Pest Control

This morning was an interesting one...

I usually get up around 4:30am, get a cup of coffee, and let the dogs out while I am downstairs. We have a small chihuahua and a pekingese that both stay on our front porch, and after a long night they are usually dancing around the front door by the time I get up. So anyway, I wake up, stumble downstairs to start the coffee and head to the front door.

I casually notice that the front porch light was left on all night (which usually happens if someone is expected home late), so I didn't think much about it. I opened the glass door and I am suddenly engulfed in a swarm of moths. For those of you who have never experienced such an occurrence, let me be the first to tell you it isn't a pretty site. I would like to think it was an epiphany for me, one of those moments where you are thinking, "Oh yeah, maybe I shouldn't have done that." Instead it was more of a slap in the face and I couldn't figure out where I was or what I just managed to get myself into.

There were a number of things that could have clued me in...the thousands of insect-sized silhouettes, the common knowledge that bugs are attracted to light, or maybe the fact that we live in the middle of the woods. There is no such thing as a shortage in the moth population where I live (or any insect shortage for that matter). Before the criticizing begins, I should remind you that it was 4:30 in the morning, I was navigating my way through two small, very frantic canines...and it was 4:30 in the morning!

So, my truely retarded moment didn't come until I was reaching to turn off the light and noticed my hand was still on the door. I am a freakin genius! Bugs continued to invade the premises. As I refrained from voicing several four-lettered words of choice, the sounds of the not so discrete buzzing continued. And of all things, the dogs stayed to watch! They must have found some sort of humor behind the whole experience, because they were no longer dancing around the door. Instead, the chihuahua was eagerly snapping her jaws at all of the insects while the pekingese looked at me with that head tilted sideways are-you-an-idiot look on her face.

After herding as many insects out as possible, I headed back upstairs to catch my breath and start getting ready. By that time, coffee was the last thing I needed with the nerve impulses I had going.

As I was leaving the house, my mom was awake and having her peaceful morning cup of coffee and I saw her going for the light switch....dun, dun, dun. Before I could even warn her about the incident earlier, the light was on and moths were on the prowl! It looked almost like the circle of stars that surround a cartoon character's head when they fall, but with moths and a whole lot of swatting. I found myself in a tilted-head position with a I'm-going-to-hear-about-this look on my face. Though, I shared the same fascination that the dogs must have had while they were watching me.

Then the words came out...."Who let all of these moths in?"
My initial response, ever so quietly.... "D'OH!"

I said before that there were several clues that should have prepared me for the moth invasion, but the one that probably stands out the most is this picture I took yesterday. Yes, I said I took this picture yesterday and yes, it was right outside the front door. Genius I said, genius! This is just to give you an idea of what we were dealing with. I'm sorry, are those talons that I see? Sure, you are probably thinking, "Look how pretty." That is what I was thinking when I took the picture...not so much after this morning. Now I'm thinking, "Who gave those blasted birds talons? They are HUGE!"

Dealing with Stress

I am taking this time to reflect on all the stressors that are lingering in my life right now. There are quite a few, as usual, and without stepping back to take a deep breath I fear that my normality could be in danger.

Isn't it amazing how quickly things can build up? One minute things are great and you are enjoying every aspect of life; then, BAM! All of the sudden you find yourself wanting to pull your hair out or cry in the corner like a wounded puppy. Oh wait, you don't do that? You mean that isn't normal? Whatever, I know better than that. Everyone has a boiling point, or should I say breaking point, that gives them that last little push over the edge of insanity. Oh man, do I feel sorry for those around me when I reach that point.

That happens to me more frequent than I would like, you know, needing to apologize for the way I have acted.
Humbling adj : causing awareness of your shortcomings
I think that just about sums it up. Yet, I still manage to let my impatience and irritation get the best of me. So how do you prevent this from happening? Let me know if you figure that one out. Maybe managing my time better, not taking on so many commitments, taking some of the stuff off my plate? Sure...maybe, but then I would be impatient and irritated for no reason. I can't be having that. ;)

I really do not think the solution is that easy. My irritation-o-meter is pretty sensitive. I try to maintain a steady balance of understanding and moderate compassion for other human beings, but sometimes I find it extremely difficult. Things like ignorance and selfishness really jump-start the irritation process for me. Actually, I deal pretty well with the ignorant being that I reside on the border of (let's just call it) "less educated."

