EVERYDAY A GIFT

I'm BAACKK.

2010-06-29T09:50:00.002-05:00

Yes, I have not posted since the Civil War. Life got in my way. Some things great, some not so great. But I have missed posting pics of our everyday stuff!!! And as soon as I learn how to use my hub's Mac, I will post some great pics of the family!!!!!

Most important. Please pray for the Connor family. They are going through, probably every parents' worst nightmare. Helplessness for a sick child. We can wipe away tears, we can band-aid a cut, we can hug away hurt feelings, but there is a sense of helplessness when it comes to cancer. But there is one thing we can be sure of

OUR GOD IS SO BIG, SO STRONG, AND SO MIGHTY. THERE'S NOTHING OUR GOD CANNOT DO!!!

Happy Birthday McKenna

2009-09-11T09:24:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday McKenna!!!

The Holy Grail of Baking

2009-09-02T09:17:00.006-05:00

Search no more!!!! I have found the Holy Grail, the lost ark, Jimmy Hoffa.....whatever, you get my drift!

Someone over at cakespy.com came up with this amazingly crazy recipe which includes all three of my favorites: cookie dough, pie crust, and cake mix!! And topped it off with cream cheese icing and sprinkles-Be Still My Clogged Heart!!!

And I have the perfect excuse for making this monstrousity of a desert; McKenna's Fourth Birthday!!! Yea Me!!! I can't wait to get home from work today and make this with McKenna.

Yes, we will have the traditional birthday cake and party for her on Saturday. But you can't not celebrate the actual day, right?? Yes, I will have p180x for the next month!!HaHa

I will try to have pictures of the cake. I just can't promise if I will be able to take pictures before I stuff my face!!

Do We have to go to school???? YESSS!!!!!

2009-08-26T08:43:00.003-05:00

McKenna's new teacher, Mrs. Connie- We love you!!

Kids and their new snazzy school clothes!

Well, school has started along with early wake ups, lost shoes and hair bows, and breakfast at 6:45 instead of 9ish!!! But the kids have been so excited this week. They all love their new teachers and have tons of friends in their classes, THANK YOU GOD!! We have great expectations for this year. We started off the school year with a family prayer Sunday night. It was very powerful and I encourage all families to start there week with a Sunday night prayer and devo time. What a great way to come together and give the week to God.

Our Vacation- Backwards.

2009-08-19T15:06:00.013-05:00

Our final destination, Krispy Kreme. Yes we were fascinated!!

Finally, some relaxation

Carson loved the samples of Coca-Cola products from around the world

A real Olympic torch that was used during the 1996 Summer Olympics. How Cool!

We were in Pin heaven. Clayton collects pins from all our crazy excursions!!

Our trip to the World of Coca-Cola Museum. An awesome place.

My only pic of our short stay in Chattanooga, TN. We didn't eat there, but the sign was super

cool. That is a great downtown area

Yes, we rode a train up the side of the mountain. My fingerprints are still on the poles. I was terrified

This is the view inside the train. Yikes!

I fit through the "Fat Man's Pass" Yea me!!

Our three mountain climbers.

Rock City, TN or is it Georgia?

They had a blast rock climbing!!

They view was amazing. I didn't get too close to the rail.

The View

The longest garage sale that we stumbled upon. I didn't even know it was this weekend.

Our Condo- In Lookout Mountain. Snazzy!!

Lee trying his hand at Karaoke. He does an

awesome job at James Taylor

Our little singer.

Dinner at Canyon Grill .

The Foam Zone!!!

The Foam Zone- How fun!

Anna trying her hand at feeding the Giraffe.

Look at McKenna!! She is brave

Our wonderful Vacation-backwards.

We had a wonderful time vacationing with my sister , her hubby, and two nieces. We invisioned a quiet, relaxing time swimming in my sister's pool, going out to eat, and maybe doing a little shopping. Well...... that doesn't happen in my family. We don't lounge, we go!!!! And go we did. we were there less than an hour and sister says " hey why don't we go to the Birmingham Zoo?" Then we headed up to Lookout Mountain, somewhere in the Smoky Mountains. It was amazing!!Lee and Natalie have some beautiful property with a waterfall!!! We ate at the local snazzy restuarant-Canyon Grille. Stayed at some beautiful condos. Oh, this was the weekend for the longest Garage Sale. It was crazy how many garage sales there were in this one little town. Then off to Rock City, TN. or GA. Then we rode the train up a mountain and I got closer to God since I prayed the whole way up and down. Movies in Chattanooga TN. Then World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta Georgia. Finally some swim time at Nat and Lee's AND to make our vacation complete: Krispy Kreme doughnuts on our way home. It was a wonderful vacation

Alice's Economic Stimulus Package.

2009-08-18T10:27:00.004-05:00

Yes, I am having a Garage Sale ( sans the garage)
Why? Because I am all about helping America ( or Madison County) through these hard economic times
And because I have a butt-load of children's clothes and not a butt-load
of closet space.
So here are the details
Boys clothes up to size 7
Girl clothes up to size 4- and some bigger
Fraley's Gift shop sale items. This is a great way to stock up on some awesome teacher gifts and birthday gifts.
Children's books and toys
Some furniture.
Children's costumes
Some men's and women's clothing
And a kid or two depending on the price!!!!!haha.

When is this garage sale? Friday 7:30am
I will have a .25$ table of hundreds of children's clothes. This will be your greatest bargain!!!

So there you got it. My contribution to the economic stimulus package

My New Favorite Season

2009-07-27T10:05:00.004-05:00

I have always thought of myself as someone who saw the beauty in everything and everybody(LOL). But seriously, I do see myself as a cup half-full than a half-empty kind of gal.

But today I am officially hating summer!!!!!!!

I am so tired of the 100+ temps! It is freaking hot down here. My kids don't want to go outside in the 110 weather, so they watch Phineas and Ferb about 10 times a day. They are living vicariously through those crazy brother's summer, how sad!!!

