She's Growing Up

This morning, I dropped Mary Kahlen off in the the "Three Year Old Room" at daycare. No, she's not three just yet, but they felt that she was definitely ready to move up. "She knows so much" and "there's just no reason to keep her back." That is what they told me at the daycare center. Yes, I understand...but it did not make it any easier for me to drop my baby off in the three year old class this morning, I mean really...three year old class...already??? My mother-in-law reminded me the other day that Adam and I will have been married FIVE years this October. It is amazing how time flies. It really does seem like yesterday that I was feeding Mary Kahlen with a bottle and burping her with the precious little monogrammed burp cloths.

Oh well, I digress, as I must realize that I cannot stop Father Time from stomping all over us. :)

Below, you will see the very first fish that Mary Kahlen ever caught. It was, as a matter of fact, during her very first fishing trip. She was in Franklin, GA with her Mimi (my mom) and Paw-Paw. She would even pick the worms out of the dirt for her Paw-Paw to put them on the hook. Ummm...now, this would not be something that she inherited from me. I am not an outside, dirt-loving individual. Mary Kahlen, on the other hand, would stay outside from sun up to sun down. I think it all started when we visited Erin in Blakely, GA...I think she corrupted my child!

Just A Day...

So, I'm sitting here today filling in for my sister who is on maternity leave. Oh! My new niece...Ms. Addison Grace Huckleberry was born on June 29, 2009. She weighed 8 lbs. 13 oz. and was 19 1/2 inches long. I've been meaning to post pictures and a blog to introduce little Miss Addison, but trying to keep up with Facebook and the blog...I get confused! :) Mary Kahlen has had a few issues, well, let's say, "bonding" with Addison, but we are trying to work through those. "Why?" do you ask? The first time Mary Kahlen met Addison, she, like all newborns, had to have her diaper changed. For those of you who have spent any amount of time around Mary Kahlen, you know that any type of smell tends to make her gag, well, let me take that back...it's not just smells, it's the sight of anything she deems gross. So, from that point on, she informed us that she "don't like Addison because she stinks!" Again, we are trying to work through these issues.

Faye - Faye

You Will Be Missed

I want to begin this blog with warnings to my readers. This is a very serious subject, but because of who my cousin Sandra (Faye-Faye) was, nothing remains serious for very long.

Tonight, which is July 20, 2009 around 10:25 p.m., I received a phone call that Faye-Faye had passed away. She was outside pulling weeds and on the phone with her daughter when the Lord decided it was time for her to latch onto the wings of an angel and come on home. Now, for those of you who do not know, Faye-Faye was only 49 years old.

I want to first say thank you Lord for bringing Faye-Faye and her family back into our lives after years of separation. No reason for the separation, it was just a growth apart over many years. This ended about two years ago and we have had the luxury of doing Christmas, birthdays, Thanksgivings, July 4th, etc. all together. The blessing in it all was that it never even seemed we were ever apart. I know when I hear the phrase "love like today is your last", I think to myself, "my body, soul, and spirit, would be exhausted from all of the hugs and loving remarkes I would make, that it very well may be my last day. However, I do always do my best to leave people with a kind word or gesture before parting ways. I definitely remember how I left my Faye-Faye a few weeks ago while leaving Memaw's pool. With all of the chaos of wet children getting them into cars and packing snackbags, I remember stepping away from it all, hugging her and telling her I love her. She responded the same. Did I know that this would be the last time I would ever hear her voice or feel her touch? No. But I certainly am glad that what was the last was positive and loving, for that is how I will always remember Sandra Faye Lankford Shockley.

To Ronnie, Alicia, Zach, James, Ison, Jamie, and any and everyone who loved her: All of our hearts and prayers are with you during this unexplainable, unimaginable time. There's not a string of words that can stop the pain that you are in at this time, but some may help ease the pain.

