Live Out Loud

our get-away...

2010-06-23T15:39:00.014-05:00

I wanted to share our little family get-away that we are blessed with. Drew folks restored a rental property that they've owned for a while. It is north of Tupelo and sits on the historical Brice's Crossroads Battleground of the Civil War. I'm not sure what year the house was built but they've had fun getting this little house and filling it with treasures they find at antique auctions. This picture is from the front of the house.

The pieces in the house are so beautiful and it's so far out in the country that you feel like you could hear a pin drop. We stay there each time we go to Tupelo. It is not occupied so we have the whole place to ourselves!

Isn't this the coolest lamp!?

Centuries ago, that whole area was underwater. One day, Drew's mom found these fossilized type rocks/shells and started picking them all up. You can click on the picture to enlarge.

This is the back porch. Very peaceful to just sit and watch the cows. The old slave quarters were behind the house too but they tore them down recently. They were beyond restoring..

This is the newest purchase at auction...A massive concrete bench that weighs a ton I'm sure!

One of my favorite pieces! Aunt Jemima Cookie jar. I found this on eBay for her...pretty sure it's not an original, but looks good in the kitchen.

This is the room Hannah likes to sleep in when we go.

LOVE the kitchen. My favorite is the window seat that looks out of the back of the house.

Dining room table....leather chairs are gorgeous!

This bed is so beautiful! I always think Hannah will want to sleep in it but she likes to sleep close to the room that we sleep in. It's called an angel bed. Papaw calls it the Michael Jackson bed! LOL!! Someone told her a scary story once about the house and a cemetery that is close to the house. Maybe one day she will want to sleep in the angel bed.

I love this chair...but it's so low to the ground! Wonder why? There's bound to be a name for it.

isn't this piano gorgeous!?

This is the room we sleep in. It takes me forever to go to sleep cause I stare at the green canopy. It's so pretty. The mattress was custom made for this bed..

HOPE YOU ENJOYED YOUR TOUR OF THE HOUSE AT BRICE'S!!

I wanna hold your hand...

2010-06-16T16:21:00.002-05:00

I'm a hand holder. Anybody else that is a hand holder knows what I mean without explanation. I always wanted to hold my mother's hand. When I was little, I studied what her hand looked like and felt like. The older I get, I look at my hands sometimes and realize they are starting to look like my mother's. Hannah and I have always held hands...although she is wanting to do that less and less lately. :( There is just something about holding hands that calms me and makes me feel secure. Working in oral surgery, I encounter alot of folks that are very afraid...some don't even think twice and reach out for my hand when we are about to begin. If they seem anxious, I offer my hand and most gladly take it. What I find most interesting is that when we have a sedated patient and they seem to be anxious even under twilight sedation, I reach and place their hand in mine and they always gently squeeze...like something in their inner most being wants human touch. Touch is calming. I had a lady the other day that wasn't sedated...she didn't care so much to squeeze my hand but asked if it was ok if she just rubbed my arm. It kept her mind off of the surgery and calmed her. I started thinking about this whole touch thing and thinking how we can allow God to touch through us. You never know who or what someone may be going through and who needs a touch from God. Make a conscious effort to touch someone this week and bring comfort that you weren't aware was needed! Everybody just needs a hand to hold on to....

Influenced by Miss Nan...

2010-04-12T08:21:00.003-05:00

I realize only half of you may know my friend, Miss Nan...I really don't know if I can put into words what Miss Nan means to me. If you know her, you know where I'm coming from on this. She is a spiritual mentor to many in our church and has been my Lifegroup teacher for the better part of 10 years. She is a retired school teacher and turned 80 recently! Never married but so full of knowledge that I can't even begin to describe. She's written 3 books..(let me know if you're interested and I can get a copies for ya!) I guess the best thing for me to do is to attempt to make a list of things that she has taught me:

Put on the full armour of God each day. Never start a day without talking to him. She says, "How in the world could you talk to anyone else without talking to Him first??" Your day will go much better if you do.

She's taught me that fear, confusion, shame and guilt are fingerprints of satan.

Meet when the family meets..Sunday morning and night and Wednesday night.

Teach your children that they don't have to go to church...they GET to go to church.
You set the tone in your home.
Not tithing is the most dangerous thing you can do.
God doesn't like murmuring and complaining....and neither does Miss Nan.

I often catch my self saying...Well Miss Nan says that... What a Godly lady. One could only pray to grow into the righteous, pious woman she is!!!

You can catch some of her teachings on our church website..look under Media and NANo vision. www.colonialheights.org

Influenced by..Susie Kimbrough, Pat Jones, Babara Herring, Libby Brown

2010-03-26T16:21:00.002-05:00

First of all I'd like to say I had every good intention of starting to keep my blog very current but I got sidetracked when my hubby came home. It has been very surreal to have him in a war zone one week and on the soccer field the next. I feel like I can finally breathe again...which is what makes me think about these 4 women. I guess really the only word to describe what I learned and still learn from them is PERSEVERANCE. An old dictionary gives the definition for perseverance as this: Perseverance is the continuance in a state of grace until is is proceeded by a state of glory. Pretty profound, don't you think? Each lady has known me my entire life and each one has an impact on my life in different ways. Susie and Pat probably started me out with my love of music. I think I've said before that God speaks to me many times through music...not even necessarily through the words. It is truly a form of worship for me. I took piano from Susie for I think we counted one time a total of 13 years. I'm grateful to her that I can sit down and play now... Would love to play alot more than I do. Pat was my elementary music teacher. I still have in my head like it was yesterday a song from the 6th grade musical..Where There's a Wheel There's a Way. I watched Barbara and Libby keep their homes and family like I wanted to. That's the good thing about small towns...most everyone and their family is just like you. All four of these women in their own way have had personal tragedies to deal with and I've watched them all persevere. Then it makes you wonder..are they really tragedies if you persevere? Maybe we should call them blessings.

Influenced by...Odessa Horton

2010-03-10T15:36:00.004-06:00

I'm not sure that anything can put into words what this lady means to my life. Many of you know Dessa, but for those that don't let me set this up for you...Dessa came to "care" for our family in 1967 when we lived in Fayette, MS. I was born in 1969 and we loved to Meadville. Dessa learned to drive, got her driver's license, and came to care for our family in Meadville. I grew up with Dessa. She spoiled me rotten. She cooked anything I wanted. She played barbies in the woods with me. She let me help clean and taught me to cook so many things. I felt there was nothing this lady wouldn't do for me. When our parents were out of town, Dessa would stay with us and sleep in our guestroom and there I was all up in her business. After the lights were off, I would just talk and talk to her. Sometimes I would ask her questions and she wouldn't answer me. Finally I asked her, "Why aren't you answering me? I know you hear me talking to you.." Once she replied, "I was talkin' to God." I guess that's the first time I realized that you can talk to God just like a person....and apparently I was interrupting them. I was only 5 years old when that happened but she truly ministered to me that night.
She has since "retired" from caring for us and my mom has yet to find anyone to match her!! Truly one of a kind. She always was and continues to be a blessing to me and to many..

Influenced by...Camp Wesley Pines

2010-02-28T17:27:00.003-06:00

Not sure I'm going to be able to cover everything about Camp Wesley Pines. I began going to camp there as a camper to the younger and older elementary camps, then on to junior high camps and retreats. I began to work different camps as a counselor in training there and then on to senior high retreats. I worked several summers and I almost remember each one individually. It was in the tabernacle by the lake when I was 16 that I asked Jesus into my heart. I feel like I learned many lessons there and was introduced to many character traits. I made friends there that I still have....and even though we may not see each other quite as often as I'd like, I know we share an amazing common bond by being blessed by God through Camp Wesley Pines. I've been through several things as an adult there as well and the same remains true of my youth.....that God is faithful to meet me right where I am. When I drive through the front gates...everytime...I get the feeling of "coming home", and that feels really good. I pray our daughter will discover how special that place is. She's gone for the past two summers and can't get enough...I think she's getting it too.

Influenced by....my parents

2010-02-20T17:17:00.003-06:00

You know the old saying, "It takes a town to raise a child.." That would possibly be very true of me. Living in a small town America it does tend to be the responsibility (and privilege) of raising others children. The friends that I was in first grade with, were the very same friends I graduated with. There were my besties parents that treated me as their own and vice versa. All wonderful role models. There aren't a whole lot of people that can say that. I was going to start now and go back but decided I better start from the beginning. I will say that my parents have been the most important influence in my life. From as early as I can remember, even though I didn't have a word for it, I had a feeling of what unconditional love was. The love that they had and still have for one another is truly an inspiration to me. The character traits that I learned from them, I am frantically trying to teach our children and am seeing that it isn't such an easy job. That patience that my mother has and still has with my father is immeasurable. The way that no matter what time he use to get in from the hospital or have to leave unexpectedly at lunch on Thanksgiving..no complaining...just keeping a plate for him and having it hot when he got home. The compassion that my father has for people when I would've been so done with them. It all comes from making God the center of a marriage. I get it now.

Complete Overhaul

2010-02-17T14:13:00.002-06:00

Well, to be quite honest, I had thought about deleting this blog altogether but I think I'll carry it out a bit longer.... ONLY because my old friend John gave me such a good idea. John and I recently caught up with one another on where else, Facebook (another thing that's been keeping me from blogging) I've enjoyed so much reading his blog and he has given me some motivation to blog about some things. Some of his posts have really made me stop and examine some parts of my life...especially my past. Uuugghhh..don't ya hate that word? PAST.. Thank God that's exactly what it is. The Past.
Some much has happened since my last post before Christmas. I won't even attempt to go back and touch on everything. What I can tell you is that this crazy deployment that is keeping my husband away from us is about to come to a close. Less than one month away now. I've gone this long....One month is a piece of cake.
So the thing that John blogged about that has my wheels turning is People or Places I've Been Influenced By.... I've got a few important ones in mind. Still have a little churning to do...but please stay tuned to see who made the list.....
In the meantime, I've given this little silly blog a makeover and changed some blogs that I follow. Check them out! I'll be back soon...Promise.

Christmas Tour 2009

2009-12-14T17:26:00.010-06:00

Well, I decided to branch out on my own this year with the Christmas tour. Last year's Christmas Tour post was through a fellow blogger's blog (did I say that right?) For those of you that are new to a blogger's Christmas tour...it is simply a way to stay in the comfort of your own home, in your jammies, or whatever makes you the most comfy...and tour a home or homes via internet and leave comments about your likes and dislikes..Hope I start something here. I sure would like to see some of my fellow blogger's Christmas deco! Get your snuggie and a snack and here we go....

As I said in last year's post..I absolutely LOVE nativity sets. I have many...and want more. This is one of my newest ones...cut out of wood. My parent's brought this back to me from a recent trip. Isn't it cute?! By the way, to see any picture bigger or closer, just click on it!

Another nativity in my living room...as I said last year, I have seriously considered leaving some of my nativities out all year long.

I realize this picture kinda looks boring. I took several shots and none of them really did it justice. This is on my front entry table as you walk in the front door. My glittery trees (that get EVERYWHERE!) with gold mesh wrapped around them, sitting on red mesh...can't really tell, but I've got red lights inside the trees. Looks really beautiful from the street at night.

Three Wise men. I love these. One of my favorite decorations! My mom gave them to me a few years ago from the Southern Living line. A small nativity painting on canvas given to me by a friend. LOVE this too!

Are the Santa's cute? I got them at Country Originals on Northside Drive... if you've never been there...don't go. You'll be hooked. On the right is another nativity that I got years ago from Dollar Tree..yes, Dollar Tree. Hannah played with the pieces for hours when she was little. Have you ever noticed a child play with a nativity set? They know exactly what to do with each part.

My friend Lisa twisted some of the meshy stuff and we put it on the mantel to cover all our electronics. I must say that stockings is something that I never buckled down and bought when the kids were little. My friend gets tickled looking at all of my stockings when I try to decide which ones to hang. Sure wish I had gotten special ones when they were little so I could give them to them one day you know?

This is the coffee table in the living room. Pine cones in a container with some left over Christmas balls is always easy and pretty. The stack of books is something neat I started years ago. I explained in last years post..I was going through Christmas cards one year as I was cleaning up and realized I shouldn't throw away all these great pictures people spend so much time and money on, so I started making a scrapbook of Christmas cards each year out of construction paper and letting Hannah decorate them and make a cover. We laminate each page and tie the edges together. I put all the books out each year and we enjoy so much looking at our friends and how they've changed. (Our card goes on the first page) With the regular cards, we cut out shapes and verses to glue in the book. It is really a treasure and people seem to always enjoy looking at all of our books!

Kitchen table...got these trees on Black Friday at Simply Spaces in Madison. I thought they were great! Wish i had some pretty Christmas dishes to set the table with!!

This is on the ledge as you go upstairs. Another nativity set..had for years. I really should start writing on the boxes where each one came from. The stocking garland we got as a gift when we got married. The kids use to love for me to put little goodies or pieces of candy in each stocking during the month!

Hannah put her own tree up in her room and decorated it herself. She started doing this when she was about 3 or 4 I think. I told her it was about time for a "big girl" tree if she wanted to keep doing it. She can save this tree for her little girl.

This is in the kitchen. I love this frosted fruit! I use it all the time in different things and it always looks so pretty. The plates behind them are some of the Christmas plates I have painted. I'm going to try and start painting one each year.

