Happy Birthday To My Hubby!

My Hubby is celebrating his 42nd birthday today. Unfortunately, he had to go into work today, but hopefully we made it up to him when he got home.

We were all over town ALL day today. It was so bad that I came home 4 times before 4PM this afternoon. Sounds drastic doesn't it and trust me when I say that all of us were wiped out by supper time. I decided on a project for Katie to make for her teacher, Mrs. Katie. It's just a little something to say, we love her and appreciate all she has done for Katie. I got the idea from a blogger that I stumbled into their post on teacher gift ideas. To be perfectly honest, I stayed up until 11:30 last night reading and checking out so many new blogs that I forgot who it was that had the original idea. Sorry! I guess it's good too because I should be able to create a whole new gift, an original. LOL! So, we headed to Hobby Lobby to pick up all the supplies needed for Katie's project. Uh, Hobby Lobby is like Walmart for me. I can't just walk inside and get the things on my list. Oh no! I get off track looking at all the neat projects and "oh how nice and oh I'd like to make this and that." Ugh! I wish you were a fly on the wall because you would have had a great time laughing at me. Yes, I practically told myself (A LOUD) "get back on track" or "let's focus, Mirya!" Thank goodness, Colton was in the buggy because people would have known for sure that I was talking to myself or "CRAZY." Unfortunately or fortunately for me, I grabbed one more project other than Katie's "teacher gift." I'm slowly creating a flowerbed in the back yard. As lawn decor, I plan to make mosaic stepping stones for it. I found a large octagon shape, which is perfect and they only had one left. So . . . To go with the stepping stone tray, I found a boxed set of letters and numbers (script) stamps just for stepping stones. Yay! Hopefully, we'll be able to do this project next month. I know Katie will love it, I just hope I can find some patience to get me through it without pulling my hair out.

By the time we left Hobby Lobby, it was getting pretty close to picking up Katie time and I didn't think we would be able to have time to stop by Belk and be able to look around. We did our first stop to drop off our purchase and out we went to get gas, check out some land for sale and pick up Katie from school. I took the kids by McDonalds and we ended up eating our lunch in the Belk parking lot. I do that because I feel like I can have more control of the situation, if it was to arise. Belk was having a pretty good sale. I got a couple tops and Katie fell in love with a couple cotton fabric sundresses. We had the stroller with us and I knew there was no way, I would have enough room for our Walmart items. So, we get home for the second time to drop off Belk clothes. By this time, Colton has given up on us and FINALLY went to sleep. He didn't get to sleep long, poor thing because away we went inside Walmart. The kids had their snack and drinks to keep them happy, while momma got groceries for Doug's special supper night. I knew I wouldn't have enough time to bake a cake today, so I grabbed one from their bakery. Doug loves Reese Cups, so of course I had to get this . . .

Doesn't this look DE-LISH?!?

Reese Cup-Chocolate Cake w/cherry accents

Walmart wasn't running a sale on their meat, it's rare that they do. So, I went ahead and got the potatoes and stuff for a nice garden salad. Here we come home again! For the third time, we arrived home, dropped the refrigerated items and out we headed to none other than Piggly Wiggly. Yeah, yeah. You're probably sick of me talking about "The Pig," but we have a very nice one just down the road from our place. It's so clean, great variety, organized, great meat (Black Angus), friendly faces and when they have sales, they have SALES! I picked up some juicy New York Strips for $6.99 a pound. By the fourth time of driving up in the driveway, the kids were tired and cranky and so was this momma. Colton was beyond tired. Have you ever been too tired to sleep? Well, Colton couldn't rest well at all.

I felt bad because Doug had to cook his own food, but he wanted to cook them on the barbeque. He put a little steak rub on them and smoked 'em with hickory. Oh, it was delicious! They were cooked to perfection and the hickory smoke really made them so tasty. By the time, we ate the steak and potatoes, we were too full to make a salad. Doug said he'd make a salad for work tomorrow. We dug into the cake after the kids went to bed. Yum!

I think Doug had a pretty good birthday.  Katie drew pictures inside his card from her and Colton. He got a few shirts and a pair of shorts.  He really needed them and I had to get him this Columbia t-shirt because it was so soft.  Oh, I fell in love with it. 

We'll go out again sometime this weekend for both him and Peggy.  She celebrates her birthday next week.  I tried to get him to let me make reservations at "Connors Steakhouse," it is so good. 

Why You Don't Send A Man To The Grocery Store

I had never heard of Jeanne Robertson until tonight as I was checking out a few new blogs. "Thinking Outside The Box posted the video. I could tell right off the bat, this was a good Southern woman. As I was watching the video, I kept waking Doug up because I couldn't stop shaking the bed from giggling. So funny! I hope you will enjoy her.



