Spending time with my LITTLE

So my little sister (as in ZTA), Mandy came to visit last night. She is a CPA (yawn!) and had a conference to attend in town today on preparing tax returns (yawn again!) so she decided to come up early and spend the night with us.

I was so glad to spend some time with her, though. I feel like I haven't seen her in forever, even though it's been just a month or two. I have lots of great memories with her, and she cracks me up every time I see her.

We got to look at some old pictures last night, watch part of the Carolina game, and talk about her wedding! She's getting married in November, and I get to be a bridesmaid- WOO HOO!

Hanging out with her reminded me of how different life used to be. Not that I would change my life AT ALL, but it's crazy to think of how young and stupid we used to be! Oh how times change! We've come such a long way from our sports cars and night's out in Rock Hill!

Even though our lives are totally different now, that doesn't mean we won't have even more fun memories to look back on one day! Here's a few of the old pics we enjoyed looking at last night. Just don't laugh!

Happy Birthday to an Amazing Husband

Dear Evans,

I can’t believe you are turning 27 today. It seems like just yesterday, we were 17 and dating. 10 years has really flown by!

I remember celebrating your 18th birthday, the summer you went to Paris. I remember celebrating your 21st birthday with Freddie and Angie, even though you may not remember that one  I remember celebrating your 23rd birthday, your first after we were married. I remember your 25th birthday, after just moving into our house and preparing for our son. And I remember your 26th birthday, your first birthday as a Daddy.

I just wanted to take a minute to remind you of how special you are to me. Words can’t even describe what you mean to me. I cannot imagine my life without you. You continually amaze me with the things you do and say, and the person that you are. I am so grateful for all the memories of the birthdays we have had, and I cannot wait to make even more memories with you.

You are the love of my life, and I hope you have an AMAZING day. You deserve it!

Love always,
jcd

I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I want to spend the rest of my life
With you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby, I'm amazed by you

Thankful Thursday (on Friday)

As usual, I have lots to be thankful for this week (Even though you wouldn't always know it by my attitude)!

1. I'm thankful for a new playgroup that we joined this week! We met today and had lunch and went to the pool. It was so wonderful to spend some time with some super mommas, and to let Clark spend some time with their kiddos. He had so much fun that he pooped out on the way home, but luckily he stayed asleep when I transported him to his crib!

2. I'm thankful for some new opportunities for my family(They have to be kept secret for now though)!

3. I'm thankful for getting to spend time with my husband last night while we watched Carolina send home the #1 ranked Sooners (U-S-C GOOOOOOOO COCKS).

4. I'm thankful for a great Bible study that I'm doing this summer. Hopefully I will pay attention and learn lots!

There are so many more, I really could go on and on...but we'll leave it at that for today!

Happy Friday, y'all!

Why I have a Love/Hate relationship with the South

Okay, so I love the South.

I love that when you order tea at a restaurant, they bring you sweet tea.

I love how friendly everyone is, even the people you don't know.

I love how everyone acts like family (and since lots of people seem to marry their relatives, they really are)!

I love fishing and hunting (GASP! Yes, I think it's okay to kill animals, especially when you are using the meat to feed your family).

I love THE Carolina- Go Cocks!

I even love trucks (Yes, My Daddy drives an F-150 and has a .30-6 (that's pronounced 30 ALT 6) just like the song!

I love BBBQ's, low country shrimp boils, and any excuse to eat cobbler.

One thing I hate about the south, is the HEAT! I hate walking outside and not being able to breathe. I mean, we expect this kind of heat for August, but in June!?!

So, we have this tree/plant thingy in the backyard that we wanted to take out. Well, being the super great wife that I am (Wink! Wink!) I decided to tackle this project so that Evans' wouldn't have to spend his time this weekend doing it. The only problem is that I can only work outside during nap time, and Clark naps from about 1:00 - 3:00 PM.

