Straight From The Heart

Movie Night

2012-01-30T09:44:00.001-05:00

One thing we enjoy doing in our house is having movie night every weekend. If Abby doesn't have any plans with her friends, she'll watch with us, otherwise, it's just the two of us old married folks. Chris always makes his yummy popcorn , then we head down to the basement and get all comfy in our recliners. Well, two weekends ago, we watched "Water For Elephants". Have you seen it? I have to be honest, I was a little unsure as to whether I was going to like it or not. Well, my eyes were glued to the TV screen the entire time...I loved it! It was such a beautiful story about forbidden love. Need I add that Robert Pattison stars in it...have mercy! Chris even enjoyed it...so it was a double win! I give it two thumbs up all the way!

Now, this weekend, we watched "The Fast Five". I felt that I owed Chris an action flick since I convinced him to watch a love story with me. Well, it started out pretty good with fast cars, speeding trains, and bombs exploding...plenty of excitement! Then, about an hour into it, I nodded off and dozed for the remainder of the movie. I just didn't care for it, at all. I couldn't really follow the plot, which was weak, at best. So, I have to give it two thumbs down.

This coming weekend, we'll be watching "Mr. Popper's Penguins". I'm in the mood for a funny movie and I'm hoping it won't let me down. Usually, anything starring Jim Carrey is bound to make you bust a gut. So, I say, bring it on! Afterall, laughter IS the best medicine!

Impatiently Waiting

2012-01-27T05:18:00.002-05:00

Chris came downstairs last night and proudly announced that he had placed an order for Bella's Valentine's Day gift. I was in the middle of watching American Idol and didn't have time for his jibber jabber, but I just had to ask..."You did what?" Let me explain here. Bella has had a ball that she absolutely ADORES. I'm talking the' lay down her life' kind of adoration! We, actually, got it out of a gumball machine at Old Navy...go figure! Bless her little heart; she played with it all the time until it fell apart...and she was heartbroken. So, Chris searched on Ebay to see if he could find a similar ball for her. Needless to say, he got lucky and found the same ball for a very low price...so he ordered 8 of them! Yep, you heard me...EIGHT! Hey, a girl has to have a spare, you know...just in case tragedy strikes, again!

Here's the little princess herself checking out the picture of her ball(s) that's on it's way...due to arrive on Feb. 13th.

Hard as it may be, I can guarantee that the wait will be worth it in the end! Bella's going to be one HAPPY lady! Of course, all of this waiting really takes it's toll after awhile.

Now, if Chris forgets about me on Valentine's Day...well, let's just say there's plenty of room for him in the doghouse! ;)

Time For Wednesday Hodgepodge!

2012-01-25T14:22:00.002-05:00

I am drawing a complete blank as to what to post about. To be honest, I feel mentally drained here lately. Just a lot of different things going on that I'm having to deal with. So, what better time to give my brain a rest and join in all the fun with Joyce and the other ladies for Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you'd like to participate, just link up and jump right in!

1. The NFL playoffs were held this past weekend and this year's Superbowl will feature the New York Giants versus The New England Patriots. How do you define 'patriot'? I think of someone to be a patriot who wholeheartedly loves his or her country and would be willing to lay down his or her life to defend it.

2. What's something in your life right now that feels like a 'giant'? Hmm, how much time do you have? Well, first and foremost is that fact that my husband is still without a job after nearly 9 months of looking. It's been one of the most stressful times we've ever encountered since we married 22 years ago. We're just more than ready for something to happen soon, but we realize that it has to be in God's own timing and not our own. Secondly, is the bed bug situation that Brittany is dealing with in her college apartment. I'm having many sleepless nights just thinking about it. Problem is that our hands are tied to a certain degree because we live so far away from her. It certainly doesn't help that the apartment manager isn't being as proactive as he needs to be. In fact, she got another bite last night. I am about at my wit's end! She can't move out right now because her lease doesn't expire until this summer and there's no breaking it without serious penalties. Have you ever heard about being between a rock and a hard spot? Well, that's us!

3. What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think back to being 18? Well, I had just graduated from high school in Arkansas and was heading off to college to earn my degree in speech-language pathology. I felt like I had the world in the palm of my hand. I was definitely boy crazy! I can remember not wanting to heed the advice of my parents...they didn't know anything! Funny...now that I have kids of my own, I realize just how smart my parents really were. Oh, life was so easy and carefree...not a worry in the world! Man, I miss those days!

4. Coconut-mashed potatoes-vanilla ice cream-mayonnaise...which white food would be the hardest to give up? OK, this one is super easy. Coconut all the way! I can eat it just about any way it comes...and I have a hard time stopping once I start!

5. Describe an incident or a day you remember as being the coldest you've ever experienced. A couple of things come to mind. When Brittany ran cross country and outdoor track in high school, I can't tell you the times I've been at her meets and have nearly turned into a human icicle. One time in particular was in late January and it started snowing and sleeting at her track meet! Abby and I sat together as closely as we possibly could all bundled up underneath several blankets. The wind was whipping and we just huddled tightly and shivered! I came home and took a nice, long hot bath!

6. You're hosting a brunch....what's your favorite dish to prepare and serve? It's been awhile since I've hosted a brunch, but you can never go wrong with fruit, quiche, or some kind of breakfast casserole.

7. How do you combat negative thinking? Well, I pray and ask God to help me turn it all around. I, also, like to get up and dance all over the kitchen! My family always looks at me like I've completely lost it, especially when I start belting out Broadway showtunes! I can just feel the negativity flowing right out of me!

8. Insert your own random thought here. Am I the only one who's totally hooked on this season of "The Bachelor"? Can someone please tell me what the deal is with Courtney? She just comes across as being so rude and nasty! I can't believe that Ben keeps giving her a rose. Take off those blinders! The episode next week look like a real doozy. Ben and Courtney go skinny dipping in the ocean...and all the other ladies become furious! The claws are definitely going to come out...and I don't plan to miss a beat of it!

Thanks, Joyce...this was fun, as always!

The Finished Project

2012-01-24T09:22:00.002-05:00

Chris finally finished the cabinet he's been working on for about a week. We had decided on a satin finish, but we both agreed it was just too dull looking. So, he went back to Home Depot to get the stain in a semi-gloss and they didn't have it, so he got it in a gloss, instead. Though I think I would have preferred a semi-gloss finish, I still am very happy with it and think he did a great job of refinishing it. I'm so glad it fit in the corner without any problem! WHEW!

I am so stressed over this whole bed bug situation with Brittany. The Terminix guy came in to treat her room on Thursday and stayed less than 15 mins.! She said he had a small can of pesticide and did a quick spraying around, then left. We called the manager of the complex, immediately, and he said he would call the exterminator's supervisor to find out if the proper protocol was followed. He promised to call us back, but he never did. Chris ended up calling him yesterday morning. Now, the manager is denying that Brittany even has a bed bug problem because when the exterminator went in and sprayed, he was trying to "flush out" the bed bugs from their hiding places. Being that he didn't see any, an infestation was not confirmed. So, I spent half the day researching the subject and being on the phone. I contacted the local Health Dept. down there and they told me they have absolutely no jurisdiction to step in because the apartment complex is private property, not public. Wonderful. I think I might call City Hall today to see if anyone there can tell me what the tenant's rights are in that state. This is past the point of being ridiculous.

On a quick side note, I'm sure most of you have heard by now that Picnik is closing down on April 19th. I'm just sick about it because I joined it 3 years ago and have loved it. It's such an easy site to use! I've tried Photoshop, but I just can't get the hang of it. Anyone using other online photo editing sites that have the same kinds of editing tools as Picnik? Would love to see your recommendations.

Sorry for complaining, my friends. Here's hoping that today is much brighter! Have a good one!

I Just Can't Stop!

2012-01-20T10:19:00.001-05:00

OK, there are definitely a lot of things I CAN do. I can give awesome back rubs. I can dance a mean jig to Micheal Jackson's "Thriller" on the Wii. I can make a delicious apple pie...if I must say so myself. I can sing every song from the Broadway musical "Cats" without skipping a beat. However, there is something I simply CAN'T do...I can't stop pinning!

How many of you ladies are loving Pinterest as much as I do? Talk about a feast for your eyes! There are amazing recipes, decorating and craft ideas, jewelry...everything under the sun! I have the hardest time just taking it all in. I was hesitate about joining, at first...WHAT WAS I THINKING??? It is such FUN! There is no doubt about it...I will be in need of a Pinterest intervention very soon.

Need I say more? ;)

P.S. Thanks to all of you for your concern regarding the situation I shared about yesterday. If this latest treatment doesn't take care of the issue, we're going to have some serious problems. I will keep you posted! Oh, and say a prayer for Chris, if you wouldn't mind. He's in Charlotte today for a job interview. Thank you!

They Never Left...

2012-01-19T14:10:00.002-05:00

Well, just wanted to inform you real quick that Brittany is STILL dealing with bed bugs in her apartment! The first night she got back to college, she woke up with 8 bites on her arm the next morning. BLECH! Things were going alright for a few months, then here we are, again. I am so disgusted, I can't even tell you! Every time she comes home for a visit, I make her leave everything in the garage. Then, I, carefully, transfer her belongings, little by little, into huge Ziploc bags. I take her purse, book bag, tote bags, clothes, shoes into our laundry room and put everything in the dryer on the hottest setting possible. Then, I wash everything in HOT water and all goes back into a HOT dryer. I mean, it is no way to live. The exterminator is going back to treat her room today, so we'll see how that goes. I have a sinking suspicion that this will be an ongoing issue. I have gotten myself pretty worked up over this, as you can surely imagine. Lord, calm my spirit...I can sure use it!

Waiting On The Big Reveal

2012-01-18T10:42:00.000-05:00

When we moved into our new house in Madison, AL. back in 1996, we didn't have a pantry, if you can believe that. Quite honestly, I don't even recall missing it when we did the walk-through. Goes to show how observant I can be at times. Well, in order to have some extra storage for our canned goods, we bought an unfinished pine cabinet for our kitchen and Chris stained it with a light varnish. Once we moved into another house that had a pantry (WOO HOO!), the cabinet became a place to store things such as cans of paint, fertilizer, tools, all sorts of odds and ends. At our home here in Georgia, we've put it in our workout room in the basement to use as a TV armoire.

Well, on Saturday morning, the wheels started turning in my head. Chris, usually, knows he better run for the hills when that happens...but he didn't get away this time! I told him that I'd really LOVE for him to refinish the cabinet for me so that I could use it in our sunroom. I batted my eyes...the whole 9 yards! The poor fella never had a chance! So, over the weekend, he braved 40 degree temps. to take the cabinet outside and sand it down. Now, just to prove how little I know about the process of refinishing a piece of furniture, I thought it would take him about a couple of hours to get the job done. Boy, was I wrong! He sanded from 11 AM until nearly 8 PM!

Here he is taking a quick lunch break to enjoy some leftovers. He was covered from head-to-toe in sawdust! I could have hassled him about the mess he was tracking through the basement, but I figured it was probably wise to leave unsaid. I want him to be a happy camper while he's working, you know!

Here's the cabinet laying on it's side...a work in progress.

The stain I've chosen for it is called Mission Oak with a satin finish. I've taken a peak at what it looks like with the first coat and the wood looks so pretty. Once he gets it all done, I'll be sure to post some pictures. Just keep your fingers crossed that it fits in our sunroom like I have envisioned. Hmm...I probably should have thought about that beforehand!

For Better AND For Worse

2012-01-17T08:40:00.002-05:00

I often think back to the day when Chris and I got married...22+ years ago. He was 26 and I was 25 and little did we know about the COMMITMENT we were about to take on. I think to some degree, we both had a "pie in the sky" idea about marriage. We pictured ourselves skipping through a field of wildflowers while holding hands...and life was going to be peachy, grand, and easy. We didn't forsee any struggles in our future. Our new found love wouldn't allow it.

Well, though we have been very blessed to have such a good and strong marriage, we have certainly encountered some tough times along the way. The loss of Chris' job 8 1/2 months ago has been no exception. We have been fraught with stress, uncertainty, worry, sleepless nights, the whole gamut. Yes, we've been each other's biggest support and, often times, greatest annoyance. We're not used to spending every waking moment together...and it's been a quite an adjustment. However, truth be known, when I look at him, my heart still melts. Oh, I could run away if I really wanted to, but I don't. I could throw in the towel and say to him, "That's it, I'm done!", but I won't. I could tell him that I don't want to be a part of this, anymore, but I can't...and neither will he. Want to know why? Well, you see, I have made a COMMITMENT to Chris and he's made one to me that regardless of the obstacles life throws our way, we CAN and WILL get through through them....TOGETHER! I love this man with all my heart and soul...and thanks be to God...he loves me, too!

We take our marriage vows very seriously. When we pledged before God to love each other through thick and thin, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health...we meant every single word of it. Never has "bowing out" been an option...and it never will be. We plan to be happily married for the rest of our lives.

So, the point is that as long as we have each other to rely on and we continue to have FAITH, there is nothing that can tear us down or tear us apart. We plan to be able to share our love story with our grandchildren one day, hoping it will serve as a firm foundation on which to build their own. Growing old together...we wouldn't have it any other way.

God gave me you for the ups and downs,
God gave me you for the days of doubt,
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true...
God gave me you.

~Blake Shelton~

Walking Down Memory Lane

2012-01-13T10:22:00.003-05:00

Memories are a funny thing, you know? Depending on the mood, they can evoke feelings of happiness, sadness, elation, melancholy, you name it. Well, a few nights before Brittany left to head back to college, I suggested to the girls that I open up my hope chest and we'd read some of the diaries I've kept since I was in the 5th grade. I became particularly dedicated about keeping journals when I got pregnant with Brittany back in 1991. I have journals that tell about my 2 miscarriages and what we had to go through to conceive Abby. Of course, I've continued keeping journals all throughout their growing up years.

So, the three of us sat down on the floor of my bedroom and I gave each of the girls their own pile of journals. They both dove right in and began reading what I'd written about them. Many things they didn't even remember happening, like when Abby had to pull a clip in first grade for talking in class or when she said I was a "bad mommy" at the ripe old at of 2.

Brittany thought it was hilarious when she read where I described the night I went into labor with her and my water broke...it sounded like a cork shooting out of a champagne bottle! Oh, and let us not forget the temper tantrum she threw in Target when she was about 4 years old because I refused to buy her a Barney book. Hmm...maybe I was a rotten mommy, afterall!

One of the journals I picked up to read caught me completely off-guard. I had written about my second miscarriage and how I had miscarried in the middle of the night when Chris was out of town on business. My mom and dad drove from Arkansas the next day to be with me and my mom shared with me that on the night I miscarried, she was awakened in the middle of the night by my voice calling out to her saying, "Mom!" That was difficult to relive, but it goes to show the deep connection we had between us.

The girls and I shared a lot of laughs that night and, yes, even a few tears. I think they're finally starting to realize how much of a treasure my journals will be to them one day. They'll be a way of keeping the past alive, in their minds and in their hearts.

Gone Too Soon...

