MITCHELL MADNESS

Summer's End

2010-08-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

Summer's End

Where did it go? Seems like the kids just got out of school for summer vacation. I so hate to see it go. Back to School sales are here; lazy days, sleeping late, pool time..soon will be over. Taking its place; alarm clock, busy mornings...making breakfast and lunches, rushing out the door, homework, dinner and football. Ahhh football...we loooove football. For everything there is a season. I, for one, am looking forward to what's next.

2010-01-09T16:01:00.000-08:00

I am COLD
in South Carolina

2009 Hollywild Christmas

2009-12-16T07:08:00.000-08:00

Payton loved feeding the deer.

The Zonkey

Mike feeding the Zebra.

The Zebra then went around to Syd to get a snack.

Hollywild is a tradition for my family every Christmas.

The deer were beautiful and everywhere.

This is the Buffalo getting ready to visit Mike.

The Buffalo visited Syd and Payton too.

2009-12-11T15:48:00.000-08:00

I love the Holidays. I especially love trying to decorate for Christmas and have lots of ideas but very low funds to get them accomplished. So I manage with what I have and I think it looks really pretty and it makes us feel all cozy and warm inside. I wish the decorations could stay up all year but its not the same feeling, is it? After Christmas it seems its time to get back to the old grind but I wish the feelings of the Holiday could last all throughout the year. This year we are in a new house and so I've had a challenge because this house is smaller and I don't want it to feel cluttered with just too many things. I'm posting some pictures of the den where we spend all our time together. Hope you find it as cozy as we do.

2009-12-10T10:51:00.000-08:00

I just think this is the cutest Topiary and I even think I can make it after seeing the easy instructions. If you think its as cute as I do then hurry on over and meet RACHEL and she will show you how you can make one too.

2009-12-09T11:33:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged in several months but a friend sent this to me by email and I liked it so much I wanted to blog about it and share it with anyone that is interested. This has been a peeve of mine for several years now and I refuse to allow the media and all the influences out there to take Christ out Christmas for me. I just thought this was a cool video and it makes me smile when I see it. What about you?

2009-08-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

I start back to work this week. I'll be at a new school this year. I'm excited but also anxious. I had gotten into a comfort zone and now I'm feeling some nervousness beginning a new school year. I'm not prepared at all. My summer was filled with alot of stress hense the no blogging. We moved just a week ago and my house is still in a mess. I have storage issues like...there isn't any. I'm trying to be creative on a budget. A very small one. So if anyone has any ideas, please share. I am determined to get back on track and start living again. God is Good!

2009-08-09T05:56:00.000-07:00

But I am like a Olive Tree,

flourishing in the House of God;

I trust in God's unfailing love,

for ever and ever. Psalms 52:8

2009-06-18T09:23:00.001-07:00

One of my most favorite blogs to read is We Are THAT Family. I love Kristen's style of writing. If you haven't visited her blog, please do.

Kristen shared something today on her blog that I wanted to share on mine. Death is Not Dying It's about a young mother that's dying of Cancer. Her name is Rachel Barkey.
Please take the time to listen to Rachel. I promise you won't regret it.

2009-06-16T10:52:00.001-07:00

Faith is not believing God can.....but knowing God WILL.

Summers Beginning

2009-06-08T05:20:00.000-07:00

The summer is always an exciting time. The past few days have been full of end of the school year activities, a birthday party and a trip to Carowinds. The end of school was kinda bitter sweet for me this year. I'll be moving from Mitchell Road Elementary to Washington Center. I've loved being at Mitchell Road and have made some lasting friendships. I hate to go but I must so I'm anxious about the future and praying for a smooth transition. Payton will also be changing schools and I'm not quite sure where that will be as of yet. He is excited about wherever it might be though. He has had such a good time at Mitchell Road too and that is what I will miss the most....US being together. I've loved being at the same school and can pop in and check on him at anytime and see all of his special activities. The 3rd grade was a tough grade with all the homework 3rd graders have but he did fantastic. Payton made the AB Honor Roll for the YEAR!! I'm so proud of him for working so hard.

The last day of school was Payton's actual birthday but we had his party on Saturday at the YMCA Pool. The kids enjoyed swimming and playing and I can't believe Payton is 9 years old. Where does time go?

Yesterday we went to Carowinds and we had a beautiful day. The weather couldn't have been better...warm but not extremely hot and there were no crowds. Everyone got to ride all the rides they wanted and even ride them multiple times. Payton was finally big enough to ride the big roller coasters and he enjoyed riding with his older brothers. It was fun watching them have fun together. Despite the age difference they love each other and hopefully they can stay close the older they get.

Some things Payton refused to ride but the older boys had a great time.

And while Payton was riding some Nickelodeon rides...his older brothers enjoyed the Carousel.

Mike enjoyed the day too and just had to have his picture taken with Chuckie.

We had such a fun day and I for one look forward to doing it again soon.

