Merry Christmas!

Yes, finally we are out of school! Why is it when you have two weeks off from work, you still wake up at 6 a.m. and can't go back to sleep to save your life? I will guarantee by the end of next week I will be sleeping late, only to realize I have to start waking again early on the 7th.

Last night I started wrapping presents at 4 p.m. took an hour dinner break and didn't get finished until 11:45 p.m. Omg I was so tired of wrapping! Sam my wonderful, wonderful, husband tried to help me but only ended up confusing me. I had everything separated and was wrapping my little heart out when he came in to find out what Santa was bringing and what we were giving. Then the confusion began switching this gift here that one there, my head started spinning. Counting presents to make sure everyone had the right amount and right ones. Usually I am pretty good with sticking to my list of what to get the kids so I don't overspend or overspoil. Unfortunately, last weekend in the mountains, me and Sam went shopping alone to pick up last minute gifts, which turned into another shopping spree. Why do they put everything cute for girls right in the front of the store? Our cart was full and we weren't even in the door yet. Then you find something that one girl would love, so then you gotta go find something for the other two girls. Needless to say, our girls have way too much and Steven was way too expensive. I try really hard to be one of those responsible parents who buy reasonable gifts. Not sure if I achieved that this year. Christmas morning, when four kids wake up to see everything, the smiles on the faces will be well worth it.

We are trying to stay in our Holiday spirit mode for the children, but it's a little hard when both sides of our family have some tragic news this week. Sam's Aunt Lois has been sent home from the hospital with the sad news that there is nothing more they can do, so my in-laws left town Wednesday night heading to California. Our first family Christmas in Georgia will be spent missing them. Then on my side of the family, my Uncle David was hit in the head with 1000 lbs of steel at his job and has a serious brain trauma. The good news he is home but it could months or even years to fully heal from this injury. So if you will, keep our families in your prayers.

On a lighter note I want to take the time to wish everyone and their families a very Merry Christmas!  May all your holiday wishes come true. Don't let the craziness and madness of the holidays get you down. As Jessica would say, don't forget it's Jesus's Birthday too! Yes, there will be a birthday cake for Jesus, compliments of Jessica and Jewel.

Merry Christmas to ALL

FINALLY A FREE WEEKEND!

For the last 20 months our weekends have been spilt between Sage and my parents. See, before I moved here I lived with my parents for six years. It totally worked for us. I was a single mom of three and needed help taking care of the kids while I worked crazy hours. It also helped that my parents are my best friends. I know it sounds unimaginable but it’s very true. We all loved living together in a big house and working together to raise what my mom and I like to refer to as “OUR KIDS”. So when we moved to Georgia it was very difficult getting used to not seeing them every day so we made a pact…to help the kids get used to being away from their grandparents, we promised them that on weekends we don’t have Sage we would go to Maggie Valley. I told my mom it was like her having visitation of us. We have been very faithful about going every two weeks, I feel after all they did for us while I was a single mom, I owe my parents, my kids and myself, to visit them every other weekend. Now Sam and I have fallen in love with their place up there. We all look forward to our visits.  It’s almost like a mini-vacation

Back to the free weekend. My parents spent Thanksgiving with us and stayed through the week. I told the kids we were going to stay home this weekend since Grandma and Pop just left last Sunday.  Of course they yelled we don’t have Sage, we always go when we don’t have her. I said yeah but won’t it be nice to stay home sleep in on Saturday and just have a lazy weekend. So now they are thinking of a million things we could do, places we could go. I’m pretty sure the FREE WEEKEND is gone!  I am sure my husband has plans for the both of us after the kids are asleep. Then the laundry will be sitting there screaming WASH ME! The floors could use a shampoo. The hall closet needs to be cleaned since my husband threw all the empty Christmas boxes in there after we decorated. Then I need to write out Christmas cards, wrap presents, and put the garland and lights around the balcony. Of course, the kids will want to have three meals plus a snack. Mama/Wife’s work is never done. It’s a 24/7 job. I paid my dues for six years as a single mom. I give all single moms the praise! I am very lucky to have found a wonderful man like Sam. He’s can wash laundry, cook, vacuum, sweep, mop, clean bathrooms, fix computers, do homework, make beds, be my best friend, lover, provider, strength. Now only if I can get him to do windows?

