Praise Report

I have an update on my special prayer request patients. They are not out of the woods, but praise God they are making some improvement.

Clint is in a room and improving. A surgeon came in today and reported that his hernia is not healing like he wants it to and it will be addressed further down the road because he is not out of the woods yet. He doesn't feel that he will have problems with his stomach. If everything goes well, he will be transferred to rehab at the end of the week.

Andrew was sent to a brain trauma clinic in Atlanta. Today, he started PT, OT and speech therapy. He opened his eyes more and making grunt noises, which is good. Tonight, his heart rate spiked to 180. It came down to 140s.

Thank you for the prayers. I know their families appreciate it.

God Bless!

Pretend Hospital at WSCC

Here are some photos of Katie's class having a good time at the Nursing Department on the WSCC campus. They participated in the "Pretend Hospital." Each student took their turn to play pretend sick and were treated by a student nurse. They got to learn how to take care of their bodies and prevent from getting sick. Katie showed me the mask she got to wear, while pretending to be in the hospital.

Rock The South Concert

Dierks Bentley, Kellie Pickler and more 

coming to Cullman 

on the one year anniversary from the devastating tornadoes for the biggest concert.  

Below is a news report from Fox 6 regarding the concert. 

Click on the link below to view the news report. 

FOX 6 News report about "Rock The South" concert

Get your tickets!

ROCK THE SOUTH

APRIL 27TH

HERITAGE PARK AND RECREATION

CULLMAN, AL

tickets: $10 per person in advance; $15 per person at the gate. Tickets go on sale beginning March 23rd. Sold online Rock The South Website, Cullman Civic Center, Borden's Pharmacy, or Cabin Fever.

Presenting . . . My New Creation

I had this idea and with hard work and perseverance, here it is.

May I present my Time Treasured Tree. I made this for Leslie's Bridal Shower. It turned out so nice and pretty. The gravel is to keep the vase stable, which if you look closely is actually aquarium gravel for fish tanks. HAHA! Leslie and Chase's wedding colors are Pool, which is very similar to Aquamarine. I had to find something to weigh down the vase and this is what our group came up with. The rhinestone buckle that hugs the pool ribbon, I picked up at Hobby Lobby for $4.99. So pretty! It adds class and separates the gravel from the sparkling tulle nicely. The branches, I purchased from Hobby Lobby on sale for $4.

I cut it all up and spray painted them silver. The photos, I made myself during a photo shoot with Leslie and Chase. They did so good. I cut them in 3" circles. I glued two pictures back to back, punched hole at the top and added a ribbon to hang on the branches. I made enough photos for two trees (9 photos each tree).

The pearl garland was a nice touch, I thought. The garland has pearls cascading down the tree. Leslie had a chance to see the trees last weekend and really liked them. She wants to be able to use them not only at the shower, but also at the wedding reception. Yay!

I've been getting ready for the Bridal Shower. We have one more week and then it's show time! I will be sure to take lots of pictures. You know me. It's been a big month because of the planning for not only a bridal shower, but also my baby boy will turn 3 years old in a couple of weeks. Let's not forget the numerous birthdays this month.

Katie had another field trip yesterday. They had an opportunity to visit the Nursing Department at a college. They created a "Pretend Hospital". I believe it's an introduction to good health and the medical field for the students. Katie said she had a good time. The medical field is absolutely in our family. I mean, I have three nieces and nephew that are RNs. The nephew is back in school studying aesthetics. A niece worked in Medical Records before starting her family. I have a niece that's in school studying to go into Physical Therapy. A nephew was just accepted into medical school in Tennessee. My great, great, great grandmother was a midwife and her father was a physician from Georgia. So yeah, it's in our blood I guess, but our Katiebug assured me that she still wants to go into teaching.

