The one with the girls...

We finally got our butt in gear and finished our chicken coop (it only took 6 months!) And the best part is we got chickens. We still have a ton to learn, but I think we have the basics- food, water and shelter. We got the girls as teenagers, as I like to say. They weren't chicks and they aren't quite mature, which means they aren't laying eggs yet. We had 4 to start with, but 2 days after we got them, one "flew" away (as Cooper says). We aren't quite sure what happened, but the only thing we can think is we received her sick and she couldn't kick it. So we have 3, Merida, Monica and Red Elephant, or Red Ellie for short. Cooper named Red Ellie. I never grew up around chickens and honestly never have been around them, but since we moved to this house on Hawkcrest, we loved using the land and it seemed easy enough. Our garden we started last year is still thriving and soon, we should have fresh eggs daily, who needs a grocery store!! And NO we aren't eating the girls. We are strictly raising them for their eggs. They are cool pets too. The kids can pet them and pick them up and since we've had them for about a month now, they are stating to come to us when we go out there. Now we just wait on the eggs!

LOVE

The one where we visit the happiest place on earth..

After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we took the kids to Disney World. It was a much needed escape to the happiest place on earth. Our holidays weren't spent the way we would have wanted, but you know what- it is ultimately not up to us. So we skipped town and redirected our selves.

Josh and I are already trying to plan another trip back. For Disney being the BUSIEST week of the  year, we fought through the crowds and made the best of it. Disney allows you to set up fast passes via an app now and since it was so darn busy the good fast passes like Buzz Lightyear and Splash Mountain were taken, so we opted for the Haunted Mansion, It's a Small World and the Tea Cups (we did more than that, but we knocked these out in the first few hours). Anyway, as it turns out, the very ride experience at the Magic Kingdom was the Haunted Mansion. Talk about scarring a child. But mom, I thought this place was supposed to have Mickey Mouse they said. Anyway, Cooper loved it. Addison not so much.... She wanted out the second we got in. Her poor little head was buried in my lap the whole time. It sounds evil, but you just have to laugh. Do we get parents of the year award? LOL and it only went up from there.

They loved every ride and I think Addison could have starred at Cinderellas Castle all day just waiting for her to come out. They were really just in awe the whole time, the rides, the characters, the people. The teacups were a blast, we cracked up. Just don't close your eyes because you'll lose your marbles. Cooper wanted to do that one a few times. We only did it once though. We watched a few dance/music shows put on by Mickey and Crew. And you know what? Payback.... I had to hold Addison on my shoulders so she could see. I remember my parents having to do the same thing, only I was 5 (and heavier). Maybe that's why my mom has neck issues..... I think I owe her a massage or two. The things we do for our kids enjoyment, ugh? We even did a few things, that may have been my first time too. It's the one place you can be a kid again. There were no complaints the whole day and no tears. AND we made it out of Disney without buying a single sword, stuffed animal, mickey ears, or any other overly priced piece of magic. I packed our back pack full of snacks, juice and water too. So while we waited in some of the longer lines, I had goldfish to pass the time. SCORE!!! Both of the little minions were asleep by 4:00 in our single child Bob stroller. Luckily they love each other. It was close quarters. The trip was a success and we can't wait to go back on a less crowded day. I have a feeling it will be sooner than later.

Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney

Day 1: Downtown Disney

 

 

Goodbye Disney, We will be back!

LOVE

The one where we lose a great man....

About a month after my last post, I write this with a heavy heart. My Papa is now at peace with the ultimate creator.  He passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2015. He is finally safe.

Early December he took a bad fall and hit his head- like many other falls. But this fall coupled with all the other trauma caused bleeding in his brain. He spent a few weeks in the hospital. Since the fall, he lost his ability to eat and wasn't talking much. He wasn't up and walking around and hardly opening his eyes. He just looked so helpless and uncomfortable. Although he never said he was in pain. The doctors put a feeding tube in him on Saturday Dec 19. He was moved to a rehab place on the 21st where we hoped he could regain the ability to walk and eat again. But that night, he pulled out the feeding tube that was surgically inserted into his stomach and it just went down hill from there. Mom called me Wednesday and said it wasn't looking good. School was out, so I had both kids- I called Josh and he rushed home. But shortly after the first call from Mom, I received THE call. The call that no one wants to get, even though it may be expected. I was running some last minute Christmas errands. I had to pull over and all I could do was cry.  I hit my steering wheel a few times sobbing. The kids just sat in silence. One of the first times for that, I think. After a few minutes went by, I got my composure and Cooper asked, "Mommy, did Papa go to be with Jesus like Uncle Ed?" Kids are so smart aren't they?

