Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Missing girl is now found....she is safe! Whew..thank you God.

I didn't want to just post another entry...so update - Girl is no longer missing. All is good.....





Hey friends - I am reposting a post from my sister in law in Nashville - this is so important...please stop and say a pray for this girl.

From Kelly's Blog http://feathersfromournest.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, September 30, 2008
URGENT!!! Prayer Needed

Our friends Kathie and Tommy Sims received a phone call that their daughter Sierra "CeCe" was reported missing today from Auburn.


Please pray for her safety, and her quick return home. We are hoping and praying that there was a miscommunication, and that all is well. If you know her or have heard anything, please contact the Auburn Police.


Here is the Report Below:

Auburn University basketball player missing

AUBURN, AL (WSFA) - Auburn University says the parents of Auburn basketball player Sierra "CeCe" Sims have requested the public's assistance in finding their daughter.

Sims was reported missing Tuesday.

If you know the location of Sierra Sims please call the Auburn Police Department at 334-501-3100 or 911.

According to our sister station, WTVM in Columbus, Georgia, Sims was last seen at 2:30am.

She told friends that she was going to the library to study but never arrived.

She also missed her morning basketball practice, something her friends say is highly unusual.

The University says it is working with the police department in locating the missing student.

More information as it becomes available to the WSFA 12 Newsroom.

http://www.wsfa.com/Global/story.asp?S=9101149&nav=0rde

Monday, September 29, 2008

Who are the Sugarbabies you might ask? Well, I'll tell you!

Last week was crazy. I posted last week that I was away from my family traveling on business. Well, after I wrapped up some sales calls on Thursday - I changed hotels and met 7 of my favorite friends in Atlanta for fun and the Women of Faith conference. This was a long week for my husband and boys......but they were great to wish me a great weekend anyway! We had a blast and I know I for one....felt refreshed...even if I was dog tired! The slideshow from our trip is playing on the front page of my blogsite. We had so much fun!

There is something about getting away with friends that remind you how amazing life can be. I mean, I sometimes forget to be so thankful for the people I've met and how they really pour into my life.



This is a group of ladies that I met through a weekend experience called Tres Dias. We call ourselves The Sugarbabies. We've been known by that name for a few years now...5 at least. Long explanation...maybe one day...but not now. Anyway, I never would have met some of these ladies, had I not attended my Tres Dias weekend back in 2001. The weekend in itself blessed my life completely in a good way. This group of friends was a bonus! These ladies love me regardless and in spite of my many flaws. They give me space when I need it, (sometimes I drop off the face of the earth),they call to check on me....but then they'll say....she's just needing some space- she's ok. If I'm not ok...they come running believe me! I just do a weird go-underground type thing ever now and then when I am overwhelmed. It's all good. I probably need therapy...but no time right now!

We have a text prayer chain. When we get a text...it can simply say...pray for so and so now. And we do. We'll have a group email that goes out regarding something silly or important...either way....we all try to stay connected. And we try...really hard to connect personally at least once a month. You have to. Friendship, real friendship is hard work....but so worth it!

Anyway, during our weekend fun we heard from many great speakers at the conference, cried during some...laughed a whole lot during others and seriously...just had a great time over all.

Our group ranges in age from almost 30.......to mid 40's. I love it. We've got most every stage covered. Whatever one of us is going through....there is typically someone who's been there before. We are each so different and I think that is what makes us fun. We are a group comprised of stay at home moms, work at home moms, office manager, flight attendant, teacher and attorney. Go figure. We attend different churches and are all different denominations.....Baptist, Church of Christ, Church of God, non-denominational..... followers of Christ. That is what brings us together and blends us so well with each other.

We had to drive separately back to Atlanta. I know the mini-van in front of us listened to the Alabama game. My car.....we jammed to the Disco count down as loud as we could at times. Dancing too.....with our hands anyway. That might be the highlight of the day for me on Saturday! Again, a blessed reminder to me with all that God has given me.

I would say that if I wanted to send one thing to you...encouraging that I gained from this weekend is that life was not meant to live alone. Get away when you can with your friends that build you up. Have people that hold you accountable to be the best person that you can be. Surround yourself with friends that won't accept any less from you than who they know you are...and can be. Have friends that tell you, YOU CAN DO IT!......when everyone else tells you that you are out of your mind! Oh....and most importantly....have friends that will ditch the last session of a conference because they crave conversation with you....and they know when you part this time....it will be months before it can happen again. And all the Sugarbabies in the house said.....AMEN.


"A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him I may think aloud."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thursday, September 25, 2008

A Wii bit of fun!