2012-01-12T06:09:00.000-05:00

I have come to the conclusion that this letting go business is for the birds! There, I said it! If I had my way, I wouldn't have a single thing to do with it. Everything would remain completely unchanged and that lump in my throat that keeps popping up when I least expect it would be gone for GOOD! Unfortunately, though, LIFE just isn't that simple. You see, when your kids go away to college, they do return, but only as visitors. They don't, generally, come back to stay for long. They have BIG DREAMS to chase after...not to mention boyfriends!

Now, Britttany was home for one glorious month! We had the best time EVER! Lots of late-night talks and sharing of secrets. Oh, and who can forget the laughter because we never fail to find something to laugh about! Well, on Tuesday night, she got into the mode of wanting to pack up her stuff. Pretty good idea, I suppose, since she left yesterday afternoon. However, I was still in a state of denial. Surely, she wasn't ready to leave just yet! I mean, classes don't even start until the 17th...what's the hurry? Oh, trust me, she was in a hurry alright! She HAD to get back to see the boyfriend...Connor, remember? The one who gave her Tony's Creole Seasoning for Christmas. Oh, brother! Well, she was in one happy mood, I tell ya! She was dancing all over her room! Me? Not so much.

Here's what our kitchen looked like yesterday morning when she brought all of her "stuff" down to take out to her car. What fun she must have had unpacking it all!

She, of course, had to give Bella some last minute lovin'.

And Maddie had to give her one last SLURP!

Now, this is the part that gets a little tricky. All morning long, I had been doing fine. Not a tear fell from my eyes...miracle of miracles! Then...Chris and I walked her to her car and the flood gates opened wide. As soon as we embraced to say our goodbyes, I was a babbling mess! I could hardly utter a single word. What nearly did me in is when Brittany started crying. She's never really done that before, but this time was different, for some reason. Oh, how I hated to see her leave!

She hopped in her car, backed out of our driveway, and in a matter of a few seconds, waved goodbye and she was gone. I couldn't have run fast enough to catch her if I'd tried...though I thought about it!

I walked back in the house...QUIET house...to find that she'd left this note for me, as she always does. I cried some serious crocodile tears, believe me!

I LOVE being a mom, but being an expert in the art of letting go...probably never going to happen.

Glasses Fit For A...Redneck???

2012-01-11T06:03:00.003-05:00

The title of my post grabbed your attention, didn't it? Well, some of you may have seen these before, but I'm sure there are those of you who haven't, so I thought I'd share this cute idea. When Chris and I went to a Christmas party last month, one of the couples who attended gave our friends, the hosts, a pair of these "redneck wine glasses". They were a huge hit with everybody there! Don't you just love them?

Now, being that I was born and raised in the South, I can appreciate that they're made from Mason jars. My granny used them for all of her canning needs when I was growing up and I've sipped a lot of sweet iced tea from them. When I had the chance, I pulled aside the couple who brought them and asked where they got them. They told me they know a woman who makes and sells them. She simply takes a Mason jar and uses some sort of strong epoxy to glue it onto a candlestick. He said she finds her supplies either at Wal-Mart or the Dollar General Store. To give the glasses extra pizazz, she fills the candlesticks with small colored beads and ties coordinating ribbons around the lips of the jars. She even ties a strand of beads around the stems of them with wire. He said the total cost for each glass is about $4 and they're sold for $12.

Chris and I liked them so much that we ordered a pair of them for my mother-in-law. Since she's a big Univ. of South Carolina fan, we had the lady use the team colors of burgundy and black for her glasses. I wouldn't mind trying my hand at making a few of them to see how they turn out...though I'm the craftiest person in town. There are just so many different things you could do with them. They'd be cute for weddings, milestone birthdays, etc.

Jeff Foxworthy would have such a time, don't you think? "You might be a redneck if you drink from a Mason jar that's been glued onto a candlestick." 'Nuff said!

Our Shooting Range Adventure

2012-01-09T06:07:00.002-05:00

Yesterday afternoon, Chris got this wild idea to take all of us to a local shooting range to learn how to shoot guns. Now, I must admit, I'm not a big fans of guns; they've always made me nervous. However, I knew it was something Chris has been wanting to do for awhile, so I agreed. I can't think of the last time I've seen him as happy as he was when he was packing up the guns and ammo. He looked like a little kid in a candy shop.

Thankfully, there were a few other females at the shooting range when we arrived, so we didn't feel too out-of-place. Boy, was it ever LOUD! I felt like I was in the middle of a war zone! It took me a few mins. to get acclimated to all the noise. Every time a gun went off, I'd nearly jump right out of my skin! The girls just stood there and laughed at me.

Brittany was the first one to shoot the .22. She looked like a pro because she'd taken a gun safety course way back when she was about 9 years old.

Abby was next in line. She was a pretty got shot herself!

Fianlly, I got a turn...and several bull's eyes to brag about! WOO HOO!

Not too shabby for three girls!

Next, we tried our hands at the Berreta. You had to hold on tight!

As soon as we pulled the trigger, it gave a kick that none of us was prepared for!

KA-POW!

Of course, the "master" himself had to show us how it's done...and he didn't flinch one bit!

Abby's favorite gun to shoot was the .38 revolver.

Chris was pretty impressed with our shooting skills and I think we just might have to go back for another round sometime. It ended up being a lot more fun than the girls and I anticipated.

Oh, and have no fear! The girls and I have no intentions whatsoever of becoming hunters. We take one look at a deer and our hearts turn to mush. So, you can sleep easy tonight. :)

P.S. My bloggy friend, Honey, is having a really neat giveaway! Head on over to her place at 2805 and check it out!

What A Wonderful World

2012-01-06T06:12:00.003-05:00

"Go outside, to the fields, enjoy nature and the sunshine, go out and try to recapture happiness in yourself and in God. Think of all the beauty that's still left in and around you and be happy."~Anne Frank

Wishing you the kind of weekend that leaves you grinning from ear-to-ear!

Warm, Cozy, And Stylish

2012-01-04T05:13:00.005-05:00

Back in early November, I had the great fortune of winning a giveaway that my sweet bloggy friend, Lori, from Morning Glories and Moonflowers held. My prize was an adorable knit cap (style and color of my choice) made by the very talented Susan from Tutus and Touchdowns. Since Brittany had been wanting one to wear around her college campus, I decided to give it to her...and it was a perfect fit!

Shortly after I e-mailed Susan the measurements she needed, she had it in the mail to me within the week. Brittany was so thrilled to get it! Be sure to check out Susan's ETSY shop by clicking on the link above. I know you're bound to find something you'll love!

Thank you, Lori and Susan, so much! It always makes me feel like a lucky duck when I come out a winner!

Reflections Of Christmas 2011, Pt. 2

2012-01-03T09:02:00.001-05:00

The day aftter Christmas, we got in the car and drove over to South Carolina to spend 2 nights with my mother-in-law and brother-in-law. They held off on their Christmas festivities until we arrived.

Here's my mother-in-law, Diane, opening her new Keurig coffee maker that my brother-in-law gave her. Made me wish I was a coffee drinker!

Brittany's showing off a pair of sterling silver earrings she got. You can never go wrong with jewelry!

No more need for regular water bottles! This is a nifty Brita water bottle that has a built-in filter. I use it all the time.

Who knows what the three of them were discussing!

Abby got some "smell good" stuff!

We went to my brother-in-law's house up the street to open a few more gifts. Brittany's wearing a gold necklace my mother-in-law and brother-in-law got for her on their recent Alaskan cruise.

Abby got so tickled because when she opened up a necklace she got from their Alaska trip, she said, "Wow, this is just like the one I got when we went to Alaska!" Problem is...we've never been to Alaska...she meant to say 'Arizona'. She giggled for about 10 solid minutes...silly girl!

I cannot believe that I convinced Chris to play a round of "Just Dance" with me! Oh, if only his Ranger buddies could have seen that! Needless to say, I whipped up on him pretty badly...hee, hee!

The next day, Abby had to go to the house down the road to visit her two buddies. As you can see, they were so happy to see her!

Now, you might be asking yourself why in the world am I posting a picture of Tony's Creole Seasoning? Any guesses? Well, do you remember Brittany's former boyfriend, Connor, by any chance? They're back together, again...and I still have yet to swallow that pill! OK, well, a few days before Christmas, he told her that he had sent a present to her in the mail. It arrived soon, thereafter, and she tore into the box to find a pair of compression pants AND a big ol' container or Tony's! I couldn't help but burst into laughter...no matter how hard I tried to contain myself! I still can't believe it's what he sent to my daughter for Christmas! I'm completey dumbfounded! I do know that Connor loves the seasoning, so I guess he figured that Brittany would, too. Bless her heart...she was so let down. If this is any sign of what's to come, we're in BIG TROUBLE!

Have a HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

Reflections Of Christmas 2011, Pt. 1

2012-01-02T16:02:00.000-05:00

Hey, friends! Hope each of you had a WONDERFUL Christmas with those you love...I know I definitely did! My only complaint is that it went by way too fast. Abby starts back to school tomorrow and Brittany will head back to college in about a week. I'm so grateful for the time we've enjoyed together and, as always, for the memories we made. Thought I'd share some pictures we took.

Here's the girls on Christmas Eve before we left for church.. Attending the Christmas Eve service is always something we look forward to as a family.

Take a long look at what we got to come home to after church. Yes, I made 3 loaves of mouth-watering sourdough bread to accompany our steak dinner. It was worth every calorie!

"Santa" always brings the girls a little surprise on Christmas morning. This year, they got marshmallow guns and I've never seen two girls have more fun in all my life! I got pelted with them a time or two!

One thing Abby gave Chris is an annual tradition...chocolate covered cherries! Christmas just wouldn't be the same without them.

Yeah, I know I look like Rudolph, but there's a good reason for it. Abby gave me the sweetest gift and I burst into tears as she read the description to me.

It's a journal, scrapbook, and cards all wrapped up in one and it's for a mother and daughter to share. It's a means of recording and remembering the relationship that Abby and I have with each other. What a treasure that will be for her children to have, one day. I love it and can't wait to start filling it out. I'm bound to cry a river!

Brittany framed one of Chris's favorite pictures of the two of them together to give to him.

Brittany knows me very well, too. Her gift made me bawl like a baby, also. She gave me a Willow Tree figurine that hit straight to my heart. I'll cherish it forever.

Don't you just love it? It's a mother and daughter embracing. Makes me think of how I feel every time I have to tell her 'goodbye' as she leaves for college. I want to hold on tight and never let go.

Aww...I can never get enough of 'sisterly love'.

Woo Pig Sooie! Chris got me this Arkansas Razorback sweatshirt and it made me a very happy camper!

Bella just taking it all in.

The girls got "Just Dance" for the Wii and we have been having an absolute ball playing it! Of course, after our first day of trying it out, l could barely walk the next day!

We always save the most exciting gift for the girls after everything else has been opened and we try to confuse them so they won't know what they're getting. This year, we wrapped their final surprises in a cordless phone box. You can tell how perplexed they are.

Well, they both got IPhones (thanks to it being time for an upgrade!). I snapped the picture at the very moment when they realized what they got...it was priceless! I got one, too, but still don't know how to work the thing very well. Thankfully, Abby and Brittany have it all figured out, so they've been a lot of help.

Here's the girls giving "Just Dance" a whirl on the night of Christmas...what a riot!

Oh, there was no way I wasn't going to get in on the fun! I danced myself crazy...and loved every single second of it!

Next time, I'll be sharing about our trip to South Carolina to see my in-laws the day after Christmas. I'll do my best to visit you as time allows. Abby's laptop that I'd been using has crashed, so I'm, once again, fighting for computer time. UGH! Please bear with me! Hugs to you all and Happy 2012!

Walkin'~N~Talkin'

2011-12-19T18:13:00.000-05:00

Sorry I've been sort of MIA these past several days, but I've been as busy as a bee! Brittany got home from college on Thursday and it's so great to have her home. The three of us girls have been baking like crazy! Then, on Saturday night, Chris and I went to a Christmas party that our friends, Beth and Kurt, hosted. We really had a nice time visiting with everyone! Today, we drove over to Lenox Square Mall in Buckhead and did some browsing around. We saw a shirt in Neiman-Marcus...get this...that cost $1,600! Needless to say, I think we were all glad to get back to "our side of town".

Every time Brittany comes home from college, we always make it a part of our daily routine to go for a 3-4 mile walk at our local park. We have the best time getting in some exercise, but, also, catching up on things we might have missed out on while she was away. It's like a therapy session for us both, I think.

Here she is leading the way through the woods...

Pretty spectacular, wouldn't you agree?

We always see some kind of wildlife around...

I really need a more powerful lens to be able to pull in tighter shots.

Deep into the woods...I love it there!

On our way out of the woods today, we spotted a large heap of these feathers laying on the ground. I'm not sure what kind they were, but my guess is that a hawk swooped down to grab it's prey and this is all that was left behind...

We've been having such warm weather here in Georgia. I can't believe that Christmas Day is only 6 days away. What I'd give for a white Christmas, but I sure wouldn't bet the farm on it! Hope all is well in your corner of the world!

It's Wednesday Hodgepodge Time!

2011-12-14T08:40:00.002-05:00

It's been awhile since I've had the opportunity to participate in Wednesday Hodgepodge, so I'm looking forward to jumping back in today! If you'd like to play along, just link up over at Joyce's blog and join right in!

1. Do you put Christmas decorations in every room of your house? If not every room, what rooms do you decorate? I don't put decorations in every room of my house primarily because everything that goes up must come down. So, I put them in the rooms where we hang out the most...our family room, sunroom, formal living room, kitchen, and dining room.
2. If you could visit one of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) which one would you choose and why? I think I'd choose to visit Sweden...it looks so picturesque there! It's been on my 'bucket list' for quite some time.

3. What does the word faith mean to you? To me, 'faith' means placing all of my hope and trust in my Savior, Jesus Christ. With Him, I can cast all of my troubles and worries at His feet, knowing that he'll carry my burdens. There's a lot of comfort in that!

4. You can go back to your childhood for one day...what day and age would you choose? I think I'd choose to go back to the 5th grade when I moved into a new school in Arkansas and met my bestie to this day, Marni. Right away, she made me feel so welcomed and I've never forgotten that!

5. When did you last have 'punch'? If it's not too much trouble share your favorite punch recipe. It was probably at Brittany's college signing party. I think what we did was take a gallon-size container of raspberry sherbet and dumped it into a punch bowl, then we added a 2-liter bottle of 7 Up. Hope I'm not forgetting something! Everyone thought it was delicious!

6. Do you fill stockings at your house? Are stockings opened before or after the bigger gifts? Yes, we (Santa) fill stockings for the girls and have ever since they were little. They always open them first, then we gather at the kitchen table and eat a breakfast casserole I've made. After that, we open presents one at a time so as to make the fun last as long as possible.

