Trenton's First Christmas

Trenton with MeMe and Pop.
Aunt Keely reading to Trenton

Trenton in his rocking chair that he got from his Great-Grandmother

Wes helping Trenton open his presents

HAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Baxter loves his presents too!

Trenton and I walking down the stairs Christmas morning!

Trenton with the toy that Ansley and Adam gave him.

Friday night at Church...before the drama..

Trenton and Santa Claus!

We had a weekend full of Christmas fun...and drama.

Thursday night - Christmas Eve Eve

We got together with Wes's family to do an extended family Christmas. Well, they chose the chop house - which is located at the Mall - but we made it. We found a parking place, we made it to the restaurant and we waited. Eventually everyone showed up, but by that time, Trenton was over it. Keep in mind we didn't meet until 6 and Trenton goes to bed at 6. So, Trenton and I roamed around the outside of the Mall and looked around while the rest of the family talked and ate. See, I am not a fan of taking children to a more adult appropriate restaurant. So, I was hesitant going into this. We loaded in the car and were supposed to go to Aunt Julia's house, but we didn't make it, our child was CRANKY and finally asleep.

Friday night - Christmas Eve

I mistakenly signed up our family to read for the lighting of the Advent Candle at Church. I have a problem with things playing out a whole lot better in my head. See, we got to church only to realize that we were next to last in the program. Church started at 9, Trenton goes to bed at 6. Sometimes I can keep him up and occupied, but this was not one of those nights. I spent most of the night in the Narthex of the Church helping Dad to calm down Trenton. Trenton and I went outside, but no, he could still be heard. Wes and I lit the candle and we ran out of Church. The preacher even told me that the baby in the manger routine was a nice added bonus....OOPSIE!

Saturday - Christmas Morning

Apparently keeping your child up, when he doesn't truly understand what Christmas is, makes him sleep until 7:30. Well, normally, I would have enjoyed this time, but Wes and I had to get Granny and get to Mom's for breakfast! We got Trenton up, let him open presents, changed his clothes and headed out. Christmas was filled with family, food, and fun...pictures to follow. Trenton racked up!

Sunday - Day after Christmas

Ellis Family Christmas. I got up and went shopping early that morning - to find some prety pitiful sales, but I ran into my Mom and sister. Ran home, picked up Wes and Trenton and headed to Golden Corral. Those of you who know me, know I am not a huge buffet eater, but my child was starving! He didn't eat dinner the night before and hadn't had breakfast. I truly believe he ate more than I did. We went to Steve and MJ's to open presents and then had to play Apples to Apples while Trenton slept.

We had a good Christmas and look forward to next year when Trenton will be even more entertaining!

Moving On Up...

to the toddler room!

I have the silly, first time Mom, mixed emotions about Trneton moving up. Keep reading and I will explain why my reservations as well as all about my crazy Friday!

Friday I worked. Well, this was my first Friday at my new branch, working alone. It was C-R-A-Z-Y! As my Manger put it, welcome to interstate travel. :) I worked at another bank and it was busy all the time, then I worked with First Bank at Main Office where it was sometimes steady, but manageable. Now, I am down on Walton Way and I am BUSTING it. I am glad to be busy, but I would rather have time to breathe on Friday between 4 and 6. Friday, that was not an option. So, I survived the day - minor hissy fit at the end - only to find out that the water mane in front of our house busted. Cool...Trenton can ice skate. :) Well, I get home and the thing that pushes me over the edge (you can judge me) is the fact that I was driving down the one way I can of my street, I see the men working, the orange cones, and I put on my blinker to show the men I am turning into my drive way. I am traveling about 3 mph, but this man is FREAKING out. I mean waving his flashlight, jumping, waving his hands, freaking out. It reminded me of a scene out of and Austin Powers movie. I turned and the man could finally breathe, but I just had to laugh which turned into tears. I was done. I was exhausted, I didn't have water, and I just had been introduced to First Bank interstate travel. Well, I go in and Wes just laughs at me (and comforts me) and shows me what Trenton came home with....an accident report.

