Dec 27...

Alex keeps asking me how many more days until Christmas again. I think back to my childhood and I remember feeling the same way...ready for Christmas to happen again immediately. Now, as I move through each Christmas, I realize the things that have been done by the people I love to make everyone of my Christmases special. That is exactly what I want to do for the boys.

We head down to Atlanta tomorrow. The boys requested a trip to the Georgia Aquarium during break. We'll spend the night tomorrow and then go to the aquarium on Monday. I hope to share some pictures.

Making Santa's cookies

We made chocolate chip cookies for Santa. According to John those are his favorite! There is a lot of excitement here in the Herron household. Merry Christmas to all of you.

My little performer!

Christmas with the Hay's.

We had our annual family Christmas dinner with the Hay's last night. Griffin was so cute...he's such a good little boy. He wasn't quite sure what to do with his present but once he got going he figured it out pretty quickly. We thought this group shot was pretty good -- we actually got them to sit still for about 1/2 a second so we could quickly snap it. I love traditions and look forward to many more Christmas dinners with our families together.

Thank you

Thank you sweet Jesus for answering my prayers.

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord bestows favor and honor;
No good thing does he withold
From those whose walk is blameless."
Psalm 84:11

Gingerbread House

On Sunday the boys and I constructed our first Gingerbread House. It was fun and they were so proud of their creation!


Alex told Shon on the way home one day in Central that they had hung a sock on the light post... he's referring to the decorative lights on the light posts along main street, it's a stocking. He asked me why Six Mile only puts flower lights up (they have poinsettias). Very observant!

Six Mile Christmas Parade

After a long week of not feeling well for John we all headed out to the Six Mile parade this morning. John was able to ride on the Good News Club Float. I think he was pretty excited about it! Alex enjoyed all the floats, candy and horses. We invited fellow Six Mile resident and friend Willa to join us. Shon seemed a little disappointed in the parade...things are just not the same as an adult. He did however love seeing the General Lee! Only in Six Mile...

You better watch out, you better not pout...

Because, according to Alex - SANTA CLAUSE is coming to town. I forgot how magically this Christmas was going to be for him. Last year at 2 he really just couldn't quite grasp everything. This year he is so excited and it just really brings back the excitement for me. He's been excited to see every single Christmas light we pass on the road. We got our tree over the weekend and he had so much fun putting all his ornaments on there. He watched Shrek's Christmas special last night. And he's singing Christmas songs. It's fun!

I can wait to get to do more fun traditions with the boys. We have the Six Mile Parade on Saturday, baking cookies, Holly Wild, shopping for Daddy all by ourselves...

How could you not find joy in Christmas, especially looking in to that big, sea of beautiful brown when he tells you 'Santa Clause is coming, Mommy...'

Vietnam Memorial

The traveling Vietnam War Memorial was at Clemson's Bowman Field on homecoming weekend. We went with my parents on Sunday, the 16th. I want my boys to have an appreciation of what their grandfather did. The sacrifices he and his fellow soldiers made. It was really amazing how they replicated the memorial. Although, there is no comparison to the actual monument in DC, this is an incredible way for those who may never have an opportunity to see the one up there. One flower and note left there said simply "I still miss you."...

As soon as I was old enough to realize my dad was a veteran it became very important for me to make him see how much I value his service to his country. I want my children to respect the sacrifices that have been made for this country. Those made by Vietnam Veterans are somehow made even more special in my opinion. Where now, soldiers come home to standing ovations on airplanes or flags raised. Soldiers from the Vietnam War would change out of their uniforms in an airport bathroom, trying to remove the scent of war, so no one would know where they had been because at that time there was no honor in their service. I'm glad that has changed. And I'm thankful that my children had an opportunity to see a monument dedicated to all those who lost there lives there serving our country and the freedoms we sometimes take for granted.

Happy Birthday, Trey!

Today Trey turns 3. He is my little miracle. I think most of you know the story and for those of you that don't just browse back through some of my old posts or click on the link to the right that says Trey. Every time I look at him I can see God's faithfullness and blessings. I love him so much, as if he were my own. Saturday at his party he came running over to me and said "It's my birthday party, La La" He was so excited. We don't understand the journey or road that the Lord takes to get where we are going but if we hold on tight once we get there oh what a sweet reward we will receive.

