MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM MY FAMILY TO YOURS!!

I know I typed this last year at this time, but one of the coolest things about scripture, it never gets old and you learn something everytime you read it!

"The Word became human and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness." John 1:14


Merry Christmas. God is so good!

This time....

This time last year I was single and planning on getting married.

This year I am married and looking forward to our first Christmas as husband and wife. Can't wait for our 2nd Christmas.

Check this scripture out....

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.

Job 8:21

Did you ever think that God gave us the gift of laughter!

I along with 5,000,000 other people will be shopping tonight. I have a list - I have checked it more than twice.

Whew.

Thank you 'Pointes of Praise!


As you know I stepped down from Children's Choir - I miss my kids! Pauline and Diane are doing a great job - they are awesome women of God. Take your kids to choir - they will learn much and a have a lot of fun!

They sang Sunday - and I was so proud of them! They looked adorable and sounded great.

Last night, they invited me to choir - they gave me an awesome plaque and a gift certificate for me and Steve to eat at Chili's.

Thank you so much! I love ya'll!

Still sick.....

I am still sick. Went back to the doctor - I am on my 3rd week of Antibiotics. I can say, that my ears and throat are much much better. No fever! Yeah! I am back at work - playing catch up. With the Christmas and New Years holidays approaching - our deadlines at work push up a day or two - we are booking it!

Whew!

Breaking up is hard to do....

My daughter and her boyfriend have decided to "just be friends."

I'm proud of how Tori handled everything.

After it was done she and I went to the mall - she bought a purse (I call it a suitcase) with her birthday $ - we talked while driving. She told me she was glad she had me for a mom.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING.....

Not quite finished yet-we will finish this weekend.

CHRISTIMAS CARDS...

Done.

BAKING....

I have tried a few "experiments" all have turned out like I hoped - my family has enjoyed the taste testing.

Almost 40 and Strep Throat....

Not a good combination!

I have been sick - and I can't shake this thing. I feel so bluuuuuuuggggggggggggg.

I have been sick for almost 3 weeks now.

Ummm... a lot of updates.....

So sorry! I have been swamped with work. I am exhausted.

Hard decisions...

I have stepped down from Children's Choir. I came to the hard realization - that I was a stumbling block for growth instead of a stepping stone up. It my decision - I have cried a 1000 tears - but now that it is done - I know it was the right decision. The right team is in place. God is good. Crosspointe is an awesome church led by a Godly man! Come visit us.

Work.....

Our company has gone through so many changes. I've had to interview for my job - survived - but my work load has literally tripled. I am exhausted...mentally spent...my brain is fried. But now I am pacing myself. I just like things to be right the first time. And all the new stuff throws me! I know once the dust settles all will be easier - I just wish it would settle soon. My phone never stops ringing. I literally have not had time to read blogs or type. And once at home the last thing I want to do is look at a computer. So my dear cyber and blog friends and family - I will be playing catch-up!

The cool thing! I will soon be working from home two or more days a week. How cool is that? We are working on networking a laptop, phones, etc. The Internet is a wonderful thing.

Tori...

Tori is now 16 and has her permit. Ummm there is not enough medicine in this world to numb this mom while I am taking her out for driving lessons. Ugh!

She has a boyfriend. And has started dating. Ugh. Again... not enough medicine.

We are having a birthday/slumber party here tomorrow night - I will have 10 16 year old girls in this house - again...not enough medicine.

Sam....

He is struggling a bit in school - but we are studying. Of course it is all drama all the time. He could still win the Oscar for best acting.

He still wants to wear Axe cologne. I tell him he will still have to use soap. He looks at me like I am nuts.

He loves our neighborhood. He has tons of friends. Right now they are all into "nerf" guns. They have wars all the time - the other day - I looked out they all had on plastic army helmets and were in the middle of a strategy session!

Friendship....

I still appreciate all my friends. Since marrying - I know the dynamics have changed - but I still cherish them. From those precious friends from years back to those I have become close with just recently.

Momma Mia...

For an early Christmas gift - my boss gave Steve and I tickets to the production at the Memphis Orpheum. It was wonderful!

Gas...

Gas by my office was $1.49 a gallon yesterday. A few short months ago it was $3.89. Go figure.

Election...

My candidate did not win. But I firmly believe we should pray for our President and all our leaders. God is in control.


Thanksgiving...

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. This cook just outdid herself! It was nice being with the kids and Steve for a 4 day weekend.

Christmas....

I will post pictures soon...but we are decorated and it all looks great. And we are in the middle of shopping. (Shopping for Tori and Sam and Steve's three boys-whew 5 kids!)

Marriage...

Still going through those growing pains and bumps. Every one of them I learn something from - the ones that hurt the most are the ones I learn the most from. I knew it wasn't going to be easy -but didn't know it would be this hard. I cling to the love we have for each other..knowing God put us together. Knowing our future is bright and wide open.


I look forward to catching up with everyone. See you in the world of blog!

It's that time....

Tori wants to get her permit soon.

UGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

A funny from Sam....

The other day Sam and Tori were picking at and on each other..typical brother and sister stuff. Tori said "Sam, I do all the chores, I mean, I do everything around the house." And Sam said, without missing a beat.."Well poor Cinderella!"

