Do You Know God???

Yesterday, I picked Megan up from school and she promptly reminded me that it was "MOMMY-MEGAN DAY". We named Thursday's this because she goes to K5 everyday until 12pm, and on Thursday, my son is in his preschool class until 2pm (taking a nap), so we have a couple of hours to kill before having to go back up to the school to pick him up. We usually go get a bite to eat, and walk around WalMart, or go to the park, or something along those lines. Yesterday was no different. Megan wanted to go to Burger King, but with me trying to diet and exercise, I wanted something light to eat, so I talked her into going to Chick Fil A (again). When we pulled into the parking lot, there were absolutely NO parking places and the drive thru was backed up around the building....SPRING BREAK WEEK WAS DEFINITELY IN FORCE!!!
So, as soon as I could maneuver my way out of the parking lot, I DID. I hate going to a crowded restaurant. Especially with the chaos of a playground that is overflowing with kids. She was disappointed, but we went a couple of doors down and decided to eat at Ruby Tuesdays. I was thinking that it would be a good idea, because she usually likes their menu, and I could get the awesome salad bar. That may have been a big mistake financially because it ended up costing me much more than I really care to spend on lunch for the both of us. It was a good and healthy meal, but I forgot that even though my meal was $7.99, and hers was $3.99, they were going to charge me an arm and leg for my diet soda!! Why do restaurants do that??? It's like O'Charleys has the whole "kids eat free" mantra, but NO THEY DON'T! If you buy your kid a drink they charge you $2.50 for that tiny little kids cup! I know it's still a cheap meal for $2.50, but it totally IRKS ME that they lie to you. Well, we work around that because if I know that we are going to O Charleys, I stock a diaper bag full of juice box's and bottle water and that's what the kids get! Or, I'll take an empty sippy cup and fill theirs up with sweet tea, and make the waiter refill my cup! Ha! GOTCHA! The waiter always looks funny at me when I say "nothing to drink for the kids" but I dare them to tell me I can't bring it in!

Anyway, back to the subject! (I will get off that soap box).

We go inside to eat and the waiter is trying to be nice and talk to Megan. He asks her if she is a SuperStar and in her boldness, she informs him that she is a Movie Star AND a Super Star. (Where did she get that?) He then asks her "Well have you been in any movies that I have seen?" She totally doesn't get it and just starts telling him her favorite movies. I guess she thinks she is a movie star because she really loves movies, I dunno. So anyhoo-I order the salad bar, she wants her grilled cheese. I go get my mountain of salad and return to the seat and Megan begins to pray the blessing over the meal as she always does. Well, I had my head bowed and eyes closed and when I look up, the waiter is patiently waiting on us to finish the blessing before setting our drinks down. When I notice, I say thank you, and then he's still trying to "connect" with Megan and he begins to tease her saying "You didn't have your eyes closed". She looked up at him and very quickly retorted:

"DO YOU KNOW GOD?"

I wish you could have heard her tone. It wasn't disrespectful. It wasn't shy, or invasive. I guess you could say it was instinct for her to ask. I love that. So often, I would feel the prompting of the Holy Spirit to ask someone if they "Know God" and I wouldn't ask. Megan never questioned it. She just did it. I love that she is so young and innocent and hasn't lived enough to know that the world sometimes looks down on that and that is partly what keeps some (namely me) from spreading the word as believers should do! I have a great job ahead of me to help my daughter understand that while there are circumstances where you have to be careful when presenting the gospel or simply asking someone "DO YOU KNOW GOD?", there is never a reason to loose that boldness, and genuine desire to tell others about Jesus. That's a hard thing to teach, and I'm reminded now, probably by the prompting of the Holy Spirit, that she's only going to learn that from example. My example. If she sees me, and her father openly discussing God to others, whether it be in restaurants, at a playground meeting, at the grocery store, or in an elevator making small talk in the 10 seconds it takes to ride up a few floors, then hopefully, and just possibly she might not loose her gumph! Her bull-dog tenacity. Her boldness. I'm taking a lesson from my 6 year old..

DO YOU KNOW GOD???

J

PS...the waiter quickly informed us that he does indeed know God.

WHY WHY WHYYYYYY???

My son is the pickiest eater. He literally has a handful of foods that he will eat regularly. He loves junk food...chips, french fries, cookies, goldfish crackers. When it comes to meal time, it's always a toss up as to whether he is in the mood to eat anything other than a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. (I should really take stock in Jiff!) So why is it that today, of all things, he eats the little red berries off bush in our backyard! Well, I say "eat" but I'm really not sure he did. I think he probably just tasted them and spit the berry on the ground. Every time I ask him if he ate the berries, he says "I dunno" and "I sowwy Mommie" (too afraid to admit his wrong I'm sure). All I can think at this point is, "The berries are poisonous! What do I do???" I call Dad at work to ask him if he knows anything about the bush, which was silly, because I really already knew the answer to that..."I dunno!". Hmm, I'm seeing a male related pattern here...He throws responsibility to his Mom...the nurse, and a walking encyclopedia of all plant life. She can tell you the name of anything! After describing the plant to her, she thinks she knows the name but is not certain of the toxicity of the berries....so now, we need to call Poison Control. I have a new friend down there! Dianne was very sweet, took all the information down and asked me to go pick a branch from the shrub and call a local nursery to describe it to them and ask if the berries are poisonous. That is when my "waste of time" meter began. I called a local plant nursery, and described the leaves of the bush and berries...at this point, I can't remember what it was that my knowledgeable Mother In Law has named the plant, but I'm racking my brain trying to since the lady on the other end of this phone conversation is virtually no help. She puts me on hold for about 2 minutes and her solution when she returns is "go to Children's ER...take the branch with you. There are too many poisonous berries in bloom this time of year". She didn't want to put her "word" on the line, which I guess in essence I do understand. But like I said before, that was a total waste of time. Children's Hospital ER? Are you kidding me? I call Poison Control back and tell her what the lady at the Plant Nursery said, and she tells me NOT to go to the ER...yet. We'll just watch, give him fluids, no food, and look for tummy aches. Dianne at Poison Control will call back in an hour. In the mean time, my little darling is in the playroom with his sister eating a box of Nerds candy. So much for the "don't give him anything to eat" advice from Dianne! "But Mom, I was just sharing" says Megan. Yes, I know and I should be so grateful, but things are not going my way right now! I locked him in his highchair (yep, still have the highchair, and I'm so glad too!), and give him a sippy cup of tea. Put on a movie and he sits still for a minute! (slight sigh of relief) Then, I got the bright idea (if I do say so myself) to take a picture of the branch with the berries, and I emailed it to my ever so knowledgeable source of info (Thank you Regina!). She indeed confirms the name of the shrub,"A NANDINA" and I am thrilled to tell Dianne at Poison Control when she calls moments later. Dianne looks up the information and says that unless he had eaten 20 berries, there is not much cause for concern. She informs me to continue the watch for tummy aches, and call back if I need her. THANK YOU DIANNE AT CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL POISON CONTROL! The little man has now been released from the confines of his highchair and I am about to collapse from exhaustion!
My little angel with horns has worn me out!

Beach Babes Bash!!!

