Life as a Lewis

Today is our 10th wedding anniversary! In many ways it's hard to believe that I've been married for 10 years (that makes me sound so old!), but in more ways it's hard to imagine a time when I wasn't part of the Brian and Melissa team. We celebrated a couple of weeks ago on our little weekend trip so today is a bit anticlimactic, but Brian did send me beautiful flowers to work today. I wanted to have a layout finished about our anniversary, but it didn't happen. Maybe over the weekend. After church last night while we waited for Brian to get home, Camden and I laid on the couch watching So You Think You Can Dance, and he was so sweet! He kissed me, held my hand, rubbed my face, told me, "I love sitting beside you," "I love you," "Are me and daddy your best boys?" He was just precious! The older he gets, the fewer and farther between these times are. Then he had this little tidbit to say as we headed out the door this morning - ...

Camden did enjoy his first day back at school, and he must have played hard because he went to bed at 7:30 and didn't get up until 7:30 this morning! I hope he continues to enjoy it! I think I mentioned here that we weren't as impressed as we hoped to be - well, when Brian took Camden in yesterday morning, the preschool director asked Brian what Camden's name was THREE times and didn't remember that we were coming or what class he was in or when he started K-4. Brian has been by there several times and has talked to her, plus he turned in all the paperwork several weeks ago, not to mention that we stopped by Friday so Camden could visit and we spoke to her then as well. I really hope this is not an indication of how they run the school. Right now, I'm really trusting that all our friends who enjoy this school so much know what they're talking about! I keep thinking today is Thursday and my weekend is about to start. So disappointing when I realize it's only ...

Today was Camden's first day of school (can you hear Brian's shout of joy?) at his new school! He was pretty excited this morning to head out, and we were ready as well! He loves school, loves having friends to play with and all the different activities that come with school. I think that our home life actually will be a bit calmer once he gets back in the groove of it all. Well, I didn't get to get off work early yesterday (still a little bummed about that - I should just get over it, shouldn't I). I dashed home from work, changed clothes, and then headed to my in-laws for dinner. Camden had a blast playing baseball with Brian and his Gramps. I stayed up way too late last night watching a video series about Korean adoption on You Tube. It was fun watching another family's experience - they were quite diligent about sharing videos throughout their whole experience in Korea. So far, I've made it through the sight seeing and they're about to meet their son (b...

I know I say this every Monday holiday, but it stinks to work when the rest of the real world is off work! The good news is that my drive in was easy today, and Starbucks was still open! I went to lunch with two work friends so that always makes things better as well. Sometimes we're allowed to leave a couple hours early so I've got my fingers crossed! I hope everyone enjoys their Memorial Day. We're off to my in-laws for dinner after work today so at least I'm not cooking! Here are two layouts from this weekend. I really love this first one - I absolutely LOVE this picture of the three boys and have been waiting for the perfect time to use it. I'm really happy with how it turned out.

We're having a pretty non-eventful weekend around here. Camden continues his obsession with baseball! It's all he wants to do, and nothing else works as a substitute! We made a quick trip into town today and Brian bought him a left-handed glove and baseball so he's now convinced that his "toy glove" is of absolutely no use anymore. Funny story - Brian and Camden were out throwing the ball around and Camden had the ball in one hand, the glove in the other. Brian noticed Camden squirming quite a bit and asked him what was wrong. Camden said, "my underwear is messed up." Brian told him to set the ball down and take care of it. Camden responded, "can't you just get it for me, daddy?" Seriously, he hates putting the ball and glove down! Brian's car died Thursday so we're down to one vehicle. The good news is that we can survive for a couple of weeks since we live across the street from Brian's office in the church, but obviously we c...

I can't believe that I forgot to mention this here, but as of May 15, we are officially waiting for a baby girl! We've finally gotten all the paperwork in and our agency is finished with their side of it. What this means is that we could get a call any day telling us about our new baby. Now before you get too excited, it could also not happen for several months - we just don't know. This is happening faster than we imagined, and we're so excited, but also a little panic stricken! It's a big deal to bring another child into your family and with adoption there are the finances to worry about! Our total cost for this adoption will be about $28,000, and our next installment to pay is $18,000! If anyone has any good fundraising ideas, send them my way! We've been saving money, but obviously there's no way we've got THAT much saved! Camden went to a baseball game Tuesday night with Brian, and he came home so excited! He loves balls and sports anyway, but now h...

