I Wish I Had More Energy

Lately, it seems that I only have time to quickly blog at nighttime, while everyones asleep. I'm lucky to do some catching up on my most favorite bloggers that I love to follow. I've put the sweet everyday devotional bloggers to the side like 5 Minutes of Faith for Moms, Joyce Meyers and Beth Moore. It's so easy to cut out the important spiritual messages, that I should be reading, to make time to read about the newest creative ways to entertain. This morning as I'm breezing through my Reading List, I noticed "5 Minutes of Faith" had a new post "Wishes-Glimmers of Hope." This time, I made time to read and reflect my life. I can relate to the quote below. "I Wish!"

I wish I were a better mother.

I wish I had more time to be home with my children.

I wish I could ask forgiveness easier.

I wish I wasn’t so distracted.

I wish I could keep up with the housework.

I wish I could paint better, sing better, pray better.

I wish…I wish…I wish!

I hope you will find the time to read this devotion from Barbie at "5 Minutes of Faith," just CLICK HERE!

Katie News
A few weeks ago, Dr. Green found a small cavity on one of Katie's molars.  Before I was even going to ask about sealants, Dr. Green brought up the subject.  This is the second time Katie's had a tiny cavity in her teeth.  Ugh!  It's very discouraging as a parent.  He said it's probably because her back teeth are such a tight fit between each other.  We floss, but let's get real.  Yeah, we might miss a day or two of flossing and I can't control her flossing when she's off spending the night with someone.  I know I had weak teeth that is why I wanted her to get the sealants, to help. 

Yesterday was the big day to get her tooth filled and receive sealants.  I've never had sealants before, way after my time, so I didn't know what to expect.  I was just going by what the hygienist explained to me, while I was scheduling the appointment.  Easy, breezy!  Right?  Well, I picked Katie up just before school let out to take her to the dentist appointment.  She knew what to expect.  She wasn't thrilled, but she was alright with it.  I let her take her favorite toy, usually a doll, to hang on to while having her teeth cleaned or in this case, get her teeth worked on.  She held on to her Smurfette and my hand, while the hygienist was applying the sealants.  I have to tell you, there is a lot to get sealants applied to your teeth.  Bless her heart.  First, you have to put your head way up on the head rest and lean it back as far as possible.  They have the little cotton swabs along your bottom jaw and a thin wide cotton patch along the upper and side cheek.  You have to keep your mouth wide open with all this stuff in your mouth.  Let's not forget the suction tube to keep your saliva away from your molars, so the sealant will dry onto your back teeth.  UGH!  Poor baby.  The hygienist explained to me and Katie what to expect before the procedure, but you still couldn't gather until you saw with your own eyes, what it really entails.  Katie did so good, but after the third time of applying sealants, she was getting scared.  They tried to get the fourth set done, but we all think she couldn't continue with it.  She tried very hard to keep her head back and mouth wide open, but was too tired.  She ended up tasting the cleaning solution, which is soap for your teeth.  Yuck!  She said it tasted disgusting and kept wanting to spit it out.  Dr. Green hurriedly washed the soap off her fourth set of teeth and said lets schedule another time to finish the sealant and fill the cavity.  He and his family have become friends of mine, so he told me that if I could get her in the morning time for cleanings and filling, it would be better on her.  He was too afraid to continue for fear that he would scare her too much, by pushing her.  Afterwards, he spent about 5 minutes talking with her about "The Smurfs" movie, which she loves.  They also talked about his little girl EK and how much she likes school.  EK was in Katie's ballet class last year.  Dr. Green and his wife are such sweet people and down to earth.  EK and Katie go to the same school, but they only get to see each other during recess and lunch. 

When we left, Katie was a little disappointed in herself because she didn't want to have to go back.  I took her to Walmart and I was preparing to get out when I could hear Katie snubbing.  I quickly turned around to see what was the matter.  She told me, she was sorry that she wasn't good during her dentist appointment.  Y'all my heart sunk.  I felt so bad for her.  I hugged on her and told her that she did an excellent job and how brave she was to go through something so scary.  She admitted, she was beginning to get scared.  I assured her that was why Dr. Green decided to stop because he could see she was getting uncomfortable and scared. 

We could tell Walmart was getting ready, in the Toy Department,  for Christmas with all the new toys.  I'm just one of the kids when it comes to new toys, checking them out.  A while back when "The Smurfs" movie first came out, I told Katie how I was a big Smurfs fan when I was little.  How I use to have a big Smurf stuffed animal that I slept with during the night.  I use to have the Smurf glasses that you would get at fast food restaurants and small plastic figurines.  While looking at all the toys and making out our Christmas wish lists, what should I see?  On the side of the aisle were stuffed Smurfs of all kinds and sizes.  I got Katie's attention from the aisle over.  I wished you could have seen her eyes.  I had her pick out a Smurf for her and one for Dash.  She couldn't believe it.  She didn't have to wait until Christmas to get a stuffed Smurf.  LOL!  She loves her Smurfette so much.  I was sort of surprised how Dash liked his Clumsy.  He drug that Smurf all over the house last night and made sure he was in bed with him last night for bedtime. 

Katie is doing great in school.  They had their DIBELS testing last week.  Just as a reminder.  DIBELS stands for: Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills.  The instructors are looking for Initial Sounds Fluency - identify a picture by its beginning sound by pointing to the picture or naming it.  Letter Naming Fluency - recognize upper and lowercase letters out of order.  Phoneme Segmentation Fluency - tell all the sounds heard in spoken words.  And lastly, Nonsense Word Fluency - blends sounds together that make nonsense words. I received Katie's results and they are as follows:
Letter Naming = 57 (expected to know 37 by beginning of school year)
Phoneme Seg. = 61 (expected to know 35 or more)
Nonsense Words = 47 (expected to know 50 by January 2012)

She had her first spelling test yesterday and made a 100.  Mrs. G is only working on three letter words right now.  I was kind of wondering how she would give a test and it was easier on the kids that I first thought. 