I'm getting pretty excited. In just a matter of 5 or 6 weeks, I am going to the beach on my first EVER trip away from the hubby and kids. Away from the daily grind, no mommy duties, no wifely duties, just relax and being a girl! Sometimes, being a mom kinda makes you forget that you are a GIRL and you need to be a girl! Hang out with friends, laugh, talk girl stuff, and make memories! When Megan was younger, I would have never even entertained the IDEA of going anywhere without her. She was all I had. I wasn't too busy, even though I worked a somewhat part time job at the time, and full time mom and wife. And even after I had Ryan, I wouldn't feel comfy leaving them. He's about to be 3 years old and the transformation is already happening. I can see it. He's naturally starting to lean more towards DADDY! He's still his Mamma's boy, but I can tell he's really taking more interest in his Dad and wanting to be with him. It's just little things, like wanting to sit with him to watch a movie instead of me. When he cries about something, he starts to go to Dad for comfort now before coming to me. I think it is sweet. I look forward to seeing their Father/Son relationship progress and develop. It's an amazing thing. So with that progression of their life coming to fruition, I am suddenly feeling a little more free. When the opportunity to go to the beach on a "girls only" vacation first began being discussed, I was all on board, but didn't really put much hope into it. I guess I didn't think there would be an actual opportunity. Well, as it turns out, LOTS OF US MOM'S NEED A GET-A-WAY WEEKEND! Several gals from my Bible Study class are all going...I think around 8 ladies all together! It's going to be a blast~!! I'm not sure what I'll do with no mommy duties for nearly 4 days straight, but I'm sure I'll figure it out.

Hubby is all for it too. He gets to go out of town (on business yes, but it's still out of town and away from the daily grind), all the time! Eats at nice restaurants while I'm at home cooking frozen fish sticks. He'll get to go take in the local scene while I'm stuck going to the grocery store, or doing crafts up at the school for Ryan's preschool class. When the idea of this trip first started getting serious (a reservation had been made), he teased me a little about leaving him to deal with the kids. Even begged (half jokingly too) me to take the kids with me so I'd "have more fun"....HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I'M SORRY, DID I JUST LAUGH???? NO I CACKLED AT HIM! He even would stop some of the girls in the hall at church and, with a very serious look on his face, beg them to "CONSIDER TAKING THE CHILDREN" on this trip....and each lady would respond the same: "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

He really is just kidding. When I dropped him off on Saturday morning to go to Atlanta for the night with the guys (a bachelor party for a friend who's getting married next month), he was sweet. He told me that while he gets alot of fun from just teasing me, he really doesn't mind that I'm going to the beach for a weekend alone with the girls. He even checked in with me a few times (by email) to make sure I was OK, and hoping the kids were being good. I told him that I don't want to feel bad for going....the guilt always sets in around the time that I have to go to my Bunco night, or a girls night out...I don't know why, but I do always have a tinge of guilt about leaving them. Perhaps it's a Mom thing, or a Woman thing, or just a "ME" thing. I dunno. But I believe he really does appreciate me. (And He's going to realize just how much when I go and he's Mr. Mom for a whole weekend....haha) And I really appreciate him. Not alot of husbands out there would be so nice about their wives taking off on a vacation without them. He's worked very hard to earn a little extra money for me to be able to go. He even brought back extra money from his trip! He did without so I could have my time. He's so good to me. He trusts me. I trust him. We're good.

J

A MUCH NEEDED FAMILY FUN DAY!

Today was a really great day! Since Jon's been working soooo much since the first of the year, we've had to take notice at the fact that every time he walks out the door, even if it's just to take out the garbage, my son immediatly starts telling him "Bye Bye Daddy", because he thinks he's leaving for work again. Well, a Family Fun Day is just what the doctor ordered! Today we started off going to our dear friends Birthday Celebration for their 2 year old. Mason's party was at a local park and the kids had a blast. There was HotDogs, Chips, Cake, (of which I did and OK job of resisting since I am trying to diet!), Presents and and an Elmo Pinata!!! (a pinata with pull strings...we got the safety thing covered! No footage of a mishap will be appearing on American's Funniest Home Video's). We were already exhausted when the party ended, but Family Fun Day MUST GO ON! So after a quick trip home to clean up a bit, off we went to the Zoo. The kids were so excited, the day was clear and beautiful! So as we were approaching the zoo, we noticed Birmingham's Iconic Iron Man so boldly standing on his perch at Red Mountain, and decided to take a quick detour and let the kids check him out. They didn't know who he was really, and the last time Jonathan and I were there was when our daughter was less than a year old. They had taken the Iron Man down and disassembled him with the intent of sending him off to be restored. Back then, they opened up the park for a once in a lifetime chance to get up close and personal! We have a sweet picture of Megan sitting on his foot, and of she and I standing next to his famous "back side"! (I'll have to find that pic and post it later...)
After a small stay at Vulcan Park, we finally made it to the Birmingham Zoo, courtesy of an awesome Christmas gift from Jonathan's parents...SEASON PASSES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! That is definately one gift we will use over and over! (wink wink Regina! hahaha)
The kids had a great time at the zoo...even though it was really crowded and we BARELY found a place to park. We were there for nearly 3 hours, and we saw it all. Ryan really seemed to enjoy everything much better than in times past. He was excited to see all the animals. Although, MY FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY was when Jonathan decided we needed to go into the "Parakeet Paradise", which is an exhibit were you can walk around an open atrium with the birds flying all around you. Mind you, I'm not an animal lover in the least. I hate birds more than any other animal, unless they are in a cage! Us in the cage with the birds, not my favorite thing. But I couldn't let Jon go in with both kids by himself, because Ryan was already freaking out. Yep, we weren't in there long when one bird decided to "drop" a little present on Jonathan's shirt. At that very moment, he announced (and I'm quoting here...) "I'M OUTTA HERE!" THEN~ HE BOLTED AND LEFT ME IN THE BIRD CAGE WITH BOTH OF THE KIDS BY MYSELF! Well, then the little teenage nerd dude guarding the door, refused to let me and the kids out because there was a parakeet hanging out on the door and he had to be sure that the birds were safe! GREAT! NOW I'M STUCK! Once we were all finally out of the cage safely, my dear husband started warning others not to go in and stand under the awning "if you know what I mean". Well, all in all it was a GREAT DAY! We were totally worn out by the end, and the kids didn't put up much of a fight for bed time! Maybe we need more days like this...
Here's a little slide show of a few of the pics we took from our FAMILY FUN DAY...

American Idol Shock and AWWWW & My Predictions

OK!!! Would someone please explain to me, WHAT ON EARTH IS HAPPENING ON AMERICAN IDOL????? I'll be the first to admit that my jaw dropped several times at last night's results show of who would be the top 12 contestants. Several Times! Sundance didn't garner as many votes as SANJAYA???? What the crap? (excuse me!) I didn't care so much for Sabrina, but she was definitely more powerful a singer than Hayley! And I think the fact that Hayley is so cutsie and was so often attacked by Simon's opinion is probably what catapulted her into the Top 12! The only good thing that came out of last night's show is the dismissal of Antonella....yep, it was time to go...like weeks ago! I don't' even think she was shocked, what with all the controversy surrounding the show because of a little modeling job she did. She probably should have been kicked off the show by producers several weeks ago when the racy photo's emerged, but I guess they were erring on the side of caution with all the controversy it has stirred up in the past....(insert violin song here)..."yes, Frenchie from Season 2, we know, you were such a victim in the matter!!!"

