tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74494494207773010842024-03-12T21:41:21.418-07:00.thehollandfamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11313765885662467409noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449449420777301084.post-38239427420948864032013-02-05T18:07:00.002-08:002013-02-05T18:07:24.038-08:00Our experience at CHOA
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have not blogged in a while but this seems the perfect
time to blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have always known that
God uses bad for good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes it is
hard to see when you are in the mist of the bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to record our experience at CHOA
because one day I will look back at this and smile!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here is a list of things that I have learned over the past
few days and our experience at one of the most amazing hospitals I would say in
the world.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friends
are just as important and become like family especially in a time of need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you so much Katie, Abigail, Merideth,
Jessica, Pastor Tommy, Lindsey Dolph for coming to spend time with McKinley and
I during our stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are what kept me
sane during those 24 hours that seemed like an eternity.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">CHOA
I have always heard was the best hospital but that is what scared me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If CHOA was where we had to be then it must
be serious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you walk down those
halls it puts everything into perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is the best and thankful that the best is only an hour away.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
SIX letter word (cancer) is the scariest word in the world especially when they
are talking about my 11 month old daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When this began they did not know what they were looking at other than
it was a mass and she could not bend her leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As the hours progressed and the tests were done the doctor was leaning
towards cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am thankful I serve a
God who is even a better physician than the best and He had a different plan.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God’s
prognosis and doctor’s prognosis are different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I stated earlier the doctor was almost positive this mass was
cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the nurses told me we would
at least be in the hospital two or three days or longer depending on the MRI.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the doctor called to tell me that the
MRI came back normal and that we could go home she seemed so unsure of what she
was telling me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was baffled that it
did not show cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I however know
without a shadow of doubt that God is never baffled and that He is all knowing
and His prognosis was good!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Never
take anything for granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Easier said
than done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you walk down the halls of
CHOA you see children who will never leave, or who have been there for a really
long time, or who take it not a day at a time but hour by hour because that is
all they have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we left the hospital
on Monday evening we were in the elevator with a mom and son who were also
going home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said I have only been
here for a day and I was going crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
said yes ma’am I completely understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thankful we were getting to go home.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I
have always believed in the power of prayer but even more so now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were so many people praying for
McKinley and for that I am grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
I held her each of the ten times they stuck her to get her IV started I felt
His hands just wrap around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Pastor
Tommy prayed with McKinley and I while we were in the sedation/MRI room I was
surrounded by His presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
thankful that the veil was torn so very long ago that I can directly approach
the throne.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">MRIs
scare me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not having one but having to
lay my daughter on the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pastor
Tommy and I were taken into a room where they would do the MRI.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>McKinley had already fallen asleep so I help
her in my arms as they sedated her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
laid her down on the table and watched them hook her up to so many tubes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nurse said mom you can kiss her one last
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cried as I kissed her and I
truly felt that I was really kissing her for the last time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankful this precious angel woke up happy
and I got to love all over her once again. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">CHOA
truly has the best staff in the world. I have heard the interview and
application process there is crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
can see why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They only want the best of
the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tony met us in the triage in
the ER.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a sweet man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later he came to help attempt one of her 10
sticks to get the IV in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he was leaving
he said I have ordered a very special something since she has been through such
torment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later arrived a blue
elephant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cried as the lady handed it
to McKinley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nurse Kerri and Donna were
amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They took super care of my
precious girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ann (the IV team) by far the biggest
blessing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your child has to have an
IV she is the one you want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tony in ER
told me that and so did my friend Nikki.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She is the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She even came
back by later that day to check on us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dr. Brooks who was our doctor while we were there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankful for the knowledge that God has given
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brook from radiology was there in
sedation, in the MRI while McKinley test were being ran, and she escorted us
back to our room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the MRI they
gave McKinley a new toy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were spoiled
while at CHOA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Being
separated is for the birds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I missed my
family being completely together. Scott was very torn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was on call for his job, needed to be at
home to get the girls to school, and separated from McKinley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were in constant communication but it is
not the same as face to face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The minute
they walked into the room last night to take us home McKinley let out a huge
squeal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She missed her daddy and sisters
too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">10.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I
have learned through this ordeal that even when my kids are too loud that at
least they have a voice to be loud with, as they are running around at least
they have the potential to run, and as they argue with each other that at least
they are all here to argue with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
are families who are in such turmoil there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t know how people go through something like that without the power
of peace from the Heavenly Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is
the only thing that can sustain us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
thankful that this ordeal is over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have cried more in the past few days than I have in a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that one day I will be able to laugh
at this but for now I am loving on my babies and praying for those families who
are still at CHOA.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
thehollandfamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11313765885662467409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449449420777301084.post-18832891661797962522012-07-19T14:23:00.001-07:002012-07-19T18:55:33.181-07:00Haleigh leaving us for 4 daysToday the girls finished up cheer camp much to my dismay. However they loved it. We finished camp at 11:30 and I worked in my classroom for about 30 more minutes. At 12:15 we stopped by Dairy Queen to pick up lunch and then headed towards Clarkesville to the church. Haleigh had to be at church at 1:00 to leave for her Junior Drama Mission Trip. On the way Haleigh asked had she ever been away from us this long before? The answer is no. Scott and I have been away from her for this long or longer but she was always with family or at least in her own home. I think she was a little anxious. She has been preparing for this trip for a long time. In the fall, she joined Juinor Drama. They had a competition in South Carolina and spent one night, a sleepover at church, helped out with VBS, and now to conclude the year with their mission trip. I think she is super excited but a tad bit nervous. I know she will have a blast. I reminded her today of the main purpose for her going. It is to teach others about Jesus. She has done so good with hiding His word in her heart. Now it is time to make Him shine to others. I know that He has prepared her for this task. I pray that all three of my girls will continue to hide His word in their heart and tell others all about Jesus.thehollandfamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11313765885662467409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449449420777301084.post-88886793260495036992012-07-11T10:53:00.000-07:002012-07-11T10:53:26.933-07:00McKinley at 4 months<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy 4 months old McKinley</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I cannot believe it has been four months already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where has the time gone?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have changed so much in just this little
bit of time here on earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 2 months
you weighed 12 lbs 5 oz. and at 3 months you weighed around 14 lbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here what you are doing:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are eating every 4 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you take a bottle then you drink between
4.5 and 5 ounces at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your last
feeding at night is around 8 and you are ready to be laid down between 8:30 and
9:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will then usually sleep until
3 in the morning and then go back to sleep until 8:30 or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the month of May you stayed with Mrs.
April during the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are forever
grateful that she decided to take you in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am sure between you and her boys you were a handful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now it is summertime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are beginning to coo and make
noises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You also like to drool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you soak at least two outfits a day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You love to smile at the people you
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your sisters like to read to you
and talk to you and sing to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
just smile and smile at them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You do not
like to lie down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are trying your
best to pull yourself up.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-724ZW71OejE/T_25d6mA_uI/AAAAAAAAAIs/lZiKqDTtuVs/s1600/DSCN0230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-724ZW71OejE/T_25d6mA_uI/AAAAAAAAAIs/lZiKqDTtuVs/s320/DSCN0230.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You have already been on your first road trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of May we took a trip to South GA
to visit Mama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is hard to believe
that Statesboro is not where you were born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Both of your sisters were born there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mama was so excited to hold you and see you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You did great in the car for such a long
ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While there you had some visitors:
Mrs. Pete who is Mama’s best friend, our cousin Keri, Aunt Latrelle, and Uncle
Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course they thought you were
cute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gNuIQfHEdE4/T_26zr_KrQI/AAAAAAAAAI0/rBW2ZFDz7mM/s1600/DSCN0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gNuIQfHEdE4/T_26zr_KrQI/AAAAAAAAAI0/rBW2ZFDz7mM/s320/DSCN0145.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In June, you attended your first VBS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to say between the many Mrs. Lynns,
Mrs. Sharon, and Mrs. Pam you were spoiled like crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You also attended Mosaic Art camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You stayed in the nursery while I helped Mrs.
