Just Peachy

Inspiration

2011-01-26T21:41:00.003-05:00

Pardon the flow of consciousness I am about to exhibit!

Have you ever had someone enter your life in such a way, that your head is spinning and you are thinking "Who is this person and where in the world did they come from?" Well, that's what happened about 3 yrs ago when Reenie came to my house for Bible study. A friend invited her, and she showed up again and again and again! She had a strong personality, and didn't mind airing all her dirty laundry right off the bat.

I noticed when we first met that she had a tad bit of a limp, but I didn't really think much of it. Well, fast forward about 30 mins, and we find out she limps because she had a hip replacement due to effects of radiation. Approximately 1 yr earlier, she had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I'm not sure if y'all are familiar with the statistics - but the symptoms are somewhat non-specific to the disease, so it's usually stage 3 or 4 by the time the diagnosis is made. Meaning, the statistics are not good, to put it mildly.

Well, this woman's testimony was absolutely mind-blowing, and what a love for God she exhibited! The more that we got to know her, the more we appreciated her talent for writing (a sample of which is at the bottom of this post), and also I craved her love of life.

Fast forward 1 yr, and she had a recurrence. Fast forward another yr, and we now have our second recurrence. In between there, she met a wonderful, Godly man. They decided to get married, and it was a simple, beautiful, tear-jerking ceremony. After bad labwork, followed by worse labwork - she opted to forgo any further chemo. She was so sick, and so tired of all the meds, trips to the oncologist, trips to the hospital, basically just tired in general.

Last Thursday night, I sent her husband a text asking him if I could bring him some groceries, because at this point he refused to leave the house - 100% understandable. I got a text back from him saying that he didn't really need anything but if I wanted to bring some drinks and bread that would be great. It went on to say that if I wanted to say good-bye to Reenie, then I should probably plan on doing it when I delivered the food. In my mind, I had already done that, because we all knew it was coming, and that it was just a matter of time. Details aside, he was absolutely pitiful and heartbreaking to see, and Reenie's condition broke what was left of my heart.

I cried all the way home, and the rest of the night into the early morning hours. I attempted to go about my normal day on Friday, until lunch when I always call Danny. It was then that he informed me that she passed a few minutes after 10 that morning. I could barely swallow what food was in my mouth. Really? I mean, I know that she was in bad shape the previous night....but really? Even as I type this, and I know that I have already been to the funeral. How can she be gone? My "bigger than life" Reenie?! Her husband called her "Tigger on Red Bull" at their wedding, and I don't think that there has ever been a better description!

Reenie is the tall one standing with the pink swirly shirt.

Because I know that she wouldn't mind me sharing her vows, here is just a VERY small sample of the woman that took a little piece of our hearts to heaven when she passed away:

My Personal Wedding Vows to Kenny (May 2, 2010)

Kenny, you possess such genuine and decent character. You remind me so much of my dad…of how he loved my mother and modeled to so many people what a wonderful husband truly looked like.

You KNOWINGLY are entering into a marriage with someone who has been pretty sick for the majority of the last 3 years, in and out of remission from a cancer diagnosis, and continues the battle still today. I’m amazed at how, even with you knowing the increased possibilities involved in profound care giving, you are still more than willing to do it. You are truly the epitome of someone being willing to sacrifice everything for someone else.

A lot of people, sad to say, would run the other way at a time so monumental as this. Most people, even when loving someone, wouldn't be willing to risk the possible future involved, and would go with their "reasoning" instead of their heart.

God knows my heart and my gratitude for bringing us together. The very One who brought us to each other, is the One who will carry us through our future. Today, as we unite in marriage, I am thankful for each precious day we will have.

I love you.

by Reenie Crabtree Foster

Reenie's funeral was very, well.....Reenie! Just when you thought you were going to run out of tissues, our pastor would read something that she wrote, and the chapel would erupt in laughter! I have come away with "Reenie's Lessons":

Celebrate every day
Rest in God's power
Be yourself and live to please God, because nobody else's opinion matters
Laugh and the world laughs with you

So here's my challenge to you......approach life according to the rules above. And tell those in your life that you love them at every opportunity that arises. Better yet, make opportunities to tell them!

2011-01-18T21:22:00.003-05:00

Join me.....for every pound pledged, $0.11 will be donated to Feeding America!

It's beginning to....

2010-12-17T18:04:00.003-05:00

....look alot like Christmas!

My grandmother has been on the hunt for a tree for Abby's room, and she picked this one up for us at WalMart.

So, Ab & I headed to Hobby Lobby to find some cuteness for it!
They didn't have alot in the colors that we were looking for (very picked over - but what can I expect? It's just 7 1/2 days til Christmas!) so we improvised with the frosted glass balls and some of the super cute "non-Christmasy" things that we found.

Sequins, sparkles, and zebra print just SCREAM Christmas, don't they?

We also stopped by Target, which is where the hot pink snowflakes came from.

This is my new front door "happy" - $1 ornaments from WalMart + a passed down wreath! I love a bargain!!

I hope your families have a fantastic, healthy, fun-filled Christmas!!

2010-12-12T19:51:00.001-05:00

This is an "out take" from my attempts to make her smile.....I absolutely LOVE this picture of her!!

2010-12-07T20:53:00.003-05:00

Cousin Sam gave Abby these footed pj's....she has been dying for a pair!

At our churchs' parents afternoon out, the kids made these sweet little baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph figures.

2010-11-30T20:58:00.002-05:00

Not that I have many readers (maybe 2 per month, thanks Pam & Danielle!)....but I thought I would let y'all know what I've been up to seeing as I obviously haven't been blogging!

Homework with Ab
Laundry
Getting sucked into the hot mess that is known as Millionaire Matchmaker
Homework with Ab (do you remember what an adverb is?)
Getting sucked into the hot mess that is known as Real Housewives of Atlanta
I baked FROM SCRATCH! Go me!
Decorating for Christmas
Started working out with my FREE elliptical (ok, so twice in 1 1/2 wks isn't impressive, but a girl has to start somewhere)
Reading just about anything I can get my hands on
Homework with Ab (did you know that the government is comprised of 3 branches? ha!)

Reminiscing...

2010-10-11T20:35:00.002-04:00

Who says you can't multitask?!?

Future fashion designer?

This is a test....

2010-10-01T22:36:00.002-04:00

Okay folks - I am totally over the fact that I haven't had any comments in over what feels like 10 yrs! Unless I hear from some of you over the weekend, I am done with this blog!

Seriously - how hard is it to write a 1 sentence comment? If no one comments on this - I know that nobody is reading anymore - so why waste my time?

Sincerely,

Best ? I've heard in a long time

2010-09-27T22:21:00.003-04:00

I never watch the videos that people link to on facebook, but since multiple friends recommended it, I thought "Why not?".

It was a woman named Gianna who survived a saline abortion, and WOW! what a testimony she has! She is now 33 yrs old and has cerebral palsy because of the lack of oxygen during the attempted abortion. She apparently has done lots of speaking to political groups across the world, in hopes of convincing people to stop abortions.

