Day 29 – Something you could never get tired of doing.

There are a lot of things I like to do to keep myself from boredom. I try and keep myself busy.
I never get tired of...
Reading
Watching my favorite show(s)/movie(s)
Going places whether it's just out to dinner or a vacation
Playing with my kids
Watching my kids learn and grow
Anything with my kiddos is definitely number 1. They are the lights in my life.

Best Birthday Gift.

When my Nanny died 6 years ago; she, of course, left a will. I was to get her diamond wedding ring set for my 25th birthday and I forgot all about it. My mom gave it to me tonight. I couldn't be happier about it. They need to be sized. She was very petite when she was young, whereas, I am on the heavier side. They fit my pinkie. :) But I need to get them to fit my right ring finger. I cannot believe I forgot about them. I have been waiting on them since I read the will. It was all she left me and I was so happy to get something that meant so much to her.

Day 28 – In this past month, what have you learned?

I don't know that I have really learned anything of relevance.
I've learned that...
It's hard to plan a birthday party for 2
Turning 25 is really no big deal
I miss my reading time
I still love my time with the kiddos
*God still answers prayers*

Day 27 – What kind of person attracts you?

Physically...
A male, of course. Tall, dark eyes, preferably brown. I don't know why but I love brown eyes on men. A pretty smile and I do like some tattoos but not covered in them. Definitely no trashy tattoos. Nice hands.

Mentally/Emotionally...
Smart, Funny, Sweet, Loving, Caring, loves his parents, Silly, knows when to have fun and be serious, family man, Strong willed/minded/physically, Happy, country boy.

Jerry is some of these things and some he isn't. I won't lie, but that basically describes the 'perfect' man for me but no one is perfect.

It's Today.

Yup, my birthday. I am 25, a quarter century old. Wow that sounds terrible! lol I started off my day with laundry... Happy Birthday to me!
But last night I went to eat with some friends and went back to one of their houses. At 9:30 PM, Jerry called me and I thought it was him telling me to please come home and help him with getting the kids to bed. But NOPE, he called and said, 'The kids are fed, bathed, and asleep, take your time.' I think my eyes were saucer size. So I got home about 11. :)
But anyways, I'm done. :)

Day 26 – A photo of somewhere you want to go.

The beach, any beach would suffice. Bahamas would be great though.

Day 25 – Who are you?

Whitney Jones.... Duh.

Old

Old

New

New



Day 24 – A photo of something that means a lot to you.

My family, especially our 1st family photos. They are priceless to me.

Day 23 – 15 facts about you.

Ohhh, a fun one!
1. My favorite color is pink.
2. I am a total Twilight junkie, but that is not why my baby girl's name is Isabella. Just ask if you wanna know.
3. The twins were my first and only pregnancy.
4. I am not ruling out another baby in the future.
5. I am a HUGE Backstreet Boys fan. :)
6. I've been married 6 1/2 years to my high school sweetie.
7. I've only been on a plane once, on my 21st birthday to Tampa, Florida.
8. I would go back to high school in a heart beat.
9. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Kindle. Best thing ever.
10. I could eat cheese dip everyday.
11. I love to swim.
12. I enjoy walking.
13. I could live very close to the beach.
14. I love to take pictures.
15. I LOVE my babies. :) :) :) :)

Day 22 – A letter to someone who has hurt you recently.

I have been so bad the last few days with doing my blog challenge... So much has been going on though. Forgive me?
I don't think a letter would be appropriate. I cannot think of anything other than when me and Jerry had a knock down drag out last week and I am over it, so no letter needed. To any other person who hurt me, well, I would have to put up a parental warning on my blog if I were to go there so we will just leave it be and maybe I will be the stronger person.

Crafty Nonnie & Happy Bday sis!