My precious baby boy is sleeping peacefully, but at 9AM on Friday morning, while visiting the toddler room, Trenton busted his lip. Now, I understand it is not life or death, he was fine, and he more than likely did it to himself, but they didn't call me. I could not run and comfort my baby, I couldn't fix it. Now, Trenton has been through surgery, procedure, been poked and prodded, but for some reason, his busted lip sends me over the edge. I guess because all the other procedures and hospitalizations were to save his life. I could have prevented this, right? No, not really. I know he is fine, but it hurt my heart. I should just be glad we haven't had stitches. By this point in life, Wes had been to the hospital with a busted chin (i think twice). So, I get over that too.

Saturday we get up and go to the Radiothon to raise money for MCG. We have so much fun and we become Miracle Makers! :) I was glad to be able to help raise money for the amazing staff at MCG - they are the ones who saved Trenton's life. After the radiothon, we hit the ground running to get all the Christmas shopping done. The mall isn't busy in the morning, so Wes and I just get as much done as possible. My parents invite us over for chicken noodle soup and birthday cake, so we eat lunch and then leave Trenton with Sir. Wes takes off to do his Christmas shopping for me and Mom and I hit the ground running to finish up my few things. Everyone is tired, but we get home and get ready for Sunday.

Sunday, Trenton is SICK. I go in to get him in the morning and he has those crusted eyes, runny nose, and just cannot breathe. I decide we are not leaving the house. Trenton lounges all afternoon in his jammies. He won't eat, he sleeps all the time. He wakes up just long enough for his MeMe and Pop to visit, then sleeps from 3:30PM to 645 AM! I went in through the night to make sure he is breathing. This morning, he is still sick, but I take him to school - no fever, so I can.

We get to our new room and I am sad. I miss my teachers from infant class. The teachers haven't made him a cubby, they haven't gotten anything ready for him, so I just leave his stuff on the table. I apparently am the only Mom who brings a snack for their child, but I just take it to the fridge. I leave Trenton playing on the floor, but I tell them to call for anything. I leave the room and go back to the infant class. Begging them to check on him. I know Trenton will be fine, but I just have some reservations....he did bust his lip in this room, this room is smaller, and he doesn't have a cubby. I am such a dramatic mother and I realize this and get over it.

So, I am happy for Trenton to finally be crawling - the right way - and he can pull himself up, but do I really have to change the classroom? I will have to put on my big girl pants, and deal, but it was one dramatic weekend at the Ellis house!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

When I started thinking about this blog I got to wondering, when is it no longer appropriate to call your Daddy, Daddy? Well, I came to the conclusion of never. I reached this conclusion after I called Dad this morning on my way to work - when he got on the phone I just yelled "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!" He says, "Hey Booger, whatcha doin?" Now, growing up Dad would call Ansley and I all sorts of nicknames and thankfully, Booger is the less offensive one he called me. Although I did like Scooter, but it was followed with Pooter. So, I am over that.

Well, today is a BIG day for my Daddy. He is 6-0!!! When I asked him what 60 felt like he said the same as 59, but he made it to 60. My Dad's life has been a great life (if you ask me and I think he would agree); however, there are things that I am sure he would have liked to do a little differently. The amazing thing is I don't believe my Dad has any regrets. I am saddened that I never got to know my grandfather or my grandmother, but I am forever grateful to God that I carry a lot of the McRee traits and so does my son, Trenton.

Trenton is another part of my father's 60th. Last night, on their way to church, my parents came over. Dad walks in the room and Trenton lights up! All Daddy has to do is laugh and Trenton thinks it is funny. I cannot tell you how much fun it is to watch my father roll around on the floor with Trenton.

My father has been my rock, he has given me my humor (which not every one appreciates), my love for animals (which not every one appreciates), and part of my desire to be in a helping profession (not banking, my future career as a counselor) - shout out to Mom who also instilled this in me. Thankfully, he did not give me my nose! :) But I will never be able to thank my Dad for everything he has done. Even when he may have been teaching me a lesson through a hard situation, I cannot thank him enough.

Even though Ansley and I are grown, married, and have children, we still call our Daddy the instant we need something. Our parents, not just Dad, are there for us no matter. I guess there is never a time to stop calling your Dad, Daddy.

I think this is a picture of Daddy and me, but it may be Ansley - I think it is me because it wasn't labeled, so Mom was busy when I came along - she had 2 by then.

One of a few family portraits...there are plenty of stories behind Church portriats, but that is for another day.