Specifically speaking to the men in the audience, she asked this simple question: "Will you obsess over your own glory, or will you become obsessed with God's glory?"

It's amazing to me what He uses to minister to us. Oh, and to top it all off - do you know what the origin/meaning of Gianna is? It's a form of Giovanna which means "God's grace". Hmm!

My lil cheerleader

2010-09-26T10:20:00.003-04:00

2010-09-20T18:15:00.004-04:00

Ok, friends and family- Abby's school is now registered with MyCokeRewards. Save your tops and enter them online to help her school! The zip to use is 30707, and the school is Chickamauga Elementary.

Thanks!

Full of the Word Wednesday

2010-09-08T21:30:00.003-04:00

While driving home from our LIFE group tonight I had a most enlightening conversation with my daughter. I will try to quote her:

"Momma, did you know that when you get baptized, and it doesn't matter if you get sprinkled or dunked, that even if it's a little water or alot of water, that God had sent His glory down to that water to cover you? ALL of you Momma, even if it's just a little water - His glory covers all of you!"

Wow! Her faith and understanding amaze me sometimes!

a LONG time ago...

2010-09-06T07:05:00.000-04:00

It was the summer before my junior year of high school. There was a really cute lifeguard that worked at the local pool. He was a few yrs older than me, so I figured that I was invisible to him.

Fast forward to the end of summer - and I am at band camp (yes, I'm one of those band nerds - except I am a cool nerd because I dance, instead of march with an instrument - SOOO much better I know!!). One of the senior guys takes a liking to me (could it have been the sports bras that us danceline girls were rocking that reeled him in?!). I'm receptive to his attention, and our little relationship lasts a few weeks. Until he smothers me into oblivion. My friends coined him "Mr. Annoying" because he was always RIGHT THERE! So, I very immaturely broke up with him, not that breaking up is immature - but it was how I went about it that was bad. I didn't even have the nerve to tell him face to face - I just handed him a note during class change. Ugh, I'm such a dork!

Fast forward to Homecoming Night. My friend, Christy knew that I had been checking out the lifeguard back in the summer, and she was friends with him. She so nicely coordinates him to come to the homecoming game to check me out. Then, we ended up at the dance together. I have to say, my first impression wasn't the best.

He had family in town from Colorado that were alumni at my HS, so he was really excited to see them. I was all self-centered and thinking "How dare he not focus all his energy on me!" Then, I was sitting in the bleachers with a friend who had a crick in her neck, and being the good friend that I am, I was rubbing her neck. He has the audacity to come over, sit down beside me, and tell me "Move over, you aren't doing that right". This guy has no intentions of trying to win brownie points, I mean sheesh - he's giving my friend a rubdown!

I'm still giving him a chance at this point because #1 - he's cute #2 - he smells good & #3 - he's in college! How shallow am I!?

That same night, a few friends were going to eat at Taco Bell after the dance. We tag along, and I am MORTIFIED to eat my crunchy taco in front of him. Why? I have no idea. I'm starving, but how do I dare eat a messy taco in front of the blonde cutie?

We talked on the phone a few times, & decide to go out on a REAL date. "For Love Or Money" with Michael J. Fox and chicken tenders at Applebee's. Again, I was so nervous, I think I might've eaten 1 tender. No wonder I was so skinny!

Well, we started dating exclusively - so I guess I wasn't as invisible as I thought I was back during the summer. OR, I just made him fall head over heels for me because of my intelligence, my quick wit, and my magnetic personality. And for those of you who know me personally - you know that none of those things were present at the ripe age of 16 and 17. I was so terribly shy!

Who knew - almost 17 yrs later, I would be sitting here writing this REALLY long post!

Danny - Happy 14th Anniversary baby! I love you and the life that we have built together! I love the fact that I can eat in front of you and not feel embarrassed (or whatever emotion it was back then). I love the fact that we can ride in the car in comfortable silence. I love the fact that we have known each other for so long that sometimes, we don't even need words because facial expressions suffice (this is a major plus in public!). I love the fact that even though I sometimes feel like I am twice the girl you married, you still love me like you did on our wedding day. I love that even though we don't mean to, our parenting skills coordinate with one another. I love you because you feed the animals everyday. I love you because you get me something to drink when my cup is empty.

We've been through alot in our 14 yrs, and we are better for it! Here's to alot more celebrations!

Abby, the photog

2010-08-23T21:38:00.002-04:00

Don't leave your phone or camera where an 8 yr old can get to it. I thought that the older she got, she would quit doing this kind of stuff. Obviously not!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-18T00:00:00.003-04:00

School days....

2010-08-14T18:46:00.002-04:00

We were backing out of the driveway yesterday morning when Abby informs me: "Johnny showed me a book at school yesterday with a picture of naked men with socks on their weenies."

Well, of course I was flabbergasted! I had so many questions, but I didn't know what to ask first. One thought was of the Red Hot Chili Peppers - but then I realized that 3rd graders don't even know who they are. I chilled out enough to rationally ask her what kind of book he had, and she tells me: "I don't know what kind of book it was, but the 2nd man on the left looked like a vampire and it freaked me out, but thank goodness I didn't have bad dreams last night!"

So, now we are dealing with a naked vampire! I experienced another deeper level of flabbergastedness!!! I pondered on the whole scenario on my 30 min drive to work and after a discussion with one of my co-workers, I decided to call the teacher. What a trooper Mrs. Sweeton is! She calmly informed me that she would immediately get to the bottom of this issue, and she assured me that she would keep me informed of the outcome.

Not even 10 mins later, I got a call back from her. Seems that our school's library has quite a collection of National Geographic magazines. You know, that magazine that always has pictures of African tribes in their natural surroundings? War paint on their faces, loin clothes, the full on experience? Yeah - that's the naked vampire. I've GOT to let my daughter out of Chickamauga, GA more often!

Requirements

2010-08-08T22:18:00.002-04:00

We were driving thru town earlier tonight, and passed some pre-teen/teenage boys (so hard to tell ages these days - they all look so young!!!!), and I decided to tell Abby that I have certain requirements when it comes to her "liking" a boy (when she is older of course!). I would appreciate any input that anyone has regarding this matter. So far, this is what I have:

He must be a good Christian boy
He HAS to wear a belt - or at least wear pants/shorts that fit so that his underwear does not show
Considering the last requirement - he can't go shirtless when out in public (unless he is at the pool or beach)
Hats are to be worn either frontwards or backwards, but definitely not sideways

1st day of 3rd grade

2010-08-04T16:19:00.004-04:00

I'm a momma of a 3rd grader! WOW!

She absolutely did not want her picture made this morning - but she knows it's not an option!

