MeMe's Ink

Merry Christmas part II

2011-12-26T15:56:00.001-08:00

This morning we went over to have Christmas with BreeAnn, James and Ada. They got back into town late last night from her family in Mississippi! Ada wasn’t in the most festive of moods since she was probably tired from the quick and long trip. But we enjoyed her anyway!!

She got new squeaky shoes that she just loves!!

I think she is calling in reinforcements to stop the Christmas present madness!!

Cooking for Papa on her new kitchen set!!

Showing Papa a little love!

She thought Papa was so funny talking on her phone!

Sisters!!

Done with the pictures!! She will appreciate all the chaos of taking pictures one day!! Ha!

Time for a little breakfast with her wild hair!!

Christmas has come and gone from our house for the year!! Wishing everyone a Happy New to come in 2012!!

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-25T18:53:00.001-08:00

We have had a wonderful Christmas, celebrating the birth of our Savior!! He is the main reason for this season! We started our celebration out by going to the Candlelight service at church and then headed over to my daughter and son-in-law’s for finger foods and to exchange gifts with the grandbabies! We really had a nice time and all the kids were really good and were so excited about their gifts.

The only picture I got of little Gunner since he fell asleep before we opened gifts!

Aunt Tori handing out gifts!

Harrison loves his Aunt Tori!

I love my little Harrison! He is growing up so fast and looking more and more like a little man!!

My little girl is growing up on me!!

Aunt Melissa with her niece’s!! We only missed BreeAnn and Ada this year!

And then this morning we got up so Tori could open her gifts, then we got ready and headed out for church. Came home and had all the kids and grandkids, sister-in-law and brother-in-law over for a small dinner and then we all took naps! We had a little fun on my bed before nap!!

Brother’s and Sister!!

Hope everyone had a wonderful day with many blessings!!

Christmas Shopping? NOT!

2011-12-17T19:08:00.001-08:00

Today I took my brother-in-law shopping for some much needed wardrobe updates and a few other wants that he wanted. I had all intentions on tackling and completing my shopping for the grandbabies! Well, by the time I finished helping Kevin I didn’t even feel like shopping for the grandbabies! Ha! So I guess I will be a last minute shopper, as usual, again this year. Oh well, it seems that I have the best luck when I go last minute so I’m not gonna complain. I will just embrace my procrastination again this year!

The traffic and crowds don’t even bother me as they usually would any other time of the year!! So I guess that is a blessing! Ha!

Hope all of you are enjoying some last minute shopping as well!! Merry Christmas!!

Tis The Season To Be Jolly??

2011-12-15T14:17:00.001-08:00

It seems as Christmas is quickly approaching, that I am a little more sad than in past years! This just happened to be my Mother-In-Law, Carols favorite time of year. She would start at the end of November, after Thanksgiving, baking and getting her baked to goods to her family and friends at her apartment. Mainly, she would back fruit cakes for her son, Kevin who LOVES her fruit cake. He was the only one who would get her fruit cake since none of her other kids or grandkids liked it. But this year Kevin won’t be getting any of her fruit cake! And her cookies and banana bread? Well, that’s what me and Melissa looked forward to! Me and her daughter, Melissa loved her banana bread made from scratch with real banana’s. Not the box kind that I make. And her other son, my husband loved her peanut butter cookies! So it’s the little things that seem to be getting to me. She would always wear the gawdy Christmas jewelry that none of us would ever wear but for some reason she always looked so sweet wearing it!

I had a doctors appointment yesterday just for my yearly physical. We share the same AWESOME doctor who we just love dearly and she loves us! I haven’t seen her since Moms passing and as soon a she walked in the room I just started crying! I knew it was coming before she even came in. She loved our Mom a lot and treated her very well and always made sure every ache and pain was checked out thoroughly!! I don’t know of many people who just LOVE their doctor but she is more like family to us than just our doctor! So I just cried the whole time while telling her about the week we were in that trauma unit with mom. She just sat there and let me cry and talk and cry and talk. I don’t feel like I have really had/or taken the time to really grieve the loss of my Mother-In-Law. I loved her a lot and I have a lot of guilt for not spending as much time with her in the past 2 years. I had grandbabies to keep, she got married and it just seemed like we were both so busy. But I feel like I should have tried harder. I am thinking this is a normal part of grieving! I hope it passes soon. I know she wouldn’t want anyone to have guilty feelings.

So I want this time of the year to be a celebration of our Mom! She loved her kids, grandkids and great grandkids with her whole heart! She would want us to carry on with good cheer in honor of her! So we will carry on the tradition of going to the Candle Light Service at church followed by finger foods and gift exchange at one of our houses.

One more thing, it was Harrison’s birthday on the 11th and we went to the Christmas Musical that night then to have cake and ice cream with him. I wanted to sing the birthday song that Mom always sang to us and I couldn’t remember all the words. This really upset me! She has sung this song for each of us for years and I always loved it. To me she could sing like an angel and she didn’t agree. So I came home and googled the song and was so happy that I found it!!

So my prayer for this season is that Mom is watching us from heaven while she is celebrating our Saviors Birth and we are making her proud as we do the same.

Merry Christmas Mom!!! I love and miss you!

Happy Happy Birthday Sweet Harrison

2011-12-11T19:42:00.001-08:00

Harrison you are 3 years old today! I can hardly believe how fast time has gone. You are such a sweet little man and MeMe and Papa love you dearly! I just loved hearing say “It’s my Birthday”. But what I love most of all is when I come through the door and you run to me with your arms wide, saying “MEEEEEMEEEEE”. I couldn’t ask to hear sweeter words from my sweet little 3 year old man. You make MeMe and Pap so proud! You are definitely gonna do great things and I can’t wait to watch your little life unfold.

Me and Papa loved seeing play at Chucke Cheese. You play with all your heart and it’s such sweet times. I didn’t get any good pictures since all I had was my phone and they turned out blurry. We enjoyed coming over to have cake and watch you blow out your 3 candles with such gusto!!! These are sweet memories, sweet boy and I will cherish them forever!!

I am truly a Blessed MeMe!!

Happy Birthday sweet boy!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!! 2011

2011-11-24T07:12:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!! This year has ended bittersweet. First (the bitter) we lost my precious Mother-In-Law but (on the sweet end) we have received 2 new precious grandbabies and my MIL is in heaven singing with the angels!!

and of course I will be missing my family in Florida today!

It’s Gotcha Day For Sophie and Greer

2011-11-23T04:57:00.001-08:00

and I have to say, it went “better” than expected I think anyway!! They did cry when the got into the cab and Greer had a rough 2 hours but since we have such an awesome God things have calmed down. Thanks to technology for Sophie, she is lovin the I pad!! Ha!

I got to Skype with them all this morning and Sophie was waving at us and kinda dancing around for us. April says she likes the bows and shoes!! I told Brandon he was in real trouble!! Greer was hanging out and chillin and seemed to be content!! We are all so excited and can’t wait for them to get home!!

Gotcha Day!!

Ipad making Sophie smile!!

Greer taking a little snoozer!!

Having a little supper!

So Excited and Thankful

2011-11-21T17:57:00.001-08:00

We are all so excited to meet our 2 new additions to our family. Sophie and Greer will be united with their mommy and daddy tomorrow (will be Wednesday in Korea, I think?) and then on Friday, they will be coming home to join Harrison and finally be a family of 5. This will make 6 grandbabies for MeMe and Papa!! Wow!! Our family surely is growing by leaps and bounds. While April and Brandon and Brandon’s parents are over in Korea, Harrison has been being taken care of by a close friend (thank you Pam!!) of the family! I picked Harrison up on Saturday morning and he spent the night with us and then I took him back to church and then he went back with Pam since they had dinner and then his Thanksgiving musical that night. We went back into town for his musical and I have to say I have one Rockin grandson!!! He is such a little energizer bunny and he did such a great job!!! He absolutely loves loves to dance!!! We are so proud of our little man.

Harrison is on the right!! I think he was pretty excited to be an Indian and to sing too!!!

This is a picture that April put up this morning of their first meeting with the twins!! I just love the look on April’s face! So happy and proud of our daughter and her family!

and she says that Sophie loves to light a candle on a cake and sing happy birthday!! how sweet is that?!?!

and from the looks of it, Greer likes to snuggle!!

I just want to say that I am so Thankful for our daughter, April and our son in law, Brandon for their love for orphans!! This whole experience has really been an eye opener for all of us!! It’s so exciting but it has also shown us all that no matter what, a child without a family deserves to be loved just as much as a child that has one. We love them all, red, green, black and white they are precious in His sight!!

Grief

2011-11-18T19:15:00.001-08:00

I don’t know much about grief. I wonder how it feels? I lost my Granny Mae in 1996 right at Christmastime. She was 82 and had Alzheimer's and I knew she was ready for heaven.

Somehow losing my mother-in-law seems harder. I think maybe it’s because it was sudden and she was only 68 years old. I find myself okay one minute and the next I have this feeling of emptiness. I have known her for 28 years this month. I have feelings of guilt for not seeing her as much as I should have. I know she wouldn’t want that. She realized that we all have busy lives with work and grandbabies. But this grief I’m feeling makes me feel like I could have done more, visited more, loved more. She taught my husband how to love. He has passed that gift down to our children. He has loved me for a long time with no conditions. What a wonderful gift she gave her children. I can’t say enough about what a great, inspirational lady she was. I know she wasn’t scared. I know she was ready. I know she loved our Lord. But this grief, I don’t know how long it will be around.

My daughter April and her husband, Brandon are on a plane right now on their way to Korea to bring home our 5th and 6th grandbabies! I can’t stop thinking about them not ever being able to meet their Nana. It’s heartbreaking! My heart is broken because I won’t get to play scrabble or canasta or go on a road trip with her ever again. I am trying to be strong. I feel like I could just break down at any moment. And then I have times where I feel like I am doing just fine. I am guessing this is all a part of grieving. Well, I don’t like it.

We have been cleaning out her apartment this week and this task seems harder than planning her memorial. I went to get her dirty clothes hamper and looked in it and all it had in it was her complete outfit from that morning. Bra, panties, pants and shirt. That was hard!! I find so many pictures that proves how much she loved her family. There are A LOT of pictures. She loved pictures and she loved taking pictures. She loved to read and she taught me to love reading. My very first and very favorite book to this day is, Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts. I remember she gave me the book when we had went to visit her when she lived in Georgia. I haven’t read a book since that I love more.

I am just rambling along but I thought if I wrote down how I was feeling it would help. It hasn’t yet but of course tonight in 35 minutes it will be one week that she has been gone from us. I loved her and she was loved by many!! I miss her and she will be missed by many!

We Never Know

2011-11-14T16:08:00.001-08:00

A week ago on Saturday November 5, 2011, my daughter, Ashley picked me up for a day of shopping. We were going to get outfits for Tuff and Gunner for family pictures to be taken this past weekend. We walked into the consignment store and my phone rang. I have to say that I almost always wonder if something is wrong when one of my family members call. I am just paranoid like that. Well, it was the hubby telling me to call his mom and check on her because his brother had called and said she was in an accident. Well, I thought, ok it was probably just a fender bender and I need to go pick her up. Well it turns out it wasn’t a fender bender. It ended up being a tragic accident in which we spent 7 days in the Trauma Unit at Vanderbilt Hospital.

After a long 7 days on life support and a lot of pleading with her to breath she let us know that she was ready for heaven. On November 11, 2011 at 9:45 pm my sweet Mother-In-Law, Carol went to be be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She had all of her family surrounding her and her grand daughter singing Amazing Grace when she went home to Jesus. She was loved by many and will be missed terribly. But we all know that she is in a better place!!

I took this picture in November 2009 when we were so blessed to be able to take a cruise together. We weren’t a big fan of being on a cruise ship for 7 days but we made the best of it and ended up having a great time. I am so thankful for those 7 days that we had to laugh, play games, go to shows, and eat eat eat!!!

I love you mom and my life will never be the same without you!!! I hope you are having a blast in heaven and give grandpa lots of love from all of us!!

Dove Body Wash

2011-11-03T15:35:00.001-07:00

I was so so excited to get a package in the mail and opened to find a free sample of Dove Body wash from Blogher.

I happen to really love Dove Body wash!! It has such a clean light fresh scent to it and it also does a great job of moisturizing!! Anyone love Dove products or what is your favorite?

Trunk or Treat

2011-10-30T04:58:00.001-07:00

A local church held a great Trunk or Treat for the community last night and we decided to take the kids! This is my first time going and I have to say that it was awesome!! People had their cars decorated around the parking lot so the kids could go around and trick or treat just like going through a neighborhood. It was really neat!! The kids really enjoyed themselves and were eager to get their buckets filled with goodies!!

