I TOLD A STORY!

No pictures of the house today...but definitely tomorrow. I was too busy working on it today to take pictures of it. I also think I'm a little intimidated by this new camera. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE IT, but I think I'm too protective of it. I like it safe and sound in its case where it can't get hurt. I'll get over it. I'm declaring a change in attitude right now.

Dalton lost a tooth this morning. That was a little unexpected and actually a little bloody.

Is he a cutie or what? He also got a haircut today with his Daddy and I must say it was long overdue. REMEMBER, I was coming home to get him one day last week when he started running that nasty fever.

Savannah has moved out for the weekend. She went home with her best friend Riley after school on Friday and we haven't seen her since. They didn't get in the same class this year so they need their weekends to "catch up".

Here is our Emily...

Dalton loves her and is very concerned about the fact she hasn't found any new bedding yet for her room. He went to Target with her last night to try to find something but she couldn't make up her mind. Her older sisters came into town tonight and they are out shopping trying to help her make some decisions. She is too cute. I hope she can handle all of our craziness around here. She has a little chihuaua that is weight challenged. His name is Jackson. Dalton loves him too and wants to put a picture of him on the blog. I told him we would work on that one tomorrow.

This is Emily's dad and "significant other" Jo. They were here helping her get moved down here.

They went home today, but her sisters came in town tonight. I think they are a little worried about the baby in the family. I just pray SHE likes it here. I need her.

OK, way back in the summer, I planted a mixture of sunflower seeds and really didn't think anything would happen. I've given a couple of updates about them and maybe even shared some early pics. I really didn't think anything would happen with them, but holy smoke, they grew. That just cracks me up. I've never had just a ton of luck and I even have tomatoes growing in my back yard this year. ANYWAY, I really like sunflowers, they are my second favorite to tulips (which I will be attempting in the spring or should I say fall...). Here are a couple of the ones I cut and made a little arrangement out of today.

That one is a little afflicted. It's petal is pointing the wrong direction. It kinda reminds me of me. HA.

While I was blogging Dalton was taking pictures and he has two he wants me to include tonight. One is his new best friend Jackson the weight challenged chihuaua..

And here is Dalton's mom laying in bed blogging thinking no one else would see her the rest of the night:) Gotta love a great shot in your PJ's with no makeup. O well, Dalton loves me this way and says its a "good" picture. (He thinks all pictures he takes are good pictures)

That's it for tonight. Jeff is gone to the casino and Dalton and I went to Blockbuster and are having a SpongeBob Marathon.

Oh wait, I came across this today and loved it..

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.
I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.
The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease.
As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.
I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?' He smiled as he patted my hand and said,
'She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.'
I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought,'That is the kind of love I want in my life.' True love is neither physical, nor romantic.
True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.
With all the jokes and fun that are in e-mails, sometimes there is one that comes along that has an important message. This one I thought I could share with you.
The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.
I hope you share this with someone you care about. I just did.
'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.' .

This made me think about so many things. One of the first things of course is that nasty hurricane in the Gulf right now. LA and MS really can't afford another direct hit by a major hurricane. Pray for all of those on the coast and their families and everyone in these states.

Be safe, hug your babies and share your love.

Cya,
Kacy

SUNNY SATURDAY

OH MY! I'm laying in bed Saturday morning and thinking about the fun things I'm ready to do today. I'm finally feeling like things are getting back to normal. I have taken control of my house and it is really starting to look and even feel like we actually live here. I'll get some pictures today. Emily moved in Thursday and is still unpacking and trying to get things in order. She has all weekend to try to get settled. She is going to prove to be a blessing. She has moved in and is going to be my helper. She'll be working for me some at Allstate over the next couple of months and filling in while my main gal, Tosha, is away at Allstate School and filling in anywhere I need help. Thanks for the gentle nudge, MO. I bit the bullet and swallowed it hard. It's really difficult to admit that sometimes you just can't do everything. Somehow, I've managed to keep up until now but I realized that I was missing out on enjoying any of it. I have been in such a hurry that I couldn't see the little moments that happen. A TON has been accomplished in the last 30 days....I had total turnover at work....I got my Securities license....Soccer started for Savannah...Football started for Dalton...Football ended for Dalton with a broken foot...A lot of travel...Tosha got licensed...wow, alot of major milestones.

ANYWAY, today, I'm looking forward to enjoying the small things with friends and family. I'll have pics later. We are still getting Emily moved in and used to things. THE KIDS ARE CRAZY ABOUT HER. Of course, she's 22 and beautiful. I don't blame them. Enjoy the long weekend. I know I will.

Hug your babies and share your love.

