What A Day!

Today started out as a waking experience. The boys were wide awake by 2:00 A.M. yes I said 2:00 in the morning. Shawn and I were beat, so we let them wait until 5:00 to open their gifts. How funny was it to listen to them whispering in the living room about what might be under the tree. I know that was pure torture for them and sweet revenge for us. So we got up and they opened their gifts and played with them while Shawn and I napped on the couch and in the recliner.

Next we headed off to my Moms for Christmas with them. We had yummy potato soup, Veggie soup and all the trimmings. Just after eating I got a call from my Father in law and he said that Josh, the boy that they are raising had shot himself in the leg. We were worried, but we finished our Christmas and then hurried out the the ER. The gun was jammed and he was trying to unjam it. It was just one of those freak accidents that happened. The 22 shell went in this leg just beside his knee and grazed the bone. They sent him to Vanderbilt non emergency and we are waiting to hear from Shawn's parents. Please keep them in your prayer. Josh was talking and going on while he was waiting on his ride to Nashville. He told me he dreaded the ride and that he did not want to spend the night in the hospital, but I'm sure he will.

There were some pretty funny things that went on at Mom's and I will post them later with some pictures from our Christmas. I hope everyone had a great Christmas!!!!

Merry Christmas To All

From the Grissom House to yours we want to wish everyone out there in blog land a very Merry Christmas. To all of my Family and Friends and you know who you are, I hope you have an extra special Christmas. The good Lord above has blessed me with some pretty special friends and family. I have made new friends this year and recaptured old ones too! My Christmas wish has been granted, My family will be spending Christmas together this year. Merry Christmas to all!!!!!!

Easy Yummy

This is the easiest and yummiest recipe that I have come across. One of the Mrs. Faye's children at school mom brought this to their program on Thursday night. She put down for a fruit ball and we all thought she meant cheese ball, but when it arrived it was a fruit ball with vanilla wafers. Hers looked better than mine, but this was made late last night. Mine needs some more pecans and will get them before we go to my MIL's tonight. I always love to try new recipes at Christmas, shoot I love to cook and bake anything. I don't need a special occasion to try something and my family is not afraid to try my creations/monsters.

Fruit Ball

2 packages of Cream Cheese

1 large box of Instant Vanilla Pudding

1 15oz. can Fruit Cocktail

Pecans

Let your cream cheese soften and mix pudding into it by hand well. Drain fruit well and chop up fine. Then mix fruit and cream cheese mixture. The ball will be moist and you will have to put it in the fridge to chill and roll in pecans before serving. You can serve this with vanilla wafers or gram crackers. I think it is better with vanilla wafers.

Sweet 16

I can't believe my little sister turned 16. It seems just like yesterday that she was wobbling around. Mom had her sweet 16 last night and we had a great turnout. Here she is opening her MP3 player from Mom & Dad. Bless dad for letting us use his man cave for the party. We kick him out about lunch and he had returned before I left last night.

Guitar Hero and Karaoke was the them and we decorated with disco balls and silver stars. We had a great time and I just can't wait until my boys get to be teenagers NOT!!!!

We also had live entertainment. Eric brought along his electric guitar and played us some music. He also played Happy Birthday to Melissa and boy did she turn every shade of red possible.

How cute was her cake. She was very specific about what she wanted and had to settle for this but she loved it. Sophie also got to party with us. For those of you who don't know Sophie is the house dog I always wanted and Melissa got. We had a great time and it was fun planning her party. Sissy I hope you had a great Birthday and you have many more to come. We love you very much!!!!!!!

DANCING WITH THE ELVES

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Bow, Bows and More Bows

This one was for a very special little Birthday girl in 2nd grade. Curtis wanted her package to have a real bow on it. He even picked out the colors for it. I thought it was so sweet of him. Did we have sweeties when we were in 2nd grade? I don't push it, but he wanted to buy her something for her birthday. I can so both of my boys are pretty thoughtful.

This hot pink and lime bow is for my Bella Boo at school. She has the cutest little outfit to match it. These colors are her personality. She also makes her Mom roll her hair on sponge roller at night so her hair will bounce.