1st off let me wish a very Happy Birthday to my baby sister Summer. Seems like yesterday she was born, just 2 days shy of my 8th birthday.... Today she turns 17 and I will be 25 Thursday. Time flies so fast.
Now on to my crafty mother, other wise known as Nonnie to the kiddos. She made Bella a tutu, which I showed in an older post, now she has made her a houndstooth pillow case dress. I think the dress will end up being her birthday outfit because Bella hates the tutu. I think she just doesn't like the way the tulle feels. Maybe within the next month and a week, we can get her used to the tutu. Hope so 'cause I love it! Her dress is adorable though. Mom is having it monogrammed so it will have 'Bella' on it.

 And just for fun, here is my sweet Kaleb. He has a hood on this outfit and his little blonde curls just stick out of it. :)

Today, isn't a great day.

I hate that this blog is becoming more about me than my kids. Maybe the Lavender is the whole family? 2 Males, 2 Females and a cat? He's neutral. lol. I hate today. Just in the general sense every year, today sucks. Today is July 24th. It is 4 days before my birthday. Today is also the 6th anniversary of the day I lost one of the most important people in my life, my grandmother, my Nanny. I talked to her that morning and she was getting ready for church and when I tried to call her that evening, she didn't answer. My mom, who worked graveyards at the time, thought it was odd as well and went over to her house on her way to work and found her. She had heart attack. It was the worst day of my life. I ran out of my house with Jerry hot on my feet demanding to drive because I was so hysterical. I didn't even have on shoes. We buried her on July 27th, the day before my 19th birthday. That was also the last time I saw my step-dad but that is a WHOLE different story and we will not go there.
Then today, I wake up with a horrendous migraine. Ugh. Jerry is also at work so I got the kiddos by my lonesome. That's hard with a headache.
I just pray today gets better. It's hard enough to deal with this every year, and this year, I have my Bella Bug. It does cushion some of the hurt, but her middle name is Faye, which was my Nanny, and she has her spirit. My Bella Faye is so 'opinionated' if you will. She knows what she wants, that was Nanny. I miss her everyday and I just wish my babies could have met her.
This is a magnet on my mom's fridge. I don't have a pic of Nanny but my mom took this pic of her magnet and that's my mom on the left, my Nanny on the right.

I miss you everyday and there isn't a day I don't think about you, especially now that I am a mom. I love u Nanny!

Birthday for Twins.

Planning a 1st birthday for twins is for the birds. I want to do an Alabama theme since we are a die hard Alabama football family and it is going to be the day after the first game of the season. Also, Alabama would be unisex, no pinks, no blues... just red, white and houndstooth. I never knew SOOOOOO much planning when into a birthday party, especially for 2 people! With it being their 1st, I want to get them embroidered shirts and Bella already has a tutu. Not 100% sure what Kaleb's bottom will be, but me and my mom discussed making him some houndstooth shorts. I don't know though. I haven't actually purchased anything, party favor wise. I have a list and I hope and pray I am thinking about everything. One of my friends was able to to arrange the use of the clubhouse at her apartment complex and since she is a tenant, it's free. Thank God! It even has a full kitchen. I know this is their 1st birthday but for some reason I want everything to be perfect. I know they won't remember it but I will. I'll post pictures after it happens... Oh and it is going to be September 4th, 3 days after their actual birthday and today is July 22 and I have been planning this for 3 weeks... at least. Yes, I am excited about it, can ya tell?
Oh and here is a picture of Bella bug modeling her tutu. It's red & white with a houndstooth ribbon. She is wearing a hot pink shirt, but she was just trying it on. She didn't like the tulle. HOPEFULLY, she will grow to like it, fast 'cause it's part of her birthday outfit.

Day 21 – A photo of something that makes you happy.

Oh this is easy!

My Lovies. <3

(this was yesterday after swimming at my dad's. My Sister, their Aunt Summer, took it.)

Day 20 – The meaning behind your blog name.

