Happy Mother's Day!

I'd like to wish all you Mothers and Mothers to come a very special Mother's Day!

I had a fantastic Mother's Day, like every other year. It's just a time for me to appreciate and be thankful of all my many many blessings, God has granted me. I'm so thankful to be able to celebrate/share another Mother's Day with my mother. I appreciate the fact my mother is able to spend another year with her grandchildren, so they will build memories. I'm grantful to have a husband that truly appreciates me and more importantly loves me for being ME. I thank God for listening to my many many (tearful at times)prayers for a family. I still can't believe he has entrusted me with these two beautiful children, more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. It is an honor everyday I wake to try to take care of these two precious gems. Being a full-time mom has got to be the hardest job. I run into road blocks, climbed some steep mountains, held my breath through some difficult times, but I continue to survive and the rewards are rich and make it well worth it.

Katie Story
For the past several days, Katie's been asking me how much longer before Mother's Day.  Well this morning, Katie asked me if it was Sunday.  As soon as I confirmed, she asked if it was Mother's Day.  I told her "yes."  "Happy Mother's Day, mom!" she told me.  She not only told me "Happy Mother's Day," but she told Doug, Colton, and my mother, when I was on the phone with her.  I guess Katie thinks Mother's Day is a holiday like Easter or Christmas because she expected me to tell her "Happy Mother's Day" back to her, Colton and dad (Doug).  I tried to explain to her that she wasn't a mother yet and daddy and Colton were boys, not mommas.  She giggled and suggested I wish them a "Happy Mother's Day" anyway.  So, I told her what if I wish her "Happy Daughter Day," Colton a "Happy Son Day" and daddy a "Happy Daddy Day."  She began giggling because she thought that was funny, but liked the idea, especially "Happy Daughter Day." 

How do you like my new glider? 

This was my gift from Katie, Colton & Doug

I love it!  I've always wanted one.

Colton Update

Colton's new thing is going around and around in circles.  Last night, Doug and I got tickled at Katie and him because they were going around in circles and getting dizzy.  The more Katie laughed, the more Colton would giggle and do it more.  They are my little nuts!

A few family members were able to come over for a good ol' Country Boil. If you've never had a Country Boil, they are a great one pot dinner. Depending on how many people you're cooking for, you would fill your pot full of water, but not too full. Once your water begins to boil, you add corn on the cob, onion, sausage and potatoes. Doug likes to add a little "O-Bay Seasoning." I think he put in 1 tablespoon for every gallon of water. Once your corn and potatoes get soft and tender, add your shrimp. Since Nicholas is allergic to shrimp, we boiled the shrimp in a separate pot from the corn and potatoes. Normally, we would have added them in with the veggie mix. Doug knows how much I LOVE crab legs, so he added about 2 pounds with the shrimp. Everything was so GOOD!

We tried keeping the kids pinned up, but it didn't work.  Notice the jackets.  We had a very chilly Mother's Day with temps staying around the mid-60s.  The air was very cool!

Doug was getting on me because I wanted him to sit down, so I could get his picture with the group.  He and Jon celebrate the same birth-date ~ May 12th.  He and Jon had gifts to open.

Celebrating Mother's Day and Birthdays for Jon (16 years old) & Doug (42 years old)

Kids were acting goofy, so I had to get a picture.  Check out Colton in the background, June was holding him up.

Jon wouldn't let Leslie have a word in edgewise

Feel the Love

Susan's kiddos!

Tim & Susan with mom

Us girls with mom.  Only ones missing were Maryann and Sandy.  Maryann was gone to NC, visiting Ryan. Of course, Sandy lives miles away.  They were there in spirit.

Katie made this for me in school.  The photo was of me and her on our pumpkin patch hay ride.  We had lots of fun that day, but it was SOOO cold.  Memories, memories!  Katie's handprints have flowers coming out of the fingertips.  So precious!  And she was proud of this placemat. 

