Happy Birthday Johnny!!

I know he is no longer here to celebrate his birthday, but I am here to remember him on this special day. Johnny s my brother who passed away 18 years ago and was buried on his 19th birthday. He now rests in the Crestview Memorial Gardens with my mom. I really miss them very much especially this time of year. I wanted to remember his birthday and him by doing this post for him. He was a special big brother in many ways. This would have been his 37th birthday. He was special, because he was MY brother and also since he had a mental problem which kept him from the normal things most big brothers would have been doing. I was very protective of him. I can remember two times when I took up for him, that sounds strange from a little sister. Those of you who have siblings know what I mean by strange. Since usually it is the older sibling taking up for the younger. Well my mom always taught him he could not hit girls, and he never did I did it for him. Well there was one time when we were young and a girl was being mean to him and hitting him. She was a bully and thought she could get away with it, until I hauled off a waylayed her right on her butt. She ran screaming to her mom, my aunt and my mom. What she didn't know was that they were watching the whole thing and told her she deserved every bit if what she got. She never messedwith him or me ever again. And another time in Mississippi, where we grew up. We were on the school bus, the school was mostly black, maybe 5-10 white kids in the entire school. Well he driver was highly racist toward whites. Anytime two black kids got in a fight on her bus she never said a word, but if two whites or one of each got into a fight she took them straight to the principal. Well, there was this black girl picking on and hitting my brother and I told her to leave him alone. She ignored me, so then again I had to lay into another girl for my brother. Me and the girl both were taken to the principal and got a paddling, yes they had the big thick board. It really hurt, but if she had picked on him again I would have done the exact same thing again. I would take up for him to this day. I really miss him, but I know he is in a much better place. Remeber don't take your family for granted, you never know how long you will have them with you.
Happy birthday, Johnny I love and miss you very much.

Happy New Year to all of you!! I love you guys as well.

18 Years Ago Early This Morning.....

It was 18 years ago this morning when my life changed forever. Around 1AM my home caught on fire and was a total loss. I also lost my mom and brother in the fire. They were not as lucky as I to be able to get out. I had a few bruises and singed hair, but other than that unharmed, except for emotionally. I was a 16 year old girl who lived with her mom and brother in another state with no other blood relatives around. Of course I ad those who I concidered family and they were great. I called my grandmother around 1:30-2AM to tell her what happened and she came after me. I had to leave my home and friends for a new home and new people. It was really tough, but it has turned out to be great. I would never had met my wonderful husband or had my two wonderful children with him. I also would never had become a member of the church, that I am pretty sure about since I didn't go to church where I lived. I also would never had met any of my wonderful friends here. I just wanted to see if you would say a prayer for my grandmother, Betty Pierce, today. She has a really hard time on this day ever year, she can't sleep well that night or feel at ease. She says it is because it was the ringing phone to tell her the news and she hears the phone ring, when it is not ringing, at the same time I called on this night every year and it bothers her for most of the day. Please keep her in you prayers today. She says t is harder since it was her oldest child and oldest grandchild.
Thank you all for being such great friends. I love you all.

Christmas

Well, Christmas is now over for this year. We have had a wonderful season. We have really enjoyed all the get togethers with family and friends. Barry has been off work since the 19th and he doesn't go back until January 5, 2009, the same day Mary E goes back to school. We are enjoying this family time as well.
As for Christmas day, we had a great day. Mary E was sooooo excited when she opened all of her loot. She was most excited over the Ninetendo DS that Santa brought her. She kept saying, at the top of her lungs with dancing,"I got a Ninetendo DS, I got a Ninetendo DS!!!!!" She could not figure out how Santa knew she wanted one since she didn't ask for one. I asked her how he knew to bring one when she didn't ask for one and she said, with much feeling, " I don't know!" I thought it was really cute. Christopher was excited over her DS as well, but he isn't allowed to play it since he is still too rough with his things. I told him if he can prove over the next year he can take care of the Leapster that he got from Santa and not drop and mess it up for the 4th time, that maybe Santa will bring him a DS next year. That made him happy and he said I will take care of it. He got alot of Wall-E things which he was really excited over. They got all they wanted plus a little more. My children are not spoiled in that since, they only asked for a couple of items, unlike most children asking for many things. Mine didn't even ask for expensive things. I am very proud and love them very much.
The grandparents came over to give them their gifts. Then us and Pop went to Waffle House to eat breakfast. Then ack home to get ready to go to my grandmothers for our 2PM lunch with that part of the family. It was great as well. Mary E was excited again because Mother gave her a Baby Alive doll that she asked for as well. Christopher got the Wall-E movie he wanted from Aunt Nee-Nee(Nelie). We had a great and wonderful day.
I hope each and everyone of you got what you wanted and had as great a day as we did.
Happy New Year.

