Bama Groom's Cake

A friend of mine, Allison, wrote on her Facebook that we had to check out some photos from a baby shower, she helped host. She just didn't know she would help my soon to be nephew-in-law on designing his future groom's cake. LOL!

Chase, NIL, is a HUGE Bama fan, which is a great thing because he will be joining a HUGE Bama fan family. HA HA! He received the University of Alabama blanket I made for Christmas. He's eyes just light up when it comes to Bama football.

Whell, as I was looking at these "Dr. Seuss" themed baby shower photos, I was interested in reading this blogger. She took some excellent pictures of her little girl during the snow storms and birthday parties. And there it was . . . an Alabama Groom's Cake in all it's glory. Immediately, I thought of Chase. He would love this cake at his wedding. So like any other good future aunt, I copied it and posted it on Facebook for him to see it. It is so pretty to be a man's cake. Then, I thought why stop at Facebook. I must share this idea with my blog buddies. I think it is a great idea for that Bama fan's wedding.

Chase's mom, Kellie, saw the picture on FB. She wrote me back, saying that her and Chase loved the cake. She seems to think Leslie will like it as well. I'm so glad I found it. I like to think, it made his day. LOL!

Colton's Birthday

Well, this is the big week.  Things are slowly coming together.  I'm so glad his gift came in Friday.  Shew!  I know there was a chance it wouldn't come in until the day before his big day.  God is watching over me every day, I just slip up and get nervous.  There's no reason to get nervous.  I have to keep telling myself. 

I have a picture picked out to drop off at The Times, newspaper, for his birthday announcement.  I have my list of last minute things that I need to get from Wally World. 

I plan on taking Colton to Portrait Innovations after Easter.  I felt it would be best because of everything going on.  As I was trying to remember all the things we did for Katie's first birthday, I remembered I wanted to take a small cake and have pictures made with him eating it (playing with it).  It hit me like a ton of bricks, the diaper cover.  Ugh!  I borrowed the "1st birthday" diaper cover for Katie's birthday pictures, so I don't have one for Colton.  New list - Call Monograms Plus to see if they can get one monogramed for me. 

Normally, I use the PI in Hoover because I didn't really know where the one in Hsv was located.  I'm pretty happy with the studio in Hoover, so I may stick with them.  Today, we took a joy ride to the one in Jones Farm and it was a very nice area.  You have to really know where you're going in order to get there, but hey what's a Garmin for?  Right?  It kills me when I make a different turn then what it suggests and it starts talking "re-calculating." 

Be watching for Colton's first 12 months this week on the blog. 

Colton's 1st Photo Shot.  They were still checking him out.  He weighed 8 lbs. 15 oz. and 20 inches long.

Family members were waiting patiently for Colton's arrival

I was sick the whole time after surgery.  Don't you just love husbands with cameras?

Here he is!  Born on March 27, 2009

Look at those fat cheeks!

He got to meet his Big Sissy for the 1st time.  She loved him from the first moment.  She kept going on and on about his cute little toes, fingers and nose.  She has been a great sister to him.  He loves her so much!  In fact, today she was talking to Colton in the back seat this afternoon.  I heard her tell him that he was her best friend and she loved him so much.  My biggest prayer is that God will allow them to continue to be the best of friends for the rest of their lives. 

Chuck Goodbye Pictures

Man of the Hour

Keith being silly, kissing Chuck's bald head

Roger hugging him goodbye

Nice looking couple

The Gang's All Here!

Sporting his Bama shirt

According to Keith, this is supposed to help Chuck grow hair. 

Steve and his lovely wife

Doug & Chuck's boss

Chris, Maryann, Max & his wife

My former leader and her husband, Bob 

Keith and his wife seem like fun couple to be with

Bye Chuck!

