Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mothers Day to my Mommy, Sisters and Friends that are all Mommies. I have to say that the journey from 2010 to 2011 has been a bumpy road but I am a happier, healthier, more active Mommy than I have ever been!

I hope you had a Happy Happy Mothers Day!

Love Ya'll ~ Deb

Hannah Grace O'Brien 10 Years Old

Wow....how time flies when you are having fun being a Mom....My oldest is 10 years old today. I can't believe that she is 10. It just seems like yesterday I was rocking her in the recliner and taking our afternoon naps together. Wow...She's an amazing kid for sure.

Happy Birthday Hannah...You are the BESTEST Daughter! Love you!

Debra

It's a "1"derful Life

I have such a wonderful life and this journey is far from over....it can only get better from here. I finally said goodbye to the 200's forever. I have finally entered the days of being able to say I weight 1**! Yipee. I have lost 127lbs and have 49 more to go! I still look back and go how did I ever start this amazing journey! I was a size 28, I am now a size 14. I haven't been a 14 since I was in High School. Just wanted to share a picture of me! Thank you for all your support and encouragment to all my family and friends.

Love to all.

Fun in the Snow

The kids had a great time the last two days not going to school and playing in the snow...
I hope everyone has been safe with this weather. It's back to work and back to school tomorrow...but their days are half days for Wednesday and Thursday then off Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, and Tues. What in the world???
Here's some pics of the kiddos...Have a great Wednesday!
Debra

Happy New Year to 2011!

It's been a while since I have blogged and I hope I will get better in 2011. I started a journey back in May 2010 to change my life....1 pound at a time. I worked the mental, physical and diet all in one big swoop. I am not quite to my goal but the light at the end of the tunnel is no longer a distant glimmer but a bright light! Here's my family Christmas 2009.Here's my family now for Christmas 2010, 108lbs gone. Boy has life changed. I have energy....I have confidence...I have self esteem....I am thankful for every day and every breath I take. I am so very happy...I could say the happiest I have been in a very long time. Thank God for giving me my A-HA moment.


Here's to 2011 and Goals to achieve....
Debra

Great First Day

It was a great first day for both Andrew and Hannah. Andrew's teacher sent home a note that he plunged right in and made friends. The boxes were not checked said Missed You and had seperation anxiety. That's good that he was happy and felt safe at school but I sure wish he missed me a litte wink wink.

Lots of Love All

Deb

Back to School

Back to School for Hannah and the fist day for Andrew. We decided they would ride the bus...this was a very good decision. We woke up at 6am and ate a healthy breakfast; got dressed and ready for the 7am school bus time. We all walked to the bus stop after of course our photo ops (as I know I would not hear the last of it if I did not have pictures). Andrew was the last child on the bus and he gave the bus driver his name turned to me and said "Bye Mom", sat down behind the driver and the bus took off to school.

Here's the pictures:

Love to all,

Deb

TDY to Andrews

I am currently TDY to Andrews AFB, and could not resist being able to go spend a couple of hours with my Grandma after my class ended. My two collegues/friends drove to Beltsville and picked up my Grandma and went to Dinner at the Olive Garden.
Hope you have a good time singing at Carnegie Hall, seeing Guys and Dolls, and spending time with your friends. I know you will have a good time.
Thank you Grandma for making time in your busy schedule to spend some time with me and my friends. WE had a great time.
Love you
Deb, Joni and Amy

Happy Birthday to Hannah Grace O'Brien

It's been 8 years since I gave birth to my lovely young lady Hannah Grace. She is such a sweet little one in this picture. It is one of my favorites. It feels like yesterday that I had her and loved to dress her up and show her off. We like to dress her in her outfits and take pictures of her for the friends and family that gave her the outfits. She had a great day today. We made cupcakes to take to school and we had her favorite thing "Greenbean Casserole" for dinner.

