9/11/01 - 8 Years Ago – Marley was Born!

September 11, 2001: We slept in and got woken up by a phone call from Bruce telling us to turn on our TV. So we did, and could not believe what was happening. Total shock. Jason went on into work and I settled on the couch to watch the events unfold. After a lengthy telephone conversation with my brother, I got up to go the bathroom and realized that my water had broke. "Oh no, I thought, this can’t be happening, not today. I can’t have a baby today. "

We got to the hospital around 3:30 pm. The hospital staff was in shock over the events of the day. I don’t think the doctors and nurses were 100%. Who could be. Our safety in America was being compromised, we were being attacked! We all worried about what would happen next. At one point I made my dad turn the TV off. Enough was enough. I was having a baby and I needed everyone to focus, including the staff!

I started pushing around 8:00 pm. At some point it became clear that I had an infection and needed an emergency c-section. I wasn’t scared, just felt really sick and confused. My baby girl came into the world at 10:17 pm September 11th 2001.

It was a crazy, emotional day. Actually it was a crazy emotional week. I ended up staying in the hospital for a week due to my infection. The only TV programming on during that first week following the attack was news coverage. I was sick, wanted to go home and just got depressed. I remember taking a walk with my dad outside. I remember crying to him. I took another walk with Jason and cried my eyes out to him too.

Marley and I finally left the hospital a week later. My parents took me home because Jason had to go back to work. As we drove home I saw American flags everywhere. I cried again.

Every time I had to tell someone Marley’s date of birth, the person would say “oh”. It never stops. I called the dentist this week to make an appointment for Marley. When I told her the date of birth, the lady said: “Oh, I didn’t realize you said 2001, oh!” How am I to respond to “Oh”?

I will be honest. I was in a fog for the first few months. And at times I did struggle with her birthday. I was suppose to be rejoicing while so many people where morning, it did not feel right. But I pulled through and realized that she was a gift of Hope, a gift from God. A full circle.

Last year, on her 7th birthday, Marley realized that something did happen on the day she was born. We told her the bare minimum and let her know that when she got older we would share the newspapers and magazines that we had saved.

I am reminded of the tragic events of that day every time I say or hear her birthday. It always evokes a very strange feeling – one I can’t even begin to describe. But it is also the day that my first child was born. The day that God choose for her to come into this world. It was a day that changed our lives forever. But it was also the day that I became a mom. So I am grateful for September 11th 2001, but I am also sad for the families who lost loved ones. May they find peace in all the little children scattered across our nation who were born that day!

Happy 8th Birthday Marley Jayne. I love you!

Labor Day

We spent most of our day at the pool. It was our last trip to the pool for the year. We had a nice relaxing day!

  

We ended the day with a deer loop and Brusters Ice Cream. We felt so lucky to have seen three bucks!

Shopping

The contents of this bag cost me $24.00. Would you like to see what’s in it?

Clothes! This time last year, I was wearing a size 10. In the spring I moved into an 8. Now I am in a size 6. I gave away all my size 6/small clothing about 2 years ago, thinking that I would never see that size again. Well I was wrong! I went shopping last week on 1/2 day and loaded up!

A blue blanket, 3 short sleeve tops, 4 pairs of blue jeans,  corduroy paints, and one blue skirt. All items are brand name (GAP, J Crew, Ann Taylor or Old Navy) except the skirt (I think it is a Wal-Mart Brand).

8 long sleeve tops/sweaters, my favorite is the turquoise sweeter from the GAP:

This shopping trip took me two hours and I brought a friend. My total was actually $27, but one of the pairs of jeans had $3 in the pocket!!! $27 would not take you far at the mall, maybe a pair of jeans at Old Navy (new). I only buy clothes in very good condition without any stains/holes and minimal wear. Next time I go back I will focus on dress pants for church.

Silly Dog!

I have been amazed at how small my compost pile has gotten. I keep piling things on top and it keeps getting smaller. I understand the process, but I thought it was a very slow process.

Well, now I know why it’s getting so small so fast. Maya! That dog has been eating my compost! And I just commented to someone today what a good lazy dog she was, I should have never said that!

We will have to put up some chicken wire to keep her out!

Onto something positive. We had some good family time shelling some Crowder Peas tonight. Even the girls helped:

Our 10 Year Anniversary

For the last 5 years, we said that we would take a big trip together for our 10 year anniversary. Well, we did not take a trip but we had a really good weekend together. This was the best anniversary we have had yet! We didn’t dress up and go spend too much money at a fancy restaurant. We had fun, most of all, we did what was right for us.

I did receive a gift for my anniversary. No, no big diamond ring or a pretty necklace (we’re on a budget remember). I got knifes! Yes, knifes. I love them. One thing that I love about my husband is that he really thinks about what he buys me. Don’t be fooled though. We did just do a professional family photo shoot – an hour long! That was my official anniversary present!

Here we are, ready to go. In blue jeans!

First we went to a movie at a really cool theater in Athens.

We saw Away We Go. We loved it! A little quirky, but we are a little quirky too!

We went to eat at The Grit for dinner. The food was so fresh and so good. Our bill came out to $30.00 and we were full!

We had these nachos first with freshly made salsa:

Here is my dish:

Tabouli Salad (middle eastern salad made with bulgur, veggies and spices), Zucchini Fritters, Collard Greens.

 

Here is Jason’s:

Tabouli Salad, Falafel (chick pea fritters), Hummus with Veggies/Pita

After we ate a very healthy, fresh meal, Jason went next door to this restaurant and ordered a deep fried Twinkie – kind-of ironic!

I refused to try it! But he said it was really good!

 

Before kids, we used to go hiking – a lot. So to celebrate us, we decided to hike up Blood Mountain. It was great! It felt good to be in the woods and breath fresh air! We ran into this lovely fellow on the highest point on the mountain:

Here I am at a sleeping shelter (not so sure I would want to sleep in it though):

It was a beautiful view!

On the way home we stopped and ate a Johnny’s BBQ. This was the restaurant that catered our wedding. The funny part is that 10 years ago, this food tasted so good to me – but it didn’t taste that good this time. It hit my stomach like a ton of bricks!

The best part about our weekend was that we were together. Maybe not on a romantic beach, but we were together having fun and that’s all that matters!

10 Years!

 

Happy Anniversary Jason!

Quinoa

This is just for you Caroline!

So I love Quinoa, and have found this fab dish!

Cooked Quinoa, garlic, sunflower seeds, olive oil spinach and a little bit of cheese.

I really don’t measure out my ingredients. Heat a little EVOO and toast the sunflower seeds (don’t burn them)! Then add the garlic.

Then add a big pile of spinach.

Throw in cooked Quinoa and stir until the spinach is wilted.

At the very end, add some cheese and lemon juice. I have made it with the lemon juice and cheese, and without – good both ways.

You can eat it hot or cold. Yummy!

I am bringing this to you Caroline (Quinoa and Sunflower Seeds):

I saw Giada make this on Food Network the other day. Really good and fresh:

Asparagus and Zucchini Salad:

Cut up 1 bunch of asparagus and peel 2 zucchini (using veggie peeler). Mix a little EVOO and lemon juice with salt and pepper and toss.