Country Roads...

We made it to West Virginia...mountain momma...country roads take me home! And yes, the kids sang good ole John Denver the whole way here.

It was a great trip and the kids were champs...I mean really they did better with the 7 1/2 hour trip than we did. :) They were so excited to see Nana and Grandad.

The cabin we are staying in is very nice...it's new which is a plus and beautiful. But there is one slight issue with this place. The only heat source is a gas fireplace in the living room and base boards in the two bedrooms downstairs. Now let me put this in perspective...this house is a 4 bedroom house, two bath...has a loft upstairs...it's not a small little cottage. It's a big ole log cabin people! And this is WEST VIRGINIA...it's cold. Like the high is 27 degrees and there's snow on the ground...how in the world did they build this beautiful house without an adequate heat source is beyond me!

But...on the bright side of things...we are having a great time with James' parents. It's going to be a wonderful weekend and what can I say...we're making memories!

We hope all of ya'll have a very HAPPY NEW YEAR! I'm excited to see what 2009 brings.

Christmas 2008

It has been an interesting Christmas season...for the record...I'm pretty much over Santa. A few days before Christmas the kids received letters from the big guy himself straight from the North Pole. In Abby's letter it said Santa was bringing her a special gift. My daughter looked at me with eyes the size of quarters...and said (grinning from ear to ear)..."Mom, I think I know what Santa's bringing me..." Oh, really...what's that dear (thinking doll, pet shop, maybe a pink ds...) "Mom....he's bringing me a KEY TO THE NORTHPOLE...so I can go visit anytime I want..." Jumping up and down...she believed she was getting the key....my thoughts....ARE YOU KIDDING ME? SERIOUSLY...how in the world am I going to pull this off. I thought about at that minute sitting the children down and telling them the ugly truth...but with just a few days till Christmas I couldn't do it...luckily, Abby is still at the age that we can sway her thinking...so just like any good parents would-that's what we did.

Hayden had changed his mind and decided he wanted the new Sonic Unleashed game and that was the only gift he talked about. The problem was..we found out about this game only a couple of weeks ago...and we'd pretty much finished his shopping. We tried to tell him that he may not get it because it wasn't on his list...his response, "Mom...Santa will know" so what did we do...yep, on the Monday before Christmas we bought the last one at Target.

All in all though...it worked out perfectly and the kids were so excited about EVERY gift they got. They were so funny unwrapping gifts, even the clothes...it was hilarious. "Oh...this is the BEST gift..no, THIS is the best gift...oh, wait...I just LOOOOVVVEEE this."

My dad (Grandpa Jim) and his wife (Donna) celebrated Christmas with us. The kids were so excited to see their "Silly Grandpa Jim"...they think he's hilarious....pretty much because he's a big kid himself. :) We did have a great time with him...I have to mention this because my dad is extremely competitive and he can normally beat me at pretty much everything, until now...I "cleaned his clock" as he would say playing tennis on the wii...it was a very proud moment for me! :)
On Christmas Eve we went to our church's service and then home to open gifts from the family. (Side note...gotta brag about James for a second...he had a calendar made for me with pictures of the kids from when they were little(r)...it was so precious and yes I cried)...We also had a Birthday Cake for Jesus which has become our family tradition.

I usually make a Red Velvet Cake...but this year I cheated and bought a Publix Cake...(I LOVE PUBLIX) I think the kids actually liked it better.


Our other tradition...new pajamas for Christmas Eve...the first gift they open!

Looks like a tornado hit, huh? Nope just the kids opening gifts from all of our family...we really didn't need Santa to visit but the kids wouldn't hear anything about that.

Hayden with his favorite Sonic Unleashed game!

Abby with one of her many Santa gifts-the camera is one of her favorites...we've already had over 100 pictures taken of us...woohoo love those pictures...no key to the North Pole, though...and thankfully she didn't even say a word about it.
I'm going to make a plug here for Leapfrog Tag...which Santa brought to Abby (I just didn't get a picture of her opening it)...the tag is one of the coolest things I've seen. I'm hoping they come out with more books...but it's awesome. Abby plays with it for extended periods of time which is a big thing for her because she gets bored very easy.

Here's a video of Fluffy's Christmas gift...

And the fun is not over yet...we're heading out on Wednesday morning to go to West Virginia. We're renting a cabin and meeting James' parents there (aka Nana and Grandad)...it should be a lot of fun! We're so excited to just get a way and not have to do anything but play some 42...eat good food and hang out together.

We hope that you all had as wonderful of a Christmas as we did...and without being too "churchy"...we pray that the true meaning...the "God loves us so much that he sent his ONE and ONLY son" resonates as the center point of our family and of yours not just during this season but everyday. We love ya'll...friends and family, near and far, old and new...we are so blessed with the people God has placed in our lives...thank you for your love, support and friendship.

