I Can't Believe It!

Written :  12,13, 2012

Fifth of Six Blogs on God's Faithfulness concerning my AR RDH Boards 

Anytime I see God answer prayer & see His faithfulness, it certainly blows me away.  I can hardly contain myself.  It never gets old & this situation is no exception.  I love time lines, so please be patient with me as you read this blog.

I have not felt lead to search for an RDH job this year.  I don't know if I'm putting it off due to fear or I just don't want to work.  The real truth is probably yes to both of these statements.  But, I really haven't felt lead to hunt for a job.  In fact, I thought I found the perfect job at Dr. Eiler's office which should have begun this December, but that is not looking promising at the moment.  I really was dreading job hunting due to there are so many Dentist in the Little Rock area, & I don't know where to begin or who to trust.  I did want to get into a good office that produces awesome dentistry no matter where I work.

December 6, (Thur)-I love Chat.  This is the women's ministry at Summit Church.  We meet 3-4 times during the school year for a couple of hours.  Every Chat is different, & again I love helping & being apart of it.  This Chat I got there early to help, but there was nothing for me to do.  Marty Heard was standing around.  To my surprise, she was a major part of the program.  I just thought she was there early, like me.  I met her when I attended our new church homes Women's Spring Bible Study this year.  She is a wife of a Dentist in North Little Rock.  She has been so supportive & very sympathetic as I went through the AR DH Board process.
     We usually have about 90 women to attend Chat.  So, for me to have run into Marty & had time to chat, would have been a little difficult.  Amazing how God orchestrated this interaction.
     Anyway, we were catching-up & she wanted to know where I stood with RDH.  I told her my thoughts & feelings.  (1) Marty said that they might can use me in Feb 2013 & to bring by a resume; (2) & that they (she & her husband-he meets with other Dentist in a Bible Study) would pass the word about me to help steer me in the right direction.

December 9, (Sun)-During a different Bible Study that my husband & I attends that met after the worship service, I asked for prayer concerning a RDH job.  I had already told LaRue & Dianna about my situation during our tea, & had ask them to pray for me concerning this.

December 10, (Mon)-I got dressed up, traveled about 30 min for a 5 sec meeting & left the resume at Dr. Heard's office.  Then, I got lost & it took me about 45 min to get home.  Getting lost, NEVER makes me happy, if you know what I mean.  Plus, Marty wasn't even in the office that day.  Oh well.

December 12, (Thur)-While I was keeping Haven (our 2nd grand baby), I got a phone call from Dr Heard's office to ask if they could fax my resume to Dr. Lane's office.  I was spell bound.  He also asked if he could meet me today.  I got cleaned up & was at the office for over 2 hrs.  The office & staff were great!  Here I go again, being overwhelmed with the computer responsibilities.  I was experiencing many mixed emotions: excitement, overwhelmed, & fearful.  This was obviously to me & to Dr. Lane that this was a GOD THING.  

After it was all over I had to naturally call Dave first, then Dianna, La Rue, & of course Marty who already knew.  Later the kids & Mother.  You see, this goes back to when I CAN'T HARDLY CONTAIN MYSELF, I HAVE TO TELL EVERYONE.

Lately, I have felt in my spirit the Lord taking me back to the verses to claim & declare though-out preparing for the Boards.  I believe that God wants me to keep declaring these verses, not only with my RDH skills, but also with these computer skills that I now need to learn as I work.

Ex 31:1-5
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 2 “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3 And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, 4 to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, 5 in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship.

Prayer-Father, I just thank you for this awesome opportunity of seeing how you care for me (us), seeing You work, seeing Your faithfulness in this area of my life.  Again, You are so faithful.  Thank you for the 10 day of work & maybe more with this office.  I also want to thank you for other sub-jobs that You will bring my way.  Thank you that this job should pay us back about 2/3's of what we owe ourselves in RDH.  In Jesus Name, Amen

      ann :) 

Update Concerning AR RDH Board

Written :  12,13, 2012

Fourth of Six Blogs on God's Faithfulness concerning my AR RDH Boards 

I can't believe I am writing so late.  The Board was Saturday, Apr. 28, 28th, 2012. Well, here is the rest of the AR DH saga! 

