It's morning alreay?

Some days are just not worth getting up for.

First Conversation

Frustrating Being A Wife

How can you move on when you taken an oath to stand by someone until they die? You have given your all to that person and it doesn't seem like enough. You are completely exhausted raising two kids, getting your masters and helping your husband through school who just ain't making it.

The world today would tell you to get rid of him. He is doing nothing but bringing you down. He won't do homework at school or send resumes in. He believes that is your job. In the back of your mind there is no way you can leave him. You took an oath before God. After all you stood by him that time in March a year ago when he betrayed you. How could you leave him over something so stupid? Is it just too much to ask for?

I love him don't get me wrong. Sometimes it is just so frustrating to be a nurturing wife. You start getting your life back together and it feels like your world begins to crumble.

A Fearless Child

What makes a child fearless? What makes them so trusting of people?

Thinking back to the events at family camp, what makes Ashton do the things he does? Why does he let someone lift him up a tall pole and then put him on the zip line for him to go plunging through the woods? Why does he jump into a swimming pool that is over his head? Why would he follow the older boys through the woods on his bike?

What happened to me as an adult? I would be scared to death to do those things. Never would I climb a pole and drop to the ground. Never would I jump off into water over my head without my life jacket. (If you notice I always stay in the shallow end.) Never would I follow someone into the woods on a bike trail. Does life experiences change this? If we are suppose to have trials in our life, why do they cause us to fear the world and everyone in it? Maybe it is because once we start to believe, we can look back on those experiences and see what could have happened if we only would have trusted God.

Starting July 20th, I am going to make a leap of faith. Am I scared, YES! I have to do it in order to be obedient to my God. He has been putting this on my shoulders for years. I am tired of holding all that heavy baggage. We are going to tithe the whole 10%. This is very scary for me and I have been struggling with this for years. I have been scared to do it. How will I pay for everything that I have? RENT, DAYCARE, CAR PAYMENT, UTILITIES, FOOD! How will they get paid? It is hard to support a family on 4 on a teacher's salary. I just never saw how I could do it. I still don't. You hear of people saying don't worry about it, God will take care of it. I just couldn't take the chance. I know not taking a chance on God is pretty stupid. Well, we are going to try it. Just pray for me because this is a big step that I have to make. It is time for me to be as fearless as Ashton.

Journey Family Camp

We had a great time at camp. The one thing that we brought back from camp was that we must find a devotional for our family. We learned that your family is of the upmost importance. If anyone knows of a good devo for 3 years old please let me know. Ashton asks a lot of questions and is very interested. Everything we have found is over his head.

Here are a few pictures from camp.

Daddy helping Ashton get ready to go to breakfast.

You guessed it. This is the evil grin. Ashton has taken Blessing's car.

Playing Connect Four by himself. Actually he just likes putting all the pieces in there and then watching them fall out.

Where's Kaylee? Oh, Kynlee has her.

Can you tell that he had a blast at camp.

Second year of Family Camp and they finally get along. (Picture taken from Jeff)

Yes, the Arnold's won something. We may not win anything that deals with physical endurance, but we can Flashlight Morse Code with the best of them.

We are trying to teach him to ride the big boy bikes, but you have to take small steps.

I never saw Kaylee the whole time at camp. Someone else always had her.

Ashton left camp with an adrenaline rush. He climb a big tall telephone pole and zip lined to the ground. That is right my 3 year old rode a zip line from about 70 feet in the air. He has no fear. Ashton wants to thank Jeff for saving him. He told me we had to buy him a Christmas present for the save.

Our trip to the Movie

We went to the movies because Momma took Ashton to the doctor and told him that would not give him a shot. What did they do? Stuck him in his finger and gave him a shot in the booty. What was I suppose to do? He looked so sad when he turned to me and said, "You said I wouldn't get a shot." I had to do something.

We went to see Shrek the Third. It was great. It kept Ashton's attention all the way through, which is unusual.

