Home from Wild, Wonderful West Virginia

Brady & I finally made it home from our wonderful trip back home.  I feel bittersweet right now.  A big part of me wasn't ready to leave and the other part of me really missed Ray and the pups.  We were fortunate to get to see all of our family and we got to spend every day with Mamaw.  She is slowly adjusting but it is so sad to see her outside of her home. 

We finished up all of Brady's orientation/registering for FSU.  I was surprised to see how much they have added on to the college.  Well, university now.  He registered for 15 hours so hopefully it won't be too much for him.

I enjoyed the glorious ride into West Virginia.  The beautiful mountains, the famous River Gorge Bridge.  All in all, it was a good trip.  Ray said that Bella was lost without me.  She definitely hasn't left my side since my return home.

New Breaking Dawn Part 2 Trailer!

Wow! I can't believe it's almost here and the end is near.  This movie is going to be even more amazing than the other four.  Only 148  more days!

Fifty Shades.....

Well, I told myself that I wasn't going to get addicted to another trilogy.  How premature of me! I've jumped on the bandwagon with several close friends and began reading the Fifty Shades of Grey series.  I'm only on book one and all I can say is WOW!

I love the Twilight Saga and Hunger Games trilogy.  Excitement, adventure, vampires :o)  But I am finding that this new book is growing on me.  It's definitely different.  It's not written on an extreme level such as Stephanie Meyer's books or even Suzanne Collins.  It's an easy read so far. 

The last thing I needed was to become addicted to a new book before going back home for vacation! Once I start a book, I want to sit down and read it within the first 2 or 3 days and then move on to the next one. 

My plan was to read The Host over summer break, but since quite a few of my friends kept chatting this one up, I had to see what all the commotion was about. 

So how many others out there are jumping into this next trend? If you are, leave a comment below.

Fifty Shades based on KStew? Love it!

Happy Monday

 

Happy Monday everyone! My week is going to be full and busy.  Housework, packing up to head for the beautiful mountains of West Virginia, getting the vehicle ready for the trip, etc.  I am really looking forward to Brady & I's "pre-college" road trip! It will be great to see my family and spend some time with them.  It's hard not always being there for them when you want to be.

Brady officially got his driver's license on Friday.  Another big milestone in his life within the past week.  I cannot be more proud of him.  Wow, it's going to be tough to send him off to college.  It seems like it was just yesterday that we were moving to California and celebrating his first birthday.

Our sweet Jasper had surgery on Thursday....(you know, the BIG one where they take his poor little manhood).  He has been recovering well.  Poor guy wants to play so badly but we are restricting his exercise and movement for the next 10 days.  Each night, he sits at the end of our coffee table and watches my husbands every move.  He waits, intensely for Ray to move toward the table and pick up the laser light that he loves to chase.  He his so addicted to it!!! It's funny how he knows the precise time to go sit and wait for the fun to begin.  I'll have to try and get some video footage of him one evening.

Well, I guess that's it.  Have a wonderful week!

My Father...

I LOVE this!

Heavy Hearted Days

So today is one of those days in which I sit around with a heavy heart.  I spoke with my Mamaw last night on the phone and it truly crushed my heart.  She was so sad and broken over the fact that she cannot go back to her home to take care of herself.  That is the only thing she has ever fought for.....to remain in her home until she ventures into the gates of heaven.  Her voice was so childlike and she sounded like she has just given up on enjoying life.

Today, I know my mom is fighting her own emotion and grief as she takes Mamaw to her new living quarters.  My Mamaw knows that she needs to be where she is going and she accepts that in her mind, but in her heart, she is torn and shattered.  She just kept stating how she lived in that home her entire married life (over 75 years) and now she has to leave. I can only imagine what it must feel like for her.  I know that my mind is racing with wonderful memories created in that beautiful red brick home my mother grew up in.

Mamaw, Brittany & I back in February

It will be hard to see her next week when I go home.  I'm afraid that just the nursing home environment will bring back sad and hardened memories for me of how neglected my grandmother was treated in the home that horrible monster placed her in.  Those wounds are still open and fresh.  I know that my mom has done an excellent job of finding the right care and proper environment for my Mamaw though.  And I know that she will be checked on daily and not just disposed of to live her last days alone.

Such a heavy burden........keep her in your prayers please.  That she will adjust, find hope in the quaint activities they may provide for her and that she will see that she can live another ten years if that is God's plan.

Other than worrying about her and my mother, I have been glued to In Session watching the coverage of the Sandusky trial.  Last week, I was a bit distraught that they weren't going to televise it.  Last summer, the Casey Anthony trial consumed my days and I was hoping that this trial would help make my summer break go faster.  After hearing some of the details of testimony yesterday, I am glad that it isn't televised live.  I believe my angel in heaven was looking out for me on that one.

Just hearing the graphic details second hand of what happened to those poor innocent boys caused memories of pain and anger to flood back into my soul.  Granted, my wounds are still open from having to face my abuser last year.   It's amazing that when you think you are finally "somewhat" over something, or in my case, at least beyond that moment of being victimized, it attaches itself back to your every thought.  The edginess, the insecurity....the shame.  But then I remind myself that I'm a SURVIVOR....NOT A VICTIM.  I pray that those who are survivors of Sandusky will work through the devastating pain they have encountered and be able to stand and say that they are not a victim of his any longer but a SURVIVOR.  There is a very important difference.  It's a choice we make.........but yet, survival is not something that is focused on as much because the title of "victim" just seems to gain more attention.

