- ROAD TRIP TO CALIFORNIA
- BUY A CAR
- MEET KEITH URBAN
- SETTLE DOWN IN NC
- TRAVEL TO UK
- VISIT NYC
- BUY A HOUSE
- START CAREER (4/16/12)
- HAVE A CHILD (12/29/11)
- VISIT LA
- GO TO AUSTRALIA
- GET MARRIED (02/14/12)
- GO TO CANCUN
- RUN A BUSINESS (4/16/12)
- OWN SLR CAMERA
- GO TO AMERICAN IDOL
- VISIT CHICAGO
- TAKE PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS
- LEARN PIANO
- BUY A DOG
- LEARN 2ND LANGUAGE
- BE COMFORTABLE FINANCIALLY
- PAINT ANOTHER CANVAS
- VISIT SEATTLE
- STAND AT TOP OF EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
- VISIT MALL OF AMERICA
- VISIT WASHINGTON, DC
- MEET CELEBRITY (07/14/12 TERESA GIUDICE, REAL HOUSEWIVES, NJ)
- READ BIBLE
- BECOME PRESIDENT OF COMPANY
- WRITE A SONG
- VISIT AMSTERDAM
- VISIT GREECE
- GO SKINNY DIPPING
- VISIT ITALY
- VISIT WHITE HOUSE
- HAVE A SPA DAY
- LEARN BASICS OF CAR MAINTENANCE
- LEARN TO WHISTLE
- BE A "SOCCER MOM"
- SEE ALL THE CLASSIC MOVIES
- GET STORY PUBLISHED
- LEARN TO COOK WITHOUT LOOKING AT RECIPE FOR AT LEAST 10 THINGS
- OWN MAC COMPUTER
- VISIT CONCENTRATION CAMP
- MEET P!NK
- MEET SANDRA BULLOCK
- MEET JULIA ROBERTS
- HAVE RED HAIR
- PERFORM NATIONAL ANTHEM AT BIG EVENT
- READ ALL NICHOLAS SPARKS NOVELS
- OWN FLAT SCREEN TV (2011)
- MAKE AN INTERESTING WEDDING CAKE
- GO TO MAJOR LEAGUE SPORTING EVENT
- MEET ELLEN DEGENERES
- HOLD A CHIMP
- GO HORSEBACK RIDING
- LEARN TO BALLROOM DANCE
- GO TO NASCAR RACE (02/29/12...DAYTONA 500)
- VISIT BEVERLY HILLS
- MAKE HYMNS RECORD
- GO TO A DRIVE IN MOVIE
- VISIT 7 WONDERS OF THE WORLD
- GO SEE TIM AND FAITH IN CONCERT
- GO ON A HUGE SHOPPING SPREE
- MEET RASCAL FLATTS
- PAY FOR LEXI'S EDUCATION
- PAINT NAILS BLACK (2010)
- SWIM WITH DOLPHINS
- VISIT PHILLY
- OWN A VOLVO
- BUY NONA A LEXUS
- BUY MOM A HOUSE
- GET A TATTOO (JULY 2010)
- BUY A CAMPER
- MAKE A MILLION DOLLARS
- GO SKY DIVING
- FIX TEETH
- GO ON A CRUISE
- BUILD A DREAM HOUSE
- GO SAILING
- GO PARA SAILING
- VISIT BOSTON
- BUY LAKE HOUSE
- FIT INTO SIZE 6 AGAIN
- MEET PRESIDENT
- WRITE BOOK
- GO TO HAWAII
- LIVE IN AK FOR A SUMMER
- VISIT MIAMI
- VISIT ST AUGUSTINE
- PLAY GOLF
- GO TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
- GO TO COLORADO
- GO TO TEXAS
- GO TO NEW ORLEANS
- GO TO NASHVILLE
- GO TO PHOENIX
- GO TO LAS VEGAS
- WALK CHRIST'S WALK
- VISIT ALASKA (JULY 2005)
Monday, July 16, 2012
My Bucket List
A while back, I made a bucket list. I found that list recently and decided to update it a bit. I have now accomplished almost 12 things from the 101. (I say ALMOST 12 because I have accomplished 10 and 2 of those things will be accomplished the first week of September this year! EEK!)
Friday, May 11, 2012
LOVE Your PERSON, Not A PIECE of PAPER!
Tuesday was a very big day for the people of North Carolina, as well as gays all across the US. I was recently asked what my stand was on same-sex marriage. I have been hesitant on answering because so many of the people I hold near and dear to my heart are gay, and I love them. This topic is sensitive. I am going to stand up only for what I personally believe. I cannot speak for anyone but myself. What I say could very well be taken out of context, and I apologize in advance for that. But please read and understand completely what I say before you pass any sort of judgement on me.
I will stop here and say that I have been researching for 3 days about what Amendment 1 is all about, and what I saw was this:
"Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State. This section does not prohibit a private party from entering into contracts with another private party; nor does this section prohibit courts from adjudicating the rights of private parties pursuant to such contracts."
I was raised in a very close minded, tunnel vision environment. My family, my town, acquaintances, etc. I wasn't around a lot of gay people, therefore I never had a relationship with a gay person. I was raised to believe that homosexuality was wrong. And, yes, if you read the bible, and you believe everything the bible says, like I do, it teaches us that homosexuality IS wrong. However, it also teaches us (and I've said this before) to JUDGE and BE JUDGED and to LOVE ONE ANOTHER. So, what that means to me, is that homosexuality is wrong for ME. If my friend Steve is in love with Mike, and wants to spend the rest of his life with him, who am I to stop him? What business do I have to stop someone from loving someone else?
I came to this conclusion when I first started hanging out in Asheville, which was back in 2006. Asheville, NC is very large in the gay population (for those of you reading who did not know that). But I will tell you this, some of the BEST people in my lives are gay. Some of the most loyal, most fun, most loving, most creative and talented people you will ever meet, I am proud to call my friends. I'm not saying that only gay people are like that, by any means, I'm saying that I love my friends all the same. I don't see "gay". I see "person". I don't see Steve's BOYfriend, Mike...I see his LOVE. Then I moved to Orlando, FL in 2008, and worked at Disneyworld. I met and saw MANY MANY MANY MANY other gay people there as well. Some of my very favorite celebrities are gay. Ellen Degeneres? Love her. Some of my family members are gay, as well as close family friends. And I love them SO much. They are some of my very favorite people.
