HE DID IT !!!

With all the hustle and bustle of a new school year, I forgot to mention that Jerry has passed his test!! YES!! He has been preparing for a very lengthy test. State Farm specifically sent him to Dallas to prepare and study for it. He was so nervous. This test depending on a lot of factors, job promotion being one of them. Jerry, Caiden, Bailee, and I are so proud of you.. I told you that you could do it. I have always had faith in you!! We love you and can't wait for you to come home!

NOW... his preparing for another one to take in September!

We know you can do it again!

THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE

We love in many different ways, It can be anything from a simple saying "I love you" to a great big hug. We can also show love by just being there, no words said, just by looking into someones eyes, we can feel and know that they love us. WELL, Bailee showed me tonight another way to show love. Technology is amazing and it keeps improving everyday. Sometimes I agree, sometimes not. Yes, our children have cell- phones for various reasons, but this was a personal decision Jerry and I made. Well, being that I sleep with my cell-phone, for we don't have a home phone, Its pretty much always with me. Mostly in the pocket of my sweat pants! Caiden's cell phone stays pretty much charged as were Bailee has hers with her pretty much all the time. Since school as started, our sleeping schedule is still a little thrown off, and we are still trying to get it back to normal as possible. Now that they are just a tad bit older, I make sure that they are in bed by 9. But, with them being children, they are not always going to go right to sleep! You can make them go to bed, but you can't make them go to sleep! Any way, Bailee was in her bed, I was doing my usual routine, of picking up the house after I tucked them into bed. I did not have my cell phone on me, and Bailee told me that she heard my phone ringing.... So, I go and check it out. It was a text message from Bailee.. Just a simple " I love you" Those 3 little words , just 3, made me feel so happy and so loved. It's the little things that we do for another that means so much! Bailee is so thoughtful and for some reason, she felt like I needed to hear that! And, I did. I miss Jerry so much, and my heart grows heavy and I get weary sometimes because I know he wants to be here.And they miss him too. Of course, I had to text her back, and she was happy I did. So, love can be shown different ways, the only thing that matters is that you make sure its reciprocated !

STILL FEELS LIKE SUMMER

I feel so good about our summer. We did so much and the kids had a blast. I really tried to make sure we did everything they wanted. Caiden had numerous friends over, slumber parties and He got to go on numerous trips. I made sure that our back to school party was a success, for school was coming and It was time to get serious.
Bo has been over everyday since school, my second child, but only after homework was done. This being the 1st weekend of school, things haven't changed. Bo and Ty came over this afternoon. They played and departed. Then,I took Caiden to Bo's house for a little while.
Then, as I was cleaning up the kitchen, I heard a knock on the door. It was the Jolley boys wanting to play. So, they played football. It's comical how when seasonal sports change, they change. Football is the focus of their interests now. And of course, He had to show them his autographed football from last night!
So, It really feels like summer, the times have changed when they play, but they still find time to see each other and I guess summer can go on even though another season approaches!

IF THE SHOE FITS...

than she's gonna wear it! Bailee was rummaging through my closet today and she found these shoes. I was cleaning up the kitchen and she asked me if she could have them. I told her that I still wear them and and that they were too big for her anyway. NOPE, she says , look momma they fit. To my surprise, they did! Oh my, My 9 year old daughter can wear my shoes!! Take into consideration that I wear a size 9! You know what this means... I can now buy shoes and she can wear them, this will save us time looking .. and save us money! She is growing up too fast. I can remember when is was 4 years old playing dress-up and my shoes were so big on her, not any more.she is going to have huge feet! As the saying goes... like mother, like daughter!