We had a ladybug (Ada), a lion (Harrison), a sock monkey (Tuff), a UPS man (Jace) and a clown (Gunner, who slept the whole time)

Not all of the kids liked their costumes….

It didn’t take long for them to perk up and enjoy the dress up…

Harrison wasn’t a fan of his lion hood….

Tuff on the other hand was ok with is sock monkey…

But this MeMe sure did enjoy watching the joy in their eyes as they went around to gather their goodies…

and just a few extras..

Hope everyone has a happy and safe Trick or Treating!!

It’s That Pumpkin Patch Kinda Time Of Year

2011-10-19T08:03:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday we decided to head out to a Pumpkin Patch that we haven’t been to before. April said it was really nice and has a lot of free things for the kids to enjoy.

We ended up having a great time, except the kids were not in the best of moods. But I think they made the best of it and enjoyed it for the most part.

Harrison feeding the goats. Speaking of goats, poor little Ada got her finger bitten and she just had a tad of a melt down. It didn’t really bite her hard or break the skin but she was just tore up! Poor little thing

Ada and mama riding the pumpkin train

Tuff sliding in the toddler play area….

Harrison and Aunt Tori riding the pumpkin train

Playing on the giant hay bales…Harrison decides he is hot and pulls his shirt open! Ha!

Gunner loved laying in the grass!! He was just hanging out all day

Best we could do for a picture of the 3 older kids

and of course they didn’t want to cooperate for a picture with MeMe and Papa. But these will be such sweet memories when they get older.

Only smile we could get out of our Harrison…

and Gunner again just chillin out with the pumpkins

Ada and mama having fun on the tunnel slide

Long Time No Blog

2011-10-08T07:23:00.001-07:00

So sorry for my absent! It’s been a little crazy here and I have just been so tired and trying to get back into the swing of things being a Meme! So just a little (long) catching up……

I know I failed miserably at the 30 day photo challenge (note to self: never commit to a 30 day challenge). I feel terrible about that but I just kept forgetting about. Sorry, hope you don’t hate me!!

Anyway, this past week has been a bit crazy!! Ashley went back to work so Tuff and Gunner was back at Meme’s and Gunner has a virus the week before so he has a rash that is left over from that and poor Tuff has been trying to fight off a Sinus Infection that as of Thursday had obviously won the fight! Poor thing. Ashley took him to the Dr. on Friday and of course he has a terrible Sinus Infection which comes with an antibiotic that causes diarrhea and a rash so it will be a battle for him the next 5 days. Ada has a runny nose also but so far we think its’ just a cold but I’m sure she will end up in the DR’s office with a Sinus Infection!!! So I have wiping noses constantly all week. And also, Victoria has been having some pretty bad headaches (in the back of her head) in the last month so we thought we would just go ahead and have her checked out!! I was thinking “Oh My Goodness!! My kid has a brain tumor!!” Anyway, no brain tumor!! She has the beginning of a Sinus Infection (shown on X-Ray)!! Go figure!!! So she is also on antibiotics, nasal spray and an over the counter sinus medication. So all the grandbabies and the 13 year old are sick!! I ‘m sure this Meme will end up being sick when all the kiddos get better!!

So I have a new little man that comes to see me everyday!! Love him to pieces!!

We went to Grandparents Day celebration at Tuff’s Day School!!

These pictures are a little overdue. That’s what happens when Meme goes on a blog Hiatus!!!! I have got to get it together!!

So last Friday was Homecoming at our local high school so me and Ashley too the babies to the Homecoming Parade!!

So I haven’t had Harrison in a few weeks and I have sure missed him!! He is growing and talking so much and such a busy little man!! His mama has been keeping him busy and learning new things everyday!!

So into learning about Noah’s Ark!!

Love this picture of Harrison and Brandon at Sam’s waiting on Mama to finish her shopping!!

Having a little fun with Mama!!

We are also, so excited about April, Brandon and Harrison getting one step closer to bringing home Sophie and Greer!!! They finally got their EP submitted!! and we think that little miss Sophie had something to do with this……

Is she not the cutest thing you’ve ever seen???? Yeah I think so too!!!

On another happy note!!! My niece Christy had her new baby boy, Kirby Dewayne on Friday!!! Sure wish I could have been there with her and my family to welcome him into the world!! He weighed 7 pounds 1 ounce and he is absolutely adorable!!!

This is my favorite picture!! Love his sweet little finger on his cheek!! He’s thinking “hmmmm don’t know if I like this or not” haha

Mama and baby!! So sweet!!

Congratulations to you Christy!!!

Day 2 of 30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-09-02T12:05:00.001-07:00

Day 2 – what I wore today! Well as you can see day 2 picture isn’t much better than day 1…..Why? well I am in the process of painting my kitchen so I am wearing my trusty ole paint clothes…..

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-09-01T18:20:00.001-07:00

Ok so my cousin over at Blessings Amid Chaos has talked me into this challenge. I’m not sure I will be able to keep up but I graciously agreed!

So for day 1 you have to do a self-portrait of yourself and being that it now after 8pm at night I look horrible and have my pajamas on. So please don’t pay attention to my ickyness!! Ha!

So there you have it!! Come on and join in on the fun!!

Little Visitor

2011-08-24T18:55:00.001-07:00

Today we had our newest addition come for a little visit and of course his big brother too!!

so I did get big brother to love on little brother long enough for me to get a few pictures…..

and our Butter Bean was even willing to love on her little cousin….

such a sweet baby our little Gunner….

and after they left, Papa had to take our Butter Bean on her daily ride around the yard….and I think it wore her out!!…haha

Harrison, Tuff and Ada (Butter Bean) make sure they get their daily ride around the yard before Papa leaves for work……I love that they look forward to this special time with Papa and it’s such a little thing…Papa actually ran out of gas in the truck the other day!! So funny!! Even Aunt Tori get’s in on the action if she is at home!! Ha!

Fair Disaster of 2011

2011-08-22T16:12:00.001-07:00

Ha! That is just what I think of our spontaneous trip to the fair that was a few counties over!! My hubby gave in to our very persistent 13 year old and decided to her and 2 of her friends to the fair. Well, I was not feeling it!! I told the hubby that I didn’t want to go to no fair and he said “it’s family time”!! So I gave in and I will tell you I was grumpy about the whole thing!! I am not a big fan of fairs to begin with! I think they cost way too much money and I haven’t been to a fair in several years and every single time we go with one of the kids it just cost so much and I am regretting it as soon as we walk in the gate. Yeah, the $7 it cost just to walk through the gate and then the $20 for a wrist band (only for the 13 year old, $10 for 10 tickets for the hubby)to ride all the rides you want just doesn’t appeal to me. Especially when it seems like these fair people think they are right up there along with Disney World or something and it’s so crowded that you wait NO LESS than an hour to ride one single ride!!!

So after sitting in traffic for an hour and 50 minutes (not counting the hour it took to get there) and 25 min to walk from the car to the gate, fighting the crowd, waiting in lines (which I refused to do), we finally left there at 11:45 pm and sat yet again in 50 minute traffic to get out of the place we finally made it home at 1:45 am. Yeah, I ate some yummy food while my child and hubby waited in those ridiculous lines to get their thrill on, but seriously it wasn’t even worth it to me after all the stress of getting there!! Oh and did I mention it was H.O.T.!!!!! Yeah, I thought I was gonna pass out from a heat stroke!!

So as we were sitting in the exit traffic my hubby decides to start complaining!! Seriously?? Don’t even go there!! The whole time we were sitting in the traffic going in I was complaing, whining and I may or may not have showed a little James C. (that’s my daddy’s temper)…….I told him to ZIP IT!!!!

We finally made it home and I woke up feeling like I had a hangover!!!!! Hope you all had a better Saturday night than we did!! All is well now! I am getting ready to have a Taco Dinner for my oldest baby girls 27th birthday. Gosh I can’t even believe it!!

27 Years Ago!!

2011-08-21T08:50:00.001-07:00

My baby girl, April, came into this world full of curiosity!! I will never forget that day! For some reason your first child’s birth is stuck in your memory where it doesn’t take much thinking to bring that moment back to the front of your mind!

To say that she has made me and her daddy proud is an understatement and I just don’t have words adequate enough! But she has been the very person I knew she would be!! She was my “easy” child! She has become a wife and mother and is doing amazing things!! She has been given the gift of adoption and has made us proud grandparents to our first grandson, Harrison, and soon we will have 2 new additions when Sophie and Greer make it home!! She has made us one proud Mama and Daddy!! God has blessed her family beyond words!!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl and Thank you for making me and your daddy proud!! We love you to the moon and back!!

Pure Sweetness!!

2011-08-18T09:54:00.001-07:00

Gunner Blake is home!!

Meet Gunner Blake Alford

2011-08-16T19:13:00.001-07:00

Gunner entered the world today at 12:01 p.m.

after only 5 1/2 hours of labor and 3 pushes (which is a HUGE blessing compared to 4 hours of pushing with Tuff) Gunner Blake is ready to meet the world!! or maybe take a nap!!

Tuff still isn’t too sure about baby brother but he will catch on really soon!!

Gunner weighed 7 pounds 5 oz and is 19 1/4 inch long!!

and he has some pretty proud family members!! Aunt April and labor coach number 4!!

Proud Aunt Tori!!

Excited cousin Ada!!!

Cousin Harrison checking me out!!

and of course the proud MeMe and Papa!!!

Welcome Gunner Blake, we already love you to the moon and back!!

Tuesday…..Will Be The Day and A Benefit!!

2011-08-14T17:09:00.001-07:00

I know it’s only Sunday but the next few days will are going to be pretty busy so I though I would go ahead and give a few details about Gunner’s arrival and also some details on the Adoption Benefit that was held on behalf of my daughter, April and her family, Brandon, Harrison, Sophie and Greer.

We thought Gunner was going to make an earlier appearance than he was scheduled last Thursday when Ashley’s BP was pretty high so we went to see her doctor and they admitted her to the hospital for observation. Well as soon as she was hooked up to the BP monitor her BP was normal or below normal the WHOLE time but there were some pretty consistent contractions going on so we thought maybe she was going into labor on her own. Well, evidently Gunner was just wanting to play tricks on us because they ended up sending her home and she hasn’t had any contractions since!!! Go Figure!!!! Anyway the hospital will call Ashley tomorrow night to let her know what time to be at the hospital on Tuesday. So as of right now he will make his grand appearance on the 16th or maybe the 17th depending on how fast he wants out of there!! ha!! We are all getting pretty excited to meet him! Will give details as soon as I have them….Please keep Ashley and Gunner in your prayers for a safe delivery and a healthy baby and mama.

Now on Saturday we went to April and Brandon’s Adoption Benefit that was held out at the Reddell Farm! Pam, Eric and their 3 boys are like family to April and Brandon and they graciously opened up their family farm to host this blessed event!! So a big THANK YOU to the Reddell’s!! We all had a great time with great food, games, and a silent auction! April and Brandon have so many sweet friends that love them and support their decision in following God’s calling to adopt!! and that my friends, is called Abundant Blessings from our God.

Please keep my daughter and her family in your prayers as we wait for the arrival of Sophie and Greer. We are anxiously waiting to get these sweet babies home so we can give them shower them with all this love that is going around on their behalf!!

Annnn-tic-aaaaaa-paaaa-tion!!!!

2011-08-06T08:30:00.001-07:00

That’s what is going on around our house today and for the week ahead!!! We are anticipating the arrival of Gunner Blake!!! So the news is that he will definitely be here on August 161th if he doesn’t come on his own before then. So we are all gearing up for our newest member of our family!!

I can’t wait to see Tuff being a sweet big brother (at least we hope he is a sweet big brother) and loving on his little brother!! I think he will do great since he is pretty loving when it comes to Ada. But that doesn’t mean he will love being a big brother once he figures out that Gunner is here to stay!! ha!

I never thought in a million years that I would have 6 grandbabies within a 2 1/2 year period. Wow I am feeling old!! I love all of my grandbabies and I am so thankful that I get the privilege of keeping them everyday!! At least until they have a voice and can more or less tell about their day in a daycare/preschool setting. I hear so many horror stories about daycare abuse and I know not all daycares are this way but if I can stay home and help my kids a little (financial and peace of mind) then I am thankful that I can do that.

I haven’t blogged in a week or so but it’s been pretty busy around here also. I have painted Victoria’s bathroom and I have to say I love love the color. I went with Natural Linen by Martha Stewart and I had it mixed with Glidden paint. Then I painted my little laundry room and used Sherwin Williams Rice Grain. I am not too sure about this color but I am thinking it’s because of the lack of lighting in this room. No window equals no natural light So I am going to proceed with this color for my kitchen and dining room unless I have a last minute changing of the mind!!

