Our Ice Cream Social and Other News

I think our Ice Cream Social was a success. Everyone said they had a good time and Katie is developing into a good hostess. I just had to remind her one time that a good hostess is gracious to her guests. I think she was wanting her little friends to do what she wanted to do and it made her a little upset. HAHA! When I reminded her, she told me in a low voice, "while I got a little upset that's all." All was good again after my advice. From time to time, we just need a little voice to remind us when we begin to loose control. I was proud of baby girl for her behavior and trust me, I let her know it last night.

Well, remember me posting my ice cream template?

The multi-photo above on the top left hand side is the end result of this template. I made about a dozen of these cute ice cream cones and hung them from the Kitchen/Dining Room ceiling. They were so easy to make for a last minute party decoration idea.  I placed double-sided taped on the ice cream with the cone sandwiched between. I have to warn you that if you decide to hang them from the ceiling, you might want to add a little glue to the ribbon or extra tape for strength.

I also made the mini ice cream cones garland, pictured in the bottom left hand side.  Another Simply Modern Mom idea.  She didn't have instructions in her post, so I found this tutorial from Kaboose.  The only difference is I used hot glue instead of regular white glue.  To make the garland, I simply thread the ice cream cones together with gold thread.  My tip, be sure the thread through the middle of the pom-pom because when you hang the garland, the pom-poms will not cooperate with you.   

Ruffle Ice Cream Cups

I found this idea from Simply Modern Mom.  They turned out so cute, but are a little tedious to make.  If I must give you a tip that SMM doesn't.  After you put on the ribbon, you might want to add a little dot of hot glue where the bow is just for security reasons.  I noticed a couple of the cup's ribbons fell off during the party.  Oops! 

If you want these cute cups at your next social party, this is what I did.

What You'll Need

Cocktail Party Cups (I believe they are 8oz.)

Recycled Coffee Filters

Small dainty ribbon

Double-sided Tape

Hot Glue

1. Cut out the bottoms of the filters
2. Place double-sided tape on the sides of the cups
3. Making a ruffle, gather the filter and stick to the tape on the cups.  It's neat because the tape acted like a magnet to the filter paper, drawing it close to the cup. 
4. Add your ribbon and tie into a small bow.
5. I would add a small drop of hot glue on the paper where the bow will be for security.

I think the kids made some great memories yesterday.  We had a lot of fun, I just hated that it was so hot.  Yuck!  But I believe the water was perfect to cool of the kids. 

Congrats Elton!

An amazing educator and great friend, Elton Bouldin, accepted the principal position at CHS.  We  are so happy for him.  He has been the principal for West  Elementary for several years and with his leadership, the school has won several awards.  West is a tight ship and I know a lot of educators that work at the school think very highly of Dr. Bouldin.  Doug and I got to really know Elton and his lovely wife, Sue, at church. When he was our Sunday School teacher, we couldn't wait to get to church just to hear his lectures on the book of Revelations.  Like I said, I'm happy for him and the high school, I think he'll be a great asset to that school system; However, I'm sad because I was really depending on him being at West when Katie started 2nd grade.  Yuck!     

Alabama Heat
In other news, CBS 42 reported yesterday that the heat in Alabama has been so bad, it has been blamed for six deaths since May. What's so bad is health officials project the death toll could climb. Click Here for the full story.  Y'all it's been so hot here that the heat idex has been in the triple digits. 