So the bottom line? Homosexuality, by my faith, is wrong. Yes. I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. Therefore, if I was voting by my faith, I would have had to vote FOR Amendment One. Because it's what I believe in my heart to be right. It doesn't mean I am going to tell everyone else around me to vote for it. I WILL NOT try to influence other people to vote one way. When a person votes, they should vote only for what THEY BELIEVE IN, and not because someone influenced them to vote for something that person believes in. If NC had voted for something like, I don't know, should they put a Chik fil A or a Zaxby's in somewhere, I would personally vote for Zaxby's (though I like both very much) because I like Zaxby's chicken a little bit better. If my friend Sally came up to me and said 'Vote for Chik fil A because they have better chicken", that would be wrong of her to do that. Because I don't think they have better chicken. I like Zaxby's better. It's nothing against her, I love Sally. But my preference is Zaxby's. Just like today, folks. If I were in NC, I would be voting FOR Amendment One because I believe that is what is right for ME. Not YOU, not YOU, and not YOU. People have opinions and beliefs for a reason; its what makes this world so interesting.
AND furthermore, what I find absolutely HYSTERICAL, is why all the sudden we are merging church and state, when the past some odd years, we seem to have been fighting for separation of the two. Just find it very interesting.
But, for all of you who voted FOR Amendment One, let me be the first to tell you that just because you don't believe in same-sex marriage, doesn't give you any right whatsoever to judge. Period. Especially we so-called Christians. Read Luke 6:37, Matthew 7:1-2. I dare you.
So I'm glad I was not in NC Tuesday, but then again, I don't think I would have voted anyway. I wouldn't have wanted to have a part in taking away peoples right as human beings to love whom they choose. And I'm afraid that if I did vote, that would be exactly what I was doing. But please always know how much I love each and every one of you. Love whom you choose. Marry whom you choose. But please, never let a piece of paper define your life.
(Please don't hate me.)
I will stop here and say that I have been researching for 3 days about what Amendment 1 is all about, and what I saw was this:
"Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State. This section does not prohibit a private party from entering into contracts with another private party; nor does this section prohibit courts from adjudicating the rights of private parties pursuant to such contracts."
I was raised in a very close minded, tunnel vision environment. My family, my town, acquaintances, etc. I wasn't around a lot of gay people, therefore I never had a relationship with a gay person. I was raised to believe that homosexuality was wrong. And, yes, if you read the bible, and you believe everything the bible says, like I do, it teaches us that homosexuality IS wrong. However, it also teaches us (and I've said this before) to JUDGE and BE JUDGED and to LOVE ONE ANOTHER. So, what that means to me, is that homosexuality is wrong for ME. If my friend Steve is in love with Mike, and wants to spend the rest of his life with him, who am I to stop him? What business do I have to stop someone from loving someone else?
I came to this conclusion when I first started hanging out in Asheville, which was back in 2006. Asheville, NC is very large in the gay population (for those of you reading who did not know that). But I will tell you this, some of the BEST people in my lives are gay. Some of the most loyal, most fun, most loving, most creative and talented people you will ever meet, I am proud to call my friends. I'm not saying that only gay people are like that, by any means, I'm saying that I love my friends all the same. I don't see "gay". I see "person". I don't see Steve's BOYfriend, Mike...I see his LOVE. Then I moved to Orlando, FL in 2008, and worked at Disneyworld. I met and saw MANY MANY MANY MANY other gay people there as well. Some of my very favorite celebrities are gay. Ellen Degeneres? Love her. Some of my family members are gay, as well as close family friends. And I love them SO much. They are some of my very favorite people.
So the bottom line? Homosexuality, by my faith, is wrong. Yes. I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. Therefore, if I was voting by my faith, I would have had to vote FOR Amendment One. Because it's what I believe in my heart to be right. It doesn't mean I am going to tell everyone else around me to vote for it. I WILL NOT try to influence other people to vote one way. When a person votes, they should vote only for what THEY BELIEVE IN, and not because someone influenced them to vote for something that person believes in. If NC had voted for something like, I don't know, should they put a Chik fil A or a Zaxby's in somewhere, I would personally vote for Zaxby's (though I like both very much) because I like Zaxby's chicken a little bit better. If my friend Sally came up to me and said 'Vote for Chik fil A because they have better chicken", that would be wrong of her to do that. Because I don't think they have better chicken. I like Zaxby's better. It's nothing against her, I love Sally. But my preference is Zaxby's. Just like today, folks. If I were in NC, I would be voting FOR Amendment One because I believe that is what is right for ME. Not YOU, not YOU, and not YOU. People have opinions and beliefs for a reason; its what makes this world so interesting.
AND furthermore, what I find absolutely HYSTERICAL, is why all the sudden we are merging church and state, when the past some odd years, we seem to have been fighting for separation of the two. Just find it very interesting.
But, for all of you who voted FOR Amendment One, let me be the first to tell you that just because you don't believe in same-sex marriage, doesn't give you any right whatsoever to judge. Period. Especially we so-called Christians. Read Luke 6:37, Matthew 7:1-2. I dare you.
So I'm glad I was not in NC Tuesday, but then again, I don't think I would have voted anyway. I wouldn't have wanted to have a part in taking away peoples right as human beings to love whom they choose. And I'm afraid that if I did vote, that would be exactly what I was doing. But please always know how much I love each and every one of you. Love whom you choose. Marry whom you choose. But please, never let a piece of paper define your life.
(Please don't hate me.)
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Like My MAMA Does...
In honor of the upcoming holiday, Mother's Day, I'd like to pay an early tribute to my Mama. Through the years, Mama and I have had our differences. I have disagreed with her, I have fought with her, I have disappointed her. But through it all, Mama has shown me THE most unconditional love I have ever known. She truly is an amazing person. Like any other mom, she gets on my LAST NERVE, and yea, be it known my sisters and I vent about her to each other from time to time (as most siblings do, I'm sure). Though Mama drives me crazy sometimes, I couldn't do without her. She is the person I go to for guidance. She is the person I go to for comfort. She is the person I go to when our world has turned completely upside down. No matter how strong I may feel I am, and how much I may feel I don't need my Mama, those are usually the times I need her the most.
When my mom and dad got seperated back in 2003, my mom and I were on our own. We struggled all through my high school years. But those were the years that I learned how to be STRONG. I watched my mom, and I learned so much about how to survive and those experiences have helped me out so much now that I'm on my own. She taught me how to look to God when I was on my knees and to have faith that it would all be okay. Now that I have a daughter of my own, I see myself the way Mama sees me. I understand why she did the things that she did and said the things that she said. I get it. And when I look around and I see many other girls and the relationships they have with their mothers, I think about how LUCKY I am that God allowed me to call Pamela Grant, Mama.