More Than A Mother
By Kari Keshmiry

When God set the world in place,when He hung the stars up in space,when He made the land and the sea, then He made you and me.
He sat back and saw all that was good, He saw things to be as they should. Just one more blessing He had in store; He created a mother, but whatever for?
He knew a mother would have a special placeto shine His reflection on her child's face. A mother will walk the extra mile just to see her children smile. She'll work her fingers to the bone to make a house into a home. A mother is there to teach and guide, a mother will stay right by your side. She'll be there through your pain and strife, she'll stay constant in your life. A mother will lend a helping hand until you have the strength to stand. She'll pick you up when you are down, when you need a friend she'll stick around. A mother is one who listens well, will keep her word; will never tell. A mother never pokes or pries but stands quietly by your side, giving you the strength you need, encouraging you to succeed. A mother is one who can be strong when you need someone to lean on.You're more than a mother to me; a reflection of Him in your face I see, a love that knows no boundaries. I'm glad that you choose to beall this and more to me. You share a love that knows no end, you're more than my mother, you are my friend.

School's Out for the Summer!!!

Now that I have a little more time on my hands, maybe my avid blog readers will enjoy more than one blog per 3-4 months! I have finished up my student teaching....yes, yes, doing the happy dance (I know, the mental image is a bit painful), but nonetheless, I'm doing a major happy dance! I now have one more class to complete at the college and I will finish up with my Masters in Teaching. Now, on to find a job. Interestingly enough, I will graduate with my Masters at the time when teachers are losing their jobs...ahhh...Murphy's Law. I think that is what I will have so eloquently etched into my tombstone.

So, we have a new pet in the household. As many of you may not know, Meow Meow is no longer with us. We are not sure is she is in pet heaven, but we know that she is not here in the Bryant household. It's a long story and one I do not care to relive. Alas, months have passed with just us and the two fish, Snoopy & Pinky. Anyway, I was at a flea market the other day, yes, me...I was with my mother and grandmother, so I know that you now understand. Anyway, this guy was giving away kittens. Adam and I had talked about getting Mary Kahlen a new kitten, but pretended we didn't have the time to go to the shelter, didn't have the money to adopt, etc. Well, there they were...free-free-free. So, I looked in and fell in love with the little white kitten with brilliant blue eyes. I take him immediately from the flea market to our vet and had him to check the kitten over. His name is Frankie by the way, you know, Ole' Blue Eyes. He was named by my aunt Lete. So, I go back to the vet that afternoon and he tells me that we have a very special kitten, now you all know what I thought...he's either deaf or blind, etc. That's just great, I thought. My husband and child act like they can't hear me half the time and now we are going to have a deaf kitten...well, 3 for 3 I guess! So, no it wasn't that. He is a Flamepoint kitten, almost full blooded the vet said. The only reason that he is not is because he doesn't have an orange tint on his paws. So, being the researcher I am...thanks to LaGrange College, I go home and look up Flamepoint cats. It seems that they are part Himalayan and part Siamese. They are very expensive cats, and sell between $700-&1,200. My mother immediately tells me to put him on Ebay...ummm...no, not too computer literate. I had to explain that they do not pedal animals on Ebay, and even so, Mary Kahlen loves Frankie and he is now part of the home. He lets her carry him around, put him in over sized princess teacups, etc. We love him and whether he likes it or not...he's now a Bryant!

So, without any further adieu....

Now, I must explain this last picture before I put it up. This is the "stop telling me that I am not holding him right" face. Enjoy.

Finally!

Yes, I am finally updating my blog. I know, it has been months since my last update, and to my five or so readers, I do apologize. :) Things have been a bit on fast forward since I began student teaching, which was in February. I was placed in a middle school doing 6th grade math. In addition to student teaching, I am also still taking a class in the evening...so you may can understand my lack of visit to blogville!

So, I have to say that student teaching has been an experience. I have definitely learned that different schools run differently and can have a completely different atmosphere than others. I went into this field knowing that I, beyond a shadow of a doubt, wanted to teach middle school. Yep, even though I was called crazy (like I didn't know that) on many occasions, that is what I wanted to do. Well, I now would much rather teach in a fourth or fifth classroom than middle school, and have already taken the GACE and am just awaiting those results. It's interesting how you think that you know exactly what you want in life until you actually live part of it. Not that I had not had any experience in the middle school. I mean, I worked in drop-out prevention for seven years in a middle and high school, but I realized one day that I was much younger then than I am now.

