A New Book, School, and Tutoring

I went to the library yesterday and checked out the book "Oh Pioneers" by Willa Cather. I read about on Rhonda's blog, and looking forward to diving into it. My long holiday break is winding down, and classses begin again Monday! I am ready to have a focus, and also to be one semester closer to this degree! This semester is going to be much more hands on, and I am very excited about that.

I tutor at Hearts Afterschool Program two days a week, and absolutely love it! It is a free volunteer program in Columbus that is available to students identified as being at risk for falling behind! I work with the same two students every week, and have really enjoyed watching them progress! It is a really good learning experience for me as I try to use different strategies to try to help the students comprehend the material! One of my students is in kindergarten, and one is in 4th grade, so it is really a learning adventure for me!

Goodbye Facebook!

Well I am day 2 of life without facebook! I deactivated my account in an effort to focus on the more important things in life such as God, my marriage, volunteer work, school, my dogs,etc. I was pretty "addicted" to the old book, and was pretty sure that I was going to really miss it. So far, it has been fine! There have been a few times that there were specific moments when I had something to post. Yesterday, I went to the library to check out the book "O, Pioneers" after reading about it on Rhonda's blog, but the library was closed (for the new year holiday). If I had facebook, I could have commented on her wall. In reality, I can just go tomorrow so Rhonda didn't need to know that I couldn't get the book that very day. I also wanted to ask the fb world about homeade recipes for cleaning products. However, I found them on google! My question about finding chickens can be directed to Melanie via the telephone!

My brother sent me a funny youtube video about facebook that was pretty funny! I will write it out here, but some of it had bad language, and I try to keep my blog rated "G". It's kinda funny, but is only meant in good fun! I love facebook, and will probably be back in February!

"Hi, I'm Ross. I am going to talk to you about facebook. You need to get off of facebook. In doing so, you will cease to use the following abbreviations: LOL, ROFL, FML,FOCLOL, FOCROFLOL,BBS BRB, BS. This behavior is turning you into a dribbling turboxpaz. They make you sound like you want to lick the windows of a bus. You have been Tagged. Nobody likes this. :( You don't have 852 friends. You have 4. And that is a good thing. Is it better to have 848 friends that you don't to talk to but are happy to see? One or more of these "friends" are looking at your pictures right now. And judging you! I'm not. I don't think you have gained weight since high school. I don't think my taste in music is more ecclectic than yours. I don't have an account. I've been fb clean for 5 months and 17 days. And I am happy! Some of you may think that I am pretentious. Perhaps I am, but at least I am not a closet social pervert. TAGGED! LOLocaust! POKED! You have been invited to join John's horsey stable in Super Poke Pets. You have 1478228496 new notifications. Louise O'Neil is now single! hey louise. bin a long time.how have you bin? fancy cummin for a drink dis weekend???? roscoxxxx. 9 friend requests from people you hated at school. Accept them anyway. More friends means more popular means more better! Maybe my life is better than theirs and I can feel good about myself for a second. He's a motions graphic designer for Rockstar video games. Dang! That's better than an English teacher living in South Korea! Well....at least he is divorced. LOL! This is not you in real life so don't be like that online. Ironically, you are probably watching this on facebook right now. I'm impressed that your attention span has lasted this long. But know this, you are much more interesting than your profile! You are much more beautiful than your profile picture! You are all beautiful people who are much more wonderful in person. OMG I heart you! "

It is just meant in fun! Don't get offended if you are a facebooker! I love facebook too! I read recently that facebook makes people narcissistic and self absorbed... like "starring in your own reality show". Perhaps this is true, but honestly this is just true for our society right now. I may not know who is mad at who, who is cheating with you, who had a bad day, or what everyone cooked for dinner tonight. I also won't get annoyed (for no good reason) at people who misrepresent themselves and their children online, use fb as their therapist, diary, or a means of communication with their ex (soon to be not ex) significant other. But, I will spend more time with my husband (we started a daily bible study as a couple yesterday), focus on school more, and spend more time in prayer in reflection! I don't read as much as I want to, and use a lack of time as an excuse! I am amazed at how much time I have when I don't waste time looking at pictures of people whom I have not had any interaction with in 10 or more years!