This pic is of her first assignment, it's called "What's Your Bag?". She was to find 5 things that say something important about herself that could fit inside a lunch bag.
Her explanation (in her own words):

1) Jamaica hat - she loves Jamaica because her Nana and Popaw are missionaries there

2) UGA pin - because we love GA football

3) Girl Scout bracelet - because she's a Girl Scout

4) Fruit Roll-up wrapper - because it's her fav snack

5) Jesus - because she loves Him and worships Him

Oh, how I love my (not so)little girl!

Happy birthday to my baby!

2010-06-07T20:48:00.003-04:00

Wow, what a difference 7 yrs makes!

This is all the "stuff" that Abby chose to buy with her leftover birthday $ today.....and her daddy was so proud that she dressed her Build-A-Bear in a UGA football uniform! His name is Reggie!

When you go to ToysRUs on your b-day - you get a crown, a balloon, and something out of their treasure box. Plus, everyone that works there makes a big deal out of it when they see you. She was on cloud nine!!!!

2nd edition of "My, how you've grown!"

2010-05-25T20:44:00.004-04:00

1st day of 2nd grade

Last day of 2nd grade

Time flies! It seems like yesterday that we were bringing Abby home from the hospital. Bittersweet? -- ABSOLUTELY!

I am SO looking forward to seeing my little girl grow up, but: God - can we slow down time just a little bit? It's going way too fast!

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. ~~Ephesians 6:4

Birthday fun!

2010-05-23T20:47:00.005-04:00

What do you get when you have 92 degree weather and 19 kids show up for your daughters party? LOTS of laughing, yelling, and giggling, with NO cake left over!

Maisun, Emma, the birthday girl, and Freddie

Emma, Abby, and Natalie

The card says "BFF" inside - I love the expression on Abby's face!

Thanks everyone who came out today and made Abby's birthday celebration so special! And a HUGE thank you to Steve and Martha for being so gracious as to let us invade their backyard for the afternoon!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-12T00:00:00.000-04:00

Me & my crazy dreams

2010-04-28T07:55:00.004-04:00

You know those commercials, where the "average Joe" turns into a well-known diva because of hunger? And as soon as he takes a bite of a Snickers bar, he is back to normal. Yeah, cuz Snickers really satisfies (I only wish I was getting paid for this post)!

So in my dream last night, I won a contest. The prize was to go onstage and sing with Third Day. Which, if you know me well at all - you know that would be a dream come true.

So, we're at rehearsal, doing our sound check and what-have-you. Mac Powell is all "You can't sing a B flat?" And I am all "Can't the guitar or keyboard give me my note?" And get this - I turn my eyes away from him to look at the other back-up singer (not that Third Day has "back-up" singers - it's just 4 guys rockin' out for the Lord!) and then look back at him - and "he" has turned into Mariah Carey!!!

Ugh, even though he wasn't being nice to me in the dream, I still like to look at him!!!! Come on, it's Mac Powell!!

So, I then proceed to shove a Snickers bar in his mouth and then I woke up! Hello, can I have closure?!

Mac - I am prepared if we ever meet! I am ALWAYS gonna carry around a Snickers because I have no urge to meet Mariah Carey, but I would be honored to meet you!! The real you - not the "diva you"!

Trials

2010-04-26T21:38:00.003-04:00

You know that saying - "When God closes one door, he opens a window"? All of our doors are closed at my house & we need all new windows! Or that other saying "He never gives you more than you can handle"? He really needs to realize that I CAN'T HANDLE ANYMORE!

Today started out like every other day: Wake up , shower, get ready, get the Ab-ster ready for school, drop her off for school, drive to work, try to meet my deadlines, have a yummy FREE lunch from McAllister's, finish out my day, drive home, and BOOM, when I walk in the door - my daughter says "Momma, Daddy needs to tell you some bad news."

I knew when I came in the door that something was wrong based on the look on my honey's face. His company decided (without warning mind you) that his weekly sales didn't meet up with their expectations. By an average of $100/wk. Wow! And the only reason A knew this news before me is because she has GREAT timing on interrupting conversations between sons and moms. And the fact that D couldn't bring himself to tell me, so that I could make it thru my workday without having a meltdown (those who know me closely, know that 2010 hasn't really been a great year so far!).

So, yet again in our (sadly) recent history - my sweet, hard-working husband is unemployed.

I sent a prayer request to our coordinator at church - and we have already had a MEGA outpouring of wonderful, inspirational, encouraging responses (in a matter of hours - you guys are AMAZING!)! Here is just a sample:

"His desire for His children is that they prosper and be in good health. You are His and He loves you. I stand with you believing that His answer will be swift and even better that you ever believed."

"Thanks for letting us know you need your Church family. God is good. He will provide in the most unique fashion. Just keep looking up."

"Lifting you up to the throne of grace, asking God to do what only he can, and to help the rest of us make some sense of all this."

Someone is having a birthday today!

2010-04-21T17:54:00.001-04:00

Happy birthday Danielle! Hope it has been great!

Who's the coolest Mom ever?

2010-04-18T17:21:00.004-04:00

Me, that's who!

How many moms would double up their childs carb intake just because Spencer on iCarly makes spaghetti tacos?

I do believe that Abby was a REALLY happy gal!

Randomness...

2010-04-11T21:10:00.002-04:00

Any guesses as to who she is imitating?!

We had baby goats back in March - I just now looked at the pics that Abby took. So sweet!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T17:41:00.004-04:00

I hope everyone had an awesome Easter! Family time can't be beat!

JonJon & Abby

My honeys! (Ignore the chocolate mouth in these pics!)

Nanny & me

for CJW

2010-03-26T18:02:00.002-04:00

prayer request

2010-03-24T16:46:00.003-04:00

Alright prayer warriors, hit your knees and start praying for my sister, Cristin. She is going through a really hard time right now and could really use some serious "lifting up". Include my parents in your prayers as well. I may elaborate on the situation later.

p.s. Update on my mother's condition - she def. has CHF and also cardiomyopathy. She is having a heart cath in the morning.

ramblings...

2010-03-08T20:43:00.003-05:00

I got a text from my older brother earlier tonight. It seems that while my mother was hospitalized for pneumonia, they ran a bunch of tests and found out that she is in congestive heart failure.

What you have to understand about my mother is this -- she is slighty (okay - not slightly, substitute the word "freakishly") a hypochondriac. So here I am thinking, "Well, is she really in CHF or does she have some benign heart murmur?" For those of you who don't know my birth mother -- PLEASE don't think I am some hard-hearted daughter who doesn't love my mom. I do love my mom, and her name is Roben (she came along when I was around 6 yrs old).

Anyway, so since last Friday, I have known my mother was in the hospital. I've wondered if I should do the right thing and go see her, and I just think it best that I stay away. Not that I see her any other time either. I do my best to avoid any situation that involves being in close proximity to her.

So in the text from my brother, he's all "I know you have issues with her, but you need to make peace before it's too late. She doesn't know that I am telling you all this right now." Sheesh, attempt to take a stab at my heart Kenneth! Well, as I was reading this text - I discovered that I am truly hard-hearted toward my mother. I know that the Bible says to forgive and forget (my Reader's Digest version), but truly - how are you supposed to forgive and move past things when nothing has changed since you were a little girl? Why go to the hospital to see someone whom you really have no feelings for at all? If I were to go and pretend that I care about what is going on - I would be lying to myself and everyone around me.