I had heard this song before, but I was flipping through Youtube today and I found it again. I played it and I couldn't get through the whole thing before I started bawling. For those of you who do know Mama, I bet you can all agree that I'm the spitting image of her. From our eyes to our gap to our hands, we are almost exactly alike! So this song is dedicated to you, Mama.
"People always say I have a laugh like my mother does
I guess that makes sense, she taught me how to smile
When things get rough
I've got her spirit and she's always got my back
When I look at her I think, I wanna be just like that
When I love, I give it all I've got like my mother does
When I'm scared, I bow my head and pray like my mother does
When I feel weak and unpretty, I know I'm beautiful and strong
Because I see myself like my mother does
I've never met a stranger, I can talk to anyone like my mother does
I let my temper fly, but she can walk away when she's had enough
She sees everybody for who they really are
I'm so thankful for her guidance, she helped me get this far
When I love, I give it all I've got like my mother does
When I'm scared, I bow my head and pray like my mother does
When I feel weak and unpretty, I know I'm beautiful and strong
Because I see myself like my mother does
She's a rock, she is grace, she's an angel
She's my heart and soul
She does it all
When I love, I give it all I've got like my mother does
When I'm scared, I bow my head and pray like my mother does
When I'm weak and unpretty, no, I'm beautiful and strong
Because I see myself like my mother does
Like my mother does
I hear people say I'm starting to look like my mother does..."
Mama,
I love you so much for everything you do and have done for me. Thank you so much for your unconditional love and for giving me LIFE! And I'm proud to be like you!
I will always be your baby =)
Love,
Lia
When my mom and dad got seperated back in 2003, my mom and I were on our own. We struggled all through my high school years. But those were the years that I learned how to be STRONG. I watched my mom, and I learned so much about how to survive and those experiences have helped me out so much now that I'm on my own. She taught me how to look to God when I was on my knees and to have faith that it would all be okay. Now that I have a daughter of my own, I see myself the way Mama sees me. I understand why she did the things that she did and said the things that she said. I get it. And when I look around and I see many other girls and the relationships they have with their mothers, I think about how LUCKY I am that God allowed me to call Pamela Grant, Mama.
I had heard this song before, but I was flipping through Youtube today and I found it again. I played it and I couldn't get through the whole thing before I started bawling. For those of you who do know Mama, I bet you can all agree that I'm the spitting image of her. From our eyes to our gap to our hands, we are almost exactly alike! So this song is dedicated to you, Mama.
"People always say I have a laugh like my mother does
I guess that makes sense, she taught me how to smile
When things get rough
I've got her spirit and she's always got my back
When I look at her I think, I wanna be just like that
When I love, I give it all I've got like my mother does
When I'm scared, I bow my head and pray like my mother does
When I feel weak and unpretty, I know I'm beautiful and strong
Because I see myself like my mother does
I've never met a stranger, I can talk to anyone like my mother does
I let my temper fly, but she can walk away when she's had enough
She sees everybody for who they really are
I'm so thankful for her guidance, she helped me get this far
When I love, I give it all I've got like my mother does
When I'm scared, I bow my head and pray like my mother does
When I feel weak and unpretty, I know I'm beautiful and strong
Because I see myself like my mother does
She's a rock, she is grace, she's an angel
She's my heart and soul
She does it all
When I love, I give it all I've got like my mother does
When I'm scared, I bow my head and pray like my mother does
When I'm weak and unpretty, no, I'm beautiful and strong
Because I see myself like my mother does
Like my mother does
I hear people say I'm starting to look like my mother does..."
Mama,
I love you so much for everything you do and have done for me. Thank you so much for your unconditional love and for giving me LIFE! And I'm proud to be like you!
Love,
Lia
Monday, February 6, 2012
Motherhood: The Gift That Keeps On Giving
Becoming a new mommy has been THE greatest thing to ever happen to me. I have to admit, I was quite scared in the beginning. Scared of what? I'm not really sure, to be honest. Probably that I would screw her up. Probably scared of the responsibility of caring for a new life. But I have to tell you, it really has been the best experience of my life, and not near as hard as I anticipated it to be.
This little girl has been an absolute joy. She has brought so much meaning and happiness to my life....I really do not know what I did without her, or what I would do if I didn't have her from here on out. There have been times, recently, that I have begun to wonder what on earth is my purpose in life? But tonight, as I sit here with her in my lap, yes, tooting on me =), I realize that my PURPOSE, was to bring this baby girl into the world. To be her mommy. To be the woman in her life whom she could respect, look up to, and hopefully want to be like when she grows up.
My days pretty much consist of the same things:
This little girl has been an absolute joy. She has brought so much meaning and happiness to my life....I really do not know what I did without her, or what I would do if I didn't have her from here on out. There have been times, recently, that I have begun to wonder what on earth is my purpose in life? But tonight, as I sit here with her in my lap, yes, tooting on me =), I realize that my PURPOSE, was to bring this baby girl into the world. To be her mommy. To be the woman in her life whom she could respect, look up to, and hopefully want to be like when she grows up.
My days pretty much consist of the same things:
- Wake up to her little grunts and squeaks to feed her. (around 7am)
- Play a little bit.
- Change her diaper.
- Play.
- Eat breakfast myself.
- Naptime.
- Wake up to her little grunts and squeaks to feed her. (around noon)
- Play a little bit.
- Change her diaper.
- Play.
- Eat lunch myself.
- Naptime for baby while I get a little done or just watch some daytime talk shows: The Chew, The Revolution, Dr. Oz to name a few.
- Feed her. (around 4)
- Play a little bit.
- Change her diaper.
- Play.
- Eat dinner myself.
- Play.
- Naptime for baby while I get a little done and watch some tv. (Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and whatever network has the best lineup for the night)
- Feed her (around 8,9,10, or 11 depending on how long it took her to go back to sleep and how long her nap was)
- Play a little bit.
- Change diaper and rub nighttime lotion on her.
- Put her back down for the night.
- REPEAT.
It may sound boring, and repetitive, and it IS very repetitive...and never ending. But I love it. I love spending time with my lovebug. Sure, I miss work sometimes...getting to socialize and be around people my own age. But getting to kiss and love on her and see her sweet smile, and hear her little giggle all day every day is what I'm living for. Being the one that she needs when she cries...ah. It's a very fulfilling feeling. To be NEEDED by someone. To be THE most important person, beyond a shadow of a doubt, in someones life. I have been beyond blessed, and I ask myself every day what I did to deserve such an amazing gift. I can't help but to think of the line of the song "Butterfly Kisses": "Oh with all that I've done wrong, I must have done something right to deserve a hug every morning and butterfly kisses at night."
