Stephanie's Ramblings

2008-05-27T19:18:00.000-07:00

Will and Jake at the Dinosaur Exhibit

Emma and Mimi in the herb garden

Will between the butterfly bushes

Me, Marci (aka Martha Ann) and the Kids

Emma and Mia at Will's game

Will "sleeping" on the monkey bars!

Emma taking her morning nap after Mimi and Pop Pop walked with her

Emma after her bath at Mimi and Pop Pops

The Hawkins Grandkids

On Mem. Day, we went to an outdoor Dinosaur exhibit

Emma loves to sit up! She is very close to crawling!

The playground where we went camping

Aunt Marci playing Slap Jack at the camp site

Jake playing at the playground!

We are in a good routine now. I am so happy to have our new home! The boys and Emma are adjusting very well. Every now and then, Jake will say he wants to go play with Miranda (our old neighbor) and I will have to remind him that we moved and Miranda will have to come visit us to play. Poor kid, so much change for such a little mind!
We had a great Memorial Day. We packed up on Friday and headed to the mountains in Alabama to go camping! Yes, Alabama has some beautiful state parks. The one we went to this weekend just happened to be 10 minutes from Matt's parents house in Huntsville. Matt's parents have a camper and we stayed there all weekend. Matt's parents were there as well as Joel and Martha Ann (Matt's bro and his wife). We had a blast. The boys roasted marshmellows and hot dogs. We brought their bikes and so they rode alot. On Saturday, we went to a wonderful park where the boys played and we hiked some there too. It was a beautiful weekend. The weather was perfect. The temps were in the 80's but up in the mountains were more like high 60's low 70's. On Saturday night we cooked chicken fajitas on the open fire with some of Keith and Sherry's camping gadgets. They are camping gurus so they have all this cool camping equipment. Sherry even made homemade peach cobbler over the fire in a dutch oven. One morning for breakfast she made a wonderful breakfast casserole. Just like home!
The boys had a wonderful time and made lots of great memories. That's what it is all about!
Will had a ball tournament tonight. He is really getting the hang of the game. He is making all kinds of friends and just having lots of fun. Paige and Mia came to see him tonight. Mia and Emma had fun hanging out on the blanket. Jake played the entire time with two little friends he has made during the season. Nothing like a cool spring night watching a baseball game. I love it!
Well, I better go. It is time for the nightly ritual Matt and I have....grape juice. Call us crazy, but we drink it every night and watch our favorite shows!
See ya!

2008-04-20T18:29:00.000-07:00

This is the morning time crew!

Emma learns to sit up!

Cousin Mia and Emma on their first of many playdates!

Will is on deck "warming up"

Crack kills Emma!

Matt takes the boys to the Home Depot the first Sat. in the month to do a Kids Tool Time!
The boys love it! I think Matt likes it more than they do!

We are finally in our new house! Yippee!! We closed on March 26. We didn't have any furniture or anything out of storage so we slept on our floors! It was fun and something the kids will always remember! Thanks to our families who really helped us get all of our stuff out of storage and put away. We all worked like dogs that weekend!
Since then, I have tried hard to get the kids back into a normal routine. Living with the Grandparents put the scheduling and all the rules on the back-burning for a while. Now, I am ready to inforce rules and stick to my good ol' schedule!
We painted our family room, kitchen and breakfast room this weekend. I wanted a yellow/beige color and it looks great. Amazing what a little paint will do to a room!
Paige and I are going to playdates on Tuesdays. It is a group of girls from church who all have babies the same age as Emma (6-8mo. old). It is a great way to talk to adults and have a good conversation with someone! It also allows me to spend good, quality time with Emma. It seems with the hustle and bustle of these past 8 months, I have let time get the best of me and have forgotten to savor these precious moments. Because I know all too well how fast these young years go! Will is going to kindergarden this year for crying out loud!
Speaking of kindergarden, I took Will to his "new Kindergarden" just up the road from us. I met with the school secretary and she took us on a great tour. It is a brand new school. This is the first year they opened. It's beautiful and so full of bright colors! Will is very excited! He talks about it all the time.
Well, I better go. I need to wind down for the night. Busy weekend we had. Hope all is well with everyone reading this. I will do better posting my blog!

2008-01-11T18:22:00.000-08:00

Well, they have begun construction on our new home in Nolensville. They have scheduled the framers on Jan 17. Hopefully this will go up quickly. I cannot wait to get into our new home! Living with the parents makes me really appreciate my own space. Things are actually going fine here, but it just seems like we've been here forever and it's only been since early November.
I took the boys (and Emma!) to the local Community Center today so that Will could practice basketball. He has his first game tomorrow. We signed him up for the church league called Upwards Basketball. We are very excited. He has never played and apparently the little boys he's playing with never have either. It should be very interesting!
After his game at 9am tomorrow, we are heading to Nolensville to spend the night with Paige and Lance. Matt and I wanted to take the boys and Emma to the Spaghetti Factory in downtown Nashville, so we will go there tomorrow night. The boys are so excited. We told them that maybe we could sit in the Caboose! Matt and I haven't been there since college. We used to go there alot b/c I loved the spaghetti! It will be really neat to take our kids there. We plan on going to our church on Sunday and then going to lunch at Chuck E. Cheese's and meeting our old neighboors, Rebecca and Jennifer and their kids Miranda and Madeline there. When we lived in Franklin Green (our old neighborhood) we would play every afternoon with Miranda and Madeline. Our kids were like brother and sisters! It was so sad when we left. I have made a promise with Rebecca that we will always stay in contact.
Emma has started rolling over! It is so cute! I can remember the boys doing the exact same thing. My, how time flies! I am trying to cherish every minute with her b/c I know this will be our last baby. It is sad, but I know it is time to call it quits. I think Matt and I could have 10 more kids b/c we love them so much, but my body can't take pregnancy again! I think this pregnancy really did me in. I was so sick and then my thyroid giving me problem.
Oh, can you please be praying for me b/c I have found a little bump on my thyroid. I hope it is nothing, but you never know. I am going on Jan 24 to the Thyroid Dr. I believe my thyroid is just out of whack and it is trying to make too much hormone so it could get bigger on one side. Hopefully and prayerfully it is nothing to worry about. I will keep everyone posted.

Well, I better go! Got to get up bright and early to see Will play basketball!!!!

Steph

2007-12-20T14:14:00.000-08:00

Hello!
Well, lots of things have been going on since I wrote last. We sold our home in Franklin within a few weeks, so we had to go live with Mom and Dad in Tullahoma until our new home is finished being built. We originally settled on a beautiful home in Spring Hill. But shortly after we closed on the sell of our Franklin home, Fox Ridge (the builder of the new home) cancelled our contract because they said there wasn't enough profit margin on the home. They were in disagreement with the developer of the community on the amount of the lots and said they could be in negotiations for weeks. We said that we needed a home asap and agreed to cancel the contract for the Spring Hill community. We were devasted to say the least. Here we were with 3 kids and now where to call home. We weren't sure what we were going to do, but the Lord showed us that He was in control and that he was going to answer our prayers and take care of us after-all. Shortly after losing the contract on the new house, we were led to a community in Nolensville called Silver Stream. It is a beautiful community with walking trails and lots of kids for Will, Jake and Emma to play with. It is a new community too, but it is doing much better in sales than the one in Spring Hill. We went to Nolensville many times to meet with the sales people and to pick our new colors and all the other stuff. The great thing about this community is that it is less than 2 miles from Paige and Lance! I believe the Lord literally picked us up from the Spring Hill community and said "I don't care if you pout, I don't want you out here, I want you in this area." So we listened to Him and made a contract on the home in Nolensville. We are on a cul-de-sac that I always wanted and can't wait to get in the new home! They are anticipating us being in around March or April.
We are adjusting well to living with Mom and Dad. It is definately different and takes cooperation on everyone's part to make it easy. Matt is traveling daily to Brentwood. Sometimes he drives with a friend that just happens to work with him who lives in Tullahoma. Kinda weird, Huh? I have learned so much from this experience. Most of all, I have learned to listen to God. He is very loud, but you have to be quiet. Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of it all (with 3 kids there's alot of noise!) it's easy to get side-tracked and do what you want to do, but you have to sit still somewhere and just pray and really listen to Him and He will guide you where He wants you. What a great lesson to learn.
Emma is growing so much! It is hard to believe she is 4 months old. I have to say that she is the very best baby on the planet. I would find it hard to believe that there is a better 4 month old out there. She eats well, sleeps great and rarely cries. She is happy ALL THE TIME! God truely blessed me with a little Angel. Will and Jake are the best BIG brothers you could ask for. They really love her from the bottom of ther little hearts. They love to kiss her and play with her and laugh at her when she blows bubbles with her cute slobber!
We are in the middle of preparing for the Christmas Holidays. We are having our yearly Boyles Family Christmas here at the house with all of my Mother's family (about 40-50 people). My Mom usually cooks a turkey and ham and everyone else brings a heavy appitizer and/or dessert. We play dirty Santa and laugh until my Uncle Ronnie rips his pants! Ha Ha!!!!!
On Christmas Eve morning, we have our traditional Spraggins Family Breakfast. My Dad's family comes over bright and early and Mom, Dad and Matt usually fix a down-home country breakfast. We usually have around 20 people for that feast. Christmas time is a wonderful time of the year for both my family and Matt's family. THis year will be somewhat difficult for Matt's family b/c Matt's Grandmother passed away a few weeks ago. She was always a sweet gentle soul everytime you would see her. She passed away from complications from pneumonia and a stroke she had nearly 14 years ago. This was Matt's Mom's Mother. We will truely miss Grandmother this year and all the years to come, but we know she is exactly where she wants to be and that is in Heaven with her Husband and daughter and many other loved ones she treasured. We will go to Matt's parents house on Christmas Day and have Christmas there. Sherry usually cooks a wonderful meal and we sit around and laugh and watch all the kids open gifts and play and make wonderful memories there!
I will go for now. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New 2008!

Love,
Steph

2007-09-10T12:28:00.000-07:00

We've been a little busy around here to say the least. Right after Emma was born, Matt and I decided to build a new home in Spring Hill, sell our current home we've been in for seven years and try to raise 3 kids at the same time!@ Im trying not to have a nervous break down, but if I do, people will certainly understand why.
I won't be able to write much now, but wanted everyone to know that Emma is doing great and the boys are adjusting quite well. Emma's cardiology appt. went well last week. The Dr. said the hole has actually gotten smaller! Praise the Lord!
Please continue to pray for us right now. We need strength to get through these next few months. Pray that our house sells quickly and that our family gets through these stressful times soon.

Thanks!
Steph

Emma Louise Hawkins

2007-08-18T10:08:00.000-07:00

After about 3 strong pushes....she was OUT! I went into the hospital around 7am and had Miss Emma at 4:05. She is absolutely adorable and looks alot like Will when he was a newborn. She has blondish hair which neither of the boys had at birth. It will be interesting to see if she keeps the blond locks. After the pediatrician looked her over after birth, they noticed a small murmur in her heart. The next day she had an echocardiogram to see if anything was wrong. They have discovered a small hole in her heart called a VSD. They also discovered something called a PDA. Which is something at the top of her heart that needs to be closed and it has remained open. Apparently this heart condition is very common and both of these defects should closed and repair on their own over time. They are NOT life-threatening and shouldn't affect her quality of life. The best case scenerio would be they close and repair on their own. The worst case scenerio would be to surgical repair the defects. We went to the Pediatric Cardiologist yesterday to do another echo on Emma to see if the opening at the top of the heart (PDA) had closed and thankfully it has closed! The little hole in her heart is still 4 mm and the cardiologist was very encouraging to say that she feels it will close on it's own. Apparently 4mm is very small and they are not too worried about this being able to close on its own. CLosing could take weeks to months or even years. But all the docs say this is not life-threatening and will not affect her quality of life in the least. That makes me feel better!
We go back to the cardiologist on Aug. 31 to do another echo so we will update then.
Please continue to pray for her and her little heart. Pray that this will close soon and that she will be a healthy little girl! God has already given Matt and I an extrodinary amount of peace about this. Of course we were worried at first, but we have been praying for peace and for healing.
Emma is a wonderful, peaceful baby. She rarely cries so when she does, Matt and I just look at each other and say..."Oh, how cute her cry is!" HOw long will that last? Not too long Im sure!
Everyone is fine here, just trying to adjust to little sleep and to a new life inside our home. The boys love their sister. Wanting to hold her every chance they get! Well, I better go tuck the boys in their bed. Finally a moments peace in the house! Ha HA!

Love,
STeph

2007-08-10T13:51:00.000-07:00

Nana came down and let the boys cool off by eating popscicles on the living room floor!
Matt and the boys went to Home Depot early one Sat. morning to make these tool boxes. Me and the boys painted them to make them extra special.
Jake is really focusing on making his "just right."
Mom painting Baby Emma's room!
I am ready to have this baby girl!

Family Shower for me and Paige
My cousin Dawn is pregnant too! Having a girl in December!
The Yummy cake for our shower!
Will and Jake riding in our neighbors' little red mustang

We spent the night in T-town one weekend and Dad decided to play pregnant too!

Well, one week from today we should have a little girl to welcome to our family! My doctor wants to induce me one week from my actual due date because of my Graves Disease and some high blood pressure issues I had after I had Jake. I went to the Doctor a couple of weeks ago and they estimated her weight by ultrasound and she was weighing 6lbs 10oz. at that time. They estimate she may weigh around 8 lbs -8 1/2 lbs. So I am somewhat relieved that they will be inducing her b/c she could be well over 9 lbs if delivered at my actual due date. That would not be fun! Ha !

I have been feeling pretty good considering it's been 100 degrees outside and 9 months pregnant. The boys and I have been trying to stay inside most of the day. Usually around 6 or 7pm we all go outside and play with the neighborhood kids for a few hours. One of my neighbors, Ashley, was due Monday (8/6). As of today, she hasn't delivered yet. So, we are usually sitting on my porch under the fan with swollen ankles and drinking lots of water watching the kids get red faced and worn out! She should be delivering her baby sometime this week. HOPEFULLY!

I took the boys out one day last week when it was scorching hot to a wonderful inside jumping gym called "Jump Zone" It's only a few minutes from my house and they loved jumping and playing and getting all that energy out. I had fun just sitting around watching them play.

