Happy Birthday!

Wow! I had a wonderful birthday... I took the day off of work and my girls made me feel so special. They had been planning the big day for While and were so happy when it finally came! They gave me their gift as soon as they woke me up... I believe it was right about 7! They gave me a beautiful necklace and fun scarf. I love both. They also took me out to breakfast... Which was a hoot!! They made a big deal out of everything we did and reminded me all day we could do whatever I wanted, it was my day. So we did... We ran a few errands and Charlie got a hair cut, paid some bills and went to Target to get them both some spring clothes. They enjoyed picking out some shorts and sundresses. They liked the shoes the best. I said they could only have 1 pair but they both ended up with 3! They were just so excited to try them on and wanted all of them. After shopping we went to Scarlette's Tea House for afternoon tea and lunch! It was delicious and so much fun. The girls just loved it. They both got a kick out of it since they play tea party almost every single day!!
The highlight of the day was where Charlie had planned my party! She has had it planned for awhile and never let the secret out. In fact when we got close she asked me to close my eyes and didn't want me to open them until I got out of the car!! And there it was... Chuck E Cheese's!! She was so excited! When we walked in she told them all it was my birthday and she planned my party! She even brought coupons she found in the paper! If was hilarious! It felt great, to see those girls so excited about my birthday. I'm confident now that they felt special on their birthdays, and wanted to give it back. Charlie and Addison are both amazing kids with very big, giving hearts and it makes me feel so proud to be their mommy. Spending the day with them was so joyous and the only gift I needed. It was a wonderful day and Chuck E Cheese was a great ending to a perfect day! When we got home we had my favorite kind of cake and I opened Scott's gift, which was a bookcase. I had been wanting one for a long time! It was the perfect gift. I also got a new coach purse and a gift card from my mother in law. Plus, my 2 aunts sent me some birthday money! I'm telling you it was an awesome birthday!!!
They didn't forget about it at work either. They hung a birthday banner up in my office, got me a big chocolate cake, and an awesome name plate for my door thy is purple and not only says my name but 'general manager' as well!! I'm the luckiest girl in the world. I have an amazing family and the perfect job. I work for the most thoughtful family I have ever met. They have taken the time to get to know me and show me their appreciation constantly of me being there. Who would have ever thought Sarah would find this kind of happiness here in Tennessee?!?

Fall Creek Falls

Today we decided to go on a family hike to Fall Creek Falls State Park. It was a beautiful Tennessee drive as we only saw green as far as our eyes could see. Spring blooms are amazing this time if year with purples, pinks, whites & yellows. It was about a 2 hour drive and the kids watched 101 Dalmations to pass the time... Meet up with Scott's cousin Richie and his 2 young girls Molly and Emma. The girls had a blast. The waterfalls were incredible. There really is nothing like that sound of the water crashing on the rocks and the cool mist of a waterfall. It sure took me back to hikes as a child with my parents and my cousins. I can't even count the number of times we went to Yosemite with my first cousins Brian and Eric. I hope today makes a memory for my girls as it did for me. We all really enjoyed the sights and the weather couldn't have been better. It was a sunny day and about 80 degrees. We saw 3 different waterfalls and walked across an old swinging bridge. It was hilarious to watch Charlie walk across the bridge. It was a long, scary walk for a little girl. She squeezed my hand tight the whole way. She asked me is she was safe when we got to the middle and it started to bounce. I assured her we were and she was relieved. Scott carried Addison of course because at 2 years old her steps are unpredictable. She had fun even though she was being carried. We also visited the nature center and all 4 girls got a kick out of that. It really was a great day! Yaya had fun too! She couldn't believe we went across the swinging bridge. As she watched from a bench... It was funny because I remember the first time Scott took me there I was terrified. When we go to the middle I was so scared. The bridge started to bounce and we were so high up. Not today though, today I wasn't scared at all. I just held on to the girls tight and watched their every step.
When it was time to head home as we approach the suburban Scott says, um Sarah... The keys are in the ignition and I locked the door! Ugh! We were locked out!! None of our cell phones had service so we couldn't call anyone. Scott of course went into rescue mode and immediately found something to wedge the door open and took off the antenna and is trying to unlock the door. He tried so hard to get it to work but couldn't. His cousin Richie went to go find a park ranger while the girls ran all around. Addison went number 2 in her pants but I asked a nice couple for an extra diaper and I was able to clean her up. Molly took a fall and scraped her legs up pretty bad so she was miserable. Emma my little sweetie was starving!! Charlie was anxious to get home... We had to entertain them as much as we could for over an hour. When the ranger finally came he had some sort of metal rod that Scott was able to bend an unlock the door. I'm telling you, my husband can do anything. I was just grateful for the elements. We weren't hot and we weren't cold. When does that ever happen in Tennessee??? Amazing day. It really was a great family day.

Spring time

We all know I love March for many reasons... One is of course March 21st is the day the world changed forever! Another is the weather and blooms of a beautiful spring. I took these photos today here in Lebanon and wanted to share. These Bradford Pear trees are every where here and are in full bloom. These pictures are especially neat because they incorporate Castle Heights, a historical area of Wilson County. I also wanted to post them specifically because my husband loved these photos and complimented me on them. This made me feel great and even more in love with him and I had to share. I hope you enjoy as much as he does an it gives you a bit of an idea of where we live.