Bye Chuck!
Last night, Doug and I went to a "Goodbye Dinner" for our new/old friend, Chuck.  Doug's worked with him through another location for a few years.  When Chuck finally transferred here, Doug and he became quick friends.  He soon became one of my new friends as well.  He is so easy to like, sweet and humble.  We knew it wasn't going to last forever because it was time for Chuck to go back home.  {sniff}  So what better way to say "Goodbye" than a great get together at one of the world's best Chinese restaurant, P.F. Chang's.  Yum!  My mouth waters just saying the name . . . P.  F.  Ch  an  g's. Okay, so we made reservations there for 20 people to show up.  One of the people was my old boss, Michelle.  It was so good to see her.  She is such a sweetheart and we couldn't say enough to each other about how much we missed each other.  She is really great!  I was so disappointed, I couldn't see my other old friend, Diane.  It's been too long, about a year, since I saw her last.  Later, Doug found out that she was sick.  Poor thing!  I hope she'll get plenty of rest this weekend.  Doug's co-workers that I had the priviledge to sit next to were very nice people.  One is currently with the Air Force and the other was retired from the military.  Those two men had very interesting stories to tell.  I learned a lot.  The current USAF wife is a preschool teacher, which gave me pointers about 5 year old little girls that are boy crazy.  I asked her what the deal was with preschoolers and boys.  She told me it was the girls' older sisters telling them things about boyfriends.  Uh Hah!  So that's why Katie's been coming home saying she needs a boyfriend.  The retired US military wife has an older daughter, approximately 9 years old.  She was there, playing her Nintendo DSi at the table.  One of her games was "Barbie."  So, she gave me lots of advise about what she loves about Leapster 2 and likes about Nintendo DSI.  I think she sold me on the Leapster 2.  If you don't know, Doug and I have been talking about getting Katie a Leapster 2 for her 5th birthday.  My main concern about it is "would she really get any educational value out of it?"  "Will she be interested in it long enough to really get anything out of it?"  I still want to talk with Mrs. Katie about it before we make the final decision.  Now our Katie has told me how much she would love to have one.  Everytime we are in either Target or Walmart, she goes straight to the Leapster 2 game display.  Do you have experience with the Leapster 2?  What advice would you give me today about it because I would be very interested? 

We took lots of pictures of the dinner, but I don't have them downloaded yet.  I know, I'm such a looser right now.  I promise, I will post them as soon as I have them available. 

I know Chuck is one of my biggest followers on the blog.  He might be my number one fan (LOL) because he tells a lot of people (that I know from work) to read my blog.  Chuck, I hope you will still find time to check in every once in awhile and leave me a comment.  LOL! 

Seriously, you will be missed and we wish you all the luck in the world on your new ventures.  Doug will be expecting his daily calls from you {tehe}.  You know, to talk shop.  Between your schooling and personal life, you have to come back and visit us.  We will try to come and visit you some time. 

Spring Pictures
I didn't want to post without saying a big "THANK YOU" to my Blog family for all the sweet comments you left me either on my blog comment section or Facebook profile.  You are too much!  I know I was complaining about not having very many good pictures, but hey at least I got 3 or 4 good ones.  Right?  I think most moms understand the frustrations, life brings you.  Add a little bit of perfectionist to that and you'll have . . . ME!  Just one of my many many faults. 

Hide 'Em & Find 'Em Eggs Update
Oh, I wanted to update you on my search for the Hide 'Em & Find 'Em eggs.  I FOUND THEM!  First, I want to THANK all of you out diligently looking for these eggs for me.  I appreciate your effort very much!  Peggy called me Thursday and told me how she found them at "Rite Aid" pharmacy.  They had 5 left and she got every one of them.  She mentioned they were regularly $7, but were on sale for 20% off (I believe).  I was tickled pink! Well, as soon as we left P.F. Chang's Restaurant Friday night, we headed over to "Target" because I promised some little girl (Katiebug) that I would get her a surprise if she was good for her babysitter.  As I was looking up and down the Easter aisles, there they were in all their glory.  HIDE 'EM & FIND 'EM EGGS * 4 to a pack * $14.99.  I thought this was a great deal, once you did the math.  This pack would be much less than the individual eggs Peggy bought at "Rite Aid."  I felt that I had to buy them at this low price.  I even tried them out in the car on the way home, to make sure they worked properly.  LOL!  They seem to be of high quality or well made products as well.  They are bigger than I expected, but I had hoped they would have been a good size due to the price, I would have to pay.  Katie and Colton love them!  When the egg starts talking, Colton thinks it's funny that he giggles while holding the egg.  After coming in the house for the day, Katie and I played a couple of "Hide & Seek" games with the eggs.  She had a blast!  Saying this, I must say that I feel I should give her some training on the seeking part.  She thinks the seeking is you telling her where the eggs might be.  I gave her clues, but she couldn't following them very well.

