten a chance to see Chas, Shelley, the kids, and Shelley's parents. (Shelley and Nicole are sisters. I knew Nicole from my Troy days and from the good ol' days in the military)

I have to admit I was bummed to miss out on sleeping in Saturday morning, but we got up early to head to Troy. Blake had promised us all Crowe's chicken for lunch, so we were eager to go! (If you ever happen through Troy, AL on US 231 you MUST stop at Crowe's and get chicken fingers, sauce and mashed potatoes.....YUMMY!)

We got down there a little early, so we grabbed the kids some breakfast, then took a driving tour of our old stomping grounds. WOW has it changed! So many memories! We drove past Blake's old apartment, our first apartment, my old dorm, the ROTC building, the gazebo where we got engaged, all the places Blake used to work, and our old church building. The church building is probably the one thing that hasn't changed. It is a tiny little phase II LDS building. If you have ever been in one, you know what I mean. We ran into an old friend in the parking lot and took a few minutes to catch up and hear how all the locals we still know are doing. That was a lot of fun. Going "home" (or back to where this all began) always triggers such strong memories, reliving it all! The excitement of living away from home for the first time, testing my wings, falling in love, and to be honest, it just gives me butterflies! Looking across the car, it reminded me how much I love that man, and why. (Yeah, it wasnt for the car, that's for sure!!!! He drove a beat up Dodge Aries K......that's umm....well.....not a muscle car :P ) We sure started from humble circumstances. He worked (and still does) so hard for everything that we have, but has found a way to thoroughly enjoy (and spread that joy) every minute of it. When we drove by the apartment he lived in when we met, I remember all the hours spent playing Jeopardy on the Sega. It was THE ONLY game I could beat him at..... The theater we went on our first outing (NOT A DATE) has been torn down, but we giggled at the fact that I was sly and failed to invite another friend along so I could be alone with him. It worked, he was hooked, and here we are almost 15 years later. Still as crazy in love as back then. Probably a little crazier then back then for SURE!

After our tour, it was finally time for our beloved CROWE's chicken. We met up with Nicole and her girls, Chas and Shelley (Lesley) and their kids, and Dick and Lonnie (their parents) to enjoy the feast that is Crowes. Ah. fried goodness in a box. I have to say, it was good, but failed to meet the expectations of my memory. Still way better than Zaxby's or Guthrie's.....for sure! Much better than the food, was reuniting with old friends! I think the last time we saw the Lesley's was when Jonathon was a year old! Time Flies! It was like no time passed at all, as the conversation settled naturally, and we learned about each others lives.....so many years and experiences later. Our kids got along well. We took them to a park, and the guys engaged in a little football. It was such a fun day, and made us realize how blessed we are to have such great friends, that no matter the time or distance we can pick right up like it was yesterday.

Time came to head home! We said our good-byes and loaded up. As we drove out of town, past all the landmarks of our past, I was very grateful for that odd little town, the peculiar little branch, and all the wonderful people that have stepped into our lives from our time there.

Zumba, Thai food, and Strep throat....

That was my day yesterday. I have been going to Zumba, but not as often as I would like. The class is at an odd time of day. Making it difficult to go to Zumba and get anything done. BUT, I so enjoy it. It also has enlightened me to several things:

1. I have no rhythm. The right side of my body is especially rhythm free.
2. I get confused easily. Having my arms. legs and hips moving in different directions at the same time is a near impossible feat. Strange looking too I am sure!
3. Every time I see my fat giggling in the mirror, I want to gag....and then I push harder and sweat more!
4. I sweat a lot! I am fairly certain it is a family trait. Sweaty bunch. When i got Sam from the nursery and picked him up he asked me why I was all wet!
5. I am always in a better mood after I zumba. And today, that was a particularly good thing, as my day was about to get derailed!

Wednesdays, my friend Beth and I do lunch. She has an appt with her trainer the same time I have Zumba, so we planned to meet at noon. I got home, and proceeded to get in the shower. I was about to step in when I phone rang. It was the school. Drew was in the nurses office (second time this week, first time he fell and hit the back of his head in the lunchroom.....big goose egg!). He was running a low grade fever and complaining of his leg hurting and his mouth hurting. She said his throat looked red. I showered as quickly as possible, put some stuff in my hair, threw on clothes, grabbed Sam, and crossed the street to the school. Drew comes down the hall smiling, looking PERFECTLY healthy! I felt him and there seemed to be no fever.

I decided I would continue on with my lunch date. Adult interaction is so rare these days, I didnt want to cancel, plus Beth is one of those friends that just makes you smile. Such a fun person to be around. (They are moving this summer and I will miss her!) The kids are happily playing in the car, and we finally pull into Thai Place about 6 minutes late. I wasnt worried because Beth is worse in the time department. If I am five late, Beth will be 10. I tend to think of my (our) lateness as a reflection of our care-free, happy attitudes....yeah, lets go with that one!