Ok, so I'm out of town and I've really missed my Wii Fit. Seriously! We've been looking for one since they came out months ago! Kevin surprised me last Sunday morning when I saw one advertised in the paper. I saw it and told Kevin we needed to go see if Target had them in because it had been weeks since they had even advertised them in their flyer! The next thing I know - I go downstairs for more coffee....and BAM...there on my coffee table is a Wii Fit. So fun! Let's just say we all enjoyed Wii Fit that day....some of us more than others. Its becoming obvious that our youngest finds this to be more work than fun. He likes some of it...but I think he prefers the 'old school' sit and veg games to the active Wii. If you have one of these you know what I'm talking about. Two days of Skiing downhill....my thighs were amazingly sore! Embarrassingly sore actually. I thought wow....all of this pain because I was playing a video game. Pretty cool.

Anyway, The funniest part of this whole experience for us is when we each made our health profile. On the Wii, you create people to look similar to you and use that person to play the games. During the health evaluation, we found that not only did we give them our height, but standing on the Wii Fit Board gave them our weight and overall BMI. I was first - we didn't know what to expect...or I would NOT have been first in front of my boys. Let's just say my cute little Wii girl dressed in a pink tshirt on my HUGE tv set......plumped up just a bit after I completed my evaluation. I thought...what the heck. Why make the Wii person gain weight? I mean, couldn't my girl look thin on the Wii??? After the big reveal about weight and where you should be based upon age / height - you learn that as you play the Wii Fit and as you weigh each week and lose weight...your Me person does to! So, now I feel responsible for not only myself....but my sweet little Wii Me dressed in pink to! Insane....ingenious and incredibly fun! I just wish some of you could have been with us when this happened in real time. The boys totally cracked up when my gal changed sizes. It was funny. Kevin had this inner conflict going on. Laughing....unsure if he should enjoy the laughter...but still laughing! Again, this was a gift for me right? Was it supposed to insult me too? HA! Oh, and that picture above is not our family. Our would be the entire clan...the five of us....and they all look pretty similar to us as well!

I thought I would post a few pictures of the Wii Fun. Just for fun of course.

The picture turned out kind of dark. I'm still learning to use the settings on my camera. But Kevin was loving this. Hula hooping is actually harder than you think!

Scout was a pro! He could actually do everything great and when this thing evaluated his sense of balance...he was pretty much dead on! His Wii Me did not get chubby....Duh....

Honestly....I miss having fun with my guys tons more than I just miss the exercise. Its things like this that we do together....and continue to knit us together. Sounds corny....but it is so true. Whether its cards at the table, watching the Packers together or playing Wii Fit as a family - even when Nick says he so doesn't want to do this! He does. Its family time and is always fun. Makes me thankful for my family and all that we can share together. One day, we'll be sitting around a dinner table one holiday....and one of my boys will recall how hard they laughed watching their mom's game character plump up on the TV and how funny that was. And we'll all laugh again.....I think. I hope I'm just not in full blown menapause and begin to cry....ha! Just kidding..... I hope I can always keep a good sense of humor with my kids no matter how old we get or how crazy I get.

Psalm 128: 1-3

1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways.
2 You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours.

3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your sons will be like olive shoots
around your table


I read that verse in my quiet time earlier this week and I thought...you know, that is me. I love my life and am so thankful for the many blessings the Lord has given me. Enjoying my family is one of those blessings. I thank God for my husband, who loves me like crazy and my boys who love me and enjoy life with me. God is good...all the time...and all the time...God is good!!! And...so is exercise on my Wii Fit!

Monday, September 22, 2008

Fall, Football and Fun!

Ok....so tonight was the perfect football night. There was a chill in the air and there were friends and fun.....but there was no win for the JV at Spain Park. This past Friday our Varsity Team was killed by Mountain Brook. Tonight, the JV lost to the JV Mountain Brook team at the very end....by a hair! It was painful!

Though the loss was really bad...there were a few things that made me laugh. I thought I would share.....



Kevin and I love to read these signs. Somehow they never seem quite fierce enough. We typically see something like, Hook the Bucs, Pave over the Panthers....but tonight.....the misspell sign totally owned us. I still don't get it. I really, really don't. But somewhere.....earlier today, there was a cheerleader who thought it would be a great idea! For the record...I apologize in advance if I am talking about your daughter...I am sure she is really cute. Seriously....



This picture just seemed funny to me because its like they all heard the play call and said, "What???". I liked that. Seriously, look at them all....in sync.