Katie's still surviving school, but she's ready for a break. Thank goodness for Spring Break. Right? I haven't decided what we are going to do for Spring Break. Any suggestions? We are ready for Easter though. Weeks ago, Katie and I bought our Easter dresses and even a cute outfit for Colton. So cute and it matches Katie's dress perfectly. Now, I've got to find new shoes for the kids. Katie is in a difficult size right now. She wears a 12 1/2, but it's so hard to find half sizes in most shoes. I've had to let her walk around in a 13 and Doug reminds me often how they are too big. Whell! I do what I can.

Colton is really changing this time of year. He is getting taller and developing into such a character. Normally, we can only survive going to one place a day. The one place is usually Walmart and then Colton is ready to go home. Tuesday, I thought I would test the waters. I needed to go vote, but wasn't ready to go home and neither was Colton. There were a couple new stores that I wanted to go check out and I'm glad I did. You need to check out my new finds.

Department Store Direct is a neat little store just over the railroad tracks in town. They furnish everything from furniture to men's tools at very low prices. Doug and I were talking about maybe getting a bunk/twin beds in Colton's room for guests. DSD had a nice wooden bunk bed available for $129. What is neat about DSD? They supply items that are online returns that are not damaged. They receive a new truck every week.

Jack and Jill is a quaint little shop filled with antique furniture, glassware, candles and other knick knacks. They had a beautiful Lillian Russell set (queen size bed, dress & chest) for $3400. The craftsmanship in the cherry wood was so pretty. It's too bad that it was a queen size bed and not king. You've got to go check it out. The sales clerk said they get new pieces every week. They also have a warehouse because they can't fit all the furniture and stuff in this little store. I think they are looking for a new location, so they can fit more items in it, which would be great because what I saw, I liked. Jack and Jill is located in the plaza across the street from the Serra Nissan on Hwy 31.

I've had the opportunity to babysit my great nephew, Zayden.  He is such a good baby.  I haven't had the first problem with him.  He is a little chunk.

Colton has shown signs of jealousy, but he is coming around.  He can't understand why Zayden won't sit down and play superheroes with him.  LOL!  He loves it when Zayden laughs and smiles at him when he is making faces and being silly.

Food For Thought: Forgiveness

With Spring in the air, flowers blooming and the earth becomes alive once again. To me, Spring is God's way of starting fresh. All the bad things and sins have died in the Winter months. The snow is a representation of God's grace and forgiveness that covers all the sins in my life. When the snow melts, it's God washing it away and ready to start new at the first signs of Spring. I might be reaching, but it makes sense to me. What a better time than now to look deep inside yourself and make sure you are walking the path God intended for your life. I am not perfect by no means, so I have to keep myself in check all the time. HAHA!

This past weekend, I did some Spring cleaning for soul and I mean DEEP cleaning. You know that grime and spiderwebs in the very back corner of your closet that no one ever sees, so you just close the door and go about your business. Well, I've been there. Except this time, I decided to stop. open that door one more time and ask God to help me wash it clean. My spiderwebs and grime is called Ultimate FORGIVENESS. I may have just invented a new word. What is Ultimate Forgiveness? Forgiveness is forgiveness, Right? That's what I thought until I had a reality check. After listening to our wonderful and very wise Pastor Steve, I thought I was doing good with forgiveness. I forgave my family, friends, and acquaintances for the big and small things. I've grown up thinking that you are to love everyone, but not necessarily like them.

For the past several Sundays, we've been dissecting The Lord's Prayer. It reads as follows:
"Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation." Luke 11:2-4

How many times have we prayed this prayer? I learned and memorized this prayer when I was a little girl. I always thought I completely understood what it meant that is until last weekend. Bro. Steve opened my eyes. He said you know that you still have unforgiveness in your heart if you can't look at a specific person in the eyes without thinking about the bad things that person did or said to you years ago. My excuse about God says I have to love them, but I don't have to like them is no where in the Bible. To like someone is to love them first of all. So how can you love someone without liking them? You can't! Like my daughter would say, "that's no fair." It's true, we are to forgive EVERYONE. I did this very thing. I dug back years and years ago. I found, this group of people that hurt me. I thought I forgave them, but I kept it in the back of my mind. Even though the hurt happened years and years ago, I thought time would heal old wounds. This group of people are friends of my family and my hurt happened years before they became friends of my family members.  The only one that's still hurt and feels awkward is me.  Like Bro. Steve said I'm nice to them, but I can't look at them in the eyes without the old feelings coming back up. These people moved on and I haven't. What's wrong with this picture? It's God working in me and telling me to ultimately forgive them and LET IT GO. Today, I'm happy to say that I am free.

