The Nutcracker

What a wonderful day with my Mom and Jenna. It was their first time, my second. We went to Mary Mac's to eat (an Atlanta tradition) and then to the Nutcracker at the Fox Theatre. It was such an amazing production. The dancers and sets were fantastic. The best part was watching Jenna's face and explaining the story to her. She did very well and, hopefully, we can go back next year. Thank you so much Mom. I loved sharing this with you!

Christmas at the Fire House

Daddy had to work Christmas Day so we had Christmas dinner at the fire station. We had really good food and a good time with all of the guys and families at the station. We're thankful Daddy didn't get a call the whole time! It really stinks that Daddy had to work but we made the best of it. He has gotten out of it for several years. A special thank you to all of those people that work on holidays-policeman, fireman, medical field. movie attendants, gas station attendants, etc.. We thank you very much!

Santa Came Early!

Christmas Eve morning we had a big surprise at our house-Santa came early. Because Daddy is working today (Christmas Day) Santa decided to come early so Daddy could enjoy all the Christmas fun with the family. Boy, did we have fun. The kids were so excited to get their presents early. Mom and Dad were excited that they didn't get up early Christmas Day (Jacob is usually up by 3:00a.m)! Jacob was elated to get his cell phone (from Santa). We enjoyed the morning, lunch and presents at NaNa's. Jared's face was priceless when he opened the Wii (from NaNa nd PaPa) and Jacob's was priceless when he opened the I Pod. And Jenna, she was happy with EVERYTHING! She acted so excited at every present. We ended the evening at church with Aunt Debbie. What a beautiful service and the music was incredible. My favorite-Oh Holy Night was breathtaking. What a privilege to worship on Christmas Eve. We headed back to NaNa's for Happy Birthday Jesus cake. I just love Christmas!

I Got One!!!

To Wii or not to Wii, that is the question. When Jared said that is all he wanted for Christmas we said-no way. Too expensive. We have 3 kids to buy for. etc... NaNa steps in. That's all he wants. We will get it for him. That was December 1. No Wii to be found. In my quest to keep this year simple I said I would help find one only if it would fit into my schedule. No getting in line at 4:00a.m. with the rest of the world. That is not what Christmas is about! NaNa was looking too. No Wii to be found. She prayed. I said I couldn't pray for something like that when there were so many starving children out there who could use all that money for food-right? She still prayed. We still looked. Last Wednesday I walked into Wal-Mart to get contacts and reluctantly went to the back. I knew what they would say-no Wii. What? There's a line. They are getting some. I prayed! A lady in front of me left. The shipment came about an hour later. They got 16. I'm 15 in line!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When I got up there to pay the man said-last one! I feel so sorry for the sweet lady behind me who did not get one for her GREAT Grandson but I was not giving mine up-Ha. So, I can't tell you how many times I missed getting one by 30 minutes. My mother-in-law would tell you that prayer works. Accorning to Pastor Ronnie today, there is no such thing as luck. Guess he's right. For a "spiritual" lesson in hunting for a Wii, see Chelle's post.

Another Friday Fun Day

What a cute movie! We all went to see Alvin and the Chipmunks yesterday and I highly recommend it. Very good family fun.

Friday Fun Day

Last Friday (I'm out of order because I have so much to catch up on), Jenna and I had our first annual cookie bake. I have been trying to do this for years but I could never get the boys to get into it-Ha. We had such a great time-we baked and baked and baked. My sweet friend Penny gave me the adorable snowman mixing bowl stuffed with cookie cutters, kitchen towel, and sugar cookie mix the Sunday before for Christmas so we were good to go! Don't you love the apron? I picked it up on a major sale.

Magical Nights of Lights

After seeing Santa we headed to Lake Lanier to see the lights. It was very good and our favoite part was the live nativity scene. A local church takes this on and provides a very short program and free hot chocolate. When we were getting out of the car Jenna asked, "Is this the real Mary?" to which Jacob answered: "No, she's in heaven with her son." Wow! Of course I knew that but for some reason that really made me think. As a Mom, she watched Jesus go through so much. Now, she is spending eternity with him. It's so funny how we forget, or do not think about, the most simple things.