I did pick out a creamy white color for my cabinets but haven’t had it mixed yet. It is called Country Cloud by Valspar I think. The sample card came from Wal-Mart. It was really hard to find a creamy white that didn’t have a yellow/pink/green tint to it. Maybe I will step it up a bit and post some before and after pictures!!

On top of the painting we have had a sick little Butter Bean on our hands. Ada has had a respiratory infection since Tuesday night. Poor thing has been running a almost constant fever since then. Doctor said she would probably run a fever for 3 – 5 days. She has really been down the last few days. I hate to see my grandbabies sick that’s for sure. She is starting to walk so I am sure I will definitely have my hands full when she is in full walking mode. She also has that “I’m the princess attitude”. Ha!

Our little Harrison is really growing up to be a little man. He has been so so good for us the last few weeks. He has definitely outgrown his picking on Tuff and now Tuff has taken on his role. Oh me!! But Harrison has been such a sweet and loving little man and he is talking so much more!!

Victoria started 8th grade this year and she is so excited about this year!! Her first day went great and she can’t wait to see what this year has in store for her. My baby is growing up too fast!

And as for the hubby, he is still working a lot, helping me with the grandbabies, and just being the glue that holds our family together. He’s pretty special and I sometimes take him for granted!! But am thankful for him each everyday. I would be lost without him!!

Hope all of you are doing great and have a great week!!

I Never Thought…….

2011-07-30T06:22:00.001-07:00

I would follow a blog that belongs to a DOG!!! Well, at least he is a mantastically handsome dog!! Thought I would officially welcome Higgins to the world wide blog web!!

So if you just can’t stand the suspense, head on over to http://theadventuresofhiggins.blogspot.com/ and to check out his very own blog and say a ruff ruff, or eh a hello, to Higgins so he will feel the love from all the awesome bloggers out there.

I know I’m crazy!! Hope everyone has a fabulous day!!

A Little Sprinkle For Baby Gunner

2011-07-18T04:23:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday, the day after Tuff’s birthday party, we had a “Sprinkle” type shower/Brunch for baby Gunner. We didn’t have a big crowd but it was nice to be able to sit in a secluded area so we could talk and visit! The food was yummy and the company was sweet and we are all getting all excited about Baby Gunner’s arrival.

We only have about 5 more weeks before we welcome Gunner’s sweet face and we are all getting pretty excited!!

Happy Birthday To Our Sweet Lucas Tuff

2011-07-14T03:59:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!! MeMe and PaPa love you to pieces and could not imagine life without your sweet face with those BIG brown eyes.

I am overwhelmed with feelings of disbelief as today is your 2nd birthday!! Seriously?? I just can’t believe how time has flown by!

You have been so sweet the past few days. Giving out love to me and your “Pah” (as you have chosen to call Papa) Of course I don’t get all that love until Pah leaves for work and then you decide I am worthy enough for it! Ha! You are such a Pah’s boy. The very first thing you want to do when you get here every morning is go for a ride in Pah’s truck. Of course Pah is right there ready to go!! Your personality is really coming out and I see more smiles each day! You have started being a typical 2 year old with little “terrible 2” episodes. And you are such a little helper. Today you helped me dust the walls and you had a ball climbing the ladder trying to do what I was doing.

We had your birthday party this past weekend and it was the Curious George theme!! So MeMe and Pah got you 2 Curious George t=shirts. Eee Eee (Curious George) is your favorite movie right now and I love it because when I was a little girl I loved monkeys and I even had a stuffed monkey that I loved and carried everywhere.

Always know that your MeMe and “Pah” love you to pieces and that the joy that you bring to us each day is humbling!

What I’ve Been Up To!!

2011-07-11T05:04:00.001-07:00

Just a quick update on my mama. She is doing just great!! Her doctor said that she has done so good and he says that is due to not having any other health issues. She has to wait 1 more week before she can drive and then she is good to go. God is so good!!

Ok now for my little spa week with my cousin! We had an amazing time! We didn’t really do the spa thing everyday. We did have a facial on Thursday and it was wonderful!!

So I fly out on Sunday morning with beautiful weather and slightly calm nerves! My flight went amazingly fast and I was thankful for that! We stayed at my cousins house on Sunday night and had a really relaxing afternoon/evening. Her husband grilled steaks for us and we had a nice spread of steak, baked sweet potato, sautéed asparagus and mushrooms and the best bread I have ever put in my mouth.

On Monday I got up early of course and while everyone else was still sleeping, except Cole, I was up having coffee and checking Facebook, emails etc. and enjoying this view…….

We all got out of the house by noon and headed out to have lunch before we were off to our resort. We ate at Captain Eddie’s Seafood and of course it was wonderful! I had the fried rock shrimp and it was yummo!!! It was so nice to have seafood that actually tasted like real seafood and not froze

We arrived at our Resort at 3pm sharp and it was buzzing with activity! It was the 4th of July and we quickly realized that the resort offers the general public access to the pool and grounds on this day for a fee of $25. So it was quite busy on the 4th. We decided to eat close to the resort since by the time we got checked in and settled it was late afternoon and the fireworks were gonna start at 9pm. So we headed across the street to Crispers and we really loved it!! We had flatbread salad which was delish.

and for dessert we tried Gelato (which is Italian ice cream) and we chose coconut and I have to say it was the best ice cream I have ever had. We ended going across the street every night to get a scoop (or we may have had 2 scoops) of this yummy goodness!!

Then we headed back to our resort to wait for the fireworks…

On Tuesday we headed out for a day at Caledesi Island which is a remote little island that we had to take a ferry to get to.

We spent about 4 hours out there under an umbrella and just enjoyed the beautiful day! The view of the ocean was just like being in the Caribbean.

And then we decided we would rent a kayak and step out of the box and do something neither of us have never done.

These birds can get pretty aggressive and mad when it comes to food. This bird was a little mad when we wouldn’t give up our little snack we were having..

That night we had dinner at a Japanese restaurant which was okay but we enjoyed the atmosphere and then a little drink when we returned to our resort.

and then we headed out to the pier for this beautiful sunset that God blessed us with…..

On Wednesday we headed out for the mall to browse and stay a little cooler than the day before. I didn’t get any pics of the outing. We did get lost and lots of laughs. But we found our way and had a nice time. We decided we would just eat at the mall and had chick fila for dinner and of course we had the famous coconut gelato when we returned to our resort.

On Thursday we had our facial that was scheduled in the afternoon so we hung around our resort that morning then went to Burlington Coat Factory for a little browsing and planned on dinner at Clearwater beach that evening.

The weather turned a little rainy so we didn’t get to walk the beach like we planned but still had a great dinner of fish dip for appetizer and Grouper sandwich’s at Frenchy’s.

This was the view of the sky on our way back to our resort. We made it just before the big belly washer started and let me tell you….. once it started it didn’t stop!! It went on all night and was still going strong when we checked out and we drove for a solid hour and a half in torrential rain on our way to the airport. Boy were we glad when it stopped. It certainly makes for a stressful drive.

I made it to the airport and the rain stopped right before I loaded the plan so I was so thankful for that. My flight home was a little more “bumpy” but I made it safe and sound. Thanks to my SIL for picking me up at the airport.

I had a busy weekend, with Tuff’s birthday party, Ashley’s baby shower brunch and getting Victoria off for camp. Will do a post on all of that soon.

A Quick Update!

2011-06-30T19:03:00.001-07:00

First I would like to thank you all for your prayers for my mama. I’m sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you all but my mama did great with her surgery! She came through with flying colors!! Her only restrictions are no driving, flying or lifting for 6 weeks. That’s a little sad since she was due to fly up to see me on July 11th. So we have had to cancel her flight and she was given a credit to use in the future. It has been really crazy since I got home on Monday afternoon so I will do more of a detailed update after I return from my week with my cousin at a spa resort next week.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July. And not to forget all our soldiers and their families for the sacrifices they make for our freedom.

You Are Never Prepared

2011-06-17T07:48:00.001-07:00

It seems that way when your healthy, never had surgery, or been admitted to the hospital for anything (other than to have her 3 daughters) 70 year old mother calls to tell you that she is being admitted to the hospital because she has 90% blockage in her carotid artery!!

I will back up a few months. My mom went for her physical and her doctor wanted her to have an ultrasound on her carotid artery and when she went to have it done the place told her that Medicare didn’t cover it. That her doctor had listed the wrong code!! So she called to tell her doctor’s office, who I guess didn’t tell her doctor or he failed to follow up with her. So on Tuesday she had an appointment for a kidney infection and just happened to mention to her doctor that she never had the test done because of insurance. He sent her to a Vascular Surgeon and they did the sonogram and told her she had a 80 to 90% blockage and to go straight to the hospital and be admitted for further testing. Talk about CRAZY!!! She was floored!!!! So she was admitted to the hospital last night and had a CT Angiogram this morning along with some other testing on her heart and they found that she does have 90% blockage in her left carotid artery!! So they told her she had to stay in the hospital until the surgery which will not be until Monday and then she would be there until Wednesday and go home if all goes well. She is going to go crazy!! Also, they told her she wouldn’t be able to drive or fly for 6 weeks and she has had her flight booked for a few weeks to fly up here to me. So that will have to be postponed.

UPDATE:

So my sister called this morning to let me know that my mom’s heart doctor came in this morning and said she could go home until Monday. He told her there was no sense in her staying in the hospital before her surgery and that her insurance would probably “bark” about her just “sitting” in there for 4 days before the surgery… So that is good news for her since I pretty positive she was going nuts!!!

Please keep my mom in your prayers that all will go well and she will recover nicely with no complications and also I will be leaving in the morning to drive down and I will be going alone so please pray for safe travels for me.

It Has Been A Barking Morning

2011-06-07T15:07:00.001-07:00

That’s what me and my Boogs were doing this morning!! Barking at each other! Why? you may ask????? Well because I thought it was quite warm in the house and when I looked at the thermostat it said…….79 degrees!! So I told my Boogs that I thought our air conditioner was going out and would he call his co-worker to see if he could come out and fix it. He proceeds to tell me that he wasn’t hot! Well that was the WRONG answer!!! First because I for one DO NOT like to be hot and two we have grandbabies that are here everyday all day!!! So he finally called his co-worker and then Boogs tells me that he said he would “try” to get out here today!! So I said “Well it has to be today because me or our grandbabies will not last in this heat”!! Then he tells me that I could call whoever I wanted if he didn’t get out today!! Well, that would mean we would be scorching hot for the rest of the day and night!!! Oh goodness!! So needless to say his co-worker did end up sending his worker right on over! Then I felt really bad for being such a grump! I just couldn’t imagine having to sit in the 100 degree heat tonight!! So our air conditioner did get fixed right up thanks to a speedy repair man and I am so so thankful!!

Isn’t it sad that we depend on such luxuries this day and time. I can still remember not having an air conditioner up until I was 12 or 13!! It just seems like it is so much hotter now than it was back then. All I know is I think I would melt if we didn’t have the luxury of an air conditioner. Thank you Lord for such things as the air conditioner!!!

The Countdown Begins

2011-06-01T06:07:00.001-07:00

I don’t know if you remember but last year, in July, my sweet cousin, Snooge (Vonda) came for a weekend visit and we had such a good time just visiting, catching up, going down memory lane and doing a little eating!!

Well, this July I will be flying (YIKES, since I am scared to death of flying) down to Orlando to visit with her! We are actually going to spend 4 days at a Spa Resort down on Florida’s Gulf Coast!! Can I just say that I am super excited!! I have never had any kind of spa treatment, except a pedicure and only twice in my lifetime!! Sad I know but I have never had a desire to have a massage, facial, or anything of the kind. But I have decided what the heck!! I am 45 and it’s time to step out of my comfort zone and experience some of life’s guilty pleasures!! We always have such fun together! It gives us a chance to just relax and enjoy some girl time!! So I guess you can say I am counting down the days!! Oh and don’t worry!! I will be letting you all know how much fun we have!!

A MeMe of 6? Seriously?

2011-05-25T16:43:00.001-07:00

I thought I would update everyone on our new additions that will be joining our family this year!! Ashley is due on August 23rd with another baby boy, Gunner Blake, and so far he is growing healthy and quit fast!! He will be here before we know it!

Meet Gunner Blake Alford

And……April and Brandon and Harrison will be adding to their family of 3 with TWINS!!!!! A little girl who is named Sophie and a little boy who is named Greer!! Love both names and already have that love that a MeMe gets for her grandbabies going on inside!! They will be going to bring the twins home sometime this fall from South Korea!

Meet Sophie!

Meet Greer!

I can’t believe how fast our family is growing!! I had just asked for 1 grandbaby and I got blessed with 3 within a year!! and now I will be a MeMe of 6!!! I know it’s crazy but I wouldn’t have it any other way!!

Ada’s First Birthday

2011-05-24T14:31:00.001-07:00

On Sunday afternoon we celebrated our girls first birthday! She had lots of fans there to help her get her party on!!