LITTLE GIRL BIG HEART

While eating lunch with Bailee today, we sat and talked about her day so far. Her little new friend was sitting on the other side of her. Bailee turned to me and whispered this in my ear, " mommy, I feel sorry for her, she only has 1 pair of blue jeans." My mood suddenly changed to concern, about this little girl, and my heart was twinged. How awful, I thought, how sad. I then told Bailee that we would talk about 1st thing when she got home.When I got home from lunch, I couldn't help but feel so much heartache for this little girl. I thought about it so much, that I was trying to find something to do to help keep my mind of it, or least, to Bailee got home. I picked up the kids, we talked about the day, as usual, and Bailee seemed happy, but I could tell that something was bothering her. They ate their snack, and headed to their rooms to play. Normally we would do homework, but it was Friday. I was picking up snack when Bailee called me into her room. I knew what was coming... She told me that this little girl did not have a telephone, nor cable, she had nothing to watch but dvds. She explained to me that her dad lives far away in another state. She had very little clothes, and an old pair of tennis shoes, which I did notice at lunch. Bailee told me this and my heart was so over whelmed with feelings gratefulness and generosity, and pure humbleness. "mommy, I think I am going to give my new friend all of my Hannah Montana stuff, my posters, cds. I am going to look in my closet to find her some clothes. I have too many barbies, I can give her some. I have some extra shoes, I can't wear them any way, she can have them. You know that BFF bracelet that we ordered the other day, I am going to give her the other one.Mom, you know that place we go to to give other people stuff that we don't use any more, can we go there and buy her some things?" Wow, I was speechless. I quickly gathered my thoughts, for I wanted to say the right thing to her. This was HUGE! I first off told Bailee this: Bailee, you are truly one of the most considerate and most unselfish person I know and it blesses my heart that you have so much compassion for those less fortunate than you. I then tried to explain to her the blessings of giving and receiving. It made my heart glad that she was willing to give this little girl(she has only known a few days) everything she had. Bailee is so much like Jerry it hurts. Jerry would give EVERYTHING he had to someone in need. I think that's what I love most about Jerry, He always puts others before himself, A trait I wish I had. Jerry and Bailee wold give you the shirt off their backs.How can A child that looks so much like me,but be so much like her dad! I tried to, with tears in my eyes, to explain the joy in giving. I told her this: "Bailee, It thrills my heart that you are willing to give your things to this friend, BUT mom and dad have worked really hard to give you these little rewards. We are trying to instill you the basic principle of appreciating what you have.. and being content with just that. It's so great that you want to give her so much, but just the fact that you understand and acknowledge people who are less fortunate than you makes you a giver already!And with that being said, Bailee has ALWAYS been content.. she rarely asked for anything.. Just like her dad.. I sometimes feel like I am going overboard with Caiden because he requires a little more. And that's not a bad thing. Reassurance is a huge thing for him. He just needs to know that it's ok to feel this way and he thrives on knowing that someone has seen and appreciated his efforts on certain things he has done. Bailee is a special child. We sometimes clash, because we both want to be in charge. She is very head strong and stubborn. As I , And we both want things done our way, and no other way is acceptable. I always set aside time for my children. I talked to them together and I talked to them individually. This gives me a chance to see what they are thinking and feeling without the other hearing and commenting on it. Bailee and I had a very special night together.I talked to her about a lot of things that were so heavy on my heart. I asked her about how she felt about my ways of motherhood. Was I doing what what expected of me from them? Was I giving them what they needed most. Was I being their mother not their friend. We talked about what I expected out of them, about what I said to them that was not positive or if I said something that hurt their feelings, and on how I can make my self better for the sake of the family.. I just want my children to know that they can always come to me with anything that is heavy on their hearts. My Bailee Grace is growing up, a little too fast in my eyes. I feel like the older she gets, the less she is going to need me, and that scares me.I will always see her as that little sweet girl who loves to play with her barbies and the vibrant little girl who loves to sing and dance, But, she gave me re-assurance tonight that I am still a major part of her life. She told me this, "momma, you are my mother and always will be nothing will change that, and I will always need you, thanks for teaching me how to love people who I sometimes get mad at, because I know that Jesus loves them just like he loves me." My Bailee is soo sweet and so thoughtful, she has such a bright future ahead of her, for she is still my little girl, and she has such a big heart!

ULM TAIL-GATING

ULM Football Schedule

It's that time again, the time for ULM Football! Our family has so many memories of tail gating. Pappaw and MiMi would have the huge singing bus parked with lots and lots of chairs set out. Pappaw would have own his ULM apron cooking chicken and sausage on the stick. Caiden would find other little boys in the area and play football with them. Bailee has her pom poms and saying her little cheers. There were many times we would all line up watching the band and cheerleaders walk in a procession. There would be face painting and all kinds of little activities for the kids to do. Space walks were always there and the kids loved them! My children love and always look forward to it. I just hope Jerry is home soon so he can enjoy it to.

Pappaw Larry to Caiden and his cousins to the ULM Warhawk Fan weekend. The kids got to go on the field, meet the players, go in the locker room, they got autographs and Caiden got his football signed. He has so much fun! Thanks Pappaw for a great time!


Proud of his ULM attire! And his autographed football

MY FAMILY

The theme for this certain tail gate was military day!

Going to war? I don't think so!