I will still keep up with people's blogs, but blogs tend to have much more thought behind them! It is not just whatever popped up in someone's head! I love reading about people's book reads, remodels, children's achievements, and other interesting writings on blogs. I will miss the "personal" interaction that facebook brings....but I imagine I will survive!! :)

What I Want for 2011

I spend a lot of time when I am driving listening to praise music and praying and reflecting. I have learned that God will listen to your prayers anytime, and this is an excellent time for quiet time with him.

Yesterday, as I was driving I heard a familiar song, but it spoke to my heart in a different way than before. "Jesus, all for Jesus...All of my ambitions, hopes, and plans, I surrender thee into your hands....for it's only by your will that I am free". This is what I want for 2011. I want to give all of my ambitions, hopes, and plans to Jesus. I pray that my will lines up with his will!

I journaled a few goals for this year. I don't necessarily like the word "resolution" because it gives the implication that something needs to be resolved or fixed. I like the word goals better. It just seems more positive to me.

I have seen so many people say that they were so ready for 2010 to be gone, and they hoped that 2011 was going to be better. I believe that in a way, I could say at the end of any and all years of my adult life. However, I don't have regrets in 2010, and I wasn't in any hurry for it to be gone. It does create the opportunity for new beginnings, but don't we get that every day? Isn't every Monday an opportunity for a new week? I personally love Mondays because they are fresh and new and an opportunity for a new beginning, but do not want to live my life thinking that happiness is just one step away. I have had a difficult and life changing experience every single year for the past 5 years, and will experience difficult times in every year that is to come. Happiness is available right here in this moment, not tomorrow or next year. The Bible says not to worry about tomorrow for today has enough trouble of its own. I find this to be true and challenging. I am a worrier by nature! I strive to live in the moment, and to be happy NOW regardless of the situation at hand.

I believe that making goals are healthy, and help move your life in a positive direction. They can be a way to inventory your ambitions, hopes, and plans. They are a way to become more self aware. They are an excellent time for a spiritual inventory.

This morning at church, the sermon was entitled "Running on the Treadmill of Life" which was an appropriate title for the first Sunday of the year! The focus was on Ecclesiastes Chapter 1. In it, the message was about the vanity of a focus on life "under the sun" which refers to the secular aspect of the world. The overall message was that in life, we can spend remarkable amounts of time seeking things that will fullfill us. We strive for more money, big houses, nice cars, high paying jobs, a better body, etc. We run and run and run as if on a treadmill, but do not actually go anywhere. These are secular things that cannot be taken with us to eternity. True fullfillment can only be obtained through Jesus Christ.

It is so wonderful when things that are on my heart are spoken from the pulpit! My main goal for 2011 is to put all of my ambitions, hopes, and plans into the hands of Jesus Christ for that is the way to true fulfillment!

I see so many people who put on a positive facade, but are actually so bitter and lost. They spend hours analyzing how to make things better for themselves, but a lot of the time do not act on these analyzations. They think that if they can just do______, they will be happy or if they just had _______ they could be happy. Sadly, you can put a lot of things in that blank, but they will not experience true happiness without Jesus.

These are my thoughts and goals for 2011! I am beginning a book called "A Woman Who Reflects the Heart of Jesus" and look forward to reaping the happiness that comes with being a woman who lives a Christlike life. I look forward to seeing God work through me to bless others.

I welcome 2011! The Joy of the Lord is my Strength!

-JoyDay-

Movie Reviews

When Erin was visiting last week, me and Jay took her to see "Inception" with good ole Leonardo! I won't spoil it for anyone, but I would definately reccomend it! I really really enjoyed it, and the soundtrack is amazing (for a music nerd such as my self). Jay, or course downloaded it when he got home and burned me a copy!


Me and Jay saw the afternoon showing of the new Will Farrell movie, "The Other Guys" about two misfit cops. It was hilarious! I laughed out loud a number of times throughout the movie! I absolutely love Will Farrell, and this movie did not disappoint. In my opinion, it was not as great as say "Anchorman" or even "Talladega Nights" but it was pretty hilarious! It has a good bit of vulgar humor, so I would not reccomend it for children, preteens, or anyone else opposed to that kind of humor. Otherwise, it is great for a laugh!

I am not the biggest Angelina fan...no, not because she is "hot" just because I don't love her acting style, but we may see the movie "Salt" in the near future. Has anybody seen it and have any reviews?

