Long Time No See

It's been two months since my last post.

And though I'd like to be able to say something like, "where did the time go?" or "how did that happen?"; the truth is that I've been very aware of not posting. Time didn't slip away. I didn't forget. It wasn't that I had nothing to say.

It's simple really. The more that I learn that someone is actually reading my blog, the more anxious I become in writing. To quote a sweet friend: In writing my thoughts here, I often feel as if I'm "standing in front of you wearing only my underwear". Shiver.

I've spent many years on the surface but, of late (the last couple of years really), God has me going deeper and deeper and I love and praise Him for that but, at the same time, I am not secure enough in myself to hash them out publicly.

Sure...my blog could be about "surface" events. It could be just a decorating blog or just a blog about my kids or, for pete's sake, what I ate for lunch. But that's not where I am and so, my blog, it has some catching up to do. It's having an identity crisis of sorts.

In the meantime, my kids are awesome. They amaze me each day as I've come to realize that they are young men. I'm thankful to be their Mom. They're as individual as they can be and I love that about them.

And, my husband, he's amazing too! He's back in school...getting his MBA at Vanderbilt. I'm very proud of him.

I'm ready to drag out the Fall decor for my home....I love Fall ! (Is that surface enough for you?)

And my Savior? Well, He's something else. I just began the study of Esther and these are some things that have spoken to me:

• There is as much to learn about God by where He does not make himself obvious as when He does. Just because you don't see Him, doesn't mean He's not there.
• You seek HIM and his will will find you.
• We must learn to trust His providence even when the Red Sea doesn't part.
• And....just in case you're thinking that He would choose (and use) anyone but you, see Esther.

One Week From Today....

Jeff and I will fly out of Nashville for a 9-day trip that's been months in the making. We will arrive in Orlando, FL for an overnight stay and then take a shuttle on Sunday morning to Port Canaveral where we will board Royal Carribean's "Freedom of the Seas" for a 7-day cruise to CocoCay Bahamas, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Neither of us have ever cruised before and are really looking forward to discovering something new. We will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary on the trip.

I am so very excited but anxious at the same time because we will be leaving our boys for 9 days. I believe the most we've ever been away from home like this (without them) is two or three nights. They'll be well cared for by Grandparents and other friends/family who love them. It just seems like a long time away the closer we get to departure.

I will have lots of pictures to share when we return but, for now, I found some pictures of the ship online:

I Can Tell It's Summer

I guess you could consider this blog post a confession of sorts......

I love me some flip-flops. I love them for their comfort, their convenience and for their cuteness.

But, honestly, does it have to be all of this? I just realized that everywhere you turn in my house these days, you find a pair of flip-flops. 99% of the time they are MY flip-flops. I don't know what that's all about. Why don't I put them away already? All FIVE of these pair were photographed today lying around the house, wherever I took them off.

And I wonder why my boys don't pick up after themselves ?????

More Fun Facts

In an attempt to try and post more frequently, I've borrowed another fun facts questionnaire from Amy Beth.

1. Who knows a secret or two about you?
Jeana & Paula

2. Four words to explain why you last threw up?
Stomach bug, I guess.

3. Have you ever burned yourself?
Yes...mostly on hair styling devices.

4. Who is your hero?
Jesus.

5. Would you ever want to be a supermodel?
No...never..no!

6. When is your next party?
Jordan's 16th Birthday bash is June 26th....party bus and all.

7. Do you know what you will wear tomorrow?
No idea.

8. Have you ever accidentally eaten an insect?
Most likely.

9. Do you talk baby talk?
Not much but I do talk puppy dog talk from time to time.

10. Would you ever work in a retirement home?
Retirement home - Yes. Nursing home - No.

11. Are you ever purposely irritating?
Sometimes.

12. If you could fly, where would you go first?
To the beach.

13. Do you prefer boats or planes?
Boats.

14. One best friend or 10 acquaintances?
One best friend though I can't imagine having only one.

15. Favorite food?
Mexican...ole'!

16. Do you believe that your first love never dies?
No...I do not believe that. I believe that, for most of us, our first "loves" probably weren't really loves at all. Make sense?

