For anyone that knows me...and EVER brings up college football, its very obvious which team I pull for.
I am a HUGE Alabama fan. I adore them and look forward to college football season like many people do. I even named our dog Saban, after the coach.
Josh, however...is a fan of Florida State University.
Now, I have no hate for his team and will gladly cheer them on with him when they play. As long as they don't play my team. For anyone that knows Josh and I, we constantly joke with each other and are known to be quite competitive. Our college football teams are no exception.
So, when it came down to deciding which team our kids would root for, we split it down the middle. Obviously, I have been raising Anistyn for the last 6 years to be a solid Alabama fan. Therefore, he staked his claim on Britton, even making FSU colored crib bedding and curtains.
Did I mention we really like to show off our teams?
Last Saturday we all took a family trip to the mall and made a couple of stops into the sports stores to look around. Thats when it happened.
Anistyn switched sides.
I was in shock, disbelief...and overwhelmed with her choice. You raise your children to believe one thing. You teach them the right way...and then they pull these kind of stunts on you? Horrendous.
She proudly pranced around stating that she was on daddy's side now...and liked Florida State. She even went as far as to convince him to buy her Florida State silly bands! Outrageous!!
Oh, did Josh just LOVE it. He laughed the whole way through the store, encouraging her to explore her new love for his team, while I stood there with my head hung low.
(Really, it was hilarious and Josh and I were cracking up about it. Please note that this is highly dramatized!)
Once our mall trip was over and we were back home, she declared that she was once again an Alabama fan. I for one, was proud to have her back on my side and have come to terms with the fact that it was only a temporary lapse in judgement. Josh claims that he wouldn't want such a wishy washy fan on his side anyways.
We did have a day full of laughter about the whole incident and although I wrote this blog to be funny, we really did assure Anistyn that she is free to choose whichever team she wants, she can even like both.
Poor Britton...poor girl doesn't know what she's about to get into with this family!
Ah, life. What have we all been up to?
Busy decorating and moving things around for miss Britton, a visit from my wonderful in-laws, a visit from my best friend Michelle...where her and Josh put together Britton's crib bedding. That followed by sickness in the house which lasted a good while. Anistyn is being recommended for the gifted program at school and my belly is growing and Britton is moving and kicking like crazy. Josh has had a schedule change, so we've been trying to adjust to his 2 to midnight schedule...which we're getting the hang of. I've been making some great friends here which I am SOOO happy about!
Phew! I'm sure there's more that I'm leaving out. I have been so busy being wrapped up in this great life, that I've been forgetting to take a minute to blog about it!
Really though, things couldn't be any better right now. My pregnancy is coming along beautifully. I honestly couldn't make it through without Josh...he is my biggest supporter and is so nurturing and caring that it makes me fall in love with him everyday. I do miss him being home in the evenings now, but we do our best to spend time together.
All in all, things couldn't be better and I will TRY to blog more about everything as it happens...instead of always having to do updates!
We've been very busy this last week in our "babyland".
We now know that our little one is in fact a GIRL! We're so excited! We quickly came home that night and Josh and I began a huge debate on names. It went on for hours until we finally settled on naming her Britton Mckenzie. Now its just the countdown until she's here...of course, there will plenty of things to get done before then!
I was sitting around today, just thinking about my life as a mommy. I really had to somewhat laugh at the "plan" I had for my "mommydom". I laughed because I had a plan to have boys. Isn't that funny? I never actually saw myself having daughters. Not that I didn't think little girls were great, I just didn't know if I could handle girls! You know how your mother will tell you "One day, I hope you have a daughter just like you so you can see how rotten you were!" I honestly didn't think that day would come.
I'm a tomboy. I'm not too "girly". I'm comfy in jeans and t-shirt. Growing up, I liked to climb trees...and even took part in bug eating. I liked to get dirty and hated when I had to wear dresses or sit there as my mom brushed out my hair. So...it seemed natural that I would have boys, right? Plus...if I had a daughter who was just like me...well, we sure would butt heads a lot!
But my plan, and God's plan...those are two completely different things. And really, His plan just works so much better, right?