I love you, Trey. You are a blessing in my life. Happy Birthday!

Pictures

It was a crazy week but I think we've survived... here are a few pictures. My little Dallas Cowboy football player and my Dale Jr. He's learning what words start with A...Apple, Alex. C...Cat and D is for Dog and Dale Jr. =) There are a couple of soccer pictures as well.

FIREPROOF

If you haven't seen this movie you should! Take a box of Kleenex with you and plan to be blessed. I really hope they keep making these movies. Just amazing. The acting is not gonna win any oscars but the storyline was amazing.

I know I need to update! John is moving right along. Had to buy new clothes this weekend b/c he had no pants or shirts he could wear. He's going to be a Dallas Cowboy Football player for Halloween - he looks really awesome! Alex is Dale Earnhart, Jr. They both look really good. This week will be quite busy. Soccer, Halloween festival, more soccer and more soccer.

Hope to have some pictures up for you to see as well.

15 years...

Went to my 15 year high school reunion this weekend. Started with the homecoming football game Friday night. Of course there were people there I wanted to see and of course people I did not and then of course people who didn't make it. It's such an interesting thing to reflect on high school. Not exactly the best time of our lives in regards to the awkwardness of those years. However, I will say you do discover that you have far more in common with people as humans than you realize. DW Daniel high school however has so many socio-economical divisions... it's just ridiculous what you go through there. At any rate I saw this quote on a classmates Facebook page and I think it sort of sums up my feelings on it though.

"Some people have no use for the past, preferring to live totally in the here and now. But the present wouldn’t be nearly as colorful, interesting or meaningful were it not infused with some memories of an earlier time."

And how true that statement is b/c high school help to shape and form me in to the person I am today. I developed a strong spiritual bond with the Lord. Met my husband and fell in love... why would I ever want to trade any of that time? I think it was a good time of reflection and it does make my present all the more meaningful.

It also left me feeling kind of old... =)

Happy Anniversary, Always and Forever!

11 years ago tomorrow I became your wife. What an incredible journey. Look at our beautiful family. We are so blessed. I am so blessed. You are such an incredible husband. You are the best to me, far more than I deserve and I know I don't tell you often enough how much I appreciate all that you do for me. The man that you are, the friend, the father. I knew this life together we were going to build would be good but it's so much better than I could have ever imagined.
Thank you for loving me, for putting up with me, caring for me - allowing me to think I'm independent, yet gently taking over at just the right time and taking the lead. I thank God every day that he placed you in my life and that I have the opportunity to love you. Happy Anniversary, I look forward to so many more.

Growing Up... TOO FAST!

Here is our conversation Thursday night on our way home from Soccer practice.

Alex: "Why doesn't John ride the bus home anymore?"
Me: "There wouldn't be anyone at home for him to get off the bus with."
John: "Yeah, if I went home to Papa's I'd have to change school's. I'll probably have to be in the 10th grade before I can ride the bus home and stay by myself."
Me: "Maybe not that old."
John: "Yeah, you know we only go to 12 grades."

They sure do want to grow up fast don't they?!

First Day of School

Today was John's first day of 2nd grade. Again, I know I say it over and over again...I can't believe he's in 2nd grade. If I keep up this blog in 10 years (GOD HELP ME) you'll see a picture of him going off for the first day of his senior year. He was hamming it up for the camera this morning.

He had a great day. He was talking my ears off when we got home. He seemed to like it a lot. Either he's gotten more used to it or he's liking the greater responsibility/freedom he's going to gain, I'm not sure. We'll see. Soccer practice started tonight as well. No rest for the weary...

Alex began his new journey this week as well at his new daycare. He was so excited yesterday that he couldn't nap during 'nap' time. We enjoyed his company as you can imagine last night immensely. Needless to say he was in bed by 8:30. Today he must have slept b/c there he was back to normal. He really loves the playground and packing his lunch -- he has become quite attached to lunchables. The receptiveness of pre-schoolers. =)

Here is a picture of him from the other night. He loves to borrow my Ipod. This particular time he fell asleep to Bon Jovi I'm sure.

