INTRODUCING HANNAH....

Here is the newest member of the Rawls family.. Hannah

Much Love
Jamie

TAKING A PEEK INTO OUR LIFE LATELY...

Life has been a wee bit on the CRAZY side. It all began with a short but lovely visit from my parents. They flew in Friday Nov 18 and out the 20th. Short but wonderful. That Sunday they left we noticed a mass that had been on our Sophie dogs foot suddenly get huge very hot to the touch and things seemed to get worse. Monday came and I was upset stressed and knew. I called our vet and was adament on who I would see. Years ago I worked there and Dayna was a tech. She now is Dr Pauly and has a background with boxers. She is who I wanted my Sophie dog to be in the care of.
We got an appt. Her last appt of the day. I took her and Justin met me there. He said he did not understand why he needed to go ( In the back of my head I knew... I knew this was not going to be a quick fix appt ) but I knew Justin had not came to that point. Dayna took her back to see what we were dealing with cell wise...
20 min went by and as she walked by in she did not even need to say the words.  I knew. I knew it was not good news. Tears started flowing from each of us even Dayna. We knew it was time. It was too late to do anything that night and we had the kids with us which is not something I felt kids should witness and especially when she has been your daughters best friend since the day we brought her home from hospital...
Dayna did not work on Tuesday and I only wanted her to be the one who started our Sophie dogs new journey into Heaven. So I thought to my self this is Angel Sophee girls first birthday and a feeling came over me. A feeling of there is no better date I would want Sophie dog leaving this earth. My friends daughter who passed  June 12 would get such a glorious gift as her first birthday was Nov 23. We took kids to in laws and had an appt set for 12:00 Wed the 23. Kay had wanted to paint her nails so we did that morning. It hurt walking out of our house knowing we would not be returning with Soph. Hubby and I balled like babies and Dayna was so kind sat on floor with us shared some tears and even some laughs. That was our first child. 10 years of great memories.
Sophia you were a damn good dog. You are loved and missed... We will all meet again.

Daddy promised Kay a pup! I have alot more to catch you up on. Off to bed but will finish my updates tomorrow and introduce Hannah! Hannah is the newest Rawls.

Much Love

Jamie

WHERE OH WHERE......................

When I was just a little girl I remember wanting so bad to be older.  Pretending to drive my grandma's car, sneaking my sisters makeup.. Oh how I just wanted to be older!  Fast forward 20 years and as I tuck my kiddos into bed I wonder when they grew to be such big girls.  Where did my babies go? Kayleigh prefers her hair straightened in the morning, and Kenz has an input on what shoes she wants to wear that day... It seems like I was just seeing 2 pink lines or the words PREGNANT..  I love watching my girls grow and learn more than I ever did at their ages. Being a mom is simply amazing and I am thankful Our Lord trusted me to raise these children of God.

This year has gone by so fast... I sit and try to recollect all the memories through out the last year. It seems almost impossible Thanksgiving is less than 2 weeks away and Christmas is so close.. HOW??? I just can't seem to put into realization that in just a blink of an eye we will be grandparents.. SCARY..

Makes me want to spend every sec I can with my family. I dare not miss a single moment in my kid's life...Kenny Chesney has a song " Don't Blink" and it's so true...

Nothing new just some bittersweet thoughts...

Much Love,
Jamie

LIFE... SOMETIMES WE NEED TO STEP BACK AND TAKE A LOOK .....

JUST A QUOTE I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED!! AND IT FITS SO WELL WITH WHERE THIS BLOG IS GOING... 