Go tribe Go!

I miss the Indian!

LUNCH TIME

I decided that Friday's were going to be the times that I would eat lunch with the kids. The kids were excited about me coming today. They said that they were going to tell thier teachers that I was coming today, and to make sure that there would be room for me at the table. How sweet!
I got thier a little early, Caiden eats at 12:40, as were Bailee eats at 1:00. That seemed odd to me, for The youngest grades go first, but for reasons of so many kids this year, they have split them up!
I met Caiden coming down the hall, and to my surprise, he came and have me a big hug. I had already pre-paid my lunch, so I could go in the line with them, and sit down when they do. We had a great lunch, and I got to visit with their friends.
I listened to boys talk about girls, and I listened to girls talk about make-up and clothes! Bailee had made 2 more friends today, and they are so sweet! She has already invited them over play! I told her to wait a little while, lets get back to our routine, THEN, we can have play time!
I really enjoyed the day. I got to visit a good bit with Bailee's teacher. After Bailee's class left, She and I remained in the cafeteria, and talked about things. Before we knew it, the cleaning lady was waiting to clean the LAST table, which we were seated at!

GLAD TO BE HERE

I am totally committed to them


As most of you know from reading the start of my blog, that I was absent from my children's lives for some time. I have slowly but surely gained back the trust of family and Caiden and Bailee. I had to work, and had very little time for them. When I decided to "straighten" up I began the healing process of having a relationship with them. It has taken while, but I am the Danielle that others knew and loved. When Jerry was called out the first time I had gotten straight, I had to assume total responsibility for the children. Being that I worked all day, Homework was a struggle for me and the kids. I was tired and they were too. I had been taking are of "other" children for hours NOW I was taking care of more.. my own. There was supper to be fixed QUICKLY for they had been at school and they were hungry. Many nights I would here, "Mom, is supper ready yet I'm hungry." AND " Mom, I need help, I don't understand what this means." I felt overwhelmed and embarrassed that I could not be more for them. I was trying soo hard to make up for what I did for them, that I was running my self ragged. I dreaded homework, for it required my TOTAL undivided attention. While studying with them, thoughts of things needing to be done were running through my head. Laundry needed to be done, clothes laid out, kitchen needed to be clean, AND I DID NOT have a dishwasher, so I had to wash by hand. I needed to give them a bath, and wash Bailee's hair... which took at least an hour to dry. I needed a bath myself, wash my hair and in turn, takes just as long.I has to get my uniform laid out, I wore scrubs, and we had a specific color for each day. It's now 9 pm, and they are now unwinding from the day, lying on my bed,I'm talking to them about their day, like we used to do when we were once upon a family. Telling them I love them...goodnight. I know that I need to unwind, watch some tv, BUT I would feel fear of not being able to get up in the morning and so I called it a night and I would go to bed... AND it starts again. I guess what I am trying to say is that now, that I am home with them again, I have the chance once again, to be what I should be for them. I have the opportunity to have these minor and yes major things done during the day when they are not with me. I can deep clean.. the carpets, clean out closets, Have supper pretty much already prepared during the day. Have nice clean clothes put up neatly in their room. Snack waiting on them as soon as they walk into the door... I can do ALL this with the feeling of accomplishment and with the feel good notion of ready to take on homework as soon as we walk in the door. Yes, we have already talked about the day, in the car, and with that being said, I'm just glad to be here! I'm glad I am the one who takes the time to explain to them difficulties of homework. I am there to help, and when I do it now, There is no thought on those "other" things that need to be done, because I was home ALL DAY and they have already been taken care of!

AT LEAST SHE TRIES

With the 1st day of school behind us, it is now time for us to choose what kind of school extra-curricular activities they we want to do. My children are always involved in many activities outside of school. I believe that this is a great way for them to stay in shape and it helps promote thier overall well-being.It also teaches them how to accept losses and embrace victories! Caiden has chosen to play football and piano. My mom is going to give us her piano that she used when she was their ages, so this is special to us and Caiden is so excited about pursuing this new interest of his. He will also play basketball in the spring. NOW Bailee, on the other hand, is undecided.Though she did tell me yesterday that she would like to do cheer leading..AGAIN. Bailee has played basketball, softball, been in dance, and Gymnastics(cheer leading). She had dabbled in them, but not really finding the boost to put her heart and soul into them. She hasn't really been passionate about these sports. I know one day, I hope soon That she will find what it is that makes her happy and one that is perfect for her, BUT until then... at least she tries!