Selfishness gets me though. Man oh man, that's a biggy. You can be ignorant and still know the importance of being selfless. Ok, maybe not, but you get the point. Like the type that you try to carry on a conversation with, but can't because somehow the topic keeps ending up on them again. Yeah, that kind. The type that when you start a conversation all you get is a, "Yeah, like when I..." The type that is more than likely not listening to what you are saying, but rather thinking of what they might say next. If you are questioning your selfishness at this point then yes, I am probably referring to you.

Now, don't go mistaking a simple conversation for being selfish. I refer back to myself and my experiences when the time calls for it, I think everyone does. Don't worry, you will be able to spot the selfish ones. There won't be a doubt in your mind. You will notice that after any conversation you will probably know their life story and they probably won't recall your name. We all want to talk about ourselves and most of the time others want to hear it, when it correlates with the topic at hand. Then you get the others....the ME-I people. Let me just say there is a cure for people like that....start blogging!

Ahhhhh....

I feel better already. So I did have something positive and fun to share today....
Beautiful isn't it?! I would not mind taking a stroll or two through that environment. It relaxes me just looking at it.






Evelyn's words of wisdom for today:
Take a deep breath and count down from 12...slowly. If that doesn't work, find a good lawyer.

Adios!

Memorial Day Update

After work yesterday, Josh and I took Ellie swimming for the first time this year. We had such a good time. Josh's parents have a pool at their house that was already eighty degrees! It was a little cool, but it felt so good with the hot weather. Nothing compared to the seventy degree pool at our house...brrrr. So anyway, after work I ran home, changed clothes, got Ellie ready, and headed to meet Josh. Ellie was so precious in her new Memorial Day swimsuit! This picture was taken just a little bit after arriving. The water was too cool for her liking, but she sat along the edge and kicked her feet around in the water. I put her in with me a couple of times, but she was a little cold. I guess my motherly instincts were kicking in, or it may have been that she was shivering, had chill bumps, and her lips were turning purple. Nah, it wasn't that bad. She was really more interested in playing around the pool than playing in the pool.

This next picture of Ellie is my favorite! Modeling her swimsuit. She is such a ham. Speaking of ham, look at those thighs! She got those from me, cottage cheese and all! Aren't they precious?! This is really a funny photo, because she spent the first half hour we were there trying to get up on that chair. Then, when she finally did she realized her feet would go through to the ground...not what she had in mind at all. Josh snapped this picture just before she frantically reaches for my hand to help her out of the trap she got herself into.

Here we are lounging around in the pool. This was really the only way Ellie wanted to be in the water. Give her time, I am sure by the end of the summer I won't be able to keep her out of the pool.

Kids are so funny. I noticed yesterday if Josh and I were playing in the pool, splashing around and such, she had this intense look of concern on her little face. A few times she even let out a yell and held her hand out to me like she was going to help. She is such a sweetheart!

There is Josh, soaking up some rays! After playing in the pool and sitting in the sun, Josh's parents grilled some hamburgers and hotdogs for dinner. Mmmm...makes me hungry again just thinking about how good they were.
Then, after a long afternoon of frolic and fun, Ellie and I were both pooped! She slept the whole way home. She did not even wake up once we got home. I think that was the first time I have changed her in her sleep. Needless to say, we both had a GREAT Memorial Day together!

Memorial Day 2008

Back to work for me! It would have been nice to take today off and enjoy Memorial Day, but instead I am working. Good news though, I am taking this Friday off for a long weekend at the beach! Josh, Ellie, and I are going with my parents to Folly Beach, SC. For those of you like me who have never heard of Folly Beach, I have included a map for you.
We are pretty excited about our little vacation. Yes, I would give just about anything to head to the beach for a whole week, but work just won't permit that this trip. So, we are leaving early Friday morning and coming back Sunday afternoon. A brief trip, but long enough for me to get some cute pictures of Ellie playing on the beach! I know, I know...buy some sand and a backdrop and I will save myself some time and money, right? Nah, the real thing is way better!

