The Witty Conversations of Wendy

ghosts of Christmas....

2009-12-28T13:03:00.016-06:00

So I have no earth shattering, life altering reason that it's been so long since I've updated this thing. Just been living life each day as it comes, thankful and blessed for the time that God has given us. I am working on a post for the beginning of the year highlighting our 2009 year, and will probably talk about resolutions then. I've never been one to make resolutions, let alone stick to the few ones I have actually made. Gonna work on that though. Maybe if I write them down this way, I can hold myself more accountable!

This has been me the past few days, and maybe writing it out will make it a little easier to understand and deal with.........some people might find this incredibly shallow and naive. But for me, it's real, and it's how I feel....

The days before and Christmas morning was wonderful.... it truly was. It was filled with family, friends, lots of laughter, singing, dancing, christmas lights looking, and just time together. I try every year to fit as much in as I possibly can, because of the schedule the girls are on. It started last year this way, and every other year after this one, it will be this way. And I guess every other year, I will have to go through this again and deal with my emotions in a way so as to cope with the way we must do Christmas.

Christmas isn't about gifts. I know this, and we have emphasized this to the girls. But let me give you a small snapshot into our lives at 12:20pm on Christmas day, when a lot of people have only begun to celebrate the day with family and friends. My parents, aunt and uncle, and David's parents have just left. The girls had left 20 minutes before that, at noon. David has gone to take a shower, and I walk into the den, look around, and I just want to cry. The doll, the only thing Chloe wanted for Christmas, the only thing that she had talked about for months, had been tucked ever so gently into her new little bed and kissed before her momma Chloe walked out the door. I'd been left with instructions on how to take care of her while Chloe was gone. Kameryn's charm bracelet, a gift from David and I, with little charms, each one picked out to describe her perfectly had been taken off and left on the coffee table, and her new camera from Santa, filled with happy pictures she'd snapped throughout the morning, put in it's case, and was still. I wasn't ready for the flood of emotions that would hit me after seeing this.

It just broke my heart as I tried to put myself in their shoes as a child. To wake up Christmas morning, the excitement and fun, and then leaving it all. Yes, in 10 days they will be able to once again physically touch these things and play with them. Yes, they were leaving there with their father who they were happy to see and going to a home filled with more presents for them. And yes, there are children in the world who don't have anything, let alone a Christmas present, or parents who don't have their children anymore to hug and celebrate anything with. I can't even begin to imagine how hard that would be, and I know that to some it might seem shallow to hear me say these things, but for me,right now, at this moment in my life, as a mother who wants the best for her children, who feels partly responsible for all the hurt, confusion, and difficult things they have to endure now, who gets to put away the Christmas tree and at the same time find new places for their gifts, I know that Christmas for them will never quite be the way it was for me growing up, and that breaks my heart.

I walk upstairs later that day, and the sheets on Kameryn's bed, and Chloe's makeshift trundle bed, made up in Kam's room so they could be together on Christmas Eve/morning, were still helter-skelter after 2 little girls scurried out of them giggling before dawn on Christmas morning. It's like everything had just froze in time. Flood-of-Emotions all over again.

But every other year, at noon on Christmas day, I will be strong, and hug them, tell them I love them and will take care of whatever they are leaving behind until they come back home. And when they call each day for an update, I get to tell her that I have changed her doll's clothes each day and put her pj's on and tucked her into bed each night, just as I was asked to do....

A "Real Simple" Deal

2009-07-14T12:41:00.005-05:00

Quick fun find for you that I found on someone's blog today. Look at THIS!!I've already ordered my subscription! I LOVE this magazine, but hardly ever splurge and buy one. I usually just look at it online. Now you can have a full year of them for $5.....!! Wow, I love a good deal- Enjoy!

It's coming....

2009-07-13T14:16:00.003-05:00

2009 Room Makeover in progress...... will catch up on the past 7 months plus post pics from our latest project.... got a lot to do in a week's time while the girls are gone! Here's a hint......

Fun thing....

2009-01-08T10:53:00.001-06:00

Yes, instead of posting fun pics of the holiday to go with everything that has been going on with us... I thought I'd post this link to a really fun "word cloud" website. You can either type in a few things, or copy portions of your blog or whatever you choose. It chooses the most used words and creates a random word cloud.... pretty neat eh? Have fun and make your own! You can click on mine and it will make it bigger. I couldn't find a way to copy the actual wordle and paste it any larger.

Link Above...

2008-11-14T15:32:00.009-06:00

UPDATED: I have included my letter at the end of my post as an example...

To all of you mothers....

