Exiting 2010

First, I'd like to say, my little guy turned 2 this year!  Still cannot believe we are the parents of such a little rock star angel baby!  Happy Birthday, little man!

I have been hearing so many friends commenting on what a hard/stressful/terrible year that 2010 was.  As we exit this year, I realize I have so many wonderful (some mundane, some huge) mopments and people to cherish.  I hope during your job losses and financial struggles, estrangements and divorces, sicknesses and deaths, that you all will find something in 2010 that was worth cherishing (and may comfort you) in the years to come.  As Sally Fields says in Steel Magnolias, "...[she]..wouldnt want us to get mired down and waller in it...".  Here are just a few of my greats of 2010...

I owe my good, old (not that old, now, we graduated high school in 1995) friend, Amy, a mess of thanks for inspiring me to get out here in this blogosphere and write (something I love to do).  Check out her blog at http://www.yoursouthernpeach.blogspot.com/

I am thankful for my Jamie.  I will be thankful for, and love her every year, however.

I am thankful for a husband that I love and I can communicate with.

I am thankful for both my Webb and Whitmire families.

I am thankful for my four closest girlfriends: you know who you are!  And my best friend for the last 20 years that has stuck around.  You make me feel YOUNG, Jess!

I am thankful for the gym for getting me even closer to my 20 year old butt.  I am thankful for the women I have met there.  I am thankful to be a part of an organization that gives back to the community!  Go Ron Rosner YMCA!

I am thankful to have a roof over my head, food in my belly, and clothes on my back.

Most of all, I am thankful for God who showers me with these wonderful blessings everyday!

And I ended 2010 on  good note: I bought a scratch-off lottery ticket (which I rarely do) and won fifty bucks!  Well, really $48, but who cares!  Maybe I'll get a long overdue pedicure!

I cant wait to run screaming for joy into 2011!  Happy New Year everyone and may you have the best year ever!

Cheers!

W.A.'s Momma

Family Christmas 2010

W.A. and family packed up the car and headed for the great state of Kentucky for Christmas this year!  It was a short, and wonderful, trip!

My nephew got grounded (oh the memories), my niece was home from college, my other nephew gave me a lesson in the new teenage slang and some music tips.

Some of us ate too much, drank too much but we were all merry! 

Hope all of you had a wonderful and blessed Christmas season this year!

Enjoy the pictures!

Cheers!

W.A.'s Momma

The Dasher Express

W.A. and family piled on the Dasher Express at 8:30 this morning with hundreds of other kiddies to see the rolling hills by train and most importantly, Santa and Mrs. Claus.

We are super busy this holiday season, so I havent been updating my blog as often as I'd like.  Hope you all enjoy the pictures and have yourselves a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!



Judgements

My Kentucky Gentleman and I are fans of Joel Osteen.  I am not a huge fan of so called "Mega Churches" typically, only because I feel you lose "fellowship" once you get too large.  But anyhow, we love listening to Joel Osteen's messages every Sunday morning. 

This past Sunday, he talked about not casting off people who you feel don't live up to your expectations or standards.  He said you should not push away those who "don't fit into your box".  These people could be God bringing you an important message, an important relationship, etc.

For some reason, I clearly listened to what he had to say.  I am so guilty of this.  I've had friends in the past that I decreased activities with  because they became "needy", or "nutty" or one of our most used words was "psycho".  I realized on Sunday, I was judging these people.  I asked myself, "Why are you judging them?" and the answer, I knew immediately.  I was judging my friends and acquaintances for things I did not like about myself.  Ive prayed numerous times for God to take away this judgemental side of me far away.  I don't like it in my head and I certainly don't care for it to be in my heart.  God loves all of his children, even me.  I have faults, flaws, sin....I am not perfect, so who am I to judge?  Am I so much greater than God that I can criticize his handiwork?  That struck me deep inside when I thought about it that way.  I was an idiot and I was acting like a jerk when I judged others.

I am trying harder everyday to (as my friend Erika would say): "Worry about yourself."  I want to be a  better friend.  I'm praying God can help me with this.  I want my son to be proud of me.  So...