Sweet Name

At orientation today I met a girl whose name is Jovi, she is name after Bon Jovi. Seriously, can you believe that? How sweet?! I was so excited. I told her she is my new favorite student.

She told me at first she hated it, but she's sort of gotten used to it and likes his music more now.

So... I have the John... guess I can nick name Alex - Bon - and the 3rd well if I ever talk Shon in to it we can call him/her Jovi. What do you think Shon?! =)

It was definitely the bright spot in a very LONG day.

Wedding Pics

I know, I know, it's already Thursday and I'm just now getting the pics up. Where has the week gone. It's crazy time at work as we prepare for the 200 or so new students on the way next week.














Can you see the corn in the background? Michelle had to get married this summer or wait 2 years for their to be corn in the field behind her house again. =) There was plenty of corn!! This is her dance with her Daddy...so sweet.

Corn anyone? The Dark Knight.

Well, we are here in Kokomo, Indiana and I must say it is an interesting trip thus far. Great times with Ben and Brianna - much laughter and fun between friends. I have never in my life seen so much CORN. Their are corn fields, after corn fields. My sister told me there would be - her friend Kelly lives in In. as well and she has visited her several times. You just don't know what they mean until you see it. Very, beautiful land here. Green - they've had more rain than us for sure. Interesting to say the least. And obviously I've never been to this part of the country before.

Shon and I saw THE DARK KNIGHT tonight. If you haven't seen it and you are a Batman fan you must see it. I LOVE Batman movies and I would have to say by far this is the best. Christian Bale is my favorite Batman - so good - Now, Heath Ledger did an outstanding job playing the joker. The character was dark and sick and disturbing - exactly like the joker should be. However, I must p.ut my opinion in here that I do not think that this role cause Ledger to die. If acting a role that is dark, dreary and depressing leads someone to accidentally overdose on medication then he probably needed to rethink his profession. Otherwise, when you really think about, those who work in many other professions - such as nurses on the cancer ward or trauma units in the ER - would likely come home seeking the comfort(release) that those sleeping pills must have brought for him. Whether he sought death at that time we will never know. His acting ability will be missed.

Tomorrow is the wedding day for Kevin and Michelle. I think things are going well so far. They will head out to Jamaica on Monday. This is a picture of me and Michelle from the Jr/Sr in May.

More pictures to come of corn, bride, groom and mayby of Shon dancing!

Favorite pictures and updates...

Here are some more of my favorite pictures from our shoot with Daniel and Candice. There really all my favorites but here are 3 of my very favorites.
















I love this one. She used the fish eye lens(I think that is right)it captures our whole house.













Can you tell Alex loves for his Daddy to blow on his belly? I love the big smile on his face in this one!

I've been terrible about posting this summer. It's been a great summer with the boys. We had a wonderful week of Bible school. Although, Alex had a little trouble adjusting to the routine. They are both growing so fast and I can't believe in just 2 short weeks 200 something new students will descend upon SWU and then in just a few short days after that John will be in 2nd grade and another school year will begin. Time is quickly passing by. We cleaned and reorganized John's room the other day (we debunked the boys a few months ago so they have separate rooms now). He told me "I'm just getting to big for some of these little toys." We threw away several things, moved a few things to the attic and have a box of things to go to helping hands. He's enjoyed soccer camp here at SWU this week and staying the afternoon's with Moma at work.

Shon and I are heading to Indiana tomorrow with Ben and Brianna. For those of you (who actually read this and don't know) Brianna is my work study student aka little sister/daughter (not really old enough) for my other student Michelle's wedding. LONG drive to say the least but she's a very special girl and I wanted to see her get married. It should be fun and with Shon and those 2 entertaining to say the least. I promise pictures and a post the first of the week next week.

Happy Birthday, Ashley!