I stumbled upon this blog of someone who has decided to create a book for his wife, for her christmas gift. It is a book of letters from mothers to mothers....any type of letter. Some have been from adoptive moms to birth moms, first time moms to old timers with questions, stories of love, sadness, questions....anything goes. For those that send him a letter before Christmas you will also get a copy of the book if you email him and let him know you'd like one. The letters...some long, some short...some funny, some sad, are ones that will make you look inside the mother in you. I just wrote mine this afternoon. Above is the blog address and on that is an email address if you would like to write a letter. This is what they are doing this instead of gifts. How neat is that?!

I thought I'd include my letter as well. Most of you who read this already know my story, for those that don't..... now you will.....

Dear Mother,
We are beings that will forever change the world. We come in all shapes and sizes. We have all lived different childhoods and experienced different things in life. We have all had dreams and goals each with different time-lines and outcomes. We have all experienced joy, pain, and sadness. We have given birth to a miracle created by the hand of God. Some have the physical scars as their rites of passage, others have the emotional scars that are etched into the soul forever. We have laughed from the depths of our souls, we have cried from the chasms of our sorrow. We have wished on birthday candles and shooting stars. We have wiped tear-filled eyes and bloody knees. We have kissed away the pain and bandaged the scrapes. We feel their pain and pray for their souls. Who are we? We are mothers--past, present, and future. No matter where we are at this moment, whether our children are near or far away, we will always be...a mother. My journey of motherhood began much earlier than I had expected. I had completed my second year of college, and was planning on going overseas the next year to take part in a wonderful experience that would hopefully help me make my decision as to what and where my life was going next. I never got there.

There were circumstances and actions taken that summer that found me 20 years old, unmarried, and pregnant. I was scared, mad, unsure, and every other emotion in the book. But I knew at that moment, that my life was never going to be the same. It wasn't about me anymore. God had different plans for me. My daughter will be 10 years old this April and I, without a doubt, believe that she was my angel sent from Heaven to save me. She is my pride and joy and the light of my life. She has blessed my husband and I, and my family more than we could have ever imagined. She has a heart of gold and truly believes when she says "God knew you needed me then, Mommy, more than anyone else, so He sent me to you early." And she's right. I did need her. I needed God to show me that He was in control. She saved me. In every way possible. I am also a mother of a rambunctious 5 year old that keeps us in stitches everyday. Being a mother is a magical and miraculous gift given to us by God, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Watching a child learn about life and God is indescribable. To know that he has entrusted me with one of His own is humbling beyond words.

May God bless you and your sweet sweet family. May the memories you make each day, be held close to your hearts.

hmmm.....

2008-10-24T09:12:00.001-05:00

Wendy is wondering why when she posted new post on Wednesday, it's still not showing up on her friends updated blog's list.......hmmmm.....?

2008-10-16T13:53:00.006-05:00

We had a great time in Destin the week before last for Fall Break. There were not many crowds anywhere and the weather was pretty good. It rained 1 day while we were there and sprinkled off and on another day, but when the sun was out, it was BEAUTIFUL! We loved getting to spend time with David's parents, sister, and nephew Caleb! We don't get to see Jen and Caleb often so it was great having them there with us all week. We played on the beach, in the pool, in the condo, we went bowling on the Air Force base the day it rained, we took naps, which we a treat! and just goofed off! It was the first time we'd been to the beach with Chloe so we loved getting to experience everything with her for the first time. We saw a ton of dolphins and ate some amazing food! We all would've loved to have stayed a few more days!!!

Here's David and I on the beach....
our Chloe...

Just happy being.....

all my babies.... I hate this one is blurry...

Fudpuckers....

about to get on the go-karts!

my angel....

love this picture...

the "aunts"

the whole Joachim crew....well, minus Eric....

we are all extremely competitive in our family....probably not the best thing..

I was a very sore loser after this race..... Kam and David smoked us....

Thanks "Non & Pop" for a GREAT trip! :)

more....

2008-10-01T15:25:00.003-05:00

the rest of the summer and start of school.....
Played in a sprinkler

We went to a waterpark in Choctaw, MS

Went to a Dave Matthews concert.... AWESOME!

Senior Kindergarten and 4th Grade.....

On Labor Day, David, Kameryn, my Dad, and I traveled back to a little town in Tennessee to a horseshow that my grandfather helped create. When I was growing up, my Dad and I went every year. This year was Kam's second year to go, and David's first. It's not the same without my Papa and Nano(my dad's parents) but it's really neat to see Kameryn do something I did when I was her age, and enjoy it as much as I did, and still do! We went back to the house/farm my Dad grew up on. The people that live there are super nice and so we got to walk around the farm and play with their pet donkey Ginger. All the cows are still there roaming the farm. I loved going to visit there when I was younger.

