I'm a little late wishing you all a happy Thanksgiving, but I trust that each of you had a wonderful holiday!!
Steven, Aeris, and I traveled to Stuttgart to visit family. We ate great food...probably too much and watched a little football. Aeris stayed there with her "Granny & Poppa". Katie has been at her dad's house and will make her way home tonight.
Most of our weekend has been spent wither playing or working. Steven returned to work Friday morning while I stayed at home working on end of the year projects and papers for school....and watching the AR v. LSU game!! GO HOGS!! Later that night, we hung out with friends, Brian & Amber. We went to Playtime in Little Rock where we played mini-golf, mini-bowl, the guys played laser tag, and countless other little games. It's a neat little place to hang out and they have a buffet as well. Afterwards, all four of us made our way back to the house to play "Buzz". Just a fun little trivia game. Saturday, we went to my brother-in-law's house to watch Alabama stomp Auburn. He's a 'Bama fan!! I'm sticking with my HOGS!! Then we migrated back to our house for movie watching. Unfortunately, I was finishing up papers and didn't see any of the movie. Oh well! Today, I'm back to working on school stuff while Steven and his dad are watching football. His dad did fix us a huge breakfast, though. It was YUMMY! Once again...I'm stuffed!!
About Me:
- Amy Moore
- Conway, Arkansas, United States
- I became a single mom at the age of 24. 5 years later, I watched as my house grew from 2 to 4. Now a blogger & creator of Mommy Dig, and as a Thriving mom, I share my duties and mishaps as C.E.O. of 3 children and one crazy cat. Everyday is an adventure. I may lose my mind, but I'm loving every minute of it!!
November 30, 2008
November 12, 2008
Discovery Channel feature...
Well, I'm a little late posting, but The Discovery Channel's "Storm Chasers" featured the Stuttgart tornado from May 10, 2008. In case you didn't know, this is where Steven grew up and is where his adoptive parents live. The "Storm Chasers" were tracking storms that happen to lead them straight through Stuttgart. Most of what was shown was the team "chasing" storms and at the end showed the devastating damage. So in case you missed it...here are some actual photos of what I got to see a few days after the tornado hit. I will say that Steven's family was very lucky. The received very little damage to their home and yard...although they lost a tree that was 50 years old ( I think).
This house was actually shown on "Storm Chasers" and we saw it first hand.
This house was actually shown on "Storm Chasers" and we saw it first hand.
This street was also featured; Prairie St. This street was damaged
for several blocks, either was you looked. It was horrible!!
November 7, 2008
Welcome Baby Boy!!
As I was looking at my past few post, I realized that I didn't mention our family's new addition...Bradley Lumsden Brown. He's my cousins son...and a precious baby boy!! Kelly named him after our uncle who died at a young age (I think I was a month old when he died) and his middle name is my grandmother's maiden name.
Kelly is a first time mom and I'm proud of her. Bradley is healthy and very much loved. I got to hold him a couple of times and sat with Aeris while she held him (with m y help of course). It was a Kodak moment!! It's funny to hold a little baby when you have a toddler running around. You instantly forget how small they once were. They just grow up too fast. Cherish every moment!!
So here's to Bradley and new "Mommy", Kelly!! We love you!!
*Hopefully I will be able to post a picture of Bradley!!
Kelly is a first time mom and I'm proud of her. Bradley is healthy and very much loved. I got to hold him a couple of times and sat with Aeris while she held him (with m y help of course). It was a Kodak moment!! It's funny to hold a little baby when you have a toddler running around. You instantly forget how small they once were. They just grow up too fast. Cherish every moment!!
So here's to Bradley and new "Mommy", Kelly!! We love you!!
*Hopefully I will be able to post a picture of Bradley!!
November 5, 2008
One for the history books
Well, unless you live in a bat cave, you know that Obama is now our new President-Elect. This is one for the history books!! No matter how you voted, I hope that America can pull together and unify...and be proud that our nation made history!
I've seen and heard it all today. From excitement to fear to anger and tears of defeat. I hope that no matter how you casted your vote that we all remember that God is in control. If things didn't go as you had hoped for, pray...pray that our country is headed in a good direction and that it gets the help it needs. We're all in a slump and we're all in it together. I hope we can all come together and pray for God to place his hand on our country and new President. Despite who won, let's be proud of our nation making history. This will be something to tell the grand kids one day!!
And just on a funny note...Katie told me that her school held a mock-election. Really I think it was more based upon the parties colors rather than by name [for the kiddies anyway], but she was telling me how she voted....and voted for Obama. She made some valid points and as a parent I was proud to hear what she had to say. I didn't think to mention to her this morning that Obama had actually won, but this afternoon when I picked her up from school she came running to the car [with newspaper in hand] with a huge grin on her face....proclaiming excitement that Obama had won! The paper here decided to hand out a copy of today's paper to EVERY kid in her school [and I think they did the same at all the schools]. I thought that was a neat little thing for the kids. A keepsake of history being made. It was a classic moment and I was proud to share it with her today!! Now she wants to know when a woman will have her turn! Kids...you gotta love 'em!!