Because of the heat and rain, we've been spending these past several days in house.  Not only are we having ice cream socials, but we are taking full advantage of our Wii and Xbox systems.  Growing up, I was always so jealous of my nephew, Ryan, when we were play Mario Bros. video games.  He could accomplish so many goals and get to go in all these different worlds and me well I was lucky to get out of the second world without getting ate or killed.  Yeah, I was that bad with video games.  I got to where I hated them.  I would just stick to my board or card games, thank you very much.  Well, I must say that I don't regret getting the Wii or Xbox systems.  On days like we've had, they are so worth the money.  The kids are not so bored and out of my hair.  To tell you the truth, I've enjoyed playing the games as well.  I've never played on a SimsCity game until I recently purchased the My Sims Collection.  I thought it was a good deal because the collection included two different games for $20.  I've been playing off and on during my down time a couple games off the Facebook, Cityville and Farmville.  So, if you like them, you'll probably like Sims.  The one thing I didn't care about playing games off of Facebook is you depend on your friends to help you out.  I just needed something to relax after everyone's gone to bed.  I taught Katie how to play My Sims, which is kind of a plus because it's helping her with sight words and reading.  I'm hoping to use it that way.  I love watching Katie's face when she makes a mistake on some of her video games.  Instead of getting mad, she laughs that she's flying off of the road into a lake or crashing into something she's not suppose to.  She'll laugh and laugh.  Then she'll tell me that she's going to do that again.  LOL!  You have to understand, Katie is such a poor sport when it comes to losing.  She absolutely hates it!  So, this is good for her to lose and be able to handle the disappointment every now and then. 

Katie and Colton have been great little helpers around the house.  I taught Katie how to use our vaccum.  After I fold up the clothes, Katie and Colton help me put them away.  It's so cute to hear Colton telling me "I help, I help."  Big sister gets a little aggravated at him when he wants to help her.  LOL!  Katie told me the other day that she wished we didn't have to work so hard, cleaning house.  LOL!  I told her that she had better get use to it because it doesn't get any easier. 

How have you been spending your hot Summer days? 

Big Al Planking - ROLL TIDE! **Wordless Wednesday Special**

Ice Cream Social In The Works

Y'all I've been wanting to host an Ice Cream Social for a long time. Now, I have the opportunity. It wasn't planned by no means, it just happened and I only have two days to get things together. I knew that some of Katie's ballet friends and their mama's wanted to get together sometime this Summer, before school starts back. Well, after emailing back and forth between a couple of ballet moms,

We're Having a PARTY!

At first, I planned to just have a table full of refreshments. I've got the slip-n-slide and sprinkler included in the Summer water fun, with the Kinect and Wii on stand by in case the weather turns bad. I would hope that you know me by now. I LOVE parties! I especially LOVE to host the parties. After thinking late last night and this morning, tossing and turning. I've got to have a party with a theme. So, what better opportunity for me to have my Ice Cream Social than NOW.

I've got a few last minute plans for decorations, so I've got to get busy before the get together on Thursday. Yes, I said Thursday. THIS THURSDAY! {Screaming} I don't have much time, but I did make enough time to draft out a quick template.
Ice Cream Cone Craft Template

I'll have to show you the finished product another time.  Let me just tell you, they turned out so cute!  The possibilities are endless when it comes to this template.  I used colored cardstock paper, but you could use felt, crepe paper flowers glued on it, glitter, specialty paper, etc.  If I had enough time, I probably would have outlined them with glitter.  It would be adorable.  I'm hanging these individually from the ceiling, but I think it would make a great garland or to place on a wreath.  This template is a gift to you from me.  If you do decide to use it, I would love to see what you used it for.  Actually, I loved the Ice Cream party that Simply Modern Mom posted.  She pretty much free hand the ice cream cones, so that's why I decided to make my own template for everyone to use.  I even liked the mini ice cream cones she has laying on the table.  I made my mini cones into a garland.  Just pray, they will stay up when it's hung.  LOL!  They should because I thread it with a needle.  I am also making the ice cream bowls with the coffee filters, but I'm using ribbon instead of baker's twine.  I thought they were so cute and I had already had a bunch of these cups leftover from a previous party.  Good idea SMM! 

While I was perusing the wide world of the Web, I really liked the idea Living Locurto had posted for Cotton Candy Ice Cream Treat.  It was so cute!  In fact, this post reminded me of a project to stick cotton candy inside a cone made out of cardstock.  I've seen several party bloggers make different versions of this treat.  I like the idea of tying ribbon through the paper and hanging from the chairs.  Of course, embellishments make it adorable.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to put together the cotton candy ice cream treats because I can't find any cotton candy. 

The decorations should be completed by tomorrow.  You know me, I'll be taking plenty of pictures.  This may  have been a very quick "throw together" party, but it has been fun.  I can't hardly contain myself.  I'll try to wait until everything is finished before posting about the party.  Please pray for my friend, Malorie.  She is one of the ballet moms that wanted to come for the party, but she came down sick.  She's on meds, but we are sooo hoping she'll be back to normal by Thursday. 

