The Davidow family

God's Will

2010-01-20T20:15:00.000-08:00

My focus for 2010 is to live and trust in God's Will. Its so hard...I so want to control every aspect of my life. I want to keep my kids little. I want another baby. I want Phil to always agree with me :) But alas...we know that we cannot 'control' everything. It all rests in God's time and what is will is for me. I know that and I believe that..but sometimes I have to say it over and over and over. The wonderful thing is that I get instant peace when I pray to God for his Will to be done in my life. I instantly feel as if someone is carrying me and all is well in the world. Now-2 min later sometimes I feel myself panicking again and wanting to try and control it all-but I guess that is human nature.

Why would we not want His plan for us? Its perfect....and only He knows what is best for us. Ahhhhhhhhhh

Living in the Moment

2009-10-07T14:07:00.000-07:00

One area that I feel I greatly need Godly assistance in is just being 'in the moment'...mostly with my kids. I just adore them but I don't feel that I show them that enough. Does anyone? I don't know but my heart and soul tells me that I do not. I am taking this time-to put in writing-that that is about to change. With God's help, I will take each day and be concious about lovign my kids and giving them 100%. Its all about makign the committment....and that's what I am about to do. I don't want another day to go by that they don't knwo that they are completely and 110% loved by their parents. I want them to knwo that they are THE most important thing in my life-and always will be.

U2 tomorrow night and other random thoughts

2009-10-02T19:27:00.001-07:00

Going to U2 tomorrow night.....so excited! Should be a fabulous night!

Had a wonderful night hanging out w/ Alexander. What a fantastic kid. I just loved that kid....he's so cool. So wants to be 21-i can't believe he will start kgarten next July. Where did the time go?

Speaking of, did I mention I really want another child? Question of the day is how and when do I bring this up to Phil yet again? Timing is everything-esp w/ him. We are going on a year now of me feeling like this..........

Phil's buds are in town for the VT game. I love to see him so happy. Makes my heart warm :)

A fun Survey

2009-09-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

Survey Thingy....=)
1.My ex is...not in my life
2. Maybe I should.....go to bed :)
3.I love......my husband, kids and friends.....my life :)
4.People would say that I am.....very energetic
5. I don't understand....
6.When I wake up in the morning......I need coffee
7.I have lost....my Linnie
8.Life is full of....surprises and mysteries yet to be solved
9.My past taught me....that you must trust God
10.I get annoyed......at fake people
11.Parties are....SO FUN!
12.I wish.....I would be a mommy again
13.Dogs .....yuck
14.Cats....good :)
15.Tomorrow is....another great day
16.I have a low tolerance for......fake people
17.If I had a million dollars....
18.I am terrified of....
19.I've come to realize that my last kiss.....was just as good as the first
20.I am listening to...Brothers and Sisters
21.I talk....very loudly
22.My friend(s).....are my world
23.My first real kiss.....was with my husband 10 yrs ago
24.Love is.....my children's laughter
26.Somewhere, someone is thinking....
27.I'll always....thinking about having another child
28.The last time I really cried......the other night, watching my baby sleep
29.My cell phone is....too addicting
30.Before I go to bed........
31.Right now I am thinking about.....having another child
32.Babies....are something I want desperately
33.Today I.....played tennis, went to church, went to a corn maze and ate a Coney Dog at A&W. :)
34.I really want to...

My buds

2009-09-16T18:28:00.000-07:00

I love my buds. I really have the most wonderful friends.....esp my running buddies. We've gotten into a great routine now of running at the crack-o-dawn. I hate it when that alarm goes off at 545 but I absolutely cannot imagine what i would do without those runs. Kim, Beth, Michele, and Leigh-my wonderful running ladies. You girls are my rock :)

Fall

2009-09-12T15:29:00.001-07:00

I love the fall. It truly is the best time of year. Today we started out the morning with Jimmy's soccer game and tennis lessons for Alexander. It truly was Jimmy's best game! And Alexander loved tennis. I then took A and 2 of his buds to play putt putt and now, here I sit, watching UT play football. It just doesn't get any better. The air is getting cooler and the smell of pumpkin spice is in the air :)

We had a great dinner party last night. 4 other "couples' came over, with their kids, and we enjoyed lasagna and garlic bread. We truly have the best neighbors. I cannot get over how truly blessed we really are to live in such a wonderful area.

Next wkd, we are heading up to one my fav places...Blacksburg, VA....for the VT/Nebraska game. Shoudl be a GREAT time.

Home again

2009-09-08T03:54:00.000-07:00

Back home again after a wonderful long wkd at the beach with our family...mom/Russ, Katie and fam. The house is quiet as I spend some much needed quiet time before getting back to reality and back into the swing of things. Jimmy just left for school, Phil for work, and Alexander is snoozing away. Funny-as much as a love a good vacation-I do love getting back to 'our life'. Soccer, tennis (starts this Sat!), carpools, finding that missing shoe as we go out the door, etc. Crazy but I tend to thrive on crazy.

Lots going on here in my mind this morning so here are a couple of random thoughts before I begin my day:

it makes me so sad to see how big the boys are getting. Yest, Alexander did a ropes course all by himself. He was about 4 feet in the air (with a harness on of course) and didn't need my help at all. All I could do is stand below and pray that he didn't fall. He was so brave. I was so proud of him...he just stayed so determined. My little boy is growing up too fast and it makes my heart hurt.....really bad
I really really really really want another child. I am not ready for this phase of my life to be over and move onto the next chapter of school. I'm not ready for preschool to be over and kindergarten to begin. I'm hitting a *huge* wall in Phil....but God can do anything, right? I'm praying for his Will.......that's all I can do.
I love my family and love having big vacations all together. Its so nice to just spend time together. We don't do it often enough...need to make sure we change that this next yr
I'm done with FB for a while. Too much time and I got burned this wkd. Rumor mill has me prego..oh my. Note to self: don't post anything that could be misconstrued.....:)
I love the fall. Love everything about it. Football, cool nights, no misquitos, mums, ..its all good.

Well, those are my thoughts as we start this wk. I pray for peace, direction, healing for my friends, confidence and love for my children, and above all, God's will to be done in my life.

It was only yesterday....

