Splish/ Splash...da boys don't want no bath...

So it is the final day in May 2009. It is already a sunny, steamy 92 degree day in ole Memphis. So what is a family to do??? Well, if you're members of Germantown Athletic Club, you take the fam to their pool & waterpark. Big koodos to mommy for the idea. I'm so thankful I never tried this without the help of Derek. No way I could have ever survived. I would have ended up like Goldie Hawn in ' Overboard ' when she was with the chainsaw & saying " babababababa " ( Anyone remember that one?)So we get there, probably looking like we were staying for a week & it seemed everyone in Germantown had the same brite'(play on words) idea. Nonetheless, the soothing water was just what the Orman family needed. Barrett was a little hesitant, but later warmed up to the fact that he would not drown in 4" of water. Gus was our social butterfly & wanted to hug every baby in his sight. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves & after one hour of fun n the sun it was time to say ' goodbye '. We loaded up with what we came with & headed home. I then went back to the club to do a quick walk before they close at 6p. We did what we had hoped to do & that was to bring a smilr to our boys' faces. More to come...as long as I have some sort of reinforcement.

" You Hold My Heart "

My hubby, Derek , is one of the most patient & self-less men one could ever have the pleasure to know. He'll be the first to admit any wrong or fault & the last to be cared for. After a long day that he has had, he will offer to rub my feet without any expectation upon my part...wink ( wives know what I mean? )He may not have the keenest sense of direction, but humble enough to stop & ask for ones' assistance. He is one of the most hands on dad I could know. For four years now, he has sacrificed his Saturdays to be a full time dad while I work a twelve-hour shift. He has been both mom & dad on Monday & Wednesday evenings as I have, again , worked a twelve hour shift. He then gets the boys ready in the wee hours of the morning for daycare on Tuesday & Thursdays. Can I say " Super Dad "??? In my eyes he is. It takes an extremely patient man to live with me. My ups,my downs,my worries, my moods in general & when it is all said & done, he is my constant encourager to be better. He walks closely with Jesus & that rocks! If any of you read this today or tomorrow,please lift Derek up. He will be meeting a cardiologist Tuesday for some "issues" we need identified. He had a physical last month & his LDL ( I call it the lowsey cholesterol number )was 511. Normal is 150. He has been diligent in watching his food intake & has lost 23lbs. to date. Way to go Daddy! We realize we are not as young as we thought, but come on!!! There is also the ratio of Derek being adopted & the unknown history of his biological parents rests in our minds as well. I'll keep you posted as information arises. Thanks everyone! Take " HEART " in knowing you are appreciated!!! ( A little play on words )

Fun in the Sun

I wish I had this exciting life & one that people just couldn't wait to read our "blog" daily ( or every two days it seems ). But, we are just your average family that just goes to Kroger, Walmart & our church . Friday we began the day at Germantown Athletic Club & then did a short trip to Walmart & then played outside for what seemed an eternity. Derek came home from work & had dinner with us & then off to be a DJ for the night. He so enjoys himself when in that role. I get such a kick out of the joy it brings him when he is " Allowed " to go to a gig. As if I could ever tell him " No,you can't go do what you love or bring in extra mula while doing so". Paleeez, I now there are some wives out there who need that control over their hubbies, however, I am not one of those wifey-poos. I am so thankful Derek has found his niche & he is the most awesome at it. We love you daddy & are very proud of you & what you do!

Fire + No Sleep = Good Times

Okay, so I made you take a look. I just reeled you on in. No it wasn't what you might have thught ...unless, were you thinking of a birthday party at the Fire Museum of Memphis? I worked overnight on Wednesday, then came home, ran some errands & then picked Mr.B up from school to get ready for J's 5th birthday party at the museum. Barrett was so excited about the party, as he just enjoys playing with "J". I was starting to feel a bit fatigued by 3p, but the fun Barrett was having perked me up. I hated to leave early to pick Gus up at school, but NOT as much as Barrett hated to be the one leaving way too early. Boy, that incident would have made for great pictures...NOT! I would love to go back for another party.It was very kid-friendly & parent-friendly, as well as, helping us to gain a better understanding of our Memphis firemen heritage. Koodos to Lisa for all her efforts to a great party.

For all who Paid,,,We give " Thanks "

We hope everyone had a very blessed & restful Memorial Day. We had a bit of family day at the Pink Palace Museum just before I had to go to work for the night. Our Gus is such a ' bull in a china shop '. Thank goodness we did not go to Pottery Barn; you break it, you buy it. He is such a free-spirited child. My mom tells me it is "payback". I blame it on Derek's side-ha. I really can't, since they are such mild-mannered peeps. Barrett definitely feeds off of Derek's temperament. These guys really keep me on my toes.

Come Sail Away with Me...

So the long wait is over...the " New " older door is ready for its reveal. Tada! The Nautical Blue seems to have won the votes. With my creative juices still flowing I decided to do the transformation on Friday.Gus decided to be my little painting apprentice. Didn't last long at all. But, he added for some great entertainment & cute pictures I may add. I may add a brass plate at the bottom, but not too sure just yet. Stay tuned. I love how we are the only, or of the few , to have a different color door. Although, it was a little funny when I was painting, I had our Hispanic neighbor across the street tell me how he loved it & if we were going to paint the brick as well. He really liked the color we gave the house. I smiled as I thought of the movie ' Fools Rush In ' when Matthew Perry came home to his cookie-cutter neighborhood & his home was changed with the vibrant new colors. We will not go that drastic & believe brick should NOT be painted. Isn't that the purpose of having brick? Anywho, I wish I had rested a bit more to prepare me for the hellacious weekend I had at work. Non-stop. I felt, at times, I need to cath myself because of time restraints. Ha. But, many of you know, we mommies can't relax too much. Instead of doing just that on Sunday after church, I took Barrett to see Night at the Museum:Battle of the Smithsonian. I laugh at how I try to carry my camera everywhere for my " blogging " moments, such as these. I laugh, because I tried to get Barrett's picture in front of the theatre.The sun was soooo bright he couldn't see, so I offered my sunglasses. My Nicole Richie, Ashley Olsen big glasses. Ha. We had a great mommy-son time. He's such a sweet & very entertaining child. His little catchphrases are hilarious. The boys keep me smilin' & always on my toes.

One Creative Juice please!

I have come to the conclusion that sleep is highly over-rated. After working my twelve-hour shift this morning I was completely wiped out. I laid down on our bed & I couldn't rest. I was too excited to begin our master bath's face-lift. Excited I tell you! I began taping off everything & clearing it to the bare bones. I think it had been since 2002 when we first had it painted & decorated that it had looked this empty. It seems so long ago when the ' Palm Tree ' theme was the theme. Seven years later, I think the ' Palm Tree ' has died.I wanted a fresh, simple yet elegant look to get ready to. Something that was ' grown-up '. I did my first wall & a huge wave of accomplishment came over me. I was so proud of myself for doing such a meticulous job at painting. I often feel as though I start out fine & caring where the brush is going, but towards the end I get so ready to finish & become lazy. Not this time. I was consistent in all efforts. Maybe that is why I began at around 8:30a & was finished at around 3:30p. I loved looking at my accomplishment. And the money we saved put an even bigger smile on my face. Derek had no clue as to the bathroom face-lift & I was so excited to share it with him. I truly think he thinks it's a winner. It should be a winner on costs alone! I purchased the paint & window treatment at Lowes & the accesories & signage & such at my fav...Hobby Lobby all for...drum roll paleez....$83!!! How do ya like them apples? Anywho the first few pictures are of the after & there is one little palm tree of before. It's your turn to jusdge now!