Summer Vacation Starts Out Good

Our first week of Summer vacation is starting out really well, I think. I was telling Doug tonight that it's amazing how much work I'm getting done, since Katie's home. He seems to think it's because I'm not spending an hour a day, dropping off and picking up Katie every day. I have to add that Colton isn't hanging on my leg every where I go either. I think it's because sissy is here to entertain him. Last weekend, daddy and Katie brought home a plastic swimming pool with a slide. The kids love it and we have to go swimming every day for at least 30 minutes. I guess it saves me $20 from the Aquatic Center everyday. LOL! Poor Colton is so fair complected, you have to really keep the 50+ SPF sunscreen lathered on him. He is so funny. He is at the stage that he doesn't want a shirt or shorts on at any time. I have to chase him down just to get his shorts on to go to town. LOL!

Katie and I are reviewing some school lessons that she learned this past year and a little extra every day. She loves these fairy chapter books. She started on "India" Monday and should be finished by tomorrow. We went to the Library the other day and picked up a few books. Colton insisted on checking out a book called "Frankenstein wants a sandwich." I think he has mistaken Frankenstein for Hulk, but he really loves this book. It has some poetry in it, but mostly silly stuff. Definitely a boys book. I've already read it to him three times. I picked up a great summary book of all 44 Presidents of The United States. I love the fact that it has tons of illustrations along with the facts. I think it helps to learn if you have a visual because History can be a bit boring for young kids. I also picked up the same type of book for studying Rocks and Minerals. I've had packs of Moon Sand for one of our Science experiments. The kids had fun playing with the sand in water. It's weird how the sand stays dry in water until you add oil, in order for it to break it down. It was a teaching tool about molecules, polar and non-polar bonding. We also experimented how oil and water do not mix, again polar and non-polar bonding. It kept Katie and Colton's interest for a little while. As far as math, I've found some great websites to keep it interesting.  Coolmath is an excellent site for not only math games, but worksheets as well for geography, reading, spelling and science.  I recommend this site to anyone.  Katie loves it!  She's played addition/subtraction and fraction games.   I went over multiplications by 2s yesterday and she caught on very quickly.  I knew Ms. G was getting them ready because I know they can count by 2s, it's just showing the relation.  Tomorrow is her math quiz, which will reflect everything we went over this past week.  I think she'll do pretty good. She insisted on taking her spelling test today instead of tomorrow.  She did great - 105!   Ms. G gave each parent a sheet of Summer reading references that her class has subscribed to all year.  She read a couple online books through her school Library subscription about animals.

I don't know if it's her growing up a little or if it's school.  All school year, she has been relentlessly testing my patiences.  She still aggravates her brother, which drives me crazy.  Overall, this past week has been enjoyable.  I'm not at the point of pulling my hair out yet.  It really makes a difference and I hope she sees it.  I know,  I praised her last night for helping and not so testy.  I let her pick out a reward out of the goody bag.  My goody bag contains little paper strips with awards written on them.  For instance, she picked out that she gets 30 minutes on the Xbox as a reward.  She loves drawing rewards out of the goody bag.

While Colton took a nap, Katie and I had a little time together playing Scrabble and Rack-o.  Rack-o is her new favorite game.  She caught on very well.  I broke down last weekend and purchased a Scrabble Deluxe Edition.  I remember as a child, the women in my family and I would play hours of board games like Scrabble, Yahtzee,  Rack-o, Aggravation, Life, Monopoly, etc.  Playing games whether it's cards, board or arcade games is in our blood.  Katie is just another generation of game players.  It was nice spending good quality time with her today.    

I'm kind of stuck on our one day field trips.  I can't think of any new places that we haven't been.  We may have to just revisit field trips past.  I would love to take the kids to the Botanical Gardens for picture time, but it's been so hot lately.  Except for today, it's felt like the middle of July.  If you have any suggestions, please let me know.  Thanks!


 

Grace of God

I wanted to share with you a recording from Beth Moore's Part 1 of 11 series DVD "Here and Now; There and Then." She reads out of the Book of Revelation about Jesus' love for us and the revelation of God's grace.

I absolutely love Beth and she is so inspiring every time I read and listen to her messages. Whether you need uplifted or revived, she is so full of energy, love and have some funny real life stories to share. This website gives you an option of purchasing MP3 downloads or purchasing the actual DVDs.

I hope you can take a few minutes just to listen to this lesson today. It will bless your life and reassure God's love for you.  Just click on the post title "Grace of God" and it will take you straight to the lesson.