I ended up making it to say goodbye. The social worker and funeral home waited to take him for a few hours. Mom, Mamaw and myself got to spend some alone time with him. As sad as it may seem, we sat around him, holding his hand and talking for a while. We got to say our goodbyes and hug his neck one more time. He looked so peaceful. He wasn't hooked up to machines. He wasn't struggling to breathe and move. It's the image I needed of Papa to know he's in a better place- he is safe. We aren't worried about him day in and day out. Do we miss him? Like crazy. But there is some weight lifted knowing he's not suffering.

Cooper colored Papa one last picture (to place in his coffin) and we added a few words on the back.  Cooper colored a big heart and added a lot of orange and blue. He said, "I'm making this Gator Colors because God is a Gator!" Once he got done he asked me when Papa was going to come back from visiting Jesus. I said we will all get to see Papa again when we get to meet Jesus, but until then he lives in our hearts.

Rest in peace my sweet Papa. You were a great man, always had a big smile on your face and could make anyone laugh. You made my life a brighter place and that is something that can't be taken away!


One of my favorites... Papa with his Ladies!

Please visit the Obituary for Allan Lewis Simmons

http://www.legacy.com/link.asp?i=ls000177018126

LOVE

The one to be thankful for...

Many of you know, my Papa was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s several years back. It’s been a rough few years and even a tougher month. I’ve always heard of the disease, knew a little bit about it, but never truly understood what it was all about (and I still have a lot to learn). My Mamaw has been taking care of him now for a while, on her own, and just recently had to relinquish the control and let someone else take care of him. He had been falling a lot at home, so she’s been quite familiar with the rescue guys and just couldn’t continue taking those risks.

So for about a month now, Papa has a new home, its called Elmcroft. It’s not as cozy and doesn’t smell like chicken casserole (which is a good thing if you’ve had it!), but he’s getting adjusted, as are we. The kids and I were there today, since he won’t be joining us for Thanksgiving this year {bringing him around a crowd is stressful on him and unsafe without a trained caregiver}. The kids are too adjusting, it’s hard to explain why Mamaw and Papa don’t live together anymore. But to them, right now, it’s a cool new place, with a new bed to jump on.  I’ve been stocking his room with crayons, coloring books and games. They even have an outdoor patio for visiting, I think we will play soccer there next.

Anyway, today as we were leaving, I gave him a hug, told him “Happy Thanksgiving and I’ll see you in a few days, Love you Papa”. After a minute went by, he finally responded with "I love you". And while I don’t think he totally knows who I am, I think he knows I’m family. It’s so hard to see him sitting, with almost no emotion or expression. Selfishly I think this disease is more difficult for me than it is him. He doesn't know what he doesn't know... But I know, He was always this man who was into everything with me. We built birdhouses, teepees, dressed up like police officers, romped through the woods and would sing “far far way, or down by the river”- his personal favs. He loved being outside and was into things in his workshop. Today was a hard realization looking into his eyes and knowing he would not be at the Thanksgiving table.

However, I am thankful I got to grow up with him by my side. I am thankful we had many many good memories, many I am able to share with my own children and many values he taught me that I want to instill in my own family. But what I am most thankful for is I can still wrap my arms around his neck and tell him I love him and to that I can be at peace...

Our visit today!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

LOVE

The one with our champion...

Cooper just finished his first baseball season. I’ve got to say, I was overall impressed. It’s not easy to coach a bunch of 4-5 year olds who have never played before and have the attention span of a fly. I was one of the team moms, so I helped get the kids organized and in the correct batting order, oh and a tough job was keeping them in the dugout…. The kids don’t sit still and would rather be climbing a tree than waiting their turn to bat. Every game involved us yelling, “Cooper- Baseball ready!” Usually he had his back turned to the hitter or he was drawings circles in the clay with his cleats or he was just simply staring off into the clouds while sitting. But he wasn’t the only one, if the kids weren’t hitting, they had no interest. Which is why the coaches also played the field with them, not only to teach them the rules, but also ensure they don’t get knocked out with the ball because they aren’t paying attention. Coopers strength was hitting the ball (and since no kid got out and no score was kept- trust me, I know what your thinking, that Nissan commercial where every kid gets a participant trophy, score is kept in the next age group, we are too competitive in the south to all be winners!) he made it to first base every time. But seriously, he does have a good swing and surprisingly enough, isn’t shy when he’s out there. He did have a few good stops at the ball when he was paying attention, but he thought it was pretty boring when he wasn’t hitting and running the bases. Overall consensus, we will start soccer in the spring and sit out next season of baseball. We need something with more action.