And having to work all summer(seriously sucks!) This is a first for me and I am not liking it one bit!!!

Crazy summer storms that pop up and tear down your town and leave you without electricity for hours and hours and you have to sleep with an ice pack! Yes, did that last night!

SO....... I have a new favorite Season, Fall. Fall is soooo wonderful! Cool breezes, kids

playing in the leaves( too bad we won't have any leaves to play in because all

the trees died!)

Finding that perfect pumpkin!

Arts and Crafts shows

Sweaters!!!!

Football!

I am in a better mood already.

YEA, CLAYTON!!!!

2009-07-20T10:34:00.003-05:00

Clayton at All-Star game.

Clayton and Memaw at 5th grade award ceremony

He has the best buds!!!! John Reid, Robert, and Aaron

Mrs. Welch-Awesome teacher

Mrs. Cab- Awesome teacher and Below Mr. Hodges and Clayton

Today, is Bragging on Clayton day. I love my kiddos and I am dedicating a blog to each of them. Clayton, being my first born kiddo is the first.

The most important reason I love this kiddo so much is that He accepted Christ as His Saviour this summer. I couldn't be more happy to know that His home will be in Heaven with me and his dad.

Clayton is an amazing student. Don't know where that came from!!!! But I take all the credit!! He has an amazing love of the written word. I almost grounded him one evening for reading with his flashlight when I told him it was time for bed. LOVE IT!! His favorite books are the Eragon series, Alex Rider series, Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, yes Twilight!!, really anything that grabs his attention. He has read so many books I can't remember them all. He memorized all of the first chapter of John for LTC. He has an amazing memory, again don't know where he got it. I can't remember what I ate last week!!! He loves baseball-playing and watching- I do know where he got that from-his Big Daddy!!!

He had great teachers this year in 5th grade that encouraged his strengths and didn't try to tame him. We have been blessed with great teacher all through his Intermediate years.

He also looks just like his dad! I just birth them, you know!! They look nothing like me!

Well, thanks for bearing with me as I pump up my children ( that will probably never read this)

I am so blessed!!!

The Self-Pity Pit

2009-07-07T10:06:00.003-05:00

Do you ever fall into the self-pity pit? You know the one where you lament about all that is going wrong in your life. At times my pit is VERY large and I get lost in there. I have been in this pit for months now and I am tired of the view. Because in that pit lives depression, anger, jealousy, greed, and self-loathing. Not very good companions!! Satan has a lounge chair in the pit. He whispers "God is not hearing you" in your ear. He feeds you the crumbs of doubt everyday. He is right at home in this vile pit. And Satan knows how hard it is to climb out. He is pulling at your feet as you are reaching up to God for help.

Today, I read that Phil Michelson's (famous golfer for all you non -sports moms)mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. His wife was diagnosed in April of this year with the same type of cancer. I was listening to christian radio yesterday when I heard a horrific story of a family that was driving home from ministering to a group of Native Americans and their struggle with alcoholism and was hit head-on by a drunk driver. The mother, grandmother, one of the children were killed in that crash. The drunk driver was not seriously injured but his pregnant wife and unborn child were killed instantly.

How is my self-pity pit looking now? I am blessed beyond measure. I could list them all but it would take days. But just that I am a child of God and that His grace covers me is the most profound blessings I own. They are the ladder out of the pit. In fact they can fill the pit completely. Satan is buried with God's grace.

Psalms 40:1-3
I waited patiently for the Lord;
He turned to me and heard my cry.
He Lifted me out of the slimy pit.
Out of the mud and mire. And
gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth;
A hymn of praise to our God
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the Lord

I am trying to shovel dirt into my pit. Please bear with me dear friends.
I have a big hole to fill, but with God's help and yours I can begin to be the
person God desires me to be. If you have a shovel handy, come on over!

slip slidin' away-old school!!!

2009-06-12T09:15:00.002-05:00

This Weekend

2009-05-29T10:23:00.003-05:00

Friday-3pm-Pick up my kiddos + 1 extra kiddo. Go home and get Clayton ready for baseball

4:30- Matt and Clayton leave for game. Try to get one more l0ad of laundry done.

5:30- leave for game with rest of kiddos.

8:30- leave park and feed kiddos- finish vacumming house- clean kitchen.
8:30- Go to Wal-mart to get Baby shower and birthday presents.

12:00- Try to get some sleep

Saturday

6:00am - get up to finish getting house ready for company

9:00am- get Mckenna to dance recital rehersals

10:00- Matt will trade places with me so I can go to Baby shower in Conroe

with my Mom, sister, sister-in-law. While the rest of my family stays

at the house.

2:00- get to Wal-Mart Supercenter to pick up nephew's birthday cake

2:00- meanwhile at my house the joy jump will be delivered and the kids
will be messing up the house I cleaned for a week.
2:30- get home and fix all the birthday food for nephew's party.
3:00- have party-

7:00ish-clean up from party. Get ready to leave for Athens to see other
nephew be baptized.
Sunday, sometime in the wee hours of the morning. leave for Athens

Sunday-11:15am leave for home to get to McKenna's recital by 2pm.

2:30- The rest of the family will meet us to watch McKenna's recital.

4:00- try to get the boys to VBS drama practice while recital is still going on.

6:00- Church-Will God mind that I take a quick nap?

A prayer for Katelyn

2009-05-19T09:49:00.004-05:00

This is a beautiful picture of Katelyn Conner and her parents. Please visit Erica Blakleys blog

http://www.wipingbuttsandcleaningup.blogspot.com/

Katelyn has been diagnosed with neuroblastoma. She is three years old. Please pray for Katelyn today as she will start Chemotherapy. Please pray for her parents William and Krista.

Our gracious heavenly father, You know our very thoughts and deepest desires. You hear our prayers and promise us that You will answer them. You are the Father of mercy. We lift up Katelyn and her family today that you will heal this precious body. You are the maker of miracles and we truly believe in your power. Please guide the doctors, nurses, and caregivers today. Be their eyes and hands today. Lord, let us know how we can help this family. Let our community suround them with love so that they can know Your Awesome Love. In your wonderful Son's name, Amen.