Working Outside
We took advantage again of the beautiful Spring like weather.  We went to Lowe's and bought some top soil to fill in some sink holes and grass seed.  We are so hoping to be growing grass in a lot of the bare spots of our lawn.  Ugh! 

While Doug was doing his project, I decided to go ahead and tear down an old cement edger that I had around our Bradford Pear tree.  The tree is nearly 15 years old and I've had this edger around it since we planted the tree.  One of the edgers got old and broke in two.  I simply threw the broken one away and placed two of the three remaining in a different spot for a small flowerbed in the back yard.  I dug up the variegated monkey grass, I had planted around the Bradford.  I took the better half and planted it in my new bed in the back yard and threw away the other.  I don't remember where I got the other from, but I never liked how it looked around the Bradford.  Katie had a ball, playing gardener with mom.  I wished you could have seen her.  She had on her garden gloves, her small shovel and trawl and supporting her knees with her "Dora the Explorer" kneeling pad.  I even had her head wrapped up in a scarf, to keep her from getting an ear ache.  It was a sight! 

There are so many special events going on right now.  You need to mark your calendar and come visit Alabama. 

Upcoming Area Events
Disney Live! Mickey's Rockin' Road Show - March 27 & 28 @ BJCC
It's seems that everytime Disney comes to Alabama, something comes up and we're not able to take Katie.  I know she would love it, but it just hasn't been in the cards for us yet.  They usually come again in the Fall time too.  So cross your fingers and say a little prayer.  Maybe the next time, she might be able to go.  She actually saw this on TV, but I had to break the news about Colton's birthday party.  Yeah, we probably could be on Sunday.  The only thing about that is it's on a school night and after a big party day.  I think it would be too much for everyone. 

BCT Presents: The Wizard of Oz April 24th @ BJCC
I saw the advertisement for the boardway production and I think Katie might be too young.  She still loves the movie, but it's different when live human beings are in front of you.  I'm afraid it would be a little scary for her.  Besides, I would like to see her survive a ballet production first before we move on to a boardway production.  Shoot!  The closest thing for me seeing a boardway production is "Looney's Tavern."  I don't know if they still put on plays there or not.  LOL!

Bunny Bonanza - April 3rd @ Huntsville Botanical Gardens Sponsored by Huntsville Hospital for Women and Children
There will be refreshments, thousands of eggs to hunt and games for the kids. I believe the fee is regular garden admission, plus $5 for the bonanza ticket. The only time I go to the HBG is during "The Galaxy of Lights" event, so I don't know how much they charge for regular admission. Actually, I can't believe they charge a fee because Birmingham's Botancial Garden is just as beautiful and it's FREE. I always go there and they live off of donations.

Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville presents "Star Wars Exhibit" for Summer of 2010
Exhibit will open June 25, 2010. For tickets, you can find there HERE.

Peter Cottontail Express at the North Alabama Railroad Museum is on March 27th
CLICK HERE for all scheduled events. CLICK HERE for the 2010 price pages. I've been wanting to take Katie to the Peter Cottontail Express for a couple of years now. Again, we're not going to be able to go because tah dah it's on Colton's birthday.  Oh well.  Maybe next year. 

Easter Craft
Every once in awhile, I check out my favorite Arts & Craft Magazines.  I thought I would share some of the really cute ones to you.  Ones that I think would be a lot of fun to make.  These 2 fun crafts were provided by Martha Stewart. 

Envelope Bunnies

One great way to say happy Easter is with paper-envelope rabbits -- bearing treats, of course.

1. Seal the flap of an envelope, and draw bunny ears on the sealed side, as shown below. You can draw your own or use our bunny ear template.
2. Cut along the line through both layers of the envelope.
3. Flip the envelope over; what was the side of the envelope becomes the bottom of your treat holder.
4. Cut pink construction paper to make eyes and insides of ears, and glue them on the front of the envelope. Use colored pencil for mouth; glue on a pom-pom nose. Fill with yummy Easter sweets.

Doily Baskets

Tools and Materials

Stitched (not paper) doily
Bowl in the shape of the basket you would like to make
Fabric stiffener

Doily Basket How-To
1. Soak doily in bowl of fabric stiffener until saturated.