I also realized that the students have changed over the years. Why? I'm not sure, but would love to have the answer to the question that has been on my mind for a very long time. The lack of respect is incredible. When I was in school, everyone knew the "bad ones." Now, everyone knows the "good ones." I so do not understand why children have the attitude of "you have to earn my respect." Ummmmm...when I was growing up, and even now in my household, you respect me because I have more wrinkles and because I said so, end of story. I dread the day that Mary Kahlen picks something up from school from some little "earn my respect" kid, comes home and tries to use it on me. I'm guessing that will be the first day that I offer to call DFCS for her, because just as Madea says, "if they offer to call for you, they are crazy as hell." That would be me, as a matter of fact, I'll take her up there...it's only a couple of miles up the road. Anyway, back to the topic...mouthy children. I just pray that the Lord will give me the strength not to put my hands on any children who temp me. That will be my daily prayer. I will also pray that the Lord allow me to think before I speak when a parent calls me to complain that I am not being nice to their child...ummm...yep, I've already failed at that one, but look, I'm a work in progress. I wonder if that would hold up in court as a defense????

As my favorite prayer goes...

Dear Lord,
So far today, I’ve done all right. I haven’t gossiped, haven’t lost my temper, haven’t been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or over indulgent. I’m very thankful for that.
But, in a few minutes, God, I’m going to get out of bed. And from then on, I’m probably going to need a lot more help.

And, of course I could not end this post without an updated picture of our little angel. This would be the most recent "look" that we are experiencing. I had a teacher friend to look at this picture and say, "you better slap this look off of her face now or you will be looking at it for the next fifteen years!" But it's just too cute, don't you think?

Words To Remember

My friends keep telling me that I need to write down the precious things that Mary Kahlen says or does because I will never remember them all. "Put them in her scrapbook," they say. Oh! the scrapbook! You mean the one that was right out of Martha Stewart Daily and then suddenly ceased right about the time Mary Kahlen started walking?
So, in order as to not forget, I shall blog about these precious words, and if blogspot ever goes down, I will hunt them down and smash all of their precious computers...or cry.
Now, understand, we have always spoken to Mary Kahlen normally. NO Baby Talk ALLOWED! These are just a few things she has picked up and hasn't mastered just yet.

The Word(s) Mary Kahlen's version (some are the same just too cute the way she pronounces it!)

Grits -- Grips

Whistle Britches -- Whistle Britches
(Paw Paw's nickname for her)

Holla -- Holla
(Mimi's greeting obtained from
the Tyra Bank's show)

You're a Hot Mess -- Hot Mess
(Mimi again)

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star -- Almost has the entire song down!

Rock a bye baby -- Bye bye baby

Are you okay? -- You okay?

I love you -- I luv you (said for the first time on 11-28-08)

Whoopsi Daisy -- Uh Oh Daisies


Favorites
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Counting to 10
Learning colors
Wheels on the Bus
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Happy Birthday to You

Picture Day

I am sitting here subbing today, well it was actually this past Friday, and thought I would update my blog...on paper of course, because I certainly cannot use the school computers, those are on lock down like Alcatraz. I know, I know, I know, I sound a bit bitter. I understand that it is necessary, I guess I just can't understand how, as a sub, you are given access to the children, but not the computers...make sense to anyone???

O.K. moving on.

Below I have added a couple of pictures from Mary Kahlen's most recent photo shoot, the Valentine session. Our photographer, bless her heart, is Tracy Thompson at http://photographybytracyt.com/ and I highly recommend her! So, the first time we had pictures made with Tracy, Mary Kahlen did very well and we got some phenomenal choices, so much, that we had a very hard time choosing between them all. Fast forward about six months, nearing two years old, and a studio shoot verses an outdoor shoot...it was insane. Our precious little angel morphed into a fire breathing dragon. She wasn't happy with the skirt, she didn't want to sit on the chair, she threw beads at the background, she sat on the floor...outside of the view of the lighting of course, she screamed, she pouted, she had to be bribed, etc. I ended up on the floor trying to coerce her to remain still long enough for Tracy to press the button, and let's remind everyone that I am not a petite little thing, but even that did not work. Finally, we did what we could, and Tracy said that at that age, they do not like studio pictures, and not to stress, she did get three or four good ones...yep, poor girl, she only snapped about 70!