God knows my true feelings, and I am not going to pretend that He doesn't know me more intimately than anyone ever will!

p.s. I can elaborate on my past if anyone is ever interested.

Monday Merit

2010-03-01T18:17:00.002-05:00

The Lord is my strength and my shield;

my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.

Therefore my heart rejoices,

and I praise Him with my song.

Psalm 28:7

My lil' Brownie!

2010-02-16T21:11:00.002-05:00

Abby's very 1st troop meeting is tomorrow after school & she is super excited! I surprised her with this cute little tote bag to carry her vest and any other little girly things she may need.

A lady at my office makes bags in her spare time (Ha! - Gail would laugh hysterically if she read that -- who in the heck has spare time?!?!). Another girl at my office was flipping thru a fabric book and found this adorable pattern and showed it to me. 1+1 = new bag for Abby!

Happy "Valentime's" Day!

2010-02-14T18:20:00.003-05:00

Abby has ALWAYS said "valentine" wrong, so I am just embracing & accepting it.

She had her classroom party on Thursday, and it happened so quickly (I guess the teacher was ready to scoot them on out the door), these were the only pics I had time to snap.

Katie & Abby

Abby, Gracie, & Maisun

Emma & Abby (and for those of you who know who Zach is - that's him in the background)...& I have no idea what is up with the weird shadow across Emma's face

Abby & Sky

Daddy/Daughter Dance '10

2010-02-08T19:01:00.002-05:00

Abby's 1st event as a Girl Scout was this precious little dance that she got to go to with her daddy. It took place at an art museum in Chattanooga. Aside from the professional pic, the rest are what you should expect when you let your husband and child leave with the camera. I was hoping for dancing pics, but this is what I ended up with. *all art pics are courtesy of the Ab-ster*

Sneak peek

2010-02-06T10:52:00.002-05:00

Little girls are made of daisies and butterflies and soft kitty cat purrs
And all the precious memories of times that once were.

Little girls are made of angel's wings and giggles and a firefly's glow
And all the happy feelings, deep inside, that we all know.

Little girls are made of cinnamon and bubbles and fancy white pearls
And snowflakes and rainbows and ballerina twirls.

Little girls are made of sunshine and cupcakes and fresh morning dew,
And these are the reasons, little one, why everyone loves you.

Poem by Karen Barnes

There will be more to come!

Memories..

2010-02-04T22:24:00.004-05:00

I think that Abby is destined to be a teacher. Awhile back (2005 to be exact), she was playing in her room and this is what we found!

How precious is that?!

2010-01-20T21:34:00.002-05:00

I went to Atlanta this past weekend for "Rally" which is a regional conference for Premier. We had SO much fun!!!! Tons of giveaways.....and darn it, I didn't win a thing!

My "Premier fam", Jodi, Donna (my sponsor), me, and Kim - they are some great ladies!

There were alot of ladies in our group

Update on Hannah...

2010-01-09T00:03:00.002-05:00

This is an update from Hannah's mom....

"Hannah had a very good day today. She had another CT scan today at 12 and the results were improvements. The swelling was going down around the section of brain that was removed and her midline was over somewhat decreasing pressure on her ventricles. The clot that is... still there, has decreased in size a little, but a little is a lot to me.

Hannah has become quicker on her neurological tests and can respond on the first command with opening her eye for a minute, giving a thumbs up and wiggling her toes on her right side. She still has paralysis on the left side of her body but does have some feeling anytime they have to move an IV she jerks that arm or leg. She did have to have 2 blood transfusions (1 last night and 1 today) so we had people lined up today giving blood in her name. She has been running a small fever today but they have done a panel of cultures and put her back on antibiotics. Earlier today she acknowledged me for the first time since her surgery when I was holding her hand. The nurse told her that Mommy was here and was holding her hand and Hannah squeezed my hand and started rubbing the back of it with her little thumb. Amazing that even through all of what she is going through she found a way to comfort me. She looks really good and is beautiful as always. On the last visit her father and I joined hands over her and prayed for God to continue to heal her and comfort her and give her the strength to continue to fight. We both told her we loved her and she immediately moved her lips as if she were trying to say something. I understood it to say she loved us too and she wasn’t giving up even though I couldn’t hear a word. My older daughter Alexis went back with her today and got to stay with her for about 45 minutes. She got to hold her hand and tell her how much she loved her. She gave Hannah this very soft extremely fluffy Zebra. I laid it on her bed next to where her hand was. She reached up for a minute and brushed the side of that soft toy and immediately started searching for it with her hand. When she found it she wrapped her little hand around its arm and pulled it to her and started rubbing it. That was awesome to see, it melted my heart and made Alexis so happy! Please continue to pray for my precious daughter and thank God for being with her and healing her."

Urgent prayer request....pass this along please!

2010-01-05T20:44:00.003-05:00

I don't know how many readers I have, but this one is too close to home not to pass on: Please pray for Hannah R, who is a 5th grader at Abby's school.

Quote from a teacher at the school:
.."She was unresponsive this morning when they tried to wake her so she was rushed to the hospital. At the hospital, they found a large mass on her brain which paralyzed one side of her body. She also had surgery today to stop bleeding on her brain, and they found multiple clots. Things aren't looking very well at all."

Update as of 8:45 pm:
.."Found 2 blood clots that they are worrying about spreading so they are giving her blood thinner...If they spread to the other side of brain then she could be paralyzed on the other side of her body. There is still a mass."

Christmas memories...

2009-12-29T19:35:00.004-05:00

This was her reaction to the Snuggie! Thanks Nanny!!

She loves her Aunt CC!

And the craziness ensued!

Can you say "HAPPY"!?!

Our yearly pic that is a must! (I almost look like the cream in the middle of an Oreo!)

Her own alarm clock! She was so excited!

She has wanted an eyemask for a long time......it doesn't get any better than Hello Kitty.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season!

Brunch!

2009-12-19T14:09:00.006-05:00

I decided that I wanted Abby to have all her "loveys" here at the same time, so I invited the grandparents and great grandmothers over for brunch. My mom had to work so we were minus 1 person.

Nana

Mamaw

Poppa

Popaw & Nana

Nanny

The Johnson group

The Wigley group

I took pictures of the food......but between photo sessions, we had to change batteries. SO, apparently we lost pics of that. The menu was:

Mini bacon cheddar frittatas
Sausage balls
Beef dip
Buffalo chicken dip
Grapes & cantaloupe
Cheesecake bites
Brownie bites
White chocolate dipped pretzel rods
Spiced pecans

Abby was sick (fever, icky nose) yesterday, so I was thankful that she felt "great" (to quote her) so that everyone could come and hang out and chat.

Before & After (minus the before!)