The Board was given within a 3 day period.  Each day there were two different sessions that you could have been assigned to.  I was assigned the last day, & the last session to take the Board.  Nothing like giving your nerves the opportunity to have their full benifit to perform!

The day of the Board finally came.  Yes, I was nervous.  I showed up for orientation at 6:30 am.  Then I had to wait until 12:45 pm to take the exam.  Since I really could not go home between orientation and my Board, I walked, & walked to help pass the time.  I even walked to the zoo & bought our zoo passes for the year, & walked some more.  I then sat down & ended up talking with a Mom who was waiting on her daughter who was taking the exam.  My stomach was still churning.

Well, it was finally time.  My patient showed up.  Praise the Lord!  I had even bought him a Nook for him to play with during the 3 hr exam.  You do what you have to do to get your patient there.  I also had to pay him at least $100 for me to clean 1/2 of his mouth.  He was a good sport I have to say.

By the time I walked into the clinic I saw my dear instructor, Ms. Pace.  I couldn't believe it but, she had my entire opertory prepared, which saved a lot of time.  I took my time doing my perio probing & calculus detection.  I knew I would take a hit with not meeting the Board's criteria & also calculus detection portion.  Now, this was my fourth state exam that I had taken.  It never gets any easier, but I couldn't believe what was happening within myself during this exam.  I was actually enjoying working on my patient's mouth.  I couldn't believe it.  I enjoyed it & had PEACE & JOY :) just like I prayed for.  

Again, God was faithful!!!

I did pass the Board with the exact grade I thought I would make!  God, You are so good.

Now, I beginning a new journey in finding part-time jobs.  I do enjoy the Dental Hygiene work, but going into a new office everytime to sub, is becoming very difficult for me, especially mentally & emotionally.  Every office has a different computer system.  This always freaks me out to some degree.  Why can't I just clean the patient's teeth :-/

AGAIN, as I begin this new job on Monday, 12.17.2012, I'm reminded of God's faithfulness; plus He took me back to the two sisters, Mary & Martha, that I wrote about in my last entry, Where is My Focus?  God is good!

            ann :)

Marinade vs Faith? Part Two

Written : March, 2012
Second of Six Blogs on God's Faithfulness concerning my AR RDH Boards 

continuation...
I had the opportunity to take a wonderful 2 1/2 weeks trip in March of this year (2012), to go back to Highlands, NC then to Valdosta, GA & on to Atlanta.  I hadn't been back to Highlands since we moved the end of Sept. 2011.  It was great spending time with my Mom but, it was also a bitter sweet time because it was my first time back at home since my Dad past away this past Jan (2012).  The Dental Conference in Atlanta is always fun.  I learn a lot of information, got many CE credits, & I had so much fun being with Dr. Dyer's office.  Along the way I got to visit with many wonderful friends, & went to a wonderful Women's Retreat.

While in Valdosta I got to visit with one of my dearest friends named Gaye.  We went out to lunch, driving in style with her new Jaguar.  Boy, did I give her a grief about that.  After talking about the families & all our girlie stuff, I began to talk about the woes of taking the Dental Hygiene Boards, again.  The bottom line of that conversation, was the Lord was with me through the NC boards, He will be with me through the AR boards.

Then, I began telling her after the joy of passing this AR DH board, I now get to pay over a $1000 to take a course for a week about Dental Hygiene Local Anesthesia.  In other words, I've got to learn how to give shots!!!  Not only do I have to learn how to give a shot, I get to be a guinea pig for someone else for five days for someone else to practice on.  :( :( :(  

Now, the Dentist & Hygienist AR love doing this.  I am the person who HATES shots with a purple passion.  I have hated them since I was a very small child.  I can't even watch someone else on TV with a knife or an animal attacking another animal on the Discovery Channel.  I can dig in your mouth & get all that gunk out, but forget a shot.

