Out with the old and in with the new...

It's hard to believe that in just a few short hours we will be beginning a new year. I remember thinking this time last year "what will this year hold?" Not exactly what I had expected it. But I am not the Author or Perfecter of my life. I only see the here and now where my Father has the Eternal picture. Now I wonder what that looks like? Would I want to have it revealed to me if possible? I think not. I think I will just take it one day at a time.

Living each day with God's Grace.

Here are some final pictures of 2008 enjoy and may all of you have great Blessings in the New Year!

Stocking time, our favorite Family tradition. Please note that we do not use traditional stockings for they seem to limit the creativity of filling them. We now use burlap sacks!! And even then we overflow!!

Rockin' out!!

Gifts from Gran and Pop.

Love my new candle!!

Annie enjoying her new bone!

Have I mentioned the very YUMMY Christmas dinner?

My favorite thing... MacKenzie-Childs!! I think the waffles even tasted better.

Oh, and I feel a project coming on!!

"In the beginning God..." Genesis 1:1

What better way to end the year than to reflect on the beginning of another...

Just another day on the Bay!!

It's all over but the clean-up...

...I so hate for Christmas to end. I love the smell of the fresh greens. I love the twinkling lights. I love the boys anticipation of what is under the tree and what Santa will bring. I love for family and friends to come over and celebrate. I love ALL the sweets. This year we made gingersnaps, two, yes two Peppermint Red Velvet cakes, & garbage.

On Christmas day, we didn't have the traditional ham with the obligatory casseroles, but made the most DELICIOUS steaks!! Oh my gosh, my mouth waters just thinking about them. Fillets stuffed with blue cheese and sauteed mushrooms... WOW!!! I think we will have that EVERY year!!

As the boys get older it is harder for Santa to make gifts. But this year did not disappoint...

Number 1 son got a "bluetooth" for his cell phone {he was ALWAYS borrowing his dad's}, a new lunch box {I guess Santa took pity on him having to take a Wal-mart plastic bag to school everyday... Hey, it was free advertisement and little clean up on my part} and the traditional stocking stuffers...

Number 2 son got a game for his PSP, he too got a lunch box with a thermos so he can take soup to school {He has already requested TACO soup for the first day back to school}.

And Santa brought them Rock Band for the Wii. How fun is that!?! I love the guitar and the singing, the DRUMS.... NOT MY THING!!!

I think the best gift for Number 2 was of course his shotgun!! And for Number 1 was his Costa sunglasses.

Now the house is lonely, my parents left this am. So I guess I am obligated to get some cleaning done.

The Gals!!

"Sing to the Lord a new song," Psalms 149:1 For a new year is about to begin....

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

... And all through our house, every creature was stirring...
It was the annual soup and sneaky Santa night!! We love having our friends and family over on Christmas Eve. It has been our tradition for years now!! Even our first year here, we had neighbors and family over. The last 2 years we brought back Sneaky Santa. And this year did not disappoint!!

Not only were we entertained by the "exchanging" of gifts but Chris Farley made a guest appearance... "in a van down by the river!!" Om my gosh, I have Never laughed so hard!!

Now the annual watching of The Christmas Story... My favorite scene, when Ralphie gets his Little Orphan Annie decoder ring and finally reads the message.... "son of a nutcracker" {sorry had to use the Elf quote!!}
But we don't forget the true meaning of the SEASON, "He sends out His command to the earth;" Psalms 147:15 Into the little manger...

His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

May you all know the love of our Everlasting Father the giver of Peace!!


Soli Deo Gloria!!
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

"I'm so exciting"

{Number 1 son used to say that when he was little!! }

It is Exciting because my parents are on their way!! The house is ready for all the hustle and bustle.

The boys and I are going to head out soon to do some last minute sneaky Santa gifts and they still need to buy a few gifts. I love the ideas they have for each other and their dad!! So thoughtful! I wonder what ideas they have for me, hmmmm.

So it's off to eat some breakfast, grab a quick shower and head out the door! And boy does it feel like Christmas around here! Brrrr...

"Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord." Psalms 96:12

Ahhhh...

