Christmas 2007

Yes I celebrated my 27th birthday on December 19. I had a little get together at Mellow Mushroom with Brian's side of the family. And as usual I was spoiled. His mother got me a joint birthday/Christmas present. It was the camera I have been wanting since this summer. I had a small dinner with my parents the Saturday before my birthday. My present was a much needed haircut and some roses. We had a spaghetti dinner (one of my favorites). Needless to say I had a great 27th birthday.

I have a slideshow of pictures from Christmas that will tell how our Christmas went. Hope everyone had a blessed Christmas and is ready for a prosperous 2008.

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Kendall is ONE

Well, we had Kendall's 1st Birthday party. We now officially have a one year old. Her party was great. It was very cute and everyone seemed to have fun. She got lots of clothes and cute toys. I have put together (yep, you guessed it) a slideshow of pictures from the party. Enjoy.

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Happy 8th Wedding Anniversary

Eight years ago today, I married my best friend. He has since became the father to three of the best kids. I am so blessed. I couldn't have asked for more. I love you Brian

An update on Kendall's party coming soon. I just wanted to let everyone know about Brian and my 8th Anniversary. Wow, I can't believe it has been that long.

Halloween 2007

Well, Halloween has come and gone. We had so much fun. Now I know everyone is wondering what the kiddos were...just kidding. Steven was a vampire. Matthew was a blue Power Ranger and Kendall was Dumbo. They all were so cute. We went trick or treating in our neighborhood for the first time. We usually go to a friend's house, but we wanted to do something different this year.

I have also posted a montage of pictures. The first few are from my class at school, some from Matthew's class party and the rest are of the kids. Hope you enjoy the pics.

Now I am off to finish up details for Kendall's party.

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Here is a video of pictures from Matthew's Birthday. The first few are from school when we took cupcakes to his class, the rest are from his party.

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My baby boy is 4 years old

Well if I thought life couldn't fly by any faster, I was so wrong. I have had a hard time realizing that my baby boy just turned 4 years old on Saturday, October 6. I can not believe it.

We had a party for him Sunday at Pump It Up, an indoor jumpy place. There were so many people there. That child racked up on gifts. When we got home he was so overwhelmed with all the toys. He didn't know where to start. He loved everything that he got. The adults had as much, if not more fun than the kids had.

Other than planning for his party, I have been busy with work and family life. Life is great. Halloween is coming up soon. I can't wait. It is one of my favorite holidays. The boys already have their costumes. We are still looking for Kendall's. I will post pictures of Halloween night afterwards. So you will have to wait to find out what they are going to be.

Now that Matthew's party is over and we have costumes under control, it is time to start planning for...dare I say it...Kendall's 1st birthday party. Yes, you read that correctly. My little girl is almost a year old. Now that makes me sad. When I get pictures I will post a slide show from Matthew's party.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Check out the video below. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Here are some stats about Childhood Cancer

Every year almost 3,000 children die of cancer.
*The national government recently cut the budget for funding of pediatric cancer research.
*Currently there are 30,000-40,000 children being treated for cancer in the US.
*As a nation, each year we spend 14 billion dollars per year on the space program and only 35 million on childhood cancer.

Childhood cancer can affect any child - from newborns to teenagers. There is no known cause . . . no one knows why some children get cancer . . . and no one knows why some children get better and some children don't.

But we do know that cancer is the NUMBER ONE disease killer of our children - taking more lives than AIDS, asthma, cystic fibrosis and diabetes combined! And we do know that 14,000 children are diagnosed each year and sadly 20% - about 2800 of those diagnosed will not survive.

And most importantly we do know that RESEARCH is the only way to find a CURE! Research is the only HOPE for the 40,000 children currently in treatment for cancer. We have to work together to find a cure . . . to stop this disease from taking more precious innocent lives.