Get Well Soon Malorie!

Prayer Request

I would like to take this time to ask for your prayers. Please remember the following people in your prayers:

• My uncle Roger has been having medical problems.  He and my aunt Sherry were visiting his family in Virginia when he began to find blood in his urine.  He also has been complaining (not too much) about being out of air.  After tests were done apparently in VA, his doctor in Texas called and told him to get home.  He has an enlarged spleen, which is pressing on his lungs causing him to only receive 80% oxygen.  Of course, my aunt Sherry is worried because according to the Mayo Clinic online, it lists that this enlarged spleen could be caused by either an infection, liver disease or cancer.  They came by here on their way home the other day.  You could tell Roger wasn't feeling very well.  I believe they will begin additional testing this week or next. 
• My cousin, Trish, has MS and it appears that she is beginning the later stages of her disease.  She has been fighting this disease bravely for several years and in fact her children doesn't know anything about her being sick.  Well, it sounds like her muscles are beginning to give way.  Aunt Sherry said she's having difficulty walking on one of her legs. 
• I'd like to congratulate my niece, Liz, and her husband, Nolan, on finding out that they will be expecting their 4th child.  Liz has problems carrying a pregnancy to term, so please keep her in your prayers.  Shew!  She has much more patience than I with children to have 4 kids. 

Thanks my little Prayer Warriors!  Love y'all!  

One of Them Weeks

Have you ever had one of those days? Well, I've had one of those weeks. I'm getting things done, but it seems like it's all in slow motion. Colton's decided to finally enter into his trouble twos. YAY! You know the drill. He runs one way and then gives me that look. You know "the look." The "I'm going to do something that I know I'm not suppose to do, but I think I'll do it anyway." THE LOOK. Before I can get it out of my mouth (what are you up to?), he pulls something down or throws something; therefore, causing a HUGE mess. While I'm in disbelief, he turns the opposite direction and runs. Ugh! As Doug says, "memories." To top it all off, while I'm cleaning up his mess, he makes another mess or gets into trouble. Ya gotta love it!

I've got a few projects on my list to do and it's just finding the time anymore to do them. I know they'll get done, I just get impatient that's all.

1. I have at least three animal print ribbon trees for table top displays. Whitney's baby shower is the end of August and the theme is jungle/safari. I've got one pot painted in a tiger print. I've been visiting Hobby Lobby a LOT. They had their ribbon and pottery for half off last week. Now, I'm waiting for the styrofoam to go on sale at HL because they can be costly.
2. My mother-in-law wanted me to fix her collage photo frame of the kids.  I've had this frame for a long time because I didn't have any current good snapshots of the kids, especially together.  I finally got that project finished and ready to deliver. 
3. I bought Katie a collage photo frame to put up on her bedroom wall.  I got most of the photos printed for the collage, but I still need two more.  I'm trying to put photos of various events that Katie was involved inside this frame. 
4. Believe it or not, I'm still planning Katie's birthday party.  Don't be surprised if I buy Katie's cake this year. 
5. I tried practicing making a tissue pom-pom today.  Yeah, I need help with that one.  It doesn't look anything like Martha Stewart.  If I have enough time this week, I'll try to make a smaller one out of the big one. 
6. I'm having some friends over this week.  Hopefully most of the ballet moms, their ballerinas and siblings will be coming over for a little visit.  I'm excited!  I'm not telling Katie until the day of the party or she will be driving me CRAZY. 

I found out this weekend when school starts.  In a way, Katie and I can't hardly wait.  On the other hand, I'll miss her aggravating me during the day.  School open house is the 11th of August.  Y'all it's almost here.  It's hard to believe how fast the Summer went.  We've only covered three science projects.  We still have some time left, I suppose.  I was a little excited to find out how to make bath salts.  We might try to make those on a weekend.

Y'all have a great cool week.

New Chicken Dish

I believe I've stumbed upon something really good and easy. I'm sure it's been done. I just have never done it before and I don't know what to call it. Here is what I did.

