Merry Christmas!!!

Another Christmas has come and gone. I don't know if I am glad or sad....a little of both. We did our usual running around, and was pretty grounded Christmas Eve & Day. Sawyer and Spencer loved all of their stuff...only a few things each. No need to go overboard :) They got exactly what they wanted, a bike and some toys. Santa even delivered a late gift to Spencer. He left it on the seat of Tim's van with a note that he found it in his sleigh. It was a globe and he loves it. He ran to put it on his dresser when he got it.

We hope you all had a great Christmas. I tried to load a slide show, so I hope it shows up soon!

Christmas Parties

Pennies for Pets

Check out Spencer admiring his money he collected for Pennies for Pets. This week his school collected money for the Animal Shelter in Camden, and Spencer (being the dog lover he is) decided to collect his own. He took the jar to church last wednesday and after all was said and done, he collected $25.47. Isn't that great!?! In all the school collected over $800 (their goal was $250). I think it's wonderful, and I am so proud of him for wanting to help.

Speaking of Spencer, let me tell you what he did. We have been struggling with homework and especially reading. Sunday night he took forever to read his story, and Monday night he took an hour and 45 mintues to do homework. The majority of this time he was stumbling and stuttering over words. SOOO!! Since Tim has been working like crazy AND being pregnant AND having the demands of a nearly 1 year old, I made the decision for everyone's sake to get a tutor. I thought I should talk things over with his teacher before I actually contacted someone, and BOY WAS I GLAD I DID! I explained everything to her about the homework and ask her if I should be telling him the words, or should he sound them out, the whole time, she didn't really look very concerned...this bothered me. THEN she informs me that Spencer is NOT one of her struggling readers and he reads fine in class. She advised me against the tutor and assured me he is capable of doing the work if he concentrates. So after school ( on the way to have his finger checked out he decided to cut) I ask him to read his story to me while we were going down the road. I also added, "By the way, read to me the way you read to your teacher in class." So he starts in on his story, not missing one word. So I stopped him and ask "WHY?" He said, "You know how I sound out the words? I'm just messing with you!" Can you believe that? Well, those of you who know Spencer...it's not hard to believe. Back to the cut...he, Lyndsey and Aleah were outside playing yesterday and he decided to cut his finger with a piece of glass(he said Lyndsey threw it..I told him she would have to be Hercules to cut like that). So we had to go get it checked out. I thought it was kinda deep, so now he has some dermabond holding it closed so it can heal! THANKS DOC!!!!

Logan, the Sky Angel Cowboy!

Something to think about! My cousin Ginger Dunn sent this to me and I thought I would share with everyone! Enjoy!

Gingerbread Night & A Book for Sullivan

We attended the first grade Gingerbread night at school this week. Spencer has a blast making his house. Then after school the next day he ate most of it. I tried to convince him to save it, but he said he wanted to eat it. We had so much fun...NOW it seems like christmas!

We purchased a book and donated it to the library in memory of Sullivan's 8th birthday. The book was presented to Spencer Wednesday on the morning show. Also, speaking of books...in one of my classes this week, we read the book "The Crippled Lamb". This book is AWESOME! While talking with Janice on the phone, she looked it up and Books a million has it for $5.95. I would highly encourage you to go out and get this book. It's such a sweet book and really makes you appreciate life.

Have a great weekend!

Updates

We went to the OB dr yesterday, and after a little scare, everything is ok. At first they couldn't get the heartbeat, so they done an ultrasound. There was the little one, kicking around, just as active as can be. Everything looked fine and we got to hear the heartbeat through the ultrasound...what a relief! The Dr did inform me that I would not even have a chance to labor this time, and they would do a C-section around 39 weeks. Apparently the risk is higher for complications after 2 previous c-sections. I am against it, but I will do whatever is best for the baby and myself.

As for Sawyer, he still is very irritable. Saturday he was vomitting, who knows why? I don't know if it was a stomach virus or what. But that goodness it is GONE! The ears are another issue...don't know what is going on with them. He has been on his antibiotic for 9 days and is still pulling at his ear. Today he has been a little cry baby ALL DAY! I think it was the formula we switched him to. He didn't spit up or anything, I just think he didn't like the taste. Then when we tried to feed him, he tried to slap it out of your hand....so WHO KNOWS?

Spencer is fine, as usual and is as happy as can be since he has a christmas tree in he and Sullivan's bedroom. He has begged for a couple of days now, so it is finally done! Check that off my list of things to do, but the list doesn't ever get any shorter. That's just life I guess.

