Football

Well I think these pictures speak for themselves. The boys finished up this years season and I am glad and sad it is over. I don't miss the two a night practices on the same night and running from practice field to practice field, but I do miss the boys playing what they love so much.

I also made some really great BFF that will be around forever. It is amazing how wonderful it is to find parents who stay invovled in their childrens lives because in today's time so many are not. To all our football mom's it has been great.

Its almost Friday and we need to laugh.

OK here are a couple to laugh at. Although I know a couple of people who might think this first one is not to funny. This could be me in a few years without my glasses.

And this one is me for sure. I find I am looking for things that was just in my hand. I hope everyone has a great weekend and go PIONEERS..

Just a quick shout out for the Middle School Pioneers on Tuesday. Way to Go boys......

Waxing

OK, so in a few hours it will be Friday and what a better way to start it off. My sister-in-law sent this to me via email and I laughed so hard my sides hurt. Hope everyone has a great weekend and for my Football boys Go Big Blue and White in Smithville on Saturday.



For those of you who wax, you will understand fully. Those who don't, let this be a lesson to you! Hair Removal... (I don't have a clue as to who wrote this, but.....WHAT A RIOT!) All hair removal methods have tricked women with their promises of easy, painless removal - The Epilady, scissors, razors, Nair and now...the wax. Read on......... My night began as any other normal weeknight. Come home, fix dinner, play with the kids. I then had the thought that would ring painfully in my mind for the next few hours: 'Maybe I should pull the waxing kit out of the medicine cabinet.' So I headed to the site of my demise: the bathroom. It was one of those 'cold wax' kits. No melting a clump of hot wax, you just rub the strips together in your hand, they get warm and you peel them apart and press them to your (or wherever else) and you pull the hair right off. No muss, no fuss. How hard can it be? I mean, I'm not a genius, but I am mechanically inclined enough to figure this out. (YA THINK!?!) So I pull one of the thin strips out. Its two strips facing each other stuck together. Instead of rubbing them together, my genius kicks in so I get out the hair dryer and heat it to 1000 degrees. ('Cold wax,' yeah...right!) I lay the strip across my thigh. Hold the skin around it tight and pull. It works! OK, so it wasn't the best feeling, but it wasn't too bad. I can do this! Hair removal no longer eludes me! I am She-rah, fighter of all wayward body hair and maker of smooth skin extraordinaire. With my next wax strip I move north. After checking on the kids, I sneak back into the bathroom, for the ultimate hair fighting championship. I drop my panties and place one foot on the toilet. Using the same procedure, I apply the wax strip across the right side of my bikini line, covering the right half of my hoo-ha and stretching down to the inside of my butt cheek (it *was* a long strip) I inhale deeply and brace myself....RRRRIIIPPP!!!! I'm blind!!! Blinded from pain!!!!....OH MY GAWD!!!!!!!!! Vision returning, I notice that I've only managed to pull off half the strip. CRAP! Another deep breath and RIPP! Everything is spinning and spotted. I think I may pass out...must stay conscious...must stay conscious. Do I hear crashing drums??? Breathe, breathe...OK, back to normal. I want to see my trophy - a wax covered strip, the one that has caused me so much pain, with my hairy pelt sticking to it. I want to revel in the glory that is my triumph over body hair. I hold up the strip. There's no hair on it. Where is the hair??? WHERE IS THE WAX??? Slowly I ease my head down, foot still perched on the toilet. I see the hair. The hair that should be on the strip...it's not! I touch. I am touching wax. I run my fingers over the most sensitive part of my body, which is now covered in cold wax and matted hair. Then I make the next BIG mistake...remember my foot is still propped upon the toilet? I know I need to do something. So I put my foot down. Sealed shut! My butt is sealed shut. Sealed shut! I penguin walk around the bathroom trying to figure out what to do and think to myself 'Please don't let me get the urge to poop. My head may pop off!' What can I do to melt the wax? Hot water!! Hot water melts wax!! I'll run the hottest water I can stand into the bathtub, get in, immerse the wax-covered bits and the wax should melt and I can gently wipe it off, right??? *WRONG!!!!!!!* I get in the tub - the water is slightly hotter than that used to torture prisoners of war or sterilize surgical equipment - I sit. Now, the only thing worse than having your nether regions glued together, is having them glued together and then glued to the bottom of the tub...in scalding hot water. Which, by the way, doesn't melt cold wax.So, now I'm stuck to the bottom of the tub as though I had cemented myself to the porcelain!! God bless the man who had convinced me a few months ago to have a phone put in the bathroom!!!!! I call my friend, thinking surely she has waxed before and has some secret of how to get me undone. It's a very good conversation starter 'So, my butt and hoo-ha are glued together to the bottom of the tub!' There is a slight pause. She doesn't know any secret tricks for removal but she does try to hide her laughter from me. She wants to know exactly where the wax is located, 'Are we talking cheeks or hole or hoo-ha?' She's laughing out loud by now...I can hear her. I give her the rundown and she suggests I call the number on the side of the box. YEAH!!!!! Right!! I should be the joke of someone else's night. While we go through various solutions. I resort to trying to scrape the wax off with a razor. Nothing feels better than to have your girlie goodies covered in hot wax, glued shut, stuck to the tub in super hot water and then dry-shaving the sticky wax off!! By now the brain is not working, dignity has taken a major hike and I'm pretty sure I'm going to need Post-Traumatic Stress counseling for this event. My friend is still talking with me when I finally see my saving grace....the lotion they give you to remove the excess wax. What do I really have to lose at this point? I rub some on and OH MY GOD!!!!!!! The scream probably woke the kids and scared the dickens out of my friend. It's sooo painful, but I really don't care. 'IT WORKS!! It works!!' I get a hearty congratulation from my friend and she hangs up. I successfully remove the remainder of the wax and then notice to my grief and despair....THE HAIR IS STILL THERE.......ALL OF IT! So I recklessly shave it off. Heck, I'm numb by now. Nothing hurts. I could have amputated my own leg at this point.