Louie just can't handle all the fun we've had lately......

the last 4 months.... and then some.....

2008-10-01T13:52:00.023-05:00

Ok, so I as I have said before, I really stink at this bloggy thing. I'm a pro at daily checking my blog as well as others, and I always have the best of intentions as far as wanting to post something new and exciting like most people do. I used to brag on my writing/creativity skills- hence, the "witty" part of the blog title. I have always been better at expressing myself better in writing that any other way.... it just doesn't seem like it on this thing. I am amazed at how well people can write about their lives on a daily basis. The blog world is an amazing place. I have found myself becoming a part of people's lives in so many different ways. I pray for them, laugh with them, shed a tear for them. I reflect on my life as well as others each and every day when reading other people's thoughts and words.I used to be a great journal-er too, now... not so much. I wish I was. There is nothing more comforting to me than to go back to something you wrote long ago, or not so long ago, and see how God has shaped your life since that moment. No better testament to His love and devotion. So here I am attempting to do this again. We truly have had a wonderful summer and start to school. There have been some "issues" which I have resigned myself to accept- will always be there, in one form or fashion. Hey, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" right? I just have to put my faith in God that he will take care of us and won't give us anything we can't handle. Now, if my faith in the legal system in this city was only as strong....we'd be ok. We WILL be ok. We have to be.

So i am about to sum up a little bit of May and some of June and July with some of my favorite pictures and maybe a video. Just make sure to turn your volume down before you watch the video. Not off. Just down- and don't put your ear too close to the speaker!

Me graduating.... Hallelujah. Thought the day would never come!

Couldn't have done it without him....

Chloe was Mary in her Jesus program in chapel one day at school.... they dropped Baby Jesus on his head at least 4 times.

The girls on Memorial Day weekend at the condo...

David and I had an awesome Honeymoon at the beginning of the summer at Edisto Island, SC

Me trying to keep myself covered after getting FRIED the first day

The beach is my favorite place to be.....always has been, always will...especially with the one you love....

The girls made a sign for David after he'd been out of town on business for a week! I love this picture...

Goin' to the racetrack with my Daddy...

4th of July

Passed out after fireworks

So the girls had gone to the beach with their Dad after the 4th of July, and so David and I took that time to do a Extreme Room Makeover in both their rooms. We didn't want to do the same thing in both, and we knew what both girls would love so we just dove in and worked every extra minute we had, and then some!!! I didn't take before pictures, but Kam's room was the same color as Chloe's still is. We added an art desk in her room, painted her walls bright green, and turned half of her closet into her own private "reading nook". Chloe just had a plain twin, rod-iron bed in her room. We had found this college dorm bunk at a garage sale last year, and it had been in our garage since then! With the way she loves to climb,we cut it down a bit and painted it. Our ceilings were too short to keep it the height it was, plus it was HIGH!My crafty husband built shelves and a desk underneath and then after everything was put together and I could hardly climb up the backside of it, built her stairs up the side. It turned out really good! I cleaned out Target's $1/$2.50 bins(aren't they the best?!) with trash cans, pens, colors, little sticky notes, folders, notebooks,and little baskets, picture frames, cork boards, and storage containers for both of their desks. They LOVE their new rooms and play in them constantly! Plus, with it being their own rooms and their own areas, they keep them clean, which totally surprised us!

Kam in her reading nook with her new Webkin she'd been dying to have. You'll see in the video her jumping off the bed and grabbing something.... that would be the Whimsy Dragon Webkin she just HAD to have.

We had a blast getting it all together and then came their reactions..... this is where you need to turn your sound down.....

Apology....

2008-08-05T13:49:00.005-05:00

Ok, so I don't think that many people actually read this blog, BUT, that is not my reason for not blogging in what seems like ages. My life it seems in one way or another has been a roller coaster this summer. And I had basically dropped everything and pulled my girls and David as close to me as I could get them. The girls needed to know that David and I were there, we weren't going anywhere, and they needed as much of our undevoted attention as we could give them..... and that's what I did - and continue to do. Pray for our girls.... they are having to deal with Life a lot sooner than I wanted and we are doing everything we can do to make it easier. And these times have brought us closer together as a family as well as with God. It's amazing to hear your 9 year old tell you that all you have to do is pray- and God will take care of the rest. And she is right - he has taken care of us. I cannot believe the summer is over already - it has been good and we have made some great memories and had a blast and I will post pictures very soon I promise! But for those who I have neglected.... I am truly sorry.

To Leslie -- I got a new phone and had not saved your number to my SIM card, so it was lost and I need to get it again. I have been checking up on you through your blog, but I should've been calling you and doing more. I am sorry. I am sorry this has been such a rough pregnancy for you - but as you already know.... the end is SO worth it! I can't wait to meet your sweet girl!

