Just Us and Some Dogs

Lessons learned from the past week

2011-05-25T18:11:00.000-07:00

1. A toothache is not a pain to ignore.

2. I am still deathly afraid of the dentist.

3. Root canals stink.

4. Pain medicine is fabulous.

5. Dogs can in fact get pink eye.

Needless to say, it was a crazy week but we survived. I am so grateful for a sweet husband who took care of me and calmed me down at the dentist. Bella has/had pink eye and we are currently having eye drops put in twice a day. Always something! :)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-11T12:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-10T12:46:00.001-07:00

I know Mother's Day is over, but I didn't have a chance to write a post.

Now that I am older, I realize all the stuff that my mom did for the 4 of us growing up. I can't imagine how much she gave up so that we could have what we needed. When I told my husband that she still made my lunch for me when I was a senior in high school, he was shocked. I didn't do my first load of laundry until I went to Auburn. I know that might sound really bad and that I was spoiled, but the 4 of us were anything but spoiled. My mom loved taking care of us and she still does. I am quite sure she went to bed every night exhausted, but she always did her best to make sure we were happy. I am blessed to have such an amazing mom and friend. Happy Mother's Day!

I am also very lucky to have a great mother in law. Kathy and I worked together for 2 years and it was during this time that we were able to form a friendship. I enjoy talking to her and hanging out with her. She would do anything for Matt and I, and I love her for that. I love her for giving me a great husband and for being such a great mother in law. Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T17:25:00.000-07:00

We received some wonderful news on Good Friday. Evans bone marrow results came back with 0 % leukemic blasts and negative for any leukemic cells!!!! Praise God!! He has 3 years of treatment still, but today's results are evidence of God's healing hand. Thank you for praying for our little warrior. Happy Easter!! Here is a picture of my sweet nieces and nephew today on Easter.

Hello, is anyone still there?

2011-04-14T15:45:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness, I can't believe it has been so long since I posted anything on my blog. Honestly, I guess nothing exciting or blog worthy has really happened. In December, we learned that my precious nephew Evan has ALL, a form of Leukemia. It was a shock for sure, but once again it reminded me how strong my family is when we are together. My uncle and aunts organized a BBQ fundraiser for Evan and it was amazing all the support that we received in Mobile. Evan is the strongest little 2 year old I know and I can't wait until we can tell him what a difference he has made in so many people's lives. Evan has a CaringBridge site, please visit it. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/evanshropshire

Here are some pictures from Evan's BBQ Fundraiser

Also, a non-profit group contacted my family about sponsoring Evan. We feel so blessed with the outpouring of support we have received for Evan. If you get a chance, please visit Expect A Cure's website. http://web.me.com/expectacure/Expect_A_Cure/Expect_A_Cure.html

Just some pictures of my sweet nephew and nieces

Matt's sweet grandmother passed away in March and we miss her terribly. She was so sweet and I loved visiting with her when we visited West Virginia.

Also, 2011 started off great when Auburn won the National Championship game. To say I was excited is an understatement. I love Auburn now and forever, WAR EAGLE!!

Cherish Every Moment

2010-10-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

Today while I was at the grocery store I noticed so many young women shopping with their grandmothers. It made me think about all the times I would go shopping with my Mamaw to either Greer's or Delchamps. I used to love going shopping with her because it would be just the two of us and we could talk about anything. Today as I saw those girls shopping with their grandmothers I wanted to stop them and tell them to cherish every moment - even the everyday moments. It's weird how it's the little things that make me miss her so much. It's hard to believe that it has been a year since she has passed away, but I know she is in a much better place and I choose to celebrate that and her life.

2010-10-19T17:46:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a long time since I have blogged, but I am still here. We had a nice summer and are enjoying our fall now. This summer my youngest sister, Katie, got married and it was really beautiful.

Some amazing women in my life

More amazing women in my life

Matt and I also decided to add another member to our family this summer. We love our sweet rescue puppy, Rusty, and knew we wanted another rescue puppy. We contacted the Brittany Spaniel Rescue group and met Emily or as she is known, Bella. (I do love Twilight, but she is not named after Bella from Twilight. Anyone that knows me knows that I am on Team Bella Sucks.) She is very different from Rusty, but we love her so much. She and Rusty are getting adjusted to each other and doing well.

I will try and blog more, but before I go..... WAR EAGLE!!