If you see/hear me judging others: CALL ME OUT!!

Cheers!

W.A.'s Momma

Rough and Tumble Boys...

...I really am trying to get used to this.  Why is it so difficult?

Every time he bumps his head I am afraid he's got a concussion.  Severe brain bleeding, hemorrhaging and swelling just fill my every waking thought.  I check the pupils, the motor skills and the whole nine yards for every head bump.  I mean, I am seriously up ALL night checking that he is still breathing!

Every cut deserves a trip to urgent care (you're welcome, Dr. Ken and Margaret, I'm sure your mortgage is paid...just kidding...sort of) because I am just sure he needs stitches...or maybe a blood transfusion.

Every bruise is checked with a microscope, every scratch is cleaned to ward off infection..or some other flesh eating bacteria that I'm positive he will get.

My good friend Krista (and mommy to two boys) assures me, "you just have yourself a rough and tumble boy".  I thank God for her some days, but seriously, I am going to check his breathing again right now.

How do you mommas of these beloved boys ever relax?  It's the wine isn't it?  I should buy stock in Robert Mondavi.

Good night Mommas!

Cheers!

W.A.'s Momma

P.S.  Did I mention I have three sisters and just about all female cousins?  I don't know the first thing about boys.

THE Icon

The ultimate HOMEMAKER, the ultimate STAY AT HOME MOM, the ultimate MOTHER OF ADVENTUROUS BOYS has passed on. 

Yes, folks, my idol, my icon, my role model (both her television persona and the real life persona) has gone to be with our Lord...

Rest In Peace, June Cleaver (Barbara Billlingsley).

December 22, 1915 to October 16, 2010

I will miss you...

Grandmothers...

me and my grandma. 1978

I had the best darn Grandmother in the whole world when I was growing up! 

First of all, she let us run around her yard picking apples and catching lightning bugs. 

She was the best cook ever, and made some great fried okra.  I loved her apple turnovers in the fall and her butter pecan ice cream in the summer.  She could fry chicken so well, it made you want to slap yo' momma!

She had the best chunky jewelry and satiny-est nightgowns.  My sisters, cousins and I would all dress up and play princess or wedding (our favorite).  I was always the groom because I was the tallest.

We could plunder her refrigerator, her closet, her drawers, whatever.  She was Grandma and just didn't care what we touched, moved, tipped over, broke, tangled up, greased up, ripped, soiled...as long as we were having fun.  I do not EVER remember her getting angry with us for "ruining something". 

I hope W.A. has some sweet memories of his Grandmothers (Oma and Grammy) that he can pass on as well.

(love and miss you GMA)

Cheers!

W.A.'s Momma

THE BEST BLOG EVER...

I just read it, cried, shared it on Facebook, and feel I have to share it again here.  This is the best blog ever (sorry Amy, youve been bumped to #2, but you'll understand why after you've read it) and everyone should read this specific post: http://www.danoah.com/2010/09/how-much-did-your-kid-cost.html

And please, if you can, read this beautiful story as well: http://www.danoah.com/2010/09/noah.html

November is National Adoption Awareness month.  I am a little early, but this one hits close to my heart!

Cheers!

W.A.'s Momma

Why can't we do it? WE CAN!!!

This post totally and completely inspired me! 

http://www.declansjourney.com/ ("Pink Envy")

Let me tell you "why" first. 

I have a 22 month old son.  He is my world and I waited a long long long time to be a mommy.  He is my most precious moment every moment of my life.  He can be considered the: air I breath, the food that sustains me, my life, and the ultimate love that keeps me going....when I read Sherri and Stan's story, I could not help but put myself in their shoes and W.A. in Declan's shoes.  I would be devastated.  Every child deserves the chance to live, but with my faith in God I know he has a greater plan (look at Declan's friends on Facebook alone for proof!) and I know I just cannot question that.  So....

Declan's Mommy asked the question: "Can you just think about how perception and awareness for Pediatric Cancer would be changed if next September the NFL premiered Wear Gold for Pediatric Cancer?"