Chrstmas Version of 1 Corinthians 13

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchens, carol in the nursing homes, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the tree with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.


Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though harried and tired. Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens. Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can't. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.


Author unknown

12 years ago...

James sent me a cd from a group called 'Nouveaux'...we were just "getting to know eachother" long distance style (like 2,000 miles apart long distance)...and there was a song called "Maybe Tomorrow", well we dubbed it our song.

Isn't it funny how a song can bring back memories? I don't know what made me think of it but last night I googled it (I no longer have the cd). And it seems like just yesterday I can remember being in Texas driving my car blaring my stereo full blast...yes, I know...corny. I remember having all of my friends listen to the cd because this 'cute guy' from Washington sent it and I thought he was the "bomb" as we used to say in the late 90's. And then I remember sitting in his red truck and listening to it with him when I came up to Washington the summer of '97 as a summer missionary (it was all a cover, shhh don't tell anyone--I just wanted to find out if this thing with this cute guy was going to go anywhere)....I had no idea two months later I'd be engaged to the cute guy. It's funny how a song reminds you of those feelings...and who you were before kids...before marriage...responsibilities...work...before the day in and day out grind got in the way...it's funny how it reminds you of who you still are. That sometimes those things get pushed aside but there still there.

James Jackson...I'm probably going to embarress you (again)....but I still think you're one cute guy and I'm so glad you picked me....I'm so glad that my good friend Dori told you I thought you were cute (even though I thought I was going to DIE at the time)...I'm so glad you sent that first letter and the 40 or so after that (which I still have--boy, we were corny)...I'm so glad you picked up the phone and we ended up running bills that cost us $150 or more. (Which I had to pay all of mine, I still don't think you did)...I'm so glad Garry Benfield let me come to Washington as a summer missionary--even though I think my dad may have helped out in that area...and I'm so glad I told my dad I wasn't going home not to stay anyway. I'm so glad you put the ring in fridge on top of a root beer...and asked me to get you a drink...even though I was thinking "Get off your lazy rear and get it yourself"...but thankfully for once in my life I kept my mouth shut. I'm so glad you were on your knee when I turned around...and I am so glad you asked...I'm so glad you picked me. I know it's not our anniversary...there's no special occasion...but hearing "our song" again...reminded me of all these memories.

For the rest of you...I know this seems corny...I get it...but I did add "our song" to the playlist just in case your interested in hearing a little old school Nouveaux. Here's to memories...

Snow Day!!

It started snowing last night while I was driving home. School was cancelled, the kids were excited...I, on the other hand, not so excited...because unfortunately work doesn't close for snow days! But surprisingly the drive in went very well for me (some others were not so fortunate)...

What I thought was funny is that we live exactly 24.3 miles from LifeWay (where I work) and there was absolutely no snow on the ground downtown, although from where we live it was covered in white...here are some pictures from this morning...

Leaving LaVergne....

Even the dreadful I-24 looked pretty...(and hardly any cars on it...wonderful day for the interstate!!)

At work a whole 'nother story...see no snow! How crazy is that?! (except on my windshield of course)...

Olivia

Please check out The Common Bond....we have added a new family on there...Olivia Wells was born premature this past weekend.

For those of you that follow from the Tri-Cities...this is Matt and Anita Hall and Scott and Renea Well's grandaughter...and she is just precious.

Please check out TCB link on the side and pray for Miss Olivia.

Prayer Request

**Update as of 3 minutes ago...I just talked to James' Mom, Joni (aka Nana to the kids) and she said that the doctor's have released Aunt Debbie to go home! Wooohooo!!! Needless to say, we're super excited. They seem to think it was just a virus that was doing some crazy things to her, but we're just thanking God it wasn't something more serious. Aunt Deb, if you happen to read this...we're soooo thankful that everything turned out okay and we love you! And to the rest of you...thanks for saying a prayer for our family, we do appreciate the support.**


I thought about sending out an email but thought it would be easier to post this on the blog...