Updating the blog a bit

I have been neglecting the blog lately. The summer heat takes a toll on my generally happy state. I am definately ready for fall even though I know that the cool and crisp weather that I desire is months away! We have not been to Pickwick as much this summer which has been a little bit of a downer. Roger has just been busy busy ever since we got back from the wedding. The wedding was amazing and turned out exactly the way I wanted it to. We treated our closest family and friends to a weekend in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. I planned semi informal activities throughout the weekend, and left plenty of time for exploring and enjoying Eureka Springs. If you ever get a chance to go, I suggest it. It is a great little town with a lot of fun family things to do. I loved seeing my family, and I feel like everybody had a blast. Our wedding ceremony was on Sunday June 6 at Thorncrown chapel which is a beautiful little glass chapel tucked in the woods. The architecture is similar to that of Frank Loyd Wright. It was a wonderful weekend with family and friends and great memories!

Fall classes begin August 18. I am beyond ready. The housewife role is just not my cup of tea, I find plenty of ways to entertain myself. I enjoy painting, sewing, gardening, and canning vegetables. I have had plenty of time this summer to do and enjoy these things. However, I like a challenge, and the world of education provides that for me. I am looking forward to this semester! Then, it's block, student teaching, and graduation! Yay! I am ready to finish this degree and get on with it! I am completely different with this then I was with my PR degree. My heart is in this, which makes a massive difference.

Overall, life is grand! I will keep up with the blog better from now on.....at least I will try!

She did it!!

My sister graduated NURSING SCHOOL! I am so proud of Tracy! She is an amazing and strong woman and I really look up to her! Nursing school is crazy hard, and she handled it with flying colors...despite several (not school related) mud holes along the way! She is a single mother to THREE awesome kids-two of which are under 4 years old! Yea, did I mention that she is amazing!! I know that they are all glad that this chapter in their lives is completed because it was tough on all of them! She starts her new job June 1!! Yay Tracy!! I will have to post some pictures of the ceremony later!

Happy Birthday Zeus!!

Boss Really enjoyed the cake!!

My TWO handsome boys!

The pretty girl!

Zeus is ready to party!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Zeus!!

Well after not considering myself a dog person for 26 years, I up and bought a labrador after my mom passed away! Zeus has turned out to be one of the greatest joys and blessings of my life! I absolutely love him! We have had a ton of fun with him the last two years!! Today we celebrated his 2nd birthday with a puppy party! Yea, I have turned into a weird dog person, but oh well! I love my dog, what can I say?

My New Ride!

Well after over two hours of haggling with the car salesmen while they played their game, I got the titan traded for something a little more gas efficient! I hold no illusions that the gas mileage is going to be superb, but the V6 engine will be better than the big V8 in the truck. The miles of gravel that I drive on every day makes a car not such a smart choice! It would destroy the car quickly! I jokingly told Rog that I was just going to put some 20 inch spinners on an altima to lift it up so I could get the gas mileage and the height! I am happy with my selection! I am also grateful that I am marring a man that respects my decision making process! When I started talking about looking at a new vehicle, he was supportive and accepting, even though I imagine he would have just kept the truck. I love that man!!

A Party for JOY!!

Last night, I had an absolute blast at my bachelorette party! Jennifer and Kimberly hosted a passion party/bachelorette party for me, and of course were great hostesses! I was a little nervous about the passion party deal, but it turned out to be pretty fun! Afterwards, we headed to Rick's to revisit our youth and see the band US who I love! I am definately not as young as I once was because I am exhausted today! But, I had a great time, and have really great friends! It also is starting to feel real! Like I am really getting married!!!

It's That Time Again!

The minute the sun begins to peak through the dull winter sky, and the temperature rises the slightest bit, I am ready to get my yard spruced up! The garden expo really got me excited this year too! It is still not consistenly warm enough to plant everything, but we are starting on the abundance of yard projects!!


Rog built another deck on the side of the house. We had a big deck built last year, and love it. This one adds a little extra to the yard, and provides a nice sunny for reading, chatting, napping, or whatever. I planted some pansies in the planters on the sides of the deck, but unfortunately someobody's dogs dug them up....not sure whose dog that could be! :) Eventually, I am hoping Rog will build an outdoor bar type area with stools on that side with the trellises and ferns. I am planting some confederate jasmine to climb those trellises though, so we may just go with it the way it is!

One day during spring break, I said "let's till the garden spot" so "we" did. He tilled up an area twice as big as last year! It sounds like a great idea, and we will have so many more vegetables to can, but we both know that when its hot hot hot in July, we will not be so motivated when it comes to weeding the bigger area!! I am glad there are two of us! (last year, I had shoulder surgery in June and the gardening mostly fell on Roger-such a good sport!)