Just `cause he's so cute!!!

2009-05-01T14:05:00.001-05:00

My Sweet hubs. Wish I coulda got a shot of his legs!!!!!! Hot stuff!!!!!!

Tutus and friends and flowers and trees

2009-04-22T14:45:00.005-05:00

I love to take pictures. I don't know how to photoshop anything. I have a crappy camera which I will use till it dies (like my car) I don't have my children do creative poses or anything. So don't come on this blog thinking your gonna get awesome pics, but I try!!! And I love taking pictures... so there. Here are a few I took last week that I am especially fond of. I didn't even ask the girls to pose. It came naturally to Maddie and McKenna just followed suit. Maddie was amazing. I would say she is a photographers dream. She loves the camera!!! McKenna is learning. My flowers just stood there and let me take their picture. So did the pear tree or was that my plum tree.

Just Breathe

2009-03-31T10:15:00.003-05:00

These are some great pics of Clayton's and Carson's birthday sleepovers. Yes, two birthday parties in two weekends. That is 16 boys, 32 pancakes, 5 pizzas, 28 hotdogs, endless cokes, two cookie pizzas from Sam's, and Rockband all night. If I am not mother of the year, then I am darn close. Or is that just crazy mom of the year????

Me and My 25 no 24 new babies

2009-03-10T10:05:00.002-05:00

This is our new project at the Fraley Farm!!!!!!! Ha Ha. We had twenty-five little chickens for Clayton's fair project. But sadly, we lost one. We believe heart-attack. Autopsy results will be in next week. Oh the joys and heart breaks of life's little lessons. The fair is the week of March 23rd. Clayton will find out if all his work paid off. He has worked so hard. Then no matter what, we will have a mass killing my babies, which this time I will not be present. I can't handle this part of raising fair chickens.

Me and My Boys

2009-02-20T14:06:00.002-06:00

I love these pics of Me and the Boys. They were taken on the first day back to school from Winter Break. It was also my first day of teaching for third grade. This is why I have not blogged in forever. I don't know how you working moms have time to pee.!!!!!! I love and respect you all so much more now. If you could here me I am singing Bette Midler .... Did you ever know that you're my hero....!!!!!

I've been a bad blogger- And random Pics of the Holiday Season

2009-01-05T20:04:00.005-06:00

I am so sorry for not updating my blog in forever-I am saying this to the blogger police. I know you are out there. Yes I have been seeing someone else. I have been really cheating on my blog with someone else. Facebook. It has totally consumed me. I can't stay away. I have found old friends, new friends, same blogger friends. But I know I will get bored one day of facebook and coming begging my blog friends back. But until then you can catch me partying on facebook. Just to say i am sorry I will post some pics which is the only reason anyone looks at my blog- pics.

oh, yea, baby, I am done!!!!! Time to relax!!!

2008-12-06T21:04:00.005-06:00

This girl is done, finished.... christmas shopping!!!!!!! I have never ever ever finished my shopping this early. I am so psyched!!!!! But there is a reason. Starting tomorrow, i have one free night without anything going on. I am dead serious. It is crazy. All next week we will be doing something with Pathway of Light. Which if you are in the Madisonville area, please stop and walk through the life of Christ. It is amazing. Then we have programs, bunco, parties and on it goes. We are traveling to Dallas to spend the weekend at the Gaylord Hotel in Grapevine. we are riding the Polar Express Train. and then off to Athens the next. But surprisingly we will be home for Santa on Christmas day. I have already ordered my christmas cards and hopefully will be in the mail this week. Usually I am stressing out about pictures and what the kids should wear but i knew i didn't have the time. Sweet Lacy Blakely took the best pictures of our family. So now it is off to wrap and bake and oh, go to wal-mart a thousand times to make sure i didn't forget anything.

This is just one of the great shots Lacey took of my kiddos. It sure gets me in the holiday mood.

2008-12-03T12:14:00.003-06:00

Ah, the wonderful ritual of making the turkey. Matt and I searched the internet, asked veteran turkey makers, and read several texts on making the perfect turkey. First we brined the turkey. Then we marinated the turkey with butter and fresh herbs. And last we got up at 5:30 to bake the blessed bird. And I have to say, it was delish!!!!! Clayton and Carson helped make the cranberry relish wednesday. Yes, I gave them knives, but they were champs. It was a great day and having most of our family there was wonderful. My sis-in-law made the best salad from Southern living. It had blue-cheese cakes crumbled into the salad. I ate that first, before the stuffing. I am now putting up my fall fun and getting down the christmas goodies. I hope I can enjoy December. It all seems to go so fast. It is my wish that you all have a slow and enjoyable holiday season. Remember to savor every moment.

Thankful

2008-12-01T20:43:00.003-06:00

When one takes their life most of us wonder how their could be no hope in that person's life.

I have never felt hopeless. Why, because I am so blessed to have a supporting family,

supportive friends, and a God that promises He will never leave or forsake me.

Even in my darkest moments ( and believe me, there have been some ugly dark times) I know

that there is someone who I can talk to.

This is why having a church family is so important. This is why having christian friends are vital.

This is why having a christian husband is my most prized possesion.

I never want anyone I know to ever feel helpless or hopeless. I hope through tragedy we can all learn to watch out for people who feel life is no longer worth it. I ask for forgiveness that I didn't reach out. That I didn't show that God has a purpose for everyone. God had blessed me and I know i don't deserve it. But because I am a child of God I receive his blessings and here are some of them. My family holding hands before thanksgiving dinner. Each person telling what they are thankful for. Truly a perfect moment.

Oh, and pics of the turkey will come later!!!!

TROTTING FOR A TURKEY

2008-11-18T11:54:00.003-06:00

This is a very important day in the life of a student at Madisonville Intermediate

the TURKEY TROT.