But back to the subject at hand...last night proved that it's NOT only a singing competition. There is far more at the end of the phone lines than fans of true vocal talent. There's the sympathy vote (aww, Simon made me cry when he was so mean just now), the teeny-bopper vote (i.e. all the little kids that latch onto a contestant because they think he's cute or she's such a good role model, blah blah blah), the defiant vote (perhaps the judges were a little cruel and "I'm gonna phone it a couple of votes in support"), the non-existent vote (people who watch the show, but don't care enough to sit on the couch for 2 hours after the conclusion to phone in a vote for their favorites, yet we'll complain and harp about it in the days to come), the personality vote ("...but he's soooo sweet! I know he can't really sing the best, but he's got such a good attitude and I like him!!!"), and of course the LIFE STYLE vote (give it up for the gay guy, the christian, or the kid that was living in his car til now....). Yes, I have found myself in a couple of these voting situations, as I too get wrapped up in the phenomenon call "IDOL MANIA", but I guess the true test is record sales, and success's outside the show. Past idol contestants have either soared or sputtered when released out of the bubble...but they had their time on the show, that's for sure.

So, here is my thoughts and predictions of the so called TOP 12 VOTE GETTER'S of Season 6:

Hayley Scarnato: Former Wedding Singer, recently engaged, and often battered by the judges for song choice. I really think she's a good singer, but as Simon would say, "overpowered by the stronger voices around her in the competition". She beat Sabrina out for the TOP 12, which was a mega shocker in and of itself, but I would give her another week or 2 on the show if she began coming into her own and picked a song like Bonnie Raitt's "Lets give them Something To Talk About". I think ballads are her thing, and it's going to be pretty interesting to see how she does when they throw out the different challenges of "Theme Night" to her. All in all, even if she doesn't make it another week on the show (which I think she's going to be one of the first 2 to go home) she has a career on her hands. She's got the look, a decent voice to go with the cute personality, and gosh darn it, people liker her!

Jordin Sparks: Well, lets just say, that after Hayley is booted off, this girl could definitely stick around for a while if the afore mentioned "teenybopper vote" has a say in the matter. The young 17 year old has alot of experience yet to gain, but she definitely has a powerhouse voice. I was pretty impressed with this last weeks song choice of "Heart Breaker" which was a surprising choice and definitely a move up from last weeks "Reflection" which was good, but not great. She needs to find something that will set her apart. I would say it's her curly locks, but lets face it, Chris Sligh gets the trophy in that department, and I give it a week before they straighten them out like they did to Lisa in last years competition. I don't have alot of opinion on her, other than I like her and look forward to hearing more. I don't think she will make it past the top 6 unless she starts making some noise soon.

Phil Stacey: Well, who wouldn't like a guy named Phil?? Missed the birth of his child to audition for the show (and has a very understanding wife, let me say, because I wouldn't if it were me!). He has a great voice for ballads, but I am still shaking my head as to why he chose the LeeAnn Rimes song. Yes Phil, it is a great song, but not for a guy!!!!!!!!! I loved his rendition of "I Ain't Missing You" by John Waites, and would like to see him stick to the Daryl Hall and John Oats kinda thing. He's got a fan base, that's for sure, and has alot to live up to and prove after being highlighted for missing his kid's arrival. I give him kudos because my mom really likes him. (But even she had to wonder what he was thinking on this weeks song choice). If he wants to stick around a little longer, he better take a note from the strategy of Clay Aiken...pick ballads with big notes and nail it! I worry about any song that will take him outta his element...like last year's "Queen" nite....chilling to think what he'd do there! Unless he screws up big, he's in it to the TOP5 at least.

Brandon Rogers: I'm sorry WHO? I forget from week to week that he is a contestant on this show. Yes, he can sing. Yes, pretty well. But I have no idea who he is. After searching him up on the IDOL website, I remember now that he sang "Rock With You" one week. Interesting choice, but to me, his voice didn't fit. I think he was highlighted in this weeks video of "People would be surprised to know" as a talented pianist. Perhaps that is where his future lies, unless he steps it up in the next week, I say he's out by TOP 8week.

Sanjaya Malakar: Seriously, is he still here???? I think they missed the mark when the judges put him through and not his sister. Do you think that Simon, Paula and Randy a kicking themselves today? Well, metaphorically WE ARE! I don't know what it is about this guy, and just who his fan base really is, but #1 Don't tell we'd be surprised to know you can actually "HULA" when you're not even shaking your skinny hips!!!! #2 He was right to be shocked last week when he was put through another round, and should've been stunned to be named TOP 12! I give him one more week to "thrill us" and I plead with America DON'T CALL HIS NUMBERS! This guy makes Kevin Covais from last season look really really really good.

Chris Richardson: Ahh, yes, the Justin Timberlake clone. I know the judges have been all but falling all over him, but I seriously don't see it. Maybe I'm just out of touch with what is "HOT DAWG" as Randy would say with his gangsta fingers in place.... (and I really probably am outta the know on most things related to musical culture), but I think his voice is a bit to whinny. I haven't been blown away by any of his song choices, and I'm sorry, but the Keith Urban song was terrible. I do think he has enough appeal to hang around for a while. I'll be looking for him to stay until at least until TOP 7.



Blake Lewis: ORIGINAL WITH A BIG FAT "O"!!! Not one contestant on the shows history has been like him. I really appreciated the fact that during the first week of competition, despite being known as the "bee boxer", he chose to showcase his voice and prove that he could sing. I thought his song choice was great, and I didn't even know what the song was! I remember telling my dear husband that he sounded like "Sting" to me. Of course the judges love him and encouraged him to bring back the bee boxing, which he has. I'm not a fan of that music, but I could get used to it listening to him. I'm making him my pick for TOP 3....the only reason he won't go above the #3 spot is because La Keisha and Melinda are just too strong, providing there is not a dejavu moment like the season Jennifer Hudson went home way early!

Chris Sligh: Dude is great! I was a fan at his audition when he walked into the room and the judges asked him "Why do you want to be the next American Idol" and he replied with "I wanna make David Hasselhoff cry"! That was priceless! He is already a stand out with his look, I mean, not many people other than he and Jack Osborne can wear that kind of hair do! He has a voice that is smooth and soothing. I liked that he picked a song this week that the judges didn't know (perhaps because they don't listen to Christian Music), and the judges still liked it. Sometimes, that may be the secret to the competition, because if they don't know the original artist, then the contestant can't be compared. Great card to play, Chris! I am a fan of his....but I'm not going to predict him to stay beyond TOP 4, heck he could go home far sooner. If that is the case, I see him starring in a sitcom of his own in the near future!

Gina Glocksen: Idol's first true Rocker GIRL! Move over Pink! You can totally see her rockin out on the stage now that she has figured out who she is musically and will be sticking to that. As a big fan of Heart in the late 80's and early 90's I thought she did a great job on the song a few weeks ago, but totally agreed with Simon about her choice of dress. It looked more "glam" than "rocker rebel chick". She has come into her own in the last weeks, so I think I will have to move Phil Stacy down one from his NUMBER 5 spot....which pushes Jordin Sparks to 7, Chris Richardson to 8, and Brandon ("Who?") Rogers is closer to going home at number 9.

Rock On Gina!

Stephanie Edwards: Well, like Chris Richardson' s pining after Justin Timberlake, I look at her as a "Beyonce" wannabe. She has done nothing to make herself seem different, or original. I personally thing she has a fantastic voice, but she sounds too much like the current stars, and not enough of an original artist. I am sure she will last a bit longer than I am going to give her credit for, but I would send her home by week 9 or 10, fighting that spot with Brandon Rogers. I'm not overly impressed.....we'll see how it pans out.