Behind the other deck, we have started a place for a small herb garden with roses on the trellis side. I have my herbs starting in the house, and will trasplant them later to the herb garden. I am still learning about how to plant and grow roses. My mom had a beautiful rose trellis, and I am hoping for the same.

"Precious"....the movie...not so precious at all

One of my instructors suggested that we see the movie "Precious" because it would make us better teachers. Her point was that we will come across students with situations such as the ones that Precious was in, when we teach.

This movie was a great but horrible movie. I am not a movie watcher! I like books. Movies do not captivate my attention, and I generally cannot sit through them. This movie captivated my attention like a book. I was so involved with it, that I only came back to reality when the credits rolled.... and I was literally nausous and gagged!

I wont ruin the movie for anybody, but it is definately not a feel good movie, but is probably worth seeing, if you can stomach it!

Camping, A New Four Wheeler, and Furniture Buildin'

Well, I guess it has been a while since I updated our ole blog-a-roo. I have just been crazy busy! Going back to school has been interested, wonderful, and very stressful!! Christen tells me that teaching is not as difficult as college because in college they make you jump through hoops! I hope she is right because the workload is insane!! I am enjoying it a lot, and have found my niche at the W this semester, and it has actually become quite a blessing! I have met some amazing women (only one guy in the education program, he is cool too!). The faculty at the W is very dedicated, and are all really qualified and in the know! The small atmosphere makes it really personable and easy to learn, and ask questions! I am enjoying my field experience hours! FE is great because being in the classroom keeps me motivated and grounded, and reminds me of why I am busting my booty and making the sacrifices that I am for this! I am sure that I am doing the right thing, and that is a great feeling!!

Roger has gotten really into woodworking. He started toying around with building furniture before Christmas. I laughed at first, but have been amazed at the progress he has made. Most people cannot teach themselves a skill like this from reading books, the internet, magazines, etc but he has. He gave handcrafted gifts as Christmas gifts, and has made sold a few pieces recently. He has to sell pieces because our house is just not big enough to keep adding more and more furniture!

The above piece is what he calls a "lingerie cabinet". It is a gorgeous piece that he custom built for my bathroom! You can see the drawer construction, which is interesting and beautiful. The drawer fronts are made of a wood called "tiger wood" which I love!

All of the furry babies are doing great! The kittens have grown up, and I think that Chonga is finally settling into living out here with all of the other animals. He was my moms cat, and pretty much only liked her and Oliver. Unfortunately, we lost Oliver, and Chonga was devastated and moped for several months. Zeus is spoiled as always, and Boss has gone from being a pitiful stray to being a handsome spoiled labrador like Zeus! Guinea is the sweetest little puppy I have ever seen! She is very much a baby, and is very bonded to us!

We got a new four wheeler yesterday, which the dogs love! I love to be outside, and four wheeler riding is one of my favorite things! I make a point to take the dogs on a ride pretty much daily when the weather is nice. Zeus LOVES it! If you say "four wheeler" he gets beside himself shaking and running in circles! Before now, if Rog takes the four wheeler somewhere we are just out of luck. I finally talked him into buying a new one, and me inheriting the old one! We took the dogs out for a long ride yesterday afternoon to test it out, and it is nice!!

I have been begging to go tent camping for a while now, and Rog has finally agreed! We are going to load up the four wheelers and Zeus and Guinea and go camping in the woods tomorrow night! I am so excited! Jay is coming out to the house to stay with Boss. Boss and Zeus could never stay in the tent together. Plus, after living in the woods, Boss is aware of every sound in the night. He sleeps in the laundry room at night, and he loves it! If he has to stay outside, he runs around the perimeter of the yard barking all night!!

Please Pray for Kate!

I have been so touched by this story the past several months. Cancer is a horrible thing, and has touched my family in a lot of ways. I watched my mom suffer so badly through her cancer treatments, and cannot imagine watching a child go through that. This family has been layed on my heart. I know that several people have said to make sure it is legit. I feel like it is. God has put this heavy on my heart, and I will continue to pray for Kate McRae's healing, even though I have never met her or her family. That is the power of prayer and the body of Christ! So, I ask you to take a minute to lift up the McRae family!

For updates, go to:

http://www.prayforkate.com

Life is not All black and white...there is a lot of gray!