I barely got my part done (Ev is going to have to pull out the roots) before I thought I was going to pass out. (I guess that will be a project for early Saturday morning!)

Just picture me limping into the house, grabbing a Gatorade from the fridge, and laying down on the cold tile floor. Laying on the floor didn't help me to accomplish anything except realizing that I need to sweep!

Oh well, I can handle indoor projects year round!

We can't just let Mommy have all the fun!

Disclaimer: Do not read while eating!

After giving us an eventful Mother's Day morning, Clark didn't want to disappoint for Father's Day!

We made it to church without a hitch, where Evans sang an ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL solo. There wasn't a dry eye in the entire church. After church, we headed back to my Mom and Dad's for a cookout with both of our families.

Soon after eating lunch, Clark starting pushing, like REALLY pushing. We decided to wait until he finished his business to put him down for a nap.

Well, he pushed, and pushed, and pushed. For close to an hour.

It became obvious that he was going to need some help, um, getting it out. We tried sitting him on the potty, massaging his tummy, and carrying him around. My Granny went up to her house and brought back some suppositories. I totally felt like a Mom when Granny pulled one out of the bag and I wasn't even going to hesitate to shove it right in. (I didn't have to though, because she took care of that for me! That's why I love her!)

We waited and waited and waited, and still nothing. We decided to go ahead and put him down for his nap, hoping that stretching out and relaxing would help him. He fell asleep and when he woke up 2 hours later, there was still nothing. We could tell by this point that he was completely uncomfortable.

We headed home about 7:00, and as soon as we got him out of his car seat, he started pushing again. We ran him upstairs, stripped off his clothes, and plopped him down on his potty seat. He gripped the handles on the seat and with one push, he got it out! We cheered for him, and were so excited to see that instant relief on his face!

Fast forward 2 days....He started grunting this morning, so I ran him upstairs and put him on the potty again, this time he did a #1 and #2 on his potty. Now, I don't want to jinx us, but I'm kinda hoping for an early potty training. If not, that's fine, too. Who knows though, maybe all this "practice" the last few days will encourage him to use his potty seat more often!

Double Date? Yes, please!

Sounds kinda like a night of middle-school fun, huh?!? Well, it wasn't like the girls met the boys at the front of the movie theater or anything, but we did get to go out with some friends this weekend.

We had a dinner at church for the VBS workers from last week, so we headed out after to grab a few drinks.

Our first stop was Wild Wing Cafe. I LOVE their food, but we weren't hungry, so we ordered our drinks after waiting 10 minutes for a table. Not that the wait was bad, but we were surprised that there was a wait a 9:00. The drinks and the company were great, but about 30 minutes into the conversation, the band starts, and they are like RIGHT beside our table. Now, this may show that I'm getting older, but we really weren't interested in trying to yell over the band to hear each other, so we paid our tab, and headed for a quieter spot.

We went to a nice little restaurant called Blue Fin, and decided to sit outside since it had actually cooled down below 90 degrees! We started talking, and had the BEST time. We literally sat there for hours, but it was so great to talk to another couple who we have so much in common with. It was great to learn that we're not the only ones going through what we are going through.

It was 1:00 AM before we left, which was was past my curfew :) We can't wait to do it again soon, though!

Let's be real for a minute...

I’m currently doing a Bible Study called The Search for Significance by Robert S. McGee with some ladies from my church. We are only in the second week of the study, but I feel like I have already learned so much.

Everyone, especially women, since that’s all I know from experience, all feel these emotions we are studying about. Dr. McGee lists these common emotions as The Fear of Failure, The Fear of Rejection, Guilt, and Shame.

I know that all of you have felt at least one of these at some point or another. (Yes…even those of you who always act like you have it all together and look perfect)

My point for writing about this today is to let you know that you are not ALONE! As Mommies and Women, we have so many expectations put on us: whether it’s having a perfectly clean house, doing exactly what we should with our children, or planning the perfect party! (Not to mention looking good while doing all this!)

