26 Days and Counting!!

YAY!! We only have 26 more days until we leave for Disney World. I haven't been since I was in the 8th grade and I can't wait to go again! Sometimes I find myself sitting at work day dreaming of what it's going to be like. Chris' family and my mom are going also. I know Colby probably won't remember any of it so it's mostly for us big kids. I have had lots of advice on what to do with the lil' guy and what not to do. Anyways, until then its more planning and saving... Any advice on those who have been on trips with a little one?

On another note, Colby has done GREAT at the new babysitter's!! It has been a blessing and he loves playing with all the other kids. We had a few days that he cried when I left and now he just gets out of the car and walks up to the door! After cutting back on his milk like the pediatrician recommended he is definitely gaining weight and has a HUGE appetite! What am I going to do when he is a teenager?!

Wow, where has the time gone! I can't believe I haven't posted since May!!

Colby had a check up visit today at the doctor and weighs in at 21lbs!! He is growing so fast. The doctor said he looked great and that I was giving him too much milk, who would have thought you could give a kid too much milk? Anywho, we are going to back off a little and substitute something else.

We went and visited our new babysitter today after the doctor appt. Mrs Pickering will start Monday. She is so nice along with her dear husband who is at home with her. They are an older couple that live close to Chris' work. Deb is having to take care of Mamaw Jo and help Mamaw Betty now. It was just a little too much to be helping/taking care of those three!! Mrs Pickering has two other full time children and two that are only there a few days a week. I think Colby will have a good time!

Well lets see what else... We are going to Disney World in October!! I can't wait! I have started selling Premier Jewelry to help out with some of the bills. I had my training show and 'my' first show was last week. My second show is tomorrow night. It has been good to me so far!! Hope it works out! If you want to have a party call me!!

Catching up Part 2

Let's see, something I left out was for my birthday was that Chris made appointments for me to have my hair done and a manicure and pedicure!! It was great. I had a Saturday with my friends. One slight problem that ended up working out was while at the hair salon (the one I have gone to for years) getting a trim and highlight, I ended up with red and blonde! Needless to say, I didn't ask for red but Shelly fixed it and it was a deep auburn color. It took a little getting used to and I actually had many, many compliments.

Colby moved to his big boy seat! Much better for him and me.

Playing guitar hero! He will definitely will be our lil' drummer.

Easter was great with lots of festivities. The best part I must say was the fact that Chris, Colby and I spent the whole day by ourselves. We don't do that very often, in fact it may be the first time we have done that. It was so nice to be able to just enjoy each other.

The children released balloons after the sunrise service.

We had Colby's picture made with the Easter Bunny at Bass Pro Shop. I was very disappointed. You couldn't view the picture for 24 hours and when I did, it was off centered and just not a good pic. Next year we will definitely go to Northpark.

And now Colby will be turning 1 year old tomorrow! Can't believe it. Hope to post many pics of a fun birthday party on Saturday!

Catching Up Part 1

Once again I have been running around with tons to blog about and haven't sat down to blog. So a little catchin' up! Starting on the beginning of the camera!! My friend Jess got a pair of tickets to go see Paula Deen in Jackson and guess who she invited... It wasn't what we expected but a great experience, thanks Jess! SHE IS HILARIOUS!!

Kirsten, a dear friend at work welcomed her precious lil' tot into the world on March 27 @ 3:48 am. Eva Rhea weighed 6lbs even. Kirsten delivered all natural just the way she wanted. It is a wonderful story and I am so proud of her. She is an awesome woman!! Kirsten and her husband CL along with Eva plan to leave on a journey to India in the early part of 2010. They are very strong and mission minded and seem to have a wonderful mission in store. Please view their blog and share in their effort to further God's kingdom.

A snapshot of little Eva in the hospital when I went to visit.

Next would be Disciple Now Weekend '09!! This is the weekend we wait for every year... This is a weekend that begins on Friday night and goes on non-stop until Sunday at 12. Colby stayed with my dad and step-mom for the weekend and never knew he was away from home!! So the games started and we had our first accident! The game was to throw as many frisbees at the other team as you could. Once you were hit with a frisbee you were out and the last one playing one. Don't ask!! Nobody knows where Chris comes up with these games but the kids like this stuff. And every time I needed my camera it was MIA!

Wilton was hit in the face by a frisbee and it busted his lip.

We had four sessions over the weekend that was focused on getting to know God and finding out who we are. It was great material. The girls stayed at one house and the guys stayed in the gym. We had lots of food and fun. Saturday afternoon we had three big blow up games; gladiator, velcro wall and the obstacle course. Saturday night was the worship service and then we rented the skating rink. Let me just say I NEVER thought I would skate again in my life. I did pretty well, wish I could say the same for Chris!! We had a blast and as usual we were exhausted Sunday after the morning service.

Part 2 will be following...

Reunion!

