Oh Happy Day!

Happy Mother's Day to me! It's pretty, isn't it? I've been wanting a Vera Bradley purse for awhile now, but wouldn't come off the money, so I was pretty excited today when I opened this.

I had a great day today. My kids mean the world to me and I feel so blessed just to have been given the privilege to be their mother. I look back and wish I could do so many things differently over the past years of their lives. I know I haven't always made all the right decisions in regards to parenting and I know that Big Dan would for sure tell you I was the strictest parent on the face of the earth, but I've tried. Oh how I've tried to be a good mother.

I spent some time with my own mother this evening. I went to church with her and we had some good quality time together tonight. I am so thankful I still have her and that she is my bestest friend in the world. Pete's mamaw that passed away last week had lost a daughter many years ago. Little Ann heard the story for the first time just the other day of how she fell off her bike, hit her head and died just a few days later. She was only 9 years old. Although Pete's dad and uncles buried their mother just 2 days before Mother's Day this year...what a wonderful reunion in Heaven for a mother and her daughter!

I've got lots of things to blog about this week. It's been a whirlwind, but lots of exciting things to post and pictures to share in between all the house cleaning and preparations for Graduation Friday night. Oh dear. Graduation is Friday night! Unbelievable.

Have a wonderful week and I hope you had a great Mother's Day!

A Whole Lot of Stuff...Packed Into Three Days!

I've blogged quite a a bit this past week about feeling anxiety regarding the business (I guess you could say) of the week and especially the weekend. It was crazy and I felt like I met myself coming and going from about Thursday on, but here it is Monday again and I made it through.

I got a chance to take lots of photographs that I am excited about sharing today so bear with me.

Friday Night was Big Dan's Senior Prom. Pete and I invited the kids over to eat. Last year a group of them went to Chili's for dinner, but this year, I volunteered to pick up steaks from our local butcher shop for Pete to grill if they wanted to come here. I was hoping the words "eat free" would entice them, because I so wanted to be as much of a part of this special night as I could.

Here is Big Dan being his normal goofy self. They are eating in their street clothes because the girlfriend was just certain Big Dan would get dinner all over that white coat of his. Ahhh....not even a year since they started dating and she knows him so well.....lol.

We had a good meal and topped it off with some delicious cheesecake for dessert. Then they began getting ready. Little Ann was beside herself all night. She was just amazed by the glitter in the girlfriends hair, her beautiful dress, her sparkly shoes, and even Big Dan's white coat and bow tie.

I think she has been dreaming of her Prom Night every night since.

Unless I am bragging or posting pictures of him playing baseball, most of the time, when I am blogging about Big Dan, I am venting....lol. Mostly about some of his not so endearing teenager qualities, but one thing I can say about him is....he is funny. And that's probably the thing I love the most about him. He can make you smile. Check out this picture....

And now it's time for the finishing touches so we can get this photo session on the move!


And I took about a thousand pictures after they were dressed, but I won't bore you tee totally to death. Here are my favorites.

And so after they drove off in all their radiant glory, I went to hang out with my girls and we stuffed about a million eggs for Saturday's church/community wide egg hunt.

And here is my Little Ann finding those eggs.

Sunday afternoon, me and a friend of mine (is that the way you say that?? lol) hosted a baby shower here at my house for another dear friend of ours. She is actually our Pastor's wife as well. We'll be welcoming her sweet bundle of joy into the world on "Good Friday". How's that for a "Good Friday" celebration? She had a great shower...lots of fun, good fellowship, and I was tickled at the gifts she received.

See that cute little "Evan" bag right in the front? My mother made that. Don't you want one for your next shower? I can hook you up!

In looking at the calendar, it seems like this week will be a little on the crazy side as well. I'm starting today out with a little laundry, returning the tux, and heading out to a ballgame (that is supposed to be freezing), but I've got my attitude in check and a smile on my face!

Have a great week!

Happy Anniversary!

Anybody tired of my nostalgia? I hope not. I think I remember telling you in a previous post that I have a hard time remembering anything and that blogging sometimes enables me to go back to the "good ol days" and dig up those memories that seem to go foggier and foggier as the years pass.

Today is my parent's anniversary so I chose to scan in one of my favorite photographs from their "dating" days. It has been 41 years (if I remember correctly) and yes, my mom is still taller than my dad even without the beehive.

They've been out on the town today and my daddy took my mom out for prime rib tonight.

Aren't they cute? I think I'll keep em.