2009-04-06T18:25:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a month since my last blog. I've been so busy lately but never seem to get done the things I want to do. I have alot of unfinished projects around the house that Mike and I have been working on. Ok, well Mike's been working on. I just keep adding things to his "honey do" list. Since I'm on Spring Break right now, I thought I'd do some spring cleaning. It's not going very well.

In the midst of my cleaning I'm taking care of a puppy, Jack. I LOVE puppies. However, I do believe this will be my last puppy. Mike doesn't believe me. They are soooo much trouble and I'm not very good with training. We are in the "crying all night" stage and I hate it. So much for sleeping during spring break. He is really cute though. See....

Don't you think he's a cuty? Kinda reminds me of "Marley" from the movie. Uh-Oh

I remember

2009-03-06T16:05:00.000-08:00

I remember warm afternoons lying in the backyard watching the clouds, making mud pies and playing school with my dolls, playing restaurant in our utility room and being the waitress and the cook.

I remember playing Bum Bum Bum and Red Rover Red Rover, Learning to ride my bicycle all by myself, Climbing on our brick wall to be big enough to ride my brothers bike and then just falling to get off of it.

I remember buying wax finger nails and lips and whistles at Halloween and how I loved the taste. Spending 10 cents at the store and actually getting a bag of candy. Playing jacks and getting excited when I was able to actually win a game.

I remember summer evenings, catching lightning bugs and hearing the chirping crickets. Eating cold watermelon on a hot summer day and having the juice run all down my chin, seeing who could spit seeds farther,

I remember drinking Mountain Dew from a glass bottle and thinking it was the best in the world.

I remember playing jump rope, getting new paper dolls, the feeling I had on the first day of school every year, playing softball, shooting basketball, riding go carts and mini bikes, taking a hike up a mountain and sitting on top looking down on our community

I remember waiting for the Ice Cream truck at my grandmothers, Sundresses with skinny straps tied in a bow, Quick Tan (QT), Vacation Bible School and loving it, Myrtle Beach Grand Strand, White Lake

I remember slumber parties, sledding down the pasture, new love, the anticipation of Santa and the excitement of Christmas morning.

I remember the day I accepted Christ, my baptism at 9 years old, movie theatres with balconies, Drive-In's.

I remember Poison Oak and Calamine lotion, bees buzzing and stings, learning to drive with my daddy, Church revivals, swim lessons

I remember my mother’s home cooked meals and feeling safe and free from worries and a house full of love.

2009-03-03T10:00:00.001-08:00

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2009-02-26T16:25:00.000-08:00

I started to write this post and then got caught up in a phone conversation and while I was chatting Payton sat beside me and was looking at what I was writing about. He took my laptop and started writing and wouldn't let me see until he was finished. I thought it was so cute that I just had to publish it anyway. He did ask me how to spell "picture" and "please" but other than that the next paragraph was written by him pretending to be me. He's such a sweet boy.

Payton hasn't felt good this week and yesterday he started running a fever at school so we came home. His fever was in the 100s today and yesterday.The dog in his lap is Abby she can be lazy sometinesbut we all love her.My husben took this picture of Payton and Abby don't they look cute.Can u please pry for Payton when ever u can.

2009-02-26T15:58:00.000-08:00

Aaaah Spa Day

2009-02-22T07:19:00.000-08:00

No not for me but I definitely need another one. This one was for Miss Abby. She was dropped off at her favorite Spa yesterday and came back looking lovely and refreshed. You know how you feel when you're having one of those Bad Hair Days? The kind that just makes you want to stay home in bed.....or at least away from the outside world. Well she didn't tell me this but I know thats the way she felt. I can just tell. Abby came home looking pretty as a Princess and was prancing around acting all excited. She just loved her day and feels so much better. I posted her Before and After pictures because she is so proud.

Before

2009-02-22T07:13:00.000-08:00

After

2009-02-22T07:10:00.000-08:00

2009-02-17T18:41:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite things today. Its a Magic Jack. I know you're probably saying WTH but let me tell you this thing really does work and it cuts your phone bill drastically. Recently, I was determined to get rid of my home phone bill. This seemed to bother my husband and before I knew it he had this thing installed himself and it was working in no time for a fraction of the cost of your local carrier. He purchased it at Radio Shack for $40 and it plugs right into your computer and we pay nothing else for a year. After a year you only pay $20 per year. Yes, that's right $20 per YEAR. Not bad huh? So this is my favorite thing today.

