Have you ever been pulled over...by accident?

Yep, I said "by accident."

Yesterday afternoon I picked the boys up from school and headed home only to find my heart in my throat when I looked up and there were blue lights in my rear view mirror.  I did what any good, law abiding citizen would do in this situation and pulled into the closest parking lot to await my fate.  The police officer seemed to hesitate before pulling in after me.  He then turned off his blue lights and pulled up along side me looking quite red faced and said, "I am so sorry I didn't realize my blue lights were on...I guess that is why that lady let me out at Zaxby's!" True Story.

1 Year...

Today marks our 1 year seizure free mark.  Although it isn't the much looked forward to 2 year mark...it is a good day.  Last year at this time, I was in an emergency room with DS2 after he had experienced another, (albeit different type),  seizure and we were waiting to see a pediatric neurologist.  Today he is spending the afternoon on the golf course with his Dad and big brother.God is good.

It has been an interesting year, as I have learned more than I ever wanted to know about brains and seizures.  The word epilepsy has become a regular part of my vocabulary. We chose to forgo medications and try the Modified Atkins Diet (a more moderate approach to the Ketogenic Diet) to treat the seizures.  Seemingly we have been rewarded and my son is doing well.

This year has changed me in ways I couldn't have imagined.  I suppose it has changed our whole family.  Some of those changes have been been good, some not so good. I still have a huge amount of anxiety over even the smallest of details but I am slowly getting better.  DS2 is pretty patient with me and my "mama drama" and my other children seem to (for the most part) understand why I am so concerned.  I continue to struggle to balance the overprotective instinct with DS2's need to grow and handle things on his own.   It is a new season for us and I try to be Thankful to God for His mercy and that my family is still all together

Is it to early to think about Valentines?

I think my first crafty project of the new year will be a new wreath for our front door.  It always looks kind of lonely and sad after Christmas.  Of course, for inspiration I turned to Pinterest.  I really like these wreaths and need to decide which one to tackle:

Source: sweetsomethingdesign.blogspot.com via Bella on Pinterest

Source: flowerona.com via Bella on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Bella on Pinterest

So, which do you like best?

Gorgeous Homes of Edenton, NC

Edenton, North Carolina is a little gem that lies on the Albemarle Sound in the north-eastern corner of North Carolina.

 The streets are lined with amazing historical homes that look like something out of a movie set.  Seeing as Charleston, SC is my favorite city you wouldn't think the homes in Edenton would be so noteworthy, but trust me when I say, it is well worth a visit if you love history and old houses!

Edenton also has some pretty fabulous restaurants and cafes. As a matter of fact,  I had the best biscuit I have had in a VERY long time last weekend at 'Nothing Fancy Cafe in downtown Edenton!  There are also some cute little boutiques that hopefully I can share about in another post sometime soon.  It is truly refreshing that Edenton  has preserved it's quiet history and  community which continues to have a thriving downtown with every store front filled.

Happy 16, Baby Boy!

How did it happen?   

When did I close my eyes and a handsome young man took the place of my baby boy?

I can't believe that 16 years have flown by in the blink of an eye.  I feel I have missed so much and you are now wanting to fly...all I want to do is slow time down so I can keep you close.  I want to protect you from heart break and keep you safe.  I want life to bring you only blessings and joy.  I pray for you daily, that you will walk with God  and seek His will above all others.

When I look up to the baby boy that now towers over me in the body of a young man, I am stunned that we are 16 years down the path.  I was surprised when he came into this world ahead of schedule and he has continued to surprise me in so many ways, with the the depth of his intelligence, talents, kindness.  He surprises me daily with a sense of humor I could have never even fathomed out of anyone.  A recent surprise is how protective he has become of me and his siblings as he grows from boy to man.  He is a wonderful, caring and responsible young man and I am so blessed to share in his life.

 Happy 16th Birthday, my sweet baby boy.

But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
Luke 11:28

Wading into Coupons

I used to be a devoted (and if I do say so myself, pretty successful) couponer.  Then we moved.  We moved to an area where the Sunday paper didn't come with a plethora of coupons just waiting to be piggy backed onto sales.  So, I fell out the habit.  But with the new year has come a desire to relearn the frugal practices I used to use and be a better steward of my resources. 

Last night I sat down, clipped my coupons (what few came in the Sunday paper, that is), looked through the weekly sale papers and decided what to get and where then headed out for my 1st stop on the coupon success train.  I took my 11 year old with me, warning  him that he would have to be patient with the process.  I knew it had been a long time since I had couponed as he didn't remember me ever doing it!  We hit CVS first and I think we did pretty good for our first time out in a long while.  Once he got the hang of the process he kind of got into it as well, not to mention it was a good learning lesson in translating money into fraction word problems as we went!  We saved $24.68 and got $15.00 in Extra Care Bucks back to use in the future and I got to stock up on things we definitely will be using in the future like body wash, makeup, tissues, etc. 

So, I feel pretty accomplished and am determined to get back on the band wagon and become the frugalista I have always wanted to be!!!  Oh, and I had forgotten what a high it was to save so much and come out of a store with a ton of things without spending a ton of money.

2013 Is Here

Can it be possible?  We are actually already into the new year, and I am not talking about the 1st {which is a holiday so it doesn't much count, does it?}  This morning I actually had to write a check that ended in 2013!

When I left my house this morning I could tell the new year had arrived in the real world.  The traffic flow was pre-Christmas and it seemed everything was business as usual.  Fortunately for us, my boys don't go back to school until Monday and we are going to squeeze in one last short trip  before then.  My daughter heads back to college on the 14th so at least for the next week or so...we will pretend to still be on a holiday of sorts. 

I love having my family home (and particularly like being far away from homework) but usually about this time I find myself craving the routine.  All our Christmas decor is put away and the house is in order so I guess I flounder around a bit without the routine.  Anyone else miss the routine?