Today I am thanking God

First for just some small, insignificant things, like the energy He enabled me to find this week to be consistent in my "biggest loser" workout all 5 days. (yeah, I took the weekend off....so.)

For giving me the power to sit still long enough to (almost) finish an entire book...which we all know is an unattainable act for me, but I've prayed for His guidance in helping me get my finances back on track and am super excited about the direction He is leading me.

For allowing me to get control of my hormones, my life back to reality and finally a clearer complexion.

And yes, though maybe a bit shallow, I'm being honest with you in sharing these smaller things in life I am thankful for.

And I'm thankful for some bigger things too. Like the fact that today is my mother's birthday. And I am so blessed to have had her in my life for this many years and I'm looking forward to many more.

My mom and I - Fall 1973

She has been my rock throughout my life and as I've said before I know no matter where life's road takes me, she will always be my constant.

October 1990 - Baby Shower for Big Dan

But today, I am most thankful for these precious two people.

We got word that for the 2nd time in 2 weeks, Big Dan has lost one of his classmates. The first girl passed away in a one vehicle car accident just a few miles up the road. If that wasn't disturbing enough, we found out last night that another girl in his class had just passed away in a four wheeler accident. I must say, I was so shocked and can't even tell you how sad I feel for her grandparents, parents and siblings. Our school is very small, with only about 50 in Big Dan's graduating class, so anytime anything like this happens, it is so hard on the kids and the entire community. Please remember this family when you pray.

It's no secret the love I hold for my children. Just knowing that I could lose them any day makes me want to hold on to them that much tighter.

And can I just say this......if you truly love your children, the most precious gift you can give them is the opportunity to know the Lord as their personal Savior.

"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." Hebrews 9:27

A Christmas-y Weekend Wrap

First of all, let me start this post with a warning for ya. I love pictures, so I'm letting everyone know up front that this post will be long and full of photographs! Maybe you won't get too bored looking at my Little Ann during our Christmas-y weekend.

The Girl Scouts got to go to the County Courthouse to view their ornament on the big tree, sing Christmas carols with the County Judge and eat refreshments.

We had to go up to the 2nd floor to be able to see our ornament which meant Little Ann wasn't getting anywhere near it. She has a height phobia, but agreed to let me get her picture by the wall.

Christmas presents came a little early for my brother's kids and Little Ann. Meemaw and Papaw wanted them to come open their gifts and spend Friday night with them. They always get so much on Christmas Eve and get lost in all the chaos. This way they could enjoy what they got that night. Unfortunately Big Dan had to work, but if I know my practical parents, I'm sure his gift will be waiting in the bank for his future "hard times".

Here is Little Ann with her new point and shoot....a girl after her mother's heart. The newest photographer in the family.

And run for your life! It's the Hulk 3 year old style!

Remember this night? The kids were all so excited to get their parent's and grandparent's gifts with their behavior bucks. They were so much more eager for my mom and dad to open than they were to even get their own presents.

And I totally don't want to gross anybody out, but on this same night, my dad surprised my mom with $500 big ones so she could go buy her a laptop. The sweetest thing is that they are in retirement, so he had gone out and cut several loads of logs to sell to the mill so he could do that for her. I can only hope I am this happy after 40 years of being married to the one I love.

Here is my little "lady in red" hamming it up for the camera. She is all decked out in meemaw's new scarf and mittens, wearing her bow while holding her new red camera. So stunning..dahling.

We had a busy morning today. Of course, being the Sunday before Christmas meant our choir's performance, lots of wonderful holiday food, and back into the sanctuary for the children's play. It was called "Operation Baby King" and the kids did great. It was a sting operation to make sure everyone understood the Baby Jesus came for ALL PEOPLE!!

Here is Miss Sass herself....The names blond.....Jane Blond.

And last but not least...here's my baby girl and myself. She'd already gotten rid of the tie. And...Oh dear hairdresser..I know you had surgery, but can you just look at this hair??? I need you.........before Christmas!!

Have a great Monday!

Is it Friday Yet?

So, I stayed up way too late last night waiting on a combination of things....Little Ann to empty the dishwasher so I could load it, the nice clothes to finish drying so I could get them out immediately, and Big Dan at a concert that lasted much too long for a school night. Anyway...I said all that to say...I was a little tired and cranky for my art students today and it didn't take long before my head was throbbing making it all together worse.

I can already tell this is going to be one of those weeks. I think Christmas is in the air at the High School..well, the thought of Christmas break anyway. Getting anybody to do anything but clown was next to impossible. I took my camera to try to help Big Dan get a few (required for English) Senior scrapbook pictures. See what I have to put up with?

