Cold, snow, water, and fire

First of all ---- HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNE !!!!!

My week went pretty well you could say. I only worked one day.................... yes, one day. That would be Friday. The week before, January 15th and 16th, we were out of school b/c of the severe coldness. This week, we were out because it snowed!!! Not very much, but enough to hamper buses from running safely Monday through Wednesday. Thursday I was planning to be off because I didn't have a sitter, then they ended closing just our school due to a water main break and the school didn't have water!! I didn't have to take a sick day!! Yippeeee!!


During my time off, I was able to spend quality time with Hunter!! We did manage to run errands each day to get us both out of the house. I got my car back on Wednesday, finally. And made the decision to begin looking for a bigger car............ a minivan most likely!! Now those of you that know me, are probably laughing hysterically. Carol in a minivan????? I know I NEVER thought I would even need one, but here I am, with a family........kids that require booster seats and a car seat. I am actually excited about this part of my life and getting a bigger car. I am sure I will post pics when I make my lovely purchase.


Yesterday was a fun day, sort of? We started burning the infamous pine tree that fell in the backyard back in December ( I think). Everyone worked really hard. Jerry sawed up the tree, Isaiah lugged a gagillion pieces of wood to the fire, Arissa helped watch Hunter so I could go outside and help as well as putting wood in the fire, and well, Olivia and Chloe did whatever we wanted and they wanted to do, even whine that it was no fun. This was until it came time to roast wienies and marsh mallows. Then it was fun for all!! We still feel like we have campfire up our noses and I am sore in place that shouldn't be sore. Jerry is VERY sore. Some of those pieces of wood probably weighed a good 150 lbs. I am thankful he did what he did yesterday, and every day. The yard is looking better and better. Here are some pics from the FUN day of burning.

Jerry sawing, Children watching and ready.



Smiling, smokey kiddos ( Olivia was napping during the taking of these pictures.)

For those of you that pray.......I have a few friends going through some rough spots in their lives. If you could shoot some well wishes their way, I would appreciate. They have been there for me and I want to do everything possible to help them. Thank you bunches!!!!

Patience is a virtue

Patience has NEVER been a strong suite of mine....... NEVER!!! As far back as I can remember, I have always wanted things done "yesterday". I have gotten slightly better, but just a hair. Having a child does that to you I hear.

Apparently my patience has paid off................ After struggling with the idea that I was going to have to come up with X amount of dollars for a deductible to get my car out (which by the way is back at the shop due to a messed up compressor) , I was told it had been waived!!! Relief and stress left my shoulders.

Same concept with the rental company............ the guy called my insurance and got them to cover $9 more a day towards my rental, saving me money. A little more stress was lifted.

And finally, State Farm called to see how things were going and asked a few questions. They also told me that the owner of the car (not the chick that was driving it) did not have insurance as well. I was stunned to realize that there are people that drive without insurance or a valid drivers license. Because "it will never happen to me"............ um, whooopes...... they are in for it now. State Farm will go after them and attempt to get the funds they are owed. Meanwhile, I was offered a small settlement and gladly accepted.

My point to sharing all this is that I was actually patient for once in my life and let others do the work for me. It paid off. I feel better knowing that this fiasco of a wreck is almost over. I hope that girl has learned a lesson, unfortunately, she learned it the hard way.


On a colder note, it has hit very cold temperatures here and not thinking ahead........... I didn't leave water trickling and now have frozen pipes in the kitchen and my bathroom. I am anxiously awaiting the temperature to get above freezing today so that the water will flow oh so nicely.

Good thing about the severe cold............. I got 2 "snow days". Two days with Hunter. yipeeeeeee. Here is a pic of him "watching t.v." like his Daddy.



Stay warm and thawed..............

