Sunday, August 22, 2010

From the mouths of babes....

Jessica - "Mom, can I wear this? I'm going to my first wedding practice."
She hands me a gold heart necklace that I bought her.
Me - "Sure, let me untangle it. Whose getting married?"
Jessica - "I'm gonna try and marry a prince."


Hopefully she means the first practice for her wedding and not practice for her first wedding! I just love her so much!

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Early Morning Thoughts

Jessica has been sick the last two days. When she talked, she sounded like a frog. She wasn't running a fever and wasn't complaining, so I thought maybe a new cold now that the kids are back in school. Well, she woke up Friday morning complaining of a sore throat. And sure enough - strep throat. Hopefully it's only my imagination that my throat is hurting a bit this morning.

We started watching The Wizard of Oz last night with Jessica. I think I fell asleep right after she started down the yellow brick road. LOL. About 8:00. And then when we took Jess up to bed, I laid down with her -- for a few minutes, right -- and woke up again at 11. Now I know why. We, Jessica and I, were up at 4:15. She was coughing a lot and couldn't sleep. Hopefully that will mean a nice long afternoon nap is in our future. Right now it's coffee, jucie, and "Wow, Wow Wubbzy."

My bright idea of applying Vics Vapor Rub to help with the cough has not gone so well. There may be a warm bath in our near future to remove the remaining "smell." I should have known better since she is super sensitive to smells.

We are lucky and blessed in that Jess has never really been sick. We've had the occasional cold and an ear ache once. But nothing major. Thank God. I've heard people talk about being up all night with kids that are throwing up. I'm grateful we haven't had to do that. She's been super healthy.

So, a super early morning that's given me a bit of time to at least attempt a blog update. I've been making a list of additional posts too. And its given me some time to catch up on other posts that I follow.

Happy Saturday All. Let's hope we get a night downpour about 2 so we can nap while it rains!

~yvette~

Monday, August 16, 2010

Absolutely Amazing....A Tribute to Kylan Warren

I'll admit right away that I don't know Kylan Warren or any of his family or friends. But when Chris told me that one of the lineman at GA Power had been burned really bad and that some co-workers were putting on a benefit motorcycle ride, we signed up right a way. We have a Harley and enjoy riding and this was for a great cause. I read the news reports, saw a picture taken at the accident, and my heart went out to Kylan and his family. If he survived there would be a lot of pain and suffering in his future.

Read the News Article

I was very nervous about the ride because there were to be over 1,500 bikes involved. I wasn't quite sure how that many bikes were going to get safely from GA Power to North GA while fighting the traffic of the connector and the highways. I almost told Chris to go without me.

Chris and I arrived, and as usual I grabbed my phone to check messages. I had a text message waiting from my friend - Kylan had died. He had passed away only hours before. I noticed a number of people with pink ribbons on their shirts and I assumed they were for Kylan's wife. Only after the ride would I find out that one of the organizers of the ride (Michael Hyde) had been badly injured the weekend before. He and his wife and several other were riding back from Elijay (and finalizing the ride) when he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed. His wife, Charlene, died and Michael has lost his leg.

As we started out on the ride, I said a prayer -- as I always do when we ride on the bike -- that we would be safe and that the entire group would make it safely to Ellijay. I was still very nervous about the number of bikes and fighting with the traffic. As it turned out, I didn't need to worry at all. The answer? Just shut down the roads. As we entered the connector near the GA Power building, the police had it blocked! There were no cars at all. It was very strange as you usually take your life in your hands maneuvering onto the highway there - even in a car. At first I thought they were doing that just to allow the entire group to get going and stay together. As it turns out - they ran rolling road blocks the entire way! Each time we came to an entrance ramp, law enforcement from all over GA were present and temporarily blocking the cars. It brought tears to my eyes each time.

As we passed under bridges throughout the entire route, we were greeted by people waving, fire trucks, and several bucket trucks with their buckets high - in tribute to Kylan. It was the most amazing thing I've ever taken part in. Cars on the other side of the road stopped to watch. I'm sure if I had been driving that day I would have stopped too. It must have been amazing to see that number of bikes rolling down the highway with no cars in sight.

Kylan was from Ellijay. He went to the elementary school that was our final destination. As we entered the square, hundreds of people were their to show their support.

Kylan was 25. He'd been married for 2 or 3 months. His whole life was ahead of him. And now one of his co-workers and friends has lost his wife and his leg. What a tragedy. I will continue to pray for their families.

We take for granted that the light will turn on when we flip the switch. We take for granted that the air will run and the coffee pot will work and that we can watch "reality TV" whenever we want. The truth, the reality is -- the men and women who make that happen have very dangerous jobs. We get annoyed when our power goes out in a storm and it takes more than 15 minute to get it going again. We think they should have it fixed immediately. The next time that happens, let's just hug our families and be thankful that we have one another. Let's be patient and remember that it's someones husband, or wife, or son, or daughter, or dad, or mom out there working in the storm to restore the power. Let's remember that they may not make it home. Let's pray that they do! This accident, the support the community showed for Kylan, and the benefit ride have brought that to the front of my mind. It's something I won't forget.