These two bows are for Bella and Maddy. I had a good time making these. Sonya sent the black and white ribbon and told me to do what ever. I put Maddy's on a head band, because you know girls get to that age and bows are not cool. Thanks for letting me create for you.

A Cool Give Away

How cute is this little doll. Jennifer at The Trendy Spot is having a Christmas give away. She will be giving away this little rag doll and a special surprise for mom too! I love give aways. All you have to do is go to her blog and leave a comment about your favorite Christmas gift. Jennifer's blog is to the Right of mine listed as The Trendy Spot. Make sure you visit her.

Drum Roll Please!

Thank everyone who left me a comment on the boys pictures. I am a few days behind on drawing, but better late than never right? Well Veronica (aka Ron Ron) bet you haven't been called that in a while huh, was the winner. Veronica just call me and I will bring your goodies by the office tomorrow or Wednesday.
Tonight before everyone goes to bed make sure you turn your PJ inside out and sleep in them that way so it will snow, snow, snow and no, no school tomorrow. Have a great week. Love to all.

Which One Should It Be!

I am not a professional photographer, just love to tinker. Our schedules have been so crazy this month that I was not able to get with Becky at Story Time Photo to have our Christmas pictures made, but we will be calling for a later date. So here is where I need your help. Help me choose the picture for our cards this year. Leave me a comment and let me know which picture you like best. There might even be a little happy coming your way if I draw your name from my feedback. I leave it up until Friday. I hope everyone has a great week.......

Santa Clause Is Already In Town!!!

Today was an exciting day at school. Santa, Mrs. Clause and Jingle and Jangle (elves) came to visit us. The kids were so excited about it. Mrs. Clause had homemade cookies for us and Santa had a few surprises for us too. Ben Lomand came out to video us at school. It will be airing on channel 6 around the first of December. This little lady knew exactly what to ask for. I think she covered it all. I know that Mom has a heavy shopping list ahead of her. She even told Santa what to bring her sister and brother. Brownie point for her from Santa for that.

This little man was ready for Santa too. He had a pretty good list for him too. I think I heard something about a Monster Truck in there. I wish you could have seen his hair. He was so proud of it this morning. He told me that he fixed his hair special for Santa. How cute is that. We had such a great time today. Thank you very much Ben Lomand. A Great BIG HUGE THANK YOU goes out to Miss Ashley for all the hard work on our decorations. I will post pictures of our boards, door and fireplace soon.

NEXT SEASON ON DANCING WITH THE STARS

Sneak peek of the new upcoming season of Dancing With The Stars!!!!

Veteran' s Day

Yesterday was a time to reflect on all the lives that have been lost giving us our freedom. The boys are very aware of what Veteran's Day means. Their Papa Earl served in Vietnam. Clint is absolutely fascinated by anything having to do with any war. He is just like a sponge when it come to that stuff. He can tell you things about any war in history. The boys love to go to Mom and Dads and look at all Dad's war stuff. Clint called Dad yesterday and wanted to borrow his stuff for his class. Dad brought it to me and I took it to him yesterday afternoon and he proudly shared it with his class.
After school the boys and I meet Shawn and went to the Vietnam Wall Memorial display at Bridgestone. The display was awesome, but the real thing is unbelievable. I got the opportunity to visit it while I was still in school and It was unbelievable. It sends chills up your spine to see all those names and the tears that are shed while standing there. You can not help but tear up. So if you know a Veteran make sure you thank him/her often for your freedom. We should celebrate them everyday.....

THANK YOU, VETERANS!!!!!

7 Weird/Unusual/Fun Facts

I've been tagged by Tonya to give 7 weird/unusual/fun facts about myself. Here we go.....



1. When we have chili I always put mustard in it. It is suppose to help with heartburn. I don't know if it works, but it sure is good. Mustard is good on sausage and biscuits too!



2. I love fresh garden tomatoes with gravy over the top. Nothing like it on a summer morning.



3. When I do laundry I always save the socks for last. I think it is because I hate to fold socks!



4. I am CAN NOT play Guitar Hero and hang with my boys doing it. It drives me crazy because I am not coordinated enough to hit the notes and strum the guitar.