Roasted Chicken
Whole Young Fryer
1/3 bottle Big Bob Gibson's White Sauce

I cut up the chicken in pieces (bones in). I don't care for the backside of the chicken, so I filleted it the best I could. There is never enough meat on the back. 

Allow the meat to marinade in the white sauce for at least 2 hours. I used Big Bob Gibson's famous white sauce. It is so good.

Place the chicken on a pan roaster and cook on 350 degrees for approximately 1 1/2 hours. It depends on the size of the chicken and if you keep the bones in. Just stick a fork in the thickest part. If it slides in with ease, it should be done. Professional chefs would frown at me because I like to cut a slit in the breast meat to double check if the meat is white. 

I pretty much left the meat alone while it cooked. When I took the chicken out of the ziploc, the marinade stayed on the meat real well. So, I didn't have to baste like I thought I would. When my time was up, the meat was nice and golden. I like the nice golden look on the skin because when you bite into the meat that nice crispy crunch. Oh, the juices ran when I took my first bite. Yum! Remember to spray the roasting pan with cooking spray or you will have a mess on your hands. Yuck!

S was over, so I really didn't have time to sauteed my squash and zuccini. I just boiled them in flavored bouillon, salt, pepper and BUTTER. I absolutely LOVE Bush's Grillin' baked beans. My favorite is the Steakhouse recipe. Yum! Doug is not much for baked beans, so it's seldom I get to eat my Steakhouse recipe.   Tonight was seldom.  I believe I saw Doug with a couple of spoon fulls on his plate.  LOL! 

S stayed for a sleepover tonight.  It's nearly 11PM and I'm thinking it was a big mistake.  Either Katie got a finger to the eye from S.  They bump heads or hitting the walls, causing noises, or Katie's 1 minute of sleep nightmare.  I guess that's the whole idea of a sleepover.  Normally, we only agree on sleepovers if it's on a Friday or Saturday.  We made an exception tonight because as you know S is moving up north Saturday. 

Speaking of nightmares.  I believe Katie is throwing the nightmare card a little too often.  I can hear her laughing or talking in her bedroom and not 30 seconds later, here she comes crying to me saying that she had a nightmare.  Ugh!  Bottomline, I think there's not enough light in her room for her to feel comforted.  She doesn't like the dark and one of her nightlights was perfect to light up the whole room, but not too much.  Doug insists on using one of the desk lamps that was already by the computer as her nightlight.  He's a man; therefore, he doesn't understand that she's scared of the dark.  We packed away the princess lamp, but I'm considering digging it back out.  A little while ago, she agreed with me and doesn't feel there is enough light in her room.  Now, she has two lights on in her room.  I just hope the girls can sleep with all that light. 

Summer's Nearly Over

Can you believe the year is half over? It's July! Our very involved and busy June is gone. With the 4th of July being over, I can actually sit back and breathe a little before we have to get ready for school to start back. We have enjoyed our summer, good and bad.

We found out today that one of the little neighbor girls, S, will be moving away Saturday. I'm allowing Katie to spend as much time with her as she wishes because I know it will be hard on her when she is gone. I had a little friend like that when I was her age, Mandy. We were the best of friends until her dad accepted a job in Texas. It absolutely killed me when they moved. I was 4 or 5 years old when we first met and 6 years old when she moved away. Her grandparents didn't live very far, so from time to time I would get to visit her. Saturday, Katie had a complete breakdown because S would be leaving soon. Doug and I had to have a serious talk with her because S convinced Katie into running away with her. Katie was just sobbing when we talked. S doesn't want to leave and Katie doesn't want to see her go. It's so sad. Of course, S still comes up every day to our place for as long as I will let her. Please pray that S will receive the love and attention that she needs. I also hope that someone will put her under their wing and get her into church.