So I had a bad 2 days

Using a wonderful adjective from Anne, I would like to say that this week has pretty much been CRAPTASTIC!!! Why you may ask. If you don't ask why, then stop reading because I am going to elaborate on my week, if I can remember it all.
Monday...... well, I had to go back to work/school after 2 weeks of being with Hunter all the time. Lucky for me and him, it was only a half day and I had him in my arms by 11:30. We were then off to my thyroid doctor, Dr. Moffitt. I had to get an ultrasound of my thyroid to recheck a nodule. I was done early with that and was going to have to wait quite a while for my appt. with Dr. Moffitt himself. Luckily, they were able to fit me in. I was in and out 30 minutes before my scheduled appt. time. Unluckily (making up a word here), the nodule has gotten a little bigger and he wanted to perform a biopsy of it. I was not quite sure what this procedure would entail, but he could do it right then and in the office. The biopsy involved a skinny needle being stuck in my neck reaching the nodule and aspirating fluid from it. This was done a total of 3 times. Those of you that know my wimpiness, know I must have been freaking out. NO not at all. I didn't have time to be nervous. It was a weird feeling having it done, but didn't really hurt. I guess having a baby toughened me up a little. I haven't gotten the results back but I am not worried. The worst thing that happens is that I have my thyroid removed and I know a few people that have had it done. It is a relatively simple procedure. I like that Dr. Moffitt is proactive. My thyroid level was very elevated and I have gained weight (more than one should in a short amount of time) so we are hoping that increasing my dosage will help things out. I go back in 8 weeks. I will keep you posted.
Tuesday.........oh Tuesday. It began with the skies opening up and making us all wonder if we needed to build an ark. I had gotten mud on my pants while taking Hunter into the sitters. I get to school and get my school bag out of the floor board of the rental and it is soaking wet. There was a puddle of water from an apparent backup in one of the vents on the passenger side. I made a call to the rental place and let them know what was going on. They said I could trade it in for another that afternoon. I got something else on my pants and had to have someone bring me another pair. Meanwhile it is still pouring rain which meant my kitchen roof was leaking. I had been on the phone with the insurance company discussing my recent fender bender with the ..... now we know........... 19 year old, cell phone yapping, not her car, no insurance, and a revoked license chick. I have to shell out all the deductibles, etc. BEFORE my insurance goes after her. I am seriously thinking of calling Fox and Farmer and sueing her........... They don't get paid until I get paid : )
After switching out rental cars, Mom and I went to BabysRUs and then to get the 2nd crown. This one took a little bit longer and kind of hurt but it is done now. Oh yeah, insurance isn't going to cover all that so there is some more money I have to come up with. As my friend Yvette and I say, "Let me crap that one out".
Wednesday and Today have been better. I don't recall anything really bad going on. Or even semi bad for that matter. And you know as all of those events were unraveling, I am thinking --- there are people out there that have it alot worse than me. I managed to find humor in as much of it as I could to keep from crying.
I kept making myself remember.................I am blessed to have a wonderful son whom I absolutely adore and when he looks at me, all my worries go away. I have an awesome boyfriend who loves me for me and is an incredible dad to Hunter and his sisters. I have a family that will move mountains for me. I have a roof over my head, although that roof leaks.
I think that most of America has been affected by our less than stellar economy, not just me. I keep reminding myself that and when I forget, Jerry is my voice of reason and refuses to let me dwell on things I cannot change. That is one of the qualities I love about him. We all have our troubles and worries, even him.

So when life gets you down, its only one day. There is always tomorrow, although it may suck too. Just keep plugging along.
Remember......................"That whichdoes not kill us, makes us stronger. "

Say Cheese --It's Christmas through pictures.

Okay, so this isn't on Christmas, but it is a memorable moment. This is Uncle Bill holding Hunter for the first time!!

Christmas Eve at the Stratman house


Yes, all 3 of us are looking at different cameras/people. But at least we are smiling.


This was the best picture I got of the grandkids with their Grandma & Grandpa. Daddy is wincing in pain I believe. He mumbled something about kneww


Hunter and his meltmyheart smile and giggle. Doesn't he look handsome in his Chaps vest, etc. ?

Jerry and I opening our calendars.

Arissa drew Hunter's name for the cousin gift exchange. She did a wonderful job of getting Hunter this Ocean Wonder Sea Horse. He LOVES it!!

Christmas Morning in Harriman

Hunter getting ready to open his presents from Santa.

Christmas Day at Papaw's with the girls

We got them new bikes!!!!

The girls got Barbie scooters from Uncle Scott and Aunt Becky.

Hunter and Papaw enjoying talking to each other. Papaw still won't hold Hunter, but he will talk to him all day long.

We had a wonderful Christmas!! Hunter made it even more special this year. I am looking forward to next year and the years to follow. I hope everyone had a nice holiday as well.

Safe and Sound

Monday morning I woke up to Olivia and Hunter throwing up!! All before 6:00. I believe they are both sinus related, but icky all the same.
Yesterday, I went to Maryville for a doctor's appt. I was able to visit 2 good friends I hadn't seen in a very long time and Hunter and I went to lunch with Jerry.
Hunter and I went to Target to get his new carseat and were headed down Alcoa Hwy to the Target in downtown west.......
And then it happened in a instant...........
Some teenie bopping, cell phone yacking, didn't see me 2 lanes over and decided to merge anyway chick, hit me and Hunter!!!
We are fine. My first thoughts were to check on Hunter as I am cursing, yes cursing at the girl. My front passenger part of my car hit her driver side back end. I remember laying on the horn and seeing that she never looked up the whole time. I saw her coming. I am very sore today.........but we are safe. Thank the Lord.
Jerry came and got us. Thank goodness he works right around the corner from where the wreck happened. The police didn't take long and we were on our way to get me a rental car. I ended up going to the ER to have my wrist looked at and it is sprained. Again, I am soooo thankful that we are safe.
Life changes in an instant and we forget that sometimes. I am lucky and thankful that the wreck was no worse than it was. ......................

Have a Merry Christmas..................... Be Safe.