You may not hear much from me in the next couple of weeks. Katie and I are wrapping up the end of the year with ballet and school. She's got recital practice twice a week now until the performance, May 29th. Her pictures came in from both school and ballet. I'll scan and post just as soon as I possibly can. They are precious! I was sooo happy with them. We've still got one more party before school is over on the 27th of May.

I'd like to do something for Mrs. Katie, before the end of the year. I know, I've waited a little too late. I've been getting a few ideas tonight from other crafty bloggers. I'd still like to give the students a photo album or basically pictures from this past year, to put in their scrapbooks. I'm also throwing around the idea for Katie a friend birthday party. I've been calling around and I've got it narrowed down to renting a moonwalk for the house one weekend or renting a pavilion at one of our parks. Katie likes either idea, but I think she'll like the moonwalk the best. I think she's come to a conclusion that she would like a "Hello Kitty" party more than any other suggestions.

I don't want to confuse her enough, so we're going to go with it. Plus, I'll get to try my hand at one of these "Here Kitty, Kitty!" cake pops by Bakerella.

Prayer Request
Please continue to pray for my friend with Colon Cancer. She went to work this week, but I believe she'll start the treatments next week. She told Doug, she'll be on medical leave for probably 6 weeks. We still don't know how much of her colon will be removed, but the doctors are optimistic.

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!

Fun Day

Today was "Fun Day" at school and a fun day, it was indeed. Mrs. Katie asked all the students to bring boxes of popsicles and their bikes, if they wanted to ride around in the parking lot. The activities started at 9AM and ended around noon. Doug, Colton and I were among all the other parents and siblings at "Fun Day." Katie and her buddies were found in the Jump House when we got there. Activities included: face painting, marshmallow target game, water balloon game, bounce house, and bike riding. Let's no forget all the popsicles you could possibly eat along with other snacks.

Katie had a blast playing and just having fun with her friends. Colton really enjoyed all the festivities as well. He and dad hung out at the sand pit where the horse shoes game was displayed. Unfortunately, Colton took off with one of the stacks. He threw a fit when I took it away from him.

This game, I'd never heard of before.  Each kid blows a marshmallow through their PVC pipe and who ever hits the teacher with the marshmallow first, wins.

The 3 Musketeers

Katie wanted to be painted like a queen, so we suggested a crown.  She insisted on jewels painted on her cheeks.

Colton having fun on the playground

Our little queen for the day

We had so much fun that we decided to continue the fun ALL day!  On the way home, the kids got McDonald's Happy Meals for lunch.  Katie was ecstatic when she received a Barbie Mermaid as her toy.  At home, they both laid down for a nap and this momma snuck off to do a little Mother's Day shopping.  I even bought a few things for me, which hardly ever happens.  I stopped by the new Academy in Decatur and bought me a couple of visors for this Summer and a new lawn chair.  They had some really cute headbands, so I grabbed a few for Katie and myself.  I wanted to make photo albums for the children in Katie's class, so I stopped over to Hobby Lobby to pick up the foam albums.  All they had were foam notepads.  Ugh!  I didn't want to spend a whole lot on albums because I have to buy 10, plus the pictures.  So, I may have to just get the photos together and put them in an envelope, if I can't find inexpensive albums by then.  I'll check the dollar store and who knows Walmart might have some in stock.  I had too much fun in Hobby Lobby, like always.  They had their photo frames for 1/2 off.  I'm wanting to re-do my hallway photos, so I grabbed a collage (8-4x6).  It will be hard to find that perfect photo of the kids to put in them because there are so many to choose from.  I may have to get a couple more collages.  Ha ha! 

As soon as I got home, Doug put a pork tenderloin on the barbeque.  Oh, it smelled so good, but took FOR-EVER to cook.  You know you just can't rush good barbeque.  Unfortunately or fortunately, Doug got impatient and fired up the grill.  He finished cooking the tenderloin on it, so we could eat before 10PM.  Haha!  Meanwhile, we had family time in the back yard.  Katie drove Colton around in her Jeep, played on her playset and jumped on her trampoline.  All Colton wanted to do before taking a nap was play with a stick. 

Some kind of worm has gotten ahold of my Mock Orange bush and has pretty much striped it down to the branches.  So, out came the Seven Dust Liquid.  You would not believe the worms all over that bush!  As soon as I began spraying, they were falling off like flies.  I even sprayed our neighbors bushes because I could see the cluster of worms all over them.  Yuck!  I had a gallon of the poison mixed, so I took advantage and sprayed a lot of the yard with it because it's supposed to kill off ticks, spiders, fleas, chiggers and ants.  Us practicely living in a very wooded area, I felt our yard could use a spraying down.  I've only seen one tick this year, so if there is one then there's got to be more. 