So here I am...with an almost 6 year old little girl...and another girl on the way. I couldn't be happier.
With Anistyn, I was so scared to have a girl. I can't really say why...I just was. But when she arrived, she proved me wrong about wanting only boys. She is the highlight of my life and saved me from many things. We have so much fun together. Although I was never a huge "princess" lover...I sure became one with her. She is the girliest little girl ever. I adore it.
Britton...I don't know her personality yet, but I can't wait to. Maybe she'll be a tomboy like her mama. Maybe she'll follow her big sister and adore princesses and dressing up. Whichever the case though...I will love her just the same.
I believe in the saying "God will never give you more than you can handle." I never thought I could handle girls. Now, I'll have two of them. I can handle it though...and I wouldn't have it any other way.
I don't know if anyone remembers, but months ago I wrote a blog about heart tugs. Basically, it was about the the different times when being a parent, you get your heart tugged a little by your kids and the great things they do sometimes.
I just had to mention one time during each day that Anistyn makes tears swell up in my eyes as my heart is being tugged by her...yet again.
I might blame it on pregnancy hormones, but I know it happened way before I was pregnant. It pretty much happens every single morning...when I drop her off at her school.
We have our morning routine, as many families do. Once we've dragged ourselves out of bed, its breakfast time. While she's eating, I pack her snack, sign her folder, and make sure all homework is in there, and anything else she might need. I get her dressed, brush her hair...jacket and backpack...check. Out the door we go.
Thankfully on chilly mornings Josh already has the van warmed up for us therefore there isn't much whining about how cold she is. We make the short drive to school. I go through the drive line, double checking that she has her backpack on.
One of the teachers are always outside doing "car duty." As we pull up, they open the door for Anistyn to get out. I tell her that I love her so much and that I hope she has a great day...then out she hops with the door closing behind her.
The heart tug always comes right after that. As she's walking away. I always watch her for a moment. Her hair bouncing and backpack bobbing on her. She looks so little...yet so confident. Every single morning without fail as I watch her walk into school...she takes my breath away. She is simply getting so big...so fast. She doesn't even realize it.
I wish I could go in with her. I wish I could make sure none of the bigger kids knock into her accidently. I wish I could make sure that she gets straight to her room. That mommy instinct of mine...always in protection mode.
Instead, I can only prepare her. I can make sure her backpack is packed. Shoelaces tied. Homework done. I can prepare her and help her get ready. I can provide her with everything she needs to succeed.
But she has to walk in by herself.
Heart tugs.
Josh and I have a new favorite show of ours. It comes on the Food Network Channel and its called 'Worst Cooks in America." The title pretty much says it all.
Basically, there are two amazing chefs who each take a team of 8 people...who just so happen to be horrible at cooking! Over the weeks, they're put through different challenges and every week one person from each team is eliminated. Each chef tries to teach their team how to cook and then end of the season, one person will win money.
Its a hilarious show because these people REALLY don't know how to cook! They were setting stoves on fire...and really cracking Josh and me up.
One of the chefs were teaching his team how to make this dish that looked soooo good. It was called Pan Seared Chicken Breast with Herb Jus and Potato-Vegetable Hash. While we were watching, Josh and I both agreed that it looked pretty easy to make.
So, I found the recipe online, and we got all of the ingredients. Tonight...we both worked together in the kitchen making the meal. I don't actually have a picture of the one WE made...since we're in the middle of cameras right now, but I did find this where you can see a picture of the meal, along with the recipe.To see it just click HERE.
We really had a lot of fun together cooking. Its such a great thing for couples to do together! When we were done, we had a great looking meal to eat...and we definitely chowed down. Josh decided to act like some sort of food critic with a fake british accent. He had Anistyn and I cracking up while he was "evaluating" the food. Of course...then the accent stuck around for awhile after that!
I can't wait to see what other recipes we can make from the show together...stay tuned!
Just like everyone else nearby, we had a snow day today! There have been many warnings we kept watching the news to see if Anistyn would have school. When we went to bed, they said that school had a 2 hour delay. This morning though...it was canceled! In fact...the whole post was closed...which meant that Josh got a snow day too!