James' Aunt, Debbie, who I claim as well
(because she's wonderful...James' whole extended family are the salt of the earth kind of people--I'm blessed to be married into this family...but I'm chasing a rabbit so I'll get back on track now)
...was hospitalized due to some heart issues this past week. She has had numerous tests run without any conclusive results so they are now doing a little bit more of an exploratory procedure. Please pray for the doctor's guidance and wisdom as they perform this procedure. Please pray for her family as well...everyone is pretty much on edge (common sense, I know)...but it's a scary thing when it's your wife or your mom or your daughter in the hospital and the doctors can't pinpoint the reason this is happening. And of course pray for Aunt Debbie...this was not apart of the plans for the Christmas season...I mean we women have shopping to get done, and lists to complete...and it goes on and on...there's just no time to deal with health issues that may arise...but unfortunately things do not always play out like we say they should...so please pray that her health will be restored, that she will regain strength...and maybe even a little patience in dealing with this. Actually, don't pray for patience that is never a good idea...leave that part out. :)

Weekend Update

We had a great weekend...on Saturday night we went to our Christmas program at church called Imagine Christmas and it was wonderful. The kids loved it...Hayden laughed until he cried at one point when they were doing a "new" version of The 12 Days of Christmas. It was hysterical just watching him.

On Sunday night, James built our first fire of the season...and can I just say I love the smell of a wood-burning fireplace. I know gas is so much more convenient and at times I'd love to have a gas fire place for that reason, but there's nothing like the smell of burning wood it's great for the season. I made hot chocolate for the kids and they thought it was so cool to sit in front of the fireplace drinking cocoa.

Two funny quotes from the kids as they sat by the fire:

1.) "I'm a HOT CHOCOLATE DRINKING MACHINE, MANNNNN!" (Hayden)

2.) "Mom, is my back on fire?" (Abby) "No, Abby you're back is not on fire...if it was, you'd know it!"

It was then time for bed, but since football was on Hayden wanted to stay up and watch the game. (He's definitely his dad's son) The thing is Hayden loves watching football...but he always falls asleep within about 3 1/2 minutes from when he lays down to watch it at night. So we told him he could make a pallet on the floor of our room and turn the game on up there...his sister felt it was within her rights to sleep in our room as well as long as Hayden was going to get to. When we went to check on the kids, this is what we found:

Abby made a cardboard box bed...complete with bedding and sleep toys as she calls them.

And this would be Hayden's pallet...except on OUR BED instead of on OUR FLOOR. He got moved.

It was a great weekend.

The Downhill Slide...

Yep, it's official we are on the downhill slide to Christmas...can you believe it? It feels like we were just ringing in the New Year yesterday...where has the time gone?

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and this year I was just reminded of all the things we have to be thankful for--we really are so blessed.

My Mom (aka Mimi to the kids) came to visit from Florida. They had a lot of fun with her...we braved black Friday and hit the stores...but to my amazement (and delight) it really wasn't all that bad. Now, on Saturday--we went to Opry Mills...that was the worst shopping mistake I have ever made and I will never do it again. I thought I might have a nervous break down right there in the middle of the mall--it probably would have cleared people out faster if I had.

Let me throw in a quick little blurb here...Mom and I went shopping...James and kids stayed home...all was quiet in the playroom as the children were so nicely behaving (or so it seemed)...

We had ordered a Christmas gift that came in a box that was taller than me (I know that's not really saying much but you get the idea...it was a big box). James had taken the gift to the attic but had left the box full of styrofoam peanuts in the play room...while the kids were being oh so quiet it seems they may have destroyed the box and flung peanuts ALL OVER THE ROOM!! Notice the two garbage bags...this picture was taken when I got home which the kids were trying very hard (to no avail) to get it all cleaned up. James said that you couldn't see the carpet...did I mention how glad I was that Mimi was there? She and Abby cleaned the whole room while I was taking a nap (no, I did not know she was doing it)...although, I'm still finding styrofoam popcorn around the house-I don't think it will ever completely go away.

Here are some pictures...

James and the kids put the Christmas tree up on Thanksgiving morning...they had been itching to get it done.


Did I mention the kids had fun with Mimi here?

Fluffy will only let James hold him...and yes that's Abby's beloved Pink Nite Nite...but for Fluf she'll share.

James' two little girls...okay, just kidding...Abby's still crowned princess, Fluf hasn't taken that role yet. Of course when we hit the teenage years he may favor the cat over the girl. :)

Just on a side note for those of you that live here in the Nashville area...the Hope Clinic is having a benefit tomorrow night called the Cider Carols. It's a great cause that I feel strongly about and hope that if you're able you'll consider going. Check out their website at www.hopeclinicforwomen.org and choose the link Upcoming Events. I think tickets are $10 per person or $30 for family. They are having a silent auction as well (which I submitted a few pieces of jewelry for...so if you're there place a bid!!) :) I wish I was able to go but James is out of town and it's a school night--you know how that goes! Let me know if you do get to go, I want to hear all about it.

Check This Out!

My sister-in-law, Kristin, sells Arbonne. If you've never used Arbonne products before then I'll just say you're missing out...I'm not kidding...and I'm not just saying that. Their prices aren't cheap, but it's quality and it works...so in the long run you actually end up saving money.