Here's a picture of now....8 years old.....even though she tries to act like she is 20!!! Here she is acting really sweet with her brother. Now all they do is fight about everything. Here's a picture of Andrew with his cast on. As most are aware, Andrew fell down the stairs while we were on vacation. He broke his radius bone in his foream. He chose an orange cast. Orange is his favorite color. He only has to wear it for 2 to 3 weeks. He's a real trooper. I leave on Sunday for a 5 day TDY. We're going to Eglin AFB, FL. Hannah joined soccer and her first game is the Saturday after I get back. I will try and post pictures after the game.

Lots of love to all!

Deb

In Valdosta

We have been in Valdosta for a week and received a nice Welcome from my new store. We left Robins the day after Thankgiving after a busy morning at the store. Arrived in Valdosta around 4:30 and checked into our hotel. I worked the entire weekend at the store and took Monday off. So, how's it feel to be the one in charge. I have to say that I am very happy. I haven't been able to stop smiling. I have received numerous compliments from the associates in the store even from some of the ones that I was told I would have some issues with. I am happy and love the new challenge of running my own store with my own team.
After 9 days of being here, we discovered that our Wii was stolen from our hotel room. Really sucks that somone could be so mean as to steal from our family especially this time of year. I have to say that I am very surprised because the staff has been so nice and helpful. But on a brighter note, God is good. My insurance company will reimburse me for the loss minus my $100 deductible, and one of my new co-workers had recently put one on layaway for a friend who decided they did not want it. She was going to cancel the layaway today until I told them what happened so she offered me the one that she had on layaway. We have filed a police report and USAA is taking care of the claim.
I will update you all soon as I have time and will download pictures as soon as I can.
Lots of love to all,
Debra

Halloween and Valdosta Bound

Well, I am sure everyone knows now....I was promoted to Main Store Manager at the small BX in Valdosta, Georgia, Moody AFB. I am excited for the opportunity and look forward to making this change for our family.

Halloween was fun. Hannah dressed up like a cheetah and Andrew was Spiderman. They had a bunch of fun with our friends, Elaine, Ron, Pam, Ken, Amy, Brian, Autumn and Jake. Here's a picture of the kids.

I know this is a short post but Hannah, Andrew and I had a cold we cannot shake. We are all driving Matt crazy with our coughing.

We are being packed up on 20-21 November and are Valdosta bound on the 28th.

Have a good week.

Lots of Love

Deb

Rough First Day Back for All

Our day began at 0545 which is early for our family, I use the phase my daddy used zero dark thirty.....had to wake up before my eyelids really wanted to open. Got up, showered, and blow dried my hair before I woke up Hannah. Of course, Matt has gotten up, ate, took his lunch and left all in this time. Then I got Hannah ready and it was time to get my little munchkin to wake up. I turned on his light, he was not happy. I let him get up on his own, got him dressed and we were all ready 7:30a. We were walking out of the house when Andrew looked up at me with those deep blue eyes and said "I have to go to Daycare now". I said yes...that's where we are going excited. His lower lip started to quiver and he was not happy. Hannah and I were able to get him in the car and drive the 100 yards to his daycare. He then started to cry. We were finally taken to his room where he burst out into tears and declared "Mommy please don't leave me". I told him that I loved him, he would have a great time playing with the others kids and I would be back to get him before he knew it. I hugged him and gave him a big kiss, handed him over to his teacher and left very quickly. I did good...I did not cry till I got in the car.
I called about 2 hours later and they said he was playing and having a good time. I bet they say that to all the nervous nelly parents.
My first day back at work was to say the very least not uneventful. I had a full day and really needed to stay and get some things done but left at 5pm.
Matt picked up Hannah from Drama. She's going to be in a play "The Reindeer Rebellion" She's Comet, her friend in Rudolph. She's going to be so cute dressed up as a Reindeer.
I picked up Andrew, where he was outside not really jumping around just walking fast toward the teacher and I said Andrew. He looked up at me, started to cry and ran into my arms. It was so very sweet. I thought he was thinking I wasn't going to come get him but he told me no he was just glad to see me. He had an accident but I was prepared and packed him some extra clothes just in case his neves got the best of him. He did not eat all day except for the afternoon snack of Chocolate Chip Cookies (what a surprise). They say that is normal for the first day but Andrew cannot afford to not eat, so we will watch this closely for the rest of the week. If I have to make lunches, I will definetly expect a credit for meals.