2. Remove doily from stiffener and place over bowl (or along inside of bowl) to form a basket shape.

3. Allow to dry. Carefully peel dried basket from bowl.

Resources
To purchase API's Crafter's Pick Fabric Stiffener (water-based), visit crafterspick.com.
From The Martha Stewart Show, March 2008

I thought these doily baskets were so adorable.  I saw the show and it looked so EASY!  Now for those of you that are faithful Martha Stewart Want -To-Be's, like me, know that not all of her test runs are EASY.  I may not be able to try this tomorrow or in time for Easter, but I will be making me one.  They are just too pretty and I think they would make great gifts.  At one time, I was a BIG doily fanatic!  Finally, I put my love for doilies away.  {sniff, sniff}  But this would be a great excuse to get them back out and use them.  {yay!}

I Got A Blog Award! Everybody Stand Up and Cheer

Thank you to Jenn

for the award!

Rules for Receiving This Award:
1. Post where you want to be in 10 years

2. Pass it on to 10 of your BF (blog friends)

**leave a comment letting them know**

Whell, I really don't like to plan that far ahead.  Unfortunately, in order to receive this wonderful award I'll have to give it a shot.  Lord willingly, I will have spiritually matured a little more than I am now.  I will be of middle age at this point, so let's hope I'm still mentally and physically healthy and sane.  {laughing}.  I will be living with a senior citizen, so be praying for me.  I'll not only have a child in middle school at home, but tah dah a teenager!  UGH!  Yes, Colton will be 10 years old and Katie will be ready to get her driver's permit.  THIS IS SCARY!  Lord willingly, I'll have a job just so I can get some adult time and a break.  LOL!  I envision myself busy with school, sports and probably ballet.  That is unless Katie gets so tired of ballet.  I'll be the basic soccer mom with the party van, running around like a chicken with it's head cut off.  Katie will be following me all over the place, begging to drive me some where just so she could get some practice.  Colton will be warning me the day before his big science experiment is due that he needs certain supplies for the project.  Kids will be in and out of the house like a hotel and the fridge will be completely empty because Colt and the gang was a little hungry after baseball practice.  You know what?  I CAN'T WAIT!  I just hope I can remember every single detail and be able to continue to blog about it.  I consider my blog much more than just writing down my thoughts for a bunch of strangers to read.  This is a journal of my journey in this wonderful life I've lived.  These are stories to leave my children.   

I'd like to award the following people with this prestigious award:

• Laura
• Liz
• Allison
• Sarah
• Cary Hairbows

I really don't have that many blog friends and family, so I'm just going to send this to my 5 closest blog buddies. LUV YOU!

Spring Pictures

It was a beautiful Spring day, so I took advantage and took a few pictures. We didn't stay outside long. For one thing Colton's still getting over being sick and secondly the sun doesn't stay out very long these days.

I'm so glad I don't do this for a living because I don't think I'd be in business very long. Thank goodness for digital camera. Right? By the time I finally gave it up for the day, I had to take a moment and chill. Colton was getting very sleepy and Katie wanted to whine. Ugh! This is why I take them to someone to get professional photos taken. These were the best out of the batch.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Top O'Mornin' To Ya! {Southern Irish way of saying "Good Morning!"}

I have to apologize today because I won't have my usual picture day with all the St. Patrick's Day stuff like in the past. My family is still recuperating from this past weekend's sickness. Hopefully, I'll be able to make it up to you in the next celebrated holiday.

I'm telling you what, I feel like I'm about a month behind on all that's heading my way in the next couple of weeks. I just don't feel ready for Colton's birthday party. There are just some things that I haven't been able to knock out. I wanted to put Colton's picture in the local paper for his 1st birthday, but either weather has spoiled my plans or viruses. Ugh. I know it will all come together by the end of the month. Millard and Peggy did allow me to go to Walmart yesterday. Yay! While I was there, I went ahead and got my Easter shopping done. I asked one of the sales associates there if they will be selling the "Hide 'em & Find 'em Eggs." She told me that not all Walmart stores will be selling this item. Ugh! I'd really like to get some for Colton & Katie. If your Walmart has this product, I'd very interested in purchasing them. You might remember me writing about the eggs HERE the other day.  The website also said that Rite Aid is supposed to be carrying them as well.  I'll have to check there next.  Please leave me a comment, if you can easily get your hands on them. 