It's beginning to be the dawg days of summer, sooo hot. I absolutely dread August. With the heat comes dreading to cook. I do not like to cook inside during the summer months because it makes the whole house HOT. On the other hand, I don't like to cook outside because as soon as I open the door to check the grill, I turn into a puddle of water. I've been so use to the air conditioning for too long that without it I'm miserable. Last month, I tried to do some cooking in the morning that way the house wouldn't be so hot at night. Well, it's hard to do that we have gotten into a habit of staying up late and waking up late. LOL! (I'm going to try to get everyone back on the clock) Yesterday, I decided that I'm going to break out the ol' crockpot and roaster. Tomorrow, I plan to make barbeque chicken with white sauce, sauteed squash and zucchini, baked beans and toast. Don't be surprised, if I try a bloggers recipe. When I get in these moods, I tend to try different recipes because want a change from the same old, same old. I'm hungry for summer time suggestions.

Please feel free to leave me a suggestion.

Movie Review
Transformers, Dark of the Moon

If you're a Transformer fan, you'll love this movie. If you're a Josh Duhamel fan, you'll love this movie. In my opinion, this movie ties the other two movies together. Before the movie was over, I was thinking "oh, okay. That makes sense now." Doug, Chuck and myself went Sunday night to see it at the Monoco in 3D. This was the first time I've seen a 3D movie before inside the Monoco. Oh and get this, we had balcony seats that reclined. LOL! I'm afraid this movie theatre could easily spoil me.  The guys were so nice to let me dine at "Connor's Steakhouse."  It was so good! And get this, I got to do a little shopping before we ate.  YAY!  I had a lovely day. 
I believe this is the first time, I've every had Katie pick out just about everything she wants for her birthday. Ugh! She is so picky and sometimes it's just best to have her pick everything out. Of course, I believe I've gone over my limit. I did order a couple of things online that she doesn't know anything about. The Gymboree pair of wedges that she begged me to buy her in Leeds and a Wii game that had lots of positive reviews "Animal Crossing." I think she'll like it. I gave her a choice of having a family party or doing something with a few of her friends. She absolutely loves Air It Out. She wanted me to rent their party room for her big day. I hated to shoot her down, but momma's not made of money and $200 for 2 hours (1 hour playing on inflatables and 1 hour party room) just isn't worth it. I promised her that I would pay her and her friend's way in for an hour and then we might go somewhere to eat (DQ for ice cream). She told me that she didn't want to go eat. I think she'll change her mind when she finds out that we'll go to Dairy Queen, which is one of her favorite places to eat. Her actually birthday is on Saturday this year, so I plan on having the grandparents come over for dinner and a small birthday celebration for Katiebug. I think the hardest part about it is that she has to decide which 3 girls are going to be invited to spend sometime with her on her big day. I chose the number 3 because anymore than that I might as well rent the party room for $200. We don't want an odd number of girls because someone will always get left out. She's just going to have to decide and get back with me.

With these hot summer days, we've been really using the Wii and Xbox. They've been very good purchases thus far. I need to do them everyday because before we get through playing, I'm a puddle of water. It's good, fun exercise, especially playing Xbox 360 Kinect. Oh my gosh! I'm thinking about purchasing the Zumba game. I've heard good things about it.

Oh, speaking of school starting up soon. The reality hit me like a tons of bricks, while we were at Walmart today. The aisles that they were using as their summer fun aisles. You know the ones. You've got sunscreen, coolers, snacks and beverages. Well, they are all cleared and clerks were stocking notebooks, binders and pencils. I had to take a swallow. It's nearly here. I asked Katie if she was excited about starting back to school. "Yeah, but I'll be at a new school." she answered. I think her changing schools before really confused her. I reminded her that she won't be changing schools this year. "Will I get to see Mrs. Moore?" her eyes all bright with excitement. "Yes," I reassured her and she was all excited. She said can't wait to get back to school and find out who her new teacher will be and who will be in her class. I hope she understands that the kids in her class last year, will not necessarily be in her class this year. I've been trying to prepare her, but all she does is just look at me like I'm wasting her time.

What got me a little excited was when I got to go to Hobby Lobby last week and they were putting out Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations and crafts. Yay! It just gets me all getty inside. I have to slap my hands when I see things such as these. LOL! I also have to remind myself that I've got to put together at least 3 ribbon trees, make spinach dip and help host Whitney's baby shower in little over a month. I've bought some ribbon because HL had them on sale last week. Who knows if it will be enough. I've got to purchase the other supplies before I can even start. I'm hoping the remaining supplies will go on sale fairly soon. With traditional summer weddings coming to an end, I'm hoping they'll be putting it up for 50% off soon. I am getting a little antsy about it.

