B'day pics!!!

Hi Everyone, my sweet baby girl is 5 years old. CAn you believe it? I of course have baby fever and have stopped all precautions. EEK!!! So exciting.

We (of course w/ a 5 year old) are having a wonderful, fun, exciting, magical Christmas season. She makes it all so much fun for us. We went to see Santa last Saturday and waited 2+ hrs in line, but it was worth it of course. WE have had Christmas programs at her school and are going to Jenn's church one this weekend. Emma has a party this Friday at school and we both have one at our works this Friday also. So much fun!!!!

Happy Fall Ya'll

WE went to Oak Mountain w/ Tracey and her fam and Tricia and her fam earlier in October. Then of course here is the pic of our Scary Fairy this Halloween. It's so nice this year b/c she can go from house to house on her own pretty much. Of course she went Trick or Treating w/ her cousins Justin (16) and Kara (11), so she had help. I have baby fever pretty bad so me and Matt are trying to work things out and get everything (bills) in order so we can get this show on the road.

Hayride at Oak Mountain

Scary Fairy!!!!

Beach - October 2009

Yes, we finally went to the beach this month. We went w/ mom and Frank to PC BEach and had ourselves a ball!!!! I thank God for my sweet, healthy, happy family. All is well with us now and we are preparing for Halloween. :)

Summer

HEre are some of my fav things we have done this summer. Having a ball!!! Been to the zoo, swimming a lot, baby showers w/ BFF, bbq w/ family a lot, etc. Love the summer!!!!

Summer Time

Let me tell you - summer is the greatest. Here's why:
Every night after dinner and bath lately we have been catching lightning bugs and moseying over to moms for ice cream. It is so much fun and watching Emma and dad catch lightning bugs together makes me fall in love w/ him all over again. It is the sweetest thing ever and I love seeing it every night. The other night I was standing at the sink (like us moms do constantly i'm sure) and saw Emma come into view of the window hunkering down for a lightning bug. Then here comes dad getting one too. I just stood watching and enjoying it sooooo much!!! Love it!!!

Of course swimming is awesome. Seeing Emma learn to swim and jump off the diving board is so neat. I have to grab her in passing to smother on more sunscreen of course.

Grilling is awesome too. We get to enjoy the nice yard, living next door to mom, Max of course and all the fun outdoor stuff. And of course if there is water anywhere close she is in it. Love summer!!!! I will post pics soon.

Thankful

I was reading sweet Kayleigh's site and some friends put on their site a list of things they were thankful for. Here are mine - feel free to post yours also:
I am thankful my daughter wanted me to pick her up and dance with her last night.
I am thankful I am the first thing she sees each and every morning.
I am thankful Emma and Matt are happy and healthy.
I am thankful my mom and step dad live next door and we can see each other every single day.
I am thankful Emma is able to tell me every day what she did at school and we can talk and laugh a/b our day together.
I am thankful for God's awesome and abundant love for us.
I am thankful for Emma's sweet funny personality that makes us laugh and look at her funny every day!!!
I am thankful for a second chance at marriage with my wonderful husband.

I am thankful for God's forgiveness!!!!

Now, what are you thankful for????

Mr. Max

Here are pics of our new dog Max. He is a Beagle/Basset Hound mix and we just love him dearly. We got him last Friday from a lady in McCalla that had found him but had too many animals. He is a/b a year and a half old, completely house broke, sweet, lazy, loves water, loves to lick, doesn't love to play ball or tug, just wants to chill and sleep and love. Sweetest boy ever!!!! We are so blessed to have him!!! Took him to the park yesterday.

Hope everyone has a great and blessed weekend. God bless!!!

Emma had her end of the year party at the park this AM. It was a lot of fun but I won't bring toys again unless there are enough for everyone. I brought 2 bats and 2 balls and they fought the whole time. Won't do that again. :(

ETHAN

Tracey and Michael Wilson had Mr. Sweet boy Ethan on May 6th. He was 7#, 14 oz and so sweet!!!!

CONGRATS THE WILSONS!!! God is sooooo good!!!

HAPPY FRIDAY :)

Please everyone pray for sweet Kayleigh's family. They have incredible faith. But in the last 10 months have had such a hard time. Now it looks like she has suffered from a lack of oxygen/blood to her brain and is not responsive. I can not in a million years begin to imagine what this family is going through. Please keep them all in your daily prayers.

We are doing great at home. Finances continue to be tight. But w/ God's grace and all of our families wonderful help we are beginning to dig out of our pit. We are all doing great though and can't complain. God is in control and we have such faith. He is an awesome God!!!!

We have Mason's game tomorrow AM and Matt will be installing a new faucet in the kitchen Sunday w/ Papa's expert help I'm sure. Other than that hopefully we get get to enjoy each other, play and hang out w/ my wonderful blessed family.
HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!

Award Ceremony for Miss Beth Gymnastics 2009 - Enjoy!!! She did fantastic!!!

Hand-

Stand-
Straddle

(she is
so strong)

No handed forward roll.
Backhandspring Training -

Us at the Gardendale Fair this past weekend!!! We missed daddy though :(

Like I said, we are enjoying spring and doing fine. Missing church since it's so far away we dont' get to go as often as we would like. Work is busy for me and Matt. Other than that, we are good. Emma is fantastic and did great at her Gymnastics Demo this week. WE got good video and pics. She is so talented!!!

Baseball Season

BATTER UP.....
Sorry it has been so long since I have been on. Work is busy and life is great. Money of course is extremely tight but as long as we allow God to guide us and work as a team, I have faith we can and will dig ourselves out of this.