Ho Ho Ho

Thursday we took the big trip of the year-to see Santa. We hit is just right and did not have to wait very long at all. As you can tell, Jenna did not want her picture taken becasue she was so excited to see Santa. On a sad note, the boys did not sit on his lap this year. I have to admit I can't believe we got them to do it last year! The cutest thing was Jenna carrying her catalog to sit in Santa's lap. It was just adorable. Now, I would like to vent a minute. I would have a picture of this but they will not let you take pictures with your camera unless you purchase a "minimum package". Usually I ignore this and do it anyway but Jenna needed my help with the catalog. So, I broke down and purchased a 5X7 for $10.00 because the picture was a classic. She was so cute sitting his lap with that catalog! Does anyone else think this is a racket? Since we have been visiting Santa for 12 years, I KNOW it has not always been this way. Last year we went to Nordstrom's where not only did you walk right up, they gave you a FREE picture. They only do that on the weekends. We did have a great time but I am going to call the mall and at least vent to the manager or something-in a nice way, of course!

Someone's Having a Birthday

Every year I look forward to the Bright Beginnings Preschool Christmas musical. It is so fun to watch and there is nothing like preschoolers to bring the true meaning of Christmas. Jenna was totally into it again this year and sang her heart out. Especially when they sang :"Glory, hallelujah." Sticking her tongue out at the boys, however, was not so cute (but pretty funny). By the way, that is a REAL bow on her head! Thanks Melody Haynes, our music teacher and my dear friend, for all your hard work.

Christmas Fun

For the past several years at Christmas we have gotten together with our good friends the Lowery's and the McDaniel's. We rotate houses each year and this year we went to the McDaniel's (Sunday, December 2-I'm way behind on blogging) We had a great dinner then roasted marshmallows by the fire pit outside. Penny and Stephanie and are dear friends that I work with at church. I don't know how many people can say they have such wonderful people to not only work with, but can also count as dear friends. There is no way the preschool could run as smoothly without them. And I could not ask for better friends!

Presents for Sabrina

Each year we try to adopt a child to buy presents for. This year The Loganville Community Ministry Village at our church sponsored 76 foster children for Christmas! We picked out a 4 year old girl named Sabrina. Jenna and I shopped for her, wrapped presents, then went to the Christmas party tonight at the church. We were sad that Sabrina was not there but it was such a joy to see all those children.
They had a visit and a gift from Santa. On Christmas morning, Sabrina will unwrap all the gifts we bought her. Jenna and I had a great discussion about what a foster child is and how fortunate they are to have a loving family to live with.

Scream Free Christmas

I came acroos this geat article by Hal Runkel at ScreamFree Parenting. Just wanted to share it with you as we all try to keep our focus on the true meaning of Christmas!

Christmas Traditions

Seems like there is a common theme this season with my friends and bloggers. That is to keep our focus on Christ and have traditions that help us do that. Our family has many traditions that I have been evaluating and making sure they keep us focused. Here are some of ours:

1) Birthday cake for Jesus-this is one of our favorites!

2) Church on Christmas Eve. I would have to say that this is my favorite. The candle light service is beautiful and I always feel great after the service.

3) Christmas story-Daddy reads the Christmas story on Christmas Eve right before bed. This is a very special time for us.

4) Christmas books-some of our favorites are: The Crippled Lamb, Small One, Legend of the Candy Cane, Twas the Night Before Jesus Came, Tale of Three Trees, Benjamin's Box.

5) Christmas picture-this is the biggest hassle of the season-honestly! We have a picture taken with my niece Mandy and we have get our schedules, clothes, etc.. all together. While we are all dressed I get pictures of my kids for all my relatives. This year, I decided we would do our best and I would just chill out and take some myself to ease the hassle. After all, it is all worth it for our precious grandparents, aunts and uncles, etc..

6) Our christmas tree-I wrote in another post that we do not have a fancy tree. I love a simple tree that the kids decorate. It has all kinds of ornaments that we have collected over the years.

7) Christmas cards-I LOVE doing Christmas cards. I look forward to it every year as a way of looking back and thanking God for all he has done for us! It also helps me keep in contact with friends I don't get to talk to a lot. We also keep a basket on our kitchen table for the cards we receive. We pull one out at dinner and pray for the family that we picked.

8) Gifts-anyone that knows me can tell you I love giving gifts. It is a joy for me. I actually start the day after Christmas for friends and family. I enjoy buying for the kids and planning out their gifts. This year, Disney World was most of our Christmas so it has been pretty easy. Christmas morning we have 3 gifts for each child to represent the gifts that were brough to Jesus.