I've seen and heard it all today. From excitement to fear to anger and tears of defeat. I hope that no matter how you casted your vote that we all remember that God is in control. If things didn't go as you had hoped for, pray...pray that our country is headed in a good direction and that it gets the help it needs. We're all in a slump and we're all in it together. I hope we can all come together and pray for God to place his hand on our country and new President. Despite who won, let's be proud of our nation making history. This will be something to tell the grand kids one day!!
And just on a funny note...Katie told me that her school held a mock-election. Really I think it was more based upon the parties colors rather than by name [for the kiddies anyway], but she was telling me how she voted....and voted for Obama. She made some valid points and as a parent I was proud to hear what she had to say. I didn't think to mention to her this morning that Obama had actually won, but this afternoon when I picked her up from school she came running to the car [with newspaper in hand] with a huge grin on her face....proclaiming excitement that Obama had won! The paper here decided to hand out a copy of today's paper to EVERY kid in her school [and I think they did the same at all the schools]. I thought that was a neat little thing for the kids. A keepsake of history being made. It was a classic moment and I was proud to share it with her today!! Now she wants to know when a woman will have her turn! Kids...you gotta love 'em!!
November 2, 2008
Halloween
Well, if you read my last post, you know it was a hard week for us all. Thank goodness for Friday and Halloween!!
Katie's school was having "Red Ribbon Week" and Friday was pajama day. That made getting ready in the morning very easy for us. She also had a spelling and reading test that day. I am so proud to day that she made an "A" on both!! I'm so glad for that as we had to study while we were away for the funeral. And then, too, it was gymnastics day...which always makes her happy!! She's doing so good and has improved over the past month. Her teacher mentioned moving her up and I hope she does soon!! After, all of that, she went to her dad's for the weekend. I hope she had fun!!
Aeris had a little Halloween party at school. You could tell she had fun when we picked her up that afternoon...she had food stuck to her shirt and a HUGE grin on her face!! We never took her trick-or-treating just b/c I wasn't feeling very festive...but it was a good Halloween for the kids!!
Steven, Aeris, and I went to my mother-in-laws for a family get-together. I mainly did homework while Aeris played with her cousins and Steven played poker. Aeris finally passed out around 10 along with the other kddies. She's normally not up that late at our house, but she was having fun.....so. I ended taking her home later, after everyone had gone home for the night. Steven stayed behind with the "boys" and finally got home in the whee hours of the morning. Unfortunately, the night didn't end there for some....but for now, we won't talk about it!!
Katie's school was having "Red Ribbon Week" and Friday was pajama day. That made getting ready in the morning very easy for us. She also had a spelling and reading test that day. I am so proud to day that she made an "A" on both!! I'm so glad for that as we had to study while we were away for the funeral. And then, too, it was gymnastics day...which always makes her happy!! She's doing so good and has improved over the past month. Her teacher mentioned moving her up and I hope she does soon!! After, all of that, she went to her dad's for the weekend. I hope she had fun!!
Aeris had a little Halloween party at school. You could tell she had fun when we picked her up that afternoon...she had food stuck to her shirt and a HUGE grin on her face!! We never took her trick-or-treating just b/c I wasn't feeling very festive...but it was a good Halloween for the kids!!
Steven, Aeris, and I went to my mother-in-laws for a family get-together. I mainly did homework while Aeris played with her cousins and Steven played poker. Aeris finally passed out around 10 along with the other kddies. She's normally not up that late at our house, but she was having fun.....so. I ended taking her home later, after everyone had gone home for the night. Steven stayed behind with the "boys" and finally got home in the whee hours of the morning. Unfortunately, the night didn't end there for some....but for now, we won't talk about it!!
Tears and Smiles
This past week was very long for us. The girls and I left last Tuesday afternoon and traveled to DeWitt (AR) for my grandmother's visitation. We were greeted by my dad, cousins, and great-uncles that haven't seen me since I was little (other than the ones that I would occasionally see at my grandmother's). I avoided looking at my grandmother the entire time we were there, but managed to say my good-byes before we left. The funeral home did a nice job with her and she looked better than he did the last time I saw her alive. She looked so peaceful, which was comforting to me. After visitation, we made our way to St. Charles, which is where my grandmother had been living prior to her being ill. We stayed in one of the cabins used during duck hunting season. I think it slept over 30 people, so there was plenty of room and lots of people. Luckily, there were 2 other smaller cousins there that were close in age to my girls. That was nice because they had someone to play with. Needless to say, I didn't sleep much that night...but I don't think anyone else did either.
