Well It's Over

I hope everyone had a great Christmas, ours was very nice. I enjoyed so much having my honey off work and home with us on Christmas day for a change. Here are a few pictures of my Christmas ....

I look kind of tired in this picture, I was ... it had been a long day.

Tiff opening a gift

Kids opening their gifts

My dad and sister

Merry Christmas

I wanted to take a few minutes and wish each and every one of you a very merry Christmas. I hope you all enjoy your day tomorrow and remember Jesus is the reason.

(yes that is me in the photo when I was a baby, many years ago)

Thanks Debi

Thank you so much Debi for my clutch, watch and necklace, they arrived here Friday, I just love them all. The gift bag and all it's accessories were just beautiful, even the ribbon, just gorgeous!

Thank you so much for your kindness my friend...

Are Y'all Ready

Wow, isn't it so hard to believe that Christmas is almost here. This year has just flown by.

We had a really busy weekend but between everything going on (visitation and funeral) we managed to do a little shopping. I am thinking a couple of the kids are going to just get money though because I'm tired of going shopping and walking in circles.

I am really excited about this Christmas because my honey will have Christmas day off! WoooooooHoooooooooooooo!!!!!! This will be the first one in nearly 5 years I guess. A lady that works with him called and ask him if he wanted to be off, she told him she'd work in his place so he is taking a vacation day and we're going to have him home with us. I can't tell you how it seems so much unlike Christmas when he has to be gone to work for 12 hours but we'll be smiling this year and lovin' every minute of having him home with us!

I want to show you what has kept me busy last Thursday and today, little Madison. She's our great niece.

Isn't she precious ....

Thursday was her 5 month birthday and I was the first person she's ever been left with, so I feel special. :-)

We're Losing Him

* He passed away around 3:47am this morning (12-18-08)


There is never a good time to lose a family member but as if Christmas and New Year's haven't been sad enough over the past nearly 13 years from losing my paternal grandmother on New Year's day and nearly 4 yrs ago we lost my maternal step grandmother on New Year's Eve, now we're losing my uncle.

Today his blood pressure dropped again, more internal bleeding so he went back to surgery for the second time since his main surgery on the 10th. He went into cardiac arrest today during the procedure to stop the bleeding, they were able to massage his heart and get it started back. I just was so afraid though after hearing he had to go back to surgery it would be too much for his body, he's really been through alot during all this I hate so bad to see him pass away but I also hated to see him suffering as he was. He is a great Christian man so there is no doubt where he's going when he is called from this place.
I hate I'm not with my dad right now but I have kids in the bed and my hubby is working. My sister and of course my mom are with him. I'll tell you something you're just not supposed to hear your daddy boohoo'ing and crying like I heard mine over the phone tonight. I am just so sorry for him and I wish I could take away all his pain and bring his brother back all healthy. I wanted to share a picture with you all of these two great brothers who love each other so much.
My dad is the tallest one and of course the other is my Uncle Stanley. These two are so much alike, they walk alike, laugh alike even my son and my sister's son have confused my uncle for my dad at times. My dad is known as Papa to his grandchildren and my uncle is known as Pop to his 4 grandchildren. Also...let me tell you, there aren't any two Papa's or Pop's out there that love their grandchildren as much as these men do.
We are waiting on the call from my cousin, my uncle's blood pressure is steadily dropping and they're giving him meds but they aren't doing anything so the doctors are saying it's only a matter of time. I hope something works but I'm so afraid we are losing him.

Back From Iraq

As some of you may remember my husband has a nephew (Brandon) who had been serving in Iraq, as a matter of fact it was his second tour of duty there. Well yesterday he arrived safely back home. I'm happy for him and his family. What a great Christmas present!
His children are only 6 and 8 yrs old, during their short lives he has served twice in Iraq and once in South Korea, I just can't imagine!
I have to tell you how Brandon surprised his wife yesterday. She knew he was coming home this month but thought it wasn't until the 23rd.
He had his mother to call his wife to meet her at a restaurant, so his wife went thinking she was going to meet her mother in law and then Brandon walked in. Don't you know she was surprised!