WHAT IF?  No.  I mean REALLY, WHAT IF?????????

Ladies!  We are mommies and wives and homemakers!  We are the advertiser's COMPLETE AND MAIN TARGET!!! WE SPEND THE HOUSEHOLD MONEY!  Get out your pens!  Get out your fingers!  Pick up your phones!  Write/Type/Call them!  Let's DO IT!  Like NIKE says: LETS DO IT!!!!!

Cheers!

W.A's Momma

Raising a Gentleman

Just some thoughts I had tonight...

I want to raise a gentleman.

I want my son to know the importance of saying "yes ma'am" and "no ma'am".  I want him to be chivalrous and hold doors, and help ladies across the street.  And although I don't expect him to be handing out monogrammed handkercheifs to every lady (young or old) in distress, I expect him to be compassionate, empathetic, and noble.  I expect him to be a good man.

I expect him to support his spouse emotionally, physically, financially, and lovingly.  I expect him to raise his children.  I expect him to earn a living.  I expect him to eat right, exercise, work hard, and educate himself.  But most of all, I want him to know the value and benefits of serving his fellow man.

I am thankful I have a husband who puts these practices into physicality everyday.  I am glad I have brothers (in-law) that have manners.  I am confident that my male friends can encourage the good habits I will teach.

I am thankful that my full time job is to be W.A.'s Mommy.  I promise to be diligent in teaching kindness when raising the next generation of men.

Cheers!

W.A.'s Momma

Home...

What makes your house a home?

First and foremost, this is what makes my house a home...

However, every woman keeps house in some capacity.  I get the privilege of being a Homemaker.  W.A.'s Daddy and I love to read.  Here is a space in our home that has been set up as our library. 
It is our formal living room, but we have two family rooms already, we did not need another "sitting" area.  We have all of our books organized here, as well as our accolades, pictures of our family and some cozy throws for chilly nights.  As you can see, it is also a favorite "snoozing spot" for our very first baby, Anniebell.  The most special piece included in our library is an American flag that was flown over a military base in Afghanistan, given to W.A. for Christmas by a good friend.  We are very proud to show it off.

At our house, we love love love the beach.  My husband and my son are "water babies".  We feel at home every time we hear the sounds of the ocean or smell that salt air.  We wanted our most used family room to mimic a comfortable beach cottage.  The shells in the glass fish on our mantle were all collected at Sanibel Island.  My husband's parents took him and him siblings there every year when they were growing up.  Sanibel is full of shells of all shapes and sizes.  When collecting shells there, you are known to do the "Sanibel Stoop".

My Kentucky Gentleman and I love to cook (even though he is good at it and I am still learning).  Even more, we love to have nice dinners together so we gather around our dining room table for some great dishes on a regular basis.  We do love the beach, but when we honeymooned in St. Lucia and vacationed in Barbados, we wanted to bring the "island way" home with us.  Tommy Bahama is my favorite designer, so our dining room reflects the island way of life.

In the Spring, Summer and Fall, our family loves to be outside.  We have a pebbled patio just at the bottom of our back deck.  There is a firepit in the center so we can enjoy the outdoors even on the chilliest of nights.  We picked up these Adirondack chairs at Big Lots for a great price.  There are 4 of them and we painted two of them blue and two of them yellow to reflect our bright outlook on life!  Well, the bright colors do help during the gloomy winter!  I do alot of container gardening.  I have no green thumb, so this helps me keep my low gardening abilities in check.

Whatever makes your house your home, make sure it reflects your likes and your personality.  It makes your home cozy and you'll want to spend even more time there. This will be helpful through the cold winter when going outdoors isn't possible.

Cheers!

W.A.'s Momma

Support Your Local Library People!!!

Checking out books is FREE!  And they have great story time for the kiddos.  I know W.A. likes it!

Here is a fun video about our local library branch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8QjjKrEK7Y

Cheers!

W.A.'s Momma

OCTOBER: Breast Cancer Awareness

*This one is for my Aunt Mary...(we love and miss you like nobody's business, W.A. would have loved loved loved you)!