As I have been doing my “homework” this week for the study, I found it extremely hard to write down examples from my life of times that I have felt these emotions. It almost felt like I was admitting defeat. After I wrote them down; though, it felt like I had a weight lifted off my shoulders. I wanted to stand up and say, “My name is Jamye, and I am a perfectionist!”

I LOVED the section entitled “God wants us to be real.” I don’t consider myself fake, and I can’t stand to watch people who act like they are someone that they aren’t. If you don’t have everything you want, if you don’t live in the best neighborhood, if you aren’t a part of the best clubs or organizations, or if you just don’t have it all together…SO WHAT!

Just be yourself, and be proud of who you are. No one is perfect, so none of us need to act like we are. I believe that God put each of us on this Earth for a specific purpose. So don’t worry about the rest of it. Admit your shortcomings (I know, I know….that will be more difficult for me than anyone else)! Just know that we ALL have them, even those people who act like they don’t!

I really believe the more we share our experiences with other women, we can work to empower each other through the truth!

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Thankful Thursday

Here are just a few of the things I am thankful for this week:

1. My brother's safe arrival to San Antonio. I know he has a rough 9 weeks coming up, but I'm thankful he got there safely.

2. I'm going to get a pedicure today! Not only am I thankful for a little time to relax and enjoy a pedicure, but I'm thankful for my Mom watching Clark for me while I go!

3. I'm so thankful that Clark is really enjoying VBS this week. Last night he walked through the fellowship hall with his class while Evans and I were in there, he ran over and gave us each a kiss, then went right back with his class and took off down the hall! Evans and I are both thankful for his wonderful teachers, and the fact that Clark loves being with them!

4. I am thankful for my husband's job which lets him work from home sometimes. He was working from home on Tuesday, and went and picked up breakfast from Panera, then drove through Starbucks and got me a Caramel Macchiato!

I hope everyone else takes a minute to think about some things you are thankful for today!

Kinda sad, but excited at the same time!

We went to the airport this morning to see my brother off. He's headed to San Antonio for basic training.

Before I left this morning, Evans asked if I was going to cry. I told him, "No, he's only going to be gone for 9 weeks!"

I was wrong. I did cry. Not a lot, but it was sad. I mean, he's my little brother. Even though he's bigger than me, he'll always be my little brother. I remember the day he was born, I remember him carrying his paci's around in one of my purses, I remember his first days of school.

I have no doubt in my mind that he will be fine. Actually, I think he'll do great! And the great part is, we are planning to go to San Antonio for his graduation! We've never been, but we are so excited to see some new places.

So even though today is sad, it's already time to start planning a trip, and that part is exciting!

Some INDOOR activities!

With the HOT weather we have had around here lately, I’ve been looking for some things to do inside with Clark, without just letting him destroy the house! I came up with a few things we tried today, some worked, some didn’t.

- Homemade play-doh: I remember making this when I was little, and I thought Clark would really enjoy this. I searched on the internet for some recipes, and plopped Clark up on the counter beside me, and we got started with the mixing. Unfortunately though, it didn’t turn out  I’m going to search for a few other recipes and we’ll give those a try later this week.

- Coloring/ Sticker Books: We have found a new activity that Clark LOVES- sticker books! I found some that only cost $1 at Wal-Mart (gasp! I know, I dislike going to Wal-Mart, but it really was the quickest option the other day!) Clark will play with the stickers for as long as we will let him. We also colored for a while this morning, he’s still learning to color inside the lines though.

- Summer Reading Program @ the Library: Clark is doing the summer reading program at our local library. Basically, he gets little prizes for the number of books we read to him this summer. We had some “story time” this morning, and read a few more books for his list- we’re almost to 15!

- Crafts- We have VBS at our church this week, and they take up a penny-offering from all the kids. It’s a little competition between the boys and the girls, so I thought Clark could help the boys out. I pulled out an old formula can that I had saved, and we took the label off and decorated it, then went around the house to search for pennies. We checked the couch cushions, drawers, and Daddy’s desk. I think we’ll keep the can, even after this week is over, and let him gather change to take to church as an offering every week.