Sorry Ansley, but I love this picture of Dad and me. This is Father's Day one year.

I had to include one that had all of us facing forward. I have no idea what we are doing here...probably Easter

Of course I had to include one of Daddy and Trenton.

So, Happy Birthday, Daddy! I love you and cannot wait to celebrate you not only for your Birthday but also for all the more birthdays to come!

Precious Baby Brie

This weekend was a tough one for our family and our friends. When Wes and I lived in Columbia we had some dear friends and we were sad to leave them when we moved back home. Well, we have stayed in touch and seen each other (we only live an hour away). They were some of the first to see Trenton - we took a road trip to visit them. When they come through town on their way to Atlanta, they stop and we go to dinner.

Wes and I were SO excited when we found out that they were expecting! Trenton and Brie would be a year apart and we could share so much with them. Well, this Friday I got a call that they had lost precious baby Brie.....12 days before her due date. I was devastated. I immediately cried and called my Mom. I felt so lost, so helpless. I never wake Trenton up, but when I got home from work that day, the second I heard a little cry I ran up and held him. Not the best idea, but selfishly, I needed to do this. I just wanted to hug him and hold him forever.

There are NO words that can comfort someone who has lost a child. I don't know their pain, I don't know what it is like and the common response of "this happened for a reason" just seems so inappropriate. It may have happened for a reason, but they hurt and they grieve and they did NOT deserve this.

I got angry. When Trenton was going through everything there was never a moment I questioned any of it. I didn't blame God, I didn't grieve the typical way. I held on to my hope that Trenton would pull through because this little boy still had a lot to teach me. Sarah and PJ were not allowed that hope. I could not imagine losing a child. It still makes me cry just thinking of their pain.

Wes and I went up to Columbia to Baby Brie's memorial service. It was nice. The preacher was amazing and Sarah and PJ just held each other. The small prayer chapel in the hospital was packed with people who love Sarah and PJ and love Baby Brie. It was a short service, but very appropriate. Wes and I didn't stay long. I just hugged them and said, "There is nothing I can say". It felt foolish coming out of my mouth, but really, I can't fix this for them.

No matter what caused this, it hurts, so I don't know all the details....they really don't matter. Before we left for Columbia I got to thinking how safe Brie is now. She is safe from all this hurt, injustice, and disappointment. Yes, she will miss all the joyful times and her parents and family will forever miss her, but the fact remains that this world is painful. Brie is in a safe place now and as Sarah said, "dancing with Jesus".

We love you Sarah and PJ. Baby Brie, we love you and cannot wait to meet you in Heaven. You were a precious child and you are a gift. I have learned so much from you. I pray for peace and healing for your parents.

Moving On Up!

Our precious Trenton is FINALLY moving up to Toddler I. He was supposed to move up on his birthday, November 1, but it was decided that he needed to be a littel stronger and bigger. See, Trenton is not crawling or walking and he is the skinniest kid in his class, so they didn't want him to get plowed down by the big kids.

Well, this DEVASTATED me! I was so exctied at making this step with him adn then it was not going to be. So, I cried, and cried...I know it was for the best, but this child has been through enough. I eventually realized it was the best for Trenton and just how hard it will be to move up.

On Wednesday we received our Trenton is moving up papers. I was so excited, but immediately sad. Trenton cries now when I leave him and this is a big problem - this separation anxiety started around age 1. Well, he won't cry if his favorite worker, Ms. Mitt is there. I quickly realized that Ms. Mitt won't be there! I won't have my normal ladies to say hello to. It is hard to move up. Trenton will be in great hands in Toddler I, but there is still some sense of bittersweet ending to this. Every procedure, every hospitalization, every cold these amazing ladies have been with him. When other babies were sick, Ms. Mitt would quarantine Trenton because she said he didn't need to be hurt or sick. Not every daycare would go to this length. The days I would run in with all these questions about when to move up, when to stop the bottle, when to take him off baby food, Ms. Mitt would patiently answer me without passing judgment.

Clearly, Trenton (and I) have been truly blessed by an amazing group of ladies that care for him and moving up will be difficult for both of us. However, it is part of life. My precious little man is pushing 22lbs, he is 13 months old, and it is time.