Next week I'm going to try hair color...

My Door

We have a wonderful aide (Ashley) at school and she did a great job with our doors for open house. She is so very talented and creative. Here are a few pictures of my door from open house.

She took yellow tissue paper and made it look like popcorn coming out of the bag. At the bottom of the door there was a pile of popcorn, but I did not get it in the picture. We fixed microwave popcorn with a label that said "Thanks for popping into our class this year". I am so excited about my class and can't wait until Monday.

Kara's Give Away

Make sure you go check out Kara Fuston's Blog. She is having her 100th post give away. Just click on the link below and join in the drawing.

http://fabfustonfam.blogspot.com/

Hope everyone has a great week. Things are starting to slow down now. We had open house at Westwood on Sunday and I am going to have a great class this year. I am so excited about school starting back and so are the boys.

I Have The Same Feelings

Don't get me wrong, but I think that this Michael Jackson's thing has gone on way to long and is being dragged out in public far too much. I opened my email and someone had sent me this email. I think the young soldiers has it summed up to a T.



This is written by a young soldier serving his third tour of duty in Iraq. Thought you might find his take on the Michael Jackson news interesting and he's right.


A SOLDIER'S TAKE ON MICHAEL JACKSON



Okay, I need to rant. I was just watching the news, and I caught part of a report on Michael Jackson. As we all know, Jackson died the other day. He was an entertainer who performed for decades. He made millions, he spent millions, and he did a lot of things that make him a villain to many people. I understand that his death would affect a lot of people,
and I respect those people who mourn his death, but that isn't the point of my rant. Why is it that when ONE man dies, the whole of America loses their minds with grief. When a man dies whose only contribution to the country was to ENTERTAIN people, the American people find the need to flock to a memorial in Hollywood, and even Congress sees the need to hold a "moment of silence" for his passing? Am I missing something here? ONE man dies, and all of a sudden he's a freaking
martyr because he entertained us for a few decades? What about all those SOLDIERS who have died to give us freedom?



All those Soldiers who, knowing that they would be asked to fight in a war, still raised their hands and swore to defend the Constitution and
the United States of America. Where is their moment of silence? Where are the people flocking to their graves or memorials and mourning over them because they made the ultimate sacrifice? Why is it when a Soldier dies, there are more people saying "good riddance," and "thank God for IEDs?" When did this country become so calloused to the sacrifice of GOOD MEN and WOMEN, that they can arbitrarily blow off their deaths, and instead, throw themselves into mourning for a "Pop Icon?" I think that if they are going to hold a moment of silence IN CONGRESS for Michael Jackson, they need to hold a moment of silence for every service member killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.



