"HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARBIE"

Who says you can't have a Barbie birthday party as an adult????  Well guess what?  That is exactly what my work party was for this year (2011).  I guess you might be asking yourself why Barbie?  Is it because I look like her, I collect her, or I own as much as her?  The answer to all those questions is "NO".  I don't have the Barbie figure, won't make a fortune on my "collection", and certainly don't have her unlimited cash supply!!!!  The reason for my "Barbie" theme party actually came about in a little strange way.  For some reason I was possessed by Barbie one day as I walked across the office.  It was truly a Barbie walk with the stiff, robot like movements, and painted facial expression!!!  It was an out of body experience for me.  Hence, I am now "SEL Barbie"!!!

Needless to say this was an absolutely "FANTABULOUS" day!!!  There are only two other birthdays in my life that really stand out in my memory - the 1st is my "Raggedy Ann" birthday in Texas and my "Elvis" birthday in Texas a few years later.  I absolutely loved Elvis, so much so that I carried a picture of him in my wallet and told people he was my daddy.  What can I say I had a wonderful imagination as a child!!!!  My daddy really did have a head full of black hair when I was little, so I always thought he looked like Elvis!!!  You have to understand before you judge my sanity I wasn't even in school yet or maybe preschool.  I was just recently forced to remove my "Barbie Birthday" decorations by a really cruel and mean person.  I won't mention any names.  Well, just so you know this party was thrown by my (now because of this blog) infamous work friends.  What a group??!?!??!  Posted the birthday card because it pretty much sums up my life.   Oh and for the record, the "REAL" Barbie is quite a bit older than me!!!!  Have a great weekend!!!  IT'S A BARBIE WORLD!!!!!

"REFLECTIONS"

Some days I can't help but think about the days when the kids were little.  I sure do miss the smell of a sleeping baby and the feel of a tiny hand reaching up to touch my face.  WOW, can anything be more precious in the memory department??  Where exactly has the time gone???  I love all the stages the kids have been through and have yet to explore, but my absolute favorite time, so far, was the baby stage.  As a nursing mother when they were babies, there was no other time that was just mine and I cherish every moment that I was able to nurse them.  I am a big advocate for breastfeeding, just ask some of my "work friends". It is amazing to experience motherhood for the first time and a little scary every time after.  I say this because I think we all have experienced the fear when you find out your 2nd child is on the way.  The fear of "how am I every going to love another baby like I did my first"?  It is still amazing to me that I can love those "babies" all the same amount but individually for their own reason.  Boy, is God great for letting mothers love them like he does?  Being a mother, I just don't believe fathers have the same love.  Not saying moms love more or better but in totally different ways.  As they grow, new milestones will be met with as much amazement as the ones that have passed.  For example, the first time you realize spelling words to your spouse is no longer a safeguard for little ears.  Or the time your middle schooler doesn't make a team and his heart is broken and he questions why he wasn't good enough.  The 1st time one of them isn't invited to a "best" friends because of a misunderstanding between adults.  Bigger yet, are the times you have to discipline and you finally realize what your parents meant every time they said, "This is going to hurt me more than you".  Statements like these can never be understood until you become a parent yourself.  I remember once saying to my mother, when I was older of course, "I hope one day I am as smart as I used to think I was".  Well guess what, I am still waiting for that day to come!!!  Happy Weekend and don't forget to cherish every experience with a child because one day they will grow up.....