I do have to admit, these turned out pretty precious. And yes, these are the only presentable ones. :)

The Holidays

We had a very interesting, yet wonderful, holiday season. I am now realizing that I have not updated my blog since Halloween, which, I have to admit, was not as much of a gap as I was expecting as I clicked onto my blog page. :)

My mind is now racing with "what in the world did we do during the holidays?" thoughts. It seems like time just flew by, like the speed of light. I used to receive Christmas Newsletters from friends, who would put all of their comings and goings for the year in a pretty little newsletter, that would come as the Christmas card. I would think to myself, "self, one day, when you have a nice little house and precious little family, you can create a Christmas newsletter for all of your friends so they will know how your year went and what your wonderful Beaver Cleaver family has been up to." Yep, and that thought goes right through my head as I am rapidly addressing the somewhat personalized Christmas cards on December 22nd. Along with thoughts such as, "did I put stamps on the last batch? Well, it's Christmas, maybe the post office will send them anyway."

So, maybe I can use my blog to create some semblance of a Christmas Newsletter. Okay, I've already failed at that attempt and will resort to bullets! Since Halloween...

• Adam has been to Korea and back. He was there for two weeks training for his new job with KIA. During this time, my mother, my mother's mother, and Adam's mother stayed with me almost every night. Yep, they were very sweet to help out.
  
  
• We spent Thanksgiving with all of our relatives, and managed to eat too much!
  
  
• I went to the doctor and "mentioned" back pain. He ordered an x-ray, which came back with a fracture. Go figure. Men usually stay home with a sinus infection and I carry and birth a baby with a fracture...I'm just sayin. Anyway, I had an MRI, which showed early signs of deterioration in my spine and suspicious findings in my C3, C4, and C5. So, I'm now on arthritis medication...man I am old!



• Mary Kahlen has decided that she will answer us with "What?" With an emphasis on the "t." We are now teaching her the good ole' Southern ma'am's and sir's.
  
  
• I am loving my break from school, but I do have to mention that I made all A's last semester...did I mention that I was taking 10 hours???? :)

• I've applied for a teaching position. Keep me in your prayers. This will alleviate the need for me to do student teaching beginning in February. If I do get the job, it will definitely be a blessing financially.

• I found some precious pink beads that I hung from Mary Kahlen's playroom entrance, because she LOVES beads. So, I am so proud, because they are so Mary Kahlen and they even match...then a good friend of mine walks in and says, "what stripper club did those come out of?" I do not care, they are staying up! She, like me and most of my friends, do not have a mouth filter.

• Adam received a Wii for Christmas. I have to admit that it is fun to have around. Aside from almost having our coffee table knocked over during a boxing match between Adam and his father, it is quite entertaining.

• We visited Christmas at Stone Mountain. It was nice, but realized that we should have spent an entire day there instead of just a few hours. It kind of reminded me of Six Flags. You know, you go, wait for certain shows to start, but by the time you see that show, the other one, on the other side of the park is already over and doesn't start for another hour, but then there's not another one in between that time, so you either shop in the stores or eat. We did manage to get in the train ride and the Christmas Laser Show. This was before I knew I had a cracked back, so the train ride was delightful. Adam missed this trip due to being in Korea, but Mary Kahlen and I went with Adam's mother and father and my best friend Shelia.

• When Adam came home, we made a family trip to Fantasy In Lights. Mary Kahlen had a blast. We rode the trolley and she just couldn't get enough. It was so exciting to see her face.

• Mary Kahlen received many wonderful gifts, but the one I have to mention came from my father. It was a blow up horse that she is to sit on and play a video game, while sitting. Let's see, in the first twently minutes, she snatched the horse's mane off. So we now have a 4 ft, bald horse sitting in the floor...very attractive. I believe he will be deflated until someone can learn better grooming techniques.

• And on a final note, Mary Kahlen does not, let me repeat, does not care for Santa Claus. I will post a picture as evidence.
  
  

And now for my most favorite Christmas picture. After taking over my nephew's gifts, introducing, our little Christmas Thug...