2009-12-19T14:03:00.002-05:00

We re-did Abby's room - but I failed to take before pics. It was a purple-pink wall color with a really girly floral quilt. She wanted a "big girl" room, so here it is!

I found this hook/shelf thing @ Hobby Lobby for around $6! Love that place!!!

The zebra print ribbon that her letters are hanging from is another Hobby Lobby find.

New pic...

2009-12-03T21:54:00.002-05:00

...cuz people are getting mad at me for not updating!

Go Dawgs (even though you let those Wildcats beat ya)!

Is my daughter (& her teacher!) a smart-alec?

2009-11-10T22:15:00.003-05:00

Okay, so what you might not be able to make out (because apparently pencil doesn't scan very well) - is the fact that Abby wrote "I do not no" for her assignment. #1 - she knows the difference between know and no, but she was probably having a diva moment on this day. #2 - she is such a little twit! Sheesh - at least Mrs. Leonard has a sense of humor!

It's about time, right?!

2009-11-06T23:20:00.004-05:00

My little pilgrim!

Abby and Nat

Abby and "Squanto" aka Zachary aka "the boyfriend"

Chickamauga Lake.......

2009-09-21T08:19:00.003-04:00

......has moved to actual downtown Chickamauga.

These were taken approximately 30 mins ago, the levels are actually higher now.

Our front and side yard

Neighbors yard

From our front porch looking at our neighbors "oceanfront property" (I didn't say that - he did)

Poor Roscoe and our backyard (no fear, he is about to be moved to my parents house)

Another view of our backyard

We're packing a few bags, and most likely going to stay with my parents for awhile. We live much closer to the creek (in a flood zone, as you can see) than they do, so we figure we're slighty safer at their house.

Ahhhh, football season is here....

2009-09-08T19:26:00.003-04:00

Abby got to particpate in a cheer clinic over the past 2 weeks, and part of the deal was that they got to cheer before a high school game with the "big" cheerleaders. She LOVED it!

Look at that kick!!!

Some people tell me that she looks just like me in this pic.....whattaya think? lol

NatNat and Ab

My dad and Abby

My toothless wonder!

A big "Thanks"!

2009-08-23T20:18:00.002-04:00

It's been a blue moon since I last posted, so I thought I would at least just say "thanks" to everyone who came to my 1st ever jewelry show today! (Destiny - I didn't mean to NOT invite you, but you are out of the loop cuz you aren't on facebook!) It means so much to me that you all took time out of your weekend to come and support me with my new business (whether it be moral support or financial - either way, I am SOOOOO grateful!)!!

I love you guys!!!!

My, how you've grown!

2009-08-06T21:02:00.002-04:00

1st day of Kindergarten

1st day of 1st grade

2nd grade, here I come!!!!

Wow, how time flies! It feels like it was just yesterday that I dropped her off at the sitter's for the very first time!

We've lost #6!

2009-08-04T19:47:00.003-04:00

Can you say "Cheeseball"?

Firsts...

2009-08-01T20:27:00.003-04:00

I was cleaning the cameras memory card off, and I had totally forgotten about this picture.....doesn't her hair look adorable with a headband?!

The real reason for this post is that Abby is having her 1st ever sleepover at a friends house tonight. We met them for dinner at Los Potros (yum-o by the way - and a HUGE thanks to Holli and Roone for Danny's b-day dinner), and then they departed for the Gables house to have tons of fun. I can only imagine how giddy they are, and (ughhh) how late they will stay up!!

If I was your husband....

2009-07-28T18:50:00.003-04:00

I swear, my child can come up with the funniest things! The other night, we were going to run some errands and it was quite warm so I put on one of my nice, breezy sundresses. As I was getting in the car, Abby said "Momma, if I was your husband, I would tell you that you are SMOKIN' HOT!!"

My, oh my! I'm glad somebody thinks I am!!

Locks of Love, part 2!

2009-07-18T19:11:00.005-04:00

Yes folks, we did it!

I almost cried, but I fanned my eyes, and all was well! Watching that ponytail get sawed off was quite emotional though, and it sorta felt like it was in slow-motion.

Ta-Da!!

I think it suits her very well, and she actually flipped through the book and found what length she wanted.

Some little girl is going to be tickled pink when she gets a wig made out of that curly blondeness!

"Look! I've got a tail!!!"

Another Abbyism

2009-07-17T22:17:00.003-04:00

We had to make a run to the store earlier this evening, and Abby wanted to tell me about her "fantasy" world. Here it goes, pretty much verbatim:

"My dream house would be to live in the torch of the Statue of Liberty, and you would be the queen, Momma....and Daddy would be the king. Me and CC (my sister Cristin, FYI) would be sisters, and we both would be princesses. Then, when you and Daddy die, CC would get married to some handsome boy and then he would be the king and CC would be the queen. And then I would be the only princess. And the best thing, Momma, is that birds wouldn't poop on the Statue......wouldn't that be great?"

And just so you know, she said all this so fast, that I had a hard time keeping up with her train of thought.....but I totally caught up with her once she said something about poop. Ahhh, motherhood is a glorious thing!!!

Abbyisms

2009-07-12T17:28:00.005-04:00

Out of the mouths of babes (this list has been compiled over the last few years)...

We were sitting at McD's eating dinner one night, and Abby had a slight case of the "toots". She kept saying "I tooted!" We repeatedly told her that she didn't have to say anything except "Excuse me." Out of the blue, she burped rather loudly and stated "I tink I farted!!" We about died laughing! **and no, I did not misspell think - that's how she said it**
One evening we were outside (cleaning cars or mowing, I don't recall), and Abby said she was going inside and she would be right back. A few minutes later I wondered what she was up to, so I went inside to find her yelling for me from the bathroom. She asked me to wipe her bottom because she had been praying to God to help her, but she "wiped 2 times and it was still there." I started laughing and she was like "Momma it's not funny, I really did pray and he didn't help me!"
On the night of Abby's kindergarten Open House, she had been sick, so Daddy had to go alone. When he got home he decided to have a talk with her about the rules that they had at school and how we were going to use these rules at home (respect others, no yelling, etc) Abby interrupted him and said "Can you tell me this later? I'm missing my movie!" So much for starting new rules that night!
You know the little song....."Danny and Lynne' sitting in a tree....K-I-S-S-I-N-G". Abby used to go around all the time singing it, with various peoples names filling in, but hers was pretty unique - she spelled kissing - "K-I-S-S-Y-and-Z".
One morning before school, I was trying to clean Abby's nose out pretty good (I think maybe she was recovering from a cold). I can remember that the mucus was quite thick, and Abby ended up gagging just a little bit. I tried to change the subject and make her laugh so that the gagging wouldn't progress to anything more, and she told me to "pick your own nose Momma!!"
You know that stuff that you put on your skin to keep from getting sunburnt? According to Abby, that's called "sunscream".
I did a post a while back about some shoes. Pink Skechers to be exact. 6 year old Abby was so excited when we gave them to her because she had "waited for 17 years for those shoes!!!" Can you believe that?