Well, this week has been long and somewhat draining, but we got through it! We came away with good results in regards to Jay's situation! Glory to God! I cannot blog or talk enough about the abundance of blessings God has showered on me and my family in the past couple of months. Perhaps the trauma and heartache that I experienced in the previous four years make it so much bigger to me, but the bottom line is that God is good. The experiences that we have had this year have ALL been so closely touched by God. I am in aw! Anytime, we have reached something tough, provisions have been made. I faced some hurdles in trying to go back to school, but the right doors were opened and the right people were placed in my path. Jay turned a corner in his life, and has become a man of great character, and is healthy and happy! The road to his current happiness has been full of bumps and turns, but God has placed the right people, money, and circumstances in his life. Drug addiction is a terrible and heart wrenching thing for everyone involved. There is no logic and there is no quick fix. But, it is not impossible. Relationships within my family that have been strained and tarnished over time have regained their strength, through natural progression. Life is not black and white, there is so much gray. If you will embrace the gray, and cry out to God, it becomes so colorful and beautiful.

We got the DNA results back on Guinea. She is indeed a pit bull. There is so much negative stigma associated with that breed. A few people have warned us and said "Oh no, you better get rid of her" or "Pit Bulls are so dangerous". In researching her breed, and speaking with the vet and others who are knowledgable, we found that: yes, pit bulls (unfortunately) have been used to fight over the years, and can get aggressive. Howevever, that is the black and white part. The rest of the story is that pit bulls are extremely loyal to their owners. They do get aggressive if they sense that their owner is in danger. I personally would not have a problem with Guinea getting aggressive if I was home alone in the country and someone came after me. Again...the gray area.

Perhaps the silver lining in things lies in the gray areas! Look for the good, because there always is some!

Vote For Zeus!! ....and I have had the flu

Things have been pretty yuck at our house this week. Last Saturday, I got a little bit of a sore throat and cough. I pretty much blamed it on our roller coaster weather. I generally get a croupy cough when the weather does this hot and cold stuff. Monday morning, I woke up feeling absolutely horrible. My temperature was 101 so we headed to the dr. We had to stop on the side of the road, because I got so sick. Then, when we got there I couldn't sit up in the chair. My temperature was 102.2. I was miserable! They gave me a shot, and tested me and you guessed it! THE FLU! Dum da dum dum! Pig, cow, chicken, whatever, the flu flat out sucks! Turns out Roger had it too. His symptoms were just not as apparent yet. Jay went to the doctor yesterday, and he has it too, so he is in bed! This is the first time I have been up and around since Monday. I still feel rough, but am back in the land of the living! I am very thankful for tamiflu, tylenol, and phenergen!!

On another note, please vote for Zeus in this contest. I would donate the money to the Lowndes County Humane Society. They run a great shelter, and have horrible facilities!
http://mvp.bissell.com/mvp_PetDetail.aspx?id=8589951028

The Sn Will Come Out Tomorow

Me and Jennifer went to see "Annie" last night in Tupelo, and had an absolutely wonderful time! We left right after she got off work at 5, and zipped to Tupelo. We ate at Park Heights http://www.eatwithus.com/parkheights/ in downtown Tupelo. It was WONDERFUL! It was pretty fancy, and a bit on the pricey side, but it was wonderful!! Plus, it was right by the Bancorp South Arena, which is where we went for the play.

I have to make the observation that watching this particular play as an adult was completely different than watching it )or the movie) when I was a kid. I had no idea how historically accurate and perhaps significant it was. As a child, I saw a cute red headed kid with a dog. As an adult, I realized that Annie was one of the many children who were dropped off at orphanages during the Great Depression by parents who simply could not afford to feed them. Imagine the pain and heartache of those parents! I was also mortified by the officer who ran the homeless group out of the Hooverville. Just imagine that lifestyle by people who were not accustomed to it at all. I, like my mother have a great appreciation and interest in FDR, so I enjoyed his role in the story. Great story! There were a lot of little girls at the performance. It was interesting to observe because they were all so excited at the beginning, there were a lot of tears at intermission when mothers were telling their girls that they would not buy them a twenty dollar Sandy beany baby, and there were lots of mothers carring their children out asleep at the end. It was almost ten thirty when we got out of there, and after midnight when I got home. I was exhausted this morning, so I know that there were several little girls sleeping through school today!

