And...it's gone!

It's gone. Completely gone. And, I'm sad. Very sad.

I have officially cut my morning caffeine fix. Goodbye Moutain Dew. It was nice knowing you.

It was my only real vice (salt does not count). I so enjoyed it every morning. The truth is, I never even drank a whole 12 oz. can. Rarely ever. Most of the time, I only ever drank half of it.

But, I'm trying to be healthier. So out with the Mountain Dew and in with the Naked Juice -- today it was Power C. Yesterday, it was The Green Machine. The picture below tells you how I feel about that. My five year old eating habits did not care for the "greens" that were included!

Fitabulous 40 Update:
I always wake up in the mornings. Never set an alarm clock because I'm up. Not this morning. I must have been tired (I mean, a work trip for four days, then baseball, then Costco, etc...who wouldn't be tired...this little guy was even tired.

So I'll be working out in two sessions today.
Morning: 2 10 minute sessions done this morning -- Arms and Thighs.
Night: 3 10 minute sessions to be done (after baseball game, baseball laundry and repack for tomorrow's games...ugh...around 10 p.m. tonight) -- abs, glutes and inner thighs.

Yay me. And then, I get to wake up at 5 am for my 7:15 spin class. Will power.

Chasity

PS...#157of39

I woke up...

one morning when it hit me. Like a ton of bricks. I'm turning 40 in how many days?!

I've never made a big deal about birthdays. I think it has something to do with the fact that I'm a Thanksgiving baby. It always got lumped in with Thanksgiving. Pecan pie instead of cake.

But this birthday is different. Not sure why. It just is.

So, after looking at the calendar and counting down the days until I turn 40, I realized that right now, I am 159 days away from turning 40.

Then, I looked at my body. The one that is getting older. The one that definitely needs to be toned. Two kids playing baseball and a job that keeps me busy... well, it's caught up with me. So, I'm going to do something about it.

I took a picture of me in a swim suit. It was ugly. Swimsuit pictures haven't happened since my teens. And, I plan to do this again every month until I turn 40. My birthday wish is to be in the best shape of my life on the day I turn 40. That's it. Plain and simple. And the best thing...it's a wish I can make happen.

So, with lots of prayer. Lots of will power. Lots of workouts and five months, I plan to make this happen. I'm writing it down to keep myself accountable. Almost a diary, but since I hate that word, we're just going to call this the Fitabulous 40 Blog!

I've armed myself with a schedule (color coded and all). New workout videos -- Pilates Plus, Barre Basic, Body Scult and Lean & Toned (and a Spin class on Saturdays), and I'm ready to go. Alarm clock will call early, but I'm committed. Just like when I committed to the Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon. Committed.

And on my 40th, I will have pictures taken (not in a swimsuit), but pictures recognizing my accomplishment.

Five months. Let's do this.

Chasity

PS... 159 Days Until 40
#ThisIsGoingToBePainful

Mini Garnet & Gold Glitter Guys

These little guys just might be the biggest little Seminole fans known to man. It's amazing...40 degree weather, and they wanted to be the Garnet & Gold Glitter Guys. They've asked if they can dress up like this for a game.

They get their love of all things FSU honestly. Both boys began attending games when they were just months old...for the little one, he was just two weeks old when he attended his first FSU vs. Miami game. ACC Tournaments. Bowl Games. They live for all things FSU.

Their parents -- were in school during the "Glory Days." Their wedding reception -- in the University Center. Dad (Class of 1992) has a man cave filled with FSU memorabilia. Mom (Class of 1996) was an FSU batgirl who shows pictures of her FSU days all.the.time. These two little guys have dreams -- dreams to be FSU Baseball players AND FSU Football players (if we'd let them).

Their ONLY Christmas wish -- to go to the National Championship Game in Pasadena, California. They've offered to give up all their "Santa" presents in order to go. They've offered their entire savings accounts to go.

Clearly, we have trained them right. Die.Hard.Seminole.Fans. Help them get to Pasadena...all they need are reasonably-priced tickets:)

THANK YOU!

The Phillips Family,
Brent, Chasity, Peyton & Palmer

One Sentence...April 28 - May 4, 2013

Sunday, April 28, 2013 -- Happy 1st Birthday sweet Emory Kate! Your adorable little self has turned our "blue" world "pink"!