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-08T21:04:00.003-04:00

prayer request...

2009-07-05T18:31:00.003-04:00

I know there are alot more "Sundays" out there, and I am sure you have read Angie Smith's last post; but upon watching the video that she linked to about little Kate McRae, I saw the pictures at the end and felt I was supposed to post a link. As soon as I saw her sweet little face, I immediately thought of my Abby.

Visit her CaringBridge page here, or check out her parents video here.

Ode to Dolly

2009-07-02T20:41:00.003-04:00

She arrived before Abby,

From Nana she came.

She wasn't always this ratty,

But Abby loves her the same.

She got really dirty,

Nana thought that was lame.

Dolly #2 was bought,

What a sweet little dame!

She's still with us today,

Although we still haven't made up a new name!

Camping pics, part 2! (the scenery)

2009-07-01T21:46:00.007-04:00

I loved all the different shades of green here!

view from Blood Mtn.

**click on this one to enlarge!

another view from Blood Mtn

Helton Falls

Camping pics, part 1

2009-06-29T21:37:00.005-04:00

Looking for "critters" in the creek! Can you believe Abby actually agreed to do this?

Cristin decided to join!

And Daddy too!

Captain Morgan? Nope, just my dad on the hike up Blood Mtn.

Us at the top of Blood Mtn

No, my dad isn't a gang member - that was his 3rd trip to the top of Blood Mountain

Brasstown Bald

Courtney and Cristin @ Helton Falls

Ahhh, the mountains!

2009-06-27T17:08:00.002-04:00

We're home, and boy is it hot! The mountains were most definitely cooler, and if it weren't for my aching neck and back (from sleeping in a tent) - I would've loved to stay longer.

Pictures to come later!

A-campin' we will go...

2009-06-19T22:33:00.002-04:00

Yes, we ARE crazy, thanks for asking! My really smart dad decided that this weekend would be a great time to go camping (and no, there is no nice, pimped-out camper with air conditioning). I won't mention the fact that it was 97 degrees today. But mountains are cooler right?...Like, hopefully about 20 degrees cooler?

Well, maybe I'll sweat out alot of impurities and suddenly decide to become a health nut. Stranger things have happened, I promise!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-17T17:32:00.002-04:00

6 UNimportant things that make me happy!

2009-06-15T19:54:00.003-04:00

Pedicures!
My yard when it's freshly mowed! (not the smell, but just seeing it!)
Abby's laughter!
Clean sheet night!!!
Massages!
Smiles from strangers!

Tag - you're it! Leave a comment on here so I can come read your list!

Speaking of rainstorms...

2009-06-13T20:05:00.003-04:00

THAT'S what I'm talkin' bout!

(see previous post if you don't know what I am talking about)

Rainstorms and birds...

2009-06-10T18:56:00.003-04:00

The theme of this song goes along with my post today, so have it playing in the background while you read!

While working today, it came a torrential downpour right after my lunch break. My partner had gone on her break, and I stood up to see how hard it was raining on the parking lot. There was a sweet little bird perched on the curb, and I said these words out loud (to no one in particular mind you) - "Oh, poor little birdie - go get in a tree and get out of the rain!" Then as I REALLY comprehended how happy the bird was, I had a moment of clarity! Why do we try so hard to get out of the rain? We can get clean, and be extremely refreshed.

James 1:1-5 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

That bird that was splashing around in the rain, taught me alot today. Most of you who know me (I don't know how many readers I have that aren't relatives - probably none, but I digress), know that Danny and I have been going through tough times lately. And of course, we've struggled with the "Why?" question for a long time. Ultimately, it doesn't matter why - it's happening and we are going to get through this. Our faith has grown by leaps and bounds, so this has been a blessing in disguise. I'm not saying that I would want to go through any more "trials" any time soon, I'm just saying that we are learning that we can make do with alot less than what we are used to.

I have learned how wasteful we have been in the past; and how it doesn't really matter that I have that "perfect" outfit, or that "perfect" haircut, or that Abby have 20 dresses hanging in her closet. All that matters is that we are extremely blessed to have such an awesome family (blood relatives and church family both)! More people have prayed for us in the last few months then I have thought humanly possible, and I can feel the changes that have come over me.

A few Saturdays ago, we had a prayer rally on our churches' property, and some of our friends were signed up in the same time slot as us, so we really got to enjoy our special time with them. Holli shared with us her all time favorite verse, and I find it very fitting for this post, so I will close with it.

Jeremiah 29:11-14 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and will bring you back from captivity.

My baby is 7!

2009-06-07T15:32:00.003-04:00

Abby at 1

At 2

At 3

At 4

At 5

At 6

Now!

My how time flies! No matter what, I will always call you "baby"! I love you baby!

So much for 7 lbs in 7 days!

2009-06-02T19:25:00.002-04:00

I have no willpower!!! Or motivation!!! Fooey on you, stupid diet!!

Seriously though, I HAVE TO GET MOTIVATED! And I want to do this for myself (no one else - cuz Danny loves me just as I am!) Any advice or suggestions?

Bad mood plan, Day 4

2009-05-29T23:27:00.004-04:00

So I decided that this morning would be the last day for the 7 day smoothie. Notice that I only made it to day 4. I'm really trying to blame it on the fact that I didn't think that parsley would hold up long enough in the refrigerator, but we all know that I wouldn't stick to this regime of a nasty smoothie every morning for 7 days. I started to take a picture of the drink....but I decided to spare you the nastiness that it is!

One of my co-workers decided to do this along with me, but ended up a day behind me. She sent me text messages every morning after she made her smoothie. Here is pretty much verbatim what she had to say.

Day 1: "Why didn't you tell me that it tasted so bad?"
Day 2: "It was a little better this morning, but I still couldn't drink the whole thing"
Day 3: "I almost vomited green smoothie just now"

Amanda, I totally feel you. I thought Abby was going to lose it when I made the smoothie this morning. Oh the things we will do to lose a few lbs!

all*you - I am completely at a loss for words! I may actually have to write one of those letters (when I come up with words) that shows up at the front of the magazine where inevitably the editor writes some sort of apology for including such bad information in their publication. Shame on you!

Bad mood plan, Day 3

2009-05-28T21:12:00.001-04:00

Nothing important to report today.....except for the fact that I couldn't drink all of the green smoothie this morning. No matter how hard I tried, it just wasn't happening!

Bad mood plan, Day 2

2009-05-27T17:36:00.003-04:00

Day 2 has gone pretty good.....I'm not as mean as I thought I would be. That morning drink I told y'all about - is making me pee myself silly, so obviously it does help with water retention! (Sorry if that's too much info!)

By the way, how many calories do you think there are in about 3 oz of a strawberry smoothie from Tropical Smoothie Cafe? Some mean person brought in huge smoothies and iced coffees, but I was a good girl and poured out a wee-little bit into a small cup and gave the rest to Pam (she's like Mikey, she'll eat anything....lol). Oh, and it is my boss' b-day today, and I passed on ice cream cake from Dairy Queen! Go me!!