Sam decides to make a super poop while we are waiting for Beth in the car. Drew decides his stomach is now starting to hurt, and must use the bathroom RIGHT NOW!!!!! As we are getting out, Beth pulls in. Sam, who has an irrational fear of public bathroom changing tables, is begging me to change his diaper in the truck and not on "one of those things!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I decide that is probably a great idea, and change his super stinky diaper in the truck, all the while questioning if I am crazy or stupid for not cancelling. Andrew is doing the potty dance, so we head to where Beth is standing. She is on the phone, so I motion to her that we are going in to get a table and go potty.

Lunch was great, and I was very glad I hadn't canceled as Beth had truly had a terrible day with some unexpected, terrible news from back home. We chit chatted, ate, and watched Sam and Drew trace pennies onto paper lace place mats. The food was good, and though our conversation was not as light and fun as usual, I think we both enjoyed it. We certainly both needed it! I am very grateful for friends with whom you can share your heart! I have been blessed to have many!

As the meal was winding down, the boys were winding up! Drews cheeks were starting to be a bit flushed, so we headed over to the drs. office just to be safe. Luckily, or so I thought...., the office was 1/2 mile from the Thai Place, and it is a walk-in Express clinic. HAHAHAH!!!!! EXPRESS!!!HAHAHAHAH!!!!!

The short of it, I signed it at 1:18, and left at 440. Beth saved my neck and went to get Jon, Kay and Bry from the house when the bus came. As I left the doctor's office at 440, I understood Postal Rage. SERIOUSLY! Here is a math equation for you:

Dr's office + 2 rowdy boys + 1 PMS-ing mom + 3 1/2 hours + 2 shots= 3 really unhappy people

I finally had to go hunt someone down and remind them we were in the room still waiting for a read on the strep test after 45 minutes. Sam and Drew both have strep. I have a headache and a raging case of PMS. How fun!!!!!!

To exacerbate things, I had only gotten about 5 hours of sleep the night before, so any irritation I was experiencing was magnified 110%.

All in all the day wasn't a total loss. I had a great workout, a yummy lunch with a fun friend, got to pick up our taxes from the accountant, and Jonathon got his aviation merit badge at the court of honor. Not to mention....it was LOST night! WOo hoo!!!!! Also, Blake took pity on me and picked up the meds from the pharmacy, and dinner! What a man!

So, I guess that is about it. Nothing exciting here! But really, aren't most days just like that!

Fun day at the dentist....

Today Andrew and Bryce had dental appointments. Andrew had a cavity to be filled and Bryce had a tooth to be pulled and a cavity to be filled. I was dreading it. We love our dentist office here, but this would be our first dental work done there outside of cleanings(except for them pulling Bryce's tooth when it cracked from the pressure of the permanent tooth pushing up from under it). I was a little nervous, and worried I would be called back and asked to take them to the Pediatric dentist down the road. However, it all went spectacularly!

I have to say first off that I LOVE our dental office here! LOVE THEM! Andrew, who would not allow our dentist in Missouri to touch him, and Bryce who was FIRED by our dentist (who happened to be in our WARD!) LOVE going....even if it is for work and not just a cleaning!

The practice truly strives to make it a FUN experience for adults and children alike!
They have only been opened since June of last year, I believe. However, they seem to be very popular, and I know why! When you come in you are greeted and it feels friendly! You truly feel welcomed! They have a refreshment center with complimentary refreshments. Yum!
The decor is all very nice and relaxing. Feels more like someones home than a dental office. At the other end of the lobby there is an Internet bar. Off the bar there is an Xbox room with a giant bean bag and a coloring center.

The exam rooms are all very nicely decorated and calming. Giant TV's are mounted to the ceiling above your head. Laughing gas is readily available! :) I LOVE THAT STUFF! The staff is so friendly, and adore the kids. (Messy faces and all!) The dentist has a great chair-side manner, and is able to get the kids to comply, yet takes their concerns to heart. GREAT dentist!

As we left today with the kids waving back to the receptionist, I had to laugh at the fact that my boys....who just had shots in their mouths, and even a tooth pulled.....were asking when they could come back!!!!!!!

What a far change for what we experienced at our last dentist! I still remember sitting in the lobby, wrestling with Sam (who was about a year old at the time). We were about a month away from Blake being home from Afghanistan. To say I was stressed would be an understatement. We had no problems with our dentist, and truly his work was fine. But I left that office feeling ashamed, frustrated and like a failure. How embarrassing to be fired as a client! I left today with a smile on my face, a smile on my kids faces, and a sense of accomplishment!

Yes, I am a freak, I know.

I sure miss a real winter!

I grew up in Alabama. Not a lot of snow here, but the few times in my childhood it did now I loved it.

Our first assignment in the Air Force introduced me to snow, and lots of it! I had never driven in it, and it was quite intimidating for me. I LOVED the snow though. (didn't love the flooded basement when the April Fools day blizzard of 1997 melted....) There is something about the earth covered in pure white that just makes me so happy.


This past weekend, the weather was predicted to include snow. Seeing how they forecasters are wrong more than they are right, we didn't count on it.


