Giving Thanks

This post is all about my wonderful babysitter, Kayle Landrigan & how much she means to our family.

I was introduced to Kayle from a mutual friend, Amy Siffer, who I knew from church. Amy knew I was in need of a sitter and knew Kayle was looking for a couple kids to watch on a very PT basis, so she connected us.

That was back in June of 2012 & we have grown to know and cherish this family ever since.

Kayle or "Mrs. Landrigan" is truly a Christ-centered woman of God. I'm amazed by her patience and faith. Her organized structure pays off in the obvious well-behaved children that she raises.

Although I understand her needing to withdraw from watching my kids after June 2013, I'm really going to miss her! She has truly been the most incredible responsible Childcare provider that I've known.

Today we had a little play date with them at the Zoo. The weather was perfect, the kids enjoyed each others company and learned some new knowledge too. Thank you Kayle for letting us into your lives and spreading God's love & kindness to my family! We truly love you!

You can see pics of our zoo trip below. Enjoy~

Valuable Beliefs

I've always struggled with confidence since I was a young child. Through life I've worked hard at overcoming the doubts of self-worth. It is through Christ, that I've realized what an incredible person I am and strive daily to make a positive impact on everyone's lives I come across. I know this sounds cheesy, but because I believe in Christ, I believe in myself...he makes all things possible. So without further explanation, here are some basic principles in helping you believe in yourself: I found this today and it really hit home...(see pic of 7 basic belief principles).

Equilibrium

Since joining Rodan + Fields Dermatologists in February, yes it's been busy, but I honestly feel a sense of balance in my life. Between being a busy mom & wife, active in community, and trying to get physically fit, this business is making such a positive impact on my personal growth! I can't tell you enough how truly incredible this opportunity has been in just a few short months. If you have any ?'s about what in the world I'm doing, feel free to ask. No pressure whatsoever, just sharing life stories friends! Peace & Blessings~

Run for your LIFE

Lately I've gotten into a groove of jogging outside in the neighborhoods. It's very therapeutic and makes me feel strong and good about myself. I may be the slowest one out there jogging, and grandpa's may pass me, but hey, it's better than doing nothing at all. Everyone who is outside running around here is so nice & encouraging. I love this neighborhood and I love getting fit for the future! Run for your lives people, you won't regret it!

Slacker & randomness

Have I really not posted since May 2012?! That is un-real because I really enjoy blogging. I guess I've been busy, eh. Anyways, I will try to do better with keeping up with my blog. I was half tempted to start fresh with a completely new blog, but decided against it. So here goes nothing...

To get you all caught up to speed...we put our first house up for sale in July and sold it in 9 days. I buried a statue of St. Joseph in the front yard under the For Sale sign, the night that Heidi Kleinrichert, our realtor, put it up. Prayed the 9 novenas each day, and it sold on the 9th day. You can't say that the holy spirit wasn't present there! Amazing!

We ended up building a house a little over a mile away from where we used to live, but it has a finished basement and is much bigger. I love the neighborhood, everyone seems so hospitable and cares about one another, where in our last neighborhood, it was nice, but had some "interesting" neighbors. I think no matter where you live you'll have that, but it's all about perspective. I feel like we are in a good place and if God didn't want us to be here, then we wouldn't be here. There are several bare rooms, but like I said, it is much larger than our old house and it'll take time to fill it with furniture everywhere. All good things come in time.

Since then I guess I have been busy getting situated into this new house. There are still boxes in the garage that need unpacked, but that's normal. I'm still working PT at SAH and it's going well. I really enjoy the PT gig and can't imagine going back to FT right now. My kids need me and I wouldn't trade the extra time with them for anything in the world. They are growing up so fast, it's crazy. Olivia is 4 now and Gabe is 2 1/2. How'd that happen?! On some of my off days we get together with friends for fun little playdates at The Mocha Lounge's Little Friends Room, having friends over here or going to friends houses, the library's Story Time, yada yada yada. My mother-in-law has been taking them to this new place that opened up called Jungle George's. It's an indoor bounce house place that is only $5/kid and adults are FREE. Sweet! My nice neighbor, Carrie, is opening up an indoor trampoline park called Sky Zone Fort Wayne in April. I can't wait for that to open!

Speaking of things in the spring, I can't wait for nicer weather. Grandma Rhonda got Olivia a Pinkalicious bicycle with training wheels for her 4th birthday and it'll be fun to take her out in the neighborhood on it.

