Thanks for FLYING DELTA

Update

2009-07-22T10:48:00.001-04:00

Wow! It's been so long since I have written but life gets so crazy and everything you want to do slips away and everything you don't want to do stares you in the face until you do it. I can't believe summer is almost over. Only 3 weeks left until we go back to school! I am so ready for it. This summer has been so crazy. The kids are hitting the pre-teen or full blown teenager stage with mouths, attitudes, eye rolling, whatever mode and just plain why me. So needless to say I am ready to go back to work with 2000 high school kids who don't belong to me. So let me get to the updates on everyone.

Steven is 14, heading to 8th grade at Sandy Springs Middle School. He loves playing drums, basketball, football, and talking to girls. I think if texting was a class he would have an A in it. Steven is still playing assistant drummer at church and loving every minute. This summer he has spent some time at my mom's working for a local auction, which is really good for him. The boy loves to make his own money. He has found a friend up there that will buy anything from him. I bought Steven this cheap MP3 player for 20 bucks he sold it to the boy for $50.00 then downloaded songs on it and the kid paid him 30 bucks. Steven should be a used car salesman. He can sell anything or trade anything. He has even begun to sell ice cream to the kids outside. One child wanted peanut butter ice cream, which we didn’t have, so my son takes a marker, writes peanut butter on a fudge pop and sells in to him for $1.00. I don’t know if I should be scared or happy that he is willing to earn his own money. One thing for sure, we have gone over everything he cannot sell: sisters, TV’s, computer, anything that belongs to his sisters, CD’s, DVD’s, the dog and the cars.

Jewel is 11, heading to 6th grade at Sandy Springs Middle School. She loves playing flute, singing, dancing and looking cute. She is determined to marry a Jonas Brother, just not sure which one. This summer she has enjoyed swimming and sleeping as late as she can. One day I left her to sleep until she woke on her own, which was 1:00. I think my most memorable moment with Jewel was when I took her to the Dr. to get her shots for 6th grade. Just the usual 4 booster and the elected one was the Gardisil for young women. After talking with the pediatrician about my concern we both thought it was a good thing to get for them. So that same night at church our Pastor asked if anyone had a praise report. Jewel’s hand goes up and tells him that she got 5 shots and she cried. Then all of a sudden she also announces in front of the whole congregation that she also got the Gardisil shot for females only. I fell on my knees. Not to pray but of embarrassment. All I can say is she is proud that we are taking precautions so that she will not get certain types of cancer.

Jessica is 11, also heading to 6th grade at Sandy Springs Middle School. She loves the clarinet, singing, dancing, and being silly. I believe she wants to marry a Jonas Brother too, but not quite sure. Her most memorable event this summer was starting the summer off with whooping cough. I thought that was a thing of the past but not for us. She proudly took her shots but warned us she would cry and she was not excited about getting them. Then she proceeded to talk the Dr.’s head off for the next 45 minutes with everything and anything. HMMMMM wonder were she got that ????? All 3 kids attended their first overnight camp ever. They were gone for 4 days and 5 nights and never once missed me. I was like, how dare that church camp have a lake with a trampoline in the middle, horses, pool, gym, Christian rock band every night, air conditioning and food. They were so excited and didn’t care I was home missing them like crazy.

Sage is 8, heading to 3rd grade at Camp Creek Elementary. She loves dancing, and singing. She would love to marry a Jonas Brother too. We have had her for 3 weeks this summer which has been really great. Really gives everyone a chance to enjoy her and let her see what craziness goes here while she is gone. She has done a lot of traveling with her family this summer. We were trying to figure out how many states she has been in this summer and I believe it was 5. She is with us now for 10 days and is fitting in just fine. We played Phase 10 last night with all the kids and Sage could be a real poker player. She already has the POKER FACE. So serious, and she wasn’t letting anyone get a peek at her cards. We asked if she needed any help from me or Dad and she said no I am good. It was too funny.

