It's a Brown Hodgepodge!
22 hours ago
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Saturday, July 30, 2011
On getting older.....
Yesterday was my birthday. I had a nice day. Stayed around the house and enjoyed my family for most of the day, then out to dinner last night. My sweet kids and hubby got me yellow box flip flops, a Southern Belle t-shirt, and a new Kavu purse. Ron & Kay, my in laws gave me money. My mom had a small birthday party for me today and I got a Smurfette Christmas ornament and money from my sister. Smurfette was my FAVORITE when I was little. I had my tonsils out when I was six years old and my dad surprised me with a Smurfette doll in my suitcase when I got to the hospital. I still have that doll and my girls play with her now. My mom and my aunt Bertie also gave me money. A perfect gift considering I'm going back to work next week and need some work clothes that fit!
I don't mind getting older. I had always heard the saying that "with age comes wisdom". The older I get the more I see that this is true. Especially now that I have a teenager. Becoming wise can be painful sometimes. I've learned that material things don't really matter. In the world today there's so much focus on having the newest of everything and the best of everything. What really matters is God and family.
The older I get the more I realize how wise my dad was. He passed away a few years ago, but left a strong legacy of faith and family. I hope to be like him in many ways. He never cared what others thought, or about "keeping up with the Jones'". He always said "It's all dirt". He grew up without a father and basically lived in poverty. He worked hard to educate himself and get a good job to support us. He persevered through some horrible physical problems without ever complaining or giving up. He taught me that if you say you'll do something, you do it. I could go on and on about the things I learned by watching him. I pray that as the years go by I am as good of an example to my kids as my dad was to me.
So here's to more birthdays and getting older. Bring 'em on!!!
I don't mind getting older. I had always heard the saying that "with age comes wisdom". The older I get the more I see that this is true. Especially now that I have a teenager. Becoming wise can be painful sometimes. I've learned that material things don't really matter. In the world today there's so much focus on having the newest of everything and the best of everything. What really matters is God and family.
The older I get the more I realize how wise my dad was. He passed away a few years ago, but left a strong legacy of faith and family. I hope to be like him in many ways. He never cared what others thought, or about "keeping up with the Jones'". He always said "It's all dirt". He grew up without a father and basically lived in poverty. He worked hard to educate himself and get a good job to support us. He persevered through some horrible physical problems without ever complaining or giving up. He taught me that if you say you'll do something, you do it. I could go on and on about the things I learned by watching him. I pray that as the years go by I am as good of an example to my kids as my dad was to me.
So here's to more birthdays and getting older. Bring 'em on!!!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
It's been too long
Time to get caught up on some of the happenings around here. Let's start with the most important and exciting of the last few months:
Carter Jane Fortenberry was born May 25 at 10:48 a.m. She weighed in at a whopping 5 lbs 15 oz, 19 1/2 inches long. I was scheduled to be induced about five days later, but woke up with contractions around midnight on the 25th. I timed them for an hour, woke Randy up and told him I thought we needed to go to the hospital. He told me to keep timing them, then he went back to sleep. After timing them for three hours and calling the doctor on call I made him get up and take me to the hospital. My sister in law, Kristi, was here from Nashville to keep the kids for us. He told her we'd be back in a couple of hours. On the way there he kept telling me this was my "one free trip to the hospital". After being hooked up to the monitors for a few hours my doctor came in and decided I was indeed in labor. I hate to say I told you so, but...... Yes, Randy had to eat his words! It was a short labor and not too difficult. After a couple of pushes my sweet baby girl was here!
From day one Carter has been a good baby. Even that first week when I was getting up every hour and a half to feed her at night, she would go right back to sleep. At 6 weeks she was sleeping 5-6 hours a night and now, at 8 weeks is sleeping 8 hours at night! Think at 10 weeks she'll be sleeping 10 hours at night? That would be awesome!! She has started smiling and trying to talk to talk baby talk to us. She has two cute little dimples. When she smiles her whole face lights up! She cries when she's hungry, poopy, or sleepy. If every baby was this easy I'd have a whole brood of them! Wait, I do have a whole brood, even though they all weren't as easy as she's been. The kids are loving her. Tyler is an awesome big brother. He helps feed her some, no diaper changing yet though (don't worry, it's coming)! Hailey is a HUGE help. She loves being Carter's other little mommy. She changes her clothes, her diaper, and feeds her. Sadie makes sure Carter knows she's loved. Carter probably receives fifty kisses a day from her little big sister. As you know from some of my previous posts, Sadie is a little on the mischievious side, so we have to watch her. Randy found a zip tie on Carters fingers the other day that Sadie had put there. We explained to Sadie that babies can get things in their mouths and choke so she can't be trying to "bling" up the baby. As you can tell I'm totally in love with this baby and can't imagine life without her.
Some other happenings:
Randy had shoulder surgery a couple of weeks ago. Thankfully it wasn't as bad as they thought it would be. He's still been in a lot of pain and recovery will take a while, but he can function better than we thought.
