Waiting for Lilly Rae

4th

2010-07-04T20:03:00.001-07:00

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Easter 2010

2010-04-04T18:17:00.001-07:00

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Skeet

2009-05-23T13:36:00.001-07:00

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SHOW US WHERE YOU LIVE FRIDAY ON WEDNESDAY

2009-05-12T21:13:00.001-07:00

It's the second week of Kellys Show Us Where You Live Friday and its living rooms. Now I will be all caught up till this Friday which will be Guest Bedrooms which is one of my favorite rooms in this house.

LIVING ROOMS

This is where Mikee sits all the time the chair to the left. I sit in the other if I am not watching tv and we are just talking or I am going through magazines. Under the chest in between the chairs is a basket that you can't see that I put all Mikees recent magazines and whatever books he is reading at the time. He reads so much I can't leave them on the coffee table to junky for me!

This is across from the chairs and where I lay when I watch a movie. One of my favorite things in this room are my tortoise lamps. I had looked forever for lamps and had given up then ran across these in a warehouse and new they would be perfect! I don't really have a lot of pairs in my house as far as furniture and such I really like to mix it up.

This is the fireplace and I just love how it turned out. It was covered with wood and we took it all down had the brick cleaned and sealed then built the two bookcases in to hold all the tv and stereo things I didn't want seen. Chrissy would not move when I was taking these pictures she wanted in them for sure.

I love family photos. They really make a home home. The bumble bee was Brady's first Halloween and the cute little bald fellow on the left is my nephew Grayson. The other Brady was about 2 in that picture.

This is one of my antique trays that I collect and just love. I only have a few because they are so expensive and I can't just buy them all the time plus I hardly ever come across true antique ones that often.

These hang behind the sofa under the steps. I try to do a professional family photo every other year.

I really did not want a flat screen but gave in to it and this was where I wanted to put it but my husband wanted it over the fireplace! I won, thank goodness.

SHOW US WHERE YOU LIVE FRIDAY ON TUESDAY

2009-05-12T19:56:00.000-07:00

Kelly has started Show Us Where You Live Friday over at her blog and I just realized it when I was trying to do a little blog catch up and loved it, so I had to play along. Kelly has a fantastic blog and I love keeping up with her little miracle Harper and watching her grow and looking at all her precious little outfits. Kelly always has some great recipes that she shares to so head over and check her out.

KITCHEN ADDITION

Our kitchen is the heart of our home. We bought this house 2 years ago and totally gave it a much needed over haul. We took the kitchen down to the 2 by 4s and started from scratch and boy am I glad we did. It turned out even better than I had imagined. No matter how big the crowd everyone seems to always end up in the kitchen.

This is my bookcase that we have on one side of the island that holds some of my favorite cookbooks and other things. I love the floors in this house, they are old heart pine floors and have so much character. The floors were one of the things that really drew me to the house.

This picture frame was given to me by Aunt Beth for a birthday one year and I have cherished it ever since. The plate was a wedding gift and is a daily reminder of the example we are to set in our home for Brady.

On the bottom shelf holds some pottery work by Brady from 1st grade till this years newest 4th grade addition the cat whistle. I wouldn't take anything for these pieces.

Well its strawberry time in South Carolina and Brady and I have picked and eaten our fair share lately. We took all his teachers and the office staff some last week for Teacher Appreciation Week, I think they really loved them.

This is my Flavia machine that I love and couldn't do without! It keeps water hot at all times. It is great for my tea or for coffee when we have company.

Another favorite is the warming drawer. We all love this and if you are doing a kitchen and don't have it on your list I would add it it really comes in handy.

This is the eating area that is in the kitchen. We use it when we have more than the 3 of us to eat. I love the pine table, I ordered it from Atlanta when we were remodeling and it was worth the wait.

This is across from the eating area and this is where Mikee, Brady and I eat most of the time. There is a 4th stool but I am having some custom cushions made so the sewing lady has it. Brady also loves to sit here and do his homework. The lights I had custom blown at a local glass place by a great glass blower I would love to get some more of his work (hint hint Mikee if you are reading).

This is the kind of stuff my child purchases when he stays with his grandmother. We have had some great fun with it.

I have this great little planter with a button fern and a orchid in it that my best friend Kelly gave me on the counter. I try to always have some live plants or flowers going in the kitchen it really brightens my day.

Its baseball season to so why not have a baseball grass head on your counter? This is the haircut Brady wants for the summer!

And last my fridge and freezer! Love them they are huge, way more room than we need and great when you are having a party.

Hope you enjoyed the tour I have to catch up and do the living room next!

MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH

2009-05-11T14:33:00.000-07:00

I had no clue that May was Military Appreciation month until I read it in one of my magazines.

Here are a few things we can do to let the troops know we care.

*Fly the flag on your house, car or business the month of May.

*Send an e-mail or letter of thanks at Amillionthanks.org.

*Ship a care package to a soldier through Uso.org/donate.

*Write an uplifting message at Americasupportsyou.mil.

*Hire a Veteran; visit Hirevetsfirst.gov for more information

On another note I am such a slack blogger! My trip to China was great! I was sick for a few weeks after I got home with a URI that really set me back. I am getting caught up though and have taken some great trips one being to Colorado Springs!! The one year anniversary of my Dads death was very hard, much harder than I thought it would be. We really miss him a lot. Mikee is traveling a lot and we are at the end of school which as you know if busy. We will have graduation soon and then there is baseball baseball. I promise to catch up and check in on all my favorite blogs soon.

FIRST TURKEY

2009-04-05T21:40:00.001-07:00

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I AM OUT OF HERE

2009-03-20T23:09:00.000-07:00

Well I have my iPhone loaded with a few books and some new music it is 2:10am I am packed minus all the beauty products that I will pack in the morning, new camera charged and ready for
I am so excited I don't think I will sleep any tonight which is probably a good thing so because I will have plenty time on the flight. I hope you all have a great Spring break I know ours starts next week and I am sure a few of you are on yours now. I can't wait to share my trip with you all when I return.

Oh and by the way my God Daughter was born today her name is Brantley she weighed 7lbs 4 oz and she is just perfect. I got to hold her tonight and give her a little love and little present, she is going to be spoiled for sure.

PACKING & ADVICE

2009-03-18T16:29:00.000-07:00

Well I leave on Saturday for my 10 day trip to China, not to adopt this is a just because trip. I am so excited!!! I have to say the packing I think is worse for me than the long flight I have coming. I hate to pack. Some people hate to unpack, not me its the packing that gets me every time. Mikee is still in Syria and loving every minute of it. He said the Syrians are so nice and great host. If any of you that have been to China have any advice for me please send it my way, I would love to know what your tips are.

A DAY IN CHARLESTON

2009-03-07T20:47:00.000-08:00

We are having beautiful weather in South Carolina this weekend. My car said it was 80 on the drive to Charleston today. We started off at Vickery's downtown today for lunch, they have the best Bloody Marys ever!!!

Then we walked to a great Antique store and looked around before heading on down King street to have my iPhone replaced that I dropped on Friday!! Yes I absolutely could not believe I did that but I did so off to see what the damage was and it wasn't good. I had to purchase a new phone!!! Yes I thought I was going to scream but it had to be done because I love this phone!!
Then after strolling down King Street and picking up Mikee's watch that we had sent off a while back to be repaired, yes Beth this is the watch you dropped off last year!!! We are such slackers. We had to go to Charleston Place and check out a few shops and get a few things for our upcoming trips. Mikee is heading to Damascus Syria in a few days then I will be heading to China before he heads home so no trip like those are complete without a few things from Brookstone.

And because I took so much time deciding which new bag I wanted that would hold my camera, camcorder and act as a purse, which I decided on this one below.
We missed getting to see the Angel Oak Tree which is 65 ft high and believed to be over 1500 years old! We got there right as they were closing the gates. Mikee and I have both been here before but we thought Brady would enjoy seeing it so we will head back soon.
We then headed over to see baby Burkett and visit with his family before heading over to Savory Sushi, Mikee's cousins new place for dinner. It was a great day and wonderful weather. Hope you all enjoyed your Saturday to.

THINKING OF MY DAD

2009-03-03T15:31:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking of my Dad a lot lately and seem to have so many things that come up in daily life that makes me think of him or want to talk to him just to ask him a question or two. Brady talks about him almost daily and loves to say I wonder if PaPa did this or liked this to when he was my age? I am so glad he has fun memories of him and thinks of him and knows that we will see him again one day. We just had Grandparents Day at school on Friday and it made me sad to know he couldn't be there with Brady but I know he was there in his heart for sure. Below is a picture of my Dad when he was a little boy that is in our front office a lot of people think its Brady when they first see it. I never really noticed it till this past year but Brady has my Dads hands and a lot of his personality. I just love that and feel so blessed to have had such a wonderful Dad. I have some more fun pictures of Grandparents Day but haven't downloaded them yet I will try to soon. I have been getting ready for our Junior League Banquet this Thursday and am running in circles!!!

