I used to pray for a little girl.  A sweet little girl who wore cute pink pants and loved to put bows in her hair.  I prayed that God would give us this little girl and she'd play adorably with her baby dolls.  She'd have tiny painted fingernails and sit calmly singing songs while drawing sparkly pictures of rainbows.
    I forgot about God's sense of humor...and that she'd have big brothers. 

   At least she's wearing pink pants.  :)  Go Girl, Go.  XO
We're trying to move up in rank!  Help us by clicking the brown box below!  One click equals one vote each day. THANK YOU!
(Hi Lisa!)

    We're trying to figure out what to do.  My head keeps going back and forth with a thousand different scenarios.  Family and friends have been helpful and I love you for that.
    At the end of the day, I think that the logical thing to do is to get the back surgery...I just don't want to.  I want to give it a little more time to see if it will get any better on its own.  I also don't want to have anymore damage done though.  Kind of a catch 22. 
    Adam came home from work on Friday and started packing the car.  We headed to my mom and dad's who live on a lake.  He hoped that the fresh air would help to clear our thoughts.  It was nice to be outside and forget about the real world that sits and stares at us. 
    It was the first time our kids and puppy were able to enjoy the lake this year.  Lilly's never been in the water, so it was fun to see her play. 

   It was nice to take in the simplicity.  To do nothing but spend time together and enjoy the day.  I don't want to miss a minute of it which is why this decision is so tough.  If it were based on something that had no other option for example, appendicitis, or a broken bone...the answer would be a non-issue...you get the surgery. 
    This is something I have to decide on though - and I'm the worst at making decisions. 
     I think that Adam and I will go back together to talk with the doctor.  I can't help but imagine that would clear things up a bit. 
     Thank you to our family and friends for your words of wisdom and comfort.  Life wouldn't be the same without you.

     A few weeks ago I wrote about having back pain like never before.  Our family doctor had me get x-rays, then an MRI, then she set an appointment up for me to see a Neurosurgeon based on the results.
     The MRI indicated that I was having pain due to a herniated disk.  I figured that if I had to see a surgeon, it wasn't going to be to hold hands and sing songs. 
     I tried to "fix" things my own way though.  I went to physical therapy, went through three rounds of Prednisone, tried heating pads, cold packs...but the pain is still there.
    Needless to say, when I went to see the surgeon...I was nervous.  He sat me down and said that I actually didn't have a problem with one disk...it was with two.  The disk between the C4 and C5 was the one that was really bad - and the disk between the c5 and c6 was less, but was ironically the one that was causing all of the pain.  He then proceeded to explain that surgery was the only option at this point.  (awesome.)
     The four kids had to go to the appointment with me, so I sat on the table listening to him...while looking over at them.  I motioned their way saying, "I don't have time for surgery.  I just can't do it."  He smiled with an understanding look and said, "You can do it now or you can do it later, but it's got to happen."
     I asked what he wanted to do and he stated that he'd go through the front of my neck to fix both disks.  He went on, saying that there would be no rehab, no physical therapy needed...it would be done. 
     I listened as best as I could in a kind of autopilot glaze, then somehow got myself out of the office with the kids. 
     I've always had some weird thing that I'll never cry in front of anyone.  I really wanted to get in the car and away from the doctor, nurses and waiting room full of people that all seemed to be over 100 years old.   
    Anger and fear grew as I shuffled the kids through the parking lot and got them in the car to call Adam with a shaky voice.  I was finally able to let go and cry with the news that I knew would happen - but hoped wouldn't.  
    I really don't want to get surgery.  I can't get surgery.  I'm sick and tired of the pain but not enough to get surgery on my back.    
    We have a lot of praying and thinking to do and we'll try to come up with the best decision.  I don't even know what to think right now.     