5. When I was little my cousins Veronica and her sister Miranda played Dukes of Hazards. We would all do our shirts up and we all fought over Bo Duke. Do you remember that Veronica?



6. My mother called me by my middle name and many people don't know that.



7. When Shawn and I were little both our parents were members of the saddle club. We both were together every Saturday night, but did not have a clue who each other were. Our parents did know each other thought. I guess I was more interested in the horses than the boys then.



Now I have to put the tag on some blog buddies and they are as followed:



1. Veronica Stepien
2 Kim Hollandsworth
3 Sheila Boyd
4 Shannon Flanagan
5 Kelly Cooke
6 Jennifer Patch
7 Tonya Scott

THE BEAR HUNT

YEAH! They are 9 - 0!!!!

Halloween Again

Well need I say more. Curtis came up with his pimp outfit all by himself. I just had to find the perfect top. I think I nailed it. While we were trick or treating uptown Friday we found this lovely lady and she gladly posed with him. How funny is that. Clint wanted to be Larry from Witless Protection it was just luck that we happened up on the shirt. He does make a good Larry.

Who Shares My Day.

Who was sharing my day with me today

Bo Brice 33
Jenny McCarthy 36
Lyle Lovett 51
Gary Player 73
Stephen Crane

I shared my day with my mom, dad, sister, husband and boys. We had a wonderful meal at Outback and did a little shopping. My boys wanted me to have a new pair of boots. Not just any boots, they had to be black and I got some. I will say they run a really close second to my crocs. I have worn them several days. They gave them to a little early. I can now check the box marked 35 or over. I not only gained a year, but also an extra hour to sleep how cool is the last part of my birthday. Hope everyone has a great day tomorrow.

MY LITTLE SPOOKS !!!!

A House Divided

Yes, tonight we are a house divided. The Colts with our man Payton and the Titans with Collins is a real rival around here. Clint and I are die hard Payton fans and Curtis and Shawn are Titans all the way. I fixed us a little spread before I have to go to class, but I am cutting out at 7:15 hopefully. A Nacho platter and Chile dogs and popcorn later. What else do you need?

The boys have been waiting all weekend for this game. I think Curtis sums it up #2(lol). No matter who you cheer for Tennessee has a hand in each team Manning or the Titans. May the better Man (Payton) win. We don't have any bets around here, but before the night is over I am sure there will be some chore swapping. Enjoy and GO COLTS!!!!!

I am a VETTE

You're a classic - powerful, athletic, and competitive. You're all about winning the race and getting the job done. While you have a practical everyday side, you get wild when anyone pushes your pedal. You hate to lose, but you hardly ever do.

Which Sports Car Are You? Go see what you are. This is the closest that I will ever be to having a VETTE!!!

Busy This Friday???

Hey, if you are looking for some good food and fun come and join us Friday night at the Irving College Fall Festival. High Rollers is providing pulled pork, baked beans,potato salad, roll and tea. We will have a discount ticket sale half hour starting at 4:00 running until 4:30. Our serving lines start at 4:00 and we will serve until we run out or until 6:30.

The teachers have worked hard with the kids getting baskets ready for the auction. We have fishing baskets, Jonas Brothers/Hannah Montana, Winter Cozy, Creating a Memory, Summer fun, Hunting, Pets, Household essentials, Sports, Baby Basket, Popcorn and A Movie. We are hoping to have a big turn out. We are putting all our Fall Festival money toward an awing on the front of our building.

I hope to see you there. If there is anyone out there who would like to make a donation please call me or leave me a message. I would love to see you there.

Spread The Love Award

Mrs. Paula Wanamaker passed this award along to me. I have made a promise to myself to let the all the people in my life know that I am thinking about them. It will take a while to get to everyone, but I am going to do it. What would this world be without love? Does it not make the world go round?

I am suppose to pass this award along to 3 other bloggers, who are just as worthy of it, as myself. So, I am passing it along to:

Kelly Cook @ Kuties by Kelly. Kelly is an awesome person who puts her family before herself often and show love toward everyone around her.