Monday, April 29, 2013 -- Should NOT have looked at Saturday's weather in Louisville:( 55 degrees and raining. How is it possible to wear a cute sundress, fabulous shoes, and an awesome hat at a once-in-a-lifetime event (i.e. THE KENTUCKY DERBY) when it is cold and raining?! BOO. Rant is not done until Mother Nature and I are on the same page!!! 

Part 2: Monday, April 29, 2013 -- My first celebrity sighting in Nashville...Kirk Herbstreit's son is playing against Peyton's team, and Kirk is in the stands;) Let's go Peyton! Show him what you got!!!

Tuesday, April 30, 2013 -- Day 3 of Brent being gone. 3 more days till he gets home. 3 more days till Mom arrives. 4 more days until the Kentucky Derby. I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013 -- Happy Place #1 tonight -- choir rehearsal. Praise the Lord!

Thursday, May 2, 2013 -- Less than 48 hours until Mom and I are checking things off our bucket list!

Friday, May 3, 2013 -- Well, it looks like I'm going to be placing my bets on the "mudders" at tomorrow's Kentucky Derby. Boo. Rain has no appreciation for my cute sundress, awesome hat, and fabulous shoes. Glass half full -- Thank goodness we'll at least be in the Grandstands and not the infield!

Saturday, May 4, 2013 -- Going to see a man about some horses!

More to come on the Derby...that is a post all by its lonesome self:)

Beautifully Blessed and Truly Thankful that Brent made it home safely, AND I was able to spend time with my beautiful Mom,
Chasity

One Sentence...April 21 - 27, 2013

Sunday, April 21, 2013 -- Long. Drive. Back. But first, a quick visit with sweet Emory Kate, and then a perfect breakfast with my sweet Momma. Thank goodness I have tomorrow off. Sanity!

Monday, April 22, 2013 -- There's only a few times in life that I do something smart...today was that day. I took the day off to rest and recover from the trip. A Bible devotion followed by a visit to the Dr. for Mr. Palmer -- poor thing is SUFFERING from all this pollen. Five meds. Bless. His. Heart.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013 -- TCAPS started today for Peyton. He's such a smart kid. So blessed. Then... Baseball. Baseball. Baseball. That is the world we're living in. Sonic. Sonic. Sonic. That is what I feed my kids. I've turned into "that" Mom. Ugh.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013 -- Rain. But not enough to cancel baseball. Darn. Brent's out of town, and the temperature dropped again. I hate. HATE. cold, wet baseball games. Mostly, I hate it because I have to miss choir practice -- this is ALWAYS my middle of the week rejuvenator! And for Palmer...5 different medicines are killing him. Oh, did I mention...we still have to study for TCAPS.

Thursday, April 25, 2013 -- No rest for the weary. Baseball. Baseball. Baseball. Peyton pitched and they won. Then free ice cream from the coach:) Home to study for TCAPS.

Friday, April 26, 2013 -- I'm not really sure if I've ever been so happy to see a Friday. Last day of TCAPS for Peyton...thank goodness! Sent in Krispy Kreme doughnuts and popsicles for a celebration. I'm sure the teacher LOVES me. Bring on the weekend!

Saturday, April 27, 2013 -- Rain. Rain. Please stay. I typically hate rain, as I love bright sunny mornings, but every now and then, I love it when it rains on a Saturday...I feel as though it gives me an excuse to be completely lazy. And that is is EXACTLY what we did. Lazy. All. Day. in preparation for the craziness of next week. Preview: Brent leaves to go out of town tomorrow through Friday. Palmer has week-long SAT 10 testing. Baseball Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Mom arrives on Friday and THEN...the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. Praying for the Lord to give me the energy I need. Otherwise, I will. not. make. it.

One Sentence...April 14 - April 20, 2013

Sunday, 4/14/13 -- T.I.R.E.D. Four 10 year olds and one 7 year old invaded our house and stayed up till 2:30. Is it bedtime yet? Busy long week ahead. Done parenting for now (party was a success)!

Monday, 4/15/13 -- Tax Day. Thank goodness for refunds. Brent left for Denver until Thursday, so the boys and I are on our own. Yay. Yes, we skipped the make-up baseball game (as Palmer's allergies are so bad). Instead, we had milkshakes for dinner. No apologies...just nominating myself for Mom of the Year.