We got our popcorn and began eating until the movie started. You can't go to the movie place and not get popcorn. It is a must and it must have extra butter.

After eating all that popcorn, you get thirsty. We drink our Barq's Root Beer (the real kind).

Of course, what is a trip to the movie without spilling your drink and popcorn all over the floor. A three year old gets exciting with something in the movie and kicks it all over.

We had a great time!

(Can you tell we love the camera? All of our pictures can tell a story. Sorry the pictures are bad, but they were done with the mobile.)

100 Things

So I have done this before too. Shelly and Brandy have me wanted to redo mine.

1. My real name is Larryanna Lowery Arnold.
2. had seizures as an infant
3. from a broken home, although both parents work together to raise me (no problems)
4. grew up in Eudora
5. graduated Valedictorian
6. only white in my high school class
7. an aunt at age 7 (can't believe that boy is already 21)
8. had my tongue pierced in college
9. love A & E and all their crime shows
10. used to be a social drinker
11. the baby of 6 (4 half-brothers and 1 sister)
12. watched my Dad and my Mom take their last breath
13. long to teach special education
14. used to stay depressed....especially during pregnancy with Kaylee
15. been to Rome and Israel
16. traveled to New York 3 times (one with Ashton at 18 months)
17. rode in a train from New York City to Little Rock
18. love flip flops (10 to 15 pair and counting)
19. hate to buy clothes at full price (look for the red clearance signs at stores)
20. love to listen to country
21. love dogs especially cocker spaniels
22. hate to wear make-up
23. favorite color is green and yellow
24. teach kindergarten
25. have an autistic sister
26. a tomboy
27. likes to fish but refuses to touch the fish or put the worm on the hook
28. married for 5 years
29. love pickles
30. have scoliosis
31. used to wear contacts (and will get some more tomorrow...just in time for camp)
32. outspoken...when it comes to my kids (at home or at school)
33. never had a cavity
34. love jewelry
35. don't like to dress...(would wear t-shirts, jeans, and flip flops anywhere)
36. hate to wear tennis shoes or boots even during the winter
37. swam in the Dead Sea (rather I floated)
38. love to take pictures
39. would love to leave in New York City if I wasn't so family oriented
40. don't like to read books (It must be a true story of a killer before I can)
41. love horror films (Michael doesn't)
42. wish my birthstone was not a diamond because everybody wears them
43. takes a while to trust people
44. very criticle of everyone I met...sometimes wonder what their motive is
45. hate to drive
46. can't tread water...must stay in water that is not over my head
47. love to watch people and analyze them
48. once wanted to be a news anchor
49. love Sour Cream and Onion Chips
50. favorite candy bar is a Butterfinger
51. would love to go to a Nascar Event
52. love riding on four-wheelers
53. hate washing clothes
54. manager at Pizza Inn for two years in Jonesboro
55. went to ASU before UAM
56. totally flunked ASU because I didn't go to class
57. have two kids Ashton (3) and Kaylee (2 months)
58. refuse to live in Little Rock (it stresses me)
59. realized by calling in live to be a teacher from the Jonesboro School shooting
60. took several years to learn to ride a bike
61. never went to a Bible Study until Journey Church
62. can recall at least once when I know God carried me through a situation (I am positive he need more, but I actually felt him lift me up in his hands)
63. love to sew but don't have the time
64. my brother is my mechanic
65. have help my husband work on a Volkswagon beetle
66. actually kissed a boy 2 days before 16 (wasn't Sweet 16 and never been kissed)
67. love to watch sports
68. cheerleader in high school
69. rode on a motorcycle only once
70. fear being raped or assaulted (almost makes me paranoid to be myself)
71. have to wash my hair everyday (it's very oily)
72. jumped off a diving board only once (with a life jacket)
73. can't stand Dr. Pepper (sorry Shelly)
74. favorite food is anything CHICKEN
75. tried to breast feed (It just was not for me)
76. had an ulcer on eye
77. hate to sun tan...if I get tanned it is while I am doing my normal thing outside
78. want a house so that I can mow it
79. took dancing for 13 years
80. have 3 nephews and 1 niece
81. My Dad is my hero
82. can't stand for people to touch my nose
83. my toes are the only parts on me that is ticklish
84. love to camp oustide in a tent (not a trailor)
85. would not trade my husband for anything
86. strive to have a quiet time with the Bible...(right now just trying for Bible time)
87. Both my kids have slept all night (gets up only once for a Bible)
88. love Wal-Mart (except the one here)
89. can't stand to do house work unless it is oustide
90. very poor night vision
91. think John Travolta is the sexiest guy ever.
92. bought my wedding dress off Ebay
93. never used the internet until I went to college
94. hate talking on the phone
95. wore braces my senior year of high school
96. rear ended someone at a stop light because I was looking for my retainer
97. very ogranized person
98. must watch TV to go to sleep
99. have muscle spasms in my back during cold weather
100. hate chatting on the internet

