Hangin with the Baileys

Andrew, Parker, and Levi's band

When Michael was in Ohio we stayed part of the time at the Baileys. They were so sweet to let us crash at their house, eat their food, keep them up late, and watch our kids. We had so much fun and I cried when I left. Michael, Levi and I ate really well. Thanks Rach for all the great food. The boys had so much fun together. They were boys and we could hear them constantly. The Baileys have a great backyard and Levi loved being out there every minute. They played in the sprinkler, on the swing set and all over the house. Rachel and I took the boys swimming at the apartment where Michael and I had stayed. The boys loved the water and it felt really good. Benson and Dillon got used to the water and decided that they liked it too.
We all went to the zoo and it was hot. There is a log ride at the zoo and so Troy, Andrew and I went for a ride. It was so fun, except that I was completely drenched. We saw lots of interesting animals, did lots of walking, and were exhausted at the end of the day.

So one day it had rained so the boys went outside and the next thing we know they are covered in mud. I don't understand how boys can find a mess to get into to. They were sitting in the mud, rubbing their heads in the mud, and giving themselves mud facials. The neighbor kids were appaulled at what the boys were doing. Soon after they found the mud, Levi decided that he needed a mud bath because he stripped down butt naked and played in the mud and everyone could see. I quickly brought him in and he had a long bath.
I thought that the mud baths were done, but the day before we left they found more mud and so I once again found Levi butt naked running around. He sure was having fun.I didn't post any naked pictures, because they were quite revealing. Here is a video of the mess.

We had lots of laughs and it was really nice to be able to go on dates with Michael without the boys. Dillon and Benson were cute to watch. They were interested in eachother and I think they wanted to play together.

We really had a great time and we were impressed at how well the boys got along. It was so nice to get away from everything and see new sites. It is hard to write everything we did, but we had so much fun. Thanks again Bailey Family!

Way Behind

I realize that I have not posted anything for about a month and I apoligize to my huge fan base. I know that you all have been waiting, and I have a good reason for not blogging. Now I am going to complain a little, so if you don't want to read this then that is fine. Some may say that Michael being gone wasn't as bad as I make it out to be, but they don't really know.

Michael left in March of this year to go to Louiville Kentucky and do a 3 month clinical rotation. I have had a difficult 3 months without a husband and father here. Levi doesn't understand what went on, but would ask for his Daddy every day. It was hard to have a newborn, a toddler adjusting to a new sibling, and Michael gone. He was able to come home some weekends and we were so glad when he came home. I even planned to go up to see Michael one weekend and that was a great weekend. I can't write in words how hard it is to have someone who loves you and who takes care of you gone. I was adjusting to having two kids which is so hard sometimes.

After going to Kentucky for 3 months he had to go to Ohio for a month. The blessing in going to Ohio was that our dear friends the Baileys lived there. Troy Bailey had graduated a year ahead of us and his wife Rachel and I were so close. I had a very hard time last year when they moved. Well they lived in Ohio now and offered to have me come and stay with them while Michael was up there. I gladly took them up on their offer and for the month of June we have been living in Ohio. I couldn't take a month of Michael being gone and he would not be able to come home on the weekends. It made the best sense for us to go with him and I am so glad we did.

We are back now in Tennessee and I am so glad that those 4 months are over. It was harder then I thought it would be and I never want to have to do that again. I have lots to post and so my catching up will take some time.

I am thankful for the prayers and help I received these last few months. I have cried a lot, but have become closer to my Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for the many people who asked how I was doing. I am so glad that Michael is home now and thank you to everyone who thought of our family.

Here goes all the posting from Mother's Day, Levi's Birthday, Our Anniversary, Kentucky Trip, Father's Day and Ohio Trip. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Shelby!

My little sister turned 10 the beginning of June. She is such an amazing person. Shelby has Costello Syndrome. There are only about 300 cases known worldwide.

"Costello Syndrome is a distinct multiple congenital malformation syndrome characterized by postnatal growth retardation, distinctive face, lax skin, and developmental delay."

I have such a tender spot in my heart for her and all those suffering from disorders and diseases. She has brought a wonderful spirit into our lives. There were times when I thought "why can't she be "normal,"" but I know that she is so special and is here to teach us. Levi and Shelby have become best friends and now she doesn't want to talk to me, only Levi. She has blessed my life and I love her.

Shelby, I hope you had a great birthday and we miss you. We love you so much!

5 Year Anniversary

Michael and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary on June 18. We were in Ohio and the Baileys watched the kids so we could go on a date. It was so nice to be together and be a date. We went and ate dinner and then went minature golfing and rode go carts. It was so fun. It was good to reconnect and just talk. We had so much fun and I still can't believe that I have been married 5 years. I hope that we have many years ahead of us. Thanks hon for all you do. I Love You!

Levi turned 3!

Levi has turned 3. I can't believe that 3 years has flown by. Levi was such a good baby and now is a wonderful boy. He is very wild and loves to run and jump as all boys do. We are so thankful for him and the many things he teaches us. I am kicking myself for not writing down all the funny things he says. The other day I asked him to help me and he said "Just a minute, I'm relaxing." He makes me laugh everyday. We are grateful for Levi and we love him very much.


We had a little birthday party for him and it was a very hot day. It didn't turn out at all like I thought. I ruined his cake about a hour before the party and so I hurried to make another one. It was a mess. I was stressed with Michael being gone and so that stress carried into his party. I hope that everybody had a good time, because I know that Levi did. It didn't matter to him that his cake was ruined, it was hot, and things didn't go well. He just enjoyed his friends being there and having fun. Thanks everybody.

Levi is a huge fan of Lightening McQueen and "Cars" He wants to watch it everyday and loves all things cars. He got this balloon which is actually still "alive and well" even after us being gone a month. What a character.
He also got some great bubble gadgets and he had fun with those.

Happy Mother's Day

I want to just tell my mother how much I love her. She is such a wonderful person. She has given me a wonderful example of how to love others, be a mother, a friend, and a wife. I am so grateful to her and that she put up with me in spite of all my faults. Thank you Mom. I Love You.


My mother-in-law has also been a wonderful example to me. She spoils Michael and loves everyone. She is always willing to help me and drop whatever she is doing to help others. She raised a wonderful son and I am grateful for her. Love you Debbie.