As I was telling Gaye all this, we started dieing laughing.  The more expressive I got, the more we laughed.  About the end of this conversation, it was time for us to depart.  Right before I got out of her car to get into mine Gaye then came up with this great illustration.  "Ann, just think of those mouths as being a chicken!  As you are giving those shots, you are marinating a chicken.  Just imagine that medicine spreading out like marinade all through the mouth."  By this time we were roaring with laughter.  Laughing tears were flowing down my cheeks--one of those belly laughs.  In fact, I am laughing all over again while writing this story.  

Well, I must admit, that if I ever take the course I might kill over laughing with the shot in my hand & never make it to the patients mouth.  At this point in my journey in preparing to take the AR Dental Hygiene Boards, I don't have a patient & my board is Apr 28th.  That seems like a long time away, but really I have about 1 1/2 weeks to find a patient or maybe I need to withdraw from the exam & give up practicing DH.  If I don't get my license, then I don't have to take the course.  Hey!! :)

Some anchor concepts of faith that I have really hung onto are: 
-that God is good no matter what;  
-He loves me & He wants the best for me & my family; 
-& He is faithful no matter what!  
-He hasn't failed me, 
-& I haven't failed myself through this process.  
-If I take the board or not, if I pass or not; He is still a good Father.
  
Again, these concepts keep me grounded in my life.  Other faith steps through this journey have been clinging to the verses that God has given me; not giving up; studying for the course before I pass the boards (I have to pass the boards to take the course).

Well back to the marinade.  Shots or no shots, God wants to marinade me in His Word & in His goodness everyday.  Don't you love that?!  Also, don't you love dear friends that help you keep life in perspective?!  I do.

                                 ann :)

Marinade vs Faith? Part One

Written : March, 2012
First of Six Blogs on God's Faithfulness concerning my AR RDH Boards 

Almost two and a half years ago I completed an up & down journey that involved renewing my GA RDH license & earning my NC RDH license.  This was one of the most stressful journeys that I have ever lived through in a very, Very, VERY long time.

This season of my life began when Dave mentioned to me one random day, that if something happened to him, it might be a good idea for me to renew my GA RDH license.  We lived in Highlands, NC at the time; a tiny mountain town which was only about 30 minutes from the GA State line.  This idea led to me having carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand in Dec of 2008.  Then in Jan. 2009, after filling out all the paper work for the GA Board, I was now part of the waiting game.  To make a long story short, I received my license in December of 2009.

In the meantime while waiting on my GA license, I really felt lead within my spirit to go after my NC license since I lived in NC.  Makes sense, huh!  This is where the stress of my journey really began.  I had to find a patient who would consent for me to take him to the Board exam & clean a portion of his mouth.  This was not an easy feat since I was not in a school setting anymore.  It seems that this wouldn't be all that hard.  Who wouldn't want a free cleaning, Xrays, all expenses paid trip to Greenville, NC, & money on the side.   It doesn't work that way.  The Dental Board has a very specific criteria for you to follow.  God provided for my every need in many miraculous ways along this journey especially a patient, & I passed the Board in Oct, 2009 with "flying colors."  One of the greatest lessons I learned through this process was overcoming my battle with fear.  Another thing I learned was I NEVER WANTED TO GO THROUGH ANYTHING LIKE THIS AGAIN.

If you have been reading my Life's A Season blog; beginning 9-6-11; you would have learned that we have just been through a major move from Highlands, NC to Maumelle, AR the end of Sept 2011.  Guess what that means?  Yep!!  If I am to practice Dental Hygiene, I am going to have to take the Clinical EXAM all over again! :(  Yes, I have to find the perfect patient to meet the AR Boards' criteria to take to the exam.  At least this time I can take the exam here in town, & I have the Dental Hygiene School to help me in many ways.  So here I go again putting fliers all over town, in hospitals, & visiting churches, plus putting it out there on Face Book to find that perfect patient.

God has given me the neatest verses to carry me along this journey-Ex 31:1-5
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 2 “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3 And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, 4 to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, 5 in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship.

Well this fits me to the TEE.  I am like Bezalel.  He was the only a blue collar worker that God put His Spirit into.  He was not a leader or a prophet.  I am God's child & I have His Spirit in me. 