Bible Devotionals

I got a new Bible about 5 days ago. I have wanted a devotional Bible for some time. I hate having 2 or 3 books just to study God's word. Anyways, I have done great with it. I have been reading it for 4 days straight. The devotionals only take a 5 minutes in the morning. This is awesome if you only get up an hour before you have to be some where and you have 2 kids to get ready. I am also reading through the Bible in one year with a plan that I found online. I have been doing this before I go to bed. I am so excited. I never made it 4 days in a row. I usually stopped around two. Woo Hoo for me.

The Melancholic / Choleric

I am 80% Melancholic and only 29% Choleric

The melancholic-choleric is also a leader with the potential to accomplish great works. However, where the choleric-melancholic is driven by the challenge and the opportunity, the melancholic-choleric is inspired more by the nobility of the task. The introverted nature of the melancholic, combined with the focused and unempathic nature of the choleric, can result in an individual who is highly motivated by noble ideals (even humanitarian ones), but who prefers to work alone, rather than with people. The melancholic side of both temperament mixtures results in the project being organized, ethical, and high-minded, while the choleric aspect is the driving and demanding force.

If you are melancholic-choleric, you are somewhat less pragmatic (or utilitarian) than a pure choleric, just as persevering and determined, and with a greater emphasis on the ideal. Likely to be motivated by the most noble and demanding of causes, you are capable of founding a humanitarian society, composing a symphony, founding a school, or discovering a cure. You are organized, perfectionist, introspective, driven, and moody (though less so than a pure melancholic). You will be less active than a choleric-melancholic and less extraverted, more internally focused.

But your weaknesses include a tendency to excessive self-criticism and criticism of others, being dismissive or overly judgmental, exhibiting a tendency to self-absorption, and possessing an untrustful and controlling nature. You tend to be inflexible, can bear grudges for a long time and may be prone to discouragement. A melancholic-choleric who is not attentive to his spiritual life, and does not keep his eye assiduously on the truly important things of life can become a cross to those around him, through his nit-picking, perfectionism, disdain, bitterness, resentfulness, spitefulness when crossed, and even haughtiness.
If your temperament is melancholic-choleric, for a better understanding of your temperament it is recommended that you read the full descriptions of the melancholic and choleric.