Yes, these are Seniors, and yes, Big Dan is eating a sandwich....in Art class. What's mom gonna do..give him d-hall?

And I wish I could say they were just goofin' for pictures, but unfortunately this is really how they act on a daily basis. Maybe it's just because I'm "Big Dan's mom" and I'm just cool like that. Whatever it is...it stresses me. We'll hope my principal doesn't read my blog.

Tonight was our Girl Scout meeting and Christmas party. Look what the girls did...

Isn't this just adorable? I guess making a gingerbread house is one thing I don't think I have ever done before.

Like I said, I can feel another crazy week coming on. I am MAKING myself stay home tomorrow and get this house in order. I would absolutely DIE right now if I had company. I just want to be able to enjoy my Christmas decor without having to look at all this other clutter. You can't even get through for all the Christmas presents, boxes, wrapping paper, and paraphernalia lying around...despite the fact that Little Ann keeps reminding me that she doesn't have a gift wrapped under the tree yet..and everyone else at school does (sniff, sniff). I think she's trying to make me feel guilty. It's working. We've got church, more shopping, dress rehearsals, and more parties coming up the remainder of the week.

With December being the time everyone is preparing lots of finger food dishes (and because my pregnant friend, Chickadee is craving this), I thought I'd share the recipe on the blog. This is another one of my mom's recipes. Have I mentioned what a great cook she is?

Parmesan Chicken Wings

In a medium bowl, mix together:

1/2 c Parmesan Cheese

1 T Parsley flakes

1 t Paprika

1/2 T Oregano

1/2 t salt

1/2 t pepper

Moisten your wings and cover with dry mixture. You can shake them in a bag (like shake n bake) or just dip individually. Place on a foil lined baking pan and bake approx. 45 minutes.

These are soooo good and perfect sized for parties. I usually double my recipe for tastier wings or a bigger serving.

And last but not least, April gave me this sweet award and I just wanted to send her a big ol' Thank You!!! This is really special because this award is supposed to be bestowed upon bloggers who aim to find and be friends and it means a lot that she would pass it on to me. April's blog is always uplifting and meaningful and she is just the sweetest thing, so go visit her if you get a chance.

Christmas Shopping

My dear mother and I went shopping today. For Christmas gifts. And it was a very long day, but productive. And she was such a trooper. She let me do whatever I needed, even if it meant she had to wait in the car because once I get started, there's no stoppin' me!


I got lots of great deals. The best one I think was that coat you see sticking out of that pink bag. Regular 79.50. I got it for 27.00. With my too bucks, ya know. I love too bucks. They just make me smile!! :)

And I just have to say Target rocks. I live about 10 minutes from a Walmart and unfortunately that is where I do my shopping. I like the supercenter thing because I only have to go one place, but even though it's only a few years old, it seems to always be dirty, understocked, and so crowded. They have obviously remodeled the Target in the big city, and shopping there today was like total heaven. So clean, spacious and so many different things to choose from than Walmart. I was so impressed when I walked in to find a Starbucks and a Pizza Hut express. In Target?? Coolness.

Anyway, the thing that I loved the most was the buggy. I just wanted to take it with me for all my shopping excursions. It looked like something from "The Jetsons", kind of futuristic, but I was most impressed with the fact that it rolled so smoothly and kept me on the straight and narrow instead of trying to force me into my daily workout.

I will say, I'm not quite done yet, but feeling great about having it this close on December 2!

Thankful Thoughts

I thought long and hard about adding this song to my profile as background music during the month of November, but I know how distracting music is to me, so I chose to save it for this particular post. I was first introduced to this song when I was in college. Our MBSF choir sang it and I immediately fell in love with it. It is very fitting for Thanksgiving and I hope you will take the time to listen and meditate.



Now, with that being said, I just wanted to take a moment to share a few things I am thankful for.

First and foremost, I am so thankful for my God. I'm so unworthy and for some reason He just keeps blessing me and blessing me.

I am so very thankful for my parents. They are such wonderful people. Tonight when I went to pick up Little Ann, my dad had sent home with her the homemade butter they had churned together from his fresh cow milk. FRESH COW MILK, people. I mean, really, how many of us can say we have actually made butter with our papaw. That is some kind of memory to make and I am so thankful for those times my parents share with my kids. And my mom....well, you can read all about her here, but I must say, she sent home with me tonight 2 new monogrammed hand towels (because she said the other one hanging was worn out...lol...she notices stuff when she comes to my house) AND get this. I had been in our capital city again today with a broken laptop and she knew I was going to be behind on my cooking for tomorrow's get together with Pete's family . She got my pie started and sent it home with me!! What a mom.