So, the weekend went well. Aside from me missing Ellie, Josh and I had a nice time together. I say that, but yesterday I spent the whole day studying after church so we didn't really get to spend much time together. I like to think of it as delayed gratification. I am working hard now so that I can enjoy things once I am finished with school. Had I thought of that five years ago I would already be finished with school, but it is better late than never.

This was a cute picture taken Saturday evening before the movie. Yes, I do take random pictures all the time. Aren't they great?! There is not anything better than having special moments captured in a photograph. If you are like me, you probably have trouble remembering things anyway so having pictures really helps jar the memory. That is another thing Josh and I have in common, not the memory loss, loving photography. We both appreciate the art behind it and enjoy creating art with it. I think I enjoy being in front of the camera a little more than Josh does, but he's warming up to the idea.

What else? Hmmm...
Ellie made it back home safely. She is such a little rascal. She is that kid that is so darn cute you just want to squeeze her all the time. No, I am not biased. She really is the cutest kid in the world. I cannot wait to see her at the beach. I took her to Florida last summer, but she was just too young to even know what was going on. Not that she will be any better this year, but at least she is old enough to walk and play in the sand. I will probably regret the longing for her to play in the sand when she returns with sand in every orifice. I am foreseeing the error in my judgement as I am typing this. I guess that is all part of the fun.
Here she is, Miss America. Look at those eyes! She is going to be such a little heart-
breaker. I think I better get her out of that pacifier stage before she starts breaking those hearts.

I wish I had some fun Memorial Day pictures to share. Maybe after work this afternoon I will have some free time to enjoy the holiday and snap some pics. No fear, the beach weekend is just ahead and I see tons of photos in the near future! :)

Movie Night

Last night was movie night for Josh and I. What can I say, we're wild! That is what happens when your life revolves around your child...you get a free night and you don't know what to do with it. If in doubt, dinner and a movie! We were torn when it came to making a decision on which movie to see. Like kids in a candy store, "This one? No, this one! Oh, maybe that one!" We finally narrowed our choice to two... The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian or Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Two very nice choices I might add. Our final decision came down to the showtimes, which is probably a good thing since neither Josh nor I could really make the decision.
So what did we see?

Yep, the new Indiana Jones! It was really good too, but then again I have always been a Dr. Jones fan. Harrison Ford just amazes me. Where can I get some of that anti-aging cream? Seriously, I don't believe he has added one wrinkle since the other three movies. He was just as great in this one as the others!

Another plus to the movie, Shai LaBeouf. Let me just say that one of my FAVORITE movies is Transformers. Shai (yes we are on a first name basis) did such a great job in it! How nice, a 24 year old female that watches Transformers over and over again. I can't help it, I am a sucker for the comic book/action hero movies.

I cannot say that the Indiana Jones movie was as good as Transformers, but it was worth seeing. An enthusiastic two thumbs up!

Missing Ellie

I said before that one of the most difficult things for me, as far as being a mom goes, was having patience with the little one. So, I was wrong. I know now that the hardest thing is having to let Ellie go for the weekend.
Ellie stays with her father every other Saturday night and all day Sunday. Let me just say that it gets harder and harder to let her go each time. That is terrible for me to say isn't it? It is her father and I do trust him with her, but she is my baby. I cannot help that every instinct I have says she should be here with me. I guess that is me being selfish again. Yes, I do have a problem with that.
I think to myself sometimes, "It will be fine and it will give you the opportunity to get some stuff done." Then I find myself taking the first afternoon she is gone sulking and wishing I had her here with me. Like now, I should be studying. I think I spend the whole week complaining because I rarely have time to study. I probably end each weekday saying, "It's ok Evelyn, you will have Saturday and Sunday to study while Nick has Ellie." That is my way of convincing myself it is ok to be too tired to study after I finally get Ellie to bed at night. Funny how I feel like I need to justify myself.
Anyway, the point is that I miss my little girl. I guess blogging about it makes me think I might get it off my chest and get some stuff done. Yeah, about that...not working so well. Everything just gets so quiet. Sometimes I find myself being really quiet because I think she is asleep just one room over. It is a rude awakening when you remember she is not there. I am happy to say she will be back tomorrow night.
I was watching Oprah yesterday and she had several guest families that had lost their little ones in one accident or another. I cannot even imagine. The heartbreak, the loss, the emptiness, how do you deal with that? I know not to think that way, but as a mother I believe we all do it. A way of preparing for the worst, but hoping for the best.
Our time here on earth is so short, so temporary, and I think realizing that has a lot to do with my wanting Ellie near me all the time. I want to cherish each moment, enjoy each smile and laugh, and keep her close forever. The sad part is that I know I cannot be that selfish. As they grow, we grow as parents and we learn to let go. Easy to say, not so easy to do. I don't know, maybe I will surprise myself and actually learn something the easy way. Ha! I am such a comedian.