Kids line up to run a mile for a turkey.( I'll just stand in line thank you very much)

Now Clayton had no illusions of grandeur for the race. He told me that morning that I should

just prepare myself to buy our Thanksgiving Turkey. You see we are not big runners

in my family. We are more hikers than runners. We love to walk and hike, we just don't care how long it takes us to get to our destination.

But Clayton did give a great effort as did all the students.

Carson got out of school to watch brother run. He decided that running for a bird was stupid.

He has such wisdom!!!!

High fives for Me!!!!!!!!

2008-11-14T14:16:00.004-06:00

I did it. I finally passed my P&C licensing exam. I didn't realize how hard it is to
learn anything after 30. But with the Lord whispering in my ear that I could do it, I passed.
So, anyone need any insurance????? Har, Har!!!
I have totally been out of the loop here in Madisonville, so please post me
any latest news that has been happening.
There are a couple of things I learned about taking a test after 30:
My bladder doesn't hold as much liquid as it used to.
Sitting on my tush for 8 hours is harder that it used to be.
Things get really blurry on a dry-erase board after hour number 5.
Getting up at 5:00 am everymorning is for the birds and Lacy!!! (love ya)
There is still that one know-it-all in every class.
And i didn't realize how much I missed my diet-coke in stressful situation!!!
And most important... THANK GOD FOR COFFEE!!!!!!!

Random Thoughts By Alice

2008-11-03T12:35:00.003-06:00

I have been tagged again to disclose some random things in my life. Since most of my thoughts are random, this shouldn't be too hard. Search my older post for the first 7 things about me!!This is the next 7. I have decided that I am a very random person. Oh well!!!!!!!!

1. I love James Bond. Everyone of them. Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan, Roger Moore, Daniel Craig. I can't think of the other Bond, I didn't like him very much. And I have seen all the Bond movies. ( I'd love to be a Bond Girl in my imaginary life)

2. I love love love Sushi. Very hard to get good sushi around Madisonville.

3. I have not had a Diet Coke in 5 days. for those who know me well, get off the floor, It is true. I am off diet coke and any sweetener( except the sugar-free sweetener in my coffee). This has been very hard for me!!!!! Sonic unsweet tea has been my drink of choice!!!!!

4. My favorite Book in the Bible is Roman 8. Freedom in Christ. Love it!!!!

5. I have severe migraines. Hate those things.

6. I have said this before, if I could live on the beach, i would. I love the sand and sound and everything about it.

7. My walk to Emmaus changed my life. I wish I could send everyone I love to a walk. If you don't know what Walk to Emmaus is, then post me and I will tell you all about it.

VOTE FOR JOHN McMAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Turkey day at My House!?!?!

2008-10-28T11:35:00.003-05:00

Oh, holy granola!!!

I will hopefully be having all the fam at my home for Thanksgiving. Do you know what

this means?? Cooking the hallowed bird. This is major important stuff at our house,

speaking of stuffing... I've never cooked it before. YIKES!!!

So, to anyone who reads this blog. I am reaching out through modern technology for some

major advice,recipes, help.... You know ... any great tips from you guys.

I have visions of the perfectly decorated table...

Everyone in cute sweaters

Children playing outside in the snow, just kidding, I live in Texas. (hopefully we can put away the plastic pool)Har Har.

Please send any advice so that my dreams don't turn into some crazy movie( Christmas Vacation)

And yes, I am a month early. But how much fun will this be to stress over for 29 days!!!!!!!

Going All Fallish at my house

2008-10-23T13:21:00.006-05:00

In honor of some of my favorite blog sites, I am showing off my very limited talents of decorating. I know I have made some major decor faux-pas, but this is all I can do.

The stars were copied from Kimba at www.asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com She is totally my hero!!!! They will later become teacher gifts. Shh....don't tell.

The pumpkin was from my terrific mom-in-my heart( hate the term in-law!!!!)

Now she is the decorating diva. her store Larrison Creek has some yummy things for the holidays and stuff just for girlie girls.

Well critic all you want but just say nice things to my face, remember, I'm still hurting from my fight with the you know whats!!!!!!

Yep, those little suckers can burn ya!!

2008-10-22T15:18:00.002-05:00

I know this is pretty gross, but yes, I have second degree burns on four of my fingers, from a pop-tart (brown sugar flavor).

So, the little-ity, bitty warning label on the side is correct.. these little suckers can burn ya if your toaster is 18 years old and your settings no longer works and you can feed a family of four with the crust in the bottom tray.

I am trying to come up with another reason on how I burned my little fingers. If you have another story that I can tell people, post them, because I am tired of getting the..are you kidding me, a pop-tart, girl what did you do, light it on fire? look.

Or this.. did you burn it on the icing or the filling? ....

Help and sympathy are needed, because i am tired of the laughter!!!!!!!!!

You won't believe this

2008-10-17T14:08:00.005-05:00

If you look back a couple of blogs, you will read the praises of Ugly Mug Coffee.

Well..... Monday I received an email from the founder of Ugly Mug thanking me for the kind

words. In appreciation they wanted to send me free coffee.

Now, believe me, I was sceptical. No one sends me free stuff, just because.

But Lo and Behold

A package arrived at my office, via, UPS, from Ugly Mug.

Inside were, not one, but two bags, "Saving Grace" blend and

"hazelnut" blend. but wait...... they also sent the kiddos a can of hot chocolate.

CREME BRULEE

Are you believing this???? For real!!!!!!! But I'm not done. He sent my Brother a box.

YES, I'm not lying!!!!!

Enclosed was the sweetest card "Let's make Texas Ugly" again from Mark the Founder

LOVE IT!!!

For any of you crazy Moms who are involved in any way with your kids PTO's, they

have fundraiser opportunities for schools. Now I am a big fan of TUBs of cookie dough

(YUK) But what better to go with a warm cookie than hot chocolate and coffee.

So, I am letting you all know what a great company these cool people are.

