The Pinkston Family Blog

Summer Tats And Trunks!

2011-09-07T22:56:00.000-05:00

So we started off by celebrating little guys 8th birthday. Still can't believe he's that old!!

From there the summer taught me that my munchkin is beyond fasinated with tat's. All summer long, we have continually had to put them on and take them off so I thought I would share his favorite one of all. In honor of Uncle Corey. He got one this summer and junior mint (as his Daddy calls him) is in awe. Moving along, the tat's have had to stop now that he's back in school and they won't allow them. Can we all say, awww, poor child - lol! He's enjoyed this summer of swimming and going back and forth to the lake. We have too, actually but, for those that read this blog, it's mostly about him not us (who really cares about us, ha ha ha). Oh and the soccer season... yeah that ended badly. Poor group had very little talent. I think they ended the season losing about half of their games. But, they had fun and that's what was important. All in all, it was a good summer filled with lots of fun and laughter. Not that this comes as a shocker. It's pretty much expected at our house or so I hear from everyone! I'm signing off and moving right along to fall which so far seems that it's going to be interesting... As for me, I'm working my tail off and the boys are both in school and doing fantastic! Hugs and Kisses to all of you! More to come, until then.... laugh and love and make it worth it! :>}

Old Southern Spring

2011-04-19T15:41:00.000-05:00

So, spring has sprung in the South, that's for sure! It's a hot, muggy, 84 degrees and climbing. Just waiting on the rain to pound down. I say every season, "oh, I'm so ready for summer, fall, winter, spring", really... I'm not, lol. Don't get me wrong, I love planting flowers and seeing them grow. I love the bright colors (I'm a vibrant color girl), the smells of fresh grass and just seeing God's hand at work. It seems like it's just more visable in the spring time or maybe that's just me. I look forward to the strawberries and the summer veggies that taste like vegetables should. Tomatoes, oh how I miss you...

I digress just dreaming of the sweet, juicy taste and wishing I had one right now. But at last, I don't. Instead my weekends are filled with soccer games and birthday parties which I love! Makes me wonder why so many birthdays are in the spring, hmmmm.... :~) So, my little guy is on a green team this season (the green gators), lol. The team named themselves can you tell it's a bunch of 7/8 year olds? Hubbs is the coach this year and just about can't stand the fact the team is the "Gators" when he went to Florida State and is a die hard SEMINOLE. He told them that they had to be the "Green Gators" that they couldn't be just a Gator. ha ha ha. Men! More to follow. So far they have won 1 and lost 1. We will see what Saturday brings. The kids are already asking when the pizza party is. Nice to see where their priorities are. LOL!

It May Not Be Mother's Day But I'm So Proud...

2010-12-12T08:07:00.006-06:00

So, this is my mom, her BEAUTIFUL Baltimore Album Quilt and her story. This was the first quilt that she ever made. She started in 1995 and finished in 2005. She only worked on it occassionally which is why it took 10 years to finish, lol. My dad convinced her to enter it in the fair here in our home town a few years ago. She does and wins "FIRST PLACE". From there they offered her the ability to enter in the state fair. She figures, why not so she does and wins "BEST OF SHOW". From there it travels around the US and hangs in D.C. It comes back home and she's tickled pink since it is the first quilt she ever made (she's made alot since and they are all amazing). I have to say as a person who has no more sewing talent than a gnat, that would be me, I too think it's fantastic. The stiches are so tiny and the quilting is amazing, it's all done by hand. The ruching (I think that's how you spell it) is gorgeous! The flowers look 3D. Ok, so you get the idea!

In July she gets a phone call from the Houston International Quilt Show and Festival (this is the Stanley Cup of Quilting for you hockey fans or the Super Bowl for you football addicts) wanting her to ship her quilt to them for consideration of allowing (yes, I said consideration and allowing) it to hang in the Baltimore Album Review that they are doing in November at the show since they are picking and choosing the one's they want. She of course is so happy she can't stand it and says, yes, yes, yes. Even if they don't pick it she can be proud, right? Well, they do pick it and not only did they pick it, she got put on the front corner so it's in the first line of viewing. Apparently, they liked it too! So in November, Mom and I make a trip to Houston to shop and check out her quilt and get her picture with it. We had so much fun just us then with all her friends that came down for the show as well. It was a fun week just hanging out with my Mom. It's been too long since I've found time to do that, just us.

