Happy Birthday Megan Renee!!!

Seven years ago today I was on my way to the hospital to have my beautiful baby girl.  Since my first pregnancy was pretty much unexciting (meaning....great and no symptoms, well other than a growing belly) this pregnancy was the exact opposite.

It all started with finding out I was pregnant on Christmas Eve which was quickly followed by morning sickness.  The funny thing is my morning sickness went on sometimes all day long.  I often found myself locking myself in my office to avoid any smells or otherwise I would end up in the bathroom.  This lasted pretty much the entire pregnancy BUT it was not as bad as I've heard other ladies having...thankfully.

Next was gestational diabetes.  Do you know how hard it is for a pregnant lady to be on a diet?  And then to have the doctor question every week why you are losing weight?  Gee...doc...because I can't have the chocolate zingers that you told me to stop eating!!!  Anyway....because of the diabetes I had to have weekly stress tests and sonograms.  Now don't get me wrong I throughly enjoyed seeing that baby every week on the screen.  What I didn't enjoy was hearing the tech mention every week how big the baby was getting and how much bigger she could get by the time I delivered her.

Let me take you back to my oldest son, Dalton, who weighed in a whooping ten and half pounds when he was born.  The doctor was worried that our baby girl would be as big if not bigger if we didn't monitor the progress.  So a week before our scheduled C-section the tech says, "She's weighing in at almost nine pounds and you still have a week or more before you deliver.  I wouldn't buy any newborn diapers if I were you!"  REALLY?  Did I just hear her right?

Needless to say, the day of the C-section I was a little anxious about the delivery.  But leave it to the second child to surprise us as much as the first child.  Megan Renee Trussell was born at 1:16 p.m. weighing it at 7lbs. 11oz.  Our petite little girl!

This precious little girl started off her life in a quiet, happy, content state.  The baby that slept the entire first night home from the hospital.  The baby that would sit and smile for hours.  The darling little girl that ventured into her independent state.  Fiesty, witty, and full of _____ & _____(I'll let you fill in the blanks).  And yes she gets all of her traits from me!

Megan is funny, clever, creative, and has a mind of her own.  I wouldn't have it any other way!  Eight wonderful years with this angel sent from above....wow!  You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray...Happy Birthday Megan!!!

Some favorite pics of mine...

Just a couple days old

4 months old

18 months old

3 year old "Truman Tiger" for Halloween

Megan drew this when she was 4-5 years old...my favorite

What a pretty girl!!!

Facebook: Good or Evil?

Facebook:  Good or Evil?

First I must say....I, Michelle Trussell, am a Facebook addict.  I admit it.  I am not ashamed.  Facebook is on my cell phone, I receive notifications via text messages so that I'll know what is going on, and I check it routinely throughout the day.  Will that change?  Maybe.  But is it bad for me? 

The last couple of weeks I have had several friends determine they were no longer be on Facebook because of something that has happened in their lives. I have had friends say Facebook has ruined friendships and relationships.  And I've heard stories where people have gotten fired over things they have posted on Facebook.

Let me put an editorial comment in here.  The following is simply my own personal opinion.  I feel that Facebook will only harm me as far as I let it.  I don't post specific things about my job because I don't want to in anyway harm my career or livelihood.  I try not to post negative thoughts or feelings about situations and/or people (I said try).  I don't like to get involved in political comments or discussions because I don't think its the place. 

Facebook is a social network site.  Plain and simple.  In my opinion it allows you to connect with old friends, co-workers, family, etc that you may not have the opportunity to connect with on a typical level.  I have reconnected with family that I have not seen in 30 years.  I have reconnected with a brother that I have not seen in probably over 25 years.  I have reconnected with old schoolmates and friends, that except for the occasional run-in, I rarely see.  I enjoy seeing people's funny posts, stories about their kids, accomplishments they have, or goals they are making. 

Do I allow people's comments affect MY goals, values, or morals? NO.  Will I allow it to ruin my relationship with my kids or husband?  Absolutely not.  If I would allow it to enter my mind that much then I'm essentially allowing Satan to take control over my life.  My life is in God's hands.  I have to follow His guidance and teachings and allow Him to affect my life. 