7. What takes your breath away? OK...there are several things and I don't mean to sound cheesy, but every time I look at my girls, I can't believe I was fortunate enough to give birth to them. To have had the opportunity to watch them grow into the beautiful young women they are today, to me, is completely breathtaking. Then, of course, when I open my eyes and really see God's creation in all it's glory, how could I not have my breath taken away? This was, especially, true when we visited the Grand Canyon and the Rocky Mountains. How could anyone not believe in God after visiting those places? Now, my hubby, of course, still takes my breath away after 22 years of marriage, but there's just something about Jon Bon Jovi that makes my heart go thumpa-thumpa. :)

8. Insert your own random thought here. Do you know how excited I am about tomorrow? Why, you might ask? Brittany's coming HOME for Christmas! I can hardly wait to have us all together, again! It will make my Christmas complete! Please say a prayer for her safe travels...I always worry when she's on the road, especially for 5 1/2 hours. THANKS!

P.S. Well, I've finally jumped on the Pinterest bandwagon and am trying hard to find my way around. Might take me awhile to get the hang of it! I don't know how long I'll last, but I would love it if you'd follow me! Just click on the red button over to the side and it should take you right to my page.

It's A Take!

2011-12-13T08:07:00.002-05:00

One thing we do every year is take our annual Christmas card photo to send out in our Christmas cards. Granted, it's, typically, not something anyone in my family enjoys doing, with the exception of myself. The girls often gripe and complain about having to pose for what feels like hours on end and Chris, of course, would rather be at home watching a football game. I, on the other hand, enjoy taking pictures with my family because I know there will come a day when we'll look back on them and SMILE.

This year, we took our Christmas photo right before Thanksgiving. I was so excited because the weather was warm, though a little overcast. We drove about 10 miles up the road to a local college where Brittany used to run cross country in high school. It's located right next to a train track, so I thought it would be the perfect backdrop for our pictures. Would you like to see a few?

Here's Brittany at 19 years of age...

And Abby at 15...

Sisters...

Me and my honey...

This one is a favorite of mine. We've done this kind of shot several times before and I always love how they turn out.

My and my girls...

And here's the one we sent in our Christmas cards...

You know what's surprising? Not one person complained about having to take pictures, which is a shocker! Brittany and Abby didn't even threaten to claw each other's eyeballs out! It really ended up being a lot of fun and I bet we wrapped things up in about 30 minutes. That has to be a record! So, two thumbs up to my family for a job well-done!

A+ For Effort

2011-12-12T08:14:00.005-05:00

I certainly don't profess to be the best cook in the world, but I think I do pretty well, considering. So, on Saturday, I decided to try a new Crock Pot recipe called Chicken in Honey Sauce. Sounds pretty scrumptious, doesn't it? Well, Abby and I ran to Target while the chicken "did it's thang". When we got home and opened to the door, the smell hit us both like a ton of bricks! Chris popped his head out from upstairs and asked if something was burning. Oh, no....that's just how is was supposed to smell! Well, I lifted the lid off the Crock Pot and took a peek inside. Hmm...looked mighty dark in there! I took a spoon and flipped the chicken breasts over. They were honey glazed alright, but were as BLACK as black could be! Needless to say, I took those babies out right then and threw them on plates and rang the dinner bell. Chris and Abby came to the table with looks of disgust on their faces. We all tried to choke down the burned, dried out meat, but no such luck. It was an EPIC FAIL! Thankfully, last night, Chris offered to make dinner for us and I rejoiced!

Here he is reading the recipe he wanted to try out. He had some brown rice cooking and onions sauteing in the pan.

Just look how happy he was during the entire process. Nah, not really....he faked this one! In fact, I aggravated him because I was snapping pictures every few seconds. He wouldn't even let me step foot in the kitchen while he was cooking because he wanted to surprise me, so I had to stand in the sunroom or in the family room. Meanie!

I don't know, but there's something about a man washing dishes that makes him so attractive!

Ding, ding, ding...time to eat! No, this is not a big bowl of oatmeal. It's the brown rice...and let me tell you, it stuck to your ribs, and your throat...you get the picture!

Here's the main course...Cajun Baked Catfish. Now, let me explain something here. Having grown up in the South, I love catfish...FRIED CATFISH with a big heap of hushpuppies on the side! I am not a fan of baked fish of any kind. So, when Chris placed this on the table, Abby and I looked at each other as if to say, "What are we going to do?" Well, Abby flat out refused to take even one bite. I, on the other hand, put on a happy face and tried my best to eat it. I couldn't get over all that soupy stuff it was floating in.

Needless to say, I ate lots of corn and had several crescent rolls!

I have to be honest, the best part of the meal was the red velvet cake Chris bought for dessert. Man, was it GOOD!

So, even though neither one of our meals would have given Paula Deen a run for her money, I think we both deserve an A+ for putting forth the effort to try something new for a change. Of course, after these last two meals, a good ol' bologna sandwich is sounding better all the time!

Reflections Of Christmas

2011-12-09T10:06:00.002-05:00

I love looking at old pictures, but especially ones of Christmases past. Thought I'd share a few of my favorite picks with you.

This one was taken at our home in Harrisburg, NC, where we lived only 18 short months before getting transferred AGAIN! We must not have been living there for long when this picture was made because the room was nearly bare! Oh, but there was plenty of room for our short, stubby Christmas tree! What in the world possessed us to purchase such a pitiful looking tree? I think if Chris and I had stood next to it, we'd been able to see straight over the top. That's saying a lot for two people who are under 5'4"! Brittany was almost 3 years old when it was taken....and Abby was yet to come!

This picture really makes me SMILE! We had taken the girls to visit Santa at a mall in Madison, AL. Abby looks like she's thinking of ripping his beard right off his face. Brittany's just sitting there all angelic-like...probably so she'd rack in the gifts on Christmas morning!

Here's the girls, once again, at our home in Madison, AL. showing off a couple of the snazzy shirts they received. I think Abby liked Brittany's more!

This picture was made when we lived in Collierville, TN. Brittany, as you can tell, was just beginning to experiment with wearing makeup. It's hard to believe that Abby's at that age now. Can they just stop growing up already!

So, I'm looking forward to snapping away with my camera this Christmas to add to our ever-growing collection of reflective moments. You know me...I wouldn't trade them for anything!

P.S. Today, we hit the 7-month mark since Chris lost his job. In all honesty, I never thought it would take this long for him to find employment. However, we try hard to keep in mind that we don't have it nearly as hard as many people do these days. We are grounded in our faith in God and know that things will turn around soon! In the meanwhile, please keep us in your prayers...THANKS!

Her Evil Twin Is BAAACK!

2011-12-08T09:31:00.001-05:00

It happens every single Christmas. Chris runs off to Wal-Mart and buys Bella and Maddie a couple of Busy Bones and one other special treat to wrap and put under our tree. It's their much-anticipated "Christmas surprise". So, last night, he and Abby zipped over to Wal-Mart and came home with treats in hand.

Now, one thing that Chris does to get our dogs super-excited about Christmas is to show them what he brought home and allow them to have a taste of what's coming. He, then, goes upstairs and wraps their treats and places them under the tree. I'm telling you, it's serious business around here!

Chris is explaining to them how to act like LADIES when he gives them their treats. We can't have any bad behavior going on, you know!

Well, our expectations are always set way too high when it comes to Maddie. You see, when Chris places her wrapped treats under the tree...and she knows they're HERS...she sits and guards them all day and night. She even sacrifices napping in her favorite recliner to be able keep watch over her treats. If any of us takes one step into the sunroom, she lets out a low growl. If that doesn't heed a big enough warning, she begins barking louder and LOUDER!

See...she caught a glimpse of Chris out of the corner of her eye and she rose to her feet and let out her battle cry! Now, you have to understand that this behavior is completely uncharacteristic for Maddie. She is as sweet as they come. There isn't a mean bone in her body.

Well, that might be stretching it just a little...when it comes to Christmas and the goodness that awaits!

SING!

2011-12-07T08:52:00.002-05:00

On Monday night, Abby had her holiday choral concert at school. They did such a wonderful job and it really put me in the Christmas spirit! It did my heart good to hear them sing some traditional Christmas songs and even a few songs that mentioned Christ. I know they weren't allowed to do that in middle school so as not to offend anyone. It was definitely a welcomed change.

Here she is all decked out in her choral attire ready to belt it out! So very proud of her!

Toward the end of the concert, it was very moving because one of the singers took the stage alone. As she sang "Where Are You Christmas?", a slide show was presented of various military men and women celebrating Christmas overseas. While I watched and listened, the lump in my throat began to grow and tears began to well up in my eyes. Then, as she was about to finish her performance, the last slide popped up and it was of her dad. He died in 2006 in Afghanistan fighting for our freedom. As soon as she sang her last note, everyone in the auditorium jumped to their feet and gave her a rousing standing ovation. She burst into tears and ran off the stage. The choral director rushed over and brought her back out to relish in the moment. I can assure you that there wasn't a dry eye in the house. What a courageous young woman!

So, as you celebrate this most WONDERFUL time of year, please remember all those who've sacrificed so much and may not have that same opportunity. I think it's the least we can do.

Huntin' Dawg

2011-12-06T05:35:00.002-05:00

Some of you may know that dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers. Well, our 11 year old doxie follows her own rules. You see, whenever we take her out in the backyard with us, the first thing she does is put her nose to the ground and the sniffing begins. We have a "colony" of chipmunks that live in our backyard and when we let Maddie outside on Sunday afternoon, her nose lead her straight to their hiding place in the ground.

Here she is with nearly her entire head buried as she locates her prey with precision. Oh, I'm sure those chipmunks were shuddering with FEAR! She was like a Rottweiler in disguise!

She snorted and scratched as if she'd found a pot of gold! When she finally came up for air, her face looked like that of a seasoned warrior. I think I might have even witnessed a bead of sweat drop from her brow. She had a mission she was determined to fulfill!

Needless to say, no chipmunks lost their life during Maddie's hunt. In fact, truth be told, if she'd made contact with one, she'd have run away like a scared rabbit! So, the remainder of her day involved a warm bath and a long, relaxing nap. Perfect ending to a perfect day!

Ornaments And Memories

2011-12-05T05:30:00.001-05:00

Do you have certain ornaments that put a smile on your face and warmth in your heart when you hang them on your Christmas tree? Well, I definitely do and I thought I'd share some of my favorite and most treasured ornaments.

My mom absolutely adored hummingbirds. She's been gone now for 11 years, so I have this special hummingbird hanging on our tree in her memory. It always gets placed front and center, high at the top.

My brother, Kevin, passed away in 2002. We were exceptionally close and I miss him dearly every single day.

My sweet dad passed away in 2006. In my heart, I will always be his "little girl".

This picture shows me with my brothers when I was about a year old, back when times were so much simpler.

This is one of the first ornaments Chris and I purchased as a newly married couple.

Of course, I can't say enough about my wonderful mom. She made me who I am today and I'd give anything if she were still here. She always made Christmas so much FUN!

Here's a handcrafted ornament we bought when we went to Hawaii. We got the opportunity to swim with sea turtles, so this ornament helps bring back fond memories of those amazing creatures.

And last, but not least, here's the nativity that Chris surprised me with 22 years ago, shortly after we got married. I hope it continues to remain intact as it's been an important part of our Christmas celebration for all those years.

Oh, how I LOVE this time of year and am so thankful for my memories!

All Spruced Up!

2011-12-03T18:55:00.002-05:00

I've had my Christmas decorations up since right before Thanksgiving, but I can't help but do a little tweaking from time to time. So, thought I'd show you some of what our home looks like inside, as well as something Chris finally created for me today that I've been begging him to do for about the past 10 years or so. I love it...REALLY love it!

Here's our mantel and fireplace. Nothing too fancy or over-the-top. The girls always get their stockings filled every year...even if they are 19 and 15!

The two main colors I use are burgundy and gold. This is a lighted gold tree that sits behind our sofa in the family room. Adds a really nice glow when the room is dark.

For the first time, I decided to hang wreaths on the windows in our sunroom just for something a little different.

I, of course, love to hang garland and lights from our balcony overlooking our family room.

Now, one thing I've been asking Chris to make for a long time is a lighted cross that we could display in our front yard. Well, when Abby and I got back from town this afternoon, I was pleasantly surprised to see what he had waiting for me. It looks so BEAUTIFUL at night and helps serve as a profound reminder of what Christmas is really all about...CHRIST!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend! See you around soon!

Goodbye Fall...Hello December!

2011-11-29T19:21:00.002-05:00

Hope y'all had a nice Thanksgiving with your families! We traveled to South Carolina to spend a couple of days with my mother-in-law and brother-in-law. We all ate way too much! The girls and I enjoyed spending time together outdoors in the pretty weather. We went for walks, played Frisbee, and skipped rocks on the lake.

Just look how the lake transformed as the sun started to set.

Brittany tried to teach Abby how to skip rocks the "proper way". Of course, most times, her rocks went THUD!

I joked with the girls that this picture almost makes them look like they're a couple in love. I think it's super cute!

I love how the sky changed into such spectacular colors.

God's masterpieice at it's finest.

Who could resist roasting marshmallows by a bon fire?

Thankfully, when we got home, I already had our tree put up and decorated, so all we had to do was plug it in and ENJOY!

It's definitely beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here! Now, if I could just get a little snow to fall, I'd be set!

Be THANKFUL!

2011-11-22T12:39:00.001-05:00

Hello, my friends! Well, Brittany made it home from college safe and sound on Sunday evening. It feels so good to have her home, again, and for our family to be together. I always sleep so soundly when I know my girls are here under one roof. To me, there's no better feeling in the world! So, that is definitely something I have to be very thankful for.

As many of you know, we are fast approaching the 7-month mark since Chris joined the ranks of the unemployed. I never imagined it would carry on this long. However, it is what it is and we are still reminded daily of all the blessings we have in our life. We have a home, heat, air conditioning, water, food, clothes, a vehicle, good health, the love of family and friends...the list could go on and on. Through everything we've faced these past 6 1/2 months, we've come to realize all the more the difference between the things that matter in life and the things that don't. Our faith in God has definitely deepened as we've come to rely on Him even more for guidance, direction, and STRENGTH. He is our ROCK!

So, as you prepare to enjoy Thanksgiving with your family, take some time to really think about all the ways that you have been blessed. I'm sure you'll see that regardless of life's ups and downs, there is always reason to CELEBRATE!

I would like to thank each of you from the bottom of my heart for becoming such dear and treasured friends to me. We'll be heading out to South Carolina in the morning. If you're traveling, please drive safely on the roads! Wishing you and yours a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

"Be thankful for your trials. If you're being tested, you're being perfected, which means you have a divine purpose and a reason to rejoice!"~Author Unknown

Hard To Resist

2011-11-16T10:46:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd tell you about a couple of my newest indulgences. When I was at Sam's a few weeks ago, I came across this bag of sweet peppers (orange, red, and yellow). They looked so good, so I bought a bag and I've been hooked ever since! I simply slice one or two of them up and have them with my lunch or as a snack. They truly are the SWEETEST tasting peppers I've ever had! I can't get enough of their yummy goodness! Plus, they're packed with anti-oxidents and nutrients, so that's an added bonus.

Now, for anybody who knows me, they'll tell you that I have a big sweet tooth...really BIG! Chocolate is my weakness...there, I said it! Well, at Costco, they sell the best ready-to-make brownies EVER! I've tried every brand known to man, but I keep coming back to these. Talk about rich, creamy, and loaded with chocolate morsels! HAVE MERCY! I, literally, think I could eat the entire pan of them...and have come very close to doing so on several occasions!