I know that this sounds like a huge brag blog of my mom but, I find that since we don't get to spend as much time together anymore as when I was younger I want to praise her where I can. She's an amazing women who has overcome so much in her lifetime and she (and my Daddy) raised both my sister and I with so much love and tenderness. As a wife and mother now, I know what she gave up for us. I'm just thankful everyday that the Lord blessed me with her. She will probably never see this or read it (she can't even work her cell phone, lol) but, I know it's here and I'm shouting from the rooftops that Mommy, I am SOOOO SOOOO PROUD OF YOU and I LOVE YOU!

Can I Stop Time?

2010-07-13T16:44:00.006-05:00

I admit it, I've been so horrible about updating this blog. I'm sorry to the family and friends that follow this for updates on our lives. It seems like I just don't have time for much of anything extra these days. I will try harder. Yeah, I know... you don't believe me do you? ha ha ha

I can't believe my birthday boy (May 16th) was 7. Yes, I know it's July, lol. Our little man is getting so big. He's lost 2 teeth at 7 and growing everyday. His personality is one of my favorite things. He's definately a leader and not a follower. He thrives on making you laugh then gets tickled at himself. It makes my heart sing! He had a bowling party. I know you are thinking, didn't he have one of those last year and to answer your wonder, yes you would be correct. He wanted another one this year. What can I say, he likes routine. Hah. We tried to get him to do other things but that's what he wanted, so that's what he got.

To catch you up on our lives, the plumbing saga or as we like to call it " The Pinkston Potty Nightmare" continues. It's still not fixed but we are on the list (should be in a week or two). We still are saying a prayer it doesn't require tearing up the street. The 5 trees they had to take are down and cut so we are prepped and ready.

Chris is off for the summer (from school) so he's enjoying being around the house and with CJ. As for me, I've been fortunate too to spend the summer at home and not travel back and forth a day or two a week to the office so it's been wonderful. I love spending time with our little man, day in and day out. I do have to say, there is a part of me that's ready for school to be back in session but, I wouldn't trade my special moments with my boys for anything! We recently had a wonderful vacation as a family, we needed the time away! I wish I was back there now, taking in the water and the sun...

On a positive note, we FINALLY settled with the insurance company and recently bought a replacement camper. It's not new but, it's nice inside and it gets the job done for Chris until he's out of school. He loves it because it has a separate bedroom and has a swivel rocker. For those of you that know Chris, it's important he can continually move. :>)

For those that were praying for Chris' dad (Jim), thank you so much. He's doing so much better and as of right now, they said they can't see anymore cancer cells. He's had his last chemo treatment and is doing well. Praise the Lord. He goes for a CT and PET scan soon so that will confirm or change the future plans. More to come on that. Right now we are looking forward to seeing him and spending time with Janice as well next weekend. We are headed to Tunica for a fun filled gambling weekend just adults. :) Maybe we will win B-I-G!

So, now I'm off to celebrate a belated birthday dinner with a girlfriend. Hope this finds all of you well until next time! Peace, Love, and Birthday Cake!!!

You Have To Find The Humor In Life...

2010-05-07T21:32:00.007-05:00

Thursday, April 29th starts off just like any other day in our home. Chris leaves for Memphis at 5:30am and CJ heads off to school and I upstairs to my office for some "quiet" work time and the day progresses normally until I get that ill-fated phone call at 5:08pm. Chris's plan was to leave work early and run out and pick up our new camper and bring it home before the storms roll in on Friday and Saturday (now known as the 2010 Memphis/Nashville disaster) and he had to do it in the rain. Well, that phrase about the best made plans... fits. Chris is at the 40 bridge (new one) and as he comes down the hill (according to the man directly behind him) a horrible wind gust literally picks up the camper and jack-knife's it into the side of the SUV and breaks the tow hitch (above) sending the camper flipping into two lanes of traffic and Chris inside the SUV to the other side of the highway right into the guard rail. Thankfully, the Lord was looking over him and he walked away without a scratch. The officer working his accident told him that if he had been using a "bulldog hitch" which is unbreakable he would have flipped with the camper. In my mind a big reason to not have that kind. The SUV and the camper however, are completely trashed. The camper is a total loss and the SUV remains to be seen (probably a loss too). The fortunate thing is that I had written a check for the camper insurance on Tuesday before Chris had the wreck on Thursday. So at least that's covered. :~) I'm trying to find the humor of the situation. I'm sure State Farm won't find it humorous when they replace the camper after one payment for coverage. At the moment, they can't even start the claims processing since they don't have a policy number to match to the camper. Allegedly, that will be done in the next week or so.