Annette Bodnar @ Toadily Handmade Cards. She has started back to school and I am so proud of her. She always makes time for her family and her children are the best kids in the world.

Jennifer Patch, she and I grew up together and she is the sweetest person ever and a great mom to her kids and nephew.

Warm and Fuzzy

Do you ever get the blues? Well when I do the perfect cure is to blog check. I can have a yucky day and check through all my blogs and by the time I am done I am feeling great. It is wonderful to have friends that can make you feel better. I have several out there and

THANK YOU GIRLS!!!!

I will post a new creation after the ballgame today. Clint and Curtis have been playing JFL football and loving it. That is why I am so behind in posting. Two nights practice, Monday night school for me, Saturday games and work and mommy stuff makes for a full time job. I am going to post football pic later. I hope everyone has a great FALL BREAK this week. Love to all and remember

VOTE FOR THE LIPSTICK NOT THE DIPSTICK!!!!!!

Welcome to the Family

Meet the new Mr & Mrs. Dustin Martin (Brandy Jennings). Dustin is Shawn's cousin and my Clint said that he would look like Dustin when he grew up. They do favor. I hope you two have a wonderful marriage. Brandy was absolutely beautiful and well Dustin you clean up really good. They were married at Smyrna Church of Christ on September 20th. To bad you couldn't see Brandy's Dress better it was absolutely beautiful and I loved the brown tuxes.

The Power of Prayer

I know many of you know little Andy Dunn. Well he and his family got some wonderful news today. He is Neroblastoma free!!!!! Today while we were in class we said a special prayer for our hero Andy. I couldn't do anything today, but think about Dot, Darrell, Ray and Andy. I think sometimes we let little things bother us and we shouldn't. This family has been through so much and God has Blessed them. It just goes to show that if you put your faith and trust in God, all things are possible. There is power of prayer and this little hero shows us all.

14 Years Seem So Long Ago

Today we celebrate our 14th anniversary. I got out our wedding photo's today and boy has gravity taken over. Shawn is a wonderful provider, father and husband. I can only hope that our boys take back after their father. I can't imagine my life without him. I only hope that he know how much he means to me. I love you Shawn.

LOOK WHO'S TAILGATING

Oh my goodness, what a suprise we saw coming down the parade route on top of a player. It was the one and only ANDY DANDY. Look at thoes two missing front teeth. I questioned him about kissing all thoes girls, because that makes boys teeth fall out. Well it looks like he has been kissing a few. Andy came over to Ethan's booth and I was so glad to see his smiling face along with Dot and Daryl and I forgot to even ask about Ray, Sorry Ray. I was so glad to see Andy out and about I forgot. I'll owe you one Ray. If this is not a living proof of what PRAYER does, I don't know what it is.

Show Your Pioneer Pride!!!!!

Here we are supporting the Warren County Junior Football League.
Koda and her marching feet. You go Koda. By the way you go girl on your big 18lbs you have lost you GO GIRL!!!!!!
Here is our other reason to support our Pioneers! It's our very on E.T. Go #55.
The boys with Ethan and of course my little Kristen. She got in at the last minute before I snapped the picture.

Ethan's tailgate tied for 3rd place. Gary & Gail's Pit stop was his sponsor. Gary and Gail are Ethan's uncle and Aunt. If any of you haven't stopped by the store you have to have a burger & cheese sticks. If you are out on Beersheba Hwy, just before you get to Kingwood make sure you stop in for some good eats. Kelly worked on the decorations and did a wonderful job. The night was filled with lots of fun stuff for the kiddo's and we enjoyed it too!!!!! GO PIONEERS AND E.T.

Meet My Class

Meet our class this year. This was a project that my kids and their families did at home. We talked about what our favorite color was and what we liked to do.

This is my class room door. Can you believe I put a frog on my door? lol. This is my favorite door so far.

Meet Mrs. LeAnne and Miss Ashley. Aren't we just too cute!!!!!!