To Christy -- The same goes for you. I am so sorry I haven't called, or come by and helped you unpack, or call and ask if there was anything I could do. I feel horrible about it. I want to bring you dinner or get together soon. I saw your in-laws the other day and they said you guys were settling in. I know you are probably feeling a little overwhelmed right now! I will call you soon! Can't wait to meet your little man!

To Deeder -- I am sorry we haven't gotten to see each other this summer. Still want to do something in the fall. Hope you guys are doing good. I miss you.

To Jennifer -- I am a horrible sis-in-law. I hate that you are far away and we can't see you often and help out and spend time together! Can't wait to see you - whenever that is!!! love you....

I will hopefully get back into the swing of things when school starts.... my fingers are crossed!!!! Stay tuned......

Memorial Day 2008

2008-05-27T09:03:00.002-05:00

Such a great weekend..... we didn't want it to end! David, the girls, and I drove up to Crossville, TN this past weekend to meet his parents at their timeshare in FairField Glade and spend some relaxing time enjoying nature and spending time together. I don't think we could've done much more in the 3 days we were there.... we swam in the lake, played on the playground, rode horses on a trail for 1 1/2 hours (heaven to me) took naps on the porch in a princess tent, played putt-putt, rode golf carts, fished a little, hung out on a pontoon boat, swam in the pool, roasted hotdogs and made smores .... and had an all-around fantastic time.... except I am paying for all the fun in the sun with a nice rosy back and chest....and a lovely Kameryn handprint on my shoulder where she didn't quite rub the sunscreen in all the way.... ;)

What we've been up to... in no particular order.. :)

2008-04-17T13:30:00.017-05:00

playing soccer.....

Flying a kite.....

Celebrating Kameryn's 9th Birthday...

Getting dressed up for Harding's annual gala dinner...

And now it's crunch time for me..... 1 week left of classes and then the finals....and then....it's over.

To Go Private or Do Away With Completely?

2008-04-11T10:40:00.003-05:00

So I've noticed and then someone else brought to my attention the random comments I've been getting from people that have a link that says to "click on." First, DON'T click on them, and second, know that I have no clue who these people are. I don't want to do the whole private blog. I don't think many people read my blog, or if they do they just don't comment, but I the whole private thing just doesn't appeal to me. So do I just quit blogging all together? Or just diligently check the comments and delete the nutty ones? Inquiring minds would like to know. Thanks!

SO sad......

2008-04-08T08:46:00.001-05:00

GO TIGERS!!!

2008-04-07T10:49:00.001-05:00

Nuff said.....

My New Baby and everything else we've been up to!

2008-03-11T14:03:00.013-05:00

Here it is!!! The newest addition to our family! We had just gone a lookin' and they gave us a super deal we couldn't pass up, so on Sunday.....I said goodbye to my gas-guzzling, but very loved Jeep and came home with Sydney Jo the Civic. Yes, that is the name my girls came up with! I absolutely love it. We had read reviews/reports
and had been looking for a while for just the right one, and we really felt that this was what we needed to do.Although a lot smaller in size, the safety features are outstanding and hopefully will never have to be used! The girls love it and hopefully this will save a little bit for our budget here and there.

We've been super busy since the wedding...... we took a weekend trip to New Orleans, had planned a trip to Hot Springs and then had to cancel it, so David took me to Colorado for the weekend!
Just kidding.....we didn't go anywhere, which I was sad about at first, but we had enough snow here in Memphis that was so pretty and SO much fun being goofy in. I didn't have the girls this weekend, but we still got out there and played in the snow like we were little kids!
Here's some of the pics from New Orleans..we are hopefully getting away for the weekend sometime soon!

Hilarious pic of Kameryn during the tornadoes!

At dinner at Emeril's

In front of our Hotel in New Orleans. I can't wait to go back!

Trips and such

2008-03-03T10:39:00.002-06:00

Hi! So I really stink at updating this thing. Here's why..... all my wedding pictures are at home on discs. I tried the other morning to hurriedly pull some off onto my zip drive and for some reason it said the zip drive was full. I haven't had time to do a post at home, because I've had 2 major tests, and I start studying as soon as the girlies go to bed. So I have more time at work (horrible...I know) to post new blogs. I'm working on it I promise! We've got pics from New Orleans and hopefully Hot Springs which I will add soon- until then....

My Fairytale

2008-02-05T06:25:00.001-06:00

There are 200+ more pictures that we have on CD's, but these are some of the really good ones. It was a day filled with more love, laughter, family and friends than I could have imagined. The ones of you who weren't there, you were missed. Truly. We are so happy as our new little family! David is an incredible husband, and a wonderful "father" to those girls. Thank you for everyone who helped make this day possible and for the prayers, the wonderful unexpected gifts, and friendship we have with you.I will write more later. Love you all!