They need to PUBLICLY recognize every life that has been lost so that the American people can live their callous little lives in the luxury and freedom that WE, those that are living and those that have gone on, have provided for them. But, wait, that would take too much time, because there have been so many willing to make that sacrifice. After all, we will never make millions of dollars. We will never star in movies, or write hit songs that the world will listen too. We only shed our blood, sweat and tears so that people
can enjoy what they have. Sorry if I have offended, but I needed to say it. Remember these five words the next time you think of someone who is serving in the military; "So that others may live..."



Isaac


P.S.- "So that other's may live.. ." was also the creed of the Air Rescue & Recovery Service
during Vietnam & is still today.




I do not mean to offend any of my followers. I too enjoyed Jackson's music but it seems that our priorities have been jumbled up in today's society.

A Girl & Her Dog

I haven't posted about Kristen lately so this is a good one. We had a pet show at Fairview on the 4th and Kristen brought Prissy to enter her. Prissy was decked out in her pink party dress and matching leash. What more could a dog want to be styled to the T and with matching accessories. Well when asked what Prissy liked to do Kristen said, "She likes to shop" now what girl dog doesn't. I loved it. Kristen told me she was going to buy Prissy some new shoes with the money she won. She said that she needed some flip flops for the river.

Favorite Photograph

This week, on TUESDAY, 7/7/09, the theme is A FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPH. Post up one of your favorite photographs and a caption that tells the audience about it.



This picture was made a couple years ago at Kesey Ford one of our favorite summer hang outs. I snapped this just as we were getting ready to leave. I think they were looking at something on the bank. This picture sums up my life. The peace and tranquility at the river is my favorite place.



Click here to enter your link in the blog hop and view the entire list of entered links...

Well the very beautiful and talented Paula Wanamaker passed this little goodie on to me and how so tickled to get it from her. If you do not know Paula you are missing out on a true treasure. Her link is Krumz on my sidebar make sure you check her out. Thank you Paula.

This award is bestowed on to blogs that are exceedingly charming. These kind of bloggers aim to find and be friends. They ARE NOT interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to six bloggers who must choose six more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award. I pass this award to the following lovely & charming bloggers:

Tonya Jones

Veroncia Stepien

LuLu

Heather at Live with Heather

Sheila Boyd

Tara @ Chasing After Faith

Fantastic Give A Way!!!

Ok, girls I know everybody loves a give a way. Well Tab over at Reminisce Heirlooms is giving away a real cutie! Just go check out her blog and post a link to your blog and your name gets entered. I have not seen anything from Tab that is not rockin!!!!

Ok I can not get her botton to work here, but just click on TAB's Pretty on my side bar.

Happy 4th and Other Stuff

Well I will start off by saying Melissa is home and on her way to recovery. We got out yesterday and went to Haston's, but that was it she gets tired easy. She is still sore and just kinda lays around. I did her nail and toenail yesterday in the July 4th theme.

She has gotten so many card that it is unbelievable. She loves to get the mail when it comes. I had to look through all of them yesterday and she can tell you by looking at the front who each one is from. I think she got a couple new ones yesterday.

Now, I hope that everyone has a great July 4th this weekend. Maybe when all the excitement is over I will be able to post daily. We will celebrate at Fairview tomorrow. If you don't have anywhere to go come join us for games and good time.

For the Flag raising ceremonies Lauren Rubley will be singing the National Anthem. She won second place in TN got Talent. She is a very sweet girl and has a wonderful voice. Please be safe if you are traveling and have a great time.

Last but not least, Heather @ Life with Heather will be celebrating her 21st Birthday on Sunday. Yeah, Heather! Oh, to be 21 again, NOT!!! Have a great Birthday Girl.....

Memories

Every summer this beautiful flower blooms and I think of my sweet little Lexi and her mom. Lexi gave me this the year that she was in my class. My that seem to be so many year ago. These are the happy things that I can look back on and remember who gave them to me. I have many items from former students that I often see around the house and each one makes me smile when I need a little lift. It just goes to show that the simplest things can make a person smile.

Thanks for the smiles to all!

Up & About & Coming Home Soon!!!