School has started. Steven is almost done with his first week of 2nd grade. Where has the time gone? He is enjoying it so far. He has said his favorite subjects are recess and lunch. I am about to go back to work. I start on the 20th of August. I will be getting my room ready. School doesn't start until the Monday after Labor Day. Matthew is so ready to go back. He thrives on school. He loves the routine. Kendall will be walking any day. She will stand by herself for a few seconds and is so proud of herself. She wants to keep up with those brothers of hers. That is about it. I will post when there is more to say.

Picture Montage from our vacation

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We are home!!!

Wow what a week! Where to begin? Warning, this will be a long entry.

We left for our vacation Sunday afternoon and headed on to Savannah. We got there about 8:00pm, only to find out we had a flat tire. I checked us into our hotel and took the kids swimming while Brian and his grandfather and Uncle Matt pumped up the tire. There had been a screw in the tire so it went flat again over night. That morning Brian and the guys went to get the tire patched and we were on our way. We had lunch at Lady and Sons (Paula Deen's restaurant). Brian and I with our kids, Brian's mom and Aunt Susan, Uncle Matt and grandfather met up with Brian's sister and brother-in-law and there sons. That was so fun. I love Paula Deen. Afterwards we went down to the river front and did some window shopping then headed on to Folly Beach in South Carolina. Unfortunatly I got a migraine on the way there, but luckily it was only a two hour drive from Savannah. I laid down for a few minutes and we finished unloading our car then headed out to the beach. The waves were awesome. Matthew was hilarious, he thought it was great, until the water started coming towards him. That was some good medicine just being out there. The migraine vanished. We had a light dinner, put the kids to bed and the adults stayed up til 1 or 2 just talking and laughing.

We got up the Tuesday and went straight to the beach, before breakfast. I had to come in shortly because Kendall was ready to eat, I was also trying to keep her somewhat to a schedule. Everyone else stayed out for about 2 more hours. We hung around for a while then my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and Brian's aunt and myself went shopping for food and necessities. We had spaghetti that night for dinner then went back out to play in the ocean.

Wednesday morning was very similar to Tuesday except after everyone came in and got dressed we headed out to Fort Sumter in Downtown Charleston. Fort Sumter is where the Civil War began. It was a neat trip, but very hot! After that we grabbed a bite to eat at a deli that happened to be the oldest running restaurant in Charleston. We then headed to Battery Park to run around for a little while. Everyone went on there own after that. Brian and I and the kids headed back to the house for a rest. Brian's mom and grandfather, aunt and uncle came back and we went to dinner with them. We went to a local restaurant called "Lost Dog." Well in my opinion that dog can stay lost. It was horrible. We went back to the house and hung out until everyone got back. They got back just in time too. We had an awesome storm that night. I love storms and watching one on the beach was just so amazing.

Thursday we spent a lot more time on the beach and we had more family come to stay with us for the rest of the week and weekend. We went out and did some shopping at the local surf shops, didn't really find anything though. That night Brian's Aunt Martha and Cousin David from Decatur and Cousin Nichole from Charleston came in. Also his Uncle David and Aunt Laurie (from Florida) came. I cooked dinner for everyone and we just played and visited.

Friday, Brian's Aunt Margie (from Camden, SC) came in. (On a side note, she is a Pediatrician, which came in handy at the beginning of the week, because Kendall got pink eye and she called in a script for us so we didn't have to deal with trying to get a hold of the doctor) Anyways, she had a barbque place cater food for us for dinner. I am NOT a BBQ person at all, but I do have to admit that, that was some might tasty food. We did more swimming, and some people played Scrabble (not me, I stink at that game) and some watched movies.

Saturday, we did more beach stuff. We went to lunch at another local place for lunch called "Taco Boy." Brian's brother-in-law loved it but I don't think I would do it again. It was by no means worse than "Lost Dog" though, it just wasn't my favorite.

