Borders Family

The goings on at Holly Hill

2009-09-01T09:25:00.004-04:00

Jackson Turns 2!!

"I ride my horsey, Mommy"

Visiting Stephens family in Alabama!

The kids LOVED it, I thought it smelled bad.

She wanted us to but a chicken on the way home to live at the house!!

Being Silly!

Jackson's Very small birthday party :(

Anna and I have made it a habit that when I get off from work late, we go up and check on the progress of the house...I usually get off at 11pm, or 1 am....she likes her quality time with me ;)

This is Grant, my sister's "horse"....Madeline painted him.

Madeline also painted my sister....this is why it takes so long to get anything done....I love them!

For our anniversary, Stephen surprised me with a overnight stay at the Ellis hotel in Atlanta, it was the hotel that burned in the 40s and many people lost their lives....I wanted to stay and take a nap, but we went out anyway;)

I love him.

Our good friends, the Striplehoffs and their kids helped paint the house one day, when we were gone....when we came home, this was painted in our kitchen...too sweet!

The new mantle in the kitchen

The outside of the house...cannot wait till Landscaping time!!

Today was madeline's second day of pre 4 and jackson's first day of pre 2!! They are getting so BIG...it is sad, yet wonderful. I am so proud of them.

Daddy and Jackson on his big day!!

In the new house!!! My plan is to take their picture every year here!!! This is the staircase going up to the addition.....i am going to take some nice pics of the house, and post before and after pictures.

Hard to get one with them both smiling! The inspector comes today for the final....as soon as was pass that, we can move in!!!! So exciting!!!

Pictures!!

2009-05-27T22:25:00.003-04:00

So....an update...the bank pushed back the merge date to june 29th. Praise the Lord. God is always looking out for us!!! See...that is what happens when you listen well!! So, right now we are putting in hardwoods...we wish we could find some skilled carpenter to work for us the next few weeks full time...hard to find though!!! Mom and Pa chillaxin on the porch!

Mads last day of school was circus day..she was a clown!!

What I usually find when I come home from work...this was taken about 2am...My cup runneth over.

The sweetest thing I have ever seen!!! My boys.

Madeline's graffitti..I need spell check..is that right?

On the good ole lawn mower

My pretty house from beck's porch

It is painted now, I need to take new pics!!

We wanted to find brick to match the old brick, and couldn't, so we bought plain red brick and stained it with red, black and brown stain to make it match....This is the fire place on the porch with the new brick...If you look past the porch to the right you can see the old brick...Did a good job, eh??

So....just living in chaos now...literally. I was thinking about asking a doctor to prescribe some xanax or valium for these last few weeks...It is wild!!

I PROMISE to post updated pics!!

Can't sleep

2009-03-25T23:50:00.002-04:00

Not being able to sleep is very unusual for me. I am the type of person that can sleep anywhere, anytime. I have recently started working 3p-3a shifts, which is probrably why I cannot sleep. Plus, I have a meeting at 7am. Gonna be a rough day tomorrow!!

Stephen and I had a meeting with the president of our bank today. They are merging with another bank June 1st. Problem is, the new bank does not do construction loans. So....house HAS to be done by May 31st. Stephen's first official time he told me we would move was March...then April 1st..then "hopefully May, babe". Well my Aunt Cile told me a few months ago, "tell your self June 1st, then you wont be disappointed." She said that when the projected move in date was April. So, good job on the prediction Aunt Cile.

So, Stephen is gonna be bustin' it up there now. As if he wasn't before! I picked out cabinets today, finally. That was about the hardest decision I have ever made!!! I may have put more thought into those then I did naming my own youngins.

Gonna try to sleep...I will leave you with some pictures of my kids, and will take some of the porch this week , and post another blog!!

It wont be like this for long...

2009-03-06T22:07:00.002-05:00

Stephen and I say this to each other far too often. When we move into the house, the babies will sleep better....when we move into the house, we will be organized again....when we move into the house things will calm down...you get the picture, right? The fact of the matter is that while we have been saying this, a WHOLE year and a half has passed us by!!! I cannot believe it. Jackson was 6 weeks old when we moved in here!!! When Stephen and I had babies, we made a pact that we would raise them together as a team. Often times, the mama does most of the childcare and the daddy works. Not in this little family. We have always made it a point to see each other every day...well, except every third day when he works!

Lately, in ALL the craziness of our lives, I work full time now and he is up at the house every waking moment, we have become almost accustomed to just "passing by"one another throughout the day...handing the babies off while the other goes to work. It has been a hard adjustment this past few months. An example of how rotten I am and how dependent on the man I am...he stayed home for four straight weeks when I had Mads!! Now It seems we hardle have time to sit and talk.

A few weeks ago, we started our day with a sweet moment I'd like to share. Stephen had gotten off work from a 24 hour shift, he normally sleeps about 5 hours on a good night, and had gone straight up to the house. I had gotten up, fed babies, dressed babies, forgot to dress self, got kids in car, drove them to school, then went straight to starbucks for my daily love affair. I dropped off the dry cleaning, vaccumed the car out, and was headed back into the house to straighten up and do mounds of laundry, when I saw my good lookin husband standing outside of his new home just looking up with a smile on his face. I drove the good ole mini van up the hill and had the best conversation I have ever had.

S: Hey babe

B: Hey honey, you doin ok? Sleep last night?

S: Nope, you ?

B: Nope.

Stephen is leaning his arm in the window, and I have my head resting on his arm. We are now looking up at this massive house we have built up. ( We didn't mean to make it this big..seriously we didn't)

B: That right there is a house.

S: Yep that is a house alright babe. That is our house.

B: Mmhmm...our house.

Stephen looks at me and smiles. Then he leans into my used mini van that I swore I would never drive. And he kisses me. Kisses me like I have never been kissed. I felt like a fifteen year old again. I kinda wanted to vomit from the butterflies in my stomach. And for about 20 seconds, in my mind, I was showered, my teeth were brushed, I had on my wedding gown , and I was the most beautiful woman alive. Our house.

