I am back with lots of juicy gossip......

OMG! It's been so long since I have written. We have been so busy with the Christmas program at our church since October that there has been no time to write. Sam is going to write about our singing debut. The kids all had great parts in the Christmas play called A Jamaican Christmas. Steven had leading role as a wannabe pirate. Jewel was the one who hated everything dirty and even came out on stage spraying air freshener and constantly washing her hands with sanitizer. Jessica was the new kid in Jamaica. Sage was one of the islander children who got the best line in the play according to all the kids: "My mask was of a wise mon." All three girls had a singing solo in the play and did a wonderful job. Lots of supporters were there. Thank you Grandmama, Grandaddy, Uncle Bill, Aunt Liz, Mia, Jackson and Priscilla (from my work). It was a fun night for all.

Then off we went to Fayetteville North Carolina to spend Christmas with my family. OMG! We travel to Maggie Valley, N.C. every other weekend and it only takes us about three hours. When we go what we call "all the way home" it takes more than six hours. We were some tired folks Sunday night when we got back home to Georgia. But what a wonderful time we had with my brother Edward and his wife Emily. Thank you for letting us stay with you guys. We got to spend Christmas Eve with my grandmother or GRANNY (she hates when I call her that). Granny is half deaf and we love to tease her and have fun with her. She is a great sport. Then my cousin Melissa was there. The twins call her PRETTY WOMAN. Needless to say Sam got to see what the real Darlene was like. A lot of clowning around, old stories, and some tears from laughing so hard. It is always nice to go back home and see family. After five days we were off to South Carolina for a day so the kids could spend time with their dad. He was working a lot over the holiday and had just one day to spend but we took advantage and Sam and I stayed in a hotel while the kids got to have a sleepover with their Dad. Sam, Gracie and I got a hotel and had some quite time.

I must talk about the EX's for a moment. Why do people just assume that because Andy is my ex-husband that Sam hates him. Or the same goes for Sam's ex girlfriend and the mother of his child. Am I supposed to not like her? The day I got my divorce the past was in the past and that is where I want it to stay. Sam finally got to meet Andy for the first time and you would be amazed how excited the kids are that Sam and Daddy got along. Yes, Sam knows the whole story of Andy's and my past but that is where it is. They talked, shook hands, and everything was fine. Steven was so surprised that they talked. He is still talking about it. As far as Sam's ex goes, I actually had a couple of chances to talk to her over the holidays and enjoyed our talks. Why have any hard feelings toward her. It's not about us, it's about Sage. Because there are children involved on both sides anger, hate, and dislike can't be part of our world. Because no matter what we are tied together for the rest of our lives because of our children. But everyone expects you to just hate an EX because they are an EX!!!! It's amazing how much pressure is put on children when there are ex's involved. My kids were always afraid to have their Dad meet Sam and now they are so excited that he did. Steven is already thinking maybe their dad can come to Georgia for a visit and go a Braves game. But remember, it's a visit, not to stay..........we are ex's for a reason........LOL!!!!!!

So on to fun stuff. Today was 75 cent day at the theater and we went to see Beverly Hills Chihuahua and it was so cute and funny. All the kids got $50.00 from Grandmama and Grandaddy plus college fund money and a gift card to Barnes and Noble. Uncle Bill and Aunt Liz came through with Walmart cards so of course we were off to shop after that. Our rule is the kids must spend a portion of their money on clothing or shoes then the rest on whatever they would like. Needless to say everyone was shopped out and ready to go home when I overheard a Sales Associate say we have to mark all these down to $1.00. Well of course I heard that from two aisles over and had to check it out. They were marking down these cool pj pants (they light up!) from $10.00 to $1.00 dollar. The shirts were marked down from $8.00 to $1.00. Yes! $1.00, 4 quarters, 10 dimes, 20 nickels, 100 pennies. If anyone knows me they know I love a bargain so off we went to search for pj's for the girls. Thank you Walmart! Mom and Dad I will send you a detailed list of what the kids all got. It was unbelievable.

It's official. I am back and will start posting more on the life of The Brady, Shirey, and Law Family. We are off to Maggie Valley after New Years for a couple of days. In case I don't get back, Happy New Year to all....................... Til next time, God is love.

Mother-Daughter Banquet

Our church had a mother-daughter banquet Saturday which turned out to be a great night for the entire family. The banquet was for prayer moms and their prayer daughters. My prayer daughter is a beautiful young teenager named Melissa. Over the next year it is my responsibility to pray, listen, guide and be there for Melissa. It's a great program to get all our women and young ladies involved with one another. Jewel's prayer mom is the pastor's wife Ms. Marilyn, Jessica's prayer mom is Ms. Bev, Sage's prayer mom is Ms. Debbie who is the wife of the pastor's son and also has a daughter Sage's age.

Most of these prayer moms send a little card to their prayer daughters saying I am thinking of you, or a small gift just to say I am here if you need me. Most give a word of encouragement every time they see them at church. It's not like we hover over them screaming religion in their ears. We're just letting them know someone else is thinking of them daily and cares about them.