Close to a month ago I suddenly was hit with an emotional road block. I sat there and took some time to revise my life... Where my priority's fell, who came first, the people I had in my life.... And it hit me like a ton of bricks.. I may not be the girl that goes to church on Sunday's, that prays at meal time, and yes shamefully I do have my sins, BUT I am a believer and do pray more often than not, I follow the paths he leads me down , and I am a child of God. He gave us this life but we choose how we want to live it, who we want in it, and where we go with it.. As I sat and revised my life, it was revolting.. I had let the demon in and found myself in a whirlwind of gossip.. I don't do gossip! I am so one that will come forward and express my feelings up front. I was so guilty of this vile behavior.  Who am I to make any judgement on ANYONE.  No one can make judgement on other's PLAIN & SIMPLE!! Due to this immature behavior I started to back out of certain peoples life's.  One person was a friend whom suffered a devastating loss and everyone was so focused on her grieving that it never dawned on ANY ONE that we do not know what it like.. The day I was hit with a huge pile of bricks, I sat there and asked for forgiveness. I changed that day. I opened my eyes and apologized. People making comments regarding personal choices, I did not respond, I simply said I don't know. I started to linger away from the negative behavior of others.  I started to pull closer to this heartbroken friend everyone had left in the drifts.. I am a true friend and will do anything for anyone, as most of you know.. I am a friend, a mother, a wife, an aunt, a daughter, and was raised with out my mother for the most part.. It hurt but as I grew older it became easier. My mother made some horrible choices through out her life and it lead to her death ( will be 4 yrs in April) and although it's different I needed a friend during this time and I know she may not come to me to talk about her loss or cry on my shoulder she still is hurting and I am still a friend.. It does not matter, I just want her to know regardless I AM HERE.. Not just for the good as she had mentioned in a blog of hers but for the bad as much as the good.. I have put God first to lead me, my family which mean the world to me and I am so blessed , and friends.. I have always been told and oh how true it is.. YOU DON'T NEED A HUNDRED FRIENDS , IF YOU HAVE ONE JUST ONE GOOD ONE that is good enough. My husband is my Best Friend and I have maybe a handful if that of friends and even smaller of GOOD friends. I tend to trust too easily, care too easily , give too easily, and always have.. I have only been a friend that is human and makes mistakes at times, but all in all a friend.. After revising my life I decided to put my focus on my MAKER, FAMILY , BUSINESS, AND TRUE FRIENDS.. It seemed quite mind blowing how the ones that were being so cruel backed away from me when they saw I had changed the way of my lifestyle.. I have been wanting to lay this all to rest and doing so feels awesome.. My point of this blog is  ~ Live your Life and let others live theirs with out being ridiculed ~ We were not put on this earth to judge others ~  A few more quotes and scriptures....

 this last one is something we all should remember daily..

Much Love,

Jamie

OCTOBER 15 NATIONAL PREGNANCY AND INFANT LOSS REMEMBRANCE DAY...

Having friends that have faced the harsh reality of loosing a child has made me want to show my support and raise awareness... Just wanted to say Bless our sweet angels and may they forever be remembered! A few pics of the candles I lit tonight... Hug your babies and even the moments you get angry at something silly remember how blessed you are to have them here with you... 

Much Love,
Jamie

SOMETHING ABOUT FALL.....

Every year I always find myself getting so antsy for the seasons' to change and it every year it seems like after the fair and balloon fiesta passes FALL approaches.. I love it.. My house is decked out in fall/Halloween decor and my scent in my Scentcy changes from the sweet smell of melon to pumpkin spice and cinnamon... Find my self putting the flip flops away and breaking out the uggs, ordering catalogs for Christmas ideas, changing my wreath on my front door, changing my flowers to cooler weather flowers... I do love Spring and Summer and our wonderful garden that did absolutely amazing this year and there is nothing like walking out your back door only to pick your produce but there is something about fall. Something that makes me step back and look at life.. The joy on the kids face when the leafs start to fall and they get to wear their new coats.. Watching them all dressed up on Halloween and how much fun they have.. Fall brings more joy and love to heart.. Having a beautiful family to spend the amazing holidays with makes me so thankful... As I grow older all these things seem to only get better and better... There is just something about Fall!!!

Much Love,
Jamie

BACK IN THE GRIND....