I guess my point....Facebook is for fun, mindless activities.  When you start to read too much into posts, comments, etc. that's when the trouble starts.  Let God be your sounding board...not Facebook.

7 Quick Takes Friday

Its been awhile since I've done a Quick Takes.  However, I need to get back into my blog!

1.

I have been at my new job for a month now!  It has been a great month!  After 13 years with the same company and same career, I would be lying if I said I wasn't scared out of my mind upon taking this new adventure!!  I also knew that if I didn't take this position I would constantly wonder about it and where my life would lead.  So when provided with the opportunity from God I jumped on it!  I am thankful that I have great co-workers who put up with my endless questions on learning my new job and that make going to work everyday fun!  I am also thankful and have been blessed to have worked for a company the last 13 years that allowed me to finish my degree, give me flexibility for my kid's sake, and supervisors that supported my decisions and that now I call friends.

2.

My new job takes me out into the 'field' several times a week.  This Tuesday was my first day in the 'field' by myself.  It totally rocked!!!!!  I know, I know.  I sound a little giddy about it but that's because I am.

3.

Baseball has been in full swing since the first of April but Dalton has not been swinging the bat so great.  Craig and I have been giving little pep talks before every game but nothing seemed to help.  He is playing on a very competative team and playing in tournaments almost every weekend.  This is his first year doing this and I think a little nervousness developed in him and put him in a slump.  Well, Praise God this week he is starting to turn it around and playing like the player we know he can be!  Now I know I can't (or maybe shouldn't) pray to God for them to win every game but believe me I am praying that Dalton's ability shines through and shows his coaches and teammates what he is made of!

4.

My second job, Parents as Teachers, has taken some pretty big budget cuts from our lovely governor.  I'll try to leave my personal opinion out of it, but several of my fellow co-workers are dealing with some difficult decisions this week.  Due to the budget cuts several of our families may not receive services anymore.  Plus the Governor could decide to cut the program out all together before its all over with.  I am blessed to have my full-time job and that this job is a benefit and pleasure to do.  However, it is a much needed program for the state and community.  Early childhood education is the first step to successful learning in higher education!

5.

On a lighter note....Did you know that chewing gum WILL actually keep you awake and/or alert when you are driving?  A little trick I had heard and told Craig about when he started driving to Kansas City for work.  And now that I am driving to Kansas City have found it actually works!

6.

I have also learned in my new commuting experience, that if you have something planned to do after work and are in a rush to get home, you will always end up in a traffic jam.  So... I have also learned that you might as well just sit back, turn the radio up, and sing your lungs out to pass the time.  Getting aggravated only creates more issues!!!

7.

Finally.....in honor of Mother's Day....I must say I have the best mom around!  She is always there for me and is willing to come in a moments notice.  She is my best friend and the one I usually turn to.  Thank you Mom for all you do! 

Am I Ever Good Enough?

I think I ask myself this question too much.  Those nastly little insecurities that sneak up and smack ya on the butt! 

"That outfit is soo cute but would look like I'm pregnant if I wore it."
"I'm so stupid sometimes."
"Why does it seem like I have no one to talk to?"
"Can I handle this?"
"How am I going to handle this?"
"Am I good enough?"


The list goes on and on....

I need to remember that the only one that matters is God.  It is Him I answer to.  And I am always good enough for Him.  But why is that so hard to grab onto sometimes?

Momma Bear

I have always said:  "You can mess with me but don't you dare mess with my kids!"  (Actually I don't say it quite that nicely but wanted to clean it up for the blog's sake.)

All of you mothers out there know what I mean.  And for those future mothers...if you don't already know....you will as soon as that precious baby is born!

It all starts with something happening to one of my kids and the protective nature takes over and all I want to do is make it better.

For example:

*The day your child tells you that they don't have any friends.  I automatically wanted to enroll them in every possible social activity.
*The day your child says that they didn't get picked for something at school because they were absent that day.  I instantly wanted to be in the principal's office asking why.
*The day your child's friend tells you that one of the teachers at school thinks that your child is faking their allergies/asthma.  It makes you want to ask the teacher if they have children.
*The nights that your children can't sleep because they are sick.
*The illnesses that zapp their little bodies of all energy.
*The heartaches they have when they feel that they aren't noticed.