HAVE A GOOD WEEK!

Happy 8th Birthday Sullivan & Happy Thanksgiving

Today we celebrated Sullivan's 8th birthday and thanksgiving. Things were going ok until Tim got sick around 4am. Apparently he didn't follow the directions on some medicine he took. WELL....he paid for it all day. He got up long enough to go to the cemetery and put out the balloons and stuff, deep fry the turkey, lay back down, release balloons, lay back down until 8pm then got up just long enough to sing happy birthday to Sullivan and cut the cake and he's back in bed. Poor guy! He didn't eat ANYTHING all day long. He sure better rest up, 4am comes very early tomorrow for shopping!

We had my parents and siblings over for lunch today... Minus Mike, Lyndsey and Aleah, they were sick with the stomach virus. Special thanks to those who stopped by to visit us, my parents, Ant+Trixie, Wendy, Michael, Elizabeth, Leslie, Emma & Trent. We know you think about us and realize how hard days like this can be. I guess some people still haven't figured out what life and family is all about...maybe ONE DAY!

Family Fun Day

We have successfully completed another Family Fun Day in memory of Sullivan's birthday. We raised just under $2000 + the BCBS donation of $1000 and we raised close to $3000. Thanks to all who assisted in making this day a success. We appreciate all of your help. What a wonderful way to remember Sullivan's birthday. Sorry no pictures. Linda Rabon was our photographer and is working on something special for me. Hopefully I can post something later ;)

Have a great thanksgiving week!

2nd Annual Family Fun Day

We are preparing for the Family Fun Day...

Sat, Nov 17 11am-4pm
Kershaw County Rec Dept
Bake sale/cake walk
Basket Raffle
50/50 drawing
Hotdog lunch $5 adults/$3 kids
Sheriff's Dept Demo
Smoke House tours
& a DJ
Questions or to volunteer...
call me 438-8579or 338-3573

EVERYONE IS INVITED!

PROCEEDS GO TO MADD
(in memory of Sullivan's 8th birthday)

Book Parade

Wateree Elementary had their annual book parade today. Spencer's class decided on Stellaluna. Aren't they cute bats? Tim & I cut out 19 pair of bat wings...thanks tim!

Sawyer didn't want to miss a photo opportunity!

Oh October!

We have had a very busy month. Sorry I'm a little late. Here's the updates...

• Spencer finished his first season of soccer, which he absolutely loved. Finally, a sport/activity he enjoys.
• Sawyer's first Halloween
• Field trip to Finlay Park and to see the play, Junie B Jones
• Trip to the fair, see Leslie's blog for more fair pics
• Sawyer had the croup and a double ear infection
• Planning the Family Fun Day for Sullivan's 8th birthday (more details to come)
• Started substituting at school
• Baking cakes for a little extra money (more details to come) :)

ENJOY!!

What a morning!

This morning I was fortunate enough for Tim to take Spencer to school, so I could get Sawyer back to sleep, or so I thought. I received a call from the Department of Corrections informing me that Sullivan's offender had been transferred to another facility. But, before I could get this info, I had to jump out of bed, grab Sawyer run to the frog, get the file with our password in it and enter the number before the information could be released. Isn't it nice to know that he has been transferred from the McCormick Correctional Institution {level 3} to the Wateree River Correctional Institution {level 2} right here in Kershaw County. Isn't that great??!! I had to make several phone calls to find out WHY he was transferred, only to be given the reason of, it was an administrative move, because of space needed for new inmates and lack of beds, he has been sent to Wateree. This facility is a lower level, but they still ensure me that it IS maximum security. What a way to start out my day. This has ruined my day! But atleast now he is closer to his family. We still drive the same distance to the cemetery and still look at the same empty bedroom and still console Spencer when he ask, "why ?"

A Picture is worth 1000 words...OR SHOCK!!

It's a little fuzzy, but I think you know what it means!

Update on the sick

Apparently the kids got the memo to get sick. Spencer started with his cough last Sunday, then passed the sore throat on to me on Tuesday and then Sawyer started with the cough, runny nose and fever on Thursday. Friday we took him to the doctor to find out he has the croup. Night after night in the recliner, he finally slept last night in his bed, thankfully ALL NIGHT! Talk about a blessing. Other than that, things are going ok. Diego is almost back to normal. Anthony took him for his follow up visit last Friday and things are ok. As soon as he saw Anthony, he perked up and started jumping...like I haven't nursed him for days...he thinks Anthony is his hero. Oh well, atleast everyone is getting well.