MeMe and Papa with our Butter Bean

Mama and daddy and Ada

Pawpaw Parker and Ada

Tuff cheesin it for MeMe

Nana and Ada

Ada lovin her cake

Present time! Tuff was helping!!

More presents

Sadly, Harrison was under the weather with a virus and high fever so he wasn’t able to join in on the celebration, but he is feeling better now!

So that’s the end to our long weekend. I think Ms. Ada is truly blessed!!

Busy Busy Weekend

2011-05-23T04:24:00.001-07:00

We had a very busy weekend, one of the busiest we’ve had in a long time. On Friday, we woke up to wish our Butter Bean a happy 1st birthday! And to top it off at 6 am we had a yard sale that was a big mistake. On Friday we didn’t get the first person to stop by and Saturday we only had 2 people stop. I just really hate yard sales and it’s been a long long while since the last one. Well, let me tell you, this was the LAST one. Never again.

My youngest daughter, Victoria, decided she wanted to be in the Good Ole Day’s Pageant! Well, we were all shocked but excited she wanted to do this. She is pretty shy and not much on attention to herself. She did a great job for a first timer and we are so proud.

She didn’t place but we didn’t enter for her to “win”, we just wanted her to do her best and be proud of herself! and I think she accomplished that! All the girls were beautiful and did a great job.

Then on Saturday morning our Butter Bean was in the Miss Teeny pageant and we had to be there at 8:15 am!! After not getting home till 11:30 pm the night before that was pretty early! Our Butter Bean didn’t place but she had a great time and this MeMe thinks she’s the cutest thing ever and that’s all that matters. But seriously all the little ones were adorable and I would have given them all a ribbon! haha!!

This is Ada with her PawPaw Parker! He sponsored her for the Miss Teen Pageant!

Then on Sunday we had Ada’s birthday party! I will do another post on that soon.

Happy 1st Birthday To Our Sweet Butter Bean

2011-05-20T07:44:00.001-07:00

Oh goodness!! Where has the time gone? Our little Butter Bean (Ada) is 1 year old today!

Happy Birthday Butter Bean!!!

Ada you have brought so much joy to your MeMe and Papa and we love watching you grow and learn everyday!

One year ago today we welcomed you into our lives and our hearts! We love you baby girl and hope your day is fabulous!!

I Got a Makeover!!

2011-05-17T12:27:00.001-07:00

Yes, as you can tell I received a much needed makeover on my blog from my sweet cousin, Patrice!! I am so excited because this is my first blog change since I started blogging!! and I LOVE IT!!!!!! It is so whimsical and less oldish? (is that a word? oh well I just made it one for today! HA)! and more owlish (and that is a word cause I just looked it up) hehe!! I was in much need of a more up-to-date blog look and Patrice got it just right for me! Thank you Queenie, I love it!! (by the way that’s our nickname for Patrice)

If anyone needs or wants a new and fresh look for their blog she is definitely the one that will step out of the box and give you the look you want. She is really easy to work with and she always stays in touch during the process so your blog is all you would like it to be. And…..she is having a sale right now and a blog giveaway if you would like to just head on over to Purrfect Designs and Patrice can fix you right up.

My Mama, My Hero

2011-05-07T05:59:00.001-07:00

I want to wish my mother a very Happy Mother’s Day!! I am not able to celebrate this special day with my mom since we live 9 1/2 hours apart. This makes me sad but I am so blessed with a mom who always made sure that we knew that we were loved and taken care of and taught how to be upstanding adults. We had some tough times but I can’t think of stronger woman that I can call my HERO!!!

I love you Mama and I hope your day is filled with love, laughter and many blessings!!

April Storms

2011-04-27T16:37:00.001-07:00

Equals an “on edge” MeMe!!! We have had a terrible day of one storm cell after another and it’s really been trying for me! I have been a nervous wreck all day but thank God we are safe! I pray for all the people that have not been so fortunate! I have been watching the weather ALL day and it has really been exhausting trying to keep up with all this craziness! All the grandbabies must sense my edginess because they have all been out of sorts all day also.

This is the reason for our 3rd and final (so far) trip into our safe place (my closet)

This was looking out my back door!! How scary!!

and this is my crew in the closet

I hope you all are safe and sound tonight as we all wait for this storm system to get out of dodge!!

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T04:51:00.001-07:00

I hope everyone had a very Blessed Easter Sunday! I know we sure did!! Even though our crew were here kind of separately for pictures! But that’s okay as long as we got to spend a little time with our family. We had some amazing music at our Easter service. It always amazes me how the music can really speak to me sometimes more than the actual sermon.

We started the day off by going to the early service at church so that we could get back and get dinner on the table by 12:30 so some of the kids could get to their other families for egg hunts, another dinner etc. April, Brandon and Harrison didn’t get here while we were doing pictures of Tuff and Ada so Harrison is missing from those pictures. When they did finally get here Harrison was asleep and slept almost the whole visit. But we did end up getting a few pictures after he woke up.

Tuff reading to Ada

Ada enjoying her marshmallow sucker the Easter Bunny brought her

Harrison showing me how to blow bubbles

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-20T09:19:00.001-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-13T09:39:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday To Hubby, Dad and Papa

2011-04-11T10:41:00.001-07:00

Today is my hubby’s 48th birthday!! To say that I am a blessed woman is an understatement!! I couldn’t ask for a more loving, caring, giving and hardworking man to share my life with!

So we got the grandbabies outside to get a few pictures with their Papa!

This one above is my favorite!!

and I finally got one with all 3 looking at the camera!!

Happy Birthday to my Boogs!!! Hope you have many more to come!

A Day At The Zoo

2011-04-10T05:54:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, my daughter Ashley called and asked what we could do to get the kids out of the house to have some fun! We decided on the zoo so she called older sister, and I called younger sister to see if they were in for a day at the zoo. Well, older sister had plans so Harry wasn’t able to join us, but she did so graciously let us use their zoo membership card so 2 of us got in free. Thanks Apes!! Anyway we got started a little late so by the time we stopped to eat and get gas it was the time of day where the sun was working it’s magic!! HOT blazes!!! It was hot but we did have somewhat of a breeze which only helped while in the shade.

This was right after we got there.

Tuff was already hot with his red cheeks!! It looks like he has a sunburn but we did bathe them in sunscreen! TWICE!!!

It looks like they are having their own little conversation!

Ms. Butter Bean thought she was the biggest thing standing there holding on all by herself!!

This was Tuff’s favorite thing! The bamboo walking trail!! We loved it too because it was completely shaded!!

Not a very good picture but it was a little hard to get them both still. They were busy and wanting to be on the go!!

A little break for something cold to drink!!

Ms. Butter Bean was ready to move on and be done with the pictures!

Headed to the car! We were all hot and tired but had a good hot day!!

Much Better Day Today

2011-04-07T18:57:00.001-07:00

Today was such a beautiful day and the bright blue sky along with 70 something degree weather we got the grandbabies done with breakfast and headed outdoors to enjoy this beautiful spring day that the Lord gave us!!

The boys took off at warp speed running and playing and picking flowers and Ms. Ada decided that she was too big to sit on her blanket! and she didn’t have a problem letting us know it either!!

So we got her up off that blanket and let her join in on the real fun!!

And Harrison and Tuff made sure they gave her the attention that she was demanding!!

and then she was content!

to sit in the cozy car and watch her cousins continue to explore!

and make wishes on flowers…..

and help Papa with the wood for the fire pit…..

I think today was a fabulous day with our three little ones!!

I am one blessed MeMe!!

Wacky Wednesday At MeMe’s

2011-04-06T17:51:00.001-07:00

By Wacky Wednesday, I mean it’s been a crazy, wild and stressful day! I love having my grandbabies and wouldn’t trade keeping them for anything but I am human and we do have days that are just not in our favor for any of us!! Including our little laid back Butter Bean (Ada)!! She was even in rare form today!

So I find out that Tuff had gotten up at 6am this morning so his bad mood was due to being tired, Harrison loves when Tuff has bad mornings so he can “egg him on” as they say and Ms. Ada is trying to cut her other top tooth so I am assuming that had something to do with her being so sassy today!

So naptime was off schedule but Tuff did go down at 10:00 am and slept for 2 1/2 hours and woke up in much better spirits! The afternoon moods were better but they were still wild and running around playing ball and playing under the table. I will take the wildest over the meltdowns any day!!

And the boys are a the age where they want to climb on the bed in the playroom/guestroom and jump. Well I know I loved jumping on beds when I was little so I know this has to be so fun to them but it’s not so fun for MeMe when one falls off head first and starts screaming at the top of their lungs. I just knew something was broke so needless to say I banned them from the playroom for the rest of the day. My nerves just couldn’t take a broken bone under my watch. So now I am needing to decide on what to do with the bed in that room. I want to take it down but then when we have family where on earth am I gonna put them? Oh me! Now I will stress over this issue until I resolve it!

I have tried to do a few activities with them such as singing, dancing and counting, singing ABC’s but they don’t seem to be too interested. So anyway, I know I’m not perfect and I do get overwhelmed but I guess that just means I am human!!

I Am Still a MeMe

2011-04-02T21:58:00.001-07:00

Ha! Just thought I would throw that out there! That I am still a MeMe, that is!! I realize that I haven’t really blog about my grandbabies in a while! It’s not that I don’t have lots to say it just seems like at the end of the day my mind is kind of on overload.

Anyway, we have been trucking along each day enjoying all the “new” things with each one. I will say that Tuff and Harrison are quite the little hams! Lately we have been doing a lot of dancing to Barney and Blue’s Clue’s!! That’s the new favorite shows as of now. It’s now the beginnings of the terrible 2’s with them but they haven’t been terrible! Yet!! Harrison and Tuff have really started talking and having little conversations with each other and I wonder if they really understand what the other is saying. Harrison’s favorite word right now is Barney, No, Mine and hold me!! I love the hold me the best and he has stared giving out what I call “squeezie hugs”. I ask for a squeezie hug and he will wrap those little arms around my neck and squeeze really hard. I could just melt. Tuff favorite thing to me right now is when his mama gets home he will go running to her yelling Maaaama!!! And then he turns to me and says “Bye” and waves. I love that he loves his mama so much. His favorite word is No, Blue, the ball, and mama! If we want Tuff to smile for a picture all we have to do is say “show your teethies” and we get a big smile!! He has stared saying so many words but mostly he has gotten to where he will repeat a word that we say. Oh me!

Ms. Ada (I call her Butter Bean) now has an opinion! A big one. She will let you know really quick if she is upset! She is quite the little drama queen. But of course she is the only little princess we have so her drama is quite comical to us. She comes every morning with a big smile on her face and a lot to say!! In baby talk of course. She is 10 months old now and she can say mama, dada, papa, bye bye, and bubba! She also will give the ole Miss America wave when she says bye bye. It is just too precious! She has the biggest personality for a 10 month old. She hasn’t started crawling yet but the doctor said she would crawl in her own time so I have been enjoying her just the way she is.

So for now Ms. Ada is the only grand princess but we will find out if we will be having another princess or grandson next Friday April the 8th.

Spring Break and A New Nephew

2011-03-30T14:59:00.001-07:00

We spent last week in Florida with my family for Spring Break! Of course I also got to welcome my new nephew into the family. We got in on Monday around midday and my sister came home from the hospital that afternoon. So I didn’t miss too much. I was sad that I wasn’t there for the actual birth but I didn't have to go through all the hospital visiting. Me and my mom went over to help get them settled in, get some laundry done and get everything unpacked. And of course I loved on this sweet baby.

Me and Beau bonding

Mom and Baby Beau not long after he was born (I stole this from my sister’s Facebook)

Aunt Lisa (my older sister) and Baby Beau

Big yawn

GiGi and her new grandson

A visit from Beau’s Papa ( looks like they are having their own conversation) wonder what Beau thinks about the toothpick in his Papa’s ear!! Ha!

Now this is my sweet Great Nephew, Jayden and let me tell you, he is one heavy 10 month old!!! well he will be 10 months on the 3rd. So sweet and he was making monkey sounds in the pic above!

Beautiful blue eyes!!

We really had a great visit but it definitely wasn’t long enough. We got there on Monday and left on Friday afternoon.

Happy 25th Birthday To My Sweet Ashley

2011-03-28T16:24:00.001-07:00

Are you serious?????? 25???? Gosh time flies by waaaay too fast sweet girl! I say girl because, well, you are still my little girl! I love you to the moon and back and I am so so so proud of the young woman and mother that you are. You have made me and dad proud. Happy Birthday honey and just know that you are loved more than we can ever express!