I just talked to mom and she and sissy had been out and about. She went out to the Teen Room and then wanted to go down stairs and got a lemonade. They went outside and strolled around the hospital to get some fresh air. They are saying that she may get to come home tomorrow. Yeah!!! Thank you so much for all your calls and comments for her speedy recovery.


We can't wait until she gets home. I know little Sophie will be so glad to see her. When she stayed with me she knew that something was not right. They may be dogs, but they act like humans.

Ok, Kim tagged me with this little fun ABC challenge and now here goes....

A~Age: 35 and loving it.


B~Bed Size: King Size baby


C~Chore you hate: Folding Socks


D~Dogs names: Romeo


E~Essential to start you day: Dr. Pepper and a phone call to Mom


F~Favorite Color/s: Green (any shade)


G~Gold or Silver: Both


H~Height: 5'2.5" (Got to get that half inch in)


I~Instruments you play: My jaws or so my husband says


J~Job Title: Mom and Pre-K teacher (best two jobs in the world)


K~Kids: Two Boys Clint and Curtis (Kristen counts too she's part time mine)


L~Living Arrangements: Married, (15 yrs in August)


M~Mom's name: Linda


N~Nicknames: Slugger (years ago when I played ball at Midway and I mean years ago)


O~Overnight hospital stays (other than births): Gall Bladder and Esophageal Spasm


P~Pet Peeve: Driving under the speed limit in the fast lane.


Q~Quote from a movie: "Go ahead Punk make my day", Clint Eastwood


R~Right or left handed: Right


S~Siblings: One little sister, Melissa


T~Time you wake up: Usually around 5:00 am, but later when school is out.


U~Underwear: Yes, but no granny ones


V~Vegetable you dislike: None


W~What make you run late? The boys


X~X-Rays you have had: Yes, Chest, knee & elbow


Y~Yummy food you make: Chocolate Cream Cheese Cake and Chicken and rice.

Z~Zoo animal: Zebra's I love the black and white stripes.

I now tag LuLu, Tonya Jones, Heather and Julie

Good News

Melissa surgery went well today. She was taken in around 9:30 and dad at 12:30 dad called and said that the surgeon would be out in about 30 minutes to talk to them. When she was in recovery she told mom she wanted a picture of Sophie (her Malti-poo) and I am going to fluff her up and put bows in her hair and make her picture and put it in a frame for her to put in her room. I could hear relief in mom voice when I talked to her late this afternoon. They took one of her ribs and fused 5 vertebrates and 4 disk. I am curious as to how they put the two rods down her spine. Mom said she wasn't sure either. She will have a few rough days, but I know that she will be a trooper.


I also got good news today at my appointment. He put me in a smaller brace and told me to keep doing what I was doing and call when I got ready for the shots. This was an option that I had and wanted to try before I started the shots. I only have to wear my brace when I am doing active stuff , bending or squatting. So we are home for the night and ready for our movie and then bed.


We are going down Sunday and taking Dad out for breakfast before we go. The boys are going to take care of Dad tomorrow night. Clint said that he wanted to say with papa so that he did not have to be alone. Thanks to for all the sweet comments and calls and all the prayers that have gone out today for my family.

FRIENDS

This morning was pretty sad for me. The boys were at my in-laws and it was me here by myself. I found myself thinking about Melissa's surgery and what it was going to be like for her and my mom. My mom has worried for weeks and I try not too, but you can't help from it. Well anyway I was watery eyed thinking about tomorrow and got a text from a dear friend and we talked about it and before long I was smiling and laughing.

It is wonderful how just a simple few texts can turn your day around. After I smiled I said a prayer and left it in God's hands. I know that sometimes I should do more, but feel that I am at my ropes in with all the running with the boys. I have made my mind up to make myself take time to try to do more. I want to be able to help those who need it and encourage those who need encouragement. This is something that is hard for me because I find myself exhausted by the end of the day.

So if you find a little message on your phone or in your inbox it is just me checking to say hi and see that you are OK. Friends are the fuel that helps us go on from time to time. Thank you to all my many friends who encourage and inspire me, for without you where would we be.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and please keep Melissa and the Hickey family in your prayers.

Prayers

Tomorrow Melissa will have her scoliosis's surgery at Vanderbilt. Mom is really worried, but how wouldn't be. Melissa doesn't seem to be bothered by it, but I don't think she really realizes what is about to happen. I know she will bounce back.