So anyway, the evening started off with a few songs, and a couple of guest speakers. Our own Ms. Bev spoke of being a cancer survior three times, and is fighting another round of cancer, in her liver this time. What a powerful message she gave us. She encouraged us to stay strong in our faith and never give up. Then a guest speaker named Charlon shared with us her times as a Youth Pastor and how we need to keep our children close to God and in church.

As a mom of three kids I get so excited when I see my son on the platform playing drums, or my girls singing in front of the entire church. I have a 13 year son that can't wait to go back to church. I used to think it was because of friends. Recently though I asked him what the pastor talked about and he told me things I did not hear myself and he understood the message. The world is so crazy and has too many bad things to offer our children. I thank God daily that my children want to be at church. I thank God for the wonderful youth program that Alpharetta Church of God has. Thank you Lynn and Brad Anglin for giving so much of yourself to our children.

After our short program we were off to eat a wonderful dinner by candlelight in the fellowship hall. Then a few games and lots of gifts for our prayer daughters and door prizes for everyone. I have to tell you one game we played was to dress up one person in our group with materials given to you in a bag. After everyone taped, toilet papered, stuck, tied beads and cotton balls all over my neighbor Sabrina, she had to walk the runway. Needless to say Ms. Sabrina won the prize of most beautiful. All in all we had a great time. I can't wait till the next banquet.

Till next time GOD IS LOVE!

Happy Birthday Baby!

Today is my husband's 39th birthday! Why is it the older we get the less of a birthday we actually get. Think about it: your first birthday everybody and their cousins are there to help you celebrate. Then each year thereafter your birthday seems to go up and down depending on the age and milestone of the age. But by 21 you're like, okay I am legal to drink and now what? Today Sam's birthday was filled with work and dinner out only to rush back home to get everyone in bed on time.

While driving to dinner we had to hear all about Jessica's first day as a camera woman for her school's morning news. Jewel's telling us all about why she is supposed to be in charge at the bus stop in the morning. Steven and his so called girlfriend (a whole 'nother blog entry). I was complaining about my keys that we still can't find. Sam was telling all about his Mountain Dew birthday cake a lady at his office made for him. Then at dinner more of our daily catch up talk and now back home. Sam's birthday is almost over and very little was about him. So I am taking a few minutes to let him know it is all about him everyday.

To my wonderful husband. I don't need a special day to tell you how much I love you and appreciate everything you do for our family. I know our world gets so crazy and upside down trying to keep up with work, school, kids, and church. I am so glad you are here to share with me all the joys, headaches, heartaches, and laughter. Even when you can't make a decision about where to eat or forget to take the trash out I would never trade a minute with you. I think of you often throughout the day wishing I could be with you. Even when you wake me up from a sound sleep, you know the kind where my mouth is open and I am snoring, I still love you. I look at you and I feel the same way I did the first day I laid eyes on you 7 1/2 years ago. In love and determined to make you the happiest man on earth. I love you Baby.

Okay everyone I know enough is enough. You're probably getting nauseous just reading this! But when you have something wonderful in your life you need to shout it from the rooftops! Since I am scared of heights....... from the dining room in our house.....

SAMUEL LEROY BRADY III I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART

Happy 39th Birthday my sexy husband with the cute butt......

God Answers Prayer!

As many of you know Sam was laid off from his job back in May. After 3 months of looking, hoping, and praying our prayers were answered today. Sam has a new job with what seems to be a great company with great benefits. He is so excitied! Our church has been praying with us over the weekend about his interview on Tuesday. The new job is with ZC Sterling in Marietta. Sam orginally interviewed last Thursday for one position, then on Friday had a call back to interview for a different position with the same company on Tuesday. Sam was very interested in this job and really wanted it, so we asked our church to pray and GOD answered our prayers today. Tuesday afternoon he received another offer from a different company, but today he accepted with ZC Sterling. His offical start date is Sept. 2nd.

We just wanted to THANK all of you who gave us encouragment, love, understanding and who prayed for our family during the past couple months. We love you and appreciate all of you. Not only are we thankful for this job but are also very thankful for wonderful family and friends like you.

As life gets back to normal for us we are opening a whole new chapter to our family. The children are really getting involved with our church. Steven went on a camping and rafting trip last weekend and couldn't wait to go back to church tonight. Jewel and Jessica are loving boys and girls club. Sam and I are making some new friends in church. Sage likes Sunday mornings just to see how many people will call her Paprika. All in all life is going great for the Brady Bunch once again, great family, wonderful husband, church and good friends.

Till next time GOD IS LOVE

Summer is offically over for me

Tommorow I head back to work! YEAH! YEAH! Part of me can't believe summer is already gone but then part of me is so glad I get to go back to a job with all my friends and my best friend THE PAYCHECK!!!!! Don't get too excited. I am only working from 7 till about noon tomorrow. Monday is our first full week of work. There are pros and cons of working and school starting.