I like this next picture too...not because its funny - but its really cool. It's not from tonight...it's from our last home varsity game. You know how most football teams tear through the paper sign and run out yelling toward the other team? Well, the Spain Park Varsity Team likes to walk out in one big mass, almost marching in military style, to some really jamming music. Welcome to the Jungle by Guns 'N Roses is a popular song.




Cool- fun for the Varsity guys. I guess a big step up all the way around from JV ball in many ways. Wow, they don't even threaten to misspell another team's name. That's something right there!

* Thanks to my girl Mel who called me this am (laughing) and told me I misspelled...misspell. Yeah....its edited now!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Skating 101

My youngest son will soon turn 10. He has decided he wants to have a skating party. Where did he get that idea? (I have mentioned having one for myself next year....that might have something to do with it!) My curiosity as to why he would think skating party for himself is because.....he does not know how to skate. When I first thought about that I was just dumb founded. I mean when I was his age...I was in love with the roller rink. I remember at 10 I was already collecting skates, pom poms for my skates....and begging for days at the rink. If you grew up around the Center Point, Huffman area all I have to say is Skate Haven. Did the memories start flooding in? For me...Oh Yeah! I loved to skate. Anyway....

So, I took Max and his buddy skating yesterday. Max loved it. He totally got into the disco lights and music, that is right up his alley. He thought it was funny they played Earth Wind and Fire. He keeps that one going on his CD player. What a hoot! I laughed, laughed and laughed.....and also fell on my rear a couple of times. I could blame it on the skates....the wheels did seem a bit cockney, but I am sure the technique had something to do with it. It took Max and his friend Camryn a long time to get around the rink. I could do 2 in their one. Max was pretty impressed. He loved watching his mom skate. However, I was not as good as I used to be. Remember the cross over with your feet you would do at the turns? Mine is now just a long stride around the corner. Yeah...not as flashy. Couldn't backwards skate anymore. But I could do the whole turn backwards and stop thing still. At least that was something.

My big fall came when I was trying to teach Max and Cam how to skate. How to glide. I was exaggerating my movements and I felt it happening. I leaned back and fourth a few times, something happened with my knees and I literally had my feet fly up and I landed hard on my bum. Max's eyes were HUGE - Cam kind of laughed...but he didn't want to. Max began to laugh, he too fell, and we were all laughing. I had amazing hot pains shooting all up my lower back. Furthermore I had a skin burn on my elbow and I noticed the palm of my right hand was hot too. I had busted 2 blood vessels in my hand. (my friend Julie is a nurse and she looked at it and told me so) Anyway, I got up...and we kept on going for about another hour and a half. What I continued to notice is that there were a whole rink full of kids that really didn't know how to skate. I swear its a lost art. It was also a great workout and Max absolutely loved it too. He wants to go back every week. I think we will!

My favorite part of the day, was when Max told us in the van that he had the best day ever. I was thinking probably because he spent the day with his bud Cameron. When I commented on that, he agreed that was cool, but the best part was spending the day doing something fun with his mom, like skating. Wow, you know, you think you do a great job of spending time with them but sometimes life gets busy and we just let day to day craziness get in our way - and I think sometimes that if they have their buddies with them, they are great with that. But this just reminded me that Max still wants to 'do something' with me. He wants to go skate with me. He even grabbed my hand a couple of times. Granted...it was because he was holding on for dear life. But...its been a while since one of my boys has done that in public on their own urging.

Taking care of business and responsibilities is good thing. But the battle is constantly measuring the amount of time that we directly spend with our children. Even when I think I am doing a good job, a comment like the one Max made has me evaluating my time and who gets more of it. Is it my husband, children, family, friends...work?? Who gets more. If I were to take each hour and write down what I do in a 24 hour day.....who sees me more? Who has more influence on me and I on them? I could go on, but you get the picture. There is a great book by Andy Stanley entitled, 'Choosing to Cheat'. Check out that book for a moment and read a quick review of the book. It sounds crazy at first right? But the whole book discusses each day we 'cheat' somebody out of something with our time. So, make a wise choice in who that will be. Make sure its not the ones that love you dearly. Not just work related decisions, but also serving within good things too. Ministry can sometimes fall into this scenerio too. If you are active within your church community, you know what I'm talking about. It's a great book and I've picked it back up for a refresher and for some encouragement in using my time well! A reminder that sometimes you have to say no to some really good things in order to say yes to the very best things in your life.