Secret Santa Shindig Gifts

As you know I participated in Kori's Secret Santa Shindig, Well today the UPS man delivered my goodies.
My goodies came from Rhea in Texas. She did such a great job picking out my gifts, I love them all. I got a beautiful holiday picture frame, some cozy holiday socks to help keep my feet warm (these will be so nice because my feet always stay like ice!), six of the prettiest glass Christmas ornaments, several really cute holiday goodies to use in my kitchen and a "Real Simple" magazine. I just love everything and I thank you so much Rhea.

And look, even the box my goodies came in brought joy to our cat (Sara), she's so funny, as soon as I unpacked the box she hopped right in it, curled up and went to sleep.

Total Gastrectomy

I had never heard of someone having their whole stomach removed either, I had Someone asked about it so I thought I would post this information for you all.

Surgery is the most common treatment for stomach cancer. The type of surgery depends on the extent of the cancer. There are two main types of stomach cancer surgery:
Partial (subtotal) gastrectomy - The surgeon removes the part of the stomach with cancer. The surgeon also may remove part of the esophagus or part of the small intestine. Nearby lymph nodes and other tissues may be removed.
Total gastrectomy (Which is what my uncle had)- The doctor removes the entire stomach, nearby lymph nodes, parts of the esophagus and small intestine, and other tissues near the tumor. The spleen also may be removed. The surgeon then connects the esophagus directly to the small intestine. The surgeon makes a new "stomach" out of tissue from the intestine.
It is natural to be concerned about eating after surgery for stomach cancer. During surgery, the surgeon may place a feeding tube into your small intestine. This tube helps you get enough nutrition while you heal. The time it takes to heal after surgery is different for each person.

From what was explained to me our stomachs are just like holding tanks, so by connecting the esophagus directly to the small intestine works just like a stomach would. Of course is is smaller, they said he wouldn't be able to eat alot at a time but he would need to eat very often. One thing I don't understand though is I thought the enzymes that help break down the food came from the stomach, I don't understand how his food can get broke down. When I hear an answer to that question I'll let you know.

* Just talked to my mom, she said he started running fever during the night. Seems one thing gets straightened out and something else goes wrong.

Yaya Christmas Winner

I woke up to a great surprise this morning, I learned I won the 7th Yaya Christmas giveaway prize from my sweet friend Debi. It's such a cute clutch, necklace and watch, woooohoooooo, I'm gonna be so snazzy! Everyone should go over and check her out, she's such a great gal, and she has such a great blog!

On another note, if I come up missing you'll know I've floated away in a ditch or creek somewhere. Yep, woke up again this morning to more rain here in Alabama. Ughhhh!
I guess we do need it though.

I have very happy news to share about my uncle! Yesterday his heart rhythm stayed good all day, the cardiologist said he didn't see any problems with his heart, they think the problems he's been having it just from all he's gone through and the medications.
Also, they are going to take him off the Dialysis machine today to see how things go. Things are looking up but he does still have alot of recovering to do.
He is still critical in ICU. We'll all be glad when he's more alert and doesn't have all the tubes so he can talk.

Saturday Update

I just walked in the door from Birmingham. Went to the hospital today to see my uncle.
Things are still very critical BUT he seems to be slowing making little improvements.
We went back in ICU and saw him at 11 am, oh it was really sad. So many tubes and wires. His heart rate was all over the place.
We went back again at 1 pm, his heart rate had got more steady.
At the 3 pm visit he could squeeze people's hands when told to, he wiggled his toes when he was told to, and he opened his eyes a little. So that was great! We're hoping he's making a turn for the better.
Also,,,they flew in a special dialysis machine from Jacksonville Florida for him. This one isn't like a regular one, they say it's a more gradual type dialysis.
From what I understand when the doctor talked to the family around 2pm he said basically since he had to go under anesthesia twice so close together that his system was basically holding on to all the drugs, etc. and it was just taking a while for him to get rid of it all, that is another thing with this dialysis, hopefully it'll help even more clean out his system. Also more really good news his kidneys are working some now on their own.
I didn't see him yesterday but they said he was so near death, my aunt and cousins said they knew that was the end. It's so great things seem to be getting better.
Keep up the prayers...

