ABC..easy as 1,2,3

Today was Carson's first day of Kindergarten & Bryson's first day of First Grade. Here is a picture of my two BIG boys! I cant believe they have grown up so quickly. Dont blink mommas, your babies will be grown in NO time!!



**Yes, Carson makes cheesy silly faces in every picture!!**

Finished for Now!

All my assignments have been turned in and most grades have been posted! I passed my math class! I was worried sick about this class, as I have really struggled. i learnt very quickly I cannot take a online math class. No way.

But anyways, its over & I get to rest and relax till May 20th. So I'm going to try to cut back on my online time for a few days as well. I spend entirely too much time on this laptop.

Spring Break

and its blowing snow.. Whats up with that? I'm not happy!

We went to the lake Sunday and I relaxed with a good book and B and hubby fished. Only caught one all day and so they werent happy. I came home looking like a lobster! That may be the only sun I get all Spring break, the way its looking.

What about those Heels?? Awesome arent they! I'm so glad to be a Tarheel!! <3


I decided since its a yucky day to pull the WiFit out. I have used it in 54 days. GASP! I also had gained 2.2 pounds. Yuck yuckyuck! So tomorrow starts a new healthy eating regime. ( I'm saying that instead of DIET). Not starting today, because I invited the inlaws over for dinner tonight and I'm sure I will stuff my face. :(

Hubby has a fire dept meeting tonight after dinner and I'm going to try to do some major homework. I'm almost finished with a few of my classes and they dont officially end till May! I'm proud of myself!

God is Good and he continues to bless our family daily!

Louder than Words

So as I've said on here plenty of times, I have a true passion to work with Special Needs children.



So while browsing the county library I see two books that just jump right out at me.



Jenny McCarthy's Louder than Words and the sequel..Mother Warriors..both are about her son that has Autism.



I know you are all thinking, A Jenny book? What? The playboy model, crazy blonde? She wrote a good book?



They both are amazing!!



For real, i had laughed, I have cried, i've been mad along with her. Its an amazing story and I admire all the moms out there with Special Needs children.



I have a wonderful bestest friend whose son has Down Syndrome and everyday holds new and more difficult struggles for them. Everyday is a new battle, some battles will never be won and more are only just beginning. But one thing is for sure, these children are wonderful. They are God's gifts to us. They are the brightest eyed and biggest smiles you will ever see. They can melt the toughest mans heart with just a little smile.



I admire Jenny for writing this story of her son and her life, it may not be pretty at times, it may be hard to stomach..but this is what so many moms and dads are going through on a daily basis. Something should be done..Why is it so hard for these children to get the access to the help they need?? So many of these parents dont know who or where to turn to!



Like Jenny stated, the pediatrician or the neurologists dont say, "Maam, your son has autism, or celebral palsy, or downs...I'm sorry. Now, here is your map. You are here, you need to be here". Noone does this.. You are left on your own. To hope you connect with someone that lives a like sorta like yours. To hope they have any experience.



This is why I have such a strong passion to work with Special Needs. They need an advocate. They need someone for the parents. I pray daily that something will be done to help these parents find a way to help their beautiful children.



*If God brings you TO it, He will bring you THROUGH it**

Tuesday..

Well this morning was a 2-hour delay! Whoop! Had a pretty little bit of snow fall yesterday & we got a much needed long weekend! But this morning brought Little C having a stomach bug. It seems so far that he's the only one.

I've been branching out on my blogs I have been following and reading and found a few local women with some wonderful blogs about their faith and their journeys with God. I find it so uplifting. I just wish we could all find more time to blog. Its a great stress relief and a way to keep others in touch with us. (speaking of which, I'm debating debuting my blog to some *gasp* family members). I really don't have anything super personal on here yet and so I think they might enjoying reading. Who knows.



I ran across my favorite most Bible verse the other day & it has been engraved in my mind ever since:

Philippians 2:13 “For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.”

This verse really hits home to me. For so long, like 5 years now, i had no clue where I was supposed to be, what i was supposed to be doing and didn't know how to go about finding it. One day I was offered a wonderful, soon to be life changing job. I was asked to be the media center assistant at the elementary school my kids attend. I thought, shoot, anyone can shelve some books. Sounds like easy money to me & working around my kids schedule! Awesome! Right on!

Little did i know, I was going to fall in love with those little kids. They are so wonderful.

Well, my position ended with summer and I wasn't eligible due to lack of schooling to be re-hired. One of those quirky school system things. (Who knows) . But our principal found me something, but not before lots of stressing, praying, wondering and more stress!! She also encouraged me to pursue school. What?? This mom of two doesn't have time, much less trying to make a smidgen of money and take care of an awesome husband and house. No way! Well little did I know the perfect school for me landed in my lap. I had searched and searched for a school to do from home that was legitimate and accommodating to my schedule. I was ready to give up and out of the blue I was told to look at one. This was a Friday afternoon and classes started the following Tuesday. Girl, you better get your act together and hurry! Just when i was ready to lose faith, God put me where I was supposed to be! And I've never been happier.