So, in the next few months, while we continue to say, "when we get into the house", I will remember that moment, and remind myself...It wont be like this for long.

Why I hate to blog....

2009-03-02T00:09:00.003-05:00

As requested, I am posting new pictures of the house and babies. Of course I have already messed it up, because three of the pictures are sideways. Why is this so hard?
Babies at good ole Kroger...like a free field trip on a rainy day. They are so cute!!

Apparently it's the law to have a Port-a-potty in the yard when you renovate a house like ours. It is a great way to potty train, cause it is just so darn interesting to them.

The front porch (side ways) see the cut out above the front door? I wanna put a stained glass window that says something along the lines of "welcome to holly hill". That is what the land and home were called way back in the day before they had "real" addresses. I have to come up with a color to paint the addition. Any suggestions?? Maybe white to match my red front door??

Mads helping Jack use the facilities in the yard.

Mads went to the dentist and had three cavities!!! Apparently she chewed on her lips and gum while her mouth was numb. It was shockingly swollen and still is four days later. Thankfully , no one has called DFCAS.

So, the second level with the three windows is bare. Shutters wont fit, so I was thinking of putting up old timey casings around each window. I need a decorator, is what I need. However, I am too poor, so i am counting on friends to help :)

Stephen's other wife. The tractor.

Entrance from the living room to the kitchen....still have a ways to go.

My sister, me and Stephen...Isn't she pretty!!

Before the siding....It is coming along. I have stopped guessing when the move in date is cause it just keeps getting pushed back.

As for us, we are all great. Stephen is still with Atlanta FD, still getting furlowed, so I put on my big girl panties, and went back to work full time at Kennestone. I dont even whine about it, cause i know i wont have to work forever, (I think). Our babies are wild. Madeline is learning all sorts of good stuff at school. Takes gymnastics on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She is quite the little gymnast!!! Jackson is a wild animal. He is 19 months and thinks he is ten. Rotten as they come.

We are happy folks over here on Allgood Road. We have a great marriage, happy healthy young-ins. A big ole house to fill with more babies, eventually. Jobs, Security. Clean water. Food on the table. And our house is filled with laughter! And crying ;)

We continue to thank God everyday, and pray that we are doing what his plan is for us. I have stopped trying to "guess" what God's plan is for me. Instead I am waking up every morning with a good attitude, a smile and a willingness to listen to where He guide's us and follow as best I can.

I am seriously gonna update more. The picture may be sideways. But that is better than nothin!!

Till next time......Hugs.

Whoo hoo....looks like a house to me!!

2008-11-23T21:38:00.002-05:00

Okay..let's see if I can do this without sweating or crying, or throwing the computer!! LOTS has been going on up the way on Holly Hill!!! I have taken pictures and plan to give a tour via blog in the coming days!! Meanwhile, here are some pics of the past months... Ooops!!! STUCK!

Yeah for a house!!!

That is not really gonna be the front door...i am gonna have a red front door!!

Cleaning up pulled ceiling...dirty, dirty work!!

Wouldn't you like to get this in your suitcase??

Jackson Fire Department....where Sarah lives.

I love him sooooo much!!

Stephen holding his new neice...she is darling!!

She loves me, already!

Hope everyone has a Happy, Happy Thanksgiving!!! I know we will!!!

A House Appears

2008-10-21T21:56:00.002-04:00

After 2 weeks of skingraft recovery, I am mobile and able to function some. While I was recovering, a new house appeared. The framers are begining their second week and the pictures tell the story. Excitement has settled in.

There's concrete afoot

2008-09-29T22:06:00.001-04:00

We failed our first inspection due to the foundation company's rush to get the job done. The foundation company stayed late Thursday to finish the job and did not complete it to the county's liking. Evidently, the steel re-bar that reinforces the concrete must "float" 2-3 inches above the dirt to meet code. Theirs was touching in many places according to the inspector. Not to worry though, they came back fixed the problem and we passed this morning. That means today we have a footing (the wide concrete at the bottom of the wall to hold the house up.) The kids loved watching another big truck at work. Tomorrow morning the crew will form the walls and then they will pour the walls tomorrow afternoon. Tomorrow is a big day with lots of surprises. Stay tuned!

My husband....the Fireman

2008-09-23T21:11:00.003-04:00

Hey Honey!!!
Ouch!!
President of the city council, Lisa Borders and his Lieutenant Don Cole
At home!!

As the wife of a Firefighter, one of my greatest fears is the phone call from a Captain, beginning with, "Mrs. Borders". The movies with the red chiefs car driving up in the morning while the wife is preparing for a new day is a vision that I think of often. When Stephen asked me what I thought of him transferring to a bigger and better department, (City of Atlanta), I told him as long as I never got that phone call and he always came home, I would support what ever decision he made.

Well, yesterday I got that phone call. Actually I was on the front porch with Mom and Pa watching the kids play, and didn't have my phone. But my father -in- law got the call next and came home to find me.

Stephen was in a house "pulling ceiling", (That is when the fire is in the attic and you have to pull the ceiling down to get to the fire) , when a small piece of metal get lodged between his coat and his hood. It was on fire when it got stuck, and burned through the "fireproof" hood onto the back of his neck. When he realized he was on fire, he yelled to the FF next to him with the nozzle....well you cant yell because you have on a mask...he motioned to them...to put him out.

To make a long story short. Stephen was taken by ambulance as a trauma patient to Grady hospital. When I was able to speak to him...the first thing he says is....Hey baby...I am fine. Can you bring the camera? That is my husband!

He has a full thickness burn to the center of his neck surrounded by partial and superficial burns. It is on the center of his neck, and hurts like crazy.

After 18 mg of Morphine, a debridement, visits to the ER from the President of the Atlanta City Council and The Head Honcho chiefs coming in on their days off...we were discharged from the hospital. The ride home was filled with a yellow and green faced man vomiting in his mouth and keeping it there as to not mess up the new minivan. How thoughtful!!!