Pros
PAYCHECK
PAYCHECK
PAYCHECK
No more Cabin Fever
Adult conversation
Seeing all the kids at school

Cons
Filling out all new forms x3
Getting all the kids' binders labeled x3
Homework x3
Projects x3
Missing part of OLTL
No more sleeping late
No more staying up late
Making the kids come in early from outside

All in all I think we all are ready to get back to a normal routine around here. Even Gracie wants her house back during the day. So goodbye to late nights outside talking with Ms. Sabrina. Goodbye to quiet mornings alone because everyone else is sleeping. Goodbye to lazy days at home with the kids playing Fuzion Frenzy. Goodbye road trips.

Hello REALITY!

Till next time ...... GOD IS LOVE

Brady Bunch 2008 Tennessee Vacation

Instead of typing a long blog entry about our vacation, I thought I would make a slideshow. Sam has done it before so we put this together last night. I picked the music to match the mountain theme. Plus, it's just good music to listen to.

I do want to tell you about the Jr. Ranger program. We all had to complete a booklet with activities--looking for leaves in the park, picking up litter, answering questions, and attending a ranger led program. We all had a great time doing it. The kids got Jr. Ranger badges and Sam and I got patches for being "NOT SO JR. Rangers".

This is probably better for you. You know I have a tendency to go on and on and on and on and on and on. I hope you enjoy our trip down memory lane.

Till next time....GOD IS LOVE

Home Sweet Home

Once again we are all home together. Since school has been out we have not been home together all at once. Between switching kids out at my parents, kids and I staying at my parents, then the entire family just returned Saturday evening from visiting my in laws in Tennessee and my parents in NC. I think everyone is glad to be back home.

I don't want too tell to much about our trip to Tennessee until we get our pictures download and I can add some of the most beautiful pictures ever. This trip was the greatest gift anyone could have given our family. With the luck we have had this summer we needed some family time together. What a wonderful place to spend it. I have so much I want to tell you but I want to show the pictures too. We downloaded them to Sam's parents' computer and for some reason half of them didn't stay on our memory card. So Mom is sending us a copy of all the pics. Be sure to check back in for full details later.

Our original plans were to come home Wednesday after picking up Gracie from my mama's. But our sweet baby Gracie had an accident while at Grandma's and needed a couple of stitches and an overnight stay at the vet. Mama and Pop were walking her by the creek one day while we were gone and all of sudden they noticed her bleeding on her leg. Of course Mama was so upset that Gracie got hurt while in her care, she was crying when she called me. Gracie is my little Baby. She is spoiled rotten. She sleeps with me and her daddy, sometimes in between us if she wants a belly rub. Good news is she will be fine. They gave her some pain killers and an antibiotic and she came home the next day. Thursday we decided to do some school shopping for the kids. That lasted all day and no one was up to the drive home. Plus my sister in law called and said she was coming up with my niece and her little boy for the weekend. So the new plan was to leave Friday afternoon after a short visit with them. Well they didn't get there till 4:00 and after a visit and looking at the clock no one was up for a drive so another night at my parents. Saturday morning got up early, had some breakfast, went for a haircut and off we were. Back home finally. The kids finally stopped asking when we were going home. They knew we had to be back Sunday to take Sage home so they figured it was no use asking, just enjoy grandma's.

We had to stop at the store and I told the girls they could have a Hannah Montana Party since the concert was coming on t.v. We stopped at Wally World to get something for dinner that night and the girls were allowed to get two snacks a piece. OMG you would have thought we were throwing a party somewhere in Hollywood. They were so excited, they even helped unload the van and took showers without fussing. The party basically consisted of popcorn, licorice, Little Debbie snack cakes, skittles, whoppers, and of course cheddar rice cakes. Plus they got to eat in their room. I went back to take a look in the room and there were 3 girls with 3D glasses on, singing with licorice hanging out their mouths. I think that was a perfect end to a great week. Plus I got to sleep in my own bed that night too. THANK GOD for king size beds.

Don't forget to check back to read all the details of The Brady Family Vacation. Gotta tell you about our junior rangers, our not so junior rangers, bears, deers, mountains, Dollywood, swimming, car breaking down, flying dumbo, water ride, there is so much more to tell........ Till next time God is Love (I think that might be my new ending...........thanks Rev. Run)

Still Alive and Kicking

Yes I am still alive and kicking. It has been a while since I wrote. We went away for the 4th of July weekend and just returned home yesterday. Sam of course came back after the holiday but the kids and I stayed for some R&R.

Steven picked up a little job at a local auction while staying with my parents. He went back home with my parents after Father's Day. Every weekend they attend an auction and Steven asked Mr. Gene (the auctioneer) if he could help out since he seemed to be shorthanded on men that day. He has been helping out every weekend since. All he really does is hold up items to be auctioned and then help people take their buys to their cars after the auction is over. One Saturday he made 30 dollars with Mr. Gene and then another 29 dollars from tips that customers gave him for helping to load their cars. While Sam and I were up there we stopped in to see him at work and OMG everyone bragged on Steven. What a wonderful, respectful young man we had. I was wondering if they had the right Steven. I don't know how many people told us what a wonderful boy we had. I was like, are you talking about my Steven???? The one who can't stand his sister and doesn't like to do chores? But when I pointed to my Steven everyone said that's the boy. Why is it that children are always polite and well behaved around others? Get them home and it's a whole new world for them.