2009-07-15T18:32:00.000-07:00

I swear it seems like just yesterday that Alexander was born. It was truly a glorious day. Hot July-bright blue sky. ....just perfect. All the family was there and we all just enjoyed the day and welcomed our miracle into the world.

I could go back to that memory a thousand times over...

I love you Alexander. More than you could ever ever know. You are a bright star who just shines much brighter than the others. You love life and everything in it. You are stubborn and competitive..and we love it. You love large and are passionate about EVERYTHING!

I am so blessed to have you

Alexander's 4th Bday

2009-07-13T19:37:00.000-07:00

I'm having completely mixed emotions about my baby turning 4 on Wed. He's becoming such a little man and I'm loving every bit of it. He loves and lives life to its fullest and it has been such a blessing to experience life with him and through him. But it breaks my heart that he is getting older! I just want to stop this ferris wheel of life that we are on and slow down time. Its just going by way to0 fast.

Saturday, I came back in from my run and heard some rustling going on in the upstairs guest bedroom. Phil was still asleep so I couldn't imagine what was it was. Well, I turned the corner into the room and there sat my sweet boy-in the midst of his bday presents not yet wrapped. He had completely torn off the plastic to the light saber and had it swirling around. He was so excited! I just couldn't help but laugh until it hurt.

I love him more than I could ever imagine.

Happy Birthday sweet boy

Hilton Head here we come!

2009-06-29T20:53:00.000-07:00

FINALLY! We're leaving for the inlaws and Hilton Head tomorrow after Jimmy's last day of fifth grade (which in and of itself is extremely hard to believe!). He is becomign such a little man. Tonight we went to Meet the Teacher at Salem Middle School. He looked so cute! My hope and prayer is that he will continue to come into his own....gain confidence in who he is and what he wants in life.....make lots of new friends......learn the value of good grades.....and just be happy.

Alexander and I just got home from visiting Dad in Asheville and Mom in Rock Hill. Great trip. Makes me realize I need to do that more often..esp dad's house. I do not visit there often enough. I get so bogged down in 'creating' enough time that time slips away. Not anymore. Going to make a point to get there at least once every 3 months.

Right now I am WIDE awake trying to mentally prepare for our trip to the beach. I'm so excited to just spend time with my boys. I want to just enjoy them and watch them play in the ocean, build sandcastles and just laugh...... I also want to get lots of shrimp and fresh peaches to bring home :)

10 days off!!!!!

2009-06-24T20:24:00.000-07:00

I have 10 days off of work!! YEAHOO!!!!!!!!!! :) Having a mommy/Alexander day tomorrow. We're going to see "Horton Hears a Who" at Beaver Creek for FREE :). Friday is mommy day: my to do list consists of 1)nails 2)bathing suit shopping 3)more shopping. Ahhhhhhhhh We leave on Tues for HHI. CANNOT WAIT! I can't wait to sit on the beach and watch my babies play in the sand and splash in the ocean. I can't wait to hang out with all of the other preppies. I cant' wait to eat good seafood. Alexander is most excited to play putt-putt. Obsessed.

Speaking of Alexander, he has officially learned to swim! He has done a great job and now we're on to the second session. We have such a GREAT pool and clubhouse! Love it!

My garden!

2009-06-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

Today I picked my first vegetables from the garden!!!! One big tomato, one Tommy tomato, a banana pepper, some jalepeno peppers and basil. I also cut some daisies from my flower gardern. WOW!!!!!!!

Fridays on the Porch at the Carolina Inn

2009-06-19T19:42:00.000-07:00

So tonight, Alexander and I went to the Carolina Inn with some friends to enjoy some good ol' southern bbq, blue grass music and some cold beverages. What a great night! Hot and sticky-just the way a summer southern night should be!!!!!!!! We met up with Phil and Jimmy afterwards. They had been at the father-son bball camp all day. Alexander has decided he is going to stay the night with them at the dorm..should be interesting :)

Hightlight of the night was while I was just settling in, making a call to Phil..when I turned around to find Alexander, pants around his ankles, peeing on the front lawn of the Carolina Inn. Classic...absolutely classic. Why do I think this won't be the last time? :)

Blueberry cobbler

2009-06-17T16:29:00.000-07:00

Life is good when you can come home from work, pour a glass of wine, grill salmon, and make a homemade blueberry cobbler.....yummmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Take 3

2009-06-16T04:32:00.001-07:00

Ok-so here I go again attempting to keep up with my blog. I found myself missing "journaling' if you will....its nice to have a way to put things on paper, document your life, and just reflect on day to day activity. So, I am officially committing to journal 3 times a week-at least!

Life is really good. I'm still not living entirely or as much in the moment as I would like but its a work in progress. Crosspointe sermons lately have been truly amazing. Do not judge; do not worry-let tomorrow take care of itself. Deal with the events of today. I'm trying to live that daily. Its tough bc it is so not my style. I tend to want to hold onto things and try to control all that I can. Not healthy and not Christ-like.

I planted a garden (floral and veggie) and I am SO PROUD! I harvested my first tomato and peppers yesterday. Wahoo!!!!!

Alexander is growing up way to fast. He will turn 4 in one month. Where inthe world did 4 years go? He is such an absolute and pure job.

Jimmy starts middle school in 3 weeks. WOW! I'm so excited for him. He's such a great kid...so innocent and what a great heart. He truly thinks of others before himself.

Well, more to write later. PROMISE :)

I love my hubby!

2009-01-13T19:33:00.000-08:00

Wow. No words can really describe what an awesome wkd Phil and I had in Key West. I feel like complete CRAP for giving him such a hard time before we left. Ok- lesson learned..I need to chill out and relax and learn to trust the hubs. He's a good boy :)

We laughed alot, talked alot and just lived life large this past wkd. One thing can be said-we may work hard but we definitely play hard too. Life is so good.

I still have alot to discuss with him but I can only pray that its comes at the right time. I don't knwo when that time is but it will come. I know that it will.

Totally missed the boys and glad to be home. Life is so good,.

Where will we end up??Hmmmmm....