I laughed and laughed.

Strange thoughts...

1. My son is a bottomless pit - he eats all the time. Geesh!

2. Dirty laundry multiplies itself when we are sleeping at night.

3. The house phone only rings when my daughter is at home. And we never have to answer it.

4. All of our glass glasses have disappeared. We now only have plastic glasses and cups. I have no clue what happened!

5. I could not find one single episode of Law and Order: SVU this weekend. What is up with that?!

6. The season finale of The Closer is on tonight. This has been a great season - I love this show!

7. What was life like before FOX news?

I promise we do buy him clothes and shoes.....


The other day Sam came in from playing outside, he yelled "Mom, Jake's mom gave me some shoes and shirts." (I love hand-me-downs- though soon he will be at the age where he does not!)

I was busy - so I said without looking up from the sink, "that's nice," then he came into my line of vision, I looked him up and down. I was mortified! He had on his shoes - but they were different and one was smaller than the other, his shirt was on inside out, and he was so dirty! (He had been swimming, water gun fighting, playing all day!) Though I know she was just cleaning out a closet - I am beginning to wonder if that was the only reason Sam was the recipient of the goodies - or was she thinking Sam had parents who didn't buy him clothes. I would have!

How funny!

(Thanks to Jake's mom! We appreciate it!)

Chores...


My son said this to me this morning as I was going over his "chore" list. "Mom, you just come up with chores and stuff for us to do - because you won't have to do anything."


I could only say...."you got it!"

Moving......

Our offices are moving. I am working in the middle of packed boxes, supplies, files, and if you know me....you know it is all driving me crazy. I don't cope well with disorganization-a HUGE understatement.

I will have a nicer office - with windows! I will be able to see outside. I have been scoping the new area for lunch and shopping spots. :)

Change. Change is a good thing - keeps me sharp and on my toes. I have a lot to learn in the upcoming weeks - it will all be a challenge. I hope I am up to it!

Children's Choir Update......

This Wednesday night I went back to the basics of children's choir. Give 'em props and they will sing. So true. (I am mad at myself for forgetting this!) We all had a blast. The kids sang and moved - and sounded great. Our itty-bitties (4 year olds) were so tired toward the end - they were falling asleep. We made cards for our children's director, ate Popsicles (no one likes yellow), sang, moved, danced, sang and....trust me when I say.... I passed out once I got home.

I have always taught choir on Sunday nights, so Wednesday night is proving to be a challenge - mainly to get there on time from work-I don't even have time to pick my kids up for church!
And to have the energy and right attitude to do and give my best - I don't believe in doing things halfway. Pray for me and the whole team on this!

So, if you are reading this blog and you have hula hoops, empty coffee cans with lids or empty formula cans, jump ropes, beach balls and such laying around the house - we sure could use them!

Open House....

Steve and I went to open house last night at the high school with Tori. We walked her schedule - there was tardy bell and everything. (we were not tardy one time - thank you very much!) We sat in the classroom - Steve tried to cheat by looking over my shoulder. Ha ha!

We met each teacher and heard their goals and expectations. I am glad we went. The school was full of parents, an encouraging sight to teachers and staff I am sure. I also signed up to review my daughter's grades online (she didn't like that very much!)

We will go to Sam's open house next week and we will see what it is like to be a 4th grader - don't know If I can fit in a 4th grader's desk.

Children's Choir....

As you well know, I direct Children's Choir. We have noticed our choir is younger, we are going to revamp and make changes. So after Labor Day weekend - you will see and hear us doing new things and having tons of fun and we will learn to sing at the same time! Yeah! Admittedly, I was discouraged last week, but after a night of discouragement and much prayer, I started jotting down ideas and such - and then for confirmation, one our choir teachers emailed me with some of the same ideas, and we haven't even discussed them all yet!

Also to all my 4th and 5th graders - we miss you!

And I hear the worship services are awesome - so everyone come visit us at CrossPointe Baptist Church in Millington, TN!

"You don't have be so fussy....."

So said my son last night. Last night my son directly disobeyed something he was told to do. It started out as just being grounded from his Nintendo DS - then he started being real mouthy and disrespectful. The punishment changed.

At the end of our night, he came to me, (I naively thought he was going to admit he did wrong and apologize..what was I thinking?) and said, "Well, you don't have to be so fussy all the time."

"I Know..."

Two words that warmed my heart this morning. Sam came up to me this morning after he dressed and made his bed -he said he just wanted to give me a hug. I said "I love you Sam I am."

He said so sweetly and with another squeeze, "I know."

I am so glad he knows.

REORGANIZATION

The company I work for went through a reorganization. We are "safe" in this office. I have much to learn.

Thank you everyone for your prayers!

Showing his love...

Washing the car.....

He washes my car every week - by hand with a sponge. I say all that because I will run through a car wash or hose it down and call that washing the car.

Making the bed.....

Steve makes the bed on weekends.

Cup of tea....

He will bring me a cup of tea at night.

Understanding I work outside the home too...

I know my job is not a physical job like his, but he understands when I am tired - and he will take the clean dishes out or he will call me and say "Let's eat pizza tonight."

He appreciates the things I do....

He will call me on the way to work and just thank me for cleaning the house, packing his lunch, and doing the laundry.