Sunday, Brian's sister, Kathy and her family had to leave. So we said bye to them and then took the kids out to a seafood restaurant and the South Carolina Aquarium. It was nice to have time with just us. The kids had a blast. When we got back everyone else had left except Brian's mom and Aunt Susan. The house was so empty. They took us out to dinner and we went back to the house to start packing up and go back in the ocean one last time. The waves were the best that night. They got as tall if not taller than Brian. Talk about a rush, if you want to know the Glory of God go the beach and just take it all in. We came in and got ready for bed and we watched a movie and went to bed.

Today we got up and loaded the rest of the stuff up in the car. We dropped off the keys and stopped for breakfast before coming home. The trip home was good...UNTIL we got about 20-30 minutes from home and we had another flat tire. This time it was the other back tire and it was shredded. We got the kids out of the car and put them up on the embankment out of the way so we could change the tire (I have a fear that while we are pulled over, some person that is rubber necking it might run into the car and I don't want the kids anywhere near so I get them out of the way). Anyway, we get the tire off and put the donut on, load the kids back up and drive home the rest of the way with our hazard lights on. I have never been so happy to be home. We had a great time though. We were blessed to have that time to spend at one of the most beautiful places God created with family.

Pictures are coming soon. So keep an eye out.

Summer is flying by

Hey, I haven't written anything in a while so I figured I would do a little catching up. Summer is flying by. Steven starts back at school in a month, I go back to start getting my room ready in a month and a half. But enough about that. VBS was great, hectic but so worth it. My kids loved it. Brian took a week off of work (as usual) and helped out in the 2nd grade class. They had a wonderful group of kids this year. I have been trying to get the house and us ready for vacation starting tomorrow!!!! I am so excited. We are leaving tomorrow and stopping in Savannah for the night. Monday morning we are going to Lady and Sons. Yes that is right we are going to Paula Deen's restaurant. I think it would be awesome if she were to make a surprise appearance while we are there. I think she is so great. I love watching her on the Food Network. After that we are going to do a little sightseeing before we go to our main destination, Folly Beach, South Carolina. That is right outside of Charleston. We will be staying for a week. My mother-in-law rented a house on the beach. It will be my family, my sister-in-law and her family, my mother-in-law (obviously) and one of her brothers and one of her sisters. Her father will be there too. You would think that would be enough, but no. Another one of her sister's lives in SC and so do a few of Brian's cousins. They will come and visit with on a few days. We will play on the beach, go to Charleston to do a few things, but mostly just relax and enjoy each other. I CAN'T WAIT!!! And yes I do get along with my mother-in-law, she is the best. I lucked out so much with her, no horror stories to tell. Even though she doesn't know how to tell my kids no on anything. But I will try to keep in mind that it is vacation and try to let them have fun. (Although I will remind her that we do have to live with these children when we get home so try not to go overboard). Well I think that is all. I will update when we get home. Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th, (we did) and talk to you soon.

Nothing going on, just checking in.

Just checking in. Not much new to report. Last week Steven went to day camp with his Cub Scouts. He had so much fun. He was most excited about getting to shoot a BB gun and a bow and arrow. He got a lot of achievements done that go towards achieving his Wolf badge. Other than that we are just enjoying Summer. VBS is next week, that is exciting.

The picture at the top is of Kendall and her best friend Marissa. They are only 2 days apart. She is the daughter of my best friend. It is so neat to watch our kids grow up together.

Summer has begun

Yeah school is out!!! We are taking it easy this week, but next week is when we get busy. Steven has day camp for scouts all week. He is going to be so exhasted but he wants to shoot a bb gun and a bow and arrow. Matthew has a few people whos houses he is going to be going over to play. Some friends of ours have put together a weekly play date when we will go over to swim and play and just have fun. I can't wait. We are going on vacation in July with Brian's side of the family at Folley Beach which is in South Carolina. We are staying a week, and hopefully we will leave a day early and stop over in Savannah and do some shopping and try to get in Paula Deen's restaurant. There is also VBS in June. Then Steven starts school again on August 6th (but we aren't going to talk about that right now).