     When you're a kid with a summer birthday, it's hard to miss the fun during the school year that all of your classmates get to have.  It's bad enough that half of your friends are on vacation or away at camp during your birthday...but what's worse...is that you don't ever get that one "cool" day in school when it's your special day.
      Our son Preston's birthday is in July.  He's been to his friends' birthday parties this year and he's come home from school and talked about who brought cupcakes or a special snack.  It's made me sad to think that he wouldn't get to enjoy this.  That's when his Kindergarten teacher came into the picture. 
     She is the best and most thoughtful person on Earth and came up with a great solution.  She had all of her students with summer birthdays, have their party today - before the school year was over. 
      Preston was giddy.  Not only was it fun for him to have his "birthday" celebration at school...the moms pitched in to make it the coolest summer themed celebration ever. 
      There were octopus hot dogs on seaweed spaghetti...  

  ...and pudding cups with crushed Nilla wafer sandy beaches with gummy bears on fruit roll up towels.

                 The kids had a blast.

     It was such a fun thing to do and so thoughtful of his teacher to give the summer birthday kids their day too. 
    Thank you to such a wonderful teacher and to the great moms who worked so hard on the party! 
     What a fantastic summer birthday party it was - especially since we didn't think that Preston would get to have one during school. 
     It sure was fun for him to come home saying that he ate an octopus and seaweed. 
      Please CLICK below to VOTE everyday!  Thank You!

    Our nine and ten year old boys have both recently started asking for their own cell phones.  The latest encounter went a little something like this...(hit it)
    (Standing in the check out aisle of the grocery store)
    Christian: Mom, Dad?  Can I get a phone now?
    Me: Sure buddy.  (My husband shoots a grin at me.)
    Ethan: What?  He CAN?  What about me?  Can I get one too?
    Me: Yes.  You both can.  In fact, we'll get one for all four of you and it will be a party. 
    (Lady standing in line behind us begins to chuckle.)
    Christian and Ethan together:  MOOOOOOM!  ALL of our friends have them!  It's not fair!
    This conversation has become somewhat of a broken record in our home.  I USED to think that the, "All of our friends have a phone so why can't we) rational was just a simple tactic...but then I realized...a lot of their friends actually do have cell phones. 
    This surprised me.
    I can see the pros and cons on both accounts.  I just don't think it's time though.  
    For now at least, I keep reminding myself that it's almost summer.  I'm hoping that the swimming pool and outdoor play will replace the monotony of the dreaded, annoying, incessant...cell phone conversation.  grrrrrr.....   
    VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  (Thank You!) 

     I love writing reviews for the Hallmark Channel.  One of the coolest things they've asked me to do though, is to be a part of a live press teleconference with the star of one of their series, Eric Mabuis. 

     I was nervous, but eagerly jumped at the chance.  I'm so glad that I did.  He couldn't have been more warm and gracious than if you were talking with family or friends. 
     I was impressed with how articulate and compassionate he was in regards to the new Hallmark series, Signed, Sealed, Delivered.  The show follows four US Postal workers who act as a charming team to track down letters that have been undelivered.  Episodes provide dashes of romance, mystery and adventure while solving crimes, saving lives and reuniting lost loves.
     Eric spoke of how much the series has meant to him in that working with Martha Williamson, the producer from  the series, Touched by an Angel, has encouraged a positive message to once again be portrayed on TV.    
     He stated how nice it was to be able to be a part of something that the whole family can enjoy.  He also commented on how each episode may have parts of real life involved...for example, his grandfather actually worked for the post office for around 25 years.  One Christmas Eve, his grandfather didn't make it home and the family began to worry.  Little did they know that someone had sent eggs through the mail and they started to hatch.  His grandfather stayed with the chicks, making sure they were okay.  Elements like those have woven themselves into each episode, making them both personal and endearing.  
    I truly enjoyed being able to speak with Mr. Mabius and I'm excited to continue to watch the series.  Tonight's journey deals with the heart-wrenching challenge of an unusual package with a letter from a deceased woman. Oliver (Eric Mabius) and Shane (Kristin Booth) try to piece together clues from the family’s past, so they can help them move towards a better future.     

    Thank you to the Hallmark Channel for the opportunity to speak with Eric Mabius and a huge Thank You to Eric for being the most gracious and kind person to speak with.  It's so wonderful what you're doing. 
    You can catch tonight's episode premiering on the Hallmark Channel at 8pm ET/PT, 7C. 
    Please Remember to VOTE by clicking below.  Thank You!

