Family Day!

Yesterday, we had a little "family day" and it was probably one of the best days we've had! We had to go to Monroe Co for Heath's award thing. He saved a man's life so he got a "cardiac arrest save" pin for doing it. Just so you're aware, it's not as easy as it may sound. Once a person dies, it's very rare that they come back and actually make it out of the hospital. The really cool thing was that the patient was there to thank him and his partner. It just helps with making the job a little bit more worth it. ;) 

Braxton, of course, had a blast with the ambulances and helicopters there! They were such a great group of people and we really did have a great time with them and getting to know them. I couldn't be more proud of my husband. He doesn't get paid what everyone might think, and he misses out on a lot but when I hear of what he does and who he's saved and other stories, I know it has to mean something to him because it just gives me goosebumps every single time. Not many people can say they've done what he's done and for that-I couldn't be prouder of him. This isn't the first life he's saved and I'm sure it won't be the last. I'm so glad he's such a great EMT and Paramedic. 

Heath then decided on a whim that he wanted to take us to Gatlinburg, since we were already halfway there. Now, I was so excited! I love Gatlinburg and I love visiting. That's where he got engaged 3 years ago (what!??) so I think it'll always mean a little something to me. :) There's just so much to do and it's up in the mountains, it's just a really cool place to visit and hang out. Since we were just there for the day, we decided to do the Ripley's Aquarium since we knew that Braxton could go and that he would actually enjoy it. And enjoy it, he did!! We had a blast!! I couldn't have asked for a better day. 

Just a few pictures from the Aquarium..trust me, I took like 100. :/ I have a picture problem, apparently. I just like to document things because after my brother-in-law's passing, it makes me realize that memories are everything in life. Don't take a day for granted. Make it the best you've ever had.

Until next time! 

love always.

-kj

Feeling Like A Bad Mom..

No, I don't do drugs..never have, never will. I don't smoke and I don't drink. Today was just really hard. With Braxton growing everyday and getting smarter, days keep getting harder. We had to sit for an hour today, waiting..waiting for him to actually want to take his medicine that he needed. AN HOUR!!! And then..after his nap, we had to wait for about half an hour or so. How do I even have hair left??

He's 2 and knows exactly how to push my buttons. I find that to be a little crazy but I don't think that me being home with him 24/7 helps a whole lot. I lose my patience a lot more often & easier. And when I come to visit my parents and my mom tries to help me and advice me, it's hard. It's hard for me to take constructive criticism and so I feel like a terrible mother. I'm trying to tell myself that it's normal but it's so hard! Honestly, there's nothing more than I want than to just have my sweet, innocent, little boy back. I know that's a long shot but good grief, he's wearing me out and QUICK. I know I need a break but then I feel guilty. For the others out there that can't wait to just get pregnant and start a family, for the ones who want nothing more than what I have. They don't care about the issues and hardships. And a lot of people, like me, don't get a break. Ever. 

On another note, I made my parents dinner tonight & my mom, Braxton, and I had a blast! :) I made that Tortellini Bake, which I love, and now, they do too! Score! My mom made the chicken that we added to it so it made it more of a 'meal' and Braxton had a pancake. He's a little spoiled. 

quick picture of the cookers! :)

So, do any other mom's have these kinds of days as well? Any tips? 

Anyways, that's about it for the night. I could probably go on and on but I'm sure you guys would get sick of it. Haha. Good night, y'all! =)

love always.

-kj

Tough Days Happen

So, as many of you know, I suffer from depression and even though I am on medication for it, I still have my hard days. Yesterday was one of those days. Having a 2 year old who has temper tantrums & having an "off" day is one of the hardest things ever. It honestly took everything in me to not just walk away and hide away in my room. Sometimes, I just need a break but I can't. I don't really have that option. Everyone else has their own lives and things to do which makes me feel bad for asking for help. Living right next to Heath's mom, I think I ask too much..it'd be different if it were my mom, of course..that's just how I feel. 

Thankfully, Ryan and LeAnn came over and hung out for a few hours which kept Braxton pretty busy. =) Afterwards, he put 'big boy' underwear on Braxton and he had them on for about 6 hours and went through like 4 or 5 pairs. It was kinda messy but hey, it was a start. 

How cute is he in those underwear? :) These kids are cute together, even though, Braxton can be kind of a sass, but it is what it is. He's a 2 year old. I can't wait to get him together with more kids his age for a little "play date". 

So, for every mother who struggles with depression or any other kind of disease- hang in there. "This too shall pass" Whether it's a day or a week..it will get better. Hang in there! You're a great mother and your kids are lucky. You are not alone and I'm here if you need to talk! 

Until next time...

love always.
-kj

Date Night!

Between Heath working 2 jobs and going to his Fire classes, we were finally able to have a night to ourselves! Braxton had been driving me crazy so I was so glad to get out! He went and spent the night with my parents because they hardly ever just get time with him by themselves so I think they had a fun time together. We had a fun time out for our 3 years together! I still can't believe Heath and I have been together for 3 years..it's crazy how far we've come. It hasn't been easy but it's been so worth it. He's become my best friend and my rock in which I need more than he probably realizes. 

3 years ago today that we became a couple!

We went to Outback Steakhouse which is where we went for our first date. :) I'm so glad we did because it was so good!! I was so full, I seriously had a 'food baby'..haha!! It was just nice to be able to go out and relax and not have to worry about Braxton's behavior. I must say that a night out and not seeing Braxton for the day did do some good for him too! He was better behaved when I showed up the next day. Oh, the irony! He actually ate for my mom too. I'm not a perfect mother and sometimes it's hard to hear advice because it's all I hear. I get sick of hearing how I'm not doing something right. But I know people tell me to help me but it's still hard to listen to the advice. 

Our delicious meal and our free anniversary dessert..which was amazing and was way too much!!! I seriously felt like I was going to burst walking out of there that night. I know I kinda just took a drastic turn but I got sick of that talk..that'll have to save it for another night. =) 

Anyways, I need to head to bed..I have to get to church tomorrow and praise the Lord for all I've been blessed with! =) Until next time..

love always.

-kj