So, we think it can't get much worse well, let me just say it can. While we spend the weekend having a "pity party" over our above loss, we start having our plumbing back up. Just thinking a simple back up or at the worst it's tree roots that have worked their way into the line, we call the plumber to come out Monday morning. Low and behold we find out that it's a collapsed pipe before it gets to the sewer system. Note I said BEFORE. So after a ton of phone calls and visits from various pipe guys and plumbers and city workers, it's determined that it's on our dime (city pays if it's a problem on our property caused by the city sewer but, if it's a problem from our home getting to the city sewer pipe, it's on ours. It gets worse, they tell us that we must go 18-20 feet into the ground to get to the pipe, break up the street and go into our neighbors yard to get the pipe replaced. Oh and I forgot, they also have to take 4 tree's from our front yard (we have to pay for that too). From there we go talking to pipe / plumbing guys to see if we can "boar" under the street instead of breaking it up because even though it's asphalt, the way the city laws read, we have to replace it with concrete. Yep, you read this right. Once we are told that this is not an option because years ago before this was a housing area, it had gravel pits all around and they are concerned that the street could collapse under the weight then we would have to replace the street, I'm ready to cry. So after 4 quotes from the only 4 people in town that can do the work, I do cry. I'm sick at my stomach. I was seeing a new car in my distant future, I was definitely not envisioning spending that money burying it in the ground, literally. But, what can you do? Build an outhouse? ha ha. Now, that's a thought. In all seriousness, now that we have all our ducks in a row and are ready to go, we are told we have to wait 3 weeks before they can get to us. So maybe we should build that outhouse after all. So, that's my May and where I am, I'm still trying to find the sunshine and the humor amongst what I refuse to call my living nightmare. How's your May? LOL!

"It Was The Best Of Times & The Worst Of Times"

2010-01-06T15:41:00.006-06:00

That quote pretty much fits how our 2009 ended and our 2010 is beginning. I know I haven't posted in a long time. Sorry about that but, it's been the last thing on my mind lately. In short, I'll catch you up since August and explain my quote.

CJ started private school (first grade) this year and we love it and so does he. It was truly the best decision we could have made. Public school wasn't right for him or us. He's thriving and a smaller classroom was just what he needed not to mention his teacher (Mrs. Jones) is FABULOUS!!! He's wanting to start piano lessons so I think that's next on our agenda along with going back to karate. As for Christmas, he was so excited that Santa brought him a Nintendo DSI and WAY TOO MANY games that go with it. Oh, and I can't forget the purple light saber (or as CJ calls it, "his purrrflll life saver"). ha ha ha. Apparently, having 2 is not enough so Santa granted him that one last wish for the third. Not really sure what Santa or Mrs. Claus was thinking, maybe it was too much eggnog?? LOL. I guess that's what you call "spoiling them rotten". :~)

As for Chris, he's great. He hit the 4 year mark in December that he's been cancer free, yippee! However, I think in late summer he had a mid life crisis at 41! I woke up one day to him telling me that he had been praying about this and had decided to change careers and go back to school and get another major (child psychiatry), he wants to work with children and families of kids with ADHD and sensory issues. Huh.... Yep, you heard me right! He's decided that he really wants to do this so as a good wife, I'm standing behind this decision and letting him go for it. I guess God has a bigger plan for him and it's not what he's doing now! So, in August Chris went back to school and CJ too. I laugh and say I have two boys in private school. ha ha ha (one in college and one in first grade). Eeek.