Sure, school stresses me some and is very time consuming, but it will be well worth it in the end. He WILL put us where he wants us to be. We work for HIM and he has a plan for US!

Night, All!!

traffic,faith,life..

Everyday something comes to mind and I think I should blog about it..and then...I forget. Sorry this place has been so boring lately, but I've been doing lots of reading and less blogging.

I did get myself a little present...A PINK Blackberry Pearl! I just downloaded mobile blogging and hopefully that will get me more motivated.

Other things going on in the "E" household, Hubby became a firefighter recently!, He does look awful cute in his turn out gear..LOL!! One of my classes ends next week & i'm so thankful. It's been a very thought prevoking class but the projects are crucial. So time consuming. As a matter of fact, I should be working on my last one now.

My boys are as wonderful as ever. They continue to amaze me and i just love them to pieces. I am such a blessed person & never knew boys could be so much fun!


Yesterday we hopped in the car and spontaneously took off for my old stomping grounds- Rutherfordton. Saw some family we havent seen since Christmas and just had a good time visiting. It was nice, but it makes me realize how much I miss living there. I wish the economy was better there and we would move there. Much to the inlaws and my parents disappointment, it just feels more like "home" than it does here.

Speaking of the Economy, does anyone else get worried and depressed hearing about it? I try not to, but its not easy. God will take care of us and he will provide, we just have to trust in him. Its just the unknown that makes me uneasy. I've seen many people lately who thought their jobs were safe and then the next day they are un-employed. Its quite sad.

I've got some more posts brewing in my mind..hopefully I will get them typed shortly.

* Oh yeah, does anyone know how I can get more traffic?*

Just another Manic Monday..

Rascal Flatts was amazing!! Such great performers! Now Jessica Simpson, was alright.

The rest of the weekend has been pretty uneventful. Saturday did homework, grocery shopping, visited with brother in law, girlfriend and her little girl. Saturday night fixed Mexican and had some drinks with Jason & Josey. Love these two, such fun friends!

Sunday I did homework the entire day.UGH! My wonderful husband cleaned up the house and kept the kids out of my hair. He is wonderful wonderful wonderful & I couldnt do it without him.

I'm very overwhelmed right now with school, work, and life in general. I have a bad habit of putting off my homework until the weekend & it creates more stress for all of us. I've got to do better and have already started tonight.

Another one..

WOW! No posts in months & then 3 in one day. I just keep thinking of things to blog about.

I mentioned in another earlier post that I was thinking of getting my teaching certificate, not just stopping at being an assistant. Well I'm going to do it. Hopefully Fall of 2009, I will become a ECU Pirate!! (I'm saying this with all fingers, toes, etc. crossed!) I've got a few places I'm looking at, but ECU is my top pick..Montreat and Lees McCrae close 2nds.

So it looks like I'm going to be a student for quite a while, but it will be well worth it!



I promise this will be my last post for the day!

Well..not back to the Grind just yet!

Took lil man to the doctor...he has Strep Throat.

So another two days plus weekend before we will be back. Still going to Rascal Flatts though..lil man can stay with Daddy!!



I need some help as well..I'm looking for a new skin care regime.
I have acne and scars from teen acne, my skin doesnt get real oily and I'm bad about wearing sunscreen. I've tried Mary Kay Velocity & Timewise and well, I'm kinda meh about it. I need something with a bit of wrinkle help as well. (Ouch not even 1/4 century old and need help with wrinkles..scary).

Help me out, what do you use??

Snow Day...well, whats left that is.

It's been a nice week so far. Monday was MLK day, tuesday a snow day!!! and today is a teacher workday!

I will be back at the daily grind tomorrow. Then Friday is Rascal Flatts & Jessica Simpson concert. I have a feeling, i will either hate or love her. It's kinda up for debate. Though R.Flatts supposedly puts on a great show, so I'm sure that will be well worth it.

I've got lots of things on my to-do list for this month & I'm sure it will be another crazy one. Spring will then bring baseball,baseball and more baseball. Lil one will be playing t-ball & the big one baseball. Should be lots of fun & crazy scheduling, as in true Effler fashion!

School girls are having a indoor- yard sale in two weeks & I can't wait to get rid of a lot of stuff. Hopefully make some money too, as I've seen loads of new clothes I NEED!!! Yeah, need.

Out with the old...in with the new!!

So, since all the other blogs are discussing their Resolutions, I thought I'd do the same...

My resolutions are to eat healthier, remember my vitamins and exercise daily. So far pretty good. I did have a tiny slice of carrot cake but thats about it. I have low iron and should have been taking vitamins more before now but I've been slack.

I went shopping right before Christmas and was able to fit into a size 8 American Eagle pants and now I'm on a mission to be a tee total size 8. I'm a 10 now & would love to be a single digit again.

I need to quit snacking as much & thats hard with trying to pull late night study times and everything but I hope to change that when school starts next week.

I'm dreading going back to work and school starting back, I know its going to be spring before long and the boys will be playing baseball and more hectic times ahead. I'm also taking a full course load and so that will be interesting.

2008 is almost gone...YAY!! Bring on the New Year!