Gracie will be 3 in Sept. She loves tennis balls, her blanket, hanging out the car window and her Mommy. I really believe she’s ready for everyone to go back to school and work so she can have the house to herself. But then again, she wouldn’t be getting all those extra snacks the kids feed her. Cinnamon Toast Crunch seems to her favorite and the kids are so careless in dropping a few for her.

Sam is doing great and liking his job at ZC Sterling. I think it’s the first job he hasn’t complained about since I have known him. He is supposed to be working on his book this summer but it’s hard when he has a wife that can’t go to sleep unless he is rubbing her butt. Then the kids have gotten us hooked on WEBKINZ. If you have children, never ever buy them one. It’s a stuffed animal of your choice and comes with a code that lets you go online and play games, feed it, and buy it a house to decorate. You can have a garden and even take it to school. It is so fun and it’s really educational for the young ones. Then Sam hooked me on Facebook and the games on there. Farkle is our latest craze. Between reading, keeping up with the Braves, Webkinz, Facebook, and loving me everyday life is a little busy for him.

I am great, loving life, God, my family, my wonderful husband. What more could I ask for? I am looking forward to returning to work in a few weeks. I still love working for school system in the cafeteria. This year is going to be a little strange in the afternoons. The twins don’t get out of school till 4 and I get out at 2. What will I ever do with my free time? I know! ENJOY PEACE AND QUIET!!!!! I hope everyone is doing well. You guys need to get busy and write back. Let me know how life is treating you? I miss all of you guys. Keep us in your prayers and we will do the same.

Love you all
Darlene and Sam
And Da Bunch

Hello

2009-07-06T22:57:00.000-04:00

Wow! I can't believe it's been four months since I have written on my blog. As many of you know my mama had throat cancer and I was spending a lot of time in Maggie Valley taking care of her. Thank God, she is doing so much better. It was an uphill battle for several months but now I think she is finally reaching the end. She has lost a lot of weight and still isn't eating much. My puppy eats more in an hour than she does all day. Yesterday she drank a Carnation instant breakfast and that was all she had the entire day. Her taste buds are still really burned from the radiation. The doctor said they will never be the same but she should feel better in a few months. Thank you to all who sent up prayers, special thoughts, e-mails, phone calls--we really appreciate all of your support.

Summer is here and we are having a blast! Steven, Jewel, and Jessica spent a week at church camp in Commerece, Georgia. What a blast they had. There was a lake, pool, horses, slip 'n slide, gym, and evening services every day with a Christian Rock Band called Julian Drive. Of course Steven loved the band, being the drummer he is.

One night while the kids were gone, Sam and I were at Taco Bell when I got a text message from my friend and camp leader Lynn. She said Steven was in the altar raising his hands and crying out to God. Right there in Taco Bell, burrito in hand, the tears started flowing and I was thanking God that my 14 year old son was in an altar calling on God for guidance and strength. I know that there will be a lot of battles Steven will go through in his life and he may stray away from God, but what thrills me is to know that the seed has been planted. God's love will never leave you no matter how hard you try to ignore it. God's love grows in our lives daily. I am just thankful that we are able to bring our children up to know God. I am not one of those people who try to shove God down your throat. I will stand and tell the world I LOVE MY SAVIOUR!! I will share my testimony to anyone who is willing to listen. But as Joshua 24:15 says, "as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." I can't make my kids serve God but I can pray, plant the seed, and make my home a God fearing home.

Now we are in Maggie Valley. I bet you guys get tired of hearing about Maggie Valley, but if you ever come here you will know why we visit all the time (my parents are here). My Pop is having a small surgery tomorrow for his pacemaker--hopefully just changing the batteries and he can come home the same day. But if it's the leads then he will spend the night. So if you will, say a prayer for us; we would appreciate it. We are also here to do a little work this time. We are staining my parents' deck and their neighbors' deck. It's not a bad job. The kids help and we have music and little breaks. It's a nice family time. Sam, I am sure, is so upset because he had to go back home and work this week. I know he would have loved to help stain the decks. Not to worry, my sweet loving husband: I am sure the honey-do list I left you at home will keep you busy till I get back. I know I am the most thoughtful wife in the whole world.

