THIS HOUSE

THIS HOUSE has been our home for the past 3 years. 

THIS HOUSE was our first REAL home as a family.

THIS HOUSE watched our 3 precious little boys grow from babies to toddlers.

THIS HOUSE is where Caden took his first steps.

THIS HOUSE is where the twins prospered with FIRST STEPS.

THIS HOUSE has watched me rock my babies to sleep many a night.

THIS HOUSE has been the home of many a child's adventure.

THIS HOUSE has weathered ice storms, wind storms, tornado warnings, ect and kept us safe and sound.

THIS HOUSE has been the home of birthday parties, baby showers, girl's nights, football parties, cookouts and many other events.

THIS HOUSE has been the site of my love for redecorating.

THIS HOUSE has seen our joys, sorrows, tears, and smiles.

THIS HOUSE has heard our laughter echo in it's walls.

THIS HOUSE is where the boys learned to peddle big wheels and tractors.

THIS HOUSE saw Joe off to Iraq.

THIS HOUSE brought the boys and I comfort, security and safety while Joe was in Iraq.

THIS HOUSE brought Joe comfort in knowing it would keep us safe.

THIS HOUSE was the only one who saw the tears I cried at night while Joe was gone.

THIS HOUSE welcomed Joe home from Iraq.

THIS HOUSE has seen a family fall apart and a family reunite.

THIS HOUSE has seen 6 kids grow up within these walls.

THIS HOUSE is HOME.

It is so exciting to be moving in just 2 days!  At the same time, it feels bittersweet.  There were so many memories made in this home.  Our boys grew up here.  Caden was only a few months old when we moved in and the twins were not even 2.  To them and to me this will always be HOME.  It is exciting to leave and know we will have new adventures.  But it's sad too.  I am praying the boys do ok.  This is the only home they have ever known.  None of them were born here but they were raised here.  Their memories of growing up will be at this house.  It's been a fantastic place to live for all of us.  Part of me hates to say goodbye.  It's funny how you can grow so attached to a house. I think it's more that we are attached to the memories in this house then the house itself. 
I am grateful we found this home 3 years ago. I am thankful my boys had a wonderful play to grow up and make memories.  I'll NEVER forget this house.  We truly became a family here.  To me this house is priceless.  Thank you to Ricky Richardson for being a GREAT landlord!!  We sure are gonna miss this place!  I know that living at my brother's is going to be a great adventure.  I am so happy to have him back in my life.  It's a wonderful blessing. There will be great times to come and more wonderful memories to make!  But in my heart, this will always be our family's home.
It would take WAY too long to talk about the ALL the memories here or show ALL of the pictures of memories in this house. However, I did pick and choose (no easy task) some pictures to show the wonderful, adventurous times we have had at Aqua Shores. 

4-29-09 Our first spring at Aqua Shores

Indoor picnic April 2010

Storms in 2010

Landon, Jake and Caden...Priceless

NaNa and the twins when they were little guys

Turning 2

Caden napping

That's my boys!

2008 Caden's First Halloween

First Christmas @ Aqua Shores

12-2008 Baby Caden

My bestie's home away from home

Baby Eli took his first steps here this summer

Christmas at our house

Effects of the ice storm

OUR HERO RETURNS FROM IRAQ!

Caden the week we moved in

Mud bath?

My boys and Jake playing train 2009

Daddy and his boys

Our cozy fireplace...gonna miss nights by the fire

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Little Kayleigh Grace 2009

Uncle Joe and Baby Eli

Mommy's little helper

My little guys in the backyard  May 2009

So many hours we have rode toys on our street

PawPaw brought cookies!  UmmmCaden...clothes?

SNOW DAY WITH MY LOVE

sunset

BATH TIME!

Cuddle time with PawPaw

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES DEAR HOME.  WE'RE GONNA MISS YOU!

Dates On A Calendar

Last week, several dates were specially marked on my calender, not that I ever would forget them but because they are important....and for different reasons.....

August 29, 2011 - My Meme's birthday.  She would have been 77 this year. 