You may not be able to see Katie's pencil writing,

but you can see her grade - 100

She made sure to show daddy her test score last night.  We are so proud of her.  I hope she will keep up the good work.   

The homework has pretty much taken over our evenings.  We have two random books, two stories from her small workbook and the same stories from her weekly reader to read each night.  She has to go over her two sheets of words, plus her weekly vocabulary words.  This week the vocab words are disgusting, compliment and amazed.  As parents, we have to help her to understand the meanings of each word and how we would use them in a sentence.  Yeah, this is first grade homework.  For math, she works on side B of the worksheet every night for a grade the next day.  For her Social Studies, all students are encouraged to practice good manners.  As parents, we're expected to help our children to exercise these good behaviors.  She also has three songs to memorize: Just Good Manners, Months of the Year and Days of the Week. I felt bad yesterday for having her take back one of the books she got from the Library last week.  According to the newsletter I received,  the first graders get to check out two books a week instead of just one.  YAY!  The problem we're having to work out is finding time to read both books in a week.  So, last week we had time to read the one book, but ran out of time to read the second one.  Ugh!  Please pray for me. 

Have a great day!        

What A Surprise!

What exciting news for Katie!  She FINALLY pulled her first tooth.  YAY!  I picked her up at school and I couldn't get her in the car fast enough, before she's telling me how her tooth feels loose.  I told her that she needed to keep wiggling it, so it would come on out of there.  At home, she fooled with it during homework time.  At supper time, she bit down on her hot dog and began crying and screaming.  I thought she was being her Miss Drama self.  I took a peek at her tooth and I could see the new tooth right behind the baby tooth.  I guess when she bit down on the hot dog, it broke a root because I could see that the tooth moved and there was a little blood.  Once I got her to calm down, I convinced her to let me take a napkin and see if the tooth would pull out.  I pulled a little and I could feel that last root pop.  My goodness the drama began again.  It took her a little while before she realized that I had the tooth in my napkin.  She didn't know whether to laugh or cry, so she did both.  LOL!  I had her go to the bathroom to rinse out her mouth. Well, she didn't understand why I wanted her to do that until she saw the blood in her mouth, looking in the mirror.  Here come the screams and crying once again.  All the blood scared her to death.  Shew!  You should have seen her face tonight when I told her that she's got at least 3 more teeth to fall out.  She told me, while I was tucking her in bed, she didn't want to go through that again.  I reminded her about how she wouldn't have to go through all the pain and having a bruised spot on her gum from letting her tooth just sit there until it fell out on it's own because it was all over.  Now, all she has to think about is the MONEY!  I got a chuckle out of her and she was all better. 

In the above picture, I took a picture of her talking to her grandparents on the phone about her pulled tooth.  She kept pointing to her tooth while she talked, as if they could see the tooth through the phone lines.  Too funny!  She wants everyone to know that her tooth is gone.  I felt so sorry for her at gymnastics today because she had to tell her new friends and kept trying to get her coaches' attention.  While watching her at practice today, I saw her pointing to her missing tooth to the coaches.  Bless her heart, I felt bad when the coaches didn't give her the attention she wanted.  I know the coaches have a schedule to keep and lots of little girls to watch over.  Katie didn't seem to mind.  She got to call her grandma Peggy as soon as we got home, so that made her feel much better.  

Prayer Request
My great aunt Mary at the age of 101 years old, passed away this morning.  She was the eldest and only living sibling remaining out of the 5 or 6 children.  Mary was my grandmother's, Ann, sister.  My grandmother passed away a month before my wedding day.  Aunt Mary was such a sweet sweet spirit and kept everything that was given to her.  My mother is a little upset that she passed because she was the last aunt/uncle living.  Aunt Mary and my mom were pretty close. I think it was because she was the last tie to my grandmother.  I know my family loved her very much and she will be greatly missed. 

Doug's great aunt Mae at the age of 87 years old, passed away this morning as well.  I was fortunate enough to meet aunt Mae, such a sweet and fun loving lady.  Viewing and funeral will be later this week.  My father-in-law seems to be doing well.  Please remember these families in your prayers.  Thank you.   


What To Do This Weekend?
The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, has a new show on the Food Network.  The show actually premiered last Saturday, August 27th at 11:30am/10:30c.  Y'all may know Ree from her blog The Pioneer Woman.  When I first started blogging, I would follow her pretty good.  She's published a cookbook "The Pioneer Woman Cooks".  And now she's got a show on Food Network, one of my favorite networks to visit when Doug's not at home or asleep.  I hate that I didn't get to see her premiere the other day.  According to the schedule, Food Network will be re-showing last Saturday's episode "Surprise Birthday" this Saturday, September 3 at 11:30am/10:30c.  I am going to have to record this show, so I don't miss a thing. 

Crane Hill is hosting a Sweet Tater Festival Sunday, Sept. 4th and Monday, Sept. 5th. If you would like more Sweet Tater Festival Information Click HERE.

WSCC will host a Bridal Show at Stonebridge Farms on Sept 11th from 1-4PM.  For more information, CLICK HERE!  A friend's son is getting married at this farm this Fall and I am so hoping that we get invited.  I would love to practice taking a few pictures.  Y'all this farm is absolutely beautiful and is used mostly for special occasions.  They have a restaurant on the property that is only open on Thursdays, other than during the special bookings for the reserved occasions.  Doug and I have talked about going out there to eat dinner, but something always seems to come up at the last minute. 

Of course, last but not least -

Bama vs. Kent State

Saturday, September 3, 2011

11:21 cst

at Tuscaloosa

ROLL TIDE ROLL!

The Baby Shower of The Year!

Parents-to-be

Whitney ready to open gifts - she looks so pretty.