Back home next week to get ready for our third week with Sage for the summer. It's nice when we get Sage for a week at a time. We try to cram a lot into her two day visit every other weekend. When you get her for a week it's nice just to spend time with her doing normal things like watching a movie together, or playing games, or just watching her play with the other kids outside. But I have to keep reminding myself that she is only 8, the twins are 11 and Steven 14 so they can fix their own breakfast and lunch or get something to drink without my help. Sage is 8 and needs a little help. One morning she stayed in the bedroom watching cartoons and about 11:00 she came out and I said, "did you have breakfast" and she was like, "ummmmm NO." I felt terrible cause everyone else did their own thing for breakfast and here she was watching tv and playing. So now Jewel is her breakfast buddy and Jessica is her lunch buddy and of course at dinnertime we are all buddies. But as a buddy every time you get something you must ask Sage if she wants something. HMMMMM that might not be a good idea though...Jewel thinks an ice pop is a breakfast item.

Hope everyone is doing well.....Rake, we miss your updates. Are you playing on Facebook now?

Till next time...
GOD IS LOVE

Update on mama

2009-03-02T22:22:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! I hope this letter finds everyone healthy and blessed. I surely know that my family is truly blessed this week. I wanted to give you an update on Mama's surgery--just a recap on what started our journey of the week. About a month ago Mama was diagnosed with carcinoma cancer in her throat, which turned out to be a very dangerous and fast spreading cancer. What started out as strep throat led into six months of different antibiotics then finally a referral to the ENT. Dr. Wenzel did a couple of biopsies only to find a cancerous tumor on her left tonsil.

On Tuesday the 24th we arrived at the hospital at 5:30 a.m. for a tonsillectomy and a neck dissection. We had so many people praying from churches all over the country that we were very confident that God was going to see us through this trial. We had churches on their knees in North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Arizona, California, and I know several other states as well. They took her right in for surgery prep and by 7:30 she was in the operating room. The doctor had warned us to expect about five or six hours of surgery time.

The first call came at 9:30 to let us know the tonsil was out and everything in the throat area looked good and her voice box showed no sign of cancer.

The second call came at 11:30. The neck dissection was still going on. A lot of work had to be done on the neck so it would be a little longer.

The third call came at 12:30. The surgery was over and the doctor felt it was a great success. He removed seven lymph nodes and sent them to the pathologist for more testing. While still in surgery Dr. Wenzel called the oncologist and both agreed with the margins and removal of seven lymph nodes. Along with 5 weeks of radiation her recovery outcome was looking really great. Thank you Jesus for your wonderful healing.

Once we got to her room she arrived a few minutes later. As soon as she saw us the tears started. We even had the nurses crying. One nurse said, "I don't know if I can do this patient; it's only been 2 minutes and I am an emotional wreck!" What a wonderful group of nurses we had. They kept us informed on everything and anything. By Day Two Mama was missing her dog so much that I brought her to the hospital so Mama could go to the window and watch her play outside. As I was returning to the hospital I got a phone call that said Mama had became very dizzy and had to be put back to bed. Bring the dog to her room, WHAT?????????? Yes, the head nurse said, as long as she was a small dog we could bring her in the room. Sherry (my sister) met me in the parking lot and covered the dog up with my sweater and off we go in the elevator. 7th floor, room 711, one dog that brought Mama so much happiness and yes, more tears. Lil Girl and Mama played for 20 minutes. They both were so happy to see each other.

Friday they finally let Mama come home. She is still in a lot of pain from the neck dissection. She is having some trouble swallowing but all in all she is on the road to a full recovery. Everyone here is tired even though all we do is watch her sleep and jump every time she moans. We even cry every time she opens her eyes because we realize this could have turned out so differently for us.