2009-02-04T17:30:00.000-08:00

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It was a sunny Sunday in June 2000. Mike had taken Sydney to the batting cage for some practice. Sydney was 6 years old and was loving baseball and Mike was having a terrific time being Sydney’s father and coach. I was a few days from my due date and was very anxious. This pregnancy had been a little different than my others and I had more aches and pains with this one but then again I was approaching 40. I had always heard that if you take a dose of Castor Oil when you’re close to your due date that it can put you in labor. So before Mike left I told him I thought I’d give it a try. He didn’t have much to say about it and I really don’t think he thought stuff like that could work so he and Syd head on out to the park.
After about a hour, I finally get up enough nerve and I take 1 tablespoon of the yucky clear liquid. It really didn’t have that much of a taste but yet it was terrible. I really don’t remember how long it took but it seemed like a matter of minutes before I started spending some time in the bathroom. I started having what felt like contractions the more time I spent in the bathroom. Mike and Syd weren’t gone very long and when they returned I told Mike what I had done and that we were probably going to need to go on to the hospital. I then return back to the bathroom and this time I was even having some “show” so I knew we had to go. When I came out of the bathroom, Mike had calmly changed into a pair of comfortable shorts and thought he was going to relax the rest of the afternoon. I was a little shocked that he wasn’t taking me more serious but then when I told him I wasn’t kidding around ….this was it. He jumps up and starts getting ready. My family lived about 30 minutes away so we called them and told them we were going to the hospital. Then on the way to the hospital, Mike called the doctor. My contractions were extremely strong. Mike pulls up at the hospital and goes in to get me a wheel chair. (Syd is still with us because my family is coming to the hospital and he will be staying with them) I’m thinking it is taking to long to get the wheel chair and I’m going to have this baby in the car so I try to get out and make it in by myself. Mike meets me halfway and I get a ride the rest of the way. I’m thinking OMG, what is taking so long. I’m pre-registered so why the delay. I’m having this baby right now. Mike even starts telling them how quick things are happening and if you didn’t already know this, my husband, Mike, is a Paramedic. I felt very safe and comfortable with him if he had to deliver as he’s delivered babies before but I knew he really wanted to get me there in time.
They get me in the birthing room and poor little Syd has to sit outside the door with the nurses. My family hasn’t gotten there yet and there is no time to wait. As soon as I get in there, I’m told I’m ready to start pushing…..but where is my doctor? She is not there yet so a intern comes in and is putting on gloves when through the door comes my doctor. She normally would have waited to come until the hospital called her but she said something just told her to come on. She said she was tying her shoelaces at the stop lights.
I was only at the hospital for 20 minutes when Michael Payton was born. My labor was the most intense of the 3 deliveries. I really thought something was wrong because it was much different than the others. In fact I was telling them that something was wrong and I couldn’t do this. I think the Castor Oil moved things along so fast that my body didn’t have time to prepare for the birth. By the time I was taken to my room, our families had arrived at the hospital and were very surprised to see that Payton was already here.
Payton is now 8 years old and I was fortunate enough to be able to stay at home with him until he started Kindergarten and since 1st grade I’ve been able to work at the same school
so we have been able to spend a lot of time together and it is so nice to be there during the day if he needs me.

2009-02-04T17:29:00.000-08:00

2009-02-04T17:28:00.000-08:00

Payton in deep concentration at a football game.

2009-02-04T17:17:00.000-08:00

Payton at 8 years old

2009-01-27T18:08:00.000-08:00

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This is a short story about the birth of my second son, Sydney Cooper. But I’m going to back up a little bit and start the story nearly a year before his birth. In 1992, I had a seizure. It all began one morning as I was getting ready for work and I noticed my foot was doing something weird. Just a funny feeling but I brushed it off as nothing and went on to work. By lunchtime my foot and calf wanted to do its own thing. When I would take a step, my leg from my knee down felt like it wouldn’t straighten back out. I still wasn’t that nervous or scared at this point. Then as the next day started, my whole right leg was jerking like it was having a muscle spasm non stop. Even during my sleep it would make this jerking movement. I made an appointment with my doctor.
After his exam, my doctor wanted to refer me to a Neurologist and within a week I was seeing Dr. Ledbetter. My first visit was on a Friday and he ran some test and said he wanted me to have a MRI on the following Monday. He evidently notice something out of the ordinary because he started me on a seizure medication that day. On Sunday, however, I woke up early and went straight into a seizure. They never found out the reason and I never had another one but because of abnormal EEG’s I was on medication for 10 years. Because of this they didn’t want me to have anymore children and my husband had a vasectomy. I had always wanted more children and was saddened that that wasn’t going to ever happen, however God had something else in store. Obviously the Vasectomy didn’t work. The doctor said 1 in 500 doesn’t so YEAH I was that “1”.
My pregnancy was pretty normal just as it was with Layne. I was a little concerned because I was on seizure medication during this pregnancy but I had a really good doctor who was very reassuring and gave me all the possibilites up front. She also allowed for many Ultrasounds and even one in 3D to check for facial deformities which were a possible side effect of my medication. Everything was checking out fine. About 3 weeks before my due date, my check up showed that my amniotic fluid was low. So she puts me out of work and suggests rest as this can help build fluid back up. After the first week I was checked again and the fluid was still the same and since I was another week closer she said if I wanted to we could have a baby that day. I was so anxious for Syd to get here so naturally I said YES.
My doctor meets me at the hospital at 5:00 pm and they break my water. In a very short period of time my contractions start. I was actually planning on having a epidural for this one but when it came time to where I was asking to get it they couldn’t find the anesthesiologist to give it to me and by the time he comes in I’m in way too much pain. He tries to give it to me anyway and on the 3rd time he gets it right. (Unfortunately it didn’t take right away but I was feeling no pain after I had already given birth) As soon as I lay back again I’m informed I can start pushing so there was no way the epidural was working at that point. Sydney was born with just a few short pushes at 7:56pm (3 hours) and when everyone was busy taking care of him and finishing up with me I was feeling fine. He was the smallest of my boys at 6lbs 8oz and was only 18 ½ inches long but he was beautiful with a head full of black hair and just perfect. I can’t believe that same little boy is now a Sophmore in High School and is getting ready to drive. Where does the time go?
Next week will be the incredible birth of Payton and if you’ve thought my first two births were fast just wait until you hear how quick this little guy entered the world.