17. What upcoming event are you waiting and ready for?
CRUISE !!!!

18. Do you get your nails done?
Yep.

19. What was the last thing you ordered at McDonald’s?
Fruit and Yogurt Parfait - YUM !!!

20. Are you an emotional person?
Yes...No...Sometimes

21. When did your last relationship end?
Ha...I've been with my husband since I was 14 so it's been a while.

22. Favorite place to be?
Home.

23. How do you feel about your hair?
Like the color....wish I had more of it.

24. Do you sleep with a fan on?
Always.

25. Did you sleep in past noon today?
Ha! No...was at the YMCA by 6:30.

26. Are you sarcastic?
Absolutely.

27. Did you have a good birthday this year?
Yes but not nearly as good as the year before.

28. What is your favorite kind of weather?
Mild, semi-cool, lightweight jacket weather.

29. Have you ever cried during a movie?
Of course.

30. Who’s the last person you had a deep conversation with?
Leigh...but only if an email "conversation" counts.

31. Who was the last person you cried in front of?
Jeff, Paula and Danny

32. Do you like your name?
Sure.

Another One

A - Age: 41 for just a little bit longer

B - Bed size: King

C - Chore you hate: I hate putting away clothes. I'll wash 'em, I'll dry 'em, and I'll even fold 'em but don't like the putting away part.

D - Dogs' name(s): Smokey and Baxter

E - Essential start your day item: Cereal with Skim Milk

F - Favorite color: Changes often...in my home earthtones (brown, red, burnt orange); on my person fuchsia, orange, red.

G - Gold or Silver or Platinum: Platinum

H - Height: 5 foot 3 inches (on a tall day)

I - Instruments you play: Not a one.

J - Job title: Wife, Mom, Taxi Driver, Check Writer, Lunch Money Passer Outer, Laundry doer, Grocery Shopper.....

K - Kid(s): Two

L - Living arrangements: House on a cul-de-sac with all the boys (Husband, 2 sons and 2 dogs)

M - Mom's name: Linda aka MiMi

N - Nicknames: Mom, Mommy, Honey

O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: I had pneumonia or something as a teenager and was in the little Waverly hospital with a tent of some sort over my bed. Is that right Mom?

P - Pet Peeve: Long list but I'll start with not doing what you say you're going to do...that's a biggie for me.

Q - Quote from a movie: Ooh...I'm bad at remembering this kind of thing but I think on the last meme I did, I quoted Woody from Toy Story with "you've got a friend in me".

R - Right handed or left handed: Right

S - Siblings: 2 sisters (Hailey and Ashley) and 2 brothers (Carson and Walt)

T - Time you wake up: 7:00-7:30

U- Underwear: Comfy Cotton

V - Vegetable you dislike: Green Peas

W - Ways you run late: I just do; usually not for any real reason other than not being in a big enough hurry.

X - X-rays you've had: Dentals each year

Y - Yummy food you make: My "specialties" seem to be Casseroles (of all types), Lasagna and homemade Chicken Salad.

Z - Zoo / Favorite: I like the local (Nashville Zoo) because it doesn't seem like a zoo but a stroll through nature (even if Zebra and Giraffe aren't native to Nashville).

Random Survey

1. Where was the very last place you went besides your house?
Target.

2. What are you doing tonight?
As little as possible.

3. Who last texted you?
Jordan.

4. Do you have a secret that you’ve never told anyone?
Probably.

5. Do you get mad easily?
No.

6. Do you talk about your feelings or hide them?
Hide them mostly.

7. Do you prefer warm or cold weather?
I really don't like either extreme so I guess warm (as long as "warm" doesn't equal "hot")

8. Who was the last person you were in a car with?
My two boys.

9. What color are your eyes?
Hazel...mostly green.

10. Have you ever given up on someone but then went back to them later?
I don't think so.

11. Have you ever thrown your cell phone in anger?
No.

12. Has anyone told you a secret lately that you aren’t allowed to tell anyone?
Yes; unfortunately so.

13. Honestly, if you could go back six months and change something, would you?
Probably so.

14. Are you wearing any clothes that don’t belong to you?
No.

15. Do you have a lot on your mind at the moment?
Quite a bit but definitely not as much as some people.

16. What side of the bed do you sleep on?
Right hand side.

17. What is your favorite thing to shop for?
Loaded question....I love to shop for anything and everything.

18. Who knows you better than you know yourself?
Any number of people, I think; I don't I'm very good at analyzing mySELF. Jeff in the number one spot, of course.