A MOVIE AND MAYBE A FEW MORE

2009-02-23T05:00:00.001-08:00

I was obviously in the movie mood after staying home all week with a sick child and the husband out of town on top of it. I was ready to scream to say the least, not because Brady is a bad child when he is sick I just hate being stuck in the house. I love to be home but when I know I can't leave it drives me crazy!!

Brooke and I saw Confessions of a Shopaholic the other night and it was very cute. We both enjoyed it and the theater was packed for it.

Then I rented this and snuck up to the playroom all alone with my Coke and Popcorn with no interruptions from anyone watched the whole movie. I cried with this one but enjoyed it.
I was on a roll and decided to stay up and watch this one with Richard Gere one of my favorite actors and was not disappointed at all. I wish it had ended a little different but it was still a great love story.
Well who knows what I will get into this week with Brady back in school and Mikee gone again. I have some errands to run and things to catch up on and a Banquet to work on for March for Junior League so I will be busy for sure. I am leaving on the 21st my anniversary to go to China with some friends and can't wait so if you have any China tips for me let me know, I would love to hear them. Hope you all have a great Monday!

HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY BRADY BUG!!!

2009-02-19T11:03:00.000-08:00

Today is Brady's 10th birthday! I can not believe it. He has been saying for months now that he will be "double digits" soon and today he is. It has been a hard week this week, Mikee has been gone since Sunday and Brady, Pearl and I have all been sick. I mean stay in the bed sick!!! No fun. I had a fun day planned today for Brady but he still didn't feel 100% so he stayed home today. He went to bed at 7:30 last night and did not get up till 11 today! I know he must still be under the weather to stay in bed on his birthday.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures that I could place my hands on easily of Brady throughout the years.

Enjoy!

A very proud Dad with the bug!

Mom and Brady at Pawleys Island having some lunch.

Trying out Moms lipstick!

Brady, Maggie Mae and Dash

Brady and Chrissy at the Blessing of the Animals

Brady at the CocaCola 500 Race

Brady and Jordan at Camp Rockmont

Grammy, PaPa and Brady at Atlantis

Brady on our balcony at Animal Kingdom

One of the many faces of a happy child

Brady and Trista his favorite cousin, Trista

COOL PROJECT

2009-02-16T21:17:00.000-08:00

Brady's class did what I thought was a cool project at the beginning of the year this year. It is a timeline of your life. Brady enjoyed it so and it was fun going back and digging out pictures of allot of his first. You can click on the picture to enlarge it.

Hope you have enjoyed your holiday today. Brady and I are both under the weather with sinus infections and will more than likely be staying home from school for a few days. This always seems to happen when Dad is away!

WEEKEND GUEST

2009-02-14T21:07:00.000-08:00

We have a guest for the holiday weekend, his name is Snickers aka Snik Snik at our house. He is the 4th grade class pet along with a few frogs and a newt. Brady loves bringing him home and really he is no trouble at all. Now all I am hearing is can I get one for my birthday next week??

HAPPY HEARTS DAY TO YOU

2009-02-14T05:44:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HEARTS DAY TO YOU!!!! Its raining here today and a little colder than the weather we have had earlier in the week but thats ok we will be inside today at Basketball. I baked big heart cookies on Wednesday night for Bradys class party on Thursday. Real simple to do and the kids love them.

This is the finished product ready to go to school. I need to go to the local Pizza shop and purchase some pizza boxes they would be perfect for transporting these then I wouldn't have to do the toothpick thing in them.

This picture is from last Saturdays game. Trista and her boyfriend Eric surprised Brady and came to his game. He was so glad to see them. Especially when he made a great shot and looked over to see if they were watching!!! That just cracked me up.

Enjoy your Heart Day!!!

SHOWER

2009-02-12T21:33:00.000-08:00

Well the baby shower went great that we hosted last Saturday night. It was a couples shower and we served dinner. The guys cooked 75 chicken breast on the grill and we had green beans, mac and cheese, potato salad and some great fellowship. I just adore this couple they are just great people. He works for my husbands family business and she is a school teacher. This is their first child and we are really excited for them. Here are a few pictures from the night, I decided to use things I had and the gifts I had bought as the decorations.

I borrowed a couple silver baby cups to go with mine from my friend Tara and Tracy and used them all over the house. Here they are hanging from my dinner room light over the flowers that you really can't see to well.

A few of the flowers by the kitchen sink.

This was one of the little tops I had picked up at Target for her.

Just another flower with one of Brady's rattles in the den.

The diaper cake that I did not make but ordered.

The cake that my friend Pam made.

The napkins that I rolled and tied with a little pink bottle, pacy or carriage.

Envelopes to her stationary for the guest to address to make it easy for Mom.

The stationary that I thought was too cute, need to get Lilly Rae some.

I tried to think of gifts she might not get so I came up with this bow holder and bows.

This was Mikees rattle and cup when he was little.

I took this jar and put a big ribbon around it and cut these card stock cards so they would fit and then asked everyone to give the new parents a few words of advice. This was fun I wish I had read all the cards before they left.

I started painting this for Brantley's room a while back and couldn't finish it so a friend, who is a artist came up with this. I ordered these bibs and had a picture of the new Mom and Dad when they were little ones on the buffet as well. The sweet bowl and spoons were Bradys.

This is Mom and Dad to be with Pearl opening some great gifts.

Dad is a huge Clemson fan, we may be able to work on Brantley!

Amy's Mom gave her a beautiful going home dress, bonnet and booties.

Brady came in just in time from the Carolina game to help Mr Ricky with a few bows.

This was the last of the crowd being entertained by Mark and Richard who is face down in the corner for some reason. You know everyone ends up in the kitchen always.
We had a great time and were so honored when the parents to be asked Mikee and me to be the God Parents of Brantley. I look forward to many fun times with them.

BIBLE STUDY

2009-02-09T20:18:00.000-08:00

We have been going to the church Mikee grew up in the past few Sundays so we could do the Purpose Driven Life as a couple with other couples in a Sunday School setting and it has really been great so far. I read the book before several years ago and enjoyed it but this open discussion will be great. Even though we aren't members at this church the hospitality has been unbelievable! I can't say enough about how welcoming this group is and makes you feel a part of the church.

I will be starting a new Wednesday night girls Bible study and this is the book we will be doing, Girl Talk. I can't wait just the cover makes you want to pick this book up. I will let you know how it goes. I look forward to the fellowship with other Christian women.

Hope you are all having a great start to your week. I am going to finish up some organizing I started a while back and get some things checked off my list. I didn't get much done last week except get ready for the shower I hosted this past Saturday because I wasn't feeling so well. I was worked up and upset by the exchanging of some emails with my Dads sister this past week that weren't so good. You see she hasn't spoken to me, my husband or Brady since the day of my Dads funeral and I couldn't tell you why if you asked me, she has never told me. She and I have never been close and obviously will never be. I choose to be happy and not have negativity in my life and even though it breaks my heart for Brady and me not to be a part of my Dads family I have to do what is best for us. My old preacher told me along time ago sometimes you need to break away, I did that from several family members way before my Dad was sick and do not blame any of this on his death, it was my choice. It is what it is and what it always has been its just that now things have been twisted and the one person I have always looked up to and counted on and thought of as a Mom is gone to because of things said and taken the wrong way. I think the one sister has always been jealous of the relationship my Aunt and I have always had. I am really struggling with this for allot of different reasons. Here we will more than likely bring home a new addition to our family this year and they will not be here to celebrate with us, Brady has many things going on that she isn't a part of anymore and I hurt for him. I will continue to pray daily for all of my family that this will work out and we can move forward, I know allot of it is grief and misunderstanding but it still hurts.

For those of you who have asked about the adoption I would love to be able to tell you something but we haven't heard anything. Thanks for your prayers and please keep praying for us, I know there is a child somewhere waiting for us and in Gods time it will be.

FAVORITE PHOTO FRIDAY

2009-02-06T20:31:00.000-08:00

Sullivans Island Summer 2008

4TH GRADE EGG DROP

2009-02-04T06:36:00.000-08:00

Every year at Brady's school it is a tradition for the 4th grade to do a egg drop. They have to do a journal of their ideas and how they built their EDV and can not use packing materials, you have to be creative. It was so much fun and the kids really got into it. Brady's class had 100% success!!!! Here are a few pictures of the event.

Brady and Dad making the EDV.

Brady with his finished EDV and his report all ready to go, bedhead included.

Mr. V and Mr. Shirley tossing over Brady's EDV.

Look it made it!!

Brady, Austin and Zack with their eggs.

PINK SWAP

2009-02-03T19:32:00.000-08:00

Look at what I got today!!! Lots of pink goodies just for me. Thank you to Monograms and Manicures for hosting the Pink Swap. It was so much fun. And also Thank you to The Preppy Principal for all my pink goodies, I love them.