I have to say that I am extremely excited about bringing baby Emma home to this wonderful house. I truly believe that the home that Matt and I have created is just perfect and very happy. I know that she will be loved and have so much fun here. I believe that she is meant to be here. I believe she is a little miracle and can't wait for her to meet her other little miracles called brothers. Will and Jake are getting excited about their little sister. Just the other day Jake said, " Where is baby sister? Is she out yet?" I said , "Not yet. Just a short while and she will be here." He is going to be the more jealous one, I think. He has always been so close to me. Will has too, but it's been different with Jake. Jake has always been more "baby" acting. It's hard to believe he is 3 years old! I know he is going to seem so big when we bring this tiny baby home. Will is going to look like a teenager Im sure! Ha!

I also cannot believe I will be having 3 children. I don't seem old enough or mature enough to have 3 children. Only old people have 3 kids! Ha!!!!!! I guess God thinks I can do this. I hope I don't disappoint Him.

Tomorrow, our friends and good neighbors, Bonnie and Nancy will be taking the boys out for most of the day. They want to give Matt and I one last break before I have this baby! They are going to take the boys to Chick Fil-A and then back to their house to make cookies and play! They just live about 2 blocks over in our neighborhood. They are wonderful friends that we've known for about 6 years now. I've had a couple of baby showers in the last couple of months. Paige gave me one with all my girlfriends and then my Mom gave Paige and I a double shower a couple of weeks ago with all of our family. That was so much fun! Paige was having some contractions that day, so she wasn't having so much fun. She has been having some pre-term contractions b/c of her demanding work schedule and just stress with her job. She was on bed rest for about 4 days and then went back to work. She says she's been feeling much better but she still has a few contractions a day. The Dr. doesn't seem to worry as long as her cervix hasn't dilated or anything. Hopefully she will just rest as soon as she gets in from work and drink lots of water!Mom came up here last week to help paint the nursery and fix up some stuff around the house that I needed help with. The nursery looks so cute with the green walls and all the pink accents around the room. This weekend I will be stenciling her name on the wall above the crib. Mom and I hung some cute wooden/decorative flowers on the wall yesterday when she came up.

Well, I better go see what we are going to have for dinner tonight. It will have to be something with hamburger meat. The boys and Matt have been wanting Sloppy Joes, so I guess I will fix that. YUM YUM!

For those that will read this before I have this child, please say a special prayer that everything will go good during the delivery. Pray that Baby Emma will be born healthy and safe and that I will be healthy and safe too. I am especially nervous about the induction b/c I've never been induced before. I pray that the baby is ready and that I am ready. Just pray that everything goes perfect with this delivery. God had taken good care of me and this baby during the pregnancy, I pray the delivery and afterbirth will be perfect as well.

Steph

2007-07-05T19:56:00.000-07:00

Well, I feel like a big loser because I haven't been blogging in a while. I think all my energy is just plain shot by the end of the day. I think I have a pretty good excuse though. I am only 8 months pregnant with my third child in the middle of July. Our summer routine is going very well these days. The boys usually wake up around 7am. They come and try to get me and Matt up at that time. It works for Matt b/c he has to get up and get to work, but for me, some days I may lay there till around 8am. Breakfast is usually some pancakes or blueberry muffins or eggs or even some cereal for Will. We all eat around 8:30am. Since Jake and Will's swim class is over, we've been going out in our own backyard and playing on our giant water slide and spiderman pool. My parents got the slide for the boys last summer and it has been the best investment for these boys! They love it. This past weekend, we went over to our friends' house, Brad and Holland Baker. They have a 4year old boy, Coleman, and also 2 year old twins (Mac and Mason). We had a big cookout there with all of our college friends and their children. It was so much fun. We took the big water slide and it was a hit to say the least!

Summer time is so much fun. I just love being able to stay home with my children and watch them play and giggle and run! I love to be able to give them popsicles and let them get all messy and watch them play with their neighborhood friends! I feel so blessed to be able to do this.

I cannot wait for our little girl to join in on all this fun with her big brothers.

I am feeling quite well so far with this pregnancy. I get extremely tired at night. My back has been really bothering me. I've been going to my chiropractor and he sets me straight (literally!). I have also been going to get prenatal massages. Let me tell you, nothing is better than a massage when you are pregnant! Oh, my aching feet and back! Plus, for me, just the fact that Im getting to leave the house alone for one hour makes me one happy Mama.

We had a great July 4. Matt had the day off, so we just played on the giant water slide most of the day with our neighbors. We went out to eat that night with the boys and then headed to the Willamson County Recreation Center to watch fireworks. They didn't start until 9:30 so needless to say, we didn't get home until after 11:00pm. It took longer to get out of the stinkin' parking lot than it did to watch the fireworks. We had a great time though, just hanging with our little family. WIll and Jake loved the fireworks. Will did cover his ears the whole time though. Im not sure why he feels he has to cover his ears. They aren't THAT loud. He is definitely his Mother's son! I can remember doing the same thing way back when.

My parents have bought the boys bunk beds to go in their room. Im anxious to see how Will is going to do on the top bunk. I pray he doesn't fall off! My parents are coming up here tomorrow to deliver them and put them up. I never liked bunk beds when I was little, but I hope my boys will! They aren't going to have an option to like them.

We are in the process of remodeling both of our full bathrooms. We are on a schedule to get them totally finished before the baby gets here. Matt is putting beadboard in the upstairs bath. He has already tiled both bath floors. Today, I painted the upstairs bath an apple green. It looks really good. I am decorating it with a bug theme and some butterflies and lady bugs for the baby sis. We have decided to name her Emma Louise. I have always loved the name Emma and Louise is named after Matt's Grandmother Norman. Also, I have a wonderful Aunt named Louise as well.

I guess I better go. It's getting late. I will try and keep blogging up until I deliver!

Love,

Steph

2007-06-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

Whoever coined the phrase, "Lazy Days of Summer" never spent a day in my shoes during the summer time! Ever since the boys have been out of school, we have had so much fun playing with neighbors (everyday) and going swimming and everything else you do in the summer! We have wonderful neighbors who have kids the same age as Will and Jake, so around 5pm, we all head outside (usually our house) and play on the swing set, ride the battery operated hummer and ride bikes. Me and the other Moms, just sit back and have grown-up talk and handle little fights that might break out. Will started swimming lessons at the YMCA last week and he finishes up tomorrow. The lessons start at 10:30am and last only 30 minutes. Then we swim at the YMCA pool for about an hour and then head home for lunch. It's a great routine that the boys have adjusted well to. The swimming and sunshine really wear them out and 7 months preggo Mom too! Jake starts his lessons the end of the month and go for 2 weeks too. They are probably going to go to lessons again during the month of August to a lady who gives them private lessons at her pool in Leiper's Fork. She is really great and they say your child learns to swim before leaving her class.
Paige found out yesterday that she is having a girl! We are so excited! We all thought it was going to be a boy. But the ultrasound showed it very clear that it was a girl! I am so excited b/c my little girl and her's hopefully will be very close. Paige and I want to move closer together so we can raise our kids together. Hopefully it will all work out.
Matt has been really busy getting some last minute handy-man jobs done before the little girl arrives. He and Lance tiled our upstairs bathroom and will be putting beadboard on the walls in the next few weeks. This weekend Matt will be tileing our downstairs bathroom. The nursery hasn't even been touched. I can't wait to start decorating it. I will probably start doing the majority of it in July. I don't have to paint, but of course it all needs new girly stuff!
Well, the boys are finished cleaning up the playroom and now it's time for bed. I will write more later!
Love, Steph

2007-05-15T19:19:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I have had a chance to sit down and type on this computer! After we got home from the beach, the boys and I have been to the park a few times, been busy outside and then just doing the normal day to day things here around the house. We went to the park last week with all my good friends that I went to Lipscomb with and their children. Will and Jake love to play with these boys and so we want to try to get them together as much as possible. In fact we are all planning a trip to Gatlinburg in November with everyone and their kids. We did this about 2 years ago and had a blast. We've reserved an even bigger cabin this time b/c we've added to the bunch since then. Jay and Lex have had a third child, Wallace. Holland and Brad have had twin boys since then and we will have a little addition when we go too!
Matt has been busy trying to fix our front porch. I hope he gets it done this weekend. He is replacing all the wooden posts b/c they rotted out and then he is painting the entire porch as well.
I had a great Mother's Day this past weekend. We spent the weekend in Tullahoma. Paige's birthday was that weekend too so we celebrated it as well. Paige is feeling fine and finds out the sex of their baby on June 5. I am so excited to get these babies out and start playing with them and showing them what a wonderful family they will be joining!
Will and Jake had a blast riding the go-cart and playing on the swing and monkey bars Pop Pop got them. My Dad has spent the last few weeks replacing all the boards on the back deck. It was a HUGE job and it looks great. We spent most of the weekend out there on the deck! Before, we would never go out there b/c it looked like the deck was going to fall. The boards were about 18 years old! They look great now.
Me and Matt's 9 year anniversary is tomorrow. Matt called his brother and his wife (Joel and Marci) to babysit the boys and we are going to go to dinner. I can't believe we've been married for 9 years. It really doesn't seem that long. We've been dating since 1993. So we've been together a total of 14 years. I can honestly say we were just meant for each other. We are each other's best friend and feel like we've known each other our whole lives.
Today was the boys' last day of pre-school. Will had a little program he did for the end of the year. He was so cute. I didn't take a camera, so I don't have any pics, but trust me he was just the cutest and best one out there! They sang, "Peace like a river, Love like an ocean, Joy like a fountain," and a few more. Will has swim lessons at the end of the month and Jake has lessons at the end of June. They are so excited about them! I can't wait until summer. We will be spending alot of time at our neighborhood pool!
I cooked spaghetti tonight and for dessert I made these awesome oatmeal raisin cookies! The boys love these cookies, not to mention Mom and Dad too! Jake helped me make the cookies and then wanted to help wash the dishes. So, of course, I took this opportunity to teach him! I hope it sticks with him. I think he mostly liked to play in the suds!
Well, I better go! It's getting late.
Love,
Steph

2007-04-25T16:53:00.000-07:00

Hawkins Family Destin vacation!

The cousins!

Celebrating Amelia's and Jack's Bd while in Destin

The water was cold but beautiful everyday

They buried Matt in the sand!
The cousins resting after a long day at the beach!

It has taken about a day to recoup from our long weekend at the beach. We went to Destin with Matt's family last Friday thru Monday. It was so much fun. We stayed at a very nice house right on the beach. The house was a friend of Amelia and John's. They let us use it since no one else had rented it out. Matt and I rented a mini van to take the long 8 hour excursion with two very busy boys. Thank goodness for DVD players in cars! I tell you what. I don't know what we would have done without one! We left about 9am on Friday and headed to the beach. We arrived in Destin about 4:30. We had a great meal that night. Matt's Dad and John (Amelia's hubby) bought a bunch of shrimp, corn, new potatoes, mushrooms and onions and we had a shrimp boil. It was great. The boys played with their BIG cousins Jack (8yrs old) and Owen (5yrs old) before heading to bed.

We woke up bright and early on Saturday. Matt's parents made a great breakfast with sausage, bacon, eggs and biscuits! Yum! After that, we headed down to the beach where we stayed most the day. Saturday night we had more grilled fish, fried shrimp and the best hushpuppies (thanks Sherry!) ever!
Sunday we went to church at a little chuch their at the beach. It was nice to give praise to God for a wonderful time with our family! We headed back to the beach right after church.
We didn't want to leave on Monday, but we headed back around 1pm. We got back to Franklin around 9pm. The boys had a wonderful time they will never forget. They loved playing with Jack and Owen!
Tuesday I spent most of the day doing laundry and cleaning up after our trip. I have almost finished all the laundry. I wish I could afford to pay someone to come do my laundry!
I am going out to dinner with my girlfriends (Amy, Lex, Jennifer, and Holland) tomorrow night. We are going to J. Alexander's in Cool Springs. I need a little girls night out. We try and get together once a month. These are the girls I hung out with in college. All of our hubbies were in the same fraternity and so naturally all of us girls got to be great friends.
I am feeling very good these days considering my belly is getting bigger and bigger everyday. My Endocrinologist called Monday to say he wants me to lower my dosage of PTU even lower. I only need to take one pill a day. Praise the Lord! God is really watching over me and this child. Thank you for all your prayers. God hears you and is answering our prayers. Please continue to pray for me b/c the Endocrinologist said there is a chance that this can be cured with just taking PTU after the delivery. No radioactive iodine may have to be used. He also encouraged me to breastfeed saying that many women successfully breastfeed while taking PTU. He was very encouraging at this appointment. I pray that God will take this condition away from me and let me be healthy after delivery!
I cooked spaghetti tonight and the boys were full! They like spaghetti especially Jake. You can always tell they've had spaghetti b/c of the red stains around their mouth for days afterwards! Ha!
Last night I went to the grocery stores so that I could get my good deals before they end today. I came home saving almost 50% of my bill. I love that feeling of saving money! I may not work a 9-5 job, but I want to do my part and help save money. I may not MAKE money, but I feel like I can help take some of the burden off of Matt by SAVING money. He appreciates it too. He loves looking at the recepits when I come home and unloading the TRUNK-FULL of groceries out of the car.
Well I better go. I need to get the boys lunch and backpacks ready for the day tomorrow!
Love,
Steph

2007-04-15T19:07:00.000-07:00

Will and Jake in their Easter outfits outside at church
Posing for some pics outside after church
Paige and Lance. Yes, Paige is now a brunette!
Another pose!
Pop Pop and Nana Spraggins with their grand-boys!

Well, another day in the books!

Im posting some pics of our Easter weekend. We had a wonderful weekend. Matt's Mom and Dad came up for just the day on Saturday. We went to lunch together with them and Joel and Martha Ann. We didn't do much that day; just came back to our house and talked. On Sunday morning, my Mom and Dad came up early before church to see the boys with their Easter baskets. Matt and I had so much fun with the Easter baskets! Before we went to bed we shredded up cotton balls to make it look like the bunny was shedded fur in the house. Will woke up the next morning and we heard him tell Jake that there was "fur everywhere!" Will was a little nervous before he went to bed that night before the bunny came. He kept telling me and Matt to lock the door and not let the bunny in. He said the bunny could just leave the baskets outside. It was halarious! We kept telling him the bunny has to come in to leave the baskets. He and Jake were so excited Easter morning. It brought back so many memories when I was a kid. I love EASTER!

