Vacation Over, Routines Back!

We survived our first week at camp. I had a hard time leaving Laura Beth in the one year old room the first day. I cried on the way home realizing that my baby is growing up and I must let go some. When I took her upstairs to her room (remember I was teaching right at the bottom of the stairs and it was only from 9-12) I walked her in with her bag all perfectly packed with everything she would need and maybe a little extra :) Sippy cups labeled, fresh fruit for snack.. o.k. if you know me you get the drift. I walked her in and was informed that they didn't have snack because lunch would be served (and I mean served at a tiny table with miniature chairs) at 11:00. I let the teacher know that if she got upset her pacifier ("patty" as she calls it) was in her bag. The teacher smiled at me with this "aww, first time overprotective mommy" smile and gently stated, "oh, we don't do pacifiers in here but if she gets really upset I will give it to her." O.K. I stayed calm and headed to teach my students. I really didn't think much about it and was able to teach 3 hours with little worry as to what Laura Beth was doing. The one year olds lie down after lunch for naps on their mats. I told the teacher there was no way Laura Beth would lay down on a mat and to please keep her up because we would be leaving at 12 anyhow. I scurried upstairs to get her around 12:15 and when I went in the room she was asleep on a mat. Most will say o.k. so what?? A MAT!! A BLUE MAT WITHOUT HER PACIFIER AND HOLDING A RANDOM BLANKET!! O.K. Moms I know your as shocked as I was right! I was floored but tried to keep my cool. I asked the teacher how that happened and she said well once the other children went to sleep Laura Beth started to cry so she just held her and walked around with her and she finally just fell asleep. When I got to the car she woke up and was very upset I was putting her in her carseat. I think she was disoriented and thought I was leaving her again. Anyhow we cried together for a few minutes. I just felt my heart sink for mothers who have to drop their 2 month olds off at daycare, realizing that in the Fall Laura Beth and I would be part of that busy lifestyle. It's such an inner battle. I admire and have so much respect for all Moms. I admire the Mom who has to make that difficult decision as to what is best for her family. I admire the stay at home mom who can't even sneak in a shower or use the bathroom alone. She's running constantly all day to still have her house a wreck at 5:00 and a frozen lasagna in the oven because that's all she has time to manage for dinner. I admire the mom who must wake their sleeping baby to take her to the sitter, rush to work, back to get her child only to rush home cook dinner, sneak in some quality time, feed a child, bathe a child, read, rock and make sure everyone is snug in bed. The past year and a half have been so rewarding and I have a lot of questions and anxiety about returning to work. Am I making the right decision for my family? Am I hearing God correctly and serving Him. The reality is Laura Beth will not have to attend daycare (not that I think it's a bad place... Monday was actually a good experience for her) and we are so incredibly blessed to have a wonderful Nanny that will be keeping her. She'll continue with MMO as she has this past year and then Lanae will take her home for lunch, her nap, etc. until I am off at 3. But no matter your particular situation it's just a reminder how difficult this new job of Motherhood is. So all I can do is wish all Mothers peace. Peace knowing that the decision they have chosen is right for their family. I sure hope my decision will be a rewarding one. Only time will tell!!

Oh, and Laura Beth will only be going to the one year old room one day a week and I still cried. Terrible isn't it!! I never thought I would be so protective!

Girl's Night!

It's Sunday and I am sitting on the couch wishing I could take a nap in lieu of going to the grocery store and Office Max. We had a relaxing weekend at home. No travels!! Landon's Mom and Grandma came to spend the night Friday. We went to dinner and enjoyed visiting with them. They both just adore Laura Beth. Last night, Paula, Laura, Julie and I went to dinner and to see the Sex In The City movie. It was a nice night out and the movie was great. We ate and laughed alot at Long Horn's and then went to the movie. After the movie we spent the night at Julie's. No sleeping in however. Kinsleigh and Kaden were jumping on our bed by 8:15. I felt right at home. Landon and Laura Beth grilled ribs here at the house and hung out together. I am reminded how simple nights out with the girls like that are needed and appreciated. I am blessed by my friendships. I wish I had a picture to post but unfortunately we didn't take any. Well, off to the grocery store and Office Max I must go. I start teaching at my friend Angie's daycare tomorrow for summer camp. It should be interesting. I have 60-80 kids ranging from 4-12 and many in serious need of some "tutoring." Laura Beth will go with me one day a week and stay in the one year old room. Then on Mondays and Wednesdays she will stick to her normal routine going to Mommy's Morning Out at the church. However, she's going to go home with Lanae afterwards for a few hours to "practice" for the fall. Hooray, a few hours a week to myself. :)

My Models

Here are a few pictures of some of my little friends modeling the a line dresses I made for them. Too cute!!!!