Today is Ashley - my sister's 29th! birthday. Hope you have a great day. This is one of the pictures from our shoot with Candice and Daniel from The Beautiful Mess a couple of weeks ago. One of many photos I will be posting. I love this one of Trey and Ash. I really hope you know how much you mean to me. Sisters are special and even when they get on your nerves or you don't agree on everything there is a unique and special love there that nothing or no one can replace. You are incredible Mom and have given me such an awesome little nephew to love and watch grow. I look forward to so many more memories with our families and boys. God Bless~

Fortune

Last week we had dinner at the Chinise restaurant in Clemson this was my fortune:

'A new pair of shoes will do you a world of good.'

Anyone who knows me knows that is perfect! Shon of course didn't agree. I think that's one of the best fortunes I've received in awhile.

Simple Vacation Treasures

There are many things I've learned as a parent. One of the most important things I've learned is just how much time, effort and work my parents put in to everything they did to make things special for us as we were growing up. Last week we were on vacation at Myrtle Beach and I watched my precious, sweet boys discover the most simple of treasures! And I think of all the hard work it takes to get there (packing and preparation) and how it is all for them. Just like my parents prepared for Ashley and I all those years ago so we could find those simple treasures.
John's treasure was a starfish he found while digging in the sand. What a rare and perfect treasure to find. Just like he is my rare and perfect treasure from the Lord.













Alex's treasure was a tide pool on our second day on the beach. He had decided he didn't like the 'brown water' of the ocean but much preferred the 'blue water' of the pool. But, once he discovered this tide pool he told me 'actually, Mom this water is perfect for me.'















There were many treasures on the beach...many shells, waves that were ridden in on the Boogey board, castles built, airplanes flying low to see. So, many simple things to enjoy. And I as a parent enjoying it all, too. Treasuring every single minute, every single shell, shout of each new discovery and for this precious moment in time to capture their innocence and childhood as a treasure for me. I think this vacation will be one I will treasure forever.
Even 'blankie' is part of our family!

Six Flags!

Over Memorial Day Weekend we took the boys to Six Flags! It was a great time. We wanted to take Alex to check out the new Thomas town. He loved it - as you can tell in the pictures. He got to see 'Top em Hat' (Sir Top Him Hat) and he got to ride on Thomas the Train. The picture of them together is waiting in line for the Log Flumes which they closed just after the picture (we don't know why).
We had a fun day! They can't wait to go back... Mom and Dad will be happy to wait a year or two on that!

Sentimental Mommy Moment

The crib came down tonight. We bunked the boys back in December but kind of put off bringing down the crib... we're having house guest this weekend and will use that room for them. Not sure how long the bunking will last. The boys are just at different stages and John likes his private time, to play in his 'way'. I almost cried. My boys are growing up so fast and I just pray that I cherish each and every precious moment with them, each little foot step on the hard wood, each little laugh when they don't know I'm listening, every 'Mom, I like you!', the flowers they pick me, their sweet, sweet smell. I know, I know... I'm being all sentimental but time just passes so quickly and we reach these milestones so fast - I don't want to forget those midnight feedings or standing over that crib and watching them sleep..it's forever stamped on my heart and it's gone in a blink.

Acting Debut

John's class performed a play for parents last week called 'The Goat That Couldn't Sneeze'. It was a short, adorable little play. John was the bee who at the end told the goat all he he needed was a bee in his bonnet to make him sneeze and he did...ARCHEW....... =)
Alex, in this picture is awaiting his big brother's acting debut. He's at that stage where he (most of the time) idolizes John. If John says he likes something Alex likes it, too. If John is hot/cold, Alex is, too. You get the idea. So, Alex could hardly wait for John to come out and get started with the play.

Narnia!

We planned today for Narnia - John and I have both been excited to see the 2nd movie. It did live up to our expectations! It was great. I had not planned to take Alex, thinking it would be too scary for him. He thought differently. When we were leaving he begged and begged to go. I explained that there may be parts of the movie that would scare him and he was OK with that. He LOVED it. He kept wanting to see 'the Lion' (Aslan) and toward the end he kept asking if it was over...it does get long. But he did like it and he kept telling me he was going to be Edmund (I think that's his name - the younger brother of Peter). At any rate it was great. John was very much enjoying the entire thing. Ashley joined us for our Narnia event.

If you hadn't plan to see it - it is a must see!