I'm pretty much the same no really big changes in my world, just trying to turn over a new leaf and exercise more. I know I need it and I'm trying to find that calm in the storm called my life. ha ha ha.

As for the "best of time and the worst of times"... Chris' dad, Jim got married on Halloween to a woman that we all L-O-V-E, her name is Janice and she's bubbly and fantastic for him (the best of times). They seem very much "in love" and they are happy. However, the worst.... right before Christmas he was diagnosed with esphogeal cancer. He's having surgery tomorrow (January 7th) in Little Rock and will be in ICU for about 10 days. From there the prognosis and treatment is really up in the air right now as the dr's are REALLY concerned about being able to bring him off the vent after the surgery. He is generally in poor health (diabetic, smoker, has had lots of heart surgeries, etc..) and he's only 65! His lungs are not really very strong so the longer he's on the vent the harder it is to take him off and he'll be on it for a few hours during the surgery tomorrow. We can really use your prayers so please lift Jim, Janice and our entire extended family up that this surgery will go well and if it doesn't that God will grant the family peace with whatever is placed before them and the decision that they may have to make. I'll post an update on the surgery as soon as I can.

Until then, I hope you have a blessed and wondeful 2010.

School Bells Are Ringing & Vacations Are Ending...

2009-08-27T14:17:00.007-05:00

Well, we started the summer with CJ going to Dallas to stay with Aunt Kristi & Aunt Mandy for 10 days while Chris and I got a much, much needed get away. CJ had so much fun with his Aunt's swimming, playing with Josh and Joey, going to the see the Ranger's play while we took a spider convertible and road tripped having a FANTASTIC TIME. We first headed to Las Vegas. Shock, shock, I'm sure - lol since it's one of our favorite getaways and then from there we just "winged it". We hit 11 states in 10 days and had a blast. Some states we had been to before but what the hey... We went from Vegas to Utah and saw Bryce Canyon (really beautiful) then from there went to Estes Park, Colorado and enjoyed tons of animals and gorgeous weather. Chris was sad that we couldn't fit fishing gear into that convertible. The streams were amazing and the Elk were plain AWESOME! One got mad at Chris and started snorting (the one above actually). From CO, we decided to go to South Dakota and visit Mt. Rushmore. That was definately a one time wonder for us. Yes, we took in many extra miles by not planning in advance but, that's part of the fun, not knowing where you are going to be tomorrow! From the Mt. we headed back towards Dallas to pick up our little man and head home. We had some exciting times (like downhill at midnight) with nothing but drop off's on either side, our america's funniest home video's episode of trying to get the above flowering cactus pictures (we got stickers all in our shoes) - I had on flip flops need I say more, ha ha. Elk snorting, moose stopping etc. We have some tails to tell. But, we had fun and made memories and that's what's important!

Now, the real world begins... CJ started first grade and seems to be doing well so far. He's excited about what this year will bring and he's reading, reading, reading and learning so much. I feel blessed every moment I have my wonderful family and I love seeing him grow and learn. It's an amazing process and one that I'm so grateful for! I've learned that when life hands you lemon's you put them in your sweet tea and put a smile on your face and be happy your from the South! Women are strong here!!!

Our fall is going to be filled with FOOTBALL and some "mini" family vacations. We can't wait! From ASU games at home and out of town games too. We are also trying to plan a trip to Jeff. City to see Missouri and Texas (GO TEXAS) in October. We'll see what happens from there. Our lives are crazy and we wouldn't trade a moment! Hugs and Kisses until next time...

Summer is here.

2009-06-03T11:53:00.003-05:00

Well alot has happened the last couple of months. We finally have moved into the new house. there are still a few loose ends but those should be tied soon. CJ is out of Kindergarten. He had excellent grades and is growing by leaps and bounds. He is still skinny as a rail but getting taller.

He is so proud to be 6. He tries to use that as a reason to do whatever he wants. Example "Daddy I want to stay up all night. I am six now". We are trying to teach him some responsibility now by giving him chores like making his bed, helping around the house, etc. He starts his allowance this week as well. I still cannot believe how lucky we are to have him. He is definitely a Daddy's boy and I am so blessed this is so.