In honor of October, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, W.A.'s Momma went to get a mammogram!

Yes!  I am only 33 years old, but I thought, "what the heck, I'm gonna show all you people that if I can do it, you can do it".  I have a very low pain threshold, but I did it anyway.  My insurance covers one annually for no charge.  It turns out, it was a good idea to get one at 33.  According to Nurse Sherri (and my sister in law) you should get a baseline mammogram at around 35 years of age.  Even earlier if you have a mother/sister/grandmother diagnosed with the disease.  Your risks also increase with age if you have not gone through childbirth.

I called the number my insurance company provided me on September 30th, AND got an appointment the FOLLOWING MORNING at 8:15am!  The Medical Imaging Center at Lees Hill was less than 4 miles from my house.  Sherri and Shirley were taking great care of me and giving me loads of information.  Most people won't get mammograms because of the cost (a topic for another time).  And others, because they think it hurts.  I am here to say: IT DOES NOT HURT AND IT WAS FAST!  Maybe a little uncomfortable for a few seconds.  According to Sherri, 7 people from that office alone were diagnosed with breast cancer LAST WEEK.  Sherri was passionate about her job, I could tell right away.  She said, "If you put 10 people in a room, 3 of them will have it, early detection is key".  I asked her about self checks, she recommends performing them once a month, around the same time every month, but not during your menstrual period.  Sherri and Shirley were so patient with my questions and very excited to help me on my quest for knowledge!  I'll be giving them rave reviews when my survey comes in.  And the results, my doctor will get in a week.  I'll keep you posted!

My Aunt Mary was the only one in my family diagnosed with breast cancer, and we are not aunt-niece by blood, only by marriage.  Still, I'll be getting them regularly.
Learn more at http://www.breastcancer.org/, or http://www.komen.org/

Let's nip this cancer in the boob, er, bud!

Cheers!

W.A.'s Momma

Adios Septembre!

Goodbye September!

You confuse me!  You have days that are like summer then the next is very Fall-ish.  What good a month are you anyway???

Oh yeah.  My sweet Grandma Edna was born in September, and that should be a national holiday.

Happy October Everyone!

Cheers!

W.A's Momma

Life's Theme Songs

Have you ever heard a song that immediatley puts a flutter in your chest?  It is that song that when singing it in your head, forces you to hold your chin up a little more and raise your shoulders back?

I call these songs my Life's Theme Song.  It changes over the years or even months.  This time around it happens to be "Magic" by B.O.B.  I dont know why, but it boosts my mood and my confidence.

Next time you feel down and low, start singing YOUR favorite song and I guarantee, you will feel better.  Just try it!  It is also good to do when you're nervous.

Cheers!

W.A.'s Momma

Lowcountry Crab Boil

You always eat good on vacation!  Here is our best meal: a Lowcountry Boil!  Recipe will follow the pictures!

Our Lowcountry Boil!!  Yummmm!

Can you tell I am ready to eat?!?!?

Get a big pot and throw in some red potatoes and sausage with enough water to cover them.
Make sure you shake in some old bay seasoning, or crab boil seasoning to taste.
Add some corn on the cob (make sure you cut them in half).
Add in your crab and shrimp when your potatoes are almost tender.  It only takes the crab and shrimp about 5 minutes to cook!

Cheers!

W.A.'s Momma (and Daddy)

Shenandoah National Forest

Hi All!

We had an itch in our pants for everything fall: colorful leaves, cooler temperatures, and hiking!  So...we went to the mountains where we could experience all three! 

It was a good 14 degrees cooler on the mountain than at our house.  The leaves on the mountain top were already starting to change too!  It was gorgeous!  We did some sightseeing off the Pass Mountain Overlook and learned about mountain "gaps".

We took a picnic lunch and then did some hiking on the Appalachian Trail!  We didn't go too far, I did not want to encounter any black bears! 

There are over 500 miles of trails at the Shenandoah Natural Forest.  Hiking is a must with all of the beautiful flora and fauna!  If you don't like to hike, don't despair, Skyline Drive is beautiful with many overlooks to pull off the road into and get a great view (even if you stay in the car)!