Stay cool everybody.

God Bless America, Land That I Love

Happy Independence Day!

I wish you love, happiness and long life

Quotes from Our Founding Fathers regarding our freedom and pursuit of happiness. No one can ever tell me that my ancestors were not Christians and didn't practice their faith. This country was indeed founded on Christian morales and beliefs.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." - Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776 written by Thomas Jefferson.

"The blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary but especially so in times of public distress and danger - The General hopes and trusts, that every officer and man, will endeavour so to live, and act, as becomes a Christian Soldier defending the dearest Rights and Liberties of his country." - General Orders, July 9, 1776 - written by George Washington

"This brought on the war which finally separated the two countries and gave independence to ours. Whether this will prove a blessing or a curse, will depend upon the use our people make of the blessings, which a gracious God hath bestowed on us.

If they are wise, they will be great and happy. If they are of a contrary character, they will be miserable.

Righteousness alone can exalt them as a nation. Reader! Whoever thou art, remember this, and in thy sphere practice virtue thyself, and encourage it in others." - Written ont he back of The Stamp Act Resolves, May 1765 by Patrick Henry.

"Moses lifting up his wand, and dividing the Red Sea, and Pharaoh in his chariot overwhelmed with the waters. This motto: 'Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God.'" - Proposed Seal of the United States, July, 1776 - written by Benjamin Franklin

"We fight not to enslave, but to set a country free, and to make room upon the earth for honest men to live in. . .

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigues of supporting it." - The American Crisis, No. 4, September 11, 1777 - written by Thomas Paine

"The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. - I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever.

You will think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is worth more than all the means; that posterity will triumph in that day's transaction, even though we (may regret) it, which I trust in God we shall not." - Letter to Abigail Adams, July 3, 1776 - John Adams

"America united with a handful of troops, or without a single soldier, exhibits a more forbidding posture to foreign ambition than America disunited, with a hundred thousand veterans ready for combat." - Federalist Papers, No. 14, November 30, 1787 - written by James Madison

"We have this day restored the Sovereign to whom alone men ought to be obedient. He reigns in Heaven, and with a propitious eye beholds his subjects assuming that freedom of thought and dignity of self-direction which He bestowed on them. From the rising to the setting sun, may His kingdom come!" - After signing the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776 - Samuel Adams

I believe my favorite quotes out of all of them would be John Adams and Samuel Adams.  You can feel the excitement and celebrations through their writings. 

GOD BLESS AMERICA

NOW AND FOREVER . . .

AMEN!

Our Day Trip 2011

Doug and I searched the internet, talked about the past vacation spots and decided to stay close to home. We've been wanting to take Katie to the McWane Center for quite some time.

So . . .

We finally made it to McWane Science Center with Katie and Colton.  They had a blast! It's a total of 4 stories high.  Filled with fun, laughs and educational experiences.  The lower level is the aquarium, which includes a petting pool.  Katie couldn't contain herself when she got to touch a bonnethead shark and a stringray. 

I had to take a picture of Katie sticking her head inside this Large Mouth Bass.  Too funny!

Level 1
You can make very large bubbles, all sorts of science experiments, gift shop and art studio.  Katie and Colton loved playing in the playground, which included pretend play in a large plastic submarine, planting a garden, make music.  Colton's favorite was playing in the water.

I'm lying on a bed of nails.  Check out Katie touching the nails.

A pully system, where the kids can pull themselves up.

Colton and Katie really like the pully too.  Of course, I had to help Colton pull himself up. 

I just knew a time or two that Colton would end up inside the water thing.

Level 2

We got to see dinosaur bones and the kids liked digging in the pit.  Colton is a dinosaur fan, so when he saw the exhibit, he wanted to touch them in the worst way.  They had a mock weather studio with radar screens, green background and everything.  Katie liked playing the virtual games with a small group of kids. 

