so much for consistency!

I realize that I started off with grand hopes of blogging with some consistency and sharing thoughts, successes and challenges that cross my family's path. It just didn't happen. Why? Well, life happens and priorities shifted. I get distracted easily, come to find out and though I have/had great intentions, the IDEA of regular blogging just did not gel with the ACTION of blogging.

So, here I am. Attempting once again, to make some notes, share some thoughts and expose my world to yours.

Last posting was March 2013!  We haven't really done a lot to the house since moving in.  Fresh coat of paint in most of the rooms is about it. I've pinned a million ideas and would like to renovate the kitchen eventually, but managing our two boys and all that happens with them, has dominated my efforts. Here's a couple of photos to share. The Great Room and the color of my office - which I LOVE...

I also lost a very dear friend in November 2013 to an undetected enlarged heart. Which in many ways, is so fitting because she was one to give so much to the community, to her family and friends. I still can't believe she is gone and I feel robbed. I maintain a memorial page for her on Facebook: Remembering Ria, if you care to see it.  She was the mayor of misfits in Atlanta and abroad. Champion of underdogs and one hell of a chef.  She left an amazing wife and dear love and an entire community of best friends. RIP Ria Pell.  We miss you so very much.

Well, on that note, I'm sharing a photo of the two of us back in the late 90's. This is Ria and myself at a party I use to throw on Labor Day. Ria's on the left.  :)

I'll try to get back on here now and again, but realize, I can't make any promises.  :)

Family Life - viruses, illnesses and disorders OH MY!

Lordy what a couple of weekends.  Between Chris and myself having a stomach flu, Lindsey having strep and Troy having a cold, it's been nothing but tissues and Lysol for days.  I've done more laundering of sheets and towels in the last week than ever before - I've washed my hands more times than I can remember and wiped every touchable piece of furniture down with antibacterial something or another to the point that I think the varnish is fading.  AND it seems to be working. With all the sickness in the house, life has been on hold in pretty much all other aspects. I managed to get a few errands run this weekend and a few more boxes packed.

We put an offer on the house back in January so it has seem like an eternity before closing.  Now that it's March and the closing is just 13 days away, I feel like it is right around the corner and I'm worried that I won't get everything done.  Such a worry wart.  I know at the end of the day, I'll have this wrapped up, but right now - the tension is felt. My anxieties are pretty high and I realized that when momma is anxious, the house is anxious. Ugh...

Aaaand Lindsey has a reaction to the amoxicillin.  Two days down with a rash from head to toe. Poor guy. I won't share the ugly rash, but this is Lindsey.  We were at a Braves Game this summer when I snapped this shot. xo

As mentioned, I have two sons - one from the womb and one from the heart - is how I like to say it. They are six months apart. Our son, Lindsey, is our birth son and his slightly older brother, Troy, is actually my first cousin by blood and we adopted him at age 5.  Troy and Lindsey are amazing kids. They are both unique kids with exceptional qualities.  They each have some challenges that can be very trying and some days I just don't know if I can do it, but I do and I really wouldn't want my life to be any different (the having them as my children, that is!) Lindsey was diagnosed at age 6 with Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Troy was diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder at age 5. You can learn more about ODD here.  And you can learn more about FASD here.

Regardless, they are 110% sweet boys and I love them with all my heart.  Here's another shot from a Braves game excursion (Yes, we are a Baseball family!) worth sharing. They had just come off the field from running the bases.  :)

Family means everything to me.  It's my job, it's my hobby, it's my purpose in life. Before meeting Chris, I didn't realize that empty hole feeling would ever be filled, let alone become so overflowing. I am so very grateful for these boys. Love.

Allow Me to Introduce Myself.

Hello. My name is Marniebella.  

I'm a former marketing exec type turned stay at home Momma. I am also a  part-time Etsy/Ebay vendor, thrifting and estate sale dweller, Pinterest addict, crafty bitch, and wifey to an extraordinary husband named, Chris.  I have two boys that have exceptional abilities across the spectrum and a husband that has miles of patience. We are just getting back on our feet from a series of financial and family blows, but determined to make a new start of things and give our children the best childhood we can help create. All this, without pulling my hair or teeth out.