Admission for a 7 Day Pass was only $15.00.  Pretty cheap!  If you do not want to take a picnic lunch, like we did, you can stop in at the Skyland Resort and get a bite to eat at their restaurant.  You can also get some great information from tour guides there as well.  And for you boozers, there is a taproom!

If you want to stay overnight and aren't a camper (like me) you can rent a traditional room, cottage or even a suite at the Skyland Resort!

Enjoy the pictures!

Cheers!

W.A.'s Momma

HHI 4: We have to leave...

W.A., W.A's Daddy and I are all packing up to leave tomorrow.  We'll miss the morning runs, the bikerides, the beach, the Salty Dog, but most of all, we will miss all the family we have been surrounded by...

Cheers!

W.A's Momma

1 of 3 zillion reasons...

I love my sweet husband...

We went on a family bike ride yesterday.  We passed a family of 7 on their bikes.  The father was on his cell phone doing business.  He couldnt hang up for one lousy hour to share time with his wife and children?  My husband hasnt made one call or text.  Im glad I chose a man who puts his family first.

Cheers!

W.A.'s Momma



HHI 3: Coastal Discovery Museum

The Coastal Discovery Museum has two locations on Hilton Head Island, and is dedicated to everything Lowcountry, both past and present.

W.A.'s Daddy and I loaded W.A. and his cousin Asa in the car.  Asa's mommy needed a serious break, so off on an adventure we went!

The museum is housed in the most breathtaking old plantation home I have ever seen.  It was beautiful and was surrounded by the largest magnolias!  Spanish moss was draped everywhere!  I was IN HEAVEN!

There is a "discovery house" in the main quarters of the old home.  It has a gift shop and exhibits dedicated to the people of the Lowcountry with a special interest in the "Gullah".  There was even a Gullah cooking class, but it was over by the time we got there.  There were three piers that went out over Jarvis Creek and the marshlands on the property.  We toured two of them.  The first was the Osprey Overlook and contained an abundant amount of information on local birds.  You could even hear a sample of their calls by pressing buttons on an information kiosk. 

The second pier we toured was the Oyster Overlook.  Here, you could find information on local mollusk life in the marsh.  The more information W.A.'s Daddy gave Asa, the more he wanted to know.  That little Asa is a sponge.  He is going to make his momma very rich one day.

There is a butterfly enclosure also located at the Coastal Discover Museum.  You can learn anything you ever wanted to know about butterflies and caterpillars in this place!  And it kept the boys totally captivated.  Something us mommas just love, right?

Asa referred to the lush grounds as "a Jungle".  It always amazes me what capacity for imagination that children have!  Here is Asa going into his "jungle".

Of course, we had to get our picture made before we left.  The boys and I thought these steps were the perfect place with such amazing vegetation and beautiful architecture behind us!  We also bought some homemade pepper jelly in the gift shop before we left.  Mmmmm good.

We still have two more days here and lots still left to discover!

Cheers!

W.A.'s Momma

My Family's Boys Club (Hilton Head Island Part 2)

We have a very small boys club in our family. The number of girls FAR OUTWEIGHS the little boys.  To be exact: there are 5 boys and 13 girls. It started with my Grandma Edna who had two boys to raise.  My Aunt Cindy next, followed by her daughter, then my sisters and I.  Miranda (my cousin Kenny's wife) rounds out the most recent, with KBT III being about 2 months old now, WELCOME TO OUR CLUB, MIRANDA!

Zizzy (Grandma)  and Trace

I love having the support of so many mothers to toddlers in my extended family.  I grew up "Southern" and in a southern family, your cousins are the same as your syblings.  I don't mess around with that "second cousin" business...all of my cousins are either "Aunts" or "Uncles" to MY little boy...

HHI is definetly a rare treat when we have 9 toddlers out on the beach just enjoying so much of eachother.  I even got to spend some one-on-one time with little Millie walking the beach to find seashells for her mommy (my cousin, Samantha).