Virtual soccer

Level 3

There goes Katie

Colton spinning the earth's waters

I believe the zip line was on the third floor.  Katie said the long line to the zip line was well worth the wait.  After the zip line, we went through a large maze.  I had Katie lead the way.  Oh my goodness.  She was so lost.  As soon as we discovered that we just made a circle, Katie said "oh, I know which way to go".  It was fun. 
Despite the building full of people, it was so worth the money and time.  As we were leaving the building, Doug asked Katie which museum did she like the best - Earlyworks or McWane Science Center?  Earlyworks still holds her heart by far. 

Our little day trip wasn't over, we head over to Leeds, Alabama.  Doug wanted to go to Bass Pro Shop.  I hardly ever buy anything there, but I enjoy walking around and looking at everything.  However, this time I bought Colton a pair of camo overalls for this Fall/Winter.  He is going to look so cute, I can't wait to try them on him.  I wanted to get him a hat and hunting boots to match, but he didn't like the hat and they didn't have boots to fit his feet.  Daggum it! 

Lastly, we spent the rest of our day at The Shops of Grand River.  Oh, I love this place!  I don't know when I'll have the next opportunity to get over here, so I took this chance to do a little school clothes shopping for Katie.  Wow!  We hit this place at a great time.  The Children's Place had t-shirts for $6 and Katie picked out a couple of headbands for $.99.  But Gymboree was the hot spot.  I still can't believe that they didn't have a crowd of people in there.  There were several bins full of clothes, all sizes for $.99 and up.  I hit the jackpot!  I got Colton and Katie lots of Fall outfits.  Katie hates long sleeves, so I didn't get too many.  Besides, it's a long time before it gets real cold here.  Carter's didn't have very many Fall outfits on sale yet, but the clerk told me to wait another month or two.  I may have to take a special trip. 

Before I end this post, I have to share this video. Guess what they are advertising? Too funny! This commercial was shared with us by a friend.


Y'all have a wonderful 4th of July!

All About Katie

Katie World
Katie finished her last Summer gymnastics class this week. I think she did so well and she seems to really like it. Now, she can do a backbend in nothing flat. Her skin-the-cat is good for a beginner. She just needs to remember to not let go of the bar so quickly. She doesn't get hurt, she doesn't allow her feet to touch the ground and she ends up falling on her knees. She gets in too big of a hurry that's all. Her coaches have got her in the beginning position of doing a cartwheel.

We hate for her having to pick between ballet and gymnastics, but Doug and I feel that it would be too much on her and us financially. Katie has thought it through and decided to give ballet a rest this year. She wants to try out gymnastics instead. CGCA has their Fall registration on July 18th. Katie is so excited that she finally received her first gym leotard. She's been begging me to buy one from the cheer academy all month. While we were at the Academy store the other day, I had her pick out one that she liked. It's pretty and very very SHINY. LOL!

Below are a few videos of Katie during her gymnastics class. She is in a bright pink and black shorts outfit. In this class, she did a little tumbling along with bars and trampoline. Doug and Colton got to come to this class. Katie was so happy to have her family there watching and supporting her.

Sorry the video is a little shaky and there are so many of them. I have an old Adobe Photoshop software for videos and it doesn't support MP4 videos. I told Doug that I'm going to have to break down and purchase an update.

Katie tumbling




Katie on Trampoline


Katie on the Bars




Katie's New Room

Click here to view these pictures larger

I started painting Katie's room on Thursday and was able to do the finishing touches by Saturday morning. We decorated her room Saturday night and Sunday afternoon with all of her new things that she picked out at Hobby Lobby. It's a good thing that we got the picture when we did because I went back Tuesday night and they were gone. It must be popular this year for young girls'. The peace valance didn't fit on the already existing white rod over the windows.  I tried clipping wooden rings on them to see if that would work.  Nope.  I'll have to get a smaller rod because I don't like the way it looks right now.   I didn't stick the mirror wall decals above her bed because Doug and his parents were talking about getting her a head and foot board. 

While I was moving Katie's room decorations into her new room, it killed me having to pack up her babified decor.  It nearly brought me to tears.  Doug loves to remind me that we don't have babies anymore.  They are just growing up too quickly.  They'll always be my babies. 