A Little Southern Comfort

These are just a couple of the many beautiful blossoms marking the eve of summertime in the south. I snapped these photographs yesterday afternoon while Ellie and I were playing in the front yard. I do not believe this first picture even comes close to capturing the brillant fuchsia that the flower possesses in real life. My parents, with their green thumbs, really have a nack for landscaping. They are always in the yard adding or transplanting flowers and plants throughout the year. I love it! In my opinion, there is not anything more visually stimulating than a well-kept yard or garden. It just says so much about the person living in that environment. I think it reflects dedication, respect, cleanliness, and devotion, all of which are qualities worth having on display. Where better to display them then in front of the home you cherish?
These blooms are fun too! Although, if I were a flower I think I would do one bloom at a time. That way I would be beautiful throughout the entire summer rather than just the few weeks at the beginning. I bet they have their own valid reasons for such an occurrance.
I find summer to be a very exciting time. A time for beauty and relaxation; a time for enjoying the product of a hectic spring after a long winter. Summer really gives us all a time to step back and reflect on the masterpiece that God created for us. I do not think you need a pretty garden to enjoy the fruitfulness of summer, the beauty is everywhere. It is in a cool breeze during the ninety degree weather or even a late afternoon storm leaving everything nourished and vibrant for whatever may happen next. It just makes everything so poetic in my mind. Let me just say that I am not normally that way. I see things very...ummm, what's the word?....realistic. None of that sugar-coated, beat-around-the-bush type stuff for me. Actually, I find myself wishing I could think that way sometimes. Sympathy and compasion have never really been strong points for me. I like to think I am towards the ones I love, but I am pretty sure even those individuals would probably disagree. When it comes to my relationships and my personality, I feel like I have always played the role of less feeling. Maybe not less feeling, just not expressing those feelings. I have never really been the lovey-dovey or affectionate type. Instead, I am more the type that wants time alone to do my own thing. I am a big scrapbooking, picture-taking, baking, independent individual. The girly, friendship-craving aspects were never as dominant I guess. My need for attachment to others is far less than the normal human. I like to think of that as a good quality, but it causes some issues in relationships.

So anyway, there is one person I am lovey-dovey with. :) Ellie is such a little stinker. She is just arriving at the 17 month mark and she knows just how to work all of us. Whenever I tell her no, she leans over and gives me a sweet little kiss like she didn't do anything wrong. It is really priceless (I am sure I will be disagreeing later). No fear, I stand firm in whatever I am saying no about. It is hard though. She is just so darn cute!

Before I took this picture I said, "Ellie, lean over and look at the camera." I meant for her to lean towards me, but whatever.

What an angel! Even with her snotty nose, chedder cheese chips mouth, and wild hair, she is still the best thing ever! She makes me so thankful for everything in my life. That appreciation alone is a wonderful gift.

Wow, today's post really ended up being a lengthy one. I am finding that I may have a mild addiction to blogging. I wonder if they make a patch for that?