I t was wonderful being off work yesterday, but today feels like Monday. The good news is that it isn't! :) I spent the day doing laundry (does it ever end??) and also got to do a bit of scrapping. We took a walk after supper, which was nice. We've been able to do that quite often. Poor Camden is really feeling the effects of not being in school. I think he really misses the routine and busyness of it all. He's getting bored at home. Probably spending a couple of weeks at his grandparents and then this past weekend with friends wasn't the best idea, but he had fun. Right now our big battle is naptime. He's always really needed a nap, and he still does, but he's out of the habit and we're having trouble getting him to sleep. Usually, he'll stay in his room for an hour and a half of quiet time (but no sleep) and then about 4:30 he starts to crash and burn. It's not pretty. Becky's first chemo treatment is today, and my heart just hurts for her. I...

I've been a busy girl with no time for blogging! Thursday we had a formal reception for my boss who completed his doctorate earlier this month so I spent all day preparing for that. Then we got up earlier Friday morning to head off for a little anniversary trip. Camden stayed with my good friend Kathy and her two girls. Brian and I went to east Tennessee for a couple of days of relaxation. We arrived Friday afternoon and spent some time shopping and eating dinner, then we went to see Spiderman 3. It was fun to get out without a 3 year old in tow! Saturday we got up and headed to The Pancake Pantry for breakfast. I had chocolate chip pancakes that were seriously good! We spent the day walking and seeing the sights and then Saturday night had tickets to Dixie Stampede . I have to admit I wasn't really sure I was going to like it, but it was alot of fun (especially since we had free tickets). There were probably a thousand people there at least and you're divided into two sid...

I have been in an all-day meeting today, which is exhausting! Coming up with new ideas, solving old problems, taking on new responsibilities - all exhausting. I'm lucky enough to work with a great bunch of people, though, so even in all day exhausting meetings, we laugh! I snagged a picture of my new niece, Katelyn Miley, off their family blog just so share with you all - isn't she cute? In between American Idol and Dancing With the Stars I found a little time to scrap one page last night.

I'm an auntie again! Brian's brother and sister-in-law who live in Utah had a baby girl - Kaitlyn Miley was born last night weighing 8 lbs, 4 oz. and 20 inches long. I can't wait to see a picture of her! I wish we could see them soon, but I don't think a trip to Utah is in the plans for now. I'm trying to save all of my vacation days to use when our new baby comes home, plus I checked on tickets to Utah this morning and it wasn't cheap! Poor Camden (and mommy and daddy) had two bloody noses last night so that means bedding changes twice in one night. I'm feeling a bit tired today! We had very good news from Becky today. Her MRI shows that she does not have cancer in the second breast and that her tumor is smaller than they originally thought so hopefully she will not have to radiation. If so, this means that she can have the mastectomy and reconstruction surgery all at the same time. This cuts her total treatment time frame almost in half. I am finding it ha...

Moving into a new house is expensive! There are curtains to buy, new bed and bedding for Camden's room, blinds to help keep out the evil flood lights across the street, rugs for the doors, etc. And there's just something that makes me need a new quilt for our bed every time we move. Thank goodness that isn't often! Unfortunately, for Brian, my shopping doesn't stop at house items (although I am being very good at buying one thing at a time and not overwhelming our checkbook with everything all at once). No, my favorite shopping is for girl clothes and scrapping supplies. Here are a few of my recent purchases. Two outfits from Gymboree: From Gina Miller : From Little Dreamer Designs : In the last week, Camden has decided to turn into a true southern boy. He picks up worms and calls them his best friend. He loves to dig his own worms for fishing, and he calls me mama (spoken with a distinct southern drawl). I'm not sure why he made the change from mommy to mama, but i...

Happy Mother's Day! I had a wonderful day. I woke up to a card from Camden and a card from Brian with a gift card to a fabulous Day Spa where they use chocolate for all their treatments. I can't wait to use it! Brian grilled pork steaks for lunch today and didn't let me in the kitchen. He even cleaned up for all of us! It was really nice outside today and we sat outside on the desk most of the afternoon. Camden played hard and will hopefully sleep all night long. Brian had a good time playing golf Saturday morning. Camden and I just hung out at the house. We made a trip to Wal-mart and to a local 50's diner Saturday night. Camden enjoyed playing music from the "juice" box. I managed to get one page done while I watched the Survivor finale tonight.