Baseball season has started and Mason is in full swing. (haha) Here are some pics taken last Saturday at his game vs. Irondale. The first is up to bat, second is everyone looking to the sky to see where the ball went, (it cleared the fence and cars) and third is Mason back at home base w/ all of the team and his dad (first base coach) cheering him on. Enjoy!!!! WE are very excited a/b MaMaw going w/ us to his game this Friday night. Good luck Mason!!! Oh, and he got voted Class Cutie of the 6th grade.

HOMERUN SMILE!!!! GO BUBBA GO!!!
**this smile is right before he asked Aunt Kaky how much he was going to get for that one?*** Memaw had to go to the van and get her wallet - LOL

Happy Easter

Bragging

I have to brag on my sis and her husband. As some of you know, Matt Phillips has had a long road of addiction, etc in the past. He has been sober over 2 years now and to see God work in his and so many other's lives is absolutely amazing. This past Sunday at church, he stood up at the Baptism pool w/ a guy that works w/ him and his partner Brad. His name was Edward and he got Baptised. He didn't have anyone there to support him except his nephew for whatever reason. But to see Matt P stand up there and know he has witnessed to this man is so awesome. God is using Matt P to turn others to Him and it makes me so proud. He is using his addiction and hard times to witness to others and show them through his life what CAN happen if/when you turn your life around and give it to Christ. I cried like a baby Sunday watching that Baptism. Matt P is a presence and when he walks in a room, you look. When he talks, you listen. He is just that kind of person. And I truly believe to witness to someone lost in whatever their tribulation is by a Christian that has never been there, won't do much good. But to witness to that person on a day to day basis and for that person to see you live it, and know you have been there, done that will touch them and do wonders. God brought Matt and Jenn up from the depths and look where they are now!!!! HE continues to amaze me over and over again w/ what this family can do. I am proud of you Matt and Jenn. God bless and keep up the good work!!!!

March Madness

Now is she cute or what? That is one of my BFF Jennifer Turley a/b 16-18 weeks pg. (I know, I'm a bad friend and am not sure how far along) But these days you can get your U/S to check the sex earlier and earlier. She gets to see April 8 and we are all so excited. She is feeling good I think and says her husband Ben is still excited and happy. They will be the best parent's EVER!!! God bless!!!

We had a fantastic weekend. Emma was not feeling well Friday so off we went to the doc. Thank goodness it was only a cold. Her school thought it might be the flu since 2 kids in her class had it. While I was gone Papa fixed my semi-flat tire w/o me even asking. He is the best!!!! Then we went to Cracker Barrell and Emma spent the night w/ Me-Maw. Which is probably best since she is more of a cuddlier than I am and I'm sure was more affectionate. Sat. we cleaned Aunt Peggy's room out and went to lunch. Then home and Emma and I took a good nap. MAtt worked in the yard and it looked awesome. Sunday was church and visiting Matt's parent's.

Praise Report - Matt's Grandma is loaning us the $ to pay off ALL of his debt from when we were apart. It is a/b $2000. and we are so blessed. She even said God is using her as a tool and I believe it also. Plus he got a new laptop from his parent's yesterday. Something was wrong w/ the side of it, so they got a new one. And we got that one. PLUS, Matt Phillips (BIL) got a F150 work truck a/b a month ago, it broke down. So the dealer said bring it back w/ $500. and he would put him in a new one w/ same $. Sunday at church ALL the men were crowded around this NICE Dodge, 4 door, chrome wheels, leather, wood grain, etc. He deserves it and man is it sweet!!!

Just an update. WE are all doing well and Emma is better now. Cant' wait to see my friend above Jenn. Love the belly!!!

Fun Weekend

Happy Monday!!! This is my dad, Emma and Angela last night at his house. They spent the night w/ Mason and Abby also since they are out for Spring Break. Having a blast apparently!!!

We had a nice weekend. Had church, spent the night w/ Matt's parent's, went grocery shopping, took a good nap. I couldn't sleep worth a crap last night b/c I had too much caffeine and we took a 2 1/2 hr nap. So at a/b 2AM I finally went to sleep. Poor Matt was so glad to see me get up and on the sofa at 11:00.

That's a/b all that's going on w/ us. Got a b'day party this weekend and that's a/b it. God bless!!!

Beginning of March

Well, the pageant went well. Abby walked better than she ever has and got 2nd Alternate. She looked BEAUTIFUL and we were all so very proud of her. 2nd out of 15 girls is something to be proud of. She has another one this weekend at Odenville but we are going to go bowling for Alisa's b'day. I'm sure she will do well. We are so proud of her!!! Good job Abigial!!! She had so many people there cheering her on also. Huge crowd!!!
I am so proud of Matt. He took Emma to McDonalds while I was gone helping get Abby ready and they had a balloon artist/face painter there and he said she had a ball. (even though he said she was in her pj's and tennis shoes, gotta love it!!!) Then came to the pageant w/ MeMaw and Papa. I love it when dad's take initiative and spend one on one time w/ their kids. It is such precious time together. And before long they won't want us to take them to McDonalds to play!!!

Matt P went to his Tres Dias this weekend and said he really enjoyed it. Jenn said he was fired up when he got home. Praise God.

Yes, we had snow yesterday!!! I will post some pics later. WE had a ball in the snow and built a great snowman. The cat's were not amused though and stayed inside sleeping on our bed the whole day. Alabama doesn't get snow much and we really took advantage. Me and Matt got in a pretty heated snowball fight, but it was fun.