Dig deep and in the past to see if there is anyone that has wronged you and really let it go, so God can continue His relationship with you in your life.  It will be one of the best things that's happened to you.

Ultimately Forgive today!  

Special Prayer Updates

I have a couple of updates and praise reports on my special prayer requests.

Clint: Had a blood transfusion today. His blood pressure and heart rate is good.   A Pulmonary doctor is coming in sometime today, to do an overall consultation and make sure everything is okay.  He is still heavily sedated because he get agitated with all the tubes.  He does have a fever and a doctor has not come by yet to give any updates.

Andrew:  I have a praise report on Andrew.  His surgery went well.  He is doing good.  Last heard, they are weaning him off of the ventilator.  He had a fever, but sounds like that might be under control now.  His color is back.  Now, they are waiting for him to make movements on purpose.

Thank you for your prayers.

God Bless You!

Special Prayer Request

Whatever you are doing right now, please stop and read this prayer request. My friend needs your prayers.

A friend and former boyfriend, Clint, is currently in critical condition and on a ventilator. I'm just going to let you read what his wife wrote about what happened to him.

Clint's stomach went up and completely through a hiatal hernia under his breastbone and attached itself to his chest.  He had an ulcer in his stomach that perforated and left a nickel size hole fluid leaked into his abdomen and chest, so now he has an infection in his chest and abdomen.  They had to surgically remove his stomach and attach it to the side of his abdomen.   He was almost in kidney failure.  He can breath on his own, but is on a ventilator.   He does wake up, but they keep him sedated so he doesn't pull at his tubes.  He is in critical condition, but is headed in the right direction.   He needs a lot of prayers doesn't know when he will be coming off the vent.   He is getting an IV shunt in the shoulder to get him nutrients.  Thank you for your prayers for him.  Clint is very lucky to have so much love and people that care about him I appreciate it too.



It was hard to hear this news today.  Please remember him in your thoughts and prayers.  Thank you!

COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Kelley crucial in UAH’s first-ever berth in NCAA Tourney

In addition to this morning's video interview, below is a link to the community newspaper about Natalie's basketball success this season. YAY NATALIE!!!!

COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Kelley crucial in UAH’s first-ever berth in NCAA Tourney

GO LADY CHARGERS!

I'm so excited for my niece, Natalie. She plays college basketball. Her team barely survived the Gulf Conference Tourneys this past weekend. We had a big group here to watch her play on ESPN 3. Unfortunately, the game ended up being blocked for the whole Southeast. It was a bummer. We did get to listen to it on the radio. The Lady Chargers started out great, but in the end lost 86-72. Natalie was on fire in this game with rebounds, tips, and free shots. She did make all tournament for this game.

Doug forwarded this interview video from WAAY 31. The reporter asked Natalie how she felt learning that they will be playing Delta next Friday. Playing Delta once or twice before, Lady Chargers feel good revisiting this team in Florida.  I can't help it, but when I see Natalie's excitement makes me get all choked up. I'm so proud of her and her accomplishments. She is being flying the first time to her first NCAA Tournament.  Please keep her in your prayers and I just wish her the best next Friday.

GO LADY CHARGERS!!!!

Marvel Heaven

I feel 2012 will be one of Colton's favorite years, with all the Marvel and DC Comic movies coming out.


He is going to LOVE this movie. As you know, he is a BIG enormous Marvel Comics fan.  We have the latest Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, and Ironman movies.  He enjoys watching everyone of these movies, plus.  This new movie with all of them together will rock his little world.  I understand there will be many many more Marvel and DC Comic movies in the next 5 years.  I've seen trailers for Wonder Woman, Justice League and Aquaman.  I also hear that Flash will be coming out as well.  Avengers movie will release May 4th, so who will be joining us in line to see this movie?