And Here You Go! One of these two ladies is the Next American Idol! Melinda Dolittle and LaKeisha. Melinda has quickly become a crowd favorite not only for her powerful, confident, and outrageous voice, but for the genuine grace she presents on stage. She actually looks surprised when the judges give her good remarks for her performance! She is a force to be reckoned with! And LaKeisha is emerging as a strong competitor with her powerhouse voice! She has in common with Season 3 winner Fantasia, the fact that she is a single mother and is striving to do right by her daughter ( a story America loves to latch onto!). It 's going to be one heck of a finale, I believe that!

So, there is my ramblings about the show that makes my weeks go round! I am the self proclaimed "AMERICAN IDOL FREAK" with it as my number one recording choice on the Tivo, and the theme song as my ring tone on my phone. I have been known to save an entire season on the Tivo (not so much this year, since I'm not enjoying it half as much as other seasons). I know this is a long post, but be glad this is not Season 5....

She listened to the "Bad Angel"

Kindergarten is a fun, wonderful thing for my 6 year old. She is learning so much. She attends a private school that is nearby and has been at that school since she was 2 years old. She loves school so much and literally hates to miss it. They are on such a structured schedule that she can tell me exactly what she's missing out on if she happens to fall ill during the week. Her favorite is Friday, when the class plays "bingo". She hates missing bingo on Fridays. Even if it means going on a vacation! I guess one could say that speaks volumes to the nurturing, loving, atmosphere her teacher has provided. I however, discovered another example just this week.

My daughter gets in the car on Thursday amid looming black clouds and tornado threats among us. I usually start our car conversations off with "How was your day?", but I was distracted this particular day with impending doom set by weather forecasts. Halfway into our very short drive home, my daughter informs me that her apple went to the teacher's desk. (The apple is a form of behavior management in the classroom. One warning, the apple falls from the tree top to the trunk, then it would fall to the doggie bowl by the tree, and then to the basket on the teachers desk, who then sends home a note asking for help in discipline). I must say that I was quite surprised and taken aback when she told me this. I asked her why and she immediately began crying and whining. We decided to talk about it when we got home, mainly because I couldn't understand a word she was saying and it's hard to concentrate on driving when there is that distraction in the car! After arriving home, I looked in her book bag and found the note from the teacher which was attached to a green piece of fabric. The fabric turned out to be the slip covered "chair pocket" that holds their book at school. For some reason, her 6 year old brain used 2 year old reasoning and she took out a crayon or marker and drew on the back of it. The teacher asked in the note that she be the one to spray the "shout" on the stain and wash the drawing out. I, the Mom, talked with her, the daughter in the most loving and calm manner possible, because I knew I'd loose her to the crying and whining again if we moved directly into punishment. Here is our conversation:

"What made you decide to draw on that?" Mom asks

"I don't know" Child responds

"What is the rule we have about using crayons, markers, pens and pencils?" Mom pursues

"Draw only on paper" Child answers (HA! I HAVE HER NOW, SHE KNOWS THE RULE!!!)

"So why did you break the rule?" Mom probes again.

"I think my brain just wasn't working and I listened to the bad angel" My child honestly and very matter-of-factly responds.


I just about lost it. It is those moments that I have the hardest time keeping a straight face. I have to be stern....stoic....solemn. Don't break. Don't crack! This is a serious moment that I could totally loose if I smile, or laugh even the least little bit!

I regain composure quickly.

"Honey, you made a bad choice"

"I know, it was the bad angel"

"There is a consequence for making bad choices, do you know what that means?"

"No"

"It means you get into trouble, and loose privileges when you decide to do the wrong thing"

Immediately, she envisions loosing all of her prized possessions as if being thrown into a prison cell!

"I'm sorry Mom, don't take my toys away, PLEASE!" She begs.

Well, suffice it to say, she did loose the privilege of her crayons, markers, pens and pencils here at home for the day. I told her she had to "earn" them back. The punishment did take place in school when the apple fell (which broke her heart, and struck her with a fierce blade of fear because she knew Mom would find out), and a note came home and she was made to clean and wash the chair pocket. But Mom added one more bit to her punishment. She wrote an apology letter to the teacher explaining that she was sorry for writing on the pocket and she wouldn't do it again. The next day when I asked her if she gave her letter to the teacher, she smiled so big and said "Yes! And my teacher hugged me and said "It's OK, all is forgiven!" and then told me she loved me!" Her teacher DOES love her, I believe that. My 6 year old knew she'd made a bad choice (by listening to the bad angel), and through love, her teacher helped her realize that!

Today, my child came home and told me that she listened to the good angel today and she didn't get her apple moved! BOY AM I GRATEFUL!
J

AMERICAN IDOL RANTING....

OK, I am not enjoying this season of American Idol very much. Granted it's not keeping me from tuning in on TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, AND THURSDAY nights!!! But I am quite dissappointed with the selection of singers this year. There are a few that stand out I guess, but to me, all the guys sound the same, and that is boring! The girls, well let's just say that I only remember one girls name, and I can already hear "THE NEXT AMERICAN IDOL IS MELINDA DOOLITTLE"! I'm sorry, but the chick TOTALLY ROCKS, and she seems so genuine, and humble, and appreciative of everything about this experience. Yes, there are a few more gals that, as the "dawg" puts it, "Can really blow", but still, I'm slightly bored with the performances. The results show is what I am most looking forward to....I mean, what is it going to take to get SANJAYA to go home!?!?!?!?! He is horrible! I am sure that he is a totally nice guy, and that is exactly what he comes across as, but as Simon puts it (insert British voice here:) "This is a singing competition, and that was not good enough" Tonight, one of the better guys got sent home and there is a legion of wierdo Sanjaya fans out there doing a happy dance that he gets to make our ears bleed again next week. He was shocked to know he would be staying around again too...did you see how big his eyes got??? Well, he's my "casualty pick" for the guys next week, and the girl that's gotta go home next week is Miss "I THINK I'M HOT" Antonella. Yeah, she is beautiful, but hear me again when I scream it with the Brit..THIS IS A SINGING COMPETITION! GO HOME! There is all kinds of controversy over this girl right now anyway because now that she is "famous" there are internet pictures that have surfaced where she posed nearly nude and provocatively. So why don't they knock her off the show like they did Frenchie a few years back???? Well, Frenchie didn't come clean about her photo shoot, and when it all came out and suprised the producers, they cut her. I'm sure every contestant since then has come clean about everything up front....to further prolong their chances of staying in the spotlight. Well, tonight's casualty was sad for me. No, Leslie was not the best singer in the competition, but she had talent, she was unique, and I loved her personality....So she did a weird "skat" thing in her song...it kinda worked for her...but I guess it didn't work enough, because tonight...she's packing her bags.

Oh well, at this point I'm ready to move on to the top 12 and get trucking to the finale....hopefully things will get a little more interesting soon. This could be another Season 3 for me, my least favorite. hmmmm, we'll see.