Our prayers go out to Gracie's family today. They are loosing their 11 month old girl and I can not imagine the grief they are going through. Her heart just isn't working and won't recover from the transplant. Everyone please keep their family in your prayers. (she is in my blog list)

Abby continued

Well, we had a catastrophy last night. Thankfully my sis handled it like a champ. So Abby's dress needed to be taken in in the chest. She has to wear a 12 b/c of the length and needs a/b a 7 in the waist. Well she got it home and tried on last night, and they took it in too much. Apparently Jenn told the lady to cut the dress and it was too small. So thankfully Jenn stayed calm (not me!!!) and took the dress to a lady to do a corset style tie thingy in the back. Jenn said it will be a one of a kind dress and might get the judges attention. WE will see. I am proud of her for staying calm though. It's important for kids to know they can always count on their mom. I will keep you posted.

And, Matt P is heading out tomorrow for Tres Dias w/ our church. Please pray for guidance during this retreat. I am proud of him for stepping out and going.

Kat

Abby Pagent

GOOD LUCK ABBY!!!!

As most of you probably already know, Abby is our pagent girl. She is in one next Saturday in Ashville and March 7 in Odenville. I think we are going to use this shot in the Photogenic portion. She has been in pagents since she was a/b a year and a half old. She is the sweetest, cutest, funniest girl ever. And she loves the Lord w/ every fiber in her being. She is our princess!!!! Stay tuned to see/hear the results from this and next Saturday.

Also, pray for Abby. She has had tummy issues for some time now. Went to the doc yesterday b/c she was sick and doubled over in pain. So far we found out she has Stage 3 reflux and is Lactose Intolerant. Now they are saying they think there might be issues w/ her bowels. So on March 9 she is going for an Upper GI and a Colonscopy. Poor girl just hurts all the time. I know jenn and Matt are so tired and frustrated of seeing their girl hurting. Please pray we can get to the bottom of her problems so she can start to feel better soon.

Happy Valentines

Hello everyone. Wanted to wish you all a Happy Valentines and a great weekend. Men, get out there and pamper your wives!!! Women, remind your fella's why they married you. WE don't have big plans since Emma was gone the past 2 Saturday nights. So me and Matt had Valentines early in our house. I can't have her gone again, mom can't take it!!! So we (or I) decided to keep Mason and Abby and let Matt and Jenn have a quiet night alone. I got a friend from work to order me, matt, memaw and Papa steaks from her butcher friend and we will grill them. Since Abby is lactose intolerant w/ stage 3 reflux, we have to be real careful w/ what she eats. I think she can have chicken though. Matt always said he would rather stay in and grill than go out to eat. So we are going to get a propane tank and fire up the new grill. It should be a lot of fun I think. Mason's game is at 2:45 and we will bring the kids home w/ us after. Mason will probably stay at Me-Maw and Papa's since they have computers and a WII but you never know. He is more of an outside kid most of the time. We haven't kept them since Thanksgiving weekend, so it is overdue. I am real excited and know the girls will have a ball. I'm fortunate Matt has been w/ me 12 years and is so close to Mason and Abby. That allows me to be close to them too.
Yesterday was our 9 year Anniversary of when we got engaged. I told him Happy Anniversary yesterday and he said 'how can you remember that'? I said I'm a girl, that's what we do.
I talked to Jennifer Turley last night and she is 12 weeks and feeling good. She said she was tired but that's normal and she works 10 hr days, so to be expected. She said she bought some fanny belt thing from Mother hood. I have never heard of them and will have to check it out.
That's all from us. WE are doing well and excited a/b our weekend.
Happy Valentines Everyone!!!

Matt surgery & weekend update

Hello friends. As most of you know Matt had his right rotator cuff operated on this Thursday. We prayed together during the ride in and I think we both felt better after. He did great. Dr. Atkinson of St. Vincents Sports Medicine said it went very well. There were 2 HUGE bone spurs but no tear, so that is awesome. His left shoulder was torn bad from the bone spur and had to be stitched back together. The doc shaved off the spurs, carterized them so they wouldn't grow back, healed the bercidis (sp), put the pump in, and got out. Matt has had minimul pain but some uncomfortable feelings though.
The nurses in recovery were laughing at him b/c he was up and ready to go home so soon. They kept having to make him sit down and eat and rest. Crazy guy!!! We didn't nap that day and slept horrible that night. Emma stayed w/ Me-Maw and Papa (love them) Thursday night thinking we could get some rest. But he was up like every hour I sware. He said he just couldn't get comfortable.
He had PT Friday morning and did great. Emma went w/ us and was so worried making me take her to check on daddy like every 5 minutes.
Talked to Jennifer Turley Sat. AM while I was mopping. And she gave me a lot of insight into his recovery, what to do, not to do, and what to expect. Since she has her Masters in PT she knows her stuff. So glad she is here to help guide us. But it's a lot easier than the left one since there was no muscle/tendon damage.
We left him at home to go to Ashton's party Saturday and while I wanted to get home to him, it was so great seeing everyone and playing w/ the kids. Josie is so awesome!!! Love her!!! Then Emma spent the night w/ MaMaw and Papaw that night. (thanks guys) When I got home Matt had taken the pump out saying it was empty. I rented us a few movies and we were in bed by 9:30. Crazy Saturday night let me tell you!!!
Sunday we slept in some, met mom/frank for lunch and took a good nap. Deb and Glenn brought Emma home around 4 and man did I miss my girl!!! She is not going off again for a LONG time. Momma can't take it!!!!
He had PT this morning and seems to be ok. Hopefully he will be off until next Monday but we will see. Thanks for all the prayers. Got through it thanks to God!!!