Aquaman is scheduled to release 2013

Leap Year

I've been missing in action for the past few days. Lots have been going on. Ball games, gymnastic practice, SCHOOL WORK, date nights, birthday parties and loads of family time.

I hope you had a fantastic Leap Day.  I took it easy today.  Sometimes, you just need a break from the laundry, tot-school work, and every day same old, same old. 

Katie was out of school for Presidents' Day.  I put everything on my schedule aside and made it kids day.  They each had gift cards for Walmart and they have been burning a hole in their pockets, if you know what I mean.  Who would have thought that the first thing in the morning, I would head to Walmart.  I had already done my running around a few days before, so this day was all about the toys, books, movies and games.  The kids had a blast!  When we were in line to check out, our tummies were grumbling.  Off to Chick-fil-a for lunch.  We even ran into Ms. G and her little niece. Everyone and their sister was out and about that Monday.  It was a perfect day to venture outside because of the sunshine and light wind.  Ah, it was a beautiful day! After lunch, we went to the park.  I even let Colton go down the swirly slide.  He LOVED IT!  I'll have to post pictures another day.  The entire time we were there, he was right in his sister's footsteps.  Whatever she did, he did as well.  It was too funny and a little scary when more kids arrived there.  He stayed right with them though, nothing slows him down. 

Saturday, we were on the go all day.  We went to see Jon play ball in Athens, but he didn't go in until the last ending because he was sick at his stomach most of the morning.  After the game, we all split up.  The guys went their way and us girlies went our way.  We met up at Mellow Mushroom for lunch and I was soooo bad.  I had two slices of Specialty pizza.  Bad, bad.  Sue, Kacie and I went to Toys R Us to do a little birthday shopping for Colton.  It's hard to find the Marvel and DC comic characters at Walmart and Target.  Toys R Us had a pretty good selection of his favorite characters.  I think he'll like what we are giving him.  I found a huge Green Lantern airplane with weapons that work and Green Lantern himself that flies the plane.  I also found him a small Hulk to easily carry around with him in his backpack.  Susan got him Hulk hands.  They are kind of like gloves that he can put his hands inside.  I didn't get to read it, so I don't know if they make noises or not.  Someone asked me that question, when I told them.  I know I've gone waaayyy overboard on this party, but it will be awesome.  The little stinker has already found my party supply stash and won't keep his hands out of it.  Back at the store, Susan and I didn't get to shop long because we had to get to Natalie's basketball game by 5PM.  I had only been to Natalie's school gym once, so I wasn't too sure how to get there.  I took it for granted that Doug would be able to give me specific directions.  You know street names, right or left turns.  When I called him, he had no clue how to get us there, eventhough they were already at the gym.  Wha?  Thanks to my Maps App, I was able to get us to the campus, but still no clue where to go.  Calling Maryann, she finally handed her phone over to the security guard and he got us there.  We were maybe a block away from the gym.  We made it to our seats just in time for tip off. LOL!  After all of this, Susan ended up taking my gifts for Colton home with her, on accident.  Ooops! 

Would you believe Doug bought me a new laptop and Adobe Photoshop Elements?  I couldn't believe it when I saw it.  He said I needed it for my photos.  If you don't know, I'm seriously considering taking digital photography classes when Colton goes into preschool.  I had the Institute of Photography of New York send me their packet information.  It sounds like a good deal because it's an online course, plus they will supply you with some equipment and supplies needed to get started in your studio.  I'm going to take this slow because I don't want to go belly up on all the necessary equipment and props before I get my experience.  If you've been keeping up with my blog, photos and FB, you've had a chance to get a glimpse of a few of my photos.  I'm getting opportunities and lots of experience.  I need all the experience I can get.  Trial and error.  For the past few days, I've been spending them reading and studying the online Photoshop Elements Techniques and Tips.  I received 25 tutorial videos and two online issues for free.  I'm learning quite a bit about Adobe Photoshop Elements that I've never known before.  I've always had an Adobe Photoshop Elements (V. 5, 7 & now 10).  I loved playing around with the enhancements and photo effects, but never really get into the core of the program.  Elements offers an online subscription for $55 a year or $99 for two years.  I told Doug when I finished reading and studying the issues that I did get for free, I may have to subscribe for a year.  My objective for going back to school is having the ability to take what I've got (talent) and make it even better.  Learn ways to make my ordinary photos into something of a masterpiece.  My dream is to one day own and run a Portrait Innovations or something similar right here.  I need your prayers that I am doing the right thing. I'm depending on God to lead me where He wants me to go. 