... nobody is home except me!! One son is at his cousins, one son is with a friend and McSweetie is at work. All that adds up to me ALONE!! Of course I have BUNCHES to do but the Christmas music is cranked up and I am ready to knock it all out!! My parents come tomorrow so the house needs to be spic and span. And I need to go out and do a little more gift buying.

Last night we had Christmas with the cousins. The kids all enjoyed themselves. And I think all the gifts were a huge hit. I know I should take the time to post pics, but not today!! You can jump over to my SIL's blog to check out the festivities. I am off to get my chores done!!

How many more shopping days???

"Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it." Psalms 96:12 {I am going to be so sad when my calendar is over for this year!! Hope there is another one in my stocking}

VACATION!!!

It's finally here!! It's been a crazy week, but it is now over and the real fun can begin. Like getting Christmas presents bought, wrapped, and under the tree!!

A little sad because this was the last Christmas party that my "baby" will have at school because next year I will have 2 Middle Schoolers!! Yikes, let's not think about that right now!! So went to work this am, left early to go to R's party, then went back to work for the 3rd and 4th grade PE.

Last night had a girls night out and we went and ate at the Hibachi grill!! YUMMY!! We had the best food but food never compares to the conversations that we have!! The "grill master" just grinned and said, "I don't understand English." Funny!!

Here's a pic of the gals and me!!

Also took the boys to Tea Time at the Grand on Wednesday. Some young friends of mine were having an etiquette class and S just crashed the "party". Guess we flunked!! But we did get our Christmas pictures taken. Of course out of all the pics I took, I used the 2nd one!! Oh well, what would a Christmas card be without a little yelling, "Can you just smile and act like you like each other for just a moment??!!"

Looking forward to some time to relax!! I really need to get my house in order. Really did I just say that? Well I need to but doing it is a whole other matter!! I guess it will get done by Tuesday because that is when my parents are coming in town!! We are looking forward to their visit as always!!

"Let the heavens rejoice!!" Psalms 96:11 Even the stars sing along...

It's Nellie and McIntyre and we have hijacked the blog... Dancing Elves, how silly!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Because I have nothing better to do... I elfed our Family!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

It's a Post with Pictures

WELCOME!!!!

Come on in and see what we have been up to!

It seems that Nellie and McIntyre have arrived!!

What a cute tree they are decorating with my gumdrops!


My buffet in the dining room. The Holly Leaf in the frame

came from the Walter Anderson Museum.

This is the tree we didn't tell McSweetie about!!

This nativity belonged to my grandmother.

Notice that Jesus is not in the manger yet, one of

the boys will put Him in on Christmas morning.

This nativity was purchased by my mom when she lived in Italy. She gave it to me and McSweetie for our first Christmas. I have great childhood memories of rearranging the figures while sitting under the Christmas tree.

HAPPY 13TH BIRTHDAY!!

The Birthday boy with his Fudge Filled Cheesecake!

The "Party Crashers"

The dinner: chocolate chip waffles, scrambled cheese eggs, and bacon!!

Enjoying dinner!!

Party Gang!!

We have been pretty busy and are ready for a break!!

Only 4 more days of school~ 2 for me!!

"Your word have I hidden in my heart." Psalms 119:11 It's like a gift I give myself. ~ It's everything I could want!!

13 Years ago today...

... I was laying in a hospital bed wondering how long it would be until I would finally be able to see my baby!! Well, it was a LONG day but at 5:30 he entered this world!! He was so beautiful as most c-section babies are!! And he has been such a GREAT son!! I am so proud of him. He is turning into quite the young man!!



So today is his day... 13 things for turning 13 on the 13th. We have started the day with his favorite breakfast~ Cream Cheese Danish~ check that off the list!! I had forgotten the ingedients for the strawberry banana Smoothie so I asked if we would like to try an Orange Julius instead. He said sure! And he loved it. {another check off the list} It was one of my favorite treats when I was a little girl!!



He has opened his gifts from family~ The Dark Knight check that off the list of 13, 3 Musketeers bars- check, Dr. Pepper- check, clothes {aftco shorts~ check, guy harvey shirt~ check & American eagle jeans, shirts, and dress pants}. He is looking forward to lunch today, Ms. Jill's chicken pasta and his chocolate chip cheesecake {2 checks}. Later today he is having friends come over for dinner and movie watching.