Last week, I just happened to schedule a massage appointment for Monday. Seemed kind of a random thought, but its been a while since I've visited my spa and I try to go every so often to keep up with what is going on. yeah, one of the hardships of my job. Anyway, I thought then, that it would be for just relaxing. Well, today I'm enjoying my appropriate dose of ALIEVE and I can totally see that my back needs a bit of work from that fall. Because God does see all and knows all....I wonder if that was my 'divine' suggestion allowing me a gift of recovering on Monday. I'll say yes.... God is good.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Well it wasn't Oprah!

This past week we got a call from the high school inviting parents to join the students for a special assembly in the gym. Basically, it was a call on Monday night for Tuesday at 2:30pm. Crazy! The school had been saying that a surprise was coming.....get ready. So, the students took that to mean either The President or Ophrah was coming to visit the school. I'm serious. Anyway, I had a way busy day on Tuesday so I called Nick's guidance counselor and just said..."Is Oprah going to be at the school today? I've heard she might be...and if she is, I'll restructure my day...if not....I will make my sales calls! I had to check...I didn't want to miss her if she was going to be giving away some of her favorite things!!! She just laughed and assured me it wasn't Oprah...or the President. Instead, I would later find that the high school was honored with an awesome award.


Spain Park Wins Second National Blue Ribbon






(SPAIN PARK) – Spain Park High School garnered yet another award on Tuesday, September 09, 2008: a National Blue Ribbon from the United States Department of Education (USDE) in Washington, D.C.

Department of Education Secretary Margaret Spellings announced National Blue Ribbon winners Tuesday in Washington, 320 nationwide. Spain Park was one of five in Alabama. The National Blue Ribbon comes as part of the USDE’s No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Program.

“You are the only high school to my knowledge that has not only received both of them – but received them both the same year,” Spain Park Principal Billy Broadway told the crowd at a special Blue Ribbon ceremony on Tuesday.

Earlier this year, Spain Park won the Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School of Excellence Award from the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, Inc.

“You are now one of the top high schools in the United States,” Broadway added.

Students, faculty, staff and community guests gathered in Spain Park’s gym for the special ceremony. Dr. Tony Thacker from the Alabama Department of Education, who helped nominate Spain Park for this award, served as the keynote speaker. Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos was also present, along with Councilor Gene Smith and Janice Farr, wife of late Hoover Superintendent Dr. Jack Farr. Board members and Central Office administrators also were in attendance, including Superintendent Mr. Andy Craig, Assistant Superintendent Carol Barber and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Ken Jarnagin.

Spain Park administrators travel to Washington, D.C. on October 20-21 to officially receive the award.

You know...what is interesting to me, is that this is a school that is respected Nationwide for its accomplishments. But in many ways....this school has some kids that are so void of anything real.....I don't think they even understand how awesome their school is. Sad....but more common than you might think. Just a thought.....

Friday, September 12, 2008

I love that it's Friday!

YYYYYEEEEEAAAAA!!!!! I feel like I made it! It is the weekend and there will be some time for fun. I am looking forward to some 'high school' tailgating tonight and then hopefully a Win for Spain Park! Saturday will be fun too - our plan is to go skating to see if Max can skate. Why you ask? Because for his 10th birthday, this November he is thinking that he wants to have a skating party.....but he wants to be sure he can skate first. What a hoot!

Update; Nick gave the girl the CD.....she loved it and said yes. They seem to be a couple....I mean with one question.....the relationship changes. I saw them last night at Scout's football game and after the game, she came up and was bubbly as usual. This time, though, she greeted me with a smiley "Ms. Shannon!!" and then walked up a couple of bleachers to give me a hug. Nick smiled like a proud parent. I like her....I love Nick's heart more.....I hope this is a good life experience for both. I am praying!!!! Nick told me last night that she shared her CD with the girls and they said that is the most awesome way anyone has ever been asked to Homecoming. He then followed up with the fact that he would always ask his dad for suggestions. He sees now...that his dad truly does know what girls/women want! Go Kevin!

Ok...a friend of mine, Tony had this insane.....wacky picture on his Facebook profile. I seriously, enjoyed laughing at it. He had some fun at this website. You MUST do this! It's not hard...and it is beyond fun. Kevin and I stayed up past midnight one night making pictures of ourselves.....thought I would share a few with you! You MUST email me a pic of you...if you enjoy the random funness of this site!


Me in 1966. My face is big.....but its pretty funny.

Kevin in 1954

1958

1970

I am glad I met him in 1991~ Whew...that was fun.


Today, I love that I am going out to start my day with joy and expectation of GREAT things. I love that I had a sweet time alone with God this morning. I praise Him for this joy!!