Take Me Out To The Ball Game...

2009-04-22T12:07:00.007-05:00

I look at CJ and can't believe he's gotten so big, so fast and he's ready for T-Ball. This is his first year to play. We apparently missed the "cut off" last year and had no idea. So, he's playing with the local baseball association this year and thinks it's the greatest thing ever. He's on the "Twins" (appropriate since his daddy is a twin), LOL and he chose #5 since he is 5. hah! He's had his first game and hit and made it to second. We were proud! However, he got to second and nobody told him to run to third so he stood there looking around. ha ha ha. He loves his coach and his team and now when we are at home, all he wants to do when he turns the TV on is watch "baseball". The one thing he doesn't like is having to hit it off the "T". He wants to play "coach pitch" ball. We keep telling him, "next year".

Better Late Than Never...

2009-04-05T11:05:00.007-05:00

So, I'm going to start by apologizing for being SO B-A-D at this whole blog thing! I haven't updated since our AWESOME trip to Dallas for New Year's and yes, I do realize that it is now April. I'll try to give you a quick overview of our first 3 months of the year and I will try to do better in the future - I've been harrassed enough, already! :)

Our January started off with a bang, literally! Tree's were snapping and powerline transformers were popping thanks to the "ice storm 2009". We lost all power for 7 days (yes, 7 days) and we were some of the lucky one's. Other's didn't have power restored for weeks! Chris got stuck in Memphis overnight and I waited until the next day, grabbed some clothes, dropped CJ off at my parents and headed off to Memphis in ice and snow to move into a hotel with Chris so we could still work. Leaving CJ for who knew how long was hard and I felt guilty but, we had to work. He of course thought it was fantastic and so fun. No school and he was "camping". Mom and Dad then lost power and moved to my grandmother's 2 bedroom zero lot line house. Mom, Dad, CJ, and the dog. My poor 91 year old grandmother, took it like a champ! Crazy times!! The ice storm pretty well did us in as well as our fridge and freezer. You never really realize how precious power is until it's gone. Things you definately take for granted! I won't again, I promise you!

Chris is still working on the house, we plan to move May 1st - yipee!! I can really see it coming together and I'm so excited. So is he so because he says all the time, he's ready for some weekends with his family not work, work, work.

CJ is fantastic, he's reading so well and loves to try to figure out what you are spelling. He's reading billboard signs as well as every book and magazine he can get his hands on. Apparently 5 year old boys do love Southern Living and the Pottery Barn catalog, LOL. Oh, and he's made a 100% on all of his spelling and math tests, we are so proud of him!!

In February, we had a really fun date night over Valentine's Day. I suprised Chris with tickets to see Larry the Cable Guy and I have to say, unsuspecting to me I had a blast. It was really a great show (not tacky and tasteless). It was really, really funny and we enjoyed our time together. What was really ironic is that we looked across the convocation center and low and behold, we saw my parents! Yes, my parents! HAH!

March was just plain crazy. CJ started karate, a really good friend of mine (Lorie) up and got married and moved off to Little Rock, I will miss her! And then my mom and I took off on a little extended weekend "girls trip". We had a blast just the two of us with the exception of her locking the keys in the trunk. After 2 locksmiths that couldn't open a BMW, we had to cave and call my dad and he literally had to drive up and brings us another set of keys to open the trunk. Amazingly, he wasn't too upset! He's such a good man!!!!

Our next few weeks will be interesting and busy. I have a "work trip" in April to New Orleans in which two of my girlfriends are going with me and we are going to have an "extended - girls weekend" then we move into the new place. Also have Kristi's graduation in Dallas from DTS (Dallas Theological Seminary), she's a christian counselor now - WOW and then of course the most important is that CJ will be 6 on May 16th. I can't believe it, it goes by SO FAST!!!

Until I have time to post again! XO

Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-10T12:19:00.007-06:00

So, let me just say that this all began with our New Year's trip to Dallas to visit "the girls", see Kristi's new home, root for Ole Miss, etc.... We got there and had a great weekend. We were thrilled that Ole Miss beat Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl - woo hoo, go reb's - HOTTY TODDY! It was funny, we were eating dinner the night before the game and the restaurant (almost the entire thing) was filled with a sea of red and blue and the table behind us held Coach Nutt and his group of many. Ironic???