One Week Left!!!!

I am so excited. One week left of school. One more week of having to put up with some of the most ridiculous parents in the world. They are so clueless. They haven't been thrilled for me to come in part way throughout the year and have let me know about it. But hey, I didn't have to come back. I could have been using this time to be home with my baby and the kids could have had different subs for the rest of the year. But I enjoy my job so much that I came to teach the children. (And trust me these kids need someone to work with them, cause their parents sure aren't).

Anyway, enough of my rant. Steven is almost done with 1st grade=(. He is so excited for summer to be here. Speaking of Steven, he had an exciting day this past Wednesday. He was already excited because it was field day, but when he got to school he FINALLY lost his first tooth. When I say finally, I mean this tooth has been loose for about a year. He got hit in the mouth and it knocked the tooth loose, but it was stubborn tooth and didn't want to come out. Well the tooth fairy felt so bad that he had to work so hard on this tooth so she left him $.50 for the tooth. His smile was priceless that morning. I wish I had a camera ready. He also became a Wolf Cub in scouts at the beginning of the month, when we went camping. That was fun.

Not much new for Matthew, he is just happy playing with his toys and getting to finally play outside more. Now that I am over my allergies we are going outside to play more and he is loving every minute.

Kendall is 6 months old already. I can't believe that my baby girl is 6 months old already. She is scooting and rolling everywhere she wants to go. She gets up on her hands and knees and rocks back and forth so she will be crawling very soon. AHHHHHH!!!!! My kids are getting too big, too quickly.

Brian is busy with work and scouts and sound for the church and I am just as happy as can be that school is coming to a close. Sorry it has been so long between updates but we have been so busy. I will hope to update again soon.

DID I CALL IT OR WHAT?!!!

I am so excited that Phil and Chris went home tonight. Now I could really care less who wins. I think they are all fantastic. I don't know who my favorite would be. I would love to see any or all of them get a record deal.

Just checking in to let everyone know we are good. Been fairly busy. Saturday we went to a festival called Tour de Hope. It was held in Hiram and sponsored by my mom's work, SP Richards. It was a bike ride/festival to benefit cancer patients. We had a great time. Sunday we went to Smyrna after church to the Jonquil Festival. It wasn't as good this year as it has been in the past but we still had a good time. Last night we took the kids to the Shriner's Circus, where we met up with some friends. We left the actual circus early, it was very boring and went to ride rides for the rest of the night. We played that fish game and won 8 fish, two of which we did give away. We were exhausted but it was a good time. This coming up weekend we are going camping. YES I am going too, even though bugs freak me out completely. It is for Steven's scouts. He goes from Tiger cub to Wolf Cub at this trip, and hey it is a get away.

On another note, tomorrow night on American Idol, there will be TWO people going home, let's hope it will be Chris and Phil!!!!

HE'S GONE, YEA!!!!!

Finally, America figured out that Sanjaya had to go. I feel like a big weight has been lifted and I can watch the show without cringing. So happy. Okay, just had to rejoice.

7 years ago

7 years ago...