Tuesday, 4/16/13 -- So much for Brent's trip to Denver. He's now in Arizona. Today, I'm a taxi driver. Peyton practice. Palmer Cub Scouts. Both at the same time. Climbed the same darn hill at the baseball fields three times. Who needs a workout when climbing that hill?! Poor B.B. She has the stomach flu...not sure we'll be going to Florida:(

Wednesday, 4/17/13 -- Baseball. Again. We won. Yahoo. Leaving to go out of town tomorrow if B.B. is feeling better. Who needs to pack? Think we'll just wait until the last possible minute.

Thursday, 4/18/13 -- Going to see my Mom. Boys staying home as to not get the stomach bug, but I'm going to represent. Wish I had slept better...going to be a LONG drive.

Friday, 4/19/13 -- Coton Colors, Pink Narcissus, Garnet & Gold, Hopkins Eatery -- all with my sweet Mom...perfect Friday. Barnaby's tonight. Visit with sweet friend Dode', and then getting crafty for Emory's 1st Birthday Party.

Saturday, 4/20/13 -- Partied O.U.T. Emory Kate's 1st Birthday Party this morning/afternoon. Josie's Wedding this evening. (in the middle of nowhere. When I say no cell phone service...I mean, it said "No Service" on my phone). Hard watching my Mom miss her sister:( Thankful she was honored so sweetly. Good. Night. Long trip back home tomorrow:(

Beautifully Blessed and Truly Thankful to have been able to spend time with my family in Florida,
Chasity

One Sentence...April 7-13, 2013

So...I saw a devotional/journal book called One Sentence.
It's where you document you days in one sentence.
I think I can do it. Possibly.
We're going to give it a try.

Here's my week via one sentence for each day (some might possibly be stolen from my FB page)...

Sunday, 4/7/13 -- Sittin' on the deck (with shorts on) soakin' up the sun's rays while sippin' on a real coke and pettin' my old dog. Thankin' God for this amazin' Spring day! #lifeinthesouth

Monday, 4/8/13 --  Ending a long day with some BASEBALL... Peyton's baseball game (playing 10 year olds...). Go Ripsters! Extremely proud of Palmer for getting up early to go turkey hunting with Daddy, and not complaining of tiredness later on...

Tuesday, 4/9/13 -- Brent's leaving for East Tennessee for 3 days. Peyton practice and Palmer Cub Scouts. Fun times being a "single Mom." Welcome to taxi land. And...the tiredness caught up with Palmer -- full on break down over a crinkled paper. Yep.

Wednesday, 4/10/13 -- Love me some Wednesdays. Bring on Happy Place #1 -- Choir Room for choir practice (P.S. Happy Place #2 is my bed).

Thursday, 4/11/13 -- Ugh...3 hours of sleep. Palmer's eyes and pollen Do.Not.Mix. Thunderstorms and sleepiness Do.Not.Mix. Bring on Happy Place #2 -- my bed.

Friday, 4/12/13 -- 11 hours of sleep does a girl good...needed that beauty sleep. Long day -- big work meeting, a trip to Costco (yippee written with sarcasm), favorite sweet baby baseball practice at the same time as favorite firstborn's baseball game. Go Ripsters (a repeat of Peyton's Grand Slam and triple from last Friday night would be extra nice). Oh...we now have baby birds in our front door wreath. Mama Bird is getting way more aggressive.

Saturday, 4/13/13 -- Today's the day Peyton's been waiting for -- 10 year old Shark Attack Party. Up and At 'Em early -- baseball practice. Palmer game. Pick up cookie cake. Pick up pizza. Shark Attack Party at 5:30 w/ 20 of his good friends -- baseball friends, school friends, church friends and even some neighborhood girl friends:) Spend the night with 3 of his friends. Please let this be the last of the week-long Double Digits birthday celebration.

Truly Thankful and Beautifully Blessed to spend the these crazy hectic days with two very healthy little boys...is my favorite firstborn really 10?
Chasity

Arise, My Love...

Arise, My Love...the grave no longer has a hold on you. No more death's sting. No more suffering. Arise! Arise! Arise!

I should be ashamed...very ashamed for not having posted a blog for almost a year. WOW!

All I can say is that I'm busy...and beautifully blessed to be busy. Living Life. With my precious family!