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T07:40:00.000-07:00

I have the most amazing Mom ever!! I look up to her so much and hope to one day be as great a mom as she is. Looking back now, I do not know how in the world she raised the 4 of us, went back to college, and kept up with the house and every day stuff. When I was in 5th grade, she went back to college to get her degree in Education and she hasn't looked back since. She has since gotten her Masters and Administration degree in Education and I could not be more proud of her. Her love for her job is amazing and I hope I am half the teacher she is.

I talk to my Mom often and love sharing stuff with her. Matt often makes fun of me because we talk so much, but I am just so blessed to be able to call my Mom my best friend. She is the only one who will tell me to suck it up and quit feeling sorry for myself or just let me cry when I need to cry. I honestly do not know what I would do without her in my life.

My Mom is so brave and I learned that first hand this past Fall while I helped take care of my Mamaw. My Mom stayed strong and did everything she could to make my Mamaw feel at peace. I know my Mamaw appreciated everything my Mom, Aunt Debbie, Uncle Tim and Uncle Steve did for her. My Mom learned how to be a great mother from the great mother she had in her life. I know today is very hard for her as it is for all of us, but I know my Mamaw is looking down and smiling. I hope today that my Mom sees a beautiful butterfly. I love you Mom and I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day!

Infertility Awareness Week

2010-04-29T17:03:00.000-07:00

This week is National Infertility Awareness Week and it has made me think about the journey we have taken with infertility. I never thought that we wouldn't have a baby right now. I imagined us taking our baby for walks in the afternoon, visiting with family and friends, and just being busy parents. But, I have learned that God has a different plan for us. I know that this journey has made Matt and me grow closer as a couple and we have a deeper bond because of it. I can't believe that this time a year ago, we found out that our second IUI had failed. We just knew that this one had been "the one". But then life happened - like my Mamaw being diagnosed with a fatal brain tumor and me losing my job. So, I know that there is a bigger plan for the Voughts. Do we understand it? Not right now, but we will. Do we understand why teenagers get pregnant so easily? Do we understand why people who aren't even married get pregnant so easily? I don't understand it and I guess I never will. Every time I see someone who isn't married announce they are pregnant, it hurts my heart. I know that I might be stepping on some toes, but I don't think it is fair. We want a baby so badly and yet it has not been given to us yet. But other people are allowed this gift. I guess I just needed to share how I was feeling and I appreciate anyone who is reading this. I want to share a video that just speaks to me so much.

I'm still here....

2010-04-17T07:04:00.001-07:00

I know it's been forever since I posted, but honestly there has not been much to post about. Our family did get some exciting news in March! My youngest sister, Katie, got engaged. She and Ben are getting married here in Birmingham in July and we are all so excited. I still can't believe that she is getting married. I think I will always picture Katie as my baby sister walking around in her purple sweatsuit with her monogram on it. She has grown into such an amazing woman and I know she and Ben will love married life. I am so honored to be a part of their special day and can't wait to share this day with them.

Katie and Ben the night they got engaged

Katie's beautiful ring

How I will always picture Katie :)

Matt is still working on our kitchen renovation - I have honestly lost track of how long it has taken him to do this. It does look really good and I can't wait to see what it looks like once it is finished. He will work on our bathroom once he's finished with the kitchen and he promises it won't take that long at all. Sure! I have heard that before. :) I am impressed with all that he can do around the house. He is very handy! Once the kitchen is finished, I will post pictures for everyone to see.

Hope everyone enjoys this beautiful weekend!

30 Day Shred

2010-02-03T13:40:00.000-08:00

For the past 3 1/2 weeks I have been doing the 30 Day Shred. I needed to get back in shape and had a feeling that Jillian would be the person to help me. Well, I was right. The first day kicked my butt, but now I am loving it. I am on Level 2 now and sometimes I think I am going to pass out, but it's worth it. I have lost about 5 pounds and I am pretty excited about it. I am looking forward to losing more weight and being able to wear shorts this spring.