Enjoy and have a blessed Memorial Day tomorrow.

FIELD DAY 2012

Katie Story & School Update

I have to tell you this story that happened to us last night. First of all Katie has been a little impatient with me, finding a weekend that her girlfriends could come over and spend the night. If you've been keeping up with my blog, you can see that I've been just a little busy this month. We've had events and parties every weekend, all weekend and it seems to be carrying throughout the rest of the month. I told Katie that we will just try to get her and girlfriends over sometime next month. Well, apparently she can't wait until next month because I received a text from her best friend's dad. He wanted to know if we could talk about the scheduled play date. What? What play date? Doug and I asked Katie about this play date. I figured that she had been talking with her friends about a spend the night at our house again. She admitted to planning a spend the night this weekend with her friend A. Ugh! I asked her when she was going to decided to tell us about it and when was she going to fit A in, between the Saturday birthday dinner or the Sunday birthday party with her friend, N? We still don't have anything for N's birthday party. We agreed that Friday after school, we would go shopping. I have another birthday and graduation gift to buy as well, so I thought it would be a good opportunity for us to get that done as well. That knocks out our girls, getting together on Friday night. I love it when she puts me in these predicaments. A's dad went on to text that he and his wife were impressed with Katie's arrangement. He said that she wrote A a letter with the invitation and added activities such as going to a museum Saturday. Ugh! They thought I helped Katie draft out this note. I can't wait to read it. Shocked there was a written invitation involved, Doug went in Katie's room and asked her about it. She just pulled her sheet up over her head. My daughter! Us parents had a good laugh and A's dad was worried that I was mad at her. Of course, I want Katie to think I was very disappointed in her. I expect her to get with her dad and I before planning these things. Just think if A's daddy didn't want to talk with me about it. I wasn't mad. I just hope she won't do this again. A's dad is trying to send a picture of the note to me.  If I ever get it, I'll be sure to post it for your amusement.  LOL!

On a more positive note, I received an email from Katie's teacher yesterday. Sometimes I cringe when I get notes from Ms. G, but this was a good note. She said Katie had her year end Math Assessment last week.  This assessment measures her Core Math Curriculum for the year.  She first took this assessment the beginning of the year (August).  From what I understand, the August test she scored 13 out of 100 questions.  This test reminds me of a placement test, where to begin.  Her test last week, she scored a big fat 100 out of 100 questions.  Whoo Hoo!  Ms. G went on about how proud she was of Katie.  Ms. G gets worried about how Katie handles pressure.  She's a lot like her mama.  If I can't figure out something, it drives me CRAZY.  Ms. G said all year, if Katie couldn't figure out a math problem she would get so upset that she would start crying.  Yep, like me.  I also blame Doug and I for expecting her to do her best in whatever she does.  I'm hard on her because I don't want her to ever be behind the older kids in her class.  I have to keep in mind, she will always be the youngest in her class.  I know she can do it.

Last Sunday, I passed around the Mother's Day book that Katie made for me at school.  Ms. G told me that I would love it.  She was right!  I will keep it with the rest of our keepsakes.  It was a booklet, all about mom.  Everyone that read it, got so tickled on the page that read:  "My mom always says pay attention."  She even drew a picture of her and I with "pay attention" in a bubble over my head.  LOL!  She's got me pegged on a lot of things like how I like to watch "American Idol", I like to go to museums, I'm happiest when I go to Dairy Queen (lol!), how I like to read chapter books, how much I love to watch movies, and my favorite thing to eat is salads.  LOL!  I love that she wrote "I love it when mom cooks me ravioli."  This book is priceless and I will treasure always.

Today at school in "Fun in the Sun."  All the students brought their beach towel, sunglasses, sun screen and their favorite books.  Katie was so excited, we got everything all organized and packed in her backpack last night.  I wish you could have seen the stack of books Katie was planning to take.  LOL!  Of course, they were all Barbie storybooks.  We compromised on three specific Barbie books.  I think Ms. G was wanting each child to bring just one book, but I couldn't get that through Katie's head. Ms. G plans to let the kids sit outside and read books.  Sounds like fun.    

Tomorrow is Western Days.  We finally went to The Children's Place the other day and bought Katie a cowgirl hat.  It is precious!  It's pink with a tiara on it.  I was a happy mama when the clerk rang it up and it was only $4.  Yay!  I saved so much money on the hat that grabbed a few other good deals for both of my chickadees.  I will be sure to take pictures, so be watching for them.