19. What are you doing this summer?
Taking a cruise with my hubby for our 20th wedding anniversary.

20. Do you miss your past?
No.

21. Did you ever have tea parties when you were younger?
Not that I recall but maybe.

22. What is your favorite line from a movie?
"You've got a friend in me...."

23. Would you rather be the opposite sex?
Absolutely not.

24. What would you never name one of your children?
???

25. What is the coolest restaurant you’ve ever been to?
The ESPN Zone in Chicago (or was that New York) was really cool in a guy kind of way.

26. Where do you go when you want to get a really good sub sandwich?
Jersey Mike's

27. What style of house would you like to live in?
The kind that's paid for.

28. Do you flip the channel when commercials come on?
No, but my hubby sure does.

29. Have you seen any of the Saw movies?
Nope.

30. What was your favorite book as a child?
Little House series

More Photography

 

 

This was my attempt at something clever and creative.

I found it ironic that, on Spring Break, as we recovered from sunburn, it was SNOWING. I was thinking that surely this blooming tree (in the foreground) must have been thinking the same thing.

What do you think?

Random

 

 

 

 

What's that? You don't recognize these people? Never seen them on my blog before?

Yeah...me neither.

Actually, I know that it's very odd and, perhaps, there are some sort of laws against it but, one day as I sat at the waterpark, there was this sweet little girl and, I think, her Daddy playing in the water in front of me.

What can I say? They were blocking my view into the far end of the pool (where MY kids were) and, after all, I have a new camera and some mean new skills from the class I took (you know the one where I didn't understand a thing that was taught...yeah...that one).

So...what did you expect me to do?

I practiced.

Dear Followers,

I hope this post finds you well. I'm afraid that I have some bad news (for both of us). You know I've always enjoyed seeing your faces on my blog; you know, right over there, -----> but it seems that one of you is causing a little trouble 'round these parts (or so I've heard).

Seriously, other blogs are having the same weird problems with their computers that I'm having with mine and someone smarter than I am discovered that's it is coming from some anonymous/unknown "followers". I have one of those (I won't mention any names but they're registered as "1_dO6Qkst9hss7aM4jO.6TzlTsQ-", oh sorry...did I just do that?) which means that I have to remove the entire feature from my site. I hate it when one person spoils it for the rest of us. So, farewell to you all; unless, of course "1_dO6Qkst9hss7aM4jO.6TzlTsQ-" you'd like to come out of hiding and tell me who you are. I don't know if I'll be able to add it back at a later time but, for now, it is what I need to do; otherwise, I may soon become so frustrated that I throw my laptop out the window.

It's been nice seeing your faces and I hope that you'll keep up with me in another, safer way (I use Google Reader and/or Bloglines).

Until Later,
Kelley

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends

A friend is one to whom one may pour out all the contents of one's heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away.

I have thought and spoken recently (on several occasions actually) about how I feel that I have lived a WHOLE LOT O' LIFE in the last year. Possibly more than ever before in my 41 years.

In this time, I have learned (and am still learning) lots of lessons. I honestly wish that I had had the forethought to keep a running list. I didn't but there is one thing that has become so very real to me and I wanted to share that here.

In what has likely been the hardest year of our lives, I am so thankful that Jeff and I have a group of people to "do life with". Life is hard but, without the love of friends and family, I can't imagine what it would be. I realize, time and time again, what a blessing it is to have this and find myself feeling so unworthy of these valuable relationships. I often think of the fact that some people live an entire lifetime and NEVER experience true friendship. There are so many people who have been placed in my path who allow me to see a little bit of Jesus each and every day. I am humbled and honored.