Kat

Cards for Hailey

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/haileygraceleslie

Hey everyone. HEre is the site to keep updated on sweet baby Hailey. Now you all know her Aunt is one of my very good friends, Amy Calvin. I had the idea that we all need to get our kids to make a Get Well or Valentines card for Hailey and get the kids to sign it w/ their City/State on it. So Amy can take it to her and she can see all of the lives she is touching w/ her bravery and strength and by God's grace. If you want to do this please email me and I will give you my address:
kdrinkard@industrialchem.com
Please everyone, as a mom I really think this will touch hers and her families lives for years to come. Let's get a TON of cards to her. Doesn't have to be anything special, just from the heart.

Kat

Friends

One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, 'Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd.' I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friend’s tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.

As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him... He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, 'Those guys are jerks.' They really should get lives!!’ He looked at me and said, 'Hey thanks!' There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived.

As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends. He said yes. We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him. Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, 'Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday! He just laughed and handed me half the books.

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football scholarship.
Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him.

Boy, sometimes I was jealous! Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, 'Hey, big guy, you'll be great!' He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. ‘Thanks,' he said. As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began. 'Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends.... I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story.' I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. 'Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable.’ I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth. Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life. For better or for worse. God puts us all in each others lives to impact one another in some way. Look for God in others.


'Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.'

Thanks Stephanie for the email and wonderful reminder today. We never have enough friends and I love you all!!! Kat

Happy Monday

Happy Monday everyone. I know ya'll are all waiting w/ baited breath as to what in the world was wrong w/ Emma last Friday. Well, Periditis (sp) which is an infected Salivary Gland. Has anyone heard of this b/c I havent? The doc said it happens and she has seen some kids get a stone in it. Emma's was fine, viral w/ no meds. She said it could hurt and be swollen up to 7 days. And we didn't do anything wrong to cause it. It just happens, no real reason. But she is already better and not swollen anymore.

We went to Deb and Glenn's Friday night to visit and surprised dad at work. Deb got us Captn D's and it was yummy and we had a nice visit. We gave Emma a bath there since MaMaw got her new jammies and we needed to get in bed for the early day on SAt.

Saturday morning early she and I got up and headed to Odenville for Mason's basketball game. And let me say when you are not cheering and it is your nephew playing, much more fun!!! Emma had a ball w/ Abby and Robins girls and Aunt Naren/Aunt Robin/Uncle Matt and of course Sishu. (that's what she calls Jennifer) I really enjoyed seeing everyone and it was a added surprise to see Naren and Robin. I feel so blessed to have such a big awesome family. And Mason did really well. HE is the tallest one on his team.
Once we left Emma stayed w/ Jenn and I went to get my hair done and grocery shopping. Spent way too much $ (when do I not?) and came home. Matt was doing our taxes and had been working in the yard all AM. The rest of the night we rested, ate Taco Bell,and rented a movie.

Sunday was church (awesome sermon on smoking/drinking) and I couldn't wait to get my Emma girl. Then we went back to Deb & Glenn for yummy spaghetti. Went home to nap and again I napped in the new recliner. Love it!!! And Cleo napped w/ me - sweet girl.
Then last night was the Superbowl and of course it was on while Emma and I got our stuff ready for the week and played Memory/Go fish. WE all went to bed kind of late since we napped well.

Mom is home from her overnight stay in the hospital and recovering. She is still tired and sleepy and pretty much sick, but is getting there. Their van messed up over the weekend and we are all holding our breath to see if it's under warranty.

Got an update on Hailey this AM. Amy said she is in her own room, mom hanging in there still pg, still on pain meds but supposed to start weaning them off soon. She said the PT came and helped her stand on her own yesterday and they think she is responding visually to her mom. She said they won't know a/b her good eye and how the vision is going to be until the bandages come off. Not sure when that will be. But she seems to be recovering well. What a brave fighter our Hailey is. Praise God!!!

BBL - God Bless - Kat

Family Update 01-30-09

Good morning everyone. Got a weird one w/ Emma this morning. She complained the other night in the tub that her cheek and ear was hurting. But I didn't think anything a/b it. And we ran out of Xyrtec Sat. So she went Sunday - WEdnesday w/o it. Then she went to the dentist yesterday AM and seemed fine. She didn't eat well last night but slept well. She also laid back in the new recliner last night saying she didn't feel good. (hum) She woke up this AM saying her ear and cheek hurt. And it is swollen on her right side like crazy. She was crying when I got her dressed saying her cheek hurt. Like big tears and I thought she was being sleepy and whimpy. But when I finally took a minute to look she was swollen pretty bad on that right side. I took her temp and it was normal and went ahead and gave her some Motrin. I figured that is an anti-inflammatory so it would help. I took her on to school and they recognized right off she was swollen. I asked her to bite down and she said doing that didn't hurt. So I left her there telling them Papa and Me-Maw are home if she is miserable and can come to get her. I made her an appt at 4:15 for the doc to see what they say. I think it's either an ear infection or the dentist has aggravated something or a allergic reaction to something. I'm not sure which. But the last time she had an allergic reaction it went into her bloodstream and landed us in Childrens ER in the middle of the night. I really wonder what in the world this is???? Anyway, mommy instinct tells me it is something, so we are going in. Poor girl!!! I hope she is ok at school and not in pain.