On April 14th 2000 my day was like any other normal day. I had a doctor's appointment and had to schedule a day to be induced because my baby hadn't come yet, he was 4 days past his due date. So we went home to wait out the weekend. I couldn't wait for that Monday to come, because I would finally be holding him. We ordered pizza and then I didn't feel too well, I just figured it was because of the pizza. About 9 or so I started having contractions, I didn't think too much about it, but after about 30 minutes or so I decided to start timing them. They were coming irregularly but were kind of intense so I kind of thought things were happening. My sister-in-law and her husband came over to visit not knowing that I was possibly in labor. We sat around a little while and about 11:30 we decided to go to the hospital, because we could not get in touch with my doctor. On a side note, men don't decide that you need to get gas while your wife is possibly in labor. Yes Brian did that. Now on with the story. We get to the hospital about midnight and we have to fill out all this stuff. Now why do you have to send in a preregistration form in when you have to sit there as uncomfortable as can be and answer the same questions that you filled out already 3 months earlier? I go to triage where they examine me and I was 3 centimeters so they decided to admit me. Of course at this point I am staying whether they admit me or not. We called my mom and dad and Brian's mom and sister to tell them about everything. I get to my room and they break my water, give me my epidural (which by the way is the best thing ever invented). I try to get some rest and watch a little television, while Brian is snoozing away and my family is waiting as patiently as they can with me while we await such a life altering moment. At 7 am the doctor examines me and I am completely dialated and effaced and ready to push. I am completely numb so the nurse has to tell me when to push. I got about 3 pushes in on every contractions and I had three contractions. So that means on my 9th push my beautiful baby boy was born. Steven Daniel Foster was born on April 15, 2000 at 7:42 am. He weighed in at 7 pounds, 8 ounces and was 21 inches long. He had the cutest little cone head. I had no idea how wonderful it would be to have him. I was only 19 years old myself but I knew that with Brian and my family by my side and God guiding us that we could raise this little boy. He changed my world completely. To this day I couldn't be more proud of him. He such a joy to anyone who meets him. I can't believe he is already 7 years old. That makes me, well I can't believe that he is 7 years old. I love you sweet boy.

What a week!!!

TGIF!!!

We have had such a busy week. I kind of prefer it that way though, I don't know if I would know what to do with myself if we sat still. I had a doctor's appointment Monday afternoon so I had to run home grab Steven off of the bus then head back down towards Kennestone Hospital. The kids did good but it was still hectic trying to make sure they behaved. I then had to fight rush hour home, I can't stand waiting in traffic and dealing with bad drivers. I mean when the light is red that doesn't mean how many more cars can you fit through before the other side gets to go. Tuesday was scout night for Steven. Brian and Steven go to that and I stay home with the other two. Wednesday was church. It was also a fundraiser night for Steven's school at Stevi B's pizza. I didn't want what was at church so I rushed there and ordered two pizzas to go and met Brian at church. Thursday was the worst day of the whole week. It started off like any other morning. Brian and I get up and get ready then get the kids up and ready. Steven gets on the bus and we head out to work. Brian left about 10 minutes before me to take Kendall to Carol's house (the grandma who watches her), then he heads on to work. So it is just Matthew and I in the van. Well I get a phone call from Brian (I knew something was wrong because he never calls unless he has car problems), he technically had car problems but not in the usual way. He had a two car insurance seminar. Yes that is right he had fender bender. The lady he was behind was inching forward like she was going to merge onto East-West Connector, then decided not to. By the time Brian realized she stopped it was too late. He rear ended her. There was no damage done to her car, because Brian drives a little car and she had a Ford Explorer and he hit the trailer hitch and it pushed in the bumper a little and busted the head light. He and Kendall are fine and the lady was fine. Brian got a ticket for following too closely but it turned out okay, Brian just feels bad because he has never had a speeding ticket and the only other wreck he has been in was not his fault and Kendall was in the car. God was surely watching out for them. It could have been a lot worse. Today I had to run by Party City because Steven's birthday party is tomorrow and we don't have one near us. I rushed through got what I needed then had 20 minutes to get home before the bus got there, well that didn't happen. I got a call from the bus driver wondering where I was because my car wasn't in the drive way. I was about 1 minute away. I am very grateful that he has a wonderful driver that looks out for him. We had a bible study get together tonight, but was unable to attend because Matthew was not feeling well. But I guess it works out because I have alot more to do before tomorrow. Matthew is feeling better after I gave him some Motrin. Now I have to clean the house, because the weather is supposed to be gross tomorrow and I have a feeling the party will be short and we will have some family coming over. We will see, if Matthew is feeling better. Check back later here and at my myspace page and I will have pictures of the party and of Brian's car.