Another question I ask myself, and ask Rick as well on a daily basis is "How can I love someone so little so much?" How is it possible for me to look at this little precious being and want to just cry...not out of sadness, but out of joy. Out of being so incredibly overwhelmed at this unconditional, unshakable, pure LOVE! There have been a few stories on the news lately, one in particular about a father killing his children then turning around and killing himself by blowing up the house. First of all, why? Idiot. And second of all, WHY???? HOW???? WHAT kind of father, what kind of parent could possibly kill their CHILD??? I can't...ugh. I can't even THINK of that. It's impossible to me. It's unreal. And for that matter, how could anyone ever HURT their children. How is it possible that there are actually people out there who BEAT their children? I look at my daughter...at my precious miracle...and the ONLY thing I want to do, the only thing I can even imagine doing, is hugging and kissing her and telling her how much I love her and how beautiful she is. She may only be a month old, but she still NEEDS to hear she is beautiful and that she is loved. Forever and ever she will be my angel and my lovebug, even when she's 32 =)
Like my best friend Julianna said tonight, she put it perfectly, "[Being a mommy] is the gift that just keeps on giving..." Amen to that!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
How My Trauma Was Also My Favorite Part of Life
The past week has been a total emotional roller coaster for me. I have endured one of the scariest experiences of my entire life, while experiencing the BEST thing to EVER happen to me all at the same time: giving birth to my daughter, Lexi via unexpected c-section. I haven't had a lot of time to talk to anyone about it, or a lot of access to do so either until now. I decided to fill everyone in on how things went and how things have been this past week.
As most of you know, the last few weeks of my pregnancy were MISERABLE. The only thing I wanted was for my baby to come OUT of me. So last Wednesday, at my 40 week Dr. appointment, I asked about induction. They put me on a stress test for the baby and it took a WHILE for her to move. They also had a feeling that I was developing gestational diabetes because from the last ultrasound we had, baby girl had what looked like a "pot belly". The doctor I was seeing that day (as my Dr I usually saw wasn't there, as usual...ugh. Different story, different day) didn't want to at first. He didn't really give me a clear reason why, just that "it wouldn't be good". I wasn't dilated at all, so maybe he meant that it would just take a long time...I'm not too sure. But nevertheless, he made a phone call to the hospital and I got my wish: I would be delivering 3 hours from then! I was SO excited! So I went home, got changed, ate my last meal for the next couple days (turkey sandwich and ice cream sandwich), packed and we all went straight to the hospital.
They hooked me up to the machines and got everything started. They gave me Pitocin to start the contractions right away. And boy, did they START. Wow. We were told that it would probably be the next evening before anything SIGNIFICANT would happen, so we just kinda chilled in the hospital that night. My diet of ice and Popsicles had started. They gave morphine for the pain and to help me sleep a bit. They said that if I hadn't dilated to more than 4 cm the next morning, I could eat some breakfast. So, sure enough, the next morning, they checked me and NOTHING. I got to eat the hospitals DELICIOUS french toast....(sarcasm), but soon after that, the contractions got heavier and heavier. I was in "labor" for a good 8 hours, even though it wasn't "Active Labor" since I wasn't dilated more than 4 cm. The baby was stuck, and she was turned face up. At around 4 or 5, or later...I don't really remember much about all this...they gave me my first epidural. Well, a couple hours later, I was STILL feeling EVERYTHING and I hadn't dilated anymore either. So, more morphine and another epi should do it. Right? Nope. The Dr came in and said that if nothing had happened by 8:15, then they would have to do a c-section.
Well of course that made me super nervous and petrified, but I hadn't made a specific birth plan for that reason. I didn't want to set myself up for disappointment. My goal was to get baby girl out safely. So, I agreed to it. My mother was more of a nervous wreck though. Totally understandable. This entire experience had turned out to be nothing like what I had pictured...but then again, nothing ever is.
So sure enough, 8:15 rolled around, the pain had gotten so unbearable I was screaming and crying hysterically. C-Section it is. They rolled me in the room...and by this time I'm in so much pain, I don't remember much. I remember being half asleep when they rolled me in there, either that or just so drugged out I didn't care what they did to me as long as they got my baby out safely. I remember music playing in the operating room and them telling Rick he had to wait outside until they had prepared me. They wanted me to help them help me from the hospital bed to the operating table. HAH! Yea right! But I had no choice, I had to help them out a little. That wasn't fun. See, most of my labor pain was coming from my back. Yea, NOT fun!
The next thing I know, they are draping that sheet in front of me. I can't see anyone in front of me or to my sides, and I'm freaking OUT! All I hear are people talking and laughing, as if this happens everyday (haha...I know, it does. but to me, at that moment, it didn't!) I don't remember them calling Rick in, but apparently they did because he was holding my hand through the "Cecelia can you feel this?" part and the part that I freaked out so much because I COULD feel it, yet they were giving me med after med after med. WHY WASN'T ANYTHING WORKING??? They were getting ready to cut, and then I started screaming and crying so much out of fear that I would feel something that they had to put me completely under. I regret that so much. The fact that I wasn't "there" for the birth of my baby girl. The fact that I don't remember ANYTHING. I don't remember the doctors name. I don't remember some of the nurses names. I have NO idea who that nice lady I have a picture of who cleaned off my baby is. I don't know ANYTHING about the grandparents getting to see her through the nursery. I don't remember anything about anything. It is so sad.
But the only thing I remember the most about...it and NOTHING else at all...not even 5 mins after...(and most of you would say it's the most important anyway) is when I got to see and hold my baby girl for the very first time. I don't know if anything else could ever top that feeling of "love at first sight". They were right; my heart is full now. My life is complete.
The next 3 days in the hospital were okay. We learned a lot about how to take care of her...but they were also pretty miserable. Between the meds and the pain, the noise and disturbances...the uncomfort of my bed and not being able to sleep WITH Rick....yea, it was torture. Although, New Years Eve was magical. Even though we had to spend it in the hospital, I believe it was the best New Years Eve ever. They had the Celebration Dinner that day, which is what they give every new family, and ours just happened to be on NYE. Then, a little before midnight, we snuggled up together in my very small, very uncomfortable hospital bed as a family and watched the ball drop =) Rick and I counted very softly to our baby girl and welcomed in the new year...then kissed HER before we kissed each other. After all, SHE is our life now. She is the BEST thing that ever happened to us.
