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.

Fun Filled Weekend

Garage Sale - Saturday
I am so thankful to God for listening to our prayers. He kept the rain off of us until around noon. Sure, our plans were to keep selling until close to 3PM, but we took noon. It was a great sale. We had a large variety to choose from and I believe everyone came out a winner. We got out and setting everything out at 5AM. I had so much, I ran out of space to set all the girl clothes. Thank goodness Robin, Whitney's MIL, let us borrow 3 (store) clothes racks. They helped out a lot! Finally, I just had to put the rest of the clothes out on a brand new tarp, on the ground. I really didn't like this idea, but I had no choice because I ran out of tables and clothes racks. HAHA! Doug took a few pictures for me of the BIG Garage Sale.

By mid-morning, I could see a huge chunk of clothes and items sold. So good, I was able to transfer the clothes off of the tarp onto the tables and racks. I've come to find out there are some people that make yard sales their profession. Sure, I expected to get the occasional product offers. If the item was something that wasn't my favorite or I could see the person needed worse than I, I was happy to come down a lot. One lady bought 2 1/2 Pamper boxes full of baby clothes that I came down a lot just for her buying so much.

Several people picked up the dresses and made cute comments about them, but put them down after seeing the price. I had 3 or 4 Rosalina dresses in excellent condition in the sale. I was asking $20 each, except for the Bama Smock. I believe I asked for $30 on it because it cost a lot of money and Katie hardly wore it. The Bama smock wasn't her favorite because it wasn't pink. Ugh! Go figure. After I get a breath, I'll get them out, take photos and post them here on Blogger before I post them on eBay. So, stay tuned!

Decoration Day - Sunday
Today was our annual run around the county for Decoration Day. The church, I grew up in and the church Doug grew up, both have their Decoration Day on the same day. I've had several people ask me about Decoration Day. What is it? What do you do? I think it must be a Southern thing, but it's when we take time out and just remember our loved ones that have gone on before us to be with the Lord. To celebrate them and our memories of them. We do this by "decorating" their gravesites with flowers, stuffed toys, crafts (handmade signs), plants, pretty much anything to dress up the graves. The church usually dedicates a one hour program of songs, reading poems and playing of instruments, all in remembrance of the ones who have passed away.

This year, Doug's family decided to do something different. We all met up at a restaurant to eat lunch, instead of going back to their house to eat. It was so nice to not have to worry about staying in the Kitchen, laying all the food out and then having to clean up afterwards. Ahh! It was nice. I think we had a very nice visit and I didn't seem too stressed out by the end of the day. In the past, Decoration Days kept me all wound up and by the end of the day, I was ready to collapse. I hope we can do this again next time.

Katie and Trey are something else. We kept giggling at those two. They were hugging and hanging on each other most of the time. Katie couldn't keep her hands off of him for a second and Trey was always wanting to know where Katie was at. They kept begging us parents to go to each others houses today, so they could play. I think I heard Katie telling Trey about the "Fun" Museum aka "EarlyWorks Museum." She wants someone to go with her so bad, she can taste it. Anyways, Katie and Trey are real affectionate to one another. In the future, I think we're gonna have to remind them that they are cousins. I remember my nephew, Nicholas, and niece, Leslie, were the same exact way. We were all the time saying they were the "kissing cousins." To this day, they seem to be very close. Not too close, if you know what I mean. HAHA! I hope Katie and Trey will have the same closeness in the future.

Fabric Canvas Wall Art - "The Tidymom"
This is such a great idea! Here I thought I was going to have to learn how to paint, so I could make my own works of art at an affordable price. Shoot! Now, I can change up my household wall art as much as I want. I love this idea and hope to find the time to do it. Whose with me? CLICK HERE FOR INSTRUCTIONS. Have you ever done anything like this? Is it really that easy? Oh, I'm so excited!

The Gulf of Mexico - Oil Spill
Have you been keeping up with the latest on the oil spill off the Gulf of Mexico? First of all, the explosion is awful and I hated to hear about this tragedy. My thoughts and prayers go to the victims from this disaster. I really hope BP are able to cap this spill before things get worse for everyone and the environment. Isn't it something? No matter how BIG or small, a bad choice or tragic experience can affect so many many people and living things. Thank goodness God knows what's best and He always allows us to find a way back into balance for a brief moment. This spill could not have happened at the worst time right now. Now, when we need our oil rigs running smoothly, so the more than average environmental crazed nuts won't come jumping out of their skin saying, "see, see, we told you." "You're going to ruin the environment and kill off the endangered species by drilling for oil." Please don't get me wrong. I love animals and most other living species. We have to remember God created us for His glory. The animals were created for Adam's amusement, to care for. We just need to keep our priorities in check and make sure we are doing all we can do without jeopardizing our good will. We have to remember God is in control at all times. Accidents happen and yeah, most of the time it's our fault. Thank God because he is ever forgiving.

I'm still hearing reports that this oil will more than likely hit our coast in the next couple of months. At the same time, I'm hearing BP won't be able to guarantee a cap for that length of time. As much as I hate the affect this spill will have on everyone and every living thing, all I can think about is our future vacation plans. This definitely slings a dirty mop into the wash. Thankfully, like all dirty mops, they always come out clean in the end. I revisited our current contract and we have at least 6 weeks to cancel, in order to receive our deposit. So, what will be the alternative vacation spot? I was thinking about Biltmore Estate in Asheville. CLICK HERE FOR WEBSITE.

Biltmore Estate in Asheville ~ America's Largest Home ~

 Completed in 1895 ~ owned by George Vanderbilt

Several of my family members have had the opportunity to not only visit here once but twice. They love it and recommend the trip! Unfortunately, I never had the chance to go and would love to because of all the stories I hear about it. You can tour the house, winery and grounds. While you are touring the winery, you have the opportunity to taste a little as well. I understand there is a small town to visit and do a little shopping and sightseeing. The place is localed in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, so there's lots of wildlife and beautiful scenery. I have a nephew that doesn't live very far from there and I think he mentioned that a lot of people like to do a little hiking and whitewater there as well.