Puppies, Puppies, and more Puppies!!!!!

Well we thought for the past month or so that our Bassett, Maggie, was pregnant. We got confirmation Saturday morning when we woke up. She had 10 puppies sometime late Friday night or early Saturday morning. So I guess we are now recipients of 10 new puppies, except 1 did not make it so now there are only 9. But don't mention 10 to the kids, they only think there were 9, only Barry and I know the 10th one didn't make it. They are soooo cute. There are 4 black and 5 dark brown with a little black on them. So if anyone knows anyone looking for a free puppie in about 6 weeks let us know. When they are weined we will be giving them away to good homes. There is no way we can or want to keep 9 more dogs. We already have 2 dogd and a cat. That is enough. I will post pics of them when I take them.

Christmas Parties begin!!!

Yesterday, Mary had her Christmas party at school. Bad mommy forgot her camera, so there aren't any pictures. She got several small novelty toys and some candy, which she gave most of the candy away since she does not eat it. She kept one piece a york peppermint patty. They had a bunch of snack stuff to eat and she didn't eat much. She received a book for her gift. They give books as there gifts at her school. She was excited about that. She had a great time. They had a Choir concert as well. All the children and young people did very well. SHe said she enjoyed it. Christopher did very well at the concert since it was almost an hour long.

Today Christopher had his Christmas party at his school. Mommy did not forget the camera this time. He had lots of fun. There was one of the 4k boys dressed up as a small santa. He was sooooo cute. Christopher got a car track that flips into different things, which he loved. He also go candy, a teddy bear, a dry erase Cars board, a book with cd 12 Days of Christmas and some other small stuff. Overall I think they loved their parties and had a great time.

Tonight we go Carolling with the Church to deliver the fruit baskets we made last night after services. Hope all can come.

Merry Christmas

Just wanted to send everyone a message for Christmas. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. May all be blessed and happy and have a wonderful time with your families.

OH Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree!!!!!!

Wow, is it already time for the Christmas Holiday Season! It has come so fast. Well we finally got our tree up and decorated tonight. The children were so excited and have been asking us all week when we were going to do it. I would tell them a day and that day would come and we were not able to do it. Thursday, because the dreaded virus hit the family. I was sick first when I woke up Thursday morning and then Barry called from work to see if I could come get him. He had been throwing up all morning and the other too. They from work took him to the doctor. When he got there they got him settled as best as they could and decided he need to go to the ER. He was bad dehidrated. So they call me to come get him to take him to the ER. So here I go, sick and not feeling well, but you do what you have to for you hubby. I take him to Brookwood and get there around 1:20 or so PM and we stay until about 5:10PM. They gave him an IV of fluid and phenergan and tordol. When they release us they said he had gastroenteritis and dehydration. Mary gets sick at bed time and doesnt' go to school Friday, neither does Barry go to work. But we finally get totally better by Saturday morning. So tonight after the game we decorate the tree. The children had a ball doing it. Some of it has bare spots since I let them put ornaments on it and I won't move them from where they placed them. I love Christmas time. It is a wonderful time of the year and I love it. I think the children will have a blast this year. They are at more exciting ages this year. I cannot wait. I get just as excited, so I guess I am a big kid at Christmas as well. I love to see the kids faces and excitment. I hope all have a wonderful season.
By the way the game was a good one.

Black Friday!!!

Wow, What a day! I got up at 3:20AM this morning to meet Lauren and Magan at Walmart for the big deals. I got to Walmart around 4AM and stood in line til 5AM to get the items I wanted for my wonderful children for Christmas. I got all the things I went for and much more. Lauren and I went to Walmart 4, yes 4, times this morning before 10AM. We met at Sumiton then went to Jasper Walmart. Then we went to eat at Chick-fil-A, I had to have my chicken minis. Then we went back to Jasper Walmart and then to the Jasper mall. I found Mary Elizabeth's Christmas dress for this year and a really cute jean jacket and matching jeans. She is going to look so adorable in the outfit. The dress is almost a royal blue, black and silvery plaid sleeveless with an Aline skirt and a black short sweater. She is going to look even more beautiful than she always looks. Then we walked around the mall. Then back to the Sumiton Walmart to round out our shopping. I got home around 11AM for a short break before heading out again. About 1:15 or so Barry, the children and I headed out again. We went to get the kids McDonald's and us Mexican for lunch then we headed across town. We went to Harbor Freight in Homewood for Barry to get a welder, my Christmas present to him. I went ahead and got it since the sale for it was off on Wednesday and it is not something I can get without him picking it out. Then we went to Toys'R us. From there to Sears and then to the Tiger Pride/Bama Fever store. We got all of our shopping done today for the kids and everyone else we buy for. I only have to finish the shopping that I do for Pop every year for the kids. He always gives me money to go buy something from him for them. Other than that I am done. YEAH!!!!!!
Hope everyone has a great weekend.

