Happy Mother's Day!

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

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

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

How do you like my new glider? 

This was my gift from Katie, Colton & Doug

I love it!  I've always wanted one.

Colton Update

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jon wouldn't let Leslie have a word in edgewise

Feel the Love

Susan's kiddos!

Tim & Susan with mom

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

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

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

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

Hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day!

Fun Day

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

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

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

The 3 Musketeers

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

Colton having fun on the playground

Our little queen for the day

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

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

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

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

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

Tainted Medicines

ATTN. PARENTS!

There is a HUGE medicine recall for the following:

TYLENOL

MOTRIN

BENADRYL

ZYRTEC

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

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

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

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

Crafty Day

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

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

These are a lot of fun to make

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

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

In Conclusion . . .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Susan Shout Out

CONGRATULATIONS SUSAN!!!!!

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

Wordless Tuesday(somewhat)

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

Inside Atrium of Opryland Hotel

So tragic

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

Gaylord House

Outside of Opryland Hotel

Looking towards Opry Mills Shopping Parking Lot

Looking at Opry Mills

Opry Mills

Absolutely hate seeing this

These photos were supplied by a fellow facebooker.

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.