Inakaya

We enjoyed some yummy dinner last night at Inakaya for Tim's birthday. I think we laughed as much as we ate. Thanks for going everyone., and thanks to Katrina (&Anthony) for watching the kids for us. And thanks too, to Ashley (& Mom) for helping with Sawyer on Thursday while I attended my substitute training class.

Diego is slowly coming around. He hasn't really improved a whole lot. Here is a picture this morning when we took him outside to walk around. Not much walking around, but atleast he got out for a minute. Spencer decided to let him out this morning around 7:30 to use the bathroom....in the living room. He said that he was taking him upstairs to his room. Nice gesture, nasty mess. He did try to clean it up, so I'll have to give him credit for that. I know this is not a good picture to look at, but this is the result of a vicious dog being out on the streets of Kershaw County. We do have a leash law in this county, but as you can see the owners of the other dog didn't not abide by the law.

Diego

We have had a very emotional couple of days. Wednesday night we let Diego inside while wewere doing yard work. Well when we finished we let him out about 8:40 or so. When Tim went out at 9:50, he realized we had accidentally left the gate open and Diego had gotten out. Tim, Mike & Anthony searched and searched and couldn't find him. Well after about an hour or so of searching (and knocking on the door of the individual that had him when he was missing in May), Anthony happened to spot him laying in the ditch. He had been viciously attacked by another dog and was bleeding terribly. Anthony grabbed him up and brought him home. He & Mike ended up taking him to the ER @ the vet's office because Tim had to go to work. So after Ham checked him out, he didn't have any significant damage to any organs, and no broken bones, but he was pretty chewed up. He spent 2 nights at the vet, and I just picked him up this afternoon. He has one drain tube in, and he goes back next Friday for a re-check. When the nurse handed him to me, he laid his head over on my shoulder :( it just broke my heart. But he is now home and in his crate, to keep him from getting into anything and anyone from bothering him. As you can see, he wouldn't lift his head for a picture. When Spencer got home, he just sat by his crate looking at him and talking to him.

His spirits are getting a little higher, but all he has been doing is laying around.

I will keep you posted!

Happy Birthday Tim!

Happy 35th Birthday Tim! Thanks to all for the calls and email!

Spencer's 1st Soccer Game

Spencer had his first soccer game on Sat. He seemed to enjoy himself...still learning. The weather was HOT! I couldn't believe he played and didn't complain about the heat. It was only 83 but it seemed like 100 in an open field without shade. Thanks to all who came to cheer him on. He had the largest cheering section.

Here's Tim cooling Spencer off with a piece of ice.

What's in a name?

This morning on my way to Columbia, I had to stop off in Elgin and pick up some lawn mower blades. Well, they had what I needed and whenever I got ready to pay, I handed the guy my debit card. He walk around the corner and then looked back at me and said, "Spradley? Which one are you related to?" Of course, my reply was Tim. I thought he would give me the usual response of "Oh, you're the one that lost your son?" Well, he didn't say that, but he said , "Oh, you're the good ones." Then he goes on to tell me that he had some dealings with one particular Spradley and it was NOT GOOD! He told me who it was and what happened, but that doesn't really matter. The most important thing was someone else knew what I have always known...Tim is such a good man. But this whole situation got me to thinking about the whole "NAME" thing means/stands for. What exactly is in a name? Do we really think about who we are and what we represent? Are we the honest person we should be at all times and in all things and in all places? (sound familiar yw) I try to do the right thing, and we are constantly drilling into the heads of our boys to be on their best behavior at all times, because someone is ALWAYS watching us and waiting to see what we will do and how we will handle situations as they arise. I think we have handled ourselves pretty well over the past 2 years and 3 months. Our lives have taken a path we never really thought it would. SO, there again, we had a choice to make. We could have taken another road and ended up in a different situation. But we are so thankful for the plan of salvation in our lives and knowing what we know about life on this earth and life after this one. It's obvious to all we know, we have lost something during this life that we will never get back....however, we know what is ours if we but choose to do the right thing. I urge all reading this to give it a little thought and consider how you would have reacted and if you are living up to your name.

Zoo & a kitten...or 4

Apparently, we have kittens and the mama cat living under our front porch. I saw them yesterday morning when I went out to shake my dust mop. Then after school Spencer and I saw 3 more of the kittens. I don't know exactly how many, but it's atleast 4. I managed to snap a quick picture before this 1 could run away.