What are you thankful for?

I wanted to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving. I hope everyone has a great day with family and remembers what they are truely thankful for.
I am truely thankful most of all for Jesus who came and died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. I am thankful for the wonderful family I have. I have the most wonderful, loving husband anyone could ask for. I love Barry very much and always will. I am thankful for my two prescious children and the ability when they are older for them to become christians. I love Mary Elizabeth and Christopher very much. I am thankful for the great family that I have. I have wonderful family from before and after my birth as well as the ones who became my family when I married their son. I have great in-laws who treat me like I have been their daughter since birth. I am thankful for all of my spiritual family as well. They are all great. I am thankful for the friends that I have back home where I grew up. I am thankful for everyday the Lord has blessed us with. I am thankful for all of you who read this blog. May youall be blessed and have a wonderful day and holidy season.
Thank you all for being a part of my life. God bless you all.

M&M and Twilight

Well, Friday night we had our first M&M meeting at Crystal Harr's house. M&M stands for mentor and mentee. This is a new program started at church to help the teenage girls have some women who are not their moms to look up to and ask advice and whatnot. I think it went very well. The girls are all very sweet and reminds me when my friends and I were their ages. We were just as silly. I loved the time we spent together. We had a devotional on Eve and questions. I look forward to more of these little get togethers. Thank you Crystal for loaning you house and to Jennifer for coming up with the idea.
Then I had to leave early, since I was meeting Lauren and Magan to go to see Twilight. Yes, we are Edward fans. The movie was good, but not as good as the book. But are they ever as good as the book. I love to spend timw with these two great young women as well. I want to go see the movie again, just to see if I like it any better. Since the first time we were sitting 3 rows from the screen and had to lay down to half way see it. Next time back row.

Wow Has it been that long?

I didn't realize that it has been that long since my last blog entry. Sorry guys, busy times.
Well we went to Disney on Ice with Christopher's school. He loved it. He got one of those light swords. I took lots of pics. Then the very next day, me, grandmama and Lauren went and I took Mary E to Disney on Ice. Yes I had to go twice in 24 hours. At least it was a good one. She enjoyed it as well. She got a spinning Cinderella light thing.

On the 8th, Lauren and I went with Kelly Powell and her family to the Auburn-Tennessee/Martin game. It was alot of fun. Lauren had never been down to Auburn. So she had a good time. We won. We sat in the south endzone. I am glad Lauren was able to go with me to this, since Barry had to work and he is for that other team. We won't mention their name on my blog. Lauren is such a wonderful young woman and I am really glad we are able to be such great friends.

Then on the 14th I took Barry to see Reba and Kelly Clarkson. He has never been to a concert, ever. And Reba is his all time favorite. He calls her his woman. He told a guy at work that he was taking his wife to see his girlfriend. The guy thought he had lost his mind until he told him who his girlfriend was. It was great, but loud. We were right under the speakers and we also had some drunks behind us talking through Melissa Peterman doing her preshow stand up comedy routine.

Now we are getting ready for Christopher's Thanksgiving feast at Ryan's in Jasper tomorrow. And Mary had a field trip to the Planetarium.

I will post more later. Happy Thanksgiving.

Gilbert's Fall Party

We went to the Gilbert's Fall Party/Devo last night. We had a great time with the fellowship and the singing and devo. They had chili and hot dogs. The children dressed up and a couple of the adults. Mary was Laura Ingalls from Little House on the Prairie and Christopher was a green power ranger. They ran and played and played for several hours. Lauren was a pink pig. I told her she should have told me and me, her and Magan or someone else could have all dressed as pigs and we could have been the 3 Little Pigs. Brad came as a whoopie cushion he was so funny. We also went on a hayride, which the children really loved.

Thank you to the Gilbert's for this wonderful time of fellowship.

May all have a great week.

Trike-A-Thon

Well today Christopher's school had their annual trik-a-thon to benefit St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. They had a goal as a class of $1000 to be raised and Mrs. Linda said our class made their goal. Yeah. They children had a ball riding around the gym on their bikes, trikes and big wheels. They got to ride around for about 30 minutes. This was also a good way for them to get out a little energy. Maybe they weren't too reved up for class afterward since Christopher's class went at 9AM this morning. Christopher seemed to love it and have lots of fun.

This is also a picture of the candy scarecrow his class made in school a few days ago.