Doesn't it feel good to have a clean house? I have to say that while it's alot of work, I'm discovering (almost 10 years into my marriage) that a clean house is totally worth it! I spent Friday working on the house, laundry, cooking for dinner with my in-laws, and hanging some pictures and just generally working on making the house feel a little more like home. We still have a ways to go, but it's slowly getting there. Camden has been challenging this week! I think he is feeling the effects of being gone from us - he's very clingy and quite spoiled from spending 2 weeks with grandma and grandpa. And his sleeping habits are ridiculous! He's back to getting up 4 times a night, and then up at the crack of dawn! I want to be sensitive to the fact that sleeping in a new room and bed takes some getting used to (hey, we're still not used to our new room), but when he gets up that much every night (and he didn't do this while staying with my parents), it's h...

I'm worn out! I spent the day at an off-campus meeting in a room where the air conditioning was not working! Brain-storming is exhausting! It was good to be off-campus and in casual clothes, though! And after the meeting, I headed to Starbucks for a frappucino and then to get my hair cut. It was nice to relax a bit. I've decided to grow out my hair and then cut it for Locks of Love. It won't help Becky right now, of course, but maybe it will help someone in her situation. I'm feeling so much better today. I started the antibiotic last night and it's working already. I should have just skipped the doctor's advice and started it much earlier. I'm so happy to have tomorrow off work! It's been a couple of weeks since we've had a good weekend without plans so I'm looking forward to it. My in-laws are coming over for dinner tomorrow night to celebrate Mother's Day and also my mother-in-law's birthday. This is the first time they've been ove...

Just call me Rudolph! I look horrible - red nose and all! Not sure why I even bothered with make-up today. Still not so sure that my doctor has a clue what she's talking about with diagnosing me with allergies, but we'll see. I found a really fun blog last night fwrom Owlhaven (which is also a great blog), and I really laughed at this post . If you've got an extra few minutes, you should read it for a good laugh. And just for my mom, here's out new furniture that arrived today! I'm so excited about Camden's bed and our new dining set. Now I just need to decorate this house! Another cute picture of Camden, William, and Xavier from the weekend. Only one layout today, and this is actually one I finished up last week. I could do nothing but lay on the couch watching Dancing With the Stars and blow my nose last night. Maybe I'll manage to work on a layout tonight.

Alot has happened since last Wednesday! I had a crazy, busy day Thursday getting ready for the big graduate reception Thursday night. Everything went off perfectly, but I'm glad to have it over with for another year. We got home at 11:00 p.m., then got up early Friday morning to head to graduation. Made it back home at 1:30, then left to drive to Missouri. We got in about 10 p.m., and of course headed straight in to wake Camden up. Our reunion was a little anti-climatic, because we could not get him awake for anything (I know - we're bad parents to even try!). The next morning, he woke up and was upset because he had wet the bed, so once again - no dramatic reunion! I do think he was glad to have us around, though. We had a very nice weekend with my parents, Micah, Becky, and the boys. Those babies are so sweet, and I'm very glad we got to spend some time with them. The most exciting part of the weekend was helping Becky learn to digi-scrap, and she loved it! After over a y...

Change of plans. We're going to head to Missouri to see Micah, Becky, and the boys and to meet my parents and Camden on Friday - so it's still 2 more sleeps until we're reunited with Camden. I am ready! Work is so busy these days since it's graduation week. The board of trustees also meets this week, and so our office is busy with them as well. I left the house today at 6:20 to get everything ready for the big meeting today, and tomorrow I will work all day and then I've got a reception from the president's office to take care of, so it will probably be at least 11 p.m. before I get home. Long days ahead! I'm headed out with the Lunch Bunch today - it's always my favorite day of the whole month. Oooh, my co-worker and friend just came in with a cranberry-walnut muffin for me - how sweet is that! Now, about that diet and exercise I was starting this week . . . not going so well! Since, I have no cute Camden stories to tell, I'll have to show you a rec...

Two more sleeps (in Camden language) until he comes home. I just cannot wait. I think that he is finally ready as well. The last couple of days when we're on the phone, he does not want to get off (which is so unlike him), and last night he was insisting that it was only ONE more sleep until he comes home. When we called to tell him goodnight, he said he wanted to come sleep in his new house. So Becky, Micah, and the boys were supposed to be coming to Nashville this week, and I was so looking forward to everyone being together, but they've decided that it's just too much. They've got alot going on in their life, and I totally understand, but am so disappointed. Now we're trying to decide if we can make a quick trip up there. This week is a crazy week at work and at home (poor Brian is working his fingers to the bone trying to finish up this semester), and we would have to make the 7 hour drive one day and then drive it back the next. After having Camden gone so lon...