Welcome To The World Waylon Beau

2011-03-18T18:48:00.001-07:00

My baby sister, Stacey and her husband, Jeremy welcomed their baby boy (Beau) into the world today. Beau weighed 7lbs 14oz and was 21in long and he has a head full of dark hair!! Beau was welcomed by a room full of fans waiting for his arrival. Minus me since I live 9 hours away but I will be there this Monday morning just in time for him to come home. I am so proud of my sister for being so brave. They had a c-section due to blood pressure issues and all went well. I can’t wait to get down there and love on him.

This is Beau being rolled down the hall on his way to the nursery. Welcome to the world sweet Beau!!

I Can’t Believe It!!

2011-03-13T13:26:00.001-07:00

I can hardly believe that my baby is 13 years old today!! Wow what a wild ride she has given me. Mostly the ride has been great but there have definitely been some bumps in the road during these 13 years. Victoria has been the biggest challenge that God has given me. If I make it, it will because God has guided me through.

Time has just flown by and it just blows my mind that she used to be this small….

and now she has grown into such a great young lady and we are very proud to be her parents. Bumps in the road and all!! Happy Birthday Victoria, we love you to the moon and back.

Fabulous Giveaway

2011-02-16T13:50:00.001-08:00

Head over to Megan’s blog at

http://www.inthiswonderfullife.com/2011/02/valentines-giveaway.html

for a fabulous giveaway!!

Happy Valentine’s Day

2011-02-14T09:41:00.001-08:00

We spent some time this morning making some Valentine’s cupcakes and I have to say it wasn’t to bad. It was a little challenging trying to get all 3 in the picture while preparing the cupcakes and me holding the camera but I think we managed pretty well. Hope everyone’s day is filled with love on this Valentine’s Day!!

Sickness, Snow, Sickness and More Sickness!!

2011-01-19T04:09:00.001-08:00

Well the title certainly tells it all when it comes to happenings around our house since the new year has begun!! All of you know that Harrison was in the hospital for almost a week with pneumonia. Well a few days after he came home he came down with the stomach bug that a few of us had the previous week. Well, then his mom and dad got the bug a few days later, and then wonders of all wonders we had big snow come in and hubby and Victoria stayed at April’s because it was just easier for the hubby to get to and from work. Needless to say this is the first time that it has snowed here for 3 days straight and the snow stayed on the ground for a solid 6 days!! Our road was awful and hubby even had to be pulled up a small hill at the end of our road.

So during these 4 days that I was home alone, not leaving the house, I decide to come down with a sinus infection!! I am still fighting to get over it but am starting to feel somewhat better. Then Harrison goes back to the doctor on Thursday and you will never guess what our sweet boy was diagnosed with!!! THE FLU!!!! yep, so our family has really been through it this year. The stomach bug went through our whole family, and then Tuff goes to the doctor for his 18 month check up and has a 100.4 fever!!! Go figure!! The doctor said it was ‘viral”!!!!

We are praying that this sickness is finally gone from our family. Harrison has not been here for 3 weeks and he started coming back this week and we really missed him around here. Tuff was certainly happy to have him back and they have played so well the past few days. Also, Ada hasn’t been here but a few days a week since mama was on break from college and didn’t work the week it snowed so we are slowly getting back to our normal routine around here.

Hope everyone is having a blessed and much healthier New Year.

Harry Boy Is Going Home

2011-01-06T17:37:00.001-08:00

Harrison was released from the hospital tonight and he is back to his sweet, crazy, active, funny, loving self and we thank our Lord for answered prayers!! Thank you all for praying.

My Sweet Boy Harrison–An Update

2011-01-06T07:54:00.001-08:00

Well, our Harry Boy is stilling in the Children’s Hospital working hard on getting well so he can go home. It definitely has a stressful, emotional and heartbreaking time for all of us. Me and hubby were up there most of the day on Tuesday and I have to say that Harrison was definitely not himself. He slept the whole time and when he did wake up he was very lethargic and had no energy at all. This was devastating to us. But by that night, after we left, he was coming around just a little. He stayed awake long enough for the ride to and from X-ray. By morning he was showing even more improvements and by last night we all thought he would be coming home today. Well during the night his heart rate dropped a few times so an EKG and blood work were ordered. Doctors haven’t mentioned going home yet so we are all praying all the tests come back with positive results so our boy can go home. So all in all he progressing well but it just seems like after he gets over on hurtle there are 2 more to get over.

Thank you so much for all the sweet prayers that are being said on Harrison’s behalf. Please continue praying for him to recover soon and for his Mom and Dad so they can get back to his own home and bed.

Prayers Please

2011-01-04T03:18:00.001-08:00

We are asking for prayers for our sweet Harrison! He was diagnosed with pneumonia last Friday and was sent home to be treated as outpatient! Well we all had an uneasy feeling about this decision since Harrison has issues with his lungs, especially during the winter months! On Sunday morning back to the doctor he went and a decision was made to admit him into the children’s hospital. He has been on quite the roller coaster ride since and finally as of yesterday afternoon his lungs were doing a little better. We don’t know exactly how long he will be there but know that he is in excellent care!! Pray for mom and dad as this is their first “hospital” experience and they aren’t a big fan. Harrison also is NOT digging the “hospital” thing either. He is very uncooperative when anyone comes in that is hospital staff and then makes it tougher on mom and dad.

I know there are so many sick babies/children out there that also need prayers. So please say a little prayer for all these children also.

This is Harrison The Great being a brave little man before he was transported by ambulance!!

Bring On 2011

2011-01-01T19:20:00.001-08:00

Happy New Years to all my blog friends!! I hope everyone has a blessed and prosperous year!!

Me? Well, I brought in the new year with a nasty stomach virus! Yuck!

New Years day is also my birthday and I had plans to go have a nice lunch with my family but since I had the stomach bug (and so did Victoria), and Harrison has pneumonia we decided it would be in everyone’s best interest to postpone my birthday dinner for another day. I am feeling much better this afternoon but my little Harry Boy is not feeling to good. He has such a hard time in the winter anyway with his breathing and I’m sure this has been really hard on him and Mama and daddy!!

I don’t really do resolutions because I don’t end up sticking with it. I want to try and just live a little healthier and really just soak up all the blessings I’m given everyday.

Happy New Years!!!

Guess What????????

2010-12-29T15:28:00.001-08:00

I get to be a MeMe again!!! Yep, Ashley, Jordan and Tuff are adding another member to their family which means I will have 4 grandbabies!! Wow, our family is certainly growing by leaps and bounds!! I can’t wait to see the blessing this new baby will bring to our whole family!! Whether boy or girl we will love it unconditionally just as we do our others!!

Congratulations to Ashley, Jordan and Tuff!! I know Tuff will be a great big brother!!

Hoping Everyone Had a Fabulous Christmas

2010-12-27T19:35:00.001-08:00

I know I haven’t posted in a while which is not surprise. It seems I just feel like my life is boring and nothing really interesting to blog about! That is so far from the truth!!! I have 3 grandbabies that I have everyday of the week so therefore my life is FAR from boring!! We have a lot of fun, crazy days around here and it just seems like I have bloggers block (if that’s even a saying/word).

So I will start with the grandbabies visit with Santa in a picture!!

So that’s how that went!! Ha! I’m sure we aren’t the first to have 3 different reactions from 3 different kiddos trying to sit on Santa’s lap at the same time!! It was definitely a rushed experience since there was a line a mile long so we weren’t able to really take the time to situate the kids like we would have liked. But this will definitely be a great picture to look back on years from now.

We started our Christmas celebration on Christmas Eve by going to the candlelight service at church and then heading over to my SIL’s house to have some finger foods and exchange gifts. We draw names and this is the second year we have done this and it is definitely less stressful this way. I definitely missed my family in Florida but was able to get some pictures from my nieces Facebook. All the pictures from our Christmas are on my MIL’s camera so I don’t have them loaded yet to post.

My niece Carrie with my great nephew Jayden

My baby sister Stacey with our 2 nieces, Christy and Carrie

My big sister, Lisa and her family

We ended up having a white Christmas which was a first since we moved to TN 14 years ago so I really enjoyed it. On Christmas day I baked a ham and made a side and the girls brought a side and we enjoyed a traditional dinner and just chilled out the rest of the day.

On Sunday Lee had to work so I just kind of chilled out until he got home then we went to see Tuff and Ada so they could show us all their toys that Santa brought them. Tuff was pretty excited and he was to happy to show us all his presents and Ada was glad to see MeMe and PaPa come visit. After picking up some McDonald’s and heading home we watched a little TV and I finished a book I have been reading and then it was off to bed.

So I will leave you with a few random pictures of my sweet grandbabies. Hope everyone has a blessed week and a very Happy New Year!!

Has Anyone Had These????

2010-12-18T11:39:00.001-08:00

OH.MY.GOODNESS!!! My daughter Ashley bought these for me last night and she said, “you probably won’t even like them”. Oh boy was she wrong!! I have eaten half the bag already!! I saw these on the end of an isle at Wally World and this lady comes by and puts 2 or 3 bags in her buggy and I said they must be good. She says “oh you won’t be able to eat just one and you can only get them this time of year.” So I snagged me a bag and can’t stop popping 1 or 2 or 3….in my mouth!! They are soooo smooth and have tiny little pieces of peppermint mixed with white chocolate!! Yummo is all I have to say!

Thankful For Love, Laughter and Family

2010-11-28T10:17:00.001-08:00

We decided we would head on down south to spend the Thanksgiving Holiday with my side of the family this year. We had an uneventful drive there and back and I am truly grateful for that! Believe me I was stressing the drive during a Holiday week but it ended up being great! But you know, I had to worry the trip in the ground before we left and also the trip back but that’s just how I roll.

Anyway, we all (with the exception of BreeAnn, Ada and Will) headed down on Tuesday night and we all arrived safely! It was go go go the whole time. We had Taco Soup that Wednesday night at my baby sister’s house since that was pretty easy and not a Thanksgiviness meal. Oh boy is our family growing by leaps and bounds!!!

On Thanksgiving day we all headed back over to baby sister’s house and had fabulous food, weather and visiting!! I couldn’t help having this huge feeling of Thankfulness come over me being able to be home for the holiday. I got to see my two sister’s that are having to adjust to some big changes in their lives. The baby sister will be having her first baby at the age of 38 and she looks amazing! And my big sister is having to learn to live with the recent diagnosis of MS. I will say it was not easy seeing her struggle with her leg while walking. I can tell she is trying to be so strong and not really let on that this disease is definitely a challenge for her.

Me and my Mama

Me and Big Sister Lisa

Me and Baby Sister Stacey

We also had a surprise 70th birthday party for my Mama on Friday night and she was so surprised!!! Her friend of 48 years even surprised her by coming up for the party and boy was she surprised!!!

And these are a few more pictures from our visit!!

My beautiful nieces Christy and Carrie

My sweet nephew Bobby

Me, my mama, and sister’s Lisa and Stacey

My mom and great nephew Austin

Lee with 4 of our kids…April, Lee, Mark, Ashley and Victoria

Lee with his son Mark and his wife Sarah

GiGi with Tuff

Ashley with our sweet nephew Jayden

My niece Christy and her boyfriend Jason

My newest great nephew Jayden

One Year!! Harrison’s Gotcha Day!

2010-11-14T05:37:00.001-08:00

Harrison, today it has been one year since God blessed our family with the privilege of you being a part of our lives. I don’t even know how to explain in words how you have blessed our family! You have been such a fun little boy and it amazes me how much you are so much like your mama! You are such a fun little boy to be around! My favorite thing is when I walk in the room and you run with your arms wide open and jump into my arms and lay your head on my shoulder with that big sweet smile on your face. I don’t think you even know yet what that does to my heart!! Harrison, don’t ever forget that you are such a special blessing to all of us and we love you to the moon and back.

I love you sweet boy! and I am so excited to be able to be your MeMe and to be a part of your life!!

Happy Candy Day

2010-11-03T04:49:00.001-07:00

This is a little late but I have been really busy the last few days and haven’t really felt that great either, so here goes…..

Our little town celebrated Halloween on Saturday night since it was actually on a Sunday. I personally like that better because I like my Sunday’s to be lazy and relaxing so I can be ready for my Monday. So we went over to my daughter’s house so I could give out candy for her while she took Tuff trick or treating. Well it didn’t quite work that way since there were no trick or treaters!! So we all took off to go to the middle of our little town where everyone who is everyone goes to trick or treat. This is sorta like our main street but it’s called College Street. They block off the road on each end and you have to find parking which isn’t too hard, and then you take off with your kiddos and walk. The street is not very long at all and it’s so nice because there is not traffic to worry about. You see everybody you know and everybody is stopping to talk and admire all the costumes. So I am really glad we went and I am hoping we can make this a tradition for the little ones.