 

Celebrating Moms 2012

Mom and three of her five girls

Four Generations

Maryann, her daughters and mom

Maryann and her daughters

Susan and her growing family

Susan and her babies

Feelin' the Love!

Doug and his mommy

Whitney's First Mother's Day

 

God has blessed me so much.  It's hard work, but in the end I love being a mom.

Mothers and Grandmothers may hold the hands of their children, 

but they hold their hearts forever! 

 

Luau Day 2012

Last Friday was Luau Day at school. All the kids were encouraged to dress up in their flowery shirts, grass skirts, lias, etc. Katie absolutely LOVES to dress up.

This past week, I've allowed her to wear her flip flops to school. She is in heaven. She loves wearing her shorts, short sleeve shirts and flip flops. She is in her element this time of year. The only thing she doesn't care to wear is denim shorts, which she is slowly beginning to like.

 

 

They were dancing in this picture

Chase & Leslie Wedding 2012 Photos

I have all good pictures posted on my photography website. Please CLICK HERE to view them.

Thank you.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed Mother's Day tomorrow.  God Bless You!

 

Wedding of the Year - Chase & Leslie 2012

Sunday, May 5th a beautiful couple exchanged their vows to God, family and friends. My niece, Leslie, and her finance finally tied the knot after such a long engagement.

The ceremony was simple and elegant. Their colors were pool, which is close to an aqua marine color. She had each of her bridesmaids, pick out their own style of dress to wear up on the alter. The alter was decorated so beautifully. In the center was a wooden arbor with white tulle, lights and white wisteria hanging from the top. Ferns in the background and a few around the arbor and front of the alter. Kellie used these beautiful candleholders, which were metal trees with branches. Chase and Leslie poured unity sand instead of the traditional unity candle. This unity sand will be sealed and sitting up on their mantel in their living room. Out in the vestibule, guests were greeted by the photo tree (minus the photos) on a table with candles and tulle. The registration table had a photo book for everyone to sign or write a special message for the happy couple. So unique and I loved the idea. The book contained photos of the couple's engagement pictures. They had a few small sample photos for the guests to take with them.

My morning didn't start out too good. I didn't book an appointment for Katie to have her hair fixed for the wedding because we had such a long way to travel. Mistake number one. The lady that does our hair, explained to me what to do with Katie's hair. I allowed three hours to work on her hair before we had to leave. At first, I had all kinds of pretty curls in her hair then, it was time to put her hair up. Ugh! It just wasn't working out for me. How simple it sounds to put her hair up in a ponytail and then pin her curls here and there all over her head. Right? Katie has very heavy, thick and naturally wavy hair. I could not get it to work for me. By the time it should have been fixed, my hands began to shake.  Her curls were falling out of her head and I wanted to cry. I spent an hour and half working with hair that didn't want to cooperate. Frantic, I called Susan then I thought I didn't need to bother her with this because she's got enough on her mind. I called Theresa, my hairdresser, and told her what mess I was in. There was no way Theresa or anyone at her shop would be able to fix Katie's hair and get to the church on time. What to do?!? I was in tears at this point. What was I thinking that I could do this? It's amazing how God can show you how prideful you can be thinking you could do something on your own, when you really do need help from someone that makes it their profession. Susan did calm me down some and convinced me that Reagan, Leslie's soon-to-be sister-in-law, which is also a hairdresser, will get Katie ready. I was so relieved by the time I got to church and saw all the girls there, ready for Katie. I broke down again. I just wanted Katie to look pretty for Leslie's wedding. I didn't want to ruin Leslie's big day. Reagan did such a great job on Katie's hair and she had it fixed within minutes. Relief! She wasn't taking money for the hairdos, but I slipped her some money because she absolutely saved my day. Katie was so pretty, especially with her special tiara that Leslie gave her for the wedding. She was a princess for the day.

Doug videoed the entire ceremony. Below are clips of the wedding:

Part 1: Seating of the Grandparents and Parents

The songs that were sung just about got to me. I choked back a few tears.  By the time Susan was seated, I could not help it.  I began to get watery eyed, then I saw Leslie.  Her face was red and tears rolling down her cheeks.  Then, I looked at Chase.  He was the same way.  I couldn't hold back anymore,  I kept crying and I tried to straighten up.  The minister was crying.  It was a long awaited day for so many, especially Chase and Leslie.  Everyone was shedding happy tears of joy for them.