Will post more pictures later!! Hope all have a great day!!

Pizza Pizza...

... is almost Over, Over!! A few glitches today~ truck arrived at wrong school and was an hour early. And how is it that the money totals work out yet there are still people who were short on their orders? Especially when they had a check out station so that nobody would leave with "extra" items or wrong items? Who knows!! All I know is that my service is almost O-V-E-R!!! And I will NEVER EVER EVER be fundraising chair again. Two years is PLENTY!!!

Baby it's cold outside!! I'm puttin' on my warm jammies and fixin' a cup of hot chocolate!!

It's almost Friday, y'all!! Hope it's a good one!! I know mine will be!!

"For He shall give HIs angels charge over you," Psalms 91:11 And boy did He today and her name was LIZ!!!

It's finally happened...

... a week with not a thing to do!! I know. I can't believe it either. So it is possible!! On Monday I did some Christmas/Birthday shopping. {Number 1 Son turns 13 on Saturday!!} Had fun just wandering around the stores all by my lonesome unlike some other people I know who shall remain nameless... Mom and Wendy!!! LOL My mom has replaced me with my best friend. They hook up and go shopping at least once a month it seems. It makes me smile! I just wish I could be there too!! While I was out Monday I bagged another Christmas tree {don't tell McSweetie... we are going to see if he notices} So the boys had to work together to get it out of my volvo, get it in the tree stand without it being crooked or tipping over. Then it was the task of untangling the lights from last year that we neglected to take off lasts year's tree properly. All in all I give it an A for a successful cooperation exercise with the boys. Then it was putting on the "fun traditional" ornaments. 'Cause you see I have a "themed" tree in the living room. So this one is in the dining room. Afterwards we ate dinner while watching Christmas with the Kranks! I love that movie!! If you haven't seen it go rent it or better yet buy it!! I could watch it over and over again.

Yesterday I hit the outlets with my friend Kim.... I too have people to shop with!! SLOL!! More Christmas gifts bought and the black pants, white button down S needs for his Christmas band concert next Tuesday night. Then as we were just starting to feel the hunger pains we got a call from Amy who said we must meet for lunch. Oh, ok twist my arm. So we met at Jesse's for lunch!! WOW!! YUMMY, yum, yum!!! And thanks to Kim she bought!! What a sweetie!! PTC meeting last night and then I worked on a Christmas gift. Finally got that worked out and then I went to bed only to wake to the most horendous sound of thunder and lightening. I just knew someone was going to end up in my bed but no.... I had no visitors.

Had to get Number 1 to band practice at 6:soAM!!! The weather was AWFUL!!! Then came back home and got number 2 son ready for school and took him. I had work today but my afternoon was cut short because they were practicing for their Christmas program that is tomorrow night. Cute!!

Came home from work and thought how yummy it would be to make some Christmas cookies so the boys and I made a double batch of Gingersnaps!! The house smell like Christmas!! WE have Church tonight so I guess I'd better go get ready. Hopefully I will get some pictures up soon! A post is so much nicer with pictures don't you think??

"THe Lord my God will enlighten my darkness." Psalms 18:28 December will always be the season of light and love... So much love to all of you!!

Home Sweet Home

Another weekend of traveling. We stayed with my parents and then we all drove to the State High School swim meet to see Number 1 swim. All that traveling for 1:08.45 seconds. But it was worth it. Hopefully next year he will qualify in more events. But he is only in the 7th grade!!

We were back "home" in time to see the Christmas parade and hang out with our friends. Saw lots of old friends in the parade. But it just didn't hold the magic that I had hoped. Was it because they weren't allowed to throw candy? Was it because I was just so stinkin cold? Or was it because that really doesn't feel like home anymore? I don't know. Glad that I saw it but wouldn't have to go back next year for it!! But I would go back just to hang out with our friends and eat her yummy snacks.

Of course we watched the SEC game. A little disappointing, I really thought we should have won. Oh, well. We did still beat AU!!

Afterwards we drove to my friend Wendy's house to spend the night. The boys all had fun together and Wendy and I got to play catch up until we were both so tired that we couldn't hold our eyes open!!