I have been such a slacker on the blogging end. Just a quick update... We are doing great. Kayleigh started 2nd grade and is going on 21!!! Man we are in trouble.. Kenz is just a monkey and growin like a weed. I have lots , well let me say that again, I have a few things to catch you up on but for now I will leave you with some pictures and my website (well my fan page ... soon to have a web site for my new little business. )

My girls.... and here is my site. Please go check it out! Thanks so much..
https://www.facebook.com/jamierawls82

Much Love,
Jamie

7 YEARS AGO....

So much I have learned in the last 7 yrs.. How incredibly BLESSED I am to have been given such an amazing gift.  7 years ago tonight I was so anxious to meet our beautiful baby girl that I read all the crazy stories about what can induce your labor. Mind you I was 5 days over due so we were ready.  I did the crazy Castor Oil and OJ and Rasberry Leaf Tea and took a shower.  Assuming no way would I go into labor I went to sleep only to wake up in the morning with a SHOW and contractions. Called my Dr and the nurse at the time told me it was probably early labor and could be days..WHAT??????!!!!!!!!!??????????
Really?! So I called Justin and he came home. We timed them and they were every 5 min and down to 3 min.  He said he felt we needed to go.  As the negativity of the typical over due pregnant momma says DON'T GRAB THE BAG I'M NEVER GONNA HAVE THIS BABY!  As first time parents we (more Justin) was a bit nervous. He will say different but seeming he left the back door open and did not even recall this till he had to return back home for the bag due to being at 4 cm and in full blown labor!!!! I am still not sure where these years have gone and wish I could express through the difficult days of dealing with a very independent child that the beautiful days out weigh those moments BY FAR. As I laid with her tonight and cuddled her I told her all about first meeting her and what a wonderful day it was and how she has forever changed our world. She was and is my world.  Embrace every moment cause before you know it we will be sending  them off to college.. These last 7 years have been full of wonderful memories!  They grow up so much in 7 years it's crazy. We are at the stage of starting to not see eye to eye all the time and the attitude but it's another stage of growing up. Some days are pure awful and I dread dealing with whats to come but I love my girl to the moon and back and wouldn't change a thing.  As a mother these are life lessons we wrapped our life around the day we found out we were pregnant.  I am just blown away at how fast time has flown and LOVE my daughter more than words can express and wishing my Lu a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND THANK YOU FOR A BEAUTIFUL 7 YEARS AND LOOK FORWARD TO WHAT GOD HAS IN STORE FOR YOU THE NEXT 7 YEARS !! I love you baby girl and have a GREAT 7th birthday! Kayleigh Madison Rawls 4/27/04 9:07 pm 8lbs 8 oz 21 in long ... God put his trust in us that day and gave us such a beautiful gift!

Happy Birthday big girl.. You have grown in to such a smart beautiful girl. I love you forever my sweet LU....

BUSY...BUSY...BUSY

I can't get over how fast 2011 is going!  I am full swing with Premier Design and PRAY this was the right decision.  As with any business you have your fears, and feel a little lost when you first start but I know God will lead me the right direction and help me through this new exciting journey!  So with that consuming me (which I have no complaints) I am also still struggeling with Kayleigh and her behavior, Kenz is hitting the terreble 2's and man oh man she is a a little cutie but gives me a run for my money.  Both dogs have mass's on them????!!!!??????  That calls for vet visits...  I am having dental work done which I dread but oral hygene is super important to me so gotta get it done... We all 4 have birthdays coming up... I am trying to book shows around those dates and around Easter and Mothers day... Justin built 3 out of 6 of my garden beds and they look great.. I will set aside time for my gardening!!! Kay was off for Spring Break and returns tomorrow. We will be heading out to North Carolina in June.. I am not in in front of Calander so not sure exact dates but we will be flying out ( This will be very interesting seeming Kenz hates sitting...) and having a consult with Dr. Jeffery Marcus at Duke regarding Kayleigh's facial paralysis and the procedure we hope to get scheduled.. SMILE SURGERY.. She is not having any part of the idea right now but we will see once we talk with him. Just wanted to update on life lately..  Busy as a Bee and lovin it... I have some super cute pics to post but I am off to bed.  Oh as lots of sickness has gone around we have managed to stay pretty darn healthy this year!!!! Thats a blessing for sure. Hope your all doing well....

