Happy Birthday PawPa Marv!

Zachary, Kevin, and I wanted to wish Pawpa Marv a very Happy Birthday! Last night we celebrated Pawpa's 63rd birthday at our house. We had a yummy steak dinner or as Zachary would say a "snake" dinner. Unfortunately, Kevin's mom was unable to attend the dinner because she is taking care of her mother in West Virginia. Here are the photos from our evening together. Pawpa thank you for all you do for us. We love you!

Not a lot going on but I wanted to share!

So I am doing about 80% better than I was on Monday. I am anxious to go to my doctors for follow up care and to see what I am going to do about the existing conditions inside my body. Until then not too much is going on here. So I thought I would post a picture to brighten your day and to say get ready for TURKEY DAY! Enjoy!

Rolling Stones!

Well, today was one of the craziest days we have had in a long time. Yesterday we stayed home from church because Z and I were feeling like we were coming down with something. Kevin took care of us while we laid on the couch most of the day. This morning I woke up, got out of bed and instantly doubled over. I was in so much pain I could not stand up straight. What do we do? We call my mom (AKA the best nurse ever). She says that it could be a number of things but it would be best to go to the ER. I tried to talk myself out of going to the ER because it would be a total pain to everyone but as much as I tried to talk myself out of it, my body kept screaming you need help. So Kevin canceled patients until 2:00 (thanks honey), my dad came out ASAP to watch Z until he needed to leave for work, and my mom came to our house at noon to relieve my dad and eventually take care of me.

After 7 hours in the emergency room, one CT scan, an IV, pelvic exam, a catheter, and a ultrasound they discovered I had two of the most painful problems one could have. I passed a kidney stone on the right side. I have another kidney stone on the left side waiting to be passed. I also ruptured a large ovarian cyst on my right ovary, and I have another even larger cyst on the same ovary. OUCH! My ER doctor was shocked that I had all that going on at once. He said he has never seen a patient like me ever! Great I made ER history.

Anyways I was sent home with two pain meds and an antibiotic to fight the infection the ruptured cyst released into my abdominal area. So I am on the mend. I wanted to send a loud SHOUT OUT to my mom, dad, and Kevin for totally rearranging their day to care for me and Zachary. I love you guys to pieces. I also must say that I am so relieved that I do not need surgery at this time for either of these problems. I could be a lot worse! Please keep the prayers coming!

Brusha, Brusha, Brusha....Z's first trip to the DENTIST!

Today was a monumental day in our family. Zachary had his first trip to the dentist. After Z turned two Kevin and I decided it was time to take Z to the dentist to build a relationship and to become an established patient. We chose to take Zachary to a pedodontist, which is a fancy dental term for pediatric dentist. Ever since I made the appointment at Child Style Dental, we have been reading books about the dentist and talking about Dr. Carrie.

So today was the big day. I was nervous because a two year old "normally" does not want a stranger looking in their mouth. However if it was not for Dr. Carrie & her amazing staff Zachary would have been a "normal" two year old. Let me just tell you today was a breeze. I was thinking it was going to be a waste of time or a total nightmare. Not at all! Prior to our appointment I checked out Dr. Carrie's website. What a great site for kids. Not only was I informed, but Zachary got to watch a movie with Dr. Carrie in it telling him what to expect. We watched this movie for 2 whole days. Zachary was looking forward to the purple chairs, the monkey's and the NEMO fish that had teeth.

Zachary brushing Nemo's teeth in the waiting room.

Zachary playing with the monkey while Mommy was going over the medical history with Natalie.

So when we walked in the office it was just like what we saw online. Zachary felt comfortable and loved. I was so proud. He let Natalie take radiographs (aka x-rays), polish his teeth, & floss his teeth. I am not sure if Zachary was distracted by the cartoons playing above his head or if it was because they let him hold the monkey & Nemo fish, or if it was because they explained everything to him. He was in heaven. I could not wait to call Kevin and tell him that Zachary did so well.

Zachary watching the cartoons on Disney Channel at Dr. Carrie's office.

Zachary getting his teeth polished with blue rasberry polish!Natalie going over his brushing instructions with the Alligator

When Dr. Carrie came in the room, Zachary said, "Dr. Carrie". He loved her! Immediately he hopped out of the chair to give her a hug. It was priceless. After his exam he received a fluoride varnish to protect his teeth from cavities. Again he did not mind at all.

Dr. Carrie counting Zachary's teeth

Dr. Carrie telling Zachary he does not have any cavities!

Zacharys dentist...Dr. Carrie Arquitt

I think he was more excited about his "CARS" toothbrush than the prize box. Let me just say this....I have been in several dental offices in my life. Never have I been to one that catered to the kids & the parents like Child Style Dental. When we were all done Zachary was given a "report card" with his photo on it and his x-ray so that we could take it home and show daddy. I was so impressed. My biggest recommendation to moms & dads....start early with your children and their dental care. Check out Dr. Carrie @ Child Style Dental. She was FABULOUS and so was her team! Thank you Dr. Carrie, Natalie, Missy, Sharon, & Crystal. You made what I thought was going to be a nightmare a dream come true. THANK YOU!