Take a few moments to watch these videos. There are several up on youtube. It shows the love and support that went out for Kylan and Mike and their family! The second one was shot from the top of an overpass and gets the entire group.

YouTube Tribute
YouTube Coverage of Bikes

Check out these pictures as well. I remember seeing this photographer laying on the ground as we went by. Some great shots.

I'm sure Kylan and Charlene were watching and guiding us all on Saturday.

A special thanks goes to all the law enforcement who helped guide us along the route, ran the rolling road blocks and a special thanks to those who helped organized this benefit.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Getting the blog updated and other stuff...

Blog Update
Been a while. I'm going to get this blog updated and stick with it. :-) I enjoy reading other blogs so much and never keep up with my own. So...gonna give it another go. (I konw...you've heard that before...but we'll see...) I think, for me, it could be a form of therapy. Also, no one will probably read or follow what I write...so it will kind of be like a diary or journal just for me.

Summer Update
It has been a busy summer so far. We were able to take a week long vacation to Pawley's Island - which was wonderful. (more pictures soon). We've been keeping Jessica at home 4 days a week and she gets to go to "school" one day a week - on water day. It's been super challenging as we both still have to work during the day...but we've come up with some projects and activities and keep her busy during the day while we work. It's been a headache and a blessing in so many ways. I just love her so much - even when she's screaming at me! Sponge Bob Square Pants is her new favorite show...surely that counts as educational time? Right? We are limiting her time watching...but I still think going back to school in a month will be a challenge. I guess this is preparing us for all the future summer breaks!

Starting Pre-K
I can't believe my baby girl is 4 and starting Pre-K this year. Where does the time fly? On another note - I've been waiting my.whole.life to go school supply shopping. And guess what? They don't need anything but a backpack for pre-K? Really? Are you kidding me? Nothing? I pretty sure I'll have to send her the first day with some cool pencils or something.

Work
What to say about work? The past year was really stressful...mostly due to the project I was working on. That's over now and I'm trying to transition to another project. Only one problem...its gonna be exactly like the one I just finished. Boo! I don't particularly enjoy the work I'm doing...but I do love the company I work for and love the people I work with. So I guess that makes it bearable. I hope that will get some new clients and new projects that will give us some variety.

What Else? I continue to try and decorate/organize the house as time, energy, and money permit. I was able to get a console table, mirror, and other nick nacks - for my birthday - to really make the foyer look great. With the help of my friend Anshul I was able to get everything I needed to make it look super great. I love how it turned out.

Well hope you enjoyed the update. More to follow as I've got lots of topics in the works...

~yvette~

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Back....but for how long?

Well....the "idea" of blogging was much better than actually getting it accomplished. When I first decided to start a blog I thought it would be no big deal to find something to "talk" about each day. I think my last post was well over a year ago. But I sit here tonight, contemplating a Monday morning that I'm not really looking forward to...and thought I'd make a post. We will just have to see how long it will last. Here on my thoughts on a lot of things...

So...what's new?

The House. Well one year in the new house and it is awesome. Although sweeping and mopping this "dream" house is not such a dream. I long for the day when I can get a cleaning service. We love the town and the area. And we love our new home. I am slowly painting and decorating and making it ours. Next on the list: finish painting Jessica's room, give Chris' office a makeover including a new desk and LOTS of organization, paint the downstairs bath, and finish my bonus room. Not too much...but should keep me busy. Oh...and somehow win the lottery so I can give the backyard and basement a makeover too!

Chris. The good news is... his Crohn's is in remission. This is wonderful news really. He is feeling so much better and has starting racing again! Can't wait for a more regular camping/racing schedule!

Jessica. She is turning 4 and the birthday party prep is in full swing. I can't wait to see the look on her face when she sees her present. Pictures in the next few weeks!!!!! She is such a smart girl. I was talking with Chris tonight about Easter and can only wonder how long it will be until the magic is gone. I'm guessing now that it will be before she turns 6. She starts pre-K in August and I can hardly believe that 4 years have flown by. She is my angel and has truly saved me. To borrow a quote from a friend...it's amazing to see your own heart walking around outside your body. She makes me smile...and cry on a daily basis.

Me. Well...I stay busy all the time. Not enough time actually to get it all done. I find myself constantly envious of those I know who do not have to work outside the home. I have a great job and am very thankful for it. But...there are days...when I dread the thought of having to go to work. I dream and plan all the things I want/need to do and then by the time I'm done with my regular day I'm usually so exhausted I just sit. But...let's see...here's the list of what I want to do...finish Jessica's quilt and room, finish the dress and top I'm sewing for us (yes - they match...I've waited my whole life to be able to do the matching thing - LOL)...finish decorating and painting, learn more about photography...read, read, read....travel...garden...spend more time with family and friends. And then there is the upcoming big 4-0. Really? I'm positive I was just 15 dreaming of the day I'd turn 16. I think it really hits home when the kids you use to baby sit are getting married and having kids of their own. And in my mind I'm still that young and super skinny 16 year old. It's only when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror that I wonder where she went.