Today was a fun filled trip down to Grady to the burn clinic where the follow up appt reveals a possible skin graft and AT LEAST the next to weeks at home.

I cannot imagine my life without Stephen. He is my rock. My other half. He complete's me in every way. I hope I NEVER get that phone call. Please pray for a speedy recovery. Also for Stephen, he has to hang out with us without going to work. We get on his nerves pretty bad!!!

In a percocet fog Stephen updated the blog below this one, so check it out....pics of the house!!!

Goodbye patio, Hello crawlspace!

2008-09-23T20:56:00.002-04:00

The day has come to move some dirt and make way for the footings.
As strange as this looks to those who know the house, in a few hours it will drasticly change again.
I was able to salvage some of the black marble, but the rest was deep in some concrete.
And Presto, Crawlspace!
Luckly, no suprises other than the depth on the concrete.

It has begun!

2008-09-15T21:39:00.004-04:00

After months of painstaking moving and planning, we have our building permit. We have also scheduled the closing on the construction loan. The mason has been working for about a week on the existing crumbling brick work. I have been taking bids from everything from the sewer, to the grading, and the materials needed to build the addition. It finally feels like progress.
With all the rapid development I have been forced to organize. I now own a day planner complete with monthly and weekly tabs to keep me from overbooking. I think there is more paperwork than sweat.

I have transitioned from Carharts, a tee shirt, and pry bar in my hands, to a pair of khakis, a polo shirt, and a stack of papers. Not to worry though, I 'm sure I will get to do my share of labor.

The slippery slope of Demolition

2008-09-12T21:52:00.007-04:00

If I ever wrote write a book on remodeling I will apply some rules gained through my experiences with this house. The first rule would have to be, be careful what you tear down; you have to build it back. It is easy to underestimate the demolition process. While planning this project I of course planned for time and expense of demolition. Expense should be minimal and be mostly disposal fees with some crashing and smashing tools. Time on the other hand is something I greatly miscalculated. I assumed that if Extreme Home Makeover could demo a house in a day, surely I could do it in two months. Well the difference is two fold. First the residents are moved out before the project starts, something that has been a struggle for me. It's hard to evict Margy Borders from a house that she has owned for 50 years. The thing is EHM uses a track hoe and levels the house and starts from the slab. Our demolition has been more art than testosterone. As art projects go we are way behind. We have had to take everything apart piece by piece and label what is going back and dispose of the trash. It has taken a while, but we are finally at the next stage rebuilding. I will try to keep up to date with everything going on, but the pace has quickened and the work is plentiful. It is getting exciting!

Overdue update

2008-09-12T21:25:00.002-04:00

It's time to get back to the bloggin to keep folks abreast to the goings on of the exciting and chaotic lives of the domestic Borders(not to be confused with the cultured international and much more intresting ones, you know who you are). Beth has once again bitten off more than she can chew involving herself in numerous church activities, joined a new gym, took on some crusade at work to better the world through some wellstar committee, and just raising two wild indians. She has also found that if she works till 3AM she can go in later, but has not realized how useless it makes her the next day. I stay up at the house as much as I can, but more on that in the next post. Mads and Jack are both in school at the CEE not to be confused with the former WEE center which I'm sure was not near as distinguished or proper. Mads is in heaven with some of her old classmates and some new that she is currently recruiting to the dark side. Jack is not as enthralled at school and puts on a show every morning for his mother's sake until she is out of earshod. Everyone else is still alive and maintaining some level of ambulation and is to the point that they couldn't care less for schools, gyms, or committes. The parents are however working more now than before they retired. I've included a few pictures of the kids cause it's always good to leave on a high note.

Jack in his outfit on his first day of school. He got three phone numbers!

Mads on a typical Sunday morning, picking Gran's flowers
Mads on the first day school, note the breakfast in her lap. We were late on the first day!
I don't know who taught Jack how to rock in a rocking chair, but if I had to guess I would say it was the only one who sits in a rocking chair all day long.

Ohhh....Stephen...Whadju do?? You are in big trouble!

2008-06-26T17:26:00.004-04:00

The Greenhouse
Crawl space under the furnace
Going up the stairs
Upstairs porch
Madeline's room

Under these beams is where we found the poor little feline skeleton
No more green carpet....the adhesive that is stuck to the pretty hardwoods is NASTY stuff!
Stephen made me take a picture of this beam, he says "You just don't find that anymore!" "Find what? Wood?"
The kitchen
Mom packed away some dishes for Glenn and Cile in case they "happen to need some if they come back." Pretty thoughtful, I thought. :)

So, there it is, the plans are almost final!!! I still have a hard time seeing what Stephen does...but I am getting there!!!!

Pictures

2008-06-24T00:31:00.013-04:00

Mads at the beach..she is WORN out!!

Where's Jackson?? There he is!!

Pretty Smile!

Mama's boy

Anna Girl

Youngins

More youngins

Bath Time!!

No more tree!! :(

ALL dressed up!

Whoo Whoo!!

Todd and Leslie's wedding and our new really neat friends, Kate and Jay!

So, I promise to get new pics up of the house. All of the ceiling is down. The carpet is pulled up and today Stephen tore out most of the kitchen!! Exciting!!!!!

Cultures

2008-06-13T00:03:00.002-04:00

So, I just got home from work and want to tell someone why I am laughing in my head. Stephen is at work, and it's midnight, so I figured I would post it.

I am going to type out the conversation I just had on my way to the parking lot from work...I am still laughing!!

Some background, I am walking with Josephine who is a tech in the ER with me. She is from Africa and many people find her abrasive. I love her...she says things like, "wow, you are really pretty now, you were not so pretty pregnant. You do not even look like the same person!" Also, the way I met her was when I was 6 months pregnant, and she came rubbin all over my belly without even knowing my name. Keep in mind I have to ask her to repeat everything she says because of her accent.

Bob, the security gaurd is walking us out. Bob has the thickest southern accent I have ever heard. He is a fairly short fella with a belly that hangs over his uniform pants. He has worked in security forever, and It cracks me up whenever he gets mad at our psych patients. I also have to ask Bob to repeat most of what he says.