2009-01-08T20:07:00.000-08:00

So Phil and I leave tomorrow on a 'surprise' trip-Phil style. For my Christmas present, he bought us 2 tix to Ft Lauderdale...and then 2 tix to Cancun. Stupid cheap but now we understand the catch. Once we land in FL, we have 30 min to go out, go back thru customs, and catch the flight to Cancun. Oh-and did I mention that we do not have a hotel in Cancun bc obviously we don't know yet that we will actually catch the flight! This is SO Phil. He's so excited..and I of course, I terrified! I hate goign places that I have no idea where I am and also hate not having a set place to stay. I just adore this man-he really is good to me-but it is stressing me out to no end. I'm trying to be 'excited' and I actually am..I just wnat to know where we are going! If we don't get on the flight, we will just go to Key West-which is perfect with me! looking to stay at a B&B :) So-now i'm off to pack and wonder....just where will I be at this time Sat night!?

Oh-and this is only for 48 hrs. Classic

On a completely different note (well not entirely as I am certain I will be praying the entire trip!), I am really digging this prayer challenge this wk. Very ver liberating to do nothing but confess. Very eye-opening but at the same time very cleansing. I highly recommend.

Confessions and Prayer

2009-01-06T19:14:00.000-08:00

Tuesday night...love our life group from Crosspointe. Every Tues, we meet and discuss different spiritual topics. Tonight our focus was on prayer. Some highlights for me:

Tonight's takeaway? Prayer is a discipline; it's something we can work at. When we confess, we not only cleanse, but we find true freedom in Christ - and that makes usmore alive, period. Keep 1 John 1:9 close to your heart. As you self-examine in prayer, listen for God:

1. Ask God specific questions.
2. Pay attention to what echoes. The ideas and concepts that keep coming back to you in ways not totally resolved.
3. Listen for what makes God's voice distinct (John 10:14-16)

4. Don't ignore it, act on what God says. And free with price of admission...
5. Be where you know in your heart you should be. ("I hear God click loudest while sitting in church.") Find your closet.
6. Be sensitive to counter-forces (which in a way you can sense, can be a real drag sometimes to attend a particular event. Those events though may very well have been the most rewarding event; learn to sniff outcounterfeits).
7. God is a God of perfect order. Listen for things that align to previous commitments - my wife and I for instance, believe it is important to be in agreement especially with major decisions.

This week we were challenged to just confess-confess those sins that are on our heart that may be keeping us from moving forward-both with ourselves and with our relationship with Him. My commitment to myself this week is to take 5 minutes every day and truly confess to God those sins that lie within me...esp those really deep ones. I'm excited to see what lies ahead.....

You know your kid watches too much TV when....

2009-01-05T17:59:00.000-08:00

He comes into the room and announces "Hey Mom...the day starts with Chris"

Chris Hollman is the TV weatherman on the ABC affiliate here in Raleigh.

Nice

New Year...New Beginning

2009-01-04T19:22:00.000-08:00

Ok so here goes...another start at this blog thing. After a 'brief hiatis' in which I had decided to stop blogging, I have decided to kick start it again. Weirdly enough, I miss writing down all of my random thoughts. My hope is to blog 3 x wk and more if there are things I want to document and remember. My intention of starting a blog in the first place was to truly capture all of the wonderful moments of my children and family. Writing is a way for me to 'stop and smell the roses'...as weird as that is. I thought I was getting burnt out but I felt that i was slowly getting back into the drift=which of course I do not want to do. My whole life has been about being in the drift...now its time to get back out.

2009....I love odd years. I don't know what it is about them but I just love them. I got married in an odd year (2003); Alexander was born in an odd year (2005). I just love odd years. I hope this next year is one of committment, direction, appreciation, love, selflessness. I want to give whole-heartedly to my children and hubs; I want to be that friend that just does not let go; I want to be that mom who is the BEST mom on the planet; and I want to be that wife that loves her husband more than life itself and it is so apparent to all.

2009-I hope it brings clarity as well. I'm still debating where my heart lies with another baby. I have to put this answer in God's hands. I feel more at peace about it than I did a year ago but still not 100% certain that this is an issue that I can tackle just yet w/ Phil. It woudl require a HUGE committment and sacrifice so I have to be 100% certain that this is what I want. He will see right thru me if I'm not and it will never ever go. I can only pray that God grants me clarity and also speaks to Phil. I pray that He will speak to both of us and show us the way-His way. I also pray that God will speak thru me when and if I do have the conversation with Phil.

I have also been thinking alot of gratitude lately. I so often times get caught up in taking things for granted and stopping and giving thanks....so here goes. I am SO SO SO thankful for:

My children. Jimmy and Alexander are my life, my heart and my soul.

Phil. He is truly my everything. Life does not work without him.

My family: my mom and Russ; Dad and Michele; Katie, Carl, Will. Phil's parents. I am so thankful that they are in my life and all are healthy

My friends: old and new. I love love love my friends.

My job. How crazy is that. I love my job. I have the BEST job. I love the fact that my job is flexible and allows me to spend time with my kids and at their schools. I love the people I work with. I love that I get the opportunity to heal others.

My Life Group. They allow me to grow spiritually and emotionally. They allow me to grow stronger in my walk with God

Crosspointe. It is an AWESOME church.

Where we live. We live in a GREAT town; a GREAT neighborhood; a GREAT state and country. We are so incredibly blessed.

Here is to a wonderful wonderful ODD year ahead. And not to forget my New Year's Resolutions:

1. Spend quality one on one time with my children. Tune everything else out.
2. Quality time with the hubs EVERY night. No computer until we've had our time
3. Run a 10K
4. Find Jimmy an opportunity to volunteer in the community. Get him help with his reading
5. Find a new hairstyle

The ending of a perfect week

2008-11-09T18:48:00.001-08:00

So tonight is the final night of our Florida vacation..."the Davidow Day of Fun" as Jimmy noted it daily. What a wonderful wonderful wk. I will post some pictures later in the wk, but I just felt compelled to write down some thoughts before we leave tomorrow.

Reflections from this past wk:

There is no need to spend a ton of money on a vacation. I asked Alexander tonight what his favorite thing was this wk; he said "the bus". Nice-my kid thinks the bus ride to Busch Gardens was the highlight of a 800K dollar vacation. :)

Alexander and Jimmy have officially become 'brothers'. By that I mean, Jimmy thinks its a riot to make Alexander cry and Alexander tells on Jimmy at the drop of a hat.