Oh how I remember her last birthday here with us.  2005.  What a year.  I was 20 weeks pregnant and had found out 2 weeks prior that it was twins. I was also on bed rest.  My MeMe had been suffering from severe dementia and many others illnesses, much more than she ever deserved.  She had a few good days and many bad days.  Her birthday in 2005...was a great day!  The whole family gathered at her home to celebrate her birthday.  She knew everyone and her mind was clear and sharp.  Almost as if she had never been sick.  Sadly, being on bed rest, I could not be there.  However, I was able to call her and wish her a happy birthday and tell her how much I loved her.  I was also able to tell her, for the first time, that I was expecting twins.  My MeMe was a mother of twins and had anxiously been awaiting someone in our immediate family to have them too.  I was thrilled to be able to tell her and for her to actually understand.  "MeMe guess what?!  I am having twin boys!"  I am told MeMe's face lit up in a HUGE smile and she tells the family members who were all gathered around her "My granddaughter is having twin boys!".  She was so happy.  I'll never forget that phone call; the joy in her voice at my news - the joy in my heart because I got to tell her the big news.  Oh how my MeMe loved babies!

Sadly, that was MeMe's last "good" day.  Her condition took a huge turn for the worse, seemingly overnight.  I was able to come and see her a couple days later.  I called my doctor and explained the situation.  She allowed me to travel from Middletown to Shelbyville to see my MeMe.  I had to totally recline my seat in the car so that I was practically laying down on my back in the front seat.  I didn't care how I had to get there, I just had to get there.  I'll never forget walking in the door and going to her bedside.  She was sleeping and when I said, "Hi MeMe. I'm here" she smiled and opened her eyes and mouthed that she loved me.  She was weak and needed rest so I just sat by her and held her hand. That was the last moment I was able to spend with her.

My MeMe passed away on September 2, 2006 surrounded by her 6 children and many grandchildren. I wasn't able to be there but I knew that she knew I loved her. She knew we all loved her.  We adored and admired her. She was the most amazing woman I had ever known.  I have never met a more christian, loving, understanding, kind, patient, God-fearing woman in my life.  In all my years, I had never heard her speak a mean or unkind word about anyone. She would give you her last dime. She gave people, even those she didn't know, shelter, food, money.  She raised 6 kids alone.  Honestly, I can't put into words just how wonderful she knows.  Those of you who knew my MeMe, Nancy Cox, you know what I mean.  She was beyond amazing.  Just this weekend my dad and I were talking to my Aunt Marlene about how we all still have MeMe on a pedestal.  If ever a person was perfect, it was she.  So was truly extraordinary in every single day.  And not a day goes by that I don't miss her so badly my heart hurts.  I wish my boys could have known her.  I have no doubt she has always been watching over them.  So often I wish I could pick up the phone and call her or drop by and see her.  So many times I have needed her strength and wisdom and her love.  I miss her so much. Her smell. Her smile.  Her laugh.  Her hugs and kisses. That twinkle in her eye.  She was like no other.  MeMe, I am so thankful to have been your granddaughter.  I miss you like you just left us yesterday.  I feel you with me and I know I will see you again one day.  I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck!

Christmas 1993

My College Graduation 1998

Bubby and MeMe Christmas 2005

This past weekend we celebrated another amazing woman in my life, my mom.  It was her birthday on Sunday.  The boys made her cards and a key chain.  We had cake and spent time with this wonderful woman in our life.  My mom is my VERY best friend in the world.  There has never been a time in my life that my mom wasn't there for me!  Since the moment I was put on bed rest in 2006, we have been together nearly every day since.  She has been there with me nearly each and every day.  These special years I have treasured. We have had such fun and made such memories being a SAHM (stay-at-home mom) and SAHN (stay-at-home-NaNa

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANA!

WE LOVE YOU!

MY TOP FIVE ON FRIDAY

1.  THIS SONG!

http://www.youtube.com/embed/mtBfTfgeb4A

2.  IT'S A LONG WEEKEND!  THE CHERRY ON TOP OF THAT IS JOE GETTING OFF WAY EARLY IN HONOR OF THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND! THANKS HONEYWELL!

3.  LATE TONIGHT I AM GOING TO VISIT A DEAR FRIEND OF MINE.  WE HAVE FRIDAY NIGHT GIRL'S NIGHT AT HER HOUSE WHEN WE CAN.  WE JUST SIT AROUND CHIT CHAT, MAYBE COLOR HAIR, GOSSIP, TALK KIDS (WE EACH HAVE 3 BOYS) AND JUST DO WHAT US GIRLS DO!  I HEART HER AND WE HAVE BEEN FRIENDS SINCE GRADE SCHOOL!  LOOKING FORWARD TO SOME GIRL TIME!

4.  MY FAMILY.....MY WORLD

5.  MY GUYS!

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!

HAVE A SAFE AND FUN WEEKEND!

