Court Drama

Ok, I defy anyone to tell me this girl shouldn't be in pictures (lol). Nicki and I went to celebrate with my mom at her retirement luncheon. My mom has given 39 years to the state ( a large portion of that time as an office manager with the dept. of juvenile justice ). Anyway, Nicki could not resist hamming it up in front of the camera as a lawyer, jury member, and witness ( I wouldn't let her get behind the judges desk...Believe me she tried ). This girl keeps my mom in stitches....she didn't get to see this part though. She probably would have been on the floor crying.

Hit and Run

Well, here are the pictures of what is left of our fence. Apparently while we were all gone from home on Sunday morning a lady fell asleep at the wheel of her car and plowed into our mailbox and then carried the rest of the fence along with her across the front of our driveway. The only thing that stopped her from going into our neighbors home was the telephone pole. The thing is that knowone left a note or called the police or anything. TJ came home from work that morning and found the fence pieces piled up on the front yard. Quisha left the house at 10:30 am for church and when he arrived at 11:10 he called Nicki to ask her what had happened. Nicki had been away with friends and had no clue. When the girls got home they called the police and filed a report. They called us to keep us updated which at the time there was not much to report so we stayed with my mom until late evening. We were about 15 minutes from home when the girls called again to tell us the lady had come by to explain and leave a number for where we could call to make arrangements for her to repair the fence. They both said that there had to be something wrong with the lady. Looking at my fence now I am surprised that she was able to walk away, that knowone called an ambulance and that she actually drove herself back to North Carolina that bight ! Actually I would say it was a miracle that this lady survived the crash. There were parts of her car on the street and their are even dents in the phone pole. Its been a few days and we have not heard from her since Marc's initial call to verify her name and number, I am hoping she is ok. Marc took it surprisingly well after he saw the damage. In the grand scheme of things this is just a bump in the road compared to the last few months. Plus I told Marc, hey maybe this was God's way of saying its time for a new van and a new fence!

Godparents and the runaway fence driver

Marc and I went home this weekend to visit my mom and to attend a celebration honoring my Godparents. My godfather was pastor at my home church for nearly 23 years. He was the person who baptised me and the person who married Marc and I. It was a very nice service, but little did we know that while we were gone our home was in turmoil. See above post to get all of the info on the runaway fence.

Stop Worrying Cyndi

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

All Grown Up

Well its official...no more babies. I am the proud mama of a 23 year old son ( hey TJ ), a twenty two year old daughter who graduates in May from college ( Happy belated Birthday Quisha...tell your friend I am still waiting for birthday party pictures ) and this past month my baby turned 21 !!!! Happy Birthday Nicki. This picture is from Nicki's 21st Birthday party that was held last month. Needless to say I am not sure how I feel about it all. Marc and I grew up with these kids and the fact the day is slowly approaching where my nest will be empty is filled with mix feelings. I look forward to seeing what they will be, where life will take them and hopefully what contribution they will give back to society. But I am still reminded of the day I gave birth to all of them. Each is so different and special in their own way...my night, day and evening children are all grown up. I love you guys, remember that when you are finally out there on you own. Don't forget where you came from and don't think I can't and won't track you down if you dare to not call, visit or email me on a regular basis.

My 23 Year Old ..Just when you think you know someone.

Wow, can't get over the fact that my son is 23 ( as of October 12th )! Yesterday I caught this picture of him ( sorry its so grainy ... but you know how rare it is to get a picture of TJ in the first place....and did you notice that he was smiling....Another rare moment ) playing a "guitar" ( actually its a video game...Surprise, surprise ). It brought back memories of him as a child playing a guitar, banging on desk like his dad ( probably started when he was an infant and Marc played the drums...My poor child sat in his baby seat right beside his dad as the drums played, while I prayed his hearing wouldn't be loss ). This morning after he came in from work he prepared for his martial arts class...another surprise he laid on me last summer, and as he went out of the door I noticed he had his guitar game in his hand. So noisy mom that I am I asked him why...and his response surprised me. He was taking it for the kids who would be at the school. Over the years I have noticed how kids are drawn to him, and most of all how patient he is with them. I have friends who kids would walk in my door and bypass me without speaking because they wanted to get to TJ's room where all of the cool stuff were. They asked him questions, jumped , shouted and screamed while he played video games...not once did he seem aggravated. Right now he is at a crossroads in life and each day I pray that he finds his way. I know in my heart that God has a plan and purpose for his life ( he just does not know it yet ), but over the years I have noticed one thing...and that is that he has a gift with children. At times he has expressed an interest in teaching Japanese to students and has even talked about one day adopting a child. I see so much potential in this young man...and I am praying that in time he will see the potential in himself and give back to the community just a little of what God has given him. Am I a little biased ? Of course he is my son, but even I know God has a plan for all of us and will use anyone at anytime for his good...we just have to be open to his call ( and sometimes he uses us even when we won't open up ).