They are eco-friendly. They are involved in several wonderful organizations that

help third world countries. TOO COOL

Mark, the founder, personally sent me the box with a handwritten letter. (I still

adore handwriten anything) I told him if I wasn't happily married.....well, you know what

I said. Anyhoo, go to the website and visit. Tell them I sent you!!!!

Next time I will be singing the praises of the new Suburban!!!!! Watch what I get in

the mail!!!!!

Missing my camera!!!!

2008-10-14T09:57:00.005-05:00

I have been lost for a month and a half without my camera. Hubby had to take it on the road with him. So now my memory card has 500 pics of damaged roofs, missing siding, or fallen fences. I know that I will soon be reunited with my baby( and my husband!!!) But till then, I have to go way back into my files for pics. I did run across this one.

With the help of Jill, Hillary, Lacy, and Rishanne, We had a great time celebrating my B-Day at Abuelos and helping me shop for my cruise !!!!!-They were my fashion police( think- What Not To Wear) I bought this dress for my Cruise in August. It was a steal for $25 at Dillards. Yes-way!!!! I am not kidding. The wrap was curtesy of Rishanne. It was perfect and it hid my arms( my worst feature-besides my thighs.) I had to throw in this pic of Hubby. That's where he wanted to stay the whole cruise!!!!!!!!!!!!

And the midnight buffet with lots of Chocolate and jazzy fruit.

You know, we really did have a good time, despite all the dissappointments along the way. ( I'll never see Cozamel)

And, we got to eat fish tacos at my favorite restaurant in Galveston before Hurricane Ike. I don't know what happened to Shrimp and Stuff, but I can't imagine it not being there. It was a landmark in my food obsessed mind.

Looking back, I can appreciate just the time Hubby and I got to spend together, now that he has been away for over a month. God has a way of putting things into perspective.

Wild Nights at Bunco

2008-10-08T11:41:00.005-05:00

Bunco was too much fun at Lacy's in August. We decided to take a group pic. the first(if i blog it correctly) is normal, but look at the second. Someone suggested to everybody to "close your eyes and open them real wide". It is hilarious. We are crazy girls!!!!! They said it made your eyes bright. I think we look like we are trying not to look drunk!!! We aren't drunk, by the way!!! But anyho, I think i have the most beautiful friends ever. And can you believe they are more gorgeous on the inside? How lucky am I !!!!! I can see Christ in each of them. I see great moms or great friends or great wives, can't you see it too?

Yes you are seeing double, I just don't know how to erase the small picture from my blog.

A PRAYER FOR SARAH PALIN

2008-10-02T10:25:00.004-05:00

Tonight our Vice Presidential candidates will be debating at Washington University in Missouri. All eyes will be on Sarah Palin. Most will be watching for her to make a mistake. Some will be wishing for her to fall on her face tonight. The media will discet everything she says to find a way to make her look ignorant.

I am asking for you to pray for Her today. While you are in your car or in the bathroom, just take a moment to pray for the debate moderators, the audience, and for Sarah Palin that God will shoulder her tonight. Lift her and her family up in your prayers tonight. While you are at it pray for our government bailout. It's not pretty but we need something. While you are at it just pray for our country.

My New Favorite Obsession

2008-09-26T08:35:00.005-05:00

During our Hurricane Ike experience, I spent the week with my awesome parents in Athens. PawPaw took us to the zoo. It was McKenna's first trip to the Caldwell Zoo. We went to the park. We were so blessed to have a place with electricity. And then it happened....We had dinner at my brother Philip and his wife Tyna's house and here is where i tasted my new obsession.

UGLY MUG COFFEE.

Oh, sweet heaven. Thank you God for creating these lovely people who created UGLY MUG coffee. They deserve extra jewels in their crowns!!!! First, the name is too funky and cute and the package is a hoot!!!! But the taste is divine!!!!!!!! I usually have to jazz (thanks Kyley) my coffee up with sweet and low and sugar-free creamer. Sweet and low and Splenda( i just realized this, thank God I am finished baby-making!!!) My bro and sis-in-law had neither so I drank it naked. It was to die for.

Of course, she got this on a trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama so I am on a mission to find it here. Of course I haven't been able to look for it anywhere because I am doing triple duty until my Baby comes home, but I promise I will not quit till it is found!! I have been dreaming of a hot mug with my cute Anita Renfro mug for a week now!!! So, to my sweet friends if you are at a specialty gift shop or someplace really cool, look for this coffee. I will be eternally in your service, I will babysit, dogsit, housesit, clean your feet, whatever!!! Then we will sit in our mansions and drink coffee like the queens we are!!!!

LifeWay Giveaway

2008-09-24T13:34:00.007-05:00

All Access is giving away this new Kay Arthur study. Just click here http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/womenallaccess/ Sounds like a great book. This is a great christian women's site. Hope you enjoy.

Ready for Fall

2008-09-23T13:45:00.009-05:00

I love fall. Everything about it; the weather, clothes you wear in the fall are so much more body friendly. In other words, they cover more!!! I love the fall festivals and pumpkins and apples and decorations. Here are some great sites to get you in the mood for fall.

for the love of my home

These are just a few of my favs to go and get inspired. As many of you know, i am not crafty but I can look!!!!

My Prayers are With You

2008-09-16T14:30:00.002-05:00

I am writing from my parents house in Athens, Tx. with such a heavy heart for so many people. I hope that my friends in the Houston area are safe. Sada, I have been thinking about you and BJ. I know he is so busy right now. I just can't get my mind off of the precious little beach town of Crystal Beach. If you search down on my other blogs, you will see how beautiful this beach front was. Now it is totally destroyed. We had such a wonderful vacati0n there in July. We ate at Steve's Landing. We shopped for our groceries at the Big Store. We went to the little Church of Christ there and met some amazing people. These places are gone and I can't help but wonder where these special people are. I kept repeating the 23rd Psalms last night. I know that God is watching over all of us. If you can read this please leave a post and let me know you are all ok. I love you and can't wait till we can all be together drinking coffee, watching our kids play together, planning ways to help Ike victims. The Lord is MY Shepherd, I shall not want!!!