Tonight, as Katie was soaking in the tub, she kept telling me that she had so much fun today.  She asked Doug and myself if we had a fun day too.  As soon as we said "yes," it just got her to talking about it all over again.  Oh and guess what?  I guess I'm going to have to buy me a sleeping bag after all.  Katie has started already about camping outside again.  You probably remember a year or two ago, she started that stuff about camping.  I was able to feed her appetite by setting up her tent inside our Dining Room.  At Christmas time this past year, I eased her desire by sleeping under the Christmas tree with her in the Living Room.  Now, she wants us to sleep under the stars on the trampoline.  I could probably handle it pretty good because there's a net all around us and we're not exactly on the ground.  I told her once it got a little warmer at night, we'll try to do it.  Oh, she was so excited. 

We are ready for Mother's Day.  Colton and Katie finished their craft project for their grandmas' and I got a couple of nice gifts for our moms.  I started to get me one, but digressed.  I can't say too much, but we have this little shop close by that I just love and could spend the money like there is no tomorrow.  I'm telling you an hour could pass without you even knowing about it, it's such a nice shop.  They have the prettiest and neatest stuff in there, it's right up my alley.  I think our moms will really like what they got, if not I'll take it.   Ha!  Lord willing, we have a Country Boil dinner planned for our mothers on Sunday.  Doug even talked about getting me some crab legs.  Yum, Yum!  Susan and her family is coming and I think Whitney will try to come over later.  The other sisters have plans of their own and won't be able to come.  They don't know what they'll be missing.  Ha ha!  I understand with Maryann, she gone to visit Ryan.  I know it will be a happy reunion. 

Tainted Medicines

ATTN. PARENTS!

There is a HUGE medicine recall for the following:

TYLENOL

MOTRIN

BENADRYL

ZYRTEC

The recall is so bad that it shut down the plant.  Spokesperson is advising all parents that use these products to dispose of them immediately.  There are other manufacturers that offer this type product like Equate. 

According to U.S. News & World Report, "The Food and Drug Administration on April 20 inspected the McNeil Consumer Healthcare factory in Fort Washington, Pa., that made the Johnson & Johnson products, and inspectors said they found many problems with quality control, including raw materials tainted with bacteria. (Read the FDA inspectors' report.) The finished products tested negative for bacteria, FDA officials said, and shouldn't have put children at risk. But since this is the fifth recall of McNeil Consumer Healthcare products since last fall, including a huge recall in January of Tylenol, Motrin, Benadryl and other products that smelled moldy and sickened some people, it's hard not to be worried, and mad."

This news comes at a great time for me because Colton's been having a hard time teething for the past few days.  During this time, I've been giving him Motrin and Tylenol for the pain and low-grade temp.  Personally, I've lost confidence in Johnson & Johnson products because of all the recalls in the past couple of years.  This is it for me when it comes to medicines.  The only reason I even purchase Motrin and Tylenol is because they offer the dye-free formula. 

For more information, CLICK HERE to read the "Tainted" report from U.S. News.

Crafty Day

Yesterday, me and the kids did our Mother's Day crafts for Grandma Peggy and Grandma Jerry. Katie got all excited and she wanted to do something more.

Handprint construction paper Lilies. The purple flowers are Colton's handprint and the pink are Katie's.

These are a lot of fun to make

Katie created a couple of masterpieces for her grandmas. Worked until late last night and she said she'll finish them today.

In the boutique stores and art fairs, I've seen these picture frames and I've wanted one so bad, but could never pay $45+ for one with "Mason" on it. I came across this frame at Walmart for $12 and decided to do it. I made this one for my own personal use because I couldn't find items around the house and town in order to make this possible.  I used photos, cropped, changed the color and made it my own.  I just finished it up yesterday and I think it turned out pretty good. 

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!

Wordless Tuesday(somewhat)

I knew Nashville was dealing with some flooding, but nothing like this.

Inside Atrium of Opryland Hotel

So tragic

Doug & I stayed here on our honeymoon.  It was like walking into paradise. We've visited numerous times for "The Gaylord Opryland Country Christmas."  You talk about beautiful!  I never got Katie to see it.   

Gaylord House

Outside of Opryland Hotel

Looking towards Opry Mills Shopping Parking Lot

Looking at Opry Mills

Opry Mills

Absolutely hate seeing this

These photos were supplied by a fellow facebooker.