Our company, United Steel Works is steadily getting jobs. Tyler has been working in the office this summer to earn some gas money. I think he's learned a lot and has a new respect for the construction industry. As of last week I am the Business Administrator. Fancy title, huh? I'm really just a glorified bookeeper. I still have my real job at Trinity United Methodist, I'm just going to spend an hour or two a day on the USW stuff.
Speaking of Trinity, I go back to work a week from tomorrow. I've had a good maternity leave. The kids and I have gone to the pool alot, bowling some, and just hung out together. Tyler spends most of his time with his best friend Justin. Last week the girls went to Trinity for Vacation Bible School. They had the best time! Trinity does an awesome VBS every year and has other great programs that the kids have gone to over the years I've worked there.
I found the sweetest person to keep Carter when I go back to work. She's a girl I go to church with who keeps kids in her home. I'm so thankful Carter was able to get a spot with her and won't have to go to daycare. It's going to make going back to work so much easier.
All in all we're having a pretty good summer. I'm looking forward to the fall and some cooler weather. Praying for more work for the company. Praying for good teachers and a good start to the school year for the kids. Sadie starts big school this year, so praying that transition goes smoothly.
I guess I need to change the name of the blog since we're up to six now. Should it be six fortenberries? Any suggestions? Email me, send me a fb message, or just call me with any ideas!
Carter Jane Fortenberry was born May 25 at 10:48 a.m. She weighed in at a whopping 5 lbs 15 oz, 19 1/2 inches long. I was scheduled to be induced about five days later, but woke up with contractions around midnight on the 25th. I timed them for an hour, woke Randy up and told him I thought we needed to go to the hospital. He told me to keep timing them, then he went back to sleep. After timing them for three hours and calling the doctor on call I made him get up and take me to the hospital. My sister in law, Kristi, was here from Nashville to keep the kids for us. He told her we'd be back in a couple of hours. On the way there he kept telling me this was my "one free trip to the hospital". After being hooked up to the monitors for a few hours my doctor came in and decided I was indeed in labor. I hate to say I told you so, but...... Yes, Randy had to eat his words! It was a short labor and not too difficult. After a couple of pushes my sweet baby girl was here!
From day one Carter has been a good baby. Even that first week when I was getting up every hour and a half to feed her at night, she would go right back to sleep. At 6 weeks she was sleeping 5-6 hours a night and now, at 8 weeks is sleeping 8 hours at night! Think at 10 weeks she'll be sleeping 10 hours at night? That would be awesome!! She has started smiling and trying to talk to talk baby talk to us. She has two cute little dimples. When she smiles her whole face lights up! She cries when she's hungry, poopy, or sleepy. If every baby was this easy I'd have a whole brood of them! Wait, I do have a whole brood, even though they all weren't as easy as she's been. The kids are loving her. Tyler is an awesome big brother. He helps feed her some, no diaper changing yet though (don't worry, it's coming)! Hailey is a HUGE help. She loves being Carter's other little mommy. She changes her clothes, her diaper, and feeds her. Sadie makes sure Carter knows she's loved. Carter probably receives fifty kisses a day from her little big sister. As you know from some of my previous posts, Sadie is a little on the mischievious side, so we have to watch her. Randy found a zip tie on Carters fingers the other day that Sadie had put there. We explained to Sadie that babies can get things in their mouths and choke so she can't be trying to "bling" up the baby. As you can tell I'm totally in love with this baby and can't imagine life without her.
Some other happenings:
Randy had shoulder surgery a couple of weeks ago. Thankfully it wasn't as bad as they thought it would be. He's still been in a lot of pain and recovery will take a while, but he can function better than we thought.
Our company, United Steel Works is steadily getting jobs. Tyler has been working in the office this summer to earn some gas money. I think he's learned a lot and has a new respect for the construction industry. As of last week I am the Business Administrator. Fancy title, huh? I'm really just a glorified bookeeper. I still have my real job at Trinity United Methodist, I'm just going to spend an hour or two a day on the USW stuff.
Speaking of Trinity, I go back to work a week from tomorrow. I've had a good maternity leave. The kids and I have gone to the pool alot, bowling some, and just hung out together. Tyler spends most of his time with his best friend Justin. Last week the girls went to Trinity for Vacation Bible School. They had the best time! Trinity does an awesome VBS every year and has other great programs that the kids have gone to over the years I've worked there.
I found the sweetest person to keep Carter when I go back to work. She's a girl I go to church with who keeps kids in her home. I'm so thankful Carter was able to get a spot with her and won't have to go to daycare. It's going to make going back to work so much easier.
All in all we're having a pretty good summer. I'm looking forward to the fall and some cooler weather. Praying for more work for the company. Praying for good teachers and a good start to the school year for the kids. Sadie starts big school this year, so praying that transition goes smoothly.
I guess I need to change the name of the blog since we're up to six now. Should it be six fortenberries? Any suggestions? Email me, send me a fb message, or just call me with any ideas!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Baby Whisperer
He's been at it again! He gets a hold of those babies and they don't stand a chance! My niece Shayden was at our house last night. She was getting fussy and fighting going to sleep. Randy took her from my sister in law and worked his magic! Can't you see why I love this man?