I'm old. I actually thought I was in pretty good shape until this wk. It has absolutely kicked my ass. And truth be told (thought he would never admit it), Phil's as well.

I'm buying a kid treadmill when I get home so that Alexander can run on it at night and then pass out. I have not had to read one book this wk bc he is so exhausted and does not need to be read to, laid beside, patted, etc 30 min before bedtime. Its awesome! (Ok-not that I hate reading to my kid but its nice to have break every once in a while :))

I'm old. Phil and I went out last night and his mom/Jim kept the kids. We were home at 11:30. Nice.

Roller coasters rock! But I do not bounce back from them as easily as I used to.

Alexander mastered the art of making himself tall enough to ride some of the rides by standing on his tip toes. Yes-he's my child.

I love love love my kids. I don't spend nearly enough time with them as I would like and there is no excuse. Yes I can blame it on work and just "life" but I am the only one to blame about that. And it needs to end. They are really awesome and fascinating and if I don't watch it, they are going to be grown before I know it.

Its a new day

2008-11-04T21:39:00.000-08:00

Election night...and what a profound one it is. Honesty-I'm at a loss for words right now. Tears of wonderful joy and amazement. Tears of disbelief that we have finally seen this day-a day where the first African American was elected president. Its just amazing. I'm exhausted but just cannot turn the TV off. Its just truly history in the making. There are very few times in our life where we know we have just witnessed history in the making...and this was one of them. I'm so happy that my children have just been given a new beginning. Truly a new lease on the future. Its just amazing.

Elections

2008-10-29T18:46:00.000-07:00

For the first time in my life, I LOVE this time of year-the elections. I cannot remember getting this emotionally charged over a presidential election. Perhaps its the age, perhaps it is the fact that I'm a mom, perhaps its truly the fact that this is SUCH a crucial time in our history-but regardless, its just amazing to me. One thing that I think is truly lacking in most of us is passion. Doesn't matter who or what the passion is for-we just lack it. I've always tried and wanted to be passionate about my life-whether its my job, my family, my friends. I want to be remembered as a passionate human being. And this time of year just brings out the passion in folks that many of us rarely see. I just LOVE it. Regardless of who you vote for, its bringing out a true passion and fire for the candidates and more importantly, our country. We saw it after 9-11 and now we are seeing it again. Hopefully this passion will continue well beyond Nov 4th.

So tonight, after watching the best infomercial I have EVER seen (yes I'm in love), I asked Alexander who he wanted to be president...and he said "Santa Claus" as loud as he could.

Again-be passionate about whomever it is you choose :)

Centered

2008-10-22T18:47:00.001-07:00

I love that word....centered. Every time I hear it, I instantly have a sense of peace over me and remember to "center" myself. I'm sure it can mean many things to many people, but to me its about stopping amidst all of the chaos; its about reflecting in the moment; its about being in the moment; its about stopping to smell the roses...More often than not, I let myself become "uncentered". I become a part of the drift in life and just carry on one day to the next. One day rolls into the next and then the next and then the next. Days go by before I stop to really take a breath.

Becoming centered......ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

I DID IT!!!!

2008-10-21T18:46:00.000-07:00

I finished my sprint triathalon in 1 hr and 16 min!!!!!! 281st place out of 454 people :) I'm so psyched..and totally hooked!It was such a rush but I completely hit the wall on Sunday afternoon and was moving in slooooowwwwwwwwwwww motion on Monday. Tuesday-felt GREAT!

So tonight at Life Group, we talked about basically living in the moment and without revenge/anger. At any given moment, life could leave you or someone you love. So the question was-"how do we continue to live in that mindset and make each moment count and make it as if it were your last"?????? Revenge and anger completely robs us of experiencing pure joy and happiness in our day. Tim gave us each an hourglass that basically represents one minute. He asked us to put it somewhere where we could and would experience one minute (or longer if possible!) of pure silence, being in the moment with God, and just listening to him. Really listening to what he wanted to say. How cool! :) Now-where in the world am I goign to find a true moment of silence??? This shoudl be interesting and definitely challenging. Boy-how sad is that?! One would htink that finding a moment of true silence wouldn't be that hard......

Anyway, we also talked about prayer and how we really need to just talk to God. Not make it nice and neat but really talk to him. Get frustrated, get sad, get emotional..staying real. Prayers do not have to look a certain way, be formed a certain way or be heard a certain way. Just be who you are and speak what is on your heart and mind. Truly something I need to work on. Too often for me its all about control and thinking that I'm 'telling" God what he wants to hear. Ha...the irony of that one.

So, this wk my challenge ot myself is to carve out one minute (at least!) with the help of my little hourglass of pure silence and just be in the moment. Listen to God and experience just life at that time. And hopefully this will lead me to greater perspective of those around me and allow me to truly be in the moment at all times. What a wonderful concept :)

Getting nervous!!!

2008-10-16T18:29:00.000-07:00

Ok-I'm officially 72 hours away from my sprint triathalon and I am VERY nervous! Holy cow...my latest fear is what if I get lost while biking???? Bought the infamous tri shorts...hilarious. I think there is a reason why these short should not comein a 'large'. I'm not feeling these shorts much.....

Really looking forward to Tgiving this year. I think it truly is one of my favorite holidays. Family, food and just enjoying each other. Everyone is coming to our house this year. Shoudl be loads of fun :)

Still have the baby itch...bad. Need lots of prayers for clarity :)

Let the games begin

2008-10-13T20:14:00.001-07:00

Going into church on Sunday, I noticed that Jimmy seemed "happier" than usual....

"Hey kiddo....good morning?"
"Yeah......Robin is here"

Robin is the cute girl in Jimmy's room at school and apparently she is visiting Crosspointe on Sunday AM. She may have been there before but we've never seen her. So Phil walks Jimmy to his room and conveniently sticks around to truly just be the fly on the wall. Robin walks in the room first (and oblivious to the fact that Jimmy is there). Jimmy then signs in and heads to the OPPOSITE side of the room. As Phil watches, Robin seems to be cking out things and hten suddenly spots Jimmy. Phil said it was VERY obvious she locked into him and got a huge grin on her face. She immediately heads across the room and taps him on the shoulder..

