Reapin' the Rewards...

Sorry for the delay...our Internet wasn't working this morning, so Chris had to sit on the phone for over an hour with a AT & T customer service representative. Thankfully, he was able to get it up and running, again, before he left to go to New Orleans for the week. I definitely owe him one!

Once again, I'm joining my friend, Sally, for Blue Monday. I really had quite a struggle because, as I mentioned last week, I just don't have very much blue in my house. Well, with a little help from Abby, I came up with some things. Be sure to head over to Sally's blog and see what everyone else is sharing today.

After my mom passed away, I made the decision to take up running. As I've said before, it was therapeutic and helped me cope with her loss. I soon discovered that it was something I enjoyed a lot, so I entered a 5K race and won first place for my age division! I was hooked immediately...the smell of victory was, oh, so sweet! :) Here's a few of the awards I've won in various 5K's over the past years...the Relay for Life one is my favorite. It was handpainted by some local school children in Alabama. Now, it wasn't long after I began running that Brittany and Abby started showing interest in it, too. Abby has competed in several Fun Runs, which are 1-mile races. Here's the ribbon she won a couple of summers ago for placing third, overall! I've never seen a girl more excited in all her life!
Brittany began competing in 5k's when she was about 12 years old. She didn't start getting serious about it, though, until she became a freshman in high school. She ended her first cross country season as the #2 runner on the varsity team. Since then, she's moved her way up to be the #1 varsity runner for the past two years. She has high hopes of being able to run cross country in college. Here's just some of the medals she's won in the past three years in both cross country and track...
Here we are prior to a race we all ran in back in 2007...The great thing about running is that it's something we can all enjoy together as a family, or as individuals. It's taught us that we can reach any goal we set for ourselves with lots of hard work, determination...and plenty of sore muscles!!! Momma is rapidly finding out that she's no spring chicken, anymore!

Now, here's the final thing that Abby suggested I share. It's a cute dachshund figurine that Chris and I bought for her when we went to Colorado a few years ago. I really love what it says... "Life is short, so shop long!" I couldn't have said it better myself!Always remember that whatever race in life you're running, as long as you put your heart and soul into it...you're going to come out a winner! Enjoy your Monday and be blessed!♥

I'm An Open Book...

My new blogging buddy, Angi, over at Making Memories, tagged me with a meme. These are always fun, particularly when you're having a brain cramp because you can't think of anything to post about!

Now, here's the rules: Post the list on your blog, replacing my answers with yours. Tag 25...that's a little extreme...so tag whoever or, however, many you want to do the same. Don't forget to tag me back! If I tagged YOU, it's because I want to know more about you.

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Well, my first name, April, came from a Spencer Tracy comic strip. My middle name is Suzanne and that came from my grandmother whose name was Susie.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? I'm so hormonal anymore! It was yesterday because I was looking through some of Brittany's baby pictures to use in an upcoming post. It doesn't take much to get me started, anymore!
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? I don't think it's half bad...could be better...could be worse!
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Rotisserie Chicken!
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes, two daughters...Brittany will soon turn 17 and Abby is 12. I, also, have two canine kids...Maddie and Bella! Wait...does my husband count as one, too? :)
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes, I believe I would...most days!
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? Who me??? Couldn't live without it! Of course, I use it in a fun way; not to be mean!
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? No, I had terrible tonsillitis when I was in my mid-20's, so I had those suckers taken out. I felt like I wasn't going to survive after the surgery and that went on for about a week. Really knocked me for a loop!
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No way, no how!
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Honey Nut Cheerios.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No, I just slip them right off.
12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? I don't eat ice cream a lot, usually only in the summer. When I do, though, my favorite is Mayfield's Mint Chocolate Chip!
13. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Definitely their smile.
14. RED OR PINK? Hands down...red!
15. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Probably my height...5 ft. even. Would you believe that I dated a guy in college who was 6'5" tall? I felt like his kid sister! Of course, as they say, "Good things come in small packages!" :0
16. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My mom, dad, and brother who all passed away between 2000-2006.
17. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST?? Oh, I'd love to see other's answers.
18. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Black jogging pants and lime green and white Aasics running shoes.

19. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Bella snoring in the chair behind me.
20. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Yellow...makes me think of summer and warmth!
21. FAVORITE SMELLS? I love floral scents...magnolia, honeysuckle, jasmine, lavender, and rose.
22. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Chris, telling me about his work day in Jackson, MS.
23. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO POSTED THIS NOTE? We just recently met, but she seems like a very sweet person.
24. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? College football or basketball...especially Arkansas Razorbacks!
25. HAIR COLOR? Dark brown with auburn undertones. Yes, I do have some of those vicious gray things popping in, too!
26. EYE COLOR? Plain ol' brown.
27. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Nope.
28. FAVORITE FOOD? I'd probably say Mexican, but I do love Chinese, too!
29. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? I like movies that make me feel good, but a scary movie can be fun sometimes, too!
30. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? We rented "Wall-E"...I fell asleep in the middle of it! It's very hard for me to sit still during a movie.
31. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Bright pink.
32. SUMMER OR WINTER? I'm more of a warm weather kind of gal.
33. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs!
34. FAVORITE DESSERT? Hmmm...I'll have to say my mom's Coconut Creme Pie...she made the BEST!
35. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? I haven't a clue!
36. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? No idea!
37. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch.
38. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Dell...BORING!
39. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? "American Idol".
40. FAVORITE SOUND(S)? My girls laughing and giggling!
41. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? The Beatles!
42. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Probably Arizona.
43. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I can blow up a balloon with my nose! Please...don't ask! :)
44. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Wynne, Arkansas.
45. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Anyone who wants to participate...no pressure! I'd love to read your answers, though!
46. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER? We met on a blind date that was set up by my brother. We got engaged only 3 months after we met and married just 7 months after that. We've been together for 19 years. Of course, if he keeps making comments about visiting me in the nursing home with his girlfriend at his side, he'll be lucky to see 20! LOL!

I received this awesome award from Wibeche Og Rune. Thank you so very much for recognizing me!. Stop over and say hello sometime...she's a real sweetheart! Here are the rules: Select 10 bloggers: 5 you consider your blogging Helping Hand, then "Pay it Forward" by extending your "Helping Hand" to 5 additional bloggers, in support and encouragement for their efforts.

In passing on the Emblem, each recipient must provide the name of blog, or blog author with a link for others to visit. Each recipient must show the Emblem, and put the name and link to the blog that has given it to her or him. Link the Emblem to this post: The Emblem of the Helping Hand so that others will know it origin and impetus.

If you have not already done so, show your recipients some love by adding them to your blog roll or in any other way to further let them know that their blog voice is important to you and being heard. Add your name to The Helping Hand meme at my the blog entitled The Emblem of the Helping Hand and don't forget to leave a comment as a permanent record of all Helping Hand recipients.

I have a hard time, as you all know, of picking only a certain number of people to pass awards on to. So, with that said, I'm going to declare that you are all deserving of this award. If you don't have it...it's yours! Congratulations!

My good blogging buddy, Sandy, surprised me with this special award yesterday! Sandy, I really can't thank you enough for thinking of me...you're a keeper, in my book! Now, since there are no said rules with this award, I'm going to do as Sandy did and pick one person to pass it on to. That, I think I can handle. So, I'm passing it to... Sheila, of The Quintessential Magpie. I'm really glad I met her recently...she has a heart of gold!

Hugs to you today and remember..."Be kind to unkind people, they need it most."

Givin' and Receivin' Some Bloggy Love!

First of all, let me just say that the outpowering of love, support, and concern for Harper, Kelly, and Scott has been nothing short of overwhelming! I looked just a minute ago and she has close to 1200 comments on her blog today! Isn't that amazing???

I have some good and encouraging news to share with all of you. Harper has been doing so well on her own, that she was taken off the list for the ECMO machine (heart/lung bypass). Praise the Good Lord! Please continue to keep her very close in your prayers as she's not out of the woods just yet. It's so obvious, though, that God is at work and He alone can perform miracles. Pray for Harper to get stronger hour by hour, day by day..."For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37

Now, I do have some bloggy business to take care of. My blogging buddy, Sandy, gave me two incredible awards; ones I've never seen before! Thanks a bunch, Sandy! I've really enjoyed getting to know you...you're an amazing person and it radiates throughout your blog. Be sure to hop on over and say hello! Tell her April sent ya! :)

Here are the rules that go along with this award:

1.Say one nice thing to a man in your life:
Chris, I love you with all my heart and I appreciate everything you do to take such good care of our family. Thank you for being a wonderful husband and father!!