Since we got married, I have painted or made an ornament each year for us and do one for each child with the year. We have quite a collection and I'm so proud of all of them! They don't care too much about them like I do but they will be so proud of them one day when they have them to hang on their own tree. Maybe I have started a tradition with them. My friend Lindsey painted one for me this year. Isn't it great?!

Hannah always paints her own ornament. This one is from this year.

Matthew's....

Andrew's....

Lighted garland around the front doors with my ribbon wreaths! Looks pretty at night too.

Hannah and her friend making Christmas cookies. We do this every year also. MOST of the time they are edible. I enjoy it just as much as they do! Just realized I don't have a pic of my Christmas houses but you can see a little bit of them in this picture in the background on the counter. A few of these were also given to me when we got married. Good thing about getting married in December...get lots of good Christmas stuff!!

I've made several of these as happies this year already..German Chocolate pound cake. YUM!!!

and FUDGE with pecans!!

and last but not least the tree...Since Drew is deployed again this Christmas, I was just going to put up a pre lit one but Hannah had a fit so Andrew and Matthew got this one from Lowe's and together we got it up. After they did, I was glad because it smells SOOOO good. I don't have half my ornaments on it this year...decided to just go with all of our family ones and handmade ones.

On K Love radio the other day, they were having a time of people calling in with funny Christmas accident stories. At first I thought, How horrible! That's not funny, but the more I listened to stories, the funnier it got. One guy fell through the floor of the attic while getting the Christmas decorations. As if that wasn't bad enough, the box of decorations fell on top of him through the attic. He had broken ribs, an arm and I believe a punctured lung. His family of course after making sure he was ok thought it was hysterical..Only now, years later is he able to laugh about it. I was reading a blog that I follow last year and I was splitting my sides laughing about her mishap. She was getting decorations out and stepped on the lid to a rubbermaid box...did the serious splits...and broke her leg! I don't think we've ever had any serious holiday accident..other than we went through a period of about 5 years in a row that our Christmas tree fell in the middle of the night....except once, it did fall directly on top of the boys as they watched tv. All I could see was legs and arms and hollering...I didn't do it!!! They were fine but scared to death! I hope my holiday tour hasn't bored you to tears. It truly is my favorite time of the year. I love my family and our traditions. I miss Drew tremendously and look forward to this time next year. Merry Christmas everyone!!!

sticky notes and Bible quotes

2009-11-10T21:32:00.004-06:00

This was the title of Hannah's second grade play...and it just happens to be what I'm relying on lately. I can't seem to write my self enough sticky notes . In fact, I may be rubbing off on my daughter. I'm looking at a sticky note stuck to my monitor that say, "Songs I want on my iPod" and then a long list. Maybe Santa needs to bring her an iTunes gift card... or me too for that matter. I actually wrote on a note today at work of something I wanted (we draw names for Christmas) Potholders was on my list. Does that mean you're old if you request potholders for Christmas? Enough of the sticky notes. On to Bible quotes. I have an array of verses that have been flashing through my head lately...only could be divinely sent, right? They come through songs on K-Love or 93.5, they come through Miss Nan (my brilliant Life Group teacher), they come through our pastor, I could list all night...but they are coming and it's what gets me through. I pray that the same is happening for Drew and he is finding comfort in it like I am.
I found several pictures I wanted to share. Most are already on Facebook, but hey, what isn't on Facebook..

Miss Hannah lovin' on her brothers. My they are so handsome, don't ya think?
I just had to take this for Drew. He's worried they aren't taking care of the truck while he's gone. So, Papaw gave them a sho nuff lesson in oil changing and other things. I think they knew it all had to be done but expected someone to take care of it for them. They're gonna do just fine.

Hannah digging out one of the pumpkins. She always LOVES to get her hands down in a pumpkin....SO much so that she puts it all back in after she cleans it out and does it again. Hmm..maybe she'll be a surgeon one day.

Here's our redneck trick or treatin' crew. No hay...just lounge chairs. Get'er done!!

Last but not least, my honey offering a little girl something. UUgghh...makes my heart hurt. OK...I need a Bible quote.

Fall Back

2009-10-25T21:29:00.005-05:00

Among many other things...aaahhh..this is by far my favorite week of the year. The week we get to set our clocks back and get an extra hour of sleep. Mistletoe Marketplace is upon us. For those of you who live in a closet and don't know what that is..it's basically a chaotic event that the Junior League of Jxn puts on that is a free-for-all to get your Christmas shopping started...Mind boggling, yet fun and festive. Wouldn't miss it for the world. Cooking...LOVE to cook this time of year, planting stuff and getting all decorated for the seasons to come. This year will be a little different for us without Drew...We survived in 2005 when he was deployed for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I suppose we can make it again. He certainly wouldn't want us all sitting around sad.
On a lighter note...here's several photos from the past couple weeks...

The state fair came and went. We enjoyed as usual. Had to get this pic. My grandfather use to sit this exact way an awful lot...just out in the yard..there he would sit.. squatting down, flat footed. Funny, Hannah never knew him, but she sits this way ALOT!!

Hannah and bestie, Olivia..

Hannah and I at Madison Central Homecoming pep rally. My word...my ear drums will never be the same again..

Buds.....and a teacher..dressed like Michael Jackson...hmmmm...

carving pumpkins....

How 'bout our patriotic pumpkin...

HAPPY FALL Y'ALL!!!

completely meaningless...

2009-10-21T21:21:00.002-05:00

Thanks to my blog-friend Junebug, she inspired me to blog about everyday occurrences. I've got lots of those. Really too many to mention. But here goes..
OK, so some of you know I had the Lasik procedure on my eyes last Friday. Greatest thing since sliced bread. Really. And I'm weird..really weird about my eyes, but I'd do it again tomorrow. I mean, who knew there were individual leaves on trees. It's a miracle!
Also, not news to anyone that I miss my husband tremendously. But hey, we're almost at the half way mark. If you've argued with your husband today, go directly and apologize (even if you were not at fault) Life is too short for that little stuff.
I unstopped the upstairs tub last week. Huge sense of accomplishment for me. I will however need some help (I think!) getting the Christmas tree out of the attic when the time comes. He would croak if he knew I was not putting up a real tree. Just can't so that by myself..unless of course someone would like to help with that as well..
My tire pressure light has been on in the car now for a week or so. Never done air in the tires before. I know, I know...if I can unstop a tub, I can do that... I'll get around to it.
I've been cooking lately. ALOT. Anybody need some good recipes? I'm your girl.
Cleaned out all my pots and flower beds today in preparation for this weekend. Putting out pansies, kale and mums....oh and pine straw.. My eye doctor has instructed me to wear protective goggles. I don't even know what to say about that. Anyhoo..
What's up with the Silly/Animal Bandz?????????? Oh my word..they are like gold in Madison. I offered to let Hannah wear all the rubber jelly bracelets we got to wear to an 80's party not long ago and I got THE LOOK. "Not the same Mom." So, yes, I trekked around looking for someone who had some left...finally found some...I think I heard the Hallelujah chorus play when she cracked the package open.
I bought myself some fresh flowers and arranged them on my kitchen table last week. It made me feel really good.
I think I'm addicted to the sushi at Kroger. The sushi maker, I'm pretty sure doesn't speak any English, but he knows why I come and what kind I like.
Anybody seen Stepfather at the theater? I REALLY want to. We have been into watching some scary stuff lately!
I could see how I could carry on this way for quite a while but I won't. Thanks Junebug for the push!!

shots from the past 4 weeks..

2009-09-20T20:04:00.003-05:00

Have you ever seen such good looking boys??

Hannah and I at the Ole Miss game on Saturday.
Girls Nite Out at Germantown Middle School
My sweet hubby... yeah, the media doesn't show pictures like this.
OR this...this is how a mission begins.

drum roll please....

2009-09-20T19:54:00.002-05:00

I'm seriously considering calling this blog quits. What'cha think? I can't believe it's been over a month since I last posted. I've had plenty of things to post on...just won't take the time to sit down and do it. If anyone has ever seen the movie "Groundhog Day" with Bill Murray...that would be my life right now....and I'm only about 1/4 way through this deployment...that's not a good sign folks.
Just to tide all 3 of you over..until I can come up with something to blog about...here's some pics from the past few weeks..

rules are made to be broken..

2009-08-12T21:35:00.002-05:00

..Some would say. I must say that I got a nice laugh out of reading Hannah's elementary handbook. I know it's been a few years since I've been in elementary school. Wonder what it would've been like to have a time machine and travel to the future back then and read this handbook..I'm sure most of us would be very confused at reading today's rules. I won't go over every single one..cause there's ALOT of them..but I will touch on a few highlights that are my personal favorites.

Hair and body should be free from obnoxious odors. (that speaks for itself)
Shoes, sandals, or boots shall be worn at all times with shoes being laced and tied. No cleats or slippers, and no shoes with wheels. (do kids actually wear slippers to school?)
Appropriate underclothing should be worn. No clothing considered and designed as an undergarment should be worn on the outside of clothing. (I mean, really? That ruins Hannah's outfit for tomorrow!)
Picks, combs, rollers and other styling devices shall not be worn in hair. (I'm wondering what "other styling devices" is...)
Unless prescribed for medical reasons, sunglasses are not to be worn inside of the building. (so Michael Jackson's brothers all had on shades for medical reasons at his memorial service??)
Young men shall not be permitted to wear earrings or conceal the earrings with a Band-aid or any other material. Neither males nor females shall wear rings or studs in their noses, tongues, or other body parts. (Shoot!)
Biking shorts shall not be worn..(where did that come from? don't know any kid that has ever wanted to wear biking shorts to school..)
Males are not permitted to wear skirts and/or garments traditionally designed to be worn by females. (ok..this one worries me..)
Elementary students are not allowed to wear make up. (YAY!!!!! the only rule that really applies to us!! and I can just blame it on the rule book!)

I read these to Hannah tonight and we got a good laugh. I think we laughed more at the fact that if nobody had ever done any of these things..it wouldn't be a rule. I believe it's going to be a good school year!! Let's roll!

Winding down

2009-08-03T20:01:00.002-05:00

I guess that's what we've been doing the past week or so..winding down before school starts. I got this cute little picture today of Hannah and neighborhood peeps enjoying an entire, yes ENTIRE watermelon..This was only the first helping. The rest of the slices were gone within about 30 minutes....and it wasn't a small watermelon! The little kids were so cute afterwards...that's what I needed a close up shot of..pink tinged, sticky,dirty faces. I didn't have the heart to wipe them up...just too stinkin' cute!

I looked back this time last year on the blog and we were packing up and moving into this house. Can hardly believe it's been a year..so much has happened..just really now getting settled..FINALLY getting some things done..picked out paint, had a couple of built ins done in Hannah's room. Can't wait til it's all done! I think I purposely waited so I'd have something to occupy my time while Drew is gone..By the way, we're 1/4 way through deployment. In some ways, it's going quickly..but then there's those nights when I think...is it really just August? Next May is forever! I mean really..we've got birthdays, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Valentines, not to mention just the regular ole run of the mill days...(sigh) But enough about that.

Hannah is excited about her new school..we took advantage of the tax free days and got school clothes for the first time. She's most excited about getting to wear "regular" clothes to school this year. I must admit, it was a little fun picking out some outfits. She has it all planned out what she's wearing the first day. It made me remember how I use to do the same exact thing. She's so brave..I would be a nervous wreck walking into a brand new school in the 5th grade. Guess it's better than 6th or anything above that...That would really be brutal.

The boys are juniors and excited about that. They both are in football and Matthew is first string. Scares me really. I hate to see them with guys piled on top of them. Drew tells him, "Make sure they know who you are when you get up off the ground.." Whatever that means... Andrew is in Wave Connection at Tupelo High and loves it...that's the awesome show choir..one of the best in the nation..gets made fun of tremendously by his brother, but that just fuels the fire. They will be fun to watch this year. So glad Drew will be back for their senior year.

I would say I can't wait to get started on painting the house, but it's not one of my favorite things to do. Colors are whole wheat, rye grass and mandarin. What'cha think?

our current situation

2009-07-10T16:51:00.003-05:00

So this has been the situation for what seems like quite sometime now..We are being held prisoner in our own house by sparrows that have decided to build a condo right outside the front door. One day it wasn't there and the next day..boom, there it was..this mud and straw nest with eggs in it. I know this because Andrew got on a ladder to see if anything was in it a few weeks ago. When we go out the front door, which is quite often and daily, these parents will take your head off. Not just as you come out the door, but they will follow you halfway down the street letting you know how much they dislike you invading their space. Not only is it the parents, but 2 or 3 more...aunts and uncles I presume..but they are NOT happy with us. When we got back from NOLA, it happened..the babies had arrived and the family was out to get us with a vengeance. I probably really should explain to my neighbors why I am waving a broom around every time I come out the front door. Today, a baby had fallen out of the nest and was lying directly by the door. From my dads instruction, I gloved up and got a ladder (while Hannah stood in the driveway and waved the trusty broom) and very gently dumped the baby back over into the nest. I keep checking on it..through the blinds of course..and lo and behold if it is not up sitting on the edge of the nest like it could tumble out again any second...Hate to break it to the birdie..it may just be on it's own this next time it falls...Then again, maybe it's "falling" on purpose. I have fallen many times and God always continues to gently pick me back up and put me in the nest. Isn't that what a parent is supposed to do?