Now, I have this theory that I'll gladly share. If you eat something healthy followed by something not-so-healthy, the good cancels out the bad. So, for instance, when I eat the peppers prior to eating a brownie, all of the fat grams and calories are cancelled out by the nutrients in the peppers. Makes perfect sense, wouldn't you say? Well, it was worth the effort, right? Hey, the way I look at it is that life is far too short to not allow yourself some indulgences along the way! So, I say...DIG IN!

"Too much of a good thing can be wonderful!"~Mae West

Showin' Off Her Pearly Whites

2011-11-15T16:20:00.003-05:00

Oh, happy day! After wearing braces for 2 1/2 years, Abby finally got her braces off yesterday! I'm amazed at how much older she looks now. I love her new smile and I think her teeth look great! In fact, Abby hasn't stopped smiling since she got them off and I often catch her walking by a mirror and grinning real big back at her reflection. I do believe she likes what she sees! Isn't it amazing the difference a couple of years makes?

Guess this is just one more milestone we can mark off the list. I'm thinking that college will be the next one, but we'll tackle that another day! My heart can only take so much, you know!
"A winning smile makes winners of us all."~Author Unknown

P.S. My sweet bloggy pal, Lori, is having an AWESOME giveaway where she's giving away one of her super cute 12 Days of Christmas bracelets. Trust me...you're going to love them, so head on over and put you name in the hat!

Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings...DELISH!

2011-11-12T11:26:00.002-05:00

I wanted to share a recipe I tried for the first time the other night that was a huge hit! You simply cook some chicken, then dump it along with the remaining ingredients into a slow cooker and dinner is served! I, actually, doubled the recipe so that we'd have plenty for leftovers. That, to me, is the best part! It's the perfect thing to warm up your bones and satisfy your tummy on a chilly fall evening. So, go ahead and give it a try...you can thank me later!

Hope y'all have a nice, relaxing weekend! The weather is absolutely beautiful today here in Georgia!

Centerfold Material

2011-11-08T05:44:00.001-05:00

Guess the title of my post grabbed your attention, huh? I've written about our Shih Tzu, Bella, numerous times before. She is such a sweetheart and adds so much love and fun to our family. Well, she does something every time we sit down at the dinner table that I just have to share. I'm serious, she never misses a beat! Shortly after we say our blessing and take our first bites of dinner, Bella grabs her favorite ball, flips over on her back, and proudly exposes her belly for everyone to see. It's as if she's saying, "Oh, yoohoo...look at me!" I'm convinced that the most well-known person in the world could be visiting and Bella wouldn't be phased in the slightest...she'd still "strike a pose"!

She holds this exact position until one of us gets up from our chair, grabs the ball, and throws it for her to chase after. Talk about milking the attention! This girl has it all figured out!

"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace."~ Milan Kundera

All WILL Be Well!

2011-11-06T15:41:00.006-05:00

Well, on Friday, Chris and I received news that we weren't expecting. He didn't get the job that he was recently called in for a 2nd interview. They opted to hire the other candidate...a single woman whose mother lives in the New York City area. So, they won't have to worry about footing the bill for relocation costs. Chris and I had convinced ourselves that this was going to be the answer to our prayers.

As most of you recall, I was very excited, yet nervous about this job working out because of the real possibility of having to leave the south. I could easily see myself being dragged away kicking and screaming. No, not really, but it would have been a gut-wrenching transition, no doubt about it. So, I was very torn in that I wanted it to pan out for Chris and our family, but the sentimental side of me wanted so badly to stay right here in the south...the place I love dearly.

Chris and I have talked frequently about the outcome and how we feel about things. We're both let down, however, we trust with everything we have that God continues to have a very specific plan for our family. We know that if we continue to believe and rely solely on Him, everything will come together in due time. So, maybe this job not working out as we'd hoped is the way it was intended to be. When one door closes, another one is bound to open. You've got to have FAITH!

"In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."~Albert Einstein

A Love Letter To Mom

2011-11-04T09:29:00.005-04:00

Dear Mom,
I woke up this morning with you on my mind, as I so often do. Today was different in that it's the 11-year anniversary since you've been gone  I have such a difficult time believing it's been that long. Brittany was only 8 years old and Abby was just 4 when you passed away. I, of course, was a full grown adult and even though you might think that I had life all figured out by then, I really didn't. There was so much more, Mom, I needed to share with you and learn from you...SO MUCH MORE.

What I'd give to have you here to see the remarkable young women Brittany and Abby have grown up to be. You'd be so proud of them, Mom, I just know it! They both have your love for life, laughter, family, and God. We talk about you all the time. I'm so thankful they still have a lot of memories of times spent with you. They remember the "prizes" you used to always have for them whenever we'd come for visits and how we'd go to your bedroom with a big bowl of popcorn and watch movies together. More than anything, they remember your warm and loving heart and how you always made them feel like they were the most special grandchildren in the whole, wide world. I'd give anything for you to be here to see them get all dolled up for dances and dates and to see them walk down the aisle one day and have families of their own.

You know what's funny, Mom? Often when I look in the mirror, it isn't myself I see. I see you in my eyes and in my face. It's as though you're the one staring back at me. I like to think that the older I get, the more I'm beginning to look like you. I used to tell you all the time what beautiful skin you had...and you did. In fact, every time I get a whiff of Oil of Olay, I think of you and how you would slather it on your face each night before bed. It brings back some warm memories for me and almost makes me feel like you're still here.

I can only imagine how happy you must be up there in Heaven with Dad, Kev, Granny, Grandpa, Uncle Phil, and many other loved ones. You must be rejoicing every single day! I often think about how wonderful it would be if you could just pay me a quick visit for a little while to let me know how great Heaven truly is.  The problem with that is that I most likely wouldn't want to let you go, even though I know that Heaven is where you'd rather be.

So, on this day of remembrance, Mom, I just want to let you know that I love and miss you dearly, but that I'm doing OK. By the grace of God, I'm learning to make it in this world without you. Your passing has left a gaping hole in my heart that can never be filled. I really hope I've made you proud, Mom. I'm trying to be the best wife and mom I can possibly be, but it's awfully hard to fill your shoes. You were an incredible role model and I'm so grateful for all the life lessons you taught me. In my eyes, you were the BEST...always will be!

Love you with all my heart!

Your adoring daughter,

"Death is nothing else but going home to God; the bond of love will be unbroken for all of eternity."~Mother Teresa

True Blue Cure For Cabin Fever

2011-11-01T20:34:00.001-04:00

Chris and I are both about to go bonkers sitting around waiting for THE phone call to come. We hope and pray he gets some good news regarding the 2nd interview he had last week. Of course, as the recruiter reminded him today, the New York and surrounding areas received a large amount of unexpected snow, so many are without power. Therefore, we might not hear anything as soon as we'd like. We're hanging in there and trying hard to remain POSITIVE.

Now, for anyone who has ever dealt with a job loss, you know that it often limits the activities you can partake in, which might lead to "cabin fever". With the weather being as nice as it was today, and has been the past several days, we decided to leave the confines of our house and go for a nice stroll at the park. So glad we did, too! The breathtaking scenery was a real mood lifter!

Check out the magnificent lake view...

Birds serenaded us at every turn...

The bright colors seemed to explode...

Nothing much prettier than Georgia in the fall...unless, of course, you're talking about Arkansas! I can't help but be a little partial, you know!

By the time we got back home, we both felt like completely different people with renewed perspectives. Sometimes, that's all it takes...a little walk in nature and a little talk with God to make things right, once again.

"I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to reach my destination."~Jimmy Dean

P.S. Just wanted to say thanks to all of you for your encouraging words on my last post. I didn't mean to come across as a "Debbie Downer", but I think the stress was getting to me. Whatever God has planned for our family, I will do my best to face it with grace. Thankfully, the Good Lord knows my heart and, if I should stumble, He will love me just the same. I'll try to visit as time allows! Miss y'all a bunch!

Worry Wart...That's Me!

2011-10-26T11:00:00.000-04:00

OK, I admit it...whenever I'm faced with the storms of life, I become a serious worry wart. I have a tendency to think about every possible outcome, both good and bad, for nearly every situation life throws my way. In my own defense, my mom and dad were both worry warts, so maybe I come by it naturally. That's right...let's blame it on the genes.

With Chris being out of work now for almost 6 months, you can just imagine how much worrying I've done. He and I both haven't been sleeping very well because we'll wake up in the middle of the night with all sorts of worrisome thoughts running through our heads. It's difficult, if not impossible, to turn them off. There's always lots of "what ifs" roaming through our minds.

With this whole job situation, I've come to realize that Chris and I view things a little differently. He, on one hand, is striving hard to find the best job that will provide for our family. I, on the other hand, am most concerned about a job that will cause the least amount of stress and will be as easy of a transition as possible. His concerns are more of a financial nature while mine are more matters of the heart. Ideally, I would love for us to be able to stay put right where we are and not have to face another move. Getting Abby through high school without too many bumps in the road is one of my main objectives right now. Plus, I'd love to be close enough to Brittany so that she can visit us whenever she wants. However, I realize that in today's market, you simply can't afford to pass on opportunites that come up because they're far and few in between.

So, this brings us to today. Chris is flying to New York this morning for a 2nd round of interviews with a company he's very excited about. They've expressed great interest in him and the recruiter even told him that he's their # 1 pick. Now, if he does end up getting an offer and decides to take it, we could very well be looking at having to move to the suburbs of New York City somewhere in the near future. Am I worried? You bet I am! I have lived in the south my entire life. Moving north to me means moving to North Carolina. So, the thought of moving close to the Big Apple makes me a nervous wreck. Now, please don't get me wrong. I am supporting Chris in his endeavors every step of the way...always have and always will. Still, there's a part of me that worries how that kind of major transition would strain our family. So many concerns swirl through my head. Oh, we've moved many times before and have always come out shining, but it's never been as major of a move as this one would be. I know I'm getting way ahead of myself because he has to get the offer first. However, I'm trying to prepare myself for what might be coming.

Every morning I pray to God that He will take away my fears and worries and show me how to fully trust Him through all of life's uncertainties. I can feel Him working on me, too...really, I can! I know that I have to cast all of my troubles on Him and give Him full control. Afterall, I'm not in the driver's seat...He is. Still, there's a huge part of me that hopes and prays that God's plan for our family involves being able to stay here in the south...where we've always called HOME. Have any of you ever been faced with a similar situation? If so, I'd sure love to hear your perspective.

"I believe God is managing affairs and that He doesn't need any advice from me. With God in charge, I believe everything will work out for the best in the end. So what is there to worry about." ~Henry Ford

Sunday FUNday!

2011-10-24T13:39:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was such a GORGEOUS day...not a cloud in the sky! It was a little warmer than I'd like for this time of year, but you still get no complaints from me. One thing we enjoy doing on pretty days is going for a ride in the country, so off we went!

Bella, of course, had to join us. She loves sticking her head out the window and taking in all the "sniffs".

We drove over to a local Alpaca farm to see them up close. They smelled like typical farm animals, but they were so cute! I think Abby and I would have gladly taken a couple of them home with us.

Here's a face only a mother could love.

The fall colors are starting to become very vibrant.

When we got back home, Abby and I grabbed our cameras and headed out to our backyard to discover what other sights we could capture.

Lots and lots of acorns...

A bee busy at work...

A "colony" of toadstools...

"Watchdog Bella' who kept all the squirrels at bay. What a girl!

And a gentle reminder that springtime, in all it's glory, will arrive, again, soon...

Sure hope your weekend was just as nice! I'm off to visit as many of you as I can before I lose my computer priveleges. :)

Side By Side-Year By Year

2011-10-21T08:13:00.002-04:00

Twenty two years ago today, I took a leap of faith and married my one true love. From the moment Chris and I went on a blind date back in 1988, he won my heart. I was never a believer in "love at first sight" until he walked into my life. I still remember that feeling when I first saw him. There was something inside me that told me he was "the one". Our courtship was fast and furious and we were engaged only 3 months after our first date. Then, 10 months later in a Baptist church in Lenoir City, Tennesee, we said "I do" and the rest is history.

We've had our share of struggles and triumphs just like every other married couple, but I'm proud to say that we're one of the success stories. I love Chris more than I ever dreamed possible. He's my sweetheart and my best friend. There is nothing I'd change about our lives up to this point and I can only imagine that the coming years will keep getting better. I feel honored to be his wife and his lifelong companion. I look forward to growing old with him by my side!

"A successful married life requires falling in love many times, but always with the same person."

Remembering Dad

2011-10-18T08:04:00.007-04:00

I love this picture of my dad. My brother took it sometime before he passed away in 2006. He looks so deep in thought. Today would have been his 87th birthday and I'd give anything to hear his timely advice, again, or to argue with him about politics and such. Dad was a well-read man and was far more intelligent than I think I ever gave him credit for. Oh, how he loved a good belly laugh...and his family! I learned so much about honor, integrity, and, yes, LOVE from him over the years. Though he was blessed to have lived a long life, it still wasn't long enough for me. I'm living proof that no matter how grown a woman becomes, she still needs her dad. Love you, Pop!

P.S. Thank you all for your concern and advice regarding Brittany's bed bug situation. I am just about sick over all this. It's so hard to get the right thing done when we're 5 1/2 hours away from her. I spoke to the Terminix guy yesterday about the treatment he did to her apartment on Friday. First of all, he didn't prep the apartment like he's was supposed to have done before starting treatment. Secondly, he said he did a heat treatment (temp. is supposed to be 140 degrees or higher), but yet a hamster remained in the apartment because he said it really doesn't get all that hot. WHAT??? No pets and no residents were supposed to be present when the treatment was done. He assured me he did a "real thorough job" along the baseboards, cracks, and crevices. He said he took off all the bedding and "threw it in the bathroom" because he couldn't find any evidence of bugs...even though Brittany had already bagged 5 of those beasts. So, I've made my mind up. I'm calling Terminix, again, today and ask to speak to the manager. I want to know if his exterminator followed the proper protocol and what's going to be done from here on out. What a nightmare this is becoming! *Giveaway*...head on over to pay my bloggy friend, Kim , a visit and to enter her Shutterfly giveaway to win 25 free photo cards! Can't beat that!

Advice...PLEASE!

2011-10-15T16:53:00.000-04:00

I'm going to have to make this short and sweet, unfortunately. For the past two days, I've been having to deal with an issue that has rattled me to the core. Brittany's college apartment has an infestation of BED BUGS! Yes, you read that right...BED BUGS! In fact, we just learned that her apartment was badly infested with them last year, prior to her moving in. I have been such a basket case ever since she called me yesterday morning to tell me that she "caught" one crawling up her bedroom wall. Since then, she's "captured" three more! She's been having terrible bites on her legs, arms, back, and neck for about a month now. She told me she thought she spotted a bed bug crawling up her bed post in mid-Sept., but she was so upset about it that she didn't think to "capture" it to show to the landlord. He, in fact, contacted Terminix that very day and had them come out and do an inspection. They didn't find any traces of bed bugs, so no treatment was started. However, the bites continued.