Cya,

Kacy

BLOGGING AWAY

I have thoroughly enjoyed surfing all of my favorite blogs tonight and living the good life through all of you. The babies are beautiful and the kids are hysterical.
On the Acree front....Dalton got a new cast today on that foot that is proving to be a little more "serious" than we first thought. Then, just as I thought I was getting somewhat caught up, I was going to take Dalton and Jeff for haircuts when I got home from work. Instead, I came home to Dalton asleep on the couch with his cast propped up and burning up with fever. I ran to get the thermometer and he rang in at 101.8. So, no haircut and a little schedule rearranging later, a few Tylenol and ibuprofen, I have come to the conclusion that this too shall pass.
I'm going to get in bed with my baby boy. I hate fevers.
Hug your babies and share your love.
Cya,
Kacy

HEAVY D'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

THE BIG 10

Who remembers turning the big ONE O? I remember it like it was yesterday...if only it were. Dalton had a rough birthday. He tore his foot up pretty good in football practice. I was in Nashville and got the call and did everything possible to keep from losing my mind and driving home. I'm not sure if I've ever mentioned what a wonderful father to these kiddos I married. I couldn't have dreamt of having a better dad for my children, but when it comes to injuries, he doesn't do so well and always down plays the situation. So when he was telling me something was wrong, I knew it was not good. I managed to keep myself in Nashville after talking to Dalton and he quit crying. Now he is proud of the "battle" injury and wears his war bandages with pride. He got to go to dinner that night (very late) with his MeMe and Aunt Krystle and really had a good time. Yesterday was the party!!!! Swimming and Slumber of course, what else do you do at 10?

Is that intense or what? Looks like a good time to me.

Dalton had a great time. We all did. Tons of kids splashing around and no serious injuries. What more can you ask for?

This is my Gorgeous Grandmother. She's getting ready for her annual trip to Florida in a couple of weeks. I hope I look this good at her age. She's a trooper.

Mallory cut her eye teeth this week and never even complained.

Baby Sister, Georgia, however, would just prefer that you not speak to her.

Wow, picture overload, but sometimes a smile is worth a thousand words, especially the smile on a child's face. It's one of the many things I'm thankful for.

Another cousin's baby shower is this afternoon so I'm sure I'll have some more pics coming at you soon. Not to mention, I can breathe. NO MORE STUDYING!

Cya,

Kacy

OHMYGOODNESS!

OHMYGOODNESSOHMYGOODNESS! I PASSED!

CYA,

KACY

HELP O YE CREATIVE ONES!!

No time to blog...need to be studying but instead I cleaned out my children's rooms today and now I need help. (Sorry no blogs this week...still recovering from my "schizoembolism" and been out of town.)
OK, back to the matter at hand.
I found Savannah's first pair and her second pair of ballerina slippers today in her room and her first tutu. I had saved all of that stuff along with all of her monogrammed burp cloths:). Anyway, I was walking around holding those slippers in my hand with tears running down my face like a fool when I realized that I should be able to "display" them in some way. NOW, I need help. I lack the creativity that so many of you have. These would be precious in her room some way some how and I would love any ideas you have. I have pictures of her first recital where she is wearing these things. By the way, she had just turned 3 at the time....she'll be 9 in about two weeks and can wear my clothes.
Tomorrow is my test AND HeavyD's birthday party. His foot is a mess, I haven't EVEN shared that yet, but I'll try to catch up Sunday.
Give me some ideas on the slippers please!!!! I have your phone numbers, don't make me use them.
Hug your babies, their slippers won't fit for long.
Cya,
Kacy

MUST BLOG FOR STRESS RELIEF

Hello, Hello from the the great town of Nashville. I'm staying at an interesting place. I was last here in March of this year and as I have for the last few years, I stayed at my local Hampton Inn. WELL, as luck would have it, Baymont Inn bought out my favorite Hampton. Having never stayed at a Baymont, I thought not much could have changed from March and booked my stay. WELL, it's changed. I'm okay with the bed, thank goodness. Here is a shot of my home for the week.

Ok, looks alright...HA. Check out the sofa....I'm not getting close to it. Don't worry.

I wonder what that is....I'm just glad I brought my Crocs and that I don't have a black light.

Dalton entertained me today and let me take cupcakes for his class today at lunch. Even though tomorrow is his birthday, he knew I was having a hard time leaving so he agreed to indulge me. Remember right now he is only 9. Look at these pictures and see how old you think he looks.

Is he too cute or what? I'm am one proud mama!

Look at this little face...This is SO SAVANNAH.

Well, Blogger is giving me a hard time tonight and I need to get on the ball for the rest of the week.

Thanks Dawn for the encouraging words. I've calmed down and I'm here to do what I've got to do. This too shall pass and hopefully I can do it with a little bit of grace. (I'm gonna try to keep my head from spinning around anymore.)

Hug your babies. I miss mine. How can they drive you so crazy sometimes and when you haven't seen them in 5 hours you miss them like crazy?

