Welcome Back...to Atlanta

I am back from a wonderful vacation in California. I went to see my favorite cousin in the world! We had so much fun! She is actually my cousins blood relative but we bonded instantly! I love her so much and this was the first time that our daughter met face to face. They have seen pictures of each other but they had never met face to face. My daughter being the sentimentalist that she is like her mother only wanted to see her cousin for her birthday! That is all that she wanted. So dh said go, go, go,and off we went to California! This was also her first plan ride. The entire trip was awesome. I got to catch up with my best cousin and the girls got to meet each other! We talked all night, bought snuggies, got pedicures, rented a jumper, Disney Land, and camped in the fab 5th wheel! It was a fabulous trip and I can't wait to see her soon and it will be soon. I missed my family in Atlanta but it was also nice to see my family in California. It was indeed a wonderful Thanksgiving. The best part of the trip was what dh did for me with the kids when we returned. I thought that I would txt him as he drove around the airport waiting for us to arrive to let him know that we were ready. He had his own surprise for me! This man just loves me and he is always surprising me! I do not deserve him at all. I love him and this was just terrific. Oh did I mention one of the kids was sick when we were away! He took a week off of work and was Mr. Dad! This is why I Dare to Love!

High Tea With the Girls

My girls love tea! I mean all kinds of tea. They will try it cold or hot with the exception of sweet tea. They DO NOT like sweet tea. I guess they are not "really" from the south. We visited a place called Mittie's Tea Room in Alpharetta. It was a perfect fall day for high tea! My oldest daughter invited two friends and their mom's to attend high tea with us. It was a lot of squealling, talking, leg crossing, and pinky fingers flying all over the place as they drank their tea. I was so proud to experience with my girls. I have taken them before but this time they were a little older and can appreciate it. We had lunch first which consisted of all 5 girls having grilled cheese and fruit...shocker! Me and the other girls had adult food. For our high tea we ordered scones for the little ladies and they thought they were so grown up. I don't know why but this was some sort of milestone for me and my girls and I was so glad that my awesome girlfriends were there to share it with me. We really encourage each other as we grow our girls into young ladies. I love that I have that in my life. It's very important that my girls also know that these ladies will always speak the word of God into their lives whether I am on this earth or not. I can only hope that my daughters are as blessed as I have been on this journey. I had so many things that I wanted for my girls when they were babies. At this point and going forward I can only hope that they have 3 folds of what I have in my 30's. Tea Day was indeed a blessed day to remember.

Montgomery's Strike Back!

As you can see we are a Star Wars Family. My son became obsessed with this as all of his friends are with this. It's been like 31 years or something since it came out. Even today Star Wars is ever so popular. I went to party city and everyone there was getting Star Wars Costumes. I can't wait to get a sewing machine so I can make these costumes. Kristopher got the girls into Star Wars and they are loving it. A friend and I decided to take the kids to get their pictures done in their costumes as they are a Star Wars family also. We walked into portrait innovations at it was dead silent! The other customers loved it! They proceeded to stare and tell the kids how cute they were. Of course us grown up will not have our costumes on until Saturday. I can't believe I have succumb to this but it's all in the fun of it. I had planned on being the black woman from Star Trek( no explanation needed) guess every galaxy has a black woman some where.

Saturday Pause...

It's about time! Yay!! I love fall! I love the cool crisp air outside. I love the falling of the leaves and turning of the trees! I am just giddy this time of year. We have lots of days where we have hot cocoa, pumpkin pie specialty coffee's, Smore's, hot apple cider, and warm soups oh my! Today I made white chocolate mocha hot chocolate for the kids. They were so happy that they went up stairs and put on their pajamas so they could get themselves int he groove. We are sitting here all cozy with our pajama's on sipping hot cocoa and watching a movie. These are the days where I get to relax and enjoy my awesome family. Take a day and pause just for a moment as these are the times to remember.