Getting Braver?(is that a word?)

2008-09-11T10:38:00.003-05:00

I have been broadening my crafty horizons lately

I recently painted my pantry door with chalkboard paint.

Clayton and I had the best time. I was inspired after a rowdy night of

Bunco to go do something outside my little box!!

The kids love it. I get to write love notes, reminders, check-list,

flowers, rainbows, happy birthday, and scribbles from McKenna.

I am blossoming into a little crafter!! Watch out you refabers and

decorators, I'm coming after you!!

Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired

2008-09-10T09:29:00.003-05:00

O.K. here goes. I am not a writer, hence the degree in public speaking, but I have been led by the Spirit to write my heart today. Many of my friends know that I struggle with migraines almost weekly sometimes. I take medicine daily to prevent the migraines, but the side-effects are so bizzare ( numbness in my face and hands, terrible nightmares) I have meds to help when I have a migraine, but it knocks me out. Hard to run a house of three hoodlums when you are dead asleep. There has been tremendous stress I have laid upon our household lately and that doesn't help with the head at all. I feel like half a wife, half a mom, half a friend, half a faithful servant. So, where do I go from here. I GO UP!!!!!!!!!

Sunday night Matt and I laid in bed an prayed together. We prayed over everything. EVERYTHING. I felt the weights lifting as Matt spoke to God. I felt God's arms rocking me to my first full nights sleep in over 2 weeks. No headache for three days now. Why? I decided not to play doctor. I decided not to be the head decision maker in my house. I gave that job to our heavenly father. I decided to pray.

So many of my friends are suffering physically and I truly believe that Satan is using stress to compound our sufferings. Satan knows that when we are stressed we cannot effectively be who we want to be. Stress is killing me and I can see it. I am rebuking stress and satan in the name of my heavenly father. I am rebuking stress in my friends lives in the the name of our father.

Please read all of Romans 8 and 12 while you are at it. Nothing can seperate us from our Father and we are more than conquerors and overcomers in this life through the blood of Jesus. Through Christ we can overcome our fears and stress.

I feel better already.

I've Been Tagged- again

2008-09-08T10:55:00.003-05:00

I'm still not sure what I need to be doing with all this tagging stuff. Sounds pretty difficult to me. So I don't embarrass myself, I believe I am suppossed to tell 7 strange things about myself and then tag other people right? Ok, here goes.

1. I was a music theater major in college. I thought I was going to be the next Barbara Streisand. I love to sing, but don't really make that public knowledge.

2. I have a horrible fear of my children getting run over by a lawn mower. Anxiety triples in the spring and summer months. I love the first frost!!!

3. I was also a dance major for a semester at SHSU. I can even do the catapiller.

4. I can stand on my head for long periods of time. My kids love it. This is the only reason they think I'm cool.

5. If I could live at the beach, I would. I am my happiest watching my kids play in sand or trying to catch a wave on a buggy board.

6. I have this insane fear of disappointing people. It is sometimes very hard to deal with.

7. I love love love my wonderful friends. I think I have the best and I would love to have more. the more the merrier has always been my motto.

AND I DON'T TOUCH LOOSE TEETH!!!!!!!

Ok there it is. Hope you all still love me. As for tagging other people well, Rishanne, Michelle, Denise S. Sheree, Boo!!! You are tagged.

Catching Up on Our Summer

2008-09-03T10:30:00.005-05:00

As most of you know, i don't get a lot of computer time unless I am in the office helping Matt. So I am going to catch up on my summer. I love the beach and have been blessed to visit some georgous beaches in the South. Sarasota beach in Florida is by far the most beautiful. I have vacationed in the Emerald Coast of Florida's panhandle several times and the water is so amazing. So when Matt told us we couldn't afford the gas to go to Inlet beach this year I was devestated. Then my sister -in - law found out about a great beach house in Crystal Beach in Galveston. Still, I was not looking forward to going to Galveston. We have gone so many times and it just can't compare to Florida. Sounds sorta snobby, doesn't it. Well I have to say I was put in my place. We had the best time with Jim, Janice, Matt's brothers and their familes. Here are some reasons why. The beach house was so amazing. Everything was pottery barn perfect. The seashell chandellier was sooo cool. The fenced in porch was great for BBQs and smore's making. The kids all had a blast. The water was so perfect. All in all it was just a great weekend for all of us.

WE ARE THREE

2008-09-02T13:04:00.003-05:00

My little McKenna is now three. How can this happen? It is so hard to imagine that she is now potty trained, has a big girl bed( no rails), can dress herself(sorta), has so many opinions that she will tell you all about, still sucks her thumb, has a favorite color(pink), has several boyfriends(Rayce Hudson, baby Dylan Blakeley, Mason Railsback, Clay Williams) this is what we get for letting her stay at an all boy daycare!!!! She has so much love in her for so many people. She still loves her Lala and Lulu(Rick and Michelle) She loves to talk on the phone to Lacy, Mady and Lane Kelso. Her favorite person on the planet is her Memaw!!! and Papa Jim of course. She prays every meal time for everything on her plate and everybody at the table. Too precious.

As Crafty As It Gets

2008-07-29T14:19:00.004-05:00

My friends are the most artistic and crafty friends. I am so amazed at their ease with decorating. To be honest you won't find a lot of art projects on this blog site. I did try to go outside my comfort zone by making these firework hats for the kids for the Fourth of july. I found the project on Fun Family website. It is just craft foam, pipe cleaner, star cookie cutter, and double stick tape. They lasted for about 5 minutes, but it made me feel somewhat crafty. Maybe my friends will say" at least she is trying, poor thing, bless her heart."

By the way, please come to Midway on the last Saturday in June. Kris and Lacy brought there kids out and we watched in front of Fraleys Food Store. They lasted so long the kids were saying " are they done yet?" Maddie and Lane are precious in there firework hats!!!