3 WORD SUNDAY LATE

2009-02-02T05:09:00.001-08:00

ImageChef.com Poetry Blender

SATURDAY MORNINGS

2009-01-30T21:07:00.000-08:00

This is what we have been up to on Saturday morning lately. Upward Basketball. Brady has such a good time and loves Coach Brooke. She is AWESOME. We have pictures this Saturday and a 2 o'clock game along with a birthday party in the morning so we have a busy weekend. Mikee took Brady and his friend Cole to the Monster Truck Jam tonight they had a blast. Speaking of blast the first thing they said when they got home was they blasted a lady out of a cannon and it was so cool! I opted not to go to the Monster Truck Jam and have a nice night at home, I have been sick most of the week so thought it a good opportunity to catch up on things.

I have been given some great awards this week and promise to get those posted as soon as I get caught up.

Update on adoption, well we have sent the young lady a bio on us and some photos so keep your fingers crossed, she has a agency but we aren't with that agency for domestic we were using a lawyer and trying to go private. Please pray for us and for her. I can't imagine the decision she is faced with and my heart breaks for her and yet it has that little bit of hope that she will choose us.

Hope you all have a great productive weekend. I am going to try to finish cleaning out my hall closet that has my overflow of things in it. Wish me luck.

FAVORITE PHOTO FRIDAY

2009-01-29T22:39:00.001-08:00

Brady and cousin Grayson 2006

PLEASE PRAY

2009-01-23T13:45:00.000-08:00

I need your prayers right now for Gods will to be done. You see we have been trying to adopt a domestic infant and we have a situation that has presented itself. A friend of ours knows a family who is going to place and she told them about us(friend if you read our blog THANK YOU again). They are meeting with another couple next week that their social worker has set up. I called our social worker today and left her a lengthy message which I am sure she is thinking what in the world was she saying because I know I was rambling. So with that said I need your prayers for everyone involved, I wasn't going to even say anything when I found out earlier this week and I wasn't going to get my hopes up but I have, who wouldn't right. So all I am asking is that you pray for this birthmother and this unborn baby to be placed where God would have the baby be placed. I pray for this birthmother to have peace in her decision. Thanks so much for your prayers.

THANKFUL THURSDAY

2009-01-22T13:16:00.000-08:00

Today I am THANKFUL for many things, to many to name them all so I will just hit on a few for you. I am THANKFUL for my family, my husband has been so helpful and goes out of his way to do things for me. I just love him for all he does and who he is and what he stands for. I am THANKFUL for Brady he brings me so much joy everyday, even on days like yesterday when from the moment he got in the car till he went to bed the child did not stop talking! He was very full of information yesterday and about drove me crazy. I am THANKFUL for great friends new and old who never leave your side and are always there when you need them in the good and the bad. You really know who your friends are when the hardships roll around. I am THANKFUL for things that are happening with adoption, God is good and he will provide in his time we just need to be still and listen.

I would love to know what you are THANKFUL for today so let me know if you do a post.

SOME NEW SPRING THINGS

2009-01-21T04:45:00.000-08:00

I am so bad about waiting till the last minute to spruce up my wardrobe from season to season so this year I am trying to be a little more organized. I have been cleaning out my closets (all of them) and making list of things I would like to add or need to replace. Well on my list for Spring I wanted a few new fun nice tops so these are 2 of the ones I ordered. I have found if I splurge on a couple of great pieces and put them with some jeans I end up loving it. Now I need a great white top for summer so any suggestions I will gladly take. Also I went on JCrew this morning where I found some great things to so check them out but what caught my eye was the first page was a Welcome to the New President, I guess the First Lady really does do allot of JCrew shopping!

MOTHER OF THE YEAR

2009-01-20T11:36:00.000-08:00

A big THANK YOU to Carolina Girl for Mother of the Year Award! That really made my day!

There are no rules that I know of other than to pass this award on to some other awesome mothers!!! I have chosen three although I think you all are Mother of the Year!

Jennifer

Jodee

Windy

Hope you are all having a great week, we had a little snow today so no school for us. It didn't stick not even enough to play in. Brady was praying for more so he could stay home again but I am praying for school since we were off Monday to. I need to get some projects done.

HE WOULD BE

2009-01-17T19:48:00.000-08:00

(sorry this is blurry it was with my phone)

He would be a great big brother! This is Brady and his little cousin Grayson who is 2. Brady adores Grayson and Grayson adores Brady. This was today after Brady's basketball game, which we won by the way, at the House of Pizza having lunch. I can't wait for Brady to be a big brother one day he really has a way with the little ones, just like his Dad. Hope you are all having a great weekend it has been so cold here we just aren't use to it we have been so spoiled with warm weather lately.

PLEASE PRAY FOR BABY HARPER

2009-01-16T20:21:00.000-08:00

**UPDATE**
I copied this straight off Kellys blog to give you a little update, please continue to pray.

5:30 a.m. SaturdayI realize I should be sleeping but it's just not coming and you know how hospitals are - I get woken up every minute anyway. The doctor from the neo-natal unit in Tulsa (yes - it's St. Francis) called me at 4 to let me know Harper was there and she was stable. They are running tests on her heart and her brain and doing a few more things before they can start the bypass. Shortly after - Scott and his parents got there and they got to see her again. I have to say that I have never loved my husband more than I do right now. He has been my rock. We have shed more tears in the last 8 hours than we probably have our entire lives but we also know that we want God to get all the glory and praise and honor in whatever happens in our baby's life.I have such a peace about her being in Tulsa and it was just confirmed to me as I read the comments and a nurse from pediatrics said the nurses there had already been praying for us. And I just recieved an e-mail from someone who went through an almost identical situation and her daughter is now a healthy 3 year old. Thank you Jesus for sending me all of these encouragers and prayer warriors. It is NOT by accident that so many of you have found my blog and are now praying.

I have been following this blog for some time and waiting to see this precious child born to this great couple who are so excited. Well Kelly had Harper today and she had to be flown to AR children's hospital. Kelly lost allot of blood and is still in the hospital, her parents stayed with her and Scott and his parents went with sweet Harper. You can read more here. Please pray for this family, I can't imagine how Kelly feels at this moment but in reading her post she is putting all her trust in God and asking for our prayers.

FAVORITE PHOTO FRIDAY

2009-01-16T05:04:00.000-08:00

Brady and his Grandmom Cathy (Mikees Mom) after the 2nd grade play Going Buggy!

PLEASE PRAY FOR ABBY

2009-01-15T05:13:00.000-08:00

While looking through some blogs I follow this morning I came across this on another blog and clicked over to read about a little girl named ABBY as I watched her video and read her story I just cried and thanked God for my many blessings. The Riggs family needs our prayers and I would like to encourage you to read their story and pray for them and sweet ABBY. There is also a button you can post to your blog to spread the word.

ONE DOWN

2009-01-13T21:28:00.000-08:00

One down and who knows how many more to go! I have been trying to clean out some cabinets, drawers and closets this week since Mikee left last Wednesday and is away till Monday. He is in Milan, Italy working on his PHD, I know I should have gone but he really is busy and has no free time. I am so excited for him that he is doing this, he would like to teach one day and I know this will take us back to Greenville where I am from so he can teach at Furman where he went to school. He loves to learn and can't seem to get enough and I admire that about him, I think he will make a great teacher one day. So this picture below is the cabinets, fridge and freezer that I cleaned out tonight. It really wasn't that bad just needed some attention. Our snack drawer was the worse!! I will have to stay on that better from now on.

Another reason why I am doing all this cleaning out is a house came up for sale on our street that I have always thought was really pretty from the street and had great curb appeal so I went to see it with my contractor a couple of weeks ago. I was really expecting a grand foyer when I walked in and some beautiful stairs I really thought I was going to want this house. Well that wasn't the case. I continued through the house and liked some things about it but not enough to make me leave my house down the street that we just did a little less than 2 years ago. This would have been the third house we would have lived in on our street if I had liked it. How funny is that. Mikee said we would surely be called crazy! I don't care just gives this small town something to talk about. So now on to the small town thing, we then got a text from a friend who said he had a couple who wanted to see our house if we were interested in selling they had heard we looked at the other house and wanted to know about ours. Well we said sure! Now I know we are crazy. So they have looked and since then another couple contacted us and they have looked twice. Scary to think I may actually sell this home. I love it but I feel that God is in control of this and he is leading us to a new chapter in our lives. I have said that 2009 holds great things for us I feel it. Maybe its because 2008 was so hard with the loss of my Dad and some real eye openers for me, I don't know but I feel this is the year for lots of things. So I may be homeless in the near future since Mikee told them a price and even said we could be out in 30 days! What was he thinking!!! I don't know that I can do it in 30 days but he said don't worry he would hire movers and that's all I needed to hear. I will continue to pray that Gods will be done in this but I have to say I am a little emotional about moving since its now on the table.

Here is a picture of the girls they are finally starting to play together. Pearl is still a joy to have and so good!

SHOWER IDEAS

2009-01-12T18:09:00.000-08:00

I am giving a shower here at my home on the 7th next month and I need some ideas. I would love to make a cake like the one above so if anyone has any experience in this area let me know how to go about this. This will be a couples shower and their first baby, she is having a little girl so I want everything really fun. Some neat games would be fun so any ideas please send them my way.

SCOUT FUN

2009-01-12T06:06:00.000-08:00

We had our first Scout meeting for 2009 the other day and made some cool bird feeders. Brady wants to get the stuff to make some more for his grandparents and our neighbors. It was very easy and a fun project. When I get the pattern I will post it for you.

