Happy New Year!

SURPRISE! I'm back! Hurray! My New Year's resolution for 2012 (well, one of them) is to be more diligent about writing on my blog. I feel like I have missed so many things over the past few (five) months that I wanted to record and don't want to make the same mistake this coming five months! My posts may be shorter...one liners even... but they will come more often :)


In 2012, there are a lot of things that I want to accomplish. First, I want to start eating healthier. For those that know me, I am a fast food junkie. I could eat fast food three times a day... for some of you, that sounds disgusting. For me? HEAVEN! I'm sure you're wondering what my favorite fast food restaurant is... well, hands down, it's McDonald's! Yes, the good ol' Mickey D's has my heart :) However, heart problems run strong on both mine and Archer's sides of the family SO it's time to start eating like a grown up... well at least, try! AND if I lose a pound of two in process, good for me! Hell, I ain't gonna have this metabolism forever!


I also want to spend less money. I tend to be a frivolous shopper and that's not good for the Butler 2012 Budget. I see a precious frame or spreader or sweater or jeans or pair of boots, etc. etc. etc. and I HAVE to buy it. Not this year! This girl is giving the debit and credit cards a break!! (I realized exactly how much junk I had over the move(s) this past year and realized that I needed to buy less...a lot less)


I want to care less about my house. I am SO Type A when it comes to housework and cleaning and washing, almost to a fault. I am going to do my best to "not give a shit" a little more. That's already started being that I just got all of my Christmas decorations down today. Yay me!


Lastly, I am going to continue to say NO to a good bit of volunteer work. This past year has been so wonderful being in an uncommitted relationship with volunteer duties. I have a couple of things that I enjoy helping with, mostly because they are dear to my heart. I'm fairly passionate about those few things, but other than that, I'm out. These babies of mine are getting bigger every day and are requiring more and more out of me. I chose to stay at home to raise my babies (that's my job!) and that's what I plan on doing. I don't want to miss a day of their lives if I don't have to! AND... I've got plenty of time to do volunteer work once I'm empty nesting! (which sadly, will come sooner than I want it to) Friends... keep reminding me of this! You know how hard it is for me to say NO!


So there... that about sums up my goals for 2012! I am overly excited about this year and seeing what it has to bring and hope to (WILL) be in touch with you all more often.


Cheers!

The ABC's Of Me!

A. Age: 32

CeCe-age 6

Patterson-age 3

Tee-8 months

*Archer-age 33

L. Life's Dream: This sounds so cheesy, but I really just want to be a good mom and raise healthy, happy kids that don't grow up to be a menace to society! I really do love being a mom!

M. Mom’s name: (I'm stealing this description from ML) Dulcie, she always describes it to people like the musical instrument the dulcimer...yeah, I know! We've tried to tell her that her example only confuses them! ;)

N. Nicknames: Mommy, Miss, Miss Priss, Missy Prissy, Shug, Little Bit

O. Overnight hospital stays: Several stays growing up with stints of dehydration (yes, I was a puny child), emergency appendectomy in 2002 and with each of my babies' births!

P. Person you'd like to hang out with: Kenny Chesney
Q. Question you hate: "Are you ill?" My family is the worst about asking this and it's pretty annoying! I mean, if I wasn't in a bad mood before, this question usually sends me there! (again, borrowed from ML. The question drives me crazy but I still manage to ask. What's wrong with me?) Oh and I hate hearing from the girls, "Can I have a snack?" I hear that numerous times a day!

X. X-Rays you’ve had: Lots but have never had a broken bone.

Y. Yummy food you make: I love to cook but don't do it often enough... I make a good chili and always serve it with my Grandma's fried cornbread. Makes me crave winter just thinking about it!

Z. Zoo- favorite animal: Hmmm.... I'm a big fan of the lions and tigers... They are so majestic and fearful, yet so beautiful! I am also amazed by the size of elephants! Holy huge!