Today was a day of reunion for me. While in Wal-Mart, my Friday ritual, I ran into a good friend from school. The last time I saw her was at my wedding shower about five years ago. She looked great and introduced me to her husband and she had her two girls with her. It was so great to see her. Still in Wal-Mart, I got a call from Cathy, a girlfriend at work. She said 'I think I found your dog. What is his name?'. I was like 'no way, where are you, his name is Duke'. I was checking out and we finished our conversation with the assumption it was Duke. She loaded him up in the back of her truck and brought him home. I should have told you before, we came home one day a few weeks ago and our chocolate lab wasn't here. Needless to say we never found him until now! Sure enough, I raced home and it was our Duke. We are so glad he is home!!

My 26th Birthday!

In case you didn't know my birthday is April 1st! I turned 26 today and don't feel any different. Chris on the other hand turned 26 in January and had a really hard time dealing! All night last night he counted down the hours, 'Three more hours and you'll be old'. I reminded him that he would always be 'older' than me!! It's life, right? Everyone has a birthday and gets a year older... I started the day with a voice note on my phone from my dad and step-mom, multiple text messages from friends and family, breakfast from my in-laws, a phone call from my mom and more to come from other friends, a card in the mail, an e-card and a few happies from some special friends at work. A great start to a great birthday.

So my whole life I have had people playing April Fool's jokes on me. Well today I was working with a patient and their father looked at me and said "You dropped some money on the floor" and pointed behind me. I of course turned around and looked. "April Fools" he said! I just thought I was an expert at all these tricks!!

Then I was preparing for Wednesday night as usual and Chris told me we were having a meeting after church at his moms house. So Erin took Colby for me and me and Chris ran home to get his notebook. We pulled up to the house and I wondered why all these cars were there... Chris said "It is a big meeting". Needless to say, I walked in to a dark house and the lights came on with a loud "SUPRISE"! It was the best suprise!! I had no idea. Everyone pulled it off and it was a great ending to a GREAT BIRTHDAY! Thank you to everyone for making it a special day. I am truly blessed to have such great friends and family.

The Suprise!

Next year I just want a '2' and a '7'!!

Of course he had cake too!

Summer and Jessie

Carey, acting like he is interested!

This is a pic of Colby after spending too much time with the little girls at church tonight!! Those are Elmo stickers, four to be exact!!

Easter is getting close! We already bought Colby an Easter outfit and basket. He is going to be so handsome!! Here is a pic of him with my Easter basket that my Aunt Rita made for me in '84. She always made an ornament for for each Christmas and other keepsakes for me. When I had Colby she crocheted this beautiful blue and white baby blanket. All the these things I cherish greatly!! It makes me wish I was still young with no responsibilities!! LOL

A little catching up...

Ok, I am still alive, just slacking when it comes to blogging. I am planning to do better! It seems I got in a slump of being overwhelmed with too much going on. I still have too much going on but I am praying for my way out. I think the Lord is working on me pretty hard, I am just too stubborn to realize what he is trying to tell me. Do you ever do that? Anywho! No need to go over the past, just starting with the present...

I am almost finished with our taxes!! ( I know, you have been finished with yours! ) It's a long story that started from last years taxes though. I have gotten caught up with most of the organizations I am involved in. My house looks like a family lives here, what better way to have it. Still behind in some areas but who's perfect?! Colby is now 10 months old and drinks whole milk. Goodbye to formula!!! He weighed 18 lbs at his 9 month check-up. Growing faster than I want, but I guess that's life. We got a new puppy last week. He is part Schnauzer and part rat terrier. We still haven't named him...





Colby stayed the night with Aunt Jess last and I don't think he has had more than an hours worth of sleep today! A little delerious to say the least, but hanging in there like a trooper. We did a few loads of laundry tonight, one of his major highlights!! I spent half the time picking the clothes up off the floor bc he was pulling them out faster than I could put them on a hanger. When he can actually help I am sure he will run from the dryer. LOL!!

After supper we head to the bath tub. The highlight of Colby's day! If you turn the water on in the tub he comes running (crawling at lightening speed) and drops whatever he is doing. He LOVES taking a bath. We are finished for the night and ready to have a bottle and snuggle for a few minutes...

Super Bowl XLIII

Ok, so I don't keep up with football. I enjoy watching every now and then but until last night I didn't know who was even playing in the Super Bowl, but WOW what a game!! What a great feeling for the Steelers and the coach who is only 32 years old, what an accomplishment! And Jennifer Hudson did a GREAT job singing the National Anthem. We had our usual party with the youth at the Activities Building with lots of snacks and games. A good time, as always when we are with our extended family!