I have prayed that God would fill me not only with His Spirit, but also in wisdom,  understanding, knowledge, & in all manner of workmanship to do the work I need to do in Dental Hygiene.  Bezalel, had to do his job perfectly the first time.  I need to do that (sort of) with the Boards.  He also worked well under authority.  I need this also in working with my instructors.

I hate long blogs, so I will continue the story later....

                                        ann :)

Where Is My Focus?

Written :  4, 23, 2012
Third of Six Blogs on God's Faithfulness concerning my AR RDH Boards 

As I have been thinking back, I can't believe that about the last 1 1/2 yrs; (beginning June 2011 until the present); it has been very busy to say the least.  Here is a little of what we have been through part of this year alone: preparing for a move, buying a house, moving (& all the emotion that goes with it), setting up into a new home, enjoying all our children (who live close by), holidays, death of my Daddy, making several long trips & preparing for my AR Dental Hygiene Board.  With all this said, it reminds me of two sisters in the Bible that I can identify with: Mary & Martha.

Martha is the busy one, looking to the needs of everyone.  We always find Mary at Jesus' feet drawing from Him.  Well, I have to admit that with all this going on I feel I have been a mixture of these two women.

Since my Daddy's death in January, these last 3 months I have thrown myself into a full-time commitment & totally focused on preparing for THE BOARD.  Trying to find a patient that meets the perfect criteria to take to the Board Exam can blow your mind.  I am very grateful that in preparing for this exam, I have had the opportunity to have the Dental Hygiene School at UAMS to guide me.  I didn't have this advantage when I took the NC Board 2 1/2 yrs ago.

At the beginning of this Board season of my life, again!; I felt that God gave me Ex. 31:1-5.  (If interested, read my blogs: Marinate or Faith? Part 1 & 2 to get the entire picture!)  Not only have I been claiming these verses, but I have also been bombarding the Throne of Grace with Ps 61:2 & 8; and Zech 4:6-7, especially on my clinic days.

Ps 1:2-From the end of the earth I will cry to You,

       When my heart is overwhelmed (I am overwhelmed by this situation);
       Lead me to the rock (Jesus, who) that is higher than I.
    :8-So I will sing praise to Your name forever,
        That I may daily perform my vows (service).

Zech 4:6-So he answered and said to me:
             “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel (me-Ann):
             ‘Not by (your) might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’
             Says the Lord of hosts.
           7-‘Who are you, O great mountain (Board Exam)?
              Before Zerubbabel (Ann) you (it) shall become a plain!
              And he shall bring forth the capstone
              With shouts of “Grace, grace to (over) it!”’”

[PS Statement-These verses were taught at my Women's Retreat this Spring.  If you don't go to Women Retreats.....GO...!!!]

Now, I have not had a good day in clinic since this journey has begun.  On top of all this, every patient that I have examined for this exam, have not totally met the criteria.  Even the Dentist in clinic said, "I could write a book of this subject."  

Through God's grace & faithfulness, I am grateful to write that I do have a patient to take to the exam.  God gave him to me at the very last moment.  I already know that he doesn't meet the requirements for the exam, so I know I will take a hit going into the exam.  In other words, points are already taken off before I even begin the exam.  I will have to take the exam & be perfect.

The exam is Saturday (Apr. 28th, 2012).  This past weekend I had time to regroup.  During these last couple of weeks I have really had a chance to be in God's Word.  Interesting enough Mt 6:25-34 has been coming at me from all sides, even on a beautiful mug that some dear friends gave me months ago.  

In this passage, Jesus mentioned 3 times- DO NOT WORRY about...   Well, it finally occurred to me I better take heed.  What really spoke to me was in verse

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  

What is the kingdom of God you ask?  

Romans 14:17
for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Reality Check!!!

Where God wants me to put my focus is own His righteousness, peace & joy in the Holy Spirit during any situation.

It is time for peace & joy.  He wants me to go into this exam with peace & joy; not after the Board & no matter if I pass or not. 