Much Love,
Jamie

My quote lately...NEVER UNDERESTIMATE YOUR SELF... ALTHOUGH SOME THINGS COME HARDER FOR YOU ..TAKE YOUR TIME AND ASK GOD TO HELP LEAD YOU... YOU CAN NEVER BE TOO SMART, THERE'S ALWAYS MORE TO LEARN IN LIFE.. DON'T GIVE UP...

OH THE DIY BLOGS HAVE TAKIN OVER.... AND THEN GARDENING....

Thanks to a dear ole friend ROCHELLE for introducing a diy blog that has gottin my crafty booty dusted off and back to crafting!  I had in my head what I wanted to do, from pillows to makin an old entertainment center into a play kitchen, to stenciling, and the ideas kept pouring.. I had a list of (well let's get honost )I HAVE a list of all these cute and cheap diy projects and I WILL do them. Very possibly in a no rush manner but with weather changing and SPRING is just a leap away im so excited to start. Now some may be pushed on back burner due to GARDENING!  We are expanding our garden and will have 5 raised beds this year..Lot's more growin like blackberrys, blueberrys, rasberrys, and curious on grapes?!? SO  my idea would have to be drawn for you to see.... BUT I want 1 bed for zuchinni, eggplant, squash,  and cucumbers... 1 bed for peas, beans, brussel sprouts, okra and MAYBE pickels! 1 bed for my jalapenos, all my chili plants, peppers, tomatillos! 1 bed for tomato's, onions,carrots, radish's spinach, broccoli, artichoke, lettuce.. and maybe starting my asperagus this year though it takes a good 2 yrs to get goin. And must not forget the watermelon, cataulope, and TONS of strawberrys... We will be planting the berry bushes along wall so they can grow up something.. Jus is gonna build me a white picket fence to go around my pride and joys! I plan on making a smaller bed for my seasonings( cilantro, oregano, catnip :), parsely, and more....OH GARDENING HOW I LOVE YOU AND SPENDING MY VERY EARLY MORNINGS WITH YOU A CUP OF JOE AND THE POLLINATING BEES!!!

So back to these diy blogs, any of you ever interested in hitting antique outlets lets go.... buy neat things that make even neater things!!! :) I have adventured on to other blogs and there is one below that inspired me to get the girls white shirts for st pattis and the rest is left to be viewed of what is to come of the white tees....! view her blog below!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!....off to bed I go for ballet in the am and maybe some antique stores .....
Much Love,
Jamie

icandy handmade: (tutorial & giveaway) shamrock chic

icandy handmade: (tutorial & giveaway) shamrock chic: "Once Valentine's Day passed {with a daughter that was so thrilled to have a cute festive shirt}, my thoughts turned to St. Patrick's Day, li..."

LIVING LIFE IN THE FAST LANE...

As I was watching Kenz chaseing the cat while meowing in her own little way and hissing , I looked at Justin and said " why does life move so fast? " I then stated how bittersweet the smallest moments like her hissing atg the cats brought tears to my eyes. She is our last kiddo and I am having a hard time with the reality that she will be 2 in just a blink of an eye. I wish there was a slow lane in life! So we could absorb every little peice of our precious childrens life! I try to absorb these bittersweet moments but being a mom of 2 we seem to miss some things. They may be small but to a mom they are the most precious memories... CHERISH THE SMALL THINGS IN LIFE FOR ONE DAY THE SMALL THINGS WILL BE BIG! I miss the days of feeling her in my belly. The anticipation of when she'd arrive in to the world. The day she blessed our life with her presence. Kayleigh will be a teenager before we know it and my baby is growing up way to quick. Sorry, I am a tad weepy watching my last baby girl develop into this toddeler.. Life in the fast lane needs to slow down a few notches. I just cherish these moments knowing it wont be long and she will be off to school... Just bloggin my thoughts...