Proud Big Brother Layne and Sydney at 5 weeks

Sydney

2009-01-21T17:14:00.000-08:00

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I wanted to share with you the birth stories of my children. I have 3 boys ages 25, 15 and 8. People ask me all the time if it was easier or harder having them so far apart but honestly that’s all I’ve known so I couldn’t really answer that. I have been married twice so my first two are from my first marriage. Each birth was so exciting and it was hard to decide which story to tell first so I just decided to start with the oldest.

I was in the Navy and had only been married about 10 months when I suspected I was pregnant. I was stationed in Keflavik, Iceland and expecting my first child and being away from my family was not a happy time for me. My plans were to become a Nurse and I was going to San Diego for my training but my husband and baby would not be able to come with me because of the housing situation and I wasn’t a high enough rank to get housing at that time. So my decision to leave the Navy was a easy one because I definitely wasn’t leaving my newborn to go across the country to go to school. So I came home when I was 7 months pregnant. I then set out to find a doctor. Since I didn’t have insurance any longer, I found a doctor that would let me and the baby come home from the hospital on the same day if there were no complications. I didn’t have a clue about childbirth but I figured if other women did it I surely could do it too without any problems. Although when my mother would say “I’m just glad it’s you and not me” I should have questioned her more about that. I wondered why she would say something like that but dummy me didn’t question her. I figured it would be uncomfortable but ……yes I said uncomfortable…I never dreamed what it was really like. I should have thought about it a lot though because Layne didn’t seem to want to enter the world too soon. Every week going to the doctor to tell me nothing was happening was so frustrating. Finally when I had given up trying to predict when he was coming it happened. On June 12th , 1983 around 10pm as I lay watching Television anticipating sleep, Layne decided it was time. I felt a sharp kick and a small gush and knew something just happened but didn’t really know what. We called my mom for some advice and she said that Yes that sounds like what has happened. Well if I had waited a few seconds I would have known for sure myself that that is exactly what happened. All I could think about was that my baby was most likely going to be born on the “13th”. As I tried to move around and get things ready (why didn’t I have this ready anyway?? It’s not like I didn’t have the time) that’s when things started happening and happening all too fast for me too. I called the doctor and he said I could go to the hospital or wait awhile if I wanted. He figured I would have awhile before I delivered since this was my first child. Well I did wait for awhile, I waited for 2 hours until my pains became unbearable. We left for the hospital around midnight. So we get there and the nurses are taking their time trying to check me in all the while I think I’m dying and once again my pants are soaked. Finally we get to the Birthing Room and I’m thinking they should know it’s been over 2 hours now since my water broke. They’ve left us by ourselves at this point and I tell my husband (at that time) to go tell them. He pats my arm and says “It’ll be o’k, I’ll tell them the next time they come in”. Why do men do this? He got it real quick from that point on. I didn’t have a Epidural or any other drugs, not that I’m so courageous but because we didn’t have any insurance and I was thinking of what it would cost us. Well everything continued to move very fast and on June 13th at 2:04am Jeffrey Layne was born. In just 4 hours I had given birth to the most beautiful little boy I had ever seen and what joy he has brought to my life. Through the years Layne has been the little boy who could always make friends with anyone and always pulled for the underdog. He’s gentle, compassionate and always makes me proud. This year will be a milestone in his life because on October 17, 2009, Layne and Christina are getting married and after 3 boys I’m finally going to have a girl in our family. I’m gaining a daughter! I’m so excited and look forward to seeing what God has planned for their lives.

Next Wednesday I’ll share how Sydney became a part of our lives.