Today's To-Do-List

Here is my to-do-list. How much will I accomplish...
Cook dinner
Target
Publix
Bake a cake
Blockbuster
Finish putting together dh's bday present
Have kids make cards
Family Night
Hair (wash)
Shave
Have kids journal
Paint girls toes
3 loads of laundry
Print pictures of Hawaii
Blog about accomplishments of this list

Natalie

Sent from my iPhone

A Daughter's Prayer

Tonight was a very memorable night. I was laying in my oldest daughters room tonight while she read her AR book to me. She is a very good reader. My little girl turned 7 on October 1. She is growing into such a young lady and I am proud! Her prayer was "Thank you Jesus for a wonderful day. Thank you for my brother, my sister, my mom, and my dad. Thank you that I have such a great mommy. I pray that all the other kids have a mommy like mine who loves them and wants them to be the best. I pray for all the other children out there who might not have a mommy and daddy but a step mommy and step daddy that they are being treated as well as I am. I pray that I love her forever and she is a good mommy. Amen. Are you in tears yet? I am. My little girl at the age of 7 is still concerned about the life of other children. I am proud to say that she is my daughter. I am a person with goals, schedules, expect excellence in school academics, etc. If I should leave this earth before I see my daughter grow up and venture out on her own. If that night were to be tonight then I would die in peace knowing that her primary focus was God and caring about others.

And...Still In Love

I am still on cloud 9! Every since we left for Hawaii and returned things have been great! We are so on a high. We really needed to get away and just reconnect. The funny thing is that I did not realize how disconnected we were! We have dated since 5th grade...yes I know! He is still the love of my life and I see us so very different after a the vacation of our lives. We talked and talked and focused on each other all day every day while we were away. It was nice waking up and watching him sleep so softly without having to rise to an alarm or children. We walked, talked, relaxed, ate dinner(without cutting up other people's food), and drove around without a purpose. It's still like a dream. So we had the most amazing vacation with each other and some awesome friends. God really works in a funny way. We got back from our trip with a marriage retreat weekend that dh purchased tickets for as a surprise to me. It was fabulous! This just added to the high! We learned just that much more about each other! It was good. The other awesome thing is that we saw a few other couples we knew and it was such a joy to know that other couples are focusing on their marriages as well. It is so hard to find the balance of life especially after kids come into the picture. We love our children don't get me wrong and they are the most important thing to us after each other. This was very hard for me to accept for many years after having children. My husband told me a few years ago that one of the most important gift we can give our children is a happy marriage. Life has it's ups and downs and we have had our share but when it's up it's UP and that is AWESOME!

Really?...Fried Bolonga Biscut Combo.

Sometimes there are just no words. I wish I had some but I don't. Really? Can it get any worse! I pulled up to the drive thru of Hardee's which I never really do and I was asked if I wanted to try a Fried Bolonga Biscuit Combo? I was in shock! I took this pic with my iphone which sucks for pictures but I just had to post it. I am still in shock...4 days later! Really?

And.....this is where we are in 2009

Happy Birthday!

I love birthday's! Usually I go all out but we only returned home from Hawaii 4 days ago! We kept it very low key this year. Kelli does not like cake as she asked me to make her a cookie cake. I was very happy that she did not want a bought one she wanted a homemade one. Kris is really into Star Wars. He wanted a Star Wars cake. That was there only request. Simple yet satisfying. The big presents come in November as we are still recuperating from Hawaii. Kelli is going to Cali next month for a week to see her cousin and go to Disney Land! Kris will be attending Lego Land (Star Wars Party...shhh it's a surprise)with the boys while we are away. It all worked out. It's nice when they are older. They have an opinion on what they would like. It is only and opinion not the final say..(LOL). It was nice...just the grandparents. The loved their gifts and were thankful for what they received. I love my children and so glad that we could have an intimate party with family. Next year I will go all out as they will be 8. Ok enough of that talk! Happy Birthday my sweet twins!