In the movie "The Blind Side," did you notice how the Tuohys always had their "Ole Miss" glasses in their hands all the time.  Doug and I noticed right off the bat how they REALLY supported their team.  We talked about how we needed to get some Bama glasses and show our support.  Well apparently Doug remembered our conversation and brought these home yesterday.  I love them! 

Prayer Request
I've had the opportunity to become friends with a very special lady, a few years back.  I can't mention any names right now, but she needs your prayers.  She let us know that she was just diagnosed as having Colon Cancer.  I have no idea what she might be going through emotionally or physically, I just can't imagine.  She will have to undergo surgery to remove the cancer, I don't know how much of her colon will be removed.  She will also have to go through Chemo as well.  Her doctors seem very optimist and her spirits are high.  Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers that God will not only heal her disease, but lift her up and give her the strength to carry her through this ordeal. 

Hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day!

In Conclusion . . .

Nashville Tragic Flooding
Now that the flood waters are receding and bodies are being discovered, reports are 17 people have died due to the flash flooding in Tennessee alone. A total of 30 deaths have been reported out of three states (KY, TN & MS). This is so awful to hear and to see the pictures makes you go numb. Those poor people! I just want to give them a hug and let them know that it will be alright. God is in control and this happened for a reason. We may not understand it fully, but it happened and we must accept the fact that it was in God's time.

Opryland Hotel reported they received $75 million in damages and will be closed for 3 to 6 months for repairs. I didn't post the picture, but I saw where the Titan's stadium was under water as well (not completely). It's reported, the storm dumped rain on Tennessee more than a foot from Saturday to Sunday, causing the rapidly rising flood waters in the middle of the night. Please keep these people in your prayers. I know they would appreciate it.

Colton's Teething AGAIN!
Okay, I've survived the molars coming through and now we have the canine teeth to make their appearance. Ugh! Poor baby was miserable yesterday, had a very tough time resting last night and had another rough day today. During prayer time, Katie remembered we were supposed to go to ballet today. She thought I forgot, but I had to explain to her about Colton not feeling well and running a slight fever. Please remember him in your prayers because he is just miserable and when your miserable, you don't feel like doing anything but laying around. I did get him to eat a little more today than yesterday, so that's good news.

Katie's Fright
Poor Katie had her first real fright today. I had her working in her workbook, while I went out to the storage building to air out some of the boxes full of clothes. I knew some of my clothes got a few sprinkles of rain on them from Saturday and wanted to make sure they dried completely before being stored away. I told Katie where I was going, if she needed me and that I would be right back. Apparently, he forgot or wasn't REALLY listening to me. A lady drove up and scared her to death. Bless her heart, she said she didn't know where I was and didn't know what to do. No matter how much you drill your kids, they really don't know the importance until it happens. She sort of forgot the rules, but I won't go into that. She came into the storage building with me and I knew right off the bat something was wrong. I guess she figured she would get into trouble. Once I got her settled down, she had been crying, she told me what happened. She described the lady to a "T", she even told me what her car looked like. I walked swiftly to the front of the house, but she had already left. Katie kept saying she was sorry because she forgot what to do. So, we went back over our rules. In a way, I'm glad she got a little scare. I know that sounds harse, but I'd rather her be scared of a small incedent like today than something very serious. I reviewed our rules and talks about people we don't know and what we are suppose to do. I drilled her a few times before I felt confident she knows what to do next time.

The lady came back later today. I remember her from the yard sale on Saturday. She wanted to know if I sold my Disney Crocs. I'm sorry, but this is Tuesday. The yard sale was on Saturday. Why would you even think that the shoes you should have gotten would still be available? By the way, Katie was correct on the I.D. After the lady left, Katie (all big eyed) was jumping up and down saying "that's her mom. What does she want? She doesn't want me, does she?"