Well, after what happened yesterday, we called the landlord right away and he said that Terminix would be on their way. Brittany wasn't home when they got there, but her roomie was. She told Brittany that they threw the bedding off all their beds, sprayed something, and had her leave the apartment for 2 hours. Now, I've gone on the Terminix website and learned that a residence has to be "prepared" before the onset of any treatment (i.e. washing and drying all the bedding, towels, rugs, clothes, etc on HOT temps.). None of this was done yesterday because the girls weren't told to do so. I'm so frustrated right now about all of this! I feel like the landlord is trying to skip out on doing the right treatment because it can be very costly. We have a call into him to call us first thing Monday morning.

So, as you can surely imagine, I've been a nervous wreck!. Have any of you ever dealt with bed bugs? If you want to shoot me an e-mail, please feel free to do so. I'm so concerned, too, that when she comes home for Thanksgiving, she'll bring the bed bugs home with her. I can't stand the thought!

SIGNS

2011-10-14T10:13:00.000-04:00

Yesterday afternoon, dark clouds suddenly gathered in the sky and it looked like a bad storm was approaching. However, within just a few seconds, the sun broke through and I looked out our front door to find this beautiful rainbow.

I wonder if God was sending me a message that His promises are coming to fruition and that all of my prayers are soon going to be answered. Could it be that these storm clouds we've been under for the past 5 months are starting to lift? Something inside me tells me to BELIEVE with all my might! I trust that we're on our way to brighter days. Remember...that's what FAITH can do!

Enjoy your weekend, my friends!

CELEBRATE!

2011-10-12T10:24:00.000-04:00

Well, we ended up having to celebrate Abby's birthday a day early because she had her first choral concert last night and we were really pressed for time. So, I baked her a red velvet birthday cake on Monday. It was a total disaster! I must not have let it cool as long as I thought and when I frosted it, the top layer sort of slid off and the icing melted. Thankfully, Chris came to the rescue and rushed down to the grocery store for another box of cake mix before Abby got out of bed. I certainly didn't want her to know that I had FAILED at making her birthday cake...I have a reputation to uphold!

I'm proud to say that the second cake turned out much better! Being that Abby's birthday is on Oct. 11th, I've always had the tradition of using a Halloween theme on her cakes. So, here's how her cake turned out...no snickering allowed!

Here's the birthday girl herself blowing out her candles and making a wish...

And here's a few pictures of her opening some of her gifts. Anything from Forever 21 is always a big hit!

Chris and I told Abby that once he gets a job, I can makeover her bedroom and bathroom to make them look more "mature". That's something she's been wanting for quite awhile, so she's excited! For her birthday dinner that night, I made her favorite meal...Beef Stroganoff.

Now, of course, yesterday was her actual birthday. So, we treated her to dinner out at Buffalo's for some yummy boneless chicken wings. Unfortunately, we had to eat quickly because we had to rush home so that she could get ready to report to her high school for her chorus concert at 6:15 PM.

Abby's group sang first. They performed 3 selections and did a fantastic job! Then, we had to stay until all of the other choral groups performed. It was about 8:15 PM by the time we got out of there. I snapped a quick picture of Abby in her dress when we got home, but it didn't turn out very well. Her feet were killing her and she wanted to get out of her panty hose...you know how that is, ladies! She'll have another concert in early Dec., so I'll be sure to take a better picture then.

I do want to add something here. When Abby got home from school yesterday, she was very quiet. I could tell that something was bothering her. So, being the inquisitive Mom that I am, I asked her what was wrong and I got the typical "nothing" in response. Definitely a red flag that something was going on. After asking her several times to confide in me, she finally said, "Mom, quit asking me so many questions!" and I knew to back off. About that time, one of her friends popped over, so I seized the opportunity to call Brittany and ask her to get to the bottom of it when she called to wish Abby a Happy Birthday. So, when we got home from the concert, Brittany called her. She texted me after they finished talking to tell me that Abby's "boyfriend" had broken up with her...on her birthday! Yes...this is the same guy I wrote about recently that Abby was completely ga-ga over. She came downstairs this morning to leave for school and had his jacket in her hand to give back to him, I'm assuming. I can't tell you how much I felt like shouting, "YIPEE!" to the rooftops, but I refrained. I know that those first break-ups hurt BAD. I just wish I could get Abby to open up to me. Brittany used to tell me everything and I suppose I expect Abby to do the same. All I need is more DRAMA in my life! Lord...give me patience! :)

15 Years Ago Today...

2011-10-11T05:26:00.003-04:00

I remember the day, oh, so well. My tummy was HUGE... I looked like I had swallowed a watermelon! I felt like I was going to explode any second! Thankfully, my doctor decided to induce me, so off to Huntsville Hospital in Alabama Chris and I went in the early morning hours of October 11, 1996.

When we arrived at the hospital, I was hooked up to all the monitors and given Pitocin to start things moving along. We were under the impression that labor and delivery would be quick, but we were wrong. Hour after hour passed by and things remained at a standstill. Finally, later in the afternoon, my doctor decided to insert a fetal heart rate monitor to better regulate how things were progressing. It wasn't too long after that when Chris glanced over at the heart rate readout and noticed that Abby's heart rate had plummeted to about 24 beats. He, immediately, called for a nurse and she took a one look at the declining numbers and called down to the operating room to have them prepare for a C-section STAT! I was scared half out of my mind! They put an oxygen mask on my face and flipped me on my side. My doctor ran in about that time and explained that they were going to try and deliver the baby via vacuum extraction. All I recall at that point is seeing him standing at the foot of my bed, pulling with all of his might to get Abby out. Chris later commented to me that he thought the doctor was going to yank her head right off because the veins in his arms were bulging out and his arms were trembling. After several grueling minutes, Abby was born weighing in at a healthy 6 lbs. 15 oz. Such a relief and an incredible JOY! Chris and I had gone through 2 years of unexplained infertility, 2 miscarriages, and a round of Clomid to be able to have her. What a miracle she was...and continues to be!

Here we are together, shortly after she was born...it was PURE LOVE! I sat there just gazing at her sweet face all day long. I'll never forget that moment for as long as I live.

Abby, I just want you to know, first of all, that I love you with all my heart. You have no idea how much joy you've brought to my life these past 15 years. Having the privelege of watching you grow into the beautiful young lady you are today has been a real blessing. I feel like one of the luckiest moms around! Also, I hope you know that I will always be here for you...ALWAYS! You may sometimes feel that I don't have your best interests at heart, but I can promise you that I do. There is nothing I wouldn't do to ensure your happiness and your well-being. Please don't forget as you continue to grow and change that I've been right where you're at...I was a teenager once, too. So, continue to lean on me and allow me to guide you to the best of my ability. I assure you that I won't ever lead you down the wrong path.

So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, my Abby Dabby. To me, you will always be "my little girl".

Love you to the moon and back...

MOM♥

P.S. Today is, also, my brother's birthday. He's been gone now for 9 years. I think about and miss him every single day. He was so excited when Abby was born on his birthday. That's a special connection they'll always share.

Singin' to A Different Tune

2011-10-05T11:10:00.000-04:00

As many of you may know, Abby has been involved in her school chorus since the 4th grade. She's had a wonderful time learning more about music and making new friends. So, when she entered high school in August, she decided to become involved in chorus, again. Well, she soon discovered that it's a world apart from chorus in elementary and middle school.

Her choral director is new this year and expects PERFECTION out of her students. There are more rules than Abby can count. They have to sit on the edge of their seats with their shoulders back, their backs straight, with their feet planted flat on the floor. If the director sees any of them talking to another student, she calls them out, immediately. Oh, that's just the tip of the iceberg!  Unfortunately, what's happening is that she's so strict about everything that no one is enjoying it, anymore, including Abby. She is seriously considering dropping out next semester and doing something different. I really hate that, too, but I don't want her to be involved in something that she doesn't enjoy.

Abby's not happy because they have their first concert next Tuesday evening...her 15th birthday. She'll have practice right after school for about an hour, then the concert goes from 7-8:15 PM.  Oh, well...what can you do? Lie down on the floor and kick and scream?  Sometimes, you just have to go with the flow and make the best of a less-than-favorable situation.

She brought home her chorus dress on Friday. She ordered the smallest size they had...size 0.  However, it's way too long and I'm going to have the pleasure of hemming it. I really hope I don't cut too much off, knowing what a stickler the director is! Whew...talk about PRESSURE! Abby looks so grown-up in it, though...really grown up! I'll share some pics. of her wearing it next week, but here's just a couple of sneak peeks...

A sparkly broach adds a little FLASH!

The "right" shoes can make all the difference.

Of course, I couldn't resist including the list of "rules" for hemming the dress and the guidelines the girls must follow.

So, I guess it's time to dust off my sewing machine and get busy! Hope her long, flowing dress doesn't end up as a mini-shirt! Wish me luck!

P.S. Chris is in NY right now going through another series of panel interviews. He'll be finished around 3 PM and will fly home tonight. Please keep him in your prayers! Also...say a prayer for my mother-in-law. She found a pea-sized lump in her breast the day before yesterday and is going in today for a specialized mammogram. I'll keep you updated...THANK YOU!

There She Goes...

2011-10-04T19:43:00.000-04:00

Today was one of my most dreaded days, like so many before. I had to say "goodbye" to Brittany as she hopped in her car, pulled out of our driveway, and headed back to college. Before we got to that point, I was feeling STRONG! My emotions were in-check and I felt like I had my tear ducts completely under control. Then, the moment came when she wrapped her arms around me and kissed me on my cheek. I felt the lump in my throat begin to grow bigger and bigger and I knew I was about to lose it...and I did. The very second she pulled away from me, the tears began to fall. I'm going to miss her, oh, so much!

She surprised us all on Thursday night around 11:30 PM by showing up completely unnanounced on our front doorstep. In fact, Chris and I were lying in bed and I was dozzing off to sleep when I felt him jump up out of bed and say, "April, I think Brittany's home". Still half asleep, I got up and threw on my robe and followed him out the door. There Brittany stood in our foyer with a big ol' smile planted on her face. It was so good to see her, again, and to give her a hug! Talk about a pleasant SURPRISE!

She was home for 4 days and we enjoyed every second of it! The unfortunate part is that it flew by much too quickly!

Here's a few pictures we took while she was home...

We went to a local park and took this silly picture. Our family has never been so tall!

Beautiful landscape.

The long and winding road.

Illuminated sky.

Brittany learning how to change the oil in her car...like that will ever happen!

Hmm...didn't work out so well!

Bella scored BIG TIME with one last snuggle session and belly rub.

You know what was really strange this time around? Brittany kept referring to her college town as HOME. I have to admit, it caught me a bit off-guard. However, I guess that's a positive sign. Maybe she's getting to that point in her life where she realizes that HOME is wherever you feel happy and content. Of course, the mother in me hopes and prays that she never loses sight of the HOME where she can always return and find arms waiting open wide.

Separation Anxiety

2011-09-27T18:05:00.000-04:00

The last time I saw Brittany was on Aug. 15th when we moved her back to college. Guess it's been close to 7 weeks now. Though we talk and text each other just about every day, it isn't quite the same as having her here...at HOME.

She recently met a guy who just graduated from the college she's attending and currently works as an ER nurse. She's been telling me how sweet he is and how much fun she has when she's with him. Now, I've heard this same ol' song and dance before...more times than I can probably count, in fact. However, I suppose I have to trust that this time will be different. Well, a few days ago, Brittany called to tell me how excited she was because "C" had the whole upcoming weekend off so they planned to do a lot of things together. My heart sort of sank. It isn't that I didn't want her to spend time with him. It's the fact that she'd forgotten that this weekend is the beginning of her Fall Break and she'd planned to come home. So, almost reluctantly, I brought it to her attention. She, at first, argued that her Fall Break wasn't for another week, but she soon realized she was wrong. I could tell that she was so torn as to what to do. On one hand, she wanted to spend time with "C" getting to know him better, but she also wanted to come home to see her family.

Well, I made the decision right then and there that I was not going to lay a big guilt trip on her...as much as I wanted to! I told her that she needed to decide what she wanted to do and I'd be fine with it. Oh, how I wanted to beg her to come home! Well, a day later she called to inform me that she'd decided to come on home, afterall! YIPEE! She said she mentioned it to "C" and he was perfectly fine with her decision and even said she'd made the right choice. Wow...that's refreshing! Finally, a guy who doesn't try to make himself the center of her world. This one could very well be a keeper!

So, in T-3 days, my girl will be coming home for a 4 day visit! I can hardly wait to hug her neck! Separation anxiety is undoubtedly hard on the heart, but being together, again, makes it ALL BETTER!

P.S. Thank each of you who took the time to write me words of encouragement on my last post or to send me e-mails. I can't tell you enough how much that means to me and to my family. All of the interviews Chris had last week went very well and he has a second interview in NY next week with a really good company, so we're excited! We continue to be in somewhat of a holding pattern, but I'm hopeful that brighter days are just ahead! Love to you all...I'll visit, again, when I can!

Opportunities Are Knocking!

2011-09-22T10:18:00.000-04:00

Well, Chris got up before dawn this morning to head to the airport. He flew out to St. Louis, MO. for a second interview with a company he's very interested in and excited about. It will be a long day for him with back-to-back interviews with 4 different people in a period of 4 hours. He'll fly back home late this evening. It this job pans out, we very likely would have to relocate to St. Louis, but there is a possiblity we could stay put here in Atlanta. He had another good second interview on Monday with an industrial gas company that would take us to Charleston, SC., if he ends up getting an offer. Then, he has a phone interview on Friday with another company. So, there is definitely a lot going on this week!

It's hard to believe that Chris has been unemployed for over 4 months now.  However, there are days when it feels like it's been an eternity! It seems really odd not having him home for the entire day. You have to remember that I went from having him gone 3-4 nights of every week (for our entire 21 years of marriage) to being home all the time. It's been quite an adjustment for us both, but I think we've handled the change as well as can be expected. It's taken a lot of patience, understanding, and compromise on both our parts.

I have always said that the Atlanta area isn't the place I want to live out my dying days. I'm not a big city kind of gal. I'm more of a country gal, where the living is easy and laid back. I prefer wrap around front porches to high rise buildings and dusty roads to 5 lanes of interstate. So, the thought of having to relocate to St. Louis, MO. concerns me a little. I worry about moving that much farther away from Brittany and having to pull Abby out of high school and enroll her in a new one. I suppose the same stands true for Charleston, SC., but, at least, it's still in the South.

If it were just Chris and me, I'd probably be up to moving just about anywhere in the country.  Instead, we have to consider what's best for our entire family. I even think about things like when our girls get married, will I be close enough to them to be able to see any grandbabies I might have? That's just how my mind works. Plus, another move will be our 7th one since we've been married and I'm getting to that age where I want to find a place to call HOME for good. Moving from one house to another, much less from state to state, is a huge undertaking for anyone. All that being said, I've asked God to help me trust in His plan for our family and to let go of all my worries and reservations. I fully beleive that the door that finally opens for Chris and our family will be the answer to all of our prayers.