Happy St. Patrick's Day To Ya! 
I actually have Irish blood in me.  My grandmother's maiden name was "Powers."  The Powers family geneology traces back to Ireland.  My dad likes to aggravate my mother about being Irish.  When she is in one of her stubborn moods, he'll tell her it's the Powers coming out of her.  LOL! It's a family funny because now dad has my brother-in-laws saying it about my sisters.  Doug has yet to make the "Powers" reference to me. 

Irish Song

I'm looking over a four leaf clover
That I overlooked before
One leaf is sunshine, the second is rain,
Third is the roses that grow in the lane.
No need explaining the one remaining
Is somebody I adore.
I'm looking over a four leaf clover
That I overlooked before.

May the Luck of the Irish be with you!

Thanks Y'all!

I want to thank you for all the well wishes. I think, we are on the mend. Poor Colton is still very weak, but is hydrated. I'm just going to push the liquid to him today. Last night, he got his first taste of Campbell's Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup. Oh, he loves it with lots of soda crackers. He ate quite a bit and luckily kept it down. He did eat his cereal bar this morning, but was ready to go back to bed as soon as he ate.

Millard and Peggy are coming over today to help out. We are out of everything, so I'm going to step out for a couple of hours and get our necessary items. I think Peggy's going to take Katie to ballet today. I'm just so glad that Katie show no signs of the virus. Shew! I really hope it passed over her.

Sarah - I hate to hear that you've been sick. Poor thing! I don't like being sick when I have so much to do, so I can't imagine what you might be going through trying to get the house ready to sale. I hope you get to feeling better very soon. Thank you for the sweet comment on my new special Easter header. Normally, I have the kids' pictures up on the header. Unfortunately, I've had a difficult time getting the kids well enough on a beautiful day to take Spring pictures. I'm hoping to have better success next week. Give Lilly and Allan our love.

"New Moon" Movie
Sarah, I hope you were able to find the movie last night, while you were mending. I'm saying that because it's not supposed to come out until the 20th of March. I had the opportunity to watch it because the movie place that we go to sometimes has a tendency to get their new releases a little early. I'm not mentioning any names because I don't know if it will get them in trouble. Katie even got to watch "The Princess and The Frog" this past weekend as well. The movie wasn't supposed to come out on DVD until today.

Hey, I don't know why I've never thought of sharing a special site that Doug likes to go to and get Disney coupons.  Normally, they send out coupons on new release movies.  Right now, they have $10 off the "The Princess and The Frog" and "Old Dogs" movies.  Please take advantage while you can. CLICK HERE in order to take you directly to the Disney Savings website. From there, you can print out the coupons from your own printer.

Speaking of "Old Dogs,"  you've got to rent this movie.  Doug and I laughed and laughed.  It stars John Travolta and Robin Williams and is a great family movie.  It's a must see movie! 

Quarantine

. . . and no I'm not talking about the movie "Quarantine," which is an awful movie by the way. I'm talking about Colton and myself being quarantined from the rest of the family during the weekend. No matter how hard you try to keep everything Cloroxed and sprayed, some how virus germs always find their way in your household. Yuck! Colton, first started showing the signs, but I was confused. I didn't know if it was his premolars coming through or if it was a virus. All I could do was treat the symptoms. Surprise, surprise! Who should get sick next? Why yes, it's me! I haven't been this sick in a few years. Ugh! I absolutely hate being sick. Luckily, it seems to be a 24 hour germ. Poor Colton seems to be a little better, but he is having a hard time getting his appetite back.

My sweet adorable husband and daughter have been taking care of us, while we've been recuperating. Doug has been cleaning up messes and Katie is great at making sure that we are eating. She's brought me 3 courses of plastic play food yesterday and 2 courses today. She told me, I had to eat so I could keep up my strength. She even came into my room at one point with her doctor kits, checking my vitals.  She'd make a wonderful nurse some day. Doug gave me the best dose of medicine. He went to our local movie place and they had "New Moon" out for rent. Yay! Oh, it was so good. I enjoyed it so much that I watched it again this morning before Doug took it back. The second time around, Doug watched it with me. Of course, came all the questions and sarcasm because he hasn't seen the first movie. HA HA!