So 4th of July was great. We did the fireworks by the lake which was great. Then my sister and her family arrived the next day. My nephew Preston who I love to death was my little heart when he was born. In fact I nicknamed him Pookie which absolutely drove my brother in law insane and he told me if I didn't give his little sister a nickname he would name her after me. Of course Maggie Darlene never got a nickname from me. So anyway every time I see Pookie my heart melts when he calls me Aunt Dar Dar, I always hold him like a baby and tell him when he is 89 I will still call him Pookie and hold him like a baby. Pookie will be 8 on Friday (Happy Birthday Pookie)and I held him like a baby, but this time he said Aunt Dar Dar when I am 89 I think I better hold you like a baby. Yes I laughed and cried at the same time. Even though he is a young boy he understands how happy it makes me to call him Pookie and hold him like a baby. I love you Pookie.

Okay it's crazy I know but we are off and running again this weekend. This time to Tennessee to see my in-laws. The entire family will be leaving on Saturday morning and returning Tuesday. We are looking forward to spending some time with them and checking out Dad's new Ranger job. Dad was telling us about the Junior Ranger program--the kids can do hikes and activities and programs then get sworn in as actual "Junior Rangers" by a real Ranger (hopefully Grandaddy can do it for them) and get a certificate and a badge. We think it sounds really cool and we're looking forward to doing it with him. Their R.V. park has a pool too. I am sure the kids will want to go. Sounds like a lot of family fun for all.

Sam has really been stressed over finding a job. Every day searching, sending out resumes only to turn up nothing is starting to get the best of him. When all else fails, Family and God are the only thing we know. So we are going to God's Country as they called the beautiful Smoky Mountains to be with our family. Keep your finger crossed and say a little prayer for us that a job comes through for Sam.

Until next time, God is love (Taking from Run's House. I love his little messages at the end of the show).

Family and Good Food

Sunday was a wonderful day for our family. Sunday morning service was very good. It was one of the services you just left feeling totally blessed and ready to face whatever the world has in store for you. The girls got to stay after church for Girls Club. They really enjoyed it so much. When we returned they all had made new friends. Sage even picked up a new nickname. The drummer Brad and his wife Lynn are the youth leaders and Brad couldn't remember Sage's name but he did remember it was a spice, so he called her Paprika. The pastor and his wife couldn't believe how limber Sage was with her spilts and tumbles. He mentioned it several times during the evening service about how talented she was. She just thought it was cool to her name on microphone. Jewel and Jessica were so excited they got prayer mothers. Prayer mothers are someone who encourages our young to stay strong and do what is right. Needless to say we are excited about our next Girls Club meeting.

So while the girl were at Girls Club, Sam and I decided to use some of my birthday gift from my wonderful in-laws and go to lunch at Chili's. Thanks Mom and Dad! We enjoyed our lunch date very much. After lunch I didn't want to go back home. I wanted to be near the girls in case they needed us for anything. Of course I drilled the twins before church to make sure they knew all three phone numbers and to make sure they stayed together and kept an eye on Sage. Back to me and Sam: we decided to ride to Marietta and walk around the square, look in some shops, and sit in the park. Then we took the long route back to church but were still early so we stopped in the Wendy's nearby and shared a Frosty and talked. It's wonderful when you can talk without having to say don't do that, or sit down, please eat. That's right, Sam was very well-behaved.

Then I got that phone call a parent never wants to get. You're out, your kids are at church in a safe environment and they call..... only to say mom we are having a great time. Immediately I begin to breathe again then I listened for about ten mintues to hear everything that had went on during that day. Remind you we were only five mintues from the church but they had to tell everything. Then when we arrived five mintues later we heard everything again, again, and again. Three girls telling the same story about what all happened during the day. The youth group is a very active group. They are always planning outings with the children and sliding in a lesson with fun keeps them interested in church.

Last night the in-laws were in town for the day so we went over and spent some time before dinner with Mom, Mia, and Jackson while everyone else was working or at the Dr. Then off to Jason's Deli, where I had never been before. I love this Brady Family when we go out to dinner, because everyone shares little bites of their food with everyone else. I had the salad bar, plus part of Mom's BLT, a bite of Sam's meatball sub, a bite of Jewel's cheese pizza, a bite of Jessica's pepperoni pizza, a bite of Sage's turkey & cheese wrap. Bill wouldn't share his Reuben, but then again I didn't ask because I had everyone else's food on my plate already. The food was excellent and the family bonding time was great. Thanks, Dad, for a wonderful dinner. Can't remember if I actually thanked him or not. Then back to Bill's for a little chatting and lots of family group hugs and lots of I love you's.

Now the in-laws are back in Tennesse and I am heading to see my parents tomorrow for the holidays and then staying some next week to do some work around the yard for her. Probably will be shoveling rocks all next week. But that's okay because Pop will cook great meals and we will get to spend quality time with my parents. Only thing missing will be Sam who will be heading back to Atlanta Sunday evening. I'll miss you, baby!