2009-01-19T07:18:00.000-08:00

I am always looking for a great deal and where I can get the most out of my coupons. I stumbled across these deals at Bi-Lo yesterday and wanted to share. I got 12 bottles or cans of Suave products and used my Buy 3 Suave products and get $2 off coupons. These bottles of shampoo and conditioner were .74 each, hairspray was $1.30 each and the childrens shampoo was $1.21 each. After using 4 of my coupons this averaged out to be around .30 per can or bottle. The ACT Mouthwash is reg. $5.99 and it was on sale for $3.99, the Tylenol is reg. $6 and was also on sale for $3.99. I used a $2 off coupon for each of these items making them only $2 each which made these a great deal too. The Tums were $1.49 each and I had $1 off coupons making these only .49 each and last was the Pepcid. It is reg. $5.29 on clearance for $2.64 and I had $1 off coupon so I paid $1.64. The grand total for these products were close to $30 and I paid OOP $11.11. I think thats pretty good. Some other deals I found but not pictured were the Green Giant Frozen Veggies. They are on sale BOGO and after using the .50 off each this makes this product free. I also had $1.50 off coupons for Coffee Mate coffee creamer. They were on sale for $1.99 and I paid .50 cents. Woo Hoo!!! I love finding these deals. It's funny what little things can excite me. If you've found any good deals lately, please post them and let me know.

My First Birthday Party

2009-01-07T16:10:00.000-08:00

After doing some thinking about what memory to share I felt that for my very first post for the very first "Wednesday's Walk Down Memory Lane" that it would only be fitting to share about my very first Birthday Party. To begin, let me tell you a little about my childhood. I am the youngest of 4 and my mother was a SAHM and my daddy was a Preacher. We never had alot of money but I never felt like I was having to do without either. We always had a nice clean home, it was warm and cozy and momma always cooked us three meals a day. I have heard her say many times that there were days she didn't know what she would feed us the next day but that the Lord would always provide for us and he did. My home was a home where I always knew I was loved and I feel truly blessed to have been brought up in a Christian home.

One thing my mother didn't celebrate though like most parents do were our Birthdays. Looking back on this it seems really sad but I never wondered why and I never felt cheated. She would bake me a cake on that day but as far as gifts or having friends over...an actual party...I never had one. Not until April 2005. So on this day my husband and boys gave me a Birthday Party. My very First Party! Just having the party would have been plenty enough for me but as my gift they gave me a Easy Bake Oven. This was something my boys had always heard me say I wanted as a little girl but I never got. Well, I can't say that anymore and not only did I get the Easy Bake Oven but I also got a Barbie Cake. Can you imagine my surprise? I loved this party and just knowing that these men in my life that I dearly love, put this much thought into doing something like this for me, just made the whole thing that much more special.

A Better Me

2008-12-30T19:09:00.000-08:00

The end of 2008 is drawing near and I have been contemplating all the changes I intend to make within my life this coming year. In the past I've never liked New Year Resolutions because frankly I've never been able to keep them. New Year Resolutions mean committing to something. Here are some of the top Resolutions I found online that people tend to "commit" to year after year.

Losing Weight, Gaining Weight, Getting out of debt, Saving money, Getting a better job, Getting fit, Eating right, Getting a better Education, Drinking less Alcohol, Quiting Smoking, Reducing Stress, Taking a Trip, Volunteering more, Being less Grumpy and becoming more independent.

I guess it shouldn't amaze me that no where in this list does it mention Religion....Spirituality.

This is where my commitment comes into play this year.

I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was 9 years old. I remember the day clearly but yet I can't remember things I did yesterday. I was raised in a Christian home and my father was a Minister. I was at church every time the doors were open. Through the years I've fallen short and attended church but yet not really felt a part of anything. I find myself not talking to God as much as I should but only calling to him when I am in need. This year I want to rededicate my life to Christ and gain a more personal relationship with him. I want to praise him in good times, which comes so easy but also rejoice with him when times are bad and yes the really bad. I want to become a part of something and become involved in my church and serve. I don't know how or where but through prayer I'm sure he will lead me where he wants me to be. I want my family and friends to see Christ in me and I am asking God to help me become the servant he wants me to be and the wife that Mike needs. On one of the blogs I read it was asked "Could we have endured life like Mary, the mother of Jesus had to do? How blessed Mary was to have raised Jesus for 33 years but she endured such hardships along the way. Here is a quote from Lynette Krafts blog. "Mary…the mother of Jesus was blessed among women. She was a mere, sinful human being – not perfect – just human like you and me. Yet, God chose her to fulfill a special purpose.Luke 1:38 “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” When Mary said “behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word”, I think she was saying, Lord, I’m submissive to your will. I’m willing to do your work. I’m blessed to be chosen. Do you feel that way with what God has called you to in your life? Are you the Lord’s willing handmaid?Mary was chosen to carry a child before marriage. Mary was chosen to travel during the last days of her pregnancy, (and every woman who’s been pregnant knows it’s not the most comfortable time to journey anywhere) - and she didn’t fly United, she rode on a donkey! Mary was chosen to give birth in a stable. Mary was chosen to endure the heartache of watching her son be beaten and tortured. Mary was chosen to grieve the loss of her 33 year old son. Mary was chosen to endure hard things… yet… Mary was “blessed among women.”?Mary said, “My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed…” Do you consider Mary blessed? Would you have wanted to endure the life she was called to live.Mary suffered, but Mary was indeed blessed".

