Guidance

Well, after everything that went on last week I forgot to mention that I have been offered a job in Spartanburg. I was so excited at first, but then it was quickly replaced by confusion, worry, and guilt. I am not sure of what I will do just yet, but I have to make a decision really fast so I am sure everyone will know soon.

Addison's Dr Appt

Well after a really long day at our doctor's appointments Addison will be having ear surgery on Thursday to have tubes put in and she will be wearing patches on her eyes for the next couple of months in hopes that will correct her issue with her right eye. In July we will go back to the eye doctor and have it checked again and decide on the surgery for her eye at that point. Not so great news, but at least we know now. Keep her in your prayers that everything will work out.

Zach and His Big Day

My friend Angie's son Zach just had a huge accomplishment for such a young guy. He earned his black belt. How awesome for him. WAY TO GO ZACH!!!! This picture is of him and his very proud little sister, Taylor.

Crisp Creations

Well, I have finally made my leap and I am going to try my hand at making this bow business more profitable. I have bought so much ribbon I finally feel like I can make things people would want. My only problem is I want to keep everything I make for Addy. I ordered 250 business cards today with "Crisp Creations" on them so that is the name for now. LOL!!!! I have lots and lots of ideas. I want to do a "Bow Party" if I can get enough people and inventory together to do that. I have started making headbands too so we shall see. I hope it goes well. I really think Mark is tired of all the stuff all over the house. Sorry Honey!!!! We are going to spend time with Mark's family this weekend so that should be fun. We haven't seen them in a while.
I think our weekend with just Taylor went great. He did VERY well and didn't seem to mind at all that he got sometime without Amber. Amber wasn't as pleased, she called a lot, but maybe that will make her think. She is going to a prom in May (wonder if Taylor is going to get to go)!!!! Anyway, I am also going to have a blog for the bows. http://crispcreations.blogspot.com/
I haven't done much with it yet as you will see, but when I get the time I will start posting there too. Have a great week.

Addy goes for 18 month shots tomorrow. Can you believe she is already 1 1/2. TIME FLIES

Easter Picture Preview

We had our pictures made at Portrait Innovations. Happy Easter!!!!!!

Update on Princess

Addison was at the doctor again yesterday after being on antibiotics for 9 days. We had two sleepless nights which is so unusual for her (she has slept through the night for well over a year). I just felt like something wasn't right. I called her normal pediatrician-who by the way isn't her pediatrician anymore and they didn't have time for her to come in yesterday after they told me to call back. Not only that but then the secretary questioned why I wasn't at home with her if she was SO sick. That made me very angry and I told them that she wouldn't be back so that wouldn't have to worry about it. A couple of friends at work told me I should write a letter explaining that to her doctor, so I did. I can only hope that he will get to actually read it and will handle the situation. I called another doctor and after I explained to them what was going on they agreed to see her. I took her in yesterday afternoon and sure enough Mommy's instinct was right. Her ear infections have not responded well at all to the antibiotics and she now has a sinus infection which is why she has two black eyes. She is one that when she is sick her eyes show it. She gets that from her Daddy. When he is the least bit tired or sick his eyes will be very purple/black. Her new doctor was absolutely wonderful with her and for right now that is where we are going to be going. She is a mother of four herself with children ranging in ages 3-8. I really liked her and felt that she was very good with both of us. LOL!! Anyway, she told me that if the infections don't respond to this antibiotic we will need to go see a ENT because she is at a very critical age for speech development and she didn't want her to get behind because of her hearing. We shall see. Hopefully this medicine will work and we won't have to worry about going that route. I am beginning to wonder if she might be starting to cut her eye teeth, because last time she had double ear infections she cut her molars and yesterday she had a really upset tummy. I wish we could just cut those teeth and be done with them for a little bit. :) She looks funny with her molars and no eye teeth.

I am still going to Jazzercise and loving it. I love it because it is such a workout that I hurt every time. I know that sounds funny, but if I don't hurt after I work out I feel that I haven't gotten anything from it.

We are taking Addison to an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday--I am so excited. Probably more excited than she will be.

Also, the greatest news I have to post today. I am finally done with school. I have completed all of my course work to be able to receive my diploma on May 10th. YEA!! Also, I graduated with honors. GPA 3.59. Just had to brag a little bit.