He will bring me a flower....

He will bring me a flower every week or every other week. A single rose...left on my dresser.


Just a few things I wanted to share with you.

Waking Sam Up.....

Is impossible....he fell asleep with his head next to the cereal bowl. I have to get him into shape before school starts.

For those of you who don't know....

I serve in Children's Choir at CrossPointe Baptist in Millington. We will begin August 6th. I have been in the process of picking out music for the entire year.

I think I listened to about 15 children's musicals until I found the right one-and trust me they start sounding the same. If it doesn't grab me from the start - I nix it right away. If the dialogue is blah - I nix it, etc. I can't wait to introduce the one I have picked out to the kids-it is about obeying God and the consequences when we don't obey Him. I have picked out music for Thanksgiving and need one or two more for Christmas. I work with a great team and look forward to a new season every year. This year we will practice on Wednesday nights - that is new for me - I will be coming straight from work. How I will teach will be different - because most of the kids, not all - will be in school all day - made to line up, sit down, be quiet, etc... Please pray for all of us! There will be a service at the same time we are in practice and a meal before hand. I am excited about the changes and can't wait to see God work. Come check us out at CrossPointe - I have been a member since 1997 - when it was Second Baptist Church. (I will have to tell you how I heard about Second in another post - it is so funny!) The members of our church are family to us!

July 4th Updates.........


I promised I would write to let you know what we did....

July 3rd we went to Navy Lake to watch fireworks with everyone from Tipton County and Millington! Whew. It was nice. We picked up Steve's boys, packed coolers, joined his family for a picnic and fireworks. It was awesome. So, next year, if you are in Millington, TN around the 4th - be sure to check this out. The city of Millington did a great job. (However, be patient when it is time to leave!)

July 4th. Sam and I went to see Kung Fu Panda (real cute by the way - Jack Black does a good job.) Steve chilled out at home-Tori was at a a friends - giving me and Sam some time together - it had been a long time since just the two of us hung out together. That night - the four of us shot fireworks and ate leftovers from the above mentioned picnic-the watermelon was very good. (We also popped in at my mothers for a bit)

July 5th - the really cool part! I won tickets to Kenny Chesney concert in Nashville - now, I have to admit - I am not a huge fan - but I do like him. We didn't know until we were on our way it was a music festival. It was Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Sammy Hagar, LeAnn Rimes, and Gary Allen. The concert was at Titan's Stadium - we had to park a 30 minute walk away-after we drove around for 45+ minutes looking for a parking place-prior to this we were on the interstate which was a parking lot-or so it seemed - so we heard Gary Allen and LeAnn Rimes-and saw the others.(we left mid-way through Kenny because we were parked so far away and wanted to beat traffic) Whew. The kids grandparents (their dad's folks) live in Nashville - so they rode with us - stayed overnight with them and Steve and I were able to get a room and have a little time together. Steve and I do not drink alcohol of any sort - we bought a very expensive coke (I am so cheap) - the line was so short to buy cokes-but the line to restroom was long (of course!) We had a good time just being together. The kids had fun with their grandparents - then we left on Sunday - we stopped at the Opry Mills Mall to look around for a bit and headed home.

All in all it was a good holiday weekend - hanging out with family and each other. What a blessing.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

I hope everyone enjoys the weekend. Remember to honor those who have fought for this great country we live in and enjoy.


(We have a lot going on this weekend - all of it fun - I will write next week to tell you about it!)

Puppy sitting...

My sister is on vacation. We are puppy sitting. Her name is Lucy - she is an English Springer Spaniel - a sweet dog - but a lot of work! You forget how much work a puppy is until you have one in your house.

China just stands there, I think she has the idea if she stands still Lucy won't see her.

Whew.

Our House.....

Okay, I have talked about it so much. Here are some pictures-my daughter took these. Three rooms have a story - the dining room set - someone was going to throw it out - all that was wrong - a puppy had chewed two legs - so I sanded and stained. Two of the chairs were still in plastic when we got it. Our bedroom set is from his family - belonged to a great Aunt. Tori's is an old set too - her great grandparents got it when they married. God has blessed us so much - Steve and I are so much appreciative of everything. As are Tori and Sam - they are so proud of it-and they help take care of it. God has carried us all so far!


____________________________________________________________________

This is China - she is 15 years old - she doesn't move for anyone - she huffs if you try to get her to move.

The Free Dining Room Set

The Kitchen

The Living Room with Sam and China

Sam's room - he collects more stuff.

Tori's Room

Our Room

Patio and Outside

Thank you for letting me share our home with you!

D's conversation with her daughter......

My friend called me the other day to tell me about a conversation she had with her 10-year old daughter. I am relying on memory here...but here is the gist of it...

"Momma, you said I could ask you anything?'

"Yes, you can ask me anything."

"Anything?"

D was getting sick and her heart was pounding and sinking fast.

"Yes, anything."

"Well.... is it okay for me to have a boyfriend?"

(being the mom of a teenage girl - my response would be - yes, after you graduate college, find a good job and turn 30)

After D was finished praising God for more time before THE TALK...she recovered....she said, "Well, I guess so."

"Good, because, I like J and he likes me and he said I am fast."

