Proving Myself

Well, I did it!  Hence the numerous blog updates in one day...

64,022 words later, and I have completed my first story!!!  I am giving myself a weekend break from it, in hopes that when I sit down and read it with Cary, it will be with fresh eyes, and then on to my friend to have her edit, if she is still interested.

After that, we'll see. 

I'm so excited, but at the same time, so nervous about putting this story in someone else's hands.  I had a friend read it to give me an early review, but she is a trust-worthy person, so I was able to get over the anxiety of someone reading it.  But now, as I begin the process to send it away to see if it is good enough to be published, I am nervous again. 

It's not because of what is out there that has been published:  I am reading and have read quite a bit of books and have an idea of some things that are there.  It's more of the nervousness of what has been declined for being published.  Has anyone written something similar to what I have and it be rejected?  Is my hard work going to be laughed at before they stamp a giant DECLINED stamp across it?  I think I need to develop some thicker skin.  ;o)

But I can say that this is a goal that I am closer to accomplishing than I have in a long time, if ever.  And it feels good.  And there's more brewing in me.  But for now, it's time to take a (short) break before digging in again.  Perhaps finish more books that are on my kindle and become well-read again.

But I have a feeling it won't be long before I can no longer resist the urge to jump back onto the writing game again.  I am already fighting to not grab my usb to see what else I can do!

Please Excuse The Delay...

I miss my blogging, but lately I have found something that occupies my free time more:  writing stories.

I am very thankful for the fact that my writer's block of 5+ years has gone away, and trying to take the opportunity to keep the writing flow going, in hopes to finish a story before it becomes another forgotten incomplete.

But I don't mean to be ignoring my blog, as it has been my friend for the last 4 years in keeping me doing something, and with intentions of having fun stories to share with Brylee as she grows, I want to get back on the wagon.

It's all a matter of balance.  Balancing a family, a clean home, getting into a eating/exercise routine balance, and now also with the reintroduction of balance with writing (currently 2 stories and a family blog).

So, with this, I guess I am also including my New Year's Resolution (which includes more timely responses) because today is the last day of 2011 and the beginning of new opportunity all around.

Thank you 2011 for being so full of adventure, love, and fun for the Jarvis/McFaddens!!!

(and to many, MANY updates coming your way!!!!)

And Now A Word From Our Sponsers: Denton Square Donuts

I moved out of state less than a year ago, but I have a new exciting thing to look forward to whenever I come visit (well, yes, besides my family of course...blah, blah, blah...)

It's called:

 

3 words to describe this unique concept:  Oh My Deliciousness!

Just look at the delicious and crazy concoctions they offer:

From Fruit Loops, M&Ms, and Oreo to S'Mores, Samoans, and so many things in between!  My favorites?  The Pretzchocamel and Cinnamon Doughst!

Great atmosphere both up and downstairs, and they offer party packages.  They even serve wine to help you wind down the evening after a crazy day.  Check out their page on Facebook and watch your mouth water from curious delight!

 

And they even sell shirts, too!

 Hope to see you there the next time we are in town!

Good-bye Writer's Block

For almost 4 years now, I have written a blog.  And I have enjoyed it immensely, but I have felt like something has been missing.  Something I had before beginning this blog.  I think I lost it not long after graduating from college. 

Oh yes.  Imagination.

I used to love to write stories, the ones with made up characters, made up scenarios, all streaming from my head.  Movies and books inspired me.  Pirates, witches and wizards, and even sports helped round out these stories that I created (and no, not all in one story...that would be a bit too busy!).

So lately I have felt stagnate with my mind.  I haven't read a lot, I haven't sat down to do things for myself, like learn how to knit, or do much baking (I love to bake, but I can't decorate to save my life!), and I realize how much I miss me-time.

One Friday, Cary re-introduced to me a weekly writing idea:  100 word story.  We've only done it once, but it got my creative juices flowing again.  I have since started writing a bit more again, some adding to stories from several years ago, as well as some new.