Friday Update On My Uncle - Not Good News

Things just aren't looking good at all. Seems one thing after another is going wrong.
As I mentioned yesterday morning he had to go back in surgery to stop internal bleeding.
This morning around 1 am he started having serious heart trouble, I think they have it stable now. Also today they were informed he does have a tumor on his pancreas, after being told Wednesday his pancreas was fine. I just learned his kidneys are shutting down, they think it could be from the anesthesia so they're putting him on dialysis.
I'm really hating now that I didn't go by his house and see him before the surgery. I was hoping we'd get to the hospital in time to have seen him Wednesday before the surgery but we didn't.
My heart breaks for my Daddy because I know he's worried to death. :-(

Secret Santa Shindig Mailing Time

I just got home from the post office, got my Secret Santa Shindig gift off in the mail. I really hope my partner likes her gift. I decided on a Godinger Dessert Dome, it'll be great for those holiday pies, cookies or other treats. It can be used any time of the year so I hope she gets alot of years of enjoyment out of it. I also hope it arrives safely without getting broken. (It looks really small in the picture below but it isn't)

Great Giveaway-Fiesta Ware

Attention people! You have to read this, there are so many great giveaways out there but I think this is the one I'd love the most to win! It's a four piece place setting of Fiesta dinnerware!
WooooooooooHooooooooooooo, now I love Fiesta ware, I have alot of it but don't think anyone could ever have too much of that stuff, I love love love it!
Get on over and visit Jaci at Ravings of a Mad Housewife and get entered! Guess what, you even get to pick what colors you'd like, isn't that great! (no discontinued colors though).
Ok....I'm off to go decide which color I'd choose and leave my comment for my entry.

17th Birthday

Happy birthday to my son Wesley ... today is his big 17th birthday.
Goodness how the years go by so fast ! :-(

My Uncle - Thursday Morning

My mother just called and said my uncle's blood pressure dropped during the night, they are taking him back to surgery right now to open him back up and try to stop the internal bleeding.

My Uncle - Update

Just wanted to let you all know that my uncle's surgery.
The doctor said things went as well as could be expected. They did remove his whole stomach, his spleen and surrounding lymph nodes.
The doctor was pretty concerned about a couple of spots on a lymph node by his pancreas but he didn't want to mess with it so he put a sort of clamp there so if the oncologist decides to do radiation he'll have a target to shoot for. It is good news that his pancreas looked ok.
He is in ICU tonight, he'll be there for 4 or 5 days. My aunt and cousins got to go in a see him tonight and they said he looked no different than he did before the surgery, he was talking to them just a little groggy.
Everyone was told of the serious risk involved in this surgery, most of them are after the surgery, such as infection, blood clots, etc.
We were talking today how it is so scary because my grandmother had to have surgery on her stomach back in Dec. 95, she went through her surgery fine, got moved out of ICU and into a regular room, she finally got to eat real food and was doing great.
My uncle and dad were with her one morning and decided to go to the cafeteria to get breakfast while the nurses were changing my grandmother's sheets and helping her bathe off, they heard them call code blue to my grandmother's room. She had a blood clot and just slumped over in the chair she was sitting in and died, that was on New Year's day 1996.
So even though the surgery is over there are still great dangers. Please continue to keep him in your prayers.

My Uncle

I would like to ask everyone to keep my uncle in your thoughts and prayers. His name is Stanley.
A couple of weeks ago he was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Tomorrow they are doing surgery on him in Birmingham to remove his whole stomach. I have never heard of anyone having to have their whole stomach removed before but they said the doctor said he performs those type surgeries all the time. There are alot of risk involved in this surgery so I hope even after the surgery is over he has no complications.
He is my dad's only sibling so you could imagine my dad seems pretty uneasy about it all. Me and my honey are going to drive my parents to Birmingham tomorrow so we can all be there. So please remember us all tomorrow.
I'll try to post when we get home tomorrow night and let you all know how everything went.

Dear Santa

Dear Santa Claus,

I have a blogging friend Trina who wrote you tonight so I thought heck, I might as well write you also.

I am pretty content and really don't need anything. I was so happy when I got my Christmas present a little early the other day. I do appreciate it so much and I thank you so much for bringing it to me early.

My wish has to do with someone else. Since you're Santa Claus you know who I'm talking about without me having to mention names and embarrass anyone here on my blog.

My first wish for this person is for her to receive a heart, I guess she has one but I think something must be wrong with it because she does such ugly things, no way she could have a healthy heart, so my wish is for her to have a great big healthy heart full of love and joy for all the world.

My second wish is for this person to have a new pair of eye glasses. I think she must need some, otherwise she would see how ugly she treats people.