In the days after reading Lynettes post, I was still pondering this question. I have felt at times God has given me too much to bear but I know the Bible says he doesn't give us more than we can handle. I know God will be with us this year and will help me accomplish all the things he wants me to accomplish to give him Glory. What more could anyone ask for?

This year I will be 48 years young. Wow is that really real? I guess this is one of those life changes I hear people talking about. It didn't happen at 30 or 40 or 45 but now at 48 I'm determined to make some changes. This is nothing new nor nothing I haven't known all along. However, I am a sinner and a lazy Christian. God knows my heart and knows what I'm asking now can I give him what he ask of me? Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you' declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". I am willing to become the person God intended me to be. Are you? Let us all work together to help each other and give support and encouragement for all the new things to come this year. Let us pray for one another and become Christ like in 2009.

Jesus is ALIVE today and he performs miracles daily. We should be shouting it from the rooftop!

Sydney

2008-12-28T19:39:00.000-08:00

Sorry but I am having too much fun making these Magazine Covers. :)

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Layne, Christina and Payton

2008-12-28T11:10:00.001-08:00

We spent a fun day with Layne and Christina yesterday. Layne is my oldest and he and Christina will bet getting married next October. I'm so happy for Layne and so proud of him and for what he has been able to accomplish. Christina is a beautiful girl and I am praying for their happiness and for God to be the center of their marriage and their lives. I'm very excited to be getting a daughter and pray that I will be a good mother in law and hope we can become good friends. Payton was really excited to see his older brother and could not stop talking. He doesn't see Layne that often and is just dieing to spend the night with him for some reason. I think Payton thinks he and Layne can play video games all night which would be just fine with him.
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Falcon Frenzy Wrestling Invitational

2008-12-06T18:09:00.000-08:00

Today Syd was wrestling in the Falcon Frenzy Invitational Tournament at West Henderson High School. There were 27 High Schools at this Tournament and this was Syd's first of this year at Erwin High School. Last year Syd wrestled in the weight class of 135 and he was always trying to lose weight to make the weigh ins. This year he's bigger and he got to wrestle in the weight class of 152 today. Syd did great his first match and pinned his opponent in 11 seconds. He was so proud and we were so excited for him. His next match was forfeited by his opponent not long after the match started. The ref learned the guy didn't have a mouth piece. Whatever the reason....Syd would take the win. YEAH!!! This means his last and final match would be for 1st place. Syd seemed relatively calm but I was really nervous. I tried not to show it and while we waited for ever for the match, I was constantly trying to see if I could guess who his opponent would be. You know...just to see if my son could take him...:) Well I couldn't figure out who it would be until right at the time for Syd to go to the mat. My heart was beating so hard in my chest. This was ridiculous...Why was "I" so nervous? Well if you've ever been to a wrestling meet you would know why. It is hard to see another person throw your child around and squeeze him in places and against the mat when I know they are hurting him. BUT....my son did the throwing around. Syd pinned him in the 2nd round and that's all that matters. He was soooo happy, I was sooo happy, Mike was sooo happy and Payton was just proud to call him his brother. He took first place at this tournament in his weight class. This was a tremendous accomplishment for Syd. He wrestled last year and he won some matches but didn't come close to winning the tournament. I've posted some pictures. Some are not that great because this is a new camera and I don't know how to work it yet. The last picture is with Syd and his medal but he is so exhausted that's why he isn't smiling but rest assured he's smiling on the inside.

2008-12-06T18:05:00.000-08:00

2008-12-06T18:01:00.000-08:00

Blessings

2008-12-01T18:47:00.000-08:00

I love to read blogs and today as I was reading and lurking I found the most awesome blog and I wanted to share. You may have heard of this lady, Lynnette Kraft, then again, maybe you haven't but her story is amazing. She has suffered great losses but her unwaivering faith in God has led her to where she is today. She has so much understanding as to why her life has turned out the way it has and I just had to pass this along. Her teenage daughter also writes a blog and she is a pretty amazing teen. Her name is Abigail, you might want to check her out too. I will be following these ladies for sure. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T06:22:00.000-08:00

I got out of bed this morning and had a few minutes with my coffee and thoughts before Payton got up. He's my early riser. I was able to reflect on how much I have to be thankful for. I'm so thankful for my husband. That he is a Christian and he loves me. I'm thankful for my children, my family and friends. I'm thankful for my job. I'm thankful that I was able to get up this morning and start planning for my family to come. This has been a tough year financially for alot of people, myself included, and when I start having my pity party I can always find someone having a harder time than myself. This Thanksgiving, I pray that everyone stops and give thanks for all that you have and for all the things to come that God will Bless you for today and in the coming year.

2008-11-21T21:10:00.000-08:00

Syd played tonight in Charlotte and boy oh boy was it ever cold. Mike and I enjoyed our trip together. There just doesn't seem to be any time to ourselves anymore and it was soooo nice to just spend time together. This was the 2nd game in the playoffs and Syd's team lost 34-13. It really wasn't that bad of a game. At half time the score was 14-13 but in the 3rd quarter the defense ended up being on the field for so long that they just got wore out and couldn't hold on. The boys played really good football and should be proud of their season.