Happy "Late" Easter 2013! This is our family standing on the stairs of our AMAZING church. There really is not a day that goes by that we do not fall more in love with our church, the members, the ministers and most importantly, the message! We are always learning something new. We are so truly thankful that God led us to this church...4 years ago this Easter!

This past Saturday, while rehearsing with the choir -- yes, I joined the choir (And yes, I'm just a filler. While I believe my voice to be that of an Angel, I know the ultimate truth...I'm a filler:) -- I was given the opportunity to share our story of how we found Brentwood Baptist Church. What an amazing experience...speaking in front of 300 people sharing a story only God could create! And while I tried to get out of speaking, God (and Dennis...our music minister) had other plans. So very thankful God gave me the words to say to help inspire a beautiful, worship-filled choir. Singing with the choir on Easter Sunday definitely goes in my book as one of the most amazing worship experiences. EVER!

If you didn't know it...I love Easter. It's my FAVORITE holiday. I have a Spring baby (Peyton). I have a child named Palmer (Palm Sunday). I've usually given up something for Lent (this year, it was flour and fried foods, which proved to be one of the hardest things I've ever done...did I mention the loss of 6 lbs;) which means I've met a goal I probably complained about not believing I would make. And most importantly, He is Risen!!!!! From something so awful to something so wonderful -- Three Days. HE IS RISEN!

This Easter, we missed the beautiful sun and warmth Florida typically provides, but thankful we didn't miss the worship. We watched the Passion of the Christ with the boys on Good Friday (seemed only appropriate), discussed in detail all that Jesus gave up for us and watched as our Peyton really, really understood what Jesus did for us...so much so that he put aside his shyness to actually have a conversation with the Children's Minister (Mr. Matthew, who by the way is a Gator fan, but the one Peyton has chosen to talk to) about his accepting Christ into his heart (we've struggled with this for two years, as he's shy and is scared to be baptized).

All in all, it was an beautiful Easter. One for the memory books. One for the blog. 

Already looking forward to next Easter!!!

Truly Thankful and Beautifully Blessed for what God gave us...his Son.
Chasity

Daddy...

It's Daddy Day 2012, and even though we're separated by a few hundred miles, we can't not get Daddy a present!

Every year, for the past 5 years, we've given Daddy a 12x12 photo book of all Daddy/Son pictures. This year, we've gone digital...for two reasons. 1) We're a few hundred miles apart 2) I'm somewhat of a slacker, so even if I had done the book...it wouldn't have made it on time, hence...the video.

So, Daddy, Happy Father's Day 2012! We hope you enjoy moving into the digital age with us! We LOVE YOU! 

Now, please...sit back and enjoy the movie!

Click here: Dad Day 2012

Truly Thankful and Beautifully Blessed that my children have an amazing Dad,

Chasity

 

It's Time...

to start blogging again. I think I'm finally getting the creative bug, again!

First things first...a recap of the last year or so:
Peyton's in 3rd grade (where does time go?)
Palmer's in 1st grade (Lord, help us!)
Brent made President's Club which gives us an all-expense paid trip to California
I completed my first 1/2 Marathon -- the Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon
We became "official" members of Brentwood Baptist Church

A lot has changed, and I'll slowly get things updated. Until then, I'm off to do laundry (hey, one step at a time).

Beautifully Blessed and Truly Thankful for life,
Chasity

Angry...

at Angry Birds...

These cute little birds are angry at pigs. While they're trying to take down pigs, I'm trying to get my kid's attention...just a little.

This morning I told them I loved them four times, to which, I received NO REPLY. NO REPLY to an I LOVE YOU...What?! So, I then said, Have a great day. Be good. Learn lots. Play hard. NO REPLY. The kicker...only one of them was actually playing the game, the other little one (he-who-must-not-be-named...Palmer) was just watching. GEEZ!

So, little birds here's my message to you: You're cute. You're determined. But, when you're tired, can you send my kids back to me? Please?! Otherwise, your little app, might be deleted. Possibly. I can play with you and still cook dinner, watch a show, and yell at the boys all at one time...

Beautifully Blessed and Truly Thankful to have Angry Birds when I really need my kids to be "entertained" for a few minutes!
Chasity

A Mouse...

in the house...

Silly little critter found his way into our house and ever since that time, Brent has become a mouse hunter. Not a deer hunter. Not a duck hunter. A mouse hunter. For real.