Sunday morning, Blake got up around 530 to go potty (i am sure he'll like me telling that) and we had snow. Not just a dusting, but SNOW. And it was still snowing! (Have i mentioned I love snow!)



We decided we wouldn't be heading to church b/c they don't have the equipment here to sand/salt the roads and bridges and emergency management was asking people to stay home.
The snow continued falling till about 2 in the afternoon.

Sophie was afraid of the snow at first, but then decided she loved it too! She ran, chased snowflakes, assaulted Kayleigh's snowman, and ate lots of snow!

Andrew had to be reminded to be careful where he ate snow from...... dog+yellow snow does not equal SNOW CONE!

I wasn't sure if Samuel would remember snow, or what he would think about it, but he loved it! He also insisted on eating it. Thankfully Sophie goes in one area of the yard, and we encouraged them not to eat the snow......


Jonathon helped Sam tractor through the snow. There were plenty of snowball fights too!

Bryce did not LOVE the cold, but enjoyed the snow a lot. I think he was probably the least thrilled with it. Kayleigh, i would guess, had the most fun. She was out there nearly the entire day! (She and Sophie) She built a snowman, and as soon as we snapped the picture (see above) Sophie jumped on the snowman, knocked its head off and stole the scarf. She then proceeded to eat the carrot face.......


Blake even joined in the action for a good fight with Jonathon and his friend, Hunter.










Unfortunately for Jonathon and Hunter, Blake doesn't fight fair! They had a ton of fun though!

Sadly, all our snow was gone by Monday morning, but what an unexpected surprise! I may have grown up an Alabama girl, but living in states with four seasons fit me well. I forgot how much I LOVE winter till we got our "snowstorm". Wonder what the chances are we'll get more snow within the next, oh five years!?

I am home safely....I was KIDNAPPED!

It is the most unbelievable thing! Monday started normally enough. I got the kids off to school then got Sam and myself dressed. I had an appointment, and on the way out the door, I grabbed Kayleigh's book off the table.

Next thing I know......WHAM.....my world changed. It is unimaginable! I still shake my head and ponder how it all happened. Before I knew it, I was all the way in Washington State! I had been kidnapped by vampires (really good looking ones), werewolves, and a really clumsy, whiny human girl (she reminded me of myself....always tripping, and finding unlikely ways to injure or endanger herself).

As far as kidnappings go, it WAS quite exciting! I kind of felt like I was just being dragged along in their daily lives. In fact, they really never paid any attention to me, but man did I absorb every minute of the time they had me. I think the reason they didn't have any time to pay attention or torture me was because of all the turmoil they were going through. It was CRAZY!

They took me EVERYWHERE with them. In the past week, I have been to many towns on the west coast, Phoenix, Italy, Alaska, a lovely private island (though I have to say that trip was a little awkward for me.......), and so many other places! They never let me away from them.....

For a while, I thought my captors were all going to be killed, but thankfully, all is well.

When I was released and returned home to my family, I was stunned. It was as if my family didn't even notice I was gone. However, I DID notice the monstrous stack of dishes, the insane piles of laundry, the crumbs in the carpet, and the general state of chaos in my home. They just can't function without me!

I think my family fears I may have Stockholm syndrome. Every time I talk about my captors and our adventures, they kind of look at me in an odd way. They truly were nice vampires, werewolves (well, they kind of bugged me) and whiny girl. I thought I may get released when the whiny girl took me home with her as her dad was chief of police, but no such luck. He was oblivious to me too.!?

My kidnappers did take good care of me. The one vampire, Edward, he was especially nice. The whiny girl, Bella, caused him lots of problems. I kind of felt bad for the vampire.....maybe I do have Stockholm?

There were definitely some tense times, especially for me.....Edward and Bella (the whiny girl) even made me tag along to their honeymoon on a private island.....Talk about being a third wheel.

It is just amazing all that happened in a weeks time. You probably wouldn't believe it if I tried. Those folks work fast though......maybe it was a shot gun wedding...if you know what I mean. They did pick a TERRIBLE name for their half human/half vampire child.

Sometimes, during my kidnapping, i felt like I was actually a part of the family and not someone taken against their will. I felt attached, and was genuinely concerned whether Bella and Edward would find happiness (though she was often quite draining). Whether their vampire family would be safe, and if the dumb werewolf would screw things up!?

Even now that I am home, I find myself talking about them often. Heck, I even went and read their Edwards "Midnight Sun" to see how he was doing....same ole, same ole, rehashing what I had just been through with them, but from his view (enjoyed that greatly....nice guy-for a vampire)

In case you are wondering, I returned home still 100% human. I forgot to mention the vampires are "vegetarian". They feed on animals instead of humans. That was interesting.

Anywho.....I best go return to my family so they dont think I've disappeared again.
If you want to find out everything that happened to me, someone else evidently had the same experience as me....and she wrote some books about it. I think they are called Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. I also highly recommend you read what is up of "Midnight Sun" on the website www.stephaniemeyer.com.