Other than that, we are good. I am finished w/ Kids Market clothes. Last night finished putting barcodes on them and seperating them into size piles. I have got until March 7, so I'm ahead of schedule. I'm supposed to be getting some of Meghan's kids clothes to sell for her. And Jenn is giving me some of Abby's to add to mine. So I wanted to go ahead and get mine done.

Tonight just hanging at home. Tomorrow is Mason's game at 9AM, then my hair appt and Emma is supposed to stay w/ Jenn. Depending on what the doc says today, we aren't sure now though. Sunday is church and visit Matt's parent's. I miss them!!! We used to live right there and now are so far away!!!

Next week is Matt's surgery so I am getting my grocery list ready for that and getting everything else in place at the house. They have been working on our water all week and that's been fun. WE never know from night to night whether our water will be clear or orange. Lovely!!!

I will check back - hope and pray my baby is ok.
I also don't know anything yet a/b Hailey. I am assuming no news is good news. I think her mom was scheduled to ahve the baby this week.

Kat

Papa

Wanted to brag on our Papa for a minute. My mom married Frank Fendley a/b 3 years back and w/ that came the biggest blessing. He is the most wonderful man ever!!! He does so much for us w/o even asking. Mom can't even want for anything (really any of us) w/o him getting it. For instance: I mentioned the other day (the live next door) that b/c our floor still slants some I wanted to get some furniture things that sit on the bottom of the furniture. We had been using coasters and it looked pretty tacky. He has those things for his furniture so they won't crease the carpet. I get home the next day and he had a pack for me.
And he does this ALL the time. He gets Emma from school every day. And they go to Burger King, Wal-MArt, Dollar Store, etc. She always has toys from that day and/or food. He feeds her dinner all the time before I even get home. Gets' mom anything and everything she wants, lets us drive his truck/Jeep if/when we need, works on our washing machine, builds the school Bible for the parade, etc. I called today to let him know when MAtt is out w/ his arm surgery he won't be able to drive a stick. So he will have my car and I will need the Jeep. Of course he is fine w/ that and will have it gassed and ready for me. when I got home last night he had already fed Emam dinner, and deposited money in my account.
Seriously, I couldn't ask for a better step-father and we are all so blessed to have him. They live next door so we are EXTREMELY close and I plan to keep it that way. I'm a momma's girl anyway!!! When I was sick w/ the flu last year I stayed w/ them and he got me movies, food, milkshakes, did laundry, etc. He is the best!!! Not to mention what all he does for Alisa. (miss her BTW)
Anyway, wanted to brag. He is a Godly man, (they are Catholic), great provider, happy, sweet, funny, SO smart, etc. He is even building websites for some jewlry companies around town and they are paying him w/ furniture. (which of course mom loves)
He is awesome!!!! God bless Papa!!!!

01-27-09

Love, love, love Jon & Kate plus 8. I watched it last night from like 8-10:00 and they were all new episodes. They never showed the front of their new house or much of the yard but it is huge. Of course w/ 8 kids, it has to be. Matt said it's sad that w/ a house that size, the kids still have to share rooms. But it was so great w/ their hardwoods, huge kitchen, fireplaces, acerage, etc. Plus she is just such an awesome mom and so crafty. They were having a yard sale at a church on one of the episodes and all of the proceeds went to Pediatric Cancer. And at the end Jon actually said they were going to do it again (she said each year) and that it was fun!!! Fun!!! Having to get a U-haul, set up, pack everything, sell, keep up w/ kids, etc. And it was fun!!!! He is great!! I'm sure they have issues like all families, but it's so neat to see how well they handle every day occurances. And she is so tough, it motivates me. When she says no, that's no and there's no arguing. Man, Emma needs to learn that!!!!

I sat in my recliner for a while and that thing will make u lazy!!! Matt and I talked some and he said it would be easy to not drink when it's his idea. And it is his this time around. So please pray for strength for me to stand my ground and for him to stay sober!!!!

Emma had gymnastics and did great. I got out of the shower this AM to see dad and Emma snuggled up in our bed watching cartoons. I love that so much. So sweet and I hope they always stay that close.

I will update on Hailey when I find out. Keep praying for Matt P and my Matt's soberity. Oh and the movie Fireproof comes out on DVD today. Please watch it everyone. It is so awesome!!! I have heard wonderful things a/b it and will get it ASAP.
God bless!!!

Happy Monday

Hi everyone. Happy news to report: we got an awesome recliner yesterday for only $25.00. A friend/coworker of my mom's had it from her grandmother and let me buy it. We went to Morris to pick it up yesterday and looks brand new. There were even tags still on it. It is a maroon big one that matches the den great. I am so happy for it and appreciate the deal so much. I have been dying for one for a while but would (or could) not finance it. I actually fell asleep in it yesterday afternoon. Man, that's some good sleep!! And I feel so much better a/b having it for Matt's surgery on the 5th. Now we can prop his right arm up and he can be comfy. I had set up my savings and was going to wait to buy a new one w/ cash. But mom called last week saying she said I could get this one for a deal. Thanks again!!!!

Hailey update - asked Amy this AM and she said surgery Friday on her good eye went well. They think she will have sight in it but not sure how much. Big news = she is out of ICU and in her own room. That is so awesome b/c it means everything is coming together for her to recover. Amy said she is going to visit at lunch and will update me more. I will post when I know more. Thanks for the prayers and keep them up!!!