Beth: Man I am starving

J: You eat when you get home this late?

Beth:Heck yeah!

J: Whatchu eat? That is why you still got tat behind on you!

Beth: What did you say?

J:You heard me...What do you eat?

Beth: Peanut M&Ms

J:What dat?

Beth: Its candy.

J:Mmhmm.

Bob: (remember thick southern accent) You know, the kind that melts in you mouth, not in your hand.

J: What?

Beth: Smiling.....

Bob: Kinda like Lays potato chips...Ya cant eat just one.

J: What?

Beth: still smiling.

We continue to walk to our cars...Bob is smiling to himself....probrably thinking about how funny he is...Josephine is lecturing me about parking in the volunteer parking...and I am laughing. I love living in Marietta!!!

Sunday, I plan to post an update with pictures. I have pics from Todd Carlton's wedding, and i will take pics this Saturday at Jenni Boone's wedding. Plus pics of the house. It looks so weird!!
Have a fun weekend!

For Kate...

2008-04-21T22:42:00.005-04:00

I was tagged by Kate Borders

What I was doing 10 years ago:
I was 19 years old...had just come back home from Ga Southern (got homesick)....I was working at a place called Health Place in the day care...trying to get my foot in the door at Kennestone Hospital...where I work now! I think I got my first apartment this year!!!

Five things on my to do list today:
Well...It is night time..so I will say 5 things I need to do tomorrow....

1. Take Mads to school
2. Continue to try to organize our stuff upstairs
3. Change diapers, feed children, rock children, play with children..not in that order!!
4. Sleep...Ha Ha Ha......dream on Beth...dream on!!
5. Write in Baby books.....It is harder with the second baby :)

Snacks that I enjoy:

1. Strawberries, blackberries and green grapes mixed together
2. Popcorn
3. CHOCOLATE!!!!
4. plain M&Ms with peanuts in a little bowl.
5. Ice cream
6. Why can I not lose the last 10 lbs???????????

What would do if I were a billionaire:

1. Pay someone who knows what they are doing to invest well so that my family and I wouldn't have to worry about the basic necessities. (Me too....Kate!)
2. FINISH THE HOUSE!!!!!!!!! PAY SOMEONE TO DO IT!!!!!
3. Adopt some babies!!!
4 Pay my parents houses off and buy my siblings some good stuff
5. Give a bunch to Autism research
6. Make sure my babies are comfortable....maybe send them to private schools

Three of my bad habits:

1. snacking
2. I am trying to read the bible front to back...got to Numbers...needed some New Testament..read Galatians and Luke...went back to Numbers...my bad habit...now I am reading "The Choice" by Nicholas Sparks...reading novels that mean nothing...that is my bad habit.
3. Losing my patience with my children and taking out my stressors on them :(

Places I have lived:

1. Athens, GA until I was 9 months old. (My father was a professor at UGA)

2. Woodstock, GA until I was 19 or 20 years old

3. Marietta, GA "The Falls of Bells Ferry" My first apartment

4. Marietta, GA My dads rental house...for free!!!!

5. My brother and I bought a house in ACWORTH, GA

6. Met Stephen....Our first apartment in Woodstck, GA "The Paces"

7. 149 Summer Creek Drive Dallas, GA Our first home!!!

8. The Generations home....981 Allgood Marietta......We now officially own 1001 Allgood Road!!!! Yeahhhhhhh

Jobs I have had:

1. Babysitting
2. Sears...Sales associate
3. China Bay.....water girl when I was 14
4. Sub and Pizza Company....Joked around as a high schooler
5. Just for Feet....can only remember dancing...never actually working
Oh yeah......Philly Connection when I was 15
6. Addison Elementery...Parapro for special needs preschoolers
7. Cherokee and Cobb co schools.....substitute teacher
8. Metro Atlanta EMS...Paramedic
9. Cartersville Medical Center....RN
10. Kennestone Hospital...RN

Five people I want to know more about: (No pressure....don't do it if you don't want to :)

1. Any one who reads this!!! Come on...you know you wanna!!!!!

Hands

2008-04-01T09:32:00.004-04:00

Since moving in the "generations" house, I have not seen my family as often as I used to. I miss having my family over to my home for dinners and such and miss entertaining in my own home. My mother is also travel nursing in Illinois currently, so yet another reason I have not seen her. Last week, I was really "home sick". I was sitting in church and my ADD was in full swing. I was watching the family in front of us, and it reminded me of my mother and siblings back in the day. The mother gave the two kids gum from her purse. I closed my eyes and could literally smell the bubblegum flavored care free gum my mother would give us out of her purse while sitting in a pew. I closed my eyes and could see her hands. Strong, tired, comforting, arthritic hands, with a small gold pinkie ring. My dad's....Strong, well manicured...dry in the winter. Funny how you can close your eyes, remember a smell and visualize someone's hands. Very Comforting!!
Fat baby hands
Mom made a corsage and centerpiece for a shower I threw lastweek..she can still do amazing things with these hands.
These hands drink some serious lemon-lime soda!!
These hands always want my babies!!
Borders boys

He likes to hold Daddy's handsFour GenerationsMy sweeties
Mom and Pa reading Kari's letter
He thinks he can walk!!

Bittersweet progress

2008-03-06T21:19:00.002-05:00

Well, Saturday was the big move day. Everything went well, no one was injured, no one had their feelings hurt to terribly bad, and we ALL ended up in the same house. The house looks so wierd with stuff out of it. The Living room is empty, except for a few pieces of Chris and Kates furniture. Two of the upstairs bedroom are almost empty. Mom (Queenie) and Pa are adjusting as expected. I certainly could not imagine what it would be like to move out of the house you have lived in forever. But spirits are high and everyone is smiling....for now!!! The youngest generation is quite happy! I found this addressed to Cile from Karin.....it is two women made out of butterfly wings!!!
FLOOR!!!
Didn't mean for it to go in twice!
Ummm??
STUFF!!!