Garage Sale Time

2008-07-29T10:17:00.003-05:00

Sheree Wiseman and I will be having a garage sale this Friday and Saturday at Sheree's house in Midway. Sheree is moving so she will have a ton of things in the sale. I am finally cleaning out McKenna's closet. I have baby girl clothes from 0-24months. Many of you know that I have 5 nieces. Therefore I have at least 200+ baby outfits. Not one of these outfits are over $4. Most are $1. I also have a baby crib mattress, a baby girl crib bedding from Canton, a glider and ottoman, 2 recliners, carseat, etc. For my friends, I don't mind early shoppers Thursday night, just please call me and let me know when you want to come. I will be moving my stuff to Sheree's around 8, so it needs to be before that time.

My Secret Obsession

2008-07-09T09:45:00.003-05:00

I have a secret obsession. Pei Wei Pad Thai. I dream about it sometimes. Maybe it's the MSG in it that makes it so addictive. I got to go in College Station when i got my (non-spray on tanning session) sunless tanning session at the Galleria Day Spa. I'll tell that hilarious story another time. Let's just say I thought they were going to spray it on, but boy was I wrong!!!!

Good times!!LOL Anyway, i was rambling. I decided to indulge in my love for Pad Thai. Please go if you haven't. the Edemame ( spelling check please!!) is also delicous. Pad Thai is a combination of noodles, tofu, peanuts, cilantro, lime and spicy sauce. Oh sweet love!!!

Just Because They are so Cute!!!

2008-07-08T12:11:00.005-05:00

I had so much fun taking these pictures one afternoon. I wanted McKenna to make a funny face but she was into some serious artwork. Boy I wish I knew what she was drawing. Carson, however, is always ready to put his silly face on. I am reminded daily how blessed we are to have such fun kids. Each so different in their own way. God, you are so good!!!
Now, everyone go out and put your Silly Face on!!!

Summer Time and the Livin' is soo not easy!!!

2008-06-25T15:32:00.003-05:00

It has been a crazy start to our Summer!!!

All-Star games every night in Bryan

Girls Trip to New Braunfels

Swim lessons

Painting the Boys rooms

(Help please with the painting!!!!)

And it is only the middle of June.

But in the midst of all this, I found a great pic

of some wonderful friends.

Lacy and Rishanne came to visit McKenna after her

surgery. I love their smiles and I truly love

their giving hearts!!

My Perfect Saturday

2008-05-19T13:18:00.002-05:00

This has been a banner year for blackberries. So I have been in serious picking mode. It is really one of my favorite things to do. It is my therapy. I am out in our pasture picking God's free gift. Every once in a while, one of the kids will come out and pick a few berries with me. They get tired and go back to the house, but I cherish those precious moments with them. Here is a shot of McKenna getting some pretty fat berries.

We still have a great many of them, so call me and I go out with you and pick some. You all are invited. I even have some good berry cobbler recipes to share. You have to buy your own Blue Bell, though. We covet ours!!!(just kidding, I'll share my blue bell)

My Mother's Day

2008-05-19T12:55:00.003-05:00

I had a wonderful Mother's Day Breakfast prepared for me by my Sweet husband, Matt. We had bacon, and egg bisquits. (one of my favorite breakfast meals.) No, I did not eat both bisquits for all of my First Place readers. Clayton finished the rest for me. Matt tried breakfast in bed, but it ended up just coffee in bed. We are to crazy busy for a leasurely breakfast in bed. I did enjoy my coffee in my new Anita Renfroe coffee mugs that go with my new Anita Renfroe desert plates. She is one of my favorite Christian comedians. I didn't even know she had a line of plates out. Matt went to the Lighthouse Christian Bookstore and found them. He is soooo wonderful!!!!!

We had a beautiful ceremony at church honoring all the mothers at our church with our pictures in a wonderful dvd dedication. Lanier and Ryan spent a lot of time preparing this. Thank You!!!

Me and My Mom Picking Blackberries

Carson drew this picture for me for Mother's Day. We had spent the afternoon one Sunday picking Blackberries together. I think he did an amazing job on this!!!! I am not sure what the gray objects are, but I love it!!!!! I will treasure this always. Thank You, Mrs. Burke for getting Carson to sit long enough to draw.

Baker wannabe

2008-05-15T10:54:00.004-05:00

O.K. I am going to let you all in on a little secret. I love to bake. The biggest problem is that I am absolutely- well, an average baker. I have dreams of opening a tearoom with homemade scones, chicken salad sandwiches, pies, cakes, well you get the picture. The problem is i don't have knowledge of baking skills needed. So I am going to live through the amazing bakers that I know of and have found on the web. This is one of my favorite baking websites. http://www.cookiemadness.net/ I love looking at the pictures. Dreaming fondly that all my cookies turn out as pretty. Not the flat half-burnt ones in my past. I love to give others food that I have made. I just need to get better at it. No one likes food-poisoning!!!!! No, I have never given anyone food poisoning, but I have made some pretty mediocre cookies in my life.

Calling All Bakers

So I am calling all my friends for some major help

I have been asked to make 2 dozen cookies for the first grade cookie walk.

I need good recipes

I need helpful hints.

Tangled up in Fun

2008-05-13T08:55:00.002-05:00

Well it was a valiant effort, but Matt and McKenna never could get the kite up in the air. They had a lot of fun, however. This was McKenna's first try at kite-flying. A whole lot of string and not enough wind!!!!

What is a Mother!!

2008-05-09T13:06:00.006-05:00

We used to make fun of those typical Mother's Day cards that start with.."What is a Mother?" In fact, we would try to find one with the most glitter and flowers to give to my mom as a joke. My mom is not a glittery kind of gal. But she is an amazing mother. Trying to find the right mother's day card is daunting( especially here at our Madisonville Walmart) So I will try to tell in my own words what my Mother means to me.