Me and Matt are working on our marriage but it isn't what I wish it would/could be. We have a lot of baggage, trust issues, history and pain. We need to be more involved in church, SS, and Celebrate Recovery. WE talked a little a/b it this AM and he has agreed to stop drinking. Which is a HUGE issue w/ our marriage. But i am enabler, which only sends mixed signals to him. I do the same w/ Emma and have got to put my foot down and keep it down. I pray for strength!!!! I spoke to Jenn this morning a/b my concerns and I'm so thankful she has words of wisdom for me. Matt and I love each other very much and w/ that I feel, we can accomplish anything. Look how far we have come alredy!!!! We still have a long road ahead and have to put Christ first and foremost in our lives and marriage. Matt normally follows my lead, so I feel the pull to be more of a Godly wife and mother and a leader in my home. We are supposed to be team, but aren't quite there yet. With God's love and devotion and guidance, we can get there though. I want Emma to be able to look at BOTH of her parent's and say to herself 'that's what i want for my life and marriage'. I know, most paren't probably want the same thing. But it's up to us to make that happen and not to settle for second best. Please pray for our family!!!

BBL - Kat

Praise God

Happy Friday everyone. I have a HUGE praise report this morning. My sister's husband, Matt Phillips celebrated 2 years of recovery yesterday. He will get his 2-year chip tonight at Celebrate Recovery and we owe it all to God. He is an awesome God!!!!! Matt is a huge inspiration to all of us and is a walking miracle. I brag on him every chance I get and I am just beyond proud of him. I knew he could do it, we all did. But until he let go and let God, he was trapped in the hell that we know as addiction. It is a horrible hell that so many people get sucked into. And only the strong survive it. Matt Phillips (I put his last name all the time b/c my husband is named Matt also) is a strong believer, follower in Jesus Christ and give Him all the glory. He and his family, as well as mine go to Church of Bradford Road and Celebrate Recovery at Clearbranch. Matt and I have only been to CR once but need to go more. To know where Matt P was, and where he is now. To know his story and his testimony is absolutely a miracle in every sense of the word. I pray he continues on this path and continues to amaze all of us. I have never seen my sister or Mason/Abby so happy. He just opened his own company doing home remodeling/matienance and is finally living his dream. Again, God is awesome and can do anything if you let Him. We are so proud of him!!! Please thank God for his recovery and remember him in your prayers.

BBL - Kat

Sleeping Girl - finally

My child slept through the night!!! WOOHOO!~!! I can't tell you the last time she did this. And she is 4 years old for goodness sakes. Her Pediatrician Dr. Webster (we both love her) said it is b/c we treat her like a princess during the day and cater to her every need. So at night, she does the same thing. She normally calls Matt in there at least 2x after I tuck her in for stupid stuff like 'cover me up, that shadow bothers me', etc. And usually calls one of us in there at least 1x during the night for something crazy too. Now if she is sick or has to tee-tee, I get that. But the stupid stuff was starting to get old. I figured it was seperation anxiety b/c of her dad being gone for almost a year and she just wanted to make sure he was there. But Dr. Webster said she has to learn to do on her own and be a big girl. Now Matt is better at this than me. For instance, letting her get herself dressed, brushing her own hair, taking her plate in the kitchen, etc. I do it b/c I am faster and get it done. But I can tell you I am working on all of it. She amazes me at what she can do on her own. She is now bathing herself while I either watch or tell her what to bathe next. And can do so many big girl things. Mainly she just does it when she wants to, instead of when I tell her to. I think I caught her rolling her eyes at me this AM b/c she wanted me to move her Little Pet Shop house (that Ashley and Shelby next door gave her last night, so sweet, and OMG that baby is the cutest baby ever and she is so scared of our cats) to the floor while I was drying my hair. Um, you are 4 and can do that on your own, come on!!!! So that is what we are battling these days. But she is so smart and I know she can and will do it. I guess this is the downfall to her being an only child and getting all of our attention 100% of the time.

HAven't heard anything a/b Hailey yet. But will continue to pray for her recovery and strength for her and the family.

God bless our country today as we watch history unfold. God bless our new President. It is history in the making - good or bad. We will see but I will pray for him no matter what. He has a tough road ahead of him no matter what.

Family and Hailey Update

First off, Amy called Saturday w/ happy news. She said Hailey was off the breathing tube completely, the surgery went well and her parent's were going to get to hold her that afternoon. I think they were discussing her own room also. Sunday her tongue started to swell and she started running a fever. So they put the tube back in and postponed surgery that was scheduled for today to reconstruct her nose and cheekbone and clean out her right eye. (she will have a glass eye put in place) Amy said it has been up and down w/ her but she is still fighting hard!!! Apparently word is getting out a/b our little fighter. Amy said the lead singer for the country band Shenandoah called Hailey's grandfather saying he is praying for her, as well as his church and he would be there to see her walk out of that hospital. It is so helpful for the family to know so many people care and are praying andd she is already touching people's lives. She is so strong and such an inspiration!!! Her mom is still doing ok w/ the pg also. Keep up the prayers!!! She is doing ok but has a long road. God is good and will continue to strengthen her and her family. I will keep you all updated when I talk to Amy again.


We are all doing well w/ our family. Broke as usual, but making it. Didn't go bowling but rented movies instead. I helped get Meghan and Cady ready for a wedding they were in Sat. morning and that was fun. Yesterday church was fantastic as usual. I am fired up and looking forward to the sermon series starting this week. I wish we lived closer so we could be more involved w/ Wednesday and activities like that. But it made me proud that Matt said yesterday that he didn't care how far away we lived, that wouldn't stop us from continuing from going to church there and being a part of our friends lives that live in Odenville/Moody. Then he quickly added as long as gas doesn't go back up to $4.00 a gallon.