Happy 4th of July everybody!

Venting/Blessing

I need to vent. This isn't anything I would usually put in my blog, but it's been on my mind lately and I needed to get it down into words.

Have you ever had something brought to your attention and you just can't let go of it? Well, the other day it was brought to my attention that my children have not seen their father in 18 months. Their father is in South Carolina, only a six hour drive away. He never calls them, never sends birthday or Christmas cards. The last time they received a gift from their father Steven was five and twins three.

Sam and I have tried our best to make him a part of their lives but it's always on his conditions or none at all. Every Sunday I have them call their dad. They know they can call anytime they want but Sunday is the day I make sure they talk to him. His favorite line is, "I support them with child support." Child support that I had to go to court to get garnished out of his wages. For anyone who has children: please tell me what $200.00 every two weeks does for three kids? Most of the time it goes straight to the school for field trips, lunches, musical instruments. On a positive note, I do know he loves them but he just doesn't show it all the time.

Before I start getting comments saying, poor Darlene, STOP!!! I was a single mom for six years before Sam came along. My children know what love is and what families are about. All families are not made of Daddy, Mommie, children, two dogs, three cats and a white picket fence. My children know that love also comes from grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, and the man upstairs.

Now onto the blessing! Venting is a terrible thing to do when you have so much to be blessed for. I have said it a million times and will continue to say it: Sam is truly sent from God. I prayed long and hard for God to send me a good man for me and my children. I wanted a man who loved me for me, inside and out. Someone to be a friend and father figure in my children's lives. Someone who wanted to help guide the kids to be the best they can. Someone to love their downfalls and their wonderful giving hearts. Someone who can look at them and say there may be no blood relationship but there are so many heartstrings attached--those are MY CHILDREN!

It's so true, the old saying "Anyone can be a father but it takes a real man to be a Daddy". Sam isn't taking their father away from them. He is there to catch them when they fall, or fly too high, or just need a hug. Sam, I love you so much and I am so grateful to have you in my life, not just for the kids but for me too.

I know Sam mentioned on his blog about losing his job. In times like this most people wonder how you can say you're blessed. Well, I woke up this morning next to a wonderful man who gives me more from his heart than money can buy. I have wonderful children, even when they are screaming or fighting with one another. We have understanding and loving parents. Plus, with a cute dog like Gracie who wouldn't be Blessed!

LORDY LORDY I AM 40!

Happy Birthday to me! What a wonderful birthday I had. Most people dread their 40th birthday but mine was a great day. I woke up to my first birthday wish, from the Rake! Thanks Rake. I can always count on you to read our blogs. Then my husband started with the birthday kisses. I think I got about 4,440 beofre the day ended. Then the phone calls started and the e-cards started coming one from my parents and Steven. Even their dog has learned to use the computer because she sent me one with a lot of woofing in it. Soon the twins came out singing Happy Birthday and asking where's breakfast.

Then off to get my b-day present (or at least what I am calling my b-day present), a new minivan for the family. Our trustworthy Barney (the old purple van) has finally given out on us and we had to find a new one, or a great used one at least (it's new to us). Barney could have waited a few more months but nooooooooooooo. Wrong time, but got a great deal. We haven't named the new van yet. We still gotta get two more kids' thoughts. Maybe the Rake has some leftover names he didn't use on his new truck. Thanks to Todd at Carmax for making the process so easy.

Then we were off to dinner at this wonderful new Dinner Theater we found. I was totally amazed at this theater. Before dinner there was a pre show of fashion design. What an amazing look into fashion and some beautiful models. Then onto a tasty dinner where the birthday girl got served like a Queen. There was grilled chicken, potatoes, corn, fresh baked rolls from the oven, then only to follow with a scrumptious cake from the finest bakery in town with ice cream hand dipped by a friendly staff member. Then the after dinner show began. It consisted of singing, dancing, and live guitar and piano playing, with percussionists that were unreal with their talent. There were drawings from local artists that were so precious, I had to take one home. I would recommend the Billizmiajackson Theater to anyone looking for a good evening out. There's some showstopping entertainment in Tucker Georgia. For more information on the Billizmiajackson Theater contact 1-800-Bradys. Thank you to the wonderful staff who made my birthday very special. I love you guys.

Thank you to my wonderful husband who called me older but more beautiful. I love you with all my heart. You are my rock and my love! Thanks for the new/used van. How are you going to top this birthday gift next year??????????????

Thank you everyone for making my 40th birthday so special.

Here are some pictures of our new previously enjoyed (the Carmax salesman's expression) van:

Life without Steven/Sewing project with girls

BOYS ARE MEAN!!!!! Steven left on Monday to stay with my parents for a week. We haven't had all the kids at home since the last day of school. Jewel stayed first and called me 20 times a day. Jessica went second and called me 2,842 times a day. By the end of Jessica's week I was ready to rip the phone out of the wall. Most of our conversations were like, "Hey mommie I love you! What is Gracie doing? Okay, bye!" So when Steven left I said, "Bye buddy, I love you! I'm going to miss you! Make sure you call me!"