Psalm 16:11
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Blink

Um.....its Thursday? Where did my Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday go? I truly feel in the blink of an eye I lost 3 days! I am on day 4 in my week. Seriously....I don't remember everything I did! I do know that we've attended a JV game for Spain Park, I am looking forward to another game tonight and one tomorrow night, attended Nature Night for Weeblos, worked on two trifold board projects and a power point......I might have worked a bit.....did I eat or sleep? Not sure....but I think you get the picture. Whew...I'm tired.

It's mornings like this I have to ask myself...did I enjoy my family so far this week? If I haven't...I need to make that a priority. Did we laugh..play...or do we need to run away and make that happen? Spontaneous get aways are great for that. Sometimes that family time I crave can only happen when we leave everything behind. I am getting that feeling. The only problem is...the older my kids get, the more responsibilities they have that don't allow them to just pick up when we get an idea to run away. Nick has football games every Friday night and works most Saturdays. We are part of a church plant group that has commitments every Sunday night. Hmmmmmm, when are we going to run away? We'll just have to note it on the calendar and choose somewhere close so we don't spend our time away....in transit!

This week also held a 'Big First' for us. Nick has had a really good friend (a girl) since middle school. They've been in classes together since the beginning of high school. They've talked each other through girlfriends and boyfriends.....and made fun of each other for 'liking' him or her. Well, this week Nick told us that he has more than just friend feelings for this girl. He's felt them for a while....and now he wants to let her know. But he's scared because she really is one of his best friends and he doesn't want that to change like it can when you date. His hopes are that she stays the same...they can still be silly...fun and try dating at the same time. This girl is sweet, a Christian that loves to share her love for Jesus and an active member of her youth group at church. She also cheers on our Varsity squad so they see each other all the time. Well, he is asking her to Homecoming today. Gulp...I am nervous for him. He says he's not nervous about asking her...but I think he is. So, while we were busy with lots of stuff this week, Nick was busy trying to think of how to ask her to Homecoming. You see, now days, you can't just ask the question...the pressure is on to do it creatively. Kevin gave him great ideas as he is the 'King of Romantic Ideas'. Nick wrote a song that he has been telling his friend about. She has asked him repeatedly to let her hear it. He told her last week he would record it so she could. Well he did.....and in the middle of the recording, he stops playing the guitar and says, "________ Will you go to Homecoming with Me?" I kind of thought he would say something more....but it was short and sweet. I wonder what she'll think??? I'm not worried too much about the outcome though. I have the inside scoop that she has felt more for him for about a year. My source? The mother.
I love this pic. Kind of cool - he could spend hours in the guitar store. He and his friends actually go there to hang out and play guitars. In my day...we hung out in parking lots. Yeah.

So....it may go by fast....but I'm trying to hang on to each happening and enjoy the moment. This whole week makes me think about that Country song, Don't Blink by Kenny Chesney. Sounds corny....but the lyrics are pretty good.


Don't Blink

I turned on the evening news
Saw a old man being interviewed
Turning a hundred and two today
Asked him what's the secret to life
He looked up from his old pipe
Laughed and said "All I can say is."

Don't blink
Just like that you're six years old and you take a nap and you
Wake up and you're twenty-five and your high school sweetheart becomes your wife
Don't blink
You just might miss your babies growing like mine did
Turning into moms and dads next thing you know your "better half"
Of fifty years is there in bed
And you're praying God takes you instead
Trust me friend a hundred years goes faster than you think
So don't blink

I was glued to my tv when it looked like he looked at me and said
"Best start putting first things first."
Cause when your hourglass runs out of sand
You can't flip it over and start again
Take every breathe God gives you for what it's worth

Don't Blink
Just like that you're six years old and you take a nap and you
Wake up and you're twenty-five and your high school sweetheart becomes your wife
Don't blink
You just might miss your babies growing like mine did
Turning into moms and dads next thing you know your "better half"
Of fifty years is there in bed
And you're praying God takes you instead
Trust me friend a hundred years goes faster than you think
So don't blink

So I've been tryin' ta slow it down
I've been tryin' ta take it in
In this here today, gone tomorrow world we're livin' in

Don't blink
Just like that you're six years old and you take a nap and you
Wake up and you're twenty-five and your high school sweetheart becomes your wife
Don't blink
You just might miss your babies growing like mine did
Turning into moms and dads next thing you know your "better half"
Of fifty years is there in bed
And you're praying God takes you instead
Trust me friend a hundred years goes faster then you think
So Don't blink