"Hi James" (yes he goes by James at school. Still not used ot that one)
"Hi Robin" grin grin giggle giggle

And that's all we saw as church started.

Gotta love it when church brings a budding puppy love together! :)

Reason # 220 why I love Crosspointe!

What a great day.....

2008-10-11T20:15:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the UNC/Notre Dame game. What an awesome day! Alexander had been to a game before but he has no recollection. He was so excited!!! I think he asked us at least a dozen times if we were there yet. We got to campus with enough time to walk around, ck out the bookstore and see the band walking down to the stadium. It just doesn't get much better than a fall day at a college football game!

So UNC won in a game that went down to the final seconds...and luckily Alexander woke up fo the last 5 sec. yes-he fell asleep with 4 min left to go with folks screaming all around him. Classic.

Gearing up for my sprint triathalon

2008-10-05T19:03:00.000-07:00

2 wks from today I will "compete" (and I use that word VERY lightly) in my first sprint triathalon. I feel pretty good..today I biked 6 miles and ran 2.5. My problem I think will be the swim..I haven't swam in over 3 wks. I'm really excited..nervous but very excited. Its been a while since I' ve accomplished anything..well, anything where there are awards :)

Great day today. Took Alexander and went out to Bond Park. Rode paddle boats and played at the playground. It was a beautiful fall day. A little too hot but good. We skipped church this mornign though and I felt completely off all day. It was a good lesson for me-never skip unless out of town or sick. The day just didn't feel the same. I love that we are now involved in a church where I feel 'weird" if I skip :)

So, I"m still really struggling with this whole baby thing. I keep praying for clarity and strength. I thought alot about it today when I was running. The thing I keep coming back to is that this family just doesn't feel "complete" yet.....like there is something OR someone missing. It just seems natural that we would have a third child. I do feel better about not needing to do this yesterday. A good friend of mine said 'give it a year. If you still feel this way, then do something'. There is something to be said about that. I'm only 35 so in the grand scheme of things, its not that old. We woudl definitely need for Alexander to be out of daycare (from a financial sense) so that's a good thing. And god knows I will need at LEAST a year to work on Phil :):) I did find the MD to go to...get this...his office is right across the street from Phil's. Nice.

Day with Alexander

2008-10-04T18:44:00.001-07:00

I need to always remember how wonderful and rewarding it is to spend an entire day with your child-with We first went to Alexander's soccer game and then had lunch at Dairy Queen. Afterwards, we went to Jimmy's soccer game and then on to play putt-putt (Alexander's choice obviously). Came home, had naps, ordered a cheese pizza (with extra cheese!) and watched the Tarheels play fball. And now, as I write, we are lying in bed and watching the Heels WIN (YEA) What a wonderful day.

I love Alexander

I love elementary schools

2008-10-02T20:36:00.000-07:00

Went to Jimmy's school today to help out his teacher. There is something about an elementary school that just makes you smile and forget about your stressful, corporate day :) Instantly, I lost that stressed out, neck tight, fists cliniched feeling and smiled....It was so nice. Tomorrow I am goign to have lunch w/ him and his friends. That shoudl be a trip :) Definitely worth a post tomorrow...

Practice #4 for Alexander in soccer tonight. I think I laughed otu loud for at least 1/2 of the practice. Alexander is relentless! Its AWESOME! Dribbles, pushes...whatever it takes...to get the ball in the goal. We were all so proud-esp Phil. hee hee

Phil is headed to Blacksburg tomorrow to see the boys and go to HC. I was supposed to go w/ him but Mom can't come now so I'll stay home. Very sad at first but actually I'm looking forward to the wkd w/ Alexander. I'm goign to do "me" stuff tomorrow and then "Alexander" stuff on Sat. Fun fun fun! :)

When in doubt, focus out

2008-09-30T20:30:00.001-07:00

Isn't that just a wonderful mantra?

Status quo now in the Davidow household. Phil and I are leaving on Friday to go to Va Tech Homecoming. I love this time of year. Mom is coming to take care of Alexander while we jet off for a long wkd. Can't wait :)

Don't you wish there was a 'pause' button on life? I feel that way so much with the kids right now. So innocent still..even Jimmy...and you know it will slowly change.

Still in baby mode. Still want to be patient and pray on this one.

Continually blessed

2008-09-27T19:55:00.000-07:00

Can I just say how MUCH I love my job and the people I work with?? Crazy I know but its so true. They are truly my family. Tonight, I invited everyone to the house for a cookout. What a wonderful time! Spouses and kids included...it was such a nice evening. As I reflect back on tonight, I just can't help but smile and just feel so incredibly blessed. Its not often that you hear folks say that they feel blessed by their job. I just cannot believe how much God has given me. I can only hope that he is truly leading me in my actions with them and that they know how much I love them all.

The great kid

2008-09-24T18:54:00.000-07:00

I am continually amazed at what a GREAT kid Jimmy is. He is the most kind-hearted, easy-going, caring, sweet natured 10 year-old boy I know. I just adore that kid.

I want another baby.

Did I just physically write that down OUT of my head??!!!

Now I just need to convince the hubby to have his vasectomy reversed.

Piece of cake ha

Stay tuned

Breathe

2008-09-23T18:54:00.000-07:00

So tonight was the first night of my new Life Group. Basically, the church we are going to (which I LOVE) has small groups that they encourage folks to join so that you don't get "lost" in such a big church. These life groups meet weekly and start out as a Beta Group for 6 wks...its basically a six-wk trial period to see if you like your group and they like you.. ha ha. Anyway, tonight was our first night. WOW is all i have to say. You know how you know something is missing in your life but you just can't put your finger on what it is? Well, tonights group was just that-a missing piece. There were 10 of us tonight..4 couples and me (and Allison :)) I was VERY hesitant at first about joining a 'mixed' group. I was dead set on finding an all women's group but when one didn't really transpire, I decided to let go of my 'set ideas' which is a good lesson for me. I need to always remember to not always go with what feels safe. I believe that is when the most wonderful surprises and experiences occur.