One more thing that is totally random but I thought about today and has been pondering in my mind is perceptions. I'm by far not perfect and don't claim to be. I am trying to live by Christ's example, but I stumble quite often. Today I noticed someones snooty attitude and it made me think twice about how I come across to others. I sincerely hope that I don't come across that way, but it sure has made me check myself to re-evaluate how others perceive me. I know that you need to seem assertive to be a "strong woman" but being fake and acting like your J-O-B is better than others because you think you get paid more is ridiculous. If I EVER seem this way, feel free to slap me!

Lastly, I've taken upon an exciting business venture. More to come...stay tuned friends!

Peace & God's abundant blessings,

Amy

Back Home Again In Indiana

We made the journey back home again to Indiana today and I feel like we were ready to come back home. First of all, although we had a much-needed vacation, it's nice to come back to reality and appreciate the things we do have in life...like our dog, Winston. The poor guy has gotten the shaft since the kids came around, and not on purpose, but he realizes his role as our pet and we try to pamper him when we can.

The Cozy Nest has very comfortable beds, but I will appreciate sleeping in my own bed tonight. Olivia and Gabe were happy to have their own beds back tonight too, as they were sleeping together while on vacation.

I know that this blog is random, but I am way past tired and I wanted to post my thoughts before bed. Maybe someday I will look at this blog and be reminded of what a cRaZy lady I am...but hey, gotta spread the love.

Things I noticed while on vacation...
1). Olivia is really growing up and is actually socializing on her own with others. This is awesome to see her charming personality unfold around others. Warms my heart!
2). Although Gabe doesn't actually say words much, he has developed quite the personality too, as he already talks back but then loves on you after he knows that he was in the wrong. HiLaRiOuS!
3). Dan is everything I could have ever asked for in a husband...he planned taking me away on Mother's Day just so that I could have the day to myself with our kids. It was perfect! I would never ask him to ever take time away from his mom because she is very special to us, but how amazing that he wanted it to be that special for ME. I didn't know that this was his plan, but what a sweet thing for him to do.
4). Our air cleaner gets really dirty when it's not cleaned out. Our house was really dusty when we came back home. Thank goodness for Dan cleaning it out before we go to bed tonight at o'dark thirty.
5). I am seriously going to get a family Zoo Pass this year. I think the kids are finally at the age where they can fully appreciate it and we will go enough to get use out of it.
6). Thank goodness I have Mondays and Tuesdays off of work. I love working Part-Time and wouldn't trade it for the world. The time with the kids is something that I will never get back!
7). Why is my face still a pimple palace?! I have been taking this medication by my dermatologist for a couple weeks now and I am ready for some results darn it.
8). I am MORE THAN READY to get back to reality aka, focusing on my fitness goals. Vacay is over, time to check myself!
9). Olivia loves to sing and sings along quite nicely to Christian music. Today we heard her singing along to Casting Crowns, "Follow You"...Wow!
10). I can't wait for Tuesday's Toddler Tuesday at Jefferson Pointe. Does anyone want to go with me???

Ok, now off to bed.

Peace,
Amy

 These pics are of my kids when we were back in Indiana. YAY! They look so excited to be back home.

Going out with a BANG!

Well today was our last day of vacation before making the long drive back home, so we decided to go out with a bang and take the kiddos to Dollywood.

Both Dan and I had never been there but have heard positive reviews. Here's my review, for what it's worth.

First of all, in all the literature that I read, it says that your own food and drinks are not allowed in the park; however, we saw tons of people who brought their own stuff in and nobody cared. We should have done this too because this is where they get you.

The price of admission is relatively in-expensive, at $52/Adult plus Tax (TN state tax is crazy high btw). Kids 3 & under are FREE!!! Happy day! Parking is $8, but if you ride your bike it's free. Note, we DID see a guy riding his bike into the park. I think he's an employee though. Smart guy!

The food is where they get you! They charge $8.99 for a hot dog w/fries, $9.99 for a hamburger w/fries, $6.99 for a kids meal which is either a PB&J or a hamburger meal. Drinks are a whole separate item, as it's $13.99 for a souvenir cup that will get you unlimited refills at .99 cents plus tax per refill. It's $2.00 plus tax for small Bug Juice (fruit punch in a small water bottle with kid-friendly spout) like-drinks for the kids.

Make sure you keep your family hydrated bc it's quite humid. They do have nice fan-water spritzer sprayers throughout the park, which is soothing! They also have a few water rides to cool off on, but we didn't go on them because we didn't want to get wet or rent a locker to put our stuff in. They have family dryer rooms though, which is neat because your family can literally stand in them and dry off (like a huge shower-like stall). Bizarre!

We mainly hung out in the kiddie land area due to our party. After talking with a random local, I learned to take my kids to get measured at a station and they'd get a colored bracelet that tells us which rides that they are tall enough to ride. Sweet! This was very helpful! Olivia got a purple bracelet and Gabe a white with smiley faces on it (I think this is the very basic one ;) he didn't want his on, which didn't really matter, but Olivia liked hers and it helped us and the ride attendants.