The funny part about this post, is that I don't intend on sharing any of it with anyone...well, maybe Cary...someday...I am much too skeptical of my work to share aloud.  But maybe I'll share some of the brief 100 word stories with everyone, maybe to give everyone a laugh.

The Magical World Of Brylee...

Today we celebrate the final film of the Harry Potter series. I'm in serious denial/anger/bargaining/depression/acceptance about this. As stated in a previous post, this series has been a great getaway for me when I first picked up the books several years ago. I had seen the first 2 movies before reading the books, and my dad had the books, so it was easy to pick them up and start...and once I started, I couldn't put them down!

My favorite memory of this entire series was the release of the 6th book, Half-Blood Prince. I went with my friends SaBra and Jayca to the Barnes and Noble midnight release, even though mine was on order to be delivered that next day. It was great fun going out and watching the crowds and just having a good time in the chaos of it all.

Today (a.k.a present tense), Cary and I are reading the books from the start, and we are finally into the 6th book. And I hope to someday sit down with Brylee and read them with her.

As for tonight, Cary and I are going to see the movie at the theater, and then when we visit Dallas, if we feel like experiencing the emotions all over again, we'll see it in 3D!!!

(how does this thing work?)

Hocus Pocus...make this camera thing go out of focus!

Our little one is well on her way...

(Hopefully more cute HP pics of Brylee coming up...after she wakes up from her nap!)

And here they are!!!!! :
After catching the 'snitch':And the cutest Brylee Potter picture of them all:

Another Beautiful Blogger

After a fairly shocking/emotional/crazy day regarding the Casey Anthony trial, it was very sweet to come upon this blog.

Heartwarming.

And all she is truly asking for is more people to become blood marrow donors.

While I have always been interested in learning more about it, she is inspiring me more.

Thank you Alice for touching my heart today. And may God enrich your life because you are enriching ours.

My Weigh-In On The Casey Anthony Trial

And what kind of influence do I have? I have 12 followers--enough for a jury!!!

Today Casey Anthony was found Not Guilty in the murder of her child. She was also found Not Guilty in the counts of child abuse, and aggravated man slaughter. She was found Guilty on 4 counts of lying to police about her daughter's whereabouts.

It's hard for me to not yell at the tv because I think the jurors missed it completely.

Partying, hot body contests, and wild nights with guys all during the month that her daughter was missing seems to me to scream that she had more to do with her daughter's death than was grasped by the courtroom. And she didn't even report her daughter missing: the child's grandmother was tired of the lies that she kept coming up with and called the police.

A foul odor in the car, duct tape on the child's mouth...with a sticker on it. Several similar stickers were found inside the house.

"Chloroform", "Neck Breaking", and "Chest Injuries" searched (some multiple times) on the home computer.

Changing stories: "The babysitter kidnapped her" was the first big lie. Then came the statement that the toddler drowned in the family pool. And she and her father found her, freaked out, and decided not to call the police. But why would you still want to cover her mouth and nose with duct tape???

And she tried to give herself an innocent look by stating that she was abused by her father and brother. And her mother tried to say that she was the one who searched for chloroform on the web...which was later said was a lie because she was at work at the time (time cards proved that theory).

Lies. Lies upon lies. Growing and forming a terrible web. So many lies, yet she is walking away without the murder charge. Ok. What about a lesser charge? I wonder how many of the jurors are walking away somewhat guilty themselves for not fighting harder for what they may have believed in.

If she is guilty: If she didn't want to be a mother, there is an amazing thing called ADOPTION. Her parents may have even taken custody of the child and let the crazy woman carry about with her partying ways.

If she is not guilty: why hide the accidental drowning from the police? Surely she (or her father if he was really involved) would have thought that part out. Hence the reason I still lean toward the 'guilty' verdict.

The hardest thing about this is that as a mom, I look at Brylee and see so much potential. So much that no human being should take that away from her. The same with any child.