Internist VS "Doc In The Box"

So this weekend, after all the partying in the moonwalk and the crazy windy cool weather we had, I started coming down with a cold on Sunday. Started off with just the runny nose and congestion...no big deal. By Monday, I had a wretched cough and by Monday night, my chest was hurting pretty bad. Chest pains indicated to me that I had to go be seen by a doctor. Now, bear in mind that I have never had a "doctor" other than my OB/GYN because I previously worked for pediatricians, and anytime I was sick, they were kind enough to see me and treat my symptoms. So, with officially being out of the work force for the last year, I had to find a doc. I don't really care to go to a "Doc In The Box" type of clinic (you know, Walk In's taken, new patients no problem...etc.). I tried to go to an Internist, but when I call, they can never see a "new sick patient" until days from now....and excuse me, but when one is sick, they need to see a doc immediately rather than a few days or weeks later! So, since I was unable to get in with a regular doc, I had to go to the nearest American Family Care Clinic....aka DOC IN THE BOX. I dunno how they get that name because it makes it sound quick and easy and it is anything but! I was there for nearly 2 hours, and I had to get blood drawn, chest x-rays and the normal vitals taken. The doc comes in and he is so soft spoken, I can barely hear him. After the chest X-rays and blood work comes back, he informs me I have Mycoplasma. "Myco-what???" I didn't know what that was and had to ask, and his soft spokeness proceeded to tell me. All I could get out of what he said was, "bacteria", "cell wall not easily broken down", "traditional antibiotics won't work". (I later went home and looked it up on the Internet to figure out what I really had....which is basically bacterial pnuemonia....thank the Lord for the Internet!) He then shows me a prescription, and stapled to it is a coupon for $5 off of my antibiotic.....which immediately tells me that I'm about to pay out the rear for these meds! And, CVS pharmacy made $115 off of me yesterday! I JUST ABOUT HAD A STROKE! Then I had to wonder, since the doc gave me a coupon, was he really trying to "help" or did he get some kinda bonus points from the pharmaceutical company for giving that Rx to me. Would an Internist have given me the same thing??????? Well, I guess all in all it really doesn't matter. The medicine is working, and I am finally starting to feel better tonight. My chest isn't hurting, I still have the congestion, but the coughing is settling down a bit. I guess I should thank my lucky stars that the $115 of meds worked, and not the other way around....'cause after that, who can afford more medicine???

OK, I'll quit complaining now....

J

MY BABY GIRL IS 6 YEARS OLD!!!

Baby Girl turned 6 on Sunday! YES! 6 YEARS OLD! Can you believe it??? We were exhausted from this weekend, but it was a great one! Megan had alot of fun, as you can see in the slide show. We've got another B'day in a little more than a month...then we'll be done for a year. That's good, because birthday parties will wear you down! But, I'm so blessed and thankful that I have 2 wonderful kids to throw parties for! Yes, I do go a bit overboard, but I won't be able to throw birthday parties all of their life....so I'm living it up now!

Suprisingly FUN!

Haha! I should totally get one of these shirts! I am so addicted to blogging! YES, ME! I'm so surprised too! But seriously, this blog has really been a blast! When someone first suggested doing a blog, it was for my Bible Study class at church. The idea was, the leaders of the class could make posts on a blog to keep everyone in class informed on what was happening in class. I was skeptical to say the least. My immediate reaction was "You mean I have to learn how to do a blog? I don't even know what that is!!!!" So, once the blog for my Bible Study class was set up (Click the Family Ties Fridge link to the right of the page), I decided that maybe I needed to "practice" a bit and set up a test blog of my own. Just so I could get a feel for everything....no one had to know about it, and if it was a big flop, then no big deal, right? Well, I guess you can see that this "test blog" has turned into a hobby of mine. I am loving it! I've learned to do so much with this, which is saying alot, because I am NOT the most computer savvy person you'd meet! I can find my way through some things here and there...but technical I am not. Well, this is really all easy. It's all set up for you. And the best part is, I get to write. I really have always loved writing. When I was in High school, one of my mentors, my English teacher, always gave me high marks for my writing. She encouraged it. I even remember her challenging me to "never give up writing, you have a gift" in my Senior Year Book. And I have had some of the same compliments thrown my way recently since going public with this blog. (By public, I mean a few choice family and friends.) My husband hears the compliments of how "I can write" and immediately starts trying to turn that into a money maker! "YOU SHOULD WRITE A BOOK, A CHILDREN'S BOOK, OR A NOVEL". It's not that I don't appreciate his enthusiasm for my "skill" so to speak, but this blog is easy because it's about my life. It's like carrying on a conversation of my thoughts with a brick wall...no one talks back, I just peck at the keyboard and ramble on and on about what's on my mind at the moment. Perhaps one day, I can become a published author. How fun would it be to have this blog published and pass down to my children. An actual record of our lives together! Well, like I said in the very beginning, I don't know what God's plans are for this blog, and maybe there really are no plans....but in the mean time...I sure am having fun!

J

PS-LEAVE ME SOME COMMENTS PEOPLE!!! DON'T JUST STALK MY BLOG, COMMENT TOO!

It Costs HOW MUCH????

So I need one of these tree's in my backyard, LIKE NOW!

Doesn't everyone????

Last week, I received a price list for tuition cost at my kids school for next school year. Registration is tomorrow. Megan will be in 1st grade, Ryan will be in K3. The grand total for next years education will be ..........

(DRUM ROLL PLEASE.......................)

$350 PER MONTH!

I am in shock still. I don't know why I am in shock, because I knew it would be more money than this year. Breakdown: Ryan's tuition stays the same, $100 for 3 days a week until 12pm. Not bad if you ask me, plus, he gets the wonderful teacher that my daughter had in her K3 year there....we LOVE her! Megan's tuition goes UP a $100 for First Grade! I love the school. I totally love that my children are being very loved and taken care of, and taught the academics by way of God's love, and they are learning Bible verses, and stories. The teachers in the past give them Bible Verses for challenges in the classroom! I'll never forget my 3 year old little girl reciting Philippians 4:13 "I can do ALL things through Christ, who gives me strength" whenever she had a hard time accomplishing a task. Then one day in the classroom, I heard the K3 teacher talking with one of her students who was complaining that they couldn't "color inside the lines". She recited that verse to them, and it clicked! THAT IS WHERE MEGAN LEARNED IT! Yes, we go to church, a GREAT church! Yes we reinforce the Word Of God at home, and talk about the Bible Stories. But for some reason, SCHOOL is where it started clicking for her.

I truly believe that God had planned all along for us to send our children to that school. Perhaps the school is also the reason that we are still living in the same house. We've wanted and needed to move for sooooooo long. Our community is fading. We're not happy. It's going downhill and there is nothing we can do to stop it. The inner city is creeping in closer and closer thus bringing up the crime rate, and the housing price coming down. We want to move so bad. But for some reason, the Lord has not led us to do that. But we are on HIS time table. We want to move out. Far out. Away from the city and the "creeping in" of the inner city troubles. I don't want to have to move again any time soon after we get out of this mess!

So all I can hope is that it all works out. It's all in God's hands. I just have to believe that I am a part of something big in God's plan. He's using this time in my life to build up to something worthy later. I have taken so much from the examples of others, and I pray that one day, I can do the same for someone who will be in my position.

I am blessed. Blessed by God. Blessed with a wonderful family.

I guess I don't need God to grow me a money tree in the backyard

(but wow, what a killing we'd make! hahahahaha).

God's growing seeds of faith in me, instead.

My Sweet Family!!!

I had lunch with my Mom, my Mamaw, and Aunt Sherri and my best cousin, Lauren today. Every once in a while, mostly to celebrate one of our Birthdays~but sometimes, just "because" we meet for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. Just us gals. Sometimes my kids tag along, like today, because Dad was working (of course!) and today, the kids were soooo good! Before we even ordered our meal, my kids were talking and laughing and being silly...putting big smiles on our faces. So, I just happened to have my camera with me, and we began snapping! Today we were celebrating my Mamaw's 78TH Birthday. Now, I have lasting memories of a fun, wonderful day. I am so fortunate to have such a sweet, wonderful family. Mamaw is a strong beautiful woman who raised strong beautiful women, who have raised more strong beautiful women!