I have a Dr. appointment in Murfreesboro at TOA in the morning so I am not going down for her surgery. I really feel bad, but this appointment has been rescheduled twice already. Mom said that she would call when they take her in. The surgery is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. and I hope they start on time. It is killing me that I am not getting to go, but I just don't think the boys could handle the waiting.


We are dog sitting for her. Sophie came home with us tonight and she is in the bed with Clint right now. I didn't realize what an impact it would have on me, but I sat in front of the computer and cried this morning worrying. I just prayed a prayer and put it in God's hands. She will be in Vanderbilt for a week or longer. It is going to be a long road. I will do my best to keep you updated.


Please keep Mrs. Faye Hickey and her family in your prayers. Her husband Jack has been in bad health for a while now and the family was called in this morning. Many of you know Mrs. Faye from Westwood Kindergarten. She had dedicated herself to taking care of him while he has been sick these past months.

Look Who's 11 now!

Today Clint turned 11. I can not believe my baby is that old. Seems like yesterday I was bouncing and padding his back to burp him. All those little outfits with matching socks and now it is blue jeans, t-shirts and boots.
As you can see we had a football party. He wanted hot wings, nacho and chips, fruit and some other finger foods. It was our own little tailgate birthday party. He invited his friend Garrett over for a sleepover and a fun day at the pool yesterday.

We celebrated a few days early, because the pool is not as crowded on Wednesdays. So we have celebrated all week long. If you can't tell Payton Manning is his favorite player. Clint is such a tender hearted boy and sweet. He has done so good in school this year and we are so very proud of him for that. He told us he was going to play NFL and take care of us when we get old.

Breathless

Yesterday I got the email that Sissy's proofs were ready for viewing and boy was I excited. When I opened them I almost cried. She is so beautiful inside and out. I can remember when she was twisting her hair and tugging her puffalump around. My oh my how much she has grown. These were made at the Jr. Miss pageant. Now the only problem is ordering the one I want because I want one of each.

Heather at Frogs and Faeries Photography (www.frogsandfaeriesphotography.com) made the pictures that night. I was blown away with them. Heather is the sweetest thing. I called to see if she could add some color to Melissa's dress in the top one and she said she would be glad to. Make sure you check out her page by clicking on the link and her blog is on my link list too.

Thanks Heather for allowing me to share her pics with my blog family. You did a rockin job.

Water Wars Between Showers

OK, it wasn't enough that we partied all day at school, but we had to have water war at home. Cameron came home with us and we had water war between the showers this afternoon.
You better believe my little white headed chick was right in the middle. She is a rough as a boy. When her dad pulled up to get her she couldn't resist, but attacked full speed. Her water balloon hit the bronco and bounced around. I think poor Cameron got a shot or two in the head.

Our dog Romeo was even in on the action. He was chasing Curtis and trying to help the others get him. Curtis hold out with his balloons and waits until everyone is out and bombs them, but the others ganged up on him and busted them in his lap. It was pretty funny. Have a great wet evening.

PINKALICIOUS

This is a bow inspired by the book "Pinkalicious". There is a very pinkalicious little girl having a Pinkalicious party in a few days and this is for her.
If you have girls you must read this book with them. It is the girls, girls book. I read it and fell in love with it and now there is a Purplelicious out. The Birthday girl will be having a Pinkalicious Party with lots of goodies and this will top off her cute outfit. I hope it works with her outfit.

Inspire

Inspire was my title and I can not think of a better word. This teacher Mr. Chris Hobbs has made such and impact on Clint's life this year. Words will never be able to express how much he has done for Clint this year. We were really excited when we found out he would be Clint's teacher this year. In life there is always one person who can make the connection with you and Mr. Chris was it with Clint.

Chris took the time to know all his kids and found their interest and made learning fun for them. Clint would come home everyday excited about what he had done everyday. Do you know what a wonderful feeling that was for me and his dad. Clint has trouble with his reading and phonics and we work at home but it is not the same. This year he has improved so much.

Chris would find books on the Civil War or things that had to do with war and tell Clint about it. Well, I would walk into his room and he would be reading. His confidence level has doubled this year. Clint had a couple of days that he had the choice to go to school or stay home, but he wanted to go to school. If that does not say that Mr. Chris is doing his job and the kids love him I don't know what does.