Stories and more stories

2008-01-23T10:21:00.000-06:00

I know it's been forever and I'm so sorry! I don't have pics or anything from the wedding to post yet, I haven't gotten in touch with people and thanked them for the wonderful gifts they have given David and I (Les and Deeder to name 2!) but I'm working on it I promise! All I can say about this past weekend was that it was amazing and wonderful and far exceeded my expectations. It was a day I will never forget. Can't wait to share some pictures when I get them. You guys are the best!

Merry Christmas from the Johnson/Joachim family

2007-12-15T08:58:00.000-06:00

I know it's been forever and I'm sorry for that! We've done so many fun things, Thanksgiving in Nashville with my aunt and uncle, my 30th birthday!,christmas programs, visit to see baby Caleb and Jen and Eric and so much more along with planning our wedding which will be in 5 weeks and 7 hours!! I promise to post more but wanted to say Merry Christmas from all of us and we love you all!

Am I Crazy?

2007-11-08T10:46:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I've been getting these really weird surprised looks from people when they find out how soon David and I are getting married. Seriously? January 19th is over 3 months from the time we got engaged. That just doesn't seem so short to me. I've heard of a lot shorter that's for sure. And it's not like David and I just met either. Secondly, are we crazy for not just going off somewhere and getting married by ourselves? Am I crazy for thinking that our close friends and possibly some family might ACTUALLY come to this? Am I crazy for booking a chapel and having a reception instead of doing it in someone's home or backyard? Am I crazy?? Because I feel like some people think I am. For planning all this and wanting to do this. But is it wrong? Should we just elope and be done with it? Sometimes I just just wish people could be happy for you..... ya know? But am I crazy?

Engagement Pictures

2007-11-07T11:24:00.001-06:00

So David and I both agreed to the fact that one thing we really want during the whole engagement/wedding process is good pictures that we both love. SO, with that being said, we hired a photographer to do the wedding, then come to find out that she wants to do engagement and bridal pictures too, at no extra price! Well, that works perfectly because we were wanting a really good shot of both of us to put on our save the date cards, which we are doing in place of invitations. I know, probably not the proper way, but neither one of us wanted a formal wedding, so why do formal invites ya know? These are more fun anyways! Plus, with no more people than we are having.... these are just a fun way of getting our lovely faces out there (yeah right)! So anyways, we had our engagement pictures done last Friday and couldn't be happier! So here are a few of our favorites. We haven't picked out the one for the Save The Date card yet.....

Here's a picture of Chloe that the photographer took. Since she'd come home early with the tooth fiasco,she got to come with us! I thought it was pretty cute!

919th Way To Get Out Of School

2007-11-02T14:14:00.000-05:00

Here she is..... my little snaggle-tooth!!!! Her first tooth to come out.... and all the drama that went with it.....earned her a get-out-of-school-early-pass!

All of the blood and excitement made her sick. LITERALLY. So she got to come home at lunch and couldn't be happier! Oh the drama...:)

The Story You've All Been Waiting For....

2007-10-26T11:31:00.000-05:00

Well,as of right now... David and I have been together for 15 months and 12 days-- and time has flown, yet I feel like we've known each other for decades. Which, technically, we have! Here's one of the first pics David and I had taken together...back in 1995. We've got pics back from '93, but they are group shots, and he was always sitting beside his girlfriend! ;)
I have one framed at my house from that summer ('95) that I just love! So anyways.... you might be wondering WHY I have these pics.....Well, I've known David since 1989,but it wasn't until he started working with the youth group at church did he and I start to be friends. We always had fun together, and even though he doesn't believe me.... I always had a slight crush.... :)
But the years took us down our own separate roads and our own experiences until 2006. With God's hand and a little dream.... our paths crossed once again and ever since then....we've been inseparable. He's my best friend. He makes me laugh. He loves God. He makes me feel more special than I ever have, and we have so much fun together. And another plus that melts my heart each time I think about it and see it.... he loves my girls like his own. And that is the most precious thing I have gotten to watch grow. I have watched them slowly fall in love with each other, to trust each other, and to laugh together. We have learned to be like and to love like family, and soon, it will be official. We WILL be a family.