The finished product complete with food.

WORDS

2009-01-11T05:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday at Brady's basketball game during halftime a gentleman got up to do the prayer and say a few words. Well this is the verse he read and he had Brady's team and the other team stand up in front of him while he read it and at the end he had all us parents say positive things to them for 30 seconds. He said children are sponges (yes they are) and they soak it all in and he wants them to remember whether they made the shot or missed the shot they are wonderfully made!
I thought this was a great exercise and something we all need to remember and teach our children so I had to share. Hope you have a great Sunday.

GREAT GIVEAWAY

2009-01-10T20:43:00.000-08:00

Go on over to TheRussoCorner and check out her first giveaway! It is a great giveaway for sure.

NEW BLOG LOOK

2009-01-10T06:50:00.000-08:00

I love my new look! Jennifer at PolkaDotDesignShoppe did it for me and did a wonderful job. I have already received so many nice compliments about it. Go on over and check out her work you will not be disappointed. THANK YOU JENNIFER

SUCH A GOOD GIRL

2009-01-09T19:41:00.000-08:00

I am probably going to jinx myself but I just have to brag on Pearl, she is so good. I am hear to tell you when I say good I mean good. She has not had one accident in her kennel or in our house. She listens so well and wants more than anything for Chrissy to play with her. It is sad to watch how Chrissy just looks at her then walks away. Chrissy has come around a little today and was starting to play but the minute I walked in the room she stops. Chrissy is so protective of me she watches every move Pearl makes.
This picture just says it all! Pearl looks up to Chrissy. Chrissy will get on the furniture and little Pearl will just look up at her and cry.

I am going to have to get Pearl her own bowl for a while until her legs get a little longer. I moved the water bowl down for her but she thought Chrissy's food was better and had to check it out.

A boy and his dogs! He just loves having another puppy. He is really working on making Pearl love him and not me. So he tries to make sure he takes her out and he feeds her. I hate to tell him but when he is at school she sits in my lap or is at my feet all the time.

Have a great weekend!

FAVORITE PHOTO FRIDAY

2009-01-09T07:50:00.000-08:00

Brady (5) Maggie, our first Schnauzer and Dash.

VALENTINES DAY SWAP

2009-01-07T20:20:00.000-08:00

Em over at Bunch of Scrap is having a little Valentines Day Mini Swap

Here are the dates and details off of her blog:

January 9th 2009 - last day to sign up

January 12th 2009 - partners will be matched up

January 30th 2009 - last day to mail packages

It's not called a MINI swap because you send little tiny items, I mean mini in the sense that you only have to send 3 things :)

Also, International participants are welcome, however, you might be paired up with another overseas partner.

Rules:

1. Leave a comment on Em's Bunch of Scrap with your email address saying you want to join the swap.

2. You DO NOT need to have a blog to join, only an email address to communicate.

3. You will send your partner a minimum of 3 items (of course generosity is welcome and you may send more). A suggested value of the 3 Valentines Day themed items should be around 10.00 - 15.00 dollars total. (once again feel free to pamper your partner with more)

4. The items can be crafted (yay!) or store bought

5. Sign ups will end on Friday, Jan. 9th at 11:59pm pacific time. At time of sign up I will send you a questionnaire to fill out to be returned to me immediately so partners can be all matched by the 12th.

6. Package should be postmarked - with delivery confirmation - by January 30th (although you can mail at anytime before then)

LETS SEE HOW MUCH SLEEP I GET TONIGHT

2009-01-07T19:46:00.000-08:00

Well after the funeral today which was a very nice service except for the terrible wind we had today we made a stop and picked up our new addition to our family, PEARL! And a Pearl she is. She is so sweet this is what she did in my lap most of the way home which was a two and half hour trip for her. (not the greatest pictures I took them with my phone in the dark)

And then this is her all dressed up about to met her big brother Brady and her big sister Chrissy who isn't really sure what this new thing is in our house.

Isn't she so cute! I just love puppy breath! I was helping Brady with his homework and she just sat there and watched us. I fed her and then took her out just a minute ago and she did her business and ran right back to me. Its to early to tell but she seems to be smart and very interested in everything around her.

PLEASE PRAY

2009-01-06T18:58:00.000-08:00

This is my cousin Trista who is like a sister to me and it breaks my heart to know that she is hurting. Her Dad passed away on Saturday with heart problems (not Uncle Ray for those of you who are reading this and know them, her biological Dad). The funeral will be tomorrow at 2:30 in Greenville so if you think about it please say a prayer for her and the days she has ahead of her I know how hard it is first hand and would appreciate your prayers.

BASKETBALL TIME AGAIN

2009-01-05T17:53:00.000-08:00

This Saturday will be our first game of the season for our Upward basketball team, we are called MAGIC this year and our uniforms are green. Brady is really excited and I can't say enough about this program. This is his 3rd year playing and he loves it and we have always been blessed with some wonderful coaches. This year we have Miss. Brooke who is great with the kids. She is young and fun. At every practice they are given a Bible verse to memorize for the following week. Well I have to brag on Brady he was the only one who knew his Bible verse!! Way to go! I think he wanted to impress Miss. Brooke a little to. The verse was Luke 11:2 Jesus said to them, "When you pray, say: 'Father, we pray that your name will always be kept holy. We pray that your kingdom will come."

These are a few pictures from last year. Enjoy!

BACK TO NORMAL IN 2009

2009-01-04T21:25:00.000-08:00

As you can see from the above picture the house is back to normal all Christmas put away in its place, thanks to my hubby for helping for 2 days straight. I could not have done it without him! We have never taken down our Christmas the day after but this year we just got up and started and didn't stop. I have to say it felt good to get it done. I think allot of it had to do with I just wanted 2008 behind me. It has been a hard year for me, mostly because of the loss of my Dad. As Mikee put it best, he was my constant in my life. I never thought of it that way but he was. My Dad was a single Dad since I was 2, it was in 1974 that he got full custody of me and back then that wasn't easy. He never got married until 2 years ago this March. I was his number one priority and so he just dated long term and that was it. I am so thankful for my Dad and all the great memories I have of him. He will always be so important to me and I know I will strive to be a better person because of him. This past year has also been hard because my Dads family hasn't taken his death well either and it has caused some walls to go up between us, I have prayed for them daily and hope that one day they will see we all had my Dads best in mind. So with that said I HOPE 2009 will be a great year for us all. I never stick to resolutions so no need to make them I do have some things I would like to do and be better at that I have written in my daily devotion book. I will not make you listen to them all but here are a few.

*Prayer warrior, I want prayer to be the first thing I do in the morning before my feet hit the floor. This will be the hardest for me since I am not a morning person at all.

*I really want to cook more this year for two reasons, its so much healthier for us and it will save allot of money.

*Exercise daily!! I struggle with that. I get on a kick and do great for a while then I come home from carpool and I just want to take a nap for a while then my day is shot! So no more naps in the morning for me in 09.

*Decide on a church. We have been at the same church for 9 years and its a great church. Recently I feel God is leading me to go somewhere else. I pray that he will guide me and my family to where we will best serve him.

*Our adoption, I don't know where God is taking us in this but I know his hand is in it. I think God puts desires in our hearts for a reason and he will fulfill them in his time and not ours. You see that is where I have to sit back and fully rely on him and wait on his time. I will say the other day I told a good friend I had this sense of peace about it that I haven't had before so maybe this is the year!

Well that's just a few I have many more hopes for 2009 I would love to hear some of yours so let me know when you post them.
Happy 2009 to you guys, hope its the best yet!

2008-12-31T21:26:00.000-08:00

Myspace Happy New Year Comments & Graphics

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT EXCHANGE

2008-12-29T18:30:00.000-08:00

I joined in on the Christmas fun this year and did Kimberleys ornament exchange and I received this pretty ornament from Kristy and her family. The ornament is very pretty and the picture does not do it justice but even more special than the ornament is the sweet card Kristy sent with it. So thank you Kristy for your thoughtfulness!

WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS

2008-12-26T16:17:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas and are very blessed with family and friends to share it with. This was my first Christmas without my Dad and although I was missing him greatly I felt his presence and thought of him in everything we did from the moment I got up till the moment I went to bed. I hope yours was wonderful to. We have spent most of the day cleaning and taking everything down. I don't usually do it so fast but Brady is going to the beach with his Grandmom and I want to get some things done like hook up my new iMac 24 inch wide screen that my sweet hubby and child got me for Christmas! I could not believe it!!! I have been wanting one and mentioned it earlier in the year then there it was under the tree for me. I don't know how long it will take me to get everything transfered so if any of you have any advice I will gladly take it. I may look into a class because I know everything is different just when I use Brady's iMac I get confused and I am usually only surfing the net. So back to cleaning and packing up for me for now.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL

2008-12-24T20:48:00.000-08:00

YOU BETTER WATCH OUT..