However, once Ms. Mitt heard his kidney was still swollen she was second guessing the moving up. This time, I was able to reassure her that everything will be okay. Funny how the tables turn.

*** Not to mention I save $3 a week. :) ***

Ellis Family Update

So, I am back. It is kind of hush hush, only my devoted followers will know, but I am here. It may not be a ton of blogging, but I am going to try and blog occassionally.



Life since I quit blogging has been fun, but I am going to talk about what most recently changed my life and what Wes and I have planned for the future. Other than the amazing Trenton adventures, Wes and I have made a BIG purchase.....



After over a year of talking about it, we have finally purchased a Dyson! The Dyson has changed my life; however, I was impressed that my floors were not as gross as I anticipated. However, we did just get new carpet. :) Now, this Dyson hurt me since it is a BIG purchase. Wes and I are both fortunate to have great jobs and to have steady income; however, soon that will all change.



I am the crazy person that is going to go part time (during a recession) and then eventually quit in order to finish my masters degree. Maybe I am crazy, but I think it is time I find a job that fits my passion. So, we have decided that since next year we will be living like paupers that we will actually buy each other Christmas presents (dyson not included). Every financial planner out there is gasping at my poor planning, but there comes a time when you just have to have fun. Now, please know that Trenton will still be loved, spoiled, and cared for during my time not working, but Wes and I are eager to spoil each other this Christmas. Another aspect of our poor planning is the fact that the Dyson was not part of Christmas. It was our just because it is 30% off gift.

We also started decorating more for holidays! Trenton is over 1, so it is time. My house is screaming Christmas now.

So, now with a new position, a much more mobile child, 2 classes, and a household to care for, my life is FULL! Another Doctor's appointment today (kidney follow-up) and then it is back to the grind. :)

Sporadic Blogging

I am afraid I may lose many of my followers because I really don't have time to blog anymore. Trenton is getting to be so busy and I am starting school, so it is with some regret that I say I will not be able to blog anymore. We still love all the prayers and support and we are always open to visitors. We are almost done with Trenton's medical problems - we hope- one more procedure and we are done. So, thank you all!

Lots of Love,
The Ellis Family

We Made It!

Thank you all for the prayers. Trenton is still in surgery, but one of the parts I was dreading was him not being able to eat after midnight. Around 930 Trenton woke up, so we fed him and he ATE! 3 pancakes, a thing of yogurt, and 4 oz., then around 1130 he ate a bottle. He did not even start fussing until 1030 AM! We could not be more proud of him. The OR just called and they just started the pyloplasty. Trenton had some vessels that dr. Donohoe had to 'wrestle' with, but trenton is doing well.

Noni & Sir

Yesterday Trenton, Wes, and I went to visit Noni and Sir. They came to our house on Saturday to see all of our new decorations and we went on Sunday to see all they had done to their house. Trenton and Noni decided they were going to read a book. He read a book called "All My Friends Are Dead", but the picture I took of it didn't turn out. The book was hilarious - naturally a Sir book.

Before we left, Trenton decided to get into a little bit of 'trouble'....he is realizing that he can make a mess!

Trenton telling me what they are reading.

Trenton decided he should read it by himself.

Trenton is really trying to stand up and he decided that Sir should help him in that endeavor.

Busy, Busy

Unfortunately, I do not have pictures to post with this blog (as I had planned) because we have been SUPER busy. We have redecorated our kitchen, our half bath, and part of our dining area, the den is next, we celebrated a birthday for Aunt Nana. We started to get Trenton ready for surgery and I have not slept.

There is just something about the fact that this will be Trenton's 8th hospitalization in 10 months of life. Now, if nothing else, it makes me seasoned at packing for the hospital...you would think. The trouble arises in the fact that Trenton is getting older every time I do this. Now I have to pack for a child who may or may not like a certain kind of food depending on the day, but LOVES his pancakes in the morning - I have to find a microwave at MCG. I am also packing food for myself and Wes. I am glad there is a McDonald's there, but I am kind of tired of eating out of a bag. Nothing gourmet, of course, just sandwiches. So, there is plenty to do and still plenty to pack with clothes, pillows, blankets, stuffed animals (for Trenton)...what clothes do I take for him? He will have an incision on his left flank. I know he will be in a gown, but I have to get him home.