Part 2: The Wedding Party and Exchanging of Vows

Part 3: Pouring of the Unity Sand and Introduction to Mr. and Mrs. Chase Mosley

The reception was so beautiful, but it was such an unseasonable warm day for an outside reception. The food and drinks were kept inside the building where it is air conditioned, everyone was to sit outside. I wish I could explain it well. This building is a barn shape with a loft. Inside the decor is rustic, wood floors and brick fireplace. Very cosy and warm. The kitchen is a nice industrial size. The family that owns the barn are making wooden walkways through the cleared woods beside the building. Every now and then on the trail, they made small patios for a small table and 2-4 chairs for people to sit. They also had beautiful handmade picnic tables lined up out on the lawn for people sit. Chase and Leslie had their first dance inside the barn, while everyone grabbed a plate and got in line for the food.

First Dance at the Reception

Their photographers took pictures of the wedding party, while everyone ate. When it was ready for Chase and Leslie to leave for their honeymoon, the couple went up the loft. They threw the bouquet and garter from the loft. My niece, Natalie, catch the bouquet. The first throw of the garter was a bust and Chase ended up dropping it on the ground. Nathan, Natalie's boyfriend, ran and got it. All the guys wanted a re-do. Nathan threw it back up to Chase. This time, he threw it like a football and my nephew, Ryan, caught it. Both Natalie and Ryan are my sister, Maryann's kids. She is really hoping that Natalie and Ryan will decide to have a double wedding with their mates. Ryan's girlfriend, Angie and I walked around the property after the reception and found a perfect place for their wedding. They have a huge pond with an island out in middle that would be a beautiful place for an outside wedding. Angie is such a sweetheart and we had a good time dreaming. HAHA!

Hope you enjoy the videos.  I did take a few photos during and after the wedding.  I didn't want to get in the photographers way, so I'm sure my pictures are not going to be a great as they.  I did watch their techniques and tried to take notes.  This group had LOTS of equipment, two photographers and two people taking videos.  They are very detailed that is for sure.  I hope I learned something that day from them.

Stay tuned for photos of the wedding, coming soon. . . .

 

Spring Break

We've had an eventful Spring Break last week. Everyday was something new and fun for the family. We didn't do anything big like some of our friends, but stay close to home and kept the stress level to a minimum. Picnic at one of our favorite parks, playing at the parks, shopping, ice cream parties and kids spending the night with their grandparents. A few weeks ago, I had Katie make a list of things she would like to do with Colton and I. This is what she wanted to do. Amazingly enough, the items on her list filled each day and wasn't all that expensive. At first, I was a little concerned if we were going to be able to do them because Blackberry Winter came and visited us with temps in the 50s and 60s. Can you say, BRRRR!? Luckily, the cool weather didn't stay around for very long because by Wednesday temps began going back up. By the weekend, was very nice outside.

We did have the chance to get outside quite a bit. I've had bags of mulch to clean out my flowerbeds and make them pretty for Summer time. I couldn't get over how thick my beds have gotten. Maryann came over a couple of weeks ago and helped me thin out some of my plants, but it still needed so much more thinning. Leslie told me that she wanted to go plant shopping in my yard for her new house, but she's so involved with her wedding that she hasn't had time to pick out what she wants. For right now, I just moved some plants around in our flowerbeds. This way if Leslie wants the plants, she can get them at a later moment. Meanwhile, my beds look nice and neatly groomed. With us being outside and doing so much yard work, we've had our encounter with a couple of snakes. Nothing bad just a King snake and Pine snake. We discovered that the LONG King snake had a wonderful den under our carport. LOVELY! You may feel differently, but I feel that snakes are the devil's hand puppets. A good snake is a DEAD snake. I'm one of these that kill first and find out what kind it is later. The Pine snake had it's head blown off with Doug's gun. I must say, my hubby has a perfect aim. LOL! I'd never seen a Pine snake before last week. I just knew it was a Rattlesnake because of the diamond markings, but I was puzzled because it didn't have rattles. After research and Doug's guesses, we have concluded that it was a Pine snake. We just can't afford to allow snakes on our property with small children running around the yard. No matter how good they are for the environment.