We're Back...Our Wedding

What can I say? We had a blast!!!!! Did I say we had a blast! We are both Jet lagged but I had to put up pictures as people are waiting. I am still trying to find the right words to describe the ceremony. As of yet I can only say "Perfect" that does not do it justice but until I sleep..that is all. Dh had everything figured out. He was amazing and ohhh our friends were so in sync. Both of my bridesmaids had the same dress but different colors. Neither of them had spoken to one another until that day! Amazing. Dh and I are still on our honeymoon! I will post more pics tomorrow with much more details. I love my husband and my wonderful friends for being apart of our special day!

Off We Go!

We are off to Hawaii! We have to go to Minnesota first and get on our
connecting flight straight to Oahu! I look at a little glazed over as
I have taken benadryl sinus cold medicine. All this rain in Georgia
has gotten me really congested. Hopefully Hawaii will brighten my day!
I really missing my little ones this morning.

Kids Say the Darnedest Things...

I have said it once and I will say it again that kids say the darnedest things. Yesterday the kids got in the car and started talking about why Kelli was late getting in the car in carpool line. I was a little nervous when Kris and Rileigh got in the car and they were looking for her. She came running out to the car saying "Sorry Mommy, I was wheeling my friend out to the bus in her wheelchair. She has a disability and I volunteered everyday to wheel her to the bus because the other kids don't want to. She is nice and I like her and she will be having surgery on her ankle so that she may be able to walk again." My heart melted, I mean it just melted. My other two kids chimed in and wanted to know how they could help. The funny thing is Kelli is my little petite one and she is pushing a wheelchair. I really wish I could take a picture and post it here of her doing this. Maybe I can get a picture of her pushing the wheelchair but not photograph the little girl for privacy. I am so glad that they see dh and I helping others and that even when we are not looking they are putting their "gifts" to use. I admire my daughter more than anyone else in the world at this point. I could not be prouder. It was progress report day and those of you that know me know how I am about grades! They all got straight A's and normally I would have been ecstatic but I was humbled by my daughters love for others. What have you passed on to your little ones?

What is the next step?

I have been doing a lot of praying lately. I have not been praying because anything is wrong because things are actually good. Life is good. I have been doing some self examining as I like to do that about twice a year to look at my progress. I have a wonderful family but am constantly wondering if I am doing enough. I look at my husband and wonder if I am the kind of wife that he is proud of. I look at my friends and wonder am i returning the favor. I look in the mirror and wonder am I the woman that God has called me to be. Am I even the ladies small group leader that he has called me to be and did he call me to be it? So many questions right?
Well, after some soul searching I have realized that I still let what others think affect me. It's about 5% but it's still there. I don't mean people that I thought cared about me but now realized that they don't. I mean the people in my life that matter and that I should be accountable to? I have made a conscious decision that if you are in my life then I am OK with you holding me accountable. The way I see it is if you are important enough to be in my life then that is a given. I have been hurt by some friendships dissolving and it took a while to get over that. I am a really caring person and I love people but sometimes I don't get the hint that "they're just not into me". It's a lesson but I never regret caring. God has really been placing things on my heart to think about lately. I recently decided to start a women's bible study. It consist of 4 awesome ladies two of which I already knew from previous couples small group. A couple of ladies have missed and I have been struggling with that. God is really showing me his plan and not my own and that is hard for me. Those of you that know me know that I love to follow my plan and my calendar. I like for things to flow and when they don't I take it as though it was personal against me. I know deep down this is not the case and so this is a work in progress. I am at a place in my life where I am surrounded by terrific Christian women and an awesome family. My husband is so great and he just adores me and I adore and admire him just as much. I need to really blog more about him and give him a lot more credit. I honestly feel like we are best friends as we have dated since 5th grade so he kind of is! My focus is God, family, and friends. I am good enough and although I don't live in a fancy house or drive a fancy car I am good enough for the kingdom of Christ and that my friends is golden. This blog is going to be more about the journey with my family, friends, and whatever else God has for me to the destination so stay tuned!

He scores!

Saturday was Kris's 1st soccer game of the season and he scored! It was a wonderful day outside so I snapped away. He was so very proud and I was so proud that he was proud. Today was a proud day. He is still learning the game as this is only his second season. What matters is he had fun! I looe watching my kids learn new things and having the experience to be different. While he played soccer his sister's decided to go find a friend and play duck, duck, goose on the sidelines...typical.

