I wanna come back

And I think I am going to do my best to get back to blogging and writing down the happenings in our lives.

I am going to make time....soon!!

Until then, we are okay....busy...but doing more than surviving for the first time in a long time!!!

This is Amos....he is our new kitty that adds to our family's craziness!!!

We interrupt this blog for some breaking news...

No, it isn't about this adorable new kitty of ours.

I just loved this picture I took with my phone yesterday of him just minutes after he was running around crazy.

The real BREAKING NEWS is

HANNAH MADE THE JV SOFTBALL TEAM

We are so proud of her and are excited for this new chapter in her life. 

Congrats Hannah Bear....you deserve it!!!

On the Eve of Greatness

Tomorrow our little girl is taking a big step in life.

She is starting High School.

I know she is nervous.

So am I.

But for different reasons.

She will do great.

Softball tryouts also start tomorrow.

It is a big day for sure!!

Good luck Hannah

We love you and know you will do great!!

Beautiful

I have been silent on my blog primarily because I have not been in the best place mentally.

I am trying to put my house in order.

I am trying my best to lose the funk and get back to seeing the sunshine. 

This song was on The Voice (which I LOVE) last night and it spoke to me.

"I am BEAUTIFUL no matter what they say"

Lessons learned

On the eve of the 9th anniversary of my cancer diagnoses, I have been thinking a lot about the "whys"....or rather reflecting on the reason I don't have any "whys" regarding the challenges we are all faced with in life.

This week has been a tough one....a very special little boy that is a week older than Davis earned his wings on Wednesday after a very long battle with Neuroblastoma.  I first "met" Jack while supporting the son of my co-worker, Carter who passed away in September of 2004.  I instantly fell in love with this little boy with a bucket on his head and Moo-Moos in his hand.  I also fell in love with the writings of his Mommy, Jen.  Jack endured two stem cell transplants and lots of chemo and radiation.  Jack got better....his Mommy decided to shut down his Caringbridge site...she continued to update those that were interested via e-mail for awhile after.  Oh how I missed her writings and keeping up with Jack and his sister Kate, I was happy that Jack was living the dream, but still missed them.  In November of 2009, a new website was created because unfortunately this mean cancer didn't want to stay away.  He fought hard...and in my opinion he won. 

Through the tears, I didn't think "why"....I was just sad and I ached for his mommies and sister. 

I believe with every ounce of my heart that God doesn't create the bad stuff that happens in our earthly life, but yet He is able to use the heartache, sadness, and fear to teach a valuable lesson.  It always amazes me to see the strength of humankind when disaster hits.  Instead of getting weaker....we get stronger.

I find that the lessons we learn the best, those we will remember, are those that were the hardest.

So if I ask "why did God do this to me"....His answer is always "BECAUSE I LOVE YOU".

Fly high Jack....thank you for letting me part of your journey and for helping me remember that each day is gift....don't be lazy and let it pass without making the most of it.

Beautiful

In  the end....she was even more beautiful than I could have imagined!!!

Mama Bear

I always have so many things I want to write about and somehow my crazy life seems to get in the way!!

We have been busy this Spring with softball, work, a little motocross, work, holidays, work and more work.  I am not complaining as I feel so grateful to have a job again, but I have been so crazy busy trying to get everything in the order I like.  I was also lucky enough to get a little side job with the last company I contracted with....but it was over Easter weekend.  This HOA president thing has been getting in the way as well....it seems like that might be calming down a bit now.

As the school year winds down, it seems like our calendars fill up with events for the kids...field day, award ceremonies, year-end parties, etc.  I am lucky to work at a place that is flexible and I will be able to attend most of the kid's events.

Tonight Hannah is going to her 8th grade formal.  I can't believe she is going to High School in the fall.  In true teenage fashion, this dance has come with its share of drama.  However, this drama made this Mama Bear's very unhappy.  Hannah had borrowed a dress from a friend of hers and all we needed to do was get some shoes.  On Monday on our way to church school (Hannah volunteers for Matt's class) she was very upset but didn't want to talk about it.  She finally opened up and said that the "friend" she is going to the dance with told her that the dress she was going to wear (that she borrowed) was UGLY.  I wanted to go and strangle this girl.  For the record, the dress is really pretty and I thought it was great that Hannah was willing to save us some money, especially after 2 years of being unemployed.

In true Hannah fashion....she was still willing to wear the dress.  I took her to the store last night to get her shoes....however, I decided to buy her a new dress as well. 

She would have looked beautiful in the borrowed dress, but I know she will FEEL beautiful in this one. 

We have had lots of conversations about what a true friend is and Pete and I are trying hard to build her confidence so she doesn't allow herself to be treated like that.  Please say a little prayer for my Bear that she has fun tonight and feels as beautiful as she is.  I will post pictures when I can!!

Mud Magnets

My boys are such mud magnets....

They were in the backyard this evening riding their bikes through mud.