So this am we were back on the road. At our pit stop, I had a young man approach me and told me his name. I was like Oh my stars, you worked for me when I was the aquatics manager at our local fitness club!! I must still look like I am 25 'cause that's probably the last time I saw him!! LOL!!! He is now out in LA working as an emcee for live events. Pretty neat!!

Then it was to pick up Number 1 son and home to unload car, catch up on laundry, bills, etc.

Hope you all had a fun weekend. I don't plan on doing ANYMORE traveling for a while!! All must now come to me!!!

Oh and did I mention that I took custody of the 24x36 portrait of my boys with Santa. I keep it at my mom's for safe keeping 'cause of the hurricanes and last year she kept custody but I took it for this year. Will post a pic of it later. Need to go start washing clothes and really need about a 30 minute nap!!

"Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; He is gracious, and full of compassion," Psalms 112:4

Just a Few Pictures from Thanksgiving and a little Christmas too!!

Mom sets a pretty Thanksgiving table. The dishes my grandmother had! The silver is Buttercup.

This is how some of us spend the day after eating.

Other's spend it this way! R almost had Papa beat this time!!




The girls: Mom, me and my aunt! Every year at Thanksgiving before my grandmother died we always took a family photo. We didn't do it the first Christmas after she died because my dad had just had triple by-pass surgery and the following year we were in Disney. So we started the tradition again this year.

I wish I could say that this is the front of my house, but it is not! It's a house in my mom's neighborhood. I just loved it. Maybe next year mine will look this good!

I have an old wheel barrow that I put my gifts in. The bottom is now rotted out hence the white boxes on the bottom which hopefully will soon be covered up with packages if I could ever get out and SHOP!!!

My buffet in my kitchen. My SIL painted the sign for me last year for Christmas! And my favorite thing... Happy Everything plate; isn't baby Jesus just the cutest?

Outside by my backdoor! A huge lizard jumped on me while arranging this. It about put me right over the edge!!

So, here are just a few pics!!

Congratulations Part 2

Number 2 son is Student of the Month for November {sometimes I feel like he gets left out; he's just not as busy as Number 1 but his time is coming!!} He was also Student of the Month for September too. I think because they have had 2 teachers prior to their real teacher coming back this past Monday from her maternity leave that maybe they didn't know he had already been student of the month. But like my friend Debbie said, "He's a great kid and deserves to be Student of the Month as many times as possible." She's so sweet!!

"And bear them up forever" Psalms 28:9 As high as the Star of Bethlehem.

Congratulations..

Thursday night we have the All-County Band concert to attend because S made 4th chair Trombone!! His week is now cut short due to the practices for the concert and his going out of town for the State High School Swim Meet!! I never had weeks like that in school. I'm jealous!!

{Decorating tree, yipee!!}

What I'd Love MORE THAN ANYTHING....

... is to sit here and write an entry. I'd love to tell you all that I am completely decorated for Christmas. I'd love to have a relaxing morning in my pj's. I'd love to go out and do some Christmas shopping. But alas, I have a meeting and a luncheon to go to today. NOt that I mind the meeting or the luncheon, but I'd love to finish my Christmas decorating. I may be able to squeeze some shopping in this afternoon either before or after I work the Book Fair. {Hey, maybe that's where I'll do my Christmas shopping}

I just wanted to write and say, "hey y'all" to my faithful readers, {you know who you are!!} and also wish my little neice a Happy 3rd Birthday {Not that she reads my blog, LOL but her mom stops by some}

I promise one day soon, I will post some pics of the weekend and the decorating but until then...

Stay Warm and enjoy the Holiday Season... "Save your people," Psalm 28:9 A little Child could save us....

Iron Bowl Saturday!!

One of the best days of the year {especially this year, because Bama is a 2 touchdown favorite, ROLL TIDE!!}

Now that all the turkey and dressing has been eaten, it's now time to focus on some great football today.