First Day Back

How wonderful it was today to see Mrs. Paula's smiling face. Oh, My she brought me the most wonderful, molasses cookies ever. My sweet friend sent me a happy today by way of Paula. It made my day better. To start today the boys told me I could in no way walk them into school.
Then I was told I could not set and watch them go into to school. They both told me that they were old enough to go by themselves. They think they are teenagers! I was a little sad about that, but my morning was getting better with my girls today. We had a ball today at school. Then there was Paula with the most beautiful box of cookies and by the way Paula green is my favorite color, bonus points for you. When she told me what kind was in the box my mood was pumped up a million.
Well of course when I pick the boys up today they saw my box and started asking questions. I told them that the happy in the box was only for boys who let their mom walk them into school on the first day. Well you know me I caved and they devoured the cookies to. I did what I ask my kids in class to do, I shared. The boys love their teachers this year. Clint has Mr. Chris Hobbs, which this is his first year and Clint was ready and waiting to go to school at 6:10 this morning. Curtis has Mrs. Linda Wanamaker and we are looking for a great year from both. My little sister (Melissa) started the High School today and had a great day. She said that she even made some new friends. Now mom can rest easy (lol).
I hope tomorrow goes well I have 8 boys to phase. I have a great class with lots of willing parents this year. I miss my class from last year and want to see pics, so make sure you email me pic of your first day. I love all my past and present kiddo's. I hope everyone has a great year.

Vacation Time!!!!

What fun we had at The Wilderness in The Smokies. Guys if you are looking for some fun and relaxation this place is going to be great when it is completely finished.
The kiddie part of the water park was finished and they are hoping to have everything ready by next summer. The room were very nice and the atmosphere was great. It was a very family one.
Granny, Poppa and Sissy joined us for the trip. We all went to Gatlinburg and rode the trolley. The boys had a great time with Granny and Poppa, but when do they not.
The boys are still talking about our trip and wanting to go back soon. I am ready for school to start back and so are the boys. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES GRANNY & POPPA, WE LOVE YOU BUNCHES......

Andy's Birthday Video

Hey guys if you haven't already checked this one out it is a must with tissue. Shari Owens made Little Andy's birthday video and it is wonderful. It just makes you hug your kids harder. Great job Shari...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yLYnkrtsng

Think About It

Here is a funny little video. When your kids are on your last nerve and your pulling your hair out check this one out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqMw4Au71bU

We All Are Unique

Today I went to an in service in Cookeville today. My mind is running wide open with ideas from today. I took away from our in service NO ONE IS THE SAME. We are all unique and none to be copied. Although some may try, they will not succeed no matter to what extent they go.

I have a true friend who does wonderful things and I would love to be her, but I will never be. I am blessed to have her in my life and cherish our friendship greatly. If I could copy someone it would be her for sure. We all have to walk down our own paths and do our own things. We may do similar things and that is fine. It is unjust to judge a book by it's cover.

As I search things I find lots of similarities, but there is one thing that always comes through. It is our colors, they can not be hidden long. We need to be our own person and not try to be a carbon copy of someone else. When we do that we are keeping the real person from those around us. You are only hurting your true friends.

So my thought is that be an individual and a leader. Some are not suited for leaders, but they make great followers and encourage us throughout our lives. These are the people who keep the leaders strong. As the saying goes their is a good woman behind a good man. God made us all unique and how boring would our live be if we were all alike.

July 4th Is Coming.

July 4th will be here soon. Sonya and I talked yesterday and caught up on all the gossip. We were talking and she said that Maddy needed a red, white and blue bow. This is my Curlz bow. They are really fun to make. I hope you like it Maddy.

Last Minute Cuties

This is the cutest idea. If you have a golfer in your life this is for them.
The little poem goes, "You say you've lost too many balls, The course is just too tough? Just plant these little golf ball seeds, And soon you'll have enough! This is just too cute. I put jaw breakers in a jar and made a little cover for the lid. I also made one for another special golfer.
The boys had a ball making these cakes for their grandpa's. Papa Harry's was delivered yesterday, but Papa Earl's is still here. The boys and I had a good time this week getting everything ready for tomorrow. They have Shawn's presents and they are having a fit to give it to him, but I think were on the O.K. I hope everyone has a great FATHER'S DAY tomorrow.