The only way I can help those young men is to pray daily for them to be released from their persecuting pain and be able to live a life that is full of happiness and warmth.  I believe I've babbled enough for the day......

Jasper Enjoying Chirpy Bird! :o)

Dogs New Craze

Here is one of the few videos I took today of our kiddo's.... We purchased Chirpy Bird for the cat, but poor girl hasn't gotten to enjoy it because the pups have taken it over.  They absolutely LOVE it!

Monday, Monday.....

It is pretty quiet around here with the boys at camp and not hopping about.  It's been the typical Monday....laundry, housework....dinner decisions.  I'll be honest and admit that I have played around with my new laptop for most of the afternoon.  Downloading itunes, all the extra software that I need for one program or another.  The good thing is that my sweet husband is pretty intelligent on technology so he does handle most of the software management.  My luck, I'd get a virus..... I'm still just super stoked because he invested in such a wonderful gift for me.

I tried to get into the Mob Wives: Chicago series last night, but it just didn't hold my attention the way Mob Wives.  Nothing like Big Ang to keep ya laughing.  I also finished reading Mockingjay this morning.  Now I have to decide whether or not I want to read The Host or Snow White and the Huntsman.  I'm also curious about Fifty Shades of Grey....decisions, decisions, decisions....

 Tomorrow I need to begin packing for my trip back home.  Mom needs me to craft several items for her so I guess I'm going to be taking most of my scrap supplies and equipment with me.  I did get to talk to my sweet Mamaw yesterday.  She sounded so down about not being able to live on her own any longer.  It breaks my heart for her to lose that little bit of independence she has had for herself.  But it is what's best for her and she truly does see that.  So I am hoping to really take some of the weight off of my mom's shoulders when I am there next week.

I also need to start getting all my materials and ideas together for the upcoming school year.  I know I want to do a sports theme this year so I just need to really finalize my ideas for centers, fun slogans, etc.  I am truly blessed and love my job.

Well, I guess I better start rounding up dinner.

Love It When the Hubby Surprises Me

What a wonderful day it has been today...... Hubby and I went shopping and he pulled one of those special fast one's on me! :o) I ended up coming home with a brand new laptop! It's nice having someone recognize how hard you work and showers you with a gift to remind you of what a wonderful wife and mother you are. 

Just had to make a post! Super excited!!! :o)

"Congraduations!"

 Yesterday, we celebrated my son Brady's high school graduation.  It was a day of great joy and I am so very proud of him.  He will be attending my dad's alma mater, Fairmont State, and will be playing tennis. He will also be walking in his grandpa's footsteps by pursing his degree in Criminal Justice and then on to the police force.   My heart is just bursting with pride and I still cannot stop smiling.

My wonderful son and I

The ceremony was beautiful! Over 180 students graduated. The weather was perfect, hot and humid in the 90's, but perfect! My children make me so very happy and proud.  They are my greatest blessing in life.  Without them, I would not be who I am. 

Brothers, not wanting to cooperate with photos! 

Brandon is heading off to work on staff with the Boy Scouts today for the summer and I know he will learn, experience and accomplish great things.  He always does.  I'm sure the moment he gets back he'll begin working on his Eagle Scout project again. 

Have a wonderful Sunday everyone!

Brady and one of his silly graduation gifts....see  Creations blog

Mandisa- Not Guilty

                     

This is one of the most powerful songs that I have heard in a long while.  How much He gave for US.....

Getting Reacquainted

I have had the best afternoon! I met up with my cousin whom I haven't seen for I know close to 24 years.  It was so good to see her and catch up.  The laughs were very therapeutic for us both I believe.  It amazes me how families are torn apart by drama..... It's destruction continues until someone is willing to step up and ask for answers "out of the horses" mouth themselves.  I've learned to never believe the worst in someone unless I have experienced it first hand.  Learning for yourself is the best experience anyone could have, whether negative or positive.  Family is the only real thing anyone has in life....it's the best gift God blesses each of us with.  Hold on to each of them for as long as you possibly can.

I guess that I'll be working on graduation gifts for the remainder of the day.  I am so proud of Brady! It's really going to be hard to let him go though..... I know that he will succeed at no matter what he attempts.  All my children have made me very proud.

I've also been trying to update my craft blog.  If you get a chance leave a comment.  Hope that everyone has a wonderful week-end!

Adjusting to Summer Vacation

It has been such a challenge for me to adjust to summer vacation this year.  I don't know if it's because the school year ended earlier this year or if I'm just flat out bored (lord knows I have plenty to do to keep that from happening!) I have several projects I want to work on and I really want to begin posting more on my craft blog.  The boys are getting ready to head off to scout camp.  Brandon is working on staff again and Brady is busy preparing to go off to college. :o(  I guess I'm starting to experience empty nest syndrome a bit.  haha

 I'm really looking forward to going home and visiting my family in a few weeks.  Things have been a bit strugglesome on that end.  My 93 year old mamaw is starting to have some health issues and my mother has her hands full with decisions that need to be made.  I know it's hard for her.  I never imagined myself looking forward to going back to West Virginia.....but I am so homesick that it's crazy. 

It will be nice to have some time to myself.  Hubby has to stay back and work.  :o(  But I do need some time to reflect on everything I've been through this past year.  My health has also been an issue.  But I know that my God is much bigger than breast cancer.  I've been working on a new Beth Moore study and that is really helping me gain strength. 

I hope that everyone enjoys their summer break.  Stay safe and I promise to add some recent photo's soon.  The Cullen pups will be celebrating their second birthday tomorrow.... :o) And I need to upload photo's of Brady's graduation.  Love to all!