It's been nice being back home!! Enjoyed a fabulous breakfast at the Golden Rule, sausage/cheese omlet, grits, hashbrowns, oh my!! Then with full tummies it was off for some shopping. Found some pretty garland for my mantle, and purchased some wreaths. Then off to buy some birthday gifts and christmas gifts for family. Went to the Spotted Zebra and found my topper for my Happy Everything Plate, baby Jesus in the manger, too cute!! And a fall banner for 4.75!! Saw a cute idea for a window I have at home can't wait to go home and make it!! And best of all I bumped into my dear friend Lana while I was there!! I also bumped into McSweetie's former bosses wife. Nice to catch up with her!!

Now we're home; eating again!! Good grief!! But you can't watch football without tailgate food!!

Headed out tomorrow! Hope everyone has a great Saturday and

ROLL TIDE!!!

{HAPPY THANKSGIVING}

Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our Thanksgiving.

W. T. Purkiser

This time last year...

we spent Thanksgiving week at Disney!! What a FUN trip!! It was the first time that we had not spent the holiday with either family. It was a little liberating to tell the truth. McSweetie had a job going on in the area so we all just packed up and went with him for the WEEK!! We played while he worked and then he would meet us at night so we could all play together. I wish we were going back again. It is just the most magical place. You can FORGET everything and just be a kid again!! I don't think it can ever lose its magic.

The weekend was a busy one! Yesterday we had R's football party, S went to his girlfriends Fall Show, The Real Princess and the Pea. It was WONDERFUL!! The productions that these talented kids put on never ceases to amaze me. It was a beautiful presentation. And HH did a wonderful job. All the dancers did!! Afterwards we took everyone to the Thanksgiving Dinner at church. After dinner I went and saw.... TWILIGHT!! It was good!! And they so left it open so you would know that there were more movies to come!! LOVE IT!!!

Now it is Monday, the week of Thanksgiving. We have alot to be Thankful for this year even though it has been a most trying year! This past weekend both the boys received a letter from my mom and in the letter was a bookmark with the poem, Footprints. R has carried that around all weekend. I know that God has been carrying us. I know that there has only been one set of footprints or we would not have made it through the trials this year has brought {and will continue to bring}. But I am blessed in knowing that both of my boys have given their lives to their Father. Seeing R at church yesterday and his attentiveness to learning about God and fellowshipping with Him, WOW is all I can say. It is a new day for them. May I too be renewed in His Love For Me!!

I also received my ornament from my Siesta and let me tell you how stinkin' cute it is!! I think I am supposed to do a linky sometime in December so I will post the pictures later! But a big thank you to Cynthia, I love it!!

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Jim Elliot

$261.50

That is how much richer I am today after the much anticipated yard sale. Not bad since I had not a single "big ticket" item. All piddly stuff. It was VERY COLD out this am. So cold that McSweetie said "nobody will come I'll go get the sign and we will just do it later." As he is pulling down the driveway at 7:15am my little neighbor friend and a friend of hers who spent the night are walking up the driveway with spending money in hand. I open the door for them and tell them to shop away. They bagged 1 digital camera, 1 electronic journal, 1 telescope, 1 angel, 1 robopet, and 1 guitar. Then I asked if they would like to come in and have some hot chocolate. Sure they said. Now keep in mind both boys are completely oblivious that 2 4th grade girls are in the house. When R finally gets up the look on his facing seeing his "friends" sitting at his bar drinking hot chocolate at 7:45am was PRICELESS!!! And the girls got a huge kick out of it! They had already said they could stay until around 8 or so because they had a Girl Scout function to go to at 9am.


So, the yard sale started about 9am and went until about 1:30. McSweetie and the boys had to go down to the beach to get some furniture that his mom is giving us. I hope the boys are being good helpers. I know that S is b/c most of the furniture is for him. For his 13th Birthday we are giving him a "big boy" room. McSweetie laughed when I said that to someone the other day... "Yeah, we are taking down the bed rails and moving the changing table out."he said. Well, I should have said a grown up room. His room is not babyish at all; just thought he deserved a more "sophisticated" room. So that is his gift from his grandparents. Ours is to get it all painted and put together. {Sidebar: Still cannot believe that in a few short weeks I am going to have a...
TEENAGER!!!! YIKES, how did that happen?? Well I know HOW it happend it's like McSweetie tells the boys.. "When a man and a woman...." And that is all he has to say to get the boys running for their lives, LOL}


Anyway, laundry needs to be folded and I would like to get WARM!! I think a long hot shower is in order. And then a trip to the grocery store for dinner. Meatloaf, fried okra, peas, mashed potatoes... that all sounds like warm food to me!