9)Nativity Set- this is the highlight of our decorating. We talk about the Christmas story and waht it means to us. Jenna is really into it now-the boys not so much. It's OK becasue there was a time when they enjoyed it and I have those memories.

10) Christmas at PaPa's and NaNa's-we just walk next door to a wonderful dinner and lots of fun opening presents. This year Daddy will be at the fire department so we are going to have to get creative!

Thanksgivng 2007

For the third year we spent Thanksgiving in Kentucky at my brother's farm. What is so neat is the farm is on the road that my Mother grew up on. I watch my kids playing with all the cousins and think about all the times we did that at my grandfather's house! This year Aunt Jonnie and Auncle Don (they live in South Carolina) joined us. Aunt Jonnie brought a huge dinner bell which helped call all 18of us to dinner. The weather ended up being great and the food was great too.

Churchill Downs

Last week while in Kentucky we had the opportunity to go to Churchill Downs where the Kentucky Derby is held. Even though I grew up in Kentucky I have never been. It was really fun and we all enjoyed watching the races and hearing about a little bit of Kentucky history. Of course, we didn't win any money but the whole experience was fun! Thanks Mom for working that out!

Thanksgiving Feast

I'm catching up a little on my blogging. The week before Thanksgiving Jenna had a Thanksgiving feast at her preschool. Preschool programs are so cute. It was a good reminder to: "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise." !!

Happiest Time of the Year?

This week did not start out too good. We were trying to decorate, go to appointments, and get ready for a party tonight (oh, and work too). By Wednesday I was so tired I could not hold my head up. As I read my post over and over from yesterday, I decided I was going to change some things in my house. I woke up Thursday, went to work and decided I was not going to worry about anything. Just have fun! We have had a great two days and it's amazing how things have come together. I can't even find my cable to puts some pictures of my house on my blog but it's OK. I will find it one day.

Christmas IS the happiest time of the year for me. I love it! I love my tree. It's not a fancy theme tree. Just ornaments from over the years and I love to remember when I got each one. We also added a tree downstairs this year with all of David's fireman and sports ornaments. I also love to put pictures up. I have one of each child on their first Christmas. Boy, that makes me cry!

I promise to do all I can to enjoy the season and not let the stress of everything looking perfect, having the perfect food, gifts, etc.. take away from the birth of our Savior! Happy Birthday Jesus!

Holiday Reminder

I CORINTHIANS 13
CHRISTMAS VERSION
(paraphrased)

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows,
Strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls,
But do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies,
Preparing gourmet meals
And arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime,
But do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home
And give all that I have to charity,
But do not show love to my family, It profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes,
Attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata,
But do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated
Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way,
But is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return,
But rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things,
Hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost,
Golf clubs will rust ... But giving the gift of love will endure.
You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.

Over The River and Through the Woods...

To grandmothers house we go! We are heading out tomorrow to Kentucky for Thanksgiving. All my family is there and I am really looking forward to it. This is the third year we have done this and it is so much fun! Several years ago my brother bought a farm (this is a picture of the kids on the farm from last year) on the street where my mother grew up. We can ride 4 wheelers, fish, and the kids can play all they want. There are 9 cousins so we need a big place. The day after Thanksgiving my sister and I usually spend shopping. It's OK if we don't buy much it's just a day for us to be together and eat at Steak N Shake! It's our little tradition and we love it.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Thank you Lord for:

1. my salvation
2. my family!
3. my wonderful husband who leaves his family to be with mine
4. my 3 beautiful children
5. time with my sister
6. my aunt and uncle from South Carolina will be there this year
7. my brother for "hosting" us for the third year

Georgia 24, Kentucky 13

We had a great time at the Georgia game on Saturday. I am originally from Kentucky but I am a Geogia football fan! We started out early that morning going to the Dawg walk. This is where the Georgia players come through a line of people on their way to the field and I do mean A LINE! You could not even move! The boys got to go with us this time, we had great tickets, and great weather. We are leaving for Kentucky tomorrow for Thanksgiving so I get to rub it in!