Whitney & creative hostesses

(notice: the ribbon trees worked well on the food table)

Gift I put together from our little family

Cute diaper cake Leslie made

Two little mischievious girlies

My sister, Sandy, made this beautiful diaper bag.  I absolutely fell in love with it.  If it didn't have baby material print inside, I would have been tempted to sneak away from Whitney.  LOL!  One of the guests even warned Whitney to hide it from me.  It is so pretty and I love the compartments to store all of my things, so I won't loose them.  Sandy, I would love to have one of these.  I will even pay you a nice price for one {hint, hint}

More photos are available below:

Click here to view these pictures larger

A Good Day All Together

Doug's parents were so sweet to have the kids spend the night last night. The kids were so ready to go with them, they almost forgot to tell us "bye". LOL!  What do we do, while they are gone?  {Hmm}

We haven't seen Whitney in several weeks and I've heard that she's really gotten big, so we decided to go visit her and Zayne. She's at the nesting stage. Bless her heart. She wants so much done, but can only do so much. Her mom, Maryann, has been coming over and helping her get the nursery ready. I think they did such a good job painting and decorating. I took my camera, but it's a small room and Whitney was tired. So, no pictures to show you. I will tell you that they painted in block style on the wall with a shade of green (I would say close to a sage color), a coffee brown and ivory colors. Beings that her nursery theme will be jungle, it is precious. She is so excited about her baby shower tomorrow. She told me, they will get all the last minute stuff soon after the shower and then they should be ready for baby.  She wanted to get her suitcase packed, but she only got as far as getting the suitcase out of the closet. Poor thing, she is all baby and so darn cute. Us girls spent most of our visit comparing pregnancy notes and experiences. I made sure and told her to keep my number close by, for her to call me when things get crazy. She promised me that she would. Oh, how I remember those days (best forgotten).

I'm set on go tomorrow for the baby shower. Whitney requested to have one of her favorites at the shower, Spinach Dip. HERE  is my Spinach Dip recipe, if you ever need a good one.  I've had great reviews on this dip, so I hope you enjoy it.  Normally, I cut out the center of a round King's Hawaiian bread and set a small soup bowl down inside the loaf.  I cut up the pieces of bread and set around the cut out loaf for dipping.  I also offer a large bowl of Scoops chips beside the dip.  It is soo good.  We needed some more centerpieces for the guest tables, so I decorated my gift to Zayne and Whitney's baby into a centerpiece.  I just spoke to Maryann and I believe everything is coming together nicely.  Please stay tune for LOTS of photos from the baby shower of the year. . . 

This morning, Doug announced to me "we are going to Birmingham."  Well, I always love it when get to go off because I get to visit places that I haven't visited in quite some time.  If you remember, Susan and Leslie were telling me about their visit to "Garden Ridge" at Grant's Mill Station.  Doug was so sweet to take me there today.  I was one happy woman.  As you know, I'll be hosting Thanksgiving this year and I had a few ideas for decorating.  Well, I needed a few things to accomplish these decorating ideas.  Nope, I'm not going to tell right now.  You'll have to just wait.  {wink, wink}  Y'all this place is awesome.  They have a little bit of everything from seasonal decorating items, ceramic decor, outdoor living, furniture, linens, wall decor, kitchen, party items and much much more.  They have a lot of unique items as well, which is what I loved.  The prices were very reasonable and they also had several areas 50% off the sticker price.  WONDERFUL!  Their wooden arbors were on sale for $40, real nice.  I needed Living Room pillows for our sofa and loveseat.  I purchased 4 real nicely made pillows for $9.99 each.  I was tempted to get a couple of the extra large floor pillows for the kids.  They love to lay and play on pillows in the floor.  I really liked this place and hope to have to opportunity to go back again. 

Before heading home, we stopped off at one of our favorite restaurants, "The Cheesecake Factory" for lunch.  YUM!  Doug and I split a juicy cheeseburger, so we both could enjoy a delicious cheesecake.  Doug ordered the Red Velvet Cheesecake, while I had the new Chocolate Bar Cheesecake (actually it's made of Hershey's chocolate).  Unfortunately, we couldn't finish our cheesecakes, so we brought them home for later.  Oh, I was such a happy Bama mama when I found a script "A" cookie cutter at the Campus Spirit's shop.  Now, I can serve delicious Bama cookies to our guests during this season's football parties.  YAY!!  I'm just having a good day all together.  Can't you tell?  LOL! 

We were not shopping around inside Sam's Club for very long before I found the new Better Homes and Garden's special "Trick or Treat" edition magazine.  I knew that The Celebration Shoppe was featured in the magazine because Kim wrote about it in her blog.  She does such great work and enjoy the free printables, she shares with her readers.  Right off the bat, I picked up the magazine and began looking through it.  I also noticed Martha Stewart has her 2011 Halloween edition out as well.  I enjoy looking through these magazines and getting creative ideas.  While I was thumbing through "Martha Stewart's Halloween", a lady walked up beside me and also grabbed Martha.  We got to talking and I mentioned the feature in the BHG of The Celebration Shoppe.  She seemed interested, so I flipped over to Kim's pages.  I sold the lady and she took a copy with her.  LOL!  Doug asked me if I get commission for selling the magazine for The Celebration Shoppe.  The sweet lady is an Avon manager and she host several parties.  I told her that she might get lots of neat ideas and free printables from The Celebration Shoppe for her business.  She thanked me and assured me that she would be checking it out.  I did purchase Martha Stewarts Halloween and I can't wait to check it out. 

Got Bama Fever Yet?

Maybe this will help . . .

Photos taken & designed by Mirya

Me and my whole family are so ready for Bama football.   In fact, I just placed an order for this beauty to welcome all of our Bama guests on our front door. 

A sweet lady from Mississippi makes these Bama Crosses made out of tin.  She is so talented.  The first time I noticed this sign was on Laura's blog.  I fell in love with it.  Laura got me into contact with the creator of this cross.  I just hope I get the cross before the Kent State game.  We shall see.  

ROLL TIDE ROLL!

Need a Chuckle?

If your week is going down the tube and you're having a bad day.  Just look at this picture and have a laugh.  I had to take this picture of my diva and flash. If you're wondering what she's doing.  Well, she's pretending to be an old woman.  The goggles are her glasses and the golf club is her cane.  Of course, she has her pink poodle purse across her shoulder.  LOL!  I thought about posting this for my Wordless Wednesday, but then I wouldn't have the opportunity to tell the story. 