Weight Loss Planning

I cannot believe May is almost over. I went to Wal-Mart the other night and noticed that all of the 4th of July stuff was out on display. I guess they get it out early for Memorial Day. Sure enough, when I got back home with Ellie her GiGi had already made a trip to The Children's Place to get Ellie a new red, white, and blue swimsuit. Talk about precious, it was the cutest thing! Mom even purchased sunglasses and sandals to match. She will be hot stuff this holiday!

Speaking of hot stuff, I have started my diet...dun, dun, dun. I have never been one to diet or even exercise on a regular basis; I never really needed to. Remember me saying everything changes with a new baby? Oh yeah, your body and exercising changes too. Maybe it is different for some mothers, but putting on 70lbs when you are pregnant makes getting that weight back off quite the challenge. I have done pretty good so far, but I wouldn't go so far to say that I am back to my normal weight. Plus, I am a woman...satisfaction when I look in the mirror is probably never going to happen. So rather than stressing about weight loss and losing sight of the good I am actually doing, I have decided to set some goals for myself.

First on that list: working out. Josh and I have actually started going to the gym and I love it! We go Tuesday, Thursday, and we have just added Saturday to the schedule. He grew up working out with his dad and always wrestling or playing football, so he is all about it. I think that is a huge step in maintaining a steady workout habit, finding a motivated partner. Plus, he knows what he is doing in the gym and I don't. I am learning though! Working out together really gives us some time to spend together rather than busy with our own things all the time. Not to mention that the gym has a childcare room for Ellie. A good workout, great partner, stress relief, and childcare all in one...well worth the monthly payment!

Second on my list: eating healthy. Eating too much has never really been an issue for me. I am pretty good about portioning and not over doing it, but I just felt like I needed some kind of healthy structure to follow. Something that I could really stick with and make a lifestyle change. I think that is where it begins. If I am going to go through the trouble of getting back into shape, then I am going to keep it that way. Plus, I have always had a plan for more babies (in the future that is), so working out and having good eating habits now will help to make the next journey back to pre-pregnancy weight a little easier than the last.

Third and final on my list as of now: fitting into those pre-preggy pants in my closet! I have gotten back into some of my pre-pregnancy clothes, but there are two pairs of pants in particular that I am determined to wear again. You know, those favorite jeans (and the other is the favorite pair of khakis). Makes me excited just thinking about it! In addition to that, I guess part of this goal would include feeling good in my skin. That is probably the most important. It would just be nice to feel comfortable again (well, as much comfort as possible) in a swimsuit. So, I am on my way!! I will be sure to let you know the ups and downs along the way.


Although, there was a HUGE plus with gaining that weight.... ELLIE :)

I thought these were cute. Bed-head at its best! I took these yesterday when Ellie finally emerged from her three hour nap. What would a daily post be without something to do with the Elroo?!

Home Sweet Home

Nestled in the North Georgia Mountains! Isn't it beautiful?! I was born and raised here and I am happy to say I still call it home. Who would want to leave such a breathtaking view? This picture was taken back in November of 2007 when Josh and I took the afternoon to go hiking. This is one of his favorite spots. I cannot believe it has been six months since we took this hike together. Time just goes by so fast. It seems like every weekend there is something planned. We keep saying maybe we will go again next weekend, but before you know it half the year is gone. I guess that is what happens when you get caught up in everything else. Maybe we will get to go again soon.


This is probably my favorite picture from our little hiking trip. Just the idea of solitude. The idea that you are alone in a world full of winding paths. We all know that choosing the right path is essential in getting you where you want to be, but do we always take the right path? I know I haven't. That is all part of growing I guess...the journey through adolescence and into adulthood. This is kind of a personal reminder that sometimes the path less traveled is the one worth taking.


This last picture is of my honey! This is Joshua Paul with me atop Preacher's Rock. Josh is my boyfriend and my best friend. Sounds pretty corny, huh? I get that a lot. I guess I could have came up with a better title for him. Supporter, encourager, strengthener, teacher...any of those would have done the job. He is an amazing individual. Each day I find myself admiring him more and more. I guess it is just funny how things work out. Josh has been a part of my life for the past eight years. He has not always played the main role, but his friendship has remained unwavering. What more could you ask for? Well, maybe a wonderful personality, good looks, and a great family....yeah, he has those too. More than that though, he is always thinking of others. Whether it be me, Ellie, his family, or a stranger, his thoughtful nature shines through. It's a good thing too, because thoughtfulness is at the top of my must-have quality list. :) Anyway, I am sure you will hear more about him later.