Happy Saturday, y'all.

Field Trip Fun

Yesterday both boys had a field trip. Number 1 son headed off to the International Festival and Number 2 son headed to the Walter Anderson Museum. I begged off on the International Field trip and headed to Ocean Springs, MS. {Only the second time in my life to even be in MS, the first being my pledge retreat and that is a whole other story in and of itself}

The Walter Anderson Museum was quite fascinating. When you first walk into the museum, there is a sculpture of a swimmer. How appropriate for our family!! He was quite the eclectic fellow. He did most of his traveling by bike or boat. They have both his bike and boat on display at the museum. I loved the boat. Oh to go back to a simpler time, without the rush and hustle and bustle of going from a to b to c. Afterwards, we went to a quaint little park for lunch. The kids then boarded the bus and I boarded my minivan and we headed off to find the "other" Walter Anderson Gift Shop. Found some really neat items. I didn't break the bank and only picked up 2 note cards to frame as a memento of our outing.


When all the ducks were back home {including McSweetie who had been in VA for work and had seen SNOW!!!}, we all got ready for the Annual Tree Lighting in our town. During the Holiday Season until Mardi Gras the downtown area is lit with millions of twinkle lights. It is so magical!! The MS band played and they did a great job.


Afterwards we headed to the local Mexican restaurant for dinner with friends. Didn't know ALL our friends would be there. I have NEVER seen the place so packed. One margarita later and all was right in the world. Sometimes you just need to unwind!!


Tonight we are having a girls night out... Bye to the Belly Party for a friend of mine who is about to go under the knife for some cosmetic surgery. I've never been to a Bye to the Belly Party; it should be MOST ENTERTAINING!!!


And tomorrow is FINALLY the YARD SALE!! I'll be glad to have my parking space back; it's cold outside!! So, if you need any bargains, you know where to come!!


Of course the big news is the Twilight movie!! Of course, it is sold out for tonight and tomorrow. I guess I will have to wait until Sunday. Anticipation.....


And other big news, our house made the "short list" of the people who came and saw it Monday. PLEASE!!!!!!!


Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

"'The very hairs of your head are all numbered.'" Matthew 10:30 Attention to ALL the DETAILS of my life!!

I'm a proud Pirate Mom!!

Tonight was the county High School swim meet. S swam in 2 events and 1 relay. He was 5 seconds from the cut time in his 200 IM and he was 3 seconds from his cut in the 100 back. He swam the 200 IM first and dropped 2 seconds which is great but not good enough for state. He then swam the 100 back and dropped 2 seconds. Still great but not good enough. He swam the relay and they did great. So his coach had told him that there is a meet this weekend that he could possibly swim in to try to get his back cut. But at the end of the meet, they had time trials for those kids who were close to making a cut. He said he really didn't want to swim again. I told him he should give it one more shot but he said no.

Ok. So another girl is about to swim her 100 breast and needs someone to pace her. I HOLLER for Simon to swim and pace her doing the back. So he RAN over and swam his 100 back against her 100 Breast. Of course I am screaming like crazy for him to GOOOOO, DIGGGG it out!!!!! And low and behold, he did just that!!! He swam his 100 back in a 1:06.25!!!! And the cut was 1:06.89!!!!!

So I am a Proud Pirate MOM!! And we are headed to State in December!! What a big deal for a 7th grader to make a cut!! Way to go!!!

Oh, and the entire swim team won the boys county champs and girls county champs!! We have Pirate Pride!!

"'Follow me.'" Matthew 9:9 I don't know if we are packing bags but I am following HIS lead!!

FRANTIC

Started my day by COMPLETELY rearranging my office, total disaster. Had a meeting to get ready for, been getting yard sale stuff together, so HAVE NOT CLEANED in FOREVER!!!! So, I am walking downtown headed to my meeting and get a phone call...



Hey, this is A with {Realty office}. An agent would like to show your house TODAY from 5-6. What are you kidding me??!! I have just completely rearranged things, etc I tell her. Have the showing, I will have it READY!!!