"BooMama" wrote a post about this very thing today and it rings so very true; when you have a chance, click over and read what she has to say.

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." - Ecclesiastes

The ABC Game

A. Attached or single? Attached....19 years and 7 months

B. Best friend? Hubby first. Mom and Sisters next. Then lots of girlfriends; most of which I have met/know from church.

C. Cake or pie? Cheesecake which is actually kind of a pie.

D. Dog or cat? Dogs every time.

E. Essential item? Moisturizer/Lotion

F. Favorite color? Red.

G. Gummy bears or worms? Worms.

H. Hometown? Nashville, TN

I. Favorite indulgence? Manicures/Pedicures

J. January or July? That's hard. I don't like EXTREME weather one way or the other (hot or cold). I tolerate the cold better but I like the Summer when everything is green and blooming. I'll go with July because I can turn on the A/C.

K. Kids? Yep - 2 - Jordan (15) and Braeden (10)

L. Life isn’t complete without? Friends and Family.

M. Marriage date? June 17, 1989

N. Number of brothers and sisters? 2 sisters - Hailey and Ashley / 2 brothers - Carson and Walt

O. Oranges or apples? Oranges....love 'em.

P. Phobias? Feet and Clowns

Q. Quote? God is good....all the time. All the time....God is good.

R. Reasons to smile? Blessed!

S. Season of choice? Fall.

T. Travel dreams? Right now, I can't think past the cruise that Jeff and I are taking in June.

U. Unknown fact about me? I showed Black Angus Cattle when I was a kid/teenager.

V. Vegetable? Asparagus is my favorite.

W. Worst habit? Lack of organization.

X. X-ray or ultrasound? Ummm...I've had both.

Y. Your favorite restaurants? Stoney River, Outback....I love a good steak.

Z. Zodiac sign? Gemini

A Little Linking Love

I love blogs. I, admittedly, probably spend too much time following them but, can I just say that there are some awesome people out there? I have learned and gained so very much from reading the thoughts of others.

Today, I wanted to just share some recent things that I feel are linkworthy....

Kimba has decided to begin a weekly series titled, "Building a Soft Place to Land" where she plans to discuss all things home and homemaking. I love that she wants this to be a dialogue and I love even more that in this first installment, she shows us that we are not alone. It does so feel good sometimes to know that you're normal, huh?

In more ways than I dare to try and count, it has been a hard year for many of my church family members. The least of which are Bryan and Niki Ary . This sweet couple lost their first pregnancy a few months ago and just last week discovered that the baby that Niki currently carries may have Downs Syndrome. Today they met with the Specialist and, though not completely conclusive, it appears that that may not be the case. I love that Bryan and Niki, though of course, wanted to be educated and prepared that they KNEW beyond a doubt that the baby God was giving them was perfect in every way....no matter what. He is so good. Thank you, Bryan and Niki, for your testimony of faith that He knows better than we and that, ALWAYS, He is faithful.

One of the first blogs that I ever followed was Kelly's and you may even recall that it was in connection with Kelly's blog that, early on in my blogging days, I participated in a little home tour of sorts with her. Kelly and her husband Scott have battled infertility and so very many have prayed that she would have the baby that their hearts desired. Last Friday that little baby girl (Harper Brown Stamps) was born weighing in at a whopping 9 pounds and 12 ounces. God knew that Harper would need to be at her ideal fighting weight for she was born with some heart/lung issues and had to be taken from Arkansas to Tulsa (to a Childrens Hospital) as her condition was dire. This sweet girl has been under medication for this entire first week of her life (sedated and paralyzed I believe) so as not to interfere with her body's need to heal. Anyway, each day Harper improves just a little and God is so good to give this family JUST what they need, JUST when they need it (I love that about Him). They have been overcome by the acts of kindness that have been shown to them and so very careful to give Him all praise, honor and glory. Kelly, her Mom, is so faithful to pray for others who are experiencing infertility and even started a Prayer Blog for those. Please join me in praying little Harper home...she has lots of sweet dresses, tutus and bows that are just waiting to be worn. Thank you, Kelly, for being so transparent in your blog and in your life; to always, always leave no room for doubt as to where your HOPE comes from.