Goodbye free weekend!. Hello to what makes my world go around, makes my life complete, and makes me happy inside and out: my beautiful kids and wonderful husband. I will take that any day over a free weekend!!

TIME TO MAKE THE DONUTS

Remember the commercial of the old man getting up early in the morning saying time to make the doughnuts? Think it was Dunkin Donuts, not sure though. Anyway, that’s it what it felt like Friday morning when the alarm went off at 2:30 a.m.  Sam and I did our “Breakfast with Santa” thing Friday morning, which means spending all day Thursday looking through sales papers, going over Christmas list from all four children.  I must add we really have great children who didn’t really ask for outrageous things. Steven wants a PSP, Jewel anything Tinkerbell, Jessica a scooter, Sage a pink Nintendo DS Lite, plus a bag of Dove candy. Once we had the kids’ lists and our list of gifts and stores in line we were all set for “Breakfast with Santa”.  See, on Friday after Thanksgiving our kids have been told we go eat breakfast with Santa, walk around the stores and show him what every kid wants and then give Santa some money to help pay for the toys, feed the elves, and reindeer food of course.

So 2:30 a.m. beep...beep…beep……….Quick shower, sales papers in hand, off to our first stop. JC Penney opened at 4 a.m. and had what I wanted!  Hey, I deserve a little something for getting up that early.  They had my George Foreman grill on sale.  At 3:30 a.m. I dropped Sam off at Target to wait in line for their 6 a.m. opening.  I went to the 4 a.m. opening at JC Penney and was out of there at 4:05 and off to Toys R Us for a 5 a.m. opening.  Got everything there and was out at 5:45 only to rush back to Target to meet Sam who was like 10^th in a line of 200.  All of a sudden the doors open and what a rush. Everyone took off running and I was cheering Sam on. Go baby, run baby, there will be a reward for you tonight if you get there quickly.  By 7 a.m. we had been to JC Penney, Toys R Us, Target and Old Navy.  Finally it was breakfast time--off to Chick Fil A for food and to strategize. Then off to Best Buy and back to Target. We got home around 11:45 a.m. dragging like you wouldn’t believe.

While waiting in line at 4:00 in the morning you meet some strange people, like the girls who just left a club and came to JC Penney just to get a free snow globe. They were probably having the most fun. There was the 50ish man who came from Dawsonville to buy a Christmas tree. Toys R Us was no different: a young couple behind me were in line for a Wii for his 65 year old parents who are addicted to his game. Then on the inside was a lawyer who was getting the Wii for his son.  The funniest part was he was arguing with his wife that they could afford a Wii off sale so what in the hell are we doing here at 5 a.m. I talked with a more reasonable mom who was just trying to give her children and get Christmas and not remortgage her home in the process. I told here we are both guaranteed a room with a view at the nursing home after standing in line for Hannah Montana.

All in all it was well worth the 2:30 a.m. wake up. I know we are going to have a lot of smiling faces on Christmas morning. We have maybe four more things to get and we are totally done shopping and it’s not even December yet!

" Dancing with the Stars"

Our little Jessica is trying out for the Dance Team at her school this week.  She is attending a 3 -day clinic to learn a routine, which will determine if she makes it or not. I picked her up at 4 yesterday and I can still hear her in my head 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 and 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 and 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 and bow! I went to bed counting, woke up counting and I am sure the rest of my day will be counting. She is so excited about dancing. 28 girls are trying out for the team, 20 will make it, 5 will be stand by's and 3 will go home. I am like praying please let her make it. I wonder if we could call the dance team teachers and place a vote for her, just like dancing with the stars! So everyone call 1-800 Dunwoody Springs Charter School and vote for Jessica Shirey.