I'm really looking forward to tomorrow. Layne and Syd are coming in the morning and will be spending the weekend here. I miss them alot. Its sad for your children to grow up so remember that while they are young. I so hate for Payton to get older. He's my baby but he too will be grown before a know it.

We are planning on going to Hollywild tomorrow night. Its the first night being open for the Christmas season. We go there every year but this year will be even more fun with Layne with us. Then on Sunday we are going to Waynesville to have Thanksgiving Dinner with my family and to spend some time with my mother at the Nursing Home. We have a really full weekend planned but it should be fun.

2008-11-16T14:45:00.000-08:00

2008-11-16T14:42:00.001-08:00

Exciting News

2008-11-16T14:32:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited and pleased to tell you that Layne and Christina are getting married. YEAH!!! He proposed last night and called me around 11:30pm to let us know. The date will be sometime in October which I think is a great month for a wedding. I'm very excited to be gaining a daughter-inlaw and I think Christina will be a beautiful Bride and Layne makes the most handsome Groom. I just had to post a couple of pictures of the happy couple.

Update on Mike

2008-11-15T16:34:00.000-08:00

Just to give a update on Mike's MRI and whats going on with his back. Well right now, the back feels better since he's had the meds to shrink the swelling but it is only a matter of time and it will be back to the way it was. His MRI showed a very herniated disc and the surgeon has given him a couple of options which both involve surgery. So we have discussed it and he has decided that he will try to wait until right after Christmas to have the surgery. It will take longer for him to recover from this surgery than the last one and the doctor says he will need to be flat of his back much more this time for him to heal. I really hate for Mike to have to go through this again. Please pray that his back holds out until after Christmas and pray that the surgery goes well and Mike can heal without any complications.

End of Hurricane Season

2008-11-08T07:57:00.000-08:00

Payton's team, the Hurricanes, lost Thursday night so our football season is over. At least for Youth League football. Syd's High School team is going to the playoffs and will play in Charlotte next Friday night. Syd is home this weekend and we went to the Greenville High game and he got to see his friends. He seemed really excited to be back to see Sirrine Stadium. I have to admit after visiting other stadiums, there is just something about that place and I can't imagine as a athlete what it would feel like to play there. Mike played there when he played football for J.L Mann and he has said that it was just a awesome feeling playing at Sirrine. Syd has played there as a freshman but I really want him to experience it as a Junior and Senior.

We also took a friend with us to the game. A boy that was in my class the first year I was at Mitchell Road Elementary has kept in touch with me and calls occasionally. His name is Orlandous and he called right before the game and when he found out we were going to the game he wanted to go so I ask his mother and she let him. We really enjoyed having him with us.

Today I'm playing Taxi and errand runner so I guess I better get going. Is there ever time for myself?????

Election Day

2008-11-04T15:28:00.000-08:00

Today was Election Day and Mike and I got to our precinct around 10:20. The line was long but we got lucky. After standing there for about 5 minutes, one of the volunteers came and said for everyone with last names starting with L-Z to follow her. We did, and ended up passing up about 100 people. The line from there went by fast and we walked out after about 35 minutes. I hope everyone got out and did your part today and VOTED!

Oh BTW, Payton's team the Hurricanes, won last night. Go figure. So we will play again Thursday night. GO HURRICANES!!!

HALLOWEEN

2008-11-02T11:24:00.000-08:00

It's been a few days and I wanted to get these pictures posted before now but I just haven't found the time. We had a great Halloween. Syd had a ballgame Friday night so that cut our Trick or Treating short but Payton still had a good time. We went to a Festival the community was having here in Conestee which had Trunk or Treating and face painting, Food and the Big Jump Houses. Then we went to one of the area churches for some more Trunk or Treat. Payton got a huge bag full of candy. We then left and went to Asheville to watch Erwin High School vs. Roberson High School. Erwin won so now they will continue to the beginning of the playoffs. We brought Syd back home with us and its always so good having him back home. Payton and Syd argue alot but I guess most brothers do. It's just like nothing has changed when Syd is here....the boys continue right where they left off and it is mostly over video games. Life without video games.....Does anyone remember those days? Aaaaahh.....those were some good times.

Payton also has a playoff game Monday night. If the Hurricanes win then we will continue to play but if they lose then our season has come to a end. To be honest, I am ready. Now a little info on Mike's back. He was unable to have his MRI on Thursday because someone made a error in the scheduling. They needed to have scheduled a Contrast MRI which includes having the dye but they didn't so he shows up and they inform him the doctor is not there which he needs to be if they are doing this type of MRI so they reschedule him for Wednesday morning. I really don't know how long it will take before we hear what this shows but he is really having a horrible time with his back. In the past, he could rest and take the meds and he would recover pretty well...at least to the point to be fairly functionable. This time has been different though. He's not recovering and is still struggling daily. I pray that from this week forward things can start moving pretty fast so we can get him well. Whatever we must do whether it's surgery, therapy or something else....we are ready to get this over with.