Life is Good

Sometimes life is just good. Dh and I are getting ready to go Hawaii in a week with no kids. My wonderful "mum" will be keeping the kids. I have the longest to do list. I will have it all done before we leave. I should be all packed and everything in the suitcase by Sunday. Right now we are good and my kid are enjoying life!

My Sweet 3

It was a fantastic weekend! We went to two braves games and a book fair with my awesome MIL(mother in law). Of course she will buy books for anyone who will read. Well my 3 love books and that is awesome. I often here of other mom's talking about how their children hate reading. I can't relate. Anyways, I have been really trying to pay attention to how much we spend as that has n not always been the case. So, I packed lunches for our kids for the braves game so that I would not have to buy AS much food that is insanely priced! I packed for everyone but myself as I love a wonderful hot dog at a baseball game. That is the point right? I packed, grapes, soup(yes they love soup), juice boxes, bottled water, cookies, carrots, and fruit snacks. I had them each carry their own lunch boxes as it makes it lighter for me. About 2 bites after they were eating their grapes Kelli looked over and said" Oh mommy, you work so hard for us packing lunches, laundry, and everything that you do. I would like for you to rest some and take a break" My heart melted. It was so very sweet. That is just her personality. Then my other two chimed in and said "yes mommy, you are very sweet to us, we love you and you do too much". I sat there and just looked into their eyes and thanked God for the appreciation that my 3 children have for me and others around them. If I never get another "Thank You Mom" which I am sure I will...life is good. The three things that I want out of this life for my 3 children is for them to love Christ, have good morals, and love others and themselves. The ironic part is that here is was "Labor Day" and I was still on duty but the reward was well worth an "extra" work day.

Tooth Whisperer Strikes Again

Dh has struck again. Princess had a loose tooth and he could not wait to help that little tooth out of her mouth. We were sitting at dinner and she was not eating much. I noticed that when she did eat that she would take bites on the side of her mouth instead of in front. Dh asked her what was wrong and she said "my tooth is lost". We all laughed and she had that look in her eye that every little girl has when her daddy is ready to pull her tooth out (yeah right)! Since Monday she has lost the other tooth beside the one that just came out! Can you guess what she wants for Christmas?

Blogging Back

Oh my how times flies! I was over at Heather's blog and decided to reflect back over the last 3 years of blogging to the month. I love blogging and have not done it a while. I got some helpful advice and so here we go again. Last August, the twins had just started Kindergarten and my little Princess started Pre-K. In August of 2007, I was taking my marriage to a new level. In August of 2006, 1st Scrapbook Retreat and won first place! I was so proud and scared at the same time as I had never left the kids before. I love blogging. It's nice to look back and see how life has changed your life through good times and not so good. How has the last 3 years been for you?

First Day of School

Off they go...! Today was a hard days as I watched my little ones go off to school. It was especially hard as my youngest started kindergarden. Dh and I are officially parents of school agers. I remember bringing them home from the hospital. It seemed as though I had all the time in the world. I can only hope that I have prepared them enough for this world and dare to be different so that others will see a light in them. I hope they shine so bright that it makes their heavenly fathers heart fill with joy like no other. Off you go little ones to be the best that you can be!
 

First day of school

Rileigh forgot her backpack so I took it to her. She dud not even know
I was there! I thought she would be crying like I was but ohh no. She
is just fine. I guess I need to get myself together then.

The Sweet Life

My youngest daughter is spending the weekend with Grandma and Grandpa.
Grandpa just got another convertable. This little girl has him wrapped
around her little finger. I am so glad that when she grows up she will
have these memories in her scrapbook!

Happy 4th of July!

We had a blast of this past 4th of July weekend. Our good friends the Marzullo's invited us on a boat for the day!We had so much fun. This was the first boat ride for the kids and oh my. They want a boat so bad. I guess dh won that one. Our deal is if we get a boat I get a jet ski!