MUCH LOVE,

JAMIE

HOW IT ALL BEGAN.....

After reading one of the most touching blog it really inspired me to tell "OUR LOVE STORY".... We all have puppy love when we are younger and tend to feel it's the real thing! That is until you meet the ONE.

I was 18 and a Sr. in High School. He had graduated and was working for the same company he is with today. It was Oct 2000 and my Volkswagon Jetta had a window that had came off the tracks. The weather was drury and raining so my dad would not allow me to take my car out. I called a friend to come pick me up. Well Justin was driving and I had never met him before. He introduced him self and i did as well..

We went to a party and both thought it was lame so we decided to leave. We hung out the rest of the night getting to know each other, talking, laughing just having a blast..He took me home that night and when he dropped me off he leaned in and kissed me and gave me his number.I gave him his number back with mine and said we will see if your really interested in me.... He called the next morning and woke me up... We knew right away we were made for each other. He had everything and more. He was perfect and a true gentleman. We moved out together after I graduated and started our life.... We had some bumby roads but they just made us stronger.. We married in Dec of 03 and that was one of the best days of my life.. We welcomed our first beautiful daughter in tothe world April 27 2004... Our life was complete..Our love only grew stronger and he was by my side through the most horrific time in my life.. When I had my stroke in 2008 and 5 mini ones in 2007.. I was in step down unit for a week and he sat right by me and never left my side.. Once my health was 100% we knew it was time to complete our family as a fam of 4.. May 13, 2009 we welcomed our 2nd beautiful daughter into the world.. McKenzie Lea... We started young but knew from the first night we were made for each other. I am so blessed to have such an amazing husband and daddy to our kids. God is GOOD! I love Justin Blue Rawls more and more every day. He is my rock and with out him id be lost!

So thats my short version of our love story. I love our adventure and so happy it's you Justin I chose to grow old with.... Happy Valentines Day bubs... You are amazing and I am so blessed to call you MY HUSBAND...I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK.....

Much Love,
Jamie

BEING A MOMMY CALLS FOR BREAKS TOO....

Don't get me wrong I am so incredibly blessed that I am able to stay at home. I worked until Kayleigh was 2 so I missed out on so much. I now realize how crazy they can be at this age due to Kenz.. My day consist of chasing after her, cleaning up her messes, I mean in all honosty it's exhausting but I LOVE THE HECKOUT OF IT.. I wouldnt trade it for the world.. I have crazy days and I feel like I need to do something to get out of the house a few nights a week.. After talking to a mom of one of Kayleigh's classmates I felt 20 lbs lighter. She is a consultant for Premier Designs. So after chatting for a good 30 minutes she had me totally excited.. I am gonna start selling Premier Designs Jewelry! So I am looking forward to getting this show on the road and start getting some shows scheduled.. So if your interested in some great deals on great jewelry let me know and we will get a show goin..... Looking forward to meeting new ladies and getting out a few nights a week..... I love staying at home and my kids are my world but I do need a break every now and then... A little extra money doesnt hurt eaither.. :)
Much Love,
Jamie

FIRST DAY OF FEBRUARY...

Well just when I was beginning to think wow the kids just may go with out a snow day this year, we got hit. Not extremely bad but Tuesday morning the roads were ice and it was freezing... So low and behold school was cancelled. I see why but last night they had already posted no school for Feb. 2... Um it was totally fine today just completely freezing... So the month of  February started with EXTREMELY cold weather and school closures... I'm very much looking forward to SPRING.....