 

 

In other news our twins turned 10 last week. When they were born I didn't want to dress them alike cause I wanted them to be individual little girls. But of course that changed when my mom decided  to buy everything the same. Then I got hooked on it and every since they have the same clothes, shoes, coats, socks, panties. I always felt guilty if one girl didn't have the same as the other girl. Almost like I was cheating one twin out of something.  Well we went birthday shopping for a new outfit like we do every year. New clothes and shoes to start their birthday right. Jessica runs to these cute little pink cowgirl boots. Jewel runs to these high heels that she would never be able to walk in . When I suggested the cowgirl boots Jewel flipped. She said "LIKE I WOULD EVER WEAR THOSE!" I had to realize I no longer have twins. I have Jessica who will forever be my little baby. Jewel who is too independent until she has a nightmare. Needless to say I gave in and Jessica got cowgirl boots and Jewel got suede boots with a tiny heel. I can't believe my babies are 10. Sam and I talked of having a baby but  I think we have come to the conclusion 4 kids, 1 dog, 2 jobs are enough for us now. Then we have several adoptee from the neighborhood and all my kids at school.

It's Foos Ball again

Our blog friend "The Rake" makes me feel so guilty for not writing in my blog that I dedicate this entry to him. He is so faithful with sharing wonderful adventures with "The Rake and Family". I am a terrible blog writer. When I was a stay at home mom I drove people crazy with e-mail of my wonderful husband and family. Now the job, school, kids, dinner, laundry, the dog, my husband take precedence over blog writing. But today I dare to write once again about Foos Ball in fear of getting some hateful e-mail from another woman who tells me to go paint my nails.

 

I am so into the fantasy football league my husband has. They have this cool website that I actually visit and scream at if we are not winning. So far this Sandy Springs FFC is 3-0 and has won the most point scored 2 out of the 3 weeks. So now on Sunday I am watching a game trying to keep up with which of our players have scored and if not I am dialing 411 to get Tom Brady's cell number so I can see what the problem is. Today not looking so hot for us yet.  Our line up consist of

 

Cousin Tom Brady

In-law Adrian Peterson ( in law cause he didn't score for us today)

Brother Leon Washington ( who gave us 6 points)

Uncle Plaxico Burress

4th cousin Wes Welker ( who is going to be kicked out of our family if he don't start scoring soon)

2nd cousin Algae Crumpler ( who didn't score today)

My Great Aunts, cousins brother baby boy Neil Rackers ( 2nd quarter and nothing??????? WHY??????)

 

Told my husband he should have started my favorite brother Ryan Longwell who scored 10 points today. Men! Can't tell them anything when it comes to football.

 

Life is great for us so far this school year. Jewel is playing the flute, Jessica on clarinet, Steven on drums, Sam and I are on Tylenol most of the time. Grades are looking good so far. Homework getting done with the help of threatening to kill or worse yet take their bedtime snack away.

 

Sam is great and wonderful as usual in spite of the fact he just turned 38 last Saturday. I tell him he is still handsome to me even if his beard is getting whiter than Santa Claus.

 

Thanks Rake for making me feel guilty for not writing in my blog. I forgot how much fun this is.

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July everyone!  Life in Georgia is great these days! We are doing a little remodeling in the house. Sam and Bill (Sam's brother) along with Steven helped install French doors leading out to our back deck.  I love those doors. I have been wanting them since the day I moved here. I'd rather park in the back lot any day, so this way I can actually use the back doors. But of course now I want to paint the dining room, put some hardwood floors down, add new blinds, once you start you never can turn back. I have the FEVER -- the REMODELING FEVER! So any volunteers call 1-800- donate to the Brady fund!

 

With the big firework day here the kids are asking where we are going? So tonight, after being lazy and playing Scrabble with Sam on the computer we began to discuss what to do. Then it hit me light a lighting bolt, or should I say a bingo. I used all my letters on my rack which entitled me to a bingo which comes with fireworks and real sound effects. I told Sam that was it! We could play Scrabble tomorrow night and every time we get a bingo we will call the kids in and say Happy 4th of July. Think about it: no crowds, no traffic jams, no kids saying I am tired. But of course we are good parents and will most likely be spending the day at Stone Mountain or the pool. But it was a great idea you must admit.