We had so much fun playing in the snow today! When it snowed at Christmastime, we were still busy shuttling ourselves to and from places, so we didn't really have a chance to play in it much. So, we took full advantage of it today!
Here are my two sledders! Having a bunch of huge moving tubs obviously has other advantages! They make great makeshift sleds!
Little Saban even had a great time playing in the snow with all of us. Although the poor guy kept having trouble finding places to go potty!
Daddy of course, couldn't just sit down...he still had to act like a little daredevil! I'm sure this would not surprise his parents at all!
Anistyn had so much fun with the snow!
Even when she wiped out!
Saban even got a turn to try sledding with daddy!
We all got to come inside for hot chocolate, then I made us waffles for "brunch". The day was filled with being lazy, watching movies, playing on the wii, and more snow time once Uncle Barker came over!
Anistyn is already out of school tomorrow as well...and Josh so far doesn't have to go in until 10...but we're hoping he gets another snow day as well! Its always more fun when he's here!
I know, I know. I haven't posted. But beware...I'm about to make up for it;)
I could kick myself for not writing about the holidays...but you'll just have to take my word for it, they were great. Still not over though as New Year's is fast approaching.
Thanksgiving was spent with my family in Alabama, Christmas was spent traveling...first to Josh's parents, and then a short visit with my sister. I was blessed with another Christmas with my wonderful husband, something that I'm always grateful for being a military wife. I got to chow down on a lot of wonderful food, which this preggo lady appreciated immensely.
But holidays aren't what this blog post is about. This is about the New Year. I am big on resolutions. I love the feel a new year brings. New beginnings, new chances, new starts. I have so many things to look forward to already. Mainly, the new addition to our family coming in July. I absolutely cannot wait to meet the littl person who is making me so sick/tired (no worries...he/she is totally worth it.)
I like to take the time between Christmas and New Year's to start my "reflecting." I really look at myself and what I want to work on. My main goals are constantly to be a better wife and mother. I have 2 people (almost 3) and a precious pup who love me and look to me for different things in different ways. And really...they do so much that pleases me. My daughter is beautiful, a great listener, smart, funny, and sweet as can be. She cleans her rooms with just a little fight sometimes. She doesn't misbehave. And man...does she love her mama.
My husband...oh boy. The most dedicated man I've ever known. I have fallen more in love with him while carrying our baby. He does everything and anything to make me comfortable and feeling better. Definitely not the type of guy to grab a beer and sit in front of the TV as soon as he gets home. He's helpful, involved, loving, funny, and he really really is my best friend. Oh, and he just so happens to be super cute too.
There's my fun-loving Saban. Cute as a button, and my favorite snuggler. He's so protective and I really think he knows that we nursed him back to health. I know, I know...he's just a dog. Go watch Marley and Me and see if you say that afterwards. He's family to me.
Then there's the little one growing in me. He/She is working hard to grow. How can you not be instantly attached.
These people bring me so much in my life. So its my duty to be the best I can be for them. They only have one wife/mommy. Which brings me to my New Year's Resolution.
This year...I want to be better.
I want to do everything I can to be better at my job. Not that I don't do a good job...I think I do. But there is always room to grow. I do feel sluggish lately, and a lot of that has to do with the baby. But, its also very easy to get lazy when you're home alone all day long. Its easy to stay in your pajamas in front of the TV. NOT that I'm a bum. I can attribute this behavior the past couple of months to the fact that at times...I feel like if I do move...I'll have to head straight to the toilet.
But, this is where I am going to do my best to take charge of my body again. That means getting better about what I eat, when I sleep, and what I do with all the extra time I have. Instead of taking a nap, its time to start getting out. Joining army wife groups around here. Form my life here in Augusta. Start couponing. Exercising. Cooking better. These are on my list.
I have been going over everything the last few days and am really excited about my venture. I know its not a huge goal. I won't be bungee jumping or sky diving. No conquering my fear of flying just yet. Oh gee...I hate that that one has to wait;) But I will be doing everthing I can to make myself better for the people that are their absolute best for me. I'm excited about using my blog to chronicle everything as I go along...and I really hope people enjoy following it!