The Wedding Singer

Nicki had her first professional gig on Friday night as a wedding singer at her co-workers reception. Apparently she put on quite a show and she even made the groom cry. Watch out now people she's tasted the business and there is no going back.

Life is Way to Precious ( to be stressing over the small "fluff" ).

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.
Mother Teresa

I don't know about you but my life is precious to me. And I don't have time for nonsense anymore. I don't have time for unproductiveness ( sorry if that is not a real word ) or the time to waste on people who don't value my time, my life, or that of my loved ones. Life is way to short for that. I know that God has a purpose and a plan for me so instead of wasting my time and talent on "fluff" I need to spend that time doing something that is pleasing in God's sight and not necessarily man's.

CJ

Daytime Fire Photos

FIRE

Well tonight was interesting. We heard the doorbell and one of our neighbors came to tell us that the van was on fire. Thankfully another neighbor was driving by and he and TJ kept a hose on it until the fireman arrived. Its pretty much totaled. Thankfully most of the stuff in it ( including my yet unpainted kitchen table and chairs and most of Quisha's school books survived ). I am just thankful Quisha was not in the car driving it at the time and despite the fact that it was really close to the house it did not burn the siding at all, or catch the tree next to the van on fire. It's just a little scorched. I am sure it will look even worse in the morning.

Baby Alert

Welcome to the world Cousin Selena !!!!! Jay and VA are the proud new parents of a 6 pound, 18 inch baby girl. Congratulations to Grandma Pat and Grandpa Reg.

Perfect Day

Give yourself a perfect day. Do what makes you happiest. Look upon what gives you joy. Speak to those who warm your heart. Listen to that which lifts your spirit. Surround yourself with sights and sounds and people who give you pleasure. For all the happiness you give to others all year long, give yourself a perfect day.

Back to School Cookout

Our church had a Back to School Cook-out today. As you can see the family was "in the house" and we had a good time. Nicki's friend Rachel came by, Marc tried his hand at the mike ( no he was not the DJ ), and Quisha was busy with the kids. I would have enjoyed the day even more if I hadn't had a bad case of the sneezes. Went home and got some sinus pills and came back, only to have to turn around and go back home after being stung by a yellow jacket. For the life of me I cannot understand why I went my entire childhood without being stung and have been stung three times since becoming an adult. Of course I got joked for being sweet enough to sting, wish the yellow jacket had thought otherwise. Spent the rest of the afternoon in bed after taking two antihistimines (sp ?).

God Has Not Forgotten Me ( And I will not forget him ).

Thank you Pam, I soo needed that word this evening. Today was a mad crazy, insane day..the devil is a liar ! And that's all I'm going to say. But even in the midst of the chaos I knew if I could just get to church tonight that everything would be alright. And Pam's ( that is God's message ) came out loud and clear. I get it Lord ! Maybe every once in a while I need a good swift kick in the butt, but I know you have a plan for us. I know that its already predestined. And I know that whatever you have for us is for us. No weapon formed against me shell prosper. I'll just keep saying to myself that the next blessing is for me. That the devil is a liar, he will not get control of my family because my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is in full control. Whether we stay here or move on, I know that he is with me ....always!

People, Places and Things

I have had this list of places I would like to visit. Recently Marc and I have talked about places we would be willing to move to if things do not work out here job wise. So here's dreaming:

1) Florida would be our first choice ( of course ).
2) Arizona ( I saw pictures recently and fell in love with the scenery ).
3) Georgia ( outside of the Atlanta area, Kelli would be ecstatic ).
4) Birmingham ( never thought I would say that but the part that Cass lives in is pretty nice ).
5) Hawaii !!! ( Of course Marc would have to have a really, really good job, this place is mad expensive ).

The big plus for me would be getting a new house. There are so many things I would do differently. Marc wants all brick ,and 1 story. Of course I have to have a big familyroom so that my family can come down for the holidays. A formal diningroom, large eat in kitchen ( with a breakfast room, not nook this time ). Masterbedroom suite with a master bath with his and her closet ( not for me, but for the man with a million shoes, shirts and ties ). A study for him, a scraproom for me, laundry, 2 car garage ( and no I will not be driving ). A bonus room over the garage so that I can have a media room like my friend Cass. And a guestroom with a adjoining bath so that my mom can visit ( or stay ) whenever she wants too. This time I would put the deck up ( its been over 13 years and I am still waiting for one here ), and a sunroom where Marc and I can have breakfast each morning overlooking our backyard.