ODE TO MOVING DAY

September 10 is quickly approaching!  I am stressed to the max with all I have to get done before that date!  THANKFULLY Joe has a long weekend coming up and we can both dig in.  Between doing my normal day to day chores (cleaning, taking care of kids, laundry, cooking meals, ect), now I have to pack and prepare to move.  It's tiring to say the least.  Oh and not to forget my niece and nephew are here every day too.  It's totally a zoo...in a good way....I think.  LOL 

In the midst of all this chaos I call my life....I found time to blog today and the only thing I could think about was moving....imagine that!  Nice to know I haven't lost my humor......YET!  After all, I am a PRO at moving.  Joe and I have had to move SEVEN (yes you saw that correctly-7 times) between 2003 and 2008).  We finally got to sick around when we moved here 3 years ago.  Another move notch in our bed post in 10 days.....literally!

KRYSTAL'S LAWS OF MOVING

1. No matter how many boxes you have, you will never have enough.

2. The more your friends promise to help, the more likely it is they will be deathly ill or out of town the weekend you are moving.

3. Whatever it is that you need, it is ALWAYS in the bottom of a box that has already been taped shut.

4. Now that you are moving and no longer need it, you will always find something you have been looking for for years.

5. The tape, the scissors, the markers and the screwdriver all know how to play hide'n'seek.

6. The thing that gets broken will always be an irreplaceable antique heirloom - never something cheap that you didn't like anyway.

7. Regardless of how long the drought has been going on, it will always rain on moving day OR no matter how cool it has been it will always be insanely hot on moving day.

8. You will always loose your checkbook, your car keys, the remote control and/or the telephone.

9. If you stay up all night packing to be ready for your movers, they will be late.

10. No matter how large the new place is, it will shrink before you move in.

HERE'S TO MOVING DAY

Here's to all the leases that start/end in September, thus plunging so many into a giant game of musical chairs every year.

Here's to all the mattresses I've left behind, due to lack of planning, space, and/or common sense.  I hope you've all found a good home.

Here's to the moving vans and that day every year when people who normally drive small cars are suddenly given the keys to giant vehicular behemoths. You know, on second thought, you can cut me off.  I'll just hang back here a few car lengths.

Here's to security deposits loved and lost.



Here's to my friend's couch, which, if I remember correctly could only fit into his second floor townhouse if he removed the windowpane in the living room and lifted the couch through that window using an elaborate makeshift pulley system.  I'm sorry I was busy that day.

Here's to dad.  Glad you kept driving a truck. You never know when I might need it.

Here's to my brother.  Glad dad gave you the old truck.  We are sure gonna need it.  Oh and thanks for helping us move coming up on 8 times. Kinda makes me feel bad for all the hell I gave you as a kid.

Here's to mom. Really, that place I lived in when I was in my 20's wasn't all that bad, so long as it didn't rain.

Here's to those awkward meetings between potential roommates that happen all over. As I recall, these feel sort of like being on a blind date, but without the potential of finding true love.  The other day, in a coffee shop, one of these conversations was taking place at a table next to me, and I couldn't help but eavesdrop.  "WOW, you're laid back too.  That's great!"   (We learned all about that didn't we Joe?  Thanks for the lesson Preston Roomies!!)

Here's to new homes found on the very last day, preventing you from having to move back in with your parents.  (CHEERS JOE!)

Here's to college students.  It may not seem that we really like you, but you do wondrous things for the economy, and for that we're grateful.  Sometimes.

Here's to storage pods.  You really haven't had the proper perspective on your life until you've seen all your possessions piled high in an 8" by 8" by 8" cell.

Here's to humidity.  In my experience, it can't be moving day without humidity.  Or, in some cases, rain.  Luckily, the weather this year is supposed to be pleasant.  This meteorological oddity can only be explained by the fact mother nature has yet to learn we are moving in 10 days.

Here's to third-story walk-ups causing mattresses and other random furniture to be passed through windows.  Sorry about my language that time.

Here's to stuff, and my ridiculous accumulation of it.  A special shout-out also goes to all those garbage men and women forced to deal with the stuff that didn't quite make the cut.

Here's to the couch scavengers, happily combing the streets of all our towns and cities the night after moving day.  I'm told there's nothing quite like the thrill of finding a free couch.  Enjoy!  Oh and don't let the bedbugs bite.

Here's to pizza and beer, the universal currency of Moving Day.

And, finally, here's to the fact that on this moving day we know it's not the last.  The fun will begin once again.......next year.