One thing, I've discovered this past week is that I don't like Fat-Free Frozen Vanilla Yogurt. YUCK! Some people may love it and I know it is much better for you than low-fat or fatty ice cream. I can handle Weight Watchers yogurt just fine when I have to eat it, but plain yogurt is too sour for my taste buds. That specific sour taste is carried over to the frozen yogurt. I tried really hard to like it, but there is no way I could handle it. Thankfully Doug liked it okay.

This morning, we hated to get back on schedule with work and school. I've allowed the kids to stay up way late at night this past week, so I just knew I would have trouble with Katie getting ready for school. Actually, she did rather well and I didn't have the first problem with her. Colton however, was another story. He was such a cranky franky getting out of bed. He did not want to go to the bathroom, but I made him. He did not want to put on his shoes, so I carried him to the car. He did not want Katie to look at him on the way to school. He is really bad about calling names. When you have ticked him off, he likes to call you "poopy-brat." All the way to school, all I heard was "mom, Katie's looking at me." and "Katie, you a poopy-brat." Feel the love! Katie loves it, to aggravate Colton. It's her favorite pass time. LOL! It drives me crazy at times because I don't like hearing them argue with one another.

This week is Teacher Appreciation at school. Katie drew a pretty picture of her and Ms. G. We made her a beautiful handmade "Thank You" card and have a couple of small gifts for Katie to present to her later this week. Friday, Katie has another field trip to the high school auditorium for the play "Cinderella." I can't get over that Summer is practically here. Temps are in the 80s and school is almost out for Summer Vacation. Now that school is winding down, comes the fun time of school. I just read the month newsletter for this coming month and she is going to have a blast. May 11th begins Luau week. She gets to dress up and they will study about Hawaii all week long, including games and activities. FUN! After the play this Friday, she will have one more field trip to her new school that she will transfer to next year. They have their annual Field Day, which is loads of fun for the kids all day. I will take pictures for you. The last day of school, Katie's class will have bunch and be dismissed. She loves school, but she is so ready for Summer Break. She is so looking forward to swimming and playing in the water. Swimming lessons is like her most favorite Summer activity.

 

Mayor Townson Welcome Speech

1st Annual "Rock of the South" - SUCCESS!

Do you know when is the best time to go to the movies on a Friday night? When Kellie Pickler and Dierks Bentley is in concert a couple of blocks away. LOL! 

At last minute, we decided not to go to the concert because we kept hearing all sorts of rumors. Such as, people were coming from all over the South and thousands of tickets were pre-ordered. The park is not that big or at least I didn't think so. I might be wrong. Call us old, but I didn't want to fight the crowd and drag a lawn chair around just to sit in. We would had to get there at 3PM, wait in line for the gates to open and just to get a good sit.  Then, we would have to wait until 7PM for the concert just to begin.  

Of course, I feel like I've missed something good, but we did have our own fun. I've been wanting to watch the new movie "The 5 Year Engagement." It was a quirky, stupid, funny movie. Even though Doug laughed quite a few times during the movie, he made it known to me that he didn't like it. The movie started about the same time Kellie Pickler went on stage. This sounds terrible, but we checked our tweets regularly right before the movie began. LOL! There was probably a whole 8 people in the theater. It was a ghost town and it usually is hopping especially on Friday nights. I really don't understand because it's so expensive to go to the movie theater. It cost me nearly $30 for tickets, a large Coke Zero and a small popcorn. I know, I've been bad today with the junk food. But hey, I have lost a lot of weight. Before today, I was 2 pounds away from my goal. YAY! I've probably gained about 5 pounds. LOL! When we got out of the movies, we drove close to the park, rolled down our windows and could hear the music and fans very clearly. You know there's a lot of people when you can hear them go crazy. We missed Kellie perform, but could hear Dierks just fine singing. He spoke to the crowd quite a bit. On the tweets, everyone was raving about how fun and awesome the concert was tonight. 

 It didn't take long before getting an update from the newspaper. It was reported that there were at least 11,000 on hand to see Pickler and Bentley perform. The hard copy tickets were sold completely out at the gate tonight. Mayor Townson said, our first ever BIG concert was a great success. I don't think they anticipated being as big as it was and from the attendance, was exactly what the community wants - BIG NAME MUSIC FESTIVALS. Residents have been looking forward to this concert for some time now and the rumor is since this was such a huge success, it may become an annual event. YAY! I wished you could have seen the sea of vehicles and people throughout the city. It was awesome! People walking down the sidewalks with their lawn chairs, boots and daisy dukes. School buses literally busing people in from area parking locations. 