But because of her cold-hearted mother (my opinion), that poor child will not get the chance to show it to the world. At least God knows the truth, though we may never know.

Now it's time to go give my child a hug and let her know how much I love her and see her potential.

**Update: after I wrote this, I realized that Casey was acquitted because of lack of evidence, not because the jury truly believed she was innocent of her child's death. The hard part about this is, she will spend some time in jail, but if she truly is guilty, she will be out and about, potentially having more children in the future. And I truly worry about that potential child's life already. But a friend pointed out to me yesterday: At least Caylee is with Jesus. Had she lived until her teens/adulthood, would she have known Jesus? With that family, it is truly skeptical.

Joplin, MO

(image found here)

My head has been swarming and full of prayers these last few days for those in Joplin, MO. Such a tragedy that has come upon them, and unfortunately the news continues to show more heading their direction. Currently, St. Louis is under a tornado warning.

Last night, while Joplin faced more tornado warnings amid all of this pain, my hometown of Dallas, TX was also being affected by heavy rains, hail, and tornadoes. Pictures from my friends on Facebook showed tornadoes just a block away from their homes, and even one forming over another friend's house. My aunt even stated that a tornado passed her house by going on the next street.

Today I am so grateful to our Father for placing His beautiful hand over my friends and family and keeping them safe. And I continue to pray for His love to wrap around the city of Joplin and the entire state of Missouri during this difficult time.

It's no secret that I'm terrified of storms, and while I was grateful to have been 2,000 miles up north, I still felt so helpless because I just wanted to be there for everyone who was going through all of this.

My heart goes out to all affected!

A Very Significant Day In Our History

September 11, 2001: America was attacked in what is known today as the biggest attack in American history. A man 'stepped forward', claiming to have been the mastermind behind these attacks, and stating that there will be more, on more countries, more people. Osama bin Laden

May 1, 2011: this man, this terrorist, has been killed by a group of our troops. It is a very good day.

However, like I heard someone state on the radio, I am afraid of retaliation. Osama Bin Laden was not foolish to think he was not the most hunted person in the world and that his time was most likely short here on earth, so I wonder how much he has trained an apprentice...or even how many. And what to expect these next few days, weeks, months...

It is not my place to pass judgment or pray for death, but I do hope the apprentice(s) have been killed in action, or perhaps doesn't have the intelligence that Bin Laden did to make such a terrible attack.

But today I will smile and thank God for the incredibly brave men that carried out this action that ultimately showed the terrorists that America does not give up, and we don't take the actions from nearly 10 years ago lightly.

God Bless America!

And now, for some of my favorite quotes from my friends on Facebook:

Susan Tandukar:

May 1st Prayer... Now I lay me down to sleep... one less terrorist this world does keep... with all my heart I give my thanks... to those in uniform regardless of ranks... you serve our country and serve it well... with humble hearts your stories tell... so as I rest my weary eyes... while freedom rings our flag still flies... you give your all, do what you must... with God we live and God we trust.... Amen

Firefighter:

Hahaha I couldn't help but repost after reading this! Imagine the look on Bin Ladens face when he gets there and instead of 71 Virgins he stands face to face with 343FDNY Firemen with a Haligan each!

Raine Fossett:

How about this.......Instead of rejoicing, can we pray for our country? We are still in a recession, ppl are still unemployed......Lets us think about this.....do you think someone else will want that power OSAMA had? YES.....do you think someone will want revenge? YES....The best thing we can do is pray for our country as well as other countries..GOD Bless AMERICA

Tracey Dickey:

"I have never wished a man dead, but have read certain obituaries with great pleasure" - Mark Twain
Bless our troops on a mission well done.

Brad McFadden:

The celebration of justice should be a somber remembrance of that which required that justice be done.
-Matt Morrison

Kidd Kraddick:

A prince gets married and the bad guy is dead. It was a total Disney weekend!