Cya,

Kacy

Hey, Wait for Me, Here I Come, I Promise

WOW. I'm living in a whirlwind lately. Ok, boring post with no pictures, but I'm making progress to get back to that........
So today I had what my family lovingly calls a schitzoembolism (skit-so-em-bo-lism). That's a really nice way of saying I went completely off the deep end and my head spun around like Linda Blair's did in the Exorcist and now tonight everyone is just praying that tomorrow comes soon. I finally lost my mind.
My test is next Saturday at 12:30 at the University of Memphis. I'm leaving tomorrow for Nashville to the Allstate Regional Headquarters to spend the week with a Securities Licensing Instructor. That's all great for my test and all, but I'm missing Dalton's 10th Birthday which is Tuesday. To just say stressed is putting it too mildly. I'll be home Thursday night with a little more study time and also have to have a birthday party planned and all arrangements made for a swimming and slumber party Saturday after my test.
After my melt down tonight, I think we made the decision to get me some more help. I need help with my house. I'm very blessed to have this big wonderful place and don't get me wrong I love it, but some days I just want my 1800 square feet zero lot back. Jeff and I had a rough weekend to say the least and the kids are growing up too fast and work is moving at warp speed and I can't keep those darn rings out of the toilets and they are sending me over the edge. I need help. I can't keep up and I can't find what I enjoy in any of it. I'm going to find a personal assistant. I think it's time. I took pictures this afternoon of Dalton in all of his football gear. He looks like a 12 year old instead of a 9 year old. I'll get them up this week. I'll be lonely in my hotel room in Nashville and I'm sure I'll need a study break.
Thanks for checking in on me Dawn. I wish the test was behind me. That will take a huge load off. I've learned some new things lately. I need to set up a link to my kids DVD. I think I know how now.
I also read "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch and if you haven't I highly recommend it. I have it if anyone would like to borrow it. You can even get on You Tube and just watch his speech if you like, but you also need to read the book. I'm hoping it will help me find perspective this week, but I won't make any promises.
Hug your babies and share your love. I'm asking you to share some with me. I'm struggling right now.
Cya,
Kacy

FOOTBALL IS AMONG US!

I'm so far behind now, I'm just going to call it a complete do over. There is no way to get caught up at this point. The kids started school and with that came soccer practice 3 nights a week and football practice 4 nights with games on Saturdays. I had some sort of evil stomach bug in the mix and this darn test coming up......and I'll just stop there because my breathing was starting to change. HA!

Let me go ahead and admit that I'M NOT STUDYING. That's not good, but it felt better to get it off my chest. I'm waiting for that moment of panic to set in and I'll start. I am scheduled to take the test on August 23 at 12:30 p.m. at the University of Memphis. I'll be in Nashville next week in a study class. I'm really bothered by all of this. Dalton turns 10 on Tuesday and I'll be out of town. Career wise, I have no choice. Mom wise, this is killing me. I specifically remember my tenth birthday. My best friend at the time, B.J., told me as we were walking to her house that I had finally hit double digits. I didn't get it at first, but now I'll never forget that moment....We are going to have a party for Dalton which wasn't on his birthday anyway but as a mom not being there on your child's birthday really stinks. (That's putting it mildly.)

OK, on to bigger and better things. Dalton had his FIRST FOOTBALL PRACTICE EVER. He is the biggest boy on the team and therefore must play on the line. He is too big, according to league rules, to carry the ball. He's playing center in practice right now and seems to be doing really well. Jeff is in meetings at work all this week and so I had to take him to get fitted for a helmet. This has been a big dilemma on what kind. We had to see his neurologist for clearance to play because of his "childhood" injury. He has to wear a certain type of helmet and the guy at the sporting goods store kept trying to tell me he didn't need it. I finally said, would you PLEASE sell me the more expensive helmet. I'm pretty sure my doctor at Semmes-Murphy knows a little more than a sporting goods salesperson. I really had to break it down for him. Then he got a little nasty with me, so I took my $200 to someone else that was happy to take it.

Well, that's what I walked up to. Here is our first look at the team. Dalton didn't know anyone on the team and we don't either for that matter. For a small town, that's a little odd. Many of these guys are return players. That's why they already have Titan Gear on.

Dalton may be picking his nose in that one. We'll just consider that a little male bonding.

This is Coach Sam. He's the Head Coach. There were a couple of others, but I didn't get all of their names. I'll work on that.

He was easily identifiable.

That would have been a really good sequence if I had gotten the catch.

This was our first look at the line.

This was a tired group of boys after the first practice.

I'm totally hooked on the Olympics, too. I'm sleep deprived because I can't turn the TV off until 11 every night. I love it. I'm a bit of a sports freak.....then the race Sunday. We won't even go there. I'll just be nice and say I haven't enjoyed the road races this year.

I'm off to make grilled cheese sandwiches for Savannah and myself. Yep, dinner of champs. We already know.

Thanks for enduring my boys first football practice. I'm trying to keep up.

Hug your babies super tight, share your love and always keep your friends close by.

Cya,
Kacy

A DAY OFF

I took the day off. I haven't felt well all week and today I just couldn't drag myself to work. I got up and tried and finally about lunch time, I quit trying. I took some Excedrin this afternoon about 3 and started feeling a little better. Then I read the bottle to see what was in it and it has Tylenol, Aspirin and Caffeine in it. No wonder I feel better.

Mallory and Georgia were here today and gave me an opportunity to try out the ole camera some more.

Who doesn't love sweet cheeks with chocolate chips on them? Look at the eyes on these babies. I feel sorry for my brother. I hope he has a big gun! These are going to be two hot babes! : )

That's it for me. I just had to brag on my beautiful nieces! The kids had a great first day of school and SavyG is at soccer practice right now.

Hug your babies and share your love.

Cya,

Kacy