We are so thankful for you Chris and want you to know that you ROCK!!! He also inspired me to open up to teaching the older kids. Yes, he inspired me too! I took the kids a little treat one day and he was still teaching and I sat in the back of the room and watched with amazement. I wanted to answer questions with the class. I was set on Kindergarten or first grade, but Chris I see what fun you have and make learning fun to those kids and I want to be a part of that too.

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!!!

Awards Day

I am so proud of my boys. Yesterday Irving College had their awards day. Shawn is usually working and does not get to attend many functions at school with the boys, but he was off yesterday and got to go with me.

Curtis got the Science award for 2nd grade. He also received several for A average throughout the year. We are so very proud of him. Clint received the Social Studies award for 4th grade. He will read anything that he can get his hands on about the Civil War or any war. We are also extremely proud of him too!!

Words can not express the gratitude I have for the teachers at Irving College. They all have worked hard this year and I just want to send a note of THANKS out to each and everyone one of them. I know in our busy schedule that Thank you gets lost in the shuffle, but without you there would be no education!

Year End Party

How cute are these little goodies! I finished up my year on Thursday at school. My heart just breaks when a year comes to and end. I just can not imagine not getting to see my little sweeties smiling faces come through that door every morning. My class has been great this year. We made so many memories that will be buried in my heart forever.

I love to see all the progress that the children make each year. That is worth it all. When they come to you most can not write their names, but when it is over they are writing their names. It's the small things that make you go WOW!

My room mother Sonya got our party bags ready for them. They each received a chair, tye-dye shirt, pool pass, goggles and some more goodies in their bags. Sonya did the shirts and they looked great and she taught me what I was doing wrong with my tye-dye. You rock Sonya!!! I think the kids were very pleased with what they got. I know it about killed them seeing them sitting out and that they could not get into them until the end.

I would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to all my room mothers this year and everyone who helped. It is not possible without help for mothers and grannies too. I have gotten so attached to several grannies and pa's this year. I would claim them all for myself. I hope that everyone has a great Summer and a wonderful year in Kindergarten next school year.

All My Love

Mrs. LeAnne

Our Princess

Well here is our Princess. Melissa was in the JA Pageant last night and she looked beautiful. She did so good and we are so very proud of you. I can not believe how grown up she looks her, but she is 16. Where has the time gone. Emily Hobbs did a wonderful job doing her makeup and helping her get ready for the big day. A big thanks to Emily. I know who to call if I need to loose a few years off my face EMILY!!!!!!

Here is a shot of Mom, Dad and Sissy. Her dress was a dream dress. It was the first one she tried on and NOTHING had to be done to it. It fit like a glove and I think she looks beautiful. I have to brag a little on my little sister.

Last but not least a picture of Curtis and Sissy. It was like pulling teeth to get his picture with her. It was like she had cooties. He wanted to go cheer her on and he did. Several Family and Friends came out to help cheer her on.

Thanks to JA for a great experience for her. She had a great time. Mom said that she talked about it all night. She meet so made so many friends and I think that is what this is all about.

I am a Basketball Mom Now!!!

Well it is official, both of the boys made the Irving College basketball team this week. Clint made Varsity and Curtis made Jr. Varsity. They are hoping to let the JV practice and maybe scrimmage more JV teams. This will get a good team coming up the ladder in the next couple of year. Clint worked so had at try outs and gave it his all. I am so proud of them. So I can add another sport to my schedule, but you know that is OK because that what being a mom is all about.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. My sister is going to be in the Jr. Miss pageant tonight and I think I am as nervous as she is. Her dress is absolutely beautiful and fit her like a glove when they bought it. Hello a size 2, never saw that size above my feet when I was growing up. I will post pics from tonight tomorrow.

Good Luck Sissy We Love You Bunches!!!!

No Surgery For Me! Yeah!

Today has been a good day for me. I went back to Dr. McKissick today and he said that there were no tears in my meniscal. I do have deterioration of cartilage under my knee cap. He feels that steroid shot to my knee will help, but I am going to try a exercise program to see if it helps first. I will go back in June to see the Doctor.


He also told me today that I could start weening myself off of my ugly black knee brace. I will finally get to wear normal clothing. The brace is so big that many of my pants will not fit over it, and it has been slim picking lately with my pants. Sorry that many of you haven seen the same pair on several days, but they were clean every time I put them back on. I hope everyone has a great week this week.