So with a full blessed heart I ask each of you to reach out today by phone, e-mail, or in person to your mom, father, wife, children or that special person in your life and let them know you love them with all your heart. Because for the last month I have been scared to death that I was about to lose the greatest woman I have ever known.

To my Mother and My Best Friend: I love you with all my heart and soul. You have always been there for me. You've taught me right from wrong. Most of all, though, you taught me to respect, love and care for those close to my heart. I pray to God that I can be a great example to my family like you have been to us. Words will never be able to explain what my heart holds for you. I love you never seems enough when it comes to you. I hope that my children love me the way I love you. Thank you for being so strong for us. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being you, the greatest woman I will ever know. I love my Mama!!!!!!

Y'all knew good and well I was going to get all sappy and teary eyed before the letter was over. Thank you for all your prayers, thoughts and well wishes . Cancer is hard to deal with by itself but with wonderful family and friends like you, it was made a lot easier.

Welcome Home Michael Thorne

2009-01-06T22:35:00.001-05:00

Michael at age 1

Michael now

What a blessing my family received this past Saturday. My brother's oldest son got in touch with our family after 23 years of hoping, praying, crying for his return to our family. Michael was born when I was in the 8th grade, first grandchild born to our family and we spoiled him rotten. I still can remember the day he was born and the cute crew cut hair he had. If I wasn't there when he was born I would have sworn someone shaved his head like a military cut.

Both parents were very young when he was born so he spent a lot of time at our house. Everyone spoiled him rotten. Since I was not the best one to help clean house with mama I always got to take Michael outside to play. It was my duty as a loving Aunt to push this little boy around the yard in the stroller or play in the pool with him. I was a teenager who hated housework, of course I will take care of my nephew. He was the love of our family. Everything in our house revolved around Michael.

When he was two his parents spilt and a custody battle began. My mom had custody for a while then his mom had it and back and forth until he was three at which time his mom was awarded full custody and left for N.Y. We still had visitation but when Christmas came and my brother went to N.Y. to get him, they had moved away and no forwarding address was given. Later we found out he might have been in California.

The next several years were very, very devastating to my family. Life went on but the memory of Michael Thorne was in every heart of everyone in our family. Pictures remained up and we talked about him so that all the new additions to our family knew he was/is part of our family forever. Often we looked him up on the internet or called his family for information but found out nothing until this past Saturday.

We had just returned home from Maggie Valley when I got the call that Michael had called my brother and was on the phone with my mama. Immediately I called mama and all I heard was Darlene and then there was a lot of crying on both sides. All the kids thought something terrible had happened. For the next several hours I sat in front of the computer with a cell phone on each ear: one to my mama in Maggie Valley and one to my sister in Fayetteville, who happened to be at my brothers waiting on pictures of Michael to come in e-mail. Needless to say we are still celebrating and thanking God for answering our prayers.

I spoke with Michael that night. I didn't have a clue what to say I was just overwhelmed that I was actually talking to him. He is living in California with his wife and a son, Michael Lee, and is expecting his second child any day now. Steven is hoping for the 10th so the new baby can share his birthday. We are hoping he can visit after the baby is born since his in-laws actually live in North Carolina, of all places. If not my mom and brother are planning a trip out there ASAP!!!!! What an amazing way to start the NEW YEAR!

So Michael, welcome home my nephew and we love you so much.

Till next time GOD IS LOVE!

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

2008-12-30T21:27:00.000-05:00

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

2008-10-20T22:03:00.000-04:00

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!

2008-09-22T21:34:00.000-04:00

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!

2008-08-20T22:20:00.000-04:00

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

2008-08-06T21:38:00.000-04:00

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

2008-07-31T19:58:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-29T00:18:00.001-04:00

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

2008-07-17T00:17:00.000-04:00

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

2008-07-02T00:02:00.000-04:00

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

2008-06-27T10:16:00.001-04:00

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!

2008-06-24T23:59:00.001-04:00

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

2008-06-20T09:52:00.002-04:00

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

2008-06-16T22:58:00.001-04:00

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

2008-06-08T22:58:00.001-04:00

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

2008-05-27T23:48:00.000-04:00

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?