My third wish for this person is a pair of shoes, a used pair so she can walk a mile or two in them. It would really be great if these shoes could have belonged to her ex husband or her children. I bet if she walked a mile in their shoes she'd really be amazed to see some of the things they've gone through and felt because of her.

My fourth wish for this person is the gift of common sense, this person pretends to be so well educated I think she really has no idea what common sense is.

My fifth wish for this person is for her to have a Merry Christmas with her children. I hope while she's enjoying this day with her children that she really thinks long and hard about her mother and father which she hasn't spoken to in years. There could come a day when her own children do her the same way so may she enjoy this Christmas with them.
I guess this will complete my list of Christmas wishes for this person.
May she have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !

A Sunday Post

Hope you all had a great weekend. I've had a pretty nice one even though I really didn't do much. I don't have anything exciting to talk about tonight but I didn't want to miss a day posting, since I've been doing so good this month.
So.......there you have it, my Sunday post. Maybe tomorrow's will be more interesting.
Goodnight :-)

Still Love Them

I'm talking about, it's the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Today was the SEC Championship game and sadly we were defeated by those darn ole Florida Gators. Yes, I'll admit it...I'm a very sore loser.
Most people didn't give Alabama a snowballs chance at winning today, I'm so proud of Bama for playing such a great game, Florida won but I'll tell you it wasn't an easy task for them.
Now that we don't have a chance to play for the National Championship and since I'm such a sore loser I've just gotta shout "Boomer Sooner".

Rolllllllllllllllll Tide Rolllllllllllllllllllllll and keep your head held high, all your fans still love you and we're so proud of you! We all know you're the best !!!!!!!

My Great Great Grandfather

Your tombstone stands among the rest;

Neglected and alone,

The name and date are chiseled out

On polished marbled stone.

It reaches out to all who care

It is too late to mourn.

You did not know that I exist.

You died and I was born.

Yet each of us are cells of you

In flesh, in blood, in bone.

Our blood contracts and beats a pulse

Entirely not our own

Dear Ancestor, the place you filled

One hundred years ago

Spreads out among the ones you left

Who would have loved you so.

I wonder if you lived and loved,

I wonder if you knew

That someday I would find this spot,

And come to visit you.
Author Unknown

Small Town Christmas Parade

Tonight was our town's Christmas parade. Isn't it something how the coldest nights of the year always seem to be on parade night. We didn't get too bad cold though, we got there early enough to get a good spot to park so we could sit in the vehicle to watch the parade.

After we got parked I looked down to the car to our right and I felt so bad for pulling up there in my BIG vehicle, knowing I messed up them being able to see good. Molly didn't help the situation any when she looked at the little old couple in the car and said "Awwwwww Mama this might be their last parade". Things worked out ok though, us younger folks (me, Molly, Wes and Lindsay) were all sitting in the vehicle trying to stay warm and the older people were running grabbing the candy being thrown, haha ..... was cute to see.

Made me think, I hope me and my honey can be out at the age having fun, enjoying the parade and grabbing candy.

My MIL is in a club and their float won first place tonight (the photo below), it's the West AL Svc Club. You'll notice the manger in the photo, one of Molly's dolls had the honor of playing the roll of baby Jesus on their float. It was such a pretty float, the cross was just beautiful.

Sorry I don't have more pictures to share, I took alot but they didn't turn out good at all.

Feelin' Like A Blogstar

For those of you who missed out on all the fun yesterday over at SITS I hate it for you, it was such great fun. I did work so hard at it though I was up until probably 1 am Tuesday morning doing a little holiday decorating on my blog so all my new visitors would feel welcomed and hopefully want to come back and see me again, of course I also had to get my blog linked up with Mr. Linky, I was so proud to be #5 on the list, well you would know that ole Mr. Stinky Linky quit working and I had to email my link to that gals at SITS and after all that I was down to #85 on the list.
Of course I didn't win one of the great prizes that were given away, no surprise to me.
It was such fun to go check out all the other gal's neat blogs and leave them some comment love, I spotted quiet a few I hadn't seen before and will for sure have to visit more often from now on.
The best thing about yesterday, who doesn't just love getting comments on their blog? I know I sure do! Well check out my post below this one, yep...that's right, 77 comments! Woooohooooo .... I feel like a big blogstar or something. Thanks Heather and Tiffany for such a fun day and you truly gave lots of gals out here a SITSteriffic day!