 Below are a few pictures from the big event: 

 

Mayor Townson and wife with Kellie Pickler

 

Dierks Bentley on stage

   

 Sea of fans before the concert was well on it's way. 

 Gates opened at 3PM. Concert didn't start until 7PM and lasted until 10PM. Everyone seemed to have had a wonderful time. 

Just a reminder . . . 

Smith Farms Music Festival

May 24th-26th

Artists include:  

Marshall Tucker Band ~ American Idol Taylor Hicks

Velcro Pygmies ~ Rollin' in the Hay ~ Wayne Mills Band

The Ugli Stick ~ Year and a Day ~ Wheelhouse 

Tonya Watts ~ Bad Brad and the Sipsey Slims

Scott Boyer and Kelvin Holley ~ Round 2

Sounds like Trouble ~ 90 Proof ~ Flannel

Caddle ~ Blake Scott Band ~ Wesk  

For Tickets & other information,  CLICK HERE!

Grant it, I only know of two of the groups, but I'm sure it will be an awesome music fest and it will last for 3 days.  Tickets are 3 day passes.  I am hopeful that the attraction will bring loads of revenue into our town. For the past few years, we've had local bands/groups play at several different venues, but to attract several huge groups like this is wonderful for our future.  

 All photos supplied by The Cullman Times 

 

Remembering April 27, 2011

This week I wanted to take a moment and remember the tornadoes that ravaged the South, especially my hometown in Alabama, last year. I remember that fateful day like it was yesterday.  Who would have thought on April 27, 2011, so many lives would change?  I developed more of an appreciation for life and my fellow man.   I am so blessed by God to live where your neighbor will lend a helping hand or give you a hug when you need it.

On the morning of the 27th of April at 5:30AM, our weather alert went off. A tornado warning went out for south of our county. Being unaware that a tornado had hit the county. I was taking the advance warnings from our meteorologist days before seriously. The earlier prediction was that the really bad storms would not hit our state until later that afternoon. It was a school day and I figured that Katie would go on to class and I could pick her up by 11AM or noon for the day. The weather had a different idea. Not sure what to do, I had to take my children's safety to account.  I decided to pack up the car and head to my in-laws.  I brought extra clothes and Katie's backpack in case her school would still have class.  It wasn't long after getting settled at my in-laws before I received a call from school, stating that they would close that day due to weather.

My father-in-law and I stayed glued to the television, watching the tracks of tornadoes ripping across the state.  It was so weird how the mid-afternoon tornadoes would take the same path as the morning tornadoes.  Thankfully, my children were safe and playing in the next room.  We actually saw the storm's rage that disfigured our home town on the news.  When it finally went on it's way, it left all of us in the dark and left so many people homeless.  The storms lasted all day and into the night.  We stayed with my in-laws that night.

The next day, Doug, his dad and I loaded up and headed to Birmingham to pick up a couple of generators.  I took my camera, being the photographer I am.  I tried not to cross a line out of respect for others.  There were people on the morning news, upset because people were coming down their streets, taking pictures of the disaster.  These poor people just lost everything in a blink of an eye.  I didn't want to photograph someone else's crisis, but photograph this moment to remember and celebrate God's grace on our life.

We were without power for three days, but were thankful for the generators.  When the city was ready for volunteers, my sister and I helped out one day.  The volunteers were pouring out of the woodwork.  It's great when you have to turn away volunteers because there are so many.  Trust me, they came back the next day.  The volunteers were divided up into groups.  Susan and I were able to stay together, thankfully.  We worked on the streets that were one of the worst hit areas, cleaning up debris.  We had to make it to where the homeowners could get a vehicle in the driveways or close enough to the house, so they can get their belongings.  The tree cutters would cut the trees off their houses, to make sure it might be safe enough to get in the house.  The rest of us moved the wood to the edge of the streets for FEMA to easily pick up the debris to dispose of it. At one house, Susan found dental X-rays among all the trash.  We asked the homeowner if it was her or her husband's and she had no idea who's it was.  The first house, we began working at had a boat trailer leaning up against the house.  The homeowner said that it was not her trailer and didn't know where it came from.  Just amazing.  We were instructed before going out that if the homeowners came out of their house and just wanted to talk that it was alright to talk with them.  They just had their world turned upside down and needed some normalcy.  So many homes were wiped completely off the map.

 
A view of a neighborhood in the Pleasant Grove area, looks like a pile of garbage.