We have had a great weekend this weekend even though it was wet and cold most of the time. Friday night we all went to our favorite pizza place, Nashville Pizza Co. It is a great local pizza place that is always crowded with all the locals. Saturday, we got up early and headed to the mall to do some shopping. Matt needed a few pairs of nice pants and I needed some maternity shorts and some PJ's. We ate lunch at the food court and then Matt took the boys over to the play area while I shopped. The boys played their hearts out over there! Their faces were so red and sweaty! Because it was rainy and cloudy most of the day, we just rested when we got home. We made sandwiches for supper and put the boys to bed early.

This morning we got up extra early and headed to Cracker Barrel for breakfast. We rarely go here with the boys so they thought this was great. They chowed down on the biscuits and pancakes! So did Mom and Dad! We didn't go to church this morning because Jake has had a touch of diarreah. YUCK! I didn't want him to give it to anyone.

I am so excited about our trip to Destin, FL next Friday- Tuesday. We are going with Matt's family. Matt's sister has a friend who is letting us use their beach house for the weekend. It looks like a great house. 7 bedrooms, a private pool and a guest house! The boys are so excited about going to play with their cousins, Jack and Owen. Matt and I have rented a mini-van to travel in b/c we want to have plenty of room for an 8 hr trip with two wild boys! I am busy planning on what we will need and getting all the laundry done.

Paige has been in Memphis all weekend for business. She is feeling a little under the weather lately. She thinks she has a bladder infection. That is pretty common with pregnancy. She also has a head cold and feels just plain bad. I hope she starts feeling better soon. I know it's hard to work and be pregnant at the same time. I worked throughout my pregnancy with Will. I was sick all the time b/c I stayed stressed out at my job. But thanks to God that I am able to stay at home and raise my boys and be pregnant in the comforts of my home. It's still hard, don't get me wrong, but I love my job. That's the difference.

2007-04-05T16:18:00.000-07:00

Well,
The day started out totally awesome because we found out today that we will be having a baby GIRL! I could hardly believe it when the ultrasonographer said it! I told her to make sure and so she check 5 different times in several positions. She said that the baby was in perfect position and could tell for sure we will be having a girl! I am still in shock. What in the world will I do with a girl? I suppose I will figure it all out. I have to say that my maternal insticts were telling me we were having a girl. Not b/c I wanted one necessarily, but because I was so sick in the beginning and not to mention all the strawberry slushies I've been craving. Paige and Lance just happened to have a Dr.'s appt. today at 9:15 and my appt. was at 9:30. So she and Lance were there with us when we found out. We all celebrated and went to Logan's for lunch and chowed down on some rolls! My Mom came up today to pick the boys up from school b/c I would have been in the doc still. She was so happy too! Matt's parents are excited as well. When Will and Jake came in from school, Will asked immediately, "Is it a boy or a girl?" I said a GIRL! He just looked at me and smiled and said she could play with all his toys. I told him she is going to want Barbie dolls and pink things. He said, "No, no Barbies...she can play with my toys." Oh boy, here we go! Ha! Jake has not quite gotten the whole jist of the baby thing. The only thing he does is play with my belly button and askes if he can kiss the baby. He is my little sweetie! If none of my other kids take care of me when I get old and gray, Jake will be right there, I just know it!
I have to say that I haven't done much today but sit and thank God for the blessing of a girl. Not only a girl but a healthy baby. The ultrasound results were good. No abnormalities. Sometimes I sit and wonder what in the world I did to deserve such a wonderful and blessed life. Absolutely nothing. That's the whole point of God's grace. He loves us and blesses us and wants the best for us just like we want for our own children. And he doesn't expect anything in return. What an awesome God!
My Mom came up last night and spent the night so that she could be here early for my appt. Paige was craving this pepper steak my Mom used to make all the time. So, Mom had to come up last night and make it for our family and Paige and Lance. Then after supper, we all went to Shoney's and had their Hot Fudge Cake and Strawberry Pies! We were naughty! But it sure was gooooooooooooooood!!!
I just got the boys out of the tub so that Matt doesn't have to do it tonight. He may be tired from working a little late tonight.
Well I better go! I need to start some supper! I have to say, I'm not too hungary b/c Im so excited and happy! But I know the other members of the family are so I guess I need to feed my family!

2007-04-01T18:44:00.000-07:00

Here we go hunting for Easter Eggs at the Community Easter Egg Hunt!

Jake loves to hunt eggs!
Found one!
Me and my beautiful boys!
Will found a bunch!
This is our neighbor, Miranda, who came with us to the hunt.

I know it's been a while since I've written, but we've had a busy week. Matt went out of town for a few days and so I was tired every night so I went to bed as soon as the kids did. The boys and I went to the park a couple of times this week since it was so pretty. And of course we play with the neighborhood kids just about everyday in our backyard. Tonight as I was unloading the groceries from the car, one of our neighbors who I don't really know, came up and asked if they could play on our swing set. Of course I said yes, but I thought it was odd that someone whom I do not know well would come and ask that. They played for a while and then went home. I didn't go out back to talk b/c I was fixing supper. It was about 6:45pm when they came over. I wouldn't have the nerve to ask if my kids could play on someone else's swingset, but some people do. That's what makes the world go 'round I guess. Maybe she and I will be good friends one day. She is expecting in June. She alread has one little girl who is 6 years old.
Matt came home on Friday after being gone a few days. He was tired but ready to get busy fixing our columns on our front porch. They are rotting. The wood wasn't treated lumber, so he is having to replace them. He got started on Saturday morning and finished up today. We took the boys to the community Easter Egg hunt on Saturday. It was fun! The boys really love finding all the eggs. Easter will be fun this year. The Bunny was there but Jake didn't like him very much, so he started crying everytime the bunny got near. Will didn't like him either. My kids are very skeptical children. I think that's good. My Dad was going to rent a bunny outfit and come see the kids on Easter morning, but I told him that probably wouldn't be a good idea b/c they don't like the REAL bunny. They like the candy he leaves, but if they see a 7ft white bunny coming close to them, they go into freak mode. Dad dressed up like the bunny last year and it went over real well. He rented the costume and got dressed in the car and then snuck up from the woods and greeted them with candy. Will loved it last year. Jake was too young to cry, but this year is a different story. Oh well, maybe another year for the new baby! Ha! Ha!
Paige wasn't feeling good this morning and so she didn't make it to church. I called her and she said she has a stomach bug. Yuck! I hope she is feeling better soon.
I am also having to dog-sit two dogs that live a couple of houses over. The owners went on a cruise for 8 days and so me and another neighbor are caring for them. I have to go over there twice a day and let them out to pee and poop. Both of the dogs are extremely over weight. I have to pick one of them up and take him outside b/c he is crippled. Both of them are old. Thank good they are small dogs but they are certainly not light. They probably weigh about 25 lbs. I have to do this all week until Sunday. Fun!
Will went to the dentist for the first real time on Thursday. I took him to our dentist that we've been going to for about 8 years. Will did great. He loved the people there. It helped that he watched me first get my teeth cleaned.
Well, I better go. I need to get the boys to bed. They are worn out from playing all weekend outside!
Love,
Steph

2007-03-25T19:18:00.000-07:00

Hello! What a fun filled week and weekend we have had. The boys were on Spring Break last week, so we went to the park on Monday with our neighbor and then on Wednesday we headed down to Tullahoma to spend with my parents until Friday. Matt was in NJ for business for a few days. He is in the process of meeting with one of their customers and their team about some software they bought from Matt's company. So Matt goes up there and answers questions and teaches them more about the software. He really likes doing this. The travel is not his favorite thing to do b/c he misses the boys so much, but it is not something he does very often, just every now and then.
Me and the boys had a great time in Tullahoma. I like going b/c Dad just totally entertains the kids and I get a good break. Mom and I usually go shopping or just sit around and talk about stuff. Dad took off work on Thursday and Friday to play with the boys and also to finish up putting new boards on their deck. It is time to start replacing all the boards b/c they are like 20 years old. He built new steps leading down to the pool and then made all the railings closer together so the boys or other kids wouldn't slip through them and fall down. Will and Jake really helped my dad the whole time. They love helping and learning new things. Of course they rode the go-carts and played on their bikes too! Friday as it was time to go home, my Dad suggested the boys stay for the weekend and I could go back to Franklin to be with Matt. I said "Okay!" No one had to coax me into anything like that. So I went back to Franklin on Friday afternoon and Matt and I had a nice relaxing weekend--kid free! We went out to eat Friday and Saturday night and met Paige and Lance bright and early Saturday morning at the Craker Barrel for some good eatin'. Saturday, Paige and I went to the mall to look for Easter dresses. I found a really cute one. My belly is really starting to show. I am in full maternity gear now. Paige isn't showing quite yet. She is only about 11 weeks. She can still wear most of her regular clothes. Matt worked out in the yard most of the day on Saturday. He borrowed Lance's truck to go get about 10 bags of mulch. Our yard looks so good. I just need to get out there this next weekend and plant some pretty flowers.
We went to church this morning and then right after church we went to Tullahoma to get the boys. We stayed a few hours to let the boys get some last minute energy out and then we came back home. While we were home, my uncle Ron, from California called to say that my Aunt Patricia had a mild stroke last night. She is in the hospital there in CA and will be there for a few days. She is feeling better and seems to be doing good. Patricia is my Mom's older sister. Please say a prayer for her tonight. Pray she gets better and heals quickly.
The boys were exausted when we were saying prayers and getting into bed. I have to say I am a bit tired too! I am feeling so good. Thank you so much for your prayers for me. I have gotten lots of emails and phone calls from many of you saying you are praying for me and this baby. You'll never know how much that means to me. Keep praying, though, for healing and for this condition to GO AWAY after I deliver. I believe it is possible through Christ. Keep praying for the baby as well.
Time to hit the sack! As my Mom and Dad would say!
Love,
Steph

2007-03-19T19:09:00.000-07:00

I have to tell everyone first and foremost, thank you for all your prayers for me and this pregnancy. The Endocrinologist called me today to tell me the results of my blood work I did on Thursday of last week. He wanted to see how the PTU was doing with my Thyroid count. The results were great! He even LOWERED the dose. I have been taking 200 mg of PTU and he wants to go down to just 100 mg. I have to say that I TRULY believe this is GOD telling me that he WILL take care of me and this baby. I have always been a praying person my whole life. However, it hasn't been until recently, with the help of my church, that Ive learn HOW to pray. Don't be afraid to be very specific of your need and tell others to pray for you. I cannot wait to give God the glory of this pregnancy and the healthy baby that awaits in 4 months.
We had a great day today. My friend, Jennifer, across the street called me this morning and asked if we wanted to go to the park with her and Madeline (3yrs) and Logan (5 mo.). Of course we went and had a great time. The boys ran everywhere. We took there soccer balls and they played soccer and played on the playground. After that we just came home. I fixed them their favorite lunch....grilled cheese sandwiches, grapes and cheese puffs. It was a great day.
I got the boys enrolled in swimming lessons this year. Will is going to be going the end of May for 8 days and Jake will be going the end of June for 8 days. They are going to the YMCA.
I have also signed them up for private swim lessons from this lady everyone calls the "Swim Nazi." Apparently your child will know how to swim before the lesson is over. SHe is VERY booked and the boys may not get in until Aug or Sept. I've heared she is well worth the wait. We intend on wait and hoping they get in.
Matt came home fairly early tonight and we grilled out hamburgers. I made homemade fried potatoes like my Mom used to make. The boys loved them and ate so many of them they got full and didn't want their burgers. But we made them eat the burgers!
The boys are in bed and we are winding down for the night.
Matt goes to New Jersey on Wednesday for just one night. Me and the boys are going to Tullahoma to visit my parents and let the boys play on the go cart and all the other things to do there. I hope to visit my friend Annie while Im there. She just had a baby about 8 months ago and is also going through a pretty bad divorce. I feel so bad for her b/c she also lost her Mom to brain cancer about 3 years ago. She's been through alot. But, I have to tell you, she has been an inspiration to me so many times b/c when my day is not going good, I think of Annie and get inspired. I rarely hear her complain and all she wants is the best for her little boy, Logan. I hope to see her this week and catch up.
Well, I better go get ready for bed!
Love,
Steph

2007-03-17T19:29:00.000-07:00

Well the boys are fast asleep. We put them in the bed about 10 minutes ago and they are out like a light! They were exausted! Especially Will. He doesn't nap during the day, so going to bed at 9:15 is late for him. We went out to eat at Texas Roadhouse with Paige and Lance tonight. It was good to visit with them for a while. Paige was "on call" with her work. She got called in as soon as we paid our ticket. She had to go check on a patient at Centennial. She works for a company called Medtronics. She programs pacemakers and defibulators in heart patients. Every now and then she is on call. Once the baby is born, she hopes to stay at home for a year with it. Her job will hold her position for one year. Hopefully it will all work out for her.
We had a good Saturday today. Matt woke up before me and fixed blueberry pancakes, eggs and bacon with the boys. He's such a good dad and hubby! Everything was wonderful. I told him I am going to expect this every Saturday! After breakfast we went to Lowes to get some stuff for the yard. We had to go run several other errands and then we came home. Will helped Matt plant a new bush in our yard. The old one died for some reason. Will loves to help. It was cold outside today, so not much was accomplished in the yard today. Maybe tomorrow.
I went to my Endocrinologist on Thursday and then I went to my OB right after that appointment. Both appointments went very well. My endocrinologist said that I would be able to breastfeed my baby! I was so happy about this. Thank you for all your prayers. He did say that the baby would have to be monitored closely (blood work) when I am breastfeeding b/c they didn't want the PTU to affect the baby. He said many women do this and have healthy babies. He took some blood work from me that day to see if the PTU is working on me or if he needs to adjust the dose. We should find out Monday the results. Hopefully we won't have to increase the dose. Let's pray that we don't.
My OB visit went well too. We heard the baby's heartbeat. It was going about 140 bpm. That is very normal and it sounded great. I will have to have ultrasounds more regularly b/c of the Graves Disease. They want to make sure the baby is growing normally and not too small. Please pray the baby is growing good and will be healthy and safe! I felt the baby kicking around for the first time a few days ago! It was amazing! It felt like little butterflies going crazy in there. No matter how many times Im pregnant, the feeling of the life inside you moving around is still so wonderful. I'll never forget this feeling.
Well, I will go so that I can get some rest. Talk later...
Steph

2007-03-14T08:43:00.000-07:00

Spring Program at school. Jake is in the back row with Green shirt.
Jake is done and waiting for brother to come out!
Here comes Will!
Will singing, "Im a star!"
Such a great performer...He gets it from me! Ha Ha!!!
Playing by the water!
The boys LOVED having picnics everday!

Jake splashing with a stick.

Mimi and Pop Pop with the boys!