D's heart sinks again.


"Fast?"

"Yep, I am faster on my scooter than most boys."

D is still recovering.


And note to my dear friend, she has asked about having a boyfriend, she will soon want and need to have the talk!

A SUMMER MEMORY

Wanted to share a memory of my childhood.

Eating a popsicle I just bought from the icecream man - while sitting on the curb - I drop it, but I pick it up real fast - blow on it - and keep on eating. The red juice dripping on my bare toes.

WHO AM I TO ARGUE?

My daughter, Tori, wants to wait on getting her permit. She said she is not ready.

(She has been told it is a huge responsibility driving a car - I don't think she knows it yet, but she is being very responsible by making the decision to wait.)

YOU WANT ME TO WHAT?

The question asked by my son.


What did I want him to do?


Use soap and shampoo.

Marriage....the second time.

Steve and I have been married three months as of June 14th.

We are learning a lot about each other and marriage the second time around. We both have insecurities and have experienced bumps--some painful along the way.

Imagine two people who have been single for 10 years each...getting married....the letting go of everything single...both of us so badly bruised and scarred from our first marriages...learning to trust.....not be so independent....etc.

We love each other and the bumps bring us closer. God has blessed us so much and continues to do. Steve is who I am supposed to be with - it is not by accident we are together.

BELATED FATHER'S DAY THOUGHTS.....

Last Sunday June 15th we celebrated Father's Day. Tori and Sam were excited to call their Dad and grandfather to wish them Happy Father's Day. They were excited to give Steve a new lunch cooler full of goodies for him to enjoy. Steve's boys and his father came over later in the day for a Spaghetti supper. We had a good time.

I thought about my dad a lot that day and have been thinking about him a lot this past week. I miss him so - I have written about him before - you can do a search in this blog to find out more about the man I loved so much. (It was six years two weeks ago when he died)

Growing up, he would wake me up for school - and he would have me a cup of tea and two pieces of toast ready along with the newspaper. It was a morning ritual-that only stopped when I moved out.

He read his Bible daily - he was in Isaiah devotionally when he could read no longer-Alzheimer's taking it's toll. I picked up where he left off and read to him when I would visit him in the hospital and nursing home. His Bible was taped together - all of us at one time or the other would buy him another Bible - but he returned to his blue Bible - NIV - the pages worn.

He had a garden - and was proud of every piece of produce that came out of it. I on the other grew tired of shelling peas every summer. Surely I was the only teenage girl made to do so-and to insult to injury-I wasn't allowed to watch Luke and Laura or any of the other soap operas while shelling - soap operas were not allowed in our house (to this day I have never watched soap operas-I don't think I am missing much). I didn't mind the strawberries so much - because I like strawberries. One for the bucket, one for me, one for the bucket, two for me....... He grew grapes - I loved that scent when the grapes were ripe and ready for picking - the sweet smell drifting in through the windows. Okra was a pain to pick - it always made you itch. Squash and cucumbers were kind of okay - if you were to get over your fear of snakes in the vines. Ugh.

He used to laugh at me when I would run from the garden real fast because I thought I saw some critter. (he learned..you can the girl out of the city..but can't take the city out of the girl)

He was a 49er fan. If you weren't you were wrong. He barely tolerated the Atlanta Falcons.

Harry S. Truman was his favorite President.

He drank his coffee black from the same orange Tupperware cup everyday. Not filled all the way up - he didn't want to burn his lip with the first sip.

He could "fix" anything.

He took me to the library every week. He was my Friday night date for years-taking me to the movies and dinner.

There is so much more I could tell you...... some of it I have written before...some I am sure I left out.

He loved all of us so much...wasnt' perfect....worked hard....provided for us...protected us....loved God...loved us.

I miss him so.

APPRECIATIVE

I am ever so appreciative of our home. God continues to bless us and give us so much.

This past week - we received via a friend of Steve's dad - a dining room set. Last week when we got the call "I know you don't have a dining room set yet, I know this fellow that says you can have his old set" We figured it wouldn't look that great-because who gets rid of anything good - but hey we were going to take it - because we didn't have one-and it would be nice to have a place for people to sit. Well, let me tell you - it looks great! (Two of the chairs were still in plastic) I am so proud of it. What a blessing! It it is just the right size - as if it were made for the room. I was able to put a red flower arrangement on the table.

From Steve's family we inherited about a 60 year old solid cherry bedroom suite - it is gorgeous! Tori, from her great-grandmother was given a solid walnut bedroom suite - it looks great!

(I think we have moved furniture every weekend since we have been married - I think we are through now!)

God continues to give us so much. It is so nice having your little corner of the world - a place to call you own - a place to call home.

(I will post pictures soon!)

HONEYSUCKLE

One of my favorite scents is Honeysuckle. I love sitting on the porch and the scent of honeysuckle finds it way to you by the way of a gentle breeze. (where we live - no matter where you are - you can smell honeysuckle)

Or when you are on the drive home from a long day - with the windows down-you realize you are close to home when the scent of honeysuckle reaches the inside of your car.

REORGANIZATION

The company I work for is going through a "reorganization" - a scary word. I know we will be moving from the office we are in. Positions are being eliminated.

Pray for us - a lot of this will be final June 27th.