The cousins…Tuff is in love with Ada

Ada was a sweet little Fairy

and Tuff was a scary Scarecrow

Tuff and Ada loved loved loved all the excitement and Tuff caught on real quick like what his candy bucket was used for and he just went up every sidewalk and got his candy and just kept on walking. I was surprised since he doesn’t like to much chaos where strangers are involved. Ada was just amazed at all the people and she loved being outside at night. I don’t think she really knew exactly why we were out there but she was all into it.

My Harrison was not able to make it to go with us since his daddy’s work had a Fall Carnival and that’s where he was so no pictures yet of him in his sock monkey costume.

Both boys have been sick. Harrison has bronchitis and Tuff has a severe sinus infection and Ada had tubes put in her ears yesterday. Boy the sickness is starting early this year. I don’t remember my kids getting sick so much when they were little and my Mom said that we were never sick. It must be something in the air now days.

Hope everyone has a great week!

Part 2 Pumpkin Patch In Pictures

2010-10-24T16:48:00.001-07:00

Pumpkin Patch Sneak Peak

2010-10-23T12:44:00.001-07:00

Today we all headed out to a pumpkin patch in our area. All except hubby, he had to work of course. So Tuff was quit the grumpy little boy since he didn’t get his morning nap. He finally started getting a little happier when we ready to leave. Harrison was just a busy little man and I couldn’t get him to stop long enough to get a good picture. And Ada was chillin along for the ride.

We had a good time even though it was only suppose to be 80 degrees today it was a little warm in the non-shaded areas.

This is Harrison, Jayce and Tuff riding around in the wagon. That didn’t last too long because they were ready to get out and explore on their own.

Ms. Ada and Mama

Harrison and Mama

Tuff at the potato sack race that we didn’t do

I think Harrison loved these little baby kittens

Aunt Tori lovin on Tuff

Ms. Ada with her Nana

Ms. Ada posing for the camera

April and Ashley did get some more pictures of me with all three grandbabies and some of them by themselves so I will do another post on those. My camera batteries decided to go dead so this is as far as I got.

The Love Bug Has Hit Our Family

2010-10-20T18:53:00.001-07:00

This past Sunday my Mother-in-law married her love, Ray. She has been “single” for about 5 years now and has been living in the retirement apartments in our little town. She wasn’t looking to find love but it seems God sent it her way out of the blue. So she kind of kept her new love a secret from us for a month or so and then she finally came clean. Well, we all really like Ray and he has just brought so much happiness to my mother-in-law. As you can see in this picture….

So my daughter April, put together a sweet little wedding with the help of Ray’s daughter Missy, and my sister-in-law, Melissa.

So after an afternoon of celebrating they took off for a ride in the limo.

Here is a few more pictures of the big day.

and this is all of our crazy family…….we were all cracking up at something Ray said!! We did get a more serious pose but I thought this would be fun to post since this is the way we are most of the time anyway!

So congratulations Mom on a happy life full of love and laughter, you deserve it!!

Finally

2010-10-15T12:35:00.001-07:00

There has been a murder suspect on the loose in my hometown, Clay Hill, FL for 5 days now and they finally caught him. I’m pretty sure from what the news media is saying(if they got it right this time) that he is dead. There apparently was a shoot off between the suspect and the police. This has all been happening right within a few miles from my mom and sisters live. He apparently on Monday, killed his brother and his brothers friend and shot both of his parents who are going to be ok. This has been crazy. I hate being so far away from my family when something like this has happened. Not that I could really do anything to protect them it’s just you never know. This world is really getting so dangerous! It’s sad that we can’t feel safe in our own homes.

Boy or Girl?

2010-10-13T09:41:00.001-07:00

My baby sister went for her ultrasound this morning. She has to see a high risk OB in addition to her regular OB because of her age so she was able to find out the sex of the baby a little early. So is it a boy or girl?????

IT’s A BOY!!!!

They will name him Waylon Beau or Beau Waylon. They haven’t decided which name will come first yet. We are all so excited since she has waited so long to have a baby.

And, has anyone ever been to a Tastefully Simple party???? Well, I went to one last night and I LOVED all of their spices, dips, bread and even their few deserts they have. I will be having a party of my own next month. I was so impressed with the little out-of-pocket cost and also they provide the kit with all the spices and mixes needed. We got to sample about 10 different dips, sauces, breads, and even a Carrot Cake Crispy Cheese Ball!! Which was actually really good. It was all very yummy and I look forward to having a party!

Stella and Dot Giveaway!!

2010-10-11T17:57:00.001-07:00

Megan over at, in this wonderful life, is hosting a Stella and Dot Giveaway for some awesome earrings. So hop on over if you are in need of some new fabulous earrings and leave her a comment and/or blog about for your chance to win.

Oh Happy Day!!

2010-10-03T04:57:00.001-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS JORDAN, ASHLEY AND TUFF!!

Yesterday our baby girl married her high school sweetheart! It was a beautiful day and a beautiful ceremony. Our Uncle David and Aunt Bonnie graciously loaned their home for the big day!

The desert table

The weather was just beautiful until the wind picked up and all the candles had to be relit! The scenery was perfect!

It was a little bright at this time of day but the ceremony was right before it was dark. We think we should have started about 30 minutes before but it turned out perfect. This is the arch that Ashley and Jordan stood under.

The Bride and Groom

The beautiful Bride

The Bride and Son

The Father of the Bride

The Bride and her sisters, April, Tori and BreeAnn

The fabulous coordinator, Sister of the Bride! Thank you April for all your hard work that you did for your sisters big day! I love you!

A big thank you to BreeAnn for singing (Blessed, by Martina) while the mothers were escorted down!

And a really BIG thank you to Tori for helping with Harrison while April and Brandon were getting things underway.

And Ashleys sweet friend Ashley, for literally “getting her makeup on”.

And Kelly did an AMAZING job with her hair. Which for some crazy reason I did not get a picture of!! I can’t believe I didn’t get a picture of the them.

Now just because this is my blog and I love my grandbabies!

Tuff was not feeling well. He had been running a low grade fever for a few days so he wasn’t into the whole wedding business. So therefore, getting pictures with him smiling was impossible.

Harrison was all over the place!! He loves being outside so he was running all around and loved his mamas bouquet!

And our little Butter Bean (Ada) all decked out in fall colors. She slept through almost the whole ceremony!

So we all had a great time celebrating with the new Bride and Groom!!!

7 Days!

2010-09-25T05:37:00.001-07:00

That’s right!! 7 more days and my second daughter will be marrying her high school sweetheart! Her and Jordan started dating when Ashley was in high school and now they will making the lifelong commitment. Jordan has always been a part of our family and we are excited that he and Ashley are finally taking the plunge!

They are having a small ceremony at our Aunt and Uncles house at sunset! There will lots of candlelight, fallish decor, family and a few friends followed by cake. The weather should feel fabulous and that calls for a much more comfortable ceremony.

Wish me luck as I go out today to find a dress for the occasion since I am not much of a dress person this should be interesting!

On Overload

2010-09-21T18:53:00.001-07:00

It seems like our family has been overloaded with sickness!! First my sister being diagnosed with MS, then my baby sister has been on bed rest on and off for the last two weeks with some minor (we hope) complications with her pregnancy, my brother-in-law has been sick again, hubby’s cousin has been diagnosed with progressive breast cancer at the young age of 38, and now my sweet mother-in-law is in the hospital having tests run. We will know the results of my MIL’s tests tomorrow. I know there are so many more people out in this world that are worse off but geez so many things at one time has put my mind on overload!! Please pray for my family to get through these hard times.

On a happy note: My sweet MIL has a new “friend” in her life and I don’t think I have seen her happier! He is such a nice man and we look forward to getting to know him better. He has been by her side through all the craziness that’s been going on and I couldn’t thank him enough! My MIL deserves to have happiness in her life and it makes my heart happy.

I have been homesick lately and I’m sure a lot of it has to do with all that my sister’s are going through. Of course missing my mama has some to do with it to since I am just a little bit of a mama’s girl! HA! Anyway, not sure when I will be getting down to visit but I always have a phone!

Hope everyone has a great week!

Keep Calm Giveaway!

2010-09-20T07:12:00.001-07:00

Megan over at http://www.inthiswonderfullife.com/ is hosting a giveaway for these Keep Calm prints that she has displayed in her home. You can see them here at http://www.etsy.com/shop/KeepCalmShop.

So head on over and leave a comment on her blog for your chance to win one. And if you blog about it and leave another comment on her blog to let her know that you blogged about it that will give you a second chance to win.

My favorite one is the Keep Calm and Drink Coffee. Yep! Since I love me some coffee that would be the first one I chose. The second one I love is the Keep Calm and Read On and the third one I would choose is the Keep Calm and Love On!!

Good Luck!

Baby Sister and Big Sister

2010-09-17T13:24:00.001-07:00

My baby sister Stacey, is expecting her first baby in March. She is 12 weeks pregnant and we are all so excited!!! She has had a few days where she has been spotting and it gave us all a scare. But she has had 2 ultrasounds in the past week and it shows baby is doing just fine!!! Baby is bouncing around in there having a ball while all of us have been worrying. We are so glad all is fine. We all know getting past the first trimester is the first goal and after that it’s usually smooth sailing. We are praying for a smooth pregnancy and Mama and baby are healthy. My sister is at the age where she will be seeing a High Risk OB just because of her age. She should start going the High Risk OB next month. I have never had to go to an additional doctor so I don’t really know what all that entails. My sister did say they would be doing genetics testing and some other tests. I guess we will find out next month.

Please pray that her pregnancy will continue to go smoothly and for her and baby’s good health.

My big sister Lisa, had her doctors appointment this past Tuesday to get the results from her Spinal Tap that she had done. This test was the last test her doctor wanted her to have done to rule out one last possibility. Which was Lupus. The good news is that she does not have Lupus which also confirms the other bad news of the doctors suspicion of Multiple Schlerosis. Which really isn’t much better news but we are glad to finally have a name to all the pain that she has been going through. So this is what she is going to have to live with for the rest of her life. This is sad news for our family but certainly it is something that can be treated (Not cured). There is no cure for this disease and the treatment that she has chosen to start using is suppose to prolong the disease not heal any damage that has already been done (mainly her limping on her leg). So she has chosen Copaxone which is a daily injection and this is suppose to help with any numbness, dizziness, gait disorder (balance). We are going to have faith that this medication will help prolong this disease.

Just a little information that is encouraging to me is that country music singer, Clay Walker has MS and has had it for 13 years. He has been taking Copaxone since he was diagnosed and so far has not had any relapses. I think that’s great news!! This doesn't mean that this medication will do the same for my sister since everyone’s body is different. But it’s something to hang on to right now.

Thank you all for praying for my family. I will update more when I know more about how she is doing on her medicine.

A Big Update (Length Wise)

2010-09-10T18:54:00.001-07:00

Lots of things to update on so I hope you will just hang on tight cause it's a long one!!!!

First:

I'm so excited that my baby sister, Stacey is going to have a BABY!!!! YAY! We are all so excited!! This will be her first baby and I will say that it's about time! We have all been waiting for her to have a baby. So congratulations to my baby sis and we are praying her pregnancy goes by without any complications!! And I think she is having a girl because I keep saying "she"!! I guess we will see if I'm right or wrong in a few months. I will keep you posted.

Second:

My older sister, Lisa is still waiting on the results from her spinal tap. She is now on medical leave from work since her doctor put some really strict restrictions on her and her job said they couldn't accommodate her with those restrictions. Hopefully she will start getting her treatments and she will be able to go back to work by October 1st!! So if you will keep her in your prayers that would be great.

Third:

Also, the little girl that I asked for prayers for is now home but she is still struggling. Her family is struggling to give her some quality of life while she is healing from all the surgeries she has had in the last few months. Her liver is not functioning well and they are waiting on news of a medication that will make a big impact on her liver. Please keep Ashley Adams and her family in your prayers.

And Finally:

Well, I guess I need to update on what's been going on around MeMe's lately.....
On the grandbaby note, Harrison, Tuff and Ada are growing way to fast!! I cannot believe how fast time goes.

Harrison is now 21 months old and is saying all kinds of words! Well all kinds of words EXCEPT MeMe!!! Now how hard can that be???? I have worked with him from day one on saying MeMe but he always says Mama!!! Go figure! But he does love his MeMe. I love when he comes in every morning and runs straight to me to pick him up and he lays his head on my shoulder and says "aweee"!!! It makes me tear up to just think about it. We are so lucky to have this little person in our lives. And I like to think that he is just as lucky. I sure do love him. Harrison is such a busy little boy but he also loves to be cuddled! He is now saying, Papa all the time, I ask him to say Nana when she was over yesterday and he says "Nana"!! Just like he's been saying it forever!! I guess he will say MeMe when he's ready. He and Tuff had a nasty virus a few weeks ago and he was the sickest I have seen him. His fever got up to 103 while he was here and it scared me to death! The doctor says it was viral. Well I have never heard of a viral infection that causes blisters in the back of the throat. I tell you, those boys were miserable!