A New Year

2010-01-05T19:11:00.000-08:00

Well, we made it through the holiday season and I am glad to say that it is over. Don't get me wrong I love the holidays, but this holiday season was hard for me and my family. I missed my Mamaw so much!! My mom and I went to her grave and it was surreal to see her name and the dates. The last time I had gone there, it was just her name. My mom and Aunt Debbie did a wonderful job of decorating Mamaw and Pawpaw's grave - they would have been proud. Also, we went to my White-Headed Mamaw's grave as well and realized that the last flowers put there were by my Mamaw. My mom and I could not believe that it had been 12 years since White-Headed Mamaw had passed away, but the rain didn't let us forget. The day of her burial, we couldn't have the ceremony because it poured! Of course when we went, it poured rain the whole time, but we put a beautiful poinsettia for her. I know Mamaw was smiling down on us. Even though this was one of the hardest holiday seasons I have ever been through, it made me so grateful for my family! We have stuck by each other and I don't know what I would do without them. They give me strength and lots of laughter when I think it's not possible. Christmas Eve was very different without a certain laugh and smile, but I know she was glad that we were together. Here are some pictures for you to enjoy. I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Years.

Katie and Ben on her birthday.

We especially missed this family on Christmas, but loved seeing pictures and talking to them. We love you!

Sweet Kam

Precious Karissa

Adorable Evan

I know that this year has been one of the most difficult years I have had in a long time, but I know I made it because of my faith and family. My Mamaw always said, "Leigh, God does not give us anymore than we can handle." Well, we have handled it and I know that 2010 is going to be amazing and hopefully this year I can add proud parent to my list of accomplishments. Thank you for all of your support and comments, they mean the world to me.

A WV Thanksgiving and Wedding

2009-12-01T06:25:00.000-08:00

Our Thanksgiving was spent in West Virginia, and we had a wonderful time! It was great to see everyone and just relax with family. Rusty came with us and loved every minute. There were 3 dogs for him to play with and he was exhausted every night. While we were there, Matt's cousin got married and it was a beautiful wedding! Here are some pictures from our trip.

All the dogs waiting for a treat!

Matt and his grandparents

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! Now, I have to decorate for Christmas...where has this year gone!!?!

Delicious

2009-11-17T14:53:00.000-08:00

I recently discovered the most amazing snack! I know it has been around for a while, but I just got them from the store the other day. I am going to have to hide the box so that I don't eat all of them!! They. are. A-MAZING. Just thought I would share. :)

What we've been up to...

2009-11-16T08:17:00.000-08:00

Well, Matt and I have been busy the past couple of weeks. So, to take a break one Sunday we went to Oak Mountain State Park with Rusty. We all 3 had a great time and it was wonderful to just relax and enjoy each others company. Matt has been doing Cowboy Action Shooting for about a year now and is doing great! He went this past weekend and got first place in his group. He loves to shoot and dressing up as a cowboy. I am so glad that he has something to help him relieve some stress. I recently got back from Florida taking care of Matt's grandmother. She had to have a pace maker put in and my MIL was sick, so I went and took care of her. It was an interesting week that's for sure!! Oh the stories I could tell, but I guess I will be nice and keep them to myself. :) She is a sweet lady who I promise looks just like the old lady from the Wedding Singer! I was glad I was able to go and take care of her and it was nice to visit sunny Florida.
This past weekend my mom, Aunt Debbie, Katie and myself stayed at Ross Bridge here in Birmingham. We had a great time and it was so nice to spend the weekend with them. We went shopping and finally got my mom some sassy jeans! She is going to be looking good!!
Matt and I are heading to West Virginia for Thanksgiving and also to go to his cousin Leigh Ann's wedding. We are excited about the trip and seeing the family. Well, I hope everyone has a great week! War Eagle!!

Matt with our sweet nieces

Matt and Rusty at Oak Mountain

Rusty slept for days after this trip!

Maverick Matt and his first place finish!