I'm not organized. But I want to be so, go here and see what you can learn.

Have you seen my niece lately?

A new favorite (as if I needed anything else to keep me from doing the laundry) is Dreams of a Country Girl. Can't live with her (she's awfully skinny and cute), can't live without her (she's funny as all get out)!

And almost last but certainly not least is my sweet friend Debbie. This girl (and her husband) make me want to be a better me. They encourage and inspire me and I thank God that they are part of my life. Besides that, we are going to dinner with them tonight and I.CAN.HARDLY.WAIT....seriously. I love it anytime my Google Reader tells me Debbie has updated her blog because I know, reading it, will be an uplifting experience every single time. And, can I just be honest and tell you that sometimes I leave Debbie's blog up while I'm reading others because she has the best music choices ever. It's like a little worship service all on its own. And, now, I leave you with this vision of Kenny and Jeff who also like each other an awful lot. Perhaps a little too much, ya think?



Okay, this last little thing is not so much a link because, to be honest, I can't remember whose blog it was on but I really needed you all to see it so I googled "redneck tank top" and found the picture that I wanted to share with you, my sweet redneck friends. Let's make us all one of these - QUICK - before it gets warm. Think of how economical these will be. After all, you can get a six pack of tighty whiteys for little of nothing.

Looking Back

I have been a really bad blogger and, frankly, am having a hard time getting back in the groove. I was pleased to find this meme to kick things off and hopefully get me back in the swing.

2008 was quite a year. It was full and fabulous and, oddly enough, a mixture of equal parts pain and joy.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? Wow...this is not starting out so well because I can't think of a thing. Note to self: be more adventurous in 2009.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I am not a person who believes in resolutions; especially not ones that you make on January 1st. So it seems that I like to make and break them all throughout the year.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes. My sister Ashley gave birth to little Sadie Katherine (see here and here) in November.

4. Did anyone close to you die? Yes. My sweet Grandmother, "NaNa", passed away May 18th. See here.

5. What countries did you visit? Does Hurricane Mills count? That's country. Ha!

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? A smaller butt. (Sorry....just being honest.)

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? The month of May when NaNa elected to forego further dialysis treatments and enter Hospice (see several May posts). The month of July when my church split. The Fall of year when Carson began playing football for Cumberland University. And, overall, just realizing in all of it, that God provided exactly what we needed, exactly when we needed it.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? I finally became committed to improving my health by eating right (joined WW), exercising and ultimately losing weight.

9. What was your biggest failure? Failing to see God in every.little.detail of my life. Trust me, He's always there...just look.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? I had the flu in February, I had my first Mammogram which resulted in the big "c" scare and subsequent surgery, I had Lasik surgery (which was and is THE BOMB), and I've been so sore that I couldn't hardly walk after working out with my really mean : ) personal trainer.

11. What was the best thing you bought? Oh gosh, I don't know. We bought a new Canon EOS Digital camera for one another for our anniversary and I love it. Jeff bought himself a 4-wheeler and a pick-up truck this year and I am thrilled about that for him...he's been wanting to do that for a while. He feels like a real manly man now.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Jordan's teenager attitude has definitely improved. He is more and more like the little boy I once knew.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? I am choosing not to answer this one; however, I'm pretty mad at Adam and Eve for making us ALL sinners.

14. Where did most of your money go? Mortgage, Target, Groceries, a really cool Spring Break with friends in the Keys

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Gosh, I don't get REALLY, REALLY excited about much but having a new baby girl in the family was a huge blessing this year.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008? "Praise You In This Storm" by Casting Crowns.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer? Happy to be content no matter the hand that life deals.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Bible Study, ministering to others, strengthenting relationships...worldly and Heavenly

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Wasting time.