Kaylea's pumpkin

2008-11-02T11:20:00.000-08:00

Kaylea's Pumpkin

My niece Kaylea and her pumpkin

we carved.

Payton and Abby

2008-11-02T11:09:00.000-08:00

Miss Abigail

looking

witchy

Payton "Leatherhead"

Scary Payton

2008-10-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

Last night was the End of Season Party for Payton's football team, the Mauldin Hurricanes. The season has been a long one and our record was not very good this year but the boys have had a great time. The party was at http://www.climbinhigh.com, which is in Fountain Inn. This was our first time there and Payton had a great time. We all ate Pizza and the team mom had made the Team Cake and had done a fantastic job. Payton got his Trophy and played with his friends which was the perfect ending to an 8 year olds day. Payton had 7 coaches this year which sure seemed like alot but his favorite coach was his dad. Mike loves coaching youth football but a couple of weeks ago he hurt his back and now he is to have a MRI tomorrow. The doctor thinks its a disc and I think Mike really does too but doesn't want to admit it yet. He's had 2 back surgeries already so he's not looking forward to what might lay ahead. I'll write more about what the doctors tell him when we know the results of the MRI. Payton was also lucky enough to have a former NFL player for a coach this year too. Brandon Bennett, played for USC (GO GAMECOCKS) and then played for 8 years in the NFL for the Cincinnati Bengals and the Carolina Panthers. Check out some of the pictures from Payton's Party.

2008-10-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

Loves that Pizza!! Mmmm.....Yummy

Checkin out my Trophy.

Payton with Coach Bennett

2008-10-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

2008-10-25T20:33:00.000-07:00

Here ya go.............

2008-10-25T14:32:00.000-07:00

This is a quick post to introduce my handsome son, Layne and his very pretty girlfriend, Christina. I thought this was a very good picture of both of them and wanted to share. I'll also be posting some pictures of our pumpkin carving tonight. Ooooh that's going to keep you on the edge of your seats..right?

Layne and Christina

2008-10-25T14:25:00.000-07:00

syd

2008-10-18T06:34:00.001-07:00

Erwin entering the stadium at Asheville High.
Syd is #30 (2nd in line) Go Magic Hands!!!!

2008-10-18T06:19:00.000-07:00

Erwin High School vs. Asheville High School

Football

2008-10-18T05:59:00.000-07:00

Well lastnight we traveled back to Asheville to see Syd. My whole family loves football and we look forward to seeing Syd play on the weekends, Payton's games during the week and of course those Gamecocks. We have plenty of football around our house. Yesterday was a pretty yucky day here with rain off and on but the night in Asheville was beautiful. Just crisp enough for good football. Asheville High School is a really pretty school and their stadium was very nice as well. The leaves in Asheville are gorgeous so if you haven't been that way yet you need to hurry up there and check them out. Syd plays for Erwin High and they lost but the boys played great. I really miss Syd and its sad for me to leave him up there when I go see him but I'm praying he returns to us which is suppose to happen in June. Sometimes I can't talk about that part too much or i'll cry so I'll stop now. Well...I don't have much time right now to continue. I have much to do today. Hopefully, we will finish our bathroom. Lots and lots to do in there so gotta go.......
Good luck to South Carolina tonight.............GO GAMECOCKS!!!!

Payton dressing Abby as a Witch

2008-10-17T09:59:00.000-07:00

New to the madness

2008-10-16T17:21:00.000-07:00

Well this is my first post on my blog. I have heard alot about blogs and love to read others so I've decided to start my own. Although, I really don't think my life is very exciting. I hope I can find something remotely interesting to write about. You will hear alot about my children and my husband because....well .... they are my life. I am married to Mike, whom I love dearly and he does a wonderful job taking care of me and he keeps me laughing. Mike should be the one blogging because he is a great writer and I think he is extremely funny and everyone would love to hear from him. I also have 3 amazing boys. Layne is the oldest and he is 25. I cannot believe I have a child this old but I do and I am so proud to have him as my son. I am looking forward to him getting married, hopefully, not too far off down the road and I'm sure everyone will hear more about that as he lets me know.

Syd is my 15 year old and he is a sophmore in High School. Syd is a very busy teenager and thinks the world centers around him (but doesn't every teenager?). Syd has gone to live with his father in Asheville, NC this year and is suppose to return to us in June 2009. We miss him more than he could realize and look forward to his weekend visits. My youngest is Payton. He is 8 years old going on 18. He is a very funny boy (just like his father) who loves football and probably knows more about it than alot of men. He says he is so smart because he watches Sports Center.

Well that is a little info on my family. As I have more time I will post more about each one. I hope to learn how to insert some pictures too. Until next time, take care and keep in touch!