Lindsay teach the God Rods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two sweet
ladies spoiled you that week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two week
in a row of being held whenever you wanted can we say rotten?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You had your first visit in the swimming pool
at Mrs. Amy’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You did great and fell
asleep in your float.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of June
we headed to Cape San Blas, Florida for your first beach trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were in the car for 9 hours and you did
great coming and going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You loved the
pool and played in your bumbo while at the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You even went snorkeling with the crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CNQI6rbSN5o/T_29CbwcQjI/AAAAAAAAAJI/N99vgE7EuWg/s1600/DSCN0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CNQI6rbSN5o/T_29CbwcQjI/AAAAAAAAAJI/N99vgE7EuWg/s320/DSCN0279.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On Monday we went for your 4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup>month checkup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You weighed 15 lbs and 10 oz. and stretched
to 25 inches and some in length.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are
in the 90<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> percentile for both weight and height.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are growing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within the last week we started you on cereal
and have tried carrots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You loved the
rice cereal but not a big fan of carrots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know in the next few weeks you will change so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that time does not fly by and that I
will relish my time with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>thehollandfamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11313765885662467409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449449420777301084.post-18677598751502036552012-04-06T09:01:00.002-07:002012-04-06T09:01:17.252-07:00Happy 10th Anniversary Scott<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today marks the tenth anniversary of marriage for Scott and
I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this story began a long time
ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a softball game in the
summer of 1993 that would change my life but I just did not know it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend Emily and I went to play ball with
a bunch of guys. Who knew that the guy pitching would become my husband many
years later?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still remember my first
group date with Scott. It was 4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> of July and a bunch of us met up
at Mill Creek to watch the fireworks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Crazy I can still remember what I had on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess I was trying to impress someone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our first date without a group was to
Savannah and we went walking on the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So many more dates would come after that as we dated for six years
before we got married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout those
six years I would graduate high school, go off to Young Harris five hours away
from Scott, we would break up once, and then eventually we would be
married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My same friend Emily would go
wedding dress shopping with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still
remember the day that I got married like it was yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My bridesmaids spent the night at our
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got up the next morning and
went to Shoney’s for the breakfast bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I would then head over to William’s to get my hair done by my friend
Angel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next I went to Belk to get my
makeup done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I arrived at church in the
parlor area where I would get dress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
took many people to help put my dress on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Several who shared in this occasion were Kristy, Nikki, my sister,
Carol, Marybeth, Stacy, and Sarah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
decided to do pictures before the ceremony so I went into the chapel to see
Scott for the first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think there
were tears in both of our eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You hear
that most people say they were so nervous on their wedding day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could not have been calmer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like if you were marrying the right
person it should feel extremely right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And it did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since we have been
married we have moved twice, had three beautiful daughters Haleigh, Zoie, and
McKinley, I have earned three more degrees, and bought a house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could not be more blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scott is my best friend, he is the one that I
want to talk to when I come home from work, who I want to vent to, who I want
to hold me when I am sad, and sometimes when I am in the mood for cuddling he
is who I want to cuddle with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those who
know me know that I am not a touchy feely person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scott I love you always and forever and I
hope to have many more anniversaries with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Happy 10<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> Anniversary! Ruth 1: 16-17 </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XhATiuYxfZM/T38S7AYK4JI/AAAAAAAAAIE/PuAXJ7_DzLo/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XhATiuYxfZM/T38S7AYK4JI/AAAAAAAAAIE/PuAXJ7_DzLo/s320/4.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GiFZ5En0lEo/T38S8JyzE_I/AAAAAAAAAIM/U5QIpAjdrIU/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GiFZ5En0lEo/T38S8JyzE_I/AAAAAAAAAIM/U5QIpAjdrIU/s320/16.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PzZyBcOmX78/T38S-ggFJ5I/AAAAAAAAAIU/stXMJxLaR08/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PzZyBcOmX78/T38S-ggFJ5I/AAAAAAAAAIU/stXMJxLaR08/s320/19.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-elJ53T2Y8Fk/T38TCoY0FrI/AAAAAAAAAIc/J216VTW9TsM/s1600/27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-elJ53T2Y8Fk/T38TCoY0FrI/AAAAAAAAAIc/J216VTW9TsM/s320/27.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iapFG3eNbOs/T38TMUtndCI/AAAAAAAAAIk/pfhucLcu7AI/s1600/49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iapFG3eNbOs/T38TMUtndCI/AAAAAAAAAIk/pfhucLcu7AI/s320/49.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>thehollandfamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11313765885662467409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449449420777301084.post-286838846829244832012-03-29T14:39:00.001-07:002012-03-29T14:39:35.122-07:00Happy One month old to McKinleyI cannot believe how fast these past four weeks have flown. I feel like it was just yesterday that we headed to the hospital. I know how fast time will fly as I look at your sisters and see how quick time flew in their lives. I am trying hard to cherish the time while I am at home with you. I know all to well that these next three weeks will fly by and I will be back at school and you will be playing with Eli and Ty. How I will miss you! Your daddy and I were talking just yesterday about how we can tell how much you have grown. I am not sure what you weigh since we don't go back to Dr. Lathem until month two but you have grown. Last night you stayed with daddy for the first time while mommy took your sisters to Disney on Ice. That will be a blog all to itself. Daddy stayed at church with you and fed you a bottle which you ate 3.5 ounces of. He took you to Walmart to buy your tree. I am sure you are wondering about that. I would post a picture but my camera has died and I don't have a charger. When each of you and your sisters were born we bought a tree to remember. T did the same thing with Aunt Heather and I. Our trees along with your sister's trees are at the farm in Statesboro. One day I will take you back to visit so you can see their trees. This time we decided to get you a Japanese Maple. After church daddy took you to Walmart and bought your tree. It is beautiful and now we just have to decide where to plant it. Happy One month McKinley and I can't wait to celebrate many more with you. We love you.thehollandfamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11313765885662467409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449449420777301084.post-67801622902188425072012-03-19T17:44:00.003-07:002012-03-19T17:56:58.272-07:002 week checkupWell today we headed to Gainesville to meet with Dr. Lathum for your two week appointment. Thankfully no shots were in store for us today. Last night was rough enough. It seems sweet girl that your days are mixed up with your nights or you like to have what people call a witching hour. More like four hours for you. Last night you were awake from 8 until 12 and that is pm sweet girl. I think I said earlier you will learn momma likes her sleep. But if that is all I can complain about with you then we are good. McKinley you are doing great for a two week old. You have now outgrown newborn diapers. Funny that you are my only child who ever wore them. Your cord has finally fell off so we can now take real baths. We got your stats today. You weighed in at 9 lbs and 2.5 ounces. You are in the 50% for weight. You love to eat which explains your gain of almost 2 lbs in 2 weeks. Your height measured at 20 and 1/4 inches. You have grown some there as well. But looking at your genes you are destined to be short. You are only in the 20th percentile for height. Your head circumference was 14 and 1/4. That ranks you in the 25th percentile for your head. Dr. Lathum said you look great. We talked about how you don't like a pacifier. We are working on that still. I think you might be my thumb sucker. Time will tell. We don't go back to visit Dr. Lathum until you are 2 months old. By that time mommy will be back at work. Time is going by way to quickly.thehollandfamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11313765885662467409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449449420777301084.post-45608249065837846192012-03-13T15:24:00.002-07:002012-03-13T15:40:32.094-07:00McKinley Jade Holland<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fqaOdGYGlNg/T1_MxoknZTI/AAAAAAAAAH8/DREa1aqLi4U/s1600/IMG_2169.