2.List at least 6 ways you measure success in your life (or your blog):
Having a happy marriage that's lasted for 19 wonderful years ; having two daughters who are walking the straight and narrow path in life; having friends that I've been close to for many years; receiving positive and encouraging comments on my blog; knowing that my family members and friends appreciate me for who I am, not for what I should or could be.

3.Assign 5 other blogs:
Alright, you know I have a real hard time picking and choosing a certain number of bloggers to pass awards on to. I simply don't want to make anyone question why they weren't one of the "chosen" few. So, PLEASE, if you haven't received this award, snag it and claim it for your own.

Here's the second award Sandy gave to me...she's so gracious!

This award is given to you in appreciation of your lovely and witty comments and for always knowing the right thing to say at the right time....

I am to pass this award on to 10 bloggers that make me feel special. Well, you know, you all make me feel special each and everyday, so I'm going to pass this award to EVERYBODY! Yes, you are all winners to me!

Y'all are so great...no one deserves to be excluded. CONGRATULATIONS...again! Now, go spread some bloggy love!!!

Keep praying hard for Harper! ♥

I'm Humbled...

My new blogging friend, Cheryl, just gave me this awesome award called the Lemonade Award! I am so touched that she chose me to pass it on to! Thank you, Cheryl, for making me feel so special!!! Please, be sure to hop over to her blog...it's wonderful!

Now, as with any award, there are rules:

1) Put the logo on your blog.
2) Nominate at least 10 blogs that show great attitude and/or gratitude.
3) Have your 10 pass it along to 10 more.

Normally, I am not a rule-breaker. No siree...I try hard to live by the Book (literally!). I simply cannot bear to pick only 10 blogging friends to pass this award on to. I just don't have the heart to do it. I don't want to make anyone feel left out. So, without further delay, anybody who hasn't received this treasured award, please claim it and know that you are so deserving to have it!

My other good blogging buddy, Sandy Toes, gave me this awesome award...I love it!!! Her blog is fabulous...check it out!


Thank you for making me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! Seriously, you made my day...as always! Now, I'm supposed to list my top 5 addictions... Hmmm...only 5???

1. Guitar Hero-This mom can rock out like nobody's business! Give me a little Bon Jovi and the rest is history!
2. Blogging!!!-I've mentioned this to some of you before, but I really think I need to go on "Intervention". I have a serious problem...but, I LOVE IT!!! :)
3. Exercise-Strange, I know! I just get in a routine and I feel so guilty if I don't do it!
4. Chinese Food-I love Moo Goo Gai Pan and Hunan Chicken probably more than anyone on the face of the earth!
4. Chick Fil-A Sweet Tea-Nothing says 'southern' better than this stuff! I'm thinking I just might have an IV drip filled with it! :) Pure heaven, I tell ya!
Once again, I just can't narrow it down to give this special award to only 5 bloggers. No way, no how! I don't want anyone to feel hurt or offended. So, if you don't have this one, either, please take it! In my book, you're all winners and deserve to be recognized! CONGRATULATIONS, ladies! Thanks for being my audience and my sounding board...what a fun journey it's been so far!!!

Isn't this the sweetest video you've ever seen???



Oh, and I went back to Bath and Body Works last night. Got some Volumizing Coconut Lime Verbena Shampoo, Cotton Blossom Body Splash (trial size), and lip protectant...all for just $5!!! Their sale is on until the 20th, I believe. Get on over there today and load up on some goodies! If I don't quit going there myself, it's going to become the number 6 addiction on my list!

Happy Saturday!!!

A Night to Remember

Last night was a very big night. Brittany was named to the All-County Cross Country Team! It's a team that only 19 girls and 19 boys are selected to by local high school cross country coaches based on their accomplishments during the season. This was the first time in the history of Brittany's high school for an athlete to be named to the team, so it was quite an honor.

The event began with a nice dinner of pasta, salad, and bread... it was the perfect carb-loading meal for runners. After we ate, the presentations began. Brittany's teammate, Megan, was an honorable mention, so we were very proud of her. She and her parents are great people and I'm really going to miss them next year with Megan graduating in May. Oh, I've already shed some tears, believe me! After 3 or 4 years of togetherness, you form close bonds with athletes and their families.

Once all the honorable mentions were recognized, the athletes named to the All-County Team were named, one at a time. It was so neat because they had a PowerPoint presentation of each athlete, showing his/her picture alongside a list of their accomplishments for the season. Brittany, of course, didn't like her photo. It was one I submitted at her coach's request and she was running up a very steep hill with an, "I'm about to die!" look on her face. Oh, well...that just shows her grit and determination! She was awarded a nice plaque and t-shirt! It really was an exciting night and I'm so sorry Chris had to miss it.