So, go to meeting. Run my errands that HAD to be done. Now am home trying to clean. Vacuum DIES as I am using it!! GREAT!!! About flew a MAJOR cuss word, but just walked away instead. So now I am cleaning bathrooms and here this strange noise. Vacuum has revived itself!! Truly PRAISE The LORD!!! So I am taking a short break and asking for PEACE!!! Pray for Peace for me!! This afternoon is CRAZY TOO, of course!! But it will get "Done". At least somewhat!!


Gotta run!! Got a house to clean!!!


"Follow me, '" Matthew 8:22 Where are we going Lord?? And do I need to pack??! LOL

Football is officially O-V-E-R!!!

We had our first play-off game this am and lost! We decided while at practice Thursday after having some great "lemonade" that the kids needed something FUN for them. So we threw an impromptu party after the game today. We had YUMMY cake compliments of Amy, piggies in a blanket from Kay {who also I found out loves to scrapbook}, chips from Kim, drinks from us and balloons thanks to Mary but Chuck wouldn't bring them out b/c it was Tooooo windy!! We sent the men to gather up all the treats at halftime, and when they got back they had planned a party tonight to watch the game. WE had started the PARTY at the game and just felt the need to continue it on tonight. It should be a RIOT!!! {If Thursday night was ANY indicator!! I am still grinning from those conversations. Even S has managed a chuckle or two from it!!}

So I am going to go make my chicken dip and get ready for some ALABAMA FOOTBALL!! Roll Tide!!

It's Beginning to Look alot Like Christmas...

... in our house. I have had the Bah Humbug for quite a few days, but I am snapping out of it and puttin' on the Christmas music and making myself "Elf Happy!!"" In the midst of the purging, I'm starting to put out some Christmas decor!! It started with the Christmas quilt that I purchased many years ago at Pottery Barn. That went on the guest bedroom bed!!

Then I asked R which Christmas quilt he wanted on his bed, so....... I also added the trees,

Then I headed to the kitchen for a little cheer in there...

The little Christmas tree came as a "Happy" from my friend Wendy in '06 when we first moved here...

So just a little preview of what is to come!!

As you can see, I am busy, busy, busy... with a new spring in my step. The fact that I am hosting the Sunday School Christmas party at my house may have a little to do with this. That and the fact that we are going to be gone over Thanksgiving so I felt the need to get a jump start. And while I am cleaning out, I can get rid of Christmas decor that I don't need or want anymore!!

Happy Holiday's y'all!!

"' Judge not '" Matthew 7:1

Poor, pitiful me

my eye is still killing me. I didn't go to work today because I wasn't sure if it is pinkeye. but now has been determined that it is just an infection and I am about to go get drops for it. So I stayed home today and just had a blah day. I did go up in the attic and "purged" some more stuff. {Didn't take picture, 'cause I just don't want to.} My girlfriends did call to tell me that they were meeting for lunch today but I just didn't feel up to being out in public. And then I find out I missed out on their "field trip". I am bummed. Hate I missed the experience but look forward to the next "trip."

My friend Lisa came by this am and she helped me get up to date on my computer protection. Who knew she was part of the "Geek Squad" LOL Although McSweetie always says if I need to find out something about something, call her!!!

So, now it is off for the best meal of the week, church dinner; doesn't matter what it is just as long as I didn't have to cook it or clean up after it!!! I plan on bringing mine home and having a quiet evening to myself and the final pages of Book IV of the Twilight series!!

"'Do not worry about tomorrow,'" Matthew 6:34 Can I be "concerned", just kidding!!

Purging Part 2...

Today's purge began in the kitchen, moved to the living room where I cleaned out DVD's and old VHS tapes. Then moved into my CLOSET!!! Where I have stayed most of the day!! I am TIRED!! Here is todays picture...

It really doesn't do justice to all my hard work today!!

And for some reason, God thought it would be great that at this time I would have some sort of eye infection, stye; I don't know except it HURTS!!

Work tomorrow!! And I guess a trip to eye doc if this isn't better tomorrow!!

"'Seek first the kingdom of God...'" Matthew 6:33 I think I am on the wrong path right now; please guide my steps to your Kingdom and not on earthly things!!