Do you think he has called? Yes, one time to ask if he could stay another week. I feel like I need to call him and say, "Hi. My name is Darlene. I am your mother. I am the one who threw up every day of my pregnancy with you. I am the one who had to have an i.v. the entire 9 months." Why is it so easy for boys to go away from home and not feel the need to call? Yes, I know I am being a baby, but I miss my baby. I am probably going to be the only one who moves into a rest home and brings her children to live there too. But until then I guess I will kept calling him and making sure he know I love the Baby Steven 1,2,3!

Now on to the girls. Sage is with us for the week and it's kinda nice having all the girls together without Steven aggravating them. As promised we made beds yesterday for their animals. So of course with needles, fabric, stickers, and stuffing we began with a mess and ended up with a mess. But we had lots of fun. Sage couldn't believe she could actually sew. She kept saying, "This is fun! I never knew I could sew." I was surprised no one got stuck with a needle. After making pillows, wallpapering the sides of their bins, making blankets, and spelling their names out with stickers the bins are completed. I just peeked in their room when I got up this morning and the bins were next to the beds. Only one animal was in his bin. The rest were being snuggled or squeezed to death.

I love this time of the morning. Kids asleep, windows open and cool breeze coming through, birds chirping, Gracie still sleeping, so quiet except for the occasional kids calling my name from next door. Oh, don't forget the dryer buzzing, saying FOLD ME FOLD ME. So now I have found my calling: laundry.

Until next time!

Summer Cleaning

It's amazing what you will find when you actually clean off your dresser (hint hint Sam). Sam found 2 gift certificates for Regal Theaters on his dresser (that needed to be cleaned 8 months ago). So with my parents in town this past weekend we decided to take advantage of them and have a date night. Saturday night we were off to see Baby Mama which was a cute movie, but after seeing it we kinda wished we had seen Zohan with Adam Sandler. Baby Mama was cute and funny but kinda left you wanting a different ending. Afterwards ice cream and a long ride home was really nice. Thanks Mama and Pop for our date night.

The funniest part was when we returned home to find Jessica and Sage with underwear on their heads. When I was a little girl my mama would always roll my hair on Saturday night for church the next day. To make sure the rollers stayed in my hair she would put a pair of my underwear on my head. Okay it was cute when I was 4 or 5. Jessica has had her hair in rollers before and as soon as mama was done with her she goes gets her underwear on her head. Mama said Sage asked her if she had to put underwear on her head? Mama said not if you don't want to. A few minutes later Sage comes out with underwear on her head and laughed like crazy. They were the most beautiful girls in church with curls in their hair. Sage's hair is getting so long that every time she walked she had bouncing curls. Ms. Sabrina, our neighbor, has started calling Sage Malibu Barbie. She has this beautiful tan and blonde hair with curls.

After church we go by Sears looking for a vacuum cleaner since ours decided to commit vacuum suicide. Sears was having this wonderful 90% off sale on certain items. Mama and I got a set of dishes that were $100.00 originally for $10.00, king size quilts and shams for $6.00, bath maths for $1.29, it was amazing some of things they had. So of course today was spent cleaning the china cabinets, putting new dishes were they belong, and getting rid of things we haven't used since moving to Georgia. So now the kitchen, dining room, living room, and kids room have been summer cleaned. Now to the bathrooms and my room which is the hardest because everything collects on our couch in the bedroom. Hopefully we will be done with summer cleaning this week.

Next project is beds for Teddy, Doggie, Clifford and Blue Puffy. The girls most treasured stuffed animals need a home for when they are not being loved on. Their animals get tossed to the floor or under the bed and when bedtime hits we have to go dig to China to retrieve the animals. I found Blue Puffy under the bed one night and told Sage, that Blue Puffy was digging her way to China under the bed. I am afraid Gracie will get hold of these animals who are so precious to the kids. Teddy was given to Jessica when she was 3 years old and had to go to the emergency room on Christmas Eve because she fell off a stage and had a bad bruise. Doggie and Clifford are Jewel's prized possessions from when she was 2 years old. Even at 10 she must have them to sleep with. Blue Puffy has belonged to Sage since she was a baby and goes everywhere with her. So with a little fabric and minor sewing our animals will have a safe home.

Upcoming events on my blog will be:

Life without Steven (he's at Grandma's house this week)
Needles and Thread or Stapler and Glue (Animal Home Project)
Lordy Lordy Look who is Forty

Everybody Ought To Go To Sunday School

When I was a little girl I remember singing a song about "Everyone ought to go to Sunday School." Well, we didn't quite make it to Sunday School today but we did make it to morning worship service. Since moving here I've kept saying we needed to find a church and we finally started looking. We visited Alpharetta Church of God this morning. What a wonderful greeting we received from the entire congregation. The pastor met us at the door with a friendly welcome. Sam, Steven, Jewel and I were impressed with the feeling of an accepting congregation.