I could tell by this evening, he was tired of being Mr. Mom. He was fussying with Katie, while she was helping him put the sheets back on the bed. For some reason, he didn't find her jumping on the bed too funny. Soon his "let me help you darling" was replaced with "here goob." LOL! When I confronted him about it, {laughing} he said "I don't know what you're talking about."  Like me, he is a terrible liar.  I'm not mad, in fact I think he's done an excellent job taking care of Colton and myself.  I guess he deserves getting tired of the job description.

Beach
We received the beach dress today.  Katie tried it on as soon as I could get it out of the envelope.  Soo cute!  I should be receiving my order from Macy's soon.  I ordered a couple of shirts that were on sale. 

For the past few days, our meteorologist shows glimpses of the gulf during the forecast.  Tonight, I brought it to Katie's attention.  She got so excited.  "Mom I want to go to the beach."  In the same breathe, she asked me if she could wear her hair in pig tails while we're there.  She loves wearing her hair in "big" pig tails.  Most of the time, I put her hair up in small pig tails at the top of her head, especially during the Winter months.  She likes them, but not as much as big pig tails.

YooHoo

Have you seen these? I received my "Learning Express Shop" Spring catalog yesterday and these "Hide 'Em & Find 'Em Eggs" were advertised inside as a great child's gift for Easter. The kicker was they wanted $4.99 for 1 egg. Instantly it caught my attention because why would you want to pay $4.99 for an egg. Apparently, you turn the egg(s) on while hiding them for your children. While the kids are hunting for them, the eggs make noises like "I'm over here" or something similar. Once the child finds the egg, they open it up to find a cute bunny or chick inside. You can use these eggs over and over again.  What's great is if the egg is left on for so long, it will shut off automatically. Well, I did a little digging on the Wonderful Wide World of the Internet and come to find out, Walmart is supposed to be stocking these little treasures. I didn't notice them at Walmart, but then again I wasn't really looking for them either. They are also supposed to be at Rite Aid and Target (I believe). If you've got to have some and can't find them at these places, I also discovered them through "ABC Distributing" at $7.95 for a set of 2. I'd like to get a couple, depending on the price for the children for Easter. Do you have these cute little noise makers? Are they worth the money?

Now comes the reason for today's title.  These cute little furry creatures are called "YooHoos" and no I'm not mistaken them for the famous chocolate drink "Yoohoo" that I love so dearly. I was introduced to these cuddly chatter boxes from none other than "Learning Express." Yep, I've been learning lots from this little toy store. I think these YooHoos are adorable! Each one makes different sounds (giggle, chatter, or magical sounds) once you squeeze their tummies. I don't remember which one does which sound, so please don't ask.

I found out the name of the company responsible for these little darlings, "Aurora." Apparently, they are quite the hot collectible item with children. You can get them small 5" or large 8", with sound or without. I found an eBay store that sells these creatures new with tags at "Buy It Now" prices and FREE SHIPPING, which is still cheaper than you would buy them from "Aurora." All I can figure out is he/she must be buying them in bulk at a wholesale price, in order to make a profit.

The seller from eBay currently is selling the large YooHoos with sound for $15.95. I would prefer to get a small one for Katie. "Aurora" sells the small YooHoos for $7.00 each and domestic shipping is $3.99. According to the website, the company is based out of California. The YooHoos shown above with the red hearts on their chest, their sound is smooching. Cute! Do you own a YooHoo? If you own one, where did you purchase yours? What would you recommend? I think Katie would love them, especially the pink sugar glider squirrel because it's pink and gray. So cute!

Movies In Review
I have to apologize for not giving you any new movie rental review lately.  Oh my gosh the movies Doug has brought home for me to watch.  It's something else. 

Serious Moonlight with Meg Ryan and Timothy Hutton is so not worth the rental fee.  This has got to be one of the worst Meg Ryan movies I've every seen.  It absolutely pains me to say that because I think Meg is a great actress, but the whole movie was taken in the bathroom with Timothy Hutton's butt duc-taped to the toilet.  Sure, that part was a little funny.  I will give them that, but I hope they didn't spend a whole lot of money on this film because it TANKED.