Naw, don't blink
Life Goes Faster Than You Think

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Happy Grandparent's Day


Today is Grandparent's Day. I have had wonderful grandparents and great grand parents that have loved me dearly. The funny, wonderful lady in the picture is my Nana. I love this picture. I think it shows so much of her personality. I hope I am like her in that way. She loves life!!! She is a riot and has always made my life fun! I feel blessed to have a Nana that loves me the way she does. She has always been present and active in my life. I remember when I was younger, my sister and I would spend the night with her often. My Nana always had satin sheets on her bed. We thought that was the best thing in the world. It was the 70s and that was the trend. Anyway...when we would spend the night with her, she always made sure we would get satin sheets on our bed. We loved that. I remember playing in her jewelry box - almost no limitations, and trying on her long dresses for impromptu Debbie Boone shows. How many times did I sing, 'You light up my life' while my sister pretended to play the piano. We also had a great rendition of 'Don't go breakin' my heart' by Elton John and KeKe. (was that the girl's name?) Anyway, my grandmother....my Nana is so special to me and I thank God for her and what she has been in my life. Soooooooo special and still is. She is in her 80s and battles Alzheimer's. I cannot tell you how hard that is. I don't see how my parents manage some days. Though she can't remember alot of what happens on a day to day basis....one thing she has never forgotten is me. Each time I see her, she can recall to me exactly the day I was born and what a special day that was for her. I made a mark on her heart....and in turn, she made one on mine by always letting me know how much I am loved.

My kids with Nana

Nick and Nana playing the piano...she will often chime in on something he plays!

I love what I have with my grandmother and I am thankful the boys have two sets of wonderful grandparents! Grandma and Grandpa Johnson love sharing time with the boys. They wish it could be more and so do we. Its a shame that we get so busy it is a challenge to drive 5 hours to see someone...but that is the way our life is right now. In the past, the boys have enjoyed weeks in the summer by themselves with Grandma and Grandpa Johnson. They have great memories from those trips. Visiting their home in North Georgia is always wonderful. Walking to the ABC store - where you can find anything is a highlight. Its like a town store - and Grandma and Grandpa Johnson always have a few dollars for them to spend. A highlight from their house was when the boys, mostly Nick, was given the OK to shoot the squirrels on the porch that were getting into Grandma's bird feeders. Ha! It was squirrel season. Anyway...enough of that story for now...but they had fun. The boys enjoy playing games and talking with them, catching them up on whatever is going on. I know that even though we may not see them as often and they see my parents, they never fail to remember to pray for my boys and we always look forward to our visits!!!

Grandma & Grandpa Johnson with their sons and families! (could my boys not keep on their suits...just ONE more minute? they are just not suit kids!...can you tell?)

Mema and Papa....aka my Mom & Dad

Its a Southern thing. As I named my grandmothers (because I'm the oldest grandchild...and the words just came out...) Nick named his. I think my mom wanted to be called Meme - but as the word Mema came out of Nick's mouth - my mom was in love. That became the name and she was more than fine with that. So, Mema and Papa it was. I am amazed at how my mom has adapted to her grandsons. She raised two girls...so the boy thing was amazingly new to her. She learned to fill her house with tinker toys and boy stuff! She now has a baby girl to love on too. Peighton was born this past May and is the only grand daughter. She will be spoiled for a while to come! She is precious. And though she loves that....she is also the grandparent that has been able to score two Joe Nammoth autographs for her grandson Scout - believe me, she gets the boy thing now!

My mom and the boys

Mom and Peighton

My dad is a great Papa. If you know my dad, you know he loves his whole family. I was recently at a local restaurant and was walking through - when I noticed this man staring at me. Kind of creepy I thought....but proceeded to walk through anyway. He reached out and touched my arm - and I thought...Oh great....what now? He then asked if I was Wayne Ratliff's daughter. When I said yes...He told me he was a good friend of my dads and that my family's picture was all over my dads desk. That fact is evident in the way my dad shows up to almost every football game the boys have had. I guess we are running on 5 years now. Seriously, my friends even notice how frequent he is. He has taken them aside to discuss girls, grades and obedience. He takes them fishing, for burgers.....and like yesterday...the driving range. Anything he thinks they'll be interested in, he'll try it. I think this is his way of getting 'boy time' since he raised two girls with my mom. He is making up for lost boy time!

Dad grilling at Nick's 16th Birthday party.

All of that to say that I am grateful for the grandparents in my life and my children's lives. They are a blessing and make our lives so sweet.

So, Grandma and Grandpa Johnson, Mema, Papa and Nana.....we love you! Thank you for making our lives special. I can't imagine life without you!

Saturday, September 6, 2008

The words on that sign...say it all, about last night anyway!