Rick did have to go back to our house in Lake Helen for the next few days after we brought Lexi home (Nana's being "home") to work a bit while I stayed and recovered with all the help from my mom and sister I could get. My best friend, Julianna and her mom came down from NC as well to visit for a day. Having all the help was nice, but I missed Rick more than anything. My feelings for him became that of when we FIRST started dating long distance. How I couldn't wait to see him face to face. That's exactly how I felt. Last night, he came to mom's house to sleep over so we could go to Lexi's first Dr. appt and then he would bring us home. That really did help things a lot...last night getting to sleep with him for the first time in WEEKS (since I was staying with my mom for a little while before I went into labor, since she lived an hour closer to the hospital than we did...yea, long story) was the best feeling ever. I felt safe and protected and loved again. But it was also kind of a weird feeling, haha...like it was the VERY first time. I hadn't been able to CUDDLE with him for a LONG time. More than just a couple weeks, since my huge belly had been in the way. So yea, last night was magical.
Then today, oh wow. Today I was just super emotional. Crying over everything. And not knowing why. I don't think it's PPD. I think it's the fact I'm absolutely EXHAUSTED, my nerves are shot, and I'm just an emotional post prego woman. The night before last, the trauma of the C-section and the fact that my huge sagging belly along with having those disgusting looking stretch marks EVERYWHERE and swollen feet, hands and face, and the fact that I missed my other half and the father of my child SO much caught up with me. I was a wreck. I don't expect these emotions to go away anytime soon, but I do hope they let up a little. I would like to go one day without crying over something STUPID. But I think since our family is together at OUR house, things will be much better. Please pray they are!
As most of you know, the last few weeks of my pregnancy were MISERABLE. The only thing I wanted was for my baby to come OUT of me. So last Wednesday, at my 40 week Dr. appointment, I asked about induction. They put me on a stress test for the baby and it took a WHILE for her to move. They also had a feeling that I was developing gestational diabetes because from the last ultrasound we had, baby girl had what looked like a "pot belly". The doctor I was seeing that day (as my Dr I usually saw wasn't there, as usual...ugh. Different story, different day) didn't want to at first. He didn't really give me a clear reason why, just that "it wouldn't be good". I wasn't dilated at all, so maybe he meant that it would just take a long time...I'm not too sure. But nevertheless, he made a phone call to the hospital and I got my wish: I would be delivering 3 hours from then! I was SO excited! So I went home, got changed, ate my last meal for the next couple days (turkey sandwich and ice cream sandwich), packed and we all went straight to the hospital.
They hooked me up to the machines and got everything started. They gave me Pitocin to start the contractions right away. And boy, did they START. Wow. We were told that it would probably be the next evening before anything SIGNIFICANT would happen, so we just kinda chilled in the hospital that night. My diet of ice and Popsicles had started. They gave morphine for the pain and to help me sleep a bit. They said that if I hadn't dilated to more than 4 cm the next morning, I could eat some breakfast. So, sure enough, the next morning, they checked me and NOTHING. I got to eat the hospitals DELICIOUS french toast....(sarcasm), but soon after that, the contractions got heavier and heavier. I was in "labor" for a good 8 hours, even though it wasn't "Active Labor" since I wasn't dilated more than 4 cm. The baby was stuck, and she was turned face up. At around 4 or 5, or later...I don't really remember much about all this...they gave me my first epidural. Well, a couple hours later, I was STILL feeling EVERYTHING and I hadn't dilated anymore either. So, more morphine and another epi should do it. Right? Nope. The Dr came in and said that if nothing had happened by 8:15, then they would have to do a c-section.
Well of course that made me super nervous and petrified, but I hadn't made a specific birth plan for that reason. I didn't want to set myself up for disappointment. My goal was to get baby girl out safely. So, I agreed to it. My mother was more of a nervous wreck though. Totally understandable. This entire experience had turned out to be nothing like what I had pictured...but then again, nothing ever is.
So sure enough, 8:15 rolled around, the pain had gotten so unbearable I was screaming and crying hysterically. C-Section it is. They rolled me in the room...and by this time I'm in so much pain, I don't remember much. I remember being half asleep when they rolled me in there, either that or just so drugged out I didn't care what they did to me as long as they got my baby out safely. I remember music playing in the operating room and them telling Rick he had to wait outside until they had prepared me. They wanted me to help them help me from the hospital bed to the operating table. HAH! Yea right! But I had no choice, I had to help them out a little. That wasn't fun. See, most of my labor pain was coming from my back. Yea, NOT fun!
The next thing I know, they are draping that sheet in front of me. I can't see anyone in front of me or to my sides, and I'm freaking OUT! All I hear are people talking and laughing, as if this happens everyday (haha...I know, it does. but to me, at that moment, it didn't!) I don't remember them calling Rick in, but apparently they did because he was holding my hand through the "Cecelia can you feel this?" part and the part that I freaked out so much because I COULD feel it, yet they were giving me med after med after med. WHY WASN'T ANYTHING WORKING??? They were getting ready to cut, and then I started screaming and crying so much out of fear that I would feel something that they had to put me completely under. I regret that so much. The fact that I wasn't "there" for the birth of my baby girl. The fact that I don't remember ANYTHING. I don't remember the doctors name. I don't remember some of the nurses names. I have NO idea who that nice lady I have a picture of who cleaned off my baby is. I don't know ANYTHING about the grandparents getting to see her through the nursery. I don't remember anything about anything. It is so sad.
But the only thing I remember the most about...it and NOTHING else at all...not even 5 mins after...(and most of you would say it's the most important anyway) is when I got to see and hold my baby girl for the very first time. I don't know if anything else could ever top that feeling of "love at first sight". They were right; my heart is full now. My life is complete.
The next 3 days in the hospital were okay. We learned a lot about how to take care of her...but they were also pretty miserable. Between the meds and the pain, the noise and disturbances...the uncomfort of my bed and not being able to sleep WITH Rick....yea, it was torture. Although, New Years Eve was magical. Even though we had to spend it in the hospital, I believe it was the best New Years Eve ever. They had the Celebration Dinner that day, which is what they give every new family, and ours just happened to be on NYE. Then, a little before midnight, we snuggled up together in my very small, very uncomfortable hospital bed as a family and watched the ball drop =) Rick and I counted very softly to our baby girl and welcomed in the new year...then kissed HER before we kissed each other. After all, SHE is our life now. She is the BEST thing that ever happened to us.
Rick did have to go back to our house in Lake Helen for the next few days after we brought Lexi home (Nana's being "home") to work a bit while I stayed and recovered with all the help from my mom and sister I could get. My best friend, Julianna and her mom came down from NC as well to visit for a day. Having all the help was nice, but I missed Rick more than anything. My feelings for him became that of when we FIRST started dating long distance. How I couldn't wait to see him face to face. That's exactly how I felt. Last night, he came to mom's house to sleep over so we could go to Lexi's first Dr. appt and then he would bring us home. That really did help things a lot...last night getting to sleep with him for the first time in WEEKS (since I was staying with my mom for a little while before I went into labor, since she lived an hour closer to the hospital than we did...yea, long story) was the best feeling ever. I felt safe and protected and loved again. But it was also kind of a weird feeling, haha...like it was the VERY first time. I hadn't been able to CUDDLE with him for a LONG time. More than just a couple weeks, since my huge belly had been in the way. So yea, last night was magical.