Happy Birthday Mamaw! I love you!!!!!

"That Game"!

Let me first start out by saying "I HATE THE NEWLY WED GAME"! No offense. I just cannot stand any game that puts me on the spot where I have to "guess" an answer that my spouse has said about me, or our marriage. Drives me nuts, Makes me nervous, EMBARRASSES ME AND MAKES ME BREAK OUT IN RED SPLOTCHES ALL OVER!!!!!

With that said, we had a "Parent's Nite Out" social with our Sunday School class. We ate dinner at Steak and Ale tonight, which was delicious. Jonathan and I really enjoyed sitting with our friends, talking and laughing about the crazy stuff we do, did, or our kids do to us now! It's enjoyable to relate to other couples about the crazy everyday lives we live! After dinner, it was time for dessert and games, so off we went to another couple friends home. Again, the conversation and dessert was both GREAT! Then it was GAME TIME! (dun-dun-duuuuun *scary, shocking, dramatic music plays). Guess which game??????

THE NEWLY WED GAME

First of all, the Newly Wed Game TV show had the rule that you had to be married for 2 years or less to participate in the show. There is a reason for that....the questions you are asked are designed to "stump" you. When you have been married for as long as Jonathan and I (10 years this coming December), there are way too many factors at play here. Most often, the number one factor that is the death of any answer he or I may have is, that there are way too many options. For instance, my question tonight was "My husband talks about _______ so much, he could do an infomercial about it". Well, my husband has lots of interests, and they all come in shifts. I answered that he was really interested in "Solar Energy"...which he is....he is constantly boring me ("wink wink dear") with all the different ways we could build a solar powered house, or save on our heating bill by installing solar powered heating panels in our bathroom that mount to the wall, or many other things. He answered "Talk Radio". Well, yes, he is into Talk Radio, but that's not a product you would hock on an infomercial. But the list goes on, he loves talking about "alternative fuels", "electronics", "gadgets", and other things. So there is no one answer to that question....thus we loose again. We always loose at that game. And then there is always the embarrassing questions about your "intimate life" or "making whoopee" as the TV show would have called it. So, if you know me at all, you know that my face and chest were broke out in those embarrassing red splotches all over and everyone took notice!

I even get uncomfortable having to watch others play that game because I feel sorry for them....everyone is scared they're gonna tick off the spouse because they said the wrong answer, or said an embarrassing one. So in the beginning, there was the "disclaimer"...

THIS IS JUST FOR FUN, NOT TO EMBARRASS ANYONE, SO LETS JUST HAVE A GOOD TIME. But why is it that we have a good time laughing at the person squirming in the chair???? (well, yes, I laughed too! It was funny)

Well at least it's over with. I really did enjoy my evening with our friends. It was a great night.

I just really really really hate playing that game.

(sorry Rhonda, but i really really really LOVE YOU!)

Frigid Temps!

I'm FREEZING TO DEATH TONIGHT! BRRRRRR!

Well, I've gotta bit of a gripe! If it's going to be below freezing temps, shouldn't we at least get to have a little snowfall??? I mean, if I gotta FREEZE to death, even in the comfort of my own home, with the heat going full blast, yet my toes just can't thaw out, I wanna see the Powder hit the ground! It's really not fair. Alabama get's the shaft when it comes to the powdery white stuff. I know alot of the more of the northern states get it often, & yes, even some of the southern states like Tennesee-but it has not snowed here in my neck of the woods in at least 7 years! I think we are LONG overdue, don't you? It would be so awesome for my 6 year old to wake up to a thick blanket of white stuff all over the ground. She's never even seen a snow flake in her life! I think it did "flurry" a little bit last year, but alas, we didn't get to experience it because it just so happened we were on the road to Orlando Florida to spend the week in DisneyWorld!



Whever talk of the "white stuff" begins to happen, there are a couple of scenarios that are sure to ensue. First, most people won't believe it. I mean, why should they, it hasn't happened in 7 YEARS! Then, no matter if they believe the forecast or not, they do stay glued to the TV and the windows straining to get a glimpse of even the tiniest, minut, microscopic snowflake. There is a slight shadow of hope...the thoughts of "perhaps they got it wrong". I can't tell you how many times I have prayed that prayer myself...as a child, it means a day out of school! As a parent, IT MEANS A DAY OUT OF SCHOOL! :-)



One more scenario comes to mind with the chatter of "snow talk". Panic. Yes, Panic. You see, since it is so seldom that we actual have to experience snow, Panic almost always ensues...."Can we drive the roads?" (keeping in mind, it's usually less than an inch on the ground!), "Are the schools & businesses open" but my most favorite is the panic at the grocery store. YOU GOTTA GET MILK AND BREAD! Milk & Bread? MILK & BREAD????? Why milk and bread??? Why not STEAK AND BAKED POTATO! I mean if you're gonna be "snowed in" with less than an inch of snow, at least eat a decent hot meal. Well, I guess the milk and bread does come in handy when the power goes out. Yes, less than an inch of snow and most of the city will be without power. Back to that "panic" thing...even the power lines panic and start falling down. I mean what do people up North that deal with snow all the time do? Do they honestly loose power for no less than that inch?



Well, even though it's mid-february and our hopes of a glorious snowfall are ticking away (hey we have through March..."Winter Storm '93 happened the first of March...a one in 50 year storm that dumped an entire foot of snow in Central Alabama! I was 19 years old and it was AMAZING!) I guess I will hold on to the hope of a snowfall a little bit longer...



Please? Let it snow? just a little?????

Daddy/Daughter Date Night

Daughter's First Date!

Time for something happy to blog! It's the "Valentine" week and it started last night for my daughter and husband as they attended their first "Daddy/Daughter Date Night" at our church. We began planning weeks ago. First the announcement came in the mail. My husband was so excited because he's wanted to take her to this for so long! Last year, she was finally old enough to go, but we were out of town in DisneyWorld so they missed it. This was finally their year! After reading the invitation to her, Daddy bent down on one knee and asked her if she would go on a date with him. Well, lately, my dear daughter who is nearly 6 but going on 26 years old, has been trying to "talk like a grown up" as she puts it. She looked her dad square in the eye and said "Sure I will!". Well, then it's time to plan! We had to go find a new dress. I took her shopping and we picked out the sweetest dress, and I must say, she looked like a grown up when she put it on!
All the mom's decorated tables for the evening. I had such fun putting together centerpieces, and goodie bags for the tables. And my sweet hubby made sure they sat at the table that I had decorated~which was sweet, because some of the other tables were really good! One lady had the great idea to place disposable cameras on the table so that those sitting there could take pictures! (I would have sat at that table personally!)
When it was time to get ready, my daughter wanted to make sure that how she looked in the dress would be a suprise for daddy. We got her dressed behind closed doors, all the while she was yelling at her daddy "don't come in here, it's a suprise!" Then she made me look down the hall to make sure her daddy wouldn't see her as we quickly ran into the bathroom to do her hair. Again, we got ready behind closed doors, with her still yelling, "don't come in here daddy, I'm doing my hair and I'm not ready yet! (I know, I know, she's only 6 now, and it's going to get worse!) Well when she got ready, daddy announced that he would be "right back" and he left. She walked into the living room and began twirling around and around because her dress was PERFECT for twirling! Suddenly, the doorbell rang. At first she paid no attention to it, but I told her she needed to go to the door. She opened the door and to her suprise, Daddy was there, wearing his sports coat and looking pretty dapper! He was there to pick her up for their "DATE"! She was sooooo excited! We took a few pictures, and out the door they went. When they got home from their special evening, I was asking how everything went. They ate dinner, they had a live band playing so there was lots of dancing, and I knew it was a good night when my daughter exclaimed "Mom, I liked that better than Chuck E Cheese!"
Well, you know that it was a good night if not even Chuck E Cheese could compare.
J