Mother's Day

This is what John made me at school...

My mom likes the color red.
On time most of the time. (He knows me well!) =)
Teaches me things.
Has fun with me.
Easy going with me.
Rare.

He also wrote beside it...Dear Mom, Happy Mother's Day. I love you. Love, John

I think I will treasure this more than any gift he could ever buy me!

Ft. Lauderdale/Bon Jovi

I know it's taken me awhile to post about my trip. When I came back I came down with a horrible upper respiratory infection and have just now gotten over that. I also had a very full week that week...I had committed myself to several events and on top of being sick it was busy! I had the SWUPYS (every heard of the ESPY's well we have the SWUPY's) I'll blog on that later... and then we had the Jr/Sr banquet that week as well and as the Jr class sponsor I had several (many) responsibilities with that. So...anyway. NOW about our trip...

My best friend, Jennifer and I had always planned to take a 30 year trip. We just got a little side tracked during our 30th year... I was expecting precious little Alex and she was planning a beautiful wedding. So..we delayed it a bit and this year seemed perfect as it coincided with the Bon Jovi 'Lost Highway' tour. We decided to go south as it was much cheaper to fly south rather than north and warmer, too. So to Ft. Lauderdale we went. It was great fun. We found a great deal on a hotel on the beach. Thursday we had no problems with our flight. We found a great place right on the beach to eat some seafood, had dinner and even made it back to the hotel in time to see Lost. Perfect! We slept in on Friday and then went out to Sawgrass Mills a huge outlet mall. We had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory (our favorite!) and then we shopped and I do mean shopped! We mostly bought for our kids...man how things change. We both added 10lbs to our luggage home from what we bought. I did buy 2 pairs of shoes at the Clark outlet. We shopped until about 9:30 then went back to the Cheesecake Factory for some appetizers to finish off our night. Couldn't have been a more perfect day for us. Saturday we had spa pedicures and then laid by the pool which was ocean side - absolutely perfect. We then got ready and headed back down to the ocean drive section and had dinner at this Italian place we had seen, it was great. We were then on our way to the Bank Atlantic Center for the concert. It was about a 30 minute drive from there. Traffic became thicker as we headed out that way. The center was directly across from the outlets so we were going to park at the outlet mall and walk over to the center to save money (it was $20.00 to park). We kept seeing people walking away from the center and we thought that was strange. Finally we found a park and started walking across. There were people standing everywhere and at first I just thought they hadn't opened the doors although it was 7:30 and it was supposed to start at 7:30. Jennifer asked someone what was going on and they said "There's been a bomb threat." Seriously, a bomb threat at a Bon Jovi concert!! What the heck. So thus began our long, long night...we waited and we waited and we waited. Finally, at 9:00 they decided they would let us in. It took forever for 20,000 fans to enter. I finally got in my seat at 10:00. We missed Daughtry, although later I heard he only played 3 songs. Bon Jovi was awesome. He thanked all the local police and EMS workers for what they had done to secure the building and he thanked us for our courage. It's sad that some coward tried to wreck the evening. Thus the times we live in.


My favorite of John!




Bank Atlantic Center

Waiting with the rest of the 20,000 fans...



After Dinner before the concert.


Ocean Drive




This is our hotel.

Now we begin planning for our 40 year trip...I'm thinking the West Coast!

In Memory

I will always remember this day.

Windshield in your roof...

After spending Saturday with Grandma Elaine and riding in her car (which has a sunroof), Alex told me this morning on the way to daycare said, "Mommy you need a windshield in your roof. That would be really cool if you had a windshield in your roof."

I'm off to Ft. Lauderdale tomorrow...here I come ocean...Daughtry and Bon Jovi!!!

Lack of supervision

This is what happens when you don't supervise your 3 year old son who has a fascination with finger nail polish!



I had painted them with clear polish Saturday night while I was painting mine. He told me then he wanted pink. "No one can see the clear polish, Mom." I without thinking I left the polish out in the living room and he got it Sunday afternoon and used the pink himself. He's soooo proud of his work, telling his Daddy how pretty it was. I guess I'll have to keep a closer eye on him, huh?!