The last few days haven't been so good so I haven't felt like writing. I'm gonna go on and do my blog challenge though....
My blog name is 'For the Love of Lavender'. I have ever intention for this blog to be about my kids and our lives. I didn't want a generic name, I wanted something unique. I have twins as you can see from the pictures on the edges of my blog. They are a boy and a girl, Kaleb & Isabella or Bella as we call her.
The 'uniqueness' behind the name come from colors. When you have a boy, you decorate blue and then pink when you have a girl. You mix those colors you get a purple color and if they are light, you get lavender.
Everything I do is for the love of my lavender in this world. They make me who I am and have come to define me. I do not have the slightest clue what my life would look like today without just one of them, much less both of them. So there ya go... my blog name.

Day 19 – Your reflection in the mirror

What about it? I have one, yes. I am not a ghost. I haven't taken a mirror pic since February. I'll show you why....
The 1st pic was taken on September 1st 2010 right before I went to Labor & Delivery to have my twins... about 4 hours before they were born. I was 35 weeks, 1 day pregnant. The 2nd pic was in February. I was 5 months Post Partum then. I took the pix to show the difference.

Day 18 – 5 things that irritate ME about opposite/same sex

I think that I will just do what irritates me in general...
*Smacking - whether it's chewing with your mouth open or chewing away at some gum. STOP SMACKING! It's gross.
*Interrupting - I HATE that. Don't interrupt me and I will very kindly return the favor. If you interrupt me, then I will usually tune you out.
*Finish you thought - IDK why this gets all over me but if you are talking and just STOP in mid-sentence, then that bugs the crap out of me. Finish what you were saying, then let your attention wander. Jerry does this when the TV is on and he is trying to tell me something. Irritates the hell out of me.
*Time Management - Just use your time wisely. If you are in the bathroom and you are going to the kitchen, then grab the dirty towels THEN so you don't have to come back later. Again, Jerry does this. UGH.
*Cussing - I will not lie, I cuss and I wish I could stop but for some reason, I don't cuss in church and I expect the same respect in front of my kids. IDK if u cuss, just don't cuss in front of the kids. They pick up on that crap. <- see what I just did? I said "crap".
*Wasting - IDK if it is food, money, or using more dishes than you need to make a meal. Don't waste. Please?
*Lying - Don't do it, I will hate you forever.

Day 17 – How you hope your future will be like.

I am hoping that the future will be just as wonderful as I pray. I'm hoping there is a job out there for Jerry so that we can be a little more stable. When the kids are older I want to be able to let them be involved in sports and extracurricular activities. I don't want money to hinder them in anything they want to do. I want to be able to take them places and do things and things cost money. So I hope we can become more financially stable. I would love to build a house. I hope I am a great mother and that I am able to raise my kids right. They deserve the best and I hope I can give it to them.

Day 16 – Your view on homosexuality.

Controversy much?
Personally, it is not for me. Being a Christian, I know it isn't right but God also tells us to love everyone, so therefore, I do not 'hate' gay people. I have gay friends and even thought I know that their lifestyle is wrong, I still think they deserve every right under the United States constitution. They are people too, they are not harming me, it is their lives.

Day 15 – Something you don’t leave the house without.

Well, occasionally I do forget something I never leave without. But, 99% of the time I always have my...
Cell Phone
Keys
Wallet or Purse
and most recently,
the Babies and all their stuff.

Day 14 – A TV show you’re currently addicted to.

OH this will be SOOOOOO easy!

Chuck. ~ This is BY FAR my favorite TV show EVER. When it was on NBC's chopping block, I cried and you better believe my name was on the petition to bring it back. It's the best show ever and it's clean and funny! Plus, Zachary Levi is very nice to look at.

Nurse Jackie. ~ This is a Showtime series so you can imagine all the "bad" stuff in it but it is a WONDERFUL show. I never miss it and it is probably the ONLY reason I have Showtime.

*This Trailer does show clips of the show and the main character is a drug abuser. So discretion is advised!*

The Secret Life of the American Teenager. ~ Didn't think I would LOVE an ABC family series so much.

Switched at Birth. ~ This is also an ABC family series. I really enjoy this one too!

Sister Wives. ~ Again, there is something intriguing about this show.