R. Right or left handed: Right

S. Siblings: two younger sisters who also happen to be my best friends... Katherine and Mary Lanier

T. Time you wake up: 7:00 unless I'm awoken by one of my munchkins :)

U. Ugly habit: I pick at things constantly... and I may or may not have an occasional cigarette. I know, it's a really disgusting habit!

V. Vegetables you dislike: I'm not a huge fan of veggies period, but especially not eggplant or beets. (and I really don't like baked potatoes...does that count?)

W. What people may be surprised to know about you: I came very close to skipping my senior year of high school-didn't decide to stay until a few weeks before school started... and I was engaged before I met Archer. Funny how things work out!?! I love to have a glass of red wine every night but don't always get around to it. I say my prayers every night as soon as my head hits the pillow and I love to read but can barely keep my eyes open long enough to finish a chapter.

B. Bed size: King! Just purchased right before Tee was born. I'm one of those moms that loves having all of her babies snuggle in the bed first thing in the morning and sadly, a queen size wasn't going to cut it with three so we moved on to bigger and better and I don't think I'll ever go back :) - not to mention, Archer snores, but that's a whole other story!

C. College: Meredith College (why yes, I am an Angel!)

D. Dogs: Stella, our yellow lab/puppy! (She was supposed to be the third baby-Oops!)

E. Essential start to your day: Diet Coke over ice... done!

F. Funny Fact: I like fast food, McDonald's especially, much more than I should admit.

G. Gold or silver: Both

H. Height: 5 feet and 1/2 of an inch (and I'm darn proud of that 1/2 inch)

I. Instruments: I took piano for years but was never any good at it. I played the handbells in church while I was growing up and I played the xylophone in the school band. (yes, I even marched my freshman year of high school - wow!)

J. Job title: Mom, wife, maid, launderer (not sure if that's even a word), excellent dish washer, carpooler, class parent, professional wine consumer... wow, I'm starting to look like an overachiever... I'll stop before I start making others feel bad. ha!

K. Kids: Three kids (well four if you consider Archer)

Totally taking this from "Life in Stepps" but thought it would be a fun post! Sorry for the theft, Mare! :)

The ABC's of Me!

Music is what feelings sound like. ~Author Unknow

Some days I think I should have a job in music. I love music. I really love music. All kinds...give me rock, rap, beach, classical, country, Christmas, soul, R&B, old school, whatever... I'll listen! The problem with pursuing music is that I can't sing... nor do I play any instruments... and well, that kinda defeats the purpose. I mean, don't get me wrong, I can sing my fanny off in the shower or in the car... and I can play the heck out of an air guitar or air keyboard when I've had a few too many drinks, but I don't think that will help me with my pursuit of a Grammy. So... I listen and I love!

Music, to me, is one of those things that can make or break a day. I can be in the worst of moods and hear a good song on the radio and I'm automatically uplifted. It can also set the mood for a night out... say I'm not looking so forward to an event and I hear a certain song and... uh oh! It's on!! The night has just changed for the better... I love Christmas music and feel that one should start listening as early as possible, say November 1st! None of this after Thanksgiving crap for me, bring it on early... but not until the day after Halloween :) I quit listening to Christmas music on December 26th. Christmas is over - no need to be depressed about having to wait an entire year for it to return. SO... beach music it is! There's nothing I love more than listening to good ol' Carolina Beach Music while I take down Christmas decorations. Music sets the mood to so many aspects of my life. It's really crazy!

I love that music can take you back to a certain place and/or time in your life. I can be riding down the road and hear Dr. Dre's "Ain't Nuthin but a "G" Thang" or Shai's "If I Ever Fall in Love" or definitely Paperboy's "Ditty" and be taken back to 1993 and one of the most fun summers of my life - the summer I didn't think fire would burn. (By the way, it could and DID) Or I could hear just about anything from TLC, R. Kelly (think Down Low) or Weezer and be riding around with a car full of screaming girls deciding whose house we were going to "stalk". Fast forward a few years and I hear Travis Tritt, Hank Jr. or anything by the Dixie Chicks and I'm quickly taken back to another crazy fun time in my life. These are just a "FEW" songs that I hear that take me back to some of the best times of my life. It comes on and you're automatically right there... circa 15 years ago. I love that about music. I also think there's nothing better than hearing a song on the radio that makes your heart stop and takes your breath away for a quick second. You know... like the one song that reminds you of a special time or the song that you had your first dance with your husband at your wedding, or the first time you had your heart broken. While music can bring so many happy memories, sadly it can bring the not-so-happy ones, too.