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 200px; height: 150px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719515204860470578" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fqaOdGYGlNg/T1_MxoknZTI/AAAAAAAAAH8/DREa1aqLi4U/s200/IMG_2169.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--TOn9B4Cz-c/T1_Mw0YiDxI/AAAAAAAAAHw/EFs354S_rs4/s1600/IMG_2168.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 200px; height: 150px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719515190851145490" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--TOn9B4Cz-c/T1_Mw0YiDxI/AAAAAAAAAHw/EFs354S_rs4/s200/IMG_2168.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yEgWIso5Iis/T1_MvM8HHgI/AAAAAAAAAHk/PCMxws1D9Ik/s1600/IMG_2177.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 200px; height: 150px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719515163083087362" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yEgWIso5Iis/T1_MvM8HHgI/AAAAAAAAAHk/PCMxws1D9Ik/s200/IMG_2177.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_mK0O3g4BHs/T1_MtM0j5UI/AAAAAAAAAHY/7md-6DzEFsU/s1600/IMG_2182.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 150px; height: 200px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719515128691680578" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_mK0O3g4BHs/T1_MtM0j5UI/AAAAAAAAAHY/7md-6DzEFsU/s200/IMG_2182.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uvTfhpeF5k/T1_MsnuJc2I/AAAAAAAAAHM/WnP4qfZFKmE/s1600/IMG_2166.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 200px; height: 150px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719515118732669794" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uvTfhpeF5k/T1_MsnuJc2I/AAAAAAAAAHM/WnP4qfZFKmE/s200/IMG_2166.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Happy Birthday McKinley Jade Holland. We arrived at the hospital on March 1st extremely early. You will learn sweet girl of mine that momma likes to sleep late. We had to be at the hospital at 5:30. Yes that would be AM. Your sisters spent the night with T the night before so we could get there this early. We checked in and were taken to a room. Around 7ish Dr. Lake came to check on us. At 7:15 they took us back to surgery. At 7:30 they allowed Daddy to come in to surgery. Dr. Lake and his team were ready. At 7:45 Dr. Lake told Daddy to stand up. He could not quite tell what you were. Dr. Lake had your parts covered well. He finally lifted you over the screen and revealed to us both that you were a girl. At this point we did not have a middle name. Your first name came from my friend and co-worker Carrie. We decided we loved it and began working on a middle name. We contiplated Ruth, Rae, Hope, Faith, Grace and Jade. Your middle name would come later as we were late picking Zoie's middle name too. After they weighed you at 7 lbs and 8 ounces at 39 weeks Daddy went with you to recovery. You were my smallest of our girls. Once I was taken to recovery Mrs. Abigail met us back there and she began taking pictures. It was in recovery that your middle name came to be. I love Jade because it means green which is my favorite color. But we called to talk to Haleigh and Zoie and Haleigh really liked Jade. So Jade it was. As we were wheeled from recovery to our room, in the waiting room was Mrs. Andrea, Mrs. Laura, and Brooks. It was such a welcomed sight. You had some amazing nurses while we were at NEGMC. We had Ms. Jenny, Ms. Cindy who was our night nurse and favorite, and our last day we had Ms. April who lives in White County. The girls came to meet you with T. Haleigh and Zoie were smitten right away. They want to hold you all the time. Several more people came to visit you at the hospital too. Mrs. Katie came and spent the night and brought you goodies so that you would be "Dolled up". On Friday evening we had to evacuate into the hallways as tornado's were spotted. That was a little crazy. On Saturday the doctor said that we could go home. At lunch, this party of five headed to Shelter Cove. It has been a world wind since. McKinley we love you and are so excited that you have completed our family. I could not imagine our lives without you. Now let the drama of 3 girls begin. Your sisters will clue you in well. Above are some pictures of that special day we now call your birthday. We love you sweet girl!</div></div></div></div></div>thehollandfamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11313765885662467409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449449420777301084.post-76955528958294436782011-12-30T08:38:00.000-08:002011-12-30T08:43:52.423-08:00New Years ResolutionsI hate the title of this. I have always made them and then forgot them. My goal is to just do better. However there are a few things that I am bound and determined to do better at. So even though I am calling them resolutions I hope that they will actually stick this year.<br />1. To blog more often now that I am done with school.<br />2. To begin a 365 this year. I think I might be crazy trying to do this and have a baby.<br />3. To be a better mom to my two but almost three children.<br />4. To slow down and appreciate the little things. Not wish for time to pass by. It does so on its own quick enough.<br />5. To spend more time in devotion to my Lord. Glad to be a part of my CBS and love the girls I meet with weekly.<br />6. To be a better wife. <br />7. To get back on track with Dave Ramsey and stick to our budget. Live like no one else does so that you can live like no one else does.<br /><br />Notice that I did not put down to lose "x" number of lbs. Not that I don't need to but I always put that one and then don't stick with it. So maybe if I don't put it then it will happen. <br /><br />Happy New Year to you all! Praying that 2012 will be better than 2011thehollandfamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11313765885662467409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449449420777301084.post-41346912141384112011-01-26T17:36:00.000-08:002011-01-26T17:57:21.334-08:00Sisterly Love<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TUDP5sExBII/AAAAAAAAAG8/Ez8VhK5S5wU/s1600/IMG_1253.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566677729420575874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TUDP5sExBII/AAAAAAAAAG8/Ez8VhK5S5wU/s200/IMG_1253.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TUDP5AkOwVI/AAAAAAAAAG0/85WP5pxBgBA/s1600/IMG_1246.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566677717741388114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TUDP5AkOwVI/AAAAAAAAAG0/85WP5pxBgBA/s200/IMG_1246.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TUDP4-ZvHzI/AAAAAAAAAGs/JQL3pEdBaFA/s1600/IMG_1247.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566677717160501042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TUDP4-ZvHzI/AAAAAAAAAGs/JQL3pEdBaFA/s200/IMG_1247.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TUDP4gAqoxI/AAAAAAAAAGk/T3JXu05xogU/s1600/IMG_1248.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566677709002285842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TUDP4gAqoxI/AAAAAAAAAGk/T3JXu05xogU/s200/IMG_1248.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TUDP4We_WFI/AAAAAAAAAGc/wKOVEr-imSA/s1600/IMG_1244.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566677706445117522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TUDP4We_WFI/AAAAAAAAAGc/wKOVEr-imSA/s200/IMG_1244.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>This week Haleigh has had somewhat of a cold. Monday night while I was at bible study Scott was doing a devotion with the girls and saying prayers. It was Zoie's turn and she said God please make my sister Haleigh feel better cause I love her so. It is such sweet sisterly love. They sleep together every night not because they have to but because they want to. You can go and check on them after they have gone to sleep and many nights find them curled up next to each other. Recently Haleigh spent the night away and Zoie said she really missed her sister. I hope they always have this relationship. It makes my heart all warm and fuzzy. Speaking of sisterly love we had a visit from my sister and her family this weekend. It was great. The O'Dell party of six arrived Friday afternoon. I was late getting off work because we were finishing up a semester. The girls were excited all day. Their first question when I picked them up on friday was are they here yet? They love their cousins. So Scott picked up pizza for supper that night and we just hung out. On Saturday the men went fishing and hunting while us girls plus Carter staying around the house. The kids played and played. Late Saturday afternoon the men returned and we cooked supper. We had quail, chicken fingers, corn casserole, mac and cheese, brown rice, and brownies and cobbler for dessert. It was great. David had to preach on Sunday so they left right after baths and supper. Love when they come and visit and hope we can do it again real soon. Here are a few pictures from this weekend!