25 Favorite things

25. Favorite Holiday-Christmas

24. Favorite Season-Winter...I love the snow

23. Favorite Color-green or yellow

22. Favorite Hobby-sudoku puzzles

21. Favorite Sport-basketball

20. Favorite Game-Clue

.21. Favorite Place-New York City

.20.Favorite Restaurant-Olive Garden

19. Favorite Food-anything chicken

18. Favorite Ice Cream-Chocolate

17. Favorite Drink-Grape Slush from Sonic

16. Favorite Gadget-my cell phone Treo

15. Favorite Smell-cucumber melon

14. Favorite Shoes-any one of flip flops

12. Favorite Pet-Champ my cocker spaniel I had when I was little

11. Favorite Movie-8 Seconds

10. Favorite TV Show-Grey's Anatomy....I so need a support group

09. Favorite Radio Station-106.9 Country station out of Stuttgart

08. Favorite Band-just one....Rascal Flatts

07. Favorite Song-"The Dance" by Garth Brooks

06. Favorite Book-The book on Jeffrey Dahmer

05. Favorite Quote-Excuses are like booty holes, everyone has them

04. Favorite Song Lyric: "I can buy the same thing on the Wal-mart shelf half price." Redneck Woman by Gretchen Wilson

03. Favorite Poem-Anything Langston Hughes

02. Favorite Candy--Sweettarts or Butterfinger

01. Favorite Person-Michael

Prayer Request

I have a simple prayer request for those that have the time. Friday afternoon a 5 year old shot old his 3 year old brother here in Monticello. It killed the little the boy. I know the little boy that did shooting. He was not in my class but in kindergarten. The funeral was today. Please keep this boy and his family in your prayer. Right now, the 5 year old does not really grasp what has happened except that his brother is going to heaven.

I went to visitation, yesterday. It was the worst thing that I have ever seen. All I could do was picture Ashton in that casket. It just brought tears to my eyes. That could have easily been him. We must count our blessing everyday.

Today, I went to Monroe for my pedicure with the rest of the teachers from kindergarten. I absolutely had a blast. Who would think that a country girl from Eudora would love to have a pedicure? It is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I would recommend it to everyone.

Just one of Those Days

I feel like Brandy does when she post about her doctor's appoint visits. I just want to cry like Ashton is in this picture.

Today was my appointment for WIC sense it was canceled last Friday. I didn't know that until I went for the appointment. A phone call would have been nice. Below is a short synopsis of the morning.

7:30 Take Michael to work

7:45 Drop the kids off at day care

7:50 Go home and pick up WIC papers that I left

8:10 Arrive at DHS for appointment at 8:30

8:12 Go to pick up kids. (Didn't know that had to be there since Friday I mentioned I had a workshop at 9am and could just walk right over to the Co-op. You would think the secretary would have caught that and said you have to bring the children.)

8:20 Arrive back at DHS (though I did good I was still early for the appointment)

8:30 Kaylee screaming for a bottle and Ashton wild as a goose

8:45 still waiting and thinking I will never make it to the workshop....text Michael to come over and take the kids back when they are finished with the appointment.

9:00 the waiting room begins to fill...still have not been called back...text Michael again to give him the update and hoping for a response with words of encouragement..WORKSHOP STARTED

9:15 nurse walks through front door...really hoping that is not the nurse that was suppose to be at my appointment at 8:30....15 MINUTES INTO MY WORKSHOP

9:20 still not called back...students from my class were there so I talked them...Ashton is jumping off the seats....Kaylee is crying because I didn't bring her paci or more formula from the day care....(I honestly thought I would be done or at least been seen)..20 MINUTES INTO MY WORKSHOP...text Michael again with an update and to tell him to come and help

9:30 finally called back and yes the nurse that walked in at 9:15 was the nurse that I was seeing...do all the kids measurements and mine...pricked Ashton in the finger to check for hemoglobins (He was such a trooper. I told him that it would not hurt. All he said was OUCH)....find out I have to have one (talk about nervous..I knew it would hurt)....text Michael to see where he is at....30 MINUTES INTO MY WORKSHOP

9:50 moved to another room to see what we are lacking in our diets....text Michael again.....50 MINUTES INTO MY WORKSHOP

10:00 Michael calls to find out where I am because he needs the car...his phone's battery was dead....ONE HOUR INTO MY WORKSHOP

10:30 finally all the paperwork was complete....1 HOUR & 30 MINUTES INTO MY WORKSHOP...finally get dropped off and Michael takes the kids back to day care and he is off to class (30 MINUTES LATE FOR CLASS)

After the whole 2 hours, we did receive WIC. Kaylee will get her formula and Ashton and I will get lots of other things.