He is an amazing man and I don't feel like I deserve him at all, but I'll take him! Ok, so back to Disney.....you already have the timeline of everything we did and on what days....so back to Saturday...we had gone back to Epcot, visited all the countries... rode some rides.... and then decided to go visit some Disney Resorts.
Us in Epcot

Neither of us had ever stayed in one, but had friends that had, and had told us to go by and walk through one of them. They are incredible. They are over-the-top in true Disney fashion.... and they come with the true Disney pricetag!!! But we wanted to see what we one day hope to be able to do when we vacation, so we headed to the Wilderness Lodge. After hanging out in the lobby for a while and walking around the resort, we decided to head over to the Grand Floridian Resort...the one you pass as you take the boat over to Magic Kingdom... Well, so right beside that resort is the Disney Wedding Chapel. We jokingly pulled into that parking lot and got out and walked up to it, just to see the spectacular-disney-ness of the chapel, but there was a wedding going on soon. So I wanted to stand around and wait for the bride- (I swear I should be a wedding planner-I'm such a sucker for this kind of thing!)so we walked down to the beach and took some pics. Not long after a Cinderella carriage pulled by 5 little white horses and driven by little men all dressed up, pulls up with the bride and her mother!!!
Well, so me being the goofy girl that I am, get all giddy and jump up and down, like it's MY carriage and MY wedding day. So he laughs at me and we head next door to the Floridian Resort.... gorgeous by the way! We eat lunch at the outdoor cafe and talk about our week. And at some point I ask him if we're gonna make it. He gave me a funny look and asked what I meant. I told him that I'd always heard one way to tell if you're cut out for each other is to go on vacation with the whole family.Well, that included MY 2 children this time around. He smiled and asked what I thought. I had already thought about it and figured that if he had survived a week with me and my girls, AND my parents on vacation, and still loved me, then we'd be fine! So we get up and go over to a little alcove off the beach and sit down at that table to chat some more I'm assuming ( now I know why!). We'd been sitting there for a few minutes... and he starts talking about how we'd all survived a week together, he'd taken me around the world (Epcot) and loved me more than ever. Then he pulled out the ring, got down on one knee, and asked me to marry him. My reponse..."Are you serious?" Followed by squeals and yes's!! Me shortly after getting my ring!

He had the ring all week and had about a dozen ways he was going to do it! But that at that moment, he said he didn't want to wait anymore!! Fast forward to a few hours later...
David wanted to get my mom and the girls rings so he could could "ask" them too! So we went back to Epcot and got them little mickey mouse shaped rings. He asked them that night and everyone was super excited! The only person that knew before me was my daddy, who had graciously given David the OK that morning by telling David he'd never be on time again in his life! :)
So here we are today.... planning a wedding, planning a new life together, and I couldn't be happier!
Me with my Mickey-Bride ears on!!!!!!!!!

Wedding details to be posted soon! Thank you to everyone who has sent e-cards, and best wishes, and everything else. You are wonderful and I love you all!

Disney

2007-10-26T10:41:00.002-05:00

So it's been almost 3 weeks and I haven't even blogged about Disney. I think it's taken me that long to re-coup, and get back on track. First of all, our trip was Incredible! We had a blast! We were there Monday thru Sunday. And the next time I go to Disney, it will be for at least 10 days. That way you can hit the parks one day, and then rest the next and get ready for the day after. There is just too much stuff to do in a week's time.

It was super hot- Memphis weather with double the humidity, and I think that had a lot to do with our energy levels. BUT we made the best of it and hit the ground running every chance we got!!

We did Animal Kingdom the first day. Magic Kingdom the second(still my favorite), MGM the third day,with naps in the middle of that day so we could head BACK to Magic Kingdom that night for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, which was my favorite part- AND we shut down the park around 12:15 in the morning. We didn't get back to the place until after 1am, and weren't asleep until almost 2! We did sleep in a little and then went to Epcot that day (Friday).

Dancing on Main Street before the parade!

Us with Snow White and the Dwarfs during Mickey's Halloween Party

Me and David at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party...

Girls with Cinderella's Mice!

Chloe and I on her favorite ride...SPLASH MOUNTAIN!!!!!

Mom and Kam

Girls with Belle...

Chloe's favorite princess she met.... Ariel!

Like mother...Like daughter...

Saturday was our last official full day there, and Mom and Dad took the girls to SeaWorld. David and I went back to Epcot and looked in some stores and rode some stuff we didn't get to do before then. We met back up with everyone later that night and went and played minature golf. Then back to the condo to pack up. We went swimming at the pool the next morning before we left and then off to the airport! I could've stayed at least 3 or 4 more days!

Girls playing at the pool...see the water slide in the background...SO FUN! Even for the grown-ups! :)

Love this pic of my parents... they are so cute!

It's coming!!!

2007-10-23T12:35:00.000-05:00

It's coming ya'll. I promise!!! I will post the whole engagement story, with pics and everything soon!