Our Guitar Hero....

That began the weekend of the guitar hero addiction... CJ, Chris and I all fell for this game - hard! We of course already love Wii games but, CJ had never played guitar hero. He was actually pretty good for a 5 yr old and Chris, myself, Kristi, and Mandy had a blast. I couldn't resist this video. He was so into the game and just look at the tongue, he's so intense! He kept asking if it was him playing the game and we kept saying yes. That's why he says, "that's me, definately me".

Kristi's new pad, of course was so pretty and just perfect for Kristi (it will be better when she gets everything put away and they get settled) but, she hasn't been there very long so right now stuff is everywhere! Plus she's had ton's of company! :) We still can't believe she moved to the "country" and she is in the country!! The roads, bison, long horns and all. CJ of course, loved it!

We hope your New Year's holiday was as fun as ours and we wish you all a safe, blessed and wonderful 2009!

Kindergarten Christmas Party

2008-12-21T21:15:00.006-06:00

The Masterpiece!! It started off as Rudolph's antlers but, he got carried away! :)

CJ, Jacob and Abby

Concentrating on the "stop light" cookie!

PROUD of those cookies!

On Thursday, CJ had his Christmas Party at school. I went thinking that we were making Gingerbread houses but, apparently the milk cartons weren't dry so that changed over to cookies right before the parents arrived. CJ had a blast and the other kids did too. I actually think the cookies were a great idea for Kindergarten since they were mostly just sneaking the candy and eating it. It was so cute, they all had frosting and candy canes everywhere. Santa came to their class and talked for a while and as he was leaving CJ asked him a question.... "Santa, how do you get back up on the roof after you come down the chimney?" Well, Santa the genius he was piped up and said "he was magic". Apparently, he's never read the original "Twas the night before Christmas" ha ha! Anyway, it was fun.

We are all headed to Dallas, Texas after Christmas for a long New Year's celebration. I'm sure we will run into a TON of Ole Miss Fans as well since they made it to the Cotton Bowl (woo hoo)! I'm betting that they won't win (just realistic) but, we can always dream!!! It sure would be great since this is the last game that will be played in that stadium. There will be a new one for 2010!

Until then, May your season be touched with the simple grace of Christ's love, Merry Christmas and we wish you all a blessed 2009!

Our Christmas Addition

2008-12-21T21:03:00.004-06:00

This is our new "Christmas" addition. Otherwise known as "Bella" who arrived at our house on 12/13/08 (Saturday). Chris decided about 2 months ago he wanted for us to get CJ a puppy for Christmas so as organized as I am, I started the search (you can quit laughing about the organization now.. lol). Anyway, we both had criteria for a dog (good with allergies, great personality, doesn't bark alot, great with children, and virtually doesn't shed)! Well, once we narrowed the field down, a maltese was it. We found her in MS and fell in love. She's SO sweet. We decided to go ahead and tell CJ about the puppy since she would be available before Christmas and we let him choose the name. Originally, he wanted to name her "spackle", then decided on "sparkle" then decided neither were "girls" names so he asked me one day if "Bella" was a girls name. When I said yes, that did it. She's been Bella ever since! In the meantime Kristi (Chris's twin sister) moved to new home and decided she wanted a small dog too. When we told her they had one more female, she was in and purchased the sister (aka) Daisy (named after her favorite flower). So, for the last week or so, we have had 2 puppies who were NOT trained to contend with (fun I'm not so sure) but, they are both learning and CJ loves them both and is still on cloud nine. So... on with our adventure!

It's Not Gone Yet

2008-11-06T16:15:00.002-06:00

We as well as the rest of the US have had an eventful week so far.

First, we have a new president be it good or bad, the voters have spoken and although he wasn't my personal choice, it's just that a personal journey and one that we all as adults have the right to be a part of. So those of you that are whining about the outcome and didn't choose to vote - get over it. It's done! You'll have to step up and vote in 2012! Until then we have to deal with what we are given and we will just have to wait and see what the "change" is really going to mean. I for one am concerned for myself, my family, my child and my friends. I'm not looking forward to it.