2008-04-15T22:50:00.000-04:00

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!

2008-03-02T18:58:00.003-05:00

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

2008-02-12T19:05:00.000-05:00

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

2008-01-21T21:05:00.000-05:00

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!)

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-21T13:33:00.001-05:00

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!

2007-11-29T22:03:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-25T22:57:00.000-05:00

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"

2007-11-13T15:13:00.000-05:00

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

2007-09-30T17:15:00.001-04:00

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

2007-07-03T23:25:00.001-04:00

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!!!!!!!

2007-06-22T14:29:00.001-04:00

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!!!!

2007-04-16T16:42:00.001-04:00

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

2007-02-18T12:41:00.000-05:00

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!!!!

2007-02-08T22:23:00.000-05:00

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

2007-01-22T19:20:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-01-21T20:34:00.000-05:00

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

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-23T13:13:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!! I hope your day is filled with family, collard greens, fatback, my mama's homemade dressing, corn, green beans, biscuits, my Sam's grandma's homemade carrot cake, sweet potato pie and can't forget TURKEY!!!!!!

You know I have to be sentimental and say what I am thankful for :

My Heavenly Father - Thank you for you never ending love and understanding! Thank you for my wonderful family and all your blessings you have given us. We give you all the praise.

1.Sam (the love of my life, my heart, soul, best friend, my sense of peace). I love you!

2. Steven, Jewel, Jessica, Sage and Gracie: My children, my life, my hopes and dreams. I love you all and couldn't imagine my life without you.

3. Mama - My mother, my best friend, my leader, my guardian angel, MY HEART! I LOVE YOU!

4. Pop - My daddy, my best friend, my financial advisor, my rock, MY HEART! I LOVE YOU!

5. Kenneth, Edward, Sherry - my brothers and sister who help mold me to the great person I am today. Y'all gave me love and plenty of fighting techniques to carry me through the rest of my life. Most of all I can always count on each of you! I LOVE YOU!

6. Mom, Dad, Bill, Liz and Mia - My inlaws who opened their arms and welcomed my entire family into their wonderful family. I am very thankful for your love and friendship. I love you all.

7. For all our friends - We love you all dearly and are very thankful
for your friendship.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Love always,
Darlene Brady

FOOSBALL??? Dat's de devil!!!

2006-10-22T09:33:00.000-04:00

I got a not so nice comment on the previous entry to my blog from an anonymous person who was very upset about my Peyton Manning story. Go read it before you go any further if you want to really understand where I'm going with this.

Done?

OK. At first I was like, okay, an upset Colts fan. This person criticized me for my knowledge of football. I will be the first to admit I don't know everything there is to know about football. Nor do I feel the need to know it. As I read on I became very upset with the things she said. This person said I give real wives a bad name. For that I must respond.

I think I am a good wife to my husband! At least I take the time to actually learn about football. Whether I like football or not, my husband does, and I owe it to him to give it a chance. I am actually enjoying watching football this year with him. I don't know what every penalty is or even what all the numbers mean. I know the yellow flag means a penalty. I know you get so many tries to get it down the field and score. More importantly I recognize my husband loves football and I love him enough to show an interest in the game. I am not a girly-girl who is afraid to break a nail changing the remote during half time. I know nothing about fingernail polish except it goes on your nails. The only thing I know is I love my husband with all my heart and I want to share everything with him. He watches home improvement shows with me, I watch football with him. He listen to gospel music with me. I listen to the Pixies and Reckless Kelly. I wash clothes, he folds all the socks. I cook dinner, we wash and dry dishes together. Sometimes he even makes grilled cheese sandwiches for us to eat. I think it's a wonderful thing when someone you love is willing to try new things or do things that they don't entirely like just because it makes the other one happy. To my husband: I love you with all my heart and am willing to learn about your interests to help us be happy together.

As Bocephus and Bobby Boucher Mama would say, are you ready for some FOOSBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GET OUT OF MY HOUSE PEYTON MANNING!