My Heavenly Father

OK, so it has been an emotional 2 weeks for me (must be PMS-ha). This is going to be very difficult to write but I know that writing this will be part of the process. I'm not sure why the Lord is having me re-visit this part of my life but He is! My parents divorced when I was 10. After that I did not have much of a relationship with my Father. I have some good memories and I lived with him for a few years in junior high school. When I hit high school, college, and beyond that is when I really started thinking about it and how it affected my life. A couple of weeks ago I read a post by Heather that started all the emotions again. I was so struck by that post. After that I heard a beautiful song by Alison Krauss on the GMA awards about her father (Simple Love). Then, my friend's Dad had a heart attack while going home from work and is in ICU. He is such a good man. She told me a story about how he would get up at 4:00 in the morning to make her pancakes on days that she had a tennis match. How cool is that? All these things together got me asking the questions again:

How could a man leave a beautiful wife and 3 children?
How could he barely give my Mom enough to live on?
How can you go through life not being a part of your children's lives?
Even worse, how could you not take time for your grandchildren?

I am thankful for what I have been through. I know it made me the person I am today. I know my children will never go through what I did. All I can do now is be a part of his life the best way I know how. I think the Lord is taking me through this to make it FRESH to me that HE IS MY HEAVENLY FATHER and will always be here for me no matter what. One day, He will say to me: "Come here my daughter. Here is a hug from your Heavenly Father."

Mom, if you are reading this-thank you for raising three children alone and what a great job you did!

Also, thank you Jess for the reminder in your post: Letter From Your Heavenly Father!

Click here to read more Thankful Thursdays.

Happy Birthday Mandy!

Sunday, my niece Mandy turned 14. She is such a great kid who loves the Lord, her dog Millie, and history! I have never seen a 14 year old who loves to tour old homes and read more than she does. She is also very patient with Jenna and takes time to play dress up with her! It's exciting to see all these kids grow up into such fine young adults. We love you Mandy!

Staying Fresh

A few months ago David and I were talking about what was missing in our lives as a couple. After 10 years on staff at my church, raising three kids, and David's job schedule, the lack of fellowship with other couples has really become evident. I have been able to work out time for my "girlfriend time" but we really don't have any couples that we get together with more than once a year at Christmas! I know life gets in the way and we are all busy which is more reason to work at kepping things "fresh". We had only been members of our church for 9 months when I took this position and Jacob was only 1. It's very hard for me to go to Sunday School and service and David does not want to go to Sunday School by himself (I don't blame him). I LOVE what I do and I know God has called me to it but my spiritual life and friendships are just going to take some extra work. I have usually found a weeky bible study to be involved in but that just has not work out the last 2 years. We both had forgotten how important it is to fellowship TOGETHER. So, we decided to try Adult Sunday School again and I am so glad we did. We have a wonderful teacher and yesterday his lesson was on brotherly love. One of his points was that the hardest struggle of a Christian is staying fresh. One way we can stay fresh is by serving. That really hit me because that is just what we had fallen into. With relationships and with the Lord. I recently read a statement that said the longer you are a Christian the easier is it to get "bitten by the bug of familiarity". That is so true! Church becomes familiar, reading the bible becomes familiar, Christian music, seminars, serving, the list goes on and on. I am so excited to start on a new/fresh journey with the Lord and see where this takes me (and David). I want to serve not just in my position but by showing brotherly love in other ways. I want to stay fresh with Him every day of my life and the rest will fall into place! How can I teach my children what a blessing it is to love the Lord if we have gotten stale in our Christian walk?


Romans 12: 9 - 16
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Out With the Old, In With the New

Saturday we had a fall festival at Jared's school to say "farewell" to 100 years of history. We are moving into our new location after Christmas break. It was really
neat to read about the history. We have only been at the school for a few years and lived in Monroe for 9 years. We are very excited about the new school. It's less than a mile form our house!

Happy Belated Birthday Amber and Allan

Boy, how time flies. On October 23rd, my niece Amber (holding Jenna) turned 14. On October 28th my nephew Allan (tall dude in back row) turned 15. My niece Melanie (oldest girl on right) was 5 when she was in our wedding. She will be graduating from college this spring. What great kids they have all turned out to be. This picture was taken last Thanksgiving and I can't wait until next week to see everyone for some great family time at the farm in Kentucky!

Operation Christmas Child

One of our favorite traditions at Christmas is Operation Christmas Child. You fill a shoe box with goodies and the box is sent to children who otherwise would not have a Christmas. Our church is not doing it this year so I was glad when I saw that Jacob's school is participating. We start collecting in August at back to school time with crayons, paper, glue sticks, etc.. Then we head to the dollar store to get the rest. I wrap the boxes, we fill it with goodies then we pray over it. Somehow, I hope this helps the kids know that there are so many children less fortunate than them.

What? For Me?