I hope I made your day! 

Santa Fe Soup

Yesterday, a small group of us ladies and our spouses got together, to work on Whitney's baby shower for next weekend. I can't believe it's already here. Shew! It's been fun.

I helped make party mints, dip pretzel sticks and tie our "Thank You" notes to the bags of pretzels. I'm sorry, but I forget to take my camera, so I don't have any photos to share with you today. I'll make sure to take it with me next weekend.

We had such a good time. I haven't really had the chance to sit and talk with Leslie, Susan and Natalie in a while, so that was great. We laughed and laughed. The guys hate it when us sisters get started and now nieces to add to the fun, because our laughing gets a little loud and they can't hear the ballgame. LOL!

Leslie told me all the ideas that her and Chase have come up with for their reception. It sounds like it's going to be fabulous! Chase's mother, Kellie, is a phenomenal decorator. I can't wait to be under her wing, decorating for Leslie and Chase's wedding reception. She is so creative! I hope to learn LOTS. Speaking of learning lots, Kellie introduced Garden Ridge to Susan and Leslie the other day.  They were telling me about all the great deals they found and that I have to go one day.  This is a trip, I'm going to have to make soon.  Susan plans to go back.  I told her that she has to call me the next time because I want to tag along. 

Maryann was such a  great hostess for our little baby shower decorating party. She had in the crockpot "Santa Fe Soup."  She served it with Frito chips.  It was DELISH!  It reminded me of a creative way to make chili.  Perfect for game day (12 days away) .  She gave me the recipe and I wanted to share it with you.  It is sooo easy!

Santa Fe Soup
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs. Ground Beef
1 Sweet Onion - chopped
1 can pinto beans
1 can black beans
1 can kidney beans
1 large can diced tomatoes
1 can white corn
1 can yellow corn
2 pkgs. dry ranch dressing
2 pkgs. dry taco seasoning

• Saute the meat and onion.  Drain the off the fat.
• Put meat mixture into a crockpot or slow cooker.
• Add the rest of the ingredients undrained.
• Cook until hot through and through

Best served with cornbread, frito chips and topped with cheese and sour cream.

Enjoy!
    

Mi's Chicken Casserole

I was hungry for a good chicken casserole. Some of the recipes that I found were either to bland sounding or they called for ingredients that I didn't have in my cupboard. So, I did the basic steps and added what I thought would be good. Doug and guests enjoyed it very much and requested that it stay on the recipe cycle.

Enjoy!

Mi's Chicken Casserole
Small Young Tender Fryer Whole - cooked, skinless and de-boned
16 oz. Elbow Pasta - cooked and drained
16 oz. Light Sour Cream
16 oz. Broccoli Florets
2 Cups Shredded Classic Melts
2 Cups 1% Milk
1 Sleeve of Ritz Crackers
1/4 Cups Melted Butter

In a 4 quart casserole dish, mix together the first 6 ingredients.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Crush the crackers and spread on top.  Drizzle melted butter over crackers.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes.  Serves: 8-10.

Katie's First Week Of School

Katie felt that her Lalaloopsy should be in the picture as well. LOL!

Last Monday, like many other children, Katie was up and looking her best for the first day of school.  Oh my gosh!  This day couldn't get here fast enough for Katie.  The week before all I heard was "is school starting soon?"  She was so excited to get in her class, making new friends and having a new teacher.  Four students from her class last year were assigned to her class this year.  One student is Katie's best friend, E.  They were so excited to see each other during Open House. 

Colton wanted his picture taken with sissy.  He thinks he is a cool cat with Katie's sunglasses.

Picture at school. 

Unfortunately, this is the best photo I could get of her because she had to go to the bathroom.  Ugh!  We'll try this again at another time. 

The first day of school was great!  Katie had a blast getting to know her new friends and teacher.  She was ecstatic once she got to spend some time with her old friends during P.E., break and lunchtime.  She has always loved school.  I think I had a harder time trying to get her picked up after school then she did adjusting to her new schedule and surroundings.  LOL!  You have to understand, this little school has 500+ students and that's only for Preschool thru First Grade.  There are two sections to pick up and oh my gosh, it's major chaos.  Which lane do I get into?  Traffic is AWFUL!  Katie's teacher told us during Open House that she would be at a specific spot at a specific time.  Well, the time I arrived, the specific time and spot, she was no where to be seen.  Top it off, one traffic director let me in on a secret.  You want to know what that secret was?  I had gotten into Kindergarten traffic.  Swell!  I was directed to move up and without my child no doubt.  Yeah, FUN.  When I pulled up to the front, I finally stuck my head out the window and asked another traffic director, if Mrs. G's class had made it out and if so, I would like to get my child.  She giggled and let me know when Mrs. G's class is usually ready for pickup.  Happens to be a slightly different time then initially discussed.  Okay.  I'm happy to report that today's pickup was much smoother.  YAY! 

During Open House, the teacher passed out a questionaire for all parents to fill out.  It's mostly information about your child to help her get to know her new student better.  Of course, I made sure that Mrs. G knew that Katie LOVES to talk and she has a bad habit of not paying attention.  There are times when she is off in her own little world, "Katieland" and she doesn't know what is going on around her.  I've been on her all Summer that she's got to start paying attention or her teacher would be sending me notes home from school.  Well guess what?  It's day 4 and what should I receive in my email?  Mrs. G reported to me that she's been having trouble with Katie socializing during class and not paying attention to her assignments.  Surprise, surprise.  Needless to say, Miss Katie got her yearly lecture about "work first and play later."  I hated to punish her because I think my 30 minute lecture is  punishment enough, but we took television away and had to go to bed 30 minutes early.  She didn't complain, I guess we let her off easy.  Doug spoke to her as she was sent to bed.  We've been through this going on 3 years now.  Usually one good lecture and small punishment at the beginning of the year will do it for the rest of the school year.  Let's hope it will stay that way. 