Secondly, CJ is doing great with his tooth. The doctor decided to not take it out. He's going to let it remain, die and fall out on it's own. He wants to let "nature take it's course". CJ of course is thrilled and loves that it's started changing colors. He's still on fairly soft foods but, is reaching out to other items as well in small portions. I hate the thought of him losing that great perfectly straight smile (oh, wait... it's not straight anymore) - hah!

Chris continues to work himself to death on the new place morning, noon and night (mostly nights and weekend).

As for me... I'm on the countdown to vacation (woo hoo) and I've got boxes, boxes, boxes everywhere going through junk. It's amazing how much junk you accumulate!

Accident Number 2...

2008-11-01T17:07:00.003-05:00

It's been a bit since I've updated so here's a quick overview. Chris's CT went great (CANCER IS STILL GONE)!!!!! Yeah! He only has to go once a year for follow up's now and we are thrilled and feel so completely blessed! On the home front, it looks like we are down to the wire and we are moving sometime between the weekend of Thanksgiving and the first weekend in December (just in time for Christmas). Better late than never - at least we will be in for our first Christmas in the new house this year (only 2 years in the making). lol.

Now, about CJ's accident... It all began with a phone call from the school on Halloween that CJ fell during PE with another child and hit his mouth on the floor. There was blood involved but, the school nurse got it stopped and said no teeth were loose and he's back in class eating cake with his class. So.... being the mom who doesn't over-react (and maybe sometimes should) and thinking that the nurse knew what she was talking about we went on about our day and let CJ do the same. However, when I picked him up from school his mouth was swollen and I just didn't like how it looked (it looked like his front teeth had shifted) so I ran to the pediatric dentist only to find he was closed on Halloween (duh, who wants to go to the dentist on halloween) so I went on down to our dentist not wanting to go through the weekend with the way it looked. After a few x-rays it was determined that he did in fact have an issue... he broke the root of his front right tooth in a clean full break and it was dying and will turn gray! He didn't want to take it immediately out, he wanted to talk to the pediatric dentist on Monday and go from there to see if we can save it in any fashion. So, right now we are eating soft foods, on antibotics and waiting until Monday afternoon to see what to do. Please keep him in your prayers. We don't want him to lose the tooth as according to the dentist it can become a problem down the road when his permanent teeth come in. Since he's only 5 it's going to fall out soon anyway but, we need to keep it as long as possible. CJ of course, the tough little guy he is hasn't complained about it hurting and is trucking on. However, alert and knowing something was up he keeps asking when his tooth is going to turn gray and die (he heard the dentist) so now he thinks its cool and is continuing to look in the mirror over and over waiting for it to turn. Ugg... definately not cool! Needless to say, Darth Vader had an early evening of trick or treating to just a few houses and had to come home and put his candy away and save it for a later time (when he can bite). Here's to hoping you had a much more enjoyable halloween evening than we did! We'll keep you posted on the tooth as things change!

Soccer...

2008-09-28T22:01:00.003-05:00

Soccer, Soccer, Soccer... I guess I have officially become a "soccer mom" - whatever the heck that is. :) It's been crazy the last few weeks. CJ has practice on Tuesday, Thursday and games on Saturday morning. In the meantime, we have to throw in homework and of course Red Wolves Football. Apparently, we have decided that we are officially fans! CJ even joined "Howl's Pals" (a big deal for kids). Yes, I said homework... for a child in kindergarten... it's insane!!! I don't remember having homework back then. Do you? CJ also enjoyed an overnight visit with his "Nanny Evelyn" this weekend and met his "Uncle Mitchell". That seems to have went well and I'm so happy he gets to spend time with her! He's a happy child (can you tell)? No big changes with us. I'm just waiting to FINALLY move to the new house. I'm so ready and I'm counting down the days until Chris and I have "our little fall get a way" - just the two of us! It should be fun! As for Chris, he has a CT with contrast on Monday morning to make sure the cancer isn't back (we need your prayers). If this scan is clean then he gets to change his follow up's with UT to only going once a year! GOD IS GOOD!!! XOXO - more soon!!!