Well, it was out first home game at Spain Park and we were so excited! Tailgating in the parking lot...wearing my jag shirt.....thinking we would celebrate a victory. Ah....not so much.

The Pelham Panthers put up a huge fight. GREAT GAME. I had heard the sports casters say that from our 6A division, Hoover, Spain Park and Pelham were the teams to watch. To be honest....I was surprised Pelham was there. I mean...Pelham? Where did that come from. They played strong against Oak Mountain and won last week and last night. They were on! We tailgated with some friends that have kids at Pelham. They were great enough to sit in the 'blue' JAG side with us, but that didn't stop them from cheering. And truly...that had every right....their guys were playing good. At one point in the 4th quarter, the Jags ran a touch down that would have won the game for us. Only to find that a flag would be called on the play....and that would seal the game. Ahh....

Well, here are some pictures for you to enjoy. We had a great time...but honestly....the best part for me was definitely, the hanging out with good people. Oh! And the people watching for sure. My dad likes to say that I take pictures just to prove I was watching part of the game. :) Maybe....there is some truth to that. I do enjoy my watching...and the talking too!

Hanging with some friends! The kids loved throwing the football and just hanging out. If you come to a Spain Park game...look for us early!

Kevin grilling some really tasty hot dogs.

Nick is #35. Go Nick! So cute...I mean manly.


This is right before the second half of the game.

The pep talk after the loss....it breaks your heart to see those big guys come off the field with tears.....whew....can't everyone win? That is why moms aren't coaches!


Max and his buddy at the game. There is a story I'll blog about later...who knows its raining and I might even do it later today. I don't plan on being out and about today!

No rush to leave after the game!


Ben & Josh after the game. I wonder if Ben is thinking, 'Dude...don't get that paint on me! I prefer Pelham gold and green!'

Friday, September 5, 2008

The Peace of Christ

Sometimes you just need something to make you laugh. My friend Laura told me something that really did happen to a friend of hers last week at a church here in Birmingham. I just died laughing! But...it made me think too...

There was a woman who visited a church recently with a friend. She was somewhat nervous, as she had never really been much of a church goer. She was unsure of what to expect, what to do and possibly if she would look painstakingly awkward as if this was the first time EVER she had been in church. As she wrestled with her nervousness, the friend who had invited her tried to calm her down by telling her it would be ok and gave her a simple word of advice,"Relax, just follow what the preacher says and do what the other people do...you'll be fine".

As the service began, the pastor welcome everyone and it eventually came to the point in the service where the congregation was to welcome each other and visitors. The woman had never seen anything like this, but it looked wonderful. At the pastors request, all of the congregation stood with smiles on and began shaking each others hands and giving hugs, they were also exchanging a phrase with each other that she could not really understand. As the man in front of her greeted her and shook her hand, she heard him say, "Be surprised"..... "excuse me" said the woman. She heard the man once again say, "Be surprised" as he smiled at her. Wow! thought the woman, I like surprises. So, she went on her way meeting new friends, all the while greeting them with a loud, "BE SURPRISED". She was enjoying this and was all smiles, although she did notice people seemed genuinely 'surprised' to receive her greeting...but that did not stop her. Her friend who had invited her to church overheard her greeting the congregation and as they began to take their seats, he asked, "What are you saying????". She told him that she was just repeating what all the other people were saying...."Be Surprised!". Hearing that, he just smiled at her - (probably laughed at her) and said "NO! That is not what we were saying......It's Peace of Christ not Be Surprised!"


As they were greeting each other with the Christian encouragement of Peace of Christ, she had heard Be Surprised. But was that an accident? Or...was that God's way of surprising her with a word just for her. She had walked in that church nervous, anxious and feeling like she did not fit in. God wanted her to feel at home....in his house and he knew her. He created her and knew how she felt at the very moment, and what she would appreciate.

I like to think that God knew she enjoyed the gift of laughter and fun...so he spoke, "Be surprised"....and she heard him.(even if it was through someone who might have had an accent, saying peace of Christ) She heard those words and saw a glimpse into the body of Christ, the church. She saw that there is laughter, a welcoming spirit and peace that truly does pass all understanding. No need to be cautious, guarded or nervous. He wants all of us to be surprised at the gift waiting there....



Phillippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of Christ which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Ooops!

Laughing...is a big part of what we do around here. This morning, Kevin and I tried NOT to laugh as we were enjoying coffee in the kitchen waiting on boys to have some breakfast. Max walked in the kitchen holding up a zip lock bag. The moment he held it up.....it hit us...Oh yeah, that is the bag he showed us last night, BEFORE HE PUT HIS TOOTH IN IT AND PLACED IT UNDER HIS PILLOW! I felt horrible...Kevin started giggling and turned around, which then gave me the giggles too. Max was not laughing.