The Show

Our youth group at church has put together a concert. We are advertising for it on the radio, facebook, flyers, posters, etc. They have worked really hard to put this on and just thought I would help spread the word and say how proud I am of them. The speaker will be Big Daddy Keas , whom I hear is a great guy, and we will have two local bands, Shaken and Fovea Tree, who I don't know much about. The tickets are $10.00 advanced purchase and $12.00 at the door. So if you aren't busy on February 28th at 6:00 come out and enjoy the The Show at Mt Zion!!

Gatlinburg!

So I went to Gatlinburg, TN with some of the youth guys... What a trip!! We left on a Friday afternoon and between Jon driving without using the cruise control and his phone dieing (GPS on his phone was the only directions to the hotel) we arrived at 3:00 am Saturday morning. The guys left to go hiking on Mt LeConte at 7:30. There was one brave girl... Kelly one of the guys girlfriends, decided to take the challenge. She hung in there and did just as well, even better, than some of the guys. Those of us who hung back at the hotel accidentally slept until 10:30. What a waste! So we got up and walked the strip in Gatlinburg. It was so pretty and so cold!! Sunday was eventful! A few problems that the Lord graciously kept me strong through. We ended the night by going to Ober Gatlinburg and it was snowing. If you haven't been it's GREAT!! We rode the tram up the mountain and the guys went ice skating. We wanted to go snow tubing but we got there too late. (We are definitely going back girls!!) Monday morning we left the beautiful mountains and the snow falling. I feel he put me in a very strong leadership position on this trip, which was not my intentions, and it taught me a lot about being who 'I' really am no matter who is around. How important it is to be yourself and to stand for what you believe in. I have a different perspective for other people now and a different perspective on life. My new years resolution was to be more positive. I have learned it is better to think about what you are going to say, is it necessary or just to blow steam, is it uplifting or downgrading to someone, and I have found myself keeping quite a lot more than before. WOW I didn't realize how much my mouth said stuff that I didn't really mean reacting just on emotions... Chris is already tired of me but I am hoping to rub off on him a little bit!! =p

Happy Birthday!!

This morning started with a full breakfast and many birthday blessings for a wonderful day... Chris turned 26 today, not an easy thing to grasp for him, but something he has no choice but to accept!! I don't quite understand it but maybe its the difference between a man and a woman? or maybe just the difference between me and him... I think of it as another year accomplished!! He says he had an ok day but starting to feel sickly, itchy throat and stuff. We ended the Birth-Day with a bash at church. Everyone brought goodies and we had story time with Mr. Chris!! He replayed his stories from children's church last Sunday with the youth because they had very important lessons... Paying attention when people are talking was one of them. An obvious problem that many youth have!! LOL In the end, Chris is still at the church with the kids, whom he loves hanging out with, having drama practice and Colby and I are hanging out at home waiting...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRIS!! WE LOVE YOU!!

Colby got to participate before the party started with Uncle Carey!

Please overlook the hair...

Muddin'

How could I forget!! A new past time of ours is 'muddin'. We go to my sister-in-laws down the road and have a blast. The youth comes, friends of friends, we have made new friends, etc. It all started with 'the deuce'. Chris had taken his jeep, which sadly we just traded, muddin before but the new toys had to be tried out! This is one of the deuces. Not sure why exactly we have these other than just for fun! And boy do they have stories to tell!!

So everyone who wants to ride loads up and hangs on tight! There is now limit to how many people can ride. The first bump always makes more room...

Recently we added some new means of riding... 'The Yota' one of Chris' other toys. He lets me drive it, with no power steering and it's a standard!! So my first time was great. The second time was a little more eventful. I forgot to mention there is a sequence to making the brakes WORK!! Well I got caught in the moment of having fun and forgot that small bit of information and was headed up a hill and unfortunately rolled backwards and hit Curtis. Thankfully he has a super duty bumper!! I had to make a circle and come back to pull him out bc I made him get stuck. I hate there are no pics to share of the incident. We do have video though!!

I promise I didn't break it!!

This is one of Carey's friends driving the white Tacoma, he took it through that huge mud whole!! Other friends come and ride in their jeeps, four wheelers, etc.

Jessie

This is Curtis' jeep that I ran into!!

I posted this for you Heather!

Slacking

Ok, so I know I haven't posted in a while. It's not because we don't have anything going on or because we aren't busy... it's the exact opposite. Let me see if I can share a few things... Christmas was over and then we celebrated New Year's. Colby made it all night! He didn't sleep because there was too much going on. We played games until 11:30 and then shot fireworks. Colby watched the fireworks but not much expression due to lack of sleep!! A few milestones in the past month...We have lowered Colby's bed because he thought it was funny to hang over the rail, he crawls very fast to keep up with you (exploring all the rooms in the house), and pulling up and standing on anything and everything. He can even walk around the ottomon and coffee table!! All these bring so much excitement to Colby and us. We are getting back to our normal schedule now, we needed badly! And what mother wouldn't want to brag, he cries for me and gets excited when I walk in the room!! Colby turned 8 months old on the 8th!! And I decided yesterday to go to Gatlinburg this weekend with a group of kids from the church. Last minute FUN!! Chris will be staying home with Colby, please keep them in your prayers.