According to Mrs. G, Katie won't have real homework until next week.  Right now, she's been going over her list of words to recognize.  Her first sheet of words are just review from last year.  She can breeze through them pretty good.  Her second sheet of words are a little more challenging because it's words that you just can't sound out.  Words like use, take, eat and why.  These are words that you have to memorize.  She's suppose to have a test on all of the these words tomorrow.  I've been making her write the word and say them aloud each time she writes them.  After today, I believe she'll do pretty good on her test.  Please pray that she'll at least pay attention during the test.  UGH! 

Not only did Katie get to start back to school this week, but got back to gymnastics.  I was happy that Doug got to see her practice.  I could see, she was having a good time for the 45 minutes that we were there.  She basically reviewed what she has already learned back in June.  After they did their stretching, her coaches put her on the uneven bars and worked with her doing hand stands, cartwheels and somersaults.  They had a long thin mat flopped over part of the uneven bars.  Katie's coach had her climb up one end of the mat and slide down.  She loved it!  I told Doug if she keeps this up each week, she'll work that gut off.  Doug eary left with Colton because they were getting a little tired.  During Katie's class time, the Advanced Tumbling class was going on.  It was pure entertainment to watch these kids.  After Katie's class ended, we just sat on the bleachers and watched the tumblers doing their stunts.  Katie told me, she wished she could do something like that.  Eek!  I don't think this mama is ready for that because I hear too many horror stories about cheerleaders snapping their neck.  It brings chills to my spine.  On the way home, Katie told me that she was sad because she couldn't go to gymnastics every day. 

You're probably wondering how Colton is handling Katie being gone to school all day.  Well, he is taking it pretty good.  He has asked me every morning this week, "where we goin' mama?"  Of course, he has to repeat everything I tell him.  Once we drop Katie off at school, he'll announce "I go to school with Katie."  Every time he says it, I chime in and tell him that I would be so lonesome without him.  I've been trying to work with him for approximately 2-3 hours each day.  We sing songs like ABC's, 1-2-I Love You, Jesus Loves Me.  When we sing "Little Light of Mine," he'll stick out his pointer finger and sing right along with me saying, "not blow it out, light of my."  It is so precious.  I wish I could video him singing it.  Knowing him, he probably wouldn't sing it if a camera was in his face.  I'm trying to teach him his colors, numbers, shapes, letters and letter sounds.  I tested him the other day and he did good.  We were coloring, which is great way (I've found out) to teach colors.  I asked him to pick me out a specific color.  He picked out the colors: pink, blue, and green.  What I love is how he will repeat the color names back to me, even if he doesn't hand me the correct color.  Of course, at his age I have to work with his short attention span.  The one thing that I didn't lose his attention was reading the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear.   He loved my animal impressions.  HAHA!  I love this book and I don't know how many times I've recommended this book to everyone, so I'm going to recommend it again.  BUY THIS BOOK!  It was a fun way to teach Katie her colors at Colton's age and now we're using it again.  First, Katie used it last year to practice reading and now, I'm using it to teach Colton his colors.  He just liked this book a lot better than My First Color Book by Eric Carle.  I'm hoping he will like it in the future because it's a good way to test his ability to match the correct colors. 

Colton is still potty training.  Today, he got 3 treats for going potty and he only made one accident in his new underpants.  When he makes his accidents, he at least comes to me and tells me that he pee-peed.  "Uh oh, mama.  I pee-peed." he'll say.  I had Pull-Ups on him during sleeptime and later in the day when chaos strikes our household. 

My little angels are adjusting to changes around our house, like the strong and brave little kids they are.  I'm so proud of them. 

Flipped Out for The Dixie Love

Y'all Alabama is on fire for the nation. There's a lot of Alabama love out there. Not just the Bama football team, but state wide. The state of Alabama is filled with exquisite beauty, talent, a sense of charm, taste, and flavors of the ol' South. As Southerners from the wonderful and beautiful State of Alabama, what we offer is a smile, delicious food, great music, polite manners, common sense and a cold glass of SWEET TEA.  I mean look at the men and women that are great successes from our good "God's Country" state.  I will only list a few that I feel you might know.  They are as follows:

• Hank Aaron-Baseball Hall of Fame - Mobile, AL
• Bobby Allison & son Davey Allison - NASCAR drivers - Hueytown, AL
• Regina Benjamin - current Surgeon General of the U.S. - Mobile, AL
• Earl Bennett - NFL wide receiver for the Chicago Bears - Birmingham, AL
• Bo Bice - American Idol runner up during 4th season - Huntsville, AL
• Eric Bledsoe - NBA Point Guard for the L.A. Clippers - Birmingham, AL
• Michael Biehn - actor - best known as Kyle Reese in the 1984 film "The Terminator" - Anniston, AL
• Coach Bobby Bowden - Retired head coach for Florida State University - Birmingham, AL
• Jimmy Buffett - singer/songwriter - known for "Margaritaville" - born in Pascagoula, MS; raised and currently living in Mobile, AL
• Bretty Butler - comedian - Montgomery, AL
• Keith Butler - NFL Coach for Pittsburgh Steelers - Anniston, AL
• Nell Carter - actress - best known in the 1980s sitcome "Gimme a Break" - Birmingham, AL
• George Washington Carver - scientist/inventor known for his research & promoting alternative crops to cotton such as peanuts, soybeans, & sweet potatoes - Tuskegee, AL
• Nat King Cole - singer/songwriter - Montgomery, AL
• Tim Cook - COO & acting CEO of Apple, Inc. - Robertsdale, AL
• Courtney Cox - actress - Birmingham, AL
• Kim Dickens - actress - best known in roles such as Stacey Seebring in "Mercury Rising", and Mrs. Boswell in "The Blind Side" - Huntsville, AL
• Eric "Butterbean" Esch - Heavyweight boxer - Jasper, AL
• Paul Finebaum - sports author, TV, & radio personality & former columnist - Birmingham, AL
• Fannie Flagg - actress, comedian, & author.  Best known for her 1988 novel "Fried Green Tomatoes at Whistle Stop Cafe."  - Birmingham, AL
• Louise Fletcher - actress - Best known as Kai Winn Adami in "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" - Birmingham, AL
• Robert Gibbs - former Press Secretary for President Obama - Auburn, AL (I knew there was something off about him.  LOL! - Roll Tide Roll!)
• Winston F. Groom, Jr. - author - Best known for his book "Forrest Gump". - Fairhope, AL
• Mary Katharine Ham - journalist - known as a Fox News contributor - Montgomery, AL
• Emmylou Harris - singer/songwriter - Birmingham, AL
• John S. Hendricks - Founder, Chair & CEO of Discovery Networks - Huntsville, AL
• Taylor Hicks - American Idol winner 2006 - Hoover, AL
• Joe Hilley - author of "Sarah Palin: A New Kind of Leader" - Birmingham, AL
• Robert Hoffman - actor - Best known in "Step Up 2" - Madison, AL
• Mitch Holleman - child actor known as Reba Hart's (Reba McEntire) son, Jake on TV sitcom "Reba." - Auburn, AL
• Polly Holliday - actress - Best known as "Flo" from TV sitcom "Alice". - Jasper, AL
• Hardcore Holly - WWE star - Mobile, AL
• Evander Holyfield - former heavyweight Championship boxer - Atmore, AL
• Bo Jackson - multi-sport athlete - Bessemer, AL
• Kate Jackson - actress - known as Sabrina in the 70's hit sitcom "Charlie's Angels" - Birmingham, AL
• Katherine Jackson - Michael Jackson's mother - Barbour County, AL
• Lonnie Johnson - inventor of the Super Soaker water gun - Mobile, AL
• Helen Keller - writer - Tuscumbia, AL
• Carl Lewis - Track & Field athlete - Birmingham, AL
• Joe Lewis - Heavyweight Championship boxer - Lafayette, AL
• Willie Mays - Hall of Fame MLB Centerfielder - Birmingham, AL
• Jim Nabors - actor - Best known as Gomer Pyle on "The Andy Griffith Show" - Sylacauga, AL
• Stan O'Neal - Chairman & CEO of Merrill Lynch - Roanoke, AL
• Jesse Owens - Track & Field athlete - Oakville, AL
• Satchel Paige - baseball player - Mobile, AL
• Michael Papajohn - actor - Vestavia Hills, AL
• Rosa Parks - civil rights activist - Tuskegee, AL
• Wilson Puckett - R & B/Singer/songwriter - Hits are "Mustang Sally" & "In The Midnight Hour" - Prattville, AL
• Condoleezza Rice - former U.S. Secretary of State under President George W. Bush - Birmingham, AL
• Michael Rooker - actor - appears in films such as "Cliffhanger", "Days of Thunder", "JFK", "Tombstone" - Jasper, AL
• Lionel Richie - singer - Tuskegee, AL
• Debby Ryan - actress - best known as Bailey Puckett in the Disney Channel's show "The Suite Life on Deck."  - Huntsville, AL
• Octavia Spencer - actress - best known for the new movie "The Help" - Montgomery, AL
• Ken Stabler - former NFL player - Foley, AL
• Bart Starr - former NFL player - Montgomery, AL
• Ruben Studdard - 2003 American Idol winner - Birmingham, AL
• Channing Tatum - actor - leading roles in "Step Up", G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra", & "Dear John" - Cullman, AL
• Richard Tyson - actor - best known as the villian Cullen Crisp, Sr. in the film "Kindergarten Cop" - Mobile, AL
• Daniel Wallace - author - known for his novel "Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions" - Birmingham, AL
• Tammy Wynette - country singer - Red Bay, AL

Watching ESPN, it sounds like the Atlanta Falcons are lovin' their new star athlete, Julio Jones.  Doug and I sure wish he was still playing for Bama once again.  The last time I looked, the AP polls are showing University of Alabama at the #2 spot. 

Sweet Home Alabama is a new reality show like "The Bachelorette," Alabama style.   Guys from the big cities and small towns are trying to win over Devin Grissom's affection.  Devin is a student of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.  This reality show is shown on CMT and is filmed at Mobile Bay, AL.  You can watch this reality show on Thursday night at 9PM CST on CMT.

Flipping Dixie premiered today, Saturday at 11AM CST on A&E.  Robert Lee, owner of Cullman Liquidators, goes around and purchases old mobile homes, refurbishes, and resells them.  The first time Doug and I heard about this show was yesterday, while listening to Rick and Bubba on the radio.  They were interviewing Robert Lee about his new show on A & E.  One caller commented that Robert's stories and adventurers were so funny that is why it made a good show.  Howie Mandel narrates the show.  It was a little entertaining to watch, especially since you know that it's not far from your house.  LOL! 

The video that sold A & E to viewing this television entertainment in the making. LOL!

I Love My State!

Giveaways, Giveaways & more GIVEAWAYS!

1plus1plus1equals1 introduced Scripture-Lullabies to me.  I instantly feel in love.  As I was listening to the above video "Be Still and Know," Colton came inside our bedroom from his room just to listen to the music.  I asked him if he liked it, "uh huh." he answered.  Beautiful! I'm addicted to music videos like this anyway.  Plus, I must mention that 1plus1plus1equals1 is giving away a Scripture-Lullabies CD for FREE.  So, you have to jump over there and enter for your chance to win.  If you don't want to wait to win, they also offer a 15% off coupon code that you can use.  Check it out!

"The Help" Autographed Book Giveaway
I haven't had a chance to read "The Help," but I've heard from several friends that it's a great read.  It's suppose to be one of those novels that you love to sink your teeth into and not let go.  I hope to have the chance to read it.  I'm lucky to read a magazine article this Summer.  LOL!  I've just been too busy, but hopefully that will change when school starts. 

I'm sure you're chomping at the bit wanting to know about the "Giveaway."  Well, Living Locurto had the opportunity to go on a road trip last year in Mississippi and hang out at the movie set.  They chit chatted with Viola Davis (Aibileen) and Octavia Spencer (Minny).  The ladies came prepared to the set with books in hand for autographs.  Well, they had a special book autographed by these lovely actresses just for you.  You have to head over to Living Locurto, read their adventures last year (they have pictures) and enter to win the book. 