Kristin has been gracious enough to allow me to do an online catalog show and a portion of the proceeds are going to go towards The Common Bond! (How great is that?!?!) I'm super excited about the whole thing and very appreciative to her for the support she's given towards TCB.

Please check out her website: www.genatone.myarbonne.com for the Arbonne products. If you want to place an order send her an email at kristin.genatone@yahoo.com and she will call you back to confirm your order and get your credit/debit card information. Make sure you tell her the order is apart of The Common Bond catalog party.

Let me know if you have any questions...we're going to keep the "show" open until Friday, December 5th...it's not much time. And please pass this along to all of your family and friends...this is a great opportunity to raise some money for The Common Bond.

Thanks, Kristin!!!!

Commissioned Watercolor Portrait GIVEAWAY!!!!

Commissioned Watercolor Portrait GIVEAWAY!!!!

This is a pretty cool thing and I hope I win but today is the last day to enter!! Go to the link and then you'll post the link to your blog and that enters you for the drawing.

The Almighty Cell Phone

James and I bought new cell phones this weekend...and let me tell you I'm impressed. You could probably fly a plane with the technology they have available on cell phones now a days. Which by the way, Hayden has added to his Christmas list that he wants a cell phone so he can watch Disney anytime he wants. I told him he's not getting a cell phone...he said, "Maybe...you don't know...Santa Clause could bring it"...I then advised my children that everything Santa brings is approved by Mommy and Daddy first--he makes a call to us the week before Christmas to double check their "good standing" and to verify that the gifts are appropriate. I hope this has closed down the Santa can do anything stuff.

Anyways, back on track--about these new snazzy cell phones. I was so impressed with all of the features and have pretty much been checking my facebook profile every hour until I checked my email and received this FWD. Which I don't like FWs--they drive me crazy, but this was good so I thought I would share it with all of you.

Cell phone vs. Bible
Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?

What if we flipped through it several time a day?

What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?

What if we used it to receive messages from the text?

What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?

What if we gave it to kids as gifts?

What if we used it when we traveled?

What if we used it in case of emergency?

Oh, and one more thing...Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being
disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.

I'm not giving back my cell phone...in fact I'm a gadget junkie and I think that's okay...but I think it all comes down to what we value the most. I hope this has helped you reconsider your priorities as well...it sure did for me.

Missing Family

There are times when I really miss not having our family nearby...birthdays, holidays, baseball games, special occasions...moving a 175 lb TVs into the house...

On Saturday, we bought a TV for our living room because our "good" TV had become possessed and would intermittently turn off and on by itself which, apparently from what James says, makes it quite difficult to watch a football game without losing all patience.
(Side note...can you believe how good our Titans are doing?? Two things I thought I'd never see...Gas below $2 a gallon again and the Titans undefeated at this stage in the season, who knew?!!?)
Anyway, back to the TV....so I found this great deal on Craigslist...a 36" Toshiba TV only a few years old...the thing is it's a standard definition tv...which means it's extremely HEAVY especially for someone who lacks any upper body strength to help her husband carry it in the house. After we got it out of the back of the car...I almost immediately dropped it (screen facing the cement walkway) I was in tears wondering how in the world we were going to get this in the house. It was not a pretty sight and if any of our neighbors were watching from their living rooms they got a great laugh. We did get it in the house...eventually...and to top it off--we even got it onto the tv stand...which was even more difficult than getting it in the house. In fact when we hoisted it up onto the stand (and it didn't break) I literally was jumping up and down dancing...Hayden thought it was hilarious. Here's a picture of our proof that we did it.
Because I'm okay with admitting I'm a wimp...I will tell you my arms are killing me and my lower back...well I can barely bend over...it's a great Monday!!

Oh and when we move...we're hiring people to do it for us because we will not be moving that tv by ourselves ever again! I must give props to James...he did an excellent job doing pretty much most of the work himself...and he did not get frustrated at me once for being such a wimp.

Switching gears
On a serious note...if ya'll have been checking in on the families we've been meeting thru The Common Bond, please go to my site (linked on the right at the top) we have a couple of new posts on there. These families are in desperate need of our prayers.
And if you're interested in ordering some jewelry for Christmas gifts let me know--a portion of the proceeds subsidizes the financial assistance we're able to offer families thru The Common Bond...I will be able to fill orders received by December 10th in time for Christmas. Thanks for ya'lls support.

Financial Security

Since I work in the Operations side of a Credit Union and I am very passionate about what we do I feel like there are some pieces of information that I should share.