Doug took the week off and we've spent a lot of quality family time together.  I'm sure he'll be ready to go back to work next week.  LOL! 

Movie Review

Movie Reviews
I haven't done a movie review in a long time. I had to share these with you.   You know,

Laughter is the BEST Medicine


Just Go With It
with Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler
I had this movie on my Netflix queue for some time, but it wouldn't be available until the first of July.  Doug couldn't wait.  He brought it home from Redbox.  Oh my gosh!  This movie is hilarious.  Doug and I laughed so hard, I guess it's a true testiment to our twisted humor.  I have to admit that Doug and I enjoyed this movie so much, we went the next day and bought the Bluray for our library. 


Just Friends
with Ryan Reynolds and Amy Smart
I think Ryan Reynold is a great comedic actor, so I couldn't believe that I let this movie slip through my radar.  "Just Friends" came out in 2005 and it is a funny romance comedy.  I turned this side splitting film on the television the other night as we were getting ready for bed.  I couldn't force myself to turn it off.  I stayed up until midnight just to find out if Chris would ever end up with the girl of his dreams.  So funny!

VBS "Panda Mania" 2011

As you know, this past week was our annual Vacation Bible School at church. I think it was a great success with 34 souls saved. I don't have a count yet as to how many children attended. Speaking of salvation, please pray for Katie. We've been talking quite a bit about God, Heaven, Jesus and Salvation for the several months. Of course, Katie wants to go to heaven and meet Jesus. It's what she has told me that she wants. Katie was so excited about M professing her faith the other day. That night Katie told me to pray for her to be saved.  We talked about it and she believes completely that God is real and alive. She believes in Jesus that he walked the earth and died for our sins, so we may be with God for all eternity in heaven. Personally, I don't know if Katie is ready (age) to receive Christ just yet. I think the whole M being saved, might have confused her a bit. We prayed about it. I do feel that God is working in her heart.  Last night, Katie and S wanted to talk to one of the counselors about salvation.  I knew one out of the two counselors.  I explained to Delaine and the other counselor about what we talked about the other day.  I also expressed my concern about her confusion.  Bottomline, Doug and I feel that a little peer pressure might be in play and we know that's not the proper way to salvation.  As a  small group, we all gathered and prayed because S wanted to go ahead and do the sinner's prayer.  I'm so happy for S and her decision to receive Jesus into her little heart.  I think after Delaine and Chelsey talked with Katie, I think they agree with me a little bit.  Delaine gave me a "Becoming a Christian" booklet to read with Katie.  She said it is great at explaining what's going on in her life and how to become a Christian on her level.  I can't say that Katie isn't saved, it's not my place and I'm not in God's way of working his blessings.  We just want to make absolutely sure Katiebug understands fully what it means to become a Christian. 

I think the girls had fun last night during the VBS celebration. There was music, face painting, food and inflatables. Here is a video of Katie and S singing and dancing to one of the songs that they learned this week. Katie is on the right side of the little girl with black hair. The little girl with black hair is S. I thought they did so well, especially being on stage singing in front of a large crowd.

S, Katie and M after their face painting - Red Pandas and Snow Leopard (characters from the VBS theme "Panda Mania")

Outside in the parking lot - 4 inflatables

Katie waiting in line to get up the double slide

Sorry this is a little blurry, my camera phone is very touchy.

While I was standing, watching the girls have a blast on the inflatables, I ran into an old acquaintance, Johnny J. Our dads use to work together many years ago. We use to visit Johnny's parents a lot while I was growing up. Johnny is much older than me, so he didn't give me a second look. I loved going to his house because they had a big orchard and always had animals. They use to have these bee hives by the orchard. I thought they were so neat.  His parents were always so sweet to me. I was shocked that Johnny recognized me because I haven't seen him since 1993, I guess. We both have changed a lot and he had more hair. LOL! Either way, it was good seeing him. He said he went to school with my husband, so it is a small world. I couldn't believe how much he knew about me these past few years. HAHA! I guess his parents and my parents have been talking about us. I got to meet his baby girl, Sarah. He told me that his family has been visiting our church for about a month. Doug doesn't remember him, so I guess I'll have to introduce him Sunday.