Purging

We have decided to have a yard sale. I told the boys whatever they put in the sale they could have the money for. Funny how that much loved webkinz becomes $$ to them!! {Actually, I confiscated all the stuffed animals to use as throws}

I am taking pics of all the "stuff" that has come out of each room! Today was just Number 2 sons room. Here is what we came out with...


Can you believe??!!

Anyhooo... Number 1 son had HH over today so his "purging" will begin tomorrow. Nice that they have a day off tomorrow. They both had half days today; I sent S because he had tests to make up from the play but R stayed home and slept in!! I on the other hand went and counted $$ for Little Caesar's Pizza kits and then went to Ecumenical for the Christmas Share interviews.
"'For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.'" Matthew 6:21 How appropriate!!
I need to purge so much more than my house!!

Out...

.. of the woods! The play is officially over. We've just gotten home from the cast party where they all had posters and signed!! They were so relaxed at today's performance!! I think it was their best one!! I'm glad I taped it!! {Don't tell anyone, LOL}'

They both said it was much more fun than they had expected. They both said they are glad that they did it. And R said he would do another one and S said he would "consider" doing another one! All in all I think I couldn't have asked for a better experience for them!! And look forward to the next time. {Just not anytime soon!!} Thanks to everyone who was able to come!! {The president of FEEF told me that we got the award for having the most people at the performance, S's year round swim team had a "fun night out" and came last night that was 10, his girlfriend and her mom and grandmother came and then his friend Savannah was there,that made me feel good & today McSweetie's parents came over and another family from the swim team was there!!} And for those who couldn't, I know you wanted to and just the thoughts you lifted up for the boys was GREATLY appreciated!! {And you can always watch the video, hey you may even get one for Christmas!!}

Now we are just going to focus on relaxing for a bit!! I'm not sure we remember what that is.

Hope all of you had a great weekend. And ROLL TIDE!!!! I couldn't have asked for a better weekend!!

Have a great week, y'all!!

Well,

the weekend has finally arrived. The boys have 2 more performances and then they are DONE!! They have enjoyed it but they are looking forward to having their free time back. I think we are going to take a MUCH NEEDED BREAK until the first of the year. It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is here in just a couple of weeks and then it's Christmas!! WOW!! Where does the time go??

Yesterday was a fun girls day out. We went to the Christmas Jubilee and found some fun treasures and enjoyed people watching!! Also so many fun ideas for Christmas. I'm almost ready to start dragging some of it out. I read on my friends blog that she is going to put up a couple of trees this weekend. I need to organize and CLEAN OUT!! Maybe I can do some of that this weekend.

It's First Friday Art Walk. But it is rainy so I don't know if I want to go. I am sure S will be going with HH. Maybe we can all just meet up for dinner. My church is also having a crop tonight and I would LOVE to go! We shall see.

A few more pics from the play { I know, enough already but yesterday was the "official" picture taking day where they set up scenes and we just snapped away!!} I can't wait to do this book!! What great memories!!

Civic Duty...

to vote today!! I did and bumped into an old "boyfriend" {9th or 10th grade year, I don't remember} but he told me to call him and he would take me to lunch!! LOL!! I'm really not sure it works that way!! Anyway.... stay in prayer that God's will be done today!! Because...

"'You are the salt of the earth;'" Matthew 5:13 May WE {as believers of the ONE TRUE and LIVING GOD} never lose our saltiness!!

God Bless our Nation!!

Uncanny...

Totally frivolous post but I got Number 1 son's school pictures today {actually they were sent home at least a week ago and he is just now bringing them home} and I just had to say, WOW!!! People say it all the time how much he favors Heath Ledger but look....

Anyway...

On a more serious note... GO VOTE!!! I am not afraid of the outcome {God is in control and he works all things for HIS GLORY} so despite who might be elected into office I have a peace about tomorrow. Hope you do too!! {I do have a FABULOUS bumper sticker I may post if a certain person is elected. Some have had the "privilege" to have seen it in an email I sent, if not leave me a comment and I will forward to you!!}

"'I am the Lord, I do not change;'" Malachi 3:6
"'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'" Matthew 4:17