I am so thankful for my friends. My past and present. I love them all and am so very thankful for them. Just yesterday I reunited with my first and only college roommate.

We had a delicious lunch and spent a lot of time talking and laughing about old times. She taught me well how to sow my wild oats...lol. (and I told her I was giving her that credit). I'm glad we were able to spend this time together and I hope we can do it again.

I am so thankful for my family. My children are blessings from Heaven and I couldn't love them more (even when I don't feel the love back). I think my heart will just explode sometimes with the love I have for them. And my husband. He is such a good man. He puts up with so much out of me. I know he loves me even when I am constantly complaining, turning the air up to 80, habitually late, forgetting where I left my head, too afraid to leave my comfort zone, leaving my flat iron on for the entire day, showing my blond roots by some insane comment that makes no sense to him, burning him up because I have my electric blanket on in July, and even when he spends days searching for socks that really should be in his drawer. What can I say. Gotta love me!

And I could go on and on. God has been good to me even though I don't deserve it. I am just a simple girl living my simple life, undeserving.

Most wonderful wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving.

A Little Boring Conversation

My apologies early on for this extra ordinary b-o-r-i-n-g post. Not much has been going on today and I refuse to whine anymore...at least for today. (I only have an hour left so maybe that's do-able)

Got this email a few days ago. Love it.

Tonight was our regular Girl Scouts meeting. The girls are working on designing an ornament made out of natural resources for a contest. The entries are displayed at the county courthouse and the girls are invited to a Christmas tea, I guess you could say to view the entries. This year they designed their own tree out of pine cones. The star is from pine straw and of course the snow is cotton and the lights and ornaments are hand made. It turned out cute. Hope we win!


And I blogged about putting my own tree up as well. Little Ann and I did this on Saturday. I always enjoy just sitting in the living room with the overhead and lamp lights off just taking in the beauty of the sparkling tree. When Little Ann was a baby her first Christmas, we spent countless hours at night rocking by the light of the tree. My mother bought me a few new ornaments when she was out shopping the other day. Yea! She loves me. She really loves me.

Tomorrow I am getting my laptop back. I am so excited. Now I can revert back to my old lazy lifestyle of blogging and facebooking in the comfort of my own bed. Wow. What is this world coming to? lol.

I am also having lunch with a very old friend of mine whom I have not seen in approximately 18 or so years. We have had some contact over the years, but we have not actually laid eyes on one another since college. She was my very first (and only) college roommate. I'm hoping after lunch we may have a little time to do some Christmas shopping. Tommorow is the kid's last day of school for the week and Little Ann will be spending a little quality time with my parents.

And that pretty much sums it up. (And I didn't whine at all!)

Family. Awesome Aunt...

is how I want to be remembered when my nephews think of me.

We are a very close knit family on my side. My parents have 5 grandchildren. Big Dan was significantly the "spoiled" one mainly because he was the only one for almost 8 years. He spent lots of time bonding with my parents and I know he holds a very special place in their hearts. And then came along Little Ann. She happens to be the only girl. And I must say she doesn't let them forget it. But when my brother and his wife began having kids, we added 3 more rowdy boys to the bunch. Rowdy, but each one oh so precious in his own way.

I love these boys with a love almost as deep as what I feel for my own children. Over the years they have stayed with me numerous times. I often wonder what they will remember about coming to my house when they are older. I try to make it a memorable experience for them because deep down inside I want to be "their favorite".

This past Sunday the oldest wanted to spend the afternoon with me. When we got home we unloaded a bow and arrow, a bb gun, and a target and Pete went out with he and Little Ann for a little target practice.

Soon Pete headed out to work and I left these two alone with bb guns and a stack of aluminum cans.

My brother wanted to take the older one out for an early morning hunt today, so I got to bring the younger 2 home with me last night.

Now they are gone, and all is quiet again, but I wonder if when they are older they will remember that their Aunt Scrapper Mom:

- let them put up a 3 man tent in her living room.

- played board games with them in said tent.

- let them stay up and watch movies until they finally fell asleep.

- allowed them to trash her living room and make roads for the Thomas trains.

- didn't bother to change them into pajamas.

- let them drink Coke straight out of the bottle...(well, that one just kind of happened... 3 year old in above photograph got to it before I knew it!)