     Growing up in Southeastern Ohio, I didn't know to appreciate some of my home's treasures.  We have a beautiful area called "Old Man's Cave" that takes you to a different world.  People would come from states away to visit, but to us, it was home. 
     My husband experienced the same thing when his dad was stationed in Washington, D.C.  Adam and his family went to all of the different museums and monuments each weekend but it surprised him that his friends from high school hadn't even seen them.  They simply said that when you grew up there, you didn't really do the "touristy" things. 
     Now that we live in North Carolina, we don't want to miss out on what the area has to offer.  It's such a wonderful state that can take you from the most amazing mountains on the west, to the most beautiful beaches on the east. 
     This past week we ventured to the Outer Banks.  My parents had a place to stay and invited us to join them.  It was unreal.  We'd always wanted to go to the Outer Banks and now we can't wait to get back.  We stayed on an island called Duck that was as quaint as it was stunning.

      Thanks mom and dad for letting us take the time to see what's in our own backyard.  It was a good reminder that we don't need to go on big vacations or travel the world.  Sometimes the best fun we could have, is right here under our noses.  After all...home is where the heart is.
   Please Remember to VOTE by Clicking Below!  THANK YOU! 

    Growing up, I never understood how my mom could always be so "boring" for her birthday or Mother's Day.  Every year it was the same old thing.  She would say to us, "Just make something, with your own two hands - and that will be my favorite present ever."
    It never made sense to me...until I had kids.
    Last weekend my friend Alicia from work, told me about a free workshop for kids from the Home Depot that happens on the first Saturday of every month.  This is what they did... 

    It was fun to see how the kids chose their own colors and really got into their projects.  When they were done, a big "Happy Mother's Day" was blurted with quick attack hugs and wet paint everywhere. 
    This is what my mom meant with how special something can be when it's made with two little hands.  After all, sometimes the simplest of things...can be the most valuable.     

         Please Remember to VOTE below!  Thank You! 

    I found this Etsy site called "Princess Drama" that's run by a mother - daughter team.  All of their work is handmade and it's BEAUTIFUL!  I just ordered two headbands for our little girl and one for our niece.  They arrived and they're perfect.  Tightly made and gorgeously done.  At only five to seven dollars a headband, I was floored.  Here are some headbands from their site that they custom make...

         The team also makes adorable hair bows...

                  The cutest flip flops...

                    Beautiful glasses...

                 And even outstanding shirts. 

      Their products are Great for gifI Love this site and have contacted the mother - daughter team. 
      We're in luck, because they're willing to do a free giveaway!  Their Etsy site is:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/PrincessDrama
and you can find their new facebook page under Princess Drama. 
     Here's how the giveaway works.  If you like their facebook page (Princess Drama) within the next week (5/6 - 5/7) you'll be eligible for a free giveaway from their company! 
                Good Luck and Enjoy! 

     Unreal.  My doctor's nurse read the results over the phone and I sat quietly for a second or two.
     She said that the MRI showed a herniated disk between the - I think she said - the C5 and C6 vertebrae. 
     "A herniated disk."
     "Yes, ma'am."
     "Oh.  Well, okay.  That stinks.  I'm glad she figured out what it was though.  I'll go ahead and make an appointment for physical therapy then."
      "Well..."
      "Well?"
      "Yes, it says here that she's going to need you to have a consultation with a neurosurgeon."
      "A what?"
      "A neurosurgeon."
      "I know, but why?!"
      "For a consultation ma'am."
      "I get that, but a consultation for what?  There's no way I can get surgery.  Why would I see a neurosurgeon if I'm not getting surgery?"
      "Don't worry ma'am.  You'll be getting a call soon for the consultation."
      And that was it.  I hung up the phone and sat staring.  A neurosurgeon.  A neurosurgeon?!  Maybe he'll just go over my options for physical therapy or a shot or something I can get.  Surgery is not an option though.  Not even a tiny, little ounce of an option.  I don't have time for it. 
      Man, getting old is a pain.