A little too much walking for one day...

Christmas

Z is for 'ZZZzzzz'

After all the Christmas running not only did Colby need a long nap but so did I!! We had so much fun this year. It was great watching Colby 'try' to open his presents and then how excited he got knowing he could tear the paper!! I wouldn't trade it for anything. He got way to much, of course... We celebrated Christmas Eve dinner with Chris' immediate family. We had the traditional Old Timer's bar-b-que and french fries, opened our gifts and headed to the church for Family Communion. Thursday morning we got up and played Santa and opened more presents. I made sausage balls and was ecstatic that they turned out and tasted good!! We ran to lunch at my grandparents and then had dinner with my dads side of the family. Once again, like Thanksgiving, it was great to get to see everyone! Hope everyone had a GREAT Christmas!

Y is for the Youth Party

We had our youth group Christmas Party last night. We started out eating!!

(It's what we do best, we can't get together without having food) Then we played Dirty Santa...

Clothes...

Toys...

A gift card that was wrapped with a WHOLE newspaper!!

She finally got it - And I-Tunes Gift Card

Play-Doh, which I stole and she ended up with Twister.

Gun and Air Freshener??

Twister was a BIG HIT!!

And we LOVE taking pics... A lil' fuzzy but who wouldn't want to see this little man!!

Aunt Erin, Colby and me

KC

Uncle Brian

Alyson, Jessie and us

X is for X-Mas or Christmas

Every year there seems to be something wrong with saying Christmas or spelling it the correct way. Why did somebody change it to begin with... Someone was all of a sudden, out of the blue offended because they were told Merry Christmas? So it's Happy Holidays or X-mas. What do you think? What do you prefer? I think there is no option. It is Merry Christmas and it will always be that way!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

W is for Weather

I am almost finished with the alphabet!! So, what's up with the weather in Mississippi? Yesterday it was warm and so nice outside. Today is another story. We got up and left to go to church and it was FREEZING!! One day it's in the 70's and the very next day in the 50's. Can someone explain this? Colby's nose is running and his eyes are watering. I suctioned the nose and he hates it!! Let's see what this weeks weather will be like for Christmas!

V is for Very behind on Christmas shopping

I know Christmas is less than two weeks away, but I still have over half of my Christmas shopping to do. I told myself, I wouldn't wait until the last minute and I would try to by a little bit along the way so it isn't so much at once. Well, now I can't stop thinking about how much I have to get done and how much I don't want to get out and do it!! Only because of all the people out there that are just like me and have waited until now to start. I have become good at shopping online but I just have a problem paying all that money on shipping. I guess I will just have to deal with it and get out there with everybody else and maybe this year I will have learned my lesson. (doubt it seriously)

U is for an Unforgettable Christmas gift

So, we had a spa day at work!! The doctors and their wives gave us a day of pampering for Christmas. We got to choose three out of four; a pedicure, a manicure, massage and facial. I chose the massage, facial and manicure. It was AWESOME!! We had so much fun. They had Broadstreet deliver our lunch, we started at 10:00 and I think everyone finished up around 4:00. I will never forget this Christmas present!!

Leigh just had her massage

Angie after her massage

Cathy enjoyed a facial

Me, Angie and Wanda

Kirsten, barefoot and pregnant!!

For some reason they wouldn't give Heather a full robe!!

Becky getting her manicure

Leigh hadn't had enough, she went back for a pedicure too!

We had so much fun!! And while all this was going on INSIDE, the beautiful snow was falling OUTSIDE!!! Here are a few pics from the house!! The Lord is BEAUTIFUL in so many ways!!

T is for Tis the Season

Well, Christmas is almost here, hope you are ready. We got our Christmas tree and decorated the house after Thanksgiving lunch. And it has been non-stop since with Secret Pal party, Christmas program at church and then we had our Ladies Celebration Dinner this past Saturday night. We decorated tables, ate good food and heard a wonderful message from Ms Chocolate. Our theme was Splendor of Lights. Ms Chocolate reminded us not to hide or cover our light. She was so excited after moving in a new home and put all her Christmas decorations up, moved the furniture so her tree would be in the front window and walked outside to see 'nothing'. She realized that she had a tint over her windows that doesn't allow you to see in. Don't keep a tint over the light. This is the time for us to shine, when everything else seems so dark.

Mine and Erin's Table

My mom and mother-in-law's table

Jessica's table

Alyson and Chrissy

Regan and Jess

Erin and Jess

Matthew 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

S is for Santa

We took Colby to see Santa Friday and he did GREAT!! I may not be so lucky next year when he knows more of whats going on. Santa informed me that he had a pretty long list this year...