Bubbles... Bubbles...Bubbles...

2008-09-12T13:55:00.003-05:00

TGIF to all of you out there! We have had a week of giggles and laughs! I finally figured out how to post photo's so here you go. CJ loves his bathtime and wanted to take a bath recently in the "big bathtub" a.k.a. Mommy and Daddy's tub so when he got in we found that bubble bath and a jacuzzi tub don't mix real well. Bubbles gallore! Hope you all are having a great week and this makes you laugh! XOXO - Us!

Well another summer is gone.

2008-09-03T10:48:00.002-05:00

Summer 2008 has come to a close. CJ is in Kindergarten now. That makes me old. It is now his job to terrorize the teachers and staff. He is off to a good start!! LOL!! Labor day weekend was interesting. The water has turned cold and was a surprise as I jumped in. We all three picked up a mystery cold. That is the first time we have been sick in about 4 months so that is good. Harvey says we will be in the house before Thanksgiving. All that is left is the basement dry wall, repainting the bedroom and putting in the floor. We need to finish the stairs and paint CJ's room. The tile guy is getting ready to put in the floors and then we will get in the appliances. I think we can make it. Kristi will lose hahaha. I start school at University of Memphis in January. For those of you who need reminding... CJ is the best son in the world. Peace out peeps.

Bloggity Blog Blog Blog

2008-08-28T10:16:00.003-05:00

Hello Family! I'm here now! :)

I think this is a cool way to keep up with each other. And of course those that aren't family will just be MEZMERIZED by all of our awesome events and fabulous fun! LOL

I am back from my latest NIN trip and I had a blast! I am bruised all over, sore, tired, and happy! Crazy eh?

Monday I leave for Paris. I can't believe it's time to go! I'm SOOOOOOOOOO excited and happy! Alex can barely contain himself he's so excited!

My school will start on October 6th. Not long now until that too! This being a bum thing is quickly coming to an end! DANG IT!

First Blog

2008-08-27T14:25:00.002-05:00

Iam glad to see that I now have a place to post my most innermost thoughts.
I know how you feel, Cyn, about CJ starting kindergarten. I thought about him all day, cause you know I can't stand the thought of my own kids being grown, so my little man being 5 already is hard to take.
I know he will do well this year, after he gets all the rules down.
Thanks for getting the blog thing going.

Jan

Kindergarten

2008-08-26T18:56:00.002-05:00

Can you believe Christopher started Kindergarten? Time sure does fly. He was so excited about it and really did well the first day. He just went into the class and started talking like it was no big deal. Of course, I guess to him it was just a new version of "Pre-K" but, to Mommy, he was joining the "real world" and there was no stopping it. Daddy was the tough one but, I think he couldn't believe it was really here either. CJ had a tough week learning all the new rules and what he could and could not do. I think his new backpack and all the school supplies was the most entertaining for him. Of course what 5 year old doesn't love glue sticks? He continues to say he doesn't like Mrs. Brown (his new teacher) and wants "Ms. Kendra back. I think it's going to take some getting used to but, we like Mrs. Brown - she's young, fun, firm and won't let him get away with anything which is exactly what he needs. He's a player what can I say?

We are here...

2008-08-26T18:22:00.000-05:00

After much grief from our family and out of town friends, you know who you are and I'm being nice when I say grief, aren't I hmmm? :0) We created our (apparently) much needed blog.

I know, I know, welcome to 2008.

In all honesty we know that we should have had this years ago but, I personally didn't want to take time to "figure it all out" and those of you that know Chris, know that he will most likely never post anything on here. So, that leaves me being that CJ is too small to type anything that's not gibberish.

Let me reiterate that being a full time working wife and mother, this was on the bottom of my priority list. However, to some of you, it was at the top - so here we are!

When I realized that my kicking and screaming wasn't going to work, I caved, what more can I say?

Okay, so now that I've made that clear and have gotten down off of my soap box, I have NO IDEA what to talk about so you'll have to just hang with me and we'll wing it!

So... welcome to our family blog! We're definitely in for some fun....