One thing I have learned through this preparation is becoming aware of where is where am I getting my significance; my identity.  Knowing Who is my identity & Where my significance comes from gives me peace & joy.

                                   ann :)

A Young Mom's Walk of Shame by Jenny Register

A Young Mom’s Walk of Shame

STORY BY JENNY REGISTER

8.2.2014

(Ann Register’s sweet daughter-in-law)

     Just in case any of you have crossed me (JENNY) off your prayer list, let me give you a run down of my day thus far.  Ben (HUSBAND / MY SON) is out for the day hanging with some guys (can't fault him for it, it is needed).  So my friend Rhonda and her teenage daughter signed up to hang with me and the girls for a while.  So Rhonda and her daughter arrive and of course we're not ready.  I leave Audrey (3 ½ MON) with them while I reconfigure the car seats in the van so we could all fit.  I return to find Audrey in all out hysteria.  This doesn't surprise me, She is pretty picky about who holds her and how she is held.  So we load up to take her to my in-laws who have graciously agreed to watch her.  She screams all the way there.

     My gracious friend and her sweet daughter (also named Lauren) repeated assure me they aren't bothered by the ear piercing screams from the back seat.  Uh huh.

     So then we have an uneventful and pleasant drive to TJ Maxx where I feed my kids Nilla Wafers all through the store to survive.  Next stop, Chic-fil-a.

     So we arrive at Chic-fil-a just before noon today, which in case you forgot, it is Saturday.  It's very full, but of course it is their pleasure to serve us quickly and again, lunch goes by smoothly.  Big Lauren (daughter friend) watches my kids in the play area (which of course is full), while Rhonda (adult friend) and I sit and catch up.  Great.

     So then we break for ice cream.  Haven (2 yrs) finishes 1st and wants to go play.  Sure.  After all, I can see the play area clearly from our seat.  Then Lauren (4 yrs) finishes and heads out to play.  I notice she's having a hard time getting the door open, so I go to help her.

     As I'm approaching the door, I notice a pretty woman with 2 kids sitting right beside the play area in a booth.  You know, those booths that are right up on the glass?

     I hear her say, "Ummmm there's poop in the play area."  I think,  "Oh #$%T" because I know Haven is in there.

Back story:  Haven is really ready to potty train, and takes here diaper and pants off whenever she poops b/c she doesn't like poop in her pants.  Unfortunately, her mama can't find the energy to potty train right now.

     So I look through the door to see a poopy diaper on the floor with Haven standing beside it holding her dress up, showing her poop smeared tail to all of Chic-fil-a.  Upon closer examination, I see that there's a whole mess of poop on the floor BESIDE the diaper.

     Then I realize I'm late to this party.  All the children in the play area (at least 200 I'm sure) start chanting, "oooooooooh poo-poo!!!".  Some are frightened and run to tell their mamas (pansies!) and their mama's come to remove them from the horror.

     Meanwhile, I'm standing there trying to figure out what to do.  I keep asking Haven to leave her dress down.  Dern it, I left the wipes in the van.  I motion for Rhonda to please come help, bless her heart.  She goes to ask the folks at the counter for a bag of some sort.

     But oh no, it couldn't stop there.  Three, count them, THREE employees head our way.  I ask them for the materials, and they say no, there's a specific protocol that has to be followed.

     One clears all the kids out of the play area while the other slaps a "PLAY AREA CLOSED" sign on the door while I'm pretty sure every mom in there silently cussed me for ruining her 30 minutes of solace.

     And that's when we began our walk of shame.  ALL THE WAY BACK THROUGH THE RESTAURANT.  As we turned for the door we passed another employee, bless his heart too, who had gloves up to his shoulders, a spray bottle, and towels (I remember a gas mask in my mind, but surely that's not right) headed for the scene.

     We were thinking of moving to Conway, but we were at the only Chic-fil-a in Conway, so that might be off the table at this point.

     So then we load up and head home.  Haven with her sweet (and incredibly loud) voice chants all the way home.  Again, my gracious friend insists it isn't bothering her.  Uh-huh.

     We pick up Audrey who is sweet on the way home.  Thank you my little caboose.