Jeff Christenson:

From friend: May 1, 1945: Hitler's death was announced! May 1, 2011: Osama Bin Laden's death was announced!! May 1st should be declared a national holiday!!!

Clay Barker:

Tonight I forgive Osama and I will pray for his soul and rest easy knowing that it is not my job to place judgement. Lord hear my prayers! Bless the soldiers who have fought for our safety. Bless the innocent lives lost on all sides. We can only pray that we can all come together and move towards understanding and away from fear.

Lakeisha Harris:

If you don't know God get to know him.. The devil is real mad now he lost one of his true soldiers!!! So he will recruit another one stronger than Bin laden...

Jon Dahlvig:

To my fellow firefighters, EMS providers, and LEO's, while this is a joyous moment for our country and fallen brothers from 10 years ago, let's be prepared for a retaliation attack, stay safe, Everyone Goes Home (EGH)!

Our Royal Invitation

In the wake of all of the terrible storms that blew through the country this week, Friday has started with a positive note:

The Royal Wedding!

Brylee woke me up at 5:45, perfect timing because I did not set the alarm, but just as her first squeak came through, I jumped up, got dressed, and pulled the little one out of bed to come upstairs and enjoy the break of day!


No Royal Wedding is complete without a fancy hat, and though we didn't have anything quite as fancy (or weird...) as the guests had, Brylee wore her beautiful Easter hat!



I was impressed with how long her attention was held by the ceremony. But once the vows were said and the priests started their speech about marriage, she was back to playing with her box again.


Now for my wedding commentary:

The second I turned on the tv to the coverage, I got goosebumps. I may have never been a overly girly person, but I love a beautiful wedding, and of course, like so many other girls, grow up hoping that they would be a princess. And this lady is living that dream!

(Image found here)

Kate was absolutely stunning! Her dress was gorgeous and not too over-the-top, but perfect for her. I hope that she brings the same beauty to the royal family that Diana did so many years ago.

May God bless their marriage, and may the public (and paparazzi) give them the privacy they deserve.

A Tragedy In Small Town

We've been here 2 months now, and I've started feeling comfortable, as well as finding things about Small Town and surrounding towns.

I have grown to love North Conway, NH, which is just 30 minutes away from us, but after this past weekend, it now also has a mark.

Over the weekend, the best friend of Cary and Brenda's business partner realized her daughter went missing. Her car was found, running, door open, and hazard lights on, and her 14 month old daughter inside, safe, but with a soiled diaper.

Last night on the news, we see now that the young lady's body was found in a pond. We still don't know what happened, but obviously this news has shaken the little towns.

While I never personally met this 20 year old woman, I feel pretty hard hit by this because of the fact that she is a mom of a young child. And now this little girl will grow up not being able to remember her mother.

Where did this world go wrong that people think it's ok to play God and take another person's life? Another question is, did the victim know her attacker? And if so, where can we learn to trust someone? Why can't the evil walk around with markings on them so we know to avoid them?

I know that none of these questions can be answered at this time. But I am still human and still ask God 'why' quite a bit. But ultimately, I know He has a plan. And He is sad when something tragic happens to one of His children. But He is still an amazing God, and I will follow Him.

I now just pray that the little daughter is surrounded by enough love to help her understand that there is still goodness in this world.

www.cnn.com

Circus Day Becomes A Nor'easter Day

(Picture taken at 10:15 a.m.)

What was supposed to be a day that celebrated the circus at the library story time became a day of staying indoors and 'oohing' and 'ahhing' at the snow as it fell upon us.

I don't have snow tires on my car yet, because, let's face it...if I get snow tires, it would almost be a waste of putting them on because until today, there was fading evidence of snow around us, the majority of what is left in yards.

But today, good ol' April Fools Day, Mother Nature played the ultimate prank.

And I was looking forward to Circus day at the library to have Brylee wear her Ashes/Petunia/Radio shirt and circus hat to share her unique clown family experience!

