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

Jinkies... What a weekend!! {updated...}

The Gang going Trick or Treating!!

{S is not in the picture 'cause he went to the "Reformation Party"

at church and then to a bonfire with the youth!

Scary Pirtate guy!!


Velma, Shaggy and Scooby!!Ginger and Gilligan our hosts on the "island"



Velma trying to get the "skinny" on the case? Does it really hold a million dollars?? If so, I need it!!Shaggy got a little "shaggier" as the night wore on!

Some sleuth he is!!

Miss Kitty was lookin' for some "clues"!

A good time was had by all!!




Then it was "Into the Woods"

chorus boy and Rapunzel's Prince
S with HH & Milky White who gave an
AWESOME
Death scene!!

Rapunzel and her Prince!
Hope everyone had a great weekend!! I hate that it is over!!

And I just found out... Bama is #1 in the BCS!!!!!

ROLL TIDE!!!!!

Perfect Weekend!!