My sweet faced babies
What I found when I came home from work...all three piled in MY bed!
The loves of my life!
Jackson crawling for the first time.....thats right on the nice CLEAN green carpet...Mads brought me a stiff dead rat (in her hand) for me to examine the other day. I came close to messing my pants.

So....things are GREAT here on Allgood. Survey is done.....calling the real estate man to get it in our name, so we can borrow some dinero...then we tear down and build... Yeah!!!!! We are so VERY VERY happy and excited for our future!!!

Stay tuned, my friends!!

Guess who......

2008-02-04T23:56:00.000-05:00

Hola, from Allgood Road. It's all good here on Allgood. Things are moving along...slowly, but surely. It snowed here, I have some great pictures that I took with the intention of posting on a blog....However, they seem to be lost . In my defense, just when I started to become a true "Borders Blogger", I got a new computer and camera. I am not good at this. Seriously, I am sweating already. Why can you only down load one picture at a time? And, why do the first one's you down load go to the bottom. ANd, just as I assumed, there is a child crying, so I must go comfort....hold please. Jack has an ear in fection and is teething...he is quite upset now, and I must go.

Santa.....we Believe!!!!!!

2007-12-14T11:30:00.000-05:00

I have always assumed when God wanted my attention or wanted to lead me in a certain direction, or change my life, that there would be loud, bright firecrackers.....or a loud booming voice from the Heavens chanting, "renovate the house" or "you are fine....move to Marietta!" Unfortunately that is not how he works. I figured this Christmas season I would arouse from sleep in the middle of the night to a peace filled house, because that is where HE led me. I was wrong. Babies cry......babies get sick......even in God's great plans.God is always speaking. I am the one who is hard of hearing. God is patient......always waiting for me to believe in something I cannot see, feel or hear. I am forever impatient......waiting to be convinced. I always need more.....my sweet smiling babies who reach and long for me.....not enough......a great big house to live in......not enough. I will never see the firecracker's I envision from him, and crave.....at least not until my day. We believe in the Jolliness (if that is a word) of Santa......he comes down the chimney......Mads says..."he best be careful!!!" We believe that!!! I believe in God's forever undying arms that continue to wrap around me. I need MORE!!!! Why?

I am being still........like you say......I am happy, I am impatient.....I am still.

I hold these sweet babies......look out the window.....see beautiful leaves.....like I have never seen......I am still......happy.......longing for your realness I cannot touch........I still believe.

Thank you......for them.......for this......for patience......health......a new year......For your Son...Thank You.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
Be still and know that I am God: I will be exhalted among the heavens, I will be exalted in the earth.

This holiday season, I will try to be still.....I do believe.....I am SOOO incredibly happy and grateful for Him.....for the birth of that sweet sweet baby in the manger......and for my life.

Soccer Moms........

2007-10-11T00:12:00.000-04:00

Amanda and I have played soccer forever. Throughout high school, then some in our early twenties, so when good ole' Amanda convinced me to play on a coed team 9 weeks after delivery of my second child, I thought, Sure, how much harder can it be? The answer to that is.... MUCH HARDER!!!!!!!

Amanda in all her glory!!!

Two days after!!!!!!!

Stephen in training for the bike team with the FD. I said, "Honey, what happened, did you loose control of the bike!!??" His reply, "Nope, I was bored and did a front handstand on the handlebars." Beth then says, "What???"

Concussion much??? Man, we are old!!!

Stephen and I should just stay at home where we belong!!! It hurts so bad to fall as an adult!!

Jackson thinks it's funny!!!

Jackson is clean!

I got on my camo's, try to find me!!!

Daddy made me a swing, and I LOVE it!!!! Weeeeee

Night, Night!!! Mommy's favorite part of the day. Sweet dreams!!!

Bits and Pieces of our week......

2007-09-04T10:21:00.000-04:00

Mom, Pa, Stephen and Madeline wrapping Pa's arm up.

Jackson at dinner

for Stephen's 28th b-day!

Beck and Darden

Pa and Jackson

Good ole'

Williamson Bro's

BBQ!! Yum Yum!!

Mad's gags everytime I change Jackson's diaper.

It cracks me up! Does that make me mean?

My friend Cammi came to visit from

Oklahoma. I have not seen her in ten years.

she is the one in pink. Jennifer and Meredith have

also been my friends since elementary school.

What a great break from the chaos of packing!

Mads outfit for SS. Two belts! What a trend setter. Soon all the preschoolers will be totally eighties!!

how cool are these? Makes packing much easier!

Mads likes to unpack everything

and then wear EVERTHING.

She is a great help.

My brother Ben. He has MAD packing skills!

My mom and Jack

Once again, Madeline helping.

What? I was cleaning!

The best helper of all!!!

He likes for his nose to be stroked

My babies are rottin'!

Jackson's first smile!!! Too, cute! He and Madeline both smiled

for the first time at 5 weeks and 3 days! Cool, huh?

THE END!

My Wish

2007-08-29T11:16:00.000-04:00

Rascal Flatts My Wish Lyrics
I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow,and each road leads you where you wanna go,

and if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.

And if one door opens to another door closed,I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,if it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile.

But more than anything, more than anything...My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,You never need to carry more than you can hold,and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but you never forget,all the ones who love you, in the place you left,I hope you always forgive, and you never regret, and you help somebody every chance you get,Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,and always give more than you take.

But More than anything, yeah, more than anything...My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,You never need to carry more than you can hold,and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,Yeah, this, is my wish.

Sweet babies!!!
Ahhhhh!!!!!! Madeline, No!!!!

Madeline's first fish!!!!

What Jackson does best!!!! Lucky guy!!

For Stephen......