Here's the maniac sparrows...
And all had fun at Camp Wesley Pines this week!! So glad to have my baby home!!
Thanks for praying for us and for Drew. He made it safely out of Kuwait this week and into Iraq. Continue to keep him in your prayers. It's hot and it's dusty, not to mention 115 degrees (not counting the heat index) Psalm 91 will come into play now!!

are we there yet?

2009-07-05T21:35:00.002-05:00

...that questions was asked many times over the past 4 days. I even caught me asking myself the same question too. Hannah and I took the train to New Orleans for my 40th birthday...there I said it..40th birthday. I miss Drew more than I can explain. He always makes my birthday so special...makes me feel like a little girl again..waiting on a cake or a special surprise.

We watched the most awesome fireworks show from the riverwalk....the Dueling Barges fireworks extravaganza!! There were several bands that we listened to...did ALOT of people watching..one of my favorite pastimes..

I lost count of how many beignets we ate and how much we laughed at each other while we ate them. We just about had to change clothes each time we ate them from all of the powdered sugar. Too bad I don't have any pictures of that..

one of MANY self portraits we took of ourselves over the weekend. We found that they are really the best ones!!!

Had to eat at Bubba Gump Shrimp..It was probably the best place we ate at I think! Not to mention it happens to be our favorite movie of all times. Hannah even asked me while we were eating there..."Mama, is Forrest Gump a true story??" Seems like it could be huh?

sure fire signs of summer...

2009-06-23T17:49:00.003-05:00

If nobody has told you, summer is here. I know you are miserable like me when you get in your car and have to drive for a few minutes with just the tips of your fingers cause the steering wheel is so stinkin hot.

Our tomatoes are doing very well!! Just wish some would hurry and turn red...there's tons of them just waiting for me to eat them!

This needs no explanation. Can't you just smell this bacon cooking? My absolute most favorite thing to eat in the summer. You just can't make a bad one. Almost feel guilty eating them without Drew. He loves'em as much as me. Sure do miss that guy!

Another sure fire sign is the dragging out of the neon polish! We have a different color each week on our toes. Not sure when or why we started this, but we aren't the only ones...something fun to do in the summer for girls!

I think I should probably OWN Pop-Ice by now...or at least stock. I say every summer I should stockpile them cause they only sell'em in the summer and we love'em so much!!! VERY cheap and taste great on a 100 degree day. Oh yeah..dogs like'em too.

Last but not least...the pool with friends. Of course, now you have to go to the bottom of the deep end to feel the coolness of the water. Oh what am I whining about...my husband is in the desert. He would probably welcome some lukewarm water right about now to swim in.

Another one of my favs is all the fireflies out right at dusk. Wish I could capture on camera all of them behind our house. Looks like white twinkle lights...just beautiful.

Whirlwinds are good..

2009-06-15T19:10:00.003-05:00

That's what last week was....but it was very, very good. We went to Hattiesburg last Sunday to see Drew. He was able to come off base and stay with us Monday night. Tuesday morning was the Farewell Ceremonies of the 155th at Camp Shelby...yes it was 100 degrees I'm sure of it, but it's the least we could do for all those guys that are about to be in another country, where it's 10 times hotter than it is here..not to mention the 50+ pounds of gear they are wearing. I try to remember that when I get in my hot car each day.

Don't these guys look like their Dad!!??!?

This was only a small portion of the group!!

Here is Drew giving Matthew a nice military shave last week. It's a 2...whatever that means...

Wednesday night, Drew and I got to have a night out to dinner alone while good friends took all the kids to eat. When we got back, I returned to a surprise for my 40th birthday!!! (actually on July 5) They wanted to throw a party while Drew was still here. I was completely

surprised!! They pulled it off very well!!!

I know I asked for prayer that time would drag by..but I promise..it really did. We had a wonderful week...got up early, went to bed very late, ate till our hearts content, talked, played games..spent true quality time together. We have great family support and we love all of you!!

Now, get busy with PSALM 91!!!

tick, tock, tick, tock....

2009-06-03T17:42:00.007-05:00

Do you ever feel like you're on the game show Jeopardy? Well...minus the winning money...that's what we've been doing lately. Waiting around to see and spend time with Drew just one more time before he leaves for Iraq..

The swimsuits I bought I've been spending ALOT of time in...a little too much probably...doing lots and lots of girlie things, seeing friends we don't see alot of, boating, science museum, Mermaids (restaurant at Caroline) Picked 4 gallons of blueberries last weekend... See last May 31 post on that. Once I get ready to deal with them again, I'll make jelly. I've already made 2 blueberry cream cheese pound cakes. That about wraps it up since the last post. This weekend I will do one last clean sweep of the house to get ready for Drew to be home next week. I know this is a weird prayer request (if that's possible) but please pray that next week will just drag by..each day will seem twice as long. Oh yeah...don't forget Psalm 91.

do I look fat in this??

2009-05-20T21:27:00.002-05:00

If you happen to be of the male persuasion, stop reading right HERE. This post will not interest you in the least...unless of course you have trouble shopping for swimsuits.
Every woman of every shape and size will be able to relate to this one. Shopping for swimsuits rates about at the top of the list for "worst things in the world you can do for your self-esteem." Rule #101 of shopping for swimsuits should include..Do not ask your 10 year old daughter what she thinks. That's all I've got to say 'bout that. As I'm sure you know already, there are rules for buying a swimsuit...depending on what shape body you have right? Or so they say...the infamous THEY. I would like to meet them one day. Since I'm not quite the size I was PRE-Hannah and especially early 20's...I had always felt a little more comfortable in the suits that have that very attractive, as I like to call them, "mamaw skirts" on them. They seemed to do the trick at camouflaging the ham hocks. I have seemed to notice lately at the pool that there are several women that are quite larger than I that seem to get away without the mamaw skirt. Could I possibly do this? I did check with Hannah on this situation to get her opinion and she said what all girls her age say.."Duuuh..." The next day I drove myself right down to Academy Sports and got 2 new suits...no mamaw skirt involved...one even ties on the sides. Of course, I know that just because I'm minus the mamaw skirt, it doesn't by any means make me all that and a bag of chips like I was in my early 20's....but hey, I look like every other average woman at the pool. Just don't ask your kids or your husband if you look fat in something...they won't give you a straight answer. Probably better they don't. Better yet ask them, "Hey, do I look PHAT in this???" If you do not get this...ask a teenager.

things that make me happy

2009-05-14T17:04:00.005-05:00

It is HOT today, but I got down and dirty planting things. It makes me happy. If anyone knows my parents, I got that honest. They love plants and flowers.

Caladiums are one of my favorite. I planted these bulbs not too very long ago and they are already springing up. I chose the pink and green this year..

I bought this tiny little sprig of asparagus fern about 3 years ago and it's turned into a monster. It's so happy in this pot so I gave it a little colorful company!

I wish I had a video of me planting this planter of begonias.. I got down on my knees and started pulling old pansies from the winter out..only to find that it was absolutely full of fire ants!! I quickly did the fire ants dance and checked my arms and legs to make sure none had gotten on me..didn't see any...moved on to the next planter to do the same thing and let the mad fire ants die down. Soon after digging into the next planter, my right armpit started to feel like fire may be shooting from it. I did the dance again and found 2 fire ants under my pit. I know...total over share, but thought it was worth sharing. It was quite comical!

I recently planted 2 hibiscus on each side of the front door and they look great! LOVE the peach colored ones!!

Planted several orange marigolds out front...

This is my little croton baby...it's died several times and always seems to come back to life.

some extra begonias I had left for the outside table..

and last but not least...the tomato plants Drew planted right before he left. We LOVE fresh tomatoes in the summer..but who doesn't?

great inventors, date night and crawfish...

2009-05-10T16:43:00.003-05:00

What do these 3 things have in common? 3 of the things we've done since Friday.. Friday at CCS was Great Inventors Day. Each student drew names for which great inventor they would report on. Meet the fourth grade great inventors of CCS: Aren't they so stinkin' cute??

Ladies and gentlemen, this is Ann Moore. Ann Moore was a Peace Corps nurse in Togo, West Africa in the 1960's. She found it very interesting how the African women carried their babies in slings..more interesting at how calm the babies seemed being snuggled to their mother. When she returned home and had her own baby, she tried tying the baby to her but it kept slipping. She and her mother came up with a contraption modeled after a back pack to hold a baby..facing forward or backward. The Snugli was patented in 1969.
Our church hosted a great mother/daughter date night on Friday night...we ate, played games and did Fat Cat pottery. Lots of fun!!

Saturday was Lake Caroline's annual crawfish boil. We stayed between the pool and our neighbors boat all day. There were jumpy things for the kids, live music and 2000 pounds of crawfish...which we put away alot of.. It was a fun day for everyone!! Oh yeah...ended the day with making some home made ice cream..my absolute favorite!

I just realized that I didn't get any pictures of Hannah and I on Mother's Day...we did have a good day though..bittersweet... Drew always makes breakfast for me on Mother's Day. He did call me this afternoon so that was the best present ever..next to my iPhone of course!! Hope everyone had a great weekend!!!

Randomness

2009-05-05T20:55:00.004-05:00

..is that a word?? Anyway, that is what everyday has been since Friday..in fact, if you've ever seen the movie with Bill Murray, Groundhog Day...that's me. Friday, all the soldiers left their homes and families and now everyone is just scrambling around trying to find their way. I honestly don't know what people do that don't have the Lord...as hard as it is WITH Him..I can't imagine it going through the year WITHOUT Him.
Hannah has been very sweet..she baked these cookies today for me...from "scratch" I might add and snipped some flowers....(Hope our neighbor won't be mad her lillies are now gone.)
Hannah and a couple of friends on the street were perfectly content sitting in the driveway for a couple of hours Monday painting their nails...I even joined them for a while.

I mentioned a few posts ago that Drew's war buddy and his fiance came from Maryland...He sent us a couple of pics they got. We got a laugh out of it cause we look like dwarfs next to them! John is 6'7 and Brianne is 6"1...sweet sweet couple. They are both teachers so they helped Hannah tremendously with her homework!

If I may ask a favor of everyone that reads this blog (all 3 of you)...a friend shared with me a couple of weeks ago that her husband has claimed a Bible verse for Drew and prays it constantly....so if you would, by Psalm 91 in your Bible, please write Drew's name and pray this scripture whenever you can. The first time I read it..I got chills...it was as though God created that verse for Drew. You'll never know how we covet the prayers of our friends and family!!

one of a kind

2009-04-28T16:18:00.003-05:00

It's not everyone that happens to have a handmade, camouflaged sushi tray, right? Hannah made this for Drew in art at school. We have been eating sushi more and more lately and use this sweet little tray and it thrills her. She was very upset with herself when she realized that she misspelled Daddy....which makes it all the more special! It just doesn't get any better than this!!

small things

2009-04-21T17:29:00.002-05:00

God keeps bringing these "small things" up. And when you think about it..things really are small. I think it may mean more to someone who has gotten through a life altering event..and put in perspective..in a perfect world..it should mean the same thing to everyone, but it's hard to live that way. Drew's last deployment really shook me deep. I felt like I held my breath for about 18 months and then finally let it out when I saw him get off that bus. Like anyone would say about cleaning out a fridge or freezer, "Oh I will NEVER let it get like that again!"..but time passes and it always ends up just the same...or at least ours does..it's because you get busy and you forget. God keeps reminding me lately how this applies to my life in particular. When Drew was gone last time, it was during the long course of his deployment that I realized exactly how many pictures I DIDN'T have of us together, how many movies we said we were going to see but never did, how much time we didn't spend together...and I vowed Lord, we have to fix this! Bring him home safely and I will forget all the small things that keep us from spending quality time together!! I will say since he came back in 2006...we have done much better at paying attention to things that matter and less to things that really don't. I guess it really came to terms for me in the past couple of weeks. We've been busy as bees "getting things in order" (what does that really mean anyways) Re-doing a will, power of attorney, insurance, birth certificates, tying up loose ends...and then came Friday night..a 20 year old young man in Drew's unit was killed instantly in a car accident. He had a full military funeral on Monday. I can't even imagine what his parents must be going through. To have a son about to leave the country and being scared enough about that...never expecting to lose him another way. It really stopped me in my tracks and I felt like God was saying, Heather, you're doing the small stuff again...focus on what I'm teaching you through this. I have a feeling it's almost "pruning" time. Well, let me shut this blog down for today...sorry about the random rambling...got all serious on ya didn't I?
I did clean the tub today...it's NOT a small thing. I consider it a cardio workout....and my husband has caught fish for supper...that's a BIG thing... Go spend some time with your family.. :)

some bottled memories from the past few days..

2009-04-13T18:00:00.004-05:00

The Clark family has had a great past few days...the town of Hernando gave Drew's combined units a send off parade this past Saturday. I wish I had a count of how many people came but I'm sure it was in the thousands..Like my husband said in his speech from the square...I've never seen military support like Northwest MS gives... Really awesome.

Had to get a shot of these boots. "You might be a redneck if you have a pair of these...