The Yankees first game

Best Buds

 

 LOVE

 

The one with my smarty pants...

We’ve been in school now for a few months and I’ve got to say, these kids are rocking it out. They are both doing extremely well…. I mean did you expect anything less? Addison is already counting to 10 and knows her shapes and colors. She is also forming complete sentences and is talking more than ever. Which means she totally understands me, but chooses to ignore me anyway. She is very strong willed (like her Dad). Thank God I know where they sell wine. Cooper is doing great, learning to write, color in the lines, spell, count and do math. He is truly loving school. They have an after school program called “lunch bunch” that Cooper did for the first time yesterday. He stayed at school until 3PM and when I picked him up, he actually cried because he didn’t want to go home. He’s also learning that mommy isn’t as cool as she once was. I guess he was going to learn that eventually!

Everyday Attire

 

Also in other news, we just celebrated a HUGE milestone… we have a FIVE year old in the house, woot woot! Happy Birthday to Cooper!!! This birthday was by far the best thus far. He totally understands what it means to have a birthday and what it means to turn 5. I struggled with planning his big day, only because November seems to be a busy month for birthdays, but I finally got it together and planned. He woke up the morning of his birthday and said Mom, I woke up 5 today! All week, he couldn’t wait! I brought cupcakes to his school and all his friends sang. On the way home, he said Mom, I can’t wait to be six…. And then seven. I had to stop him (even though I love to hear him show off his counting abilities). I said let’s just enjoy one day of you being five before we starting wishing the next birthday. I remember being the same way, just couldn’t wait to be another year older. As kids we are start wishing it away and now as adults, we get depressed to turn another year and looking back it seems childhood flew by way too fast. Fortunately for Josh and me, we have a 2^nd chance at childhood! We get to raise two beautiful spunky loving kids! I try to slow time down, but honestly I think it fly’s faster as a parent. Anyway, Cooper got lots of cool presents. He’s totally into all the superhero, transformer, star wars stuff and he got enough to last him til Christmas! HA. Hopefully Santa is on a budget this year, I am running out of storage.

Look who's FIVE

Birthday Boy

 

School Pictures

Donuts with Dad

Pumpkin Patch Field Trip

 

I’ll try not to make it so long before my next update!

LOVE

The one with the first day...

It’s here and gone, the first day of school. I’ve got to say both kids did amazing, and still are doing amazing. WAY better than I thought considering they have been home with me with what seems like forever. Well, none of us shed a tear. It was nothing but happy and exciting.

The kids started Mandarin Presbyterian Preschool. Cooper is in a state funded pre-kindergarten program and Addison is in the two year old preschool class. Cooper’s teacher, Mrs. Rockwell says he is just the sweetest thing. It’s funny, I thought the first thing that Cooper would tell me about his day would be the playground, but he hasn’t really mentioned it. He talks about his friends, the kid scissors he gets to use and the painting and coloring. I think he is really going to thrive in this program. His class does ABC cooking, so for each letter they make a food, so for "B", they made Brown Bear Biscuits (lots of sugar) but this may be a huge break through for Cooper and his trying new foods, he may break out of his shell a little bit when he sees other kids trying new things. So far so good, its been easy like Apples, but when they get to something like "P" where its peas or pigs in a blanket, he may be challenged a bit! But he will most likely be starving, so desperate times call for desperate measures, right?! I'll keep you posted :)

Anyway, both of them love it…. And you know who else loves it??? MOM, I get THREE whole hours to myself. Which entails running, cleaning, showering, running errands and a little consulting work- (yes, all in 3 hours). It’s amazing what you can do in a quiet house alone! But I have to admit, I do love the afternoons more. I pick the kiddos up at lunch time, so we get to eat together and still have all day to be together. I know I won’t have days like these for long, so I am really trying to soak it up now!

 

Love