Family. I wish we all lived closer...and could spend each day together. I'm so very thankful that I have my parents and all my family and that we do get together and get to spend time together. I'm looking forward to Easter and Jessica's birthday when we can all be together again. And I will miss those that can't be with us SOOOO much.

Friends. I wish I could make the time to see my friends more often...and as the case is a lot - more than once every year or so. Why is it that life gets in the way? I have friends that I think of daily and yet can barely find (...make) the time to answer emails and say hello. My only hope is that they know I love them and think of them often. There are those I have had and lost...and those I have and will always have. I wish I could hug each one daily and just say I love you. For those that happen to read this post -- I think of you all the time and miss you and love you!

I guess that's it for tonight...so much for my Sunday evening rambling thoughts. I hope everyone has a wonderful week, and Easter! Let us all thank God for the blessings he has given us...for the gift of Life...for the gift of His Son...for our families and friends. They do mean so much even IF we don't get to see them or speak to them every day. We can remember them in our prayers and thoughts.

Until another time...
~yvette~

Friday, January 30, 2009

Moving Day...

Well - the time has finally gotten here. We close on the houses today and start the not-so-fun job of moving years and years of junk to the new house. I *think* I'm packed...but I'm sure I'll be left with moving tons of unpacked stuff anyway. Wish us luck!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and enjoys watching the Superbowl!

~Yvette~

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I haven't blogged in a long, long time. Although I do keep up with the blogs I read each day. I come to my blog space and stare at the last blog and then think...I'll think of something to say tomorrow. A lot is going on in my life at the moment so I guess I'll start with an update. It's long...but that's OK.

We started the Christmas celebrations by getting together with Chris' family on Friday night the 19th. It was a wonderful time and it was great to have his whole family together. All the cousins played and we enjoyed a great evening of games. The next night was the annual Perez (my mom and step-dad) family Christmas and it was wonderful as well. We ate, enjoyed each other's company, opened presents and had a great afternoon and evening. The cousin's got to enjoy each other and play which is always nice. And what was even better was that all 4 girls were together. I think they all had a great time. One can never quite be sure when there's a teenager involved. :-)


Kayla, Samantha, Jenna, and Jessica


We decided to get away for Christmas this year. We left the Perez Christmas party and headed to Florida. We took Jessica to Disney World for the first time. She loved it. We spent 2 days in the Magic Kingdom and just took our time between rides, etc. It was a lot of fun and we should have more pictures soon. Here is just one of my favorites.


Jessica and I on the Tea Cups


We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge, which was beautiful...and we would highly recommend it. All the Christmas decorations were wonderful and we can't wait to go back in a few years and stay at the campground. It will be a few years because apparently in order to stay at the campground at Christmas you must book years in advance and also bring a wide assortment of Disney-themed blowup decorations. We currently have just one lone Disney blowup of Mickey with a present...so I guess we'll have to add quickly and start collecting.


One of the camping sites...


The rest of the Christmas Holiday was spent in Bradenton, Florida with my aunt and uncle and my dad. It was a wonderful time and we felt very blessed to be with family that we don't get to see and spent time with very often. Jessica had a blast feeding the birds (seagulls) with my aunt by the water and still talks about it almost each day.


Dad, Aunt Niki, and Jessica feeding seagulls in the back yard.


As to the rest of life... I'm ramping up to my busy time at work...we are about to close on a new house...trying to pack up the old one and all the junk we have stashed around the place...Jessica has been sick...Chris has been sick...my mom is stressed out...and my brother is going through a divorce. It makes me very sad for him and his family and for all of those involved. Divorce is never an easy thing and it always has such an impact on kids.

I want to fix all these stresses and hurts but realize that is not a job for me. I'd like to say that I've been closer to God during these past few weeks but the truth is I've been further away. It's so hard sometimes...but deep down I know that He is in control and that only He can fix these issues and heal the wounds. But I let myself and my (not so nice sometimes) thoughts get in the way. But I'm determined to keep praying and keep pursuing God. I know He is there. Which always reminds me of one of my favorite poems... (I was about to put in the last few lines of the poem to which I was referring, however when I found the poem on the web...there is of course a bunch of copyright info...) So here's a link...Footprints in the Sand by Mary Stevenson. HE carries Us. Amen.

So my prayer for this year and always...may God meet us where we are and bless us each day. I know He is with me...is He with you? I certainly hope so.

Blessings and Joy for the New Year!
~Yvette~