Tonight, we watched a 15 min video called "Breathe". In it, the narrator (in this particular one, it was a pastor of a church in MI), spoke about the very simple thing of breath and what it means. Totally up to your own thoughts and interpretation of the video but to me, it reminded me that we all need to stop and take time to focus and 'recenter' ourselves. Don't continue to drift in life. Experience each moment individually and remember to just breathe. Deep breath when dealing with difficult situations to remember that God is in control. Every person that breathes was made in his image and how can we not treat each other with respect and love when we look at them like that.

So this wk, I promise to just stop and breathe. Be quiet. Take in the moment. Count to 5 before I explode :). Look at each person as a product of God. And just remember God in the moment.

What a wonderful, beautiful thing.

Alexander's first soccer game

2008-09-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

Well, today was Alexander's first soccer game. Interesting to say the least...several observations I made during this hour:

1. My son is brutal. He will push, kick, shove to do whatever it takes to get the ball. You know you are in trouble when your conversation with your son at halftime is "Alexander-we do not push our friends. If someone on your team has the ball, let them have it".

2. Alexander is a GREAT actor. I think he "fell" down at least a dozen times-no exaggeration. And not only did he dramatically fall down, but he remained down. It got to the point that the coach didn't even turn around-they jsut kept playing.

3. Clearly the only reason that most of us have our kids play soccer at this age it so that we can truly become 'that mom' and take 100 pictures. I was so stressed out the entire time-not bc my son was pushing..i mean playing soccer-but bc I couldn't decide which to do-the video camera or the digital.

4. My son is brutal and i love it. He is a GREAT GREAT kid. Relentless, aggressive, competitive-all the things I just adore.

5. #11..that's his number. For life.

What a great day.

UNC Planetarium trip

2008-09-20T07:33:00.001-07:00

So last Wednesday, Alexander's preschool class went on a field trip to the planetarium in Chapel Hill. Fortunately enough, I was able to take some time from work and go (did I mention how much I love my job and the flexibilty it allows! So blessed) Anyway, it was so much fun! 21 3 YOs (yes-one can only imagine) in the planetarium-most of which cried bc they were scared. Not my child though (hee hee). He LOVED it! And then we all went out and had a picnic on the steps of a building on campus. As I stood there looking at Alexander and all of his little friends, I just couldn't help but smile and wonder if I was seeing something to come-Alexander enjoying time at UNC (one can dream right :)) with his friends.

His last day at KRK was Friday. He starts AllStarz on Monday. I am very excited about the move.....nothing but wonderful things our friends have to say

Bedtime

2008-09-15T19:24:00.000-07:00

Lately, Alexander can come up with the most ingenious reasons to get out of bed...water, potty, animals are not all in, etc....tonight, though, takes the cake.

Alexander 'loudly' wimpering in his bed.
Me, at the bottom of the stairs: "Alexander what is wrong now?!"
Alexander: "My breath...gasp gasp wimper wimper....smells stinky"

Nice

Oh.....

2008-09-13T20:43:00.000-07:00

I biked 7 miles and then immediately ran 2 miles. Wahoo!

Did I mention I took 2 naps today?

Peace

2008-09-13T20:38:00.000-07:00

Isn't it just wonderful when all of the pieces of your life just seem to fit together and there is a certain peace that occurs? Life is so funny how it comes and goes and sometimes things are in sync-and sometime they are not. I feel that so often I don't stop to say thanks enough when they are in sync....and now is one of those times. I feel so incredibly blessed and just need to take a deep breath, take it all in, and say thank you. I know that it could all change-and will-and when that time comes I will be ready. But for now, I'll just be very content that all is well and my life is extremely fullfilled. But I will take this time to fill my cup so that I am that much more prepared for the roller coaster. Isn't life just wonderful?

BLAH

2008-09-12T21:01:00.000-07:00

Soccer game cancelled....BLAH!!!!

Panic mode

2008-09-12T19:35:00.000-07:00

Early in the summer, I decided to do my very first sprint triathalon. Up until then, the only real exercise I did was run...and it was very infrequent. Well, I decided that this woudl get my ass in gear and finally get in better shape-and lose some much desired weight. Well, in classic "Anna" fashion, I procrastinate the training and now I am in complete panic mode! I have been running, biking and even swimming-but nothing in succession. SO that being said-with the event only 1 month away-I'm officially starting hard-core training tomorrow. I'm going to attempt to bike 9 miles and then immediately run 2 miles. We'll see......I may not get up for a good 2 days.

Alexander has his first soccer game tomorrow. Is it bad that Phil and I are probably WAY more excited about this than he is? I'm certain that bc I think he is the next World Cup player, that he will cry the entire time and not want to go on the field. And then of course, my competitive self will have to find something else for him to play. The kid is doomed... :) His Nana and cousin Will are coming as well. Its a full-fledged family event!

Things about my kids that I LOVE

2008-09-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

1. Jimmy's new thing for "girls". I just see it starting.....wanting his hair to look a certain way, thinking certain girls are "cute" or "Hot". He told me today that he liked 'loud girls'. 'You know-girls that are athletic"

2. Alexander and how he says "I love you too Mom". God I could just melt every single time

3. Alexander: "It dark Mom. We can go play the Wii now"

4. The way Alexander has to hug Jimmy before he gets on the bus and say "Bye Jimmy" 200 times.

5. The way little kids literally FLOCK to Jimmy. We got out of the car today at the bus stop and a little 5YO boy came up to us to say "Hi Jimmy" and follow him to the bus...and all the while Jimmy just lets him. He is the most kind-hearted boy I know. What a wonderful sweet boy.

6. The way Alexander's shin guards come up to the bottom of his shorts now.

7. The way Jimmy slings his hair now...he is such a big kid now.

8. Their laugh....as my mother in law says "its like water running over rocks'

9. The way Alexander's hand feels and looks when its resting on mine.

10. Jimmy's patience and absolute love for Alexander. Words cannot describe

Soccer pictures!

2008-09-05T19:55:00.001-07:00

Our little soccer player :)

Soccer time!