Katie had one of her girlfriends over to spend the night during President's weekend.  Those girls had so much fun with one another.  Giggles, giggles.  They were in one of the bedrooms that is next to ours.  I could hear them girl talking.  So cute.  Then I overheard Katie say, "I have a crush on Garrett."  I was stunned because she hasn't talked about boy crushes all school year.  She seems to be embarrassed to even talk about it.  Of course, I was going over in my head "now, who was Garrett?"  I believe I've met this boy, but I'm having problems placing him in my mind.  The next morning, Doug and I told her that a little birdy told us that she had a crush on Garrett.  First thing, right out of her mouth was "who told you?"  Then, she looked straight at Abby.  We finally told her what happened and she began pouting, she was so embarrassed.  I felt bad for her.  I couldn't believe that she was too embarrassed to come to me and talk about her boy crush. 

Katie is absolutely bored with gymnastics.  I called the office manager a couple of months ago, to see
if they would move Katie up to GymKids.  She said that Katie's coaches are not confident that Katie has mastered the KinderGym steps, in order to move up.  For the past month, she's been begging me to put her back in ballet.  She misses it so much.  She's had fun on the balance beam, but that's pretty much it.  Doug hasn't been pleased with what he sees, when goes to pick her up.  I just don't think gymnastics is her thing.  I pulled her out this week and she was thrilled.  Jumping up for joy as a matter of a fact.  Then, she asked me when she will be going back to ballet.  Ugh!  She didn't realize that it's the end of the year and won't be able to participate in this year's recital.  I told her that if there is not anything, she would like to get involved in next Fall, I'll sign her up.  Smiles all over her face.  Ballet has always been her natural talent.  Meanwhile, I've got her on a waiting list for piano lessons.  It would be great if she could start this Spring/Summer.  It would give me a better feel for next Fall's activities.  I was kind of throwing around the idea of second grade majorette classes, but I think we will wait another year.  She wants to learn how to twirl a baton.  I've tried showing her, but I need a baton that fits my length.  There is a store that pretty much caters to our school needs.  I noticed the other day, they had batons in stock.  We may have to head over there and measure for one.  I could probably show her how to at least get started. 

She made this on Valentine's Day and I hope you can read it. 
"Love is when you help your mom when she is sick.  Love is you.  Love your family.  Love is when like your friend.  Love is loving your daddy." 

I got a kick out of this one.  She wrote this on President's Day.  It reads, "If I were president, I would let everyone to bring toys to school because everyone will be happy."  I don't know about you, but I think she has a good chance of getting the votes for president.  TEHE! 

While Colton and I were in line to pick Katie up from school.  He was telling me that he could see her.  What touched my heart was when he told me "Sissy is my friend."  Precious!  He was so sweet and humbled acting while he said it.  He is such a sweetheart when he wants to be.  Meanwhile, he is sending me through the crazy 3's rollercoaster.  CRAZY!!!  I don't know why they call it the trouble 2s because it's the crazy 3's that make me feel like I'm in the middle of an episode of "The Twilight Zone."  {Doo-do, doo-do}

I have a quick update on Andrew.  The doctors have taken him off sedation.  His mother got to kiss him on the cheek. As they began to pinch, trying to get some sign of him coming out of his coma and his fingers twitched.  The doctors said this is the beginning of a very long road to recovery.  We need to pray God will continue to heal his body and brain.  The pressure is staying normal.  Thank you. 