We pray for Deb today. She is going in for minor exploratory surgery. And anytime someone goes 'under' we get a little nervous. She is such an awesome Grandmom, mom, mother-in-law. I'm sure all will be fine.

BBL - Kat

Emma this week

Hi everyone, while of course we are thinking of and praying for Hailey, I wanted to update you on Emma-lu. She did 2 hours of gymnastics Monday to make up for missed weeks over the holidays. Miss Beth said she was doing fantastic and a natural. I got there in time to watch some and she is good. (then again, I am probably biased and wanting a gymnast/cheerleader on my hands) She got her report card sent home Tuesday and everything looked good. We are working on letter recognition through flash cards every night. And now also working on numbers 10-20. She does well until 15 then skips around. But we will get there I'm sure. To look in her classroom is funny b/c it's all what we are working on at home at night also. She is probably so sick of going over all of that stuff. Oh and she is singing a new song a/b Jesus's disciples and it is so cute!!!! I love it and get her to sing it like 5x a night to us. Daddy had a big grin last night when she was sitting, singing it to him. I hope she always does that for us.

This weekend the only plan is to go bowling w/ mom, frank, alisa, deb, glenn, and maybe jenn's family. I hope they can go b/c it will be SOOO much fun and I will be too busy taking pics to even bowl. And of course church hopefully. I wish so much we lived closer so we could be more involved. Then again it's so great living next door to mom/Frank and Emma's school is fantastic. So good and bad I guess.

Again, continuing to pray for Hailey and her family and the docs/surgeons/nurses. Also pray for Matt. He has to have surgery on his right rotator cuff on Feb. 5. He had surgery on his left back in May I think and did it w/o narcotics. This time we are still doing the pump, but he will have narcotics w/ me carefully monitoring. I pray it goes well and I trust it will.

BBL - Kat

Hailey Leslie

Good morning everyone. I wanted to update you all on baby Hailey. Amy called last night and said she will be in surgery this AM to remove the bullet fragments and infection from her scull. Apparently when she called yesterday a surgeon had made a comment and the family pretty much panik. There is so much undecided right now w/ a head injury and a child this small. The main thing right now is she is stable and reacting to voices. Amy said her grandmother came and said 'this is your grandmother Hailey, squeeze my hand' and she did. That is a VERY good sign. They aren't doing an EEG b/c she is showing plenty signs of brain activity. She has definitely lost her right eye and will have to have reconstructive surgery on her nose and cheek. Right now she is in surgery and we all need to pray. She is already touching lives and people are praying for her around the globe. My mommy's groups is from all over the world and those wonderful women are praying. Last night Emma wanted me to sing her 'just one more song' and that was absolutely fine w/ me. Hailey is showing how strong she is and the whole family is hanging in there the best they can for her and each other. Again her mom is pg and due in 3-4 weeks. So of course special prayers go out to her and her unborn baby during this time. Please everyone keep this family in your thoughts and prayers. God is awesome and she is still with us. That shows that she has a purpose here on earth. We trust in Him during this time and pray for strength. Thank you everyone for keeping in touch and caring and praying. Keep it up!!! I will be back to update on how the surgery went as soon as I know.

Pray for Hailey

I got a email yesterday from my MIL, Deb saying a friend of ours niece was shot in the head accidentally over the weekend. Her name is Hailey and she is only 2 years old. Apparently her uncle was checking his gun in his truck when it went off. Hailey was running by the truck at the time. Her uncle thought it wasn't loaded and it was a new gun. I got a call this morning from my friend Amy that would be her aunt or cousin (not sure which) by marriage, asking me to pray and send the word out and she was crying. She said Hailey took a turn and we needed to pray. She is at the Children's Hospital here in B'ham w/ a head injury. Please everyone pray for sweet baby Hailey, her docs/nurses and her family. Also, Hailey's mom is due w/ another baby in 3-4 weeks. So please pray for that baby and her health during this time. We don't know why God does what He does or allows certain things to happen. It is during these times we go on faith. We all know HE has a plan for all of our lives. But as parent's, we dont' always understand. Please lift her up and rally around Hailey and her family. I will keep you all updated on that sweet angel.

My Inspiration

I have been working since September to get this weight off and I am now down to 120 thankfully. Before I got pg w/ Emma I was on the depo shot, while teaching/taking aerobics and eating like a bird. Yet I gained like 30# and could not until now, get it off. I haven't exercised much b/c through cheering I just got burned out. (i know some of you know what i mean) But now that Matt is SO AWESOME and works out religiously he is inspiring me to do the same. This summer at the beach I could tell he was proud of the way he looked. And he is freaking huge!!! I'm telling you, he went from big to taking Hydroxycut and BAM - HUGE!!!! Sure, there will always be someone sexier, hotter, bigger, cuter/prettier than all of us. But man, my husband is DANG HOT!!!!! So I need to get a move on and catch up to him. Last night I took Tricia's advice and got a work out video and some hand weights. MAtt was at the gym so I had Emma while trying to do it and it didn't work out too well. I had to cut it short, but that's ok. I am a tad sore today and am on the road to a healthy/hot me. Thank you Matt for encouraging me and inspiring me and for being so stinking HOT!!!!! :) WE are both eating pretty healthy (most of the time) also and that will show Emma how to live also. I tried to jump on her new trampoline for exercise but that didn't work too well. After having such a hard labor, can't really do that. Anyway, just wanted to keep everyone updated.
We have Awards Day tomorrow. Can't wait to beam w/ pride for our sweet girl.
Mason had an awards day this week w/ recognition for being on Beta Club and all A's I think. Such a great guy!!! And Abby has another pagent in February. Beautiful thing!!!