Many people will say I am overthinking this, but as a Mom (and not a surgeon) all I have to do is to make sure I am prepared for the hospital stay. I know I can get anything I forget, but I don't leave Trenton's room when I am there. The nurses are great, but they aren't Mom. I am there for every cry, every blood pressure check, every thing they do. So, as Trenton's Mom it is my responsibility to make sure he is well taken care of.

I spent my sleepless hours last night looking at Bible verses about anxiety. I know God is in control and Trenton is in the best surgical hands in Augusta, but there is something about my child being put to sleep for the 6th time? (I think). Even as I type this I realize my flaw in the sentence is the 'but'.

So, please pray not only for me to learn to leave the 'but' out, but more importantly for Trenton and the surgeon and nurses tomorrow. Thank you to all my readers and supporters...I will try to keep you posted tomorrow.

The Ellis Family Goes on Vacation!

Sorry these are not in order - Blogger and I are in the middle of a disagreement.

Trenton is almost as tall as a penguin...he cheated a little & stood on his toes!

Showing Daddy what is in the tank...he would get frustrated because the fish wouldn't sit still!

Next to the HUGE tortoise shell at the aquarium

These are in NO order - we went to the zoo on Monday

Playing in the hotel on Monday Morning...he kept "arguing" with me about keeping the socks on...he won.

Hi, out of order pictures...back at the aquarium on Tuesday - this is for Sir, these are the frogs.

Saturday on the ride up. He is teething something fierce, so he brought his bath time toy with him

Cousins! - Monday Night

After the zoo - he was EXHAUSTED!

After the aquarium...EXHAUSTED again!

A few highlights from our trip to Nashville. Sorry, I am not in the mood to blog, but my readers need something...right?

* Trenton successfully went through 5 bibs and 2 outfits on the first day of travel.

* Trenton has no inside voice - and he will be the loudest as soon as you get to Atlanta and really don't need distractions.

* Wes and I managed to pack EVERYTHING in the Passat and it was amazing

* We went to the zoo & the aquarium...pictures to follow.

* We ended up eating at more chain restaurants than anything. We are those parents that don't want their child to be either a) the only child in the restaurant or b) the LOUDEST child or object in the restaurant

* It took us 7.5 hours to get there and 12 to get home.

* We stopped at outlets on the way home (in Calhoun) and that is where I bought most of my new stuff. 3 pairs of pants and a dress from Ann Taylor for less than $76. :)

* On the way home I realized that for some reason when I paid the Verizon Bill through Bill Pay, Verizon never received it, so I dealt with my freak out moment while driving on the mountain - I will say I never lost service once! :)

* Trenton now plays peekaboo by himself. I am going to try and get the video up

Busy Life of Trenton Ellis

This past weekend Wes played a ball tournament in Sumter, SC. Since Daddy was gone, Trenton and I had a lot of fun playing together and running errands. Wes left out Saturday morning around 5 AM...Trenton and I slept. Once he was up, the day was on! For breakfast Trenton tried a new food

pancakes! To go with his pancakes he had some mixed berry yogurt. He LOVES pancakes - not nearly as much as Baxter. I had many moments where Trenton would hold his hand out trying to feed Baxter and since Trenton had smushed the pancake piece into oblivion, Baxter couldn't find it! Oops! After breakfast, he napped for a spell and then we got ready to run errands. We went to see Sir's new car, and play with Sir...who is not very funny and decided to teach Trenton an early lesson in survival...I asked Dad about shoes for Trenton and dad decided to improvise. Trenton enjoyed the easily accessible teething toy and eventually learned how to remove the cups from his hands and feet. We ran around town a little more and then went home to rest for a busy, busy Sunday!

We went to Aunt Nana's and Uncle Hal's for a Labor Day Pool Party, but before that we got all dressed up to go to church.

Trenton was not so sure about wearing shoes. Last time he wore shoes he didn't even realize they were on his feet...this time, I had taken away a toy, so he had to check them out, but eventually he agreed to wear them....After Church and the pool party we ran a few more errands in an effort to get everything done before Daddy got home. When Trenton found out Daddy was going to be later than planned and he would already be in bed, he thought he should try and rest up to stay up later...
That didn't work, by the end of the day he was pooped! Eventually Daddy came home, but it was not until EARLY Monday morning....all in all, we survived the weekend and we are glad to have daddy home, but more excited to be busy getting ready to go to Nashville next week to visit Shelby for the first time!