R is for Reunions

I seem to get so involved in everyday life, sometimes I don't get to see family as much as I would like or as much as I should. Thanksgiving is always a time of reunion for me. I can't make those little excuses about being busy and everyone else is doing the same things we are. I got to have Thanksgiving at my house for the first time! It was GREAT! I got to see my cousins and their kids that I don't get to see very often and my grandparents. Saturday we got together with my dads family and had red beans and rice, something a little different since everyone had been eating turkey and dressing for the last two days. It was a nice reunion. We don't get together very often and my cousin who lives in Michigan came home and brought his fiance' for us to meet. I haven't seen him in years... It is so fun to visit with everyone, just wish it would last longer. I added some pics from my dads family. I forgot to take pics both places but thanks to email I had a few to post. Still waiting on someone to share the pics from my moms side!!

Auburn and TaylorJennifer and Stone

My dad, Colby Matthew and Stone

My dads siblings!

Uncle Adrian, Aunt Teresa and Dad (Aunt Cathy isn't here she lives in Texas)

Jennifer and Daniel, the engaged!!

Q is for Quick

Quick is how my life seems on a daily basis. Everything is done so fast, it is hard to remeber what we did yesterday! Chris decided to offer our house for Thanksgiving this year for my mother's side of the family. For some reason they had decided to go out to eat and I just couldn't handle the idea of not eating real home made Thanksgiving food!! And you can't possible visit with everyone when you are sitting in a restaurant. Well it was on Saturday!! Thursday will be here before we know it and my house is a wreck... So I have been quickly cleaning, throwing away, and going through everything in our house. I must say am sorry to my family for having to deal with my obsessiveness when it comes to cleaning. (Chris and I had this talk just last week...) So now after two days of running around like a mad woman (thanks mom for letting me boss you around), I am down to the basics that I can wait until Wednesday night to do. Once Thursday is over it starts again!! Put the Christmas tree up, get out the decorations, go Christmas shopping, run to all the parties, etc. Does it ever slow down? Thursday I am planning to enjoy my family, take lots of pictures and remember this time we shared! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

P is for President

It's never too early to start campaigning!!

O is for Oh My!

Oh my, what fun we have... We decided to take family pics Sunday afternoon. Colby and I stayed inside until it was our turn. He, of course, was hungry and we knew he wouldn't cooperate on an empty stomach... Once he was bored with the bottle I took him to the door to look outside and the next thing I know he is not only pressing his face against the glass but he has full suction!! Of course it was the highlight of the afternoon and everyone had to get a pic. And a lil' extra info, Colby is on all fours rockin' back and forth, almost crawling.

N is for Nativity

I went to Ladies Night Out last night at First Baptist Florence. It was GREAT!! If you have never been to one, you don't know what you are missing. This is a time of fellowship where ladies decorate tables, have a delicous dinner, get prizes, play fun games and have awesome speakers. We are having ours December 6th. I have decided to use my Willow Tree Nativity for my center piece on my table. I got it for Christmas about two years ago and I absolutely love it!! This will probably be the last Christmas I get to have it out on the coffee table... Next year it will have to be out of reach of lil' hands. I will always cherish this Nativity...

M is for Money

Have you ever thought about how important we make money? Sometimes it controls our mood and our choices. It causes fights and makes you cry, it can make you happy but only for a short time. I think for me it controls me daily. If it weren't for money, I could be a stay at home wife/mom, or at least part time! Don't get me wrong, I know we need money and it is part of the way things work, but does it have to be so important and controlling? People seem to make it that way... The love of money really is the root of all evil! 1 Timothy 6:10

L is for Live, Love and Laugh

More Flash Comments at FlickNote

What does it mean to live? To go get up day after day, get dressed, go to work, come home and start all over the next day... Yuck!! To live, to enjoy everyday life, make the best of your day. I wake up and think what does the Lord have in store for me. I want to live my life to the fullest. Love, we all love someone and have someone that loves us. But you know we always hear, do you really know what it means to love someone. I may not know what love really is, but I know that I love my family, friends and my father in heaven. And I am very blessed to feel so loved. Laughing is so healthy!! It is good for your soul. Sometimes laughing makes me cry, sometimes you laugh so hard and long it hurts and sometimes its just what you need. So if we love with all our might, laugh at every chance we get, then we can't help but live the best life we possibly can!!

K is for Kaleidoscope

What is a kaleidoscope? A tube-shaped optical instrument that is rotated to produce a succession of symmetrical designs by means of mirrors reflecting the constantly changing patterns made by bits of colored glass at one end of the tube; A constantly changing set of colors; A series of changing phases or events: a kaleidoscope of illusions.