This is a RipStik. This is what we gave Sam for his birthday. It is a comination of a skateboard, surf board and snowboard on two wheels.

Yes, I know, it is an injury waiting to happen.

He is mastering it. He tries, falls, tries, falls, and just keeps getting up. He finally got it. Or so I thought. He was showing me all he learned, he took a tumble, he completely flipped, lost some skin on his elbows and knees (who needs skin) - my heart sunk to my feet and then leaped to my throat as I watched the fall. He cried for a bit - he did get hurt - but he got back on it in the driveway and garage. Today I am going to buy knee pads, elbow pads, and a helmet. Wish I could pad the whole drive and street. He is so proud of it, he loves it. (Just about every kid in the neighborhood has one - so he really is appreciative of it!)

I am suffering total mother guilt - for not buying all the protective gear in the first place.

Well, pray for me!

I am going to let Tori get her permit in June.

Have I lost my mind or what?

Double Digits

My Sam turned 10 yesterday, May 6th. He is so excited to be in the Double Digits - we called him "Double D" all day.

We had cake and ice cream last night - just the 4 of us. Saturday we are having a big party - a Nerf Gun Party.

10-years old. Wow.

Let me tell you about Sam...

He is very funny....a dry sense of humor with a very quick wit and quick to respond.

He loves everything Army.

He is protective of his mother.

His favorite foods are hamburgers and chocolate ice cream.

He refuses to tie his shoes.

Hates to brush his teeth.

He is quick to share with his friends.

Like his mother, he is not very patient.

Understands the election- has a definite opinion on who he thinks should win.

He is the only one who can pick on his sister, Tori.

I love him so much.

Happy Birthday, Sam I Am!

Musical...

The musical was awesome this past Sunday night. The kids were perfect. I was so proud of them.

Now we will begin practicing for July 4th stuff. Whew.

It is hard work but so much fun...can't imagine not doing it.

"Hey, Babe..."


My daughter received a phone call the other night on her cell - she had it on speaker. The caller, identified only as yet another teenage boy I don't like, said "Hey, Babe, what's up?"

Hmmph

My daughter is not a babe, his babe, or any one's babe.

So there.

(It has been forever and a day since I have written - sorry!)

Observations from our home....


Me: "Sam, you really must wear deodorant - your underarms really do smell."
Sam: "Yeah, I know, don't you love it?"
Me: "Um, no, I don't."
Sam: "Well, it is a good thing, your nose is not on my face."

Tori is so 15. Her heart was broken last week by a boy she has liked for some time now (note: her mother and all her friends can't stand the boy - but hey what do we know?) so, being a true woman, burned all their notes, etc in the kitchen sink, she left me the ashes.

Both kids are playing soccer. Whew. But they are having fun. Tori is planning on trying out for color guard (Flag) for the band - she is excited at the prospect. Sam is enjoying living in an actual neighborhood - I came home the other night and had 7 boys between the ages of 6-11 in my yard, they were shirtless, shoeless, dirty, but having a ton of fun.

The children's musical at church is this weekend - the kids look and sound great - I am excited. We are performing "Simon Says" - I can't wait - tonight we are putting up the set.

I am home sick - female problems - I am in pain. Pray for me!

Last Friday night - Steve, Sam and I went to a very crowded school carnival. We decided to divide and conquer. I stood in line for almost an hour for cotton candy - Steve went to booths with Sam. I happened to look up and saw my sweet husband sitting with my son in the middle of hundreds of kids eating pizza. I fell in love all over again.

An observation from my honeymoon.....

During the drive to Branson - we drove through Arkansas. I needed a Wal-Mart.

The home state of Wal-Mart-and we drove through town after town - no Wal-Mart - I mean I literally live 20 minutes North and South of two different Wal-Mart's. Good grief.

We drove what seemed like forever until we saw that blue and white sign. I was starting to worry. Whew.

I mean doesn't everyone need polish remover on a trip?

I am sure I have written about it before......

But please explain to me....

Why a 38-year old woman - heck an almost 40 year old woman -still has pimples? I don't get it? I really don't.

Ahhh to be 15....

She is constantly taking pictures of herself for her myspace and such...last night she had her eyes painted like...ummm...I can't even describe it.

She can have two phone conversations (house and cell) going on at the same time and keep up with them both.

She can somehow have 2 outfits, 3 additional shirts, 1 sock in the dirty clothes...and I just washed all the laundry.

Ahhhh to be 15............

My husband helped with dishes and such for the past two nights - I've never had that.

Wow.

A Neighborhood.....


We live in a subdivision - we have neighbors - a neighborhood.

Let me explain.

For years we have lived in the "country" - rural - no people around. No kids to play with. Though my son is real good about entertaining himself - creative when it comes to playing, building things - he longed for neighbors.

My son is so enjoying having neighbors. Yesterday when I got home he was playing with about 12 other kids and having the time of his life.

What a blessing.

All Blondes Be Aware.....

My soon to be 10 year old son is telling blonde jokes.

And you can't help but laugh.

Honeymoon.......

Thanks to a friend at church we honeymooned in Branson, MO. I guess because we went the week of Easter - we somehow avoided crowds and lines - we never had to wait for anything. We didn't see any shows - did go to the Titanic Museum - that was cool. We walked, talked and just hung out together.