I will continue to keep you posted if anything comes from these interviews! Now, I plan to make my rounds and pay y'all a visit! It's been far too long!

She's Been Bitten...

2011-09-16T12:21:00.000-04:00

Well, looks like the fun times for me are about to start, once again. Seems like it was only a few days ago that Brittany suddenly had a sparked a newfound interest in BOYS. Now...looks like it's Abby's turn. Can you sense the excitement?  Hmm...wonder if I can just run far, far away and let Chris deal with all this drama on his own? Boy, you don't know how tempting that is!

This whole mess started about a year ago, actually, when Abby told me about a new boy who'd entered her class. Oh, the way she described him...I knew her heart was going thumpa-thumpa. He was all she talked about for nearly the entire year, but I did absolutely nothing to encourage her feelings. In fact, I did the complete opposite. I sat her down on numerous occasions and had my usual "mother-daughter" talk. You know the one...the one where you daughter rolls her eyes back in her head like you are so LAME! Still, she continued to adore this boy...and I knew I was in trouble.

Well, when Abby entered high school last month, she proudly announced that HE was in her same math class and that he rides her bus! Oh, brother! Things seemed to go fairly smoothly for awhile, then she found out that he had a girlfriend and the world came to a screeching halt! She came home and told me what a "player" he was and that she'd blocked his number on her cell phone. YAY!!! I wanted so badly to jump up and down and shout "Yipee!", but I contained myself. Well, just a few days later, she told me that he'd broken up with his girlfriend.  Any guesses what she brought home with her yesterday? She brought home his jacket with his cologne sprayed all over it! I asked why she had his jacket and she replied joyfully, "Because he LOVES me!" You know what I did? I rolled my eyes and walked off in disgust!  Why, oh, why does this have to be happening, again? I'm not ready to be heading down this path of broken hearts, once more. Then, Abby said something to me last night that was like a dagger to my heart. She said, "You know, Mom, and I am in high school and you can't keep me in a box forever." OUCH! I suppose she told me! Still, as I explained, my job as her mom is to do whatever I can to protect her and to keep her from getting hurt. I'm pretty certain she gave me another eye roll...and I can promise you, it won't be the last!

When I went into her room this morning, I didn't find her head lying on her pillow. Instead, her head was resting peacefully on his jacket with the strong scent of his cologne filling the air. Yes, she's been bitten by the LOVE BUG...and I'm wondering how I'll ever survive!

May We Never Forget!

2011-09-11T17:14:00.000-04:00

I remember the day like it was yesterday, though it's been 10 years. I had just hopped on the treadmill in our bedroom in Madison, AL. when the phone rang. It was Chris calling me from out of town to ask me if I'd been watching the news, to which I replied, "No". He explained that he'd just gotten off the phone with a friend of ours who had mentioned something about a plane crashing into the World Trade Center in New York City. He told me to turn on the news to see what they were saying about it, which I did. At that time, the reporters were speculating that it was just a random accident that had ended tragically. However, as I continued to watch, the conclusion became clear that it was a terrorist attack on our country.

I stared in horror and disbelief as images like these began to flood the TV screen...

(Courtesy of Google Images)

I could not wrap my head around what was happening...I was in complete shock! Of course, as I continued to watch, I began to sob for the lives lost, for loved ones left behind, and for what it did to America, as a whole. It truly was one of the saddest and darkest days I can ever recall. I was so distraught by what was evolving that I pleaded with Chris to cancel his appointments and come back home as soon as possible...and he did. A little later that day, we all headed to our church to pray for our country and for the victims of the attack. It was just one of those days when you wanted to hold your family extra close...and never let go.

It's been said that nearly 3,000 people lost their lives due to the events of 9/11/01. That number is staggering, to say the least. Thankfully, as Amercians, we have pulled together and have risen above this tragedy. We are SURVIVORS and it's only by the grace of God that we've been able to forge ahead.

I've always felt tremendous pride and honor whenever I've recited the Pledge of Allegiance with my right hand over my heart, but I think these words ring truer today than ever before..."One Nation, under God, INDIVISIBLE, with liberty and justice for all."

God Bless America...and may we never forget all that was lost and all that was gained because of the events of 9/11. HOPE LIVES ON!

It's A Wrap!

2011-09-04T19:45:00.000-04:00

Here it is almost 11 PM on Sunday night and I'm waiting anxiously for the arrival of some much needed rain. The weatherman says we could get anywhere between 4 to 8 inches as Tropical Storm Lee pushes through and I sure hope he isn't wrong! We've had a a terrible drought and are in desperate need of some relief. So, I say..."Let the rain pour down!"

Now, as you know, I've been trying to share with you most of our summer activities. One thing that Brittany and I enjoyed doing together was going to a local park of ours M-F and walking 4.5 miles. Abby would have joined us...had she not slept in until 11 AM! We always gave her such a hard time about it, too! When Brittany and I went walking, we'd often see all sorts of wildlife. One particular day, we saw a goose swimming after a muskrat. Here's the proof...

Of course, hardly a day went by when we didn't spot a deer...or two...or three! They were such a pleasant surprise and we never failed to do our share of "oohing" and "aahing"!

Sorry...I just had to include a picture of Bella I took this summer in our backyard. Isn't she a keeper?

Unfortunately, in the blink of an eye, our lazy days of summer came to a screeching halt when Abby started back to school (HIGH SCHOOL) on Aug. 8th. Here she is eating her first breakfast as a high school freshman...at 5:45 AM! Neither of us are early morning kind of gals!

I celebrated my birthday on August 13th. When I went downstairs that morning for breakfast, I found this beautiful bouquet of roses sitting on the kitchen table, along with 2 cards from the girls and a whole slew of my favorite candy bars...Twix! They had done that as a special surprise for me! I was so touched!

Brittany sat up the entire night before creating this "Happy Birthday" sign for me that she hung above the kitchen sink.

Here's a closer view of my gorgeous roses.

Chris even baked me a birthday cake! He puts me to shame in that department because his are always so level...and he loves to rub it in! Now, for the life of me, I can't understand why he put a 4 on top of my cake, instead of a 2! Surely he hasn't forgotten my REAL age!

Later that day, we all took a drive up into the North GA. mountains to see Minnehaha Falls.
What a beautiful and serene place! I could have easily stayed there all day just to listen to that rushing water!

My birthday portrait...thanks to Abby!

So, I think you'd agree with me that even though life has thrown us a curveball, we've still made the most of each and every day we've been given. Like the saying goes, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." That's pretty much my philosophy in a nutshell. Now, to say that it's been a cake walk with Chris being out of work since May would be a fallacy. We have days when we get on each other's nerves...BIG TIME! Sometimes, we just need our own space, you know? Still, we've learned to not make mountains out of mole hills and to take everything in stride. Plus, we have HOPE and FAITH that God is going to take care of us and our family. We're in good health, we have a roof over our heads and food on our table, we have each other, and we have more to be thankful for than most. So, we choose to stay positive and enjoy life as it comes.

Have a fun and safe Labor Day, my friends!

Fun In The Sun!

2011-08-31T16:35:00.000-04:00

Ahh...sweet summertime! I really hate to see it leave us in a few short weeks, though I am ready for cooler weather to roll on in. One thing I'm definitely going to miss is trips to Mayfield Dairy for a big cone of some of their scrumptious ice cream! My favorite flavor is definitely Mint Chocolate Chip! Can't you tell that I'm ready to lick away?

Like me, Abby is a huge fan of Mint Chocolate Chip, too, but she, also, loves Rainbow Sherbet!

Too bad Brittany was out doing her own thing on this particular day. Mmm...she doesn't know what she missed!

For July 4th, we headed to my mother-in-law's place in South Carolina for three days. Both of the girls brought along their best friends and they all had such fun! We spent a lot of time on the lake, which is in my mother-in-law's backyard. We took the girls tubing and skiing every day. Here they are riding the waves...literally! I can't help but laugh at the look of utter terror on their faces!

Brittany and Chris were the only two who decided to go skiing. Well, Alicia tried, but wasn't very successful, bless her heart. I definitely give her an A+ for effort! Brittany learned how to ski last summer and it took her a few tries before she had the hang of it, again.

Here's Mr. Show-Off himself...skiing slalom.

On July 3rd, my mother-in-law always hosts a huge outdoor party for about 70 people. She provides Frogmore Stew, hotdogs, and drinks and everyone else brings a dish to share. The food is always the highlight of the evening. Homemade banana pudding, cole slaw, apple pie...need I say more? Then, there's a big fireworks display directly across the lake from the point she lives on, so we always have the perfect view.

Here's Alicia and Brittany hamming it up for the camera.

Abby and Kelcie had a ball driving around in my mother-in-law's golf cart.

Chris is helping his good friend, Russel, make sure the stew doesn't boil over.

Abby and I are trying to decide what we're going to pile on our plates.

This is one of several beautiful sunsets we got to enjoy while we were there. Almost takes your breath away, doesn't it?

I'm not quite sure where my next post will take us, but you can rest assured knowing it will be yet another adventure!

♥TOGETHERNESS♥

2011-08-26T20:21:00.008-04:00

I know...you must be shocked that I'm back, again, so soon! Quite honestly, I am, too! Chris is downstairs watching yet another episode of "Pawn Stars" and Abby's waiting on her bestie to arrive for a sleepover. So, why not seize the moment, right?

I'm trying to take a step back in time, if you will, and share some of the fun activities we did over the summer. On one Sunday afternoon in May, we decided to go for a hike at one of our local parks. Here's a little tidbit for you...our parks are ranked some of the BEST in the nation. How 'bout that? Needless to say, what we thought was a really good idea left us all sweating like a bunch of pigs! I'm not kidding! We were all soaking wet by the time we were finished! It has been one harsh summer!

We were lucky enough to take in some beautiful sights...this being one of them.

We even saw a deer wandering through the woods.

We came across some blackberry bushes and the girls had to pick some for tasting. YUM!

Then, on Mother's Day, we went to another one of our local parks for a picnic and a walk. Can you tell that we like being outdoors and going exploring?

Chris and the girls are enjoying lunch and trying to figure out which trail to venture down.

Now, for those of you who aren't fans of slimy reptiles (myself included!), these next two pictures just might send you over the edge. You've been WARNED!

Yes, that's Brittany holding a grass snake for the first time with her BARE hands! I almost croaked right on the spot! I mean, it was Mother's Day and that's how they chose to honor me???

Oh, you know that Abby wasn't about to be outdone by her big sis! So, like Steve Irwin himself, she grabbed hold of that snake like she'd been doing it her entire life! I could not believe my eyes!

Of course, I was running away from them screaming like the sissy that I am! No...and don't even ask! I DID NOT hold or lay a finger on that critter! Thanks, but I'll pass!

Now, you have to know that we couldn't pass up the chance to goof off on the playground, being that we're all just big ol' kids!

Yep...we can pretty much take a random day and turn it into so much more. That's just how we roll!

Well, Chris is asking me to join him downstairs to watch some TV with him. Please don't let it be something BO-RING like Golf Central! I'm willing to sacrifice only so much, you know? I promise that just as soon as I can find an ample window of free time, I will pay each of you a much overdo visit. Thank those of you so much for hanging in there with me through all the chaos in my life! As Gloria Gaynor sang..."I Will Survive"! Big hugs to you ALL!

HONK!

2011-08-23T15:21:00.005-04:00

Chris has decided to take a much needed break for a little while from sitting in front of the computer searching for jobs. That has to get really old day-after-day. So, I thought I'd seize the moment and get another blog post up.

I wanted to share with you some of the fun things we did over the summer. It was nothing spectacular, by any means, just more ways of making some lasting memories. As you know, that's what I'm all about!

On one particular day early on in the summer, the girls and I went to one of our local parks to do some walking and to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Now, we had intended to take a little stroll around a small lake there, but it ended up being a vigorous hike that took us probably 5 miles round trip. We were there in the HEAT of the day, so you can just imagine! WHEW! When we finished our "walk", the girls ran back to the car and got out a sleeve of saltine crackers they'd brought with us to feed to the geese.

We walked up to the LARGE crowd of geese that waited anxiously to be fed. As soon as they spotted the crackers, they went BONKERS! They started honking like crazy and chasing the girls all over the place...I laughed so hard!

As you can see, Brittany was trying with all her might to run from the geese before the caught up to her!

And she's still running from them...as fast as her little legs would carry her!

See? The crowd of geese grew rapidly and Abby tried hard to keep a safe distance...as I was continuing to laugh hysterically the entire time! That girl was on her own to fend for herself!

Little by little, she decided to inch her way closer to the hungry and impatient army!

Brittany finally decided to seek refuge on a fence...big ol' chicken that she is!

After the feeding frenzy came to an abrupt end, the girls opted to take spin on the playground. I even had to take a whirl on a swing. Ahh...it felt good to act like a kid, again!

There are definitely more stories to come! Hopefully, I won't be away too long! Enjoy your day!

A Brand New Start

2011-08-18T14:33:00.002-04:00

Hello, friends! I tell ya, having such limited time on the computer is the PITS! I just feel like I've fallen so far behind on my blogging and it frustrates me. As most of you know, my main reason for blogging is to keep a journal of our family life for my girls. We did some things this summer that I definitely want to share with you as time allows. Chris is still looking for employment. He's continuing to get lots of interest, if only we could find the right company to have him sign on the dotted line. Oh, I know it will happen, but I'm beginning to get a little antsy. I have to constantly remind myself that God is in control, not me.

Well, my girls are both back in school. Abby started HIGH SCHOOL on Aug. 8th! I know, just doesn't seem possible! Bless her heart, she has to get up at 5 AM every morning in order to catch the bus at 6 AM. On top of that, they just changed her route, so she has to ride the bus for an hour and 15 mins. in the morning! The good part about it is that she's the second stop off in the afternoon, so she gets home at 2:35 PM. She's able to navigate around her school of nearly 4,000 students with little or no difficulty. She seems to enjoy all of her classes and teachers, with Biology being one of her favorites. She recently got hard contacts, as I may have mentioned, and has had a difficult time finding a pair that fit correctly. We picked up her 3rd pair last week and they fell out when she was at school and couldn't find them anywhere. They run $155 per contact! Thankfully, her eye doc. is going to give us a replacement discount. He doesn't think they fit her eyes properly, so he's put in an order for a pair of custom soft contact lenses. Sure hope those work out! I think she looks so much older without her glasses...

We helped Brittany move back to college on Monday. She moved into an apartment just off campus with two track runners who are, also, in their sophomore year. It's a 3-bedroom apartment and each of the girls have their own bathroom, which is nice. They have a family room, a full kitchen, and a laundry room. I think she's going to like it much better than living in a dorm room...it feels more like home. Having to say goodbye to her this time around was a little easier than it was last year, though still difficult. For those of you who've been through it, it's like when your child moves back home from college your heart gets fooled into thinking that they're home to stay. So, it's a shock to the system when reality hits you in the face and you realize that they have to leave, once again. What makes it easier for me this year is knowing how excited she is to be back in college...especially now that she's no longer running for them. I think this year and the next years to come will be much brighter. Here's a few pics. of apartment bedroom. I think it turned out cute.