Then of course to top my whole day off, It was my turn for Bunco, had to have my dinner prepared and over to Karens by 6:30pm. Well, that did not work. I got there at 7pm. They loved all the prizes especially the ones Sandy made for me. Thanks Sandy!

Well, I best close. Sorry no pictures, busy morning but I will take one of Andrew with my phone tomorrow in his daycare class.

Have a good day!
Debbie

Fun Fun Fun

There was a 50th Celebration for Centerville, GA on Saturday so took the kids to enjoy the festivities. Hannah attempted to climb the rock wall and made it two or three steps up and did not make it.

Here are pics of Andrew and Hannah sliding down the big jumpy slide. They had a blast with the slides, jumpy castles, and all the different kinds of booths that were at the Celebration. It was kind of small but it was the first year they have done this and they are thinking about making it an annual event. Fun was had by all, we went home and rested up for this week of drama. Hannah has drama club on Monday, Andrew goes to Daycare, and Mom goes back to work. Andrew told me today, I want you to pick me up from Daycare. We have been talking to him about how much fun he will have and he acts excited. But I know when the time comes for Mom to leave and Andrew to stay with his teacher and classmates...he's not going to be smiling. He may surprise me but I am being a bit cautious.

Well, have to go to laundry to get ready for the week.

Ya'll have a great week.

Love ya,

Debbie

Update for the Week

Ok....my 6 weeks is almost up. I return to work on Monday which I am kind of looking forward to. The last two weeks (today) I have been trying the low carb diet and have done really well. I don't know what I have lost but I do know that I feel better and my clothes are not as tight. My Mom gave me the Wii for an early Christmas present and my sister Sandy gave me the Wii Fit. The Wii Fit is awesome. I love it. I have had so much fun doing Step aerobics, hula hooping and running. Hannah is also doing the Wii Fit and loves it. Andrew has found his knack in the golf game.

This game is a good way of getting excercise and having fun with the whole family.

Last wee, Hannah had Grandparents Tea at her school, luckily enough Nana had not left to go back to Germany so Nana attended. Ms. Wheaton read to the class, the students read stories, and they had snacks. Hannah was very glad to have Nana come and spend time with her at School. Here's a picture of Hannah with Ms. Wheaton and a Pic of Hannah with her Nana.

Well that is my update for the week. I will let you know the drama that unfolds as I return to work, Andrew goes to daycare and we start a new chapter starts in the OBrien Family.

Hope everyone has a GREAT rest of the week.

Love to ALL,

Debbie

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA!

Today is my Grandmother's birthday. She's 83. Doesn't look a day over 70 huh?

She keeps herself busy all day with a lot of community work, church choir singing and much more. She's busy each and every day!

Hope you have a GREAT birthday Grandma. Have a day filled with PURPLE! :)

Love,

Debbie

Happy Birthday Holland

Today is my nephew Holland's Birthday. He is 12 years old, the youngest of my sister Sandy's crew. He is a sweet and funny young man who loves to laugh and make everyone laugh.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOLLAND.

Love

Aunt Debbie

A Day We Will Always Remember

As I am sitting here watching Fox News program of their reports on 9/11/01, I know exactly where I was at each report:

I remember sitting on my couch holding my 5 month old daughter watching the today show before I had to leave to go to my work at Scott AFB. I was watching the reports of the Twin Tower being hit and as I was watching the news, I sat in disbelief when I saw a huge plan moving towards the second Twin Tower. I screamed. My dh came running out and wanted to know what was going on. I told him what I saw and of course they were replaying it over and over. I called my work and they told me to get in as soon as.

I went to work not easily mind you, I, like many other government workers, had to wait in line for over 1 1/2 hours to get on the base. I arrived at work to be told they had hit the pentagon. Security on base was on high alert. Through weeks of having to wait as much as 1/2 to 3 hours to get on the base.

