I'm In Love.....

I can't even begin to tell you.....


How in love I am with these smiles.

Totally.....

Deeply.....

Madly.....

Hopelessly.....

In Love.


Love you, MUCH!

=],

He Had His Hands Where?.....

Today after Church, we decided to have lunch at the Restaurant
loved by many for it's fresh salad bar.

Right after we were seated, a group of ladies came
in and were seated right next to us.

7 of them, to be exact.

The youngest of this group was no less than 70, the oldest 87 or so.

Their appearance spoke money.

Don't you dare......

You've seen it.

You know EXACTLY what I'm talking about.

Ok, where was I?

Each of them spoke with a thick, Southern accent.

If you weren't looking, you could be fooled into thinking a bunch of very classy, very elderly Paula Deen's were at the next table.

They were loud, and each of them spent their fair
share of time fighting to talk over the next.

I must confess, them being loud was ok with me.

I was, after all, trying to listen to what they were saying.

It was like lunch and a show for one small price.

I would loved to have pulled up a chair and joined in.

I kinda felt like I had, only they didn't know it.

The poor waitress was drained trying to get
them to be quiet long enough to order.

Even though they had gone on and on about
their favorite food items there,
once it came to ordering,
they acted like they had never been there before.

A few of them had coupons for "Buy One, Get One Free".

Those that didn't, were highly offended Mr. Postman
had not left one in their mailbox.

They spent a great deal of time trying to figure out how
such an atrocity could occur.

When some of them got up to go to the Salad Bar,
the ones left behind, started having Hors d'oeuvres
made up of each other.

It went something like this....

Eleanor- "I don't know how in the world SHE got one of those
coupons. She doesn't eat here. She never even
gets out of her house except for when her kids come home."

Mabel- "It HAS to be something her daughter signed her up for.
You know, since she married that Doctor, she thinks she is sooooomething else."
**Nose turned high in the air**

Eleanor- "Either that or she is using her credit card a lot.
She may be having to do that."
**Spoken with much hope and satisfaction**
"You know, when you use credit cards,
they sign you up for all sorts of things."

This much I know is true, women of all ages are the same.

At this time, the others rejoin them at the table and an
array of topics fill the air.

Sybil- "How did you all enjoy the Service today?"

Groans erupt from everyone.

Not a good sign for whatever Church they just came from.

I snicker, out loud.

I can't help it.

Dorothy- "Well, I will say it. I didn't enjoy it, at all.
The music was too loud, and the Preacher preached
waaay too long."

"Yes", "You are right", "I agree", from everyone.

Dorothy- "I am not sure what kind of music that was.
I felt like I was at camp, not the Lord's House."

Margaret- "That music has gotten out of hand.
He just thinks he can do whatever he wants.
If Deacon Smith was still alive, this would not be happening."

"Yes", "You are right, "I agree", from everyone.

Faye- "I didn't think Pastor Matthews would ever stop preaching today.
He ran us so late; we almost didn't get a table here."

Eleanor- "Have they taken the clock down from the back of the Church?
We need to check when we are there next week and see
if it is still there. Maybe the battery is dead."

Dorothy- "I thought Pastor Matthews should have
worn gloves for Communion."

Miriam- "I thought so, too"

Sybil- "I really didn't want to partake in Communion after I saw
his hands on the bread. I mean, you never know WHERE his hands
were right before he touched that bread."

No, she did not!

Yes, she did!

What did I do?

Laughed.

Out.

Loud.

I'm sure Pastor Matthews wouldn't appreciate Sybil and her
Blue Hair Gang telling the whole Salad Bar Restaurant
he had his hands, well, wherever......

Miriam- "I saw Dr. Oz on T.V. saying there was truth behind the saying,
"An apple a day, keeps the Doctor away."

Mabel- "Oh, really?"

Miriam- "Yes, that is what he said."

Eleanor- "I guess that means I don't have to feel guilty
for eating apples anymore."

Chorus of "Why would you feel guilty for eating apples?"

Eleanor- "Because there are 100 calories in each of them."

No, women do not change.

Faye- "I eat fried fish."

Gasp, complete silence.

It's like confession.

They all look at her like she has grown 2 heads.

Eleanor- "You kill the nutrients when you fry it."

Faye- "Sometimes, I only believe half that stuff they tell you."

Side note....
Faye is the oldest of the group, I don't think missing
a few nutrients will hurt her at this point.
If you want fried fish, then by all means,
have you some fried fish, Faye.
Heck, have you a whole "mess" of fried fish.

I really don't know exactly how much a "mess" of fish is,
but my Granny use to say it and it seemed like it was always a lot.

Ok, I've digressed.