L-R: Miranda, Stephanie, Me, Zizzy, Keri.

Here is the Boys Club of our Family converging on Hilton Head Island for our Annual Family Reunion.  The little girls are as cute as can be, but this blog is about boys remember!  Dont worry, I'll be posting about the little girls too!  Enjoy!


Cheers!

W.A."s Momma

Hilton Head Island: Part 1

As you can plainly see, our boys are having a grand old time here at the beach.  My sister and I are going to quit our jobs, move our families here, and have our husbands be stay-at-home dads while we relax everyday.  We'll have to figure that whole money thing out later...

Hope you all are enjoying your families as much as W.A. and I are.!

Cheers!

W.A.'s Momma

REPTILE LAGOON, Pedro's South of the Border

I want to apologize in advance for the pictures you are about to see.  I left our camera battery at home and didn't realize it until we were 4 hours away.  I had to use my outdated cell phone!

If you have ever traveled I-95 South you've come across Pedro's South of the Border!  It is an enormous tourist attraction and to call it "cheesy" would be an understatement.  It's that hidden gem, that total tourist trap, but worth the bucks you spend on it!  We decided to shell out the $16 at Pedro's Reptile Lagoon.  It was a great way for W.A. to burn off some steam after being strapped in the car seat for 4 hours, with another 4 still to go.

Every alligator, crocodile, and snake was behind a double chain link fence or double pane glass.  There were also sea turtles in aquariums and a huge tortoise at the end of the exhibit.  It was a winding path of reptiles and no where but straight to go.  So we just let W.A. do his thing.

The most exciting part of this lagoon was that there were TWO green mamba snakes.  If you aren't educated on snakes, the BLACK mamba is the most poisonous snake in the world.  The green mamba comes right behind.  I am NOT  a snake lover, but I had to admit even these snakes were beautiful creatures.  It was also nice to learn about these snakes from their owner, a Tanzanian man who was right there on duty.

Another perk was that we made it during feeding time for one of the smaller snakes: gross, but totally a "boy" thing.

Pedro's South of the Border is a great place to break up a long trip with a toddler.  I wouldn't make it a final destination!

Cheers!

The Gift

The day I brought W.A. home from the hospital was the day I got the most precious gift in my life.  I wanted to give my son a big gift in return.  So...

I quit smoking.

Everyone out there who smokes has tried to quit, I'm sure.  And they know how hard it is to quit.  It is not only an addiction but a coping mechanism and relaxer (at least for me).  It was hard, but I did it.  I wanted to share "how" since you already know the "why".

First, I gave up all of my triggers: wine, coffee, sugar-free Red Bull, late night phone calls with my sisters, and huge meals.

Second, I replaced the physical habit with something else.  Every time I felt like reaching for a stogie, I reached for my "friendship bracelets".  You remember those bracelets we made in high school with embroidery yarn?  Yeah, that's them.  I had three or four around the house and a couple in the car.  I joked with everyone I knew that they would be getting a "friendship bracelet" or keychain for Christmas and birthdays.

Third, I did yoga.  Instead of a relaxing cigarette and glass of wine at the end of each night, I did some yoga and had a cup of Sleepytime hot herbal tea.

It wasnt easy, but I did it.  Sure I've had some relapses, but instead of just folding and being angry at myself and smoking more, I started over.  It worked. 

And those patches arent cure-alls, but they sure did take the edge off so I didnt bite off my Kentucky Gentleman's head.

I've been running alot lately and I notice the increase in my lungs' capacity every week.  Exercising more and drinking more water each day surely wards off those cravings.  It is getting a little easier, but there are some days when I just want a good old cigarette.  I loved smoking, but it will surely kill me.

I want to see my son go to college, get married and have children.  And I want that huge Cadillac my dear husband promised me on my 65th birthday.  So I plan to make it! 

Cheers!

W.A.'s (Smokefree) Momma

Special Aunts

In a couple of recent posts, I have mentioned my sisters and how important they are to me, and William's secial aunt Jen.  I wanted to tell you more about the special women in my life and WHY they are so special.