Brent found his house. Little thing gave himself away.

One hunter. One mouse. Someone's not going to make it out alive.

Unfortunately, that someone was almost little Palmer. Keep reading for that story...

After setting traps (not the old Spring kind, but the kind they get stuck in), nothing. nada. zero. zip. For a hunter, the man becsme even more obsessed. Thank goodness the boys and I were out of town. Poor mouse. Brent and he were on a showdown. So far, Mouse 10. Brent 0.

Then, the hunter gave up?! gave in?! or just thought the mouse was gone. NOPE.

After a crazy busy day and finally sitting down for dinner (Chick Fil A because I'm a great Mom...ha ha ha) we were surprised by a random noice...squeek squeek squeek...it really sounded like a mouse. Brent's eyes met mine. My eyes met Brent's eyes. We knew. But thought, no, It can't be. THEN, we heard it again. I'VE NEVER SEEN THE MAN MOVE SO FAST. The craziness in his eyes. The look of "I GOT HIM." When it hit us, we ALL jumped up...did we get him?! Clearly, this is the first time we've ever had a mouse in our house.

We all jumped out of our chairs and started to run. Poor little Palmer was almost as much of a casuality as the mouse. Somewhere along the way, Brent accidentally shoved him into the chair. Little man got squished! Imagine all 4 of use trying to see if we got the mouse, who by the way, is next to the refrigerator in a 3 in. space.

Well, we got him. We only got him because I apparently scared the "bejesus" out of him (according to Brent) when I went to get the ketchup out of the fridge. He just accidentally stepped in the trap. Poor little guy managed to escape all the traps and then ultimately, got scared by me. Figures.

Well, here's to no more mice. And no more mouse hunter.

Whew! Three weeks of not knowing where that little thing was. Although, I did discover the torn up bag of cheetos. Cheetos were his downfall.

Beautifully Blessed and Truly Thankful to be rid of one Mouse Hunter,
Chasity

Alabama...

Don't get me started.

Those of you that know me, know how I feel about "A.L.A.BAMA" (imagine Forrest Gump saying that).

****if you like Alabama, now's the time to STOP reading****

To get from Point A: Tennesessee to Point B: Florida, driving through the entire state is a requirement. It's painful. I have nicknames for every town. I'd share, but I truly might offend my friends that live in Alabama and have continued reading my blog. I've long since stopped worrying about offending my husband who was born in the great state of Alabama.

Let me be clear...some good things have come from Alabama: My husband, his families, some great friends, Bear Bryant, Bobby Bowden, my dog's name and some great football games. But that's about it.

Worst fear (ok, maybe not the worse, but close)...living in Alabama. Second closest worst fear...getting stranded in the middle of nowhere in Alabama with no cell phone service. IT. ALMOST. HAPPENED. TODAY.

In an effort to find a shorter route to get home, my MIL gave me a shortcut to take from Destin to I-65. My MIL was kind enought to draw me a map even though she was exhausted from putting up with us for a week at her house -- of course, now that I just wrote that, it hit me...maybe her true intentions were for us to actually get lost in Alabama. Another story for another day. Anyway, at 4:30 IN THE MORNING, I missed the turn. MISSED. THE. TURN. Not something one wants to do in Alabama. at 4:30 AM. With two small children.

Did my beating heart wake anyone up this morning?! Kids, in the backseat with drool running down their mouths, while they are in safely in dreamland (not Alabama). I'm seven miles past the sign where I thought to myself..."should I turn? I don't remember MK saying anything about turning!" It's getting darker and my cell phone now reads "No Service" It's been at least 10 years since I last saw a message like that on my phone. Next...I see were entereing a National forest. GREAT! Then, I see it...the deliverance sign that made me decide to turn around. 60 mph to 0 mph in 1.2 seconds. 180 degree turn on a two-lane road done with perfect precision. Hand on chest, prayers being said...I'm going back to make the turn I probably should have taken.

Now, I promised my MIL I wouldn't call her at 4:30 AM to ask her any questions. I called. and called. and called. NO ANSWER. I'm pretty sure she said, "Call me if you get lost." (Again, I'm starting to think that maybe she planned all of this.) 45 minutes later I get to a sign that looks like maybe I made the right decision to turn away from deliverance! Halleleujah! A lot of prayers were sent up and Jesus delivered...He didn't want us to be stuck in Alabama either.