Country Pleasures

Oh yeah, that's a bear...and yes, that is my backyard! Isn't that exciting! My dad happened to notice him prowling around the treeline and snapped this shot. Needless to say, the bear and my dad headed opposite directions once the photoshoot was over. This is just another example of the simple pleasures I was writing about earlier. Most people will go their whole life without seeing a bear close up, much less in their backyard! Beary cool! :)


This one is a little out of focus, but you still get the idea. Pretty big black snake, huh?! This was in the backyard too. He was just chillin; catchin some rays. I wish I had something next to him so you could actually see the size of this sucker. He was the biggest I have seen in a while. It was a wildlife weekend!

Little Ellie

This is my Ellie! Isn't she a doll?! This picture was taken when we were visiting Jay Bridge one late afternoon in March. It is so funny to see Ellie's reaction to things. Just being so new to the world and finding every little thing interesting. She doesn't take those simple, beautiful things for granted. She's just like a little sponge...soaking everything up. Watching her makes me wish I could just stop and smell the flowers every now and then.



ZOOM, ZOOM, ZOOM...

This is her new car. She is such a little hot rod, flintstoning it around the driveway. Have I mentioned she loves, loves, loves being outside?! Her Papa D keeps her during the day when I am at work, so they spend the majority of the afternoon playing in the dirt. Just one of the many luxuries of being a child.







This is so cute. Ellie has a thing right now with pushing the buggy when we go shopping. I think I was expecting that from her a little later, at least when she could reach the handlebar. This method works well too I guess. It's precious!

First Post

First time blogger! What better way to begin than with an introduction?! So, I am 24 and a mother to one...and that about sums up my life right now. j/k I work at the hospital in my hometown as the Emergency Management Coordinator and I am currently enrolled in school as well. So what's next? Why blogging? Well, I guess when it comes down to it I don't really feel like I take much time for myself. That sounds pretty selfish, but with a 16 month old, a full-time job, and school, my plate stays pretty full. Moms are supposed to handle all of those things and make it look easy, right? Hmmm...not so much in my case. The word chaos comes to mind. It makes for an interesting life, but it would be nice to just relax and recap some memorable moments once in a while. So here I am!

Ellie...yep, that is my little girl's name. Ellenoir Anne is her full name, but Ellie is what we call her. She has got to be the most adorable little thing I have ever seen! I better say that, right? What kind of mother would I be if I spent my first blog dogging my offspring? Seriously though, she makes me melt! I will post a picture of her as soon as I figure that task out. Yes, I suffer from an acute case of computer illiteracy. It's ok though, I am seeking help.

So, being a mother has quite the challenges involved. I would have to say that the hardest thing for me, thus far, has been patience. I have always been a pretty laid-back person. The type that goes with the flow; not expecting much and dealing well with change. Boy, do things change when that little one gets here. If you do not respond well to people trying your patience, then I don't recommend having babies. People say, "Awww, they are great" and "when it is your own child you will have more patience than you think." Sure, trick 'em into thinking they can handle hourly screaming sessions from a little person after a sleepless night.

Don't get me wrong, children are great! They are especially great when they are yours, but I find myself asking God to give me patience more and more with every day that passes. Sometimes I feel like He is just laughing at me.... at my knotted hair that has just been pulled out or my soaked face from the vomit that Ellie managed to project all over me (who knew so much liquid could come out of a child?). He's just laughing. Thinking, "Oh, that Evelyn is such a character." I have always thought of God as having a great sense of humor. Being a mother has only reinforced that theory.

Even though I complain sometimes, I really would not change being a mother. Granted, I am working toward being a better mother, but that is all part of the job. There are just so many rewards that come along with it. From sitting up for the first time, to running through the house...the rewards are endless. What a wonderful blessing!