We started out by riding the Ferris Wheel, which was really neat to look out over the park. Gabe rode with me and he was a little squirmy. Then we took the kids to ride the Bees, Ducks and Piggie rides. They had fun, but the Piggie ride is a little scary, as the lady sings this weird song about piggies. Gabe thought it was creepy anyway.

Then Olivia wanted to try the kiddie roller coaster, which we weren't sure how she'd do...she LOVED it and ended up riding it 3 times! That girl amazes me with her bravery! She also went in the ride that shouts you up and down in the air and ride that 3 times as well, joyfully laughing the whole time!

We enjoyed part of a show from some rocking chairs by the mill. Word of advice: check out the mill shop because you can buy fresh homemade cinnamon bread! Mmm! It is by far the best food-related thing at Dollywood ever! $5.99/loaf is quite a deal if you ask me.

They have a real locomotive that takes you on a 5-mile jog through the Foothills of the Smokey Mountains. Just be careful because cinder can easily get in your eyes. It's nothing that doesn't go away in a matter of a few minutes though.

We stayed until they closed at 7:00pm and then walked all the way to our car, which was a dumb idea considering that we were in D, and all we had to do was wait for the shuttle. Oh well, we needed the exercise! Plus, it wore Olivia out, as she fell asleep at dinner.

We went to Bennets BBQ in downtown Gatlinburg on our way home. This place is delicious, clean and has great service! It's also cheaper than our McDonalds-type lunch at Dollywood. ~$30 for our families' dinner and it has free parking. Also, note that if you get any of the local coupon books, there's a 10% off dinner coupon for Bennets in it. Cha Ching, there's some of your tax off ;)

Well speaking of tired, it's starting to hit me all of a sudden. Long review made short, Dollywood is a must-see. All employees go over the top to make you feel truly appreciated! From 0-99, years old, Dolly does a phenomenal job at capturing all audiences! Check it out! Now, I'm out! Goodnight y'all!

Vacation Day 6...Olivia's Long Hike

Well today we went on a 3.24 mile round trip hike to & from Laurel Falls. This was a completely paved trail and Dan pushed the umbrella stroller with Gabe in it the entire time, while I walked with Olivia. She did amazing for a 3-year old, only resting a few times. During one of our rests she took out one of her Doctor toys out of her backpack and started to call "Daddy and Gabe and tell them that we are almost there!" Once we reached Laurel Falls she loved the waterfall and noticed that Gabe seemed a little cold and got a bug bite, so she started coddling him. Precious!

Then we went by Townsend to the Foothills Parkway. This was a beautiful drive with fantastic views of both sides of the mountain!

I can't believe our vacation is almost over! Just one more day and then a full day of travel on Saturday...bittersweet! Tonight at dinner Olivia told us that she's had a nice vacation and has enjoyed getting to spend time with daddy, mommy and Gabe!
LOVE!!

Day 5---A Beary Close Encounter

We started off the day by enjoying a lazy morning at the Cozy Nest. Then we packed the car and drove up the mountains to Clingman's Dome area. This is the highest point in the Smokey Mountains at 6,643 feet, but first you have to climb up the paved trail to get there...very exhausting & exhilarating at the same time. It had some fantastic views and was so peaceful & serene as you could only hear the birds chirping. Although once I reached the top, I noticed that Gabe was getting fussy, I took him out of his stroller and noticed that he pooped his diaper but guess who forgot to pack diapers/wipes in the backpack up the trail...Super Mom! I rushed back down the path with Gabe to change his diaper before he leaked again, only to see a cub bear 12 feet away from the path...eek! Gabe loved it though, and I went on by thinking of our safety first. Then Dan took Olivia down the path and they also saw the bear and got a good pic of it. We then got the kids each their own stuffed animal bear at the park gift shop, which I'm regretting now because they're still up (I can hear them) laughing and playing with their bears in bed. Oh well, at least they're having fun and getting along. No harm no foul.
Then after our beary exciting hike, we went to downtown Gatlinburg again to check out the homemade candy shops. There is a neat shop right by The Pancake Pantry in The Village that has a huge window that you can watch them making the candy. We saw a guy making taffy. Very cool! But they're prices are even more than DeBrand's, so we just enjoyed the visit and went own down to the next candy shop for some homemade treats. Then we went to dinner at Best Italian Pizzeria for some New York Style Pizza. After this we were ready to call it a day and headed back to the Cozy Nest to FaceTime friends and family before bed. Today Olivia is thankful for the hills, bears and of course the Cozy Nest! I love her bedtime prayers! Goodnight all! Peace and Blessings!