EVERY name I have for every town in Alabama was used on the way home. Don't worry, the kids didn't hear me. They were too busy fighting (ha ha...actually they were really good the entire way home).

So, 8 instead of 7 hours later, we arrived home. I don't think I've ever done the "entering Tennessee" dance, but I dang sure did today. Thank goodness for Tennessee and Florida rescuing us from Alabama.

Tonight, when Brent asked me if I wanted to watch "Sweet Home Alabama," I not-so-nicely replied, NO! Had about all of Alabama I can take for one day. He laughed and agreed with me (and he was born there)!

Beautifully Blessed and Truly Thankful to be home (or at least, out of Alabama),
Chasity

Waterguns...

and me, do not mix.

It could be the history of getting shot in the eye and the mascara getting all messed up. It could be the curly hair that was painstakingling straightened and then became a frizzy, curly mess. It could be the fact that my peach margarita was spilled.

Today, it was the peach margarita that took the hit.

Picture the scene...on the beach (with two little boys -- what?! Did the "with the two little boys" give it away). Enjoying an awesome sunset while roasting hot dogs and making s'mores beachside and watching the waves roll in (I know, the perfect scene, right?!). Then whack, a watergun fight is declared and there goes the sanity that was encased in my margarita. Forget that it took out a hotdog too.

First instinct -- grabbed. the. drink. Didn't think to save Palmer's dinner. Poor little guy, he looked like he could miss a few meals and he'd still be ok (seriously, I'm kidding about this).

I guess it's a good thing I hardly drink. Else, I might have been REALLY upset. But, still, stupid waterguns. Nothing good ever comes from those things...except maybe when I get a hold of one and take down one of the boys...ok, that's funny (of course...it's all fun and games until someone get's hurt and cries. and cries. geez)!

Darn waterguns. I left them at my Mother-in-Laws house (no humor in that whatsoever. nope. none.) Darn things WERE NOT RETURNING to Tennessee. EVER!

Beautifully Blessed and Truly Thankful to leave those stupid things in Florida,
Chasity

Humor...

I totally have a sense of humor. I think.
I know my husband does. My children think they do...a lot (I'm sorry, but farting on someone's head does not make you funny, but alas, my kids think so).

Anyway, I've set a new goal. To find humor. Not necessarily be funny, but find humor in everything.

So, keep reading. I'm going down a very funny road. You might be the subject of my humor. You might just find the subject humorous. Whatever the case, stay tuned...for laughter (well, it might not make you laugh, but it dang sure made me laugh...ha ha ha!)

Beautifully Blessed and Truly Thankful for a family that makes me laugh and turns me gray-haired all at one time,
Chasity

Love Notes...

That's what I've been getting on a daily basis from on Mr. Palmer. It makes my day. Always. I LOVE that he called them LOVE notes before I did. I LOVE his little, BIG heart!

About three weeks ago, out of the blue, Palmer decided to write me a note. Not a word. A note. One full sentence. Subject and verb. Then, apparently, on his own, he decided to write an apology note to his brother. TOO SWEET. To make it even sweeter, he left it on Peyton's backpack for him to find the next morning:



The notes haven't stopped coming and I love it! I got one stuck to me the other night in the middle of the night. It was an apology note from him for being ugly before bed. He woke up in the middle of the night and wrote it -- even sweeter, but I hate that it bothered him so much he woke up in the middle of th enight to write me the note (I have no idea where he gets this from!!!!) We had one stuck to our bedrooom window. I'm pretty sure even Brooke, the dog, got a love note the other night! He even gave one to B.B. while we were visiting.

Every day, I put a note in the boys lunchbox. Simple messages -- I love you. Have a great day. 5 more days till your birthday. Great game. So proud. Little messages I thought they weren't reading, until the day I didn't send one. They missed not getting it. Both boys mentioned it to me. Apparently, they were reading them. Palmer was imitating them and Peyton was writing me notes back. The one stuck to the "unused" napkin the other day said "Very awesome Mom." LOVE IT!

This is why God gave me boys! He knew I needed love notes to keep going. I don't care that I don't understand what they say sometimes, it still makes my day. And my life.