This was the typical view for all residents when the city officials gave the clear for everyone to travel downtown.  Signs bent like they were made out of aluminum foil.  Power lines on the ground because either trees were laying on them or the power poles were snapped like toothpicks.



Roofs ripped off and windows blown out.  Churches either missing completely or disfigured.



When in-state and out-of-state rescue units began showing up to help restore power, passing out water and ice, etc.  It was very emotional.  In fact the day after the storms and we were headed to Birmingham for the generators, we met power company trucks from other states.  I immediately got choked up and began to cry.


This was the scene at most gas pumps.



Charity groups passing out ice, water and other necessities.

Praise Report
I really hope I'm not speaking too soon, but God deserves the praises.  My friend, Richard, got a report from his doctors regarding his cancer.  From what I understand, he was cut open.  I guess kind of like exploratory surgery to see they see any cancer.  None were found.  He was sent to get ready for a bone marrow transplant because cancer was found growing in his body again.  This time, when they went looking for the cancer and getting prepared for the bone marrow transplant, they found NOTHING.   The doctors will keep a watch on him, but as of right now a bone marrow transplant will not be needed.  WHOO HOO!  GOD IS SO GREAT!  We are all so thankful to him for answering Richard's and our prayers.  Meanwhile, Richard is still losing weight.  Weight, he can not afford to lose.  His appetite just hasn't made a come back yet.  Please remember continue to remember him.  Thank you!

The Day, They Went on a Train Ride . . .

Today, we kicked off the first day of Spring Break by visiting the North Alabama Railroad Museum.  We felt it would be a perfect day to go on a train excursion, about 10 miles roundtrip.  It has turned cold here with highs in the upper 60s and very windy.


The kids and I were goofing around inside the passenger car.  I had a good time, watching my kids experiencing this moment.  Katie got a little bored after 30 minutes of the ride, but Colton seemed to enjoy looking out the window.  I mean just the thought of riding "Thomas the Tank Engine" or that's what Colton thought we were riding.  LOL!  That's all he has talked about for the past several days, "I wanna ride Thomas."  He may have been bashful when it came to the conductors coming around to each passenger, but overall I think he liked it.


We rode a very old historic train at a very historic railroad depot.  The Mercury & Chase Railroad Depot, we were told, was the smallest of depots in Historic Huntsville Branch of the Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis railway.  One of the passenger cars was made in 1939 for the Pennsylvania Railway. On our little excursion, we had 2 passenger cars, baggage car that was an ex-Southern Railway unit and is now used as an observation and souvenir car, the dining car that was once an Army hospital car during WWII.  The conductor and engineers running this operation appeared to be a group of retired railroad staff.



Conductors were coming and going, entertaining the passengers and making sure everyone was enjoying themselves.  Below is Conductor Jack and the kids.  He tried his best to get Colton to warm up to him.  He was so sweet and a big jokester.  You can really tell these older gentlemen really enjoyed their job and  telling their stories.  Very interesting and educational.  I hope the children will remember the day, they went on a train ride.



Waiting for the train to depart from the depot.


Waiting to board the train


Not that I've been around several locomotives, but are they suppose to smoke this bad?  LOL!  Our trip was delayed a little because the engineers had to switch engines, in order to pull the cars.  When they started up this engine, the smoke was just pouring out.  We all looked at each other and began laughing.  Peggy was worried if we were going to make the trip or not.  Of course, Doug and I began the snide comments like "oh, it's just 10 miles, we can walk it." "We may not make it 10 miles."  LOL!  Too funny.    Doug feels that the neighboring communities like having the train go past their house because with all the smoke, it might get rid of the mosquitos.  LOL!


Waiting patiently to get this excursion on it's way.





For more information about the North Alabama Railroad Museum, CLICK HERE!

Doug and I were talking about maybe visiting the Chattanooga railway.  They offer 4 hour roundtrip train rides.  What interested Doug was that around Christmastime, they have a special Polar Express ride with Santa.  He thought the kids would love that and I have to agree.  Besides, the mountains should look beautiful at that time.

Don't forget:

• Bloomin' Festival is going on this weekend Sat. & Sun.  at St. Bernard Prep School.  This is there main fundraising for the school.  I really wanted to go this year, but with the cold temps and Colton's allergies.  I'm afraid, we'll have to pass this year.  
• Wednesday, Bo Jackson will be peddling through Cullman. Yes, on bike.  He will be signing autographs at Hibbett's Sporting Goods.  
• April 27th - 1 year anniversary when the tornadoes ripped up the South.  There will be a special concert "Rock the South" at Heritage Park.  Special guests will be Dierks Bentley and Kellie Pickler.  You will also have an opportunity to meet a few former Alabama "Bama" football players like David Palmer and Antonio Langham.  For ticket information, CLICK HERE!

