See ya'll next week!

We are leaving for the Mountains of Pigeon Forge in the morning... looking forward to a week of vacation! I will be catching up on my blogging from there (I hope...) but until next time - you guys have a wonderful week!

Have you ever realized how much God watches over us?

I haven't blogged about this because I wanted to be able to dedicate the time and just the right thoughts to this post. Don't worry - nothing bad is coming!

Many of you know, and some don't - that Scott works for UPS. There are hundreds of employees at his hub, and although he has been there for 12 years, he had yet to achieve the job security of full time status.

For the first 9 years, Scott worked part-time, at night. He also worked day jobs to make up for the difference. When Kate was born, I so wanted to stay at home with her. We knew that until he started driving the package cars, that wouldn't be an option. Wouldn't you know that the week she was born, he was called to start cover driving. This meant 40+ hours a week, day work, and I could stay at home.

So, for 3 1/2 years now he has been cover driving (filling in for other drivers). News trickled down that they were taking 3 more cover drivers for full time status. Scott was #4. We had both decided that it would just take a little longer. Then, Scott ran into his manager at the grocery store. He told Scott "Congratulations" - that he had made full time. We had no idea! His manager said he didn't either - he thought they were only going to take 3 people, not 4.

Since he went full-time (guarantee him 40 hrs a week), most of the other cover drivers haven't been working. The economy has affected the volume so that the extra drivers aren't needed. Had he not been promoted, Scott would be working at nights again, and I would be working more at the clinic.

And, to boot, I just got a raise at my job.

Our family is so thankful that God is taking care of us. We try to impress that on our children, too.

My question - how has God recently blessed you?

Uh, what's your Manager's name?

I'm glad that the kids are visiting Gran Gran and Paw Paw in Mobile. But, I really miss them. I haven't gotten to enjoy them much for the last 2 weeks - between working and being sick.

And, tell me this wouldn't make you mad:

I am at BaM buying some books for X-mas. At the checkout, this cashier (I won't name him, but I know his name) asked me if I had a club card. I politely said, "no". He then asked me if anyone had explained how the card worked, and again I replied, "Yes". I really thought that this would work. I mean if I'm interested, I'm interested, right? He then proceeds into this l-o-n-g spiel of "yada yada yada, save money... yada yada yada... special deals..." He gets to the end and again asks if I wanted to get the card. I said, again, "No thanks."

Then he chuckles a bit and says, "Wow, I guess you must be one of those lucky people that has money trees growing in their back yard."

Say what?

If I hadn't spent 30 minutes there already,
If I had 2 presents that I knew that I couldn't find anywhere else,
If I had time when the kids were home to come back (how do you pick out a book to read with children with you?)...

Just rubbed me wrong.

Then I just thought of all those snappy comebacks I wish I were talented enough to come up with:

1. No, I don't have money trees. I just have an honest job and work hard for my money.
2. I went to school a long time to make the money I do, and I use it wisely.
3. Yes, if I bought one of those club cards, I would be tempted to spend more money there than I do. I would just rather not.
4. Do you treat all of your customers that rudely when they politely refuse a request?
5. Uh, what is your Manager's name?

A special weekend

Last weekend we celebrated several milestones of our family history:

Grandaddy and Grandmama's 65th wedding anniversary (May)
Grandmama's 85th birthday (May)
Grandaddy's 90th birthday (October)

The children gave the Grands a limo ride to lunch and from there to the church bldg where the party was held. There were so many friends and family there to help them celebrate this special year of milestones! How funny is that - Grandmama and Grandaddy riding in a limo...

I have many more pictures for the family - but I won't bore those of you who follow my (now POORLY neglected) blog. I think that since I have been sick - I have gotten out of the "habit" of my daily blog!

This past week was a tough week for me. I started last weekend out with a head cold/fever. Then it turns into a sinus infection. I wasn't too aware of this until I started with nausea and dizziness on Tues and Wed. Went to Primed and I have fluid behind my ears (vertigo) caused by blocked Eustachian tubes - that have resulted from the sinus infection, all triggered by allergies. I have not been dizzy today, thankfully! I sucked it up and worked on Thursday - what a hard day that was. But, I am feeling more like myself and Scott and I are glad!

We hosted a missionary for the World Mission workshop, but he only needed to stay Thurs night. After some direction help from Dad, I finally got the closet doors rehung from the front of the washer/dryer. It's only been 1 1/2 years!!!! Honestly, that was harder than rewiring that chandelier... I promise!

Don't you love photoshop?

My Aunt sent me this picture that was photoshopped! Don't you just love it!!!