Since it’s only June, and the weather is already so hot, I’m sure we’ll be looking for some other fun indoor activities this summer! If anyone has any they’d like to share, please do!

Can I get a break here?!?

We have be incredibly busy lately, between cookouts, trying to get stuff done around the house, helping my brother move, and entertaining a 19-month old who wants to get into everything.

I looked at Evans the other night, when we finally sat down for a minute alone and asked, "How did we get so busy? It wasn't like this before Clark was born!"

Even after our busy end-of-the-week and weekend, we started full-steam-ahead last night with Vacation Bible School at church. Evans and I are both teaching classes, so in addition to the 3 hours each night, we have to spend some time during the day getting things together. I am really grateful for the opportunity to teach, and I truly hope that the kids in my class learn a LOT this week, but it is exhausting!

We have another busy weekend coming up, but I think we're going to sneak out of town the following weekend to get a little break :)

"The only thing that seperates Columbia from Hell is a screen door!"

So, I just stole that from one of my friends, because it is ridiculously HOT here! I thought spending the day at the zoo on Thursday, when the high was 96 was crazy. This weekend, the heat index has been closer to 110 degrees!!!

It has been so hot, that I haven't even wanted to attempt any outdoor activites with Clark this weekend, even in the mornings. We helped my brother move out of his apartment this morning, and when we got in the car at 9:00 AM, it was alreay 80 degrees. I think we'll be looking for some fun, indoor activties this week!

This weather kinda makes me want to vacation somewhere farther north....where you can at least breathe outside!

I've been slack....

I have been SUPER slack this week with new posts. We have had such a busy week, and every time I get ready to sit down and make a post, something else comes up!

Our next door neighbors gave us a WONDERFUL kiddie pool this week that's bigger than the blow up one we had, and Clark has played in it EVERY day!

Yesterday, we had a great time at the zoo with some friends from church. We ate lunch, saw lots of animals, got to feed the giraffe, and Mommy got to spend some much needed time talking to grown-ups!

We are also really excited for Vacation Bible School that starts at our church this weekend.

With all this fun we've been having around town, it's really making Mommy and Daddy ready for a vacation! We would love to take Clark somewhere for a night or two just to get away by ourselves.....any suggestions?

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Check it out!

Sooo....I just came across an amazing giveaway on one of the blogs I read.

Visit Southern Belle Baby for the giveaway from Hayneedle. They are giving away a Radio Flyer Voyager Canopy Wagon, a must have for the summer!

My new favorite thing!

While Evans was at his sales meeting in Vegas, he had the opportunity to visit lots of vendors who had set up booths to try to persuade him and the other sales reps to sell their products. Now, Evans doesn't sell these, but since all the divisions of his company were there, the Purex vendor had a booth and was attempting to gain some support in the home care division.

Evans thought it looked like something I would be interested in, so he decided to check it out. (I guess all my talking actually sank into his head a little, because I have been talking about wanting to try these out!) The rep was trying to promote the Purex Complete 3-in-1 laundry sheets. Evans put his name on a list, and one week later, we had a bunch of samples delivered to our house.

While I was catching up on laundry this weekend, I decided to try one out. As soon as I opened the packet, it smelled GREAT! And it was super easy to use. I dropped 1 sheet down into the washing machine, transferred it over to the dryer with the clothes, then tossed it in the trash when I folded the laundry.

How easy what that?!? As a Mommy, I love things that not only make my job easier at home, but this will make my job easier while running errands. Instead of having to buy a huge thing of detergent, a bottle of fabric softener, and a box of dryer sheets, all I have to buy is 1 box of these laundry sheets! Isn't that super!?!