2007-08-24T10:41:00.000-04:00

KEITH URBAN LYRICS

"Making Memories Of Us"

I'm gonna be here for you baby. I'll be a man of my word. Speak the language in a voice that you have never heard .I wanna sleep with you forever. And I wanna die in your arms. In a cabin by a meadow where the wild bees swarm. And I'm gonna love you like nobody loves you. And I'll earn your trust making memories of us. I wanna honor your mother. I wanna learn from your pa. I wanna steal your attention like a bad outlaw. I wanna stand out in a crowd for you. A man among men. I wanna make your world better than it's ever been. And I'm gonna love you like nobody loves you. And I'll earn your trust making memories of us. We'll follow the rainbow Wherever the four winds blow. And there'll be a new day Comin' your way. I'm gonna be here for you from now on, This you know somehow. You've been stretched to the limits but it's alright now. And I'm gonna make you this promise, If there's life after this, I'm gonna be there to meet you with a warm, wet kiss.

I tried so hard to make this post look right, so confusing. You get the point right? We love you, and are so thankful for you. Even Jackson, although he is upset that his picture is not posted. All his piccs are on Daddy's computer, and Mommy is just not that good.

Busy, Busy,Busy!!!

2007-08-22T12:33:00.000-04:00

We have no idea where he got red hair, but he will most certainly have mamas blue eyes. A baby that looks like me!

Madeline the sweet big sis!!

I LOVE his big ole juicy cheeks!!!

We have been so very busy!!! We put our house on the market, and have been fixing it up in hopes that it will be bought soon. But with the housing market, who knows??? We will be living with the Borders (Becky and Darden) along with Mom and Pa while renovations take place. I sometimes still can't believe this is actually going to happen. I guess I figured it was something we would just talk about. It will be a very long, tedious project with many frustrations. We have prayed a long time that God would lead us where we where supposed to be, and it seems this is where we are being led. Doors just continue to open for us. Now I pray EVERYDAY for patience and strength. I cannot wait for the finished results!!

Madeline is doing great in school and is a great big sister!! Jackson is doing better with soy milk in a Dr. Browns bottle with the help of mylicon drops and patience.My favorite things about him so far are his sweet soft baby feet and his wonderful smelling breath. Baby breath is the best! I have come to realize that I may smell like vomit and poop for another year. Maybe one day I will feel pretty again:) Really, would I want it any other way?? No way!!! A life with no precious babies!!! How boring!!

I will be going back to work next week, maybe only 10-20 hours a week at first. I am excited to go back to work. I crave intelligent, adult conversation!! I cannot wait to do something productive with my days!!

Madeline's first day of school.......

2007-08-07T20:12:00.000-04:00

Today was Madeline's first day of pre-k. She is going to a private preschool here in Dallas named Brighton Private Preschool. She had a great day!

Dear Madeline,

2007-08-03T21:39:00.000-04:00

Today is Friday, August 3rd, 2007. I have just put you to bed and am settling down to write you this letter. I had your baby brother, Jackson last week and wanted you to know how very proud I am of the big sister you have become. When we first came home, you were a bit concerned as to what exactly was going on. But, you adjusted well and are in love with him now.You love to help feed and bathe him. You give him hugs and kisses all day long, and are doing well learning to be more gentle.

Madeline, I want you to know that although things have changed so very much at home, I love you even more after having Jackson. When I came home from the hospital, it seemed as though you had grown a foot taller! I feel like, in your own little way, you questioned where you belonged. You belong here, with us! You are my sweet baby Madeline! The past two and half years of my life have been the best years of my life. You have been such a joy to me.Your smile melts my heart, even when you are in trouble. Which explains why you are spoiled rotten!

I remember the first time you smiled. You were five weeks old, and I was rocking you. Talk about falling in love!!! I was in love with you even before I met you! You have such a great smile.

I know you cannot understand this, (or read for that matter!), and probably will not fully understand the love I have for you, until you have your own babies, I just always want you to know how very much I love you. I am so thankful to God everyday for you. I am so proud of the person you are becoming. You are very sweet and kind hearted. When you say your prayers at night, it takes FOREVER, because you have to pray for everyone you know. I hope you always do that!

I love you Madeline Borders. Thank you for making my life so perfect.

Love,

Mommy

Home with the new arrival

2007-07-28T16:20:00.000-04:00

We came home on Tuesday and are getting used to life with two babies. Having a newborn is easier the second time around. Madeline is adjusting ok. That is the hardest part, Madeline. She has a hard time understanding what gentle means and using her inside voice. She is so sweet to him, kisses and hugs him constantly. Jackson is a great baby, hardly ever cries. Madeline was a good baby also. We are blessed with great babies, then they turn two! We have had dinner brought to us every night so far, which is the best thing EVER!!!!! Stephen is at home for 2 weeks, he is very helpful. It is now Saturday, and we are bored. I feel fine, except for some engorgement and fatigue. So what will we do next week? Who knows? For now here are updated pictures...........

We have a boy!!!

2007-07-23T13:49:00.000-04:00

Sometimes you don't need many words.

Jackson David Borders

6lbs 13oz 18 inchs

1:28PM

Everyone is doing fine

Still going... Nothing outlast a Borders birth

2007-07-23T09:26:00.000-04:00

The princess has given up on her "natural" childbirth attempt and decided to go with the epidural. Our hopes of a quicker labor without an epidural were lost when we only went from 2.5cm to 3.5 in 5 hours. We are now dosed with Pitocin, and fentanyl/marcaine to speed and make the labor somewhat bearable.
It hasn't worked. Labor is still slow, nausea and numbness have replaced the pain and Beth is regretting every decision that got us to this point.
Lucky for me Jean brought doughnuts. Beth is mad because she can't have any.
Finally after playing with her blood pressure and becoming a little accustomed to her epidural Beth has decided to get a little more sleep. Now the only problem is Beth continues to have conversations, mostly with herself, and we can't tell when she needs something or is just sleep talking.

Arrival of the tax deduction

2007-07-23T01:48:00.000-04:00

We have made it to the hospital and Beth has convinced the Doctor that it is in his best interest to keep her here unitl this baby comes. It is 2AM we are 2.5cm dilated and I am 2 tired to keep this up all night. Beth is determined to make this one come sooner than 18hrs, but we will see as he is still a Borders and bound to do things in his own time.