Our waitress, who by the way, was not wearing a stitch
of make-up and looked like she
just stepped out of a fashion magazine,
came to our table to ask us how everything was.

"It was great!", I said, laughing.

With a huge smile, she said, "The food was really, really good today?"

I said, "The food was great, but the entertainment was priceless.",
nodding my head to the group next to us.

She said, "They have worn me out.", smiling the entire time.

Ha!

For the record......

1.) This exact scene played out during our lunch today.

2.) I have no idea who these ladies were.

3.) I made these names up completely.

4.) I have no idea what Church they attend.

5.) The name of the Deacon, as well as the Pastor, was changed.

6.) Our waitress really didn't have any
make-up on and was breathtakingly gorgeous.

7.) I easily, could have not liked her,
had she not been so darn sweet.

8.) Their age estimates are correct.

Have a great week, Friends.

I hope the first week of 2011 is as entertaining as my lunch today.

Love you MUCH!


=],

Twenty Eleven is Fun to Say.....

Happy New Year!

I wonder how many blog posts have that title today?

I had it as mine but must admit, I changed it, to be different.

Can you believe it is 2011?

Where has time gone?

Doesn't everybody always say that?

It sounds so cliche-ish.

But it's true, where has the time gone?

I turned 39 and had THE WORST birthday of my life,
which, for the record, had absolutely nothing to do with turning 39.

Yes, that means this year, I will be celebrating the big Four-O!

I heard that 40 is the new 20, so that's what I'm counting on. =)

2010 has certainly seen it's fair share of both good and bad times.

I witnessed a COMPLETE healing of my youngest
daughter, Kylee, from a terrifying nightmare called Seizures.

I learned that sometimes God does use Flashing Neon Signs to show us what He wants us to do, and I realized, I like that approach, A LOT!

I saw the movie Dear John, and have never
left a theater more emotionally drained.

I learned who Gucci Mane was. I swear, I thought he was a designer.

I was reminded over and over God keeps His promises.

The girls and I went to Gulf Shores for Haley's last Gulf Coast Classic High School Softball Tournament.

I saw firsthand, God can and does use ordinary people to do extraordinary things, as I traveled with 30 other people in April to
San Bartolo, Lempira, Honduras on a medical mission trip.

I rode a zip-line over the most beautiful waterfall in Honduras.

I learned sometimes in life we are forced we must take detours.

I quit my job after 22 years.

It was the hardest, yet, most liberating decision of my life.

I had a new friend come in to my life who taught me the following...
"There is an old quip about how to make God laugh:
Tell Him your plans!"
Thank you, Earlene. I love you MUCH!

I was reminded over and over in 2010, that His plans for me are FAR better than my plans for me could ever be.

I saw my first born, a member of the National Honor Society, graduate from High School and become a college student.

I FINALLY got out of the SUV and in a car again.

There was a boy who stole my heart.

We made some wonderful memories on the "Big Boat" cruising to The Cayman Islands, Mexico and Jamaica.

I started a new job.

Once again, He reminded me His plan is far better than mine could ever be.

I felt what it was like to be the "New Kid on the Block".

I was made a part of "The Sword" and formed some amazing friendships.

I made my first real slide-show.

My Blackberry crashed and I lost everything.
(No, I didn't have it backed up, before you ask).

Some of you would ask why this is monumental, however, those of you that know me, know how "close" my phone and I are. =)

My baby girl turned 14 and somewhere along the way evolved into this beautiful, amazingly, unashamed witness for Christ.

This is the same daughter God surprised me with
while I was on birth control pills.

No, I was not taking antibiotics; The Father knew I needed her.

The daughter we tried for 3 years to have turned 19.

Yes, that would be the same one I cried for, prayed for, got mad for, asked why for, and prayed and cried for some more, until I literally felt prayed and cried out.

The one that voted for the first time this year.
Yep, that's her, she turned 19.

I saw the love and pride I have for my children
grow beyond measure in 2010.

I faced heartache I never knew possible when my
baby boy was taken from our home.

I found out, all too well, what people meant by the words,
"It feels like your heart is being ripped out of your chest".

I realized, more than ever, it is entirely possible for your heart
to love a child more than words and have absolutely no
idea you didn't give birth to him.

I felt anger, bitterness and hurt toward God.

Don't gasp.

It's no secret; He already knows.

In fact, He's known for some time now.

Know what?

He's still madly in love with me.

There were times I didn't want to pray.

I felt the Spirit interceding on my behalf.

I felt YOU interceding on my behalf.

I was taught to Savor Each Moment.

I got lost in his eyes.

I cherished each kiss, each laugh, each smile.

I had my first picnic on the campus of Auburn University.

I only watched a few minutes of the Auburn vs Arkansas game.

I learned, there are Family and Friends I could depend on.