My day would have been great, but of course the chaos did not stop there.

10:35 arrive at the workshop

11:30 break for lunch...pile into co-workers vehicle...that's right it was dead...the car would not have to start

11:45 guy from Monticello Exxon arrives to replace the battery

12:00 off to eat

12:10 arrive at City Drug

12:15 get our order taken

12:20 Michael arrives and orders

12:25 our food arrives and we eat...Michael is still waiting for his

12:45 time to be back...finally get to pay...Michael is still waiting for his food

12:50 we leave...Michael is still waiting...I hope that he got his food but I don't know

1:00 arrive back at the workshop.....15 MINUTES LATE

2:00 workshop is over...get ride to Monticello School District to get my car.....THE CAR WAS LOCKED....you guessed it Michael has the keys and his phone is dead...there was no getting in touch with him.

2:20 arrive at home and am now blogging about my crazy day

LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE. I GET TO GO TO WAL-MART AND BUY MY WIC. I ALSO GOT $28 TO GO TO FARMER'S MARKET FOR QUALIFYING FOR WIC.

My High-Maintenance Girl

Happy 5 Years!

Friday is actual the magical date, but I can't wait to tell you how much I love you.

We have been through a lot together and you have been great through it all. Below is a short timeline of us.

December 1999--We met and I electricuted you (literally).

February 2000--You went to the Valentine's Dance with me.

March 2000--You asked me out. The best thing you could have every done with your life.

May 2000--You moved home for the summer or at least I thought you did. You stayed in Jonesboro with your friends for most of the time.

September 2000--You began to work at Pizza Inn with me and I was your boss. You were a great employee.

March 2001--We went on our first mission trip together to Mexico.

May 2001--We moved to south Arkansas. You to Casscoe and me to Eudora.

January 2002--You proposed to me in my dorm room.

Febuary 2002--You were by my side after my Mom's death. You are the greatest for this.

June 2002--We were married and off to Hardy.

August 2002--We moved into our first apartment at Family Housing. It was tiny at the time, but we didn't care.

January 2003--We were able to work side by side again. I was secretary at UAM school of Ed and you were the tech guy.

November 2003--We had our first child, Ashton Michael Arnold.

December 2004--We moved to Jonesboro. You went to school and I interned in a resource/special education classroom.

May 2005--We moved back to Arkansas City. Dad was sick and someone had to take care of him. Thank you so much for doing that so I could finish my last semester of internship.

July 2005--We took at trip to New York City with Ashton to help a lady move. That was fun, especially the train ride home.

October 2005--We moved back to Monticello after Dad's death.

January 2006--I took my first teaching job at McGehee Elementary. You were there for this exciting moment.

April 2006--We found an awesome church that we both loved. Finally there was a place for a Methodist and Baptist to go without feeling awkward.

June 2006--I was offered a job at Drew Central teaching kindergarten. You told me to go for it.

December 2006--We took at car trip to Arizona with Ashton and Kaylee in my belly.

April 2007--We gave birth to our second child, Kaylee Elizabeth Arnold.

June 2007--Here we are. STILL TOGETHER.

Thanks for sticking with me for this long. I know it is difficult since I am so stubborn and independent. You are the greatest guy that I ever known and I love you for that.

Doodie King

This is an actual truck. Nothing has been photoshopped. My friend was driving home from work in Little Rock and had to take a picture of this and send to me.

Sissy's Going Get Sick

I keep both kids out from day care today. Kaylee had to go to the health department to get her shots and I was trying to get on WIC. Ashton wanted to go so he could hold sissy's hand while she was getting a shot. He thought it would help. I gave in because I didn't want to crush his feelings.

We load up the car and get to the clinic. Our appointment was changed. Didn't know that. They called Michael and do you think he gave me that message. NOPE!!! So we have been rescheduled till next Wednesday.