Pumpkin Patch and carving pumpkin

We yesterday we Christopher's school went to the Hayden Pumpkin Patch. He had a ball. He ran around chasing a friend from his class named Luke. Then we went on the hayride and picked out his pumpkin. When we got back to the front of the pumpkin patch we played on the inflatables for a while and then ate lunch. After lunch he rode a pony and then the little train. Then we left and went to visit Rebecca. She was doing ok. She still has a long road ahead.

Last night Barry and the kiddos carved the pumpkin. Christopher decided he wanted it to have square eyes and Mary wanted it to have a triangle nose and then they both wanted it to have a smile. They had a blast carving it.

Hope all have a great week.

Family Fun Day

Well yesterday we had our family fun day down at Tannehill. We got there late since Barry had to work until 12PM. We got there around 2PM. There were alot of people there from our church. We let the kids play at the playgrounds most of the day. Barry stayed there with Christopher, while Mary, Hailey and myself went for the long walk over to trade days. Hailey wanted to find her mommy, so we went looking. We caught up to them. We were at this booth where Lori was getting a hat and the man next door had stuffed animals for sale. Hailey went over there and he gave her a tiny beanie baby. He saw Mary and told her to come pick her out one of the small ones. So she picked out a purple beanie baby bear. Hailey decided to trade for a tiny bear. Then she put it down and got a big dog with a bell. He said it was ok. Then we left and she went back and put the dog back and got a big pig. So finally the girls ended up with Mary a purple bear and Hailey a pink pig. They loved them. Then we walked some more and then Mary, Hailey and I went back to the paviliion and the playground. When everyone started leaving around 6PM or so, Lori was getting ready to go to the Tannehill Opry to sing. Kim was going with her and Chee-vee and they asked me to tag along. So I sent the kiddos home with Barry and we went to the Opry. Lori did great. I enjoyed being with them very much. Then we went to Cracker Barrell and then home.

Thank you Chee-vee, Lori and Kim for inviting me to go with you. I have a great time. Love you guys.

Update on Rebecca

Yesterday, Rebecca had her surgery. She went in at 7AM. They said it would be about a 5-6 hour surgery. At 11:38 or so they came out and talked with the family. They said they could not get everything they went in to do, because some of it was lower than they expected and something about maybe affecting her breathing. They want to do treatments and hopefully shrink the knot on the left side of her neck. Then they will have to go back in in a few months or so to try to remove the cancer from that side. She has a long road ahead of her, but she has many many friends and family here for her and her children. Please keep her in you prayers. She needs as many as she can get. So please keep them coming. Thank you Jennifer and Lauren for the hugs last night. I was trying to keep from crying. It was very hard and they still came and are still coming at times today.

Also to Crystal and Erin thank you so much for the cards for Mary. You guys really made her day on Sunday. She was so excited and happy. Now she is over Saturday and hasn't mentioned anything about it again.

Mary Elizabeth's birthday party

I am a little heartbroken. My baby had a bad party for the most part. We ivited several children from church and a few from family and outside friends. Her party was scheduled for 2 PM today. At 2PM the only people here were us and Grandmama. Yes you read right no one else. About 2:10 PM my friends Tammy and her daughter Lamana drove up andthen soon after Pop drove up. And yes that was all that showed up. No one from my family at all and none of the other children showed at all. You could see the disappointment all over her face. Everytime the front door would open she would come running to see who it was and her face would sot of drop everytime it was one of us. We waited til about 3 and then cut the cake. Lamana, Christopher and Mary Elizabeth all played together all afternoon until about 7:15 when Lamana had to go home. When we put her to bed tonight she sadly asked "why did no one come?" Barry just told her that sometimes people can't make it. And she asked about a few people and we only had an answer for 3. The rest we have no idea. It broke my heart and as I type I am trying not to cry for her. I hope that her actual birthday is not this disappointing for her. We have never had this happen before. I hope it never does again and are really considering not having a party next year and just doing something special as a family. Barry and I don't want her to feel like she did today again, but I know she will over something in the future. I feel like I have let her down and it hurts. I have asked myself if I had invited more children maybe someone else would have shown up, but you cannot go back and change things. When it is your child that says things like that to you with that look, it hurts you. I am glad I have this as a way to get it out before she sees my disappointment. So maybe we can all forget about it and have a much better day tomorrow. If you see her please make her feel better and wish her a happy birthday or give her a card. She loves to get cards. That will make her feel better I'm sure. Just don't mention her party at all. Her birthday is Tuesday and I think we are going to do something special before we come to church for the meeting.

Hope all had a much better day than I. As for the day it was good other than the party. Have a great rest of the weekend.