A good bit of fishing was done too over the weekend..These were just a few of the catch from Friday. One more time and we'll have enough for a fish fry before Drew leaves..

Between working Friday and running errands, being gone all day Saturday...I came up with this little centerpiece for the table for Sunday. I thought it was very bright and festive!!

The kiddos all cleaned up for Easter!!

Cutie!

2009-04-08T16:46:00.001-05:00

My baby got braces today. :(

Time in a bottle

2009-04-06T16:50:00.003-05:00

Drew made it home Friday. If I could be bottling up all the special times we've had since then, I'd be the happiest girl in the world. So many photo ops that I wish I'd taken pictures more...I did manage to get a few though. His cousin and family (& and a couple extras) came for the weekend. We had a great time..our visits are far to long in between. Today, a great friend that Drew made during his last deployment from Maryland, John and his fiance are visiting us until Wednesday. It's fun to watch the bond that he and John share through having such an experience together.

Sunday after church, we met and had lunch with friends that we haven't spent time with in a while. Drew and Shannon were also in Iraq together. They recently packed up and moved. Shannon works on the pipeline and the family travels with him wherever he is working. It was nice to see Kimberly and the kids again. Kimberly and I stuck close during the last deployment so we have a special bond as well....the kind where you really don't have to say anything about how you're feeling or what you're going through because you know they understand already.

Kimberly and I

Saturday night we went out to eat with a couple of friends that we don't get to see as much since we moved. We're trying to get all this friend and family time in before he leaves again on the 14th. Again...I SOOOO wish I could bottle time.

Poncho thinking, "I'm so glad my daddy is home...."

Drew with one of our friends sweet girl, Jordan...she loves her some Mister Drew!!

and finally....which I don't have any pictures of...our backdoor neighbor, Amy and Michael (along with other neighbors) cooked steaks for us Sunday night! God has blessed us with so many good friends. Did I say I wish I could bottle time?

Carpool Wisdom

2009-03-25T16:08:00.003-05:00

Remember Ziggy? Well a long time ago, I saw a little Ziggy cartoon with him in a rocking chair..and the caption read, "Worryin' is like rocking in a rocking chair.. it gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere!" That has always stuck with me. (I don't always go by that little rule..but that little saying is in the back of my mind!) I picked Hannah up from school one day this week and almost immediately after getting in the van the conversation went something like this:
Hannah: Mama, I heard a story at school today and I just think it was God's will for me to hear that story this week.
Me: That's how God works...what was it about?
Hannah: Well, it was about worrying. I had been worried about getting those baby teeth pulled for my braces Thursday, but God says not to worry about stuff like that..and about Daddy leaving...I shouldn't worry about that.
Me: That's right but we're human and that's alot harder said than done.
Hannah: Like that song by Ms. Ginny Owens (she always calls her MISS) that song about I AM...that makes sense to me now.
Me: Girlfriend, get that cd out...let's play it!

It is so heart-warming when your kids really "get" something and can apply it. Just thought I'd share that "carpool wisdom" with the blog world today!! She and I saw Ginny Owens at Lifeway once when Hannah was very small, maybe 4...but she has never forgotten it.."the lady that can't see with her eyes open!"

Here's the lyrics to the song...

No Lord, he said, you've got the wrong guy.
Simple conversation gets me tongue-tied.
And you're telling me to speak with a maniac king.
Could it be I've lost my mind?
And besides, I am weak, don't you want someone strong,
To lead them out of Egypt when they've been there so long?
And anyway, they wont believe You ever spoke to me.
That's not your problem, God replied.
And the rest is history.

There's a bigger picture you can't see.
You don't have to change the world, just trust in me.
'Cause I am your creator, I am working out my plan,
And through you I will show them, I Am.

Now Lord, are you sure? He's just a shepherd boy,
Too small for battle gear with a giant to destroy.
What on earth can he do with five stones and a sling?
That's not your problem, God replied.
'Cause I can do anything.

There's a bigger picture you can't see.
You don't have to change the world, just trust in me.
'Cause I am your creator, I am working out my plan,
And through you, I will show them,
I Am the first, I Am the last,
I Am the present and the past,
I Am tomorrow and today,
I Am the only way.

Great Lord, she said, I'm just a simple girl.
You say that I will bring your son into the world.
How can I understand this thing You're gonna do?
That's not your problem, God replied.

'Cause, there's a bigger picture,
And you don't have to change the world.
I'm your creator, I am working out my plan.
And through you, I will show them,
There's a bigger picture, you can't see.
You don't have to change the world, just trust in me.
I'm your creator, I am working out my plan,
And through you, I will show them, I Am.

Spring Break

2009-03-21T21:33:00.002-05:00

..is that really what it was??? I don't really remember "breaking" any where within the last 7 days. We were pretty busy at St. D...Hannah left Wednesday for a few days with her grandmother and grandfather. They took she and Keeley (Keeley is my niece Lauren's stepdaughter) to Natchez and stayed a couple of nights at The Briars Bed and Breakfast, saw a play and toured several homes. I picked her up today and she is not feeling well...In the meantime, as many saw on Facebook, the boys had their wisdom teeth out with us on Thursday and have spent the weekend here recuperating. Drew is still at Camp Shelby and missed all the fun. I think they will be good to go tomorrow and ready to go back to Tupelo. I am, however, ready for some REAL food. With compassion for them, I've been eating soft stuff with them since Thursday...while I'm all for milkshakes and mashed potatoes...I could scarf up a whole pizza right about now. Hannah is actually having her last four baby teeth out this Thursday in preparation for her braces..maybe I can get in some good food before she has to eat soft things too! Bless her little heart..she can't stand to lose a pound. Keep her in your prayers..not only for that and being nervous, but Drew called and talked with her tonight for just a couple of minutes and she just broke into a million pieces after that. As I blog, she has fallen asleep with his Cowboys sweatshirt. I don't think I've ever felt so helpless in all my life!

It's almost here!

2009-03-17T18:56:00.003-05:00

I LOVE Easter! I love all of the colors and new things! One of the things we love to do is go paint an egg for each year. We took some friends this afternoon to paint with us. Can't wait to see how they turn out!!

My parents started giving me a Gail Pittman egg every year...to go along with the ones we paint. I leave them out all year cause I love them so much..It's one of those things that just makes me smile.

These eggs are pretty special...someone gave me a wooden egg from Olde Tyme Commissary with the year on it when I was pregnancy with Hannah. I have gotten her one each year since she was born. Each has her name and the year on one side and a bunny or something on the other...I usually try to tie in something she's been interested in or involved in that year..soccer, hunting, dress-up, softball. Click on the picture to enlarge and you can see them a little better! This is something she looks forward to getting in her Easter basket each year. Along with all the Christmas ornaments she's made..I plan to give her all these eggs when she gets married. Tell me about your favorite Easter tradition!!

silly girls, fourth grade play and wisdom teeth

2009-03-15T18:20:00.003-05:00

I realize these three things have nothing to do with each other, but it's the only thing I could think of to post on. Hannah had 2 friends to spend the night Friday (yes, I'm insane) I could kick myself for not taking some pictures of all that...I'll just give you the run down. Took them out to eat Friday at Papito's..they talked about every cute boy that walked in and did fashion no-no's for every girl that walked in. Very entertaining! Got on swimsuits and took about a hour bath together in the whirlpool tub. Saturday morning started with cinnamon rolls (with sprinkles of course)..then on to Gingersnaps at Highland Village. If you have teens or tweens..do not, I repeat DO NOT go in this store. That's all I'll say 'bout that. On to Northpark into Claire's..where else..then on to the food court where boys got talked about (good and bad) and all girls got the "what not to wear" comments. Sounds fun huh?
The Christ Covenant fourth grade play was Friday and it was precious! My mom and dad came up and enjoyed as well. Hannah had a short solo and did wonderful! Drew is at Camp Shelby and couldn't come home but I did manage to get a little video clip of the song with her singing with her camera. Can't wait to show him! As a parent, I got to once again have that feeling of being so proud that you feel like your heart is so full it's going to burst. Best feeling in the world!!
Tomorrow begins a busy work week for me. "Wisdom tooth harvesting season" as we like to call it...tons of teens..mostly mad that their parents are making them come and have their wisdom teeth out during spring break. We happen to be one of those. We're doing the boys this Thursday. Going ahead and knocking both of them out and getting it over with. Not too thrilled about the recovery, but we'll all get over it. Drew's sister will be here to help me!! Pictures are sure to come!!
Hope everyone has a fun week planned!!

Warm weather and soccer

2009-03-10T20:50:00.002-05:00

I love this time of year..not hot yet..not cold anymore..Hannah came home from school Monday and went straight and put her swimsuit on..she and some neighborhood girls played in the hose on the trampoline and "sunned" in the driveway. Speaking of which..I SERIOUSLY need some sun. A few years ago, we owned a tanning salon in Jackson. It was a huge nightmare!!! It was while Drew was deployed the first time..sparing details of my lack of knowledge of running a business...we were ripped off to say the least..Finally got out from underneath that...now I kinda miss being able to tan. Guess I'll have to get it the old fashion way.

Soccer is another big thing that takes up our time..we LOVE Fall and Spring soccer. This past Monday was the last game. We played pretty good, but not quite good enough. It really bites to lose your last game of the season. You can't tell it from the picture, but there were lots of tears shed...or at least there was from mine. That's one of those things they forgot to put in the parenting book..."How to console your kid after losing" Man, there's nothing worse!! Any insight anyone wants to share on that would be greatly appreciated. I know, I know...somebodies gotta lose. I prefer it be the other team.

Drew left today for Camp Shelby until around the first week of April. Hannah and I are kinda having a pity party tonight. We're pretty good at it too..Ate Captain Crunch for supper and took a bubble bath with the jets on. Many more of those to come!!

get a tissue or two

2009-03-03T19:22:00.003-06:00

Found this sweet video on YouTube...if this doesn't get you, nothing will...

It's coming too fast..

2009-03-02T20:24:00.002-06:00

The D word...deployment...(I don't like to say it loud) This past weekend was one of Drew's last weekend's to just be able to be home with us. His mom and step dad, both sisters and husbands, and the boys came. We all watched Hannah play soccer Saturday and then just hung out and ate lunch and visited. We ate again at the Mermaid Saturday night and thoroughly enjoyed it...just being together felt really good. In some ways, I look at deployment as a blessing...just because it makes you take a good hard look at your marriage..it makes you realize how precious the time is that you have together and that you shouldn't waste a single minute of it..don't fuss about crumbs in a drawer or how "wrong" one of you makes cornbread (if that's possible)Just cling to the knowledge that God placed the two of you together in His grand scheme of things to love and enjoy one another....so if you haven't told your spouse that you love them today...I suggest that TODAY..you tell them how very much you love them...and start appreciating the little things. If there is a movie you want to see together..go see it! Don't wait for the dvd! Go fishin' together..take time to really listen to each other.

Drew's step dad and sister playing the infamous Wii

Still trying to figure the Wii out

Hannah and Andrew

Hannah and Matthew

Dinner at the Mermaid Cafe...

it's time to paint

2009-02-25T16:08:00.003-06:00

so we've been here 6 months and still haven't painted the inside. It's not that it's that bad..it's really not..you know I just want to give it a touch of us. I've got to pick out colors and all, but I thought I'd post a few pictures of a few things that will have to be primed first...all "murals" are in the downstairs bathrooms. Go figure... Maybe there needs to be a new spin-off of the show, "What not to Wear.."....."What NOT to paint.." How horrible are these!!

Not Me Monday on Thursday

2009-02-19T17:18:00.003-06:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week. I'm a bit late in getting this out!!
It was certainly not me that bought American Idol Wii this week...and it certainly is not me that enjoys singing along with it every evening before Drew gets home. No, not me.
It's not me that is seriously addicted to Chic Fila fries with Ranch dressing..that would be unhealthy wouldn't it?
It's certainly not my daughter that told me she has two favorite nose hairs named Stan and Delilah..that would mean she has issues, right? No, that's not us.
It's not me that had a nesting fit today and washed everything in sight..even if I thought it might be the slightest bit dusty...Not me at all.
It's not me for sure that played on Facebook and made us a few minutes late to church on Wednesday...that would be really bad wouldn't it?
It's not me either that is telling on myself on my own blog..is it?

my 3 favorite men....

2009-02-15T18:17:00.002-06:00

Valentine's Day was really special this year..I got taken on a date by my three favorite men in the world...next to my Dad of course!! Hannah was at their house and went out to eat with them. Everything was great and I ate enough chocolate on Saturday to make me sick. Our neighbors that moved came with us, so it was great to see them again..we miss them alot!! Even though I think that Valentine's Day is highly over rated...it was very nice to spend it with people that I love..considering Hannah and I will be alone next year. :(

Happy Birthday Guys!!

2009-02-13T06:03:00.001-06:00

How beautiful...

2009-02-12T08:00:00.001-06:00

Just had to make this quick post! Aren't they cuties?!? These are most of my Wednesday night GA's 2nd grade girls class. For any "non-baptist"...GA stands for Girls in Action. We learn about missions every Wednesday night. We are on Peru right now and a particular group of mountain Indians...Our memory verse is "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring Good News..." Maybe..just maybe..one of these girls will be in Peru one day serving!!!

so far in February...