Father daughter dance

Scott and Charlie Mae went to their first dance together. They both looked great and said they had so much fun! They went with their cousins in Cookeville and danced the night away. They served spaghetti, cake and punch... All of Charlie's favorites! Charlie was so cute getting ready. She told me 'make sure I'm the prettiest one there' when I was doing her hair!! Haha clearly she is her fathers daughter. She got a new dress, I curled her hair and she wore her pearls.

Pictures!!!

Here are some recent photos of Charlie Mae and Addison Marie... They are both well and happy.

The storm!

Last week we had a horrific storm here in the south land. I'm sure you have heard about the tragic deaths on the news. Well here in Lebanon I hear we are lucky! We are! This is true. We are alive and well and have more days to live for. I will say though that last Friday I was terrified. I have never been more fearful in my entire life... Strange enough we had plenty of warning. I hears all day that the storms were coming. 'bad weather is on its way'. My boss sent me home about 1:39 in the afternoon and I have about a half hour drive. I was nervous but was not in too much rain. I come home and put both of the girls down for their naps. Then I sit in front of the TV and watch the news. I'm listening, tracking and following everything she says. Charlie woke up just about the time the sirens start to go off. I tell my mom to put her shoes on. I run up stairs and grab Addison out of her bed. We go into the downstairs bathroom with a flashlight, blanket & pillows. It's me, my mom, Charlie, Addison and Smokey. It's tight but we are cozy. Smokey is nervous at first, but then came the storm. The rain, wind and hale was so loud we didn't know what to think. Smokey just starred at the door. I protected the girls heads with pillows. Scott was still at work. This storm was so loud that I truly believed water was in my house. I was sure a wall or window came down. I didn't know what to do. I said the Lords prayer and prayed for my children. In that moment I didn't know what was going to follow. I wish I has the words to convey the sound and the harshness that lead me to believe there would be no tomorrow. Then all of a sudden it stopped. It was silent. The storm had passed. I will never forget the relief I felt at the moment I opened the bathroom door and realized my house was still standing. The winds that day were more than 90 miles an hour. The hale that came was as big as golf balls. My deck in the backyard was covered with ice. The tree next door snapped in half. My children and I are alive and well and lives to see another day. My daughter Charlie Mae who is 4 said it best. The next day I heard her prayers. She said 'dear God, thank you for today and thank you for another day.' then she looked at me and said 'mommy were you really scared?' I said, 'yes baby I was. Were you?' she said, 'no, I knew God would protect me.'. I hugged her and just cried. This child is amazing and everyday she reminds me of this. This is a true story about The Tennessee Experiment... Take it for what you will.

My New Job

I know it has been a long time since I have had a blog post and I'm not even sure why really... So much has happened in the past year and of course I've had so much to say. So why the silence? Could it be simply that I haven't had the time? Or is the truth that I am lazy? Maybe it's that I over think so much what I m going to write that I never actually get it down? All this is funny too because really only my sister reads this blog and she already knows everything about my life... None the less here is my newest adventure!
Tennessee Mobility is my new employer and I started working there at the beginning of February. I was a guest speaker for them on safety in the home for seniors while I was at Home Instead Senior Care and they were so impressed with me that they offered me a full time sales/marketing hybrid position. The owner and myself hit it off extremely well and we both feel like this is a home run for the both of us. After a few short busy weeks of me being there he offers me a general manager position! I gratefully accept! I feel so lucky to have met Christian... He is bright, charismatic, fun and an amazing businessman. When we are together we feel like we can conquer the world. I have been waiting for this opportunity for years and I am so lucky to have found it. Tennessee Mobility is a company that provides mobility solutions to those who are disabled. We sell handicap vans, wheelchair lifts and accessories for the home. I love the atmosphere of always helping others and the chance to run the show. It really is neat to work with someone who has the utmost faith in me but also challenges me to meet my potential. This is a family owned company and they have all welcomed me with open arms. I'm just going to say it... I am happy in Tennessee! Hahaha crazy I know!!! I've come along way in the past year and a half but i think I'm just going to make it after all.

Cedars of Lebanon

Today is a beautiful winter day in Tennessee, the weather is just perfect... 55 degrees and the sun is shining, and a clear blue sky! We decided to head out for a family hike in the state park, Ceaders of Lebanon. It was an interesting trip for sure! As soon as Charlie got out of the car she fell before she even walked 5 feet. That's just Charlie, hahaha! We had a great time and it was a beautiful hike. It was a mild trail for the most part and kid friendly... just a few rocks but mostly smooth. We crawled into a little cave where the girls found some icicles and they got a kick out of that. They both found some walking sticks and enjoyed running around outside. We also all took turns being the 'line leader'  as Charlie would say. All and all it was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday.

Addison is 2 years old!!

I can't believe my baby girl turned 2. We had a ladybug party for her on Sunday and her cousins and friends from church came. Everything was ladybug! We lucked out on the theme because of Valentines day. Scott and I made her birthday banner and we everything was coordinated in black and red. We served her favorite finger foods, PB & J sandwiches & pizza rolls. We also had brownies, chocolate chip cookies, fruitcups, cupcakes & ice cream sandwiches.

Addison loved all of her gifts! She got a bicycle helmet from Charlie, a basketball hoop from Yaya, a tea cart from Jennifer, puzzles, books, purse, jewlery, and clothes... She had a great birthday and was happy all day.