I have been going to church since I was a little girl. I was brought up in a Pentecostal church as a child and gradually moved into the Church of God. I am one of those people who hates to push religion on anyone. I am one who lets my light shine and gives praise and thanks where it is due, because all things are possible through Christ. I want a church where I can worship and have my soul fed. I want my children to grow up knowing who God is and know His wonderful love. I am not ashamed nor bashful to say I love my Heavenly Father.

Needless to say we are very excited about returning next Sunday. My parents will be down for Father's Day and will attend with us. Steven and Jewel gave the approval to visit again. We will get Jessica and Sage's opinion next week. So far, 4 votes yes for Alpharetta Church of God.

Are you ready for the SUMMER

Wasn't there a song that started off like "Are you ready for the summer"? No, not Cruel Cruel Summer by the banana girls (please don't send me hateful comments about Bananarama), not Summertime by Will Smith. No, my dear husband, it's not Summer Nights. For some reason I am thinking 70 or 80's kids running toward the lake, maybe at a camp and it starts off with a cheesy ARE YOU READY FOR SUMMER! Maybe I am too sleepy and have already started dreaming who knows.

Anyways, HAPPY SUMMER EVERYONE! Friday was the kids and my last day of school until August. In a way I am happy for a break with the kids but am going to miss my job a lot, plus the paycheck. I know you heard it a million times but I love my job. I enjoy working with the children and staff and the hours are great for me and my family. Sam and I were talking on the way up to the mountains Friday night how most people automatically assume I am a teacher when they ask where I work and I say Chattahoochee High School. Immediately they say what do you teach? Once I tell them I work in the cafeteria they look all embarrassed and change the subject. Then I tell them where else could I work from 8-2, be able to get my children up and ready for school, meet them at the bus stop every afternoon, get all holidays off, and summers off. The pay is good also. I used to be a manager for Hardee's and worked anywhere from 50-60 hours a week. I worked morning, nights and midnight shifts. I make more money working in a school cafeteria than I did working 60 hour weeks. I am so blessed to have this job. I am lucky that I can be here with my children in the evening and have dinner ready when my wonderful husband comes home. I thank God every day for my job.

Anyways there I go off the subject again. Back to Happy Summer! First day of our summer break was spent doing laundry and watching some t.v. and playing Fusion Frenzy with Jessica. Jewel is spending the week away at my mama's house and Jessica and I don't know how to function without her. This is the first time the twins have ever been separated since Jewel was in the hospital at 3 months old. As we were leaving my mom's house Jewel told me to be brave. By the time we reached the main road Jessica and I were in an all out crying fit. Steven was like yeah a week with no Jewel. Sage was looking at me with her little eyes saying why are you crying? Jewel is at Grandma's house. Then I think she felt sorry for me and Jessica and became sad herself. So what do brave parents do when our kids are crying? We put on our brave face and make them believe everything is okay. A couple lines of Proud Mary (another blog entry on our American Idol Audition in the car) and everyone was feeling a lot better. Needless to say every 10 miles Jewel was calling us or we were calling her. Pray that we survive week 2 of summer vacation because next week Jessica is staying at Grandma's.

What is True Love?

True Love is Sam Brady! True love is the one special person that is there for me night and day.
He is the one who holds my hand and hair back when I’m throwing up.
He is the one who lets me vent all my frustrations (especially when they have nothing to do with him).
He is the one who helps the kids with their English homework (I hate dissecting sentences).
He is the one who goes and gets me a Pepsi at 11 at night just because I have a craving for one.
He is the one who walks the dog at 6 a.m. so I can sleep an extra 30 minutes.
He is the one who holds me tight at night and makes me feel like no one or nothing can harm me.
He makes me feel like the most beautiful person in the world (even if I’m having a bad hair day).
He loves my children like they were his own.
He washes dishes every night (because I cook he wants to do dishes).
He is the one I can’t wait to see or call when good or bad happens in my life.
He is the one I hold so tight and still feel like I can’t get close enough to.
He is the one who can change my entire day by just smiling at me.
He is the one that makes my world go around and today I can proudly say I am married to the most wonderful husband in the world! I have found my true love. Sam Brady, you’re the one who can light my flame like no other can do. Thank you, skinny preacher man, for reminding us of that on our wedding day.

Happy Anniversary My Love

What a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood!

It was so beautiful today; we had to get out of the house. We woke up to a licking dog, a rattling blue puffy and a blonde Goldilocks in our bed this morning. No sleeping in on the weekends, but that’s fine when you wake up to smiling faces.  So off to make butterflies, dogs, cats, lions, hearts and flower pancakes for the girls. I just used my cookie cutters to cut them after they were done. Sam and Steven ate the scraps from the cut out and called them worms. All I know is they were delicious.

Later we were off to Waggy World Paw Park in Alpharetta. Remember last weekend was Gracie’s first time at a doggie park and there was only 1 other dog in the fence with her. OMG I almost fainted when I saw how many people were at this dog park. This is no lie: there had to be at least 60 people there with their dogs and probably 50 dogs in the small and big dog areas combined. We went in and Sam was like, take her leash off. I was like, NO! THAT”S MY BABY! I was so scared she was going to get hurt. I looked like a first time mom chasing the baby around the house to make sure she doesn’t fall and get hurt. Finally I let her off the leash, and she was PERFECT!