I realize that even though my kids are still young and that I still have YEARS ahead of me of heartache and illnesses, it still does not diminish the fact that I will forever be the momma bear protecting my young.

7 Quick Takes Friday

1.
In my family we have a birthday cluster between end of February and first part of March.  One of my nephews turned 8 at the end of February, my son turned 11 on March 2nd, my Dad turned __ on March 4th, and another nephew turned 10 on March 10th.  Last Friday we were able to celebrate three of those birthdays at my mom's house.  We had a great supper but even better conversations.  I was finally able to tell some embarassing stories on my brother instead of the other way around.

2.
Last Saturday we were able to watch my nephew play hockey.  This was the first time I was able to watch him play.  He is sooo talented on that ice!  He made the only three goals for his team and got his "hat trick."  We couldn't be prouder of him!

3.
Craig's job is still on the rocky side.  Please continue to pray for us on that end. 

4.
Attending a conference over Early Childhood Education this weekend.  It is out of town so it makes for a long weekend but enjoy learning and applying new ideas!

5.
I don't go out of town often and especially without my kiddos.  So every year at this time a little anxiety settles in about whos gonna take care of kids when Craig is at work?  Will ___ get done?  What will they eat for dinner?  So, this week on top of packing for myself, I preceded to make lists.  My parents graciously offered to spend the night so Craig could still go to work at normal time and they got the kids off to school.  So a full page list of 'instructions' went out to Grandma.  I say instructions but they are more like helpful hints of what to do, typical morning routine, and general housekeeping things.  This is my Type A personality coming out.

6.
I have learned that while I enjoy getting away for some 'me' time, I miss my husband.  He drives me insane at times but there is a comfort knowing he's next to me or just in the next room.

7.
Daylight Savings time is this weekend and that only means one thing.....spring, longer days, baseball games, and summer is not too far behind.  Bring it on!  I'm ready!

Happy Birthday Dalton Alan!!

Eleven years ago today I was in labor and preparing to give birth to my first child.  The original due date was February 23, 1999 (exactly nine months from our wedding date).  Yes, we have a honeymoon baby!

However, on February 25th the doctor stated he was going to induce our precious baby because he was afraid the baby was getting too big.  Too big?  What did he mean 'too big'?  So on the 26th, Craig and I arrived at the hospital bright and early only to spend the next 8 hours twiddling our thumbs and watching a lot of TV with nothing else going on.  We were sent home.  We spent the next couple of days waiting for contractions and doing everything possible to start this baby thing going.  Craig took me to the mall to walk around hoping that would spur along contractions.  The only thing it spurred was comments such as "Oh my goodness, did you see that lady she's huge!" "That lady looks like she's gonna pop right here!"  Needless to say, we left quickly before the pregnancy  hormones caused a postal episode.

On Monday, March 1st we headed back to the hospital and this time was hooked up to IV and was told I was not going home until this baby came.  Well this baby had other opinions about when he wanted to come out.  Long story short...he arrived on Tuesday, March 2nd. 

Dalton Alan was born at 12:59 a.m. weighing in at 10lbs. 8 oz.  Yep!  The doctor had reason for his wanting to induce because this baby was too big!

Just a few pictures of Dalton through the years....

Only a few days old

Nine months old

Not quite two years old

My cowboy (Halloween)-3 years old

Our Batman phase.  That cape (blanket) didn't come off for an entire year!-4 years old

5 years old-First baseball team

Master Fisherman-9 years old

10 years old-Baseball pic

I will always remember the first night he was born.  Grandma was holding him in her lap while he looked up at her with wide eyes and all ears.  Craig walked into the room and said, "Hey Little Man!"  Dalton turned his head completely around to see his Daddy who had just said the same greeting he had heard for nine months in the womb.  Just another example of God's precious miracle. 

11 years with this precious angel.  Dalton is sensitive, caring, smart, funny, and just a great kid! 

Happy Birthday Dalt!!!

We love you more than you will ever know!!!