In Memory of Nanny

I spoke at Nanny's funeral. It was no easy task. I'm really proud of myself, and suprised that I was able to do it. I would never have been able to do it for Papaw's funeral, because it was so sudden and unexpected. He was so full of life...SuperMan to me. Nothing held him back. But my dear Nanny had been sick for a while, and I believe the Lord helped me by preparing me for her death. He put thoughts and dreams of her in my mind for months before she passed. I'm glad Nanny is no longer suffering. And as I said the other day at her funeral, I would much rather focus on the fact that she led a very vibrant, full, happy life...I don't want to focus on her death. Death doesn't win, when you have memories like mine. The following is a compilation of memories of mine. I read this at her funeral. I share it with you now.

Nanny Was ALWAYS There

February 9, 2007

When I was a little girl, I attended school at Barrett Elementary, which was just 2 houses away from my Nanny & Papaw’s house. I walked home everyday to their house when school let out, and there I waited for my dad to get home from work. I remember Nanny always had a box of ice-cream in the freezer for my brothers and I to have an after school snack. I loved being at Nanny’s house. She was so much fun! She had the most infectious laugh of anyone I’ve ever known! And, I’m sorry, it has to be said…sometimes she would get so tickled at someone or something, and she would have to “EXCUSE” herself from the room….laughing all the way.
Most of you know what I’m talking about!
Nanny was always there~laughing. When word came of her death Wednesday, all I could see in my head was that great big smile of hers, and I remembered her laugh. I smiled too, because when Nanny laughed, you laughed with her!
I remember once when I was in 2nd grade, my teacher wrote a note home to my parents about the fact that I had been daydreaming a lot in class. I was staring out the window of my classroom. When my Mom asked me about it, I knew exactly what I had been doing. I could see Nanny and Papaw’s house from the window of my classroom, and I was hoping to catch a glimpse of them. From time to time, I could see my Papaw’s work truck, coming and going throughout the day, and I knew Nanny was always there at her house, and I was jealous, because I wanted to be there too. Can you blame me? Who’d want to be at school, when you could be with Nanny?
Many times, when I was sick Nanny would take care of me while my parents had to work. If I got sick at school, she’d come get me and take me home with her. She’d always have me some ginger ale and crackers to eat. Nanny was always there.
As I got older, she helped me with my homework in the afternoons. Her favorite was my Math homework…which was good for me, because I hated Math! Especially the “Long Division” work problems that seemed to go on and on and never end. More often, than not, and especially if I’d let her…I’d ask Nanny for help with a hard problem, and before I knew it, she’d solved it for me. She’d end up doing a lot of my Math homework… (Perhaps the reason I was never a good math student!) When she’d realized what she’d done, that infectious giggle of hers came bellowing out. She loved to laugh….Nanny was always there…to do your homework for you and laugh about it later!
On those long hot summers, I spent the day with Nanny. We talked about everything. She taught me Bible stories. She told me about her Mother and Father. I learned about Wayne, my Uncle and Jeff, my Cousin, both of whom I never knew. We’d talk while she was sipping coffee at the kitchen table, washing dishes, making the beds, or while she was carrying those ridiculously heavy buckets of water that she filled up in the bath tub and toted them all the way to the washing machine so she could do laundry. She made the beds everyday, and I watched intensely as she smoothed every wrinkle out of the sheets. When I asked her why she worked so hard on getting those wrinkles out, she would tell me the story about “The Princess and the Pea”. For those of you that don’t know that story, it’s about a Prince searching for a “TRUE” princess to marry, so the queen invited a young lady to spend the night in the castle and the queen placed a single pea at the bottom of the bed sheet, and covered the bed with 40 extra layers of bed sheets. When the Queen asked the young lady the next day how she slept, She replied ‘ Oh, very poorly! I scarcely closed my eyes all night. Heaven only knows what was in the bed, but I was lying on something hard, and I couldn’t sleep a wink.’ The queen then immediately ordered a wedding. Only a true princess could be so delicate as to feel a pea through forty layers of bed sheets.’ Nanny then would tell me, “if a true princess couldn’t sleep with a single pea in the bed, then she wouldn’t sleep with a wrinkle either”. Nanny was always there with funny stories to tell.
I loved spending the night with Nanny. We’d stay up late at night watching movies on TV, and it always seemed to be a scary movie. That house was so big, and dark, and frightening after watching a scary movie, that I stayed stuck to her side-too scared to go into a room with out her. Again, she just laughed at me. But that laugh was so comforting. Nanny was always there!

I have a lot of good memories with Nanny. I know she loved us all so much. You always knew when you called her house, she’d answer the phone…because Nanny was always there. When you pulled up at her house-she’d either be on the front porch swing, or in the kitchen, because Nanny was always there. (that is, unless is was Saturday, which was when Aunt Kathy took her to the grocery store!).
Today, Nanny is at peace. I know she loved God and believed in Jesus as her Savior. I do too, partly because of the seeds of faith she placed in me during my childhood. And if you too are a child of God, a believer in Christ, then you will be reunited with Nanny and Papaw again one day in heaven. Personally, my soul longs for that day. I can’t wait. Nanny is there waiting.

Nanny, I love you, I’ll miss you. Thank you for always being there!
Jenny Lee

Nanny

The last few days have been a struggle. My grandmother died on Wednesday. It wasn't unexpected, as she's been suffering from Alzheimer's for the last few years. (She always called it "OLD TIMERS") The death of my grandmother has been difficult, but easier than one might expect. You see, I haven't seen my grandmother in several years. Perhaps it was the wrong thing to do, and I am sure many would judge me as being a bad granddaughter, but I quit going to see her a few years ago when she couldn't remember who I was. On the last visit I had with her, I went with my parents to see her. As we arrived, she was standing on the front porch of her home with some other of my relatives, Aunts, Cousins,etc. My dad walked down the sidewalk to her porch and even he had to tell her "Mama, it's me, your son, we brought Jenny to see you today". She stared at me. I said "Hey Nanny" to her. After a moment she smiled and grabbed me and said "I know who you are" and kissed my forehead. After that we went into the kitchen, as we always did~because that was the central room of her home where everyone congregated to talk. (And boy, did it always get loud in there with all the different conversations going on, & everyone talking at once and louder than the others so they could be heard). As we sat in the kitchen, my Nanny kept staring at me. I think she was still trying to remember me. I bet I was there for over an hour and she would keep staring the entire time. I've always wondered if she really did know who I was. Perhaps on some level she did. Perhaps she knew she recognized me, but she couldn't recall how, or remember any of my childhood. The Alzheimer's disease is ruthless. It's cruel. It's the one disease that can take away what I consider to be a person's most prized possession...your memory. Your memory of your past. Your memory of who the people in your life are. Your memories are directly related to your heart. I suppose on one hand, you are still alive and your family is grateful to have you with them. But on the other hand, a part of my Nanny had already died when she couldn't remember who I was. I think on many levels, I mourned her back then, because the Nanny I knew was gone. Her body was still here...but her mind wasn't.
Graciously, the Lord honored my Nanny's wish. All my life, both Nanny and my beloved Papaw too, would say that they hoped that the Lord would take them in their sleep. They felt it was the most peaceful way to die. Nanny died Feb7Th in her sleep. While my beliefs about the afterlife are somewhat different from hers and they rest of my family due to different religious backgrounds, I am comforted in the only thing that truly matters....Nanny loved the Lord, and believed in Jesus Christ as the only way to true salvation. So whether you believe in "The dead are but asleep" and "will join Christ in Heaven on the resurrection day" as Nanny and Papaw did, or if you believe "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" and believers go to directly to Heaven when they die, as I do. It doesn't REALLY matter....what matters is, if you to have an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, then you too will be with Nanny in Heaven one day.
I miss her. I miss Papaw. I cherish my memories. I look forward to being reunited with them.