Quick Update on Andrew

Thank you for all the prayers. Andrew is still in critical condition, but there is some improvement.

The pressure on his brain is low, running 9 now. Normal is 8. There is no bleeding in the brain area. The current prayer is that the circuity in the brain will begin to heal. He is still in sedation. They tried taking it off this morning, but it was too soon for him. Bo and Holly are so appreciative for all your thoughts and prayers.

Pray for Andrew

UPDATED (2): Family ‘hopeful’ CHS athlete injured in early-morning crash will recover

Andrew needs your prayers.  He was in a one car accident early yesterday morning, on his way to school.  His mom, Holly, has been keeping their church updated from the hospital.  Early this morning, the CAT scan showed small bruising on his brain.  There is swelling, but no meds are needed right now.  He is sedated in critical condition.  Above is the article released yesterday in the newspaper. 

I had the opportunity to worked with Holly several years.  I remember little Andrew coming to the office.  Such a cutie.  Doug and I attend Holly and her husband's wedding.  I adored working with Holly, such a sweetheart.  When I heard the news about this once little boy that roamed the hallways at the office was in a terrible auto accident, my heart sunk.  For one, it's hard to imagine a 7-8 year old boy being old enough to drive; much less, in critical condition from a accident.   Their church family came together last night in a special prayer vidgual.  As soon as I got home this morning, I've stayed close to the computer, waiting for updates. 

Thank you.

New Lifestyle

I'm about 4 weeks into my new healthy lifestyle. It's going pretty good I have to say. Currently, I've lost 10 lbs. and 4 inches. I'm tickled! I realize things will slow down some from here on out, but let's hope not. My goal is to lose 20 lbs. and 6 inches total. From there, I'll decided my new goal.

What I've been doing different to get such good results? I've changed from always drinking Coke Zero to seldom drinking it. I might have 1 Coke Zero every other day. I keep a 16 oz. tervis cup filled with water by my side at all times. I've replaced our red meats (ground beef, roast beef and steak) with Turkey, Chicken, and Fish. We only eat steak on special occasion like Valentine's Day. Of course, I trim the fatty parts. Have you ever tried Turkey bacon? I like to cook mine until it's crispy. It's real good on lettuce, tomato and whole grain bread. The first time Doug ate a ground turkey meal, I never told him what he was eating. He liked it. He was impressed when I finally told him what he was eating. Last week, we tried Turkey Tenderloin on the grill. It was pretty good. I'm still trying new recipes and I'm tweaking the old standbys, to make it more healthy eating. We eat lots of fruit, including loads of grapefruit, and veggies. This weekend, I plan to make turkey pot pies. We are basically watching our sugar, carb intake as well as calories and saturated fats.

A couple of weeks ago, Doug jumped on board the new healthy living. He has had wonderful results and he has more will power than I do. Currently, he has lost approximately 15 lbs. He is looking great! All I can narrow down is that he lives off of grapefruits and grapefruit juice. LOL! Me, I'd be starving.

I found a 10 minute kickboxing program through Netflix, but this past week my Netflix has been on the fritz. It's aggravating! In the middle of my workout and the video freezes. UGH!!! I'll show my Netflix. I bought a Salsa workout DVD for $10 at Walmart. I'm going to learn to do the Merengue, Cha-Cha and Samba. Wish me luck! LOL!

Colton Story
Colton has a new saying: "Now, that's what I'm talking about!"  When we head out the door and I grab his jacket for him to put on, he likes to say it.  When I give him one of his favorite foods or drink, he says it.  It's too funny and Katie laughes just about every time he says it.  Another saying, he got from a Superman cartoon.  "I've had enough of this."  He makes the face and everything.  Such a character!