As we are leaving, Ashton throws the biggest fit. I thought it was just a normal fit like he throws when he has to leave church or anybody's house. It wasn't because usually by the time we make it to the car he stops. Not this time. He was about to drive me nuts. He screamed most of the way home. When he calmed down and was only crying a little, I asked him what was wrong. He said that sissy didn't see the doctor and she was going to get sick. I forgot that I explained to him that shots weren't bad that they would keep sissy from getting sick. This just goes to show that Big Brother does care for Little Sister.

Flixster

So I am asuming Jenny has nothing to do with her life but play on the internet. She keeps sending me these cool places to go. Guess what. That's right. I don't clean house, wash kids, feed kids, take a bath. or even eat. (Just kidding, don't call DHS.) Anyways this newest site is about movies. It is called Flixster. You really ought to go here. It is a fun way to see how you match up with your friend's choice. According to Flixster, I am just friends with Jenny. We like some of the same things, but not all. The funny one is Jeff. Obviously, me and Jeff are nothing alike. The advice it gave me was to RUN AWAY, FAST. If I was married to him, it also gave me the advice to consider divorce. I am sure it will be the same way with Michael.


Just for future reference, my husband is very upset. Please click on his link and give him a comment. He is upset because only two people commented. That was me and according to him, I have to. The other was K.T. He said she didn't count because she reads everyone's blog is his in charge of Friday Blog Wrap-Up. I will fight him and make sure that he updates.

My Girl Loves the Water

My little girl loves the water too. She was actually awake for it today.

Day at the Lake

Trying to move a really heavy rock.

They really ought to invest in those pottys.

He is wearing blue jeans to the lake. He didn' know he needed his swimsuit to go swimming. This is why I love him.

Sleeping!

The only picture of me.

Who is having more fun?

It's cold Mommy.

Still sleeping.

More sand castles!

Still sleeping.....

I LOVE THE LAKE!!!

House for Sale

Have you ever wanted something so bad that you are obsessed with it? I have to admit this would be me. I am so obsessed that I get mad at Michael because he is suppose to provide. He is the guy. Totally opposite. He is still getting through school. I feel bad because I put so much pressure on him to finish. I need that extra salary to buy a house. I can't wait. I want the fenced in yard for the kids to play and my cocker spaniel. Of course, I don't have the cocker spaniel because I live in an apartment. So this is to say that one day when the timing is right, I guess I will get my house. It is hard though to what for the timing for God.

Pics of the kids

Debuting the new swimsuit.

Mad because he wasn't getting his picture taken.

Any day around the Arnold household.

Summertime is Here

Summertime is here! I just finished my last day of school. It is kind of sad and exciting all at the same time. Crazy, I know. It is sad to think of all the kids that I won’t wake up for and change their lives. They made every day an enjoyable event to wake up to. I truly loved each one of them. If I could I would bring them all home with me, even those troublesome ones.

This summer does not involve much for me. First off, June 15th I am going to Monroe with the other kindergarten teachers for a pedicure. I have never had one done and am kind of nervous. I don’t like people touching my feet. It just tickles to bad. I will have to see how it goes. By the way, my feet don’t look that bad.

The end of June the whole family is going to Family Camp. We had an exciting time last year. It was just me and Ashton because Michael had to work. He came for only one day. It will be exciting to see him there and Kaylee. Last year was a great accomplishment for us. I had been struggling trying to teach Ashton how to ride a bike. I had just given up. We took his bike anyways. I was dreading it. He actually learned to ride his bike by watching the other kids. He thought he was such a big boy. Kaylee also has to debut her new swimsuit. We can’t wait to go.

This is pretty much our summer. Michael is working and I have workshops. It is tough being adults.

2 months

Wow, how fast time flies. You are already smiling and laughing at everyone, especially when Ashton is getting in trouble. You are so alert to the world around you. You constantly want to be held where you can see what everyone is doing. You do not miss a thing. You are loved and spoiled by everyone you come in contact with, especially by her special friend Kynlee.