20. How did you spend Christmas? At home with Dad and family (13th), in Dickson with Dad's extended family (21st), at Jimmy & Melinda's with Jeff's family (22nd), at home with my family (24th) and at Mom's for breakfast Christmas morning then home for a day of laziness. The best part of it all being that Jeff was off of work for two entire weeks.

21. Did you fall in love in 2008? I am so blessed to HONESTLY say that I fall more and more in love with Jeff each and every day.

22. What was your favorite TV program? The Biggest Loser

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? I don't nor have I ever HATED anyone. That's such a strong word and my Mom NEVER allowed us to use it. I'm glad.

24. What was the best book you read? Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers....stop what you are doing and go and get it right now. Seriously.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery? I have no musical talent but I have LOVED watching the family play Rock Band. Maybe THAT'S the discovery...that you don't have to have talent to enjoy music.

26. What did you want and get? A new camera, a pair of Uggs, some smaller jeans.

27. What did you want and not get? Some REALLY small jeans and long legs.

28. What was your favorite film of this year? Fireproof, Four Christmases, Marley & Me.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? Well, I was/am 41 which is the problem. Last year, my sweet husband, threw me the absolute best surprise party at Stoney River for my 40th...on the same day that he bought me a new car. Any birthday after that is a bit of a let down.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? On the shallow side: a housekeeper. On the not-so-shallow side: Friends and family who didn't have to deal with so much hurt.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Comfy and just shy of a visit from "What Not To Wear"

32. What kept you sane? The Holy Spirit, God's grace, and Jesus. Isaiah 54:10

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? I enjoyed getting to know Sarah Palin though I was so sick of the election drama.

34. What political issue stirred you the most? Abortion is always the kicker for me.

35. Who did you miss? NaNa of course.

36. Who was the best new person you met? I would have to go with The Agnew's, The Stegall's and The Whitenack's. What a blessing!

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. We are all sinners. Some of us are saved sinners and some of us are lost sinners. It's the only dividing line.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

Mary, did you know?

As I sit here on this Christmas Eve, I have many thoughts. This Christmas season, as all of the others before it, have been a whirlwind. Such a whirlwind, in fact, that I didn't get my cards mailed. They were ordered, they were received, most of them were even addressed but they never made it into the mail. I can recall times where that would have stressed me beyond measure. Today....not so much.

And as I ponder why, all I can think about is Mary.

I wonder what she might have been doing on this day all those years ago and I think back to my own pregnancies. Of course, because of the lack of technology, she probably wasn't able to pinpoint the baby's arrival and plan and prepare in the way that I did. After all, I had scheduled births with both of my boys and those eve's before they were born, I'm sure that I found myself scurrying around taking care of those final details. I had a perfectly appointed nursery and had been given shower after shower after shower. Lots of little clothes hung on lots of little hangers and my Mom and NaNa had washed everything in Dreft. All of the diapers were stacked perfectly and essentials like wipes were placed exactly at arms length. My bags were packed with all of the necessities and always included brand new gowns/pj's for me (NaNa always stressed over us having new gowns when we were going into the hospital) and just the right "going home" outfit for the new baby.

Mary, who I understand was probably only 14-16 years old at the time of Jesus' birth, definitely didn't have new gowns. In fact, in the days before the birth of this Christ child, she had had to make her way from her hometown of Nazareth to the town of Bethlehem where she (and others) had been ordered to participate in a census. Due to the large numbers of people who had to report to Bethlehem, all of the rooms were taken. Mary and Joseph had travelled for three days and then found themselves sleeping in a stable that had been offered by an innkeeper who didn't have anything better available for them. It was there, in that stable, that Mary gave birth to our Savior - mine and yours - Jesus Christ. The baby who was born of a virgin birth and sent to save us from our sins and ourselves.

As the song states, I wonder, did she know? How much did she understand about God's plan for her little boy? Did she know that he would heal the blind, make the lame to walk and raise Lazarus from the grave? Did she know that he would walk on water and then later suffer a death on the cross; one that she would live to see? She obviously trusted God enough to know that whatever He had planned was bigger than anything she could imagine.