Tuff is now almost 14 months old and he is a little lover!!! He loves to love on Ada! He's not real cuddly and he can be quite stingy with his kisses but he will walk by Ada all day and lean over to kiss her. He learned to throw a ball a while back and now he wants to throw everything! He and Harrison have learned to turn our tv on and off and this goes on off and on all day...Drives me nuts!!! Now Tuff is definetely a Papa's boy. He follows him around all day and Papa has been taking him on a few little outings and Tuff is lovin it! Tuff has been going to our High School football games to watch his cousin play and I think he is really lovin that!

Ada is 3 1/2 months old and she is our little Butter Bean! I started calling her that because she is such a chubby little girl and when she smiles her face looks like a fat little butter bean! She is now smiling all the time, holding her head up so good and she likes to be sitting straight up!!! No more holding her like a baby! Ada hasn't rolled over yet and I'm pretty sure that is due to her being so chunky. Her laugh is so cute and I right now I would have to say she is a MeMe's girl! Papa says that will change since she is now with us in the mornings when he is here so we will see! She has been fighting ear infections and has now completed her 3rd antibiotic! She will go back today to see if they have cleared completely up. She has been eating 6 ozs. and acts like she is starving in 3 hours. So I gave her 7 ozs and she ate that right up. She spits up all the time!! I mean from the time she eats right up until her next feeding! The doctor says some babies are just spit up babies!! You would think with all the technology there is these days they could find something to help. She weighed 15 pounds at 15 oz.

UPDATE: Ada’s left ear is still no better than 6 weeks ago!! Now on to her 4TH antibiotic! If it doesn’t clear up after this round of meds then it’s off to an ENT. I personally think this has been going on way too long!! I just hope there will be no damage in her ear.

Sometimes Life Throws You A Curve Ball

2010-08-26T05:08:00.000-07:00

Yep!, sometimes God throws something at us that we just don't know how to deal with. My older sister, Lisa has been undergoing some tests for some medical problems she has been having for sometime now. This has been going on for some years and now after several MRI's to rule out stroke, cancer, tumor the doctor is "almost" 100% sure she has MS (multiple sclerosis). What? How did this happen? How do we deal with this? What is gonna happen now? How is it treated? Can it even be treated? What is MS? All of these questions are things that I don't know the answer to. What I do know is that our God does not throw any curve balls at us that we can't handle. We may think we can't handle them but He puts us through these trials to bring us closer to Him. Sometimes I think it does the exact opposite for some. I am praying that my sister will have faith in Him and let Him guide her in what He has in store for her.

I have done some research on the Internet and now know that MS attacks the CNS (Central Nervous System) in our brain, neck and spine. My sister has been dealing with symptoms of MS for 6 years or more and we didn't even know it. She was told she had Restless Leg Syndrome and that is what her doctor has been treating her for. Just in the last 6 months or so has the symptoms gone from her leg hurting only at night to going numb during the day, no balance, dizziness, blurred vision, numbing and tingling in her hands. So finally she went to see a Neurologist and this is what he has concluded. He still wants to do a spinal tap on Monday to rule out Lupus but he said he is almost positive she has MS. So he puts her on light duty at work and her employer sends her home until further paperwork is provided by her doctor. Don't know if that is the way it is suppose to work. But until her doctor provides this paperwork she is not allowed to return to work. My sister is devastated! Not just about this disease but she has always worked and worked hard. She feels guilty, she feels hopeless. Their financial situation is not the greatest and she is the sole bread winner. Her husband is out of work due to several strokes and is in the process of applying for disability. Not an easy task dealing with Social Security.

I have always been pretty close to both of my sisters. We have always gotten along pretty well, except you know we were normal sisters and had our disagreements growing up. We have a crazy family and it definitely gets chaotic when we are all together but I wouldn't have it any other way. This news has been hard on me just for the fact that our family has always been pretty healthy. No big surgeries, disabilities, diseases, etc. So for our family to have something like this come up is definitely going to be challenging. Oh we will gather around and love and support her any way we can. That's just how we roll.

So if you will pray for our my family that He will show us how to deal with this disease, for faith, for love, for peace for my sister and her family. And also, the little girl I have asked for prayers for has now been moved closer to home so her dad and sister and brother can visit more. She is not doing well. Her family almost lost her last week but our God didn't mean for her to leave this earth. She is still on a ventilator but hoping she will be able to come off of that soon so continued prayers for her would be great.

I hope everyone has a blessed day:)

Woo Hoo!!! Win An Ipad

2010-08-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

If you would like the chance to win an Ipad or a few other great prizes check out Ebates for lots of savings plus a chance to win. All you have to do is click on the link http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=57%2BYKu051WoZchBKNIewlg%3D%3D sign up by giving your email address and enter a password and not only will you get the chance to win some great prizes but you can save by shopping at your favorite stores online by receiving cash back for purchases. It's pretty exciting to think about earning a little cash back for savings, college funds, vacations, or just a plain ole emergency fund!

Good Luck!!!

A Long Awaited Guest!!

2010-08-09T09:39:00.000-07:00

This was us way back when.....

and this is us now.....

My cousin Snooge came to see me this past weekend and we had a great time catching up with each other and what has been going on in our lives. It's been about 4 years since we have seen each other so we were really excited about our weekend. She flew in on Friday and from the minute we met at the terminal we talked nonstop. Now Snooge is not her real name but to me it's all I know. Her real name is Vonda but I have and always will call her Snooge. I know she doesn't care and deep down it's really sentimental to her that I am the only one that ever uses that nickname.

Snooge has such a sweet spirit inside and out! She has 3 children and a dog named Petey!! Oh and she does have a husband too.!!

Now we have some doozy's of some memories of when were little!! I will share one that I know that I will never forget.

We went to the YMCA during the day while my Aunt worked and we took swimming lessons, tennis, and other various activities. So one day we decided to walk across the street to this strip mall and walk around. Snooge calls her mom and says "mom can we walk around?" and my Aunt says "that's fine". Little did my Aunt know that Snooge meant around the whole town of Statesboro!!!! Snooge had me walking from one side of town to the other. We went by her Uncle's house, then we headed to the mall and tried on everything they had in the junior's dept. then we decided we would just walk on to my Aunt's work so she wouldn't have to pick us up. Well about a mile from the mall my Aunt drives by us walking on this busy 4 lane hwy and turns around and comes to pick us up and of course we were given the wrath!!!! But then the tables turned on my poor Aunt. We turned at the next red light and a cop pulls us over!!!! He wants to know why my Aunt was picking up 2 young girls off the side of the road!!! We admitted that we did in fact belong to her and he let us go on our mary way!!!

You see, my cousin has always been such a free spirit and was never scared of anything. I would have never done something that crazy since I was always the paranoid one. That was just one of many special memories that we have.

When we were very young I would go and stay every summer with her and her family. They lived in a house in Georgia that sits on the banks of the Ogeechee River and shaped like a stop sign on stilts and very small. But I thought that was the neatest thing. My Aunt Voncile (her mom) treated me like her own and still does to this day!!

It was a short visit but we made the best of it by eating, a little shopping and of course we stayed up late into the night with lots of talking, laughing and a few times there were almost a few tears. Next summer I will be flying down to Florida for a week and we are going to take a short trip down to Key West!! I can't wait. I have always wanted to go and she lived there for 2 years so she knows the ins and outs of the island. We are gonna try and keep this visiting up to at least twice a year.

Please Pray

2010-07-30T16:20:00.000-07:00

I am asking that all my bloggy friends be in prayer tonight for the little girl I mentioned in my previous post. Ashley Kate is having her infected bowel removed tonight and this could end up being very fatal for her. If you want to read about her story go to http://ashleyadamsjournal.blogspot.com/. My heart is breaking for this family tonight and they could use all the prayer warriors they can get. Thank you so much.

Comment Contest and A Prayer Request

2010-07-27T15:50:00.000-07:00

Well, I will have to say that I am really enjoying the Comment Contest that Jenna, from http://jennasjourneyblog.blogspot.com/ has going on this week. It not only gave me the opportunity to meet some awesome new bloggy friends, but it has encouraged me to comment on some of my favorite blogs that I visit often!! Several of the comments that I got were that people couldn't believe that we have 3 grand babies!! What a compliment!!!

Anyway, there is a blog that I have followed since I started blogging that is about this sweet little girl that had a bowel transplant when she was born. Her name is Ashley Kate and she has had to fight almost her whole 5 years of life for her little body not to reject her transplanted bowel. She has spent alot of her years in and out of the hospital to fight for her bowel. She is an amazing young girl with alot of fight in her!! and although I don't know her personally I can tell from her "journal" that she has so much love for life and her family!!! Well now she is in the biggest fight of her short life!!! She is now in the hospital with her bowel in rejection and her transplant team are now just waiting to see if her bowel will heal after the horrible, painful treatment she has recieved. I am asking that you would join me and many others in prayer for this sweet girl and her family.

If you would like to read her story and join me in prayer, you can go here, http://ashleyadamsjournal.blogspot.com/.

I hope everyone has a blessed day:)

Spreading The Love

2010-07-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody!!! Jenna, over at http://jennasjourneyblog.blogspot.com/, is hosting a commenting contest starting tomorrow!! So tomorrow anyone who is excited and up for a challenge, we bloggers are going to comment on 10 blogs each day for a week!! I think this is a great idea since I am kinda a blog lurker without leaving a comment. I don't know why I don't comment often but I think this just may give me an incentive to leave some love on some great blogs!! If you wanna join then just click on Jenna's link above and hope on comment train!! LOL.

Hope everyone has a great and blessed day!!!

The Birthday Boy

2010-07-20T12:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Happy 1 Year Birthday Tuff

Harrison enjoying his cupcake!

Before opening gifts

A little bit of cousin love!!

He loves his new jammies....I think!

Playing with all his new toys

We celebrated Tuff's birthday on July 17th since his actual birthday was during the week.

It was so crazy that we didn't even get pics with MeMe and Papa or his mom and dad. It was so hot out that we all stayed inside so there was alot going on and it just slipped our minds to get those pictures. So by the time singing happy birthday and cake time came around Tuff was done. He didn't want any part of his cake! But that was ok since he was the Birthday Boy after all.

Family

2010-07-19T09:18:00.000-07:00

FAMILY

Almost all of my family from Florida arrived for the 4th of July weekend!!!

My mom (GiGi to the great grand babies) meeting Harrison for the first time. She has met Tuff when he was just 4 weeks old last summer.

We celebrated my MIL's birthday on Friday the 2nd at Logan's Steakhouse.

Me and my Mom

Me and Tori

My niece Carrie

My daughter Ashley and Jordan

GiGi reading to Harrison

I love this picture!!! I call it 2 Gentlemen and A Lady!! LOL

Cousins getting acquainted!! Harrison, Austin and Tuff

My sister Lisa with her daughter's, L: Carrie R: Christy

We took a trip to Fall Creek Falls for the day.

My sister Lisa with her husband Bobby. This was his first trip to Tennessee and he loved it!

My niece Christy with her boyfriend Jason and their son Austin

Some enjoying the cold water!!! It was sooo hot!

GiGi with Harrison

Tuff chillin on the picnic table

GiGi having a conversation with Austin

My daughter April with husband Brandon and Harrison

My daughter BreeAnn with her boyfriend Will and Ada

Ada

On July 4th we went to a cookout at Aunt Bonnie and Uncle David's. My mom and sister hasn't seen them in a long time so they enjoyed catching up.
Aunt Bonnie and Uncle David in the top left corner.

Tuff and Harrison wanting what the other has! Ha!

This is my all time favorite picture of Harrison!!! I love how you can see all the splashes of water.

On Monday the 5th, all my family headed back home to Florida except my mom. She stayed with me for 2 weeks and I have to say I really enjoyed having her here. At first I thought she may get overwhelmed since I have all 3 grand babies during the week now. But I think she really enjoyed herself. I will tell you, she can work circles around me!!! She will be 70 years old this year and she cracked the whip on me and helped me do alot of work around the house that needed to be done. We bleached and sprayed down the siding on my whole house. Cleaned windows, bleached my deck, trimmed trees and she hauled all the limbs to the burn pile!! I am so glad my mom can still do these things. I miss her and my family so much already!

We had Tuff's Birthday Party on the 17th and I will post pics on that soon.

Hope everyone has a blessed day!!

2 DAYS LATE!!!

2010-07-16T19:00:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe I did not post about Tuff's 1st birthday on his actual birthday!!! This is my very first MeMe blooper!