I learned, there are those I could NOT depend on.

I learned, there are some really, really sweet people in my life.

I learned, there are some really, really mean people in my life.

I learned, though people mean well, they say
some pretty stupid things.

I took a lot of pictures in 2010.

God brought a sweet Friend in my life, whose vocabulary doesn't include, "What's the big deal?", "You will still get to see him some",
"It will be ok.", or "It will all work out".
She knows it doesn't always work out, it's not always ok
and that winning the consolation prize isn't really winning.
I love you, Jamie!

I was Batgirl.

I read about a Father who begged Jesus for his daughter's life.

I realized, really for the first time, that God, Jarius and I all shared something in common, the loss of a child.

I was told to not be afraid and just believe, to SEE the UNSEEN.

I was given a choice, see the hurt or The Healer.

I fell in love with my Section 39, Row 48, Seats 24, 25 Friends.
I know, without a shadow of a doubt, God placed you in my life.
I love you, Phil and Diane, more than you will ever know
and I am so thankful God brought you in my life.

God showed me how He takes care of us when we don't even realize it
and how He protects us even when we don't know we need protection.

He reminded me He sees the WHOLE picture of life,
not tiny snapshots like I see.

I realized how much I love lazy, no make-up, hair pulled up,
glasses on, pajama days at home.

I watched the best player in College Football,
Cam Newton, lead my Auburn Tigers to an undefeated regular season.

We also won the SEC Championship game against
South Carolina and will play Oregon in the
BCS National Championship Game next Monday night.

It was reemphasized to me people love a scandal and there
is no greater rivalry than the Alabama-Auburn rivalry.

Did you know Auburn beat Alabama this year?

Cam Newton, the pretty Auburn quarterback, with the gorgeous
smile, won the Heisman Trophy.

I painted my first picture, a cross, that looks
like it is in dire need of Weight Watchers.

I saw, again, why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

I witnessed a Christmas miracle when Hayden spent
Christmas Eve with me and woke up Christmas morning at Home.

I learned, there are people who keep their word.

I learned, there are people who don't keep their word.

Most importantly, I learned, God is always Faithful.

Yes, 2010 has certainly seen it's fair share of both good and bad times.

I never meant for this to be a "Year in Review" post.

It just worked out that way.

I am looking forward to the New Year.

I have watched God work in ways I never knew possible in 2010.

I can't fathom what He has in store for me this year.

I hope you and your family have a blessed 2011.

Happy New Year, Blog Friends!

I am so glad you are in my life.

Love you MUCH!


=],

Three.....

Three.

That's the number of Christmas presents I've bought.

Yes, that's all.

Three.

I'm proud, actually.

Proud to say that each of my children have a present under the tree.

I couldn't say that yesterday.

I'm not the only one happy about it.

My kids are THRILLED!

=)

They are just hoping to see that number increase.

I'll get it done......

Eventually

There doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day.

I mean, I finally got a haircut tonight for the first time since June.

Yes, June.

How sad is that?

Oh well, it's just hair, lol.

When I weigh in the morning, I probably will have lost 5lbs from all the hair she cut off.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed anyway.

Wouldn't that be great?

Yeah, I think so too.

=)

In my last Blog I shared some of my favorite ornaments.

I added another one to my collection this week.

One of my sweet work friends, who is a Bama fan, gave me this adorable Auburn ornament.

I just LOVE it!

Isn't it the cutest thing?

Who would've ever thought to use a light bulb to make a Christmas ornament?

Question is, how many of you are saying, "Why didn't I think of that?"?

I know that's what I said.


Love you MUCH!


=],

A Few of my Favorite Things.....

I love Christmas.

I love celebrating Jesus' Birth.

I often wonder how Mary felt.
(That's another post)

I love searching for that PERFECT gift.

I love hot chocolate and marshmallows.

I love all the parties and get-togethers.

I love spending time with my Family.

I love watching Christmas through the eyes of my children.

I love seeing my Christmas tree lit and decorated.

I love all the ornaments we've accumulated over the years.

They each hold a special memory.

Here are few of my favorites.....

Jesus is the Reason for the Season
1998

St. Simons Island
1999

Our first Disney trip
2000

Gulf Shores
2001

A Cross a Patient gave me
2002

He's got the whole world in His Hands
2003

War Eagle
2004

Our first Cruise
2005

Kylee's Cheering
2005

Kylee and her Besties
2006

Hayden
2006

Hayden
2007

Kylee
2007

Kentucky Derby
2007

Haley
2007

HD
2008

Gatlinburg
2008

Hayden
2009

The 1 and only Bama Ornament
Haley
2009

Auburn
2009

Hayden's hand-print
2009

Honduras
2010

Cayman Islands
2010

Jamaica
2010

Cozumel
2010

Yes, these are a few of my favorite things.