Mary was right.

God is sovereign. He sent his one and only son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins. And he did just that....while we were still sinners. Not when we shaped up. Not when we promised to do better. Not when we said, "pplleeaassee, I'll never do it again."

Tomorrow, we celebrate the birth of this sweet baby. I encourage you, if you do not know him, it is not too late. There is no time like the present. Get to know him. In fact, make him your very best friend. Mary trusted. So should we.


Luke 1:45 Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Some of each. If I am not rushed and can be creative with pretty bows and such, I love wrapped gifts. Sometimes, though, there's just nothing like a good ole' bag.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial, pre-lit, hinged

3. When do you put up the tree? Typically, the weekend after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down? As soon as possible after Christmas....definitely before New Years Day. My mom, however, has been known to take hers down Christmas Day.

5. Do you like eggnog? Yes.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Lite Brite.

7. Hardest person to buy for? My Dad and StepMom

8. Easiest person to buy for? My children.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, a beautiful one that I searched for for several years.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? We have this "thing" that makes an appearance each year at our Sunday School class get-together. There have been years that it has not made it but this year is not one of those and I am the proud owner of him/it for the next year.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Christmas Vacation

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? October/November

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Oh yeah.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? This year, Saltine Toffee.

16. Lights on the tree? White.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Mary Did You Know?

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Mostly home. Some local travel.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Normally I do an arrangement of twigs, sprigs, berries and feathers but my youngest son has been asking for a star so, this year, a star it is.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Both.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? That there is so much hurt in the world.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Natural (berries, etc.). I also like unique Santas.

24. What do you want for Christmas this year? The health and happiness of my friends and family.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

It is the day after Thanksgiving and I did what I normally do and headed out shopping this morning; albeit at 7:00 a.m. which, by most Black Friday shoppers' standards is WAY late. My Mom and 21 year old brother spent the night with me so that we could all head out together (hubby and boys, by the way, were hunting) which has been our tradition the last couple of years. Carson cracks us up as he basically just rolls out of the bed and joins us (in all his ungroomed glory). In all honesty, Mom and I weren't looking too good ourselves but we won't mention that here. He is the official driver and he is so good to let us out at the door and then park. Except today, somehow, we managed to find some primo parking all day and hardly required valet service at all. Ashley (my sister) met up with us at Cool Springs a little later. I think she actually bathed - ha!

Normally, I put out my Christmas decorations on this weekend also. Typically taking the better part of two days. Earlier this week, though, I got a bit of a head start (on Wednesday) by dragging it all out of the attic, assembling the tree and decorating the banisters and the front porch (well, I do have a bit of details to finish out there). I have taken on a new attitude this year as I am being very laid back about my decor. Normally, I overdo it and then begin dreading the take-down process on Christmas Eve which puts a bit of a damper on things. This year, we have simplified our outdoor decor and I have eliminated one gigantic (15 foot) tree in our Great Room. I have to be honest, as I sit here with almost everything done with about 3-4 hours work involved, I am feeling pretty good about this decision.

I love to decorate...I really do but I felt the pull this year to change my focus. I pray that I remain mindful during this season to stay focused on the One for whom we celebrate, the One who was born in a stable and placed in a manger; no hype involved.

What Have I Done?

I saw this on another blog and thought, since I didn't have anything new and interesting to say, that I'd borrow it. The list was provided and I simply "highlighted" the statements that applied (to me). Apparently I need to get out more.