Katie Update
We are so proud of our little girl.  She's doing great in school.  Ms. G has moved her up to level J reading.  I video taped her reading one of her books.  I'll try to upload it as soon as I can.  She gets stuck on a word every now and then.  Her reading comprehension is getting better, she just needs to learn to slow down and pay attention.  In math, she is learning to add doubles, practice placement values.  One day this week, I went over multiplying by 2s, 5s and 10s with her.  At first she looked at me crazy, then she finally got it.  They are so close to learning to multiply.  She is still learning fractions and telling time (half past).   

Happy Valentine's Day

Never lie, steal, cheat or drink

But if you must lie,

lie in the arms of the one you love.

if you must steal,

steal away from bad company.

if you cheat,

cheat death.

and if you must drink,

drink in the moments that take your breath away.

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,

but the places and moments that take our breath away"

~ Anonymous

I hate to say this, but the first time I heard this saying was while watching the movie "Hitch."  I consider myself a romantic at heart.  I fell in love with this quote and it is so true.  Embrace every moment you have with one another because you never know what tomorrow holds. 

I dedicate this post to the man, God put in my path.  The man that caught my eye for the first time and still has my eyes set on him.  He is truly my life partner, my rock wall, my soft shoulder to cry on, and motivator.  I love him yesterday, today and always! 

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

I LOVE YOU MY HUNNY BUNNY!

Happy Valentine's Weekend!

As you can see, Katie made it to her school Valentine's party. She was so excited this morning.  Like she said, today was her day.  Her daddy took her to school and momma came to her party with treats to pass out to all of her friends.  I love her class this year.  Everyone are friends, students, teacher and parents.  We just have an awesome class! 

Later, we met mom and dad at their house and went to the Rehab Center.  A place my mom spent a great deal of time when she was so sick.  Sometimes the elderly are forgotten and they need our love as well.   What better way to show God's love than to go and say hello to them.  We didn't get to spend a great deal of time in each room because they have a little over 200 residents.  Mom, Katie and I made each resident a little valentine with a scripture on one side and decorated the other.  I know, having a mom in a Nursing Home/Rehab Clinic, they get lonely and appreciate you remembering them.  My mom was so lonesome when all of us went home.  She looked forward to the next day that we would come to visit, it keeps them going.  We ran into several family members there, visiting their loved ones.  They told us how much they appreciated us coming by and it gave us an opportunity to tell mom's story.  Just to let them know, "hey I know what you are going through and we are thinking of you."  I was just as blessed as they probably were today.  Katie was our little mail lady, delivering cards to each person that I saw wasn't a risk.  She was our little mascot.  Her just going into the rooms with valentines created lots of smiling faces.  It just brightened their day.  I told mom that it's good for Katie to volunteer and experience kinds and love this way.  I think she understands and I'm hope teaching her humility and humbled.  Honestly, I think it did mom good too.  She got to see her therapist.  Her therapist was so happy to see her.  She said that she needed to see mom, to remind her why she chose this field of work.  She just had a frustrating day.  Of course, they both began crying.  It got me choked up as well.  Mom got hugs from a lot of nurses and residents that she made friendships with during her time there.  I think it did everyone good to have this reunion.  We visited each and every resident in the clinic.  I was so pleased that mom made it!  She got a work out and she may not get out of her chair tomorrow.  HAHA!  I'm so glad we got to do this.  It  made my heart joyful.  One scripture we wrote on some of the cards - "A happy heart makes the face cheerful."  Proverbs 15:13.  I love this verse and it really applied to my life today.

We haven't decided if we are going to celebrate Valentine's Day this weekend or if are going to wait until Tuesday.  While we are deciding, I would like to wish you a very . . .

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!    

A Glimpse of Spring

It's February and the flowers are in bloom. I took these photos today. 

We haven't had much of a Winter, but seeing flowers in bloom and the fairly warm temps, gets me in the mood for Spring.

Valentine Butterflies

Our project this year, to make 20 Valentine Butterflies to pass out to everyone in Katie's class during their Valentine party.  Each one has their own personality.  I think they turned out adorable. I got the idea from  Skip to My Lou.  You can get the template from the website.  I just printed them out on 8x10 scrapbook paper.  I had Katie decorate them.  I am in love with Glitter Markers.  It's the coolest thing ever.  We added antennas and eyes, it really gives them personality.  We had so much fun creating these.  I think the kids will like them.    