2009-02-11T15:44:00.003-06:00

I've been slacking blogwise lately. February has been kinda busy so far. I was excited cause Hannah's Valentine's party was at school today so I thought..good, I'll have something to take pictures of so I can post. There is some crazy focus error on my camera and it won't allow me to take any pictures at all. I've got to try and locate the manual and figure out what the deal is. Here are a few of the pics I had already on my ca,era that I took off though.. kinda boring sorry.

This is Hannah's bud Jessi and sister Jordan...stuffing their face at the Superbowl party.

Hannah and I walked up to the lake the other day with Poncho and snapped a few pics...I can't wait til summer gets here. It's so pretty out here at Lake Caroline. I should get a picture of their sign..but a new restaurant has opened right here on Lake Caroline and it's called The Mermaid Cafe. If you feel like a little outing and a drive..please come try it! It's GREAT!! The owner of Nick's in Jackson owns this also..so as you can imagine..it's awesome.. Drew is on orders now and traveling back and forth to Hernando, so we are kinda bored and missing him. Deployment still on go for May 1. Hopefully I will have something to post about after the weekend. The boys 17th birthday is this Friday and I'm working on a fun post for them...stay tuned!!!

Did you know?

2009-02-05T16:12:00.002-06:00

In 2008, Americans dumped about 180 million cell phones into U.S. landfills, and many more just tossed them in the drawer, and they can stack up quickly. Clean out the cell phone drawer, reduce waste and donate any cell phone to Cell Phones for Soldiers. Every phone you donate will provide a soldier serving overseas with a valued gift − talk time with family and friends at home.
Cell Phones for Soldiers is a nonprofit organization that recycles cell phones to raise funds to purchase prepaid calling cards for U.S. soldiers serving in combat. Donated phones are sent to Michigan-based Re Cellular, which pays Cell Phones for Soldiers for each donated phone – enough to provide an hour of talk time to soldiers abroad. The organization was founded in 2004 by two Massachusetts teens, Robbie and Brittany Bergquist, with only $21 dollars. Today Cell Phones has received donations of more than $2 million dollars and provided more than 500,000 60-minute calling cards to soldiers.

How can I donate to Cell Phones for Soldiers?
There are two ways to donate. Just drop your old cell phones, chargers, and other accessories at any of these convenient drop-off locations, and the soldiers of A-CO 2/198th CAB receive phone cards for our troops.
or
Visit Cell Phones for Soldiers and print a free-shipping label to mail phones directly.
Can I designate my donation be awarded to a specific soldier or unit?
Yes, phones donated at the Hernando drop-off locations will automatically be credited to the A-CO 2/198th CAB based in Hernando. Those using the Web site to donate phones can designate specific recipients or units.
Does the phone have to be working?
No, you may donate any phone in any condition.

Do I need to donate the battery?
No you do not have to send the battery or accessories, but you may donate those items also.

Is my donation tax-deductible?Yes, Cell Phones for Soldiers is a 501c3 non-profit organization, you may print a donation receipt on the Web site.

Why should I donate cell phones?
The average cell phone user upgrades every 18 months. That's a lot of cell phones. Electronics like cell phones, computer equipment and audio/video components often contain metals that can be toxic when they begin to breakdown. Useful materials such as glass, copper, aluminum, plastic and other components can often be extracted and reused when electronics are disposed of properly.

Can I donate other electronics?
No, Cell Phones for Soldiers only accepts cell phones and accessories. However, companies like Apple, Best Buy,and Office Depot sponsor electronic recycling programs.

2 new favs

2009-02-03T15:26:00.003-06:00

My 2 newest favorite things are worth sharing I think.. first is this mug that Hannah made me. She made it for Valentines but insisted that I go ahead and start drinking out of it. I LOVE anything made by the kids and enjoy so much seeing how Hannah's things improve year after year...all the little orange and red dots were made with her fingers. You can click on the pictures to enlarge.

I saw a print in a gift shop not long ago and immediately thought of my friend Lindsey. She is very talented with ceramics and painting so I snapped a shot of the print with my phone and asked if she could put it on a large platter and a few weeks later...Wa La..here it is. I love it and have it on a stand in my kitchen..which is where everyone seems to gather. Does anyone else have a kitchen like that?? Everybody always seems to end up congregating in the kitchen..when there is plenty of room to sit in the living room. Anyway, I LOVE this platter. Check out her things at http://www.giggles2glamour.blogspot.com/

Music

2009-01-30T17:55:00.001-06:00

I've been meaning to post and see if anyone likes my music. I have grown to like music on blogs recently and thought I'd get a playlist of my own. Go to the very bottom of the blog page and you'll see my playlist there. Click on a few songs and tell me what you think. They are some of my favorites!!

Camp, anyone?

2009-01-29T22:19:00.002-06:00

If you're a mom, or even if you're not..you're going to know what I'm talking about. it's that time of year when you start receiving flyers and packets in the mail about summer camps. I usually start planning Hannah's summer about February or March. I grew up going to camp every summer. I was a glutton for punishment though..I absolutely was homesick to my toenails every time I went, but loved being there with all my peeps. Still have several of the friendships to this day that I made back at good ole rustic church camp in elementary school. Camp is not camp anymore though...I think there is a camp for everything...Music camp, band camp, cheer camp, dance camp, art camp, soccer camp, cooking camp, and my personal favorite...horse camp. What is that about? Maybe the word camp is used to make it sound fun. Everyone associates camp with being fun, right? Even the army has another name for it...it's called A.T. (annual training) and from what Drew talks about and they way his laundry smells when he gets home, it is far from FUN. I think they should come up with more creative names..for instance..Horsin' around, musical week, All about cooking, Learnin' to get your groove on....get my idea?? When I hear the word camp, I will always think of church camp and the friends I made there..it's where I asked Jesus into my heart and where I first kissed a boy!! Lots and lots of memories!! I'm so glad that Hannah will experience the same!!

...and the winner is

2009-01-26T16:52:00.003-06:00

Anonymous comment #4......which would be Becky R.!!! Let me know what size and color you want!! They really are cute! If anyone else would like to purchase one, they are $12....just let me know and I will get it to you somehow!! Thanks for supporting our military!!

Duggar Family

2009-01-25T15:47:00.003-06:00

I've got a new favorite show. "17 and counting.." It's the reality show of the Duggar family of Arkansas that have 18 children now. To many, this is controversial of the fact of having this many children. If you watch the show for even a few minutes, you will see how intelligent these people are. The children are clean and well mannered, the house is not a wreck as would be expected, the meals are well balanced, and the list goes on and on. If you get a few minutes, visit their website..I promise it's the most interesting thing you'll read this week. http://www.duggarfamily.com/ It airs on TLC and to me is personally addictive...in a good way! I haven't been able to find that they claim any certain religion, but it is very evident that they are Christians and are by all means raising a Christian family. Very inspiring!!! (a little overwhelming..but inspiring!!) Check them out this week!!

Giveaway..

2009-01-19T10:32:00.004-06:00

As many of you know, my husband will be deploying to Iraq again May 1. He is commander of 2 infantry units in North MS. Both are really great groups of men and the towns (Hernando and Holly Springs) are so wonderful to help support their local units. Every unit has a Family Readiness Group..basically a family support..for the soldiers families to have when their soldier is deployed. We rally together to make sure that no family is in need of anything. Things tend to happen during a deployment that wouldn't happen at any other time it seems like. We do alot of fundraisers and local groups and individuals are so generous in helping with our FRG. We had these t-shirts made to sell at our second annual Holiday Market in Hernando last November and they are very cute!! The front left has the yellow ribbon with "Support out Troops". The back has an American flag with a yellow ribbon tied around it that says, "We're all tied up til y'all come home!" They are very similar to the Southern Belle type t-shirts. Please leave me a comment about military support and on Monday, January 26, I will do a random drawing for the t-shirt of your choice!!! Support out troops!!

Oh..it's ON

2009-01-17T12:42:00.002-06:00

As Hannah would say...Oh it's on sister...like soy sauce on a won ton (which she pronounces "wong tong" in the most country accent you can think of) 4th grade girls had a basketball game this morning with let's just say...another private school in North Jackson. We won (of course) 10-8. We've played them before and won 12-10. It's very disheartening when other teams have such poor sportsmanship. I guess your kids have to deal with it sooner or later. Both games of playing them really made the other teams true colors shine through...you have to wonder if it all reflects on the coach and how they are taught. You would like to think a christian school would be the last place you would see behavior in sports like that. It's truly a time when you have to pray for self control and for God to have control of your tongue! It's very hard to watch your child be pushed around, scratched and have fingers stepped on and the ref not call anything. That's just the way it goes I guess...and I'm sure it will only get worse the older she gets. Well..at least we did win...and we played fair and with good sportsmanship.

Jesus Glasses and sweets from my sweet

2009-01-11T19:14:00.002-06:00

OK..sorry about the quality..I took this picture with my phone this morning cause I couldn't pass up this photo op..this is our 3 year old Sunday School class. We have great fun every Sunday!! We talked about the Good Samaritan and seeing others through God's eyes. Man, don't I wish I could use some of these glasses to see people the way God does to get through a day!! Or even just to be a child again..they are so forgiving and show such mercy sometimes. Anyway..GREAT group of little ones that I've learned MUCH from this year!!! (Some were more happy than others to be wearing the glasses)

Secondly, I just had to share this! Hannah baked these cookies all by herself for Drew and I and even left us a sweet note. Hope you can read this...the grease kinda soaked through the card..but I'll keep it forever!!!

"Dear mom and dad, hope you enjoy the cookies. I made them specaily for you!

enjoy, Hannah

My little homemaker

2009-01-06T16:03:00.004-06:00

I never really learned to sew..I took home economics...made a sailor shirt...mine never quite had sleeves, but I think I got an A though. Drew learned to sew because of his family business. (a tarp plant). He recently covered some cushions for a neighbor with a machine that she was able to wrangle up. Hannah became very interested in what her daddy was doing, so that gave Santa an idea. She got a sewing machine for Christmas. With help...and I mean...help from Drew...we actually just finished a cute little apron that we cut out of a pattern and sewed! It was really fun!! I think I may try some curtains when I get ready to do all that. I mean..how hard could that be?

Deep Thought

2009-01-03T09:06:00.004-06:00

Just had to capture these images of our Honey. I just wonder wht she's thinking....lots of wisdom there... If only she could talk..

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T22:52:00.002-06:00

It's really not the lack of blogging material that keeps me from posting...for the 3 of you that read this..I've just been lazy. Since almost the beginning of December, I've been on the go and I finally feel like it may have come to a halt. For a while anyway... Soccer is about to be back in full swing.
Don't you wish you knew what a year would hold for you and your family..you know, so you could kinda prep yourself a little if needed. I know that kinda sounds like I'm dreading something. I'm not a big fan of change. I know change is good..but I don't like it. If you need to make sure something gets done all the time the same way..I'm your girl. Drew will be deploying in a few short months. I'll hit the big 4-0. (those little changes started a few years ago) Those are just a couple that I'm not looking forward to. I know, I know....."....plans for good....plans to give you a hope and a future..."
I AM looking forward to getting started painting the inside of the house. Drew said he would start in February. (hunting season is over then) Promised Hannah we would start in her room first. That will be a future blog. She has a very unusually shaped room. Got some neat plans for it though! The rest will be simple...Whoever lived here before us really liked golf and apparently someone told them they we good at painting murals...cause there are several areas that have little golf themed murals painted on them. Can't wait to cover them up. Tired of looking at a golf green when I'm "doing my business."
We did have a fun New Years Eve. Celebrated with friends on the street at our house..did some great BBQ...shot several fireworks...in bed by 12:30. Does that have something to do with getting close to 40?

Sno Cones in December

2008-12-27T16:06:00.003-06:00

Yep..sno cones in December folks..who'd of thought. I had to drag out the trusty sno cone maker that we bought during the summer today. Our friends on the street, Lisa and Jamie are moving this weekend. As the guys packed the moving van..the kids rode all of their motorized toys Santa brought and had sno cones. (Out of cups left from our Halloween street party) Peyton (in the red and black) and Meg (the little one with the green helmet) are the ones moving. We'll sure miss them. Nothing will be the same! We've all but sabotaged their house to keep someone from buying it.

Tomorrow the tree comes down and all the decorations put up and the house will be in somewhat of an order again. I wish it would be Christmas all year!!

2008-12-26T14:37:00.002-06:00

Confession

2008-12-19T19:15:00.002-06:00

My name is Heather and I like to dress my dogs up at Christmas.

Sorry you have to turn your head sideways to look at this. Worked long and hard to figure out why it's sideways on the blog, but correct in my picture file... anyway....too cute not to share..

"If I pretend to be asleep, she'll eventually leave me alone...."

Tour of Homes

2008-12-15T05:40:00.002-06:00

Welcome to the Tour of Homes! I really thought this was a fun idea......take some time and visit a few homes!! Check out more homes at www.boomama.net!!
When I started getting out the Christmas things, I realized how many Christmas plates I had so I decided to put them out for display and start adding to my collection! If you can see the one in the center in the back that has the Clarks on the top...a couple of friends and I did a ladies night at Different Strokes (a local paint store) a few weeks ago. Vicki Carroll was there and had designed a plate and gave us a few pointers on painting. I thought mine turned out real cute!!