If I Make It.....

2007-10-04T11:02:00.000-05:00

So David and I are having to fly down 10 hours later to Orlando, not because of work, but because of my classes! I have a test in one of my classes that if I survive,will put me on that plane in a complete vegetative state. As if getting ready for a trip isn't enough.... but I am done complaining b/c I'm so so excited about Disney! It's just the past 2 nights.... I have dreamed about this test. Yes, I have actually had nightmares about not getting there in time, not knowing it, or knowing and forgetting, and it's not boding well for my fingernails, or my attitude.As stated in the previous post....I'm a last minute girl. I was late to my own wedding.... which might have been a sign, but that's a totally different post! But that's the way I am with studying. I am a crammer. But with this test....I just don't think that's possible.So....that means I have to prepare to study. Prepare my notes to prepare to study.Prepare myself to study my prepared notes, so I can study.....and that's something I'm just not used to preparing for!

In the Pink....

2007-10-04T10:50:00.001-05:00

Yep, this is the luggage me and the girls will be sporting to Disney! And can I say that I'm loving the color, simply b/c it totally suits us,PLUS, how easy is it gonna be to spot these suckers on the luggage carousel??? That is....if the airline doesn't lose them, in which case I think I would cry. But anyways, the girls are packed, much to my dismay. There is something about packing last minute,in a hurry that I absolutely love. Maybe it goes along with the fact that I HATE being early. Being on-time.... isn't my forte either. I just love the drama of rushing around...throwing it all together in a frenzy. I know, I'm weird. But parents are going to, and my MOTHER insists on going through the girl's things and making sure I haven't over-packed, which i always do, but hey, I've never run out of anything! So the girls are packed.Ugh. Where's the fun in that? I on the other hand, am NOT packed and will not do so until probably Sunday evening. Even that's early for me.Am I weird?

2007-09-05T09:31:00.000-05:00

We had a great Labor Day weekend! We didn't do as much stuff as we thought we might, but that was ok.Sometimes it's just nice to hang out at home and play games!We did hit a RedBird's game on Sunday night though. Chloe's first baseball game! She had a blast! Kameryn did for a while, and then she was done and ready to leave.I think
Chloe would've stayed the whole time. Maybe next time we'll stick it out till the end. I had forgotten how much I love going to baseball games!

Chloe chowing down on a hotdog at the RedBirds Game!

GO RedBirds!

What do you think is going through Chloe's head?!?!

Kam was so DONE with the baseball game!

Back to School Take 2

2007-09-01T09:13:00.000-05:00

Ok, so here's the official 1st day of school pic, with backpacks, lunch boxes and all!! The girls were so ready to go! They have survived their first week and I even let them both out at car line yesterday morning b/c they wanted to walk to their classrooms ALL by themselves. They are growing up so fast!

Ok, so they weren't the only ones heading back to school this past week. I too started my classes! Yes, I know this will be my 12TH year in college, and that's so sad to me, but I'm so close. This semester is gonna be my hardest yet. And then I'll wrap everything up in the spring and finally be done!! I'm not gonna know what it's like to NOT be in school. I will get there though. I have to do this.This picture is of my sweet Louie.... supporting me during my study time.He just couldn't take the pressure anymore!! Pretty sad huh?

I just threw this pic in because I love it. My boys. Aren't they the cutest?!?!
37 days...... that's how long before we board a plane and head to DisneyWorld!!!! WHOOO HOOO!! I can't wait! Haven't been there since my senior trip in High School. Les, remember that one?!??! Hope everyone has a great Labor Day! We've got a busy weekend ahead... I'll post pics soon!

Kindergarten & 3rd Grade....Here We Come!!

2007-08-14T15:41:00.000-05:00

It's time to hit the books!!! The girls started back to school/camp this week. I say it that way because their classrooms at the White Station Church of Christ are still under construction for the next 2 weeks. So until then, they get to put on their uniforms each morning, head to the Cordova campus, do a little review work, and then PLAY!! They had a blast yesterday so hopefully they will continue to do so for the next 8 more days! But they look so cute in their new uniforms and shoes-- they were pretty excited to put them on for the 1st day. They didn't take their new backpacks and lunch boxes though. They want to wait until
the "1st official day of school" for that! So that's been
our week so far....... trying to get back on that school schedule.
Say it with me now... Ugh.

This is what Kameryn thinks about math facts. She's just like her momma...Math is NOT her thing!

"I didn't do it!It wasn't me..."

My girls...... the world is their stage!!

Arachniphobia is an UNDERSTATEMENT!