RUTH PATRICIA HAMMETT

Ruth passed away this morning at 6:00am after fighting with cancer for several years. She leaves behind two sons and a daughter. Brandan and his wife Beth and daughter Kaylee, Tony and his daughter Breanna, Kristen and her husband Keith and their daughters Taylor and Carrie. My thoughts and prayers are with this family right now. Ruth will never be forgotten as a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

My Sweet Princess

Addy's Vday bow. If you know anyone who loves bows I will be doing lots more of them in about 2 weeks. I am very excited. I will probably start another blog just for bows and stuff. Give me your honest opinions.

Happy Valentines Day

Update

Well, I am working really hard at my last semester of school. I finish in 16 days. I am so excited, but I know you can't tell. LOL!!! Yesterday I received a special present in Addison's bag from her. See the pictures below. Not much else is going on just trying to keep up with everything. Beth and Brandan brought Kaylee over the other night and we had a lot of fun with her. She is so cute. Seth's 2nd birthday party was last Saturday and we had a GREAT time. Afterwards we all went over to Amanda and Dre's to hang out. All and all it was a good weekend.

Our News

Well, Sophie is home!!!! YEA. I am so glad she is out of that place. The hospital is good to the babies, but nothing beats being at home. I know Sara and Alan are glad to be back home too. It has been a rough week. Sara and I are planning a trip to Fatz soon for some much needed dessert together to relieve some stress.

Court didn't go very well at all. Just keep praying for us.

I got an update on my friend Pattie and right now they just want to watch the lesion and see what happens in the next 6 months. I am so happy for her right now. I hope that things go much better.

I wish the snow would have lasted today. It sure was "peeetty" as Addy says.

My friend Amanda B. is nearing the end of her pregnancy with her baby girl. Please pray for her and her family as they deliver their new bundle of joy. I know she is ready--to say the least.

As I close this post I have to say thanks to everyone who was here for us on Friday. Words can't express how much we appreciate it. I love you all. Mark and I are greatful to have a family and friends who are here for us when we need them. You know who you are. THANK YOU!!!!

Snow Days

Addy in the snow.

New Things

Well for those of you who haven't seen us--it is official now. See the pics below for the beautiful new addition to the family.

Bet some of you thought I meant something else. LOL!!!! Anyway, we are struggling with a few personal things right now, but they will get better.

I have ordered new ribbon to start new hairbows. I am so excited--I will have to post some of the creations. I have been so slack about posting on here.

A few things I am going to ask you to pray about. My sweet little niece Sophie is in the hospital right now with RSV. She was admitted last night and hopefully will get to go home soon. Please pray she gets better quick.

My very good friend at work Pattie Toney just found out that she has a lesion on her brain stem and will have to go to Charleston to see a specialist.

Mark goes back to court on Friday over Lynn again. Please pray this goes okay.

Addison is getting over a sinus infection and easiest term-crud. She has been on antibiotics for a week now so she is doing better. She is so into books right now. She walks all around the house saying "book, book" until she finds one and then brings it to you and insist on you reading it a hundred times. Mark and I laughed at her last night because I must have read 10 books and that still wasn't enough. He said "at least she likes to read." That's true, because I never was a reader and still am not unless it's instructions on how to make a hairbow. LOL!!

ON THE MOVE

Santa brought Addison the courage to walk. YEP she is finally walking. I think it is probably the sweetest thing I have ever seen. I was so proud and so sad all at the same time. Sad--because she is growing up and proud--because she is doing so well. I had the privilege to be home with her for almost two weeks during the holidays. I loved every minute of it. We had a ball playing with her new toys and just enjoying each other. Needless to say, she became very attached to me while we were together, but that is getting better. I will post some pictures of Christmas over the weekend. We are here at work and probably will be until maybe 10pm or so tonight. Have a wonderful weekend.

Christmas

Well, Mark is headed out west to help out with all of the people without power. Please pray that he will make it there and home safe. It is doubtful that he will be back home before Christmas, but it is okay he is doing his part to help out. Just keep him in your prayers and the rest of the crews that are there.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Addy goes back to see Santa

Mark and I went to Gatlinburg this weekend and while we were gone Grammy took Addy to see Santa. She didn't do as bad as she did when we took her, but it still wasn't one of her favorite.

Also, she did take her first few steps this weekend. Wouldn't you know she would do it while we were gone. Maybe that is why she did, because Mommy wasn't carrying her everywhere.

After Thanksgiving

Well Thanksgiving went by way too fast. We had a good time with our families and friends. I hope every one's holiday was wonderful.