Dora Fire Department

Yesterday the Dora fire department came to Christopher's school. They went to each of the 7 classes and went over fire safety with them. Then the classes came outside one class at a time to see the fire truck. Since they had a fire the night before, they didn't allow the children inside the fire truck like the have in past years. They took pictures with the firemen and the classes in front of the truck. I got several pics of Christopher's class. Of course I had to take lots of pics for his scrapbook. They seemed to like seeing the firemen and truck.

Last night we went over to see Randal and Belinda's new home. It is cute. I wouldn't mind having it myself, but it would have to have been built on our property, since we don't want a subdivision. I am excited for them to have their own place now and soon Caylee Grace.

After that I asked Belinda if she wanted to go out with the girls to eat since Randal left for work and she would be home all alone. She said yes. So we took Barry and the children back home and took off. We met Lauren and Magan at Wal-Mart, but there wasn't room for all four of us and Lindsay to ride together so we took 2 cars. We met Lauren, Magan and Lindsay and Erin and Crystal at Bento's in Fultondale. It was great. The food was wonderful and the fellowship was great. We seemed to have a great time. Then Belinda and I went to Wal-Mart. I neede to get something ti finish decorating Mary's birthday cake and Belinda needed to get a few things for her new home. Then I took her back to her house. She only lives about 3 1/2 to 4 miles from my house. I am excited to have her close, hopefully we can become closer friends.

Welcome to Corner Belinda, I know you are zoned Hayden. But you might as well say you live in Corner.

Then I went home and decorated Mary's cake. I was up til after midnight working on it. But I think it looks pretty good. Mary liked it when she saw it this morning. I will post more about the party this afternoon or tomorrow. See you all at church in the morning.

13 Years ago today!!!

13 years ago today I married my very best friend. It was one of the best decisions that I ever made. Also 13 years ago this past week Hurricane Opal hit the Panama City area. We were supposed to go to the beach for our honeymoon, but she caused us to have to change directions at the last minute. Our hotel we were to stay in was leveled and the only room that was untouched was the honeymoon suite. We were to stay in that suite. That was amazing to me. It was on the top floor of the hotel and after the hurricane it was on the bottom floor, but untouched. Is that not amazing. Well we had a wonderful wedding and we ended up going to Gatlinburg instead. It was great. We saw bears and dear and old school houses and buildings. Then we returned home to our mobile home in Westwood Mobile Home Park in Adamsville, where we lived for 2 1/2 years. Then we rented a house from Beth and Ralph Monasco for a month or two until we were able to move into the house on Sleepy Hollow Drive in Forestdale. We found out a little before we moved into the house that we were expecting our first child. We were so excited, but that only lasted for about 3 months. We found out when I was about 12 weeks the baby was not growing and I had a miscarriage, but the baby did not come out. They had to do a DNC and remove the baby. This was really difficult for us. Then about 6 months later we found out we were expecting our 2nd child. We then had a beautiful baby girl, Mary Elizabeth in October 1999. She weighed 7 lbs 14 oz and 21 1/2 inches long at 10:11 PM on her exact due date. Then we moved from Forestdale in 2002 to Corner. We then in 2003 had a beautiful baby boy, Christopher Lake in September 2003. He weighed 7 lbs 13 oz and was 21 inches long at 10:11 AM exactly a week late. We have been in Corner now for almost 7 years and plan to stay here for life. We have had our ups and downs, like all relationships, but we have worked through them and have gotten stronger and closer ever time. We have learned to get it out and move on, not to dwell on the bad. It has been a great marriage and I look forward to finding out how the next 100 years turn out for us. I love you Barry with all my heart and look forward to growing old with you. Thank you for the being a great husband and dad. I wouldn't trade you for anyone else.

To all of you who have just started out as a married couple or are in the beginning years, always remember to work out the differences and hold on to the good. The days get better and better with each passing year of a great marriage. I know we look up to those who have been married longer than us and try to follow their lead. Treat each other with respect and don't down them to your friends. They are your mate for life, treat them with that love and respect.

Now we are on to another busy week. Our anniversay today. I sub half a day today and sub all day tomorrow. Then Christopher goes back to school Thursday. The Fire Department is coming to let the children see the fire truck at DFBK Friday. I am making Mary's birthday cake on Friday. We are having her birthday party on Saturday. We get to go to church on Sunday and teach my class. Then Mary is out of school on Monday. Her 9th birthday is Tuesday. And our gospel meeting starts Sunday thru Wednesday. Then the next Saturday is our church family fun day at Tannehill. WHew what a busy two weeks.

Hope all have a wonderful week.

