Hoarder

Poem by my friend Brandi Denson

I must confess,
I am a hoarder.
Every smile
that seemed especially
for me
Every first kiss,
awkward and sweet
Each handwritten letter
the longer,
the better
The pictures
even the terrible ones
All the corks
from all the wine
from all the times
we chased away sadness
with a drink,
or celebrated
with a clink
of our glasses
Every compliment
he ever gave me
(they don’t take up too much space)
Every memory I can’t erase…
I hoard them all
I keep them
and carry them
And forge my way down
the narrow path
that lies between
my treasured simple things -
always with eyes wide
and arms outstretched
because I can never have
too much.

It's already my favorite!

Easter 2011

Many pictures from Easter Weekend! Friday night, we went to an egg decorating party, Saturday, we went to an Easter Egg hunt and Sunday we spent time with family. Jenna stayed up ALL night Saturday night and we finally went to sleep at 5am Sunday morning. We had planned to spend Easter Sunday with my family and attend their church for service at 9.. we overslept and missed church. We ended up doing a bible devotion at home and dressed up and went out for Sunday lunch. Not the typical way to spend Easter, but it worked for my family. Jenna has been running 101 fever since her shots last Wednesday. At this point, I'm not sure if it's her teeth.. shots.. or if she's sick.

Super Bulldog Weekend!

We caught two baseball games last weekend during super bulldog weekend. Jenna went to both games, while Andrew only went to one. We think Jenna may end up being our "sports" child. She loves anything that's outside! We had a blast!

Andrew

Yet another school year comes close to an end and my first born child has done it again. He's pushed his teacher to the limit and I got a call from my father in law saying that principal called him b/c Andrew's teacher was in her office complaining that Andrew didn't get any help at home. Hold up a minute, last night I spent over an hour making Andrew write his spelling words 3 times a piece. I cannot believe that I am viewed as a parent that doesn't help her child. I do not appreciate the teacher going to her boss and telling her this. First, if you have a problem with me or my parenting skills, come to me. Second, I don't appreciate me finding out through the "grapevine" about how you view me.

I'm still waiting on the principal to return my call. In the meantime, I call my father in law once more and the main issue is Andrew is shutting down. He's tired and wants the school year to be over. My response.. is.. we are all tired and so ready for this school year to be over. I can only do what I
I can do at home, but once again, I can't go to school with him and make him put forth the effort that is needed.

Sleep Baby Sleep!

Jenna fell asleep yesterday afternoon around 630. I must admit, I was so happy to see her sleep. Yes, she still cried for over an hour, but she went off to sleep and it was nice. I was able to clean my bathroom and kitchen. The boys were gone to baseball and it was like having the house alone. It was a much welcomed rest indeed!

Kristin and Broc's Wedding.. A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

I truly LOVE all of these people. I have loved them since my mom married their uncle in 1990.
My mother divorced their uncle..then years later their uncle died.. but to say the least.. these cousins and I share an unconditional bond that even divorce and death can't break. At the reception, we did the same things we use to do at our Man-Maw Charlie's. We sang and dance at the top of our lungs. I actually felt like that ten year old girl from way back then. I had all of my cousins that I spent time with on a daily basis all in the same room once again. I cannot describe just how happy this made me feel. These are the people that I grew up with and these are the people that no matter what.. I will always love. The wedding was so pretty and Kristin made a beautiful bride. I am so honored to have spent the evening with a great group of people..

Ten years....

Yes, today is Valentine's Day and no, I'm not that type of girl that gets worked up over this holiday. Chris normally asks me what I want and I always follow with nothing. I'm not the type of girl that has to be shown love on a certain day. If you love me, then tell me everyday.. just don't wait for Valentine's Day.

In a few days, four to be exact, Chris and I will celebrate ten years of marriage. Ten whole years of marriage. Ten years of the exact same thing day in and day out. Our love is not a surprising love, It's a love that we know will be there day after day. Chris keeps his feet totally on the ground.. I like to keep my feet on the ground as well, but I also like to keep my head in the clouds. I can say that after ten years he is the same person that I married on that cold February evening. He is solid, he keeps his business to himself, and he stands by me when I'm not so solid. He doesn't put up a fuss for what he wants, he doesn't throw a fit and sure doesn't let emotions take over. He is as solid as a brick wall. At times, it is so very frustrating for him to be so sold and routine. I have to be honest, and say that I am grateful for him being that solid partner. I do believe Chris was put in my path for numerous reasons, but most of all for being a solid spouse. God knew that I was not a solid person and he knew that I needed Chris to keep my balance in this forever changing world.

Favorite Picture of Andrew

I've been looking through some old pictures lately and came across this picture. It is one of my favorites. I'm thinking Andrew was 4. He has always been very lively and I've always said I would be so happy when he gets older. Well, he's older now and I truly miss the times when he was younger.. even if he bounced off the walls on a daily basis ;)