Will loves to throw in the biggest rocks he can find to make a BIG splash!

Matt and his boys take a break from the hike to pose by the water.

Matt and the boys playing inside the camper.

Well, the boys and Matt made it back safe and sound on Sunday from their weekend of camping with their MiMi and Pop Pop Hawkins. Matt said the boys didn't sit down the entire weekend. They parked the camper near a playground and the boys were playing there the whole time. Will and Jake brought their bikes and I believe Will rode his alot. They went walking on a hike on Saturday to a nearby waterfall where they got to rest and throw some rocks in the water. It was a perfect weekend to camp outside. Matt said the weather was beautiful. I'm so glad they had a chance to spend a weekend together with Matt's parents!
I had a wonderful weekend too! I didn't do a darn thing. I slept in both days and went shopping on Saturday to some shops in the downtown Franklin area that I had never had time to go to before. I went out to dinner on Saturday night with my parents and Paige and Lance to an Italian restraunt called Buca Di Peppo in Cool Springs. My Dad LOVES to go here. He loves the wine and garlic bread. He won't eat any red meat so, we always have to order something with Chicken or Fish. It is a family-style restruant so you order about 3 entrees and share it all. It's yummy food. I could tell my parents missed having the boys there. My Dad kept saying..."It's awful quiet without those crazy boys!" But I was quite happy about that! Ha!!!
Matt and the boys got in about 4pm on Sunday. We all rested awhile and headed over to Paige and Lance's house to cookout some burgers and hot dogs. The boys played with their dog Maddox. We hung out their for a while and then headed home.
Monday night I met some of my girlfriends at Carrabbas for dinner. These are some girls I have been good friends with since college and since we have all started families we haven't gotten together as often. But we had a great time talking about everything from how to handle our children to liposuction! It was fun. We vowed to get together monthly. All of our husbands are good friends and they get together often too. So there's no reason why we shouldn't as well.
Last night, Tuesday, was Will and Jake's preschool Spring Program. They got up on stage and sang Bible songs and danced to cute songs. It was great! Will did a GREAT job! He really paid attention and remembered all the words to the songs and followed along great. Jake on the other hand, just stood up there with his thumb in his mouth! He saw me one time and took it out and smiled a big smile and said.."Hey Mommy!" I have to remember he is only 2 and Will did the same thing when he was two too!
Jake came into our room last night around 1 am crying and saying there was bugs in his bed. So, we cuddled him right up and he slept between us all night long. There were no bugs in his bed, if some of you might be wondering.... He and Will have got a phobia of bugs right now b/c we have been outside lately and they are buzzing all around. I keep telling them that bugs are smaller than they are and that the bugs are afraid of you more than you think! I even pick some of them up and let them know they won't hurt you. But It's not working so far. This is becoming somewhat embarrasing especially when the little girls next door come over and play outside and they are comforting my "rough and tough" little boys about bugs! Ha!!!
Well, I better go. Laundry is calling. The boys are dying to play with me.
I go to the doctor tomorrow. Endocrinologist at 10:00am and OB at 11:00. Please pray that everything goes well!
Love,
Steph

2007-03-09T15:04:00.000-08:00

What's this? No sound of crazy kids wanting my everlasting attention? No one saying, "Mommy, can you get me something to drink?" or "Mommy, can you play candyland with me?" or "Mommy, Will pushed me!" Yes...Matt has taken the boys on a camping adventure for the weekend with his parents. His parents have bought a small camper that they pull with their truck. They LOVE doing this kinda thing and I think it will be great fun for them and for us as a family! I didn't go b/c I want to wait until it warms up a bit and I also still feel like I need a good nights' rest. That is priceless these days. So, I sent them off with Matt. Matt absolutely loves to go camping. I think that if we had just a tent and a campfire on about 20 acres he would be in 7th heaven. He was born to camp. The boys have never camped out before so this should be interesting. I think they will be fine. Matt's parents are great at making everyone feel comfortable and they always take such good care of the boys. They went to Davy Crocket State Park over in Lawrenceburg, TN. About an hour away from here. They are supposed to stay Friday and Saturday night, but they are calling for scattered showers tomorrow afternoon so they may come back early.
Our friends, Jay and Alexis had their little boy's 4th Birthday party today. So the boys and I went to the party today from 10am-noon. It was at a place called Pump-it-Up. It's an indoor arena with huge inflatable slides and bouncy things and obstacle courses. It wore them out! I stopped and got us a hamburger for lunch and we ate lunch and rested a while until Matt got home around 3:30 and then they headed out around 3:45.
Paige, Lance and I are going to go out to eat tonight at a place called The Mellow Mushroom. It is the best pizza place ever. It is located downtown Franklin in one of the old buildings down there.
Paige said that I could go ahead and tell people that SHE IS PREGNANT!!!!! We are so excited! Particularly b/c she and I will only be 8 weeks apart! We have always dreamed this for each other, to have children at the same time, and here it is! I will cherish these days FOREVER! It is so great to talk to her about pregnancy and I love to answer all the questions she has. She's the nurse, but I'm the Mom! Funny how she comes to me with some of these questions...maybe she's trying to make me feel needed! Ha!!!!
My parents are so excited too! Paige is about 8-9 weeks. Everything is going great for her and Lance. They heard the baby's heart beat yesterday. What a wonderful feeling! I still remember the day I saw Will and Jakes heartbeat. I will never forget the feeling of carrying another life inside of me. Please pray for me and Paige and our pregnancies and for the lives we are carrying inside of ours.
Most of you may know, but I was diagnosed with a condition called Grave's Disease. It is an autoimmune disorder that affects my thyroid. Apparently my body thinks my Thyroid is a foreign object. It's basically a Hyperthyroid. My thyroid is producing too much of this certain hormone. The Docs found this out about a month ago, so I had to go see an Endocrinologist and he gave me some medicine to take. It is called PTU and is safe during pregnancy. The hyperthyroid makes my heartbeat very fast and makes me feel extreamly anxious. This condition could be just a pregnancy thing and may go away after I deliver or it could get worse after I deliver and I may need to take a Radioactive Iodine pill to kill my thyroid. If I do this, I will not be able to breastfeed the baby and will need to be away from my children for a while until the medicine gets out of my system. This all sounds very scary and I was scared at first, but I have been praying and talking to other people who have this disorder and I feel much better about it. This is a completely treatable condition. I just ask anyone that is reading this to please say a special pray for me and this baby. Please pray that this condition goes completely away after deliver or even before. Please pray for the baby's health and that it is completely healthy and safe during all this. Please pray for me and to give me strength to deal with the rapid heart rate and anxiety. I (and my family) would greatly appreciate your continued prayers. I will keep you updated on this.
Anyway.....enough about that....I go back to the Endocrinologist on Thursday, March 15 and I also see my OB/GYN that day for routine checkups. We will be finding out the sex of the baby on April 5! Can you believe that? I will be almost halfway through with the pregnancy! We will also keep you posted on that.
Well, I better start getting ready to meet Paige and Lance! I smell pizza.......
Later,
Steph

2007-03-07T18:13:00.000-08:00

Matt made Saturday morning cinnamon rolls and the boys are watching them rise!

Jake helping Mom clean after supper.

Matt took the boys for a super-short haircut.

Will rolling down one of the big hills at the park!

Jake and Dad on the big go-cart at Pop Pop and Na Na's house!
Will is riding his own go-cart that Pop Pop and Na Na got him for Christmas! You should see him drive it! Look out Dale Earnhart, Jr!!!!

Happy 61st Birthday Na Na! Jake wanted to help blow out the candles!

Sorry it's been a while since I blogged, but I must say, Ive been a little tired these past few weeks. So bear with me! This may not be a daily writing, but I will at least shoot for a weekly writing. How's that?
Matt has been traveling alot lately with his job. He was in NJ last week and then Denver this week. He got back late last night from Denver. Only gone for one night. THat was good. He has been very busy at work...I keep telling him that's good work security!
Matt worked from home today. Although that sounds really nice (and it is), he was actually working all day until 4:30 or so. He had to facilitate 4 trainings today via phone. He told me that one of the ladies that listened in heard how "wonderful" he was at this and asked if he could do all 4 of them tomorrow too! I told him that's what he gets for being so knowledgable and easy to get along with. He is such a hard worker and I appreciate his hard work he does at GHX and then comes home and plays with these boys and tucks them in at night after a hard days work! Gotta love him.
It was such a beautiful day today, me and the boys couldn't resist going to the park! Will wanted to take his soccer ball and go play at the "real field." So we did that first and then went and played on the playground. We stopped and got lunch and brought it back home. After lunch, it is Mom's favorite time.....NAP time! So the boys and Mom rested for a few hours and then I started making supper. Matt was done with work by now so we made hamburgers on the grill. They were delicious! After a long winter and not using your outdoor grill, you really miss the taste of a grilled burger (and hotdogs for the boys). Actually they ate a hot dog AND a cheeseburger. These boys are growing more and more everyday. Lately, I have been getting lots of comments on how tall Will is getting. It is really amazing. I'll bet he's grown 3 inches since Christmas! Jake is growing too! He's no longer wearing his 2T clothes. 3 T's are where he's at. My babies are growing up!
Last night, as I was tucking Will into bed...he starting crying really hard.. I asked what was wrong. He said "Mom, when am i going to get BIG? Am I going to be big when I get 6 yrs old?" I asked him who he wanted to be big like and he said, "I want to be big like Jack and Owen." (these are his two older cousins, ages 8 and 5). I told him that Daddy used to be small and then he ate all his veggies and milk and he started growing real fast. He just smiled and said, "I can't wait to be big."
I am also posting some pics of when we all went home to Tullahoma a few weeks ago to celebrate my Mom's birthday. We rode go garts and played until the boys literally passed out in the car on the way home.
There are some pics when we went to the park too and when the boys got their hair cut. Hope you enjoy all of them!

2007-02-12T19:45:00.000-08:00

I'll tell you what....I couldn't get much energy up to do much of anything today. I guess I wore myself out from the weekend. I did, however, find the energy to make Will and Jake's class homeade Valentine's for all their little friends and teachers. I was inspired by Martha Stewart. She had a V-day special on Friday and told myself..."that is not hard...I will do that!" It was just cutting out heart and then gluing them together to look like a flower and then using a hole punch to put a hole in the middle of the flower and then sticking a sucker in the middle. It was absolutely adorable. Will helped me make most of his. He wrote his name on all of his and helped glue them together. Jake picked out each sucker for all his friends and then stuck them in the middle of the "flower." It was fun. They enjoyed working on something they helped do to give to their friends.
Most of the day was spent on the Valentines, but we did manage to do some laundry and little things like that. The boys were extremely tired tonight. They played hard today jumping from bean bag to bean bag. They also played in their firetruck tent. I came up to check on them and found Will putting just about every toy he owned inside the firetruck tent. I told him the more he put in there, the more he was going to have to put back in the toy boxes. He looked puzzeled at first and then his expression looked like what I said just "sank in." He said "oh, I better stop now.." It was halarious! After the boys cleaned up the bonus room, I gave them suckers for a job well done.
Matt came home tonight tired too! The weekend was tiring I guess for the both of us. Mainly Matt b/c he painted all weekend. I gave him a good back rub and then he headed upstairs to watch 24 on Fox. This is his version of a soap oprah. He would never admit it though.
Well, better get to bed...I have a Doc appt tomorrow with my OB. Mom is coming up around 12:30. SHe is going to pick the boys up from school for me. She is also going to go to Will's class for his Valentine party at 1:00pm b/c I can't go. His class is decorating Sundae's to eat! That ought to be fun! Mom has a fun day ahead of her! I hope she gets good rest tonight...Speaking of rest...I got to hit the sack.
Talk more later.....
STeph

2007-02-11T18:10:00.000-08:00

Well,
I have had several people tell me to get on the ball with this BLOG...apparently there's alot of people who read my nonsense! Thanks for taking the time to read about our day here. It REALLY means alot. I will vow to "get with it!" My Mom and Dad went to listen to a band where they have dessert, etc. while you listen to the music the other night with some friends and they ran into my cousin, Chris Parker and his wife. Chris said his Mom, Betty, wanted me to get back to writing my blog b/c she really misses what Im up to! So I am going to start doing a better job of this thanks to cousin Betty!
As many know, I am pregnant with baby #3. This pregnancy has been extremely different than my last two. I don't know if that means Im having a girl or if it's b/c it's my third pregnancy. Who knows. I have also heard from my Docs that I have a low Thyroid count. I have to go see an endocrinologist on Thursday to see if I need to take some medicine for it. Please say a prayer tonight that this pregnancy goes as well as my last two did. I believe it will. It's just hard for me to get real excited b/c I have felt so bad. But this weekend has been tremendously better. Hardly any nausousness and much more energy. I've been cleaning like never before. This is my Grandma Boyles coming out in me. She must be telling me to get off my booty and stop worrying! Thanks Grandma!
Anyway, this weekend has been great. Maybe Im over all this sickness! Matt and the boys painted the bonus room this weekend. It looks so good! We painted it a yellow color. It looks so much better. I gave the boys a good lecture about "no more crayons on the walls!" I hope they listen! Will really helped Matt alot. Matt said he worked the whole time! Don't call Child Labor Law Dept. just yet.
We have had a fun weekend! Friday night we went to our friends home (Holland and Brad) to eat pizza. They have three boys. Coleman who is almost 4 and twins, Mac and Mason who are 15 months old. The boys played and played! Holland and I snuck out and went to dinner (that was the plan!). We went to a little deli up the road and ate and talked until 9pm! We hurried back to the house to get my crew and we headed home.
Saturday, I went to Lowes to get the paint and all the supplies that go with it. I brought back lunch from Chick fil-A! I love that place now that Im not nauseous. The boys painted while I cleaned the house and did some laundry (does it ever end?). That night, we all met Paige and Lance at a Mexican restaurant for dinner. We had a great time. The boys love Paige and Lance. Im so blessed to have my sis just down the road and to share my boys' lives with!
Sunday, today, we got up for church. We haven't been in a couple of weeks b/c of me not feeling good. So, it was so great to be back! Our church seems to be getting bigger and bigger every Sunday. I pray that the whole town of Franklin will go there one day! The three year old class has about 25 kids in it. They have to split that up. Our attendance on Sunday mornings has been around 1000! Matt and I have been going there for almost 6 years and to see the church grow from what it once was, is absolutely amazing! Paige and Lance are members there too, so we always sit with them. Matt's good friend from High School, Anthony, goes there too with his girlfriend, Lindsey. After church we all went to Cracker Barrell (our tradition on Sundays). Jake HAS to have his Mac and Cheese and Pinto beans and of course biscuits! Will loves Mac and Cheese, Okra and Carrots! They ate EVERYTHING on their plate! I thought they were going to get choked b/c they were eating so fast! I guess since I have been feeling lousy, my cooking has dwindled as well. I hope to get up and running again shortly. I have to say, I have been cooking the good ol' Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole for Will and Pinto beans for Jake. I think they are growing tired of Tyson Chicken Nuggets and Fish sticks!
The boys are in there brushing their teeth before bed, so I need to go say prayers and tuck them in with Matt!
I will write more later! (Yes...Cousin Betty....I will!)
Love,
Steph

2007-01-26T15:04:00.000-08:00

Today has been the best I have felt in 2 months. I still feel very tired but not as much nausous as I have been. Today was a beautiful January day. It was about 50 degrees out and the sun was shining. So, I put the jackets and shoes on the boys and let them run some energy off! My neighbors saw us out and came over and played until lunch time. It was so good to get outside and get some fresh air; for me and for the boys. I am not going to over-do-it today because I did that the other day and then the next day I was worse off than I have ever been. I still find it hard to believe that I am pregnant again. I rarely find a moment in the day to reflect on the life growing inside me. So at night when I am in bed I think about it and get excited and scared at the same time. How am I going to handle 3 kids and keep my sanity? Will they ALL turn out okay? I start to get overwhelmed and then I start to pray and then after my prayer my worries seem to dissapear and it's as if God tells me right before I go to sleep..."It's all going to be just fine, I will take care of you and your family."
Enough about me.....Matt has been on a healthy lifestyle type thing for about a month. He really enjoys challenging himself like that. It's hard to actually stick to the healthy lifestyle, but he is very dedicated and seems to want to do the best he can with it. Maybe I will join him after I have this baby.
Well I better go so that I can rest some more.