Thank you Lord for our happy, healthy family. WE owe all the glory to You.

Our big girl!!!

I guess I don't have a baby anymore. I don't even think she is a 'Toddler' most days. Last night Emma helped me SO much w/o me even asking. I was unloading the dishwasher and she said 'Mommy, can I help?' I said 'of course' and started showing her where things went. She put the tupperware up, pots and pans, (although she grunted and said they were heavy), and put her forks, spoons, and med droppers in their right containers in their drawer.
Then she proceeded to count out all of the fish sticks to put on the tray to cook. After that she poured the noodles in the water for mac & cheese. When those were done she mixed in the cheese. Then she wanted to fix mine and daddy's plates. So I set out all the stuff and she spooned it all out onto our plates. I was so proud and she got her choice of a few stickers for reward.
She was getting ready for her bath later and I went in there to help her get undress and potty to find she had already pottied, wiped, taken off her pants and panties and was working on her shirt. I had to stop myself from helping her and just watched in amazement how big she has become. Then I heard her a few times in the bath talking to her Dora characters. She is the smartest and cutest thing ever!!! I am so proud but must admit I miss my baby. (then again she will always be my baby!!! Just like I still crawl in my mom's lap when I'm sick or hurt. I hope she comes to me like that forever.)

Emma's First Award

I called yesterday to talk to Emma's teacher, Miss Theresea (yes I'm the mom that calls like 10x a day) and she told me Emma won an award. It is the Good Citizenship Award that is given out to 1 outstanding student per 6 weeks at GCA. It means she has been helpful w/ her fellow classmates, done what she was told by Miss Theresa, just been an overall good girl at 4K. Matt and I are so proud of her and wanted to share this accomplishment with you all. There will be a ceremony during Honors Chapel this Friday at 8:30 that me and Matt will attend and take pics. I will upload them ASAP. We are so proud of her and wanted to share!!! (guess the paint stirrer spankings have worked - LOL)

Awesome weekend

Hi everyone. We are back from the weekend and it was such a good one. The washing machine part came in Friday night and you should have seen us. All 3 of us were standing on the front porch waiting for the UPS guy with baited breath. Matt and Papa fixed it first thing Sat. morning and it was done and in by lunch. They amaze me. Between the 2 of them, they can do anything. In the old house Matt fixed faucets and put up lights, ceiling fans, they both built the Bible for Emma's parade, put up crown modeling, etc. Some men have to pay people to do those things, not my men!!! I am so lucky to have them and they continue to amaze me. We spent the night w/ Deb and Glenn and hung out w/ McCain and Ella and Amber. She is getting so big. I will have to download some pics and post them soon. She is 19 months old and is as beautiful and funny as ever. And she loves me and I love it so much. She walks to me w/ her arms out for me to love her and pick her up. It is so awesome and warms my heart.

Sunday we went to church and Deb came with us. Rodney was awesome as always and the music really gets us pumped up. Then saw Logan b/c Emma was having a fit. Then off to Mason's party where my sis and Matt have painted the kitchen and decorated w/ antique plates which look awesome. And we got to see all of my family and the people I love the most. Sheila and Angela are still on their cruise. But other than that, I am so thankful for the day. We got to spend it w/ our families and enjoy them and had such an awesome time. I thanked God last night in my prayers for such a wonderful, weekend filled w/ our friends and family we love so much. We are so lucky to all be so healthy and happy right now. I thank God for them.

Now we are all back at school and work and back to normalcy. Matt P is supposed to be working on my house some more today. Motivates us to want to do more w/ it.

xoxo- kat

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone!!! 2009 will be a fantastic one for the Drinkard's I hope. We didn't do much but after last year, that's a good thing. We got Alisa and Emma and got fireworks and Taco Bell. (those who know me know that's my fav) At first Emma wasn't so sure and the sparklers kind of scared Matt and I. She did love the poppy things you throw on the ground. And Alisa and I had fun throwing them at mom's window when she was asleep. I know, so mean right? Dad helped Emma hold Roman Candles and I helped alisa. It is scary w/ kids and fireworks though. Emma stayed up too late but that is to be expected. We watched TV, hung out, played cards and just enjoyed bringing in the New YEar w/ our wonderful family.

New Years Day we cleaned and did laundry and visited Deb, Glenn and Michelle. Had wonderful food at my mom's and his. So it was a great start to a great year. I hope everyone reading had a wonderful one w/ their family also.

I woke this morning w/ a reminder of how lucky I am to have such a wonderful, beautiful, healthy, smart, funny family. They really are my blessing and I hope I can be the wife and mom they deserve. I do have a wonderful husband that respects and loves and listens to me adn loves being a dad and husband. I am very lucky!!!!

Now we are back at work and having to get back into the swing of things. I am sure everyone is doing the same. School starts back for Emma on Monday so we will be putting the house back together and getting all of her stuff ready for that. Fingers crossed the washing machine part comes in today so Matt and Papa can fix it this weekend. I am thankful though to have MeMaw next door to help w/ the laundry while it's out. Love to u all -