2008-12-23T20:48:00.000-08:00

You better watch out, you better not mess with our yard! Because if you do this is what you are up against. Let me start from the beginning, this fall we had some of what you call ding dong ditch which will scare you to death at midnight home alone! Then we have had some moving of our Christmas deer in some not so great positions, if you know what I mean. Just kids being kids and doing it to all the neighbors at the country club. Except this week one neighbor had a stop sign pulled up beside his house and thrown in his pool. So we are going to have a neighborhood meeting soon to make these parents aware of what is going on. But these two were ready for them tonight! Thank goodness we had that great blowgun I told you about here! They didn't have to use it only because I just made them come in because it is so cold. They came in but left their traps they had made out of fishing wire and lots of tape.
You just have to love little boys and their imaginations!!

HE GOT ONE!

2008-12-21T19:58:00.000-08:00

Brady got his first deer tonight, it was a doe! He was so excited. Dr. Rick took the boys to his farm this afternoon for a little hunt and Richard and Brady were the lucky ones. This is a picture of the boys with the blood and all when Tara and I got to the processor to see the deer, thank goodness they were already taken back and taken care of. I don't care to ever go to a processor again but I think I have allot of years of this ahead of me. Brady is a outdoors man for sure. He loves to be outside he loves to hunt, he just loves wildlife all together. I am the lucky owner of a fox that has been mounted and will be here soon that he got out at our farm a while back. I hate Mikee wasn't able to be there but he has his managers out at the farm doing their planning for 2009 and couldn't go today. You might know this would be the time he got one. Anyway he is going to bed one happy camper and praying for the big Buck on Tuesday when he goes out again.

ANY IDEAS ON A NAME

2008-12-21T13:17:00.000-08:00

This is the latest picture of our new addition that Santa told us about a little early this year. We can not pick her up until the 10th so between now and then we have to decide on a name so if you have any suggestions please leave them for us to ponder over.

So far we have come up with the following:

Pearl

Molly

Daisy

Annie

Belle

CHRISTMAS TRADITION

2008-12-20T19:28:00.000-08:00

Every year Brady and I make a gingerbread house for Christmas (this year we were later than usual). He usually makes one with his Aunt Leigh who is the gingerbread house queen but she has had to work so much lately and then was out of town they haven't had time to get together yet. So I have posted a few photos of Brady in the kitchen working on his masterpiece.

The finished product.

More than Christmas wreaths

Hanging on our doors

Is Jesus Christ’s wondrous birth

The blessing of our Lord

The sounds of Christmas songs

We all love to sing

Echoes Jesus, Son of God

Born the king of kings

LET'S PLAY A GAME

2008-12-20T17:04:00.000-08:00

My friend Windy is playing a little game with letters.

All you have to do is list ten of your favorite things that start with the letter you are assigned.

Mine are in no specific order, here goes.

1. Brady, that was a given right?? He is such a delight to have, I am so thankful God gave us him he brightens our day, although lately he has been a typical 9 year old testing all limits.

2. Best Friends are always the best and I have always heard you should consider yourself lucky to have one true friend, well I feel very lucky to have the ones I do.

3. Blessed, that is how I feel. I am so blessed to have the husband, son, family, friends and church that I do.

4. Bananas, I just love them! They are my favorite to eat in the mornings and make great smoothies, just add some Peanut Butter and go!

5. Blogs, I love reading all the blogs I follow. I know I spend to much time reading and blogging but I just love it. It's good clean fun and I have made some good friends who are great prayer warriors for me and my family when we are in need. I can't wait to go have lunch with Jennifer who is a blog friend.

6. Bible, and I have a new one that I ordered the other day it is a Moms Study Bible and I can't wait to pick it up.

7. Bedroom Shoes, I love my Ugg bedroom shoes!!

8. Beds, not just any beds but I love a great hotel bed with great linens. I could stay in it all day order room service and watch movies! That's the life for me.

9. Books, I love a great chic book!

10. Bob haircut, nothing like a great bob haircut, its classic and never goes out of style.

If you want to play along let me know and I will give you a letter.

NOT WHAT I WANTED FOR CHRISTMAS

2008-12-20T12:03:00.000-08:00

This is the lovely boot that I started wearing yesterday after the Orthopedic Dr told me I had a stress fracture. Just what I didn't want for Christmas. Everyone keeps asking how did I do it? Well I really don't know. I can't recall doing any one thing to it but as you know getting ready for my big party last week I was up and down on ladders and running around like crazy so I probably did do something and just didn't realize it. I will go in on Monday at 1 to get more xrays I have been taking med for the swelling and wearing the boot when I get up but just trying to stay off it for the weekend. So I will be finishing up my cards and playing on the computer since I can't do any running around. The only good thing is it gets me out of going to the grocery store! I have a big list for Mikee then I will send him to the farm or his office because he is sure to be in a bad mood when he returns.

WHAT WAS HE THINKING??

2008-12-18T19:31:00.000-08:00

Mikee and Brady went to the Gun and Knife show this past weekend and this is what they came home with, a blowgun!!! So my question is WHAT WAS HE THINKING??? This has been the number one argument since it was bought. Everyday, Mom can I go outside and practice with my blowgun. No, what if one of the animals steps on one of the needles or what if I do or you do that is for the farm to use at targets only!! Then a hour later the same question again and again and again.
I have told Mikee this has to be locked up in the safe or it has to stay at the farm and can only be used when they are together, I have had enough already!

CHRISTMAS DROP IN

2008-12-18T09:04:00.000-08:00

We will be going to Edisto Manor tonight and I am so excited to finally get to see it. I have heard how beautiful it is and tonight not only will I get to see it for myself but I will get to have some goodies made by the Executive Chef.
This was built and ran by the same people that have FourMoons another one of my favorite restaurants and believe it or not its right here in my town where there is nothing!!! Below is the description off their website.

Edisto Manor, is a 5,400 square foot stately plantation home that is the newest addition to Buck Ridge Plantation’s fine properties. Perfect for intimate weddings, corporate and social gatherings, or weekend getaways, Edisto Manor uniquely blends Southern charm with modern technology, creating the ultimate in Southern mansions. Edisto Manor features a Great Room and six, creatively-themed executive suites that include large fireplaces, beautiful hardwood floors, private master bathrooms, and 60-inch HD televisions. Wrap-around porches on two levels of Edisto Manor will be the perfect place for guests to relax and take in the view of Buck Ridge’s natural beauty. Only a short distance from the main lodge, it is the ideal place to host your special guests. Also available is an executive chef, personal attendant, and all other Buck Ridge Plantation amenities and attractions. When hosting a wedding or corporate retreat, Buck Ridge creates an all-inclusive setting designed to captivate your guests and meet every need without venturing off the grounds!

DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?

2008-12-18T04:39:00.000-08:00

This is one of our 3 cats, Sox! He is such a neat cat even if you do not like cats you are sure to like Sox. All 3 of our cats are rescues. Sox I rescued, TT a friend rescued in Virginia and brought him to us and then there is Harley our newest addition we added on this past fall when Brady found him at the soccer field during practice on day. They are all outside cats but every now and then Sox especially likes to sneak in and hang out. Well I knew he came in last night when I was unloading the car in between CD making but I could not find him! The above picture is where I finally found him in Mikee's office! That crazy cat isn't scared of anything, I think he thinks he is a dog! If you visit us and you leave a window down or a door open he is in your car in a minute, he loves to ride in the car. I am so afraid he is going to get in and someone not know who he is and then he will be lost from home. He did get in the neighbors car one day without her knowing it and went to the bank, grocery store, gym and back home with her and it wasn't until that afternoon when she got back in the car to go somewhere that he got up from his nap in her backseat! Like I said we think he thinks he is a dog!

FINISHED

2008-12-18T04:33:00.000-08:00

This is the finished product for the CD's I made for Brady's teachers. I think they turned out really cute. His two head teachers will get this and a gift card to enjoy dinner at Bonefish one of my favorite restaurants so I hope they like it.
I also with the help of my dear husband made kids CD's for his class and 2 of his friends class so I do not want to see another CD in my hand for a while.

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT AWARD

2008-12-17T21:16:00.000-08:00

SeventhDiamond is giving away this great award to all her blog friends who have decorated their blog for Christmas!! Thank you for the award this is a great one to receive.

Here are the the rules:

~You must be a true Christmas lover to receive this award

~The person you give the award to must be in love with Christmas

~You must link back to the person who gave you the award

~You must list 5 things that you love about Christmas

~Pass the award along to as many as you like, you must pass it on to at least one person to keep the Christmas cheer going

FIVE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT CHRISTMAS (in no particular order)

1. I love the Christmas pageant at church, it just warms my heart every year to see the children act it out.

2. I love Christmas decorations!! I love to get in the car with my family and ride around and look at all the beautiful homes decorated and the local parks for Christmas.

3. Love Christmas music, I put my radio on Christmas music on Thanksgiving day and do not take it off until its gone! Brady gets so tired of me singing in the car and at home at Christmas time.

4. I love shopping for that perfect gift for friends and family, now I don't like the crowd but I do love the shopping.

5. I love that we have the freedom to celebrate Christmas and the true meaning of Christmas!

I am going to name some people but if you read this and you love Christmas please comment so I can come over and check out your things you love about Christmas!!! There are so many blogs I have been reading since the tour of homes that I found so there are to many to list but join in if you can.