     We walk in and Lauren (oldest-4 yr old) pushes Haven (middle-2 yr old) off the bathroom stool.  I send her to her room.  Rhonda asks to use the bathroom.  She heads down the hall and turns and says, "I'm sorry Jenny."

      I look into Lauren's room and she's squating and peeing on the floor.

Face Book Friends Conversation

MSE-Just dye everyone's hair and you'll be fine. It could've been worse, She could have pooped at the top of the slide, removed her diaper and slid down.

Jenny-Rhonda and Big Lauren (who, incidentally is really skinny fyi), get their purses and head out.  I've got a feeling it took all they had not to run.

Jenny -So now it's all quiet and I'm wondering if it's too early for a drink?

Jenny-Good point Mist.  Give us time, I'm sure it will happen.

MSE-Not at all! If anything, I would say you're late. Bottoms up, friend.

MG-Oh, Jenny!  By do you insist on always being the life of the party!  Haha. Bless you. Can I bring you some alcohol?  NOW?!

Jenny -I wouldn't recommend coming anywhere near my house Meghan....you probably are in the danger zone just living as close as you do!

Jenny -Ya'll, I honestly can't believe my life right now.  It is out of control in so many ways.  Prayers prayers prayers please!

Jenny -You always say just what I want to hear Mist! 

MG-Haven can poop on me anytime!!  And Audrey can spit up on me anytime!  And Lauren can call me poopy diaper face any time-I'm used to it!  Haha

MSE-Oh Jenny, I wish I lived closer. This will all be a blur soon. In the meantime, stock up on Benedryl and wine (or maybe tequila).

MG-At least you have a great story-well told, I might add-to lighten the load.  Some day, you'll laugh & embarrass the crap out of them!  (No pun intended)

Jenny -MG: my child would never use that language.

KS-his story makes me laugh!!!!

ALS-I almost peed on myself when I read this. 25 yrs or so from now you have a story to tell at her wedding rehearsal or graduation or something!! So funny!!

Jenny-I love ya'll!  You know, you have to laugh or you'll cry!

Saturday 10:42pm

AL-Okay first of all.... Im laughing my head off.... second.... pass me the wine I need it from just reading this... LOLOLOLOL I cant imagine this... But hey when a kid needs to poop it needs to poop! I say let the good times roll!!!!!! Get the Poop out!!!!!! And as for as those snoody people... their poop dont stink we all know but I pray they all get bad hemorrhoids!!!!! You know they were telling people later today that there was some trailer trash letting their kids poop every where well I say POOP in a walmart bag and go to their front door and smear it every where I tell ya that right there relieved me before and you can do it too!

23 hours ago

Jenny-I want to officially thank everyone for their outpouring of support. 

15 hours ago

EHR-Just seeing this. Oh Jenny. I love you. Only a really cool mom and person would share this. I admire you so!!!! Just think... one day you will long for these days back... right??? That is what we have to keep telling ourselves.

14 hours ago

C-Oh my word hilar!!!! Seriously Jenny one of my regrets is not taking enough pics and documenting all the craziness in my life when E&A were younger. It's a true blur. My first good memory of Ava is her first birthday! So rage pics! And realize this season is gonna pass then you will be able to tell them all about it and they will think its hilarious!

4 hours ago

Jenny-Thanks girls!  I gotta say, right now it's hard to see it all as picture worthy or anything I will EVER miss.  Good reminders.  We're taking a stab at potty training today....deep breath.

Chat Conversation End

TOO FUNNY!

ann :)

Happy 3rd Birthday Lauren!

Happy Birthday!  

I can't believe you are three years old. 
3.29.13 

I remember the day you were born.  Grandpa & I traveled all night long from Highlands, NC so we could be there for your arrival into this world.  Waiting for your birth, I cried.  The first time I saw you, I cried.  The first time I held you, I cried.  What a precious day.  It was so awesome & serial to believe that you were my grand daughter-Lauren Opal Register.