Birthday Celebration

Well Christopher told me yesterday when I picked him up from school that we needed to go out to eat. I asked him why? He said because it was my birthday. I said ok and asked him if he had any money to pay. He told me no. Iasked him who's going to pay? And he told me that I had to pay. I told him that wasn't fair. I shouldn't have to pay for my own birthday meal. I thought it was so cute and funny that I took him and paid anyways.

Last night me, Barry, Lauren, Magan and Rebecca went to the Comedy Club for my birthday. I won the tickets so all we had to pay for was our food. The food was really good. The comedian would have been 100% better if he had left off the bad language. The Comedy Club is out for us from now on unless they have a clean comedian there. We had a good time just being out with friends. Thank you guys for celebrating with me.

Girls Night Out

Well we had a girls night out last night. We had a great time eventhough 3 of my friends were not able to come. Me, Lauren and Magan got to go though. We went to see "Nights in Rodanthe" it was great. I guess I had enough crying on Friday, because I didn't cry during the movie eventhough there were some sad parts that Lauren and Magan cried for. We then went out to eat, breakfast for dinner. It was good as well. Maybe next time the other friends that couldn't go this time can go next time. If not that will be ok too.

Have a great week.

In need of sincere prayers

I am writing this with a very heavy heart. I got a call from a very dear, close friend, Rebecca Dawes,of mine yesturday and it was not good news. She told me that she had a pet scan and the results came back. They showed that her cancer has come back. She is really scared and upset, I amas well. Every time I think about her I start to cry. She is such a sweet person and her kids really need her. The doctor told her she will need another surgery, worse than the previous one, and also radiation. I am praying that all goes well and they get it all again and it doesn't come back this time. I hope we can get her back on track with positive thinking. She has to have a positive attitude to get through this. Please keep her in your prayers. I do know she will be very appreciative of the prayers.

Christopher's 5 year checkup and more

Well I took Christopher for his 5 year old check-up this past Tuesday. I didn't take him to school since I would just have to check him out early and drive all the way back to St. Vincent's for the appointment. W got ready and left early. I stopped by the Christian Book Store in Fultondale to get Mary Elizabeth a new Bible for her birthday which is in less than 3 weeks. I found her a cute purple princess NKJV Bible. It is a shiny purple. Purple is her favorite color and NKJV is what they are using in Bible bowl this year. She will love it. I aso stopped at the Hallmark store to get her 9 year old Grow Up Girl doll. After the Bible Book Store we went on to St. Vincent's.

Well Christopher wanted to wear his Wall-E shirt, so he did. The thing about that is his doctors name is Dr. Walley. Well we get there and he has to pee in a cup, and he does not want to. He gets a few drops for the sample. Then he has to be weighed and measured. He weighs 45 lbs and he is 3 1/2 feet tall. When Dr. Walley came in he saw his shirt and said that it was the perfect shirt for the visit and laughed. He checked him out and told me that by the growth chart that Christopher may end up being in the upper 5' to lower 6' range. He said he is above average in his height and 75% for weight. He said overall he is in great shape. I thought the height would be funny since I am barely 5'3" and Barry is 5' 6" or 5' 7". I hope Christopher does get that tall. Dr. Walley also said that it also depends on how puberty treats him as to how tall he will be. We will see since we have a little more time on that. He had t get 4 shots in his thighs and the flu vaccine up his nose. Then we went to Guthries since he said that sprite and chicken would make his legs feel better.

Today, I got a call from the Comedy Club saying that they did their birthday drawing and I won 12 free tickets for next Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday night. I guess getting older had another positive. I am not one of those who hates to get older. My thoughts are each year older just means I am here another year to love and spread God's Word and spend more time with family and friends. None of the ages have hit me wrong. I am glad to be getting older. As f next Thursday the 2nd I will be 34 and proud of it.

Hope all has a great week.

A quick note.

I was awakened at about 6:30 this morning with a call asking if I could work today. I said yes, called Grandmama to see if she could get Christopher from school. I then had to run around the house like the energizer bunny getting me and the kids ready by 7AM. It was a lot of moving and the kids wanted to poke around. But we got out the door by 7AM and got Christopher to school and the me and Mary to school. We made it and I was Ms. Dement again today.

Ed's Pet World

Today I dropped the children off at school, then I went across the street to Dora Park to go for my walk. It was a little chilly to start, but still felt really good. I love this weather, I just hope it sticks around for quite a while. I would not mind if it was this weather all year long. Well I walked a mile and then Kim showed up with Blake and walked with me for the next 3 miles. So I walked 4 miles, walked down and back up the hill once, and walked halfway down and ran back up the hill once. I would have done more of this with my walk, but they men were cutting the grass and trimming. And they were working on the hill. After the walk Kim and I sat on the swing in the park and talked while Blake slept in his stroller for a little while.