New Arrivals All Around!

This blog is for all the changes that are happening in the McRee Family. Yes, I am blogging about my parents because they have more going on than I do. Kind of...

Those of you who know my parents know that change comes a little easier to one of them versus the other. Well, this past week has been FULL of change. Change that has not been prompted by Shelby's arrival, but more motivation has been given since Shelby's arrival. It isn't that they love Shelby more than Trenton - this is NOT nor will it EVER be a sob story about that, but practicality kicks in for Shelby. Shelby makes the 2nd grandchild and she comes with a new set of dilemmas. Ansley and Adam live in Tennessee - a visit means hauling a ton of stuff down; however, if Mom & Dad have a room for Shelby - less stuff. Whereas Trenton lives across the river, so that isn't a long haul. Mom has Trenton's pack & play and planned on using that UNTIL she spent a week at Ansley's and realized they are not the most comfortable thing in the world, so the hunt was on to make a nursery for the grand babies. Mom and Dad found out that at BRU (Babies R Us) you could get 25% off if you traded in an old crib. Well, they have the crib from when we were little girls and it is precious. It holds a lot of memories for Dad and Mom and it was a nice crib, but it is (insert doom and gloom music) a drop down crib. For those of you who don't follow baby recalls - this is HUGE! Well, I was already nervous, but I told Dad (who didn't want to trade ) that we could put the crib together and I would see.

This is Trenton on the 1981 original mattress playing in the old crib. You can't see the big metal springs and hooks sticking out of the side and do not even MENTION the fact that the mattress is so low and nobody could tell me why; however, we would cross that bridge, but...

it is gone!!! Dad was not too thrilled, but the memories will remain while the crib is no longer. This crib even had our teeth marks in it from where Ansley and I gnawed our way out. Not only did we trade the crib and get a new one (and put it together); however, I do not have a picture of the new crib because we had other things to play with...Mom and Dad also bought....

a highchair!!! I have been asking for one of these for a long time, but they were finally ready to commit. ***Side note, it will be housed in the kitchen, but Trenton had to try it out as soon as Wes and Dad had it put together. ***

Clearly, this is a lot of change for one weekend...big purchases all around. Well, for a man that doesn't necessarily embrace change the easiest, my dad has NO trouble with change when it comes to big items (some). So, not to be outdone (joke) by the crib and highchair, Dad went shopping too.

Meet the newest addition to the McRee Family....Nameless #2. We are now on the hunt for a name for the car and for my Mom (to be called by the grand kids). Dad does not have to name cars, but it is a tradition that started a long time ago and continues. I have not met the new child of Melody and Browning, but I am sure it has a ton of bells and whistles and I cannot wait. We were sad to see the Civic go, especially Annie who is not getting any younger and that was her ride around town. Now the pressure is on for her to look as good as her new ride.

Just Call Him Oliver

I am obsessed with anything to do with theater and this morning my precious Trenton was Oliver. The entire morning I kept repeating to myself "Please Sir, I want some more". I was that Mom - the Mom I tried to not be. Here is how the morning played out...

I had a meeting at work at 8:15, so I got up early, got every one ready and was so proud of myself for thinking ahead and packing Trenton's bag last night. I get to daycare, get everything out of his bag and there is NO food. HMMM...I thought I did this last night. So, I tell daycare I will either go get food or call Wes to bring it when someone comes in. I go back to my car to call wes, but uh oh, I forgot my cell phone! So, home I go - I can't take chances that Wes can't do it and Trenton has no food. So, home I go, grab my phone, grab the food, acknowledge the ever so needy dog, and back to daycare I run.

I go in and my poor confused child thinks I am there to pick him up - meltdown ensues. Feeling guilty, I leave my child with the sweet workers and pretend to make him happy with a juice cup. Right, that is what he wanted.

Get in my car, call Wes - he remembers me talking about food, but not actually putting food in his bag. I seriously believe I am going crazy. There is no other explanation. I am a lunatic. I am early, but not prepared...this isn't me!

So, at 8:14 I pull into work - 8:15, still not meeting. 8:30 we get a call, the meeting was changed, but they forgot to tell those involved. Cool.