Windy

Denise

Jennifer

ANSWERS

2008-12-16T21:23:00.000-08:00

Wow, I have loved reading all the comments from the Christmas Tour. I wanted to answer a few questions before I forget to.

1. Kelly wanted to know where did I get the horse on the front porch? I got it at the Junior League Holiday Market this year it is my newest addition and I absolutely love it!!! It is made by a company named Raz, I have several things by them and I see this brand in little gift shops so it should be easy to find a retailer for you. I think I am going to go online and try to get one more. There is even a Santa to match.

2. Sarah wanted to know where I got the antlers for my car? I ordered them online I just googled it and there they were. And don't think I didn't get 2 sets and put one on my husbands truck, he has gotten so many laughs out of that for sure.

3. Cyndy wanted to know if I had a building to store all my decorations in? Yes I do and the bad part is I didn't even put up half of what I have for Christmas. I am a junky for holiday decorations and I mean any holiday.

If I get anymore questions I will answer them as we go, got to get back to viewing all the homes there are over 700 on one tour!

GIFT IDEA

2008-12-16T21:10:00.000-08:00

Brady and I like to give little gifts out at Christmas from the mailman, UPS guy our dentist you name it. This year we did CD's full of Oprah's favorite Christmas music. It is a great CD I have it in my car and have been listening to it for a while now. So I copied all the CD's on this great little gadget of my husbands that he bought this summer and it is fast!!!!

Then put them in cases and now I have to put them in bags with ribbon to make them pretty. So that's what I will be doing for the rest of the night until I just can't do it anymore but I am gong to try to be done with this little project tonight so I can start a kid Christmas CD for Brady's class.

CAN"T WAIT

2008-12-15T22:50:00.000-08:00

This is Mary "Chrissy" our fur baby, she will be 2 years old this February. Santa brought her to Brady when my Schnauzer, Maggie was so sick. Maggie passed away 5 months after we got Chrissy, she had been sick for a while she was 11 years old. Maggie was so good she was a great dog so that is why we asked Santa for another Schnauzer and he delivered Chrissy who is just as good as Maggie was except she loves the trash!!! Maggie would have never gotten in the trash, she just would not have done such a thing but Chrissy she is all up in it if you don't close it.

With that said this is what my Santa aka Mikee is bringing me this year!!! A little white Schnauzer girl! She was born on November 8th and will be coming home to us on January 10th and I can not wait to get my hands on her.

She is from the same kennel Santa got Chrissy from and I met her parents when I was there several years ago. It will be very interesting to see how Chrissy handles this, I do think she will be very jealous at first of me with the new baby but I think she will come around fast.

I have a few names in mind so feel free to offer suggestions, the ones Brady and I have thought of so far are:

PEARL

LUCY

MOLLY

ANNIE

Can't wait to hear what you guys come up with.

2008 CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES

2008-12-14T21:10:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 2008 Christmas Tour of Homes, hosted by BooMama and HookedOnHouses so grab your coffee keep your PJ's on and enjoy!

This is our Home

The entrance

Brady and Chrissy

The wreath on the front door

This is the top of the front door that my good friend Melissa did, she is so talented

The front porch that I just love to sit on and listen to music, the dancing Santa will scare you to death if you aren't expecting it.

A close up of the garland

A close up of the wreaths that I did in the rain at midnight one night on 24 windows

A few goodies I got for my birthday this year from my MIL

My newest addition to my Christmas collection, I just love it.

Collection of Carolers that great you when you enter the front door, my MIL started these for me

One of my favorite pictures of Brady with Santa

A Mark Roberts fairy that is in our master bedroom

A hand painted pillow that I got last year for my master bedroom that I just love

A few little trees in the master bedroom I never had time to get the big tree up this year just to much to do

A wreath in the upstairs hall

A Santa tassel on the front door

Some angels I got a few years back and still just love

Another Mark Roberts fairy peaking from the tree in Mikees office

Christmas pillow in Mikees office that I just love, it is the true meaning of Christmas

Even my car gets decorated

A few of my Radko globes Mikee has given me over the years

I never can find a Christmas flag that I love they are all to busy with what I have going on until I found this one and I just love it

Mikee's office, excuse the serving pieces on his desk we were sitting up for a party and this is where the shrimp and grits were going to be served

This is my nativity set that my Aunt and Uncle gave me about 5 years ago and I wouldn't take anything for it, above it is a wreath full of oranges, feathers, berries, bird and other nature things

This is the dinning room the flowers had just been delivered for the party, they have some beautiful feathers stuck in there I am going to try to have a artificial arrangement made that looks like this to use

A favorite container in the dinning room

The baby tree in the laundry room

Our Christmas countdown as Brady calls it

The fresh wreath at the back door that I made

Our nature tree in the kitchen

Breakfast room

Kitchen

Cute frame a girlfriend gave me last year for Christmas

The kitchen Christmas rug I found this year at the Junior League Holiday Market

When my Dad passed away my best friend Kelly gave me this cute container with a orchid in one side and a little fern in the other so I switched out the fern with the poinsettia below for the holidays

This is our real tree in our family room. It is full of colored lights and ornaments that are very dear to me. Radko ornaments, special ones Brady has made over the years, if you look close enough you can see our Christmas pickle that we hide and if you find it you get to open the first gift on Christmas Eve! Also if you look in the to the lower right you will see a stain glass manger seen that I got the other day at the Christmas luncheon I hosted during our ornament exchange.

This is the star that Brady puts on top of our tree every year except this year he wasn't home and I went ahead and did it and boy was he mad.

One of my favorite ornaments Brady made at St Andrews Preschool

The staircase with my Mark Roberts.

A close up of Father Time Mark Roberts fairy

Just a little pillow I have had for a long time.

A little color for the guest in the guest bedroom

The wreath on the door to Lilly Rae's room

The Hope Mark Roberts fairy in Lilly Rae's room

The trees on top of Lilly Rae's changing station, she has a big tree but since I moved I can not find her decorations for it, I am so afraid they got thrown out.

Bradys Christmas palm tree in his room with the Grinch and Frosty below. I love the pillow my cousin gave him last year in the chair it says "Dear Santa, I can explain...."

Our Elf on the shelf that we have had for a few years and let me tell you he does the trick this time of year, the little tree Brady made last year at 4H club event

This is a little snow globe in Bradys room on his bedside, I love the fact that he still makes Legos and puts them up in his room

This is in Brady and Lilly Raes bathroom, just a little Christmas fun

We always decorate the mirror in their bathroom for all holidays this year this is what he picked out for it

I hope you have enjoyed the tour and MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all from OUR HOME TO YOURS!

WE HAVE A WISE MAN

2008-12-13T19:48:00.000-08:00

We had our Christmas Pageant this past Wednesday at church and Brady was a Wise man this year. I so enjoy this program every year it just melts my heart to see all the children in it. This year we especially got tickled at this one little girl who was a Angel and was making sure her parents saw her by waving every minute, just precious!!

CHRISTMAS QUIZ

2008-12-12T21:06:00.000-08:00

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both, but mostly wrapping paper unless I am in a rush at the end.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Our family tree is real and we pick it out together as a family every year the day after Thanksgiving. I have 5 other trees that are artificial throughout the house.
3. When do you put up the tree? The day after Thanksgiving
4. When do you take the tree down? Before New Years
5. Do you like eggnog? Yes!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? My kitchen set
7. Hardest person to buy for? My husband and MIL
8. Easiest person to buy for? Brady
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, its one that my Aunt Joan and Uncle Ray gave me about 5 years ago and I wouldn't take anything for it.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail. Christmas cards are my favorite!! I have a folder that I put each child's family Christmas card in and I plan on giving them back to them when they get married so they have all those years to look at. I can't take credit for this idea I got it from a good friend of mine Carol.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? It's the thought that counts.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Elf for sure
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? All year but mostly in the fall
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? I love it all!
16. Lights on the tree? Colored lights on our family tree then white on all the others.
17. Favorite Christmas song? too many to name
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home, we made that agreement before we had Brady that he would always wake up on Christmas morning in his bed at home, our tradition.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes!
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning
22. Favorite Christmas Tradition? being together, giving Brady a Nutcracker every year and Brady putting the star on the tree
23. Favorite ornament, theme or color? I have many Radko ornaments and I love them, the bright colors are just beautiful
24. Favorite Christmas dinner? Ham, Fried Turkey and all the goodies to go with it.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Peace for all

CHRISTMAS SWAP

2008-12-12T20:14:00.000-08:00

Take a look at these goodies I got in Clemsongirls Christmas Swap from Ann. I just loved them all, I have used the scissors like crazy and the ornaments will look lovely in Lilly Rae's room for sure! Thanks for the goodies they were such a nice treat. Merry Christmas!