I am still feeling a little overwhelmed by the beginning of classes this semester, but I know that I can handle it. I just gotta remember to take a little bit at a time. It was interesting, we were asked to bring an object or picture of an object that symbolized who we are for one of my classes. The instructor suggested asking friends and family! I asked around, and my sister said a flower, because I sometimes wilt on the dark days, spring up on the good days, but always come back in full beautiful bloom. I thought that was quite a compliment! Roger said that I was like a river in that sometimes I am tumultous and sometimes calm, but always keep flowing. I liked these because they came from two very different people, but were similar in characteristics. In the end, I took a picture of a dog with boxing gloves to symbolize that I am a fighter! I have faced a lot of adversity in the past several years, but I fought it and won! I also love animals, and that is a huge part of who I am! Fun times!

Happy Hump Day Everybody!!!

Annie, Oprah, and Dancercize

Well it is 2010, and that means a new year and resolutions! I know that I am about 12 days late, but I did indeed make some resolutions. I won't post them all on here, but being American, of course one of them is to lose a few pounds....again. I find myself to be similar to Oprah in that my weight goes up and down constantly! It is exhausting, but I can't seem to get off the roller coaster. That would be one of my resolutions! It includes weight watchers, the gym, and dancercize class!! Hoo Hoo!! Yes...dancercize! First, I must say that I do indeed acknowledge that I am very uncoordinated, and very "white" in my dancing! But, that does not stop me from loving it, and it is actually pretty good excercise! Jennifer got me interested in it! It is a class at the new sportsplex building in Starkville. It only costs $2 a class, no membership fees, and it is offered M-Th! I am cranked up!!

Tonight, however, there is no dancing in my evening plans! Nope, even better! Me and Jennifer are going to see the broadway play "Annie" in Tupelo! I am so so excited! I bought the tickets a month ago, and have been counting down the days! THE SUN WILL COME OUT TOMMORROW.....BET CHA BOTTOM DOLLAR THAT TOMMMMMMORRRRROW, THERE'LL BE SUNSHINE!!!

We are back into the swing of things. Rog is doing the ING thing, and I am doing the college classes thing. I will need plenty of prayers and encouragement this semester, as it is going to be a tough one!

All my babies are doing great! The kittens are growing up! Zeus and Boss are both about half crazy and very spoiled 80 pound labradors! Guinea is getting to be a big girl! And Chonga.....well he is still a little broken hearted about Teetzi, and fills the void in his heart with food so he is HUGE!!

Happy Tuesday everybody!!

A Great Christmas

Well, we had a delightful Christmas at home with Jay and the puppies! This is the first holiday that Jay has been healthy and whole in ten years! Praise God! He has blessed my family SO MUCH this year! We started the morning with fried duck, homeade biscuits with apple butter, and scrambled eggs! We decided not to exchange gifts, but did stockings instead. We had a great time this morning opening our stockings one piece at a time! We all three did a great job of combining gag gifts and real gifts. I got a Browning Buck decal (GAG gift), some cute book marks ( I am the worst about dog earring books), mase spray, some cool new paint brushes, an awesome oil frangrance burner, some super great lotion, and a few other neat little odds and ends. Pretty much the most important thing in my stocking was a glow in the dark compass! For those of you who heard the story of my after dark four wheeler adventure, this was a big plus! Roger and Jay got lots of fishing lures, batteries, deodorant....things that men like or need! I wish I had taken pictures, but I didn't! We are not one of those families that looks all coordinated and styling early on Christmas morning! We spent the day just being kinda lazy! I watched The Christmas Story which is a classic in my book! Roger has been out in the wood shop playing with his new toys! I found an awesome deal on a jointer and planer in the classifeds last week, called the guy and made a deal, and Rog picked the equipment up yesterday afternoon! Jay went over to Jonathan and Courtney's house this afternoon for a few hours! He really enjoyed it! They have been such a HUGE blessing to Jay and to me and Roger the past few months! God knows what to do, and placing Jonathan in our lives when he did leaves me without words! I appreciate Jonathan and Courtney and their kindness so much!

I have a turkey cooking, mashed potatoes, asparagus, pineapple and cheese casserole, rolls, and cranberry sauce getting ready for the three of us to enjoy christmas dinner together tonight! I absolutely love my life and the people in it! I will be American, and make a list of resolutions next week, but the two words that I am can best use to describe 2009 would have to be "Growth" and "Gratitude". I have grown so much as a person, in all of my relationships, and in my walk with God this year. I am grateful or the abundance of blessings that have been showered on us! God is good!