Sawyer had his first trip to the zoo today. I didn't know how he would do, but he was very observant. He enjoyed looking at the animals and absolutely loves riding around in his stroller.

Days go by

Sawyer is now 8 months old. Isn't that almost too hard to believe? He is just amazing us everyday with new "stuff". He is now pulling up on any/everything he can get a hold of, acting like he can cough or sneeze if you do it first, chewing everything and (I'm afraid to say it) sleeping all night...sometimes.

Spencer is doing better in school (today that is). Today was Grandparent's Day @ school, so my mom & dad went to eat lunch with him. Spencer's test scores and daily work is 100's most of the time, but he is having issues with talking...I don't know where he gets that from. However, today he didn't get his name on the board or have to give up any recess time. So he was pretty excited today. I was really beginning to have concerns with him, because no punishment seemed to work. But it looks like after today hopefully he is on a new track.

David Beckham Jr.

We don't know all the rules, and we don't know exactly how to play, but check out this form. To sum up today's practice, Spencer is in a world all his own. Sometimes he's working with the team, sometimes he's doing his own thing.

Sawyer is listening intently to Tim and I talking to my dad.

A Weekend of new things

Sawyer is enjoying his walker at Grandma Sandra's, so I pulled ours down from the attic, and he loves it too. He can't figure out how to go forward, just backwards.







Friday night Tim, myself, Trey and the boys all went out to Dick's Sporting Goods to get all of Spencer's soccer gear. Doesn't he look cute?!

















Here is Tim's newest toys. He has needed a new truck for pulling his racecar and trailer, so I was shopping around on ebay, here is what I found. I bid on it on Monday evening, won the auction Tuesday and we went and picked up the truck on Wednesday. Spencer took the picture, that's why it's so far way...I told him not to go off the porch. Notice Tim with his arms in the air.

Not much going on!

Beach day @ school

GOT MILK?

Spelling Test

We have worked diligently on Spencer's spelling words all week, and boy did it pay off. He made 102 on his very first spelling test. We are so proud of him. As I spent most of the afternoon praising him, we got home to do homework and I discovered a note in his bag from his teacher. Apparently he decided to climb the wall in the bathroom during their break yesterday...and...excessive talking caused him to lose his recess...AND...he was making fart sounds in class. Is this mine and Tim's school days coming back to haunt us? This should prove to be an interesting year. I'll definately keep you posted.

What? Another tooth?

Well it appears as though Sawyer has decided to get another tooth. You could feel it coming in, but now you can see it peeking through the gums. After the 1st tooth came in last week, he started running a fever (102.3 under his arm), which I attributed to teething...WELL, I was wrong. Tim noticed a rash broke out on his chest as he was changing him Monday night. So after a few phone calls, it seems as though he has Roseola. The rash is still there, so we will see what develops.

TOO FUNNY!

I don't care who you are, this is just funny!

Girls Night Out

Tonight we were invited to Crissy Towns for a girls night out. We had pizza and a CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN! Yum-o! Everything was delicious. Ashley laughed when I told her that I was bringing chips for the chocolate...I sure didn't see her turning away after she tried one. We all forgot our cameras, so sorry no pics to show. Thanks to Crissy for having us and for the hilarious movie in the awesome home theater.

We've got a tooth!

No picture to prove it, but Sawyer's tooth finally broke through the gums on the bottom today. You could barely see it this morning, but by tonight you can see it good. As soon as you can see it (and tell what it is) I will post a picture.

Back to School

As you can see, Spencer is ready for first grade. We had our usual routine last night; bath, book, prayers and the back to school father's blessing by Tim. Spencer was up this morning and ready to go. Surprisingly, no tears...from anyone. I was a little shocked. He went right in, put his backpack and lunch bag in his locker and went to his desk and started on his worksheet. I was talking with his teacher and he came over to me and said, "bye, i love you mommy." Of course, I am thinking, aren't you going to hang on me and beg me not to go? I guess our little guy is growing up. Kinda sad to see him starting first grade. Even harder to imagine Sullivan would begin 2nd grade and turn 8 this year. Where has the time gone?