3 DOWN 1 TO GO

2008-12-12T04:30:00.000-08:00

It has been a crazy couple of weeks to say the least. I love this time of year don't get me wrong it is the most wonderful time of the year to me. I love to ride around and look at lights, go to Christmas festivities, parties and all the fun things involved with Christmas and don't forget the shopping but the past two weeks have been crazy!!!!! Brady has performed 3 times in a week and a half and I have been getting everything done here at the house with the help of Melissa and Tara which I am very THANKFUL. The big party was last night over 100 people its our big one for the year I am glad to see it come and glad to see it go now just Brady's Christmas party for his friends left. Now I can enjoy the Christmas season and just being a guest at other parties.
This picture was taken at the Junior League Holiday Market last Thursday its the 3rd and 4th grade Heathwood Chorus that Brady is in and he even had a solo!!

LESSONS AND CAROLS

2008-12-08T20:58:00.000-08:00

Last night we went to Trinity Cathedral to hear the Lessons and Carols performed by Brady's school. They did a awesome job and the church was beautiful! Brady's best friend Buford and his family came to see Brady in the program then we all went out to eat afterwards. It was a great program to get you in the Christmas spirit. I want to thank the Dibbles for always being there to support Brady, he loves you guys.

TAGGED A WHILE BACK

2008-12-08T05:26:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Kim a while back to list 7 things about myself and then tag others so here it goes.

1. I love new cars, I mean love, love, love new cars. Always have and always will. I get a new car every 1 1/2 year except for this last one I have kept it for 2 (only because I don't know what I want next) and let me tell you it drives Mikee crazy. He could care less about cars, he probably doesn't even know what brand his truck is!!

2. My closets are a mess! All of them except Brady's, I do manage to keep his under control and organized. Let me tell you when I say a mess I mean it looks like a bomb went off in them. I had California Closets do all of them thinking this would help me but no its just a problem I have.

3. I hate to pack!!!!!! I love to go on a trip but I hate to pack. I will wait till the last minute every time. On our honeymoon trip I packed the night of our wedding!!!

4. I love shopping for my home. I like to change things out and spice things up. This can be a expensive habit so I am trying to work on that.

5. Love to eat out. I would eat out every meal and sometimes we do. I am trying to get better at that though because its so unhealthy.

6. Love to go to a great hotel and get in my PJ's order room service and watch a movie on pay preview. Just love it!!!

7. I rescue animals all the time and try to find homes for them. We have three outside cats that are all rescues and I pray everyday as I drive do not let me see another cat!!!!!!!

OK that's just 7 random things if you want to play along leave me a note so I can read your 7 random things.

BLOG AWARD

2008-12-08T05:05:00.000-08:00

A blog award for me thanks to Windy. Windy and I have been friends since 1st grade, she still lives in my hometown with her husband and three children. Thanks Windy for the award!! The rules are you are to tag 7 blogs you love so here they are in no specific order.

There are so many blogs I love to follow, my favorites is so full of blogs I am afraid my computer will crash and I will loose them all and will not be able to remember the info to get to them. Thanks again Windy for the award!

NEW LOOK AND THANK YOU TO JENNIFER

2008-12-07T22:43:00.000-08:00

As you can see my blog is now decorated for Christmas and I have to thank Jennifer for it. I found her on another blog that I follow and sent her a e-mail and within a couple of days I had a new look for the holidays. Jennifer was a delight to work with and in talking back and forth on e-mail we realized we don't live but about 40 minutes from each other so we are going to get together for lunch soon plus she lives close to some of my favorite little shops.

THANK YOU SO MUCH

2008-12-07T21:06:00.000-08:00

As I have said before I do have the best secret buddy!!! Below are some pictures of my goodies she has sent me. I have been a slacker to posting and didn't even know some of the boxes were here because they were put in the dinning room by Mrs. Vic (she cleans and irons for us) and well we never use it so I didn't see them and she forgot to tell me. With the passing of my Dad I have not been with it on some things so please forgive me and don't think I don't like any of your presents because I LOVE THEM!!! Now on to the good stuff. This is a picture of the most precious doll I have ever seen, I saw this over at Kimberly's blog and fell in love!!! So I ordered one as a gift for a friend and really wanted to order myself one but did not and I am so glad I didn't.

This is what is under her little skirt. LOVE IT!!!

This is the personalized bow holder I got and needed because I had not found one I liked anywhere when I had been out and about and it even had some of the cutest bows you have seen with Lilly Rae on them. LOVE THEM!!!

The CD and art supplies will come in handy when I am trying to occupy her! And I love the piggy bank it matches her room so well.

Again I can not thank you enough for your generosity and thoughtfulness! I would have liked to have posted these last weekend but Mikee got sick and it made for a long weekend, he is better now after a visit to the Dr on Monday.

TESTING

2008-11-29T22:08:00.000-08:00

I am still here just dealing with allot of different things in my life. Lets just say God is testing me to the fullest! I am getting back on track with the help of my faith. Mikee and I were talking the other night and he said to me life is about choices, then later in the week at my Bible study the word choice came up again then while listening to a book tape on my daily carpool it was about the choices we make in our life. I know God was talking to me loud and clear, I can not control what other people do all I can do is control what I do and hopefully through me they will see Gods hand at work. It all comes back to fully trusting in him in getting me over these mountains and knowing he is with me all the way. So please remember me and my family in prayer during this first holiday season without my Dad I know we could all use the extra prayers.

On another note I got a Baby Be Blessed doll for Lilly Rae in the mail this week from the best Secret Pal ever and when I went in to put it in her room there were 2 other boxes in her crib so I opened them and one had the cutest custom hair bow holder you have ever seen with the cutest bows on it!!!! I also had another box with a piggy bank in it and some other goodies! I will explain the unopened gifts that have been sitting for a while in another post tomorrow with pictures of the loot!!! THANK YOU SECRET BUDDY YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!!

ANOTHER PRAISE

2008-09-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

Another one of my friends just got their sweet CATE!! Praise God for all his great gifts. She is just beautiful and is adjusting well she has taken to her big sister right off.

PRAISE

2008-09-16T20:29:00.000-07:00

God is so good!!! My friend Jan and her husband have their beautiful daughter Ellie in their arms now and I am so happy for them. This little girl will be coming home to 3 sisters and 2 brothers and a great Mom and Dad I don't know who is luckier. We are so excited for you Jan and Kim if your reading your next!!!!

2008-09-11T04:43:00.000-07:00

WHICH DRESS?

2008-09-07T14:12:00.001-07:00

I need a new dress for the holidays to wear to Assembly then a party at the Governors Mansion that my husband drags me to every year so these are my two favorites. I was looking for Navy for some reason I just thought Navy would be very pretty since I have never had navy and this was the Navy winner.

Then I found this one and liked it to. Not the color I was going for but I do like the color and this color will look good on me to.

So which dress do you think and what color gloves would you wear??? We have to have full gloves on for Assembly. I have had my eye on this great necklace, an Estate piece that I am hoping to get for my birthday next month and it will look great with either. (this is in case my hubby is reading he will know exactly what I would like to have but will be greatful with whatever he does ):

RACE

2008-09-04T07:31:00.000-07:00

**Update** I reached my original goal of $500 in a day! That is fantastic. I couldn't believe it so I uped it to $1000. Thanks for your support.

Well I wanted to let you guys know that on October 18th at Daniel Island, SC I will be in a 5 mile race for the cure ( I will be walking most of it I am sure). I am on the Rebekkah's Racers team in honor of my friend Rebekkah and her Mother that I told about in earlier post. She is 30 years old and has been diagnosed with breast cancer and her Mother, Debi was also diagnosed two weeks prior. If you would like to make a donation please go to Cyndi's race page. Thank you so much for your support.

I JUST LOVE DANIELLE

2008-09-04T04:42:00.000-07:00

I just love the new look that Danielle gave my blog. It is just what I wanted without me having to do it. I have to tell you a little bit about Danielle for those of you who do not know her. She is just wonderful at what she does but that's not the best part. When she is guiding you in finding what you want and talking to you back and forth through e-mail she is just so personal and full of fun ideas that you connect with her. She was one of my biggest cheerleaders during my Dads battle with cancer and she still is! I just can't say enough about her and her work. I do plan on heading to Disney Land and when I do I am taking Danielle along to have some fun. Also she donates a portion of the money to about 5 different charities that she is passionate about. So go on over to Danielle's blog and check her out.

I NEED TO GET AWAY

2008-09-02T21:33:00.000-07:00

Well I am still alive just really busy with school and life. It is so hard to get adjusted to going back to a schedule for me for some reason this time. Mikee has been out of town allot and Brady has allot of activities and I am trying to get things done that I need to get done but I am in a funk!!! And its a bad one. You know the kind where everything gets on your nerves and you are just ready to scream. Well that's me a walking time bomb. I was on the phone tonight with my good friend Melissa and she was eating ice and I just couldn't stay on the phone it was like I was ready to explode. Over ice?? Then we took the boys to Frankie's the other night and I actually about bit the girls head off at the lazer tag station. I need a vacation, I need a girls only vacation. I need time alone for sure. So I am planning one in a few weeks lets just pray I make it till then.