Congrats to Amanda and Dray-Christian Caulder was born Sunday November 25 weighing 8.5lbs and everyone is doing good.

Here are a couple of pictures of our Thanksgiving.

Tristan and Landon

Addy at PeePaws--sorry Grandpa Mark says Addy has to call you Peepaw.

Sophie, Sam, and Addy

These girls just won't cooperate.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Well Taylor has strep throat so I doubt that they will be coming over tonight after all. I don't want Addy to get another illness nor do I want it. Anyway, I hope everyone has a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING. Please remember our men and women who are serving our country in various locations and all of those people who don't have family and who are having rough times right now. Be safe and happy. Don't let the holiday stress get to you. Sit back, relax and enjoy the family--after all that's what it is about. If you go shopping on Friday don't get mad or frustrated enjoy the time let the spirit of the season guide you. I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR. Especially now that I have a family of my own. Love makes all the difference!!!!!

MORE DRAMA

Okay Addy now has hand, foot and mouth disease. She looks like a walking blister. She has thousands of tiny blisters all over her. Mom kept telling me that she thought that was what it was, but I didn't think so because it was all over her. Mom and I took her to the Pediatric Night Clinic last night and that is what it is. They did give us some cream, but it still looks pretty bad. I also have two midterms to take today because we had the kids all weekend. Mark and Lynn had a discussion last night that didn't go to well. End result-we won't be getting the kids for Christmas because Greasy Bob is coming to town even though she asked last year to get to keep them for their first Christmas without them being married. That is okay though. She WON'T ever get any more favors from us.

Addy's Sick Again

Bless her heart. Yesterday the call came in around 2pm from daycare and the director told me she needed to talk to me for a minute. They said she hadn't went to the bathroom all day not even a dribble and that she had just started vomiting. Out the door I went to pick her up and take her to the doctor after 7 days of upset stomach. Conclusion: a urinary tract infection and a yeast infection probably coming from the upset stomach she has had. We are on Omnicef and Cultrelle(I don't think that is how you spell that). Hopefully we will get out of this funk soon. Happy Friday.

My Little Turkey

Well I don't know how many of you know that Addy has a hard time at school with crafts because she eats them. I know it's crazy, but she did finish a craft project yesterday and it is the VERY FIRST one that I have ever gotten. I was so PROUD of her. They did say that she did try and eat the crayons, but ended up making it to the end. Here it is:

I know that only a child's mother can TRULY appreciate their artwork and know that it is beautiful. I hope that she does get some of the family's artistic talents.

Doodle the Penguin

I know it took a long time for me to post these, but here is Doodle as a Penguin. Grammy made the costume several years ago for Breanna and I kept it and now my baby girl got to show it off. THANK YOU GRAMMY

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Just wanted to tell everyone that I hope you have a Happy Halloween. We are going to take Doodle to the daycare where she goes(Lake Bowen Baptist Church). Mark is getting home too late for us to go much of anywhere else. I will post pictures maybe tomorrow. It's the first of the month though, so we will be working late. Have fun and most importantly be safe.

I haven't posted pictures yet of our new car either. I will do that soon too.

MARCUS TURNS 37

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HONEY

Today is Mark's 37th Birthday. Happy Birthday!!!! I hope that you have had a wonderful year and that next year is even better.

TO MY DADDY:

I just wanted to tell you that I love you. You are the best Daddy. I hope you have a good day. We have lots of adventures for next year. LOVE YOU.

It's Halloween Time

It's been a while since I have posted, but I was finishing my classwork and doing all of that fun stuff. Mark is finally over all of the surgeries and stuff. YEAH!!!!!!! We had Mark's kids this weekend and we decided to take them to the Pumpkin Patch. I was feeling a bit under the weather, but we had a good time. Here are some pictures.

We then got the pumpkins home and helped the kids clean them out. Addison thought pumpkin guts were the best thing to play in. By the time we were done she was in the tub and the rest of us were just trying to get cleaned up the best we could. It was a lot of fun.

Tragedy

I have to post some very bad news today and I want everyone to remember to pray for both families involved. One of my VERY good friends is going through a very rough time right now. I can't imagine how he feels and how the rest of the family feels. Here is the link to the story from 10/17/07 on WSPA. http://www.wspa.com/midatlantic/spa/news.apx.-content-articles-SPA-2007-10-17-0005.html


To My Friend--I want you to know that you have a team of people praying for you and your family. If you need anything please let us know.