Mama & Daddy know how to plan a party.  This year you wanted a Farm Party.  I hate that Grandpa & I missed it.  We were on our way to your party, when we got a call concerning a close friend who was very sick.  We had to turn around to go be with them at the hospital.  Anyway, you were very much supported with 18 friends; plus Aunt Kristen & Dola.  You saw animals, road  rides, & went down the huge side with Mama.

The following day was your birthday.  All the family got together to see you open your presents.  Aunt Amy gave to a gym outfit, because Grandpa & I gave you gymnastics lessons for the next couple of months.  You were excited.  Daddy & Grandpa are going to mow lawns to help pay for the rest of the years lessons.  (PS-wtiring on 7.10.13; lawn service fell thew, so now Grandpa is paying for them.)

Well, a lot has happened in three years.  Just this year alone:
1) You went on a Safari ride with Aunt Kristen, Dola, Mama & Daddy.  You saw so many animals  You had Graffias, & zebras eating out of your hand.
2) You, Grandpa & I (Nanna) have gone to the zoo several times.  You love the penguins, rhinos, & the Graffias.  Once, we even saw a new born gorilla & her mama.
3) You, Mama & Daddy traveled to Valdosta to meet the Great Grands-Grandmama, Grandpapa, Grammie & Bean.
4) We have had some fun family camping trips.  First we went to Petite Jean.  Aunt Amy slept on the couch while the rest of us slept in one room.  You loved cooking cups cakes with Mama & Aunt Amy; & scrambling eggs with Grandpa.
     In Oct. we went to Mt. Magazine.  You walked into our awesome cabin full of excitement.  You explored every room.  The colored leaves were beautiful & we all felt like we were on top of the world. I think your favorite thing we did was sit in the hot tub (spa).  You LOVED it.  The hot tub was good & warm, while the weather was cold!!  You, Mama & Daddy carved a pumpkin; you opened your Fall Box; & helped Grandpa build a fire in the fireplace.
5) You, Mama & I went to the Peabody Hotel & watched the ducks come down the elevator, & waddled to the pool as they marched to some music.
6) You, Mama, Haven & I went to the Pumpkin Patch.  You played, played, & played.  Then you picked out the prettiest Cinderella pumpkin to take home.
7) In Nov, you & I went to the Holiday House & saw Mrs. Clause while she read books to us.  You loved the decorations, presents, & decorated trees, but your favorite thing was going up & down the elevator.
8) Some of your favorite places to go are Chick-fil-a & McDonald's playgrounds.
9) You love to finger painting, water coloring & playing with Playdough.
10) Some of your favorite things to eat: turkey, hot dogs , cheese, frozen fruit, raisins, & pouches.  Even though you love to make cup cakes with Mama & cook scramble eggs, you never eat them, except for the icing on the cupcakes.  Variety of good is not your thing.
11) Your favorite color is RED.

SOME OF THE BIGGEST EVENTS THAT HAVE HAPPENED TO YOU THIS YEAR:
1) You became a big sister.  Haven was  born July 16, 2012.  What a precious day.  You did such a good job in taking care of Haven the very first time you held her.  You wouldn't even move, except for you eyes while you held her.  You were so precious.
2) You began school-Mother's Day Out in a church school on Wed & Thurs; plus you attended Bloom on Tues.  I cried knowing you were at school.  Even though I might have not even seen you on those days, I still missed you knowing you were gone.

3) You got your hair cut in a salon, especially designed for children, for the first time.
4) You moved from a baby bed to a big bed.  You love to jump & climb on anything, especially on the bed all the time.  I called you my Jumping Bean.  We began playing this game where I sat under the bed, while you climbed on top & jumped off.  NOW!  you have bunk beds.

A few other things:
-Amy got Rio in Mar, 2012; but passed away Mar 2013
-I got Daisy.  You really love her.  When I lay down with you for nap time or bed time, you love for me to tell you Daisy stories.
-This past Christmas 2012-You wanted red boots.  It snowed 12 inches & we ended up with no electricity.
-I love the recording of all the songs & verses you have learned Daddy made while you were traveling to Picayune.

You are my special Lauren, & I love you.

Happy Birthday !

nanna :)