Steph

2007-01-11T16:37:00.000-08:00

Wow, I can't believe it's almost a month since I last wrote. Christmas and all the traveling we've been doing for the holidays wore me out! We had a wonderful Christmas this year and have so many things to be thankful for. We began Christmas in Tullahoma with my family. We arrived there the Friday before Christmas and stayed until Christmas day and then headed to Huntsville to visit with Matt's family. We stayed there until Wednesday and then headed back to Franklin to rest up for a few days before traveling to Gatlinburg for the New Year. We left for G-burg on Saturday and stayed until Tuesday. We took the boys and went with Paige and Lance, Joel (Matt's brother) Marci(his wife), Amelia(Matt's sis) and John(her hubby) and their two boys, Jack (7yrs) and Owen(5yrs). We had a great time, but we were ready to come home and recoup.
Some other exciting news and one of the other reasons I have been so tired is b/c two days before Christmas we found out I am pregnant! I was rather shocked to say the least. I have been taking Birth Control pills, but must have skipped a few during the month of October. I went to the Dr. before we went to Gatlinburg. They said I have an extremely high level of HCG. That high level has been contributing to my never-ending nauseousness and vomiting. I never felt like this during the pregnancy of my boys. This is a horrible feeling. I have absolutely no energy and feel very nauseous all day. I have no appitite at all. Poor Matt, he has been taking very good care of me and the boys when he comes home from work. He has been helping with the house chores and getting the boys bathed and in bed. They need to clone him! Thank God I got the one and only! Right now he is playing hide and go seek with the boys! They love their Daddy!
Today the boys went to their Preschool and I laid around and didn't do a darn thing. I feel like I have the flu and the stomach bug. I can't wait until this feeling ends and I can be excited about this pregnancy. I go to the Dr again on Tuesday Jan 16. They will do the full exam on me and do another ultra sound. I have already had one ultrasound to determine when my due date is b/c I wasn't sure when my last period was. They determined my due date is August 24 or there-abouts. I am about 8 weeks pregnant. I would love it if anyone reading this could just pray for us and this preganacy and that the baby and me will be healthy and safe. Thanks!
I'll write more later!

2006-12-18T12:09:00.001-08:00

Today is Monday and sorry I haven't written in a while, but with all the last minute Christmas shopping and a stomach virus, things have been a little out of whack. Yes, I said the dreaded word: Stomach virus. I am the only one that had this terrible bug. That leads me to believe that it may not have been a virus afterall and that it was probably something I ate. Well, stomach virus or not, it was terrible and left me out of commission for about 3 days. I was feeling much better on Friday. Friday night me and Matt went out to eat with Brad and Holland. We love spending time with them one on one without the kids. Although the kids would have LOVED to have been together, Mom and Dad's need some time too! We stayed out until around 10pm. We sat at this restaurant for 3 hours talking. Needless to say our poor waiter was getting tired of looking at us! Paige came over that night and babysitted my boys. Lance had to go to his company Christmas party. The boys love aunt Paige. Will said that Paige played hide and go seek and gave then Coke! No wonder they love her!
Saturday, Matt got the boys up bright and early and out the door by 8:30 to do some Christmas shopping! He took the boys alone! What a great Dad! I spent the alone time cleaning the house and then running some much needed errands. When we all came back home, we laid the boys down for some naps and then made plans to go out to dinner with Scott and Amy and their two kids, Luke and Caroline. We met at CozyMels in Cool Springs. We had a great time with them too! Matt and Scott see each other everyday, but Amy and I don't get to see each other often, so we just chatted away! Matt and I are so very blessed to have such good Christian friends to hang around and have our children grow up with. I love talking with them, laughing with them and just watching our kids play together! It is such a blessing from God.
After church on Sunday, Paige and I did some last minute Christmas shopping and then I headed to the grocery store to stock up on some great deals I found.
Thursday is Matt's birthday, so I have arranged a little party with cake and ice cream and some other goodies that he likes with some of our friends and family to come over to the house. Paige and Lance, Joel and Marcie, Scott and Amy and their kids and Holland and Brad and their crew to name a few! It was going to be a surprise, but I just couldn't wait to tell him. He loves having company over and entertaining friends.
Well, I better go and try to get these boys to rest. We just came in from outside and walking on the trail. I can't believe it is 70 degrees in the middle of December! Crazy!

I'll write later!

2006-12-18T12:09:00.000-08:00

2006-12-10T19:21:00.000-08:00

Sweet brothers!

Will singing "We three Kings" at his Christmas Program

Jake singing "Jingle Bells" at his school Christmas program...

Dad doing a little painting.

Matt hard at work!

Playing while everyone else was working!

On the go-cart with Pop Pop

Nana and her boys
Well, it's been a little while since I've written. This past week has been somewhat busy so at then end of the day, I just crashed. Matt had a big project due this past Wednesday, so Monday and Tuesday he literally got about 4 hours of sleep b/t the two days. He is a project manager at a healthcare software company called GHX. He and a few other guys developed a special software designed for some the top healthcare leaders in the world...HCA and Johnson and Johnson and a few other spin-off Hospitals of HCA. Wednesday was the day that Matt had to present this program to the group. It was VERY important. Tuesday night he didn't get to bed until 4:30 and then had to be at work at 7am. Needless to say he was exhausted by Wednesday night. And to make things a little more hectic, Tuesday night was Will and Jake's Christmas program at their pre-school. So, of course, Matt wouldn't have missed that for the world. I don't complain to Matt about his long hours sometimes for work, b/c it is because of his hard work and dedication to this job that makes me able to stay at home with my boys. I thought that Matt needed a little break to be by himself and to just relax so, the boys and I headed to Tullahoma on Thursday. We just intended on staying until Saturday morning, but I talked to Matt on Saturday morning and he said he wanted to come up. So, we ended up staying until tonight (Sunday). My parents are re-doing all their molding in their living room. Changing them from oak to white, so my cousin Tommy and his son, Jonathan came over every night of the week and all day Saturday and Sunday working on this project. Of course Matt helped out on Saturday and Sunday. When power tools are involved, Matt can't help himself! My Mom and I spent most of the day on Saturday Christmas shopping in Murfreesboro. We had a great time. On Friday night, before Matt got there, my uncle Ron suggested going to a little restaurant called Miller's Grocery in Christiana, TN. It is between Shelbyville and Murfreesboro. It took about 25 minutes from Tullahoma. It used to be an old filling station and then a little grocery store. It was finally turned into a restaurant a few years ago. It had a write up about it in a magazine that Ron was reading and he was dying to take us there. Another couple of my parents friends went too. Miller's had a live Bluegrass band that was awesome! The boys loved the place. They hung out by the band the whole time! Miller's Grocery had great home-cooked food and wonderful display of the building's history. It was a cozy place to be on such a cold night! We all had a blast.
Not much exciting happened in Tullahoma. The boys chased the cats around and rode the go-cart and played outside in the rocks most days. We went to the Mexican restaurant last night and saw my Aunt and cousins.
We are so excited about Christmas! We talk about it all the time. My Mom is planning on hosting her family Christmas party on the Saturday before Christmas. Her family is quite large. Their will be about 40 people there. We are doing it a little different this year. We are having each family bring either a dessert or an appetizer and Mom will have a smoked turkey with rolls. We haven't had this party in about 5 years. We quit doing it after Grandma and Uncle Bobby died. It just hasn't been the same since we stopped doing the Christmas party. We all miss seeing and having fun with our family. So, me, Paige and my cousin Faith decided to get it together again. We plan on playing Dirty Santa that night too. On Christmas Eve morning we always have a BIG Christmas breakfast for my Dad's side of the family. That's alot of people too! About 35. Matt's family always has a great traditions too! We go to his house in Huntsville on Christmas Day. His Mom fixes Mexican food for dinner! Sounds crazy, but it is sooooo goood! It's a nice break from the traditional Turkey/Dressing. Matt's family is always so much fun too. Lot's of talking and telling old traditions and stories. So, you can see why I am so excited about Christmas!
The boys went to see Santa on Wednesday. We took him their lists and they sat on his lap and told him all what they wanted. Even Jake told him he wanted a dinosaur. They both looked so amazed as they were sitting close to this big old guy in a red suit. Will asked where Rudolph was....Santa said he was tied up outside. The weird thing is I can remember like it was yesterday, sitting on Santa's lap telling him all what I wanted. What a wonderful memory it is. I only hope the boys have such precious memories. I know they will!
Maybe I can write more this week. Talk more later!

2006-12-03T18:37:00.000-08:00

Will and Jake waiting patiently for the Christmas parade to begin.

Matt and his boys at the Parade

Me and my boys at the Christmas Parade

Will devouring the cotton candy in less than 5 minutes!

This is Jake 2 minutes after the Parade

This is Will 2 minutes after the Parade

Will and Jake going to church with the blazers NaNa got them.

What a fun-filled weekend we had! Saturday morning I got up early and fixed some sausage balls for the boys and Matt. Matt loves these and so I make them fairly often in the winter time. I went and got a one hour massage on Saturday morning. My parents got me 6 one-hour massages for my Birthday. They were Heaven sent. So, believe me, I plan to use them b/c Lord knows I need them!

The Franklin Christmas parade was Saturday and so we were very excited to take the boys to their very first parade! We got their early enough so that the boys could have a great view of all the floats, cars and candy throwers! Although it was a bit chilly, it was very much a great adventure for the boys! They absolutely loved it! Will's favorite part was diving into the street for all the candy that was thrown from the floats. Jakes favorite part was listening to all the bands coming by playing Christmas music. It brought back so many memories for me as a kid growing up in a small town. My family and I had a great tradition of going to the Tullahoma Christmas parade. It was always on a Friday night (it still is...) so my Mom got off work early that day and went and parked the car to"save our spot." Me, Paige and Dad would go meet her to pick her up. We did this a few hours before the parade began. We always parked it in the same area. It was our tradition to meet my parents friends, Donald and Marilyn there too. Mom and Dad got us Hot Chocolate and cotton candy. My dad always bought us the crazy plastic dolls and toys that were way over-priced hanging from those rickity carts. It was so much fun!
Of course I had to buy the boys some cotton candy, but I just couldn't bring myself to buying those crazy over-priced toys...Sorry Dad! Will ate the whole cotton candy bag in a matter of 5 minutes. His face, hands and tounge were as blue as could be! Jake didn't particularly care for the cotton candy; he couldn't get used to the texture of it. Only time will mend that. Who doesn't like cotton candy???? After the parade was over, we hurried back to the car to drive home. We weren't in the car 2 minutes and both the boys were sacked out!
Saturday night Matt and I got to go out to eat by ourselves and then go Christmas shopping for the boys. Our neighbors and good friends, Bonnie and Nancy came to babysit. They are wonderful. Always helping us out. They wanted to come keep the boys so that Matt and I could have a night out by ourselves and get some shopping done. They won't let us pay them for babysitting. We just trade services when the need arises. Great huh?
We got home around 9pm and Bonnie and Nancy looked worn out and the boys looked like they had been playing their hearts out! They love Bonnie and Nancy!
We got up and headed for church this morning. My Mom bought the boys some blazers from the Gap and this was the first Sunday it was cold enough to wear them. They looked adorable! I was so proud to show my handsome little boys off! We had another great sermon today from Pat Bills and Albert Lemmons. Pat is our Youth Minister and Albert is one of the ministers there too. Albert is quite amazing and so is Pat. So needless to say, the sermon was out of this world! They are both so inspiring and speak exactly what needs to be heard. We had a double baptism today. It was a husband and wife who were newly weds. Albert married them on Thanksgiving Day. He has been studying with them for a while and wanted to start their marriage off with baptism! It was very emotional. We are so very blessed to be going to this church and have our children at a church like this. I can't wait for Will to begin the UpStreet for kids. He will start that when he is in Kindergarden. Upstreet is a ministry designed to lead children to know, love, and follow Jesus by having an environment where they have Bible study, worship and connect relationally through small groups.
Paige and Lance came over after church today to visit. I made a really good homemade soup for lunch and they wanted to take some home with them. The soup was good. It was called Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. Very simple to fix. I got it off the Southern Living website.
Well, I am so worn out from this weekend. I need to go have my grape juice with Matt. Maybe I will get a shower before bed. That would be great! Ha...Ha.......
Write more later......