Long time, no blog

Well, between work and a nasty head cold, I have been out of the loop for, uh.... 5 days now! You know I felt bad if I didn't even get on the computer... HA! Anyways, more updates on us tomorrow... (trust me, there isn't THAT much to catch up on...) And, I finally got caught up on my blog roll tonight... WHEW!

Special prayers go up for Nancy, fellow blogger having surgery tomorrow!

Vote, vote, vote!

Hi girls - take a break from voting in the Presidental election...

Head over to my friend Suellen's blog and cast a vote for her baby's name. She is really wanting some imput!!!

Randomness...

I saw one of my favorite quotes EVER: "The only place where SUCCESS comes before WORK is in the dictionary".

I have to work Thurs and Friday this week. I would rather stay home on Friday, because the kids have been so good this week. I will really miss enjoying them on Friday! But, God surely wants me to work - I hope we won't be needing that money soon!... :(

Brooks has a clear runny nose. Great.

OK - so this will gross many of you out... Kate brought me a "bug" that was in Brooks' room yesterday. OH... it was a ROACH!!! Granted, it was wrapped up in a paper towel when she brought it, but GROSS!!!! I didn't tell her just what "bug" it was - but I hope she doesn't do anymore bug catching!

The first statement that I have agreed with Barak Obama: The poor success of America's students is fundamentally shaped by the lack of instruction given at home.

My Grandparent's 60th anniversary celebration is this weekend. How special is that?

Shenandoah Costume GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Look at this beautiful costume!!! You can enter for a chance to win it at: Shenandoah Costume GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Beautiful quilt giveaway!

Click here to view and have a chance to win a beautiful sunflower quilt!

New haircut!

Elongated bob in the front, stacked in the back, highlights and Rudolph nose to boot.

I love it!

Just another pic

I tweaked this picture and thought it was cool...

Pumpkin Patch visit

We visited the Pumpkin Patch today, and I reminisced of last year taking pictures there. I thought I had gotten really good pictures last year, but I was remembering wrong. These 2 are the best from then. Look at Brooks' curls. I guess what I remember is they enjoyed it last year.

Well today I don't think any of us did. The kids woke up cranky, and I was having one of my days. You know, the one where you cry over nothing? I got some OK pictures, but not what I had hoped for. I guess I have too many expectations. Well, the next 2 posts have some of the better ones of the day...



Brooks 2007

Kate 2007

Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin Patch

Lunch date planned again

For all you local girls...

Nancy and I decided to start meeting every other month (the month of the odd number), on the 2nd Saturday, to continue our lunchtime festivities. This would give everyone a chance to attend and a chance to plan ahead. If you are a local blogger linked to one of us, you are welcome to attend!

So, our next date is November 8th at 11:00 am.
Eastside Grille

When we play Bunco, we have girls sign up to "host" the event. I thought it would be easier to sign up to just make the eating arrangements and let us know. You can choose your own restaurant - but the time and date will remain the same - 2nd Saturday at 11:00am.

Please RSVP to my or Nancy's blog to get started. We can't wait to do it again!

Happy Birthday Casey!

Happy Birthday (tomorrow) Casey!

Those were the days... right?

I'm so glad you are my sister and my friend. Mom always said that we would miss each other one day, and we knew we would! I'm so glad that you are feeling better and what a wonderful time you are going to have next year!

We love you!

Pigs flew yesterday

When I was young my Mom tried several times to teach me to sew. Well, I wanted no part of it. But, lately I have been interested in learning so that I can finish some projects in our house - pillows, toppers for the kitchen windows.

I have started learning how to sew. We didn't make it to the curtains yesterday, but started on a vest for my Grandmama and a dress for a shower gift.

So, yesterday, pigs flew. I'm sure that's what Mom was thinking.

Dr. Busby, what else can you take out?

Yesterday's theme was taking away things:

1. 2 employees out sick,
2. therefore taking away our lunch break,
3. a grapefruit sized tumor on a dog (Dr. B)
4. 4 dewclaws and 2 teeth on a dog (me)
5. 1 tooth falling out on a cat (me)
6. 1 stick stuck in the roof of the mouth of a dog (me)
7. 1 back leg of a 50# dog (me)

Unfortunately didn't take away the Bunco prize last night... :(

Back to the grind...

We had a good weekend at our home. Randy taught our Sunday School class this morning and it was fantastic! He is my favorite bible teacher. We are studying Mark this quarter, but next quarter we will be back to II Samuel. The study of the character David is just fascinating. You know what we all know about David: he slayed Goliath and had an affair. But, there is so much more to his character than that.