But instead, we are going to take the opportunity to enjoy the day this way:

(image found here)



(image found here)
And yes, I loved the musical episode. I found the middle number with the cast with their spouse/lover a little far fetched...but I loved the rest! Besides Dr. Bailey, Callie is my favorite character, and I thought she rocked the entire thing (really enjoyed Bailey's and Lexie's singing as well!)

(image found here), but go here to see it live...the eggs may hatch today!!!

This will become this.

And here it is! First time made, and I think it was somewhat a success!

Happy Friday everyone!!!!

The Eyes Of Texas Are Upon You

This is the 'dry patch' in our backyard that has the only melted snow. Looks like the shape of Texas I draw...short panhandle and all!

Home Is Where Your Story Begins

This week, our dining room table went to my uncle's house, and our couch and reclining chair now rests comfortably in my parents' garage until my cousin in Paris, TX can come pick it up, so our 'chairs' are now the floor and the coffee table.


I haven't had much time to feel anything right now as we spent Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday packing. Our lives are now pretty much packed into boxes, with a few last minute/miscellaneous objects laying around. I had no idea that we could cram so much into that 879 square feet.Brylee spent her last night in the apartment on Thursday night, and last night was ours. When I woke up to the morning sun this morning, I lay there trying to think of anything that could be done to make it feel more organized. The movers come on Monday, and we won't be there except to do any last minute packing, so instead, I lay there counting the sun dots on the walls and watched them slowly multiply.


This was Brylee's first home, and she won't even remember it. But I will tell her this: it was a very nice, cozy place. Nothing fancy, but it did hold everything we needed for the time. Sure, the door to the master closet could have been hinged on differently, and the kitchen a titch bigger, but it was our home for just over a year.

And soon there will be another place we call home. I can guarantee it's where Cary and Brylee (and Chester for that matter) are.

Angels Watching Under Me

Tonight we came home safe and sound after getting out for dinner and dropping the children off to visit with the grandparents. Just as we pulled into parking, I noticed another parking space that was completely untouched by cars, feet, or critters. It was too much to resist.

In that place now resides a snow angel

Funny, Interesting, Or....Walrus-y?

Around the Comment section at the end of each post, you can click on Funny, Interesting, or...??? Does anyone know what the 3rd thing on the blog comment area is?

I guess we can use that as a "Create Your Own" (if you have played Apples To Apples with us, then you'll know what I mean!) But if you use it as a Create Your Own, you have to leave in the comments what you decided it was (boring, smelly, LOL...)..hey. It's only fair!

In other thoughts, I am thinking about making the blog private once we move to Maine. More for Brylee's protection. But I can definitely send updated posts to people who are interested in keeping up, which would be through email. But it no longer be available via Facebook.

What are your thoughts? Smart to be safe? Or am I just over protective?

Apparently I'm More Outspoken When I'm Tired

Last night was a very off-night for us.

Brylee woke up at 1:30 crying, so Cary got up to soothe her. As soon as he put her in his arms, she was asleep. He put her back in her crib: wailing. Picked her up again: asleep. Down in her crib again: let the crying begin. So he held her for about 10 minutes until he knew she was really asleep and finally she went down without the tears.

Come 3:00 a.m., Chester puts his 2 front feet on the bed, an indication that he needs to go to the bathroom. So I crawled out of bed and took him outside, where he went #1. Back in and back into bed, only to have him jump on the bed again...and again...So I got up and walked him at the front of the apartments to go #2. I have a thing about taking him to the rear area of the apartment to go to the potty at night, as it is a little pond and lots of high grass, and not a lot of light. Perfect for coyotes (which we hear occasionally) or thieves of some sort.

Back to the story...which really wasn't that off-track. Back inside, laid down, only to be bothered again by him...to go outside...again. Yes. All of this within a 10 minute period. At 3 a.m.