1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before? PTO President, Started back to school, decided to be a teacher
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Of course not, and this year my resolution is to not make any resolutions
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? noone super close but some co-workers
4. Did anyone close to you die? Thankfully, no.
5. What places did you visit? Pretty much stayed around North Carolina
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? Simplicity. Peace. Order. More money.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? None really, Josh & I did celebrate our 5th anniversary, and of course the boys birthdays but nothing super exciting!
8. What was your biggest achievement(s) of the year? Doing great in school, Starting my Uppercase Living business, PTO President, getting the school playground equipment, Thank Goodness!!
9. What was your biggest failure? Unfortunately, I let my house and myself go too much!
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Not really.
11. What was the best thing you bought? The wii!! We love it
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? The boys, they had an awesome year!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? The people in charge of our country and the people responsible for the current state of our economy.
14. Where did most of your money go? Gas, House, Groceries...Shopping.LOL
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? School, I love my classes and I'm so happy I'm doing great! Brad Paisley concert was a hit too!
16. What song will always remind you of 2008? Not real sure!
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:a) happier or sadder? Happier
18. What do you wish you'd done more of? Exercise.
20. How did you spend Christmas last year? With family
21. Did you fall in love in 2008? Absolutely, with my beautiful family
22. How many one-night stands? Ha!
23. What was your favorite TV program? NCIS
24. What did you do for your birthday in 2008? Worked and thats about it
25. What was the best book you read? Jenny McCArthy's book about her autistic son, and Twilight
26. What was your greatest musical discovery? Hmmm...no idea!
27. What did you want and get? A coach purse...didnt get...A Wii...got it!
28. What did you want and not get? oh yeah..i already answered it
29. What was your favorite film of this year? I was pretty excited about Sex in the City. I enjoyed watching it. I thought that it was entertaining and well worth the wait.
30. Did you make some new friends this year? Yes! And they are the best!.
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Maybe a vacation? Or more money?
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? It was okay.
33. What kept you sane? The Internet! It is how I stay in touch with everyone. I pay my bills. Buy things. Balance the checkbooks. Chat. Post pictures. Google.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Noone really.
35. What political issue stirred you the most? The election.
36. Who did you miss? My grandfather..I miss him lots this year, I think he would have been proud of me & I could have used his encouragement and a big hug.
37. Who was the best new person you met? I'm not sure
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. The only person who you can count on is yourself. The only person who you can control is yourself.

So..

Just the other day I had a few different things in my mind to blog about and now...nothing. Can't remember a thing.


Friday, the hubster and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. Wow, it seems like just yesterday we were walking down the aisle. I love him more and more each day & I'm so lucky to be his wife.He is truly my best friend and such a wonderful daddy to our boys! I'm blessed with the most wonderful boys in my life.

Wednesday, the oldest and I are looking forward to going to Bryson City & riding the Polar Express in our pj's. Him, not me. :)

I'm in Christmas shopping heck...I'm stuck on a few more gifts and don't have a clue to what to get some people.

I do love the Christmas Season, just minus a few difficult people to buy for. The bestest and I are planning on taking our three little ones to Bristol Motor Speedway for the Lights they have their and maybe even some dinner out with our little men!



I'm currently doing an interim kinda thing for a 3rd grade class &I love it!!! I'm really contemplating on going on for my Teaching certificate.I'm leaning towards it majorly.

Uppercase Living SOS..lol

I've been thinking, I'm going to get started trying to recruit someone to join Uppercase Living and help me out. Of course they will make there own comission (25%) like I do, but I will help out with the initial start-up kit cost. It's 169(for the large) and I think I will give them a $50 credit towards it. I'm being swamped with parties and with my school load getting larger, I need help! Majorly!

I'm loving Uppercase Living and everything that goes along with it, but right now I've got so much on my plate. By no means does this mean I dont want bookings, just I need an assistant to help out some!

I've had 3 parties in the last week and a couple of days. So its something that could be HUGE if I had more time to spend on it.

If you think you might be interested or know someone who would, shoot me a e-mail or a comment.

All it takes is someone who loves to decorate & all that and doesnt mind talking to a group of people ( around 15 at a time).

RUN dont walk to Goody's

If you have a goody's store near you, you need to check out the Ashley Judd collection. Not only are the clothes really cute but the sizes are all screwed up. I normally wear a 10 (yeah, I just told my size to the world. UGH) but can wear size 6's in Ashley Judd's clothes! Heckyeah!! now if just everyone knew they were size 6's. (oh wait, now they do!)

Anyways, way to make a girl feel good!!

Went shopping with my mom, sis and grandmother today! Got lots of Birthday loot! And miraclously shrank to a 6. Yeah, I just cant get over that!! Woohoo!!

J didnt do too great on his hunting trip, the weather didnt hold out. Though he's got his eyes on an 8-point on our property. Hopefully it will be his this week sometime!

Boys had a great week. B dressed up as Johnny Appleseed for Johnny's Birthday friday. C was his usual funny self.

I did some subbing this week along with working my normal schedule. I had 1st grade Friday & I loved it! I'm really pondering going on farther in school. We will see..let me get through this next year.