Mamaw

2009-10-16T12:24:00.000-07:00

At the end of April, my family received some devastating news. My grandmother, Mamaw, found out she had a brain tumor. They were unable to remove the tumor, but she completed 6 weeks of chemo and radiation all at the age of 82. Her strength and faith amazed everyday!! Sadly, last Friday my Mamaw lost her battle with this disease. This has been one of the hardest weeks of my life.
I had the wonderful privilege of being with my grandmother the last two and a half weeks of her life. I was also able to hear my Mamaw take her last breath on Earth, and it was amazing. I know that my Mamaw is walking streets of gold with my Papaw, Whiteheaded Mamaw, and Aunt Cindy. She has been waiting her whole life for this moment. I am crying now for me, not for my grandmother. I have no doubt that she is in a fabulous place, and she wouldn't want to leave no matter how much we begged her to come back. I am so grateful for these past 2 1/2 weeks with my Mamaw, I learned what a Godly woman looks and acts like. I can only hope that one day I am as strong a person as my Mamaw was.
I grew up living just 3 doors down from my grandparents. I have so many wonderful memories from her house on Richard Avenue. We always sat on her patio enjoying desserts and a Coke. I would always complain to my Mamaw about my Mom and she would say, "Be nice to her honey, she's got alot on her plate." Even as I got older and moved away from Mobile, I still called her to complain about something. She was always so positive and telling me "The Lord doesn't give us anymore than we can handle." I called her to talk about my struggle with infertility and she would always tell me to be patient, that God has a plan. I am going to miss these conversations so much, and I honestly don't know what I am going to do without her. Towards the end of my Mamaw's illness, she was unable to walk and had to rely on her children and grandchildren to help her. She was a strong woman and hated having to rely on anyone. Several nights ago I had a dream and my Mamaw was walking and we were all cheering her on. As I looked closer at my Mamaw, she was carrying a baby. I know that my Mamaw went to Heaven to help pick out the perfect child for Matt and me.
My family loves listening to songs that remind us of my Mamaw. I have put some videos that are my Mamaw to a T. (Don't forget to pause my music at the bottom of the page.) I love you Mamaw and miss you so much everyday!

Abby :)

2009-08-28T16:09:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow my wonderful friend, Abby, is going to come and stay with me!! Abby and I roomed together at Camp War Eagle in 1997 and then we were in the Auburn Band together. Abby was a bridesmaid in our wedding and we love her dearly!! She is a great friend and I know I can always count on her. I have not seen her since our wedding, so I know we will have a great time. She always makes me laugh and I can't wait for her to get here tomorrow. War Eagle!! :)

Update

2009-08-17T15:52:00.000-07:00

It's been forever since I blogged because all the blogs I read are of happy things and well not too much happiness has happened for us lately. We tried another IUI in April to find it did not work. Two days later we found out that my grandmother has a terminal brain tumor. My grandmother is so very special to me. We grew up living 3 doors down from my grandparents and it was wonderful. I have so many great memories of her and my Pawpaw. I was so mad when I found out because I want to be able to tell her that she is going to be a great grandmother again, but I can't right now. She amazed me after her surgery and her 6 weeks of radiation and chemo. I hope that one day I can be as strong as my grandmother. So, after we found out about my grandmother we decided to take a break from the baby stuff for a while. It has been nice because I don't feel like I have to look at a calendar all the time. As if things couldn't get worse, at the end of the school year I was told that my contract would not be renewed with my school. I was two days away from being tenured. I still have not found a job and last week was horrible for me. School started last week and it was the first time in 8 years that I was not teaching. I love teaching and know that it is what I am supposed to do. I have put everything in God's hands and I know it will all work out in the end.

On a lighter note, we have had an ok summer. In June we went to West Virginia for Matt's cousins wedding and had a nice time. Here are some pictures from our summer. Sorry for such a depressing post, but just needed to vent. I am so blessed to have Matt as my husband! He is wonderful and I know that without him I could not get through any of this.

What a week!

2009-03-07T16:57:00.000-08:00

Sunday started off great, we got 3-4 inches of snow in Alabama!! Matt, Rusty and I had a great time playing in the snow.

Later in the week, Matt had to have some tests run because he has been really sick lately. The doctor discovered that Matt's gall bladder is "diseased" as is not working at all. He will be having it taken out this week and we are so glad. We are just so glad to know what has been causing him to be so sick and lose so much weight.

Today, my birthday, we discovered that once again we are not pregnant. Matt and I decided to start trying to have kids the moment we got married. Well, it has been a challenge to say the least. We had our first IUI (Intrauterine insemination) done last month and we just knew that we would be welcoming our first child in November. However, the Lord has other plans for us. I will soon have surgery for the doctors to check and see what exactly is wrong with my body. This has been a daily struggle, but I do have to say that it has brought Matt and I so much closer. I feel like every month I let him down and disappoint him, although he assures me that I don't. I can't ask Why?? because I know that our prayers for a child will be answered. Right now, we just ask that you pray for us and that we continue to put this in God's hands.

Sorry for such a Debbie Downer post, I just really needed to vent and this is the only way I knew to do that. I have though had a great 31st birthday!! It is crazy to think that I am 31, but so nice to be able to spend it with such a wonderful and devoted husband. I am so blessed.