This was my first vacation in 10 years - I didn't realize how badly I needed one until I was off. Whew.

I love my husband so much-each minute is a gift.

I am a Mrs.

I am a Mrs. - as of Friday - March 14, 2008. It was a "civil" ceremony - with just our kids and his dad. We then all ate at Chili's. It was a sweet, sweet time.

We actually "honeymoon" next week - we will go to Branson, MO - a gift from a friend at church.

It is exciting.

Tomorrow is the day....

I will be Becky Cornelius. Mrs. Steve Cornelius. A wife. Wow.

I do love him so!

(The above cake was from our shower at church!)

Finally...a little bit of snow.

It came last Friday-about 6 inches, March 7th-by Saturday afternoon - it was clearing up. Sam had fun while it lasted.

SNOW....

We received a little snow here - if you blinked you missed it. But it was cool to see. Kind of made your day. We are so southern!

My son's closet....

I haven't started - but I already worry because you have to push stuff back with your foot.

Not a good sign.

Multi-Tasking....

My daughter can be online, listening to her MP3 and texting on her cell all at the same time.

But she can't fold laundry and vacuum in the same day.

Go figure.

STUFF...

Is it me or what? Or do we all just have a lot of "stuff?"

I know we have a lot of stuff.

(I am finding the most interesting stuff while packing and such!)

The following should be posted as a sign on my daughter's closet door....


WARNING. POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARD. WEAR HARD HAT, GLOVES AND AND MASK. OWNER NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR INJURY. ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK.

It was that bad.

Updates and random thoughts.....

We closed on the house! I have a little corner of the world. I cannot tell you how appreciative I am of the house and all that is inside-I cried when I walked in with my key. Steve feels the same way - we both have had a long and hard 10+ years. Steve has moved in - the kids and I will move in after we are married. We are moving our stuff in a little at a time - bit by bit. I have come to realize we have a lot of stuff. But is so much fun creating new memories.

My Sam has been so sick - with an ear infection that has spread everywhere. It all started with the flu, then a stomach virus, ear infection after ear infection - medicine wasn't working. But I think we are on the path to recovery. He will get his tonsils out after school is out for summer.

My daughter had Saturday school for taking a cell phone to school-it all startedwith the typical teenage girl drama. Needless to say she was bored to tears (think...Breakfast Club...hmm..wonder if Emilo was there?)

Snow is a treat here - we got some flurries but that was about it - we wanted a snow day - just one that's all! In fact the middle school had on their school sign - let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. You can tell we are southerners - because here at the office when it was snowing for a bit - we were all outside looking at it in wonder. We like snow..not ice.

I am listening to 80's music, so far I've heard, Bruce Springsteen, Tears for Fears, Rick Springfield and Loverboy. I am getting old.

Whew.

Have a great day.

A special hello to MarmieToasty/Mel out there - happy 100!

I talk so much about getting married, the house and all that is going on but I haven't talked much about the man I am going to marry.

His name is Steve. He is 44 years old. Father of 3 great boys. We have gone to church together and went on a few outings with church -but started talking at a Sunday School party. He got my number (I was very obvious in giving it out!) took him a week to ask me out. I almost gave up!

We believe in the same things.

On our first date, we met at the movie theater, went to eat at Logan's and saw 3:10 to Yuma. We walked around Target and Best Buy. I worried that I talked to much - I have a tendency to do that. I spilled my drink on our first date!

He is gentle, kind and loving. He doesn't like to drink from a straw - calls them "Sissy Sticks" and has told me this is the first television season he hasn't sat in front of the TV every night because we are always doing something. He can't believe he has missed Smallville every week. (shhh-don't tell...maybe I will try to find this season on DVD for him for some occasion!) He is very quiet and shy until he really gets to know you. He has a dry sense of humor and never and I mean never has anything bad to say about anyone.

He can just about fix anything..if not..he will figure it out.

This will be his first house ever - he is very excited and happy.

His birthday is September 6th.

He appreciates the small things in life.

He balances his checkbook regulary. I may have introduced him the land of emails - but he now sends me the sweetest emails every day.

He has become "hooked" on Dr. Pepper since we started dating.

He exercises regularly - hoping that will motivate me once we are married and I see him exercising. Whew.

He leaves me the sweetest voice mails every night - if he forgets to compliment me on Sunday morning (very rare) he will leave me a message and tell me how pretty I looked. He never fails to give me a card or a piece of chocolate or a rose once a week.

Our dog, China, loves him, except when his cell phone rings -then she takes off.

He is loyal to friends and family. He loves my kids and has been ever so patient with Sam getting used to sharing his momma with another guy. He likes my cooking and laughs at my total addiction to all things chocolate.

I know I am missing a lot - but this is just a little bit about the man I love and am in love with.

He loves me and protects me.

And I love him so.

February 26th.

We will close on our house February 26th! Yeah! We will keys to our house.

We will have our little corner of the world. I am so excited.

Tori has picked out turquoise and chocolate for her colors. Sam has switched from red and blue -to camouflage for his room. Our bathrooms lean toward burgundy & gold and burgundy & tan.