Tuff, on July 14, 2009, you came into the world and our lives have not been the same since!! You have brought so much JOY and LOVE and HAPPINESS into our hearts. I count my blessings everyday for you. You have the funniest little personality, with the prettiest, biggest brown eyes that will melt any one's heart! You are a big boy, weighing in at 24 lbs 7 oz and you get to turn your car seat around!!! I know this will make you happy. You are the light of your PaPa's life and your Papa is (one) of the lights of your life. You are walking and even almost running. You have 2 teeth and you are really starting to give out those sweet kisses more often. You love playing with you cousin's Harrison and Ada at MeMe and PaPa's everyday!

I hope you have a great time at your birthday party tomorrow (July 17th). I know you probably won't remember the party itself but don't worry, there will be plenty of pictures so you will have these memories when you are older.

I love you so much sweet boy. Happy 1st Birthday!!

My Cup Runneth Over

2010-06-16T07:45:00.001-07:00

I have been extra busy these past few weeks with kids, grand babies, doctor appts. etc and now it's time for an update. I thought I would update what each of my sweet grand babies have been up to.

Harrison is just really starting to show his personality so much more (if that's possible). He is now walking walking and walking up a storm. He is just so adorable since he is so small still. He is saying awe eee.. (if that's a word, but I guess it is to him) Mama, Dada, bye bye, Hey. He is also learning lots of new "signs" such as, more and all done. He is such a sweet little guy with his own agenda and he has no problem letting us all know who is boss. He is definitely a mama's boy and a MeMe's boy. He loves for me to sit and cuddle with him and I love it!!!

Harrison was watching the Victoria get off the big yellow school bus!

Memorial day Harrison wanted to push the pink stroller.

Tuff has now started walking and is still wobbly but he is determined in with his mission. He is saying Mama, Dada, Papa (just this morning). He loves to throw a ball and he knows he is very good at it. I am still working on him saying MeMe which hasn't happened yet but I am very positive it is soon coming. Unfortunately he is a full blown Papa's boy and when Papa is around he doesn't really come to me that often. He is giving out kisses and the other day decided he wanted to to give his cousin Ada some kisses. He wouldn't even give his mama kisses because he was giving them all to Ada. He tried to share his paci with Ada too and I had to explain to him that his paci was to big for her. LOL

Tuff driving the cozy car on Memorial Day

Ada is growing so fast!!! She is now 9 pds 6 oz. as of last Thursday (at 3 weeks). She is eating 5 oz. and is just a sweet content little girl. We love to dress her and put bows on her. She is having an issue with her bone that meets her hip socket and we have had to double diaper her for a few weeks. She will be going to see and Orthopedic tomorrow to make sure it is connecting? the way they want it to. She is now staying awake for several hours at a time and just sits and looks around. She loves to be outside in her swing or bouncy. We think her eyes are going to be blue since they are getting a lighter blue each day.

I think Ms. Ada is so sweet in purple

Tuff giving away his kisses to Ada

Victoria has been going back and forth between home and a friends house so I guess she is out of that stage where she doesn't want to be away from home. I guess that comes with age. She is still 12 goin on 30 but she is growing into a beautiful young lady and also is getting fonder of the boys! EEECH!!!

My family will be coming up on July 1st to spend a long weekend with us. And by family, I mean ALL my family including sisters, brother in law, nieces, nephews and great nephews. So we will have a packed house for a few days. I am so looking forward to our visit since it has been a while since they have been up to see us.

I have several projects that my moms friend, Rick, is going to help us with so I am excited about that. Including hanging my new Chandy that I got for Mother's Day. We are going to put up a mail box since we have a PO box and it's been about 11 years since we have had one.

Well that's about all that's been going on for the past few weeks.

Family Reunion Highlights

2010-06-04T11:16:00.000-07:00

Our Family Reunion was awesome. We all had such a great time visiting and getting to catch on what each of us have been up to for the last umpteen years!! In my previous post I posted pics of days gone by...So I wanted to post some pics in this post that are of recent days. The brothers and sisters of my dads family has definitely dwindled down.

This is last of my dads siblings. Left to right, Oldest to youngest, Aunt Nita who is 81 years old and such a sweetheart, my Uncle Charles who is 78 years old, my dad who is 70 years old, Aunt Joann, Uncle Richard and the youngest Uncle Jerry.

Aunt Nita and Uncle Charles - the 2 oldest

My dad, me far left, my sister Lisa and Little Sis Stacey on right

My dad with all of his kids, 4 granddaughters, and 2 great grandsons

Aunt Nita and my cousin Kelly going down memory lane....we all the best time looking at old photos that alot of family brought.

Cousins, getting caught up on each others lives. Left to right, cousin Ann, my sister Lisa, cousin Jen, and cousin Roseanna

2nd cousins meeting for the first time. Tuff and Austin

Me and my Aunt Voncile. This lady is so very special to me. Some of my most treasured childhood memories is my summers spent with her and my cousin. My cousin Snooge in the previous post was not able to attend this year but we are planning a girls weekend with our 2 girls at the end of July.

Cousins starting to create their own memories

and of course the food was yummy!!!

and of course my crew was at the boiled peanut table for the remainder of the afternoon until, of course, the boiled peanuts were no more.

We are already in the planning process for our next reunion which will be held on Memorial Day weekend and we are all looking forward to it.

Family

2010-05-26T13:54:00.000-07:00

Family

My PawPaw and Granny Williams. This is my dads side of the family.

Our FamilyMy dad, mom, sister Lisa (standing), and me (my dad is holding me)

This is me

Me and my older sister Lisa

My older sister, Lisa on the left, our little sister, Stacey in the middle and me on the right.

Does anyone go to their family reunions every year??? Well we are having our first family reunion this weekend with my dad's side. It has been many years since we have had a reunion with the Williams side of my family. So we cousin's got together via Facebook and got the ball rolling on a reunion that we are all so excited about. I don't know if any of you lose contact with cousins, aunts, uncles etc. that you were close with when you were young and then to be reunited and start reminiscing about the days gone by. But I have been able to reconnect with a lot of my cousins through Facebook and we have had a ball going down memory lane with comments, posting old pics and telling about funny pranks that were played. It has really gotten me thinking about my kids and grandchildren and how I really want them to know a part of my heritage and maybe they can carry on this tradition. We are gonna try and plan a reunion once a year and probably it will be around Memorial Day since this has been the time that most everyone is available.

This is me on left and my cousin "Snooge" (her real name is Vonda) who I spent all summer with most summers until I was about 15.

My dad in the back row far left with all his brother's and my pawpaw in the back middle

The lady on the stool was the heart of this family, my Granny Williams as I called her. With her daughters.

I am really excited about seeing my cousins that I hung with when I was young. Then to get to hear all the stories that my aunts and uncles will tell will sure to have everyone sitting quietly and waiting to hear what happens next. I want my children and grandchildren to be able to sit around and tell about their extended family and to be able to carry on those memories when we as parents are gone.

Thursday's Baby, Ada LeeAnn Parker

2010-05-22T04:36:00.000-07:00

Miss Ada was Thursday's Baby at the hospital. The hospital honors the first baby born at the beginning of their week. So she got to have her first TV debute when she was not even a day old. They treated her to a photo shoot and she was on the news. I did this video with my camera. She is the second baby on the video!

Ada LeeAnn Has Arrived!!!

2010-05-20T17:34:00.000-07:00

Ada LeeAnn Parker

I love how she pokes out her bottom lip. She already has us all wrapped!!!!

At 12:55 am today, May 20, 2010 weighing in at 8 pounds 2 ounces and 20 3/4 inches long Miss Ada came into the world. The delivery went well except for the epidural wore off right when it was time to start pushing but thankfully it only took 45 min. and everyone is healthy!!! The pediatrician said she was in excellent health. Ada was the first baby to be born on the first day of the hospitals work week so she is Thursday Baby. Which means she will be on the news tonight, had a photo shoot and will be in the local paper. She is already pretty famous in our eyes and now she will be even more famous! Ha!

BreeAnn did such a GREAT job with her labor considering she did experience ALOT of the pain due to Ada deciding to turn face up while BreeAnn labored so that called for lots and lots of lower back labor. But she was so brave through it all and her labor last about 6 hours. Dad was a trooper also, I think he was more nervous than BreeAnn and he is just overjoyed.

Now I can't not post pics of Ada with her MeMe and Papa since my blog is named MeMe's Ink. After all, my blog is all about family and being a fulltime MeMe. Can you tell I'm a little proud with that cheesy grin?

Proud Aril, Aunt Ashley, and Aunt Tori

It's Great Being A MeMe!!

2010-05-11T12:34:00.000-07:00

Well, lets just say I'm in trouble with one of my daughters. She has informed me that I need to post more often than every other month. Oh and to stay OFF Facebook. Ha!!! It's not that I don't have anything to write about because I do. It's just by the time my grand babies leave I am just ready to relax and do nothing!!! Ha. Anyway, life around our house is definitely busy, fun, and interesting. I have Tuff every day during the week and Harrison comes once or twice a week.

Boogs is here to help during the day, which helps since these babies love their papa. Also, with BreeAnn due anytime now and trying to go to doctors appts. with her it's getting really interesting. Our little Ada will be here anytime now. She is technically due on May 26th but as you know babies have minds of their own so it could be any day.

We did get her nursery finished this past weekend and I think it turned out so precious! It is definitely a room for a princess. I think Tuff and Harrison are going to love her to death. (eventually!! Ha!!) WE will see.

My days are so full now and I wouldn't have it any other way. I look forward to seeing these boys everyday. Victoria is a really big help when she gets home in the afternoon and Tuff and Harrison just love her to death.
I have been sick a lot since Easter along with my Boogs. I had a 4 day stomach virus during Easter then 2 weeks ago I come down with a sinus infection and then my ears were clogged and then I ended up with a Stye!!! Go figure!! Anyway, after 2 rounds of antibiotics I am finally getting over all this sickness.
Ashley and Jordan bought a house and they have been so generous to host our last 2 family get togethers there which has been really nice. We had mother's Day dinner on Saturday at their house and we really had a great time. And then on Sunday we went to BreeAnn and Will's for a Mother's Day lunch and me and Ada's Nana put the finishing touches on Ada's room. So my weekend was full but great!

I have a few projects to get done around here, since I am done (for now) with some painting projects at Ashley's new house and getting Ada's nursery done, so I hope to start those in a few weeks. I plan on repainting my kitchen along with my kitchen cabinets, painting the spare room and bathroom. So I am going to try and do at least the kitchen before little Miss Ada gets here. Wish me luck!!!

I Am Blessed!!!

2010-05-09T16:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

I hope all the mother's and mother's to be had a wonderful Mother's Day!!! I know I had the best Mother's Day weekend.

My girls are my heart!!! They are just so special to me and all 4 of them have grown into such special young women/mothers.

They each gave me such sweet cards/gifts. They went together and got me a new Chandelier for my dining room. Thank you so much girls....

Me and my girls

This picture is sooooo US!!!! When we try to get pictures as a group, in our family, it is ALWAYS chaotic!!!!

I love the coloring in this picture. I had already changed out of my good clothes into my painting clothes so that's why I am in overalls covered in paint. But I love this pic anyway.

This is Victoria, my 12 year old and she has grown up so fast this past year. I am so proud of her and the young lady she is becoming.

And Happy Mother's Day to my Mother and Mother-in-law....

My mother is my HERO!! I miss her so much every single day and I missed her even more today. I love you mama and I hope you had a Blessed Mother's Day.

And I couldn't ask for a sweeter Mother-in-law....Thank you mom for being there for me and loving me like a daughter. I love you. Happy Mother's Day

BreeAnn's Baby Shower

2010-05-02T15:21:00.000-07:00

We had a baby shower for BreeAnn and Will today to welcome little Ada LeeAnn into the world. Even though she's not here yet she is definetely already loved by many.

The sweet pink gown above left is Ada's gown that she will be wearing home from the hospital.Sisters....April wasn't able to make today due to some minor medical issues going on so we really missed her. The loyal "Fwend", as we call her. This is BreeAnn's bestie, Haley

BreeAnn with Nana

Ashley and BreeAnn

MeMe, Nana (Will's mom) with BreeAnnGreat Nana, MeMe, BreeAnn, Nana, and Granny Table with the guest book along with a picture of Ada's ultrasound.The gift table

Pink cupcakes and thumbprint cookies

This sweet diaper cake complete with a Tutu!!! How fun!! One of BreeAnn's sweet friends mom made this for her.

Nana had these sweet bloomers and bid monogrammed for her first grandchild which is also her first girl. She has 3 boys. Oh boy is she in for it.

My sweet Tuff playing peek a boo with his great Nana

This sweet pail with Ada's name was precious!

Ashley made Ada's name to go above her crib.

We only have about a month to go before Miss Ada makes her appearance into this world and I think we are all ready to welcome her.