</div></div></div></div></div>thehollandfamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11313765885662467409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449449420777301084.post-105547081142497272011-01-17T14:55:00.000-08:002011-01-17T15:04:13.524-08:00The Servant SongI have been doing a bible study with Community Bible Study (CBS) for the past few months. I never used to love Genesis. It had too much history piled into one book but now that we are taking an indepth study of Genesis I have truly learned to love it. This past week we have been reading Genesis Ch 24. It is about Abraham's servant going to bring home a wife for Isaac. As I was doing my devotion it reminded me of a song I learned 15 years ago when I went to Chrysalis. It is called the Servant song. I am going to post the words below and I hope you find meaning in this song as I have. I hope that I can learn to be like the servant of Abraham but be the servant for God.<br /><br /><div align="center">The Servant Song</div><div align="center">Brother, let me be your servant Let me be as Christ to you Pray that I may have the grace To let you be my servant, too We are pilgrims on a journey We are brothers on the road We are here to help each other Walk the mile and bear the load I will hold the Christlight for you In the night-time of your fear I will hold my hand out to you Speak the peace you long to hear I will weep when you are weeping When you laugh I'll laugh with you I will share your joy and sorrow Till we've seen this journey through.</div><div align="center">When we sing to God in heaven We shall find such harmony Born of all we've known together Of Christ's love and agony Brother, let me be your servant Let me be as Christ to you Pray that I may have the grace To let you be my servant, too.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">If you know this song. I would love your comments of where you learned it and what it means to you.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">South Georgia Chrysalis #10 Table of God's Little Angels</div>thehollandfamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11313765885662467409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449449420777301084.post-67448181951267301582010-12-31T14:14:00.000-08:002010-12-31T14:15:49.400-08:00Brown Paper BagCheck out the Brown Paper Bag Blog. She is giving away a vinyl machine from Silhouette through New Years Day. Go and check it out!thehollandfamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11313765885662467409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449449420777301084.post-18666066413169700842010-12-28T18:38:00.000-08:002010-12-28T19:12:22.789-08:00The title of Queen of Shelter Cove given by AbigailI was awarded this title by my friend Abigail who has spent many evenings at Shelter Cove whether it was to bring or pick up Madeline from a spend the night with the girls, to eat dinner and play cards, which has now turned into Dominoes, to go through Corn Mazes, or for whatever reasons. Abigail I am so thankful for the friendship that we share, our children share, and our husbands share. We have had so much fun since we have moved up to the North GA mountains. There are many things that you and I have in common like loving the color green, shopping, UGA Go DAWGS!, TJ Maxx stores, our dislike of cooking and speaking our minds. But we have many differences to mellow out the likes. You are much more organized than I will ever be and I just have to accept that. You love your coffee and Hazelnut creamer and I will stick to my sweet tea. With the likes and differences I am so glad that God brought you and your family into our lives. Our life would not be the same without you! <br /><br />Along with this award I'm instructed with a few rules as follows:<br />1. Thank and link back to the blogger that gave you the award.<br />2. Share 7 things about yourself.<br />3. Pass the award on to 7 blogs you've recently discovered and enjoy.<br />4. Leave your recipients a note, telling them about the award.<br /><br /><strong>7 Things about myself:</strong><br /><br />1. I am a nerd and I love school. At the end of 2011 I will have graduated with my fourth degree from four different schools: Young Harris College, Georgia Southern University, Piedmont College, and University of Georgia. That is also why I am a chemistry teacher so I can hopefully help others learn to love school (if only right).<br /><br />2. I love the color green. I know most people think that means you love money but that is not the case. I like green because it represents living things. I do have a biology degree after all. I as well am a green person ( as some would say a tree hugger). I will dig plastic out of someones trash to recycle it. Sometimes I have to drive 20 minutes to take my recycling off or I take it with me to Athens when I go to class. If only all towns could have recycling centers like the ones on campus. I love to plant new trees. We are fans of Arbor Day and get a shipment of trees each year. When the girls were born and when we got married we planted a tree in Statesboro.<br /><br />3. I love mission trips. My first mission trip was to Juarez Mexico during my first year at YHC. Rev Whitley made a huge impact on my life as well at Costa Por Cristo which is the ministry we built houses through. We built two houses within a week. God is good! The 2nd and 3rd mission trip that I went on was through my church PPUMC to Barahrona Domican Republic. I went there in 2001 and 2003. This was a medical mission trip. My team treated around 1200 people in several days. I learned so much about being the hands and feet of God during those trips. I can't wait to go do more mission work.<br /><br />4. I want to go to Ireland and Switzerland one day. Don't ask me why those two specific places. Maybe Ireland because of all the green. Switzerland I always wanted to ski well enough to ski on the Alps. Hopefully I will get to one day.<br /><br />5. I love the beach. All parts of the beach. I love the way the sand and sun tan lotion smell, the sound of the waves crashing, digging for sand dollars, finding shells, taking walks, reading a good book, and the relaxation of it all. I miss living an hour from Tybee but now I have the mountains and snow instead. I love it too!<br /><br />6. I love love to read. This has not always been the case. The first time I learned to love reading was in the 3rd grade. I finally found a series that I loved. It was the Box car children, Nancy Drew mysteries and the Bopsy Twins. Now I read all the time. I got a gift card for Christmas to Barnes and Noble so I can go and buy a Nook. I love to exchange books too!<br /><br />7. I am the daughter of the most High. You see growing up without a father I struggled to learn how to develop relationships with others. I think a father is who is supposed to teach you those things or I think I learned that in psychology class in college. Anyway once I developed my relationship with Jesus I knew that I did not need an earthly father for he was the only father that I need. Don't get me wrong earthly fathers are great. I am married to a great father of my children and they are super blessed but who can be a better father than the father in Heaven.<br /><br /><strong>7 Blog Awards:</strong><br /><br />1. Sisterly blog awarded to my sister at the O'Dell family. My sister set up my blog when I graduated with my master's degree. Even though I am not as consistent as she is I am thankful for her doing this. love you sis!<br /><br />2. Lindsey at Random Acts of the Bracketts. She is my reading blog buddy. If I ever want to borrow a book or share a book it is with Lindsey. Now you have to get an e-reader so we can one day share.<br /><br />3. April at Life in the sham. April has been my longest friend up in the mountains blog. We were reunited after 7 years where we met at YHC. I am so glad God brought her back into my life.<br /><br />4. Mindy at Ship Shop and Pop Pop: Mindy is my ten of us blog. Mindy has been my friend since the 7th grade and a part of the ten of us from high school. I love to read about her adoption process. Even though she is far away I can keep up with her. love you mindy!<br /><br />5. Garrett News is the next one: Laura is the master mind blogger. We have yet to have a tutorial but I know when I need one she can help. I love to keep up with Sam and Jack on her blog. She is much more dedicated than I am.<br /><br />6. Jessica, Mad, and Alex gets the roomate blog award. Jessica was my roomate my 2nd year at YHC. Mad and Haleigh are the same age and Alex and Zoie are close in age too. It is sad that we don't see them more often. We love that family!<br /><br />7. Black Tag Diaries: Thankful thursday blog award goes to Julia. She is a constant reminder of how thankful I need to be. I love to see all her creative ideas that she has stolen or created. We miss seeing you Julia. Hope Kentucky is good to you!thehollandfamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11313765885662467409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449449420777301084.post-48372663772724987792010-12-28T12:59:00.000-08:002010-12-28T13:32:16.007-08:00Christmas Traditions<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TRpRXjGyAkI/AAAAAAAAAGU/XuBLYmhGy2A/s1600/IMG_1097.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555842555317453378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TRpRXjGyAkI/AAAAAAAAAGU/XuBLYmhGy2A/s200/IMG_1097.