MY BABY DADDY - DAVID

I would like to introduce you to the "Big" man in my life, David.  We have been married for 20 yrs. this past August.  That's right, you guessed it....  I was a child bride and he is a cradle robber!!!!!  Don't ask me for advice on staying married this long because I don't know that I could really tell you how we have done it.  Love and trust are the two biggest ingredients.  Believe me, some days are much easier than others.  For two people to be so completely different, we have very similar interests and actually balance one another out.  I guess you could say David is my alter ego.  Does that make one of us good and one bad???  If so, I want to be the good guy!!!  You know they say "Good guys finish 1st" and we are both very competitive.  Even though we are so different we love to do alot of the same things.  For example, our family loves the outdoors and spends as much time as possible outside.  Hiking, camping, swimming, and biking are a few of our most favorite things to do.  David and I don't get alot of "alone" time but when we do, it's usually awesome!!!  For example, one of the last big things we did as a couple was whitewater rafting for a week in Idaho.  This was an absolutely spectacular time!!  Idaho is a beautiful state and I never realized it wasn't flat and full of potatoes.....  Go figure, geography was never my strong suit.  We spent this time enjoying each others company without the daily ups and downs of life with kids, jobs, bills, and etc.  WOW!!!  I suggest every couple do this as often as possible because it is very easy to take each other for granted and assume the other one knows what's going on in your world.  I can't imagine my world without my husband (today anyway) and know that we have had a wonderful 20 and hopefully we can have another wonderful ????? more.  I always say that if you change even the smallest thing in your life it wouldn't be what it is today.  I don't mean money, I mean I might not have wound up with David and I wouldn't have my beautiful life!!!  Ok, for all you people that know me, stop choking and keep reading.  David loves to work in the yard and takes pride in our home.  As they say, "A picture is worth a thousand words".  More to come on the wonders of everyday life with a husband, kids, and a crazy dog!!!  

PRESENTING HOUDINI THE DOG - "SALLY GRACE"

Sally Grace joined our family back in 2008.  Our dog Molly had been hit and killed by a car and we were all very sad.  Molly had been with David and I before we had the kids.  As a matter of fact we got Molly the year we found out I was pregnant with Luke.  Molly was a black/chocolate lab combo.  I said those all too famous last words after Molly died, "We are not getting another dog!".  Well guess what, that's right about a month after that I was driving 45 minutes and eating those famous last words the whole way.  The kids and I were on our way to pick up a puppy that had been found along side a road by some college kids.  They lead us to believe the puppy we were picking up was a yellow/golden retriever mix.  Boy, we were so excited!!!  We met the guys at a gas station and laid eyes on this cute, furry, yellow ball of fur.  It was love at first site, at least for some of us.  "The" puppy road in laps and a laundry basket all the way home.  She did not however say "WWWHHHHEEEE" all the way home!!  Somewhere along the way we had the misconception to think that we could crate train her and make her an inside dog!!  WRONG!!  She was a crazy puppy....  The name, Sally Grace Searles, was given to her by Emma.  Emma was not quite 5 yrs. old at the time.  No idea where the name came from???  Sally Grace has actually developed into an enjoyable and crazy mutt.  Not sure what the family would be like without her???  She has decided that she is terrified of the possibility of a storm and has to be put in a kennel at the first threat.  Sally Grace is also quite a talented fence climber....  It is the craziest thing to see!!!  Since the hurricane "Irene" the end of August, Sally Grace is spending more and more time in the house with the family.  SURPRISE!!!!  She is actually doing quite well.  More to come on the antics of dogs, kids, husband, and just plain life!!!

MY "TINY DANCER"

Well here goes about the baby of the family, Emma who just turned 8.  What can I say?  We thought we were done with our family after the 2 boys, but guess what?  God blessed us with a little Princess to complete the picture.  I will admit that it was a big adjustment to go from everything being boyish and blue to girlie and pink....  Girls are definitely different creatures than boys!!  Mood swings start at a very early age and will probably NEVER stop.  All I can say to that is "Calgon take me away".  Seriously though, I wouldn't trade her for anything.  She is a spirited child like her brother Wyatt!!!  So now there is one of me and 2 mini me's, one in male form and one in female form.  My parents sure got their payback for all of my childhood antics!!!  Well let's talk about Ms. Emma.  She is very smart and an excellent dancer.  Emma prefers ballet and is showing quite a talent.  Besides dancing, she loves to sing, which I will say she also is showing a talent for.  She has decided she would like to be a teacher and professional dancer when she grows up.  It is amazing to see such a beautiful, sassy little girl at play when she thinks no one is looking.  I love to stand around the corner without her knowing and just listen and watch.  Emma is so much more animated and able to be creative and occupy herself in her room for hours on end.  She has her daddy wrapped around her finger, probably like most little girls!!  I am amazed at how she can be dressed to the "nines" and packing a gun...  She and Wyatt are 2 1/2 years apart but have been mistaken for twins.  She of course thinks this is funny while Wyatt tends to scowl and stand a little taller.  Luke always wanted a baby sister and was a little disappointed when he first received a brother but was ecstatic when Emma entered our world.  He is very protective, loves to hug her, and is constantly telling her she is pretty.  Of course Her Highness seems untouched by the compliments.  Emma is a little chatter box unless she is in a sullen mood (seems to happen alot lately).  Never far from her side is her trusty sidekick's pink and purple blanks along with Moosey!  Moosey of course is not a Moose but a Horse,  Go figure!!!  It is amazing to raise three children in the same environment and all of them turn out to be so individual.  Well more to come on ballerina Emma soon!!.