We have started packing - boxes are stacking up. Tonight we pack up his place.

Have I mentioned how excited we are?

Yeah!

A comment from my son to his sister.....


"Your reflection will walk away when you look in the mirror."

Gotta love him.

George Strait and Chocolate Ice Cream..


What a wonderful combination! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Food for thought....

1) Pop-tarts cover one of the food groups right?

2) It is perfectly normal for said pop-tart or what is left of it - to end up in my make up box?
(daughter getting ready in the bathroom)

3) Hamburgers are a food group for my son

4) I found grapes smashed in smiley face fashion on the side of the entertainment center.

5) I found an orange that had to be left from Christmas.

6) Why does my mother put onion in everything?

7) Do people really wear aprons anymore?

8) Milk in a cup will sour in the winter if left under a piece of furniture.

9) My kids are not big cereal eaters.

10) Chocolate is a food group in our house. As it should be.

What?

Laundry doesn't walk itself into the dresser drawers and closets?

Really?

To the women out there......

Have some sympathy for me.....


16 day...yep 16 day cycle....gotta love it.

Thank you!


Thank you to everyone for the wedding shower. We are so blessed and were completely blown away by everything.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

I hope everyone has a good day.

Mine started with roses and a balloon on my desk. It has been close to 13 years since I have received roses on Valentine's Day. Wow. I look at them and want to cry.

Tonight we are going to dinner.

He has a few surprises when he gets home to his apartment.

On my lunch break I set up a "trail" of Valentine surprises beginning at the door - each one with a clue to the next. I am so anxious for him to get home and call me. (thankfully he lives about 5 minutes from where I work-whew!)

Again, Happy Valentine's Day to my friends and family.

I may be old.....

"But I don't dress like an old woman.....and I don't want my hair "fixed" or "done" like an old woman!"

This from a senior adult lady in our church.

HOUSE AND RINGS

Well, we are so close to closing on our house. I cannot tell you how excited and happy I am. If I think about it too much, I cry. God is so good. I won't believe it until we have the key in hand.

We bought our wedding rings yesterday. I can't wait for Steve to put mine on my finger and me do the same for him. Simple rings - but with a message and meaning so deep and real.

When I look back on my life over the past 10 years - I have been through so much. God has carried me through every step. Just last summer, I had given up on ever meeting someone. Then I go to a Sunday School Party and it all changes. The love I feel for Steve is so different. It is not a young love. It is a mature love that grows daily-through every day life. But it is a love that still makes your heart skip a beat and you feel protected at the same time.

So, I say all this if you are single - don't give up. Continue to pray, to be faithful - God has someone for you. And for pete's sake - make sure you go to a Sunday School party!

Legos and Army Men......

Still hurt at 5:30 in the morning.

"Well, you know I looked out the window, and did not see the earth rotating around you."


That is what I told my daughter when she said she "told" me several times to do something.

Just About.....


The conversation I had with my son on the phone as I was driving home from work last night.

Me: "Sam, did you finish your homework?"

Sam: "Uh-huh."

Me: "You finished all of it?"

Sam: "Just about."

Me: "Just about?"

Sam: "Yeah, I haven't started yet."

Self-Control....

I practiced self-control this morning. You should be proud. It involved chocolate.

There it was on the seat beside me. The box of chocolate I bought my mother for Valentine's Day.

It was staring at me. Calling me.

I was tempted.

But I was strong - I did not give in.

You should be proud - because I really do love chocolate.

Now I just have to make the drive home.

Update....

Here is an update on all that is going on in our lives....

We have a shower this Sunday - our wonderful church family is being so sweet. We are very excited. God has blessed us with good friends and family.

We close on our house at the end of this month - it is so exciting to think we will soon have keys to our own home.

We still plan on getting married in March - what day? I don't know. You will know when we know. :)

It is a challenge building up a home from scratch - we literally have nothing. I cannot take anything from where I am living - my mother needs all that. Well, he is so typical bachelor - it is too funny. From dishes, towels, lights, to furniture. Whew. It is proving to be overwhelming but it is fun at the same time! I know we don't have to do it all at once, so I am learning to pace myself. Steve is ever so patient with me. So if you come over, you may be sitting on the floor eating out of paper plate -but give me time!

Someone from church has given us a week in a timeshare for our honeymoon. We are going to Branson, MO and are totally excited. God is good!

The kids and Steve are getting along great. I know we will have bumps in the road -but it warms my heart to see Sam and Steve playing games and army men.

She is growing up......

My daughter is growing up so fast. So full of life, ideas, dreams and energy. She is so beautiful and funny.

I remember when she was so little-sitting on top of the cabinets dipping her finger into the batter bowl while I baked a cake. Now she has a phone or MP3 player next to her ear.

Living with a teenage girl is a challenge (understatement) and sometimes you just hang on for the ride and pray all belts are buckled tight. You enjoy the sweet and funny moments, hide those when your heart is breaking and remember the cake batter days.

9 year old boys....

1) Are really good at video games.
2) Are fascinated with body noises.
3) Are the only ones who can call his sister ugly.
4) Are the little people who will spill something and swear they don't see it.
5) Still plant orange seeds in the back yard - and wait for a tree to grow.
6) Will adopt every stray animal that comes through our yard - whether it is for a day or 5 minutes. Names and remembers every one of them.
7) Can eat a hamburger every day of his life (mine anyway)
8) Knows that one girl in his class likes golf- and that so makes her cool
9) Knows the name of every Pokemon.
10) Loves his mom like there is no tomorrow.