2008-09-05T19:50:00.000-07:00

Its been a while since I've written anything...just caught up in life I guess. Things have been crazy but only bc we've been out of town alot it seems. I have such a love/hate relationship with traveling. Love love going but hate that nothing gets done that I am just too tired to take care of during the wk. Anyway, we're home this wkd and its going to RAIN!!! YEAH! A good excuse to be lazy and still get stuff done around the house. Hung Alexander's curtains tonight and organzied the basement. god I love gettign stuff off the 'to do' list :)

Alexander started soccer yesterday. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this age. It was so unbelievable cute. He and his buddy Carson Grizer are on the same team. The green team at Woodcroft. He just looked like such a 'big' kid. Jimmy helped out as well. So proud of him..he is such a wonderful kid. Such a kind heart and sensitive. On the cusp of puberty.....semi interested in girls, wanting his hair long (which we hate) and wanting to be cool :) Are we ready for all of this yet???!!!!

Remembering Lynnie

2008-08-29T05:29:00.001-07:00

Spending time sitting at the counter, drinking wine, Lynnie cooking and just talkign about life....its one of my favorite memories

Going out to dinner at Carolina's and that red dress that turned 100 heads

Doing the Macarena on the deck of the Kiawah Island Inn

Finger to the face

Going to Guido's (or better known as the mob place) in Jersey for the best garlic and olive oil pasta I've EVER had

Putting away her mom's clothes and agin...talking about life

The journal...it changed me forever in so many many ways. How could she have possibly known???~!!!

Blue Explorer that I couldn't have bought without her

Maine and lobsters and chair by the sea

Charlie and how much she loved him

"Lynn-I have something to tell you"
Lynn: He's black
Me: No-he just has a kid!
Lynn: Oh-that's awesome! We can take him to the beach and build sand castles!!!!!

Tons and tons of friends...god she made everyone feel like they were her best friend

I was her Nana

"Our leader and has spoken"

She was a GREAT cook-stuffed pork tenderloin, stuffed grape leaves...yummmmmmmmmmm

Boy do I miss her....boof boof

2008-08-26T19:43:00.000-07:00

I AM ...a girl who loves her family dearly and is so afraid that it will all go away. Sometimes the fear gets in the way of truly loving. I only hope my boys and husband know how much I love them.

I WANT.... another baby...I think. I ache for another child but realize that my life is so fullfilled and perhaps its just me needing more chaos.

I HAVE ...a desire to want it all. Great family, great job, money, happiness, love.

I WISH I COULD ... truly talk to my husband. Sometimes I feel like I keep it all inside because its just easier. But in the end, it comes back to bite you in the ass

I WISH I COULD make sure Jimmy knows how much I love him. I wish I could make him just truly happy.

I FEAR ... that something will happen to Alexander. Dear god..I can't imagine.

I HEAR ... Hilary speaking at the DMC. Just fabulous!

I SEARCH ...for spiritual peace.

I DON'T THINK ...I can ever be a good enough mother.

I LOVE ... God, Phil, Alexander, Jimmy and my parents. I love my friends

I ACHE FOR ...those that are physically challenged

I ALWAYS CRY ...when I see people suffering and homeless people.

I AM NOT ... that strong. I need my friends.

I DANCE ... better than anyone else..esp when know one else is watching

I SING ... like crap. but I really like to sing!

I NEVER ...like to put away the dishes or take out the trash. It sucks

I RARELY ...can sit still but my children are making me better

I CRY WHEN I WATCH ...Hallmark movies

I AM NOT ALWAYS ...the most honest person but I really really strive to be.

I HATE THAT ...Linnie is gone. I so miss her.

I'M CONFUSED ABOUT ...nothing.

I NEED ... constant reassurance and love. Its not an easy thing but that's what I need.

I SHOULD ...be stronger in my faith. I continue to strive to be a better Christian.

Alexander and the Wii

2008-08-25T19:07:00.001-07:00

So Alexander bowled a 179 on the Wii bowling and beat Phil fair and square. Nice....

Hot Potato Hot Potato!

2008-08-22T20:19:00.000-07:00

So we went to the WIGGLES tonight!!!!!!! Oh it was just awesome! My first "3 YO" show :) Michelle Gisondi and her little girl Lila, Alexander and I-went to see the Wiggles at the RBC Center. Cried when the big red car came out..yes I cried. I just love this age. Alexander just finds the joy in everything and you truly do see things for the first time thru their eyes. They had a wonderful time! They danced, sang, jumped around and ate....yes Alexander ate a full Happy Meal, popcorn, and a cereal bar. I swear, I don't know where that kid puts it all. What a wonderful wonderful evening :)

Hilton Head vacation

2008-08-19T19:28:00.001-07:00

Pictures from our wonderful trip to Hilton Head. We had such a wonderful time! Went down to Myrtle Beach on Wed to pick up Jimmy.Rainy trip down but no worries since we spent most of the day in the car. Got to the inlaws in time for dinner and a glass of wine (Thanks Alison!). We got up the next morning and headed into Hilton Head. We spent most of the day at the beach=playing in the ocean and building sandcastles. Later that evening, we went to HarborTown. On Friday, we again spent the day at the beach and then went putt-putting that night. This was Alexander's first time putting and he did really well. Jimmy got irritated bc Alexander wouldn't follow directions but it was all too cute. Alexander would periodically yell out "I got 7" or "I got 3". He clearly had no concept of what was going on! What a wonderful time.......very relaxing :) I just love my family!!!!!!!

On a 'bad' note, I lost my wedding bands in the ocean. Oh well...guess Willie G will need to make me a replacement...I think complete with diamonds this time!!

Who knew..

2008-08-12T19:47:00.000-07:00

Finding a new preschool could be so stressful! So, because of numerous 'ill feelings' lately about KRK, we have decided to switch schools for Alexander. I pray that it is the right move. I just have never felt great about KRK but nothing substantially bad enough to move. However, the time has come.....former teacher will be his new teacher at All Stars.

Leaving tomorrow for Hilton Head! YEAH! Picking up Jimmy in Myrtle Beach and then heading to Beaufort! So looking forward to building sand castles, playing in the waves, throwing the football with the boys..shoudl be a GREAT time!

Vacation here we come!