01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said "I love you" and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game.
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper - a few thousand of them
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb In Ireland
33. Seen a total eclipse - aren't you NOT supposed to look at these?
34. Ridden a roller coaster - several but particularly the old wooden one at the former Fair Park
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and didn't care who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment - always!
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends - the BEST!
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched whales
45. Stolen a sign - I was actually WITH someone who stole a sign. Right Kim?
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip - A sign stealing road trip.
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Taken a midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theatre - but of course.
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on a television news program as an "expert"
83. Gotten flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark - had a bite of my husband's...he's a much more adventurous eater than I am.
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children - working on it
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Passed out cold
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a TV game show
113. Broken a bone - does a toe count?
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for 30 hours in a 48 hour period - I think I probably did this last year when I had the flu.
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. States
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about - I hope so
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach.
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey
135. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream - Every.Single.Day
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident - or two
150. Saved someone's life

Wordless Wednesday and "I Couldn't Have Said It Better Myself"

....and I really couldn't have ever said it better than it was said here and/or here.

So Long, Phil!

If you know my family, you know that our blood runs Tennessee orange. As far back as I can remember, we have followed University of Tennessee athletics. Particularly Volunteer football.

In 1966, my Dad graduated from High School. He was a gifted athlete who not only had talent but had heart. His jersey (#44) was retired at Smyrna High School and remains there today. Upon graduation, he was highly sought after by many colleges. He recently shared with me that he was approached by every SEC team (with the exception, I believe, of Florida).

Dad's dream was to attend UT and that he did. I have pictures of him signing to play for the "Big Orange".

Dad has been a loyal follower of Tennessee football over the years; traveling across the country to see them play, driving to Knoxville to watch them practice and keeping up with every statistic for every player. He is the epitome of a true fan. (Not to mention that buying him a gift is always a cinch...if it's ORANGE, he loves it).

I haven't talked to Dad today but I know that he is saddened at the news of Phil Fulmer's dismissal. In all the talk over the last months, he has remained faithful, always countering anyone's negative talk about this season with Phil's overall record of success. Dad wants what is best for the University but I know that he hates to see Phil go. It is definitely a bittersweet parting.

I am on an email list for the University of TN Athletics and, today, received an email from Mike Hamilton regarding UT's parting with Phil Fulmer as head coach. An except from that letter read:

Coach Fulmer has been, and will continue to be, a great representative of the University and the athletic department. He has dedicated a majority of his life to our program and brought home two SEC championships and a national championship. He has secured his place as the second winningest coach in Tennessee history behind General Neyland. I personally appreciate everything he has done for Tennessee and look forward to him continuing to be a part of our family.

If I was Phil Fulmer, I'm not sure that I could continue to be a part of this program/"family"; however, I hope for Daddy's sake, that he sticks around. UT Football would not be the same without him.

P.S. My daddy has to be the best Phil Fulmer look alike ever...particularly when he's wearing a cap. He is often mistaken for him out and about. It is so funny (when we are in and around the Knoville area particularly) to see people stop and look at him, speak to him or just come right out and say, "you're Coach Fulmer".

I Voted

Not so long ago, I was a fan of Oprah. And if Oprah said it was so, it must have been so.

With that in mind, I must confess, that not so long ago, because of Oprah, I might have considered voting for Barack Obama.

Then I heard Oprah say, "there CAN'T be only one way to Heaven". I heard her say, "what about Jesus?" in a sarcastic tone.

Oprah said it. And I listened.

Jesus IS the way. He is the ONLY way. I am so thankful that my eyes were opened. I'm thankful for a lot of reasons but, today, I'm thankful because I did NOT vote for Barack Obama.

Yes...I'm going there.

Politics...on my blog. (Remember, it's MY blog.)

Call me a one-issue voter but, today, I voted for LIFE. It's an issue that I think my God cares about. I think that He cares about ALL of them...I do...but I think He cares MORE about His children than their money. I think that He cares MORE about a beating heart than Medicare. I think He cares more about His creation than Education. After all, He knows the number of hairs on our head.

I think that children have a right to live...even if they're born poor, even if they're educational system isn't the best, even if there's no Social Security benefits, even if our border protection isn't all it should be. I believe that they deserve a right to be who God created them to be.

I can't possibly vote for someone who believes that it's okay to kill a baby in the womb of its mother. I just can't. No matter what Oprah says.

It's okay if you disagree with me. I still love you.

And I know that no matter who wins this election, God is still in control and He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. And I praise His name!!!