Then we both went back to DFBK to be with our kiddos to see the Ed's Pet World time. The guys who came was Mr. Sebastian, I think that was his name. He brought out a Teranchula, which Christopher would not touch. Can't say as I blame him. Then he brought out a Tortous, named Speedy,CHristopher also would not touch. Then it was a snake, Which Christopher moved into my lap for. I really don't blame him for that. It was a little too close for comfort. Then he brought out a bird, Christopher did pet it. Then he ran into the bathroom to wash his hands. The last animal he brought out was an aligator. Christopher actually stood up and held it. He also almost dropped it, but the man grabbed it first.

I had a great walk and the children enjoyed Ed's Pet World.

I hope everyone has a great week and we will see you tomorrow night. On Friday night the speech an song leading girls are going to Crystal's for their first get together. Then on Saturday I have my weigh in and then we are off to Alabama Adventure. Barry's company gave them all 2 free combo tickets and a friend of his gave him two more. So it is a free trip, except for parking. Hope the weather is good.

Christopher is 5!!!!

Well Christopher's 5th birthday was this past Friday. I took cookies to his k4 class and of course took pictures. After school we went to walmart and he picked out his gift from Aunt Nelie, it was a little car crusher set with 5 cars. He loves it. We had pizza for his birthday dinner and he opened our presents. He got a spiderman computer, an. Auburn outfit, walkie talkies, spiderman plate cup and bowl set, and some other small things. He had a ball.

Saturday we had his party. He got several things from his other friends and family. Thank you everyone for coming and for his gifts. I made the cake and it was an ordeal. I started it Friday night. When I made the icing, it tasted really bad so I threw it away and sent Barry to walmart at 9 PM to get me more crisco and powdered sugar. We had a little miss communication and he brought back one pound of powdered sugar and I needed 2 pounds so I had to wait til Saturday morning to get the other sugar. So he went back to walmart early Saturday morning to get the powdered sugar. Then I made and decorated the cake. It was spiderman. So I drew a spiderweb and put spiderman on the web. Well the web was blue with red lines throught, but at first the red looked hot pink. On a boys cake. Not good. But by the time of the party the hot pink turned red and was fine. Everyone liked the cake. It was strawberry with the iciing homemade. Alot of work but well worth it.

At the party, while opening gifts, Christopher and Peyton were sitting together. The last gift he opened was a card from Pop. Pop put 2 $20 bills in it. Christopher has one in each hand and is talking to Peyton. He hands Peyton one and tells her "now you can go shopping". SHe takes the $20 and runs through the house. This was the cutest, funniest kid thing I have seen in awhile. Yes, she gave it back, eventhought he gave it to her, with her moms encouragement. Then they all went outside and played. They had a great time.

I hope all has a great week.

WOW what a week!!

I have an eventful week. It started out Sunday afternoon as being a hostess for a friends Baby Shower at church. Belinda really deserved the wonderful shower she received for Baby Caylee Grace Elise Chappell. She had a great turnout and some many gifts that we told her she may have to rent a storage building for all the nice things. As I said I was one of the hostesses and we gave her a pack and play and I also gave her a handmade blue camoflauge baby blanket that says "Future Hunter Caylee Grace" on it with a bib to match. She seemed to really love it. I hope she uses it when the weather changes after Caylee Grace gets here. I am so excited for her.

Then on Wednesday, I subed for the first time. I subed at Corner for Ms. Dement, the speech and language therapist. I enjoyed it when I had some children to work with. There was a couple of times that I had an hour or more to kill between children, but overall I enjoyed it and hope that I can do it for her again sometime. I also hope that I can sub for other teachers as well, soon I hope.

Today, Kim and I went for a wonderful walk after we dropped the children, except for Blake, off at school. We went across the street and they were getting ready to repave the track, so we had to go down the hill and walk on the flat, straight track. We walked for an hour and 20 minutes or so. I had a good time walking and talking with her. Thanks Kim for coming. I like to have someone to talk to while I am walking.

I also cannot beleive my baby boy will be 5 years old as of 10:11 AM tomorrow, September 12, 2008. I cannot beleive he is growing up so fast. I am taking some cookies to his school for their snack tomorrow to celebrate his birthday. Then I plan on getting Hailey and Kim and maybe Peyton to meet us at the park after school for a little birthday picnic and play time. I am going to get them a pizza and let them pig out and play. Then tomorrow night we will give him our gifts and take him out to eat, wherever he chooses, probably Chicken Donald's as my children call it. Mary has called it that since she could talk, because she only gets chicken there, so the name Chicken Donalds, sometimes she will now get a cheeseburger but mostly chicken. I don't know why the chicken nuggets are gross to me. Then on Saturday we will be having his party.