Katie Reads Her First Book
While Colton was trying to get some rest, Katie and I sat down with her book "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" by Eric Carle. The first time she read it, I helped her a little (to get started). She pretty much memorized the book from the many many times I've read it to her. When she got the words correct, I made a very big deal about it. I guess it gave her confidence to read it again. This time, she told me she didn't need any help. If I corrected her or tried helping her, she'd get mad at me and tell me again that she could do it. I told her "I have no doubt that she could do it, but ya got to get the words correct." There were times where she wouldn't even look at the words. Memory! Oh well, I was told that is how they get started. She said she would read it every day, so we'll see. I've probably mentioned this before, but I'm planning on getting her the "BOB" books. I went to Books-a-Million the other day and they wanted $16.99 for "My first BOB books" set. Online at the same store, I could get it for $11.99. Go figure! Walmart sells the sets online as well, but I couldn't find them in the store. I looked both in the toy department, where they keep the books, and the book section. NOTHING! Walmart sells the sets for $11. So, I guess I'm buying them online.

Mother's Day Weekend
We are planning on having a Country Boil on Sunday for our mothers, Peggy and Jerry. We figure, we better get our fill of shrimp while we can right now. Shrimp prices are going to start getting higher and higher. In our boil, we like shrimp, sausage, potatoes and corn on the cob. (Yum, yum!) Not only will we be celebrating Mother's Day, but Doug and Jon will be another year older on the 12th of May. Doug-42 and Jon-16! I'm sure Doug appreciates me posting his age. Woo Hoo! Susan wants to try a new recipe for "Hershey's Chocolate Cake" and a sugar free dessert for Jon. I love chocolate, so I can't wait to try it.

So, what are your mother's day plans this weekend? I'd love to hear.

Susan Shout Out

CONGRATULATIONS SUSAN!!!!!

I have to congratulate my big sister, Susan, for being inducted in the Winston County Schools Hall of Fame for her outstanding athletic ability. I remember in the day, she was very good in basketball. Now, she is being honored for her success. Love you Sue and I'm very proud of you!

Botanical Gardens & Confirmation

We had another fulfilling day! First, we visited the Botanical Gardens. What a challenge that was?!? Katie was being such a brat, I was afraid we wouldn't get any good shots of her. The gardens were beautiful! All the roses were in full bloom. The birds were singing, the butterflies fluttering, and tourist flooding into see this spectacular sight. It was a perfect day to visit. All in all, I think we all enjoyed walking around the gardens and explorer all God's creation. I appreciate Doug driving us down and not being able to making it to Mark's Outdoors' weekend sale. I told him to go, but he knew we wouldn't have time. What sacrifice! We did make it to Johnny Rockets for lunch and Ben & Jerry's for dessert before we headed back home.

Second, I had to be back home just in enough time to go to my niece's Confirmation. She's the one in the spotlighted picture above. Isn't she beautiful?!? Her Mother, my sister, asked me to take a few pictures during and after the Confirmation. I was honored to do such a responsible job. Some of the pictures didn't turn out the way I had hoped, but I tried. In order to take these pictures , Doug bought me a flash to go on my camera. Isn't that so sweet of him?!? He is the man! And what a man he is! I counted the kids being confirmed tonight and there were approximately 56. That's a lot in one day! It was spoken in English and Spanish because there were quite a few Mexicans also being confirmed. Isn't that wonderful! I'm proud of all of them and wish them the best. After the Confirmation, they had a nice reception. We took lots of pictures and will have them published on our photo site very soon.

Millard and Peggy came to house and babysat Katie so we would be able to go to the Confirmation. They had a blast with Katie. I've taught her about messes. Now, everything is a "mess." As soon as we got home, we got to hear about the big mess her and Grandma made with the gold fish crackers. Her eyes get so big and she gets so excited. She is so funny!

Tomorrow, I plan to put my baskets together and take them to the churches. I have that Chocolate Cherry Pie to make and drop it off at Millard and Peggy's house. Everything is coming together! I believe Doug is staying home to change the oil in the car and maybe do some homework. He is doing an excellent job at school. We are so proud of him!