There is a new scam going around the Middle Tennessee area that consists of an automated phone call stating for the security of your account we need to verify your information...the information they request for you to input is your debit card number, expiration date and PIN. I AM YELLING RIGHT NOW...DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES EVER GIVE YOUR PIN NUMBER TO ANYONE!!!!! What people don't understand is that yes, you are protected from fraud...but if you give out your Personal Identification Number (aka PIN) the financial institution is relinquished from any and all transactions that occur on your account. You may think this is common sense...but these fraudelent actions are very persuasive. An example of this happened just this week to one of our members...and he works in finance...he knows better....but his wife was out shopping and he thought that this was coming from his card company and maybe her card had been blocked...he gave all the information. He lost an estimated $500. DO NOT GIVE OUT YOUR PIN!

On a second note, this is something I'm pretty excited about and I don't think I've blogged about it...but if so, just humor me...
You can place a security freeze on your credit report. As of January 2009 it will be available online thru the credit bureaus. If you're interested check out this site http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html and click on your state. This is absolutely the best way to fight identity theft. We found out from our credit bureau representative (thru Equifax) that they will be issuing PIN numbers so if you don't want to have to go in and release a block then reinstate it you can just give the PIN to the creditor you allow to look at your credit...anyone else can't see it unless you authorize it. How cool is that?!

So, what did we learn today? Hopefully nothing...hopefully it's just a refresher that you never give your PIN to anyone. I just got an email two seconds ago stating there is a new scam that they've made to look like it's coming from Wells Fargo Bank...asking same info stated above and yet it looks very legit.

American Girl

When I was little I always wanted an American Girl doll...Samantha to be exact. I never got one and now I know why....THEY'RE EXPENSIVE. I made the mistake of mentioning the whole American Girl thing to Abby...now guess what she wants for Christmas? Yep, her own American Girl doll....the jury's still out if Santa's going to bring it, but I thought I'd throw this out there and see if I get any hits--

I don't want to get her the bitty baby because I think she's a little big for that...but the Bitty Twins are cute. If anyone else is looking at wanting to get their daughter, neice, grandaughter, etc. one of these dolls I'd go in halvies with you on one of the twins. It would be about $40-$50.

If this doesn't work out, I may get both and save the extra "twin" for a birthday present. Who knows? But I thought it was worth a shot. Also, anyone interested in purchasing custom jewelry for a Christmas gift let me know...I'm going to have to raise some serious cash for this pretty little doll. :)

You know the real problem is all the stuff I want to buy to go with the dolls. But then I'm thinking....I can't believe I'm considering spending $20 or more on a doll outfit when I barely spend that on my own kids clothes. I am a TJ Maxx/Ross shopping kinda girl and pay nothing at full price...what has gotten into me?! Oh,well...we'll see what happens with American Girl.

Trick or Treat!

Well...we had a great time trick or treating last night. We went to a local church's fall festival and hung out there for a while...which the kids had a blast playing games and stuff. Then we walked up and down the neighborhood trick or treating. I was so proud of them, they did not forget their manners ONE TIME. :) Hey, it's a big thing if they remember to say thank you at every single house...we were pretty happy with these two kiddos.


As you can see we were escorted by a storm trooper while trick or treating. He was all excited about this costume.

And we had our very own pixie fairy--Tinkerbell. She was so excited just because I let her put make up on.

My laptop is having serious issues of driving me crazy tonight...I keep getting an error message every 5 seconds saying framedyn.dll not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem. The problem is I've been trying to re-install, fix, something this error for the last hour and a half. Due to this glitch I don't have any patience left in me and I'm afraid that I may be pounding this computer with a hammer in the next 60 seconds if I don't get off. I'll post more from Halloween on Monday when I'm at work and hopefully no computer glitches will occur.

Hope everyone had fun!

Unbelievable...

Never doubt that God is in the midst of every detail of our lives...even regarding stolen cars. My sister called me a little while ago...remember her car that had gotten stolen? It turned out that her friends who were keeping the car for her while she was on vacation had renters insurance...and their renter's insurance covered the stolen vehicle--even though it was not there property.

First of all, I was shocked over that...Mel and I were talking about it and we were thinking if she got $1,000-$1,500 she'd be doing good. I was just glad she wasn't going to have to pay that tow bill... I'd run an average value off of NADA of about $2,100 for the car...but figured she would probably get the lowest trade in-value.

Well, Mel just called me...they are giving her $3,000 for her car. Can you believe it? I am in shock...really, how cool is that?!

And the insurance company will be handling going after the people that stole the car, so Melanie doesn't have to do anything on her end. Mel, I'm so excited for you! And just remember...we have great rates at LifeWay Credit Union. :)

This is funny...

I try not to be too political here on my blog...but my sister-in-law sent this and I thought it was funny. Hope you get a good laugh!