Katie came down sick yesterday, a 24 hour bug.  She's doing great now and so excited about her Valentine party tomorrow.  She loves the whole Valentine holiday.  I think it's because she loves hearts, the colors pink and red and fairytales.  I found the cutest thing for Katie's Valentine gift.  She is going to flip out.  She collects Lalaloopsy dolls.  Well, I found a mini-lalaloopsy set that is "Alice and Wonderland."  There are two dolls, Madhatter and Alice.  It also includes little accessories like the Cheshire Cat and teapot.  Soooo precious!  I can't wait for her to see it. 

Colton kind of found his gift and because mom and I were so involved in our project for the past couple of days, I let him go ahead and play with it.  It's a big plush Woody from "Toy Story."  To show you what a push over I am, he also got to play with one of his birthday presents.  Whell!  He knew that I put it in my bedroom.  He kept aggravating us about it.  It started out him just carrying around his Thor action figure still in the box.  All we heard for the next hour, "I AM THOR!  ANYONE WHO POSSES THE POWER OF THOR!"  (Blah Blah Blah)  Next thing you know, he was trying his best to crack it open.  Like any mother that buys toys well in advance of a child's birthday that he was with me when I bought it, I opened the stupid box and let the child play with his birthday present.  A month before his birthday.   Hey, we got our project done in two days because of it. 

Super Bowl Sunday - Giants Win!

Congratulations New York Giants

I'm all about the commercials and halftime performance, which in this day and time you have to watch out for the halftime.  You never know if someone if going have a malfunction, especially with kids in the room.  Yikes!  Madonna's performance was good, but we could have gone without the birdie flying towards the end.  Ugh!  Thank goodness my children were too bored listening to 80s & 90s music.  I have to say I was a little surprised that Katie knew one of Madonna's newest song.  She must have heard it on the radio. 

My top three favorite Super Bowl commericals this year.


I love any commercial with Betty White in it. She is so funny to me.


The animal commercials were cute.



What was your favorite Super Bowl commercial this year? 

Happy 75th Birthday Mom!

Last night, the family came together in honor of our mom's 75th birthday.

She looks fabulous! 

We are so blessed to still have her around. 

She told me that she doesn't feel 75, but much much younger. 

 She never in her wildest dreams ever thought that she would make it to 75, but so happy she did. 

We had our celebration at Chamblee's Restaurant.  They were great to work with, very attentive and made the night special.  I was so glad that most everyone got to attend, a total 25 people showed.

"Happy Birthday Mom"

I look a lot like my mom.  Don't I?

Opening up presents

Pretty African Violet and card Sandy and Wade gave mom.

Sandy, mom told that you hit the nail on the head.  She has been really wanting another violet. 

She absolutely loves it!  Thank you!

My mom's favorite flower/plant

The roses represent mom's children - 5 pink roses are her 5 baby girls; 1 white rose is dad and the other flowers are all of her grandbabies and great grandbabies. Look what she created = 5 girls, 5 boys (in-laws), 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandbabies.  

BUGZ Musical

Last night, Katie was in the school musical "Bugz." The production included all first graders, approximately 200 students, from our school. The little kids got a kick getting to go to the high school for rehearsals. The musical was taken place at the high school auditorium. Each class represented a different species of insects. Katie's class were the Monarch Butterflies. They did such a great job! You talk about a packed house. I didn't invite our whole family because I knew that there would not be enough room for everyone. Instead, I invited the grandparents.

My little Monarch Butterfly

She is singing with all her might

We were so proud of our little bug.  This was the first school performance.  After last night's production, I hope the board decides to continue to have some kind of school performance every year.

Doesn't he look laid back and ready for the day?  I got tickled at him this morning.  He came down the hallway, straight to the couch, asked for his mek (milk) and nana.  He crossed leg, drinking his cup of Joe in one hand and eatin' his nana with the other.  HAHA!  My funny man.