HAPPY BIRHTDAY TO MY DAD

2008-08-16T10:26:00.000-07:00

Today would be my Dads 59th birthday. I miss him so much and wish he were here even sick. That sounds so selfish and is I just want him back. I know I will see him again one day because I have FAITH that I will. It is just so hard letting go. I struggle with this daily. I thought it would be getting better by know but it isn't. I don't know when it will ease but for now it isn't its just as strong as the day we let go of him, April 25, 08.
We are spending the weekend at his house with Grammy because her birthday is on Sunday the 17th. It is so hard to be happy and celebrate hers when I miss him so much, but I am going to give it my best.
Have a great weekend.

10,000

2008-08-14T21:46:00.000-07:00

I can not believe that I have hit the 10,000 count on my counter.

LOVE MY NEW CURVE

2008-08-13T15:31:00.000-07:00

Oh I have a new toy and I am so addicted to it. I had the pearl but just couldn't get that key pad straight it was so small but the Curve is awesome. I have always told Mikee I didn't need to get my e-mails on my phone but now that I can I LOVE IT.

HAVE YOU TRIED THIS?

2008-08-12T22:52:00.000-07:00

Have you tried this stuff. I have only had the Sweet Tea Firefly and LOVE IT. It is from South Carolina. I don't like many mixed drinks and I don't like beer I do like wine from time to time but let me tell you this stuff is the best! Just add a little lemonade to it and its like a glass of sweet tea. You would really have to watch how much of it you have, I think before you would know it you would be flat on your face with this stuff. It would sneak up on you for sure. I have it on my list to get for my girls weekend coming up in a few weeks. Watch out Isle Of Palms here comes the girls with the Firefly.

FUNNY, FUNNY, FUNNY

2008-08-12T21:38:00.000-07:00

Oh my, some girlfriends and I went to see this tonight and it was great. It is not for young people and has very bad language in it but is still very funny. I just love Will Ferrell he is one of my favorites.

LOA

2008-08-11T09:02:00.000-07:00

This Smith family just got their LOA for this sweet little girl below who they have named Cate. I am so excited for them, I have prayed for them and now can rejoice with them. Lets hope they get to travel soon.

**Kim we are so excited for you guys and can't wait to see Cate. Let me know what I can do to help you get ready.

GO USA!!!

2008-08-11T07:57:00.001-07:00

We love to watch the Olympics at our house. GO USA!!!!

3 WORD SUNDAY

2008-08-10T19:26:00.001-07:00

ImageChef.com Poetry Blender

A LITTLE MORE BEACH

2008-08-06T08:33:00.000-07:00

A little more beach is what we need so we are heading out today and will be back when we get back. We only have a little more summer left so I figure we better enjoy it while we can. I hope you are enjoying yours.

GOOD CHIC FLICK

2008-08-05T07:23:00.001-07:00

I love to watch movies late at night when Mikee is away and Brady is in the bed its what I do to speed through the night. I watched this one last night and it was so good. I had never heard of it before so wasn't sure if it would be a let down or not. I also rented a few more so I will let you know about those. We have a reception tonight at the Fine Art Center to see the work the kids did who took the art classes this summer. I can't wait to see Brady's painting and pottery I will post pictures later.

WHAT ARE YOU READING???

2008-08-03T20:20:00.000-07:00

Jennifer did a post on What are you reading??? so I thought I would share. This first book is a new one that I just got this past week at the beach and it is wonderful and just lifts your spirit and makes you realize God is all around us in everything that happens in our lives. Good book to give as a gift I went back and bought 3 more.

The set of books below is my fun, trash read nothing but funny from these books. Tara turned me onto this series and I can't get enough of them. Stephanie Plum is such a hoot!!

This little book is a great quick read that a friend told me about and I just finished it this weekend.

So WHAT ARE YOU READING????

A NEW FAVORITE

2008-08-03T17:47:00.000-07:00

Oh my I have found a new favorite. Many of you know I love a great smelling candle when you walk into a home and for many years now I have used the same scent Red Current. Later I found out it was Oprah and Sarah Jessica Parkers favorite too. Its funny when I was on the parade of home people called me for weeks after and asked me what was the scent I used in our home. Well I always look when I am out and about and never find any scent that comes close to me liking it as well as Red Current, well I found one at Shore Thing by Archipelago called Luna and it is a lemon verbena, lavender and thyme scent and its wonderful! I bought the diffuser set (only because its all they had in that scent left) but went online and ordered the candles, Amazon has them. Just thought I would share for those of you who like these sort of things.

3 WORD SUNDAY

2008-08-03T16:45:00.000-07:00

LIFE IS GOOD!

SUMMER FUN

2008-07-29T09:29:00.000-07:00

So I finally downloaded all my pictures off of my little Cannon Elf and thought I would share a few before we left for the beach, we are waiting on Brady's friend Jordan to get here then we are off. I am going to take my big Cannon to the beach and download those if I have some free time at night.

This is Brady enjoying the sack race at the Homestead.

Dad and Brady in the 3 leg race at the Homestead

Brady on his rip stick telling me no pictures please (9 year old boys hate the camera)

A new pet Brady and Grayson found in the cat water when he was over

Brady and Jordan after leaving the Club for lunch when Jordan spent the weekend with us.

Elizabeth licking the cupcake bowl on July 4th (this child is a firecracker!!!! she can keep up with all the boys and she is only 6)

Richard and Brady at the River casting.

Brady just hanging out in the pool. We have enjoyed our pool so much.

Richard over for a swim, the boys would get on floats and play ball and when you fell off you were out.

Brady and Huntley racing to the other side of the pool.
I love having Brady's friends over, it seems this summer we have had at the least 3 and allot of times 4 boys every night hanging out and staying over. I love the laughter and fun times we have in our home with all these children. I have been making folders for each of them with pictures and letters they write us from camp and can't wait till they get married and can give them all back to them. Enjoy your Tuesday.

FINALLY FOUND IT!!!!

2008-07-28T17:32:00.000-07:00

Did a little shopping this afternoon while waiting on the air guy and look what I finally found at a good price this whole set!! Yeah, I am pumped. I have been looking for this for some time now and can not wait till it arrives.

Now I am on a mission to find the small suitcase that goes with the set I bought while in Ponte Vedra Beach and at a good price to.

I LOVE THE ICE BOX

2008-07-28T07:42:00.000-07:00

**UPDATE The air is working great now downstairs but the upstairs seems to be a little warmer now. What is up with that. So I am going to wait till the morning to leave for the beach and make sure its ok.

So for the past few days I just couldn't get the downstairs cold enough and the digital thing on the wall is driving me crazy!!! I still like the old fashion slide thermostat. So I haven't left for the beach house yet because I am waiting on the Air guy to check things out. I can never seem to get there when I say I am for some reason. Like last week we were going and going to spend a long weekend at the house with Mikees mom and just us and Brady had the stomach bug so we didn't get to go. I haven't been all summer, what a waste. We do like to go in the fall though so maybe we will be there on the weekends and enjoy it when its cooler. Anyway back to the air it may be that it is so hot outside this is as cool as my house will get. Don't know but going to find out. I like to keep the house 69 or 70, when my family visits they all bring sweaters they say we keep it like a ice box, I LOVE IT like that.

A LITTLE SEUS FOR THE BOYS

2008-07-27T19:26:00.000-07:00

Last Friday night Tara and I took the boys to the Blue Bird Theater to see Seussical Jr. They had a great time and it was a cute show. This is put on by the youth and might I say there is some talent there. Several had solos that were just fantastic.

This is Brady with Amazing Mazie after the show.

This was the boys being silly after they got their Italian Ice and we were heading home to have a little sleepover.

UPDATE ON PRAYER REQUEST

2008-07-27T08:27:00.001-07:00

I just got an e-mail from R and she got a little sick from the chemo on Thursday night but she is feeling good now and is at the beach. It just so happens that Brady and I will be leaving for the beach in the morning and hopefully I can run over and see her or have her over to watch a chic flick. She did ask that everyone say a prayer for her Mom she starts her chemo this Thursday. Thanks for your prayers.

PACKED

2008-07-24T20:13:00.000-07:00

**Update** Oh my the dorms were like jails when I unpacked Brady. Its been a long time since I have seen a dorm room. His coach was a really nice guy he has about 12 boys age ranges 9-11 so they are having a blast. Brady did call me last night from the room on his Uncle Jimmy's phone we borrowed and said he liked camp but didn't want to stay at night its very rowdy on the halls so Dad is going up and they are going to stay at Aunt Leigh's house tonight and have dinner out before their scrimmage in the Graveyard. Brady's excited about playing at the USC Graveyard.

Well Brady is all packed to head to this Soccer camp for a few days with his buddy Andrew. I have to say I am a little nervous for him, this is a serious soccer camp and not that Brady is not serious about soccer, he loves it, but it is 2 full days of skill technique and games with the senior USC players. He will be in the dorms just like a little college student. Another concern is he has to set his alarm to get up in the mornings. Any of you that know Brady know that he is not a morning person (like his mother) and this will be interesting for him. Maybe just maybe he will be trained after this for the upcoming school year and he can get up on his own. Ha Ha!!!