Then today, oh wow. Today I was just super emotional. Crying over everything. And not knowing why. I don't think it's PPD. I think it's the fact I'm absolutely EXHAUSTED, my nerves are shot, and I'm just an emotional post prego woman. The night before last, the trauma of the C-section and the fact that my huge sagging belly along with having those disgusting looking stretch marks EVERYWHERE and swollen feet, hands and face, and the fact that I missed my other half and the father of my child SO much caught up with me. I was a wreck. I don't expect these emotions to go away anytime soon, but I do hope they let up a little. I would like to go one day without crying over something STUPID. But I think since our family is together at OUR house, things will be much better. Please pray they are!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Reflections of the Last 9 Months
Yes, I have been feeling sentimental lately. First an entry about my family and now this. But I can't help it!
The time has finally arrived for my baby girl to show up. I have waited 9 long, yet FAST months for this. I have been a roller coaster of emotions and a blend of different women, and my wonderful fiancee, family, and friends have stuck by me through it all. For that I am grateful! I have had several sleepless nights, several nights where I've slept alone and he on the couch just to give me my space to "stretch out and move around" (When really I think he just got tired of being woken up lol) I have cried. I have laughed. I have gotten ANGRY and irritated at people for the dumbest reasons. I have gotten highly emotional. I have been FRUSTRATED to the very max and people (and places) have pushed me to my limits. I have been uncomfortable to the very max, the point where I just wanted to reach in and take her out myself!.....
....but I have also been happy! I've been excited and anxious! I have gone through some pain, both physical and emotional, yes, but it's all been worth it. In just a few short days (or maybe a week or so), I am going to get to look into the eyes of the precious miracle who has been the reason for all this. And I am going to cry. But not a sad, frustrated cry. I am going to cry out of pure joy! I am going to look at this little girl who is looking back at me hoping I have all the answers to everything (which I don't...and that's scary). I am going to find out what REAL, TRUE LOVE really is. And I cannot WAIT for that! I am going to be someone's EVERYTHING! The one she calls when she is hurt, when she's hungry, when she's mad or sad, and sometimes when she's happy! I will be the one (I hope) who she looks up to and wants to be like one day. Puts a lot of pressure on me (haha) but I can take it! This Christmas is going to be the best one of my entire life, past and future.
The thing about having a baby at Christmas, is that baby is your present, right? You don't want anything else, not even a tree or stockings. (At least I didn't. I didn't really care, nor did I have the energy to fool with it all) And the best thing about that present is it never goes away. It never gets "old", it never gets thrown away after you get tired of it (although, haha, I'm sure sometimes I'll feel like it....), it never gets "unusable". It never gets sent back to the store or to the Goodwill. This baby is going to be my LIFE. She will be everything that matters to me and I will have her for the REST of my life. And not only am I excited about my gift because it will last forever, but I am also very happy that God was the sender =) My Christmas present this year was from GOD! And I helped make it! Which makes it that much more special. My mom and I were having a conversation a while back about how amazing it is that women have been given the honor of making life with God. It took another person (her daddy) to "provide the goods" but for the next 9 months after, I have been "baking" this baby, making sure she has what she needs. Making sure she is growing the way she needs to be. It's an amazing, fulfilling thing to know that I have made life =)
I can't tell you how many times I've cried because I wish some people could be here for her. My grandpa, my Pops, my Mammaw.... Oh how I wish they could be here to meet this little bundle of joy! I know they will be watching down on us, and I know they will be protecting her....but sometimes I just wish they could be HERE to hold her and rock her and love her they wonderful way they loved me!
There are a few songs out there that I have heard recently that have just...well, they have made me CRY MY EYES OUT! Songs that I have heard before and loved, but they never had that effect on me until now, to name a few: "I Hope You Dance", Leeann Womack, "It Won't Be Like This For Long", Darius Rucker, "In My Daughters Eyes", Martina McBride, "I Won't Let Go", Rascal Flatts....and this one:
"You're Gonna Be", Reba McEntire
6 lbs and 9 oz, looking up at me
Like I have all the answers, I hope I have the ones you need
I've never really done this
Now I know what scared is
Sometimes I'll protect you from everything that's wrong
Other times I'll let you just find out on your own
But that's when you'll be growing
And the whole time I'll be knowing
You're gonna fly with every dream you chase
You're gonna cry, but know that that's okay
Sometimes life's not fair, but if you just hang in there
You're gonna see that sometimes bad is good
We just have to believe things work out like they should
Life has no guarantees but always loved by me, you're gonna be
I'm afraid you'll have to suffer through some of my mistakes
Lord knows I'll be trying to give you what it takes
What it takes to know the difference between getting by and living
Cause anything worth doing is worth doing all the way
Just know you'll have to live with all the choices that you make
So make sure you're always giving way more than you're taking
You're gonna be someone's everything
You're gonna see just what you are to me
You're gonna fly with every dream you chase
We just have to believe things work out like they should
Life has no guarantees but always loved by me you're gonna be
Always loved by me
Like the song says, "You're gonna be someone's everything, you're gonna see just what you are to me!" Already, I have been overwhelmed with how much I love this baby already, but I can't wait to meet her face to face and fall more and more in love with her every day I hold her in my arms! I can't wait to finally get to feel exactly how my parents felt about me...and to finally understand why my parents did what they did, and said what they said. This is going to be an adventure, and I'm SO ready for it!
Thank you God for sending me this miracle =)
Monday, December 5, 2011
My Wonderful Family
Lately, I have been looking around at the homes and families around me. People I've met, people I'm involved with, my friends on Facebook, etc. And it dawns on me how very little I take the time out to be thankful for MY family. So this entry I am going to take that time and brag about how loving and wonderful my family is. I am truly blessed...I just wish I had realized just how blessed I am a long time ago.