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TRpRXU4iskI/AAAAAAAAAGM/89DlT4lXLA8/s1600/IMG_1096.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555842551499633218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TRpRXU4iskI/AAAAAAAAAGM/89DlT4lXLA8/s200/IMG_1096.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TRpRW-W22fI/AAAAAAAAAGE/ef5Tx7hhi0k/s1600/IMG_1098.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555842545452767730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TRpRW-W22fI/AAAAAAAAAGE/ef5Tx7hhi0k/s200/IMG_1098.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TRpRWmaOLwI/AAAAAAAAAF8/wJZIHjAm23Y/s1600/IMG_1094.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555842539024428802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TRpRWmaOLwI/AAAAAAAAAF8/wJZIHjAm23Y/s200/IMG_1094.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TRpRWcxc1fI/AAAAAAAAAF0/lqC3ZcBMwQA/s1600/IMG_1093.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555842536437503474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TRpRWcxc1fI/AAAAAAAAAF0/lqC3ZcBMwQA/s200/IMG_1093.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />So I am copying my sister on this post. There are so many Christmas traditions that I grew up with that I hope are continuing to be passed down to my own children. My mother always made sure she did Christmas right. By right I mean knowing the true meaning of Christmas. When we were growing up we always went to Savannah to look at the gingerbread house and chestnuts roasting at the civic center. We always went to Christmas Eve candlelight service at Pittman Park church. We always went to see the real Santa in Augusta Mall. He was real because his beard was real. He was the one for Coca-Cola so you know he looked real. We always went and cut down a tree from the Wiggins tree farm or we got one from Lowes as we got older the weekend after Thanksgiving. We did Christmas at Mama's and then she would come to our house on Christmas morning. We would have some kind of breakfast dish that mom made on good Christmas china. And the rule was stockings were the last thing that were opened. I guess it was saving the best for last. </div><div> </div><div>Now that I am married and have children I have tried to replicate these traditions and make our own for the Holland family. We as well get our Christmas tree the weekend after thanksgiving but thanks to our good friends the Black's we now go up into NC to O'Sage Christmas tree farm and cut ours down. Thanks Lance and Julia for the tip. This year we bought two trees and began the tradition of the UGA tree. I have always gotten UGA ornaments throughout the years but this year they have their very own tree. This tree is special because I am getting my fourth and last degree at UGA. The other ornaments come out. I have posted a few pictures of my favorite ornaments. The one picture is of Haleigh during her first Christmas in 2002. The pink shoe is in 2005 for Zoie's birth. The one from Gulf Shores is from my best friend Nikki who we took a beach trip with I think in 2007. The Biltmore house is a trip that Scott and I took two years ago for an adult weekend. The newest addition is the gold ball from Disney World. If you look closely you can see the Mickey ears. That was our thanksgiving trip we took this year. I will blog about that later. So you see our ornaments have such meaning to them and I love them. </div><div> </div><div>The next tradition that continued is honoring our Saviors birth. We go to the candlelight Christmas Eve service at Bethlehem Baptist Church where we sing songs of his glorious birth. When we get home we read Luke Chapter 2 describing the birth of our Savior. We bake cookies and put them on a plate with a glass of milk for Santa. I then prepare the breakfast casserole to be ready for the next morning. On Christmas morning the girls usually have to wake us up. That was not the rule in my house growing up. We had to stay in bed until at least eight to let Teresa sleep. Now it is I who likes to sleep. Santa does not wrap the gifts for the girls nor did he when I was growing up. We started a tradition this year for the girls that there are three gifts from mom and dad to represent the three gifts for baby Jesus. If three was enough for Him then it should be enough for my girls. Those present are wrapped and under the tree. Just as when I was little, the stockings are opened last. Now that we are far away Mama does not come over but T and Hart do on Christmas morning. We usually see Mama at some time during the holidays. </div><div> </div><div>The last tradition is to go see a Christmas movie the day after Christmas. We usually drive to Discover Mills and last year we saw Princess and the Frog. This year the family got the flu instead and we did not make the movie. Hopefully we can go soon. The girls want to see Tangled or Yogi Bear. We usually meet up with my sister and her family the weekend after Christmas to exchange with them. </div><div> </div><div>As you can see there are so many important traditions in my life associated with Christmas and now in my own family's life. But the most important tradition is observing the birthday of Jesus. For he is the Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Holy Lord, Emmanuel, King of Kings, Lion of Judah, Jehovah the great I am, and Everlasting Father. He is the only reason of the season. Without Him it would not be Christmas. Let us always remember the reason of the season. The other stuff is just fun but He is everything!</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /> </div><div></div></div></div></div>thehollandfamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11313765885662467409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449449420777301084.post-87157350904515087902010-08-24T18:25:00.000-07:002010-08-24T18:42:37.992-07:00First of Many First Days<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/THRyLMPi-zI/AAAAAAAAAFg/ZffBme7uia8/s1600/IMG_0628.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509153780771519282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/THRyLMPi-zI/AAAAAAAAAFg/ZffBme7uia8/s200/IMG_0628.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/THRyKWLLSEI/AAAAAAAAAFY/Se6Y4MDcjBs/s1600/IMG_0626.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509153766257674306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/THRyKWLLSEI/AAAAAAAAAFY/Se6Y4MDcjBs/s200/IMG_0626.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/THRyKPDleBI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/Rcx5_08mOk0/s1600/IMG_0623.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509153764346787858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/THRyKPDleBI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/Rcx5_08mOk0/s200/IMG_0623.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/THRyJ1cUf7I/AAAAAAAAAFI/iGXkmbUx6tY/s1600/IMG_0624.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509153757471211442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 152px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 201px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/THRyJ1cUf7I/AAAAAAAAAFI/iGXkmbUx6tY/s200/IMG_0624.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/THRyJWuYyMI/AAAAAAAAAFA/QujpVQghf_g/s1600/IMG_0621.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509153749225490626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/THRyJWuYyMI/AAAAAAAAAFA/QujpVQghf_g/s200/IMG_0621.JPG" border="0" /></a> This past week was the first of many to come. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Zoie</span> began <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Pre</span>-K this year. Hard for mom to realize that my baby was now in school. She is a big girl now. There are many changes that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">occurred</span> with in this first week. Our county became a charter county which meant lots of changes for us. But one major change was our seat time. Our students only have to attend school for 174 days this year. Because <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Zoie's</span> school is not a part of our system this rule did not apply to them. So last <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Thursday</span> during my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">pre</span>-planning <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Zoie</span> began <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Pre</span>-K. On <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Thursday</span> morning I dropped Haleigh off at Kingdom Kids which is the place <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Zoie</span> went to daycare. I get much more work accomplished without the girls so she went there. Then we made the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">trek</span> to White County <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Pre</span>-K. I walked her into her class and explained where she would be going after school. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Zoie</span> looked at me hugged me and said "bye Mom love you". It broke my heart. But made me glad that she did not cry. I was so proud of my baby girl but inside I was breaking. So the weekend came and Haleigh began to get ready for 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">nd</span> grade. We went and met her teacher and she seemed ready to go. However on Friday night Haleigh came down with a bug. A nasty bug that would go on and infect our whole entire family. Yes me included. You see you cannot tell a virus when you would like it to invade. It picks the time. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Zoie</span> became sick on Sunday night and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Monday</span> morning trying to take care of her I became sick myself. Now what are the odds that I would get sick too. Well for me and White County High School that would be 50%. Two years ago I missed the first day of school because Haleigh was sick. Bless my subs Joe's heart for he has subbed for me lots in the past but especially on these two wonderful occasions of the first day of school. So Monday I called in and got a sub while Scott took Haleigh to school. Haleigh rides a shuttle bus to my school in the afternoons. So we continued as planned so not to confuse anyone and my friend <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Libbye</span> graciously brought her home so I did not have to leave the house. Well the virus does not like to stop until it has all its host. So it traveled on from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Zoie</span> and I to Scott. Yep the 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">th</span> member of the Holland family got sick too. Monday night Scott began getting sick too. It has been a week and it is only Tuesday. So today I finally got to meet my new Chemistry and Environmental Science students. Today was my first day but their 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">nd</span>. I guess everything can't run smoothly if so we would never appreciate anything. I hope if we have anymore first in the Holland family that they are not dealing with sickness. I have included pictures of the girls for their first days of school. I am so proud of them both!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>thehollandfamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11313765885662467409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449449420777301084.post-16532306873906453382010-07-20T15:47:00.000-07:002010-08-10T17:01:43.444-07:00St Catherine's Island Trip<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TEYoJGGK5FI/AAAAAAAAAE4/GyPQTovain4/s1600/IMG_0388.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496124531972695122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TEYoJGGK5FI/AAAAAAAAAE4/GyPQTovain4/s200/IMG_0388.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TEYoIljs6-I/AAAAAAAAAEw/MwDjqBHkk0Q/s1600/IMG_0407.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496124523238190050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TEYoIljs6-I/AAAAAAAAAEw/MwDjqBHkk0Q/s200/IMG_0407.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496124519868747858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 219px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 178px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TEYoIZAXUFI/AAAAAAAAAEo/BJcrqHIOhPs/s200/IMG_0380.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TEYoILeYCuI/AAAAAAAAAEg/vj3KwSAtekU/s1600/IMG_0362.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496124516236528354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TEYoILeYCuI/AAAAAAAAAEg/vj3KwSAtekU/s200/IMG_0362.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TEYoH6TakPI/AAAAAAAAAEY/g7EqQQeQyVE/s1600/IMG_0363.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496124511627153650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TEYoH6TakPI/AAAAAAAAAEY/g7EqQQeQyVE/s200/IMG_0363.JPG" border="0" /></a> This week started out with us meeting at Horton's seafood on Friday morning at 9:00 and a trip to tour Georgia Sea Turtle center at Jekyll. What an amazing place. Here they treat turtles that will hopefully be released into the wild or placed into captivity. We then left for lunch in Darien and onto the dock at St. Catherines (SCI) to begin our work. We left on the boats for SCI at 2:30. We arrived on the island and was given a quick course on how to work the gators that would be our vehicle for the week. Late that afternoon we went to North beach and found four hatchlings that had not made it out of the nest. What an amazing site. We went ahead and released them since it was so late in the afternoon. We headed back for dinner and then crashed for the night.</div><div> </div><div>There are so many amazing animals on SCI. Not only are the sea turtles special but there are lemurs, alligators, heartabest, zebras, hornbills, and kudus. The pictures above show one pack of lemurs. There are 7 groups on the island.</div><div> </div><div>Each morning we got up and arrived on the beach between 6 and 7. That means we were up at 4:45 or 5:45. Now for those of you who know me you must know how hard this was for me to do. I am not a morning person. It helped that we would be spending our time on the beach. We ate a quick breakfast in the dining hall or on the way. I usually was paired in a gator with Lindsay. My group leader was Ginger and my team was April, Anna Susan, Lindsay, Leslie, Steve, and Mirium. I loved my group! They all worked hard without complaining. Each day we rotated to a different beach. There was North beach closest to the compound and the smallest beach and then South beach was divided into North South Beach and South South Beach. SSB was where their were so many pretty shells, but most of the nest were always predated. North Beach has the most nest and the most activity. </div><div> </div><div>Each day we were assigned a beach and then check for new nest, emerging nest (ones that babies have crawled out of), and predated nest (ones that ghost crabs or raccoons have destroyed). I found a new hatred for ghost crabs. I know they are part of the food chain and circle of life but there are so many of them. When we found a nest we checked to see if it was in a good location. If it was then we left it covered it up and marked the nest with a green marker. If not then we moved the nest and covered them and marked them with an orange marker. We usually finished up by lunch time. </div><div> </div><div>After lunch we were free to do as we wished until 4 when it was debriefing time. Some days we went to the pool, took a nap, or went exploring on the gators. After debriefing we had dinner. Dinner was cooked by us researchers. We picked a night to cook and clean. We ate like kings and queens. After dinner one night we got to explore the Button Gwinnett House. He was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. It was amazing to see such history in this house. It is now owned by the family who owns Life Savers. Another night we got to tour the mission. The mission is the oldest church in Georgia. What is left of it is nothing. Where the support columns used to be have been replaced by planted palm trees. Our last night we got to go on a pirate boat ride. We went at dusk and road the boat. It was beautiful. </div><div> </div><div>If we had baby turtles to release that happened at night too. Our second night we released over 250 turtles. Babies have 1/1000 chance of making it to adulthood. The odds are so stacked against them. My favorite story is a baby we found on the last day that was left in an emerged nest. I found him so I got to take him to the ocean. you see you cannot do it for them. You have to put them down twenty feet from the tide line. They have to align themselves with the magnetic field so they know which current to take. I let me little guy go and he started crawling. He would get tired so he would stop and take a break and then go again. Our team was cheering him on. When he finally reached the water he tucked his head down and paddled as fast as he could. A wave hit him and pushed him back. He did not get discouraged, he waited for another wave and tucked his head and went again. He finally made it into the ocean.</div><div> </div><div>I have to say this trip was an amazing research trip by far the best I have ever been a part of. It also was a trip that proclaimed God's amazing glory. That a baby so small would know which way to go to meet the water, that a mom would come back to the same shore to nest time after time, and that a mom can dig a hole that is so complex without looking and with her back flippers. Try that next time you are on the beach. It is hard work. But God put all this into motion and all for his purpose and glory. Sea turtles are amazing and I hope to go back next year to be part of such an amazing trip.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div>thehollandfamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11313765885662467409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449449420777301084.post-61253165058259775202010-07-08T14:57:00.000-07:002010-07-08T15:18:13.935-07:00Beach Trip SSI for the 4th of July<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TDZK2KDL-bI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/RlgMu0dxhI8/s1600/IMG_0214.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491659089896012210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TDZK2KDL-bI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/RlgMu0dxhI8/s200/IMG_0214.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TDZKrxsIhBI/AAAAAAAAAEI/kMPm9AP0m20/s1600/IMG_0198.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491658911558173714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TDZKrxsIhBI/AAAAAAAAAEI/kMPm9AP0m20/s200/IMG_0198.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TDZKk5U4luI/AAAAAAAAAEA/SdyyDkyX078/s1600/IMG_0210.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491658793349060322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TDZKk5U4luI/AAAAAAAAAEA/SdyyDkyX078/s200/IMG_0210.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TDZKdFnGW8I/AAAAAAAAAD4/805_Agd15_o/s1600/IMG_0188.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491658659207732162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TDZKdFnGW8I/AAAAAAAAAD4/805_Agd15_o/s200/IMG_0188.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TDZKPJDWLtI/AAAAAAAAADw/w6Jvo6zoNUw/s1600/IMG_0242.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491658419613347538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TDZKPJDWLtI/AAAAAAAAADw/w6Jvo6zoNUw/s200/IMG_0242.