Truth

Mom would tell me the truth to just about any question

(except sex-related questions-too embarrassing)

Beauty

My mom is indeed beautiful inside and out

(She is practically wrinkle-free and usually washes

her face with plain soap and water)

Faith

She has an unrelenting amount of Faith. Her love

For Christ shows in her Truth and Beauty.

(She had faith in me!!! Proof of abounding faith)

Fun

Even though our definition of fun may differ,

Her sense of humor is incredible.

(Ask me about practicle jokes she has pulled off)

Friend

My first friend. I have to share her with many

other women who call her a friend.

(She has had friends for 40 years + that she is

still close to.)

Compassionate

She attends more funerals than weddings, more hospital rooms on

ICU ward, than new baby ward.

(She has even logged time in the courthouse to support others who have

loved ones on trial)

Godly

40+ years of marriage. Enough said about Godliness

My siblings and I try to imitate her dedication to her husband.

So, that is my Hallmark Card for my Mom. Minus the glitter and flowers, but covered in truth.

I Love You

Mom!!

To all my friends that are mothers or Mothers -to -Be

Happy Mothers Day

You inspire me to be a better Mom.

I hope that you are served breakfast in bed Sunday

Sticky pancakes and all!!!

Enjoy your special day!!!!

McKenna's trip to LaLa Land

2008-05-08T13:36:00.003-05:00

I just had to share this precious picture of McKenna getting her blood pressure taken just minutes before her tonscillectomy and adnoidectomy?? She looks so hesitant about what is going on. Her tonsils were so large. I can't describe how ugly big they were. I even got an OMG from the ENT nurse. She did so well. We had several visitors Thursday. Nana and PawPaw came to be with her and help with the boys that morning. Memaw came to the hospital. Our dear friends Kyley and Sergio came, with balloons, after Sergio's therapy. It was so good to see him. Julie and Emma brought McKenna a little stuffed animal that McKenna quickly named Sara. Ryan Frech got to flirt with his McKenna that evening. Thank You friends for all the calls and prayers for us. We marvel at how blessed we are to have such amazing friends

2008-05-07T15:01:00.003-05:00

Put Me In Coach, I'm Ready To Play

I love Baseball Season.

I may gripe about the busy nights

but I really love watching

these kids learn to love the

game that I have always loved

to watch.

Clayton is all that with his

sunglasses. Don't ask. He's 10 going on 18.

He said that the sun was in his eyes.

We couldn't find the sun.

I love it.

Carson looks so serious in his

big red batting helmet.

He is not that into baseball, but

he is really improving.

Only a few weeks left. Come out

to Lake Madison and watch

some future Berkmans and A-Rods.

Cinco De Mayo

2008-05-07T13:42:00.004-05:00

Happy Cinco De Mayo

I was in the fiesta mood Monday, so I decided to make a good Tex-mex meal for the family. Homemade Salsa, beef enchiladas, mexican rice, corn, and homemade berry cobbler. Peyton Wiseman helped me all afternoon. She was my taste tester. I love having themed meals. A little kooky, but it's all good!!!! I tried to find some mexican decor, but I don't have a lot of that lying around the house. We actually had a relaxing evening, due to a baseball rainout. Those are few and far between this time of year.

2008-04-25T11:28:00.002-05:00

My sister sent me this poem and I just loved it. I wish I had a photo of my sweet sis, Natalie. She is beautiful inside and out. She and her husband Lee are raising two beautiful daughters. I hope I can instill these words of wisdom to my daughter. This poem was written by Audrey Hepburn when asked to give her "beauty tips". It was read at her funeral. WOW!!

By Audrey Hepburn

For Attractive Lips

Speak words of kindness

For Lovely Eyes

Seek out the good in people

For a Slim Figure

Share Food with the Hungry

For Beautiful Hair

Let a Child run his or her fingers through

your hair once a day

For Poise

Walk with the knowledge that you never

walk alone.

2008-04-24T13:46:00.003-05:00

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

We Love Marty Blog

2008-04-24T10:04:00.002-05:00

I first want to thank everyone who have been praying for Matt's cousin, Marty Fraley. God Is Still In The Miracle Business!!!!! This is our new motto. Marty's sister Angela, created a blog site for updates, address info, and fundraising information. Please go to www.welovemarty.blogspot.com and post your comments to Marty. We are hoping that He will be able to read them in the Hospital. This town is wonderful. The love that people have for each other is inspiring.

Spring is in the Air

2008-04-23T13:39:00.004-05:00

I took this picture last week in my backyard. I love Amaryllis. This reminds me that I need to get outside and work in my yard. I love flowers that I don't have to do anything to them to enjoy their beauty. Just think if I actually took time what my yard would look like. My relationship with God is this way. Just think if we took the time to nurture our relationship with our Heavenly Father, what beautiful things would appear in our life. God is there, like my flowers, but I could have a yard full.

Honoring Texas History

2008-04-23T08:28:00.000-05:00

Battle of San Jacinto

Little did we know, but the Fraley family had three ancestors who fought at the Battle of San Jacinto. Monday, the Historical Group in Madisonville honored those men from Madison County who fought by holding a ceremony at the courthouse. Our Clayton answered roll call for those three men. Because we had several ancestors who fought, the State Flag that was flown over the State Capital was flown in Clayton's name. Too Cool!!!!! He will be recieving the flag in the coming weeks.

2008-04-10T10:50:00.000-05:00

O.k. Here I go into the wild blue yonder. My first try at blogging may be a little hairy but I have been wanting to do this since I saw my dear friends blog sites. I guess a little history may be appropriate. I have a lovely family. My sweet Matt. 15 years, I can't believe we will celebrate 15 years of wedded something in August. Clayton is our oldest in so many ways. Not only in years, but in wisdom Oh, my wild child Carson. His passion for life tires me. He is only 7, but attacks life with such vigor. And then there was McKenna. Our little Girl. We tried not to make her a princess, but true princesses can't be held down.