Hoarders. and Hoarding: Buried Alive. ~ One is on A&E, the other is on TLC. They both make me feel WONDERFUL about my house!

16 & Pregnant & Teen Mom. ~ It's just something about them.

Family Guy. ~ NOT appropriate for kids but it's a GREAT laugh if you have crude humor.

The Steve Wilkos Show. ~ Forget soap operas... this talk show is the best and it's Monday through Friday!

Day 13 – Your views on drugs and alcohol

Oh goodness...
My view on drugs... You should be ashamed! I have never done drugs so I don't understand the addiction. But if you never tried it to begin with, then you wouldn't be in a bad situation. I think drugs are wrong. I think if you use and/or sell them, then you have a punishment coming and sadly it's possible it will be death. Don't get started.
My view on alcohol... Don't get drunk and stupid. I drink. Not like everyday, but like last night me and Jerry went to dinner at Logan's and I had a Logan's Raspberry Tea. It was delicious. That was the first drink I have had in a while. And, I usually only have one drink if it's just dinner. I have went out to the clubs and had lots of drinks and got tipsy, but I didn't drive and I had enough self control to not get totally wasted. I remember the whole evening. I don't have a problem with alcohol ONLY IF it doesn't cause a problem. Like I said I know when to stop and I do not get mean when I drink too much.
No I am not a hypocrite, I just know how I am.

Happy ALMOST Birthday to me!!

My birthday is July 28th but I knew already what I wanted! So I got it tonight when me and Jerry went on our date. We hit Ross and I bought me 2 new tops. Then we went to Logan's for dinner. Then AFTER that, we hit the tattoo shop.

Happy 25th Birthday to Me! I LOVE them!

And while we were there, Jerry was like WTHeck, might as well go on and get mine too. So here is his.



Day 12 – Your current relationship, if single discuss how single life is.

So am I supposed to NOT discuss if I am married? Kind of a vague title...
Anyway, I am married to my high school sweetheart, Jerry. We became a couple on August 19th, 2002. I was a Junior in high school and he was a Senior. We knew each other through school, but really began to know each other after I started going to his church with my previous boyfriend. We dated for a little over a year and he proposed to me on December 23rd, 2003. He had graduated the previous May and I was on Christmas break in my Senior year. He proposed, out of all places, at Chili's Restaurant while we were having dinner with all my friends. They were all in on it, and I had a hunch.
We got married almost a year later on December 18th, 2004, in a Christmas ceremony at our church and honeymooned in Gatlinburg Tennessee and even got snowed in the cabin for 2 days. It was amazing.
Now, today we are going on 9 years together and come this December, we will be married 7 years.

Water, Water, & MORE Water!!

So we FINALLY decided to start having a 'Summer". Time for water! All 3 'water moments' were in less than a week!

At the Spash pad with Daddy and Aunt Summer (my little sister)

At the water slide at Church!

At my Dad's in the Pool!

Bella CRASHED after swimming! Now that we have 'officially' started Summer, maybe I will have more pix soon!

Day 11 – What’s in your makeup bag?

This doesn't request a picture... so not gonna take one. My purse is in another room.
I have...
Lip gloss
Lipstick
Concealer
Face Powder
Chapstick
... and I think that is it. That all I TAKE in my purse but I do wear eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara.

Best Stuff EVER!

Mint Chocolate Chip cookies. Best homemade cookies EVER. I love them. They are like freaking potato chips. You CANNOT eat just one.

Please ignore the bottle warmer/paci sanitizer in the background.

Day 10 – A photo of our favorite place to eat.

Wow, there are too many... So yea, I cannot choose just one.

Taco Bell ~ The 5 layer burrito is AMAZING.

Logan's Roadhouse ~ It's something about the rolls and peanuts on the floor that makes the food taste better.



Sweet Peppers Deli ~ I wish I could eat here more often. They have the best Chicken Caesar Wraps.

Zaxby's ~ One word... YUMMMM.