Tangled in her wires trying to potty.

This definitely means something I'm sure.

Pictures!!!

2007-06-13T11:05:00.000-04:00

Madeline in her new boots that she likes to wear everywhere. So CUTE!!!

Stephen, Madeline and I at Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin. We had the BEST time!!! They had this candy shop with homemade fudge and other goodies. I was in heaven. Remember those gummy things that were in the shape of coke bottles and taste like coke. YUMMY!! I must have had a million of them!!! I had the best meal EVER there. It was grilled grouper with a mango like sauce. I wish I remembered all that was on that fish. I want to find someone who can recreate it. Maybe, Ill see if I can find the menu to the place online!! Sorry, thinking outloud.

This picture is kinda blurry, sorry. This is Todd and his girlfriend, Leslie. It was great to see them!!

Madeline in the sand, and hangin' out in the condo.

This is the famous tricycle. No more boppy!!!

The other pic is of Mads, Avery and Jake at Baytowne Wharf in a big ole' chair.

The Porters, Presto, Laney, Avery and Jake on the Ferry Boat.

I am a bad blogger!!

2007-06-06T23:03:00.000-04:00

I know, I know!!!!!

What happened to the idea of blogging every week. My only excuse is that I am just not good at it. This post wont even have any pictures because I cant find the ones i want on the computer. So, in April, just after Easter,Madeline got rid of her boppy. We took her to walmart and she got a brand new RED tricycle. When we were leaving, she threw her boppy away in the walmart trash can, in exchange for the tricycle. She did so very well. I think we were actually making a bigger deal out of it than it was. The other day she found one in the car and started sucking away like a drug addict that hadn't had his "fix" in a while. Stephen and I turned around and told her to throw it out the window. So she picks up her baby doll and chucks her out the window. It was an ugly baby doll, though. That was actually her name. Uggy baby! THEN, threw out her precious boppy. I am going to try not to give one to baby Jackson.

In late April, we went to Florida with our friends, the Porters. We had a blast and stayed on vacation for seven whole days!!!! Pictures to come. Oh, and Stephen got to see his good friend Todd that he grew up with and we met his girlfriend, She is a gorgeous young 20 something with no cellulite and perky boobs, not to mention a great personality. We loved her. I think she was a little intimidated being on the beach next to me in my sexy maternity bathing suit, though. Most young girls are:) Oh, to have perky boobs again!!!!!

What did we do in May??? We worked a little. Painted Jackson's room blue and redid the babies bathroom in a cute safari theme. My best friend, Jennifer graduated from nursing school. Went to visit my other best friend named Jennifer in Demorest, GA for her daughter's birthday. She is due with her second baby 4 weeks before me. Went to a good ole' family reunion in Cohutta, GA. I threw my sister-law, Sarah a lingerie shower. I still think of her as a 15 year old, it has been so hard to put it in my head that she is getting married.

And so far June has not been too fun. Madeline has been sick. I had some bleeding last week with regular contractions. And have begun to dilate. I was on "bed rest" for one whole day. It is not so fun to lay around when someone tells you too. Oh, I joined MFB. Stephen and I like the SS class we are in. We have gone to church, like the past 6 or 7 weeks regularly. Which is good for us. We are trying to be more committed to going to church.

Now we are just chillin, waiting for the new baby, taking care of miss Madeline and getting ready for Miss Sarah Borders wedding.

I PROMISE to post new pictures!!!!!!!

2007-04-09T17:10:00.000-04:00

Well, giving the boppies to the Easter Bunny did not work. When Stephen got home from the FD, things were just as they always are, Madeline with her boppy in the bed with her mommy. I will try something else another time.

The pictures are out of order, so try to follow along. Mads went through her basket at home, then we went to Sunday school. Notice Mom and Pa's attire while attending to the flowered cross at church. It was freezing!!!

After SS, we drove to my Grandma's in Cohutta, GA up close to TN. We had lots of fun!! Madeline loved the cows. It was great to see family. One of my cousins my age that I grew up close to is pregnant with a little girl, and due the same week as me. It is neat to be pregnant with her. She looks great. Madeline stepped in cow manure in her pretty white shoes, which she thought was quite enertaining.

After lunch we went back to Marietta and had dinner with Stephens parents and Granparents. Madeline got to hunt eggs twice!!!! She did a really good job, I was impressed.

Then we came home and Stephen and I watched a movie, Little Black Book, very cute movie. Then we went to bed.

It was a great day, even with the cold weather, everyone had fun.

We are back from Florida!!!!

2007-04-04T15:32:00.000-04:00

Madeline and I had a great time at the beach. Amanda and I realized that a vacation with three babies is very hard work. So, while it was a fun three days with just girls, next time we are bringing the boys with the babies!! Carrying my own beach chair, with all of the stuff we had to bring with the babies, not fun!!! I have a new found respect for my parents. How they took five of us on vacation is completely beyond me!!!

So, we are getting ready for easter!! How exciting. Madeline is going to give the easter bunny her boppies (pacifiers). And he is going to take them to all of the new babies who do not have boppies of their own!!! I am praying that this will work. If not, Oh well, there could be worse things!

Happy Easter everyone!!!! Easter is so refreshing to me!!! It reminds me of all of the things I have because of Jesus and his sacrifice for me!!

OK, I just tried to post the pictures with the post and It is so confusing!!!! AHHHHHH!! I cant get the pictures to go where I want them. So, please pardon the disorganization of my blog. I am still learning, and now am to frustrated to make it look pretty!!

More about the Borders.........

2007-03-30T19:50:00.000-04:00

I just got home from being away from Stephen and Madeline for 2 WHOLE days!! (I was in Chattanooga for a trauma nursing class.) I missed them SOooooo much!! Madeline got attacked with kisses for 15 minutes when I got home!!

Tomorrow morning at 5am , Madeline and I are going to Destin, FL with a close friend of mine and her two babies. We are excited about the trip!!! ALL GIRLS!!!!!