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This week could not have come any sooner. I worked really hard to get all my school work done before we left but things never turn out the way you imagine they would. We had been planning a beach vacation for a while. We originally were going to the gulf until the oil spill. Instead we decided to go to on of my families favorite destinations. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SSI</span> that is St. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Simons</span> Island. We love that place and have been going there since I was little. The last time we traveled there we had just moved up to Cleveland so it had been a while. We asked my grandmother to go with us to get her out of the house. I really think she was planning to go that is until she had to go to the hospital. I was so worried. This was the first time she has ever told me that it was bad. So Wednesday night we headed that way to stay at her house even though she would not be there. Kind of weird staying at her house without her there. On <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">thursday</span> we got up to head down to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">SSI</span>. We were going to swing by Savannah to visit her in the hospital. Little did we know that she would be coming home that day. I even got to go to the hospital to pick her up and bring her home. Once we got her home and settled our little family headed back the same way I had come that morning to the beach.</div><div> </div><div>Thursday turned out to be a dreary day so we let the girls swim for a little bit in the condo complex and then we headed to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Spanky's</span> to eat supper. I don't know if you have ever been but it is another <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">fav</span> place of my family. They are famous for their spuds, chicken fingers, and fried veggies. Yum. Needless to say supper was wonderful. </div><div> </div><div>Friday turned out to be the chaos day. Our air conditioner at the condo had to be repaired before we got there but then the toilet started to overflow and it did several times that day. It is hard to spend a day somewhere without a bathroom. We had to use the pool bathroom, then the ones at the beach, and then finally at 9:45 at night after a day of chaos we got to use the one in our condo. Boy was I glad that day was over. Even though we spent the day at the beach and at the pier. Then we ate at another one of my favorite places Barbara Jeans. They are know for their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">crabcakes</span> which you can order online <a href="http://www.barbarajeans.com/">www.barbarajeans.com</a>.</div><div> </div><div>Saturday turned out to be the first day of real fun. We finally could focus on enjoying ourselves. We played and played at the pool and went to each at Mullet Bay for dinner. We went back and made <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">homemade</span> ice cream.</div><div> </div><div>Sunday was the 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">th</span>. We spent the day at the pool and cooked dinner. We then headed to the pier to watch the festival. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">SSI</span> fireworks are the best. They lasted almost 1 hour. Just when you thought they were ended they would begin again.</div><div> </div><div>Monday we had to head home. We spent two hours in the pool before we said our goodbyes. For the first time I was not ready to go home. I could have stayed another week. We love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">SSI</span> and can't wait to go back.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div>thehollandfamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11313765885662467409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449449420777301084.post-31197714968191758312010-05-29T06:25:00.001-07:002010-05-29T06:36:19.064-07:00The Best Vacation Ever<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TAEWx_2YqPI/AAAAAAAAADo/ypJLnuLuWws/s1600/P1010023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476683670068177138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TAEWx_2YqPI/AAAAAAAAADo/ypJLnuLuWws/s200/P1010023.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TAEWxc82l-I/AAAAAAAAADg/ozY0zkBeXE8/s1600/P1010027.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476683660700063714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TAEWxc82l-I/AAAAAAAAADg/ozY0zkBeXE8/s200/P1010027.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TAEWxIODHlI/AAAAAAAAADY/TYVIO4piYS0/s1600/P1010026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476683655135043154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/TAEWxIODHlI/AAAAAAAAADY/TYVIO4piYS0/s200/P1010026.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />So a couple of weekends ago we headed on a short weekend vacation to Wilderness in the Smokies. This is an indoor waterpark in Tennessee. I took a personal day to pack and wait on Scott to get home so we could hit the road. Needless to say it did not go as I had planned. We did not get on the road until 4:30. It is about a 3 hour drive. We arrived only in time to check in, eat dinner in the hotel, and let the girls play for about 1 hour before the park closed. We awoke the next morning and Scott ran out to get breakfast. Then we hit the park. There was four water slides, a Jacuzzi as large as a pool, a put put course, a wave pool, 1 indoor pool, and three play areas for smaller children. Haleigh was tall enough to ride everything. Zoie however was not. The picture above is of hands and that is Scott and Haleigh coming down one of the really big slides. She had no fear. There is one slide that takes about a 15 foot drop. I was scared and did not go. My 7 year old was braver than I was and went with her daddy while Zoie and I watched. Zoie preferred to play in the kids areas, the Jacuzzi, and the wave pool. Sunday morning we checked out but then you can still use the park all day. We even went and played put put. There is an outdoor waterpark as well but it would not be opened until this weekend. The girls said it was the best vacation ever and wanted to know when we could go back. I have to say I am ready to go back too!<br /><br /><div></div></div></div>thehollandfamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11313765885662467409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449449420777301084.post-31388027326825999582010-05-09T17:26:00.000-07:002010-05-09T17:48:01.122-07:00Meet Sadie: The Newest member of the Holland Family<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/S-dT0EvnisI/AAAAAAAAADQ/hUJDBCXZmRE/s1600/Sadie+Sleeping"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469432426556525250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/S-dT0EvnisI/AAAAAAAAADQ/hUJDBCXZmRE/s200/Sadie+Sleeping" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/S-dTl83r6EI/AAAAAAAAADI/0plwPFIpZZE/s1600/Sadie+and+her+toy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469432183924713538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 112px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/S-dTl83r6EI/AAAAAAAAADI/0plwPFIpZZE/s200/Sadie+and+her+toy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/S-dTTCv_7FI/AAAAAAAAADA/xXovepvtHrM/s1600/sadie+and+her+bed"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469431859085569106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/S-dTTCv_7FI/AAAAAAAAADA/xXovepvtHrM/s200/sadie+and+her+bed" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The story of bassett hounds in our family has been around for a while. Right after Scott and I got married we bought two dogs. Now understand this two dogs would be joining two other dogs. I got a bassett hound and named her Buffett. Yes that is right after Jimmy Buffett. She was your typical female. She was very tempermental. You would hold her when she wanted to be held and not any other time. Scott got a pointer which he named Lady. Not long after I had Buffett did she venture down to the highway and got ran over. It was horrible. I had such a hard time with it. It was a while but we decided to get another one. We named her Georgia. Yes after the Georgia Bulldogs. She was my everything. She was brown and black and beautiful. She was much more loving than Buffett. At this point Haleigh was just a baby. I am not sure what it is about that hwy, but at the same location Georgia ventured and was ran over too. That was by far the worst. After Scott had to bury two he said no more until we had a fenced in backyard and did not live on a hwy. Well I have been asking for another one for about two years. So finally my wish came true. Happy Mother's Day to me. Sadie came to join the Holland Family last night. Scott brought her home from South GA. I picked the name Sadie and little did I know that it was her mother's name. It has stuck. I have already learned to love specific things about her. I love the way she trips over her ears as she runs. I love how she skids on our hardwood floors and then wimpers. I love how the girls chase her around and she follows. She is beautiful and I am so excited. It was a great mother's day. My husband and girls did good. However stay tuned to see Sweetpea's reaction. She is none to thrilled to say the least. I hope this changes soon.