At least my child has food, I am at work (in one piece) and today is Friday. Whew!

But, I have to post a picture of Trenton - and he is finally starting to sit up!!! Wes sent me this while I was in Nashville. Trenton is at his MeMe and Pop's house and he is such a BIG BOY!

Suntans & Pasty People

I have blogged multiple times about being in a wedding in October. Well, October is an awkward month. It is a beautiful month, fall colors, cooler weather, and Kylene's wedding. However, how does one dress? I am in the process of figuring out outfits for all the events and I am not sure what dictates appropriate dress for a classy function in October. I can always wear something and throw a shrug over it, but I am trying to be the "hot mama" that I am. :)

All clothing aside, last night I decided I would take it upon myself to try and spray tan. I have been to one of those intimidating beds that sucks the life out of you with its cold, intense spray and I left there splotchy as well as emotionally and mentally scarred. So, I told Wes I was going to do it myself. I have never really been bothered by my pasty skin, but apparently Wes has. When we met I was super tan (and skinny) and I have morphed into this super pasty (and not so skinny) person. He still loves me - just reminds me of my tanner days.

So, this experiment was not only to make Wes happy but also to see if I could make myself not look like Casper for the wedding. Last night I took a shower and went to my "well ventilated area" and started spraying. I had a lot of reservations - I know it sticks to knees more because of the dry skin and I know it can be thicker in the areas where you start spraying, so I put a lot of thought into my spraying process.

We went to sleep and I should have woken up super bronze - even and tan. I only sprayed my legs because I don't want to screw up where I cannot cover up. Well, I went to bed dreaming of my new tan and woke up to the reality of my legs.

Clearly I have a lot to learn about the ankle area and the knee area, but minus those GLARING mistakes, I am overall pleased with the color. If I can master the technique I will be doing well; however, I am just glad that the wedding is not about me at all and it is still over a month away!

Are you there God, It's Me Sara

I know most of you have to remember Judy Blume's book Are You There God, It's Me Margaret. I remember that book from when I was in Middle School. That book helps adolescent girls in so many ways - I mean, that time of life is hard, awkward, demanding, confusing, the list could go on.

Well, I am 26 now and I have made it through all (ha! most) of the issues related to adolescence, but I am waiting on the next installment of Judy Blume's book. Is there a novel about making it through your first few years of marriage, your first baby, and dealing with the pressures of school, work, and the economy? Or maybe Mrs. Blume doesn't know how to best deal with the reality of life outside of middle school. I am not insulting her, but it is hard to write a book that is able to relate to many different personalities during the 'transitional' time in your life.

I am not saying this as a woe is me, I deserve so much more type of blog - it is more of a when did life become so real blog. See, this all started when I decided I wanted to be a stay at home mom; however, that isn't possible, so I work. Now, Wes works super hard and I am not slighting him in the least, but if I could be a full time student/SAHM I would be set. I would still graduate and search for a job, but I would love to be with Trenton.

This weekend did teach me one huge lesson (besides I want to be a SAHM) and that was to just let it go. This SAHM thing is great, but I can't worry about it, it isn't up to me. In talking to Wes yesterday I told him that being in Nashville and seeing how much joy was in the room and how happy every one was - I decided I would quit worrying. We are not destitute, we are not struggling, we are doing well. We have jobs, we have a healthy (for the most part) child - with the best attitude ever and I am the Mom to a great child and a wife to a wonderful husband.

My new outlook is to not worry - or at least try, but how hard is it to let go of everything? To truly trust God to know what is best. If it is in the cards for me, I will be a stay at home mom, but maybe not. I do not know what the future holds, but I know I am missing out on life by worrying all the time and trying to be in control, so hold me accountable. I will slip and I will fall, but I am going to do my best to stay on track and focus on my family and the things that matter most. Everything else will fall into place.

In the meantime, if you read my blog Judy Blume, I am still waiting for the sequel to your classic book. Maybe it is out there and I know nothing of it - help a girl out!

Sweet Shelby

I am not going to post a lot about the weekend because this is Ansley's story to tell. But, I am one excited Aunt. :) She is a beautiful baby girl and I will be back up there in 3 weeks, so I will have more pictures then. Love you, Shelby!