A couple of weeks ago I was at Publix with Jacob and Jenna. I was trying to get Jacob distracted in the books while I purchased Jingle Jam tickets as a surprise for Christmas. I did succeed and when we got back in the van Jacob handed me a Belk gift card for $25 dollars. That little booger had purchased it as a surprise for me! I didn't know you could buy gift cards at Publix! I can't wait to see his face on December 10th when he opens the box with a ticket in it and I tell him I was buying him a surprise too! I was shocked that he he would spend his money (that he has been saving for a bat) to buy ME a gift card. My heart just melted. Now when do I get to go to Belk?

Menu Plan Monday

Well, after my wonderful weekend it's time to get back to the real world. I'm actually looking forward to eating at home and getting back to weight watchers. I've been doing really bad lately!

Monday-Parmesean Chicken, salad, steamed broccoli

Tuesday-Fried chicken, cornbread casserole, green beans

Wednesday-leftovers or sandwich

Thursday-grilled salmon, sweet potato, salad, asparagus

Friday-eat out probably

Saturday-not sure yet, Daddy's working

What A Weekend!

Boy, did we have a good weekend! We started out on Thursday night eating at he Dillard House then headed on to Cherokee. Spent the night there then met my friend Janene for breakfast. Janene was my roommate when I moved to Atlanta. We have know each other for at least 17 - 18 years. She had a baby (Andrew Todd) on Ocotber 26th. This was (at age 40) a surprise to their family. Of course, he is beautiful and such a blessing to their family. We went to see her new store she just opened in Dillsboro called, Madison's on Main (that's her daughter's name). The store is just adorable. For as long as I can remember she has wanted her own store.

After that we headed to a Clayton, Ga where we ate lunch at the Clayton Pharmacy. They have an old time soda fountain with counter. That was fun! After that we went to Tallulah Falls where we climed 600 steps down to a lookout to see Hurricane Falls. I can't tell you how beautiful that was. The day was amazing and the hike was fantastic! It was quite a hike back up but I made it.

Saturday we got up early and went to the Georgia game and tailgated with friends from our Sunday school class. That was my first game and it was so much fun! Another beautiful day and great time with my hubbie. It ended up being one of the best anniversary weekends ever!

We're Off!!!!!!!

I was hoping to post some pictures of Halloween but we have just worked out going out of town a day early! We are leaving this afternoon for one night in Cherokee, coming home tomorrow, then going to the Georgia game on Saturday! Can't wait to spend this weekend with my hubbie. Thank you NaNa and PaPa!!!!

Thankful Thursday

16 YEARS OF MARRIAGE!

It is so hard to believe that tomorrow David and I have been married for 16 years. I moved here from Kentucky and started visiting Rehoboth Baptist Chuch. We met and married within 13 months. We have been married longer than MY parents! I can remember when I fist met David and we started dating I would tell him that I felt like Cinderella. I still do. He is the love of my life, my best friend, and the best father I could have ever hoped for for my children! The longer we are married the more I realize what a miracle it is to stay in a happy marriage for so long.

Thank you honey for putting up with me for 16 years! All I can say is....

DREAMS REALLY DO COME TRUE!

Baby Girl

Jenna and I love a song by Martina McBride called "Daughter's Eyes". This morning we were listening to it and she said:
"I like it when you take me to school, Mommy"

"I like taking you to school too, baby girl. I just love being with you."

"I'm not a baby."

"No, you're not, but you will always be my baby girl."

"When I go to college will I still be your baby girl?"

(As the tears come to my face) "Yes, you will even be my baby girl when you go to college."

Then, we opened the door to go to school and she said; "You sure look beautiful today."

What a great moment to have this morning. Ladies, keep blogging! I did not have this 12 years ago and I did not write much down like I thought I would before children!

Also, last night she was cleaning the table and I said, "Jenna, can I just say what a big helper you are around the house? You have really been working hard lately."

She said, "Go ahead, speak it up!". Don't we all love praise?

Fall Fun

Saturday was such a beautiful fall day! Jacob's teacher had a Halloween party and we had such a good time on their beautiful farm! We watched the Georgia game (of course), roasted marshmellows, ate, went on a hay ride, ate, enjoyed getting to know new people from Jacob's school, ate, the boys went for a ride on the 4 wheeler, Jenna really enjoyed the "bouncy" things, and did I mention that we ate? We are so blessed to be at such a great school and hope to have many years to come there!