The next day we prepared ourselves for the funeral. We first traveled to Bayou Meto, where my grandparents lived years ago. Before the service, we were able to grab snacks and got to visit with family members that weren't with us the night before. I got a chance to visit with cousins I haven't seen since I was 15 years old (and in case you guys ares seeing this...it was good to see you, Jeremy and Nikki). It's always good to see family that you haven't seen in so long, but a shame that you meet under bad circumstances. Around late afternoon, we had the funeral service, which was nice. My grandmother had a wonderful, FULL life, and for that you are always thankful. I managed to hold back tears until I saw my dad and his siblings crying. That was very hard for all of the grand kids. At one point, I looked at Katie and she was bawling...and then I finally broke down. I think that was about the time that the pall-bearers were leaving with the casket. I knew that was it...she would be gone forever. We left the church heartbroken and made our way back to DeWitt, where she was laid to rest between my grandfather (who passed away back in '85) and my dad's little brother (who passed when I was a little over 1 month old in 1977). That was such a hard day for me and the girls, so we decided to spend the night at the cabins again. I didn't physically have classes Thursday and knew I wouldn't miss much and made a phone call the next morning to Katie's school, who was excused. We took her books down with us so she wouldn't get behind.
Our sadness turned to joy Thursday. As we traveled back home, we made some stops along the way. We stopped by the cemetery that morning and said one more good-bye. I also picked a beautiful rose from the spray of flowers that was laid on top of my grandmother's grave. I did the same thing when my mom's mother died almost 6 years ago. I dried it out and placed it in a box, which smells so good everytime you open it!! A little reminder, I guess. Anyway, we stopped by my to see my "Poppy". This is my mom's dad....and now my last living grandparent. We don't get to see him much, so it was good to see him. He LOVES my girls, so I know he was very excited to see them!! After that, we made a special trip to Gillette to see my cousin's triplets, whom we have only seen through pictures. Along the way, we stopped by my other grandmotehr's grave to say our "I love you's". So the triplets....boy, are they something else!! And cute as can be!! They have the cutest curls in their hair!! Unfortunately, my cousin and his wife were working, but one of the grandmothers was there with them. I think we stayed for 2 hours playing with them. We had a great time and when we left, they cried. I felt so bad!! They don't get to leave the house much. other than to play in the yard or to take a stroll around the neighborhood. I imagine it's hard to go anywhere with 3...who are all the same size and age!!
We finally made it home around 5:30, went to dinner, and went to bed. I was so tired and glad to be home. I don't know who was more excited to see us...my husband or the dog!! Or should I say...the dog or my husband!!
The next day we prepared ourselves for the funeral. We first traveled to Bayou Meto, where my grandparents lived years ago. Before the service, we were able to grab snacks and got to visit with family members that weren't with us the night before. I got a chance to visit with cousins I haven't seen since I was 15 years old (and in case you guys ares seeing this...it was good to see you, Jeremy and Nikki). It's always good to see family that you haven't seen in so long, but a shame that you meet under bad circumstances. Around late afternoon, we had the funeral service, which was nice. My grandmother had a wonderful, FULL life, and for that you are always thankful. I managed to hold back tears until I saw my dad and his siblings crying. That was very hard for all of the grand kids. At one point, I looked at Katie and she was bawling...and then I finally broke down. I think that was about the time that the pall-bearers were leaving with the casket. I knew that was it...she would be gone forever. We left the church heartbroken and made our way back to DeWitt, where she was laid to rest between my grandfather (who passed away back in '85) and my dad's little brother (who passed when I was a little over 1 month old in 1977). That was such a hard day for me and the girls, so we decided to spend the night at the cabins again. I didn't physically have classes Thursday and knew I wouldn't miss much and made a phone call the next morning to Katie's school, who was excused. We took her books down with us so she wouldn't get behind.
Our sadness turned to joy Thursday. As we traveled back home, we made some stops along the way. We stopped by the cemetery that morning and said one more good-bye. I also picked a beautiful rose from the spray of flowers that was laid on top of my grandmother's grave. I did the same thing when my mom's mother died almost 6 years ago. I dried it out and placed it in a box, which smells so good everytime you open it!! A little reminder, I guess. Anyway, we stopped by my to see my "Poppy". This is my mom's dad....and now my last living grandparent. We don't get to see him much, so it was good to see him. He LOVES my girls, so I know he was very excited to see them!! After that, we made a special trip to Gillette to see my cousin's triplets, whom we have only seen through pictures. Along the way, we stopped by my other grandmotehr's grave to say our "I love you's". So the triplets....boy, are they something else!! And cute as can be!! They have the cutest curls in their hair!! Unfortunately, my cousin and his wife were working, but one of the grandmothers was there with them. I think we stayed for 2 hours playing with them. We had a great time and when we left, they cried. I felt so bad!! They don't get to leave the house much. other than to play in the yard or to take a stroll around the neighborhood. I imagine it's hard to go anywhere with 3...who are all the same size and age!!
We finally made it home around 5:30, went to dinner, and went to bed. I was so tired and glad to be home. I don't know who was more excited to see us...my husband or the dog!! Or should I say...the dog or my husband!!
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