A day with Sis

2006-11-30T19:24:00.000-08:00

Today the boys were in Little School from 9am until 2pm. I took full advantage of my freedom and spent the day with my little sis, Paige. She had the day off, so we went straight to the mall. We shopped a little for some of our family members. While we were going up the escalator, we saw a famous face going down the escalator. Some of you guys might not now who I am talking about b/c the famous person is on a soap opera called Days of Our Lives. It was Jennifer from Days. I remember reading that she was living in Franklin now. But it was weird seeing her in person.
Anyway, after the mall, Paige and I headed to get some lunch at a little restaurant in the Factory of Franklin. They have great Chicken Salad sandwiches and soup and many other goodies. We then headed to a little antique place off 2nd avenue in Franklin called Harmony Home. I have written about that store before. We love going there to get one of a kind gifts. Paige went with me to pick the boys up at school. They were very surprised and happy to see Auntie Paige there. The boys had a great time at school. They made lots of crafts. Will came out with half of his face painted red. When I asked the teacher what happened, she said that they had fun with the red markers at craft time. Will must have tried to paint his entire face red. It looked like he had the chicken pox. We took Paige back home and then headed back to the house. I hadn't been home since I left this morning, so I needed to clean up just a bit. After a few minutes of being home, the doorbell rand and there stood little miss Miranda our 3 year old neighbor, wanting Will and Jake to come play. We went out and let the boys play a while. Rebecca (Miranda's Mom) and I love to talk catch up since the last time we talked (which is usually only a couple of days!). She is great to talk to. She has really become a good friend. She is trying to get pregnant right now and is having a tough time. She is going through her 3rd round of Invitro. We pray that it takes this time b/c it will be the last time she can try.
It started raining about 30 minutes into our playtime outside, so we all scurried in out of the rain.
We ordered a pizza tonight for supper. I didn't feel like cooking. I couldn't have gotten away with that 50 years ago when my Grandma was a mama. But, I say, if Grandma were here today, she'd tell me to order a pizza every night of the week!
The boys were over-tired tonight so it took them a while to get to sleep. We kept hearing little footsteps jumping out of the bed and running around. Finally after enough threats from Mom and Dad, they wore themselves out and went to sleep.
Another day in the life in the books....write more later, Lord willing.
Steph

2006-11-28T18:30:00.000-08:00

Today we attended a funeral for my great Aunt Nell in Russellville, KY. We left the house around 8:30 to meet Paige and Lance. We drove up there with them. Nell was the youngest of my grandmothers sisters. She was a wonderful lady that I will remember forever. She was so dainty and sweet. Most people can't even say they know who their great aunt was. But I can, and always will because she was my grandma's sister. I was very close to my grandma and grew up listening to grandma tell stories about her sisters, especially Nell b/c they were very close. The funeral was a sweet and simple funeral that really told the story about Nell. They played a great video of her and her life in pictures that was set to music. The funeral reminded me of my Grandma's funeral. Seeing all the familar faces that were there at Grandma's funeral. After the burial, we all walked over to where my Grandma and Grandpa were buried. Mom brought a Christmas wreath and put it at their grave. I really miss my Grandma so much. I wish that she could see me with my kids. I think about her every single day. As I am doing my daily things around the house, I often think...."How would Grandma do this? or How would Grandma handle this situation." It isn't fair that she isn't here to help me, but I know her spirit is around me everyday. I hear her voice sometimes telling me to play with my kids and not to worry about making sure the house is perfect. My Mom tells me that too. Both Grandma and Mom were clean freaks. I am somewhat a clean freak, but I actually like playing with the boys rather that cleaning house. Kinda weird I know...
After the funeral, we went to their church and had a lunch that was provided by the church. It was good to see all my distant relatives. My Mom pointed out a little old lady sitting at a table whom she said knew my Grandmother very well. She was one of my Grandma's best friends when they lived in Springfield. Of course that intrigued me, so I scurried over to meet this lady who was so close to Grandma. Her name was Ms. Price. She said that she and Grandma were best friends and they used to do so much together. Go play cards, make dinner, and just talk about things going on in the town. I asked her what she remembered about Grandma. She said she remembered Grandma being so beautiful. She said she always seemed to have things together and that she was fun to be around. Ms. Price remembered my Grandpa too. After chatting a while, it was good to have found that connection to my Grandma who I miss so much. I love talking to older people. They have such a history. This lady was 91. She looked so good for her age. Her mind was clear as a bell. She remembered so much about Grandma. I love hearing stories about Grandma.
The boys did great at the funeral b/c Matt and Lance kept them in the playroom during the service. When we went to the church for lunch, the boys barely ate b/c they were running around with their cousins. My 2nd cousin Andra has a little boy, Campbell who is 4 1/2 and a little girl who is about Jake's age. We don't get to see them much except for special occasions. So when they play together, they play hard. Needless to say, the boys conked out as soon as we got in the car.
After dinner, Matt turned off the TV and we listened to Christmas music until the boys went to bed. Matt and I love listening to Christmas music. It really calms us and gets us in the spirit of Christmas. Matt and I also have a little ritual we have been doing every night for about a year or so....we always have a glass of grape juice.(It has to be Welch's). Don't know why,,,,but we are addicted. After the boys go to bed....we come downstairs and pour each other a glass and drink it and un-wind after the busy day we've had. It's kinda funny, but it's our ritual.
Write more later....

2006-11-26T19:45:00.000-08:00

Will on Pop Pop Spraggins' back while he does push-ups in the morning.
Jake's turn on Pop Pop back. Yes, Pop pop likes to show off!

Turkey Day at Pop Pop and Nana Spraggins' House!

I guess Aunt Amelia had a little too much Eltriptophan in the Turkey!

Will and cousin Owen playing in Pop Pop Hawkins' tool box!

This is the tree limb where the boys decided to hang about 10 ornaments!
Will and Jake decorating the Hawkins Christmas tree!

Well, it's been almost a week since my last visit. We have been a little busy with the Thanksgiving Holiday and everything. We had a great Thanksgiving and always have so much to be thankful for. We went to Tullahoma this year for Thanksgiving. We left on Wednesday and stayed until Friday morning and then went to Huntsville to visit with Matt's family and his cousin Keri. Keri lives in Arizona. She has never seen Jake so we wanted Jake to meet her and visit for a while. We just stayed a few hours and then headed back to Franklin. On Saturday, we got up early and cleaned up the house; getting ready for the Christmas decorations. Matt and I got up in the attic and brought down several green and red boxes full of Christmas decor!!!! We spent most of the morning decorating. We then made the excursion to Home Depot to find a Christmas tree. We found the perfect one and loaded it up on the car and put it up that night. I made some homemade vegetable soup for Paige and Lance to eat that night. Paige hasn't been feeling well, so I thought some soup might do the trick. I also made Lance some cornbread muffins. He loves cornbread!
We decorated the tree that night with Will and Jake. It was so cute watching them put all the ornaments on the tree. We explained to them what some of the ornaments were; like the one that Matt and I had when we first were married and the "Baby's first Christmas" one, etc... Will loves to hear stories about things. Jake could have cared less. He just wanted to hang them up. It was funny b/c they kept hanging all the ornaments on one branch. The branch started sagging and I said,"Boys, I think you need to spread the ornaments around, don't hang the ornaments all on one branch." I took pics and made a video. These are moments we will remember forever.
We went to church today and had a great speaker from Franklin Christian Church. Very lively man. He has so much passion for the Lord. I wish we all had that kind of passion. Does he know something that I don't? Probably so. I need to get in that Bible and read more. Can't wait for the next Beth Moore study. Should be in January.
The boys played outside most of the day today with Miranda. Madeline came over for a while and then Jennifer (Madeline's mom) had to get back to her baby. She just had a baby boy about 2 months ago. Sweet baby boy!
Me, Matt and the boys went to visit Paige and Lance tonight. The boys love going over there b/c they play with Maddox (the bulldog). We didn't stay very long and then we headed for Cracker Barrel. Jake can spot a Cracker Barrel a mile away! He says, "I love the butter and the biscuits." Me too.
I'll write more later.

2006-11-20T19:37:00.000-08:00

Will and Jake waiting patiently for Mama's Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole to get done!
Will and Jake watch as the Casserole bakes and the rolls rise!

Today was another great day in the Hawkins House. You will find that we live a rather plain but blessed life. I thank God every night and day (when I think about it) for the wonderful life he has given me. We woke up this morning and I fixed the boys some good ol' pancakes. Will wanted some Cheerios too, so I made them for him too. Jake wanted a cereal bar with his. Everything like big bro. These boys are really growing. I can tell by the way they are eating. I can only imagine when they get teenagers. Oh my! I got the boys dressed and hair combed and we went to the YMCA so that I could exercise. This was the first time the boys have come here. They would go with me all the time to the Rec Center, but this was new for them. They did fine b/c they got to go into the Kid Center together no splitting them up. Mama insisted.
I burned the treadmill up! Or should I say, the treadmill just about burned my legs up! I love working out! It really rejuvenates me. I have much more energy and my mood is better throughout the day. I plan on doing some aerobics classes next time.
After the Y, we went to get my car inspected b/c our tags will expire at the end of the month. We arrived at the inspection place just when everyone else decided to go. We waited in line for about 20 min or so. The boys and I passed the time by singing all the Nursery rhymes songs we could think of. After passing the inspection, we headed to the Grocery store to get some basic necessities, bread, milk, etc. Will and Jake love going to the store with me b/c they get cookies from the bakery. Yes, even though it was lunch time! You only live once, right!!!
I made the boys some bologna sandwiches and then it was rest time. The boys were very tired from the busy weekend we had, so they went right to rest. So did Mama. I made Will's favorite meal tonight....Poppy Seed Chicken casserole! He ate 2 helpings. They love watching the meals cook in the oven. Just about every night, they come watch the food bake in the oven. They are so intrigued. Not much to write about, just that I cannot wait until the Christmas Holidays! I love shopping for everyone and seeing Will and Jakes' little faces light up when we talk about Santa Claus. The innocence they have. I can still remember that feeling of believing in Santa. I swore I saw Rudolph's nose blinking outside my window on Maple Hill Drive when I was about 6. It was so real. I guess I was dreaming. Obviously!
I can't wait to hear the stories and the imaginations my boys will have of Christmas. I pray that Matt and I can make their Christmases as special as ours were.
Write more later.....

Birthday Weekend

2006-11-19T18:15:00.000-08:00

Will trying out the sleeping bag with Daddy!

Singing Happy Birthday to me!

Family Photo in front of the camp fire.

Dad play-fighting with the boys. By the time it was over, all the furniture in the living room was turned over. Mom almost blew it! But it was funny!

More camp-fire fun with Pop Pop!

I love it when my birthday rolls around. Not many people can say that, but I can. It's not because I am so excited to turn another year older (although that is a good thing and not a bad thing like we have been trained), but it's because I get to go home and have a relaxing weekend with my family and do absolutely nothing. This Friday, me and the boys headed to Tullahoma a little early. We left around 2:00 and Matt, Paige and Lance came later that evening just in time for some food Mom cooked. We didn't have a big meal. Mom just made a bunch of appitizer food and we snacked all night long! In fact, my tummy was rumbling all night b/c of all the food I ate! But it was my birthday, I figured I could do that.
Right when we got there, Dad grabbed the boys and immediately took them for a ride in the go-cart. They are in heaven when they come to Pop Pop and NaNa's. I mean, our house isn't by any means extravagant, but to Will and Jake, it is comparable to Disney World. There are tractors, a go-cart, hay-rides my dad fixes, trails to walk on all out in the woods, dogs, cats, toys and most of all....attention attenion attention.
Will and Jake have no problem going to sleep at Pop Pop and Nana's house b/c they are just plain worn out. We got up Saturday and Mom fixed eggs, bacon, biscuits, cinnamon rolls, etc. We usually have a big breakfast when we come home. Mom likes cooking normal, good-tasting, food b/c my Dad is so health-conscience that it is hard for Mom to cook anymore. It is good for her too that Dad eats like he does b/c I believe like Dad does and that is "you are what you eat." Some people might think that healthy living takes the fun out of life, well I think that you won't be having any fun in a few years when you've had a heart attack or stroke or diabetes is taking over your life. I think there is a balance, though, and Matt and I feel we have some sort of balance.
Anyways, off the health-food kick. Paige and I spent most of Saturday visiting with our high school best friends who both have had babies recently. We went to see our good friend Wendy first. She looks great and her baby is adorable! They seem to be doing really well adjusting to the whole parent-hood thing. She asked for some advice and of course I gave her my two-cents worth. We shared birthing stories and all that. It was good to see her and baby Parker.
We then went to my best friend Annie's house to see her and her new baby boy, Logan. Annie seems to be doing good too. Her baby looks exactly like her husband Josh. I couldn't believe it! Annie seems to be so relaxed and just a natural at being a Mom. She is going to be a wonderful Mom!
That night Mom fixed Chili and we had my uncle Ron come over. He and his wife Patricia live in California 9 months out of the year and they live on the lake in Winchester the rest of the time. My Aunt Patricia wasn't feeling well that night, so she stayed home. We opened presents, blew out candles, had birthday cake, the whole 9 yards. It was great. Will and Jake just loved helping me blow out all those candles!
Matt and Lance went and set up a tent in yard. I guess they thought they were going to sleep out there or something! It was freezing. Matt and the boys stayed out there and had fun playing in the tent, but when it was bed time, they all came running into the nice warm house.
I feel like I didn't see Matt all weekend b/c he was out next to the camp fire all the time with the guys! That's okay, I know he enjoys that and I want him to have a nice relaxing weekend too!
Us girls talked about Thanksgiving and what we were going to cook and what we needed to get at the grocery store! Typical girl talk.
All in all we had a wonderful weekend. The boys are fast asleep right now and it's not even 8:30. They were exausted! I love bringing the boys back to the home I grew up in. It is so special to me. I want them to have the same memories I had there. As I was putting them to sleep in my old bedroom, I just kept thinking of all the memories I had in this old room and now Im putting my two little boys to sleep in here! It is wild. The circle of life.
I hope to write more tomorrow.....

2006-11-16T19:37:00.000-08:00

I don't plan to write much tonight because I am worn out. The boys were in Little School today so I went to clean Paige's house and then came back to my house and did a little cleaning as well. Trying to get caught up on laundry and the little things. The boys had a great day at school. Will said that he won at a bingo game they played. He was so proud! Jake's class did alot of painting. I could see from his little hands and clothes.
I went out with my good friends who happen to be my neighbors as well. They both have girls who are 3 yrs old. My boys play with them all the time. We, mothers, have become good friends over time. Now it was our turn to go out and have a little fun without chasing down kids. It was good to have a good adult conversation without interruptions. We went to a new, trendy, resturant in down-town Franklin called The Red Pony. The food was great and the atmosphere was different than I anticipated. We stayed there for about an hour or so and then headed across the street to Sandy's Downtown Grill for some coffee. I had a great time getting to know these girls who I see nearly everyday, but don't REALLY know. We learned alot about each other, we laughed, we almost cried, and we just let loose and had a great time.
Well, Im going to go see what Will is afraid of...He keeps saying "Im scared of the dark......"
Write more next time!