2nd post of the day...

First, here's Hayden at his last game...up to bat. He did so well this season and it was a lot of fun, but I am so glad it's over. It's nice to have our nights back and not have games or practice.

Hayden got a 'Season Ball' after each game that we won...the coach would pick out a player to get the 'Game Ball'...well we won 7 games and there were 10 kids...so not all of the kids got a game ball. The three that didn't got a 'Season Ball' at the Pizza Party we had for the team. Hayden loves that ball...it goes everywhere with him. He eats breakfast with it, he sleeps with it. He's so excited about that ball.

Okay, I've said this before but my daughter is stubborn...she is and there's no one to blame but me. She's my girl to the T. I thought I'd show you guys an example...

Abby got her haircut yesterday so I was taking her picture to show the grandparents...I said "Abby, SMILE....cheese"...this is what I got...

So, then I said, "Okay, Abby whatever you do...DO NOT smile. I don't want to see you smile for this picture." This is what I got...

Of course, I cut off the top of her head so I had to retake the picture...same thing , "Abby, please don't smile...I want a serious picture."

Yes, I know I shouldn't allow her to get away with it because technically it's disobeying...and in all honesty we are pretty strict about being disobedient, but I do let this one go...probably just because she looks so cute. Side note...I use this reverse psychology every morning... I tell her I've laid out her clothes to wear but I know she's not going to like them...or I say, I've made your lunch but I know you're not going to like it...and every single time she says, "I like that." But if I don't say it she will complain about clothes, lunch, you name it...

My only fear is I don't think this reverse psychology will work forever. :)

$49.51

Yes, my friends...I'm so excited that it only cost $49.51 to fill my car up with gas yesterday that I'm posting it on my blog. If I could do cartwheels I would have yesterday at the gas station...just to put this into perspective...that saves us an estimated $120 a month.

$120 a month...how crazy is that! Say we were to take that $120 a month and put it into a high yield savings account for the next 20 years we'd have approximately, $37,514.91. 30 years savings would be: $64,497.95.
Now I realize not enough to retire on and it won't take the place of your 401k...but it's a nice little nest egg that could come in handy.

So, the point of this post:

#1 I'M SO EXCITED THAT GAS PRICES ARE GOING DOWN

#2 Since you're used to paying the high gas prices, save the monthly difference and pay yourself what we were paying Big Oil.

Chattanooga or Bust--Part II The Aquarium

The kids thought it'd be fun to go in Shark Cage...until they saw the shark....

Yep,real big shark!

Aren't they cute...there were some huge fish were in this tank...


Notice Tigger scuba diving with the fishies? Yep, they even had Scuba Tigger!

There was an alligator in this picture like 5 seconds before I snapped the shot...wasn't quick enough

This was down at the river front...it was such a beautiful day.

That's a real turtle shell...can you imagine crossing the path of that turtle...I think I'll pass.


Meet Pink and Skipper, the kids Penguins. The penguins were my favorite...they're just so cute.

We went to an IMAX movie and it was hilarious...about 5 minutes into it I look over and see Hayden reaching out his hands like he's going to touch the whale swimming right towards us...I leaned over and said, "Hey, you know you can't actually touch it right?" and he said, "I know it just looks soooo real, Mom!" Those glasses do some crazy things.

Can you tell Abby was exhausted...what's funny is that I fell asleep on the way home too and looked EXACTLY the same as she did--yes, James took a picture (I deleted--digital cameras are great)...mouth opened and all...except that picture wasn't cute like Abby's is. :)


The kids said we needed to have a birthday party for their new penguins...how could I say no to that?

Scary Kind of Morning

Most of you know I work for a Credit Union...and I'm very blessed that our Credit Union is in the LifeWay building which yields much difficulty for potential robberies. Very thankful for this...and I will admit I've been pretty naive to the whole thing....I always thought oh if we were robbed I would be one cool cat. Yeah, God proved me wrong this morning.

On Monday, a man came into the Credit Union to cash a check drawn off of one of our members accounts...turns out those checks had been stolen.
Well, the man came in today...so since I'm the one supposedly in charge over the Teller Line I figured it would not be good for me to be hiding under my desk in my office...instead I took the bull by the horn. (Seriously, he kind of looked like a bull) But honestly, the whole time I'm thinking..."Please don't pull out a gun, please don't hurt us...I really don't want to get robbed"...I had called our president ahead of time, because lets face it I was scared to death...so he goes walking out in the lobby and heads to the back door and I'm thinking, "You chicken...you're leaving me here by myself...come on, I have two small kids...I don't want to handle this dude on my own". Luckily, president changed his mind and shut the door....he later informed me that he did that intentionally to have a description of the guy and he was not going to leave me in the lobby by myself. (Sigh of relief that my supervisor wouldn't throw me out to the piranhas)
I basically told the guy that the account was closed and the whole time I was thinking, pull it together you're voice is shaking...along with my hands, legs, and everything else...I was a nervous wreck.