Meet the Teacher Night

Spencer & Mrs. Blankenship got acquainted tonight at meet the teacher night. We only had a few minutes to speak and check out his classroom. He seems to be pretty excited about school. His desk area has 4 desk together and he is the only boy among 3 girls...I think he will enjoy this. Notice the stack of books on his desk. Looks like things will get pretty serious this year. No more fun sheets and play centers.
As we were headed out the door, Spencer had a backpack of dogs, a purple wristband and a chain hanging on his shorts. After a quick lookover, I made him put everything on the table...or so I thought. I explained to him that the chain could be considered a weapon and he needed to leave it at home. After we left school and went to eat, we got to mom's to pick up Sawyer and Spencer pulls a knife out of his pocket. Who knew? After all the explaining I had just gone through about the chain and he pulls out a knife. Thank goodness it wasn't the first day of school, he would have gotten expelled. Looks like this could prove to be an interesting year!

Waterpark

We took a little day trip to the Fort Jackson Waterpark on Tuesday with Elizabeth, Ashley, Emery, Leslie, Emma & Trent. Although it was VERY hot, we had a great time. Darla and the kids were there too! As you can see it was very nice just to hang out and enjoy the cool water. Other than the pools being closed down periodically for bathroom accidents, we had fun!

Elizabeth & Spencer in the lazy river and on the slides.

Ashley & Emery enjoying the lazy river.

The kids enjoying a little snack.

Tim's Favorite Outfit

I thought everyone would like to see Sawyer's outfit that TIM LOVES!! Saturday when my mom had the kids for a while, we got home and she had this outfit on Sawyer. Tim told me when I took it off of him not to put it back on him. Yeah right? Hasn't he learned anything over the last 14 years...

As you can see, Sawyer is growing and as happy as ever. He turned 7 months yesterday and is growing by leaps and bounds. He is crawling all over the place, babbling and playing pat-a-cake! Spencer is enjoying his last week of summer break. Still not very excited about going back to school, but we are trying to get him excited about first grade. That is so hard to believe. Enjoy this smile and have a nice week!!

Spencer's new shoes

Those of you who know Spencer, know that he has a shoe and clothes fettish. Wendy & I took him shopping for new shoes last week and that night before bed, apparently he tucked himself into bed with them. HE LOVES THEM JENNY! How adorable is this picture? This ones for you!

One Crazy Week

We have embarked on an adventure with a well known company to remodel our master bathroom shower. We noticed a leak in the dining room several months back and after discovering the problem was coming from our shower, we decided to go with someone to remodel it that could do all of the work at one time, in and out, once and done...YEAH RIGHT! Monday morning (7/30) they were suppose to be here at 8:30 to begin the remodel. But they didn't show up until after 1. I should have known from this was an indication as to how the week would progress.

First of all I woke up feeling kinda sick, and as the day went by I never felt any better. Then Tuesday was even worse. I took Spencer to school and then headed to WalMart to grab some groceries. I almost froze then whole time I was in there. So when I got home I changed my clothes and laid down for a few minutes. As the afternoon goes on, I felt even worse. My chest was hurting, but I just thought I had gotten engorged and it was just sore. Little did I know that I had developed an infection. After nearly passing out in the floor, I made a phone call to the Lactation office at the hospital. That turned in to a visit at my OBGYN office to get a rx. Apparently I have developed mastitis. YIKES! Let me be straight forward and tell you this HURTS!!!! I'll spare you all of the details, but believe me, you don't want it. Anyway, after getting this problem addressed and on the way to recovery, I still had to deal with a ripped out, half completed bathroom. Keep in mind that Tim and I have not used our bathroom since March. So by this point in the process, I'm beginning to get a little PO-ed! By the time Friday rolled around, my sweet smile and Mrs Niceness had completely worn OFF! I finally told the man that this work was not acceptable and if we need to involve an attorney, then so be it. He assured me that was not necessary. SO, we've started another week and the bathroom is still not finished and will not be finished for another 2-3 weeks. Oh, and did I mention the 3rd day into the MESS they call a re-do the guy ask me for a check???!! Yeah, OK! I assured him that we would discuss the money when the job was complete and we are 110% satisfied!

Did I mention that Michael killed a rattlesnake Thursday night in our back yard? It was pretty big and had 8 rattles, somewhere around 4-5 ft long. yikes! NO MORE RIDING BIKES TO GRANDMAS HOUSE!

Hopefully this week will get better. But so far it's questionable! Tomorrow is school registration :( I AM NOT READY!! Spencer either. I told him tonight that we were going to registration tomorrow and he said he didn't want to go to school. This should be an interesting year.