Baby Evan

2009-01-22T14:48:00.000-08:00

My brother, Sheldon, and his wife, Kristin, had their beautiful boy, Evan, on Sunday. He is doing great and we are so glad he is here. Here are some pictures of him for you to enjoy.

Perfection

2009-01-17T09:08:00.000-08:00

Since we got our Wii for Christmas, we have played it nonstop!! Matt loves this new toy and I am quite certain if his test in a few weeks was Wii bowling, he would do great. So the other night Matt decided to play a quick game of bowling before bed and it turned out to be a perfect game. He threw 11 strikes in bowling and scored a 299. He was so excited and was all about taking a picture of it. We have now rented Mario Kart and are loving it...what did we do before the Wii??

A Year

2009-01-11T16:20:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe it has been a year since we got married! This has been one of the best years of my life. I could not ask for a better husband and friend. He is there for me anytime I need him, and is always there to make me smile. I am so blessed that we found each other and I can't wait to celebrate many more anniversaries with him. I love you Matt!!

These pictures were taken by our wonderful photographer, Melinda Mercer.

Christmas Vacation

2009-01-04T13:52:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas and New Years! My mom and sisters got us a Wii for Christmas and we love it!! It has even managed to get Katie over to our house a lot more!! :) Matt has a huge HR exam in a couple of weeks, and he is worried he will fail it due to perfecting his Wii-ness.

My mom and sisters and I went to Texas to see Sheldon and his family. It was great to see everyone, but the drive was awful!! I know we have said this before, but we WILL NOT make that drive again. The girls are getting so big and it makes me sad to think about all we are missing out on. Hopefully we will see them soon once Baby Evan arrives.

I returned home to a new bedroom. Matt had a waterbed before we got married....that's right, a waterbed. Like my cousin Jordan said, "Do you hop in a time machine before you go to bed each night?" I hated the bed, and made it quite clear to Matt. Well, he took the hints and he got rid of it!! :) My father in law and Matt took off the hideous wallpaper, painted our room, and put in my old bed. I was so impressed becasue he had been VERY sick while we were in Texas, but he still managed to do this and work on our kitchen countertops. I am so lucky to have him as my husband.

So, needless to say I am not looking forward to going back to the world of 6th graders, but duty calls. Here are some pictures for you to enjoy.

Sheldon and Kamryn

Kamryn and Karissa....gotta love the pull-up.

Karissa with her aunts.

Kamryn and Bacon

I believe in Auburn and love it!!

2008-11-30T18:21:00.000-08:00

I know that this has not been the greatest Auburn football season, but I am still so proud to be an Auburn alumni. My five years at Auburn were some of the best years of my life! Those years helped me to become the person that I am today. I would not trade my time at Auburn for anything. WAR EAGLE!!

THE AUBURN CREED

I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn.

Therefore, I believe in work, hard work.

I believe in education, which gives me the knowledge to work wisely and trains my mind and my hands to work skillfully.

I believe in honesty and truthfulness, without which I cannot win the respect and confidence of my fellow men.

I believe in a sound mind, in a sound body and a spirit that is not afraid, and in clean sports that develop these qualities.

I believe in obedience to law because it protects the rights of all.

I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all.

I believe in my Country, because it is a land of freedom and because it is my own home, and that I can best serve that country by "doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God." And because Auburn men and women believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love it. -George Petrie (1945)

Thanksgiving Break

2008-11-23T15:02:00.000-08:00

I took a break from the blogging world, and decided to get back in it. :) Well, the remodeling is right where we were in March...nowhere! Well, Matt has put new floors in the kitchen and has started on the granite countertops. It is just taking so long!! I am not a patient person. Oh well, maybe one day it will all be finished.

We get a week off from school, and I am so glad!! Matt, Rusty,and I are heading to Ravenswood, WV to spend Thanksgiving with some of his family. I am excited to see his family, and possibly snow!! It will be a long drive (10 hours), but it will be nice to spend time with Matt. I will have lots of pictures to post when we return. Happy Thanksgiving!

Spring Break!

2008-03-18T10:08:00.000-07:00

Spring Break is finally here!! We are trying to get around to remodeling the house now that it is ours. We are going to work on our bathroom first and then move from there. We will see if this happens since Matt is oh the planner and takes forever with stuff, but that's why I love him! Rusty has been very calm lately, so calm we are letting him stay out during the day when we are at work. So far so good, no doors have been chewed up....yet.