Of course, I couldn't resist having our picture made together before we said our goodbyes. Yes, I cried, but I held it together as best I could. I'm just going to miss her so much and probably won't get to see her until late October. One-day-at-a-time...that's all I can do!

So, my house has grown pretty quite these past several days. That's always the hardest thing to get used to. However, I'm just trying to stay positive and focus on all the blessings I've been given. I've always said, "What doesn't break me will only make me STRONGER!"

Until we meet, again, my friends!

Just Checkin' In

2011-07-31T19:56:00.001-04:00

Hello, everyone! This has definitely been the longest time I've gone without blogging on a consistent basis...and I've missed you all! I feel like a part of me is missing. So, I thought I'd give you a quick update on what's been happening 'round here.

First of all, the job I mentioned that Chris was interviewing for and we were expecting an offer from didn't quite pan out. Chris said it was one of the most difficult interviews he'd ever been in...like he'd been thrown through a meat grinder. So, taking into account how uncomfortable he felt, we both think it was a blessing in disguise that it didn't work out as we'd anticipated. Don't get me wrong...it would have been nice to have had this stressful load lifted from out shoulders, but I don't think Chris wanted to work for "that kind" of company. He has had some other promising interviews recently that we should hear about this week or next. God is remaining ever faithful and we continue to trust in Him.

Abby starts to high school as a freshman on Aug. 8th. She has Open House on Friday. We've been trying to get ready for this big step as best as we can. I think she's a bit nervous about attending one of the largest high schools in Georgia, but I feel confident that she'll find her way just fine. Brittany leaves to head back to Mobile on Aug. 14th. She'll move into her apartment on the 15th. We'll all probably have to drive down with her and help her get settled. She's more than ready to get back in the swing of things, especially now that she won't be running on the team anymore. She'll have a lot more flexibility. As for me...don't know if I'm quite ready for a "quiet" house, again.

So, as you can see, things haven't slowed down a bit! I promise, as soon as everything gets back on track (and I it WILL), I'll be back on here in full force! You can't get rid of me that easily! Hope each and every one of you is doing well and you've enjoyed your summer to the hilt! Take good care, friends...hope to see you sooner than later!

It Was GREAT While It Lasted!

2011-07-07T20:11:00.001-04:00

Well, our final day on the cruise ship came all too quickly. We did everything we could to make it count, too! One of the first things we did was catch a Madagascar show at the aqua theater. It involved lots of diving, swimming, and acrobatics.

Then, the time arrived for me to take the PLUNGE...literally! Brittany decided to join me for moral support being that I'm not a huge fan of heights. So. we got all geared up to go zip lining...

then, I had to "walk the plank".

When I stepped out on that ledge and looked down, I about croaked! However, since lots of people were watching me, including my family, I had to do it! I had to prove that I was no chicken! So, off I went!

I must admit, I almost wanted to yell, "WHEE!" because it was so much fun! No doubt about it, I'd do it, again!

Don't you just love this picture that Chris snapped of ME as I was coming in for my spectacular landing? I could have plunged straight to my untimely death and I don't think he would have ever noticed! Yep...it landed him right in the doghouse!

Next on our agenda was rock climbing. I was bound and determined to conquer yet another 'fear' of mine...being dependant on a rope to prevent me from crashing into the ground below! Chris and Brittany decided to go first so they could demonstrate to Abby and me how the "pros" do it. Blah, blah, blah!

Chris was able to ring the bell at the top...Brittany made it about 3/4 of the way. Abby and I quickly got our harnesses and our rock climbing shoes on...we were going to show those smarties a thing or two!

Abby made it halfway up and I was about a foot from the top. My legs are so short that I couldn't stretch out far enought to get to the bell...I was not happy!

After our exhausting activities, we headed over to the Windjammer for some lunch. This is looking out the window where we sat...it shows the putt-putt course and the Flowrider.

We just took it easy for the rest of the afternoon. Later that night, right before dinner, they had a Flash Mob on the Royal Promenade and it looked like a blast!

Here's the girls at dinner...it was New York strip night...DE-LISH!

To top it off was this yummy-in-my-tummy dessert. Hey...I'll eat chocolate just about any way it comes! This cake definitely did not disappoint!

We went back to our room after we finished eating and took some family photos before we slipped into more comfortable clothes.

We went downstairs where they were having a huge farewell party on the Royal Promenade. As you can see, due to the crowds, we opted to observe from a higher level.

Here's the last sunset we were able to enjoy on the ship.

Since there wasn't much else going on, we went to the aqua theater and watched Justin Beiber's movie, "Never Say Never" on the big screen. I think I even saw Chris tapping his feet a time or two. After it ended, we called it a night because we were scheduled to disembark EARLY.

We all got up around 6:15 AM...you can tell that Abby wasn't finished with her sleep. However, we all made it off the ship by 7:15 AM or so. It was such an easy process with absolutely no lines, at all.

Of course, with our 10-hr. trip back home and having to get up so early, the girls fell sound asleep in the car fairly quickly.

We made it back home by early evening...and we were all completely worn out! You know what, though, it was all worth it and we made so many fun memories that I'll cherish for the rest of my days!

P.S. Please say a prayer for Chris...he has a 2nd interview next week with the company that he's very interested in. In fact, the recruiter just called and told him that he's the only one in the running for the position and that they've spoken very highly of him. We're hoping and praying that the stress we've been under since May will soon be over. I'll keep you posted!

Off To The Land Of Iguanas!

2011-07-05T19:47:00.001-04:00

Hope y'all had a fun and safe 4th of July! We spent some time in South Carolina...I hope to be able to share about it real soon!

OK...time to start wrapping up our cruise! Let's see...on Day 6 of our trip, we docked in Cozumel, Mexico.

After we got off the ship, we browsed around in some of the shops located at the end of the pier.

Our initial intention was to walk around the downtown area, however, we soon decided to go on a tour of San Gervasio, the Mayan ruins. We hopped in a taxi and took about a 20 min. ride to get there. The beautiful ocean was calling my name the entire time!

We finally arrived at San Gervasio...and was it ever HOT and HUMID! Whew...and I thought Atlanta was bad! Our tour guide could barely speak a lick of English, so we all did our best to interpret what he was saying...it was quite a challenge!

The ruins were very interesting and it's where Mayan women paid tribute to the goddess of fertility and love.

I can't begin to tell you how many iguanas we saw during the tour. They were sunning themselves EVERYWHERE! Our tour guide told us they taste just like chicken. Well...I don't have any immediate plans to ever find out! Adorable, don't you think?

When our tour ended and we made it back to the pier, it came the biggest downpour! It must have rained for about 45 mins. or so! We got stuck in all the shops until the sky cleared up. Once we made it back on the ship, we put on our swimsuits and headed for the pool.

Unfortunately, we didn't stay too long because another rain cloud blew in. Oh, well! After dinner, we caught the Blue Planet show, which involved lots of acrobatics...it was pretty good. There was a 70's party on the Royal Promenade, but there was such a huge crowd that you couldn't stir the people with a stick! So, the girls took a quick late-night ride on the carousel, then we decided to call it a night around 11 PM...we were so ready, too!

Our 7th and final day would be a day at sea. Know what that means? I tried my hand at zip lining...and was it ever FUN!!! Oh, and did I mention that I even went rock climbing for the first time, too? You can bet I have pics. to prove it!

P.S. I'm sure most of y'all are just as shocked as I am about the verdict of NOT GUILTY in the Casey Anthony trial. I thought for sure that she'd, at least, be found guilty of manslaughter. It just saddens me that little Caylee didn't get the justice she so deserved.

A Day At Sea...WHEE!!!

2011-06-29T19:57:00.003-04:00

One of my favorite parts of cruising is spending some time at sea where you don't have to worry about disembarking and you can just play everything by ear. So, since our 5th day was a day at sea for us, we slept in a little later than usual and took our own sweet time heading downstairs for breakfast. We sat by the pool for awhile, then Chris and Brittany decided to give the Flowrider a go. Abby and I were right behind with cameras in hand. We knew it wasn't going to be pretty, and we wanted to capture it ALL!

Chris went first...he wanted to show Brittany how it was done. I think he wanted to hang onto the instructor's hand for awhile to get his footing.

Oh, he was looking good on that boogie board! Just look at his technique!

Well...that lasted for about a second, then down he went...

HARD!!! No...I didn't laugh one single bit! Yeah, right!

There's Brittany lined up with all the guys trying to give off the impression that she's an ol' pro.

Hey, I think she just might have the hang of it!

Uh, oh...I may have spoken too soon!

Yep...sure did, 'cause she went SPLAT in a big way! Boy, was it ever funny to see the two of them go down like the Titanic! Abby and I both knew better than to humiliate ourselves! We're smart like that!

Here's the view looking down onto one of the neighborhoods on the ship called the Boardwalk...almost like a small carnival right on board.

Brittany will probably have my hide for posting this, but we were all trying to get ready for our 2nd formal night. Abby's out on the balcony singing to music from her I-Pod...I sneaked around and recorded the whole thing!

I think they both clean up pretty well!

I seriously think Chris needs to work on his tan...I mean...c'mon!

After dinner, the girls and I went to see an Ice Games ice show, which was really good. Then, they talked me into going to a disco with them and dancing to Micheal Jackson tunes. We didn't get back to our room until 1:11 A.M., a little past our curfew. We had such a ball, though, and I'd do it all, again!
Next day would take us to Cozumel, Mexico! Much more to share and stories to tell!

P.S. We're going to S.C. tomorrow for the 4th. I'll post, again, once we get home. Hope y'all have a fun and safe 4th of July!

Hey, Mon...We're In Jamaica!

2011-06-28T18:05:00.002-04:00

Hello, again! I had best intentions of updating you daily about our trip, but I simply haven't had the opportunity. So much has been happening around here and I'll do my best to tell you all about it as soon as I can. I really hope and pray I don't lose any followers with me not posting on a regular basis, or not being able to visit each of you as I'd like. There are some things I just have no control over right now and I truly apologize for that.

Let's see...on the 4th day of our cruise, we visited the port of Falmouth, Jamaica. When we docked, there was another cruise ship already there.

Royal Caribbean has created a really nice, new shopping area just after you exit the ship. It's surrounded by a gate and there are many locals who sell their jewelry, wood carvings, tote bags, you name it. They were as friendly as they could be and were anxious to bargain with you. This "tall" Jamaican man posed with us for a picture!

Here's Abby trying to decide where to do a little shopping.

Posing in front of an artist's rendering of our cruise ship docked in Falmouth.

When we exited those gates, it was like a feeding frenzy. Locals surrounded us and asked us to buy all sorts of things. I must admit, it made us feel very unsafe, so we quickly decided to head back to the gated area.

There was so much interesting jewelry to choose from!

Before long, we headed back to the ship and had lunch at the Park Cafe, which was located in the Central Park neighborhood of the ship. They served some of the best chef salads anywhere!

This is Central Park...full of trees and plenty of sunshine!

On the Royal Promenade, there was a huge bronze tree that had hummingbirds covered with Swavorski crystals. So pretty!

One last look at Falmouth before we headed out to sea, again.

Brittany and Abby all dressed up for dinner.

I didn't care for the lasagna...it had some strange spices in it. I had to send it back for something different. I'm, usually, not very picky when it comes to food, but I just couldn't go it.

The towel creations were always a fun way to end the day!

Our next day would be another day at sea. Chris and Brittany were brave enough to test their surfing skills on the Flowrider...Abby and I were smart enough to sit back and take pictures! Come back and read all about it!

P.S. One thing I'd like to share with you, briefly, is that Brittany quit her cross country and track team yesterday. As many of you know, it had become too overwhelming for her for many reasons, mainly her coach micromanaging every aspect of their lives. So, I think she's in a good place now and is anticipating what God has in store for her from here on out.

Labadee...Here We Come!

2011-06-23T15:05:00.000-04:00

When we woke up on Tuesday morning, we were docked in our first port...Labadee, Haiti.

We decided the night before to order room service for breakfast, so we wouldn't have to be in such a hurry to fight all the crowds in the Windjammer. We just took our time getting around. Brittany is enjoying some eggs and hashbrowns on our balconey.

Abby's taking a look at some passengers who were already jet skiing.

This gives you a pretty good perspective on just how big the ship was.

After we crossed the pier, we hopped on a ferry that took us to the other side to a beach. We got some lounge chairs, then the girls and I wandered off into the water to explore. The bottom was so rocky, it killed our feet!

As you can see, there were lots of sea urchins tucked in crevices in the water. You really had to be careful where you stepped!

Some of the locals put on a show of music and dancing for us.

I couldn't stop moving and grooving to the music this band played!

See those tiny dots above the water? Those are CRAZY people zip lining from a 700 ft. platform across the ocean! They were FLYING!

The Allure of the Seas in all her glory!

Getting ready to head back to the ship after some fun in the sun!

We got back and got showered, then it was time for dinner. Seems like all you ever do on a cruise is EAT!

It was Venetian Night and all the waiters and waitresses sang for us! The tradition is for everyone to twirl their napkins above their heads.

There's our waiter, Pochara...he was from Indonesia! He took very good care of us!

One of my favorite desserts the entire week...Chocolate Molten Cake!

After dinner, we watched people sing karoake...something we did every night! Some were really good and others...well, I give them lots of credit for having the courage to step up on stage. As we were leaving the karoake bar, we saw Kung Fu Panda himself! You can bet that we weren't about to let him get away without having our picture made with him!

It was a long fun-filled day! Next day...Jamaica bound!

Sea Day!

2011-06-22T18:53:00.005-04:00

As I mentioned yesterday, our 2nd day on the cruise was spent at sea. It was nice because it gave us some time to check out the ship a little more and just to relax a bit.

We got up on Monday morning and Chris went for a run...Brittany and I followed soon, thereafter, while Abby slept in. Brittany and I ran on the indoor track and just as we were completing our 2nd mile, I tripped and shot diagonally across the track with my arms reaching toward the ground. I can still see it playing over in my head. I never touched the floor with my hands, remarkably enough. After what seemed like FOREVER, I was finally able to stand back up and some guys behind us yelled, "Wow...great recovery!" I just carried on my way as if nothing ever happened...but Brittany and I could not stop laughing! She said it was the funniest thing she'd ever seen! I would have to agree! We worked out at the gym for a little while, but soon discovered that most of the equipment isn't designed for "short people". Oh, well!

We went out by the pool for awhile. Of course, Abby had to indulge in her daily ice cream cone! Trust me...a cruise is no place to worry about your girly figure!

Later on, the girls decided they wanted to go zip lining, so we had to rush back to the room for a quick change of clothes. They got all suited up and took the plunge! It was up on the 16th deck...and it was a LONG way down!

They both made it across in one piece! They talked me into zip lining later in the week! I have pictures to prove it! After we grabbed some lunch, we decided to go to the outdoor aqua theater and watch the "World's Sexiest Man Competition".

Four women volunteers were pulled from the audience to be judges. About 10 men, also, volunteered to step up on stage and strut their stuff with the hopes of being crowned "World's Sexiest Man". It was so funny to watch, but some of the guys were embarrassing...pulling their shorts off to expose their underwear! As you can see, this contestant was in the process of stripping down to his bloomers.