Merry SITSmas

Christmas is a perfect time

To stop and reminisce

About the many hours we've spent

Discussing that and this-

The laughs, the smiles

That we have known

The wonderful things we've done

That make the friendship that we share

A very special one!
Have a very special Christmas, my friends

Author Unknown

Merry SITSmas SITSstas!

Check This Out

Wow! I just had to share this exciting news with you all.
Tomorrow is Merry SITSmas day over at the SITS blog. Tomorrow is going to be a great day at SITS, they're giving away a prize every hour from 6am until 10pm, their grand prize winner will have their blog featured as Friday's favorite andddddddd a $200 Target gift card, who couldn't use that here at Christmas time so everyone go on over and check them out, I promise you'll have a blast, it's such a fun blog!!!!

Iron Bowl - Alabama 36 Auburn 0

The Iron Bowl is the common name for the annual college football game between the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn University Tigers. The series is considered one of the best and most hard fought rivalries in all of sports.

This year Alabama broke Auburn's six year winning streak with a 36-0 shutout. It was also Alabama's first win against Auburn in Tuscaloosa.

It's been such a great season for all of us Alabama fans.

We're anxiously awaiting the game against Florida and Alabama next weekend, even if Alabama doesn't win that game we still couldn't be more proud of our team!

Rollllllllllllll Tide Rolllllllllllllllllllll!

My Black Friday

I hope everyone had a nice Black Friday. Mine was pretty good, I got my Christmas present a little early. I should say Christmas and Birthday presents for the next few years!
I got a new-to-me vehicle .... it's a Toyota Sequoia. I hate having another vehicle pmt, it's been really nice not having one but my car was getting on up there in miles and with all we do with our antiques and the trips we have to make to the hospital for Molly's hospital stays I did need something bigger.
I'm sure we'll enjoy it, I just really hope the gas prices stay around what they are now and don't go back up.

Now about today - Rollllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll Tide Rollllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll !!!!!!!!!!!

Christmas Edition Of Getting To Know You

Christmas Edition of Getting to Know You

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your blogging friends. Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!! Copy this blog post and then post it on your blog with the changes in answers so that they apply to you......Tis the Season to be NICE!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? gift bags are pretty but opening a wrapped gift is much more fun
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial
3. When do you put up the tree? usually the weekend after Thanksgiving
4. When do you take the tree down? depends, sometimes the day after Christmas, sometimes I wait until New Years
5. Do you like eggnog? yea
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Easy Bake Oven
7. Hardest person to buy for? my mom and mother in law
8. Easiest person to buy for? Molly
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, my mother in law gave us a really nice Home Interior set of her's , I haven't put it out the past few years though because I am worried our cat will break something.
10.Do you send cards or email cards? both
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Ummm, they've all been good
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? A Christmas Story
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I'm a last minute shopper usually
14. Ever recycled a Christmas present? yea, shhhhh don't tell anyone though
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? dressing
16. Lights on the tree? white lights
17. Favorite Christmas song? Jingle Bells
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? go to my parents
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? I don't think so
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? a bow
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? usually let the kids open one Christmas Eve, and the rest of them Christmas morning
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Just the stress of worrying what to get people, but this year things are gonna be more calm I hope because we're not planning on spending a whole lot in the first place.
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I like mostly red, all the different colors people use are pretty but for me red is for Christmas and is just beautiful on a Christmas tree.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Ham, dressing, potato salad, etc.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? I got my Christmas present yesterday, a new to me vehicle.
26. Who is most likely to respond to this? Ummmm, not sure
27. Who is least likely to respond to this? not sure

Happy Thanksgiving

A Special Birthday

Happy birthday to my mother. Molly and I went and bought her a gift and card and took it to her this evening and visited with her for a little while. I think she was kind of bored and lonely since my dad had to work a really long day so she suggested me, her and Molly ride around looking at Christmas lights, there weren't alot up but we did see several.
After leaving her house me and Molly met Steve in town for supper at a Mexican restaurant, it was good but ughhhh not so fun getting home so late with so many things that need to be done. I'm such a procrastinator, should have made the cornbread today for my dressing tomorrow, of course I didn't though so in the morning I have to really get up and get on the ball. Thank goodness we're not having our Thanksgiving meal until tomorrow night when Steve gets off work so it will be nice not having to rush so much.
I will be so happy when my honey actually has a Thanksgiving and Christmas day off, just doesn't seem right with him being gone to work on those holidays. :-(

Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving - Gobble till you Wobble! Haha .... that's probably what I'll do.