Now of course, Evans wanted to know how much these were going to cost. Compared to detergent alone, it costs about $.05 more per load (BUT....that doesn't include fabric softener and dryer sheets). Now, I didn't go out and do a bunch of research, but once you add in the cost of the two other products, just buying the Purex Complete sheets would be cheaper in the end.

Cheaper and easier- who doesn't love that?

Now, I was not paid to review this product, so it's of no benefit to me, but I would absolutely recommend it to anyone! Trust me, as soon and I run out of the samples, I will be running to the store to stock up on more!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to introduce.....

The TERRIBLE TWOS!

That's right, the terrible two's have officially taken up residence at our house, or rather, have taken over our son!

I'm not sure what happened to our sweet little man, it's like all of a sudden, he's cranky and moody, and he's willing to pitch an absolute fit when he doesn't get his way. Now, this isn't all the time, he was super sweet this morning when he crawled into bed with us for a few minutes when we all woke up. He still has those moments, but more and more often, he's willing to lay down in the floor and scream until he feels like stopping!

So, being the super organized and controlling person that I am, I went to the library and checked-out (yes, I'm also frugal) some books on child development, and getting through this stage of life.

I just started the book this morning, and have already been relieved to hear that this is normal, and that it can start as early as 18 months (Clark is 19 months)! At least I know I'm not alone, now I'm just going to have to keep reading, and come up with a good plan on how to handle all that comes along with the terrible twos, so that Clark comes out on the other side being a well behaved child!

Now I think I'll go get suited up so I'll be prepared to fight this demon that has taken over!

Thankful Thursday

I've seen several other people doing a Thankful Thursday on their blogs, and I thought I would do one of my own.

I was thinking this morning about what to write, and of course there was the usual: my family, my home, our health, yada yada. Don't get me wrong, I am EXTREMELY thankful for those things, but I tried to think of something else.

So today, what I am thankful for are the freedoms that we have. I did a lot of thinking this week with it being Memorial Day and all, about all the things we are so lucky to have, that we wouldn't have if it weren't for the sacrifices that others have made. I am so thankful to have the ability to go to church where I want, to wear the clothes I want to wear, to eat whatever I want (usually as soon as I feel hungry), and to be able to walk around without the fear of being attacked by a terrorist.

I know that last one seems kinda harsh, but there are so many people in the world, who live with that fear every.single.day.

So today, I'm going to try to remember these things when I get frustrated, and try to remind myself that I am very lucky to be in the place I am, and that little frustrations really aren't that important.

REMEMBER: Head over to Exploits of a Military Mama and check out the awesome giveaway for Sullivan&Sawyer Baby Co.!

Memories

We went to my brother-in-law's graduation last week, and he was graduating from the same high school that my husband and I graduated from, and things have totally changed. I mean, the school we went to literally isn't the same. They have torn it down almost completely, and have rebuilt with newer/better buildings, we didn't know any of the administration who were sitting on the stage, and they have changed the colors of the robes to a RIDICULOUS shade of blue.

As we were sitting there reflecting on our graduation 9 years ago (my husband actually sat in the seat right behind me), and everything we have accomplished since then, we realized that we didn't miss it one bit. I know there are people who LOVE high school, who are still best friends with their high school buddies, and who cannot wait for the reunions. We just don't feel the same way. It's nothing about our school, or any person or event in particular, we have just moved on from that.

I'll always love the fact that I met my husband in high school, even though I don't consider us high school sweethearts since we didn't start dating until January of our senior year. The more I look back on my life though, the more happy I am with where we are now.

The past is important because it has lead us to where we are now, but I'm so much more excited about our future!

I couldn't find a picture of us from graduation, but here's our prom picture from 9 years ago- Yikes!

Ah-mazing giveaway!

Head over to check out an amazing giveaway that Mrs. Trophy Wife is having at Exploits of a Military Mama! She is doing a giveaway for a product of your choosing from Sullivan & Sawyer Baby Co. They have some of the most adorable stuff!