 

In sad news, in the last 2 weeks our family has suffered the loss of three our loved ones. My Great Aunt Grace passed away on my birthday. My second cousin Dean passed away this past Sunday. My sister's dog Skip Pookie Fritz passed away the day before my birthday. Then I got the news that 2 of my friends in New Jersey passed away in the same week. I told my mom I love her but please don't call me for a while. If you will, say a prayer for my Aunt Reba who buried who sister last Friday and must now bury her son on thursday.

 

In times like this it just makes you very thankful for your family and friends. I have said it before, we tend to get so busy with the worldly things we forget the most important. So if you guys don't know by now. I LOVE YOU! I appreciate each and every one of you. You're in my heart, thoughts, and prayers daily. Now start writing me back or else I will start talking about each of you in my next e-mail! LOL!!!!

BE VERY VERY AFRAID!!!!!!!

IAM BACCCCCCCCCCCCCCCK!  It's been a while since I have written. I bet you all have missed me!! With work, family, house, dog, where do you find the time to write. I usually think about sending out an e-mail when I am laying on the couch at 10p.m. trying to keep my eyes open and praying that I make it to the bedroom before falling asleep. But not to worry I am off for the summer and I can write y'all all the time!!

 

So let's play catch up for a while. Good news on the family front. Steven passed his grade and will be heading to OMG!! 7th grade. Where is my little boy who wanted to grow up an be a firetruck. Yes he wanted to be a firetruck since he was 2. We saw a 4th of July parade and for years after that he decided he wanted to grow up and be a firetruck because they were big and made cools sounds. Now he is talking college and army. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! My baby is growing up. Then  the twins passed there grade and are heading to 4th. Then I had to buy them training bra's! Here I am standing in Wal-Mart buying bras for my 9 year olds and crying my heart out. They are too young for boobs. I still want to buy them pajamas with the feet that you zip up in the front. Then little Sage who looks like she is still preschool age because she is so tiny, is going to 1st grade. Okay I remember when I first met Sam she was only 6 months old. What did they feed her Miracle Grow? Then again my birthday is Sunday and I will be 39. I called mama the other day and asked her if she was sure I was born in 1968. She said yes, WHY? I was hoping it was really 1978, hey at least I tried.

 

The most exciting news is we went to DISNEY WORLD!!!! OMG!! What a blast we had. Sam's parents graciously let us have their time share condo for a week. Thanks Mom and Dad we loved it. We bought a 7 day pass which included 7 days at any Disney park with an additional 6 days at there water parks too. We knew we couldn't do it all in one week but have decided to spread it over several future vacation. We got no expire tickets so they are good forever. We did 2 days at Magic Kingdom and 1 day at a water park.  The rest of the days were relaxing days by the pool. It was amazing to see the look on the kids faces when we arrived. My kids were the only ones who had never been. Sam, Sage and me had all been before. We rode every ride possible and the kids and I managed to ride the Buzz lightyear one 3 times in a row. That seems to have been our favorite. We meet characters in private, we bought to many souvenirs, we did the hokey pokey in the middle of the street in downtown Disney. We laughed, complained it was too hot or lines were to long at times, we spent our time in lines singing or doing cheers or just entertaining other guest. We even cried, okay Sam and Darlene cried. We were just amazed at the kids and being Disney world and see MICKEY MOUSE!!! Something about that mouse that sends chills up my spine. You here all the time what a magical place it is. Until you go there with your kids and see their smiles and eyes light up when they see their favorite character, that's when you understand MAGICAL! As soon as we walked through the gates and laid our eyes on Cinderella castle the magic began. The greatest thing is we will never forget that first glance into Disney and even now writing about it brings back that  MAGICAL feeling.

 

 

Can you believe it's been a year!!!!

OMG!!! Can you believe we have been married 1 year as of yesterday. Some days it seems like only weeks since we were first married and then other days seems like we been together for years. We are still snuggling and kissing and sharing our every thought good or bad ones. It's amazing how far our ready made family came this year. First my children had to get use to a new school, new home, and new family. Sam's daughter had to get use to sharing her dad and her room with 3 other kids. I am happy to report everyone has survived the first year.  We have truly came together as one big family. Steven has adjusted to middle school and is making new friends and loves Georgia. The twins have grown so much in the last year that even you would be amazed at what little ladies we have now. Sage has adjusted to sharing her dad and home. Just the other week while fussing with Steven to let her in the bedroom she informed him in her little bossy voice IT WAS MY ROOM BEFORE YOU EVER CAME HERE! Right then and there we knew we had officially became a family. Sam and I are still very much in love with each other and experiencing wonderful things together.