Next Thursday will make 2 years since my sweet Mama went to be with Jesus. It seems like yesterday in a lot of ways! I miss her and Gary so much, but am filled with gratitude and wonderful memories! I wish that they had lived long enough to share in the joys that me and Jay are experiencing in our lives, but my heart is full of happines and I will dwell on that!

Erin Elizabeth!

I am going to go ahead and warn you! This post is crammed full of pictures! My sweet and beautiful neice Erin has been visiting us, and I am just in aw of her talent and beauty! I have been really blessed this past year to get closer to my family! We have had a great time with Erin! I love painting canvases, and she decided she wanted to get in the action! She painted some super cute stuff! I am impressed with her artistic talent! Roger has gotten into woodworking, and she got in on that action too! She and Rog made a really pretty blanket chest for her to take home with her! She was a pro with the power tools! Last night, we hit up Old Venice for great italian food, and hit up a few neighborhoods for Christmas lights afterword! In the truck, she told Roger that she had never shot a pistol, so he got her some ear muffs, a pistol, a target, and a gun safety lessson, and she rocked it! Her first time, all of her shots were on the target, and two were in the black. Her second round, she hit a near perfect bulls eye! Maybe we can turn her into a country girl!! Today, I blow dried and curled her hair, and took her out to MSU where we took some super cute shots of her! She is SO photogenic!! The plan for tomorrow is a girls day with mani/pedi's, hair extensions, lunch, and pictures of her taken out at the Refuge! Tuesday, we are going to paint pottery, and will hit up the mall before she goes home!
Erin with a picture she painted for her teacher!

Jay and Erin. She looks SO grown up!

Pretty Girl!

Erin can work the power tools!

And Shoot a pistol!

America's Next Top Model@

Santa Clause is coming to town!!

"I stopped believing in Santa Clause when I was nine. Mother took me to see him in a department store, and he asked for my autograph.." Shirley Temple

I came across this quote this morning, and had to laugh out loud. Me and Tracy were talking about Santa Clause yesterday and how all kids are scared of him at the mall. Wyatt screams! I get it! He usually is some creepy old man who smells like Old Spice and stale cigerettes.

I don't remember believing in Santa Clause all that much. My sisters were 9 and 11 years older than me, so they were pretty much over it by the time I came along. I just always thought of it as a funnny game that my mom played with us. I mean I knew that my mom was way too classy to be kissing on some fat old man in a silly red suit!

I had my mini break down for the holidays last night, and hopefully got it out of my system. I don't think that a Christmas will ever come and go without a moment of nostalgia when I miss my parents. We had so many really great christmases, and for that I am grateful! Speaking of Santa Clause, my step dad was really goofy and dramatic. I remember one time when me and Jay were little, we thought it would be fun to leave cookies and carrots and milk for him. Obviously, we knew it was for Gary and Mama, but for whatever reason we did. Ants came in through the fire place and were on the cookies. It was dark, and Gary just grabbed a cookie to take a bite so it would look like Santa Clause did. Ants bit him on him mouth. He was deathly allergic and his whole face swole up. He was screaming and carrying on which woke us up. Christmas was on a Sunday that year, and we went to church with him swollen up looking like Mama had gone after him with a frying pan. After that, we put the Santa Clause game to rest!

My mom always made Christmas a magic time, but made sure to keep it in check. One year, when her and Gary were first married and had no money, we did not have enought ornaments for our tree. We went out in the yard and picked up pine cones, dipped them in white paint and glitter, tied a red ribbon on them, and hung them on the tree with dental floss. It was beautiful, and such a great memory! She always gave everybody calendars, and we all joked as if we didn't know what was in the thin rectangular package! We got socks and underwear in our stockings. We always got a new pair of sweats or pajamas. And, we always got one frivilous gift. I never felt like christmas was no good. I never thought that I got shorted. We made homeade cookies, and spiced tea. Me and Gary watched "Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Clause" and "It's a Wonderful Life" every year. We usually watched "A Christmas Story" as a family. We had a small traditions, but it was comfortable and cozy!

I am starting my own traditions with my small non traditional family. This year in our stocking, I asked Roger to get an ornament that reminds him of something fun we did this year. We will start to build our personal tree! Last year, we ate fried duck with biscuits and apple butter for Christmas brunch, and we plan to do it again this year!

Merry Christmas everybody! Love on your families!