I Need Ideas !

I have signed up for a secret Santa Swap and I really need help with some ideas of what sort of gift I could buy. I need to spend at least $30 but don't mind if I go over a little.

It is really hard to think of something to buy for someone you don't know, I have visited this person's blog but really didn't get any hints as to what they may like. I have thought of a few things but then I think no I wouldn't be to excited about recieving that myself, then I'm back where I started from, wondering what to buy.

Help please.......any good gift ideas? I have gone shopping a couple of times but just end up going in circles. This was supposed to be fun, not cause headaches.

Happy Anniversary Mama & Daddy

On this day 41 years ago my parents were married.

Back in 1967 at the time of their marriage my mom was finishing up high school and my dad was heading off to Germany after joining the army. After my dad's return they moved from Alabama and made their home in Columbus, MS. In 1970 they brought a beautiful bouncing baby girl (that would be me, hahaha!) into the world, then in 1978 they brought another beautiful girl (my sister, Pam) into the world.

They are the grandparents of 8 , all the kids love them both but believe me I don't think there is another "Papa" in the world like my daddy.

In this day and time it is a real honor to say I have parents who have been together so long. I wish them many, many more years of happiness together.

E! News

I wanted to thank everyone for your kind comments, today I am feeling better. It is amazing how just getting out of the house sometimes for a little while can make such a difference.

Also, a little bit of news to share, E! entertainment television has named the sexiest woman in the world and darn, it wasn't me !

(hope you all know I'm just joking ........ not that I expected it really be me or anything, my husband said it should have been though, now isn't that sweet - wonder what he wants?!?!? haha!)

Anyway, back to the sexiest woman in the world, her name is Karolina Kurkova and here's a photo of her:

Really sad though because see, they could have had this (haha, hope you know I'm only joking again!) HAHAHAHA .........

This is a old photo of me from Dec. 2007, Me and Molly were home alone one night so we did our hair and makeup and took pictures, we played "Model", I try to do fun stuff with Molly, hopefully we're making fun memories she'll never forget. About this picture I miss my short hair so much, I really think it looks better on me short but for my sweet husband I try to let it grow, you know most men love longer hair even though they may not all admit it.

I Wish

I wish I could say I'm loving this cooler weather,

but I'm not ... it's just so depressing to me.

I wish I could say I've been having a great week,

but for some reason I just haven't ... maybe next week will be better.

I wish I was ready for the holidays,

but I just can't seem to get in the holiday spirit, I don't even want to put up a Christmas tree, but I have kids so of course I will.

I wish I could be a better wife, wish my best friend (husband) could see things different, understand things more sometimes.

But so many things seem to come before what should matter most and sometimes things are said that shouldn't be said ...

I've just had one of those weeks where I could just crawl in a hole somewhere and hybernate forever all by myself.

I hope things brighten up soon , I'm ready to smile a sincere smile.

Alabama 32 - Mississippi State 7

Last night we went to the Bama vs State game, we had a good time other than the cold weather. The worst part was walking so far. We had to park farther away than we've ever had to before and the wind was blowing right in our faces as we were walking. Once we got in the stadium and got in our seats it felt better.

We were so proud of Bama for winning because for the past two years Mississippi State has beat us.

Wes my Honey, Molly and me

The next game for Bama is Auburn which is always a great game because there's such a big rivalry there. Hopefully we can beat them to remain undefeated.

Always The Winner To Me

Last night was the Christmas pageant at Molly's school. Molly didn't place this year but oh my goodness, she was so beautiful and did such a great job up on the stage. We're always so proud of her!

I never participated in a pageant when I was younger and I really guess it's a good thing I never did, then again I don't think being in one and not placing would have bothered me as bad as my sweet baby being in one and not placing. She just has the biggest heart and I just feel she deserves the best of everything. I get frustrated the judges don't see things my way.