I, absolutely, adored this precious old man...he had so much fun out on that stage...and kept it clean!

Would you believe that he won?! He was so tickled and every time we ran into him, he was wearing his medal proudly around his neck.

Just a few mins. after the competition, Brittany and I took a Michael Jackson dance class. Yep...that's me looking like I'm swatting at flies or something...what FUN!!!

That sweet little old man who won "World's Sexiest Man" is right up there with us getting his groove on! I just wanted to hug him...talk about living life to the fullest!

Brittany couldn't resist getting a balloon sword made on the ship...Abby had a balloon zebra made...see her holding it up? I think they'll always be "kids"!

Poor Chris...we must have worn him out! He took a cat nap while the girls and I got ready for dinner.

Sharing a mirror in such tiny quarters was a challenge!

The pork medallions I had for dinner.

This was our first formal night on the ship...something the girls and I always look forward to!

That's us...the "Fun Size Family"!

When we got back to our room that night, we found our first towel animal on our bed!

The girls created a postcard video to post on their Facebook walls...they cracked up the whole time!

This was an amazing swimming and diving show we watched that evening called Ocean Aria in the aqua theater. It was the best show we saw the entire week!

The next day on our cruise would take us to Labadee, Haiti...can't wait to tell you all about it!

Cruisin' Memories

2011-06-21T15:36:00.003-04:00

Well, long time no hear from, huh? Yes, I know it's been a while, but I've been keeping so busy that finding a free moment to sit down and blog has been nearly next to impossible. I've missed all of y'all so much! I ask that you continue to be patient with me as Chris is still looking for a job, so my computer time is very limited. He's on his way right now to Dallas, TX. for a very promising interview, so please keep you fingers crossed! He had another interview this morning and will have one on Thursday, as well. He has definitely gotten lots of interest, so we have to remain FAITHFUL!

Now, thought I'd tell you all about our cruise. We had such a wonderful time! Getting away from all this stress was exactly what we needed! It's probably going to take me awhile to tell you everything I'd like to share, so hope you'll hang-in-there!

We left Atlanta on the early morning of Saturday, June 5th to make the 10-hour trek down to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. We stopped at a rest area just over the Florida border for a quick lunch break.

We stayed at a Hampton Inn about a mile from the cruise terminal, which was very convenient. The evening we got down there, we walked around a marina and looked at all the yachts. This gorgeous sailboat caught my attention immediately.

We slept in the next morning and ate a late breakfast. We caught the shuttle and headed over to the cruise terminal around 11 AM. We were amazed at how quickly the check-in process went with close to 6,000 passengers preparing to board. We got on the ship around 12:30 PM and, boy, was it ever something to see!
This is looking from the top down onto Central Park.

The Windjammer was soon packed with many hungry people!

Abby and I are enjoying our first lunch on the ship.

The Royal Promenade.

Here's our teensy tiny bathroom...if you drop the soap in the shower, you may never find it, again!

One of two rock climbing walls...I almost made it to the very top!

The indoor walking/running track.

The Boardwalk...it had a real carousel, a hot dog stand, an ice cream shop, and several restaurants.

Chris was the first one of us to go zip lining...WHEEE!!!

Chris and me on our first night in the dining room. The food was so yummy!

Our second full day would be a day at sea...lots more pictures and stories to come! Please stay tuned!

P.S. Just a reminder...if I don't have the chance to visit your blogs, please know that it's due to my limited access to the computer. I, most likely, won't be back in full swing until my girls are back in school in August. Thanks for understanding...hugs to you all!

Ready To Hit The High Seas!

2011-06-03T09:04:00.001-04:00

Bright and early tomorrow morning, we're driving 10 LONG hours to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. to board our week-long cruise on Sunday. We are all so excited and looking forward to lots of R & R! As you all know, it's been a very stressful month for us with Chris losing his job and everything that comes along with it. We just need to get away from it all for awhile and unwind. Hopefully, when we return, we'll have a renewed perspective and everything will come together as we've been expecting. God is definitely as work!

Once again, I apologize for not being able to visit all of you regularly like I did before, but, hopefully, when things begin to settle down, again, I'll be right back at it! Just know that I think of y'all often!

Well, since I haven't started packing yet, I guess I'd best get busy! Lots to do in so little time! BON VOYAGE...see ya when I return!

Hey, Batter, Batter!

2011-05-31T18:33:00.000-04:00

Hope y'all had a fun Memorial Day! We enjoyed a nice relaxing day ourselves, then had a feast of BBQ ribs and corn-on-the-cob. It really hit the spot! Later on in the evening, we went to watch the minor league Braves play. We had great seats right off of 1st base and, thankfully, they were in the shade! I can't think of anything that spells summertime FUN more than a game of baseball!

After the game ended, they had a spectacular fireworks show! We all stood there and just took it all in!

We got home around a quarter till 11:00 PM, then the girls and I sat down to watch "The Bachelorette". Are any of you tuning in? I told myself I wouldn't watch one more episode, but I'm completely HOOKED! The guy that wears the mask on his face needs to GO! I'm sorry, but he leaves too many questions unanswered. Mainly, I'd like to know what he's trying to hide. Then, there's Bentley who's going to stir up BIG TROUBLE very soon. Yep...I'll definitely be watching, no matter how hard I try to fight it!

I hopped on the treadmill this morning to do my daily run. I watched the Casey Anthony trial. Oh, my word...I can't pry myself away from the TV long enough to accomplish much of anything. The testimony of her mother was riveting! I know some may not agree with me, but I think Casey is GUILTY as charged. I'm not buying the whole idea of Caylee drowning in the family pool...just too many things indicate, otherwise. What are your thoughts?

After I got off the treadmill and watched some of the trial, Brittany asked me to go to the park and walk with her. She took me down a ravine trail that ended up being a very strenous hike. We probably walked just over 4 miles. We saw a big, black snake on the way...'bout scared me to death! I was so pooped when we finally made it back home. In fact, Bella looks exactly like I feel!

Sorry I haven't had a chance to visit all of you like I have been, but my computer time is pretty limited because Chris is on it most of the day. He has another interview tomorrow in Atlanta that he's really looking forward to, so please say a prayer for him! I promise to keep you updated on any new developments!

Beauty All Around

2011-05-29T15:19:00.002-04:00

When the weather's nice outside, I can't seem to resist heading outdoors with my camera in hand to find something to snap a picture of. Well, my daylilies are in full bloom and this one is my favorite because of it's BRIGHT color....

My verbena, of course, is not to be overlooked. It's such an easy flower to maintain and adds a splash of color to any flower garden.

As I was trimming my shrubs, I came across this delicate, spindly legged spider. Just look at the colors on it's torso. I find them to be fascinating...unless they're a big, hairy tarantula! BLECH!

We had such a heartwarming Memorial Day service at church today. It really brought to light how thankful we all should be for the untold sacrifices given by servicemen and women to ensure our freedom. I don't know about you, but I sure feel BLESSED to live in this great country of ours. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who've served in the military, both past and present. GOD BLESS YOU and GOD BLESS AMERICA! I promise that I will never forget!

BRAVO!

2011-05-25T15:12:00.003-04:00

Last night, Abby had her final choral performance as an 8th grader. She, first, performed with the Select Ensemble group, singing, "Africa" and "Beautiful". They did an outstanding job, if I must say so myself! Then, she performed with the entire 8th grade chorus and they sang many popular songs from the '60's, as well as from movies, such as "9 to 5". Once again, they did not disappoint.

Here she is on the far right with part of her Select Ensemble group.

After her performances, we went to meet her in the cafeteria and presented her with two bouquets of flowers. One was from my mother-in-law who drove over from South Carolina.

Here Abby is with "big sis".

So proud of my girl! Abby is planning to continue to be involved in the school chorus next year in high school and has expressed a lot of interest in the show choir. I'm looking so forward to watching her perform for years to come!

Here's an udpate on Chris' job situation. We learned today that he didn't get the job, afterall, in Portland, OR. They company decided to hire the internal candidate. The news came as a relief, to be honest. He returns today from his interviews in PA. He's been through the ringer with 4 interviews yesterday and 2 more today...all with the same company! He said he felt very good about things, so, hopefully, we'll know something soon. He has two more interviews coming up soon...God is being so faithful to us!

The Countdown Is On!

2011-05-23T09:27:00.001-04:00

Well...not much longer now! On Friday, Abby will end her 8th grade year and summer will, officially, BEGIN! I still can't believe she'll be off to HIGH SCHOOL in the fall! We'll have to tackle that one later...when my poor heart can't handle it.

On Friday last week, they had the much anticipated "8th Grade Event" at her middle school. In a nutshell, it was their last opportunity to act like kids before the onset of high school. The school set up all sorts of indoor and outdoor games for the kids to play, as well as photo booths and and even a mechanical bull! I tried talking Abby into hopping on it, but she couldn't be convinced. It lasted from noon until 3 PM and they fed them a lunch provided by Chick Fil-A. I know it was a day all the kids will look back on with a smile.

Here's Abby wearing the t-shirt she decorated for the event.

Here she is with a group of her friends getting their picture made on a BIG, red inflatable chair!

I do have to share a funny story. I had to order Abby's yearbook back in the fall. Well, the other day, she sent me a text message from school saying, "Mom, thanks for giving me your name." I had no clue what she was talking about. When she got home from school that afternoon, I asked her to explain what her text meant. She went on to tell me that when I ordered her yearbook, I put down my name instead of hers for the inscription on the front cover. So, she's known as 'April', instead of 'Abby'. Yep...leave it up to me!

Brittany and I have been having a good time hanging out. She got up the other morning and felt inspired to cook herself some pancakes. I was stunned that they turned out so well! Let me just say that she can't boil a pot of water without burning it...if you know what I'm sayin'!

Just look at her go!

We went for a walk at the park later on and I took this picture of a thistle. I like how it's shows up against that pretty blue sky.

Chris' interview in Portland last week went very well and they called him before he flew home to tell him they were sending him an offer over the weekend. He got an e-mail yesterday stating that an internal candidate had popped up on Friday and they were going to interview him today. Chris should know something by tomorrow. In a way, I look at it almost as a blessing because neither one of us wanted to move that far away from the South. Once again, I think God was at work. Chris left bright and early this morning for PA. where he has another interview. This position wouldn't require us to move...we would just need to live near a major airport. You can't get more major than Atlanta! Please continue to keep him in your prayers...I'll keep you posted!

Well, time to hop on the treadmill for a run! Nothing like hearing the Backstreet Boys sing "Larger Than Life" to get me motivated! Yeah...I'm cool like that! :):)

Care To Have My Autograph?

2011-05-19T15:50:00.001-04:00

Yep...I think I'm starting to get the "big head". Nah...not really! I just had my 5th blog book published, so I do have quite a collection going now. I tell you, each time I get one in the mail and I start turning the pages, I can't resist grinning from ear-to-ear. Oh, it's not that I think I'm such an AWESOME writer, which I certainly don't, but these books bring so many memories back to life for me. I'm curious...have you ever had a blog book published? I've always done mine through Blog2Print. They do an excellent job and I, usually, receive my book in about a week or so. I've never been disappointed.

Now that I'm a "published author", I sure hope the paparazzi don't follow me all over the place trying to get just the right photo. This celebrity stuff could get out of hand QUICKLY, you know? :)

She's HOME!!!

2011-05-18T11:31:00.002-04:00

Oh, happy day! Yesterday afternoon, Brittany came home from college for the summer! I've waited for that day to arrrive for 9 LONG months! Of course, she brought lots of "stuff" home with her. This is what our kitchen looked like when we brought all of her belongings inside...

Kind of resembles one of those hoaders' houses, doesn't it? I'd completely forgotten how much "stuff" she had...I dare not even mention the SHOES! That girl would give Imelda Marcos a run for her money! We had to carry all this mess upstairs to her bedroom, which took several back-breaking trips. We both worked into the evening getting everything unpacked and put away. I had to find a place to store everything that she doesn't need right now, which was a challenge in itself. By night's end, we were EXHAUSTED!

After the girls and I got our showers, we plopped down on the sofa, side-by-side, to watch "Dancing With the Stars", which I'd recorded. Chris walked by and noticed how I was looking as happy as a clam with my girls sitting beside me, just like old times. So, he decided to snap our picture.

It's probably not one of our better pictures, but who cares? We're finally TOGETHER, again, and as far as I'm concerned...nothing else really matters!

Out With A Bang!

2011-05-16T13:30:00.001-04:00

Yesterday morning, Chris, Abby, and I drove 3 1/2 hours to middle Tennessee to watch Brittany compete in the outdoor track conference championships. Good thing we all wore jeans and had jackets with us because the temperature barely got up above 50 degrees and it was windy and drizzled rain all day long. Not exactly perfect running conditions. Since she wasn't due to run until 6:15 PM, we met Brittany at the hotel where they were staying and we all went to lunch at Olive Garden. It felt so good to hug her and be able to visit face-to-face. Of course, we always end up giggling like a couple of 1st graders and yesterday was no exception.

After we ate, we went to the local mall and walked around for awhile. Brittany convinced Abby and me to go in Forever 21 so that she could pick out some clothes. Chris sat on a some chair outside the store and took a little catnap. We had to have Brittany at the track at 3 PM so she'd have ample time to warm up and stretch out. We attempted to sit for awhile on the bleachers, but time was dragging by and we were FREEZING! So, we left and got back in the car and turned the heat on for awhile...it felt so GOOD! We sat there and talked and listened to the radio.

After Brittany warmed up and did her stretches, we went back to the bleachers. Thankfully, we only had a few races to watch before Brittany competed. She ran in the 1500m and finished with a time of 5:04, which was just short of a new PR for her. Here's a few pictures I took of her running...that's her in the blue and red uniform.

Bless her heart, after she did her cool down, she came over to where we were standing. I knew from the look on her face that something wasn't "right". She said that as soon as she finished her race, her coach walked over to her and asked if she'd gotten her 5,000m number yet. She said that she hadn't because she wasn't running the 5,000m race. She reminded him that he'd given her the choice to either run the 1500m or the 5,000m and she chose the 1500m because she wanted to see if she could break 5 mins. He told her she was wrong and that she WAS running the 5,000m, which would be an hour and a half later. Keep in mind that with the 1500m, you have to run only 4 laps around the track. With the 5,000m, you have to run 12 laps around the track!  So, he sprang that on her at the last minute when she thought she'd be done racing after her 1500m.

Long story short, she ended up running the race and didn't do as well as she would have liked with a time of 19:33...her PR is 19:03. She called to tell us as we were driving home. She said her calves locked up on her and her breathing was off. I told her we were still very proud of her and that sometimes, when life throws you a curve ball, you just have to back your ears and deal with it the best you know how.  At this point, she hasn't determined whether or not she'll continue to run in college. Things have really taken a nose dive since the new coach was hired back in the fall. Most of the original team has already left because they weren't happy with the way things were going. So, as you can surely imagine, it's been a long, hard road.

On a lighter note, Chris has another job interview scheduled for June 1st with another company that he's really excited about. Keep those prayers coming...they're definitely being answered!