Brittany and Megan after the banquet...
Chris is in South Carolina until Thursday for meetings. Bless his heart, he called me last night and said he was feeling terrible! Now, you know that I love my husband very much, but why is it that when he gets sick does he need to tell me every last detail about how he feels? He said he has congestion, nasal drainage, a cough, the chills, a headache, sore throat...you name it! PLEASE, don't think I'm heartless, but it does make me giggle just a teeny bit. Personally, I think he just has a bad cold. I told him to take some medicine and head on to bed. Hopefully, after a good night's sleep, he'll be feeling much better today. Poor baby...I mean that in a good way, of course! :)

Guess I'll be hitting the pavement today to try to finish up my Christmas shopping. At least I know what I'm looking for this time, so I won't be wandering aimlessly about. I'm just ready to start scratching some things off my ever-increasing "to do" list. Wish me luck!

Hope you have a terrific Tuesday!

And the Awards Go To...

Betty, over at Keeper of the Skies Wife, bestowed this lovely award on me several weeks ago. Thank you so much for being so kind, Betty, and for thinking of me! I really appreciate it a lot! Sorry it's taken me so long to post about it, but life's been crazy around here with the holidays and all!

"This blog invests and believes the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships! These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

OK, I'm supposed to give this to 8 bloggers. I'll follow the rules this time! Here goes:

1. Lorrie-The View From My Door.
2. Debra-Clothed With Scarlet.
3. Scrapper Mom-My Yesterdays, Todays, and Tomorrows.
4. Ang-Davisix.
5. Daphine-Just Stuff.
6. Sandy Toes-Shell in Your Pocket.
7. Heather-Family Forever.
8. Darlene-Darlene's Days.

I think all of you ladies are great and most deserving of this award...enjoy!!

Alright, here's award #2 for the day. Sandy, over at The Adams Family, gave me this "sweet" award yesterday. Thanks so much, Sandy...you're awesome! You really made my day, especially since it has to do with one of my favorite things...chocolate!

Here are the rules for accepting this delicious award:

1. You must eat a piece of chocolate in honor of accepting The Octamom Award. Not a problem!

2. You must eat yet another piece of chocolate when you put the award on your blog. Not a problem, either!

3. You must visit Debi B., who designed the award, and leave her a comment, because she deserves props for a chocolate award!!

4. Try to stop by those that were awarded...because they deserve love too!

5. Add or Subtract the rules at your leisure, except the parts about chocolate!

6. And if you are reading this post and you feel like you need a little chocolicious goodness in your life, right about now: feel free to award yourself the Octamom Award and eat a piece of chocolate!

So, I'm going to pass this wonderfully "yummy" award to:

1. Liz-Tidbits From Liz.
2. Laurin-Women, the Unofficial Cult.
3. Jennifer-Trading Ashes for Beauty.
4. Rebeckah-Life with Kaishon.
5. Carrie-Carrie's Little World.
6. Naomi-Among the Gum Trees.

I certainly don't intend to leave anyone out...BUT, my fingers are getting really tired, though I want to keep naming names (and I still have much to say)! PLEASE feel free to take this award...you all deserve it in my book!

We learned last night that the home of one of the top runners on the boys' cross country team
burned down yesterday. He and his family are now living in a hotel. Isn't that so sad, especially at this time of year? Everyone involved in cross country has been asked to contribute a gift card for them from places like Wal-Mart, Target, Publix, or local restaurants. I'll definitely head out today to purchase one. Please say a prayer for them!

Chris came home late last night after being gone since Monday. He'll leave, again, on Sunday and won't be home until the following Thursday evening. Brittany has to get up and at 'em early in the morning (on a Saturday!!) to take the SAT for the first time...wish her well! I still can't believe she'll be off to college next year! OK, time to change the subject...I'm getting misty-eyed!

Have an awesome Friday, my friends! The weekend's finally here...whoopee!!!!


P.S. Brittany's friend, Kelsey, is scheduled to see a therapist tomorrow. She expressed yesterday that she was very upset with Megan for turning all her notes in to the school counselor. Megan explained to Kelsey that both her and Brittany were concerned about her as her friends and wanted to do whatever they could to help her. I'm hopeful that she's on the right path.