Let me give you a little background about my family. My grandpa, Clarence Goodson, was a WONDERFUL man. He didn't have a lot growing up, and he had a pretty sorry home life. But you would never know it from the way he was as a grown man. He was HILARIOUS, always smiling, and always had something up his sleeve. Like my Grandpa Grant, he loved his family too. He was a provider; not only of materialistic things but of love, kisses, hugs, and lots of laughs. I have talked about him a lot in my blog, because I adored him so. He passed away in July 2005 after losing his battle with Parkinson's disease. He had just turned 70 three days prior to his death. He lived a long and filling life, and was also an incredibly talented artist. He carved mostly; beautiful walking sticks, and various models of ducks and birds. He also cartooned and painted. I miss him every day. He always knew how to make me smile or laugh and just to make my day a little bit better.
Then there is my saint of a grandmother, Cecelia. Yes, I was named after her =) Nona is definitely my hero. She is someone I aspire to be just like. My favorite thing about my Nona is how...what's the word...carefree? she is. She is carefree, yet very organized, practical and down to earth. Her favorite quote (which has become mine as well) is "Life is not about surviving the storm, it's about learning how to dance in the rain." And that is exactly what she does. Nona has had a lot of obstacles in her life. But she is a TROOPER if there ever was one. Sometimes it's hard to remember that she is still human, because she just DOES stuff without question or complaint. Whatever her family needs, she gives, no questions asked. Whatever needs to be done, she gets it done. But that's not the reason I love her so much. I love my Nona so much because of how WONDERFUL she is. How she loves her family. How she is always positive no matter what the situation. How no matter where I am, I feel her with me. How encouraging, courageous, loving, kind hearted, adventurous, caring, beautiful, giving, and fun she is. When I have a bad day, or something in my life isn't going right, I think of her favorite quote and it just makes it better. And I always remember what she says no matter how bad a situation is, "We'll fix it." A little story to go with that:
When my mother was about 34-35 weeks pregnant with me, she went to the doctor because she felt like something was wrong with me, for whatever reason. (You know how a mother's instinct is) Nona and my sisters went with her. Sure enough, the doctor told my mother that if they didn't take me immediately, I would turn out blind, deaf, mentally handicapped and dwarfed all at the same time and I might not even make it to age 2. Naturally, my mom freaked out. But Nona was cool, calm and collected. When they left, Nona reassured her everything was going to be okay. "Let's go shopping," she said, since at that appointment, they also found out I was a girl =) (My mom hadn't wanted to know, but I made it pretty obvious during the ultrasound) The next week, they delivered me. The doctor thought I was only 2 weeks early and that I would be fine (since I was already 7 lbs). But it turns out, I was 5 weeks early. I ended up being born without a thyroid gland, but the doctor actually saved my life. If I had stayed in the womb much longer, I definitely wouldn't have made it, and neither would my mother. When they told my mother the news, about my condition, my mom freaked out again. But again, Nona said the magic words "We'll fix it." Well, it hasn't been fixed: I'm still without a thyroid gland. But I am now 22 years old, perfectly normal, and all I have to do to survive is take one little pill every day for the rest of my life. And that's pretty good =) So you see, Nona just has this way of putting things in prospective. Things are only tragic if you make them out to be tragic. There is always a bright side.
Nona and Pops had 3 children: My dad, Scott, Greg, and Stephanie (Taffy). My mom already had my sisters from a previous marriage, so when my mom and dad got together, they had me. Dad got remarried a few years ago to my stepmom Sharon, and she had 3 kids, twins, Yvonne and Yvette and a son, Brendan. My Uncle Greg married my Aunt Tonya and they had two boys, Chandler and Avery. Aunt Taffy married my Uncle Blaine and they also had 2 boys, Aidan and Ian. Taffy recently re-married my Uncle Steven and he has a daughter named Rachel.
I am definitely a Daddy's girl. My father is one of the most patient, kind men you will ever meet. He makes sure I have what I need and want, but that doesn't mean that he gives me WHATEVER I want, when I want it. He just makes sure I'm taken care of. And I love that. If I mess up, he doesn't hold it against me for the rest of my life. He makes sure I know he is disappointed, but he always makes sure I know he loves me unconditionally. I have been disappointed in him as well, but at the end of the day, it's all just "stuff". It doesn't matter. All that matters is that I have a daddy that adores me, and always will.
My mom is also an amazing person. She doesn't have a whole lot, but what I love about my mother, is she puts her children first. She is one of the most giving women I've ever met. As long as her children, blood, step, in law, grand, are taken care of, she is happy. She doesn't really care about anything else. She is a hard worker, and she WORKS for what she has. Calling her lazy is a no-no. I am blessed beyond blessed to have a mother who loves me so unconditionally.
I have put both my parents through some sleepless nights, and I was punished pretty much my whole life for SOMETHING haha. But God gave me two wonderful parents that made sure I had a good life. I didn't get everything I wanted. I respected my parents. If I didn't respect them, I was punished for it. If I was good, I got rewarded. If I was bad, I got reprimanded. NO meant NO. End of story. That's just how it was. And I'll add in here that these days, when I see how kids treat and talk to their parents, oh my gosh it makes me SICK. I always think "Um, why aren't they being punished? Isn't that what is supposed to be happening right now?" and then I remember "Oh yea, times are different now. Spanking is considered ABUSE.....and you are considered an awful parent if you reprimand your poor child in public. You might even be on the 5:00 news for it..." Tis a shame.
Not only did God bless me with wonderful parents, but he also gave me 2 older sisters who I love very much. My oldest sister, Mandi, and I actually NEVER fought as I was growing up. But my other sister, Erin, well, we fought every day of my life lol. For some reason, we just never got along. Luckily, that went away as we got older. Now, we have all three had our ups and downs, but again, at the end of the day, my sisters love me unconditionally and I love them the same.
Mandi got married and had her daughter, Brooke.
Erin married her husband Justin. They don't have kids yet, but maybe one day. =)
I am not "legally" married yet (a few more months) but my fiance, Rick and I have a baby on the way, Alexis Sophia.
I have been blessed with an amazing family. We get together on the holidays (most of the time). We love each other, and we all know it. One thing I absolutely love about my family is there is a zero-tolerance for cursing. You will probably NEVER hear anyone in my family drop the "f" bomb; well, around each other anyway. I'm sure we've all said it lol. I know I have. Call me weird, but that is one quality you just don't find these days. And I like that we still have what's called "COURTESY". We are all intelligent human beings and we have all been very blessed. We are all fortunate people. We all have roofs over our heads and food to eat. Clothing on our backs and a wonderful family. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Let me give you a little background about my family. My grandpa, Clarence Goodson, was a WONDERFUL man. He didn't have a lot growing up, and he had a pretty sorry home life. But you would never know it from the way he was as a grown man. He was HILARIOUS, always smiling, and always had something up his sleeve. Like my Grandpa Grant, he loved his family too. He was a provider; not only of materialistic things but of love, kisses, hugs, and lots of laughs. I have talked about him a lot in my blog, because I adored him so. He passed away in July 2005 after losing his battle with Parkinson's disease. He had just turned 70 three days prior to his death. He lived a long and filling life, and was also an incredibly talented artist. He carved mostly; beautiful walking sticks, and various models of ducks and birds. He also cartooned and painted. I miss him every day. He always knew how to make me smile or laugh and just to make my day a little bit better.