Have a great week, Friends!

Love you MUCH!

=],

We Comin' Ducks!.....

War Eagle!

It was great watching my Auburn Tigers play Steve Spurrier's
South Carolina Gamecocks tonight in the SEC Championship game.

We won 56-17!

There were some people that picked Carolina over us.

Glad they were wrong.

SEC Champions.

I love the way that sounds!

This means we will be facing the Oregon Ducks in the BCS Championship game in Glendale, Arizona on January 10th.

I have been searching online for travel packages.

I REALLY want to go.

Yes, I know there are more important things than Football.

Actually, I know that very well.

All I have to do is look around my house right now and I'm reminded of that.

Haley is next to me on the couch.

Hayden is in the floor playing with his football men.

Kylee and her Friend are giggling, whispering, and sharing secrets, in her room.

Yes, indeed, there ARE things more important than football.

That being said, I would still LOVE to be in Glendale, Arizona January 10th.

Anyone wanna volunteer to send me?

Just let me know if you're interested!

=)

Today's been a really lazy day.

I made it out of my pajamas around Noon, I think.

Just to be honest, I probably wouldn't have if Kylee hadn't had company.

I didn't want to scar the poor child.

Hayden came yesterday.

He's played all day.

Oh, I LOVE watching him play and hearing him laugh, and pretend.

The girls are great, busy doing their own things.

They have become buddies.

I love that, too.

It was just yesterday a year or so ago they would rather have had bamboo sticks shoved under their fingernails than hang out together.

Haley is finishing up her first semester as a college girl.

She registered for next semester last week.

Kylee is, well, Kylee.

She cracks us up.

She says some of the funniest things.

She really is a blond in every way, Lol.

She has her own thoughts and ideas about
things and is not too shy or too afraid to share them.

She and I are a lot alike.

She definitely gives me a run for my money.

Work is great.

I am so blessed to have a job I love.

I know I've told you that before, but it is true.

I don't dread going to work.

I actually look forward to it.

How awesome is that?

Pretty awesome, if you ask me.


I hope all is well with you, Blog Friends.


Love you MUCH!

=],

Thanksgiving.....

THANKSGIVING

1: the act of giving thanks

2: a prayer expressing gratitude

3a : a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness
b capitalized : thanksgiving day

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

I've told you that before.

I won't even discuss Christmas until after Thanksgiving.

No really, I won't.

I think Thanksgiving deserves a day
all to it's own without having to compete.

That's why this whole post is about Thanksgiving
even though I have LOTS to catch you up on.

Why do I love Thanksgiving so much?

It is like Christmas, without the emphasis on gifts.

It's being thankful for what you have, not wanting more.

It's spending time with Family.

Yes, I double, triple, quadruple ♥ Thanksgiving.

I have MUCH to be thankful for.

Are there things I'd like to see different?

Absolutely!

Are there people I love that I don't see as often as I'd like?

Absolutely!

BUT.....

There are TONS of things I am thankful for, too many to name actually.

All of my kids were with me for Thanksgiving.

We had Hayden from Wednesday til Monday morning.

I am SOOOOOO thankful for every minute I spend with him.

We are all healthy.

Haley is recovering nicely from her surgery and is back
to sleeping like a teenager once again.

She is doing Therapy twice a week and is progressing well.

She wears a sling only when in large crowds so people will be
cognizant of the fact she has a hurt arm.

Kylee remains seizure free.

I LOVE my job.

Not many people can say they
love to go to work everyday.

I can honestly say that.

I have a Family that loves each other and is
there for each other no matter what.

I have amazing Friends, some of which I would have never formed a
relationship with or even met had the Detour not been placed in my path.

Yes, I am thankful for the Detour.

It is one I didn't plan, nor would I ever
have planned, but it has been an amazing journey.

I am thankful for His Promises.

I am thankful He sends us reminders of Who He is.

I am thankful He will never leave us, nor forsake us.
(Even though we allow ourselves to be convinced otherwise, at times)

I am thankful His mercies are new every
morning and there is always an ample supply.

I am thankful for Flashing Neon Signs.


Yes, Blog Friends, I have MUCH to be thankful for, including you.


Here are a few pictures from Thanksgiving.....

My Mother with Kylee and Haley


My Cousins, Lesha, Lois and I.
(We missed the rest of you, see you Christmas!)


My Nephew, CJ and Hayden


My Nieces, Laina and Grace


My Brother, Brandon (Hayden's Dad) and I



And

My ABSOLUTE, MOST FAVORITE
Picture of the Day.....

This makes me smile,
REALLY BIG!

=)


Hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving!


Love you MUCH!


=],