2006-10-08T12:37:00.000-04:00

I am trying to get into football for the sake of my marriage! My husband lives, breathes, sleeps football. So I thought I would try and be the supportive wife and follow it with him this season. So usually I pull for the team with the nicest uniforms or who doesn't try and kill their opponents. With all the hype about the Manning brothers a couple weeks ago I wanted to watch that game. Now every time I turn the TV on, there is Peyton! I open the pantry for a snack, there is Peyton! I cook dinner, and there is Peyton! Not to mention his crazy commercial with the bad wig and mustache for DirecTV. Come on, Peyton, the Colts not paying you enough that you have to endorse DirecTV, Ritz Crackers, Chunky Soup...and then there is the commercial with the family. I am convinced the Saints didn't pay Daddy enough and his Social Security isn't enough that you had to help Daddy out. Peyton is like that new song you hear over and over and over and it drives you crazy. Like Fergie and her LONDON BRIDGE!!!!

One good thing about football is Willie Parker, who plays for Pittsburgh. You know the team with the guy with the long dreads that is in need of a desperate haircut. Don't ask me what position he plays cause I am not that advanced yet. Remember that I am a rookie. But that little guy can run fast!!! Then I like Vick, who is the quarterback for the Falcons. He all the time running for the end zone, unlike the other QBs that want to stand and watch everyone else.

Then there is college football! OMG!!! Last night we went to the inlaws to watch Ga vs Tenn. My sister-in-law is worse then my husband when it comes to the Vols. Needless to say when the Vols took the lead, my pregnant sister-in-law went skipping through the RV screaming! My son was wearing a Vols jersey with a Ga jersey on top, so depending on who had the ball he would take the shirt off. Then of course when the Vols took the lead all I could see was orange!

Wish me luck. I am going to learn the game of football one way or another!!!!!!!!!!

It's hard to say goodbye!

2006-09-27T18:00:00.000-04:00

I am sorry to say this will not be a happy letter about my wonderful life in Georgia or how much I love my husband. Instead I am dedicating this week's letter to my Uncle Ray who passed away Monday night. Many of you had the chance to meet him and knew him for his long, drawn out stories of his past. Ray was one of those special people that could take 30 minutes to tell you something that would only take us 5 minutes. There were plenty of times I thought, please don't tell that story again. There were times I wouldn't pay attention to his story but when he started to laugh I would too. Then there were times I loved hearing about him working in the Feed Mill, or what his ma would cook for dinner (and you ate it or else). I had the privilege of being Ray's pick of the family I should say. At one time Ray, Mama, Pop and I lived in NJ together for about 3 years. I thought I would share some of our good times with you.

When I first met Ray he would only wear dress black pants and button up shirts. I was determined to get him into some jeans if it killed me. So Garth Brooks came to town and I had to go see him. I decided to sleep outside the record store all night so I could be first in line. Guess who slept on the sidewalk right next to me..... YES, RAY!!!! I was 2nd he was 3rd in line. I am telling you, for a 65 year old man he stuck it out with me. As the concert approached I told Ray he had to go get some new clothes, so I took him down to the store and yes, got him some jeans, cowboy shirt, boots, he was looking sharp for a 65 year old man.

There were times when Mama and Pop would be out of town and it would be just me and Ray home. Sometimes I felt like an old married couple. I would come home for work and he would say, let's go out for dinner. Off we would go to some restaurant and sit across from each other and talk about our day. Then off to the laundromat to do clothes, then home to watch some tv. Ray was always the gentleman and had to pay for my dinner all the time. If we were shopping he would always buy you something you didn't need or want but the thought would get you every time. There is no telling how many knick knacks Mama and I have that we can't seem to let go of.

There was the time he got sick and wouldn't go to the dr. Pop tried to take him he wouldn't move. I came home and said, Ray get in the truck I am taking you to the dr.!!!!! He looked like a little kid sitting in that truck pouting as I took him to the dr. But I did get him the smoking patch which I am sure gave him more time with us.