2006-11-15T19:12:00.000-08:00

When I got up this morning it was pouring rain. I looked at the forcast and it predicted rain all day. This is going to call for some creativity on my part today. With 2 energetic, rowdy boys, I must come up with something fun to do indoors today. I thought it would be good to make cinnamon rolls for breakfast on a rainy day. This is something we rarely have. So with the help of Mr. Pillbury dough boy, I threw some cinnamon rolls in. The boys love them! They probably think I make these homemade and you know what, I am going to let them think that for now. I mean, why ruin that precious innocence now? That won't damage them for life, will it? One of these days they will figure it out.....
We colored lots of pictures today. WIll is getting really good at drawing squares. He does it all the time. He also can identify all his letters and is beginning to spell simple words like cat, dog, Dad, Mom, etc. Jake still likes to color on the walls, so I have to sit close by to monitor him. LOL. Jake loves to draw circles. He also likes to try and draw trianges. He says, "Look Mama, I draw a triangle.." I look at it and it looks like a cute scribble...I say, "Oh, Jake that is great!!!"
After lunch, I made a tent for them to play in. I had to get creative with this one, so I got their bedspread and just hung it betweeen their twin beds. THey absolutely loved it and played in there all afternoon.
My parents called yesterday to say they wanted to take us all out for my birthday (11/18) and Lance's Bd (11/10). So, tonight we all met at Macaroni Grill and had a GREAT time. I love being with my family. The boys love being with my parents. My Dad acts like a kid just like them! Sometimes I find myself correcting my Dad instead of the boys. We all had a great meal and great family time and got to talk about some real important family issues. Thank you God, for our family. What is life without family? Not much. Not much.
We are all planning a trip to Tullahoma this weekend to continue the birthday celbrations. Matt is going to be bringing his tent and my Dad loves to show off his bon-fire skills. So, needless to say, Will and Jake will be having plenty of hot dogs and marshmellows this weekend.
Lord willing, I will write tomorrow......(just for you Faith....Ha!!!)

2006-11-15T08:46:00.000-08:00

The boys went to school today and they had a great day. I used this day to get some things marked off my list that I had to get done. It's amazing what you can get done without two little boys tagging along for the ride! Nobody to put in the corner, no refereeing, no making meals for 3 people. It is quite awesome and I am totally blessed to be able to stay at home with these beautiful boys and also to be able to send them to a Mother's Day Out program twice a week. It is great for them and for me. I feel like it has really benefited Jake, especially. He is quite shy when it comes to groups. The Mother's Day program at our church has allowed him to understand that it is okay for someone else to take care of him and that Mommy WILL be coming back to get him. On the way to school today, we were singing our regular "It's time to go to school, it's time to go to school, Hi HO the dairy oh, It's time to go to school." I say, "Who's gonna be at school today?" Will usually chimes in and names his whole class one by one. Jake, on the other hand, usually just sings along not really understanding the whole song thing. But today was different, he said "John will be there, John will be there, Hi Ho the dairy oh, John will be there." He then began naming 2-3 other little friends of his (Camille and Caleb). I thought to myself, that is so good that he remembers that! He is becoming quite a socialite. So, when we got to the classroom, Miss Karen greeted us as usual and Jake said, "There's John, there's Camille, and Caleb!" Oh, it was soooooo cute!
While the boys were in school, I went to the YMCA and joined me and Matt and the boys. We have been wanting to do this for a while, so now is the time. We used to be members for about 9 years and quit last year to pay off some debt. Now we are at a point where we can afford it and desperately need the excercise!
I also ran a few more errands and then went to pick the boys up at 2pm.
I fixed a great chicken casserole for dinner. It is called Chicken Cranberry Casserole. Matt loves it and it's a great casserole for the fall time.
The boys were very wound up last night for some reason. I guess it had something to do with Matt wresting with the boys right before bed. Ha!
I will write more later.....

2006-11-13T19:22:00.000-08:00

After getting some of the mundane household chores out of the day, me and the boys headed outside. It wasn't too cold today, about 55-60 degrees mostly cloudy. We went walking on our trail in the back of our yard. For those who haven't been to our house, we have an awesome neighborhood because of all the common grounds. There are acres and acres of woods in our community. Our house backs up to the common area and so we have a mile or so of wooded trails in our back yard. Perfect for growing little boys. There is a creek right behind our house that our boys love to throw rocks into and play with their sticks. I took some pics of our adventure today. Nothing really exciting to write about today. Will helped me fix tacos tonight. He is a real helper most days. He is learning something new everyday!
Tonight I wanted to watch the Bachelor which comes on at 8 o'clock. So, I went to my favorite rocker in our bedroom and began to try and watch it. Will and Jake kept coming in and out and finally, Will, looking very tired, said, "Mama, can you rock me?" Awwww, I said, "Sure." So, as I was rocking him, I was telling him that one day he will meet a girl and one day get married. Of course he doesn't have a clue as to what I am talking about. But he said, "Does that mean one day I can be the daddy?" I said, "Yep, it sure does." He said, "Mama, will you still make me Poppy seed chicken and chocolate cupcakes?" I became sorta teary-eyed, and said, "Yep, I sure will, anytime." These days are gonna fly by I know it. I am very observant when it comes to being around my in-laws b/c they are more emotional than my family. I have seen Matt's dad become emotional serveral times at family gatherings over the past few years; mainly when he prays before meals. I know what he is thinking....He can't believe the years have flown by....he is so proud of his family and so thankful to God for his wonderful growing family. I've also seen my parents become much more emotional over the years since I have had kids. They are probably thinking the same things Matt's parents think...they can't believe time has gone by so fast and that they are proud of Paige and I. I hope me and Matt will be there, where our parents are someday, praying at a table with all our grandkids and children. Knowing that these are good kids and that we did a great job as parents with help from Above.

2006-11-12T20:03:00.000-08:00

We all loaded in the car and headed for church this beautiful, but chilly, fall Sunday morning. Church was very crowded as usual. It was a great service. Phil Williams is our "fill in" preacher since we are looking for a full time pulpit minister. Phil is great. His talks are usually very historical in nature. It is always very interesting. Somehow He always ties it into today's world. The best part about church is the worship service. Ken Young is great. We weren't too sure of him at first. Just b/c he was new and we weren't sure what he was going to be bringing to our church as far as "worship leader." But he is a wonderful man and I truly believe he puts his heart and soul into his work. As Im leaving the building every Sunday, I look around at all the people driving here and there and wish they could have been apart of the great service and fellowship that I just did. I have been asking my neighbors to come. They don't go to church anywhere right now. I think they would love it there. Maybe one day they will come.
We ate some leftovers for lunch. They boys played outside for a good while. Miranda came over and they played swords with tree branches. Miranda hangs right in there with my wild boys! After I layed Jake down for his nap, I headed to the Grocery store. I love going to the grocery store to find my bargains. For example, I went to Walgreens and spent 35.00 and saved 28.00. The cashiers always look at me and ask how I manage to get so much savings. I tell them I just look for the sales and use my coupons only for that item. If it's a good deal, I stock up.
Anyway....the day was a typical Sunday at our home. Matt watched the Titans get beat. Not by much, though. We were pretty proud of them. They somewhat stood their ground against Steve McNair.
Before I came in here to write, I stopped by the boys room to tuck them into bed. Will was fast asleep, but Jake was up. I got into bed with him and snuggled oh so tight. He was sucking his thumb and I was brushing his soft hair back. He was talking to me about lots of things on his little mind like snakes and cows. And how Pop Pop was digging a ditch. (my dad is digging a ditch for a garage he is building) Jake remembered all these things. Then he said Nana is making eggs. That was so funny! I just laughed and said "You want some eggs?" He said "No, I want donuts." I stayed in there just talking to him. Jake and I rarely get moments to ourselves, so when I can get a minute or two in, I find it priceless. I told him that I loved him and that he was such a special little boy who has so much life ahead of him. I kissed his little fat cheeks and said "night, night." My boys are so precious.
Will write more later.....

2006-11-11T18:40:00.000-08:00

Saturday mornings are usually always a treat here in the Hawkins Household. One reason is because Matt gets up early and fixes everyone homemade pancakes! They are absolutely out of this world. He says he does nothing different to them than the recipie calls. I guess they taste so good to me b/c he cooks them for me. The boys love them too! Today Will helped him out in the kitchen. Will is starting to really enjoy helping me and Matt cook in the kitchen. I have shown him how to unload the dishwasher utensils. So he puts all the forks, spoons, knives, etc. where they belong. Sometimes they are out of order, but it is alright with me. The more help I get, the happier I am. It teaches the boys a sense of responsibility and that they are apart of this house too. I can't wait till Jake gets of age! Man, I'll be sittin' pretty! LOL!
Matt says he is excited when they will be able to cut the grass. I'll bet!
After breakfast, we all got ready and headed to Paige and Lance's house for me to clean. I took the whole family b/c they wanted to get out of the house. Matt helped me clean, too! So, we got done fast. We headed home for lunch and then we all rested a while. We ordered pizza tonight. YUM YUM! They boys have been watching Fox and the Hound in between throwing the football with Matt. He's down there watching the Alabama football game. I hear the boys throwing that ball down there and it makes me nervous! Ha Ha!!
I folded and put up about 3 baskets of laundry. Will it EVER end!!!! I feel like that's all I do sometimes, wash, fold and put away laundry. Every now and then I will iron. Now that's a job. I remember my Grandma ironing and washing all our clothes. At the end of the day on Friday, she would look at Paige and I and say, "Now, look, every single bit of clothes you girls have is washed, dried, ironed and put away!" We would look at each other and say, "Thanks Grandma." Not having a clue of the hard work she had done. I hope that she knew how thankful we were of her before she died. I think she did.
Well, gotta go. Write more later, Lord willing!

2006-11-11T18:10:00.000-08:00

Friday we got up, ate some breakfast and headed to the Dr. Office for the boys' flu shots. That was a lot of fun! Actually it wasn't that bad. Will began to cry as we were walking into the Dr. Office saying, "I don't wanna get a shot, I don't wanna get a shot!" This was not very encouraging to Jake. As Will was crying, I ran into a friend from home going into the elevator. His name is Greg Hollis. He has a twin brother named Jeff. He said, "Don't I know you?" I said "Oh, yes, from Tullahoma." We went to church together. He was a few years older than me, so I were never close friends. Will was so worried about the shot, so I didn't get to talk long with Greg. He looked as if he worked for a medical sales company. Maybe we will run into each other again soon.
The Dr. office didn't take long at all and so we headed to Mc. Donald's and then to the park. We had a picnic at the park. We decided to go the the Rec Center. It is usually not crowded and we can play soccer there. After we ate, I took Will to the BIG HUGE hill that goes down to the soccer fields. I showed him how to roll down it. I didn't think he would do it b/c it was so high, but just like a little boy, he rolled so much he got dizzy! Jake like running up and down the hill. He wasn't so impressed with the rolling thing! We had a blast playing soccer, rolling and playing on the playground. We ended up stayed there playing for a couple of hours.
We came home from the park exausted, so we all rested for a while.
Matt came home from work and we ordered in from Off the Grill. It was delicious! We didn't feel like cooking or going out anywhere so we enjoyed the meal double!
Well, I better go!

2006-11-10T07:13:00.000-08:00

Thursday was a gorgeous day here in Franklin, TN. I took the boys to school and then I had a visit with the Chiropractor. My neck has been bothering me ever since I gave birth to Will. I had a long-drawn out labor with him. And then while I was pushing him out, I must have torn a muscle in my neck b/c the pain that I had on the right side of my neck was horrible for about 2-3 weeks. I finally had to go to the doctor and get some muscle relaxers. Those times were hard, but we got through. Now, my neck just bothers me and I saw how chiropractic care helped Matt with his back and so I went yesterday and my neck feels great today. I will continue seeing him every week for one month and then less frequently after that.
The boys had a great day at school. When we got home, around 2:15, they wanted to go play outside. It was a beautiful day, mid 70's and sunny. So, we headed outside with the bubbles. It didn't take long for our neighbors to come out to play, so Madeline (3yrs old) and Miranda (3years old) came over. We played outside until 4:15 or so. Then I remembered I had to get going b/c I had to meet one of my good friends, Jen Thorne, out for dinner and a movie. I got the boys in for a snack and then we met Matt at the resturant me and Jen were going to eat. Matt took the boys back to the house and had pizza. They watched Fox and the Hound and ate Pizza upstairs.
Jen and I ate quick and then headed off to see "Departed." It had a great cast. Matt Damon, Leodardo D'Caprio, Jack Nickolson, etc. It was a great movie. There was quite a bit of bad language, but the movie, in general was very good. Jen is a friend whom I met in college. We were in a few Marketing classes together. We never hung out in college, just good aquaintances. She and her husband, Trey, started going to Fourth Avenue and we have been close ever since. Not to mention that Trey and Matt work together at GHX. We all went to Denver together last December. We had a great time out on the dance floor at around mid-night!!!! She is so much fun to be around. We are so much alike. We like the same food(although believe it or not, she is a little bit more picky that I am! Hard to believe!), have alot of the same interests, and have children around the same age. She has a little girl, Averi, who is 3. Avery just started going to the Little School where Jake and Will go. Jen and I love to "get away" and get out all of our girl talk. Last night we didn't have much time to talk, so maybe the next "get away" we will just spend 3 hours talking.
Well, I better go. Tomorrow we are supposed to go get the boys' flu shots and then off to the park to play with Luke Westerman, maybe James Adcox and Carson Pearman! Busy day.....