J

Date? What's that?

WOW! For the first time in a really long time, my dear hubby and I got to go out on an official date! No kids. No friends to meet for dinner. Just him and me. IT WAS A LITTLE WEIRD! Ha ha, I know. It's just not something we get to do that often! Tonight, we went to Konomi, a local Japanese Steak House and had dinner. It was nice, the food was great, and he and I had a great time. At one point, he turned to me and asked "Why don't we do this more often?" Well, I dunno. Lots of reasons probably. Life. Lack of money to go out. Him working late to provide for our family. Church obligations. Kids. Just being parents can get in the way of being a couple sometimes. Don't get me wrong, we absolutely love the life that the Lord has blessed us with...and I wouldn't change it, or wish it differently for anything! We are truly blessed. But I guess I just don't want to be so busy being a mom, and him be so busy being dad that we forget to be married/husband and wife/boyfriend and girlfriend/bride and groom. Haven't you heard of those couples that lived their entire marriage raising their children and then when the kids were grown and out on their own, they didn't know who they were married to. Most of those relationships end in divorce because they didn't take the time and effort to continue growing in love. They were more focused on doing their job...being a parent, than sharing their lives. I want differently for us. One of these days, I want to stand at the end of the driveway waving goodbye to my kids as they head off to college, and me and my husband jump in the car and head for Disney World, or a Caribbean Cruise! I want us to be one of those old couples that still hold hands every time they go to the grocery store and take dance lessons for the first time, just so we can dance at our golden anniversary party. I want to live a long, happy healthy life with my soul mate. My marriage, after all, wasn't accidental. It was long planned, and thought out. Not the wedding day, but the actual MARRIAGE. God gave it to us as a gift, and we need to take care of it. Date nights are a must. Especially when you have children. If mom and dad aren't taking care of themselves and making alone time for each other, then our family would be in danger. I don't want to wake up 15 or 20 years from now and realize that I'm married to a stranger.

So honey, I ask of you....will you go on another date with me?

J

WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?

Do you ever feel like you've been a victim of body-snatching? Lately, I don't feel myself. My house stays in disarray (much to my husbands chagrin), my kids are testing me in new areas constantly....dear daughter's got a sassy problem anyway, but lately it's getting worse and dear son is "asserting his individuality" by learning to potty train (a time in a mother's life that will easily send you to a looney bin), and thinking he can operate the DVD player all on his own, therefore I find DVDs all over the house...how he gets to them, I haven't figured out yet! I can't seem to get organized, which deep down, KILLS ME because I love organization! If I had some money to spend on baskets, and shelving, and storage units, our house would be labeled up and down with where to place the toilet paper, where to store the extra laundry baskets when not in use (ha ha, there are days), what SHOULD go into the "junk drawer" in the kitchen, and my cabinets would be better organized: can veggies, beans, soups on this shelf, Peanut Butter, Spaghetti sauce, and mixes on this shelf, MacNCheese, Hamburger Helper, and box rice on the other shelf....breakfast foods to the left, lunch snacks in the middle, dinner box's on the end...spices in the rack, neatly labeled in matching containers, Medicines in order according to person, type of med, expiration date. See? It's all in my head, but for some reason it's not in my home....I need some help. Lately, I don't even care that the dishes haven't been done since breakfast yesterday, and that the laundry is flowing down the hallway...there is paper and magazines piling up on my desk, and just what am I supposed to do with all the paper my kids use to draw me sweet little pictures, notes and then there's the schoolwork, and church work they bring home....WHERE DOES IT END? I can't throw it all away, but I do sneak a lot of it in the garbage when they're not looking...it' would break my daughter's heart to know that mommy threw away the 400Th picture of her riding a pony as if a silent plea for her first pet....YEAH RIGHT! I can't clean up after the 4 humans living in this house....pets aren't an option. So I need some advice, motivation, & help. I'm feeling overwhelmed by all the work I need to do at home, and at church, and for my kids preschool (remember, I'm the crafty room mom who has to do a age appropriate craft for each child on each holiday...sometimes I wonder why I sign myself up for this! Here comes Valentines Day)
Well, if anyone wants to send me a professional organizer to my house (for free of course), please do so. I'll put him/her to work, for sure. And my hubby would be grateful too....even though that is HIS pair of jeans lying in the floor and the contents of his pockets spilled out onto the kitchen counter top.
J

AMERICAN IDOL IS BACK!

THIS IS MY FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR! Yes, alot of shows are back on the air after a hiatus from the hoildays, but there is no show like American Idol! And the best part of American Idol is on right now, THE AUDITIONS! This year's season is sure to deliver and based on the first two episodes this week, THERE ARE MORE FREAKS IN THE WORLD THAN I EVER IMAGINED! My favorite from the first or the 2 shows is the girl who thought she was "different" enough to be on the show because she sang like the Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz! At first I thought it was just a gimmick , but at the end of the show when they do the "compilation" video of lots of FREAKS singing the same song, SHE WAS ON THERE TRYING TO SING ANOTHER SONG LIKE THE LION! And my favorite FREAK from the 2nd audition show was Miss Darwin! Yes, the blond freak who needed to be wearing a bra with that gold silk "sexy" (as she called it) shirt because it was clear her "girls" were hanging down past her waist when they played the clip of her dancing! UGH! I'm gonna be sick!

Well, next week, Idol heads to Memphis...people in the South are always fun to laugh at! And when they head to my home town of Birmingham, I hope I know some of the freaks they caught on camera! CRACKS ME UP! I need a new Tivo because I'm never deleting these shows! I need more memory!

LOL!

J

FROM ME TO YOU!!

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IT'S A BARRETT CHRISTMAS!

HERE ARE A FEW PICS OF ALL THE FUN WE'VE HAD OVER THE HOLIDAY SEASON SO FAR....IT'S BEEN A TRULY WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS, AND I HAVE THE MOST WONDERFUL MEMORIES!!! ENJOY THE SLIDE, AND I HOPE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAS A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR!!!
JEN

A True Merry Christmas

IT'S CHRISTMAS YA'LL

In life there are a few things you can always be certain of...paying taxes, death is inevitable, and preschool christmas parties that wear you out!!! (ONCE AGAIN, EXHAUSTION ENSUES!) Today is the last day of school before the holidays, and I am so STOKED! (that's excited for all you not up on the lingo...haha) Hopefully over these next few weeks, we will get some much needed rest. The last few have been hectic and hard! So for now, here are just a few of the pics that I have taken thus far this season, and I will add more later. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

...I'VE EDITED THE SLIDE SHOW FOR THIS POST AND IT IS NOW POSTED ABOVE.....

Too Funny

This video has nothing to do with anything in my life, I just thought it was HILARIOUS!