I guess I will update after the party.

A little about lately.

We have been really busy with school back in and me having to take one to Corner and the other all the way to Dora everyday. I have a few hours to myself before I have to pick Christopher up at 12 PM. I drop him off and go for my 3 or 4 or 5 mile walk sometimes with Leigh Ann buit mostl by myself since she works late at night and doesn't get home til early morning. Then I go run errands or home to clean or scrapbook. I have gotten a full year of Mary Elizabeth's book caught up, now I am only 1 year behind and then I will both of their scrapbooks caught up to present. Mary now has 5 or 6 books and Christopher has 4 or 5 books. Yes I take alot of pictures of the kids and they have alot of albums. If anyone is interested in coming to scrapbook with me sometime let me know.

Also I have taken on a new job as of last Friday. I am now a substitute teacher. Wish me luck. I am not sure when I will actually work for the first time. I guess whenever a teacher or the system calls me. I like the idea of the same hours as Mary and only having to work when I want to. I can actually tell them no I don't want to work today. Never been able to do that before.

I have also taken on the task of working with our Lads to Leaders Leaderettes program at church, teaching the k-5th graders a new program called "Junior Leaders". I am still trying to figure out when and how I am going to set a schedule for the children that are interested in doing this. I guess I will have a meeting soon with the parents and children who are interested and see what works for them as well as myself.

Hope all are well and have a wonderful week. Happy Labor Day!!!

First Day of K4 for Christopher

Christopher's first day of school was yesturday. He was so excited that he woke up at 3:30, yes AM. I made him go back to bed, but he flipped and flopped until time to get up. I was the proud mommy, I had to walk him in and take a bunch of pictures. He was so ready that he didn't neven care if I was there or not. He didn't even say bye or give me my kiss. I picked him up and took more pictures. He had a great day and even came out telling what letter he learned that day, which he already new. He already knows all his letters, by site, mixed up and in order and their sounds. He also colored a picture of his first day at school. He was excited this morning as well, but waited a few more hours before getting up this time. He didn't even want to leave when I picked him up, so I guess that says alot about his teacher.

Sunshine Girls

We recently took a group of our girls from church up to Childhaven, a place were children live who are orphans and unwed moms, to deliver them some school supplies. Our girls collected a lot of supplies for these children and they loved going to deliver them to them. I know they will come in handy. And our girls get a great feeling of helping others when they do things for others.

We also had our Sunshine Girls back to school party this past Saturday. It was at Christy Knights new home. She was so wonderful to open her home to all of these girls. We had a lot of girls and mothers show up for this. We had plenty of food and fun. Christy, with the help of the older Sunshine Girls like Anna, Lydia, Amber and Meagan, set up a scavenger hunt for the girls. They had to find I think 5 different school supply items and the first one to get all of the items won the prize. The winner was Taylor. The girls got to keep the items they found. The girls also had fun playing with bubbles, jump ropes, and other toys.

Thank you Christy. Your are a wonderful person. We love you very much.

First Day of 3rd Grade for Mary E (and myself again)

Hey guys. Sorry it took me so long to post her first day of 3rd grade. She was so excited. She was ready way before time to leave and wanting to leave early, I mean really early. She had a great day and she likes her teacher. She has had homework every night and she is getting redy for her first test tomorrow. It is in "Where I live...". This is Social Studies and she had to tell what planet, hemisphere, continent, country, regions, state, county, city, school, and room she lives in. She knows all of them, but she gets a few of them mixed up sometimes. I hope she doesn't get any mixed up on the test. She is excited everyday to go to school, I hope this keeps up and she loves school the whole way through. It sure will make it easier for me. She also has a Spelling test on Friday and a few of the words are long and confusing to spell for a 3rd grader, but I think she will do well on it.

Creation Museum

We had a great time. This was a great weekend to spend with fellow christians and family. We chartered 2 buses for about 90 of our church members to go to Florence, Kentucky last weekend to see the Creation Museum. We all had a great time. We had great fellowship with others from our church. The museum was fun and very interesting. They had lots of information and things to see. The kids loved it and never once asked when we wee leaving. They looked at everyhing and watched a few movies. They also did the treasure hunt. They each received a collectable trading card from the museum for completeing the hunt. The loved the petting zoo and the swinging bridges. For those who did not get to go, you missed alot of fun.

Home Sweet Home

We are home. We got home Friday night around 11:15 PM. I am so glad to be home. Eventhough we are leaving again Thursday to go with the church to the Creation Museum. I have gotten everything put up and the laundry done. Good. Here are some pictures of our trip.