Jackson is growing fast and I feel him kicking more everyday. Madeline was much more active in my belly than he is. Maybe he will be a nice calm baby!! Yeah right. We will post pictures from the trip!!!! Hopefully we will come back tan and blond!!!! Until then.........

Sorry its been sooo long!!!!!!

2007-03-10T09:04:00.000-05:00

I am finally learning how to post and will try to update at least weekly. OK, so since December. We celebrated Madeline's birthday on January 18th. We had a fun fun Curious George second birthday party. Madeline got lots of new clothes, since she has more toys and baby dolls than any child I know. She has been learning to pee pee in the potty and she got a new BIG GIRL bed. The transition to her bed is not going well, but will improve with time, I am sure. She is doing great on the potty. We are also trying to wean her off of the pacificer. She calls it a boppy and she is an ADDICT!!!! She is still a little confused about the fact that Mommy has a little baby in her belly. That little baby, by the way, is a BOY!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot believe it!!! I was 100% positive I was carrying a girl. Madeline and I even wore pink to the sonogram. So much for a mothers intuition, huh!!!! Stephen and I had a little girl name picked out, (Katie Beth). And we are having a hard time picking out a boyname. I think we may have agreed on Jackson David. We wanted to do family names, however our options were, NO OFFENSE TO ANY OF OUR FAMILY MEMBERS, but Ralph, Edgar, Darden, BILLIE, Minor!!!!! So, my dads name is David and that will work for a middle name. Lets see in February we did not do much. We are redecorating our house which is so fun. The babies room will be in fire trucks, Of course!! And I am doing the kids bathroom in a cute little safari theme. We are painting almost all of the house, and redoing our bathroom. So now it is March!!!! I went part time this week, YEAH!!!!!!!!!! So excited about that!!!! I will be working part time at Kennestone and Cartersville in the ER. Stephen is going to take next semster off since we will be having the new little man coming to join us. He is still enjoying working down in the hood. I guess thats it. My goal is to update weekly. Now that i can do it myself. I want to make my blog look cuter!!!!. Kari, can you help???? It needs some female attention. Until next time.....................

Madeline gets her license

2007-01-06T21:32:00.000-05:00

Madeline is officially a driver now. She got a little red sportscar for Christamas and imeaditely took to the road. She does well for not quite being 2, but she definitely drives like her Mother.

Christmas come and gone

2007-01-06T21:12:00.000-05:00

We made it through another holiday season without any deaths, disownments, or divorces. I don't know why we make the holidays so stressful. It seems to me that we should do less and relax more. Every year promise ourselves "never again," and every year we do it all again. I don't mean to rant and rave though. I truly did have a wonderful Christmas and so did the rest of the gang.

Madeline figured out who this Santa guy was and that he brings her more toys than she knows what to do with. She has already begun asking when he will come again. What have we created!?

And yes Sarah is now bald!

Christmas Time is Here

2006-12-22T22:13:00.000-05:00

We all seem to be ready and in good spirits at the Borders house. Well, mostly good anyway. Beth is in full pregnancy sickness lasting 23.5 hours a day. She is doing her best to smile and vomit quitely. God bless her.

She erased the picture of her that I thought was very good. She on the other hand believes she is fat and miserable and does not want anyone to see her.

Here we go again

2006-12-06T17:29:00.000-05:00

For those of you who don't know God has decided to bless us already with one child. Madeline has done her best to challenge and strengthen us and give us just enough joy when we are ready to give up parenting. Well, we must be meeting expectations or need more training because last week the stick came up with 2 pink lines again. I guess God has made the decision to give us another try. This one is sure to be boy.
As Beth is taking the nausea like a champ, (well not really like a champ, but she is talking about it less this time) I am trying to go over all the expenses that the last one cost us. One day I will learn that not only are we better off than a lot of people, but God has never let the lights or the gas get turned off. Sometimes I forget.
I am determined that this child is going to make me grow up.

2006-12-05T06:04:00.000-05:00

They did it! Jonathan and Sara are married and the wedding was great. The only problem is now Madeline has a boyfriend. Time to clean the shotgun.

2006-12-05T05:31:00.000-05:00

We finally got a day to getr rid of the swamp in the back yard. It was a messy job, so Madeline wanted to help. Miss Madeline thought that playing in the mud was the best thing ever. Even Anna thought it would be fun to dig in the mud. The only one I could not find was Beth. I am sure she was there, cause she wouldn't miss getting dirty. Thanks to Gran and Papa for the help!

Catching up

2006-11-13T23:24:00.000-05:00

It's been way too long since the last post, but now is not the time catch up. Right now if I can just get some current pics up, that will do. I will try to recap the missing 10 months on the next post. For now enjoy the time warp and the growing child.

Mad's 1st Birthday

2006-01-26T21:21:00.000-05:00

Well Madeline made it through her 1st Birthday and she loved it. I had a good long post but somehting happened and it erased and I just can't do it again. Maybe next time.

2006-01-17T13:45:00.000-05:00

The Holidays are over and they were the usual whirlwind that blows through our life filling our schedule and redecorating everything. Madeline decided early she loves everything about Christmas, especially the shiny fragile orniments. Beth enjoyed getting a break from school and filled her days naps with the baby and working at Cartersville ER. I truly enjoyed all the socializing and all the great food. My dreams came true when Beth took out the cookbooks and took on all types of new receipes showing how much of a southern wife she is. Overall it was a wonderful christmas and somehow God even helped the financial ends meet.

Starters

2005-12-08T11:33:00.000-05:00

Well, its time to find an easier way to keep everyone updated on the goings on at the Border's house. It is almost 2006 and every other person I know (minus the seniors) has their own website and we need one too. This will be a chance for the out of town friends and family or those we don't talk to enough to keep up without trying to track us down. With our busy schedules and miss Madeline's diaper demands, we are not near as social as we once were and will probably never be again. So to all who come here looking for an update or a quick smile we will try to oblige both. Now for the real challenge, keeping this thing current. Happy Blogging!