MY "WILD ONE"

I would like to introduce my son Wyatt who will be 11 in November.  This boy is so much like his mother it's not funny...  I believe he and Luke are as different as David and I.  WOW, night and day!!!  He might be small in stature but makes up for it in gumption.  He like Luke, is also a very talented artist and decided several years back (not that there has been that many) that he would like to be an architect.  He even knows he wants to attend NC State in Raleigh.  This choice of school is a little upsetting to our household, since we are such big UNC fans!!  But he has a DREAM!!!  Wyatt is the type of guy that everyone loves!!  He is quite the "rock star" at the elementary school.  He can work his way out of any sticky situation with a bat of his lashes over those dark brown eyes and his sly little smile.  This kid certainly knows how to "work it".  Wyatt is very athletic at any sport he tries and also a very hard worker.  He has been known to help some of the neighbors in their yard for a small fee.  "Mr. Responsibility" should have been his middle name.  Even though Luke is 5 yrs. older Wyatt still tends to feel responsible for looking out for his brother and his sister.  Wyatt is certainly a very active child, he is going from sun up to sun down.  Wyatt appears to be a tough customer but it only takes a minute for him to charm his way into your heart.  OCD runs rampant in our family and Wyatt has his share.  You would understand this if you saw his bedtime ritual.  Some days it really wears me out to watch.  Many family members tell me he reminds them of my daddy when he was a kid.  I think this makes Wyatt feel special since he loved Grandpapa so very much!!!  We lost Grandpapa about 3 1/2 years ago and no one feels it any more than Wyatt.  He used to be Grandpapa's little helper and pretty much his shadow when he worked in the yard.  Grandmama passed away 2 1/2 years ago and again it seemed to hit Wyatt pretty hard.  He was at their house every day when they were alive and we lived across the street from them.  To sum it up Wyatt is his own amazing person!!  More to come about the antics of Wyatt!!! 

MY "DOODLE" THE GENTLE GIANT

Luke, nicknamed "Doodle", turned 15 at the end of January and I call him my "Gentle Giant".  I refer to him this way because he would never do or say anything to hurt anyone.  He is the boy that holds the door for girls and women, even if he has to stand there a few minutes.  He always has a smile and a wave for anyone he sees.  If you ask anyone that knows him in our community the first thing they will say is how sweet he is.  Luke looks alot like his father and has the quiet, unassuming nature that David did b.k. (before kids).  When and if you have children you can understand my next statement, "How will I ever love another as much as my first"?  But somehow GOD provides you with a heart to hold a special place for each of them no matter how many you have.  But life gets really weird when you have to start looking up to your babies.  He is a strapping 6'1"!!!  WOW!!!  Luke loves basketball and aspires to become a "Star" player anywhere he can.  He has the most beautiful shot around.  Luke also has a wonderful artistic talent.  He is also my renaissance man.  We love to tour the art museum and see works by such artist as Picasso, Monet, and Van Gogh (his favorite).  Luke has overcome many hurdles in his short life and it has only made him more wonderful.  He deals with complex Tourette's, ADHD, OCD, and general Anxiety Disorder.  He has been taught to never be ashamed of the way GOD made him, after all we are all different in our own ways.  My dream for Luke is to become a confident, thoughtful, and successful young man.  UNC Tarheels and Miami Heat are Luke's all time favorite teams.  He absolutely idolizes Michael Jordan, maybe one day he will actually meet him.  I would like for Luke to meet some professional athlete that has had to grow up as the kid with "tics".  This would just assure him that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  More to come about Luke soon!!!