Mother's Day

Richer than Gold

You may have tangible wealth untold;

Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.

Richer than I you can never be,

I had a mother who read to me.

Strickland Gillilan 1869-1954

Ready for Decoration Day?

Well, I think we are about ready for Decoration Day. Today, we went to Lowe's and got some flowers to go inside the baskets. I like Petunias and they had some healthy looking ones. I bought a few coral color Petunias. Have you seen a coral colored Petunia? I haven't. They are very pretty. I also bought a couple Dahlias, impatiens, & pink Petunias.

I'm glad to see I'm not the only Bon Jovi girl. You go Laura! I was a Freshmen in High School when you were a Sophomore, so yes, he was HOT. You know even though we ALL had the big hair going for us then, I like Jon's hair the way it is now. To me, he is HOTTER today then in the 80's. I have to say, HE HAS AGED WELL.

Doug wants to get Katie's picture made and I hinted around for us to go to the Botanical Gardens. He wants to try out this new Photography place called Portrait Innovations http://www.portraitinnovations.com/index.html . A friend of ours at work has his little girl's photos made there. He and his wife seem to be pleased with their work. They are having a special right now $9.97 package with free sitting fee. I would rather take her to the gardens and have her picture made for free.

Tonight, I'm watching Pierce Brosnan in "GoldenEye," a James Bond movie. Yes, I'm one of the rare women, who likes James "007" Bond movies. You know, Pierce is such a beautiful man and I love the name. I wonder if Doug would agree to name our son, Pierce. I can see a Pierce Douglas Mason. Sounds like an actor name or someone of importance.

Laura, I finally got to see "The Queen." I'm such a baby! I cried just about the whole way through the movie. From the time I watched the Prince & Princess of Whales married in 1980 to her death, I looked up to and respected her as a person and public official. She really did a lot of good in her short life. I was about 6 years old when she got married and like every other little girl, I wanted to be a Princess. I remember it just like it was yesterday. I also got to see "Night at the Museum" with Ben Stiller. I was a little disappointed. All the exciting parts was at the beginning of the movie. After everything came to life, the rest of the movie was pretty much ho, hum. Doug didn't care for either one of the movies. The next DVD movie I would like to see is "DreamGirl." It should be coming out pretty soon.

Mother's Day

Once upon a memory Someone wiped away a tear

Held me close and loved me,

Thank you, Mother dear.

Take care of each other and have a wonderful Friday!

What a Surprise?

What a nice surprise?!? Both of Katie's 2 years old molars on her bottom jaw finally broke through. On the top, she is cutting her 2 year old molar. We've been cutting these teeth for a while. I've suspected for some time because of some of the messages she was giving me.

American Idol

I think Doug is jealous of Jon Bon Jovi because he has been raging me about me having the Hots for JBJ. What can I say? HE'S SO HOT! tehe! I'm sorry, but he is just so pretty to look at. I mean look at him - Ah!!! Poor Phil & Chris. They will still do good in the future. Now is where the competition gets tough. Did ya'll answer the question about which video all 6 competitors were shown? The answer is Circus. You need to get on the American Idol website and enter the answer and win a chance to go to Hollywood and win $10,000. If you enter online, it doesn't cost.

I got tickled at Katie today. Of course, we went through another day without rain and my plants are screaming at me. WATER ME! I've tried to water most of the front yard every other day. Well, Katie is my little helper and boy does she help. Today, I got out the hose and here we go watering the flower beds and potted plants. My side stone walkway had a bunch of debris and dirt on it, so I decided to wash it off with the hose. Katie couldn't understand what I was doing. "Doing Mommy, doing?" She'd asked all confused. Well after I explained to her what I was doing, she found a mud puddle and started splashing. She just had to get in front of me spraying and get wet. I couldn't get her out of my way. When it was all over with, she was muddy and wet from head to toe. She had a good time. She'd laugh and laugh - "I messy Mommy," she'd say. I couldn't help myself, I laughed at her. When it was time to go inside, I took her in the Laundry Room and striped her down and stuck her in the tub. I had to drain the water after I washed her hair in order to finish her bath. I got a little clip of the mud queen on video. As soon as my disc is taken up, I'll show it on the blog.