Sometimes I feel like my life is a kaleidoscope, a series of phases or events. Between work, church and family we live a very busy life. When I am just getting used to one phase life starts another, constantly changing. In these phases are series of events. Kaleidoscopes are very pretty so I would like to think my life is very colorful!! I also know the Lord has blessed my life with many friends, a kaleidoscope of friends!! Think about how colorful our lives are and enjoy the kaleidoscope of everyday life!! And if we are a mirror or our life is a reflection, what do other people see... "You are the salt of the earth...You are the light of the world." Matthew 5:13-14.

Halloween

J is for Jack-O-Lantern

Well we didn't carve a jack-o-lantern, but we decorated one. His name is Frankie. Wednesday night at church we had a costume contest. There were really scary costumes and very original costumes...lil' girl playing in mom's make-up and the poparatzee. Pumpkin carving wasn't as messy as we thought but very creativs. Scary desserts consisted of popcorn hands with candy corn finger nails and cookie fingers. We played Zombie, a halloween version of Marco Polo where the zombie moaned and everyone moaned back and then Monster Mash Dance. The kids had to dance like a monster and when the music went off, freeze in their position. It was hilarious!! Tonight we went Trick or Treating and visited a few of the ladies from the church. This halloween was so much fun! We now are getting ready for the Holy Ghost Weenie Roast. I am very excited but also very tired and ready for this weekend to be over!!

I is for Ice

So, I got to keep my friend Alyson's little girl Jessie for a couple of hours while her and Curtis, her husband, and Chris went to a meeting. She brought her two favorite games, Don't Break the Ice and Memory. It was pretty fun. I had never played Don't Break the Ice before and it was cool! When we got to the end of the game I noticed Jessie putting her hand under the ice. I asked 'What are you doing?' and she informed me she was keeping the ice from falling! LOL How convenient!! Brian, my brother-in-law came over and we played a few games of Memory and Don't Break the Ice too. Even though we had Jessie's favorite games, she had more fun helping take care of Colby. Jessie helped feed Colby his bottle, bathe him, rub lotion on him, put his clothes on, etc. Anything that needed to be done, 'she could do'!! We had a good time and by the end of the night we were sitting in the chair watching and singing Hanna Montana.

H is for Home Sweet Home

I have to catch up, Heather is so far ahead of me!!


Home? What do you think of if someone asked about your home. Well, for me the first thought would be my house. I used to live in a trailer, some called the Love Shack and now I live in a small, brick house. I always wanted a big house, one I could build and design myself... Now I am thinking a little different. This house that I describe is my home, not just my house.

My home...my safe haven. This is a place where my family lives, sleeps, eats, etc. We feel safe and comfortable here. This is what Colby knows as his home and where he will grow up feeling safe. It doesn't really matter what it looks like or how big it is. When someone walks in, it may not be spotless and perfectly clean (although I try real hard to make it that way constantly) but it's always our home. Our homes describes who we are by how we decorate, what's laying around and even how busy we are! I would hope that when someone enters the door they feel the love that our family shares for each other and for them. Maybe one day I can relax on the cleaning obsession!! Our home is open to friends and family. Some of the youth even consider it their second home. I have a basket full of clothes that have been left after all the mud ridin' expeditions, I am sure they have to be missed!! It's a place to get away from everyday life, a place to relax. Movie nights, small talk, llooonnnnggggg talks, sleep overs, and so much more. Sometimes I forget about all these things...I walk in from work and start that 90 to nothing cleaning spree, thinking I can clean my whole house to my expectations and cook supper and spend time with Colby and Chris...YEAH RIGHT!! It's a vicsous never ending cycle! LOL So my challenge to everyone would be to think about your HOME, not your house, and consider the important things that make it your home...I am going to try more and more everyday to enjoy the time I have in my home while I slow down from going 90 to nothing (previous blog)!!

Posted Pics

Posted the pics that were suppose to be on my G blog. Hope you enjoy!

Bailey's Birthday Party

Fall Carnival

JDRF Pics

G is for Going non-stop

Do you ever feel like you are running around in circles, going here and there, doing this and that? It seems to be our life story. I thought it may slow down a little when we had Colby...but he is just pulled right along and we never miss a beat!! This weekend was one of those times. We started off Saturday morning walking for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at Mayes Lake. It was a three mile walk plus the mile we had to walk to and from our car. I carried Colby half way on my back and then moved him to the front because he seemed to be sleepy but after the move he was wide awake and he did so good! He just smiled and flirted with everyone and enjoyed his FIRST WALK!!




We left there, ran an errand and then headed to home to walk atleast another mile in the Fun Run at the church. This time we strolled! It was such a pretty day to have all this going on. The carnival started after the Fun Run and we had so much fun. The youth were in charge of running the games which were face painting, pin the nose on the pumpkin, paint a pumpkin, balloon pop, egg toss, football throw, cake walk, wordless book, bobbing for apples, the dunking booth (where Chris and Matt thoroughly enjoyed being wet and cold) and the jail. After all the fun and games came the Trunk N Treat with lots of candy!! Then to top the night off we had a hay ride. To see all the families that showed up was so exciting and the kids were priceless. Colby got to wear his first Halloween costume! I must say, if there had been a contest he would have been the cutest!!