2007-08-09T18:00:00.000-05:00

Ever had that fear that you'd wake up and that spider you are so deathly afraid of would be climbing on you????
Yea well, been there, done it last night, ON MY HEAD, NOT a dream. Oh my gosh... you have no idea how freaked out I was.....
oh yeah. Nuff said. Gives me the heebiejeebies just thinking about it now.....ugh.

I'll take 2 please....

2007-08-09T17:18:00.001-05:00

So...... I thought (1st mistake) that it would fun to take a little road trip to Searcy, AR and see one of my bestest friends, Deeder, and her hubby and little girl Shelby. Then maybe head to Little Rock the next day for a day in the sun at the water park.Well, we started off really good! We had a great time Monday night hanging out and letting the girls play and walking around HU and seeing all the new things they've done to that place. Made me feel really old, and in a way.... it felt like those 2 short years were a lifetime ago.
However, early Tuesday morning..... I mean like..... 1:15 early morning, Chloe woke us up yelling and crying. Fast forward to next morning after a night of no sleep....."Mom, my ears hurt..... this one (pointing to right ear) AND this one (this time to the left). SUPER. So I make a call to my favorite Doctor Bubba and we get some medicine and Chloe gets some sleep, but by that time..... it was 1 in the afternoon. So we pile back into the car and head back to Memphis. No water park for us this year. BUT on a happy note, I did get to spend some time chatting w/ Deeder and David took Kameryn to the LR Air Force Base that morning while Chloe slept. They had a blast, got to eat at the Burger King on base with all the other people in their BDU's(which Kameryn can now tell you stands for Battle Dress Uniform!) and Kam said it was better than the water park would've been. Gosh, I love that man.

Us sittin' in front of the lily pond.... at least I think that's what they call it!

My girls standing on the really cool lily pool

My kiddos IN the Harding U fountain / baptistry!!

David and Shelby....

David being his wonderfully.... goofy self whenever there's a camera around

I hate that I didn't
get pics
of everyone together. :(
Next time!

Dog Days of Summer

2007-07-23T11:22:00.000-05:00

So my girls got back from the beach with their Dad,Papa,and Mimi last week. They had a blast but were ready to come home. Gotta say I was ready too! Chloe is now swimming pretty good on her own, and would be in the water any chance she gets, just like her sister! Their last week of summer camp is this week. And they start school in a couple of weeks after that. The uniforms have been bought and we are getting school supplies this week.Where has the summer gone!? They have enjoyed every minute that's for sure. We've spent a lot of time at the pool this summer, more than last, which I have loved of course! I'm still holding out for a pool in my backyard someday. We will see!! Nothing much else going on. Ready for my summer class to be over,wishing I could, if even for a weekend.... make it to the beach with my sweetie, but thankful for everything I have in my life at this moment!

4th of July, Day trip to Nashville, and other random pics I love!

2007-07-12T08:37:00.000-05:00

A day in June and the Loves of my Life

2007-06-29T14:56:00.000-05:00

Well, there they are folks..... right up there, the loves of my life. They came to me at different times in my life.... 18 years ago(more recently... a year ago!), 8 years ago, 4 years ago, and 2 years ago...some when I was least expecting it.But none when I wasn't ready to open my heart and love them unconditionally.They are the laughter that fills my days with more joy than I ever deserved, and more love than I thought one person could handle. They are my strength, my joy, my life. I don't know what I'd do without them.

So it was a year ago that I made a feeble and pretty sorry attempt at trying to set up a blog page. A friend told me that if I could set up a myspace page as well as I did, then blogger would be easy-peasy. Well, she was right. Guess it just took me a year realize it! So here I am again, making one last ditch effort. And I gotta say..... it wasn't that hard to do! Maybe I'm just a year wiser, but I doubt it. So this is me, trying to be the woman God wants me to be, trying to be the mother that I know my girls deserve, and thanking Him everyday for a second chance to get it right= me in a nutshell. Of course, most people that know me would say that I AM indeed a Nut!

Back in Business

2006-11-01T15:40:00.000-06:00

Ok, so it's been months since I've done this, but I'm here and I'm gonna try really to keep up with this. We will see. I've been trying to get some pics posted too. We'll see how that goes too!

The Witty Conversations of Wendy

2006-06-29T12:56:00.000-05:00

It's Official

I'm officially breaking into the blogging world! The main reason being that I wanted to comment on a friend's blog and I couldn't because I didn't have a blog of my own. So here goes! I don't know how interesting it will be. But it's chance to show off my kiddos and possibly give someone out there a laugh or two every once in a while. Considering that lately I've had a number of people say I should be writing a book about all my experiences in life, I figured this could the start of that. And considering the fact that nothing in my life ever seems to just quietly happen and slip into the next phase, I thought I'd put it all out there for your enjoyment. So enjoy!