 

Photo Trees with Details

I wanted to repost Leslie Bridal Shower table displays because I was in a hurray the first time.  I had also noticed that Blogger and Photobucket had made some changes that I had to get reacquainted with their tools.  

I made the two photo tree vases decorations for the my niece's bridal shower.  They were very easy to make and were the talk of the shower.  It was a unique way to display all the photos I took of her and her fiancé.  I feel it is a little more organized rather than tables and stacks of framed engagement pictures.  

The theme color was pool, so I had to put on my creative thinking cap.  The vases were loaned to me by my sister, but she purchased them from Hobby Lobby.  The retail price is $27, but she was able to get them half off.  These vases are pretty tall, as you can see.  I needed a heavy filler so they would not fall over, but nothing to easily break the glass.  Whitney and I both were thinking aquarium pebbles.  Perfect! I used a big bag and one half to fill it half way.  

The branches that allow the photos to hang, I purchased from Hobby Lobby.  I used one bunch per vase.  Retail price for the bunch is $7.99, but I paid half price. I had some silver spray paint and painted the branches, after I snipped them apart.  Working with the branches, you really have to just play and make it as evenly fanned out as possible (snipping a little off and repositioning).  I cut strips of wide iridescent tulle and stuck down as I worked with the branches.  

The tulle is used to cover up the ends of the branches.  Once the sticks/branches are in place and where you want them, I purchased a spool of silk matching ribbon (3"). 

Feed the ribbon threw the rhinestone buckles and wrap around the mid-section of the vase, between the pebbles and tulle.  Cut the length of ribbon that you need.  In order to tack the ribbon to the vases, I sprayed a little spray adhesive glue on the inside of the ribbon (will face the vase).  Position the ribbon where you need it.  Make sure the buckle is in the front center and smooth the ribbon down as much as you can.  The ribbon must meet evenly in the back.  You may have to play with it a few times, to get it just right.  Don't worry, the adhesive makes the ribbon tacky.  So can take it apart as much as you need to get it perfect for your vase.  Now your beautiful  photo tree is nearly complete.  Just add photos. 

I cut my black and white photos into 3" circles.  Make sure there will be even numbered of photos because I took two photos after they are cut and glued the backs together.  I made a total number of 18 sets of circle photos (9 photo circle per vase).  It was just right and not too cluttered.  I punched flower shaped holes on the top of each circle and thread some matching ribbon (1/2-1" wide).  Tie a pretty bow at the end because it will be in view.  Hang the small photo circles all over in an even setting.  I found some cascading pearl garland to decorate and I think it added the perfect touch.

My niece loved them and will be using them for her reception at the wedding, which made my day.  I love it when some one really likes my madness.  LOL!    

Simple, Easy and Elegant.   

 

I was also in charge of the fruit platter.  I had planned to do the simple everyday big platter filled with assorted fruits.  That is until I saw a picture of my cousin-in-law's post of her mother's fruit display for a baby shower that Laura was hosting.  Brilliant!  It just so happened that I have an extra large cake plate and a regular size.  I always use them as tiers for my desserts at family gatherings.  I was thinking, this can be done at the last minute.  

What you see above was easily done.  I used a long silver serving tray, small silver bowl and two cake plates (1 regular & 1 extra large sizes).  The silver tray is straight out front with the bowl inside to the left side.  I couldn't put the cake plate inside the tray without it taking up too much room.  I needed all the room I could get because we were expecting 50+ people to show.  So, I stood the extra large cake plate just behind the tray.  The regular cake plate is on top and to the right side of the extra large plate.  I filled up the extra large cake plate first because it would keep things stable.  

I used a fresh pineapple.  Cut it in half, set the top part to the side, put the inside pineapple meat to the side.  Hole out the bottom part of the pineapple.  Make gig-gags along the top.  The fruit I used: oranges, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, seedless grapes (cut into small clusters), cantaloupe, and pineapple.  I placed lettuce leaves down on the plates and tray before setting the fruit out.  My friend, Robin, brought a bunch of material to decorate the table and we thought it would look great threaded around the plates and tray for display.  I'm sorry, but it really added a decorator touch.

Enjoy!