He left...but when I checked with security he hadn't actually signed out...so I'm a little nervous that he might of decked off into a hiding place...security is checking the building now...I'll keep you posted.

In all seriousness, I know this was really nothing...but the fact that it could have been was a little nerve wracking for me. Plus did I mention he was scary looking...big bushy black beird...long black hair pulled in a pony tail...wore a big camo jacket...I mean not the look most of our members go for.

Nothing like a little excitement to get the day going on a Wednesday!!

Outrageous!!!

**Update...my sister called and informed me that she also received a bill for $511.00 for the towing of the vehicle...although I did speak to the owner of the company and he said he'd waive the 'holding' charges (which was nice) but the tow bill could not be lowered (bummer)...can I just say, those idiots that did this are despicable!!! And yes, I'm well aware this attitude is not very christ-like but right now I'm being human and I'm mad. **

I am still in the process of getting the pics from Part II of our trip downloaded and posted on the blog...we're having some technical difficulty with the laptop that I was using to complete this simple task...but in the meantime I am going to share something outrageous...

My sister, (hi, Mel!) is on a trip in California...in fact she's on her way home today...while she was away, her car which was paid off was stolen...and the idiots who did it wrecked and totaled the car. The car wasn't worth much money, but the fact that it was paid for was a huge value to my sister. The idiots were apprehended due to the fact that they had to be admitted to the hospital...so thankfully they were caught. Which I will do everything in my power to make sure they are prosecuted for this ridiculously stupid and thoughtless act. (I mean come on...stealing a 1996 Honda Civic--seriously?!?!) It just makes me mad!!!

Well, Melanie got a call last night from the place that's holding her totaled vehicle and she was advised that they are charging her daily to have her car there. Her car that she can do nothing with because she's in California...that two idiots stole, wrecked and now she is without a car...and yet she gets stuck with the bill.

I just can't imagine being so heartless and doing this to somebody. It's horrible. So, yes...I'm outraged and Mel, I'm so sorry that your having to learn this life lesson...it's not much fun at all!
But...on the bright side--LifeWay Credit Union is happy to loan money and since you qualify for membership thru family I can get you all fixed up with financing for a new car!!! :)

Chattanooga or Bust--Part I The Lost Sea

Last weekend we took a quick family trip to the Chattanooga area...which I love! I think it is some of the most beautiful area God has created especially during this time of year. I also love fall...the trees changing colors...the coolness in the air...I love it.

We had so much fun. Our first part of the "adventure" as the kids called it was The Lost Sea in Sweetwater, TN. As Hayden said...that was cool! I mean we went down into these caverns where confederate soldiers once were making gun powder. That kind of stuff facinates me...thinking about the people who had walked and even lived in the areas we walked in...The Lost Sea is the largest underground lake in America. We've had a drought over the last 2 or 3 years and the water level has declined over 30 feet...they said before the water level went down the water was crystal clear and you could see the trout (which there were some very large trout) in the glass bottom boats. The water was much more murky for us and we couldn't see as well...but it was pretty cool all the same. It was difficult to get good pictures inside of the cave due to lighting issues (yes, it was dark)...but we got a couple.

I'll post a couple of pics from the Aquarium tomorrow...

HOMERUN BABY!!!!

HAYDEN HIT HIS FIRST HOMERUN LAST NIGHT!!! We were so excited...you would have thought he was playing for the majors the way we were jumpin up and down and hollerin'.

Okay, tonight I'll post pics from our trip (we got home late last night and I was exhausted-- sorry)...

Ya'll all have a GREAT day...it's Friday!!! YAY....

Quick funny story...

My sister wanted a new post on the blog...so I figured I'd share this story real quick (Mel, I can't remember if I already told you about this...if I did-sorry)...I thought it was hilarious...most of you know that Hayden plays baseball..and I must say he has improved quite a bit from last season. But on Monday night at his game, we realized maybe we hadn't done such a good job of explaining how baseball works...here's why.

He got up to bat, made a hit...ran to first, then second, then third...batter came up and Hayden was on his way to home plate. Well, the catcher was standing in front of the base, caught the ball and Hayden was going to be out. Well instead of getting tagged out...going down gracefully...my son keeps running full speed ahead and plows into the poor kid. When I saw the play I just figured he didn't know any better...oh nooooo, my son knew exactly what he was doing. I went over to the dug out to tell him "Good try, buddy--you can't score everytime...etc etc"...and he goes, "Hey, Mom...did you see me tackle that kid??? I was using my football skills!!! Wasn't that cool?!?!"....Yeah, lots of laughter and then told Hayden, "Honey, this is baseball not football...there is no tackling in baseball."