Dishable Designs Giveaway
The Tomkat Studio introduces the cutest plates from Dishable Designs on her "Fabulous Friday Giveaways."  They are so adorable!  There are custom plates for every character in your family from the gymnast to your future cowboy.  You've got to check them out.  While you're viewing all the different styles, be sure to enter for a chance to win a $100 store credit giveaway. 

Cupcake Sleeve Giveaway
Let's face it, this is a technology craze century.  We have our iPods, iPhones, iPads, cell phones, Garmens, Blackberries or Crackberries as Doug calls them.  We try to take care of our electronics, but Blooming on Bainbridge found the cutest, soft and safe way to keep our constant connection with the world on Etsy.  She is giving away the cute cupcake sleeve for your special use, just for you.  **CLICK HERE** to find out more information on these genius sleeves and a chance to win your very own.   

GOOD LUCK Y'ALL!

Open House 2011

Oh my gosh! It was hard for me to gather my senses today. I mean I knew it was Katie's Open House to meet her new teacher and classmates, but it didn't really hit me until late tonight. This is it! My 6 year old daughter will be starting the first grade Monday morning. My baby girl, in my mind, that I just gave birth to a few days ago is in the first grade. Not only that but she is also going through a few changes in her life. We went to Chick-fil-a for breakfast this morning and noticed she is getting hair on her legs. I've mentioned her getting husky. She's beginning to get embarrassed about me telling her stories that I think are cute to other people. Tonight for instance, I was telling her grandparents about her having to clean up the mac-n-cheese that she spilled. She said that she wouldn't have told them that. I'll have to watch what I say around her from now on. I guess if I didn't have Colton still at home and keeping me busy, I probably would be taking this really hard. She's growing up.

This morning, I treated Katie and Colton to breakfast at Chick-fil-a and the entire time all I heard from Katie was "I'm so excited to start back to school. Do you think Savannah will be in my class? I can't wait to see E. Will E be at the Open House tonight? What time do we have to be there? Will I have enough time to eat a snack before we go? Will daddy be home when we go?" Y'all this went on and on. In fact later this afternoon, I had just put Colton to bed for a nap and sent Katie to her room to watch a movie, while I got Colton relaxed (rocking). Finally, I got to sit down with my bologna and cheese sandwich when Katie came out of her room and said, "mama, you know that we forgot about going to school today?" Ugh! I reassured her that I didn't forget and she didn't need to worry.

Finally, it was time to get ready. I hated that the sundress I had laid out for her to wear didn't fit anymore. Here I go trying to get one of her new outfits and we needed to be leaving like right then. Peggy watched Colton for me, while Millard went with me. Would you believe that I forgot my camera? I couldn't believe it. Oh well, I'll get my pictures at another time.

At Open House, we got to see old friends and met some new faces. We basically had a mini class reunion because there were 4 students from Katie's class last year. Us moms were glad to see each other. E and Katie went there way, checking out their new classroom. Mrs. G seemed very organized and expects a successful 2011-2012 class. What I like is how she will keep us informed by her website, emails and she Twits. I've been trying to stay away from Twitting, but I guess I'll have to sign up for that as well. Mrs. G says she does it in case of any last minute changes or cancellations. She also believes in a paper free world. YAY! I'm glad she won't assign homework during the weekend. I signed up to help with the two school parties and bring home projects to help out in class. We stayed there quite a while because we got there a little late. After Mrs. G's speech, I finished up a few things that I needed to do, sign papers, place all of our school supplies in the proper place, etc. We waited around because I needed to speak with Mrs. G. I believe there were maybe 3 students left in the classroom out of the 20 students. I was ready to go visit the lunchroom team to pay for Katie's lunches, but Katie was not. We had to practically pull her out of the room. She didn't want to leave. "I'm not ready to go yet mom. I want to read some of their books. I haven't met everyone in class." There were only 3 children left for her to introduce herself to them. I introduced her to 2 of the students and she still didn't want to leave. We ran into another friend EG and her mom, my friend, down the hall. EG lost her two front teeth a couple of weeks ago. Y'all when I told Peggy the story about the toothfairy visiting EG, I had to stop in mid-sentence because it donned on me that Katie was in the room. I just nearly messed up. I froze. I didn't know what to say. Thank goodness, Peggy picked right up from there. Shew! I didn't say too much to give the magic away. Of course, we had to visit with Coach B and wish him congratulations. He and his wife are expecting their first child very soon. Katie just loves Coach B. Her little eyes perked up when she saw her Kindergarten teacher again. Mrs. M couldn't get over how much she had grown over the Summer. The first thing out of Katie's mouth was "I finally turned 6." LOL! Katie is siked to start school next week.

We need your prayers. I'm aware there is a stomach bug going around and Colton crawled into our bed tonight with a low grade temp. He just doesn't feel good. Ugh! I would hate for Katie to start school out coming down with something. Poor Colton can't get comfy. He says he's cold and wants the blanket wrapped around him, but he is so hot. He wants to watch "Cars" in his room, but he comes back to mommy and daddy's room every now and then. He's miserable. He'll lay by me for a little while and then ask to go in his room. It doesn't seem like very long before he's back in our room. He whines. I understand because sometimes you just can't say anything, so whine. I hope he's better tomorrow.

Baby Shower Thank You Notes & Quick Kids Story

Baby Shower "Thank You" Notes

I read Whitney the "Thank You" scroll that I had for my baby shower when I was expecting Katie. She seemed to really like it. So, the big question was how can we share it with our guests. I came up with theses. I feel in love with the zoofari paper shown. It will fit perfectly with our "King of the Jungle" theme.   I cut out the scrapbook paper the size 4 x 6".  I used Martha Stewart's corner punch to dress it up, plus it gives you the hole that I need to put the ribbon through.  We will tie these cute little notes to a goodie bag filled with chocolate dipped stick pretzels.  Us girls are going to try to get together real soon to put the notes and pretzel bags together. 

Here's the Thank You Poem just for you to use at your next baby shower.