Also, update on the fritters that are STILL on my kitchen counter - Danny sat on the couch last night and ate one in front of me!!!!! Way to go for being so supportive honey!

Bad mood plan, Day 1!

2009-05-26T18:33:00.004-04:00

Alright, I decided that I needed a kick-start to losing some weight.....after reading the cover of my all*you magazine that boasts "Lose 7 lbs in 7 days!". I'm biting all*you, and you better follow through (that way it isn't my fault if I don't see results)!

The food seems fine, it's basically limiting yourself to 1200 calories a day, but there is this green smoothie that you must start your day with - it's supposed to aid in getting rid of water retention, etc. Ingredients are as follows:

1 cup chopped parsley (stems and all), yes it does say 1 whole cup!
1/4 cup no sugar added pineapple
1 inch ginger root (peeled and grated)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tsp honey
1/4 cup water

It doesn't taste bad, it just smells....well, really parsleyish. And it looks like creamed spinach that has been liquefied. Nice huh? Not really what you want your first beverage of the day to be, but again I will say, it's not too bad.

So, here's my confession, I did good all day with my healthy options for snacks, oh and for lunch I had this yum-o Healthy Choice cafe selection meal, Chicken Margherita (chicken, noodles, tomatoes, roasted garlic, in some sort of yummy sauce).........like I was saying, I did good all day until I got home and ate some frozen pizza (we forgot to thaw meat out for something slightly healthier), and I overdid it on the pizza. SOOOOO, now I have to go walk extra laps. Errrr!

p.s. Pray for my hubby since I could possibly take out my irritation and frustration on him since I can't eat the things that I really want. And for those of you who have ever had an apple fritter from Donut Palace - there is a boxful of those in my kitchen right now that he forgot to take to work, and they are calling to me as I type this!!!!

2009-05-25T12:03:00.000-04:00

Happy Memorial Day everyone!!

My toothless wonder!

2009-05-17T18:54:00.003-04:00

Y'all are going to get tired of "tooth-pulling" news! This tooth had to be the worst so far - she was absolutely adamant (sp?) that it was not going to be pulled. I don't know how Danny did it, but he somehow tricked her into getting it out. As for me, I was way in the other room, cuz there is just something about tooth pulling that doesn't agree with my nerves!

About to dig into a cupcake! (the rest are going to school in the morning to celebrate her b-day while school is still in)

#5 is gone! (click to enlarge)

Destiny, how do you like her placement of the fake tattoo that is compliments of you?

Wow - 100!

2009-05-10T20:37:00.006-04:00

At my brother-in-laws request, I am not doing one of those "this is my 100th post!" posts. Rather, I will flashback to my VERY 1ST post ever, and marvel at the fact that I am still doing this on a semi-regular basis!

Then - Mother's Day 2008

Now - Mother's Day 2009 (forgive the grainy pic, we waited until too late to take a decent picture outside & our camera is going stupid on us)

Happy Mother's Day everyone!!!!!

sheesh...

2009-05-08T22:28:00.001-04:00

Good grief guys, what does it take to get a few comments?

Help a sister feel loved!

Happy "fake" 7th birthday!

2009-05-04T18:13:00.007-04:00

Due to some scheduling conflicts, we had Abby's birthday party 5 weeks early - since this happened, she has now coined it her "fake" birthday. Go figure!

Abby and her cousin Jon Jon

Some of the gang - top row (L to R), Gracie and Jon Jon, middle row, Natalie, Abby, Eli, and last but certainly not least is Collier (you have no idea how hard it was to get these kiddos to pose for us)

Emma, Natalie, Abby, and Jon Jon digging for dinosaur bones

The throne!

She looks so thrilled doesn't she?

Enjoying cake, ice cream, and lemonade!

Cousin Noah taking a turn in the throne

Face painting

I think Abby is supervising

Getting ready to open presents!

If you've never heard of "Flarp", go get some if you want to make kids laugh hysterically (well, I thought it was pretty humorous also!). Thanks Collier!

Thanks Gracie!

Thanks Zachary!

I wanted to put pics of everyones presents on here, but some didn't turn out too well. We want to thank everyone who helped make Abby's "fake" birthday an awesome one! (oh, and if you've never done a party at the Creative Discovery Museum - it's awesome because you don't have to lift a finger!)

Abby's party...

2009-05-03T21:06:00.001-04:00

The party was awesome (and yes, her birthday isn't for another month - lots of ?'s about that today)! Hopefully I will find time to get the pics on here tomorrow!

Tooth Fairy? That's Momma!

2009-04-29T21:57:00.002-04:00

That's what Abby said! We have lost #4, and I wish I could say that it was a drama-free tooth pulling, but it wasn't! She screamed and cried, and screamed some more. Even with the bribe of being able to put makeup on Daddy, she still wouldn't let him pull it! (and I totally would've posted that pic as well!) Just so you know, the floss "slipped" and that's how the tooth came out!

And, no I do not know what is up with the upside down peace sign!

Fun in the sun!

2009-04-26T21:06:00.003-04:00

After church today, we had a picnic with some new friends of ours. The weather was awesome but the company was even better!

Gracie, Roone, Collier, and Holli

Please don't notice that we forgot Abby's helmet!

My take on peanut butter pie...

2009-04-23T21:09:00.003-04:00

Ok, so I am notorious for never really following recipes (maybe the 1st time [rarely], and then make substitutions as I see fit). I know other people have problems following directions as much as I do! A lady at work was telling me about this recipe, and I told her that after she actually made the pie and said it was good, I would try it. It was a hit with her, so I decided to make it for our small group (LIFE group to be exact). After reading the recipe, and it stated specifically to cut small slices due to the richness, I decided that I would make some alterations to suit me.

Lynne's Peanut Butter Pie

1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar (the real recipe calls for 1 cup)
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese (I used the low-fat kind), softened
1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (I used sugar-free)
ice cream topping (I used Magic Shell)
1 store bought pie crust (Oreo was recommended, but I used a graham cracker one)

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients* except the toppings and crust. Blend with a hand mixer. Gently fold in whipped topping, pour into pie crust and freeze for at least 2 hours. Once frozen, drizzle with Magic Shell and re-freeze for 20 minutes.

Thaw slightly before serving.

**I dumped all the ingredients in my big KitchenAid mixer, and didn't worry about "gently folding" in the whipped topping. It worked out just fine!

Let me know if you try it out! It's sooooo good!

A shout-out!

2009-04-21T21:39:00.002-04:00

I just want to wish my sister-in-law, Danielle, a very happy 30th birthday!

We ate, hung out with her family, and the kids had a ton of fun!

p.s. It's very unlike any of us that were there to not have taken a million pics, but somehow it just didn't happen!

Happy 25th!