Memorial Day 2008

For the third year in a row, we spent Memorial Day in Charleston with Christine and Trey. We had such a blast this year watching Laura Beth explore the beach. She was in heaven spending so much time outside. She loved riding on their golf cart, playing in the sand, splashing in the water, and running around the beach socializing with everyone including any dogs she spotted. Christine and Trey are wonderful hosts and cooked an amazing Memorial Day feast. Trey smoked ribs and a boston butt and Landon made his famous baked beans. Along with Christine's tasty apps and potato salad it made for a delicious meal. Mmmmm... already looking forward to next year.

Update!

Well I haven't been blogging as much as I used to. Things have just been so busy and I also have been terrible about taking pictures lately and I always seem to want to post a picture with my blog. In the past month or two we have attended lots of first birthdays, traveled to Vienna twice(once for happy occasion and the other not so happy), finished up with Mommy's Morning Out, monogrammed alot, survived an ear infection, hand-foot-mouth disease (or virus as I would rather call it) and cutting a few teeth.

I guess it is that time of year. Many of our friends had babies around the same time we did and we have made some new friends this year. It's been so wonderful to watch these little people grow and develop. Here are a few pictures from some of the parties we attended and a few we had to miss out on.

Live Each Day To It's Fullest!

Live each day to it's fullest as we never know when life can be taken away from us. I haven't been blogging much lately due to my computer being repaired and then just life getting crazy and busy. First I must say Happy Belated Mother's Day! One of my new favorite holidays. :) Motherhood is by far the highlight of my life thus far. Next to my amazing husband and marriage I just don't know how it gets better. I want to celebrate amazing moms everywhere! The most important, amazing, and difficult job out there. I used to think nurses and teachers held that title. But I just think Mom's make the world go 'round. I am so grateful for my own mother. Such a selfless, driven, strong woman. I know that I am who I am because of her and our heavenly Father. I spent my Mother's Day with Landon's family and Grandfather. We went to church, had lunch with his mom and went to the hospital to spend some time with his grandparents, which brings me to the reason for my title. Landon's Grandfather and Laura Beth's Great-Grandfather passed away yesterday. He went into the hospital to get a pacemaker put in which was supposed to be pretty routine. His lungs began to fail and could no longer keep up. Granddaddy was 80 years old but about 60 years young. Landon and I often wondered if his grandparents would outlive our parents. However, God called upon Granddaddy sooner than we had expected. Which is why I say live each day to it's fullest because God has a plan for us but only he knows what it is. I am so glad that Laura Beth was able to meet one of her great grandfathers and only wish she would remember. Thankfully, I have lots of pictures and know that Mema will tell her all about him. He was a hardworking, kind, and thoughtful man. He and Mema always think of us and make us feel special. Even at 80 years old and a full life they found the time to send us birthday cards and gifts. They are the only great grandparents who sent Laura Beth something for every holiday and her first birthday. They traveled to our wedding and even came to Atlanta to visit us once. The joy that they exuberate when they see Laura Beth has always meant the world to me. Thankfully, we were able to spend a joyous Easter with them. Granddaddy will truly be missed and I pray for peace and comfort to those left behind. I am at peace with his death as I know that God is embracing him into his kingdom right now. I know that there is no pain, just rejoicing. But the pain here will be tough in the next few days. Tough for Mema, his wife of 63 years. Tough for his children who have to put their father to rest while trying to stay strong for their mother. Tough for his grandchildren who loved him so dearly. I pray that they can find their own peace and comfort during this trying time.

And finally, I have to tell you how my Mother's Day ended. I sat in one of my favorite places... Laura Beth's chair and held my baby while she slept. We always read a few books and then I sing her a few songs before lying her down. As soon as I turn off the light to sing our songs and rock her for a few minutes, she melts into my arms. It's truly like a puzzle peace fitting into it place. I usually try not to rock her too long as I want her to be able to soothe herself to sleep but this night I sat extra long. I prayed and thanked God for moments like these and all of the blessings in my life. I tell you all of this to say... slow down, take a deep breath, look around you and live in the moment. Such a hard thing to do (and I am guilty to... Mrs. Planner myself) but discover the things most important to you and enjoy, love, and cherish them each and every day because it could possibly be your last chance.

Oh Technology!

Well, for anyone wondering.. I haven't been blogging because my computer crashed on me. It is currently in the hands of HP hopefully being repaired very QUICKLY! I won't go into details due to lack of time but I am learning to deal without technology for little while. It was really tough at first but I am slowly realizing how bad I was with it. I spent way too much time on the computer. I am obviously not doing too well because I am at the Prudential office checking email, etc. (like an addict I guess, getting my quick fix!). Anyway hope everyone who checks in with WoodsWorld is having a great week. We'll be spending a little less time on the computer and more with each other. So, until next time!!!!!!