We ended up winning...I think the score was (17 to 11)?? (See, Keith I remembered the score this time)

Tonight we have another game...the season is winding down-we have one more game after this. It will be kind of sad to see it end but on the other hand it will be really nice not to have practice, games, etc. for a while. It's hard to fit it all in. :)

I'll be posting pictures from our trip we took last weekend to Chattanooga. It was so much fun! Chattanooga is my new favorite city. I just love that area...it's beautiful.

Hard Day...Remembering...Grace...

There is a family I've connected with thru The Common Bond.
Stacy, Spencer and Isaac Delisle...I won't go into a lot of detail...you can click on The Common Bond link to get more information...but in a nutshell Isaac was born this morning...he had been diagnosed with a Cystic Hygroma (which is what Hayden had been diagnosed with while we were pregnant with him) and other conditions as well...I have been praying for this family daily for the past 2-3 months...hoping, begging really for a miracle. Now wait, I know what you're thinking...all babies are a miracle...every minute we're given is a miracle...I AGREE COMPLETELY....but I was praying for BIG miracle...a miracle like Hayden. But God doesn't always grant miracles on our terms...he doesn't always execute how we would say it needed to be done...and this morning Isaac lived for 16 precious minutes...I'm a mess...I'll tell you, in fact my coworkers would tell you I look a mess...mascara running down the face kind of a mess. Why? Because I'm disappointed. I'm okay with admitting it...I am disappointed. But I know God is still in control and his ways are perfect...even when my pea brain can't grasp it.

I'm also remembering all that we went thru with Hayden...and how precious he is to our family. What's ironic...we've been telling Hayden about his story...and how it contributes to his legacy...he told his daddy this morning..."Did you know that I came this close to dying? This close??" (You'll have to use your imagination...his fingers squeezed together with just a little gap) James and I laughed about it when he retold the story to me while I was on my to work....now I'm crying over it...because it's true...we came that close to not having our precious son.

And I feel like at times I don't deserve this miracle. I mean I am not always the best mom....I get upset and raise my voice.
For goodness sakes--we took him to the doctor yesterday and found out he couldn't hear because his ears were clogged from drainage, he has allergies which he's been battling for about 6 months...have we taken him to the doctor?
No, of course not he wasn't complaining--we thought it was just because of where we live...why would we get medicine so our child would not be congested?? That would be common sense, huh? Do you know how many times I've shouted his name in frustration because I've called him 4 or 5 times and he hadn't responded...good one, mom.
But then I'm reminded of God's grace...that He doesn't give us what we "deserve"...because really we "deserve" nothing...but He gives to us out of his abudant love. I don't know about you...but I am so glad for that grace...
I am so thankful for the miracles we've been given with our precious children...every one of them...Hayden, Abby, Vince and Madi. (The last two are our neice and nephew...not dropping any hints of additional kids for this family)

Okay, I know...it's a little 'bit of a sermon...I can't talk in front of people without hyperventillating..but get me behind a computer--I won't shut up! :)

Finally...pictures!!!

Okay...so this first one is a pic of Hayden holding his first homework project of first grade and I love it...I thought it turned out so cute! I'm actually going to frame the 'About Me' page and stick this picture in with it.

He was so proud of this page.




I haven't taken too many pictures of ballgames this season...I've kind of dropped the ball there. I'll try to catch up this next week and maybe even get some video. I love getting pics of Hayden and James together on the field though...they have a special bond. Hayden is doing very well this season too...we've seen quite a bit of improvement and he's having a blast!

Okay, so this has been one of the MOST fun things that I've gotten to do with my little girl. It's something that I will remember the rest of my life. We went to see Disney on Ice...and althought the pictures didn't come out great the production was AWESOME. I highly recommend it. They had CARS, Lion King, Little Mermaid, and Tinkerbell...and of course Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald Duck hosted.

It was great...

There's a funny story to this picture...Abby was having a hard time waking up one morning--and usually she takes a bath to wake up (it helps her not to be cranky)...well, I went to check on her and this is what I found....fast asleep in the bathtub...no kidding she was snoring. Hilarious! Of course if she turned her head either way she would have rudely been awaken by water splashing her face! :)

And this was the boys...not wanting to get up either!

One last funny picture...Abby is in to being "Kung Fu"...here's a kung fu kick! Nice pose, huh? She's so silly...

Well, there you go...new pictures! Ya'll have a great weekend.