2008-08-09T19:14:00.000-07:00

So in 3 days we're headed to Hilton Head Island for our family vacation! I am so looking forward to building sand castles, playing in the ocean, walks on the beach, throwing the frisbee.....what a wonderful time! I will definitely post pictures!!

So my dad is here just for the day from Asheville...I love my father. He is just the most amazing wonderful man. He wears his heart on his sleeve but yet is the most manly of men. I could just spend hours talking to him about nothing. :)

Chicken water

2008-08-03T18:35:00.000-07:00

So last night we took the boys to the mall to just putz around. Got them ice cream at Chic-fil-A and a small glass of water. Couple of hours after shopping, we headed home. On the way...

Jimmy: "Boy I'm thirsty; I really want some water"
Me: Well, just wait until we get home"
Alexander: "Mommy-can I have some chicken water"

Now, Phil and I sat there for a couple of minutes, trying to figure out what in the world he was talking about. And then, I busted out laughing....

Alexander wanted the water from Chic-fil-A.

I love my kids:)

I got a raise!!!

2008-08-02T05:37:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited!!!! I have been asked to oversee all of our facilities in the central NC area. So excited but extremely nervous. I truly have no idea what all I'm getting in to........but I cannot wait for the ride!

We're off to a lazy day at the pool today. Jimmy has his final golf lesson this morning at Knight's Play. He and Phil will play 3 holes today. He is really liking the golf! And yes-he actually has a very good swing! Perhaps Jimmy has found his nitch...I hope so. Day 2 of Alexander staying in his bed at night. So far, he's gotten a rocket from Leigh and today I have to buy him a kickboard. Nice...I hope I have one in the basement :) Tomorrow we have a surprise party to go to for friends of ours that are adopting a little boy from Ethiopia. Should be able to bring in home end of Aug. He is 3 so hopefully he and Alexander will hit it off great :) I'm so excited for them!!!

I love my friends!

2008-07-31T19:02:00.001-07:00

I just love my friend Leigh...she is truly the best! I can honestly thank her for single-handedly getting Alexander to bed tonight-and keeping him there.

2008-07-30T19:45:00.000-07:00

UGH! Who knew that a three year old could cause so much frustration!!! Something has made Alexander now afraid of the dark..and monsters. Where did he hear of monsters!? So tonight-bc he has continually gotten out of bed for the last 2 nights-we put up a baby gate at his door. And wouldn't you know it..that sucker scaled the gate! Unreal! I then decided I would do the Supernanny trick..sit out side of his room until he falls asleep. All good and well until its an HOUR after he's first gone down and still not asleep. Final straw-put a BIG nightlight in his room and now-for the first time in 2 hours....we have peace and quiet. Oh the joys.... :)

2008-07-29T19:44:00.000-07:00

Some recent pictures from this summer of the boys...Alexander on his third birthday; Alexander and his good buddy, Carson; and Alexander and Jimmy at the beach in Beaufort SC. What a great summer it has been so far. We've traveled to Beaufort SC to see Phil's parents over the 4th of July holiday; had loads of fun at the neighborhood pool; had a great pool party to celebrate Alexander's third bday; celebrated our 5 yr wedding anniversary; and in a couple of weeks, we are taking the family to Hilton Head for our annual beach trip. Jimmy started 5th grade and seems to doing well. He just tracked out for three weeks and is going to bball camp for 2 wks. Alexander turned 3 and is definitely trying my patience...but god he is so freakin cute and has such a sweet heart. However, that being said, bedtime is going to do me in. 45 min it takes us to get him down. Phil just surprised me several wks ago (along w/ several other hubbies in the 'hood) with a limo trip-complete w/ a trip to the spa for a massage, a $100 gift card to the mall, and dinner. It was incredible!!!

And so it begins....

2008-07-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

I'm officially obsessed with blogging and therefore, decided to start a blog myself. Mostly, I'm doing this so that I can document the life of my wonderful family..especially my kids. I want to have something that I can go back and look at to remember all of the wonderful memories. Life is just flying by and I really need those memories to hold on to. I also hope that when my kids get old enough, that this will provide them with some great pictures and insight to their own lives.

I hope that I will keep up with this and not pull a classic "Anna" and give out after 3 or 4 wks.. :) So here goes... :)

These are my boys...my great husband Phil of 5 years; Jimmy who is now the 'big man on campus' :) 5th grade at Mills Park; and Alexander who is 3 going on 21.

Phil is a wonderful husband. Sometimes I am just amazed that its been 5 years..seems like it was just yesterday. I never thought I could be married and enjoy every day just like it was the first. He is TRULY my rock. No one has ever been able to read me like he does. He can call me out on my 'stuff' in a minute. I love it (well at the time, I usually don't love it but we all need to have someone to call us out on our stuff). He has a great laugh. He LOVES his kids and puts them first in everything. He is a GREAT athlete and I love that he loves football and soccer. He has a wonderful kind heart and is such a softie underneath that tough exterior. And is the the most honest, trustworthy and loyal person I know

Jimmy is my 10 yr old who is actually my stepson but he is just as much mine as Alexander :) I was blessed to be in his life starting at age 3 and it has been such a blessing. He is the most kind-hearted, sweet natured boy who just has a huge heart. He loves his brother more than life itself and wants nothing more than to nurture and protect him. Basketball is his sport and he is awesome at it. He also is playing golf and soccer right now as well. He loves to make others laugh and is always wanting that positive feedback. He is a true friend to all and is nothing but a joy to all of us. He is now looking to find his place in this world..on the bring of hitting those 'teenage' years. What a wonderful kid who just only wants others to smile.

Alexander is a wonderful, high-spirited 3 yr old. He is SO full of life and energy. He is truly destined for greatness. He's a great athlete already and has so many folks say "we'll see him on TV one day" :) We'll see :) He loves life and thinks his brother hung the moon. They are just so wonderful together. Sometimes when I just watch them play, I truly wish I could just stop time and take it all in. Alexander can definitely push my buttons. Oh that boy is so stubborn...and always right. He may not look much like his father but oh is that boy a chip off the ol' block! God help us all.. .:)

So here it begins my personnal blog. Hopefully this will enable me to keep track of all of my thoughts and feelings, document all those funny stories and capture in time all of those wonderful moments.