2009-04-15T21:57:00.002-04:00

My mom and dad will celebrate their 25th anniversary while in Costa Rica on Friday! We had a party for them at our pastor's house tonight where Mom surprised Dad with the trip (he didn't know about the party either). His reaction was great! He knew they were going on some kind of trip but he thought maybe an Alaskan cruise, he was SO wrong! In the background is Nanny (Dad's mom) and his best friend, Anthony.

The Dress!! (oh, and some Easter pics too)

2009-04-13T19:30:00.003-04:00

Egg hunting at Nanny's

Abby and JonJon (Think the handle on his basket is big enough?) *click to enlarge for a better viewing experience*

Our little family! Isn't the dress precious? I LOVE the embroidery!

I'm not really sure what she thought would happen if she put some dogwood blooms into some dirt (and even though you can't tell here - Daisy was really interested in what Miss Easter Bunny Ears was doing)

Hope everyone had a great Easter!

A new product (for me anyway)

2009-04-12T20:17:00.004-04:00

I had a coupon for a free full size mascara (gotta love that All You magazine!), so I thought "Why not?". I headed to Wal*Mart and picked up my freebie. I have to say, it is probably the best mascara I have ever used! No clumps, it doesn't harden when it dries, it's just an all around great product!

Ok, execs at Rimmel - send me some other free products and I will sing your praises!

anticipation!

2009-04-09T23:00:00.001-04:00

UPDATE!!! The concert was AWESOME! Unlike anything I have ever been to!

Tomorrow, Verizon Ampitheater, Alpharetta, did I mention $10? Oh in case you didn't know - the show is sold out! Not to rub it in or anything!!

Pam, this ones for you!

2009-04-07T18:35:00.002-04:00

Explanation to everyone else: I purposely started laughing like this guy at work today, so I had to tell the story of how we saw him on "Bridget's Sexiest Beaches" (and no I am not proud of myself for watching the show, but come on - she was in Jamaica, and I feel connected to the country since our trip!). His name is Captain Crazy (and he is a HOOT!) and he is a tour guide for Nine Mile which is where Bob Marley is laid to rest.

Good Friday fun!

2009-04-03T22:24:00.003-04:00

Have I mentioned that I am going to see Louie Giglio, Chris Tomlin, and Matt Redman for just $10??? Click here for more info!

another oldie, but a goodie!!!!

2009-03-31T19:32:00.002-04:00

I must be feeling quite nostalgic these days, cuz here is another precious moment from "back in the day" (HA!), I think Abby is about 2 1/2 in this one.

flashback...

2009-03-25T21:26:00.003-04:00

I was trying to reorganize our photos and started watching some short little videos that we have, and I HAD to share this one. I believe Abby was 4 when she learned this little diddy. Enjoy!

We're gonna have a visitor tonight!

2009-03-20T21:45:00.002-04:00

Popa pulled a tooth for us tonight...it was driving her crazy, and Momma DOES NOT pull teeth.

She is so excited that the tooth fairy is gonna "pop" in tonight......by the way - how much $ does the TF leave these days?

Antibiotics and how much I hate them.....!

2009-03-17T19:43:00.003-04:00

As you read in an earlier post, Abby is on amoxicillan for a case of tonsillitis/pharyngitis. These are just a few questions I have for the manufacturer's of the medication:

WHY does it have to taste so bad that my normally well-behaved daughter would spit said medicine in the floor?
WHY do I have to go spend $12 (for 12 little single dose packets) for granulated acidophilus so that my poor baby doesn't have to suffer through a "not so nice" side effect from said medicine? (On a positive note, at least the acidophilus does double duty. Let's just say it helps with GI health, and promotes good yeast growth if you get my drift)

Well, when I started writing this - I thought I had more complaints than those - but I guess not. Oh well! I'm off to make Abby gag yet again.....wish me luck!

short and sweet

2009-03-13T18:35:00.003-04:00

I have a request of you guys......please pray for me as I am experiencing some emotional "unrest" if you will (along with facing some emotionally difficult decisions). Also, any Scripture that you can pass along would be greatly appreciated.

On a positive note - Abby's dress came today (God knew I needed a smile), and OH MY WORD - it is adorable!

update

2009-03-12T19:41:00.002-04:00

I guess I should've posted this before now, but Abby is better. She is on antibiotic for tonsillitis/pharyngitis. We hate the side effect of the medicine, but a little acidophilus hopefully will help ALOT.

Abby's sick :(

2009-03-09T09:20:00.003-04:00

Well, Abby awoke feeling quite feverish this morning - and sure enough - 100.6 it was. Her nose is really, really bad. She's enjoying breakfast on the couch and the Disney Channel as we speak. 8 hours of vacation down the drain! Oh well, that's part of being a parent!

help!

2009-03-03T22:46:00.006-05:00

UPDATE: The dress has been ordered!

I was browsing Etsy, and found this dress for Abby. BUT, my question is - is it too bold as an Easter dress?

Along the bottom where you can see the black trim - there would be FREE embroidery. I LOVE free!

Feedback please!!!

a sad anniversary

2009-03-02T18:49:00.002-05:00

Today is the anniversary of my grandfather's death. Pam - I told you wrong - it's been 12 years.

Bless my grandmother's heart - I talked to her while I was driving home from work tonight, and the only thing she would say was "I'm glad I was so busy today - I didn't have an opportunity to dwell on it." Thank goodness for her boyfriend, Allan (yes my Nanny has a BF!). He has been such a blessing in her life!

FLASHBACK:
The night before Popaw died, Danny & I had gone to Wal-Mart and bought a few doughnuts (enough for 1 each for Nanny & Popaw, and Danny & I). At the time, we were living in their upstairs bedroom. So we had put the doughnut box on the kitchen counter and not given them a second thought, until Popaw came out of the kitchen with a huge bite of doughnut in his mouth and asked "Who's doughnut is this?" After chiding him playfully - I said "Well, I guess it's yours now isn't it?" (He was always trying to "get" you by doing silly things - ie. hiding your car keys, etc) In the course of laughing and just having a good Saturday night in with the grandparents, he told me that he was going to wake me up at 7:00 the next morning so we could go for a walk. I asked nicely that he please not do that - because I loved sleeping in on the weekends. Well, low and behold - guess what time my grandfather passed away that next morning? Yep - about 7:00.......how wild/ironic/spooky is that?!

We're not entirely sure what he died from - it was either a massive heart attack or an aneurysm. But thank goodness we were there for my grandmother's sake. We had only been back in town for a week - obviously God had a hand in our move back from Huntsville!

2009-03-01T19:18:00.003-05:00

I'm so envious! I just finished chatting on facebook with a friend we made while on our mission trip (she lives near Newnan, GA)....and they got 4 inches of beautiful snow! And here - zilch, nada, nothing! I showed Abby the pics on another friends' page - and she was all "What's up with that!?"

It's not like I want to miss work or anything - but heck - if it's going to be this cold and windy, at least give us something pretty to look at!

2009-02-24T19:12:00.005-05:00

These twins stole my heart!