 So on Tuesday Feb 1 Kayleigh was home due to snow day, and most of you know we had a pregnant pig.... Kay came running out " MOMMA HAD HER BABIES..." I checked and sure enough 2 more pigs.... So the purchase of 1 pig in July has resulted in 5 pigs... We cant keep all these pigs and there will be NO MORE! So I just wanted to introduce the 2 newbies....

HAPPY FEBRUARY!!!  On a happy note MR. GROUNDHOG did NOT see his shadow.... WOOO HOOO.. I can deal with not having 6 extra weeks of winter....






THE NEW BABY PIGS... BORN FEB 1



ICE & SNOW = SNOW DAY......





Much Love,

Jamie







WHAT'S FOR DINNER?

Sunday while making my weekly menu and grocery list I got to thinkin... I am so sick of the same dinners over and over again, but Justin grew up up with the same meals every week and on the same days of the week.. So I got him to adventure out and so far it's been great... Sunday night I made a Mexican Potatoe Soup. Turned out great. I warmed up some tortillas and the soup with the tortilla was a hit.. It was very very good... Last night we had baked marinaded pork chops ( nothing new ) with fresh cooked Asperagus ( not new ) but then threw in a really yummy Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole. So good. Tonight we are having Skillet Meat Loaf with Twice Mashed Potatoes.. Tomorrow night I am making  Beef Stew in the crockpot with Corn bread.. And Thurs were trying a Southwest White Chicken Chili. I absolutly enjoy cooking which is something I despised just a few short years ago. I have concluded if you dont know what to cook or not exactly sure how to cook it you will not have much fun.. But as I have picked up techniques and many different recipes it has become a very enjoyable thing to do. Now I am picking up on the baking due to only knowing how to make banana bread... If you are interested in any recipes we should start a recipe swap..... Tip of mess free cooking is clean as you go..Makes it so much easier to enjoy the process and the meal when your kitchen is clean..
Much Love,
Jamie

GIVING THE COUPON THING A GO....

I have come across several blogs and seen several things on how MANY people are using coupons and saving so much money! So when I do my grocery shopping I always make a weekly menu so I know what I need, which if you dont do this you should... To all you fellow friends the menu really helps yet I still seem to go over what I would like to be spending. With this being said I see these blogs on how moms are saving TONS off coupons and I want to know the TRICK!

So I started cutting out coupons today and it may take a little bit to see much of a difference but I am really hoping to see quite a difference. If any of you know of any sites where I can sign up for deals and coupons please let me know.. I know there are some out there that arent worth a hoot but also some really beneficial ones. So I am starting a money savings challange to see how much I can save... take the challange and see how much you can save with coupons!!!

Please send me any links to where I can get coupons and good deals!!! Looking forward to this money savings challange... any tips and advise would help too... Will keep you posted.

Much Love,
Jamie

CHERISH THE MEMORIES... THEY DONT STAY SMALL FOREVER...

I already posted but feel I was a tad negative.. I am a mother, and as hard as it can be at times I should be BLESSED I am a mother.. As crazy as it may sound I should be happy dealing with a 6 yr old with an additude .... God picked us to be parents and we should be nothing but thankful... ON A HAPPIER NOTE...

ALL KENZ WANTED WAS TO SNUGGLE WITH SISSY...

KAYLEIGH MEETING HER BABY SISTER FOR FIRST TIME..

KAYLEIGH MISSED HER SISTER WHILE SHE WAS IN CALI...

SWEET PEA

KAY AND HER BUNNY...



WELCOMING OUR FIRST BABY GIRL.. KAYLEIGH MADISON



KAYLEIGH FALL 2009... 5 YRS

KENZ SUMMER 2010

WELCOMING OUR 2ND BABY GIRL.. MCKENZIE LEA...



FUN IN THER SUN SUMMER 2010.. KENZ 13 MONTHS

 

KAYS FIRST TIME AT THE OCEAN. SUMMER 2010

                                                                  

OUR FIRST EASTER AS A FAM OF 4

4TH OF JULY 2010

SUMMER TIME...SWEET GIRLS

MY WHOLE WORLD.