My 30th!

Today I am officially 30! I have had the best birthday. It started last night when my mom hosted my family birthday party. She made one of my faves Lasagna, Salad, and yummy cheese bread. I was surrounded by those I love the most...my parents, my in-laws, my sister, my brother-in-law, my nephew, Kevin, & Zachary. To top off the night we had a Ice Cream Cake for dessert...another favorite. Thanks mom for all your hard work on my party.




Today I awoke to a local radio station. Immediately when I turned it on I heard my "Aunt" Steph on the air announcing my birthday. Then about 5 minutes later the d.j.'s read my name on air twice (My dad also called in my birthday). When it came time for the radio station to pick a winner my name was called. I WON SOMETHING....a $20 gift card to a yummy ice cream/sandwich shoppe. Cool! I never win anything.

Kevin was so sweet. He was planning on bringing me breakfast in bed...fresh cut mixed fruit. But because today is weigh-in at Weight Watchers he knew I normally do not eat before I weigh in... so he gave it to me in a to-go bag to eat after the meeting. How Sweet! Following the meeting, I met Mel for a nice, relaxing lunch. I selected a local pizza place because they have the BEST salads in town. Mel was super sweet to treat me to lunch on my special day. Thanks Mel! Following lunch I ran a couple errands then picked Z up at preschool. I thought I would surprise Z with some birthday entertainment. We met Melody & Charley at the movies for a matinée showing of High School Musical 3. The kids loved it! It was so nice to do something out of the norm for the afternoon.


When I returned home I was bombarded with a mailbox full of cards. Thank you everyone who sent me a card. It was so nice and sweet that you remembered my birthday. You really know how to make someone (ME) feel loved! Then another surprise. The door bell rang and the florist was on my porch. My brother-in-law, sister- in-law, and nieces sent me the most beautiful fall flower arrangement. Thank you Jeff, Kathy, Brynn, & Karsen! You made my day.Because my birthday happens to fall on a Monday, Kevin and I decided that we would go out to eat on Thursday night. So for dinner I made my favorite weight watcher recipe...Chicken Lo Mein. During dinner the door bell went off again and it was one of my best friends from church, Julie. She stopped by to drop off a sweet card and gift. Thank you Julie. That was another good surprise. Following dinner, Z and I blew out a birthday candle on my SmartOne dessert. Since I splurdged last night on the DQ cake I opted to get back on track. It was just what I wanted!



Then the biggest surprise of the day. Kevin brought out my birthday present. He gave me the sweetest card and a very unexpected gift, a new black purse. Thank you Kevin for everything. You are too good to me.


I just wanted everyone to know that I cannot thank you enough for the well wishes, facebook messages, cards, phone calls, visits, lunch date, presents, and most importantly your love & friendship. You all made my 30th birthday super special.

Go VOTE

Todays the BIG day. Please, please go out and vote and then pray for our country.

God Bless America

Halloween Night 2008

After a long nap Zachary was ready to head out again for more trick or treating. First we went to MaMaw & Papaws. He loved going up to the door by himself. MaMaw & Papaw had tons of healthy items for Zachary's pumpkin...apple, banana, & 2 boxes of raisins.

Going up to Mamaw & Papaw's house
Mamaw & Papaw are you home?
Z getting his treats from MaMaw
MaMaw, PaPaw, & Zachary
Our only family picture from Halloween 2008

Next Papaw& Mamaw gave Z a wagon ride up to Warren & Cynthia's house to trick or treat. Cynthia was so excited that Zachary came by to show her his monkey costume.

A Wagon ride to MaMaw & Papaw's neighbors house.

Trick or treating at Warren & Cynthia's houseGiving Ms. Cynthia a hug
Swinging on Cynthia's porch
Next we hopped in the car to head to Aunt Steph's & Uncle Keran's house. Aunt Steph spoils us rotten because she always has dinner waiting for us. This is Kevin's favorite stop on Halloween. We totally over indulged on hot dogs, chili, Olive Garden soup, appetizers, and Halloween cupcakes. While we were there Zachary loved to answer their door for the trick or treaters. Zachary favorite trick or treater was their neighbor's dog "Skittles". Skittles got cheese as her treat. Zachary is still laughing about the dog that ate cheese.

Trick or Treating at Aunt Stephs & Uncle Keran's

Aunt Steph is the best!
Zachary with Uncle Keran...man this guy is silly
Skittles the Halloween dog
After Steph & Keran's we headed to my Aunt Mary & Uncle Don's house. When they opened the door Zachary just walked in and made himself at home. He loved hanging out with them and enjoyed all their chocolate.

Trick or Treating at Aunt Mary's & Uncle Don's
By this time Kevin & I were exhausted. We had one more stop...Grammy & Poppy's. Unfortunately, Pops had to work but we saw him the night before in our costumes so I will post those pictures. One of our highlights at Grammy & Poppy's was Mel, Wasson, and Charley stopped by. Zachary & Elliott were so excited to play with Snow White...I mean Charley.

Trick or Treating at Grams & Pops
Ding Dong...I'm out here!
Grams & Pops with their little monkey
Zachary, Charley & Elliott on Halloween night
Best Friends