WE should all fill very priviledged to live in this country. We should remember this day as a day our country as a whole became united. We know that will never happen as our country has put the guards back up. But I sit here 7 years later, I am proud to be an American, proud to be able to have the freedoms that this country has built it's foundation on. Even in this election year when there is always a division between the Democrats and the Republicans, We all can stand united under this blanket of Freedom that we have been allowed to have for so long. We should all be united and have pride in the fact that on the first Tuesday in November, we are going to be able to invoke our biggest priviledge of all, our priviledge to VOTE! That's right we all have a say and we all have a duty to vote for our next regime that will take us forward. Whether you are Democrate or Republican or Liberal, you have the right to stand for what you believe in and who you want our next Leader of the United States to be.

There are many countries around the world that don't have this freedom or priviledge. As an American Woman, I know how lucky I am to have these freedoms. There are many countries that have been oppressive to women. I am proud to have been able to finish my degree, get a good job and be able to support my family. In some countries, I would not have been able to finish high school let alone college.

I'll get off my soap box, But I believe this topic is one that all Americans can understand, September 11, 2001 was a monumental day in our country and regardless of sex, race, or political party choice, we all came UNITED. I guess this is the day I really realized what the phase "United we conquer, Divided we fall" really meant.

Please take a moment and remember the families of any of our fellow Americans that were killed by these horrific events. I am sure having such a public grieving each and every year takes it's toll on a person.

I hope you understand that I just wanted to share that I remember what I felt like on September 11, 2001 and wanted to share my thoughts.

Have a safe and blessed day!

Debra

Update for the Week - Nana and Grandmother Visit

I am 4 weeks post op and had a grand visit with my Mom and Grandmother this past week. Mom just arrived back to spend the rest of this week before going back to Germany. I hate that they live so far away.....I miss them!

We had awesome dinners at Aunt Sandy's, well at least that is what Hannah and Andrew said. All had a good time. Celebrated Grandmothers upcoming birthday for the 14th of September.

Grandmother went back to Maryland. Hope you had safe travels Grandmother. We had a good time visiting with you this past week. Andrew asked if you would be there today and I explained that you had went home on Sunday.

My Mom came back with pics from Memphis. Very good pictures of my nephews. Especially my oldest nephew Chandler, with his girlfriend. I can't believe he's old enough to have a girlfriend. I remember the day he was born. I was working at Liberty House in Hawaii in the middle of March 21st to be exact and my Mom/Dad came in with sweatshirts on. I could not believe they were wearing sweatshirts, it was hot. I didn't realize they were the ones I bought them that said "Worlds Greatest Nana and Grandpa". Then it clicked, my first nephew was born. It just seems like yesterday. I am sure Linda will have the pics of Chandler and his girlfriend on her blog. So go visit "Engraved in his Palms" link is on the side of my blog.

Hannah started her Drama Club today. I picked her up and the teacher said she did "fabulous". I said to myself "I know she's my daughter". HEE HEE.

Andrew and I spent the day with my Mom and will spend tomorrow with her too. Sandy and Mom will watch Andrew for me so stay tuned to Sandy's blog...I'm sure she will have pics of Andrew.

Well, it's late and I'm tired. I will close for now and update more tomorrow.

Debra

Hannah and Andrew at their Best

Well, Today has been a pretty scarry day. There was a funnel cloud spotted at the Perry Hospital which is right down the street from us. Of course, because I don't normally watch news, Sandy had to call and tell me. The sirens were going off, Hannah and Andrew freaking out. It was not fun at all. Then we decided to listen to the music from the Jonas Brothers. The kids were dancing in the kitchen so I decided to take pictures of them.

Hannah was dancing with Joe Jonas, her favorite Jonas Brother. The one that I found a heart drawn on her paper with I (heart) Joe on it. She is only 7 years old by golly...too young for I heart anyone!