Another thing about music that makes me a little crazy is that I tend to listen to lyrics carefully and can identify with them. Those that have ever been with me "late night" know that I honestly think that Rascal Flatts' "Movin On" was totally written for me. The writers of that song took my whole experience of "moving on" from my hometown and used it for writing material. I just know it! ;) I have listened to the words of many songs and cried as I identified with them. I can also listen to songs and cuss someone out in my mind as I sing them. Those are the songs that I get really pumped up when I start singing! Watch out cars around-ha! Then, there are the songs that remind me of my sweet husband and my beautiful babies. Sometimes they have nothing to do with the subject matter, but Tee and I have danced to Zac Brown's "Colder Weather" many many times. I do love dancing with my sweet baby boy.

The other day CeCe's Taylor Swift CD was playing in the car as I was riding by myself and I heard a song come on that really made me think. The song is called "Never Grow Up" and a sample of the lyrics are as follows:

Your little hands wrapped around my finger
And it's so quiet in the world tonight
Your little eyelids flutter 'cause you're dreaming
So I tuck you in, turn on your favorite night light

To you, everything's funny
You got nothing to regret
I'd give all I have, honey
If you could stay like that


Oh, darling, don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up
Just stay this little
Oh, darling, don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up
It could stay this simple

I won't let nobody hurt you
Won't let no one break your heart
No, no one will desert you
Just try to never grow up, never grow up


This song brought so much into perspective (especially since I tell my CeCe on a regular basis to "STOP GROWING UP" to which she replies with a giggle "I can't, Mommy)... and once again, I was reminded of how much I love music... and my babies.

Family Trip to Disney World

It's obviously been a while since I posted last. Life has been semi-crazy at the Butler household. Whew-when will it ever slow down? School's out, swim team has started as well as camps, etc. We're still house hunting in the meantime! However, we managed to squeeze in a trip last month. Here are some pictures from our trip to Disney World. Nine adults+excruciating heat+a fairly large crowd in the park could have equaled a disaster but we managed to have a wonderful time! The girls absolutely LOVED the characters, the rides, the fireworks, etc. Patterson's face was priceless. It filled my heart to see her eyes when she saw Mickey and Minnie for the first time, her idols! And sweet CeCe just loved it all and took it all in. Archer and I can't wait to take them back!!! On a side note, we left Tee at home with DD and GrandJohn partnered with Aunt Mare and Kacky. I think he had just as much fun as we did :) Enjoy!

Oh and the "surprise" of the trip was that Pat Pat was so well-behaved! No huge meltdowns, just a pleasant little lady who had the time of her life! What a nice surprise to Mommy & Daddy! :)

Patterson's first plane ride. Look at that face!

The girls loved seeing all of the princesses. Here they are with Belle!

The girls' autographed pillowcases... a gift from our friend, Shelley.

Minnie (above) and Mickey (below) at Chef Mickey's!

Sleepy, sleepy girls. Nothing sweeter in this world! (wearing their new Ariel nightgowns)

The Butlers ready for a new day!

My girls!

Fun on the teacups with Daddy!

Nothing more magical than Magic Kingdom!

Who's the leader of the club that's made for you and me?

M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E :)

Girlfriends - way more fun than therapy!