Menu Plan Monday

Monday-Sloppy Joe's and chips

Tuesday-Chicken n Dumplins

Wednesday-leftovers and candy, of course

Thursday-not sure yet

Friday-my 16 year wedding anniversary! Off for the night with my hubbie.

Friday Fun Day/Our Little Cheerleader

Jenna has really gotten into cheerleading. I got her a uniform to match Jacob's school because, as you know, we have been going to quite a few football games lately. Last night we had so much fun at the fall festival, watching her cheer, and have fun with the "big" cheerleaders. Earlier in the day Jenna and I had fun running errands, eating lunch, and going to the mall to Claire's-her favorite place these days.

Thankful Thursday-Home and Healing

I'm a little late posting this but I have been thinking about this all week. My heart just aches for all the families in California. There are people wihout homes, firemen exhausted from fighting fires, children without parents now, animals without owners and the list goes on and on. Everytime I pull into my home I thank God for my home and that my family is safe. Home is:

-my husband's and kids sanctuary
-a place for memories
-a place where God is and where we learn about Him
-a place where my children feel safe
-a place for family and friends to gather and have fun

Healing-I have been down in my back almost all week and I want to thank God for healing and for feeling better! Boy, how we take our health for granted!

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

Last Game

Thursday was Jared's last game. They won again and ended up having the best record which makes them the "champs". We had such a wonderful coach. Coach Ronnie was perfect for Jared. Not only did they learn skill but they learned character traits too which is more important to me! He ended the season with another run and being the best "walker" the team had. Good eye, Jared!

Time With Jacob

Last week was a very busy week with "kid" stuff. It started out on Monday with a Mother/Son fun night with Jacob. We had such a good time with his friends from school and we even played a baseball game. Moms agaist the sons! Of course, the Moms won. The look on Jacob's face was priceless when I hit one in right field.

Wednesday I went on a field trip with Jacob to the Scientific Circus. It was a really good show and I actually enjoyed it. I know this time with him so short. Next year he probably won't want me to go! Boo

Way to Go Boys!

Just got our report cards last week and the boys did so good! Jared got all A's and B's which put him on the Merit list. He also go a reading award for having the most reading points in his class.

Jacob got a 90 average which put him on the Principal's list!

We are always proud of them but just wanted to acknowledge all their hard work. This has been the best year we have ever had so far. KEEP IT UP GUYS!

Love This Song!

Carrie Underwood: So Small - Yahoo! Video

Have a great weekend everyone!

Thankful Thursday

F A L L!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know we are glad that cooler weather is here. This time I think it's here to stay. Some things I love about fall:

1. Comfort foods, especially soups.
2. Crisp air in the morning.
3. Going outside without sweat pouring off of you.
4. Walks in the evening.
5. Fall festivals.
6. Beautiful leaves.

Have a great fall day!

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
~ Philippians 4:4-7 (ESV)

Menu Plan Monday

This will not be much of a week for cooking. We are going to TRY and have a garage sale Saturday.

Monday-out after the game
Tuesday-Roast, fresh corn, green beans
Wednesday-Out before church
Thursday-pizza
Friday-who knows!
Saturday-hamburgers and hot dogs

Have a great week everyone!

Wanting More of Him

I read this today on Beth Moore's blog (The LPM Blog) and it really hit home. I want to bring Christ into every area of my life!

I caught myself doing something this morning that made me think of my own walk with Christ then yours, my darling fellow-sojourners, because that's the way God has wired me. It was still dark outside and I'd just finished my quiet time on the back porch. Our sanitation guys come early so I knew I'd better get the trash out before I missed them. As I was dragging a large trash can down the driveway and out to the curb with one hand, I held the other hand up in the air while I prayed some Scriptures out loud over my beloved son-in-law. It might have been any one of my closest loved ones but I knew he had a Greek test today and I wanted to spend some extra time on him. Suddenly the Holy Spirit made me aware of the sweet irony of what was happening. There I was, dragging a trash can filled with empty dog-food cans, coffee grounds, crumpled kleenex from blown noses, cardboard toilet tissue tubes, dryer lint, a weekend of Houston Chronicles, all manner of to-go food containers and goodness knows what other unmentionables out to the curb while having a holy moment with the King of all Creation.