I spoke to Sandy today and it sounds like her prayers are finally being answered. The hardest part of requests to God is waiting for his time. She gave a good report of all of their kids and grandkids. It was good hearing from her.

Mother's Day

"M" is for the million things she gave me,
"O" means only that she's growing old,
"T" is for the tears she shed to save me,
"H" is for her heart of purest gold;
"E" is for her eyes, with love-light shining,
"R" means right, and right she'll always be,
Put them all together, they spell "Mother,"
A word that means the world to me.
Howard Johnson (c. 1915)

Take care and God bless you!

What A Day?

Katie woke up about 5 am this morning. Her diaper had exploded, making her wet and her bed. So I was up cleaning her up, changing clothes and her bed (washing a load). This would make the 3rd or 4th time her diapers have exploded. I even made sure I changed her before she went to bed, but it still happens. Doug and I felt it was time to move up to a size 4, even though she weighs a little over 22 lbs.

We were gone most of the day. We headed to Hobby Lobby in hopes to find a couple of medium size baskets with handles for the Decoration Day flower arrangements. No such luck! What has happened? Don't people buy baskets anymore. I use to use them all the time for gift, I guess they are being faded out and replaced by lined basket organizers. What's with this luggage looking organizers? They had plenty of them in stock and I don't understand them. The only purpose would be for decor. I did get a couple of frames for gifts and some Spanish Moss for the Decoration flowers. We headed back to our home town and went to a local store that sells a lot of odds and ends. I did find a couple of baskets that hopefully will work. By the time we got to WalMart, we were about exhausted. Katie has learned to stand in the seat part of the buggy, while strapped in the seat. Every time I would say "sit," she would finish my sentence by saying "down." It was packed with people in WalMart, like every other day. So, it is nice to move your buggy over and let the person coming from the opposite side come through. Right? Well, every time I did, it was code to Katie to start snatching anything and everything off the shelves. At one time she grabbed a "glass" jar of pickles. Ugh!!!!!! What am I going to do with her? By the time we got home, I was exhausted. I let her play outside while I put the refrigerator & freezer groceries up. I wanted a nap so bad, you just can't imagine. I got Katie (after playing outside for 15 minutes) kicking and screaming into the house, washed her up and laid her down for a nap. YES! I got to take a 30 minute nap before I had to get Supper started. Power naps are great!

American Idol
I really liked tonight's competition. It was probably the best this whole season. Do you know why? JON BON JOVI!!!! Need I say anything more. Put aside how drop dead gorgeous, he is so talented and HOT! I wasn't turned on to Blake's Hip Hop version to JBJ song. I can't remember what the name of the song. Doug and I just looked at each other with our mouths down on the ground. I'm sure a lot of people liked the new Hip Hop twist to Jon's song, but not us. Sorry, Blake! I liked LaKisha and Jordin's performance. Doug went on and on about Phil's performance. I didn't much care for his performance, but Doug liked it. I think Chris Richardson and Blake will be voted off this time. Just my opinion.

Mother's Day
In dedication to our Moms, I've come across a website with trivia and poems of Mother's Day. I would like to share these poems with you. The poem below really touched me. I think it's beautiful and I hope that one day my life might be a positive example for my children.

Wonderful Mother

God made a wonderful mother,

A mother who never grows old;

He made her smile of the sunshine,

And He moulded her heart of pure gold;

In her eyes He placed bright shining stars,

In her cheeks fair roses you see;

God made a wonderful mother,

And He gave that dear mother to me.

- Pat O'Reilly

Take care of one another and God Bless!