The Flu

We've had the flu in my house. Eewww. I have missed work and church for two weeks-and I hate to do that. But I think we are on the road to recovery.

But here are some observations during our near 2 week period of the Flu.

1) My son doesn't understand why I picked up school work for him, and really doesn't understand why he has to spell while sick. (I told him he would eventually get well and knowing how to spell ORANGE would prove useful one day - hope I'm right)

2) Everything on you hurts when you have flu. I swear my eye lashes and toe nails ache. It hurt to walk, to sit, to do anything period.

3) There is never enough tissue.

4) A momma is the only one who can't be sick - because everyone still needs you regardless of the pain in your eye lashes. (my crew finally let me rest Sat & Sun-they said I looked like "crap"-Need I say more?)

5) Tea is the best

6) Even your hair is sick- you never have a good hair day when you are sick.

7) TheraFlu is Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

8) There is absolutley nothing on television anymore!

9) Multiple blankets and quilts that keep you snug and warm are comforting.

10) I apologize to anyone I was rude and grumpy to - I cannot and will not be held responsible for any of it-I was deranged with fever and pain-that's my story any way! :)

11) I will get a Flu shot next year.

Older than she is.....


I have a friend who has given up on life. She is now acting older than she is. She is single, has a good job, lives by herself - but has given up. I hate it.

HOUSE

We have found one - the accepted our offer! In little over a month I will a key to a house!

God is good.

Doesn't everyone hang curtains at 6:30 in the morning?

That is what I did this morning - yes I know..it is a sickness.

A momma knows....


When you lie. Why even try?

Update on Wedding.........


Steve and I have decided to just get married with our kids present and we will have a reception/party later. When this will happen I don't know-I will leave the house one day as Becky Mills and return as Becky Cornelius. But it seems to be the easiest for us. We will still honeymoon as orginally planned.

The reception will be simple - BBQ type thing. Everyone can just relax and have fun.

We are still looking for a house. Whew.

There is a lot to do...but it is a lot of fun.

Another one bites the dust.

The latest boyfriend in my daughter's life lasted about 3 1/2 weeks.

Awww...Shucks.

My Son's A-HA Moment......

He is the tub - I remind him to use soap and shampoo (he as no trouble getting in the tub-he'll play forever with his men and such - but soap and such are optional)

He calls out.....

"Hey mom, my armpits stink - I guess that's why I need to use soap."


You think?

Knowing full well parents will feel the same way about my son one day...but I can't help it.....

I don't like teenage boys. Let me rephrase that.....

I don't like teenage boys liking my daughter.

I don't like my daughter liking boys.

But I am a realist and young love (hmm hormones) is not to be avoided.

A few pieces of advice to teenage boys out there...things a parent of a teenage daughter do not want to hear.

1. She is hot (ummm..no she is not...she is pretty..cute...not HOT)
2. Her rear end or her chest are not fine. (You should only look at her face forehead to chin)

***feel free to add to the list...you get the idea.


Things to do for my daughter...

1. Treat her with respect
2. Talk kind
3. Open her doors
4. Respect her parents and their rules
5. Don't call the house after 9:00 p.m.
6. Encourage her to study and focus on school


Things my daughter should do for you

1. Treat you with respect
2. Talk kind
3. Be polite
4. Respect your parents and their rules
5. Don't call the house after 9:00 p.m.
6. Encourage you to study and focus on school

Things only a mom would do......

Hunt down the chocolate candy from you child's stocking - because you are so craving it. And you can't find it. What is up with that? (then you find out they ate it all! What?) But you can relax, you find candy left over from Halloween you hid. Whew.

Smell a pair of your son's underwear you find on the floor. Realizing what you are doing - you quickly throw them in the dirty clothes. (they are rubbing off on me)

Wear two different socks to work and out to dinner and not notice until you get home.

Exchange some shirts (Christmas Gifts) for your daughter - dig around the store-don't find anything - get $ back - go to another store - spend $8 more and feel guilty for not spending $8 on your son.

Know to check your son's pants for rocks, dirt, twigs, men, etc before washing.

Know to look under the bed for your daughter's dirty clothes.

Give the dog a bath before everyone else gets up. (am I the only one who notices she needs a bath and takes care of it?)

Know to automatically lift your feet when walking around the house - those army men and such hurt.

Know to carefully stick your hand in son's backpack - you never know what's in there.

To pretend your daughter is the only one with a monthly cycle.

Enjoy the morning quiet - I have been up almost two hours by myself! Wow!

Now I have to find some more chocolate.

Hey, where did all the batteries go?


Don't get me wrong, we still use things around this house that take batteries - but not as many as last year. This year - we have chargers for everything. Cell Phones, MP3, Nintendo DS (totally cool by the way), etc.

We have cords everywhere! The problem with that? When I am not at my most graceful - I trip over said cords. (this would be .....all the time!)

But at least I am not washing as many batteries in the washing machine because of some little boy hiding them from his sister.