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.

Wedding Shots

As requested here are a few pictures from the wedding ( will post a few more as soon as blogger will allow ).

Baby Shower

The wedding shower was a success. VA and Jay will have a very spoiled baby girl. This is one of my favorite pictures.And here are a few more : Baby Shower Pictures

Preaching Brothers !

It's funny, my very first blog post started with me talking about how many preachers were in my family. There are just as many friends who are preachers in our life. Today we spent the day with Nicki's godparents, first at morning service and then again that afternoon with them at one of my bestfriends husband's ( also a preacher ) church. We really have a great time when we get together. I realized to late that today would have been a great photo opportunity ( especially when the three men were up in the pulpit together ), but after all of the wedding pictures from yesterday it did not even occur to me to take the camera today. Thank goodness Nicki had her camera phone. So I present to you Rev. Marc, Rev.Rob, and Rev. Clyde. These "Brother's in Christ" have been friends for years ( at least 10 if not more ) and are there for each other through thick and thin. They try to support each other every chance they can. I hope and pray that its a legacy that will continue on in our children and in their children.

Bells are ringing...

The wedding was beautiful. Especially a very special flowergirl...my goddaughter. Saw lots of friends I had not seen in years. Joyce and Keith were the King and Queen for sure. Congratulations you two on 25 years of marriage. Will update with more details later, right now this old girl is tired from having to get up and meet with my friend at 8 am this morning in preparation for her upcoming wedding. Goodnight family and friends...just in case someone is actually up this late reading.

Dress Sale Buddies are in the House

Well, the girls are back together again. Minus Peggy ( we missed you ). Cass was in town with the girls for a renewal wedding of one of our friends. So the ladies decided to get together at a local Golden Corral for dinner. We ended up closing out the place. But we had a great time and laughed and talked like teenagers. As a matter of fact we embarrassed our girls who told us we needed to use our inside voices before we got kicked out! We also celebrated Sheila, Tamra and Priscilla's birthdays. Anyway, no Dress Sale Buddy get together would be complete without a group shot. Tommorrow it will be Cass, Lula, Diane and me...the 4 Musketeers. It's going to be a wild weekend.

Can You Explain ?

Why I love the water, but can't swim a lick ? Why I love the beach, but can't stand sand in my toes ? Why I love going to Florida but can't stand the heat ? If you ever figure it out drop me a line. I came across these pictures while checking my albums on line. I love these because I took them the day before Nicki's last year of high school. Those are her feet in the picture. I also took a picture of her walking in the sand and watching her footsteps as she moved away from me. It was suppose to symbolize her growing up and walking out on her own. She is proving to be a very independent young lady ( actually from the time she got here she has been that way ).Its funny that we live so close to the water but rarely go. I saw Heidi Swapps family pictures today and it made me want to grab my family and hit the beach. Well, that will never happen because for one TJ hates taking pictures. And Marc thinks wearing jeans is a crime. Maybe the girls and I will take a couple of pictures together before the end of summer ( maybe even after the tourist season has died down ). Well off to a wedding shower . Will share pictures tonight on my scrapblog. I set the tables and decorations for the party, and I am so proud of myself. Sometimes I miss my wedding coordinating days. And everyone knows I love planning theme parties. I must say, this girl has talent (lol). Wonder where that comes from ?

Isn't this the cutest thing ?

Quisha is working part time this summer at the church pre-school ( good preparation for her teacher resume )when she is not at Build-A-Bear. Anyway, she needed a project for the children to do today. She came up with the idea of doing a "pizza" ( no surprise that it was food ) !. She cut large circles out of cardboard and covered the bottom with foil to represent the pan. She is going to have the children color the top with red crayons and then they will add cheese ( shredded yellow paper ) , green peppers ( more shredded green paper ) and pepperoni sausage ( red circles cut out with my Creative Memories Shape maker ). I had to take a picture. Of course you know this will become a scrapbook page. She promised to bring a finished "slice" home to complete my layout. Now, where can I pick up some pizza die cuts ?