Anyway, Max just stands there, holding it up...kind of tapping his foot and says, "uh-huh...this is exactly what happened to Alex, 5 times in a row!". Now some of you may be thinking that he is much too old for this. I know he is in the 4th grade - but we enjoy it as much as he does. To this day....we have not had the Santa talk. We love it as much as he does. Now, we totally know he knows there is no fairy giving cash for teeth....(I hope he knows this) nor is there a man in red suit leaving presents. He has two older brothers...and probably knows more than I know that he knows! But anyway....in our house, as far as Max is concerned, the tooth fairy lives on. So, as Max headed for the bus this morning, we hear, "I'm leaving my tooth under my pillow again, in case she comes while I'm at school". Ah....suggestions!

So, just like when Scout was 5 and we forgot the tooth fairy visit....our tooth fairy leaves very nice - customer service apology letters. We really did write one to Scout that totally apologized and gave him some money the night after we forgot. I thought I would share this one that the tooth fairy is leaving for Max today while he is at school.

Dear Max,

Please accept my apology for not visiting you and taking your tooth last night. I now have more than 400 million teeth that I collect on a nightly basis. As you can imagine, the work is overwhelming. I've tried to hire assistants and they never really work out. I usually get reports from children that the assistants I've hired don't collect the teeth or give the children money - but instead they play the kid's video games and use the money to buy presents for themselves. Good help is so hard to find.

I don't usually make afternoon house calls - too risky for me usually. But I understand you are concerned about being skipped over 5 times like your friend Alex. That is a situation I feel I should explain more to you. Have you seen Alex's room? He has Legos covering his floor. I actually tried to see him, but while entering his room I thought I had the wrong place because it looked to be just a junk room. To my mistake he was inside! Anyway, it took me a while to get him back on the schedule. So, my advice to you is keep the Legos off your floor and things like that might not happen to you. Thank you for the tooth! I think we are just about done with our visits aren't we? I don't think you'll be losing too many more teeth. I kind of hope not anyway. I'm sad....I've enjoyed visiting you. You are special and a really cool kid!

Love, The Tooth fairy

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Scout is 14 today!

I love celebrating my kids birthdays. For me, its always a journey back to the day they were born. I guess everyone does that whether they are a parent.....or they are someone elses child. The day you make your debut into this world is special! I remember when I found out I was pregnant with Scout. I didn't know what to really expect, even though I had already had one baby already. I remember talking to my mom and I think I might have been crying too...or at least starting too. But I told her, "I can't imagine loving anything as much as I already love Nick". I was so scared that I would not feel enough love for a second baby....because Nick just overwhelmed every ounce of my heart and then some. My mom reassured me, telling me that I would love my second baby, every bit as much as I do my first. She had experienced those feelings too, having two girls of her own.

Preparing to go to the hospital, I was so worried about Nick. I didn't want him to feel left out, jealous...all those things. We did the whole big brother thing and had tshirt for him, a birthday cake to celebrate Scout's arrival....you name it. Anyway, when Scout was born, he had some challenges with his breathing and ended up in ICU for a few days. We actually ended up being discharged without our baby. I was so sad. It was probably then that I knew....I could love two babies just the same and just as deep. The feelings that I thought were impossible to give to more than one child....were big enough to share...and would eventually be shared with another sweet boy 4 years after Scout was born!

Makes me kind of think about God's love. How he loves me as much as he loves you. The fact that he loves the man who is so lost and removed from him......just as much as he loves me. As a heavenly father, he loves no one greater or more than anyone else. Sometimes, when things don't go our way, we feel less loved and maybe less important. But God, always has us on his mind and ALWAYS loves us. Even when we walk through the valleys. Sometimes, we are in the valley because of choices we make. At other times - its part of a bigger plan we've yet to realize. Whatever the reason.... I'm just glad he loves me.

Scout had a good birthday morning - his favorite breakfast. Actually, I made 'Biscuits and Eggs' Irby Style just for him. The kids have been asking me to do that since vacation and I had yet to do it. So, Irby Family...if you read this, know that you were in our thoughts this morning! Your porch and some coffee....would have made those eggs even better! During breakfast we gave Scout a bag with 14 surprises inside....his favorite stuff....from man food, football cards to root beer. He was happy. This December - he'll receive his official birthday present. He'll be cheering on Brett Favre as he starts the Jets / Titan game in Nashville. He's excited. He's blessed and he is loved!!!!!


Pslam 139

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.