Then when Steven was born I lost Uncle Ray! I was no longer the apple of his eye Steven was. According to Ray everyone else in the world was wrong but STEVEN. Whatever Steven wanted he got. That was until about 2 years ago when the two of them started butting heads. OMG!!!!! There were times Ray would aggravate him just for fun and lord knows Steven did the same. But every time we left Ray both of them would be teary eyed.

So for those of you who knew Ray take a moment and see if you can find a happy thought and cherish it forever. Ray was an old man, who was set in his own way, and he had a heart of gold. He loved us all in his own way. Now we all have a special guardian angel watching over us.

So I say to my Uncle, friend, dinner partner, laundry mate, concert pal, story teller. Go rest in Peace with your family, enjoy your new home and new body. Thank you for being a part of our lives. I love you and will miss you.

Love Darlene Brady

P.S. Please keep Pop in your prayers!!!!!!

HEAD ON COLLISION WITH A 747......

2006-09-08T17:31:00.000-04:00

OMG!!!! Darlene you're not in North Carolina anymore! Today I went off to drop off an application for a job with Fulton County Schools so I had to travel to an unknown land. My wonderful husband printed out directions from Mapquest. Got there with no problem. While I am doing my cabbage patch dance in the car and singing "who's the MAP READER WHO'S THE MAP READER!!!!" what do I see in the air coming straight for me, but a big ol' 747. Not one, not two, but three in a row. They were so low and me being from a small town in North Carolina, guess what I did? YES--like an idiot I ducked my head down so the plane wouldn't hit me. LMAO.... I am sure I am not the only one to ever do that. Okay, stop laughing cause that is not the funniest part.

Heading back home, I got lost. A panic phone call to Sam and I was on the right road, only to see a huge bridge. At least I thought it was a bridge until I saw this HUGE plane cross over the bridge. I nearly caused a wreck because I slowed down--as if I was really going under that bridge! I was in the PT Cruiser that plane would have ate me for a snack. So I did the only logical thing a woman would do, SCREAM AND HIT THE GAS. Later Sam explained that it was a runway. For us North Carolina folks, who puts a runway across the highway?????????

After seeing all this madness today, I will be on my deck looking for green little men in the sky......Atlanta has everything else!

My first BLOG!

2006-09-01T23:07:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my blog! This is fair warning that everything you read on my blog will be about my husband or children, Unless I am mad at the Cable company, the cashier at Mcdonalds, traffic in Atlanta, Mr.Hamburger (Steven's social studies teacher), Riverview apartments for not cleaning their dumpster, or our neighbors who leave a coffee cup in the stairwell for 2 weeks (we finally had Steven to go downstairs and pick it up). Then there are the sales at Kroger I'll have to comment on. Like what in the heck are you going to cook with 20 green bell peppers for $10?????????

By now you have probably figured out this is going to be all about ME! I will try to keep it short and sweet, unless I'm really mad! Then again, when I talk about my new husband Sam Brady, I can write a book. So my first entry should be about him, since he did hound me until I finally gave into writing a blog.

After many years of dreaming of my Prince Charming, MY PRINCE FINALLY CAME!!!!! For the first time in my life I am truly IN LOVE! Sam has totally changed my life for the best and my childrens' too! Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would fall in love and move to another state, for the last 6 years were spent living with my parents and working hard for my children. I love my parents and actually enjoyed living with them. It was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, telling my parents I was love with someone who lived in Georgia (we lived in North Carolina). After meeting Sam and seeing the love we shared, and many tears later (more like several tsunamis), they gave their blessing, and now here I am in Georgia with a wonderful man who I adore. We are blending our families together, creating an amazing love on the way. Now if I can get used to Georgia 400, the names of roads changing without a clue that they are changing, and our downstair neighbor cooking all that mexican food with some nasty smelling spices, I think I will love it here!!!!!!!

Till next time.......PEACE OUT FROM SANDY SPRINGS..........HOLLA