Sunday after church we had a youth committee meeting that Chris obviously couldn't miss. So we headed off to cousin Bailey's birthday party. It was so nice to visit with everyone. And you should have seen all the pretty baby dolls she got! They are going to have lots of fun!! I got to thinking about Colby's first birthday and I don't want to rush it, but I can't wait!!




We had to then rush back to church for Dinner and a Movie...Swiss Family Robinson. And we had our business meeting and voted in the Pastor Search Committee. An exciting step forward! To end the weekend, I got a call that one of the doctors I work for was riding his bike and was hit head on by a car. He is now in the ICU with ONLY a few broken bones in his right arm and right hand. A lot of pain and soreness of course, but a miracle that he is still here thanks to lots of prayer and our AMAZING Lord who is in control of all things. Now I am sitting here thinking of how fast life goes by, how we live our lives going non-stop, 90 to nothing and never know whats ahead. Does God intend on us to live our lives like this? I think not. I am going to try and slow down a little, enjoy each day one by one and make the most of the time I have with my family before I look back and see what I could have done or should have done...

F is for Friends

Best friends, close friends, distant friends, school friends, work friends, church friends, family friends, old friends, new friends and I could go on and on. Do you ever wonder how friends know just what to say at the right time, or how they are always there when you need them, 'some' are honest with you when you need them to be, and they seem to listen and never get tired of hearing the same thing over and over (thanks Erin and Jess). I guess thats why they are called friends!! They are so important in life and I am so blessed to have a lot of them. There is no way I could make a list of them and not leave someone out. A little tribute to some of my friends starting with Chris - my best friend and life long partner. I love him and couldn't ask for a better guy!! Crystal - A childhood friend who has continued to be a part of my life through hard times and all. Thanks for being such an awesome friend!! Erin - My sister-in-law who has been far more than I could ask for in a sister. We have our times, just as I imagine real sisters would, but we always seem to get through them!!! Thanks for being the sis' I never had. Jess - A friend who I can talk to about anything and she can always relate. She doesn't mind telling me the truth (or anybody else for that matter) and doesn't mind listening to my stories even the second or third time around!! Heather - A work friend who helps me make it through the week or even the day!! She got me started blogging. And of course my parents!! So many more to talk about and all very special. Thanks for making my life what it is!!

E is for Excitement

EXCITEMENT!! So many things to be excited about. Colby will be five months old tomorrow, time goes so fast. He is blowing bubbles, talking non-stop and has found his feet! He is starting to sit up but can't quite stay up without tipping over after a few seconds!!

Florence Homecoming is this week and the youth are loving it!! Fun and exciting days of dressing silly and decorating floats for the homecoming parade. Chris will be driving the truck for the Sophomore class this year! Two of the girls in our youth group are in the Homecoming court. Go Katie and Regan!! We are excited and can't wait to see them all dressed up Friday night!

The following weekend is the Fall Carnival at our church. All kinds of fun and excitement!!This will include the annual Trunk N Treat, a Fun Run, and lots of good food and games!! Our Trunk N Treat is made up of anyone who wants to decorate their trunks and the kids go around to each car and get candy. The Fun Run is new this year and it will be a walk/run down our road and you get a t-shirt for signing up!! We then have the exciting games like bobbing for apples, face painting, cake walk, etc. All the kids and some 'big kids' will dress in their halloween costumes. If you don't have anything planned, come join us, October 18th starting at 4:00.

Colby will attend his first birthday party the following Sunday. My cousin's little girl Bailey will be 1! Once again it seems time goes by so fast. It's always exciting to celebrate our birthdays and we thank the Lord for giving her a wonderful year and pray for many more!! We can't wait to see them.

And of course there is Halloween. We have plans for our annual Holy Ghost Weenie Roast with our youth group but I can't leak any of the details!! This is always an exciting night!

What about things besides events...So many friends and family are going on mission trips or have just come back from a trip. Getting to hear all the exciting stories makes me wish I could go. Maybe one day I will be able to go like that! I am just glad they are willing to serve!!

A little less exciting...My mother-in-law is going for an MRI Friday for her back. She has had problems in the past and had different procedures to try and cure this pain and numbness that she has in her leg. She has recently been going to physical therapy to try a little bit cheaper route but it isn't doing what the doctor wants! So once she has the MRI we will see what comes next... Please pray for her as she is waiting patiently to see what the outcome will be.

Rock Band

Saturday night me, Holly and Chris went to Zack's house and played Rock Band. We have Guitar Hero but this was our first time to experience Rock Band. For those of you that aren't familar, Guitar Hero has a guitar that you use and Rock Band has the guitar, drums and microphone. We had so much fun!! The drums were a lot harder than I had anticipated but I loved playing! Chris enjoyed "trying" to sing... We all took turns rotating around the different positions. Mal and 'the other' Zack came over later and played with us. Colby had so much fun watching his dad sing and his mom play the drums he just couldn't take it any longer!