Law Abiding Citizen with Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx

I'm not much of a Jamie Foxx fan, but I have to say this movie really got to me.  I believe the way the judical system worked in this movie is to be very close to the way the current judical system operates, CORRUPT.  This movie is not for the faint at heart.  Of course, my human side came out and I found myself at one point routing for Clyde Shelton.  As a flesh by nature, it's normal to want revenge for the one's you've lost to a horrifying crime.  You expect Justice, but it doesn't seem to happen.  In some cases, it doesn't seem to be enough once you look back at what had happened.  I can't say I would know what the character, Clyde, was going through or how I would feel.  I've never had something so devastating like that happen to me before.  Honestly, I don't want to imagine it.  That's when you have to give it over to the Lord and know in your heart and mind that even though the justice you were searching for didn't occur, it will when the Lord deals with him.  You can't take a life into your hands and feel at peace.  In fact, I think it would haunt you for the rest of your life and you would already have enough to grieve over.     

2012 with John Cusack


Let's just put this way, when December 21, 2012 comes around, I'll be vacationing with my family in Africa.  LOL!  I remember seeing the previews on television about this being a "DOOMS DAY" film.  It was based from a Mayan myth.  The tribe predicts that there will be a polar shift causing great earthquakes, worldwide; thus the end of the world as we know it.  (Is that a song? HA!)  Can you believe we watched this today with my parents?  Of course, dad talked all throughout the movie.  Mom and I didn't really get into the movie until the action began to really HEAT up.  We started off catching up and showing pictures of the kids and it was as if someone took our chins and turned them to the tv at the same time.  From then on, we couldn't focus on anything else.  Mom was going on about how horrible the movie was and how she'll probably have nightmares because of it.  I had to remind her that we won't be here when and if it happens.  I'll be with God, having the backyard party of a lifetime. 

New Moon with Taylor Lautner, Kristen Stewart & Robert Pattison
Yes!  It's finally coming out on the shelves!  I've been waiting anxiously since January for this movie to come out on DVD/BluRay.  I can't wait to grab it up next Tuesday, March 20th.  I found out some information on one of the cast members, Taylor Lautner.  Did you know that he is a Karate Champion before he took to the acting path?  I couldn't get over that the boy is only 14 or 15 years old. 

Happy St. Patty's Day
I know, it's not St. Patrick's Day yet.  Doug, dad, mom and myself celebrated a little early today.  First, let me back up.  Last night, I received my Betty Crocker email, featuring all the St. Patty's Day recipes.  Of course, I scanned through them and found a couple interesting recipes.  One just so happened to be for "Corned Beef Brisket and Veggies."  I like Corned Beef Brisket, but it's not my first choice.  I know Doug really like it, so I mentioned it to him.  He noticed in our Shopper's Guide that Piggly Wiggly had a sale on their Corned Beef Brisket $1.99 a pound.  We guessed that they were getting ready for all the Irish meals this next week.  After dropping off Katie at school, Doug stopped by "The Pig" and picked us up some brisket, red potatoes, carrots, onion, and cabbage.  Can you say "Yum"?  Oh, he also bought me a new Crockpot to cook it in.  It's so nice!  We washed and put in all the ingredients, including Tony Chachere's seasoning, black pepper, salt, tablespoon of worcestershire sauce.  It had a really good flavor.  I know both mom and dad went back for seconds, but we still have enough leftovers for an army.  Who wants to come over for supper tomorrow?  We've got plenty! 

Com'on Down Rainman!

As you know last weekend, we limed and fertilized our yard real good. So with lots of rain and a prayer, we are hoping to rescue the grass we do have on our property. You have to remember that we had 3 big dogs in our back yard for 14 years, so the grass never had much of a chance. Until we were blessed with children, we only focused on our front yard because we knew not much could be done to the back yard (dogs).

We were told by our local farmers coop that since our property is surrounded by oak trees, this zaps the nutrients from our soil.  Hey here's an added bonus, the leaves from the oak trees are very acidic and the longer they are left on the ground the more acid is penetated into our soil; thus leaving us with no grass and more moss on the ground.  JOY!  In time, we hope to turn this around with what we've done thus far and plan on keeping it up in years to come. 

With Springtime comes a lot of rain and thunderstorms.  My child, probably like any other child, is scared of a thunderstorm.  She said it's the thunder that scares her the most.  I remember my mom telling me as a child that when it thundered, it was God moving his furniture around.  A friend said when she was a child, her mother told her it was St. Peter bowling with the angels.  When it thundered that was God making a strike because He's on the angels' team and we should cheer "YAY for God!"  I thought that was so cute and wanted to share that tidbit with you.  What are your thunderstorm stories?  I'm really interested in hearing them. 