At first she wasn’t too sure. She kept running back to me and then 2 minutes later BYE . She played with other dogs; she ran, chased the ball and even came to Mommy for a break. Being good parents we brought doggie treats and a collapsible bowl for water. Sage was so thrilled because we put them in one of her play bags and she got to carry if for Gracie. I don’t know who had more fun, Gracie or the kids, because they got to play with so many dogs.

Then off to Wacky World at Wills Park in Alpharetta. We wore the dog out, now it was time to wear the kids down. It’s a really nice park with so many different fields, parks, walking paths, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. We are thinking about getting a season pass to their pool for summer, it looks a lot nicer than Roswell and bigger, plus it’s a lot cheaper too.

Now it’s back to the real world. Cooking dinner now and doing laundry, getting the kids in the bath, getting clothes out for work and school, feeding the dog, making snacks for school and sometime tonight snuggling with my husband and my day will be complete. A perfect end to a perfect day.

My version of 5 little monkeys

5 Little Brady-Shireys in the House

5 Little Brady-Shireys in the house all healthy and well until
Steven fell in bed with the FLU!

4 Little Brady-Shireys in the house all healthy and well until
Sam fell in bed with the FLU!

3 Little Brady-Shireys in the house all healthy and well until
Jewel fell in bed with the FLU!

2 Little Brady-Shireys in the house all healthy and well until
Darlene fell in bed with the FLU!

1 Little Brady-Shirey in the house all healthy and well until
Jessica is the only healthy one so far

Pray for Jessica that she doesn't get the flu. OMG it was the most terrible week I think we have ever had. Steven with a 103 fever, Sam hit 103, Jewel 102, me 101 and Jessica played nurse to us all. I have Cloroxed our house inside out and washed every blanket we have. I never want another week like that again. Sam was home from work Wednesday until Monday. I have been home since Friday and am returning to work tomorrow. I almost want to go out and buy everyone one of those white suits with oxygen tanks and all just so we can stay healthy. One, maybe two, kids sick in the house is not bad, but when you throw Sam and me in the flu bed too, enough is enough. Thanks to my wonderful (but sick) husband, by the time me and Jewel got down in the couches and couldn't move, he was feeling a little better and began taking care of us. I am so proud of him! On Saturday he started washing clothes and in out of my Nyquil sleeps I either dreamed or heard him say he had done 8 loads of clothes on Saturday alone. I can believe 8 loads with this family. If I don't do at least 2 loads a day our laundry gets out of control quickly. Back to my wonderful husband, who ran to the store for orange juice, back to Chick Fil A just for tea for me, to McDonalds for nuggets for Jessica, refilled water bottles for Jewel, answered computer problems for Steven, and walked Gracie all weekend. Even though we abused you this weekend, we do love you with all our hearts. You're the greatest man ever!!!!

Let it Snow

We left snow to see more snow this weekend. We left on Friday evening heading for Grandma's house. When we arrived they still had snow on the ground from a few days before. We woke up Saturday morning to see still more snow. Steven goes snow tubing every year for his birthday but this was the first time it actually snowed while he was snow tubing. Not only was it snowing, they were actually making snow on the hill while Sam, Steven, Jewel and Jessica tubed. Every year we go to Tony's Tube World in Maggie Valley. It's a nice hill up the side of a mountain with an "escalator without steps" as Steven calls it, which takes you back up the hill. The session are every 2 hours. It's amazing how many people are there the first hour then the second hour everyone I guess is cold, tired or wet because you can get more riding time in the second hour. It is always fun for the kids and Sam too. Sam was the only one who stayed out for the whole session in our group. Everyone else got cold or tired.

The rest of our weekend was spent lying around the house playing Uno and watching our cousin Tom Brady clinch a Super Bowl spot. It was so cold in the mountains last night Gracie wanted to go outside and the Packers and Giants were in overtime. I thought I would be a good wife and take the dog out for Sam who usually takes her out at night. Then I open the door and realized it was 6 degrees and called for Sam immediately. I have the most amazing wonderful husband in the world. He didn't complain or pout, he just took Gracie out. He missed the end of the game, too.

So of course now I have to brag on my husband a little. Sam and I met when Sage was about 6 months old. We became instant friends but decided that a relationship was not in our future. For the next 5 years we stayed friends and complained about not finding the right person for ourselves. Finally a light came on in both our heads "DUH" and we knew we were right for each other. It's wonderful when the person you love most in the world is your best friend, your strength, your hopes, your desire. It takes a real man to come into a ready-made family and become a dad to three children. It takes a lot for a single mom of 6 years to allow someone else in to her children's lives. I prayed that God would send me a wonderful man and he sent me the best he had. Our family really has come together in 2 years. There have been some bumps in the road, some hurt feelings and some tears. But there has been so much more love and laughter that the other things just bring us closer together. I know I have a special man when he gives up watching the last few minutes of the Packers and Giants to take the dog out.

I love you Baby! You're the greatest and you have a cute butt! (He made me say that, but it is TRUE!)