Every year I say I never want her to be in another one but she loves them and wants to be in them so who knows, this time next year you'll probably be reading another post from me, complaining about pageants and how unfair they seem. I mean my goodness, there were 14 girls in her age division, to pay to enter a pageant, spend all that money on dresses and line them all up for three complete strangers to pick who/what they're looking for on that particular day, it's just all crazy to me. I know my child is beautiful, I know she's a great person ... that should be all that matters.

Molly and her best friend, Penni.

Molly & Cheyanne

Cheyenne was the winner in her age division, she's such a beautiful girl on the inside and out. Molly and one of her good friends, Sierra
Molly and our little great niece, Adrian. Adrian got 2nd runner up in her division.

Veterans Day

There are several veterans I know that I could talk about today, as a matter of fact my husband has a nephew (Brandon) in Iraq right now serving his 2nd term, he is scheduled to be back in the U.S. in December, hopefully never to have to return to Iraq again, he has two small children (ages 6 and 8) who need their daddy home. In between the two terms in Iraq he spent one in South Korea, you can tell by these 3 terms he's barely got to spend anytime with his 2 children or wife. My maternal grandfather is a WW2 Veteran. In Nov. 1943 at the age of 18 he enlisted at Fort McClellan. He was one among the approximate 16 million men and women that served in the U.S. Armed Forces during WW2.

The winters were very cold in Europe, due to this and the fact the winter clothing issued to American soldiers in 1944-45 was inadequate there was a large number of cold casualties. Trench foot and frostbite together have accounted for over 1 million U.S. casualties in WW1, WW11 and the Korean War. My grandfather was one of the soldiers that suffered from severe frostbite, he didn't see very much battle time because of his frostbite, he was evacuated to a hospital in Paris where he spent 3 months. He came very close to losing both feet but fortunately made a full recovery and returned home to Alabama where he went back and finished high school, sadly the school burned before he ever received his diploma. He went on to marry my grandmother and father two children, he's the grandfather of three and the great grandfather of six.

He turned 83 years old this past July and is just doing great...I wish I had a picture of him in his military uniform but I don't so I'll just share this picture of him, it was taken in the late 60's.

My Dad joined the Army after graduating high school, he was in the Army during the time of Vietnam but didn't participate in the Vietnam war, he was stationed in Germany where he was a military police. My uncle (my mom's brother) is a Vietnam veteran, he served two terms, there are many more family members I could mention but instead I will just say I salute all the veterans out there today and I'm one American that is very proud of the service you provided to our country.

Monday Monday

Monday again, if only Friday's rolled around as fast as Monday's seem to.

The kids are out of school tomorrow so we'll be busy (after sleeping late of course) getting a few things ready for the Christmas pageant coming up Thursday night. Molly is so excited, I know she's gonna do great and can't wait to see her up there struttin' her stuff. They had practice yesterday afternoon, there are 13 girls in her age division, grades 7 - 9. Oh wouldn't you just hate to be a judge, I couldn't do it. I do hope everything is fair though, I often wonder.

To change the subject, this morning I heard a noise from one of our chickens, I looked out the back door, there was a fox chasing a chicken. It was a beautiful fox but I still didn't want it to eat my poor ole chicken. I know we're really gonna miss Abby (our dog that's missing) because when she was here we never had to worry about anything like that.
Wish I could have taken a picture of the fox to share with you but I was more worried about the chicken. The chicken is ok, she just has no tail feathers left, poor ole girl. I had to scream "get out of here" a few times before the fox took off running. We're going to have to set the live trap to try to catch him and relocate him to an area away from here.

Yea Alabama !

Alabama 27 - LSU 21


"Yea, Alabama!"

Yea, Alabama! Crimson Tide!

Every 'Bama man's behind you,

Hit your stride!

Go teach the Bulldogs to behave,

Send the Yellow Jackets to a watery grave!

And if a man starts to weaken,That's his shame!

For 'Bama's pluck and grit

Have writ her name in crimson flame!

Fight on, fight on, fight on, men!

Remember the Rose Bowl we'll win then!

So go, roll to victory,

Hit your stride,

You're Dixie's football pride, Crimson Tide!