Hey I said "Dream" didn't I ?

Happy Birthday Queen

Yesterday Quisha turned 22! She had a lunch party saturday with some great ladies. Guess who forgot their camera to catch all of the moments ( actually I took the camera, just forgot to put the chip back in )? Thanksfully some friends remembered to bring their cameras. Now I just need copies (lol). Will post pictures soon.

Not Just Another Day

I wasn't sure that I would comment on today's anniversary. I did not know anyone personally who died due to the tragedy of 9-11. But even I remember that day as if it was only yesterday. I was on the phone with my friend Diane just talking about nothing in particular. We watched the first plane go into the tower and could not believe it. As we continued to watch we saw the shadow of the second plane and then saw it hit. I remember thinking and then saying this could not have been an accident. At the time I thought the planes going through would be the end of it. I don't think anyone could have been prepared for seeing the two buildings collapse before our eyes. By the time we heard about the third and fourth plane I was in shock. I can't imagine that much hate. I can't comprehend using the name of God to commit so much pain and destruction. That one day in history has changed ( or should have ) changed us all. Never again should we take for granted our family, and friends. That they will be there forever. Each day should be one to cherish. Its so not worth it to spend your days unhappy, ungrateful, or unfriendly to your fellow man or women. Embrace life, be kind to others , give something back to your community. Hug your children, tell your spouse you love them, call your parents or siblings and let them know you are available and you can be counted on. Tomorrow is truly not promised to us, and one day God will ask you if you fufilled his purpose for your life. What will your answer be ? Never again should you consider any day just another day.

Alex First Day Back at School

Alex looks so cute with his fresh new haircut. He remembered to put on his jacket, too bad his mom didn't !

Tink Your Ride

Ok, since its apparent that "Pimp your Ride" ( Marc can't stand the name of the show ) will never be coming to our house...Nicki decided to take matters into her own hands and "Tink" her ride. And for anyone who thinks I had any say in this....the answer is no, she decide on her own to go with a Disney theme. But, I must say I am one proud momma. I raised that girl right (lol). Of course this will go down in scrapbook history because as soon as I can get my hands on some Tinkerbell scrapbook supplies this will be a page. Hey, they don't call me the Disney Queen for nothin! And there is a reason Nicki wears pink and is called "Princess".

The Storm Is Passing Over

Well, we survived Ernesto. Marc and I woke up at 6:30 am yesterday to the sound of branches crashing up against the house. There was a lot of wind and rain, and when we looked outside we saw a large tree branch in the backyard. Today the sun is shining and the clouds are starting to disappear. Of course the yard looks a wreck ( I guess I know what we will be doing Labor Day ). My mom and sister and my cousins did not fare as well. They lost electricity during the storm and my mom is still waiting for her lights to come back on. I'm thinking she would be better off coming up here when a storm is approaching ( I can't remember the last time we did not have lights during a storm ). Of course knowing our luck, that will be the one time we lose electricity. I would have been there this weekend with them if it had it not been for Ernesto. Of course I would have been freaking out being so far away from the kids and Marc. I don't know what I will do when they really grow up and move out. We basically vegetated yesterday. In the afternoon Marc went to work ( thankfully he sent everyone home early that night and he was back in by 8:30...I could get use to his new job if that was the hours every week ). Nicki insisted on going out to get her "hair-did" ( highlighted ). Frankly I just think the girl is crazy ( sorry Nik ). And apparently she was not the only one. Seems as if the shop was full of crazy women! As much as I like scrapbooking... you could not have paid me yesterday to go out in that weather , even after the storm had passed over. Several roads were shut down and street lights were not even up in some places. The things we women do to look beautiful!

Girls Night Out !!!!

Had a great time. You will have to read the full report here. Bonnie I'm sorry I didn't get a picture of you. I'll get you the next time.

More Busch Gardens and Homecoming Sunday Pictures

Busch Gardens

Here are more photos from our family reunion weekend. We rode up to my moms with my Uncle John in his RV, and they spent the weekend parked at my mom's home. While they went around to visit family and friends and celebrate my Great Uncle Moses 94th birthday we went to Busch Gardens with 10 family members. Nicki also invited a few friends to come up and join us at the park. We had a great day despite the heat, and Sunday it was nice to see family and friends at the Homecoming service also. Afterwards we went to see more cousins and then hit the road for home.