D is for Dinner and a Movie

We had 'Dinner and a Movie' night for the youth Sunday. Our movie this time was Cars. We watch the movie and have a dinner that is themed to the movie. After the movie there are questions that relate it to our Christian life. For supper we had Checkered Flagwiches, Tow Mater's Tractor Tippin' Taters (waffle fries with Tony's), Kachow Dip N Chips (not sure what was in it, but it was really good!) and Lightning Lemonade. For dessert we had Flo Sodas (root beer floats) and the famous Lightening McQueen Cake!! It was my first time to make a cake like this and the book didn't have a picture... Please keep this in mind. I am ready to make Colby's birthday cake now!!! We also celebrated the September Birthdays so we had a store bought cake just in case mine wasn't edible, which it was, and Chris and Katie decorated it... We had lots of fun. Erin gladly served us Flo Sodas and cake.

Jay chillin' with his Flo Soda

After the movie we played a little Foosball

C is for Ceramics...

A past time that my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and I have enjoyed doing for a while. A few years ago we decided to get our own kiln since we painted so much. One thing led to another and we decided maybe to try and sale some of our pieces. We have done fairly well. Enjoying it is our main objective. We are now making our own pieces and have a lot of new ones to offer.


I have quickly put together a blog to show some of our product. Still working on the blog, trying to squeeze in time to post more pics is tough!! Our business name is Giggles 2 Glamour.

The Lord is AWESOME and has blessed us with many talents!! Thanks to all our friends and family for supporting us.

B is for Bath Time...

I hope that he continues to enjoy taking baths for a long time!! We finally have learned to brave the bath tub! We used to use the sink and thought maybe it was time to start using the tub. Colby loves it because he gets to lay down and splash. Kicking his feet is so much fun!!

Leading up to bath time...

And Colby trying out his Big Boy seat!!

Ok, so I haven't posted in a few days... Just a lot going on I guess but it seems hard to think of something to talk about. So I am following in Heather's footsteps...thanks for the push!

A is for Apples...I found this cute recipe for mini caramel apples at FamilyFun.com. We always have a Fall Carnival at church in October and I always think of these cute ideas but never follow through. So now I have lil' Colby and it only seems right to make fun things. We are planning to be a Pirate for the Fall Carnival and mini caramel apples would go great! I see so many fun ideas for kids and can't wait to share them and experience them with Colby!!

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
4-inch lollipop sticks
Melon baller
Granny Smith apples (one apple makes about 8 mini apples)
Butterscotch or peanut butter chips
Chopped nuts, nonpareils, sprinkles, shredded coconut (optional)
Small paper candy cups


1. First, cut the lollipop sticks in half at an angle (the pointy end will go into the apple pieces easier). With the melon baller, scoop little balls out of the apple. Each ball should have a section of apple peel. Push half of a lollipop stick into the peel of each ball. Pat the apple pieces dry.

2. Melt the chips according to the package directions. Dip and swirl the mini apples in the melted chips, then roll the apples in nuts, sprinkles, nonpareils, or coconut, if desired. Place the mini apples in paper candy cups to set.

Fruits and such...

We started our fruits yesterday...the first food. Apples first! Chris video taped the event. Colby will one day look back and say "my parents were crazy"! It was a little complicated but fun. His first food, my first time feeding a baby, but we made it. Colby sat in his high chair today and had more apples. I think there is something new and exciting to look forward to everyday!! Next we will try bananas!

And we have figured out how to make noises. It's our new thing. He will talk your ears off if you will listen. And I don't know how a mom couldn't. I recorded it on my phone last night as he was sharing with me what he did for the day. So as any proud mom would, I proudly took it to work today to share with my friends! Thanks to Heather for the idea!! I could seriously sit and listen to it all day, I LOVE IT!!

"Can you imagine being with our Lord forever? Life eternal! No more death! Health forever from Him who is the great physician. Peace with Him who quells no war. No more want! Nothing that defiles or harms." Tim LaHaye & Jerry B Jenkins, Perhaps Today Devotional

So Chris and I were reading our devotional tonight and this just really hit me. Can you REALLY imagine this?! I always thought, when I was younger, that I would never get to have a family because I knew the Lord would return before that day got here...a little selfish, but young! I also thought I would never make it to 18, it seemed like forever away!! LOL Now I am here... I have a family of my own and the thought of being with the Lord forever leaves me in awe. The day when there will be no worries and no sadness. I CAN'T WAIT!! I am excited for my husband and son to experience this day also. To be able to teach my lil' guy the amazing things God has done and still does is one of the best parts of being a mom. I always looked forward to this day. Thank you Lord for this life, it's wonderful!!!