Randy (our minister) had a really great lesson tonight, too. He spoke about the importance of acting from your brain rather than acting from your feelings. This lesson applies to practically every part of your life. I'm sorry that I can't get deeper than this - we still have 2 young children...

I hope to be going to Mom's house on Tuesday to start sewing on my curtains. My first sewing project! My embroidering skills are great, but sewing...? Well, we'll see...

Hope my lunch bunch girls have a great week. Missed you, Suellen! Wish we didn't have to wait until after January to meet again!

My favorite embroidery project to date. This was for Maddox's quilt.

Blog Par-tay!

Let me just say, even though our turnout wasn't what I anticipated, the lunch was fantastic! We had the very best group of ladies attend, and we laughed and talked like old friends. Conversation was easy, the food was delightful and our waiter was Ty Pennington!

Everyone agreed to do this again - after the holidays. A wonderful time was had by all.



Kate looks like she noticed that some ketchup got on her sleeve.

Mary Ashley, Kate and Emma

Our attendees and coordinating blogspots... (I tried to hyperlink them but evil blogger strikes again... it just won't let me...)

Melissa (Melissa L.)

Leigh (#7)

Judy (#6)

Shannon (no blog!)

Nancy (Nancy)

Haley (#8)

Rebecca (Rebecca)

Heidi (#9)

Myself!

A Halloween themed Bridal Shower

After our blog luncheon, Kate and I headed off to a bridal shower for a girl from work. She is having a Halloween themed wedding, hence the shower... Scott and I aren't going to be able to attend the wedding, but I'm really interested in seeing the pictures!



Kate and the "BIG PUMPKIN!"

Ghoulish table of treats

Bride to be

A picture of the gift table. Notice the skeletons dancing?

What did we do today?

1. Went to Lowes. Bought a light bulb for the oven and a new outside flood light.
2. Went to get Kate's hair trimmed. I need to get better shears.
3. Went to PetSmart. Saw Linny (the guinea) and some birds and fish and cats.
4. Went to Books A Million. Played with Thomas the Train set and Mama tried to find a book to read. Unsuccessful.
5. Went to Target. Bought a shower gift and some MELLOWCREAM PUMPKINS and M&M's, of course, too.
6. Went home.
7. This afternoon: Replaced bulb and replaced outside flood light. Works beautifully.
8. Tonight: Went to Chickalay for supper with Daddy.
9. Went to Bath and Body. Sale on soaps (is that news to ANYONE?)
10. Went to Walmart. Bought a gourd.

It was a very, very busy day.

Halloween reminise...

2006 - Brooks was a football for his first Halloween. Mom made this cute outfit. He just snuggled so sweet in it! It was a great costume for a newborn...

2006 - Kate was a puppy dog. I wanted to get more creative with her outfit, but my hands were full that year (Brooks was only 7 weeks old). FYI - I did her makeup with a craft paint and a Q-tip. Much easier than using a paint brush.

2007 - Brooks was a lobster - this outfit was given to us by a friend from church. He was just adorable!

2007 - Kate was a ladybug. I got her wings at deep clearance at the Children's Shop in Pigeon Forge. I had to find tights at the last minute because it got cold that night! (You just never know here in AL)

Friday funny

It's 7am in our house. Scott tiptoed down the hall to use the guest bathroom...

(Now, I must interrupt this story with some background. When Kate gets up to use the bathroom while napping or at night, she has this nasty habit of slamming the doors. Not on purpose, but just not shutting them quietly.)

Back to the story. Scott Q-U-I-E-T-L-Y closed the bathroom door. Brooks heard him and shouted, "STOP IT, TATE!"

After hearing no response (and no other slam of the door), Brooks quietly said, "Mama?"

Client funnies

There's been a drought in my funny business from clients. Maybe the word is out that I am keeping a log of their "questions"?

Here are a few from the last week:

• A very concerned client called tonight. She spent several thousand dollars having surgery to repair her dog's detached retinas last year. One of her dogs was in heat, and she was scared of this dog getting "too excited", so could she just keep Vick's Salve on his chin to distract him?
• Another owner, very NEUROTIC about her cats, told me that every time she picked her cat up, it meowed. Does that mean it has cancer?

I have also come across some funny things written in charts. I just laugh out loud when I come across them:

• A dog described as having "pork chop physique"
• A dog described as having a "tragic expression" (a true description of a hypothyroid dog)
• An old cat: "3 feet in the grave"
• "Betty resurrected" (kitten found with frostbite from cold)