Olive Garden ~ Their breadsticks are terrific, but their Black Tie Moose Cake will make your leg shake. Oh and their Frozen Tiramusu is to die for if you like a little liquor.



And for dessert...

Frostbite ~ It's local and wonderful.

Day 9 – A photo of the item you last purchased.

Yes it was milk... Sad isn't it?

Day 8 – A song to match your mood.

Since I missed yesterday, I'll do 2 'days' today. :)
What song matches menstrual cramps, a headache, and hunger? Haven't found one that matches... so ummm... this should work for now, since I am watching the movie and all. It's a song that isn't depressing or upbeat, I just really love it.

Day 7 – Your dream wedding.

Well, didn't do my blog challenge on the 4th of July. Oops. But it's not because I was so busy, it was because I was at the ER with Bella. She broke out again and it's an apparent food allergy. She was fine and all cleared up after we waited 2 hours to ve seen! I hate the ER. You will be better or dead before they see you. UGH. We missed the fireworks and I was so excited to take them to their first fireworks show.
Anywho, on to the challenge. My dream wedding.
Mine was pretty nice, but we had like a $1,500 budget for the whole thing. I would have loved to had a dance floor, a sit down meal. Just all the makings of a traditional wedding. Maybe a beach ceremony too. That would have been amazing. Maybe if and when we renew our vows we can do all those things. My dress, though, was perfect. I loved it.

Eyes

Kaleb has my eyes. No doubt.

Love my Monkey. My bug too!

Day 6 – A photo of an animal you’d love to keep as a pet.

There are 3, get over it. :)

Teddy Bear Dog



A Spider Monkey

A Panda Bear

Day 5 – How important you think education is?

Exteremly. Simply put. I am a high school graduate and I was in college for 3 years until my job changed my schedule and made me choose, work or school. Well, I do have bills and, at the time, it was an easy decision. Keep working and know I am paying my bills or quit and not have enough income to keep up. I did find another job within a matter of months and time I got established there and ready to try going back, I got pregnant. I did leave that job because the pay wasn't good and if I stayed I would have been using my whole check to pay for 2 kids daycare. Wasn't worth it to me. So now I am a Stay at Home Mommy and ya know what, I wouldn't change it. I love being able to see my kids grow and not having to worry about missing a milestone in their lives. But in general, YES education is important. If school isn't for you, then at least graduate high school. You can do so much with a diploma than without one.

Mom

I've read this a million times before and I still cry everytime. THIS is the kind of mother I want to be, the kind God wants me to be.
*
*

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"
"Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."
The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."
God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."
Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"
God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."
"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"
God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."
"Who will protect me?"
God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking it's life."
"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."
God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."
At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."
"You will simply call her, 'Mom.'"
- Unknown

Day 4 – Your favorite photograph of your best friend.

Friends come and go. Having kids has made me really understand friends. I don't have the friends I used to and I do get down about that a lot. Sometimes, I just feel like I need someone to talk to that isn't Jerry. I need to reconnect with some of my closer friends.
Since the kids though, my 'friends' have become something more of what I do to pass time when I am not with the kids or they are asleep. Friends are supposed to be your escape.

My Kindle.

I love this thing like no other. I've had it since Summer of 2009 and I have got my money's worth. I don't get to read like I did before the kids but when I do, I wear it out. I love to read and this thing is AWESOME.

Facebook.

Yeah, I get what you are thinking, but when I do actually talk to tangible people who aren't my husband, mom, or mother in law, this is where I am. It's the perfect social lifeline between the SAHM of twins and the world.

Can't forget my monkey and my bug. They make me who I am. I wanted one baby, I was terrified for 2, now I can't picture my life without them.

Lastly, I cannot forget God. He has honestly been the only person I can turn too. When I cannot talk to Jerry or anyone else, He listens. Whether the prayers are answered or not, I can at least get what I have to off my chest. THAT, my friend, is a true friend. When I saw only one set of footprints, it was then that He carried me. He's been doing that a lot lately.