Steph

2006-11-08T19:14:00.000-08:00

Today was a typical Wednesday. We had a good breakfast! The boys had pancakes and strawberries and bannanas and I had my ol' standby...toasted bagel with Peanut butter (all natural of course) and a bannana! Like anyone really cares.
The boys helped me sort all their summer clothes and winter clothes. I took all the summer clothes of Jake's and put them up and away. All of Will's will be good for Jake next summer so I put them under the bed in a storage container. Will helped me push all these under the bed. "Let me help Mama, I have BIG muscles!" I said of course you do. He really does help me alot around the house when I need an extra hand. After tiding up the house and watching President Bush say that Rumsfield was out, we all went outside to blow bubbles. It was a great day. Mid 60's and sunny. They love to blow bubbles. They will blow them and go chase them into the neighbors yard until they bust or blow away! I let them play some more and then I went in and made lunch. We ate lunch late. We all had Turkey and Cheese sandwiches with pretzels and yogurt. Yum Yum.
Rest time couldn't have come sooner. The boys were tired and so was Mama.
I am so glad the election stuff is over. I was getting very tired of all these negative ads.
Matt came home to quite some chaos tonight. I was making Salmon cakes, salad and peas when Jake decided to fling his peas and ketchup all over the dining room! In the midst of spanking Jake and making him pick every pea up, my Salmon cakes started to burn! They didn't look very pretty, but they tasted great. Matt cleaned up everything as usual. Afterwards Matt played with the boys while I got to watch "Biggest Loser."
I talked to Paige tonight before she and Lance head to New York. They leave Friday. They will be back on Sunday. Paige has to go there for business so Lance took full adavantage and got him a ticket too! I don't blame him. I will go and take care of her house while she is gone. I usually go and clean it on Thursday. But, I will go Saturday instead. Maddox, their bull dog, is staying with my Mom and Dad in Tullahoma.
Well, I will talk later.

Tuesday, November 7

2006-11-08T08:28:00.000-08:00

The boys were in school today. They had a great day! Jake made a turkey out of a coffee filter and Will made a scarecrow to put on the door at school. It was a rainy day so they didn't get to play outside, so they play in this big room at church. It looks like so much fun. I went and watched Jake play in the big room after I took Will to his class. Jake didn't know I was watching. He went straight for the little car that he can push with his feet. He sat there for long time before pushing it to go! He looked like he was having so much fun. His teacher says he is extremely shy. He doesn't say much at all. He just likes to observe. Just like his Dad! Matt loves to be in a crowd, but he is happiest just watching everyone else. On the other hand, Will's teacher says he is a talker and loves to play right there with his friends. Will is somewhat shy, it takes him a while to warm up. But once he feels comfortable, he is a socialite!
I stood in line to vote today. The line took about an hour. I also went grocery shopping. I am proud, I spent $100 and saved $45. My dollar goes far when I used coupons and buy things on sale. I use a website called The Grocery Game. It saves me big bucks every month.
Holland called me about 4 pm today and wanted to go out to dinner tonight. Of course I consented and we met at Garcia's at 7pm. But before I went out with Holland, I went ahead and gave the boys a bath. They love the bath! I wanted to get that done so Matt wouldn't have to when he got home. I made the family Tacos and black beans. I sat with them and had a few bites of the delicious tacos (I was a little hungry). Then off to Garcias to meet Holland. We talked for 2 hours there! She is such a good friend. I am so blessed to have her in my life. We talked about kids, politics, family and yes, the dreaded s.e.x. word!!!!!!! Ha! ha! What goes on at Garcia's stays at Garcia's!!!! I think it is so important to have a good friend to talk to in life about life! It's good for me to talk to other Mom's having the same struggles I have. It makes me feel normal when sometimes at the end of a long day, I feel quite inadequate. Thank God for friends.
We didn't leave Garcia's till around 9pm and when I got home, I was glued to the TV with Matt watching the Election Coverage. Then off to bed!

2006-11-06T18:44:00.000-08:00

Today was a typical Monday at the Hawkins Household. Matt went to work. I managed the boys and house. The boys had their breakfast and then were washed up and dressed. They love to watch Disney Channel. Their favorite shows are Wonder Pets and Handy Manny. Today they showed a disney movie, so they watched that while I cleaned up the house. I usually use Mondays as my cleaning day b/c it is usually a wreck after the weekend. I just cleaned the master bath and kitchen and did about 4 loads of laundry. Wednesdays I usually clean the upstairs and do more laundry.
The boys and I played doctor today when I pretended to fall down and hurt my leg. Will immediately went to locate the band-aids. But he couldn't find them and so he brought back a book of stickers and began to stick them all over my leg. Jake kept saying, "It's okay Mama, it don't hurt." Will said, "You'll be feeling better next week." I said "Next week? Don't you have anything stronger, Doc?" He didn't seem to get it. Ha!!!!
After rest time which is from about 1pm-3pm, I made them go run around the back yard. I told them they needed to do the obstacle course 5 times. They ran around the yard, swang on the swing 3 times and climbed up the ladder and then do it all over again. They were tired!!! Will made me do it too! Of course I did. I just ran the yard, no swinging or ladder climbing for me. I was tired too! Ive got to get into shape!
I made Poppyseed Chicken casserole tonight. Will ate 3 helpings. Jake is not a big fan of Poppyseed Chicken, but we made him eat it. Matt was a sweetie and did all the dishes! His Mama sure did train him up right. Actually, when I go home with Matt, his Dad helps out alot. He does dishes, laundry, whatever is needed. Matt says he always saw his Dad helping out, and I guess it stuck with him. Thanks Keith and Sherry!
I love being a stay-at-home Mom. There are days, though, that wear me down. Not so much physically, but emotionally. The boys begin fighting or they become bored with me. I have learned much within these 4 years. I truly believe that if the task is easy, then it ain't right. I believe that hard work pays off and hopefully me and Matt's parenting and sacrifices will pay off. I look into the boys eyes and see so much hope and amazing promise for them. They do seem to be hard workers and very driven boys.
I heard something today that has stuck with me all day. It was a quote from a girl from Uganda speaking to a group of Holocaust survivers....She said, "I don't believe I can change the world, but I can change people. And if you do that, then you will change the world." It is so true. Hope this inspires someone.
I hope to be back to write tomorrow....
Steph

Super Sunday Farm Pics

2006-11-05T20:14:00.000-08:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Noah! Myla made this cute "Horse Farm" cake!
Jake and Dad on the hayride!

Getting a quick Family Pose in!

This is me on Govenor, the horse

Here is Paige, posing proudly. She claims she was a horse in another life.
And, here is Big, Bad Jake. No fear!

Super Sunday

2006-11-05T18:58:00.000-08:00

Today was a busy, fun filled afternoon. I am so glad it is time to wind down. The boys are in bed fast asleep.
Matt had to go into work today to help out a guy who was working on a project. Matt needed to draw some things up for him so it wasn't anything he could do over the phone or computer. I managed to get everyone up and out the door for church. I had a big talk with the boys on the way to church about being good little boys in church b/c Mommy was by-herself today. They both smiled and said, "Yes Mommy, we will be good." Oh, don't you know they forgot about that talk as soon as they hit the church doors. We sat next to the isle just in case we had to make a bee-line for the nursery. And sure enough, after playing peek a boo with little Alex in front of us, we took Jake straight to the nursery. Will sat out there with me until time for Children's offering and then Children's Church. It was a great worship service. I feel so blessed to be at this church. The singing is absolutely awesome. You can't help but get chill bumps. I wish my whole neighborhood (world for that matter) could experience the Spirit inside the building.
After church we met Matt at home and headed to Lance's (Paige's hubby) parents house in Portland, TN. Lance's sister, Amy, was a good friend of mine at Lipscomb and she has an adopted son named Noah. It was Noah's 2nd BD and we were invited to attend the "Farm Themed" BD. It was an absolutey gorgeous day. As soon as we arrived, Myla (Lance's Mom) greeted us at the door with open arms (like we were her own kids). She said the horses are ready to ride and we have a hayride to go on too! The boys' face lit up and we headed straight for the horses. Jake rode the big black horse named Govenor.
Will was a bit sceptical. I know what he was thinking..."BIG BODY LITTLE BRAIN, If I get on that horse, how do I know it won't take off into the blue yonder." So, Will watched as Noah, Jake, Paige and myself took turns riding. It was a blast. I haven't ridden a horse since college. Matt won't get on a horse. I tried to get him to ride, but he wouldn't budge. Maybe one day I will get him on one. They are so much fun. After the horse rides, we borded the hayride. We all got on and headed down to the fish pond where we fed the fishes. There were dozens of catfish guzzeling down all the fish food the boys were throwing in. The boys LOVED it! After we fed the fish, the boys decided to throw rocks in the pond. Imagine that! Boys loving to throw rocks!
After a loop around the beautiful farm, watching all the cows grazing and even seeing about 16 baby calves born a short time ago, we headed in for cake and ice cream. We played for a while and then Amy gave the boys their goodie bags (bubbles to blow) and we went outside and blew bubbles. We had such a great time. Lance has got an amazing family. They are so special. Myla is always going out of her way for someone. She seems to never think of herself, always others. What a wonderful gift. I hope she takes care of herself sometimes, too.
Anyway, we had a wonderful, but very busy day.
We had to stop at Cracker Barrell on the way home. Will was complaining that he was "STARVING". So he ate all his Mac and Cheese and Carrots and Jake, of course, ate all his Mac and Cheese and Pinto Beans.
They went right to bed when we got home after talking to Pop Pop & NaNa Spraggins. Jake prayed for Govenor and of course they were giggling hard when Jake kept saying, "PEEP PEEP." Don't ask me why that was so funny. Boys will be boys. I guess I need to get off the computer and talk to my hubby. Stay tuned for more.....Lord willing......
Here are some pics...

Shopping and Trail walking

2006-11-04T17:08:00.000-08:00

Today was a great day for me because I got to spend the day shopping with my Mom. We started the day going to the "Holiday Open House" at the Harmony House. This is a GREAT antique store in Franklin off of 2nd avenue. It is in the heart of the antique district in Franklin. It was a great Holiday Open House. All kinds of beautiful things. Mom got a few things for the boys and for her home for Christmas. We then went to P.D.'s in Franklin. This is another GREAT shop in that same area. If you have never been, you need to go to this area of Franklin. I love living in Franklin. It has such a great history and has a wonderful small town atmosphere. We then headed to the Puffy Muffin in Brentwood. Mom has never been there. She absolutely LOVED it. We sat at the bar and watched over the entire place chowing down on the scrumptious chicken salad sandwiches and cranberry salad! We then made it over to Cool Springs Mall where over half of Williamson County and every other surrounding county was! It was crowded. But thankfully we only had a few stops and then we were outta there. Went to Wild Oat Market to get my dad his soy nuts, organic trail mix and his KIMCHI (fermented cabbage). Dad is a health-nut as you can guess. It seems to be working for him though. He just completed the "Race to Jack-n-back" a few weeks ago at his ripe old age of 59. It is a 75 mile bike ride benefiting multiple sclerosis. He is certainly an inspiration to me and Matt even if he eats fermented cabbage!
Matt had the boys all day. He had a great day with them. He took them to Lowe's and bought some wood. He then took them over to our neighbors house to help them fix the slats on their bed. Matt is such a great guy! Helping, helping, helping! Our neighbors names are Bonnie and Nancy. Bonnie is in her forties and lives with her Mom, Nancy. Bonnie and I used to work together at Centennial Medical Center and now she lives in the neighborhood. We trade help with each other. They babysit the boys for free in exchange for Matt's wonderful help. After helping Bonnie and Nancy with their bed, Matt took the boys for a walk in the trail behind our house. It was a beautiful day for a walk. The boys had no nap, though, so it should be an interesting night. They will for sure go to bed early tonight! I just looked over and Will was asleep on the couch while watching Winnie the Pooh. I just put him in the bed. He wanted me to tickle his back. Of course I did and he fell right back to sleep! Jake is not far behind, he looks drowsy over there! Well, that is our day in a nutshell. Keep coming back to see what tomorrow holds.

2006-11-03T20:10:00.000-08:00

These are my beautiful boys. Will (the blonde) who is 4 years old. Jake (the brownie) is 2 1/2 years old. They are as different as night and day. Will is a definate leader. Always has been and always will be (probably!). Jake looks up to Will so much. I can't say he is a "follower" though. Jake has as much strong will as Will does. That makes for some great brotherly love FIGHTS! Will loves to be around people. He is a realy people-person. He loves meeting new people and will talk to just about anyone (except for the Chucky E. Cheese mouse). He is still sceptical about that thing. I don't blame him.
Jake is quite shy in a crowd. He has to "warm up" to you for a while. Even his own MiMi has to get that "Wait a minute, I need some time to warm up" look. After a while, when he realizes it's okay to branch-out from Mama's view, and he really shows his great personality. Jake takes after Matt and Will takes after me that is for sure.
Both my boys are a true Gift from God. I take nothing, not even one second of each day for granted. I am truly blessed to be able to stay at home with them. Matt and I knew that was apart of the plan we wanted for our family and God has given us this blessing. I love being at home with them. Some days are trying but for the most part, we have a fun-filled day!

2006-11-03T19:49:00.000-08:00

Me and Mattie! We have been together for a total of 13 years! Can you believe it! We met in Dr. Parker's English class in the computer lab! I was sitting in front of him and I turned around to meet this big handsome guy. I asked him if his name was "Matt" b/c he "looked like a Matt." He said "Yea, that's my name!" And the rest is HISTORY. It was so funny. When we met in November 1993 and had our first date, our next semester (Jan. 1994), Matt and I had almost every class together. It was like God had said "I am going to put you in each other's world." And He did! We were literaly in-seperable ever since. He asked me out for my birthday on November 18, 1993. I had to turn him down the first time he asked b/c I had a Volleyball game that night and I couldn't miss it! But I was really wanting to go out with him, so we put the date off for the next night. We went to this awesome restaurant called "Texana." It has since closed down, but they had great food and atmosphere.

I knew in my heart that Matt was the perfect guy for me. He was strong yet sensitive. I LOVE that. I knew that he would always take care of me. I remember going home (Huntsville, AL) with him when we first started dating. He drove this old, 1973 black Cheverolet truck. (it was his Grandpa's) . We headed down I-65 on a very cold January day with NO HEATER in the truck. He went and found a nice (as nice as could be in a college dorm) old warm blanket for me to wrap up in. We scooted close to each other and started the 2 and a half hour journey. On the way, we stopped and got gas. I knew I was going to marry Matt when he got out of the truck, popped the hood and checked all the oil gauges and fluids before getting back on the highway. Just another sign that "this guy was gonna take care of me." And he has and he always will. I am so blessed to have met him and have him in my life! If my boys are just HALF the man Matt is, they will go far in life.

2006-11-03T18:29:00.000-08:00

Well, I am excited about posting my blog. I have been inspired by a few friends who have started doing this and have decided to create my own. I have been wanting to write in a journal for a long time, but never got around to it. I think this is perfect for me. I will try my best to keep it updated for all to see my beautiful family and experience day to day living in the Hawkins Household!