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/S-dTFejwelI/AAAAAAAAAC4/9gfL2wNckjQ/s1600/sadie+and+her+bed"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>thehollandfamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11313765885662467409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449449420777301084.post-31453674126257626462010-04-26T19:15:00.000-07:002010-04-26T19:23:46.366-07:00Be careful what you ask forIt is kind of like asking for patience and it seems that everything goes a certain way that you have to learn some patience. Well about five months ago I began contemplating going back to school for my ED.S. I had just finished my master's degree in May. My mom seemed to be pushing me to go to Piedmont where I did my master's because that is where she taught but I kept saying that I wanted a challenge. I wanted to learn more about my content area. So I decided to apply to UGA. Understand that I lack a lot of faith in myself in what I am able to accomplish. If you told people that I went to school with or even my family for that matter that I had gotten this far they would be shocked. I was always the student who had to study really hard. But I had so much motivation. I wondered would I ever see my motivation take it's true form. In January, I was accepted to UGA much to the amazement of many people. I finally did something that alot of people did not think I was capable of. Well here comes the be careful what you ask for. I wondered would the grass be greener on the other side. We grew up avid UGA fans and had season tickets growing up. My sister attended UGA. So this was a big deal and I really thought the grass would be greener. Currently I am taking two classes and I learned that the grass is greener in this circumstance. I have learned more in these two classes than I did my master's degree combined. So be careful what you ask for: well I will ask anyday to prove that yes I can do it and for an opportunity like this one. What an amazing semester this has been!thehollandfamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11313765885662467409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449449420777301084.post-81104338478578880342010-04-18T18:27:00.000-07:002010-04-18T18:40:07.125-07:00The Big 30 and 30 thankful thingsWell today was a big reality that I turned 30. My mom has already made me cry this week asking where the time has gone. I have to agree that the past 30 years have flown by. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was getting ready for prom just like my students did this weekend. I have been blessed. So to celebrate I am listing thirty things I am thankful for:<br /><br />1. To be the daughter of an amazing King<br />2. To be married to the greatest man<br />3. To be the mother of two beautiful girls Haleigh and Zoie<br />4. For my mom, mama, and sister and her family<br />5. My niece who will be born in less than a month<br />6. An amazing church<br />7. Wonderful friends<br />8. Saving grace<br />9. Forgivness<br />10. A wonderful job and co-workers<br />11. The sound of rain<br />12. An amazing father for my children<br />13. My education that I have worked really hard for<br />14. My students<br />15. My puppydogs Sweetpea and Lady<br />16. Unconditional love<br />17. Two wonderful best friends<br />18. Our home<br />19. The seasons that come each year<br />20. God's majesty<br />21. My children's health<br />22. Good health and seeing another birthday<br />23. the smell of flowers and fresh cut grass<br />24. my children's laughter<br />25. God's word and assurance<br />26. For my salvation<br />27. For my nieces and nephews<br />28. The beach and its peacefulness<br />29. The mountain air<br />30. Freedom for what is used to bethehollandfamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11313765885662467409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449449420777301084.post-13163676396788035702010-03-27T12:14:00.000-07:002010-03-27T12:26:36.980-07:00Biddies and Easter TimeWell I can tell spring is in the air. Even though it comes about a month later than in south GA the trees and flowers are finally starting to bloom. Easter is coming. I do love this time of year even though the fall is by far my favorite. This is an exiting time of anticipating the death and resurrection of our precious Savior. It is also a time of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Easter</span> egg hunting, a new <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Easter</span> dress and planting of our garden. This week has led way to the arrival of spring and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Easter</span>. On <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Wednesday</span>, twelve new "organisms" became part of our family. Yes they are organisms as I teach science but these are twelve that I am not enthusiastic about. We have twelve biddies. That is twelve baby chicks. Now you may ask why is that so bad. Well it would not be to most except I grew up with two chicken houses containing about 52,000 chickens. Yes you read that right. Now don't get me wrong we never ran out of eggs but I hated those things. So much to my disagreeing, my husband and girls bought twelve. Haleigh's first question was "Momma when daddy goes out of town will you help me with the biddies?" It is hard telling your child no sometimes but this was quite easy. I said "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">NOOOOOOOOOOO</span>!" They are cute while they are young but I know what they grow up to look like and smell like. Not interested. I will be glad to post pictures of the organisms when I figure out how to post pictures. In the meantime you can just imagine. A year from now we will have fresh eggs to eat. <br /><br />Today we headed to Cleveland to watch the Easter Exstravagansa parade with Ms. Heather and her family, and Ms. Carrie and her family. Afterwards we were going to Babyland for the annual Easter egg hunt but it was too chaotic so we headed to the park to play. Apparently I assummed that because the sun was out that it was warm. Boy was I wrong. We headed home shortly after that for Zoie to go spend the day with daddy fishing. Haleigh got to go hunting in the fall twice so this was Zoie's day. I did not take pictures of this because I forgot my camera. Oh well maybe next year.thehollandfamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11313765885662467409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449449420777301084.post-65471048627914852422010-03-23T17:17:00.000-07:002010-03-23T17:24:21.161-07:00Happy birthday to my mom/Time spent with mamaWell maybe one day I will get this blogging down but I still can't add pictures or change anything so when someone is ready for a lesson I am willing to learn. Today is a very special day. It is my sweet mom's birthday. This past weekend my grandmother (mama) came to visit. She stayed Friday night with mom and then on to our house. She is the best. We always get to pick what we want for her to cook when we visit or when she visits us. I have finally gotten two recipes after 15 years of asking. My mama makes the best:<br />1. Sweet tea<br />2. pimento cheese<br />3. dumplings<br />4. and so much more<br /><br />I got the recipe to the dumplings and her rice and tomatoes. Her cooking is special especially when it involves my girls and their great grandma. She let them help make the dumplings. What special memories for them! On sunday we just made it to church and then sunday night we had a birthday dinner with my mom in commerce. I thank God for these two beautiful women who have both raised me and made me the person I am. <br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><em>I love you mom and mama</em></span>thehollandfamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11313765885662467409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449449420777301084.post-83272699558452563472009-12-26T19:03:00.000-08:002009-12-26T19:13:02.618-08:00Finally My First Post as well as Christmas MemoriesTo begin our holidays we visited the new Babyland General Hospital the day after we got out of school. Our friends Laura and Lindsey and their families joined us. After Babyland we headed to the Tinsley house to make cookies. Below are pictures of our excursion.<br /><br />So I am finally learning how to do this. Today we visited my sister after going to see a movie. For the past few years we have made it a tradition to travel to Discover Mills to watch a new movie. This year it was The Princess and The Frog. What a great movie. After the movie we traveled to Lenox to go ride the Pink pig which was a family tradition for me as a child. We could not find a parking place. Scott got frustrated so I said lets just leave. We finally arrived at Heather's house to do Christmas with her and her family. We were excited to see the new addition to the O'Dell house. His name is Hundley and no it is not a baby. It is a puppy. Pictures to come later. After dinner while the kids were playing Heather taught me how to use my blog. It was a long overdue lesson. <br /><br />Christmas this year was really relaxing. I did not even get out of my pjs yesterday. It was great. We watched movies and played games all day. I made breakfast casserole like I usually do and we just hung out. Tomorrow we will go have Christmas with T and Mama.thehollandfamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11313765885662467409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449449420777301084.post-63556327680629426232009-07-13T09:07:00.000-07:002009-12-26T15:42:21.244-08:00My Sister's Blog<div style="text-align: center;">I am creating this blog for my sister, Noelle. She does not know it yet! I think (hope) it is something she will enjoy doing, but it can be a little overwhelming to set up, so I just did it for her! I wish I had a creative way to tell her about it, but I am still thinking on this one. My sister is graduating next weekend with her master's degree. I am so very proud of her. So, happy graduation, Noelle! Love you!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/SltdJU7tfCI/AAAAAAAAAA0/YL8Fz2YT43s/s1600-h/101_2560.JPG.jpeg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZYco8dAHuU/SltdJU7tfCI/AAAAAAAAAA0/YL8Fz2YT43s/s320/101_2560.JPG.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357978596506696738" /></a>thehollandfamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11313765885662467409noreply@blogger.com1