My Kentucky Gentleman (my husband, not the bourbon) and I have wanted to be parents since the day we married.  We were together for years before we even got married so we did not think we needed that "newlywed time" that comes after the honeymoon.  God had other plans for us because we got 5 years of newlywed time before we became parents.

Those five years were great with my husband but he was a man and did not understand the longing, the yearning, the "biological clock".  There were times I was in a very sad place.  There were days when I was so very close to just "losing it".  However, I had some wonderful women friends, that I just HAVE TO mention.  They helped me keep my sanity, and my anger in check.  As anyone who has gone through infertility knows, it can test a marriage.  Luckily, I was blessed with these women to "slap me straight" at my lowest times so I did not take it out on my husband.

I met Lori G. in Atlanta 10 years ago.  She is only slightly older than me but has the amazing ability to put things in prespective for me.  I will forever listen to her advice!  I met  Jen S. 8 years ago while we waited tables together.  She has been the person to lift me out of the rottenest of moods by bringing on whatever I needed at that particular moment to get me out of my "funk".  And then there is Morgen R. (soon to be Morgen S.) who is the friend we all need, the one who will slap you silly for being an idiot.  The friend who will tell you to "shutup", "suck it up", "stop whining".  I know you're thinking, "wow, this Morgen sounds like a real witch".  Quite the contrary, she is also the one who wiped my tears away and told me "this will be over soon and it WILL happen."

I couldnt write a piece about my sisters, and then leave out these three women.  They are so important in my life and even though we all have traveled seperate ways in life, we still find a way to keep in touch and stay close no matter how many miles come between us!  They will ALWAYS be "Aunts" to my son because of how special they are to ME.

I love you girls, and I am so happy and blessed to have all three of you in my life!

Cheers!

W.A.'s Momma

And we're off...(almost).

W.A., Hilton Head Island 2009

Good evening mommas!  We are off to beautiful Hilton Head Island this weekend for some great family fun!  I'll be busy packing all of W.A.'s gear (and Daddy's too) up in preperation for the drive and FULL WEEK stay!  This should certainly be an adventure with 9 toddlers in tow.  I can't wait to tell ya'll about all of our adventures there when we return!

Cheers!

W.A.'s Momma

Two things I always knew...

There are two things I always new to be true and have never questioned.  First, that my sisters are my best friends.  And second, that I would be a mother to a boy.  So it was an added bonus that my sisters both had boys the exact same year William was born!

My sisters and I have always been close.  We have talked eachother through so many difficulties, such as deployment, infertility, severe health problems,  etc.  There have been small things (fights with husbands) to big things (pediatric heart attacks) and we stood by eachother, hugged eachother, stayed on the phone hours at a time with eachother, or just held eachothers' hand.  I am so blessed to have my sisters.  Its a special relationship that comes with a special kind of love I wish EVERY woman had.

What made this bond we shared even more special was that we all had boys within the same year.  So now our boys will be just as close (we hope). 

Asa, Gavyn, and William.  October 2009

My sweet William was the last to come along.  I had my struggles with infertility and while God was putting me through that, my beautiful sisters were already getting started expanding their families.  They were so kind and sensitive to me during their pregnancies.  Don't get me wrong, I was EXTREMELY happy for them.  I had already resigned myself to being the best damn Aunt to these little boys even if I was never meant to be a mother.  And then this happened:

William and me, November 2008

When I was a child, all of my dolls were my "little boys" or "my son".  When I was a teenager and daydreamed about the family I would have someday, it was always a little boy included.  I cannot explain it, I just always knew.  Please don't misunderstand me, I think little girls are wonderful, I have two nieces I love very much but I always felt deep in my heart and soul that I would be a mommy to a boy!  And I am JUST AS close to my sister who has a daughter but while she is raising her diva, the rest of us will be raising the hellraisers.

William and Gavyn, June 2010

Asa and William, September 2009

This post was inspired just by me thinking how mysteriously God works out His plan and all those times I questioned His purpose for my life.  Now I know it couldn't have turned out ANY sweeter.

Cheers!

W.A.'s Momma