Beautifully Blessed and Truly Thankful to get love notes stuck to me in the middle of the night,
Chasity

PS...This is the one I keep on my computer at work. It reminds me of what is truly important. I'm a Moey!

Other random pics of Mr. Palmer -- our little man with a BIG heart and bigger personality!

Back...

from a very long hiatus. A VERY LONG, TOO LONG hiatus!

Life is what happens in between postings.

Apparently, I haven't been managing life too well these days (or for the past year). If I had been, I would have made time to do something I enjoy...like this blog!

So, starting today, I'm going to make time to write about our lives...again! No one may ever read this blog, and that is fine by me!!! I created this blog as a way for my children to see themselves through my eyes...50 years from now. I lost sight of this fact. I'm back. With FOCUS!

Today's focus...Peyton. My 7, soon-to-be, 8-year-old Favorite Firstborn. Words escape me when I try to describe him. How is that possible? He's so many things that a few words can't capture it all. He wants to be so many things that words can't capture it all. he wants to do so many things that words can't capture it all. There are simply not enough great, fabulous, beautiful words to describe him and his little life. So...here's some pictures...I'll let the pictures speak a thousand words!

I love my little man more than words can express. We're in full swing of 2nd grade, baseball, Church and more, yet somehow, he manages to keep up and not get too much of an attitude.

We are blessed beyond measure to have him in our lives. Still trying to figure out what I did right to get him!!!

Beautifully Blessed and Truly Thankful for this "almost as tall as me" firstborn,

Chasity

It's Fall...

Ya'll.

Woo hoo. One of my favorite times of the year...of course I say that when every new season begins (except maybe Winter...love the snow, hate the snow)!

Unfortuntely, it's still REALLY hot right now. Unseasonably hot according to the weathermen on TV. I'm ready for the cool weather. Ready for the leaves to change color. Ready for Halloween. Pumpkins. Thanksgiving. Turkeys. Fall pictures. READY!

Of course, when Fall hits, that's also when it feels like the start of the "Merry Chaosmas" season begins. In the meantime, we're going to enjoy every minute of Football Season, Fall Baseball, Hunting Season and so on...

Fall Break for the boys will be here soon -- trip to Florida, Florida State Football game...already counting down the days.

Beautifully Blessed and Truly Thankful to have Seasons...
Chasity

PS...Browns, Golds, Maroons...all beautiful Fall colors are about to shine through...

No more...

soccer for our family (or Palmer)!

You know, according to the title of this blog -- Discovering God's Perfect Plan and Amazing Sense of Humor Each and Everyday -- we are constantly discovering God's perfect plan. Sometimes it takes a while for us to discover his plan...

Nope. Not. this. time.

On Thursday, after a very stressful evening of soccer (with multiple breakdowns from Palmer throughout the one hour practice), homework, etc., I'd had enough. Something in our crazy, fast-paced life needed to change. Granted, I could easily give up my 4:45 workouts (to get an extra hour of sleep, but truthfully, I like my hour of quiet workout...it's peaceful at 4:45 a.m.) So, I prayed. Prayed that God would somehow put an end to the craziness and let us gain a little control. I think at that time, I knew what needed to happen, but couldn't make the call...

And then, Saturday happened...

You know those people on the TV shows that you see fighting at their kid's game -- you know, the ones...that all the parents are looking at, while shoving their kids in the opposite direction because the ones fighting have clearly lost it. That was Brent and I at Palmer's Soccer Game. I laugh about it now. But at the moment that I just got up and left the game in the middle of the game, I was not laughing.

It seems in our haste to integrate Palmer into the world of "extracurricular activities," we forgot to ask him...do you want to do this?! But, you know, children have a way of telling us things. Sometimes we listen. Sometimes we don't. This time, we did!

He clearly didn't want to be playing Soccer -- that was apparent when the coach sent him out of the game for a "break," asked him to go back in the game and a minute later when the coach asked the other kids who wanted a break, Palmer asked for his break. 1 minute of playing and he was ready. His lack of effort about drove Brent crazy, which in turn drove me crazy, which in turn led to "big ears" Peyton making a comment that sent me right over the edge. Yep, I left. Got so angry, that I left. Jumped in the car, drove home and called my Mom crying. Crying. Crying so hard my Mom couldn't understand what I was saying. That's bad. Very bad.