"Thank You"

I'm sorry I couldn't be with you,

I'm terribly busy, you see.

Painting my eyes, my cheeks, my hair,

So mother will be proud of me.

I'm sending you this little message,

To convey to you this thought.

When the Stork has left me,

I'll use the gift you brought.

I thank you for the lovely welcome,

Which you have given today.

When you see the Stork fly by,

You'll know I've come to stay.

Be sure to come and see me,

As soon as I get here.

Just give my mother plenty of time,

To dress up her little dear.

So I thank you from my heart,

For each thoughtful gift for me.

Because when I'm left with my parents,

I'll not be dressed you see.

Thank you,

Baby ?

Kids Story
I have to tell you this minute story. I was getting Colton's movie started when out of the blue, he told me "my room a mess!" He even made this terrible face like he is just so disgusted. Not sure if I heard him correctly, I repeated back to him what I thought he said. He responded, "uh, huh. Katie did it!" LOL! I just thought that was funny. Of course, Katie was sitting in the bean bag right beside him and she chimed in "no I didn't." LOL! Can't you just feel the love between brother and sister?

Pinterest and Kids

Like always, I'm probably behind the times, but have you gotten on the Pinterest kick? It's different. This tool allows you to share crafts, places, food and others what you love to other Pinterest members. I've found some cute ideas from other Pins and you can RePin from someone elses board, to show on your board.

My niece Leslie made sure that I got on board, I think it's because she wants me to Pin wedding ideas that I've found online. LOL! I've also noticed a few professional bloggers have their Pinterest logo shown on their website.

If you're interested in Pinterest, CLICK HERE!

So, have you Pinned lately?

Quick Note:
We have been so blessed like always this weekend.  Our nephew, Nicholas, is home from school and actually wanted to hang out with us Friday.  He is so funny.  He is the one that got home from a Summer job working at Tulane University doing chemical research.  He had the chance to tell me in detail how much he loved it in New Orleans.  He said he wasn't far from Emeril Lagasse's restaurant where he stayed.  And Nick doesn't even know who Emeril was!  Man!  I've got to educate my nieces and nephews a little better before they get out into the world.  LOL!  I really hope Nick accepts the job offer down there, so we can visit him.  I might even get to eat at Emeril's.  Ahh!  For Nick to really want to move and work in Louisana, he doesn't care for the heat in the food too much.  I was surprised when he came back home, how he has developed a love for Mexican food, as long as it's not hot. 

Millard and Peggy wanted to keep the kids Friday night because school will be starting soon.  So as we are talking with Nicholas, the next you know, June and KimAnn (June's sister-in-law) are meeting us at our house.  We all got into our car and we headed to Cantina Laredo at BridgeStreet.  It's a Mexican Restaurant that Doug and I enjoy eating at.  June and KimAnn are not very good Mexican food lovers.  I think they were just enjoying the company.  LOL!  Nicholas seemed to really like the food because he took his date to the same restaurant last night.  June and KimAnn have never been to BridgeStreet, so Nicholas and I took them on a quick tour of the place because it began sprinkling on us.  Before the rain, it was a nice night.  There were a couple of street singers and there was a light breeze.  Very nice! 

Last night, we went out to eat with Millard and Peggy and the kids.  As you know Colton's been talking quite a bit and it seems like his vocabulary expands daily.  Millard and Peggy told us Colton's new saying.  Peggy was rocking Colton to sleep the night before and I think she was getting tired of rocking or he would settle down.  Anywho, she finally told him to go to sleep.  He responded to her request saying, "I tryin' G'maw, I tryin'."  Too cute. 

Y'all I know I let things get to me a little more probably than most people, but I have a hard time enjoying myself at a restaurant with Colton.  First of all, he's 2 and he shows it.  We went to Logan's Steakhouse and I was about to pull my hair out.  Before I sat down good, Colton had his shoes pulled off and insisted on getting down from the table and walk around on the peanut shells. He would not stay still to save his life.  As Doug would say, "MEMORIES!"  Now Katie on the other hand can conduct herself a little better, since she's a little older.  The past couple of times we've gone out to eat with friends or family, I've had her take her Leapster.  I don't know why I haven't done this in the past.  The biggest problem with kids and adults eating at restaurants is the adults want to sit around and talk.  The kids eat a small amount of food and they are ready to go because adult talk is BORING!  The Leapster has been a lifesaver for us because she plays her games or colors.  I did get tickled at Colton while we were eating at the restaurant.  When I offered him a hot roll and butter he said, "Oh, yeah."  Too funny.   

Oh and I have to show you a couple pictures of the girls during Katie's birthday party that my friend, Allison, made for me.  So sweet! 

Ray Stevens - Obama Budget Plan

My father-in-law sent me this funny video because I love Ray Stevens and had to share this with you. Too funny!

Did You Know?

I've got Colton lying down for his afternoon nap. Katie's in her room playing on her computer. I've got clothes in the wash and I just finished washing dishes in the sink. It's break time.

What better way to multi-task than watch "Days of Our Lives" and do a little catch up from the bloggers that I love to follow. Y'all I've learned so much in the past 30 minutes. Crafting and baking tips that I never knew. Of course, I have to share with you. I mean, you just can't keep information like this from the public.

Did you know that you can use freezer paper as a stencil?

I would absolutely L.O.V.E to own a Silhouette, but since I don't Hobby Lobby shows you a tutorial right HERE on how to use freezer paper as custom stencils.  Very interesting. 

I think this handmade gift idea is sweet.

Do you know what Tidymom used as the lace stencil? 

Give up?  A doily.  A simple doily.  I couldn't believe it.  A lover of tote bags and I think it's something that every woman should own (more than one at that), I think this would make an excellent gift.  Tidymom mentioned making them for teachers for a back to school gift.  Great idea!

How can you make shaped cookies keep their shape? 

Well, Bake at 350 has the answer and it's so simple.  After she cuts out her special cookies, even the plain circles, she puts the cookie sheet in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes at a time.  What?  She swears that is the answer for the perfectly shaped cookie.  Genius!