What exactly is a girlfriend? Webster's dictionary describes a girlfriend as "a female friend". And yes, that is the obvious statement, but I've got to say, a girlfriend to me is much more than that. I've been blessed with good girlfriends my entire life. I had the best friends growing up. These are the gals that I can go for years without seeing, but if I see them tomorrow it will be like no time has passed at all. These are the girls that I could call at any hour of the night and know without a shadow of a doubt that they would be there as soon as they possibly could to help me out. I had wonderful college girlfriends. These girls helped me find the real me... they saw me at my worst (you know you did) and still loved me. They helped me grow into the person that I am today. If it weren't for some of them, who knows where in the heck I'd be? Definitely not writing this blog!! I love my Meredith girls even if we're not close in location and even if I don't get to see them on a regular basis. I credit them with so much of this crazy life I lead today!

I have been blessed with many friends. I don't say that boastfully, I say it honestly. I have been so very blessed. However, I took my girlfriends for granted over the years. I thought that it was just normal to have so many good friends. Surprise! Boy, was I wrong! It wasn't until the birth of Tee that I realized just how lucky I am . I have been overwhelmingly humbled by my girlfriends over the past eight months. I don't like to depend on others... never have. But, my girlfriends have made me see that it's okay to let others help you. They've made me realize that I cannot do everything myself. These girls have shown me what true friendship is all about... and I'll tell you exactly why.

These girlfriends have taken my kids to school most days, they have brought my kids home from school. They have sat in the hospital (pre-Tee) with me... and brought flowers and gifts along with their company. They have driven me to the hospital after Tee was discharged and sat while I held Tee in the NICU for HOURS. They brought me dinner before I had Tee... they brought me dinner after I had Tee... for MONTHS! They have called me numerous times "just to check on things". They have texted me EVERY SINGLE DAY that Tee was in NICU just to tell me to keep my head up and to hang in there! The texts continue to come. They have offered me more words of encouragement than I could possibly reciprocate. They have stood in for me at meetings... they have taken my workload for volunteer commitments. They have taken me for pedicures and wine lunches. They have listened to me cry, they have helped me laugh. They have offered me words of encouragement JUST to make it through the day. They brought Biscuitville for breakfast when Tee had RSV (I'm still addicted to the cinnamon bites, by the way)... hours later they brought by my favorite Starbucks latte. They were with me the first time I got a little tipsy post-baby. They make me get out of the house! They invite me to dinner to get me out of the house! They offer up "let us know what we can do" and they honestly mean it. They keep my kids when I can't find a sitter. They've traveled with me to faraway places in knee-deep snow because I needed a "GIRLS NIGHT!" They have gone beyond the call of duty and I honestly don't know what I'd do without them. "My girlfriends put the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, the Ya-Yas , and the Sweet Potato Queens to shame. Makes me think how much better off men would be if they had real girlfriends."

So... here's to you, my dear girlfriends! I'm lucky to have each and every one of you... near and far... old and new. I love you and am thankful for the Missy Dillehay Butler that you've contributed to assembling. I think I'm a pretty fortunate gal!

“A friend is someone who helps you up when you're down, and if they can't, they lay down beside you and listen.”

Surprise! Jesus is Alive!

Wow! What a great Easter weekend we had... we headed to Greenville, SC for the weekend for lots of family and food. We had our Easter dinner on Friday night at Mom & John's complete with a slumber party that included the Stepps. Not only that, we decided that the Easter Bunny should hop through Carisbrooke a day early. So he did! It was so fun to wake up Saturday morning and see the kids excitement as they checked out their Easter loot. We continued the morning with Mimosas, Bloody Marys and again, more food! It was perfect! My sweet grandmother was able to come for a visit and see four of her six great grandchildren. She lights up when she sees these little creatures and her head just turns in awe as she watches them. Bless her heart, she was exhausted by the time she left. I don't blame her :) We completed the day with a cookout at the Stepps. The cookout consisted of family, friends, great hospitality and hot dogs! My goodness, who could ask for more? Not this girl!

On Sunday morning, Archer and I were invited to church with Mary Lanier and Graham. They started attending a new church a few years ago and speak ever so highly of it. While I was excited to go and see what all of the hoopla was about, I must admit, I was a tad bit anxious about what to expect. They are attending a non-denominational church that is more contemporary and forewarned us that it was not the least bit traditional. BUT... I trusted them, as did Archer. They LOVE this place... surely it wasn't that aberrant.