Here's the tree this year. I LOVE a Christmas tree. I love the smell it brings to the house. Most if not all of our ornaments are handmade..either by me or the kids. Each year, I paint or do some type of crafty ornament. One for our family and one for each of the kids with their name and year on it. My plan is to give each one all of their ornaments when they get married as a gift.

This is something I started a few years ago as I was cleaning up after Christmas and going through Christmas cards. As I was throwing away some cards, I thought, "You know, people really take a lot of time doing a picture or searching for just the right card to send..." So I started keeping all of the cards. The photo cards I glue to construction paper. The other cards I let Hannah cut and glue onto the construction paper to decorate the pages. She makes a cute cover for the book..we laminate it and tie the edges together. I've gotten quite a stack over the past few years and we enjoy looking back at each one to see how people have changed and grown!

I LOVE nativity sets. This one I got from Dollar Tree several years ago. I thought it looked alot like the Fontanini pieces! I've often thought about leaving this nativity out all year long..just as a simple reminder that Jesus was a person just like me and you..

This is the table right inside of the front door. My mother gave me these wooden wise men a couple of years ago and I just love them. I've thought about leaving them out as well...is that weird??

This is a little arrangement I did for the coffee table. I love this frosted fruit. I use it almost year round for different things!

Another nativity I got on clearance one year. I just about can't resist a nativity set. Hannah has always loved to play with it and arrange the characters. It was so great to watch her do that as a toddler and to know that she knew the Christmas story!

As far as any recipes, I really don't have any specific ones...there are some favorites that may be worth mentioning though. During the holidays when the boys have been hunting all day and are STARVING when they get home..I usually make a big pot of homemade chili, hot dogs and all the fixin's. I know this sounds like a gut bomb, but they really seem to enjoy it. And it's easy! Along with that for them to take in the woods is sausage balls (with a little cayenne pepper added) and pigs in a blanket. Another favorite is white chocolate dipped pretzels. I'm the only one in the family that likes egg nog, so I usually buy some and just enjoy whenever I think I won't be ridiculed for drinking "egg snot".

Hope you enjoyed the tour. It's not real elaborate or fancy but it's Christmas to us!

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas Fun

2008-12-13T19:26:00.004-06:00

Tonight, our neighbors, Jamie and Lisa went to a Christmas party so Peyton and Meg are staying here. We rolled out and cut out about 60 cookies!!!
We made red, yellow and green icing and had TONS of sprinkles. I think I had as much fun as they did!! We "accidentally" broke several so of course we had to eat them. I think that's a rule or something about Christmas cookies...

Here's the finished product!!! Don'tcha just love Christmas!!!!!

Festive Day!

2008-12-12T18:43:00.002-06:00

Today after work, the girls in the office got together at Julep's, ate lunch and opened gifts. We all drew names about a month ago. It was nice to just get away from the office and have lunch together. I told you about the Spa day the doctor's wives gave us. It was absolutely fantastic! I didn't realize how much I needed it!! I had a facial and it's my new favorite thing I think! Can't wait to have another one. I pass that spa everyday when I walk into work but had never been in. I'll be going alot more often now!! Check Lindsey's blog for pics!!!

Drew went to Tupelo for a little duck hunting with the Andrew and Matthew, so he won't be back until tomorrow night. Hannah and I are going to hang around here tomorrow and relax. I plan to do lots of holiday baking!!! I'll also be working on my Tour of Homes post that I'll do on Monday. See my "T" post for details. I think it will be fun!!!

An artist in the making??

2008-12-10T20:22:00.003-06:00

Girlfriend says she can't draw, but Hannah did this piece with colored pencils in art at school. I personally think it's GREAT!!! Can't wait til it gets sent home. It will most def go in a frame!! Do all parents feel this way about their kids drawings?

I'm sitting here typing away listening to the rain outside our bedroom window....wondering if we'll get to see the white stuff tomorrow. Sure would be nice....speaking of NICE. The wives of the doctors that I work for at St. D gave all the ladies in the office a Spa tomorrow. Yes, I'll be having lunch at the Spa of St. D at 12:30 and then a massage, facial and manicure. How nice is that?!? No one needs a manicure more than me right now..not to mention the other things. I may try and snap a few pictures of all us girls getting pampered!

Skippin' out on the Z

2008-12-07T21:10:00.002-06:00

The Z totally has me stumped, but I couldn't miss out on posting on our 12th wedding anniversary. I can hardly believe it's been that long. God has truly blessed me with a wonderful Christian man. I look forward to many, many years to come..
Don't we look so young in this picture the day we got married!?!?!

I think we both have aged fairly gracefully if I might say so myself!!

Y is for You've got to be kidding...

2008-12-01T16:16:00.003-06:00

You must know what this post is going to be about...the insane mob of people in New York that stampeded a poor WalMart employee to death on Black Friday...Guess they didn't mention that was a hazard of the job during the holidays when he took it. And if that weren't bad enough..some of the crowd was actually disgruntled when they were asked to leave the store! OK people..enough is enough. Nothing...especially in WalMart..could possibly be that important or THAT great of a deal to kill someone over. The poor mans family must be so broken-hearted over such a senseless death. And what kind of people would be upset about having to leave is my question!?! Granted, I'm sure the trampling was not intended to kill this poor guy. Confession time...hasn't everyone been a tinsy bit irritated to have to pull over for a funeral processional? After this incident, I think I won't feel quite so inconvenienced next time I have to pull over for a few seconds!

X is for eXtra special

2008-11-27T16:50:00.002-06:00

Yes, I cheated on the X. Just can't think of anything that starts with X that's worth blogging about. We traveled to Meadville this morning to have Thanksgiving lunch with my brother and the rest of my family. I was very surprised to see my90 year old grandmother there and also Dessa!!! (see N post in Oct. blog) So, it was really extra special!! We left stuffed and will do it all over again tomorrow when we go to Tupelo. The only bad thing about going to someone else's home for Thanksgiving is that you don't have leftovers to eat for supper. My vote is for pizza tonight....if I can find somewhere open. The boys are already hungry again!

W is for Warriors and such..

2008-11-22T20:03:00.002-06:00

Wish I could say I had some pictures but I seem to be forgetting my camera everywhere I go lately. Guess I just need to put it i the van and keep it there. This morning was the first Christ Covenant Warriors basketball game for 4th grade girls...and we won 12-10!!! Very exciting game... I hope Hannah continues to love sports and play them so I can live vicariously through her! I'll try to get pictures next game. The kids are out of school for the whole week next week and Drew is off as well. I'm working Monday and Tuesday and off the rest of the week. Monday is going to be a crazy day at work...kids out of school getting their wisdom teeth out. Usually we do sedation surgeries in the mornings only but Monday it's all day. I believe the last one is at 4:00. Feel sorry for that poor guy not being able to eat or drink until then. Guess we better get our roller skates out.
Andrew and Matthew are coming tomorrow for the week. Plenty of hunting to blog on I'm sure. Hope someone gets a deer! We got them new beds today...got rid of the king that was in their room and replaced with 2 fulls. They were about to kill each other together in the king bed. Maybe this will work out better. Drew and I have worked all day getting the other one apart and downstairs and the new ones upstairs put together and covers on them.
Sorry I have nothing more to blog on than our uneventful Saturday. Gonna relax tomorrow...maybe bake a cake..and rest up for Monday!!

V is for Voice

2008-11-16T17:01:00.004-06:00

I don't think I've ever gone this long in between posts. God's been talking alot to me about the letter V. I came up with so many different things, but voices just hit me today. My first thought is that little voice that you hear in a crowd, "Mama!!", that only seems to attract the right mama. There's just something about a voice that only a parent can recognize. The same with us and God I would have to think. We call out to Him when we're lost cause we know that He's the only one that can possibly recognize our voice and help to calm us. My brother sent me a card once..it's been about 16-17 years ago or so, but I can still see it in my mind. On the front is Winnie the Pooh and Piglet. Piglet touches Pooh on the shoulder and Pooh, says "Yes Piglet?" Piglet says, "Oh nothing Pooh, I just wanted to be sure of you.." Alot of times it's not the voice that makes us sure...it's just the presence. I think back over tough times in my life..and I may not remember alot of the things that people said to try and makes things better, but I always remember who was there...that's the voice that is louder than words to me. I can't say that God has ever audibly spoken to me, but I have most definitely heard his voice..through song, His word..friends and family...the list goes on and on. Listen today and see what you hear.

U is for Ultimate R & R

2008-11-10T06:43:00.005-06:00

Which is what Honey, our 12 year old dachshund got this past weekend. Drew and the boys went squirrel hunting in Tupelo for the weekend and took our 3 year old fiest, Poncho. Honey, Hannah and I had a total girls weekend. Honey thoroughly enjoyed laying in front of the heater without having to fight for it. She enjoyed her rawhide chews without having to worry about Poncho taking them away and hiding them in the couch. No body to be up in her business when she's trying to sleep or tool around outside....no body to get "her spot" next to me on the couch... Drew and I got Honey a few weeks after we got married in 1996, so she will always be our first sweet baby. If you know anything about us, we LOVE our dogs!! Poncho and Drew came in last night from the weekend...It goes without saying that Poncho got the spa treatment as soon as he got in from hunting. Hot bath in the whirlpool tub..shampoo..and conditioner..ear, nails and blow dry...and course a treat.

Honey thinks, "It was good while it lasted..."

T is for Tour of Homes

2008-11-07T14:55:00.002-06:00

This is something I stumbled upon through another blog I follow. Read the directions and put it on your calendar. I think it will be lots of fun!!!!! The Holiday season is here!! Click on the link below.

S is for Samaritan's Purse

2008-11-06T20:51:00.002-06:00

I teach a crazy little group of 2nd grade girls in GA's on Wednesday night at our church. I've done this for the past couple of years and really enjoyed it. We teach them about missions far away and local. I'm sure all of you know about or have participated in packing a shoebox for Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child. Our church has the goal of 1,000 boxes this year. I feel sure we'll reach it. The first part of class Wednesday night, we were shown a short video about a testimony of an actual girl (now an adult) that received a Christmas box. It goes without saying that I got very emotional watching the testimony. (I cry when grass dies) The little 2nd grade girl next to me teared up also. This video is a wonderful testimony of how such a small gift can make such a difference in some one's life. If you haven't participated in this ministry yet, please watch this video and consider it! What a great way to get your kids in on Kingdom work!! Turn up your sound....it's about 6 minutes in length..

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1534611823/bclid1137749274/bctid1737010022

R is for Ridiculous

2008-11-04T18:08:00.004-06:00

K-5 @ Christ Covenant
4th grade at Christ Covenant

I could go on and on about ridiculous things, but my baby girl got her school pictures today. It is RIDICULOUS how fast she is growing and changing!!! Make her stop!!!!

Q is for Quiet

2008-11-01T13:41:00.005-05:00

...and Quiet is NOT what Links Cove was last night!! The first Halloween party was just great and everyone got lots of candy. Hannah has already separated hers in to piles of OURS and hers. Believe it or not, I didn't take a whole lot of pictures. Most of the ones I did take turned out very dark. Here's a few of my favorites though!!

I know they are questionable looking, but these were the drivers of one of the hayrides. Peyton's dad, Jamie...that we called Earl because of the red neck wig he was wearing and Amy, the cat lady (she's got LOTS of cats) with the big pink beehive.

Here is some of the crew that showed up. Where are you Meg?

The cat lady and the witch....The witch is Chi chi's mother.(the chiuaua with the costume) Hannah Montana didn't make an appearance at the party last night. I SO wished I had gotten a picture the other day!

Hannah bobbing for apples.

My friends Amy and Lisa. Is that Sarah Palin standing with them????

Ansley, Hannah and Meg. Hannah looked so cute in her Native American costume. It stayed on for about 20 minutes.

P is obviously for PUMPKIN

2008-10-30T21:02:00.003-05:00

P was just too easy for October. The first annual Links Cove Halloween street party will be held on our street Friday night..with everything from hotdogs, fog machine, bobbing for apples, to sno cones (yes, I'm pulling the old sno cone maker out!!....see summer post on the sno cone maker) We will end with taking all the kids on a hay ride around to a couple of neighborhoods in Caroline. Well, a Pine Straw ride I guess. We couldn't find hay left anywhere. I'm sure I'll have lots of pictures to post. We started decorating tonight and putting up tents. By the way, we couldn't let our neighbors dog have a costume and our little Honey not have one...as you can tell, she is not too thrilled with her hotdog costume. I've got to alter Poncho's just a bit. More pics to come on that. Drew left for drill this weekend so he'll miss the whole thing!! Hope he didn't take all of his army uniforms...I'm planning to wear one tomorrow night with my Sarah Palin mask.

Hannah and I decorated the front this evening with an idea I got at Callaway's Yard and Garden..except theirs was MUCH more expensive than mine!! What'cha think about the pumpkins in the urns???!?

Hannah's pumpkin she carved..and then decided it needed eyelashes...and alot of other paint.

LOVE this time of year!!!! Don't you?!?!??!

O is for Oh my stars!!

2008-10-28T07:00:00.003-05:00

Oh my stars...my neighbor's chiuaua has a Hannah Montana Halloween costume!! I will get a picture Friday!!