Living And Learning

I have decided being a parent means never having worry free days. It's funny that my oldest child is 22 and I'm just now really figuring this out. I have also learned that no matter how much you talk to your children and try to teach them right they are going to do things that aren't always right sometimes. Guess that is just part of growing up, and that saying is true "You live and you learn". My son pulled a stunt last night and I really pray he learned his lesson. Getting the call scared the crap out of me because the first thing that came to mind was he'd had a wreck. Thank goodness he was ok and hadn't had an accident. I hate to go saying what had happened, I will respect my son's privacy and won't say but I do pray he learned his lesson, that's all I'll say about it. (it didn't involve drugs or anything like that)

I have always tried to be open and honest with my children. My oldest daughter was sometimes allowed to do more than alot of her friends but I can say she was always really good about letting me know where she was going and who she was going with, and she was always home by the time she said she would be. She turned out great and is one of the sweetest people I've ever known.

I try to always treat my son the same way, he is really a sweet boy, and I have never had any trouble from him. Not alot of boys at nearly 17 will still hug their parents or grandparents and tell them he loves them even in public, I'm really proud of the sweet person he is. He is truly an outdoor person, he loves hunting and fishing like no other person I have ever seen. Over the past couple of years he has a new obsession, dirt track racing. I am proud to see him growing up and enjoying these things. I am proud he is able to get out and meet people and make new friends through these things he likes to do. But there is a part of me that sometimes wishes I could just go back to those days where he was happy as could be just out playing in the dirt with a toy tractor, or dumping the box of hot wheels in the middle of the living room floor playing.

This past year has been harder on me than any year in my life, I realize how fast time is flying by, I think so much about times from the past and wish it was possible just to go back to when they were little. I also think of not allowing my youngest child to ever leave home without me until she's 30 yrs old. Oh if only it was that simple!

A Walk In The Fall

Yesterday my honey and I took a walk back behind our home, it was such a beautiful day. We knew we better get out and enjoy it while we could. We had a good time, I did get very tired and we did see a few snakes other than that we had a blast just walking and talking...Ohhhh how I love country living and having places like this to get out and enjoy.

The pond back behind our home, isn't it pretty. It's such a peaceful place.

The Luxapilila Creek (the Lux) which runs back behind our home.

38 yrs old and this is the first lizard I've ever held.

Walking the rails ...
The Lux at a different location, so pretty!

Awful picture of me, but the water was so clear, I just had to get in it and wade around, I just love creeks and streams. Burrrrr the water was like ice! Ok, on our way out of the woods from the creek we walked up on this, it almost gave me a heart attack!
This was a very pretty area, all the trees over the tracks, but leaves were everywhere and I was really worried about snakes after the one we'd just seen. Good thing we were on the lookout, snake on the tracks...by this time I was totally freaked out and ready to head back home.
We decided to cut through a neighbor's farm (a couple of miles from our home) to head back home, I was ready to get out of the leaves because of the snakes!

I Went To Dreamland

The Dreamland I'm talking about is probably not the one you're thinking about.

The Dreamland I'm talking about is a restaurant and they have about the BEST bbq ribs ever I think! Their quote is "Ain't nothing like'em nowhere" and believe me, I don't think there is.

Steve and I went to Tuscaloosa today just for a fun day off to ourselves and while there we stopped and had lunch at Dreamland. Ohhhhhhhhhhhh my goodness, if you're ever in the Tuscaloosa area or Birmingham you have to try it, they have restaurants in both locations ( I also think they have other locations in the South, but not sure where). We ate at the original restaurant, it was opened some 50 yrs ago by John "Big Daddy" Bishop it's very nostalgic. When you go there be ready for some ribs because that is all they serve, no side orders, other than banana pudding which was also great! For appetizer you are served loaf bread and bbq sauce, now when I looked at it I thought what. But ohhhh my goodness, the bread was so good dunked in the bbq sauce. And their sweet tea,,,,,ohhhhhh I think it was the best I've ever had. Wish I could make it that way, don't know what it is but funny how tea is always better in restaurants than it is at home, wonder why? What's their trick?

Ok....gonna tease you all now with a few food shots.

Road to Suffrage

On this Election day I can't help but think what a battle it was for women to get where we are in the world today as far as being allowed to vote. The first women's rights meeting was held way back in 1848. Seventy years would pass before the Nineteenth amendment would pass on August 26, 1920 allowing women the right to vote.

It's really sad to me that so many people don't exercise their right to vote, men or women...

You can bet this proud American woman will be heading to the polls today to very proudly vote for John Sidney McCain and I'll be thinking of those women in the above photo marching for my rights way back in 1912.