 

So of course you know Sam had to totally spoil me this weekend. Our celebration began on Friday night when Sam and I went to the Gaither and Friends Concert. OMG!!!! The best concert I have ever been to. Sam who is not quite into gospel music as I am really enjoyed himself. We ended up with 5 cd's and 3 DVD's, Sam asked if he could take the cd's to work today. I was so excited to see all of these wonderful people I had only heard and seen on T.V. Then I got to see the excitement in Sam's eyes and what a great time we had.

 

Then Saturday night we celebrated with Sam's parents, brother and his wife and children. We went to Everybody's for dinner to celebrate Liz's birthday, our anniversary and the birth of the newest Brady. Jackson Tyler Brady who looks just like his Aunt Darlene.

 

Then finally to end the celebration on Sunday we took the  children out to lunch and then off to the park to launch a few balloons in memory of our special day. For those of you who attending the wedding you will remember after the ceremony we went to the Lake Junaluska and every let go of a white balloon to remember our day. So off to the park everyone with a balloon to mark our 1 year as a family. I can't wait to let 2 balloons go next year. 

 

 

 Hope everyone is doing well. Sorry haven't written alot lately with work, kids, husband, time slips away from you everyday. But your in our thoughts and prayers daily. We love all of you.

 

Darlene and Family

Little Gracie

Our little Gracie was spayed on Friday. This was her first time away from us since we got her. OMG!!!! It was terrible! I never thought in my life I would be so attached to an animal. It's just like having another child. Sam took her to the vet on Friday morning, Lord knows I couldn't have done it. I probably would have ended up in the same cage and refusing to go home. I sent her a shoulder bag with her name on it--GRACIE BRADY.  It had her Dora blanket and her rabbit who has no face, her favorite Iams food and some puppy chow she loves, plus a list of questions for Sam to ask the Vet. You know, basic questions: how long the surgery wuill take, will you call us, can we call and check on her, will anyone spend the night with her--just typical motherly questions. Of course I cried when I left for work. I knew she would be okay, but it's still my baby. I don't think it really hit me until bedtime, when there wasn't a little wet-nosed dog laying between me and Sam. All I could think about is my baby in a cage (when she had never been in one before)--cold, lonely, starving, no one to love her.

 

The next morning we called as soon as they opened. They said we could pick her up at 10:00 a.m. So off we go to get Gracie. The whole family went. I think we scared the receptionist when we walked in the door. Sam, Sage, Steven, Jewel, Jessica and myself go marching in to pick up an 11 pound puppy. They got nervous and called for Gracie right away. Sage sat down and began to watch cartoons. The rest of us stood anxiously at the door waiting for the smallest peek of her face. Here she came, tail wagging out of control, licking, and whining for us. The doc said keep her calm and don't let her run, jump, or play too much. I was like, remember Gracie is daschund/ Jack Russell. Don't think that will happen.

 

Our baby is home happy. She's a little slower than usual but I am sure after a couple pain pills she won't care what she does. It still amazes me about the pain medicine they give dogs. I hope she doesn't get addicted to them. Wonder if they have rehab for dogs coming off painkillers. Hey, she's been on them since the tail incident . Who knows, she might meet Britney Spears or Lindsay Lohan in rehab. HA HA!

 

It could happen.

 

Take care until next time!

 

LOVE

Darlene

Happy Early Valentine!!!!

OMG!!!! Guess what my wonderful husband got me as an early Valentine's present???? Well, I have to tell you about last year's Valentine's present first. I was still in NC and we were only 2 months from being married. Sam told me he had me something for Valentine's Day. Well, me being the biggest kid I kept asking him what it was. Only thing he would tell me was it was green and not money. I had everyone at work trying to figure out what in the heck was green and not cash??? Finally he came for a visit the weekend before V-Day and surprised me with Martina McBride tickets! So the weekend after our wedding I got to see Martina!