N is for Nanny

2008-10-26T12:35:00.002-05:00

Nanny, housekeeper, professional domestic engineer, best friend, etc....whatever you want to call it...This is our Odessa...a.k.a. Dessa, Soot...and many other names. Dessa came to work for our family in the mid 1960's when we lived in Fayette. I was born in '69 and we moved to Meadville where I grew up. Dessa learned to drive and followed us to Meadville where she continued to be a part of our family for about the next 30 and some odd years. It goes without saying that she raised us. She and my mom were as tight as could be and my dad praised her wonderful lunches. There are many things that I do today that I only do because I saw Dessa do it that way...the 2 main ones are ironing and making gravy for biscuits. She would arrive at the house every morning around 8:15 to find me hiding under the bathroom cabinet in the utility room. I would jump out and scare her and I promise..she acted REALLY scared every single time. I grew up watching the "stories" (soap operas) with her and we talked about how crazy they all were in Salem. She retired a few years ago...my mom has been through a couple of more "Dessa's" but none compare. She is truly a grand lady. Got to see her Saturday at my niece, Lauren's wedding. She looked fabulous!!!!

M is for McDonalds

2008-10-21T20:45:00.004-05:00

McDonald's is NOT one of my favorite places. It will do in a pinch if there is absolutely nothing else in close distance. Seems alot of people that work at McDonald's are not very happy..so is the case at Home Depot or Lowe's..unless you go very early in the morning. I watched a man just about go postal in McDonald's in Ridgeland the day after the April 4th tornadoes in Jackson this year. Apparently he had waited on his food long enough and he snapped and started yelling at people back in the kitchen. It was funny to watch people witness his absurdity. Some nodded their heads in agreement with his ranting and some just shook their heads in disbelief...thinking "what an idiot.." I was just worried that if they didn't get this poor man his food..because after all, I'm sure he was starving to death...that something really bad would happen and we'd end up on the evening news. Anyway, that's not where I was going with all of that...when I was in elementary school, we went on a field trip and stopped by a McDonald's to eat. They let us all loose and everyone scrambled to the counter to order. Order? Order what?? I remember thinking that. My mom always just got my food and brought it to me. We weren't really big on eating out anyway..so I wasn't real sure of the menu to even order from. I remember it being my turn and I just copied what the girl said in front of me..."A hamburger and a coke, please" Then came all of the, "what do you want on it?" I told her nothing and hoped she didn't ask me anything else that I didn't know....then the worst part came...friends all laughed at me and got the biggest kick out of the fact that I got a PLAIN hamburger. I felt totally humiliated! I was very glad when that whole public meal experience was over.

Needless to say...Hannah Clark can order for herself , with or without me, at every restaurant in Jackson and surrounding areas!!!

L is for Live Out Loud!!

2008-10-17T20:54:00.005-05:00

If you don't know it already, Live Out Loud is an old song written by Christian recording artist, Steven Curtis Chapman. I've always loved this song and think that the lyrics speak volumes about how I'd like to live my life. Whenever it comes on, we always turn up the volume very loud and sing to the top of our lungs..Hannah and I that is...Drew is not much of a singer. Steven says many times in the song..."this is life we've been given, meant to be lived out..so live out loud.." I think there are alot of "dead" people walking around that aren't living life to the fullest. He goes on to say, "I was a dead man called to come out of my grave.." After the recent accidental death of his youngest daughter, Steven Curtis Chapman continues to live his life out loud. I can remember the first time I heard this song and really understood the words...it was like a light bulb came on within me...I hope and pray now that every time you hear it..you'll think of this and remember to LIVE OUT LOUD!! Click on the link and listen..2 or 3 times if you have to!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJNixHQ4sAc

K is for Kids

2008-10-15T06:45:00.005-05:00

Will
The Clan
Ansley
Zach
Meg (with funny glasses)
the b-day boy..Peyton

We've become fast friends with 2 families in the neighborhood. Hannah is out playing after she finishes homework until after dark most nights. MUCH different from our other house. We're very happy she has friends to play with and that we've made some new ones. Last night, it was our friend, Peyton's birthday. We ate at Soulshine Pizza and then on to Maggie Moos at Renaissance for ice cream. If you haven't been here yet, you must try it!! We finished the night by spraying Peyton with silly string. Hope he had a great time. Happy Birthday Peyton!!

J is for the perfect PB&J

2008-10-14T17:38:00.004-05:00

This is an issue sometimes at our house....the jelly part. For Hannah, it MUST be mayhaw jelly. I like grape and Drew doesn't really care, but mayhaw is his favorite. Matthew likes strawberry preserves. Andrew doesn't really care either. I almost need a separate fridge for all the different types of jelly we have...not to mention all the jars I put up when we picked blueberries...(see May post) Back to the PBJ...Hannah likes more jelly than peanut butter...and she likes it mixed together so the jelly won't leak out of her sandwich and be a holy mess by the time she gets to the lunchroom. I had never seen jelly put on cheese toast until I met Drew...now he's gotten me started with it...and Hannah. I guess you could say we are jelly connoisseurs. We'd be "that family" that are members of a jelly of the month club...except Hannah, she's faithful to mayhaw. What in the world is a mayhaw anyway??

I is for I can't think of anything!

2008-10-13T13:10:00.005-05:00

Ask my friend Lindsey..I have seriously stressed over this letter I...just absolutely could not come up with a thing. I thought for sure the wedding over the weekend would bring me an "i", but..nothing...SO I thought I would just post a few pictures from the weekend. It was all lovely and we had a great time. I love weddings..I always get a lump in my throat when I hear the wedding march. The boys looked so handsome and Hannah was a doll. Matthew broke his finger Wednesday and had surgery on it Friday morning, so he was not too happy at the wedding, but he survived. (3rd surgery on this kids right hand!!) Anyway, before I get started on that..here's a few pics...

This is the bridesmaids. Drew's sister, Monique is standing behind Hannah. Some of Drew's friends call Hannah, Little Monique.
Thought this kitty matched Hannah's dress and hair really good! Her name is Gertie. Hannah fell in love with her.
Andrew, Hannah and Matthew..no need to say a thing..Don't they look great!!!
And last but not least..me and my man....we clean up pretty good huh?

H is for Heaven

2008-10-07T16:56:00.003-05:00

H's are my life...there's me..Heather, our Hannah, our little Honey dog(our dachshund) H should be my easiest blog, but I just couldn't let it be that easy. Descriptions of Heaven have always intrigued me...almost as much as angels..(see A is for Angels) I found this little excerpt about it and wanted to share it. Take some time to read it. Pretty good stuff...
There is a common stereotype often given concerning heaven: someone sitting on a cloud, strumming a harp, seemingly bored out of their wits. Is that what heaven will be like? It's highly doubtful.
Think about it: we're talking about God. As you've probably noticed, he's pretty creative. If you're in doubt, just gaze at a sunset, or try to fathom how the universe is held together, or think about the vastness of space, or read about DNA. Yes, God knows a thing or two.
So, what do we know about heaven? The Bible says that, "There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain." That's huge, isn't it?
No more "death"? You mean, no cancer, AIDS, wars, or murders? Sounds pretty good. No more "mourning"? You mean, no young widows trying to raise four children, no toddlers kidnapped by psychos, no crosses on the side of the highway signifying someone killed by a drunk driver, no whole cities perishing in an earthquake? Ever? Sounds great!
No more "crying" or "pain"? You mean, no divorces ripping homes apart, no daughters being violated by fathers, no teenage boys or girls selling their bodies for money, no people feeling insecure because they're too tall or short or fat or skinny, no villagers starved out by governments, no lonely grandmothers whose husbands died twenty years before they will, no talented people wasting their lives through a heroin addiction, no gin-infested husbands using their wives and children as punching bags, no insults or malice just because someone has a different skin color, no hateful words spoken or heard? That sounds like a great place.
What else will heaven be like? No one but God knows for sure. But obviously it will be a whole new way of life. And, if the current world is any indication, we can expect the next one to show even more of God's creativity. We're talking different dimensions of time and space, and new activities and recreations we never even dreamed of. And that's just the point: it's beyond our imagination.
Do you think you could have come up with the idea for the giraffe? Or the tiger? Or the zebra? Maybe. Okay, you're feeling pretty confident. What about the four seasons? What about having the earth spin on its own axis while it rotates around the sun? (That's a pretty good one, you have to admit.) Or having the moon effect the ocean tides here on Earth? What about the human eye? Okay, what about sex? (That got your attention.) Have you ever wondered if God has something better than sex planned for the next life? You say: "No way!" But what if he does?
The point: God is very creative. All we have to do is look around us. Our world is amazing. And yet, it could be that God hasn't even shown off yet. It's likely that he hasn't. But we can be confident of this: whatever heaven is, it will be much more than we ever imagined, or could imagine. We just have no idea.

G is for...

2008-10-04T13:30:00.003-05:00

G is for Going for the Goal!!! She didn't quite make it in but she definitely got an A for effort!! She was up late last night, so maybe that had her all messed up.
G is for baby goats that we fed at the fair last night. They were adorable!!!!
G is for baby gator that our friend so bravely held!!!

F is for Fleece

2008-10-01T06:49:00.003-05:00

I surprised Hannah with one of those fleece blankets that I made the other day. She LOVED it and calls it her special magic blanket...whenever she feels sad or lonely she said she is going to cover up with it and that it is our official Sunday afternoon nap blanket. She took a cat nap with it after school Monday and won her soccer game that night..so of course..it's lucky now also. She begs one of our dogs, Poncho to sleep with her every night but he refuses...since I made the blanket..he's all over her every night...again, a magic blanket to her. Who knew it would be so special to her!?!?

E is for Elevators

2008-09-28T20:13:00.002-05:00

I spend a little time everyday waiting on the elevator at work and then waiting for everyone else to get on. Everyday usually brings something new..Morning time pretty much brings grumpy people that won't speak or disrespectful men that won't hold the door for you or ask you which floor....and then everyone waits to get to their destination. I was thinking that being in an elevator is much like our lives...We're all really just waiting to get to one place or another. (I know what place I'm waiting on!) In the mean time..while we're waiting on our "floor"...shouldn't we just make the best out who we're waiting with..encourage one another...build one another up..be respectful..have faith that God will get us to the ultimate floor of our lives. I think I am going to start "elevator prayers" like my friend Barbara H. does "ambulance prayers." The next time you get on an elevator...say silent prayers for who your waiting with...you never know how much they may need it!

D is for Dimensions

2008-09-26T06:57:00.002-05:00

Look at the dimensions of God's love:

"The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love....For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him....From everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him." Psalm 103:8, 11, 17

C is for Candy Corn

2008-09-23T20:19:00.007-05:00

It is my favorite time of the year...time for candy corn!!! I absolutely could eat a whole bag in one day....oh and there is a certain way to eat it. Always bite the white tip off first..then the rest. Just for kicks I found a list of fun facts about my favorite holiday candy..

October 30th is National Candy Corn Day
One serving of candy corn contains only about 140 calories
Candy corn has 3.57 calories per kernel
More than 35 million pounds of candy corn will be produced this year. That equates to nearly 9 billion pieces -- enough to circle the moon nearly four times if laid end-to-end.
Halloween accounts for 75% of the annual candy corn production
A cup of candy corn has fewer calories than a cup of raisins.
Candy Corn was invented by George Renninger and produced by the Wunderlee Candy Company in the 1880's. In 1900, the Goelitz Candy Company, now Jelly Belly Candy Company, started mass producing the candy, but, due to the lack of machinery, it was only made available seasonally from March to November. Its recipe has remained unchanged.
Candy corn isn't just for Halloween there is also:
Reindeer corn for Christmas (red, green, and white)
Indian corn (it's chocolate and vanilla flavored)
Cupid corn for Valentine's Day (red, pink, and white)
Bunny corn for Easter (pastel-colored)

Last year at Christ Covenant's annual Fall Festival, the third grade booth did "candy corn" manicures. It was a real hit with the girls...and some of the boys!!

My favorite thing to do with candy corn in the Fall is to mix it with peanuts, Halloween m & m's, peanut butter morsels, and pretzel sticks. Looks very cute in little cellophane bags for happies!!

And last but not least, my favorite line in a movie about candy corn..if you haven't seen Will Ferrell's "Elf"..it is a must see holiday movie. Buddy the Elf LOVES syrup and when asked about it, he replies, "The 4 main food groups on the North Pole are: candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup!" You really have to see this movie to appreciate it!

Everybody go get some candy corn...I promise it will put you in a Fall mood!!!

B is for Big Daddy Weave

2008-09-21T08:23:00.006-05:00

Here he is..one of our top favorite Christian singers..Big Daddy Weave. Well, that's actually not his name but the entire band's name. His younger brother is in the band also that calls him Big Daddy and Weaver is their last name..hence, Big Daddy Weave. So glad he clarified that for us! I took Hannah and a friend to their concert last night and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The concert didn't start until 6:30 and we got there a little before 5. Thankfully we were able to get in and get on the front row. When the girls realized they were going to have to wait and hour and a half or more to see the concert, they were not very happy....of course when the concert finally started at 6:45..they understood why I wanted to get there early so they could have the experience of being right under the singer at a concert. They jumped continuously up and down and clapped and squealed. I kept waiting for someone to body surf. Just kidding..it thrilled my soul to see so many young people praising God and not being ashamed.
This was the opening act..Jason Gray..AWESOME is all I've got to say. He has a stuttering problem but you would have never known in his singing! For this guy to display his talents in the way he did and not being afraid of a crowd with his speech problem..just leaves me speechless. I think we'll see more of him for sure.
And here was the girls fav...Rush of Fools...very boy band type...all cutie patooties...Left the girls starry eyed! and me too!!! We stood in line for autographs for each and made it home by midnight. Whew...what a day!