Andrew then was dancing with his Buzz and Woody picture. He thought it was funny. They are the comedy in my life and keep me well grounded.

I started spotting the other day and the doctor said it was either by doing too much but wanted me to take it easy and rest. I have been doing as such. The one thing I have to remember is my rest is not what the doctor is talking about. It is the rest that you get when you relax and do nothing. I rest and that just means a day away from the office. I have faithfully taken all the meds he has given me and we should start seeing a difference in a couple of weeks.

Well, I best end here. Have a great day. Can't wait to see Mom and Grandma.

Lots of Love to all

Debra

2nd Grade, 3 Year old Tantrums and much more

Doesn't he just look like a little man? He is too cute and sweet to match.

Wow, I have always said what I would give to switch places with my dh and he could work and I would stay home. I have learned in this last two weeks that I could not switch places with him. Not that I am not capable but I would go absolutely bonkers. Andrew really did not have the Terrible 2's but he sure has had the Terrible 3's. I am trying to break him of his whining and throwing Tantrums (mostly crying fits) when he does not get his way. OH MY GOODNESS....he's loud when he screams. I have just learned to tune him out and send him to his room. Other than a few of these that occur, my son is the most gentle, loving, child I know. He loves to hold my hand and make me smile. He is very sweet about my tummy after my surgery. He discovered something yesterday and was so smart telling me that I have an A and an H on my tummy. If you look at the incisions and where the stitches were, on my right side I have an "H like in sissys name he said and an A like me" he exclaimed. It was rather cute.

Hannah is doing very well in school. I had a parent, teacher, and principal conference yesterday. We aired out our differences and cleared the air. I explained to the teacher that I in no way was questioning her abilities as a teacher but I was questioning her ability to have a two way conversation with another adult. I felt that each and every time I tried to have a discussion with her it was one sided (her way) and she was not going to budge. But Thank God for Dr. Witt, the principal at Morningside Elementary. She understood where I was coming from and explained to the teacher that open communication had to happen and her directions need to be clear and percise. She also needed to send home any communication in writing versus through the children because 7 years olds do not translate themessage as clearly as her writing her instructions would be. We ended saying that we have a clean slate, we will do better communicating. She did say that Hannah was her little helper and secretary. She said that Hannah keeps her on her toes when she is doing work with the class. I know that Hannah is a good girl in school and I have nothing to worry about Behavior wise or Academic wise for her. But just like any other 7 year old, she wants to sometimes be lazy and not do her work the right way and I just have to steer her in a better direction. Hannah aced 100% on her first spelling test. She has another one today and I know she will do fine. We prepared like we did last week. She knows her poem and all is GOOD with her. The Jonas Brothers were in Atlanta Wednesday night. She was bummed she did not get to go but understood that it was not feasable with my surgery only being 1 week out.

Back to Dr. Witt a minute, she is a military Brat, lived in Okinawa when she was young, has had a hysterectomy, is on WW now, ...now doesn't that sound familiar. When I told her that I was a military brat, lived in Okinawa, graduated from HS there, had a hysterectomy a week ago(she asked me how because she was told she was too large to have hers done laproscopic) I told her mine was Laproscopic and Dr. Heaton did it. She was amazed. We hit it off really well and have a lot in common. This school is going to be all right with her at the drivers seat.

Sandy checks in on me almost daily and makes sure I don't need anything or that I am not doing too much. While San was away at the mini family reunion, Birthday and Anniversary Celebration at the farm with her in-laws, Elaine called and invited us over for Dinner on Sunday. She is such a good friend to me and my family. The kids got to go swimming and they had a wonderful time.

I got my stitches out and had my one week visit. I pulled one of my incisions and Dr. Heaton told me to be careful with that. I am taking my medicine for my bladder disorder. He asked me to please keep my stress levels down and insure that I am getting more than enough rest. I told him that I tire really easy and I don't get much done. He said that is to be expected and will probably last until about the 4th or 5th week post op.

Well, I have bent your eyes enough....everyone have a GREAT weekend.

Debra