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Better Late Than Never
Yes, I'm a terribly inconsistent blogger. ONE post this year! I'm so ashamed. Things are trucking along in the Fortenberry household. The kids are doing great in school. Tyler is taking a full load including Anatomy this semester and has done really well. He is currently dissecting a cat (better him than me). Hailey continues with all A's on her report card. Sadie hasn't had any notes sent home, so I'm assuming any havoc she's wreaking in the classroom isn't too much for her teacher to handle! We are about 8 weeks away from welcoming the new addition to our family. We found out in January that we're having another girl! Carter Jane will be her name. Carter after our friend Greg Carter who tragically passed away last year, and Jane after our niece Macy Jane. We can't wait to meet her! Hailey has lost two teeth recently. She informed us last night that the tooth fairy shorted her a dollar on the last tooth. I told her there were no set rules on how much the tooth fairy brings. Daylight savings time has been a huge adjustment for some of us in the mornings (Sadie). She is our night owl and loves to sleep late. I've never had a child who sleeps late so this is a new battle for us. Ever since the time change it has been a HUGE struggle getting her out of bed in the mornings. Even putting her to bed earlier hasn't helped. I love having the daylight later every day, but I can't decide if it's worth the aggravation in the mornings!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Wrapping Up 2010
2010 was a roller coaster of ups and downs. We planned and went on our first Disneyworld trip. During that trip one of Randy's best friends was killed in a car accident. The following month Randy was laid off from his job. We immediately began the process to start our own company (talk about stressful). Thanks to the help of lots of friends it has not been nearly as painful as I thought it would be. United Steel Works, Inc. is slowly getting work and paying the bills. We found out we're having a baby, due June 2!! Tyler turned 16 (that has been MORE painful than I thought it would be). And last but certainly not least, I have a new baby niece. Shayden Elizabeth graced this world on December 28! This brings me to a total of 7 nieces and nephews! I'm so glad 2010 ended on a good note! God has blessed us so much!
The kids had a great Christmas. Actually, I think it was one of the best Christmases ever! We put a lot of thought into what we got them and didn't go overboard with a bunch of junky stuff. It was just the right amount and everyone was happy. For the first time since we've been married we had a traditional New Years meal complete with ham, black eyed peas and cornbread. No greens, I couldn't stand the smell. We substituted with sweet and sour green beans (an awesome recipe courtesy of my friend Lisa).
I'm glad 2010 is over. It was a year of change and growth, both of which can be painful. I'm looking forward to 2011. Our new baby, spending time with my family and friends, new business opportunities and just seeing what God has in store for us!
The kids had a great Christmas. Actually, I think it was one of the best Christmases ever! We put a lot of thought into what we got them and didn't go overboard with a bunch of junky stuff. It was just the right amount and everyone was happy. For the first time since we've been married we had a traditional New Years meal complete with ham, black eyed peas and cornbread. No greens, I couldn't stand the smell. We substituted with sweet and sour green beans (an awesome recipe courtesy of my friend Lisa).
I'm glad 2010 is over. It was a year of change and growth, both of which can be painful. I'm looking forward to 2011. Our new baby, spending time with my family and friends, new business opportunities and just seeing what God has in store for us!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Sixteen
How did it happen so fast? Where did the time go? Tyler turned sixteen yesterday! My baby boy came into this world November 1, 1994 weighing in at 5 pounds 5 ounces. He's now 5 feet 5 inches and weighs about 160 pounds.
He went through stages as a kid where he LOVED a certain movie and would want to watch it multiple times a day. I think it started with The Lion King, then moved on to Mighty Ducks. But his all time favorite was Disney's Hercules! He had every action figure, sword and shield that they made. He even had a Hercules board game. I didn't think about it until the last minute or I would have hunted some Hercules plates for this birthday. I bought Toy Story instead. He loved that movie too. (Are you ever really too old for a Toy Story birthday?)
He is a good kid, an awesome brother, a good student, a great wrestler. I have prayed a hedge around him since he was a little boy and he would get so mad he'd bang his head on the wall or a piece of furniture. I've prayed every time he started a new school and a new school year. I've prayed for decisions he's had to make and choices he hasn't had to make yet. Now that he's going to be driving I'll be praying for him even more.
I'm so proud of you Tyler and love you very much.
He went through stages as a kid where he LOVED a certain movie and would want to watch it multiple times a day. I think it started with The Lion King, then moved on to Mighty Ducks. But his all time favorite was Disney's Hercules! He had every action figure, sword and shield that they made. He even had a Hercules board game. I didn't think about it until the last minute or I would have hunted some Hercules plates for this birthday. I bought Toy Story instead. He loved that movie too. (Are you ever really too old for a Toy Story birthday?)
He is a good kid, an awesome brother, a good student, a great wrestler. I have prayed a hedge around him since he was a little boy and he would get so mad he'd bang his head on the wall or a piece of furniture. I've prayed every time he started a new school and a new school year. I've prayed for decisions he's had to make and choices he hasn't had to make yet. Now that he's going to be driving I'll be praying for him even more.
I'm so proud of you Tyler and love you very much.
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