My sweet grandpa, Pops =)
Then there is my saint of a grandmother, Cecelia. Yes, I was named after her =) Nona is definitely my hero. She is someone I aspire to be just like. My favorite thing about my Nona is how...what's the word...carefree? she is. She is carefree, yet very organized, practical and down to earth. Her favorite quote (which has become mine as well) is "Life is not about surviving the storm, it's about learning how to dance in the rain." And that is exactly what she does. Nona has had a lot of obstacles in her life. But she is a TROOPER if there ever was one. Sometimes it's hard to remember that she is still human, because she just DOES stuff without question or complaint. Whatever her family needs, she gives, no questions asked. Whatever needs to be done, she gets it done. But that's not the reason I love her so much. I love my Nona so much because of how WONDERFUL she is. How she loves her family. How she is always positive no matter what the situation. How no matter where I am, I feel her with me. How encouraging, courageous, loving, kind hearted, adventurous, caring, beautiful, giving, and fun she is. When I have a bad day, or something in my life isn't going right, I think of her favorite quote and it just makes it better. And I always remember what she says no matter how bad a situation is, "We'll fix it." A little story to go with that:
When my mother was about 34-35 weeks pregnant with me, she went to the doctor because she felt like something was wrong with me, for whatever reason. (You know how a mother's instinct is) Nona and my sisters went with her. Sure enough, the doctor told my mother that if they didn't take me immediately, I would turn out blind, deaf, mentally handicapped and dwarfed all at the same time and I might not even make it to age 2. Naturally, my mom freaked out. But Nona was cool, calm and collected. When they left, Nona reassured her everything was going to be okay. "Let's go shopping," she said, since at that appointment, they also found out I was a girl =) (My mom hadn't wanted to know, but I made it pretty obvious during the ultrasound) The next week, they delivered me. The doctor thought I was only 2 weeks early and that I would be fine (since I was already 7 lbs). But it turns out, I was 5 weeks early. I ended up being born without a thyroid gland, but the doctor actually saved my life. If I had stayed in the womb much longer, I definitely wouldn't have made it, and neither would my mother. When they told my mother the news, about my condition, my mom freaked out again. But again, Nona said the magic words "We'll fix it." Well, it hasn't been fixed: I'm still without a thyroid gland. But I am now 22 years old, perfectly normal, and all I have to do to survive is take one little pill every day for the rest of my life. And that's pretty good =) So you see, Nona just has this way of putting things in prospective. Things are only tragic if you make them out to be tragic. There is always a bright side.
<3 I love Nona
Nona and Pops had 3 children: My dad, Scott, Greg, and Stephanie (Taffy). My mom already had my sisters from a previous marriage, so when my mom and dad got together, they had me. Dad got remarried a few years ago to my stepmom Sharon, and she had 3 kids, twins, Yvonne and Yvette and a son, Brendan. My Uncle Greg married my Aunt Tonya and they had two boys, Chandler and Avery. Aunt Taffy married my Uncle Blaine and they also had 2 boys, Aidan and Ian. Taffy recently re-married my Uncle Steven and he has a daughter named Rachel.
Me and Daddy =)
Always a Daddy's girl
Uncle Greg, Aunt Tonya, Chandler and Avery
Aunt Taffy, Uncle Steven, Rachel, Aidan and Ian
I am definitely a Daddy's girl. My father is one of the most patient, kind men you will ever meet. He makes sure I have what I need and want, but that doesn't mean that he gives me WHATEVER I want, when I want it. He just makes sure I'm taken care of. And I love that. If I mess up, he doesn't hold it against me for the rest of my life. He makes sure I know he is disappointed, but he always makes sure I know he loves me unconditionally. I have been disappointed in him as well, but at the end of the day, it's all just "stuff". It doesn't matter. All that matters is that I have a daddy that adores me, and always will.
My mom is also an amazing person. She doesn't have a whole lot, but what I love about my mother, is she puts her children first. She is one of the most giving women I've ever met. As long as her children, blood, step, in law, grand, are taken care of, she is happy. She doesn't really care about anything else. She is a hard worker, and she WORKS for what she has. Calling her lazy is a no-no. I am blessed beyond blessed to have a mother who loves me so unconditionally.
My mom and her girls =)
Me, Mandi, Erin, and granddaughter Brooke
I have put both my parents through some sleepless nights, and I was punished pretty much my whole life for SOMETHING haha. But God gave me two wonderful parents that made sure I had a good life. I didn't get everything I wanted. I respected my parents. If I didn't respect them, I was punished for it. If I was good, I got rewarded. If I was bad, I got reprimanded. NO meant NO. End of story. That's just how it was. And I'll add in here that these days, when I see how kids treat and talk to their parents, oh my gosh it makes me SICK. I always think "Um, why aren't they being punished? Isn't that what is supposed to be happening right now?" and then I remember "Oh yea, times are different now. Spanking is considered ABUSE.....and you are considered an awful parent if you reprimand your poor child in public. You might even be on the 5:00 news for it..." Tis a shame.
Not only did God bless me with wonderful parents, but he also gave me 2 older sisters who I love very much. My oldest sister, Mandi, and I actually NEVER fought as I was growing up. But my other sister, Erin, well, we fought every day of my life lol. For some reason, we just never got along. Luckily, that went away as we got older. Now, we have all three had our ups and downs, but again, at the end of the day, my sisters love me unconditionally and I love them the same.
Mandi got married and had her daughter, Brooke.
Erin married her husband Justin. They don't have kids yet, but maybe one day. =)
I am not "legally" married yet (a few more months) but my fiance, Rick and I have a baby on the way, Alexis Sophia.
Our Sweet Lexi =)
I have been blessed with an amazing family. We get together on the holidays (most of the time). We love each other, and we all know it. One thing I absolutely love about my family is there is a zero-tolerance for cursing. You will probably NEVER hear anyone in my family drop the "f" bomb; well, around each other anyway. I'm sure we've all said it lol. I know I have. Call me weird, but that is one quality you just don't find these days. And I like that we still have what's called "COURTESY". We are all intelligent human beings and we have all been very blessed. We are all fortunate people. We all have roofs over our heads and food to eat. Clothing on our backs and a wonderful family. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
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