So, after some apologizing by Brent and a quick "Palmer do you want to play soccer?" with a resounding "No!" We made the call. No more soccer. Just like that. God showed us His plan. And the craziness ended. And, I didn't even feel bad about it.

Got also revealed his other plan -- Palmer + Wednesday night KidsLife at Church = A great evening. Since Palmer wasn't playing Soccer anymore (thankfully), and since Peyton has baseball practice on Wednesday nights, we decided I'd take Palmer to KidsLife (45 minutes of music, 30 minutes of games, 30 minutes of storytime) at Church. The first 10 minutes included our typical "I don't want to do this" breakdown, which then ended with crying, which then ended with him finally going into the room with the other 20 kids already in the class making "musical instruments" out of plastic bottles and rice. I stayed for the music portion and when they left to play games, I snuck out. Went back an hour later and this was what I heard, "Palmer, did you have fun?" "Yes!" "Do you want to go back?" Yes! Yes! At which point, he wore his artwork around his neck as a necklace and proudly showed it to Brent when he got home.

WIN. WIN. WIN.

God had a plan and it didn't include Soccer. Thankfully.

So, we're no longer those crazy parents yelling at each other. The Lord is in control and our little Palmer, well, he's learning the Lord's ways and the perfect plans He has for our lives.

No more soccer...we're all ok with that!

Beautifully Blessed and Truly Thankful to have a God that is not afraid to "make the call" for us,
Chasity

PS...the Church is crazy on Wednesday nights...WOW at the children that were there!

Labor Day...

weekend is supposed to be a time of relaxation. A celebration of sort's for the last weekend of Summer.

"Supposed to be" are the key words.

What began as a weekend intended for relaxing, quickly became a weekend of "we've got to get our house clean." Oh, and take our little Brooke to the vet (our little Brooke is going to Broke us)...

I thought I kept a fairly neat house. Thought. But, clearly, after this weekend's cleaning spree, I am wrong. wrong. wrong. And, we didn't even touch the things that just need to be given to Goodwill.

We cleaned the carpets, dusted every nook and cranny, windexed every window, cleaned every inch of every bathroom and there's still more to do. More that we didn't do. And, oh, somehow managed to find the time to decorate my Sunday School classroom and buy a new pair of jeans (very important tasks -- yes, the decorating part)!

But, amongst all the cleaning, there was a light at the end of the tunnel. Chris and Jody came to visit us. As my Mom said, "At least I know you two can get along without me being around." You did good Mom. And Chris did good when he asked Jody to be his wife:) She's the perfect sis-in-law and Aunt...and she puts up with Chris! I would have killed him by now (JK) -- although he is really good a technical stuff. So thanks to him, he fixed our Wii, cleaned our computer, secured our WiFi and even managed a little Star Wars lego building time with Peyton.

Chris and Jody were so sweet. They watched the boys for us while we went to a 40th birthday surprise party -- did I just say that. We've officially reached that age, that it's not our parent's friends turning 40...it's our friends. WOW! But, we did feel like teenagers that night. Getting to go out and party without having to pay someone to watch the kids...ROCK ON!

Of course, we always try to make their visit memorable (the last time they came, they got engaged), so we arranged for them to see Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman at Starbucks (ok, no not really, but dang, we've lived here for 4 years and never seen anyone like that). Pushed them to eat at my favorite restaurant -- Whiskey Kitchen. We even made it to the pool and managed to grill out and eat some awesome Paula Deen Mac & Cheese:) The boys L-O-V-E Jody. So with a little chanting -- stay one more night, stay one more night -- (and Uncle Chris' mistake on the location of their next "intended" stop), they decided to stay another night! After some talk about Peyton staying up all night to wish on a shooting star, Jody left the boys the sweetest message:

So, after a weekend of crazy cleaning and visiting, we all got to get up and go back to work. Except Chris and Jody -- they were headed to the Spa (Oprah's favorite Nashville Spa). I'm not hating them right now. No. Not. At. All. And of course, they're next stops: Loveless Cafe and Arrington Vineyards.

What a weekend...whew. I need a Non-Labor Day weekend from my Labor Day weekend!

WE ARE Beautifully Blessed and Truly Thankful to have Chris and Jody in our lives. What a great visit,
Chasity

PS...Little Brooke is having surgery right now. Praying all goes well!!!!