But then they had even more fun cleaning up.

Footed Pajamas

Funny conversation this morning with the boys while getting ready for school....

Davis - "Wow, these socks are REALLY comfortable"

Matt - "Hey Mom, you know those pajamas you got us that have the buttons on them that came with those socks?  Can you get me more of those socks, because they are really good socks"

Davis - "Oh I want footed pajamas" - (the pajamas Matt was talking about had socks that came with them that they wear with their shoes...not actually footed pajamas)

Matt - "Yeah, me too"

Davis - "But I would not wear them if I wasn't home sleeping"

Me - "Why?"  (of course I knew why....he is almost 10...but I wanted to see what he would say).

Davis - "I think people would make fun of me....but I just love footed pajamas"

What I think is the most funny about this is that I can't remember the last pair of footed pajamas the boys have owned since they were babies!!!

The boys have been in the same room since Monday as we found bunk beds for them and I put them together this weekend.  It is working out wonderfully and they are getting up to their alarm clock and even brushing their teeth before we head downstairs....that is big for us!!!

Playing in the Dirt Again

 Saturday night we got to go racing again!!!  It has been a long time and one of our racers has taken a big step up. 

 

Davis is now racing a 65cc where he has to shift for the first time.

He had no seat time on an actual track before this Saturday.

We believe in the sink or swim philosophy - not really but we were winging it this time for sure.

I will do a proper update later, but just to give you an idea of what our night consisted of....a little before and after of Dave's helmet.

There was a whole lot of washin' going on at our house on Sunday!!

More to Come!

The pot at the end of my rainbow

Pete called me yesterday afternoon on my way to teach religious education with a wonderful gem he found in Matt's bookbag.  His timing was great as the boys were being rowdy in the backseat.  It was not long ago that Matt asked me if my cousin was my treasure like his blue blanket.

Below is a picture of his story.

"Something that is a treasaure to me is my blue blanket.  It is special because it is a treasure to me.  My blue blanket is special to me because my mom gave it to me.  This would be in the pot at the end of my rainbow."

I may not have a blue blanket...but I know this kid is definitely in the pot at the end of my rainbow.

It is Heaven to be Seven

 Today our baby turns seven.  How did that happen?

On Saturday he had his first ever birthday party at the bowling alley.  I think everyone had a great time.  Then we celebrated at my brother's house.  We celebrated the weekend before as well when Pete's mom was in town.  It feels like we have been celebrating forever!!  But it has been fun!!

I am taking him to school today and he wanted to take green sprinkle donuts to his class instead of cupcakes.  Weird kid.....but he is ours!!

Happy Birthday Matthew Charles....I think you got more than your name from your Great-Granddad.  You are so smart...you have a temper...you are kind.  You still amaze me every day...what a wonderful surprise you are to us!!  We love you more than words could say!!  Enjoy being SEVEN.

He still makes my heart melt

My next couple of posts will not be related to Davis, but I took this picture on Saturday without realizing that I still had it zoomed.  I just think it captures my angel perfectly.  He will forever be the one that saved me!!

Treasure

Yesterday we had the privilege of visiting with my cousin Todd and his family from Denver while they were staying at my parents' house. 

I rushed home from work and picked up the boys to take them over to my mom's.  We ate at McDonald's and I hurried them along because I could hardly wait to see them.

As we drove out of the parking lot on our way, I was just giddy.  Matt asked me why I was so excited.

I told him that my cousin Todd is one of my favorite people in the world and I love to spend time with him.

He said in his sweet 6 year old voice... "Oh, is he your treasure? That is something you love, like my blue blanket is my treasure."

Todd is indeed one of my "treasures" and we had a wonderful time last night!!!  His two little girls are the cutest things ever!!!  I also got to spend some time with my other "treasures" because my sister and brother were there with their families too!!

To my Matty....you continue to amaze me with your insight and emotional intelligence.  I hope you always feel the love of your treasures and know that you are one of my greatest treasures!!

Busy

I just wanted to pop in quickly and give a quick update.

I have been working now for a month and I couldn't be happier.  Sometimes you just need to be patient and God's plan will be revealed.  This opportunity has been exactly what I needed!!  The guys I work for are fabulous, but I am having to bring some organization to the group (and a woman's touch)!! 

Everyone seems to be falling into the new routine without any trouble.  Hunter is slowly adjusting to me being gone again.  My schedule allows me to take Hannah to the bus now (my last contract job started earlier and she had to catch a ride with our neighbor) and that means he gets to ride along.  He knows about when I should be home and Pete said he will sit in the front yard for hours waiting for me to get there.  I love that dog as much as he seems to love me :).

The Yost household is in "Supercross Countdown" mode...we have our tickets for the motocross race at the Georgia Dome on the 26th of this month.  There isn't anyone more excited than the other...even Hannah!!  Hopefully we can get down there a little early so she can some autographs (although her favorite is a West Coast rider and most likely won't be there).  Now that I am gainfully employed again, we are hoping to get back to riding and racing....oh how we have missed it!!!