So, Katherine comes to pick us up and we head to church... in our everyday clothes (not so shabby I do say so myself). We meet Mare and Graham in the lobby and head to our seats. I have never seen so many people flock into one place in my life! The room is dark and we're shown to our seats with flashlights. I am pretty sure at this point that Kenny Chesney may be about to perform. (maybe that was my Easter surprise!) Not so much... within minutes the lights shine on the stage and a band starts singing. Now this is no ordinary ensemble... this is a straight up rock band playing Christian music. Good Christian music. Music that I would listen to on the radio. Okay, not traditional but I'm holding on for the ride. We sing a hymn... "It Is Well With My Soul" (a favorite of mine and one that my mother apparently wants played at her funeral so I found out yesterday - thanks for the downer, Dulce!) We pray, we give offering and then we pray again. And then the most technologically advanced thing happened... the minister appeared, except that he really didn't. You see, this church has FIVE campuses and it's based out of Anderson, SC. The minister, Perry Noble, speaks from Anderson but was with us in Greenville in the form of a hologram. I swear you would have thought that he was there. Crazy!

My reason for writing this is because Perry is one of the best ministers I have ever heard. He speaks directly to you and parallels his preaching with everyday life. I left church yesterday with a rejuvenated sense of faith and belief. I left and actually wanted to discuss what I had just heard rather than worry about what I was going to have for lunch. I wanted him to speak longer. The really cool thing (so I'm told) is that his message is like this EVERY SUNDAY, not just Easter Sunday! I can't even begin to tell you what kind of person I'd be if I could get a little bit of this every week. It's amazing... absolutely amazing! Thank you Mare and Graham for inviting us and thanks Kat for the ride! You guys, along with Perry & New Spring, have sparked a fire in me that I haven't felt in a very long time. It was a very emotional service for me and one that I've been needing.

So, to all you naysayers out there who want to poo-poo the ol' contemporary church, well... shame on you! First of all, why would you ever think negatively of a church? Secondly, don't knock it til you've tried it! New Spring had over 22,000 people at its five campuses over three services. If that doesn't tell you something... I don't know what will! And I might add that if New Spring ever decides to move into NC, I'm a goner :)

After church, the Butlers headed home to the elder Butlers to celebrate some Easter in Winston. And whatdaya know? The Easter Bunny made a stop in Winston, too! It was a great night and everyone was to bed early! Whew... we were ALL tired and glad to be back with our "roomies" :)

I hope everyone had a Happy Easter - We sure did.

Butler notes & mishaps:
-Pat Pat peed on Mimi's couch in the sunroom. Lovely!
-The Easter Bunny took away Patterson's popis (pronounced poppies), AKA pacifiers. This has been a huge deal because for those who know Patterson, she goes NOWHERE without the popi! It's her crack - she's like an old lady smoking a cigarette. She moves it to the side of her mouth to talk. It waits for her by the door until she gets home from school. But it's gone! Hooray! And she's doing unbelievably well going cold turkey. We're all really proud of her.
-CeCe has been singing non-stop as her Kindergarten Play is this week. She's so excited and so are we!
-Tee has mastered the art of growing. That sweet tub of love is 18 lbs. Hard to believe just six short months ago he came into this world weighing four pounds and six ounces!
-I, yes I, have started exercising. I'm getting up with my friend Kimberly at 6am to walk most mornings. I'll keep you posted on how long it lasts. I HATE exercise - UGH!

SIX!

See the link below for my sister's blog post dedicated to CeCe on her SIXTH birthday! I don't think I could sum it up any better myself. CeCe is one of a kind... an angel... I honestly don't know what I'd do without this kid. I can't believe she's SIX. Seems like only yesterday I was waddling around with swollen ankles, praying that she'd come at any minute. I now know why I was so anxious for her to get here. I love you, my dear sweet CeCe... more than you'll ever know! Thank you for blessing my life with such JOY!

http://lifebythestepps.blogspot.com/2011/04/six.html