So back outside we go, this time to the back. I know you probably think something exciting is going to happen here, like we spotted a coyote wandering the area, or a skunk or something, but thank goodness, nothing exciting. Just walking up and down along the pond several times. With no results. And Cary came outside to check on us, just to make sure nothing happened.

Back inside, with no results the 3rd visit outside, we lay down, hopeful to get back to sleep. Only to be disturbed by Chester, a fourth time...This time Cary takes him outside, where a few minutes later, comes in and announces that there was success (finally!). But he is awake so he decides to make a pb sandwich and I try to sleep again.

Until I heard a barking, nagging cough coming from the bedroom next to us. The nurse practitioner suggested that with the coughing fits, a change in the temperature can help ease them. So I got up with Brylee and took her outside to feel the cooler temps on her face. Only it wasn't cool enough. So to the freezer we went...to no avail. Ah ha! I remembered that she loves baths in a humid bathroom...so at 3:30 a.m., she was playing in the warm water with humidity surrounding her. She loved it...except for when I first turned on the shower head, which held cold water...and it hit her. I have never seen her crawl-run to the end of the tub so fast!

Post-humid bath, she showed signs of being super sleepy, but would not rest in our arms, or in her bed. So at 5:45, after trying dark and quiet, low tv, and rocking back and forth, I gave in and gave her 1/2 dose of Children's Ibuprofen...which I wasn't sure if it should be given since she was on steroids. I barely put the syringe in her mouth, squirted the contents, and rinsed out the syringe out when she had fallen asleep.

Success!!

I was comfortably back in bed at 6:00 a.m. after being awake for 4 hours, only to wake up again at 8 a.m.. No kidding.

The day went well for us after that. Cary, Brylee, Chester, and I went to his parents house for our typical Sunday lunch, where Brylee slept for most of the afternoon. We took advantage of the opportunity to 'sneak out' and go to the movies while Gary and Brenda watched the kids.

Here's where I realized I was more outspoken when I'm tired: At the concession stands, I managed to tell the employee that I was boycotting the extra cheese for the nachos because it costs a ridiculous $1.75. And we weren't even getting nachos!

And the commercials and previews left me with something to say...each one. Sonic showed the same commercial twice. Just Go With It, Red Riding Hood...everything had me talking.

And as the movie was starting, I sat there enjoying gummy stars, which I then stated, "My teeth are jumping on a gummy trampoline". A couple of minutes later, I bit my tongue...to which Cary asked me, "Did your teeth fall off the trampoline?"

This is a lot to write for not really having anything to say, but I contribute it all to being super-tired, and with a lack of anything better to say.

Harry Potter 7 is just as good as it was the first time I saw it...and I'm ready for the 2nd half!

So Excited To Announce...

My favorite hockey player has returned to Dallas!

Welcome back Jamie!



(Also excited because Cary, mom, dad, Brylee, and I are going to a game on Tuesday!!!!)

For Once I'm Not Talking About Brylee

Isn't she beautiful?!

Dora Ponderings...

(photo found here)

This morning, as Brylee and I eat breakfast, I have Dora the Explorer on, because, let's face it, I'm not exactly a morning person. Conversation with a little one is not exactly the easiest to do when you are trying to wake up.

I had 2 thoughts regarding this show:

1) they just had Dora's Birthday video go on sale for around $15. But the last 2 mornings in a row, they have shown it on Nickelodeon. Easy enough to just record and let your toddler watch over and over again. I do understand, though, that it might be easier to have the video that can travel with the toddler, even into the other room for some parent to be able to not have to watch constantly (I babysat, so I know that kids go through a phase of wanting to watch the same thing 20 times a day...)

2) How did Dora's head get to be bigger than both of her parents' combined? Wow!

And now, after seeing the show 2 mornings in a row: I know it's the big release, but why must you show it on Nick 2 mornings in a row? What about the parents? Don't you want them to keep their sanity? (See parenthesis in point #1).

Otherwise, I am enjoying this cute show, and so does Brylee, so I guess that is what matters!

Happy Birthday Dora!