Tomorrow my Aunt Marge and Uncle Pup from Colorado are coming to visit for a couple of days....we are excited to see them and looking forward to Saturday when we will all get to go to my parents' house to visit with them!!

The weather is starting to get nice....a couple of 60 degree days in February is fantastic!!!  I am sure we are not done with winter yet, but we will take this for now.  The boys are taking golf lessons (thanks to Lil' Pop) and they were able to show off what they have learned yesterday at the course Pete works at.  I know Pete is liking this weather for sure!!!

We are also gearing up for Matt's birthday...I can't believe he will be 7 on St. Patty's Day!!  He continues to provide both frustration and joy.  He told us the other day that "he just wasn't his normal self". 

I will try to get some updates with pictures of some of the activities we have been up...until then know that we are living the dream and remembering how things can change in a heartbeat.

Turkey Road Block

Hannah and I headed to Target yesterday afternoon for a quick shopping trip.

We cut through a quiet scenic neighborhood and we had to come to a complete stop as there was a large wild TURKEY in our way.  

He didn't seem the least bit concerned about us and came right up to our car as to check it out.  He was all by himself and seemed to enjoy blocking us from completing our task.

On our drive home we realized what he had been hanging around for....I guess the ladies were somewhere close and he must have been securing the area!!!  We drove around them this time with no trouble!!!

This silly turkey sure put some joy in my heart after a rough morning.

In My Heart.....

Forever!!!

Jacob Albright Yost

My angel.

Joy Comes in the Morning

Although we physically lost our Jake on January 27th, today is the day I remember most from 11 years ago.  I remember the meeting I was in when I checked my voicemail and heard the doctor's voice.  I remember walking into the doctor's office and thinking "what do I say I am here for" (I didn't call the doctor back, I had Pete meet me there because I didn't want to hear the news over the phone).  I could recite almost every word that was said while we heard the worst news.  I remember driving to my parents' house and walking in the familiar back door and just shaking my head when they came around the corner.  I remember the hug from my dad that made me feel loved.

But what I remember the most was God's voice.  He guided us through and He carried me when I couldn't go on my own.  He kept His promise that He would not forsake me.

He healed my heart with the birth of Davis.

He made my heart whole with the surprise of Matthew (I found out I was pregnant with Matt at the same gestational age that we lost Jake).

The Joy does indeed come in the Morning and today that is what I am going to CELEBRATE.

1.11.11

Eleven years ago today we received some news that started our lives into a tailspin.

Today, we received news that will hopefully stop the spinning and have us moving in a straight line.

I got a J*O*B.

On the 17th, I will start working as a Controller for a small real estate company.  The opportunity really culminates all of my experience into one job.  It has taken awhile to get everything final...I interviewed on December 2nd at a lunch interview where my new bosses actually came out to where I was contracting so I didn't have to drive far and they treated me to a wonderful lunch.  The holidays slowed things down and the snow didn't help with the offer letter that I finally received today.

I have been unemployed for 2 years and 2 months (but lucky to have a few contract jobs that paid the bills).

We have a long road ahead of us to get back to some sense of financial security, but at least we are starting down that road.

Thank you isn't enough to thank all of those that have helped in so many ways during a time that was hard....it sucked a whole lot less because of all of you!!!  I don't want to ever forget what I have learned and I am looking forward to this new chapter!!

A clean start to a new year

2011 is here....please let it be better than 2010.

We were lucky enough to ring in the new year with our neighbors, the Klines.  We had a wonderful meal of tacos and fajitas and then a little card playing for the grown-ups and some X-Box playing for the boys.  It was a fabulous time and a great way to say goodbye to 2010 and welcome the new year.

Today, Pete pushed away his fears and climbed up on the roof to clean the chimney.  We had a chimney fire the day before Thanksgiving and have been quite fearful ever since.  My dad let us borrow his chimney sweeper and up Pete went (he is afraid of heights).  He had a couple of helpers....two boys that just wanted to climb up the ladder and a wife that was trying to act brave but was very nervous that he was going to get hurt.  Davis kept taking up the tools, since I seemed to have a problem with getting the right tool ;-).

The first ladder

That is him on the back of the chimney

Hunter is wondering what in the world is happening

Once he was done and needed to come down off the roof, Pete wasn't quite sure how to do it.  He said I might have to call the fire department to come get him down.  He finally maneuvered himself to the ladder (the roof is really much steeper than it appears).  I think the next time he does this he will borrow a different ladder so he doesn't have to get on the roof.  I wonder what the chances are that he will go up there and paint the trim that looks so bad???

VERY happy to be on the ground again!!

I am so happy it is done and that he didn't get hurt!!!  I know he was scared but he took care of his family.

**Can you believe how blue the sky is?  We just don't have that often here in Georgia....we usually  have a hazy blue sky.**