My Hubby

As we were traveling down the highway towards AL it hit me just how blessed I am to have this man in my life. Not many husbands would take time off from work and drive 900 miles just so their wives can meet up with a group of women she had never met before to spend three days in a scrapbook class ( even though it was more to it then that). Marc has always supported my dreams...no matter how crazy they were ( and still are ). When I made Disney an obsession he went along for the ride. When I said I wanted to start a scrapbook business he financed it. So I should not be surprised at all when I asked to go to Bama for the Scrap Etc event...not once did he ask why, actually he didn't ask anything. He just took the time off from work and loaded the car up. So many women commented on the fact that he walked around the scrap store without fear, as if he belonged...what they don't know is that he has spent just as much time there as I have. At times he has even brought me things home...always with this cute smile on his face and the same question....can I use this in my scrapbook. What husband does that? So as we made our way back home I promised myself that I would try my best to do the exact same thing. Good thing too. Marc's personal business has been growing by leaps and bounds, and I have the feeling his personal life will change a lot in the next year...so whatever God has in store for us in our personal life and our professional life....I'm committed to seeing that we continue down that road together. So honey if you read this....the answer is yes...whatever that dream may be.

Kelli

Ok, what do I say about Kelli without shedding tears. This women came into my life several years ago through and online Disney site. Never in my wildest imagination would I have known that years later we would be such close friends, or that we would have to stop in GA each time we pass through going to AL just so I could hang out with this awesome family. Mike and Kelli are the most wonderful, down to earth, humble people I have ever met. They amaze me each day with the way they are able to do what they do, how they see love and hope through any situation. You have to read their story...it will change your life. It will change the way you think about everyday miracles, living in the moment and the blessings of God. I knew from the moment I met Kelli that this was a special women of God and that God had brought us into each others life for a higher purpose. We have become prayer partners, best buds and lifetime friends. Thank you Lord for bringing this women into my life.

Anyway, Kelli and Mike have offered their home to us several times, but because I know that their plate is full I have always declined. Not because I didn't want to stay and hang out with her, but because I knew she would be trying to entertain us and keep us happy ( that's just who she is, she can't help herself ). This trip I knew had to be low budget ( no budget ) because of Marc's work situation ( I had just signed up for the event and within a few days Marc lost his second job within 90 days )...I emailed Kelli and asked could we spend one night with them just so that Marc could get a break from the 12 hour ride. Of course she said yes, but I still worried about being a burden to them ( Kelli if you are reading this...please don't call me and scream at me ). Anyway, long story short...it was our best visit...not because of the great hospitality , but just because we got to spend time together, talk, laugh and just relax. It went so well that neither Kelli or I took out our camera...not once ( soo not us...lol). We went to dinner that evening at a great local Italian joint ( I soo need to explore around here and find something similar ). We even had great ice cream at a shop down from the restaurant that reminded me of the Confectionery shop at Disney on Main Street. Kelli gave me and the girls a very special gift that night that I will have to post about later ...partly because I don't want to cry, but also because I have promised her some pics...and at this moment I look like death warmed over ( still trying to recuperate from the weekend and a nosebleed and sprained back...but that's a whole nother story).

The next morning Kelli made us breakfast and sent us on our way. When I called her a few days later we were kicking ourselves for not taking any pictures ( that's a scrapper for you). It didn't help that Kelli told me she had been crying the whole day after we left. Well my sweet hubby drove us back to her house on our way home Sunday morning ( we drove the whole 12 hours back ). We tried to surprise Kelli but she was already outside when we pulled up. Anyway, that's how I ended up having pics anyway...with no make-up and my hair everywhere. Now we did not plan the matching t-shirts....but that's just how connected Kelli and I have become ( well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it).

Cass and Crew

If it wasn't for Cass and Mike we would never be able to make as many trips to AL as we have. Usually I post pics of Cass and the girls, but Nicki took this really great picture of Michael meditating Sunday morning before we left to come back home. If you would like to see the fun pics Cass and I took with the girls just go here.

Great Weekend

Nicki and I met some awesome women this weekend, took some cool classes and brought home a boatload of product.If you would like to read more about it just check out my scrapblog.

Marc's Birthday and Valentines Day

Marc's birthday and Valentines Day are so close together that sometimes one gets overshadowed by the other. Not this year. We spent his birthday at a church breakfast that morning, then we went to the movies together for the first time in years. Of course since it was his birthday I set through a showing of Rocky ( it was actually ok..I think I like him as a old man even better..lol).

For Valentines Day Marc surprised me with this beautiful mirror for our familyroom ( next year is our 25th wedding anniversary...for years I wanted to renew my vows, then I decided we would invite friends to join us in Las Vegas for a weekend, later Marc and I talked about a cruise to Alaska. This week I told him I may skip traveling next year and use the money to upgrade some things in the house. I have been in a decorating mood ). Who knows what will happen by next year (lol).

Anyway, for Valentines Day Marc and I went to dinner at my favorite resturants...Olive Garden. After dinner Quisha did a impromptu photo shoot of us. All in all between the Sweetheart Banquet, the breakfast, a movie date and dinner at Olive Garden...it was a good weekend.

Sweetheart Banquet

On February 9th the Miniters Wives and Widows Organization held its Annual Sweetheart banquet. We took some crazy pictures after the event ( some I can't show..just because Sonia and Di would kill me )Lesson learned...never turn your camera over to the husbands...they kept snapping before we were ready so in one picture we look like we are fussing, in one Sonia is rolling her eyes and in the other one Di's face looks like its in pain. The one I did post is the best out of the bunch. Teresa and Tyran were there but they left before the photo session.

Mom's Retirement

Just a few pics from the luncheon honoring my mom. The top picture is of mom with her brothers. The two lovely ladies in red are their wives my aunties. And the last picture is of my mom with my cousins and my Aunt Julia....the matriarch of our family.

Christmas 2006

Christmas

I realized that I have not posted any pictures since before Christmas. It was a very low key, but still blessed. So here are a few pictures from Christmas 2006.

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