A is for Angels

2008-09-18T08:08:00.005-05:00

No blogging topics to report..so I thought I would just do the ABC's. I picked Angels because our interim, Dr. John Bisagno is giving messages on Sunday nights on Angels. I most definitely do belive in Angels because I know God made them and they are all throughout the Bible. I'm not sure that I've ever had an actual angel encounter other than feeling a very strong presence and I always believed that was God. Several years ago, a friend's 3 year old daughter had a near drowning experience at Waterland. On the way to the hospital, my friend was crying and her little 3 year old looked at her and said, "Don't cry Mommy..there were pretty angels under the water with me!" My friend nearly had to be resucitated herself after that comment. I do believe that God sends angels on his behalf to intervene. We all know of stories where this has happened. I believe there is a whole book devoted to this topic about stories from 9/11...the dad who was late for work because he took his son to school, the man that stopped to buy a box of band-aids, the people that "overslept" the morning of 9/11....all of whose lives were spared. You decide...fate, God, angels,coincidence? I don't think so. I think God had angels working overtime that day and everyday to be honest. Another interesting story from a friend...she was rocking her toddler son one night and kept noticing that he was staring at something behind her. She said that she was almost scared to turn around. Little David just pointed to something behind her and said, "He's mad." Kinda creepy, I know!! Never heard of a mad angel...I'll save that topic for another time.

Fun girls day..

2008-09-13T17:58:00.003-05:00

Hannah and I got up this morning early and went to Meadville for my niece, Lauren's wedding shower. I mentioned her making me feel old in the previous post. This is my sister's oldest daughter. She got so many nice things. My sister-in-law and I said we wished we could have a shower every few years just to get new stuff. I myself could use a linen shower. We are in severe need of new towels, but it's just one of those things I hate to buy..right next to bluejeans and swimsuits..Back to Lauren though..she had a great shower and better start her thank you notes now cause she really racked up on home things. Can hardly believe she's getting married next month. I remember like yesterday the day she was born. I was thinking of funny Lauren stories on the way to Meadville this morning and narrowed it down to this one...When she was about 2 or 3.. Lauren, my sister, my mom and I went to WalMart in Natchez. Somehow Lauren got out of everyone's sight and was gone. Everyone in the store was looking..they even made an announcement over the intercom..shortly, here comes Lauren up an aisle with about 6 purses on each arm and all smiles..."I hide" is what she said. She has always loved purses. Can't wait til she has one of her own and that happens to her! We love you La-La!

Busy, busy..

2008-09-10T07:28:00.003-05:00

Last night was Christ Covenant's first 4-6th grade football game of the season and they did GREAT!! Not to mention the cheerleaders! There was a really cute one named Hannah Clark. This week has been crazy..something different to do every evening. I actually have the day off today and I think I'm even busier with about a million errands. It's only 7:30...I've already dropped Hannah at carpool, made biscuits and sausage and done 3 loads of laundry. I may go lay in my whirlpool tub here after this load gets done. Let's see..church tonight, back to school night tomorrow night and church softball..nothing Friday night and then off to Meadville Saturday for my niece, Lauren's wedding shower. Seems like she was born yesterday. Makes me feel old.

Double Digits

2008-09-08T05:00:00.000-05:00

I think I'm officially the mother of a "tweenager." Our baby girl is 10 years old today and it makes me sad. The time has flown by so quickly it's scary. God has blessed us beyond measure with this great kid. She's truly unique in every sense of the word..very strong willed and opinionated..compassionate..tender-hearted..very intuitive...beautiful inside and out...I really strive to be like her sometimes. Happy Birthday Sweet Pea!!!

A Night in the Life....

2008-09-06T13:04:00.001-05:00

New family member

2008-09-03T16:09:00.002-05:00

Well...fairly new...just haven't gotten around to bloggin' 'bout it. Some good friends brought Hannah back a hermit crab from the beach. She'd been begging for one when we went to the beach back in July and then we forgot all about it before we left. This little sweetie's name is "Tropic-Hannah." Pretty clever don't you think? Hermit crabs really get a bad rap I think. They are actually pretty social little things. It loves to be squirted with a water bottle and is very happy and active when you clean her cage and give fresh food and soak her sponge. It does however kinda freak you out during the night when you hear her crawling around in those rocks and you can't figure out what's making that sound!! Now that the new has worn off, I guess you could say that she's MY crab. I like her though...she's minds her own business and doesn't talk back to me. Much to learn from this little creature!

Golden Wave Football

2008-08-30T18:09:00.004-05:00

It's Golden Wave Football time in Tupelo! I do believe they are going to have a great team this year. Drew thinks they will go to state play offs. He and I rode up to Tupelo last night to watch the boys play. His sister, Niccole and her nutty husband Jim came also. Sorry Jim. I mean that in the best possible way. Anywhoo...football or any sport for that matter is more fun to watch when your kids are involved in it. Hannah is about to start soccer too and Fall sports will be in full swing....not to mention hunting season in the near future. We are slowly getting settled into the new house. Pump grinder still not fully operational....see previous post...but we're learning leaps and bounds from it. Something else fun to mention..the women's ministry at our church had a pj party for women Thursday night. Great fun there! Got to go to church in my pj's, eat pizza with all my friends, have ice cream with all the fixin's, paint nails, have a hand massage, stock up on candy and chocolate and not have to share it, have Clinique do my makeup, get door prizes, hear a great speaker...and all for only $7. Now that's a bargain....oh yeah...free childcare too...but Hannah stayed home with Drew. Well, hoping this Hurricane doesn't wipe us out Monday or Tuesday. I don't deal well with no electricity. I'll be very glad to have the day off Monday...that is if we have electricity!

you've been tagged

2008-08-26T07:42:00.002-05:00

this is from my friend, Suzanne..

Six random facts about myself...

1. I am deathly afraid of flying. I have NEVER flown that I haven't gotten sick. The last time, I had on a patch and had taken 2 dramamine.
2. I don't like cows. There is something about their big eye and eyelashes and the worst part is the sound they make. However I love hamburgers!
3. I love to bake!
4. Thick ropey saliva makes me nauseous. Interesting since I work in people's mouths.
5. I love to pour my m&m's into my popcorn at the movie...you know...the sweet and salty thing.
6. I baby talk to our dogs. Doesn't everone?

I would love to see some responses...it took me forever to come up with 6 things about myself...or at least 6 interesting things.

at least tomorrow is Friday..

2008-08-21T21:33:00.002-05:00

OK..I finally get the hot water thing ironed out..except for the kitchen sink and the master shower...I'm saving that for Drew to figure out when he gets home. I walk in the house after a long day and immediately smell POOP. I rush to the kitchen...nothing. I rush to the bedroom..nothing. I walk back outside to notice that our sewage is overflowing all into the neighbor's yard. Apparently Lake Caroline has these things on each house called grinder pumps. Never heard of or seen one before...but we have one...and something was going very wrong with it! I called about 4 plumbers with no luck of anyone working on grinder pumps. I called the Canton Sewer Dept. and 2 very nice African American men came pretty quickly. Grinder pumps are like deep wells that hold your sewage before it is ground up and sent off to the sewage. 2 problems..first of all..it was not ON and second the motor had come off of the hole. This was a really gross job..but they did it for me and left with smiles on their faces! (probably because I slid them a little cash for being so nice and doing what they really shouldn't have done) I must've appeared really needy or something. On to good news..Drew is finished with his Infantry course and will be leaving Georgia around lunch tomorrow. He should be home by 6 or so. Hannah is going home from school with a friend, so we will really get to spend some quality time together. I won't put him to work as soon as he walks in the door or anything! Hannah is excited about her sleepover tomorrow night. She had a list of things to pack. The friend has one of those Neutrogena Waves they advertise on tv. (I believe this is basically an electric toothbrush for the face)They are very excited about "doing each others face." I would say that we are about to get settled but I keep forgetting where I put things. I guess it will all fall into place and I'll laugh about this whole experience one day. It is a good bit farther to drive in the mornings for school and work..but I believe I found someone to carpool with tonight that lives out this way. That will help tremendously! God has been so faithful to us during this time...was I always faithful and trusting in Him? Absolutely not. I don't know why I ever worry about things working out. They always seems to...Not exactly when I want them to..but in His own time...and that's the best timing there is.

FINALLY!!

2008-08-19T11:57:00.002-05:00

So..this has been what all the fuss is about..I wouldn't dare do inside pics yet cause there are boxes everywhere!! We were able to close on both houses Friday and move. My parents and brother helped me..along with the movers. I most definitely wouldn't have made it without them!!! I think I was in denial...didn't realize we had that much JUNK! A little pointer for anyone thinking of moving...If you haven't used it in a year...Get rid of it!! My sister came and helped for a while on her way to pick up her husband at the airport. She laughed at my "80's sweaters" that I still have! Everything went pretty smoothly until we decided to call it a day around 11:00 Friday night, get hot showers and crash. I realized no one ever came to turn the gas on!! Long story short..the gas was FINALLY turned on today..so we should have hot showers tonight and I can't wait!!! Hannah had been dying to use the whirlpool tub, so I filled it about 1/4 full of water and boiled about 12 dutch ovens of water and added to it. We did get to have a hot bath last night but it was ALOT of work!! Hannah said, "We're doing like they did in the old days Mama!" Drew will be home Sunday to see the house with everything in it for the first time so I'm trying to get things semi straight before he gets home. More pics to come as soon as I can get things straightened out!!

Home is Where the Heart is

2008-08-12T19:56:00.004-05:00

Well, once again , we plan to close on our house and the new one this Friday. Things are looking pretty positive and I think it will go off without a hitch. In the mean time, I've been packing fast and furiously. Hannah is a great help labeling each box for me. Drew is frustrated he can't be here to help out (yeah right!!) I keep telling myself, "You can do this..you can do this." In cleaning out old things and going through pictures, I've really enjoyed the packing process. It has made me think about what a home really is. In the short 9 years we've been in this house..it has certainly become a "home" for us. Somewhere we all feel good and safe. Hannah's first steps were taken here, she learned to ride her bike with no training wheels in the street out front, we've grilled out many a night with friends and popped at least a million fireworks in the driveway. In the living room is where we prayed with Andrew and Matthew when they were 8 and asked Jesus into their heart. The ditch in front of the house has about 1,000 hours of playtime in them..and also the place Drew tore his ACL trying to get away from yellow jackets! This is the place that I clung to when Drew was in Iraq...and the place he came home to. We've celebrated so many birthdays, anniversaries and holidays in this house. As thrilled as we are to start a new chapter in our lives with this new house...the "home" on Auburn Drive will be missed for a good while I'm certain. For these last few days we have here..even though surrounded by walls of boxes..and Drew in Georgia...I'm making the most of our "home"!!! It's where my heart is today.

Fourth Grade

2008-08-07T18:02:00.002-05:00

Well, our baby is in the fourth grade. She bounded out of bed this morning like it was Christmas! I had been worried she would have a hard time because she has been staying up really late and sleeping until 11:00. I have a feeling that getting up at 6:30 in the morning will start to get to her after a few days. We'll get back into the school year routine soon. Lots to blog about this year I think. I signed her up for basketball and pep squad at her school and soccer will be starting here towards the end of the month. She LOVES soccer and I love watching it!
Well, on a bad note...the closing on the houses pretty much fell through. I've come to believe that maybe it just wasn't meant to be..as much as we loved the house at Lake Caroline. Maybe God has something much better in store for us. I am sure that He does. That's how he operates. So our house is officially back on the market. Please pray that someone buys it soon. Hey..we're already packed! We can move in a hurry if we have to! God has taught me a good lesson about patience and having faith that HE knows best in every situation. That doesn't by any means that I like it...I'm really stomping my feet at Him on this one, but I'm trusting Him that He will show us the best way.
Drew leaves for Fort Benning Friday morning. Pray for him while he is away and for his traveling safety!

Tupelo and cleaning

2008-08-03T21:10:00.004-05:00

We celebrated Drew's birthday yesterday at his Mom's in Tupelo. We had the regular spread of home-grown vegetables, chicken and dumplings, birthday cake and homemade vanilla ice cream. She had his old jeep restored that he drove as a teenager. From what I understand if that jeep could talk, it would write a book. The boys just got their driver's license, so of course I had to make their picture each in the jeep. It seems like just yesterday they were riding in the battery charged jeep!
We went out to the Lake Caroline house this afternoon and cleaned the whole downstairs and hung light fixtures...without the A/C cooling, you can imagine how HOT we were!!! This will be a very busy week for all of us. Hannah starts school Thursday. We have Ice Cream social at school Wednesday night and find out who her teacher is and all of that good stuff. Hopefully all goes as planned with closing...possibly Thursday afternoon. Drew has to be in Columbus, GA by 4 Friday. We'll do as much as we can together..but whoever feels the need to lend me a hand..it would be much appreciated!!