And I thought to myself, "Isn't that the way it is?" God's Word and His ways were meant for real living. If we keep saving sacred practices for sacred life-moments, we will never truly see our theology collide with our reality. We may feel a tad better at church and more spiritually in-tune at Bible study but we'll never get the fact that Christ meant to infuse Himself into our relentless carpool lines, traffic jams, elevator rides, grocery store check-outs, expense reports, tank fill-ups, and family fights. If we reserve divine moments for divine situations, we are in for long waits and short visits. I don't know about you but I need Him more than that.

Football Fever

Ok, I consider myself a "TomMom". (Like my new word.) I was a tomboy growing up playing sports and everything. I even enjoy getting outside and playing ball with the kids. But, I must say. that it has been football fever around here. I enjoy a Georgia game very much, and would even like to go to a game one day, but everywhere I turn is football! So when David offered to give me some "me" time this morning-I took it! I went to several of my favorite places then brought chicken wings home at about half time of the Georgia game. That was not a good game. We still love ya DAWGS! If that was not enough, the boys got out after the game and played some neighborhood football. We always said we wanted our house to be the place that the kids gathered. Even though it was a DAWG Day Afternoon for our team, we had a great time at the Yarbrough house. Will my house ever stop smelling like sweat? I'm sure when it does I will miss it.

Another Great Game

We only have a couple of games left and it has been a great season for Jared. Here he is running home at Monday nights game. It is really hard getting a picture through that darn fence! He walked-again. He cracks me up watching that ball go right by him. Last week he got a hit and the game ball! (That is really important, you know.)

Beautiful Day

Like most of you, we are really glad that fall is here. Monday was a beautiful day and Daddy was off so we headed to Tribble Mill Park again. It has a beautiful lake, walking trails, and playground. We even had a pic nic. We are trying to make the most of every day with Jenna since she will be in Kindergarten this time next year-boo. Where has the time gone? It is so fun watching her run around the playground having such a good time. Daddy even took time to play!

Menu Plan Monday

Monday-chicken casserole, green beans, salad before Jared's game

Tuesday-not sure yet (Daddy working)

Wednesday-sandwich or leftovers before church

Thursday-Bruschetta chicken (from last week since my hubbie took me out)

Friday-probably out to eat

Saturday- hamburgers and hot dogs.

I am at a challenging point in my menu planning becasue there are only so many dishes I know that include chicken. We are cutting down on beef becasue of David's gout. I will take any suggestions any of you ahve and will be spending a lot of time researching this so a lot of my menus right now will be repeats!

It's A Winner!

Today we saw Disney's newest movie, Game Plan. It was so good! We do not go to movies much because there usually isn't one all of us can go to and movies are so expensive for 5 people. This movie was worth it and not one cuss word! Check it out!

Fit 4Life Friday

Boy, my legs feel like jelly right now. It has been a pretty good week. I walked 5 miles on Tuesday around Stone Mountain (just about killed us), walked 3 miles today at Tribble Mill Park, and walked one other day in my neighborhood. Now, this was a VERY unusual week and it will probably not happen again so, no, I have not turned into a work out machine-Ha. I have added a DVD called 8 min. abs and I really like it. I will TRY to keep it up!

Start weight: 149 (March 9th)
Lowest weight: 140
Current weight: 144-down 1 pound from last week. :)

Water-doing Ok, anywhere from 24 - 32 oz. a day
Writing down what I eat-not happening.

I'm keeping my same goals.

Thankful Thursday Smiles

I was tagged by Jodi to list the top 10 things that make me smile. How appropriate for today!

1. Today is 80's day at Jacob's school and this is his outfit. Remember the Member's Only jacket ? His hair is a mullet. I laughed and laughed when he came walking in this morning. I'm not laughing at them celebrating the 80's for hoecoming week. What happened to the 50's?

2. When Jenna escapes to her room, shuts the door, puts her CD's in and sings her heart out.

3. When Jared comes out with the funniest "one liners" sometimes.

4. Remembering our trip to Disney and what a wonderful time we had.

5. David surprised me with a date night tonight. Usually I do all the planning for date nights. He makes me smile every day becasue I am so thankful for him!

6. My day with Cheryl Tuesday-we laughed so hard she almost ran into a mail box!

7. Getting a Chick-Fil-A chocolate milkshake all to myself!

8. My favorite show started-Dancing With the Stars. Wish I could take dance lessons-that would be so fun!

9. Holding a new, one day old, baby and remembering what that was like and so glad that phase of my life is over-Ha.

10. Most of all, each day I smile at what all the Lord has done for me. He has blessed me with such an awesome family and good friends-new and old!