 

So on Wednesday while Sam was picking up our free tickets at Gwinnett Center for the Gladiators, guess what else he got??????? YES, IT'S GREEN!!!! IT'S NOT MONEY!!!! I got tickets to see THE GAITHERS HOMECOMING!!!!!!  April 13th, 2 days before our 1 year anniversary I will be seeing some of the greatest gospel singers ever. I am so excitied! I couldn't believe who would be there with them.

 

Jeff and Sherri Easter

Gaither Vocal Band

Ernie Haase and Signature Sound

Gordon Mote

Ivan Parker

Lynda Parker

Ben Speer

 

These are some of my favorite people in gospel music. Just the other night we saw Ernie Haase and Signature Sound on T.V. and I was like, I want to see them in person. This group is like the Tempations of Gospel Music, the way they dance around the stage. My grandmother would say the are not Christian because of the dancing. She is an old-fashioned Church of God woman. But I love them and I get to see them!!! YAY YAY YAY YAY

 

Thank you to my wonderful husband who is making all my dreams and wishes come true.I love you with all my heart and soul. You're my best friend, my security blanket, my partner; you're everything I ever hoped for, I LOVE YOU! First the Gaithers in April, then Disney in May, and your love 24 hours a day. What more could a girl want???

 

HMMMM I wonder if he was feeling a little guilty for all the hockey games we have been attending lately? Ha Ha

 

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!!!

 

Poor Little Gracie

Yesterday while spring cleaning all the girls' stuffed animals, someone accidentally stepped on Little Gracie's tail. Of course she yelped in pain and hid behind me. Later in the night, every time you touched her tail she would yelp. So of course our little baby had to go to the vet.

 

When you go to the vet it's like taking your children to the doctor. You wait in the waiting room with all the other little doggies and parents. Then there is the small talk: how old is your dog? what breed? is she potty trained? what park do you play in with your dog? omg have you tried the new all veggie doggie biscuits? I am serious this really does happen, along with all the vet techs coming over in their baby voices saying "aren't you the prettiest little doggie ever".

 

After all that we went in to see the nurse. He took Gracie's vitals, he even took her temperature rectally!  (EWWW)

Come to find out, Gracie had a temp of 103.8. I almost passed out! Then he said we are going to have to shave her tail! WHAT??????? Then x-rays were to follow only to find out Gracie has a torn ligament in her tail. Now she has an antibiotic, pain pill, and an anti-inflammatory pill. Thank GOD she will be okay in a few days. Until then she will be spoiled rotten just like all our other children are when they are sick.

 

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! Life is off and running very fast this year. We have had so much excitement since Decemeber, I am now just catching my breath. Jessica had to have her tonsils removed Dec.12th. OMG!! What an experience! She did really well with surgery. I was 24 when I had mine removed and I can't imagine being 9 and going through the surgery. The old wives' tale about you get to eat all the ice cream you want--NOT!!!!! We were lucky to get her to drink 2 ounces of water. All is better now. We are just trying to get back to normal life. If there is such a thing.

 

Seems like we have been celebrating birthdays for a year now. The twins turned 9 on the 6th of November. Steven turned 12 on the 10th of Jan. and Sage (Sam's daughter) turned 6 on the 19th. We celebrated last night with family and friends. Everyone had a wonderful time. We had 6 kids here and all of them spent the night. I couldn't believe that 6 kids could be quiter than 3 kids. OMG!!! I really didn't know Steven and his friend Courtney (boy) were here half the time. Thank you Xbox!!! Sage, Jewel, Jessica and Mia were into the Littlest Pet Shop.  Today with 6 kids in the house on a rainy day, I managed to get a 1 hour nap on the couch! It's really making us wonder if we need more kids??????? Just kidding!

 

Tomorrow we are back to reality: work, school, homework, picking up kids, dinner, telling my husband I love him at least 456,234 times a day. Weekends I bump it up a little more since I see him all day, at least to 89,345,234,561 times.

 

Take care until next time.

 

love

Darlene Brady