Lots to do and running out of time to do it.

Colton's birthday update
As you know, I received the birthday supplies.  Well, it's taking me forever it seems like to get the invitations addressed.  It just seems like something always comes up and I have to put it aside.  I better not waste too much time because his birthday will be here before you know it. 

I still haven't gotten the child anything for his birthday yet.  Walmart and Target doesn't have anything available that just jumps out in front of me.  We talked about getting a small ball pit to keep in the house because he LOVES balls.  He stays entertained for hours just throwing a ball around the Living Room.  I did find a hard plastic Tonka dump truck at Walmart online that you can pull up the bed; sit and push the truck around.  It also comes with a few lego blocks.  I also wanted to show Doug a battery operated ATV for children 1 1/2 years and older from Walmart online.  I think Alise had one of these when she was little.  I think it's around $75.  Stay tuned!

Katie's Ballet Recital
Katie's recital costume came in and we got to bring it home yesterday.  Yay!  It's so cute.  Mrs. Anna had all the children try on their costumes to make sure they fit properly, then they came down and showed us mommas.    I hope to take a few pictures this weekend of Katie with her recital costume.  Stay tuned to see the photos.

I don't know if Katie will be returning next ballet year.  She told me today that she still likes ballet, but she might want to do something else next year.  Today at school, Mr. Johnny from Triad Marital Arts came by the school and taught the children a few karate moves.  Katie seemed a little excited about it.  She showed me the moves at home.  I asked her if maybe she would like to take karate next year instead of ballet.  "Yeah" she answered.  I told her to think about it and we'll look at other things as well.  It would be an easy transition because the karate classes are next door to her ballet class.  Ha ha! 

Beach Update
Y'all I'm so excited!  As you know, I've been searching hard and long for that perfect little white beach dress for Katiebug.  Yesterday, I lost to a bid on a beautiful Kate Mack dress.  It had pretty pink daisies all over the bodice part of the dress.  So precious!  I felt bad for bowing out, but there comes a point where you have to say "I'm not paying that."  In a way, it was a good thing because then I wouldn't have found "THE DRESS."  It's simple, but Katie and I like it and I didn't pay near the amount that I would have for the other Kate Mack.  The picture isn't all that clear, but here's a sneak peak:

It's a white Kate Mack dress with pink smocking at the bodice in a size 6.  Katie really likes the flowers on it.  I think it will look so cute on her, while taking beach pictures this Summer. 

Jon's Baseball Game Photos
Below are a few pictures of us at Jon's baseball game.  We about froze to death, but it was a lot of fun.

Katie absolutely loved Hollison's iPod

Katie styling in Leslie's sunglasses

Jon #12 - 1st base/left handed pitcher

Go Jon!

Playing at the Park
Below are a few pictures of Katie and Colton playing at the park.  They loved it and I promised them that we would be going more since it's getting nice outside. 

First time Colton's been on a slide

I was so relieved to finally see a fence around the playground area

First time Colton's on the trampoline.  He didn't know what to think about it.

He loved the sandbox.  As you can tell, he laughed nearly the whole time he was playing in it.

Colton's punky hair

Colton didn't like his sissy hanging on to him

Colton gets on his Mickey Mouse rocker by himself

Katie wanted her picture taken with brother. Katie dressed herself.  Can you tell?

Katie Story
I don't know what is going on with our girls in Mrs. Katie's class. Apparently, everyone has to have a boyfriend in her class including our little Katiebug. Katie broke the news to me after picking her up today from school. She told me that Lilly told her that she had to have a different boyfriend, not Will. So, the next best thing is Ty. Ty is the only boy in her classroom. Poor thang! I asked her if everyone has to have a boyfriend. She answered, "oh, yes. Didn't you know that?" She started naming off all her girlfriends' boyfriends. Priceless! I asked her if Ty knew he was her new boyfriend. "Yes" she said. Then, I asked her if he liked her. "Yes" she answered. "Didn't you know that?" Ugh! My child. I have to remind myself on a daily basis that she's only 4 years old and not 14.