Don't forget MOM on Sunday!!!!

81 Blessed Years

What a blessing these two are to our family. This is our Pa Turner and Granny Turner. Pa celebrated his 81st birthday this weekend. He has been in poor health and in the nursing home for several months, but came home. We are glad he is home and able to celebrate his birthday this year at home.

My boys are so lucky to have them. I did not have my great grandparents when I grew up. The boys cherish each moment they spend with them. They love to hear Pa tell them stories about the "old days" as they call it. They also love to hear stories about his dad, papa. Pa will tell the boys about all the animals papa had and all the things they did together.

These are things that they treasure and will remember forever. The boys make sure that they go almost everyday after school. If they ride the bus home they stop by before coming on home. I know the boys love them both very much. These are the things that are PRICELESS.

Happy 81st Birthday Pa Turner!!!!!!

Junior Auxillary Hours

Hey girls, I know there are several of our JA members that blog so I am posting for you and asking that you pass this information on. I am needing every one's calendars to me no later than Friday this week.

Annul Standard are coming up fast and this must be done. If you have any questions please call me. You can drop your calendars off at Westwood between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.. I leave at 12:30 but there will be someone there. If these times aren't convenient for you call me.

Have a great week.....

CUTE LITTLE SUPRISE GUEST

OK so here is Curtis' surprise guest. This is Caylie and boy did we have a good time with her. I think I found my match when it come to talking. We were all going to out to eat and to the movies for Curtis' birthday when we got a call from Caylie's mom and she said they were stuck in Murfreesboro. They had been in the Children's Place for two hours on the floor along with several from McMinnville. She was calling to let us know they were trying to get out of Murfreesboro after the tornado.



OK Curtis was panicked because he thought Caylie was not going to get to go with us, but she did. He wanted me to call them every hour. He was upset that she couldn't eat with us, but she did make it to the movies with us.





We made it to the movies to see Fast & Furious. It was a good movie, but had a couple of parts in it, but Caylie's mom was OK with the movie. I checked before we ask her to go. After we left the movie we went for ice cream at Baskin Robbins (is there anywhere else). The kids ate ice cream and had it all over them it was pretty funny.

There was never a dull moment with this child. Curtis makes sure that he takes care of her mom too. When ever Caylie gets a gift(usually) her mom gets chocolate oatmeal cookies. I think it was sweet that he wanted to take Caylie over his buddies. Shawn said he thought he was starting to young, but I think he is starting to see him grow up.





We all had a great time and thank you Caylie for helping make Curtis' Birthday Fun. By the way Caylie and I are planning to go see Hannah Montana. We tried to get Curtis to change his mind and go see it, but we were unable too.

My Baby Turns 8 Today

How time flies. I can't believe that my baby turned 8 today. He is very independent and confident. It only seems like yesterday that we brought him home from the hospital. He will be celebrating for a couple of weekends because his birthday fell on Easter Weekend. Friday he is taking someone special to the movies. It is what he wanted, so we are going to do that and next weekend he will hang with his buddies.


We love you so much and keep up the great work at school. I will have more pictures coming soon. Wait till you see his special guest.

Happy 8th Birthday Curtis Cole Grissom!!!!!

On The Look Out.

I am looking for a Math 1410 book for my online class this summer. If you have one or know someone who does let me know.

Thoughts

Tonight I found out my Dad's niece Kathy was in a terrible accident in Florida where she lives. Thank goodness that she was wearing her seat belt. Her car flip several time and with G0d's grace she only had a bruise on her should. She did find out that she has inherited some of her Uncle Earl's (Dad's) heart problems.


She is the mother of Veronica(Ron Ron) & Maranda (Sissy). Please keep them all in your prays. Mom talked to Kathy tonight and she was in good spirits and planning on coming home next weekend. She will be having some test run. I am telling you girls it's the JONES Curse.

Good Night To All!!!!

Happy Birthday Hubby!!!!

Today my wonderful hubby turned the big 36. The boys wanted to get him a Collins jersey and low and behold we found one. So we all headed out for supper at Applebee's and we all had to wear our jersey's. Yes we were the nerdy bunch dressed alike tonight. We had a great supper and then to Haston's for the new Bond movie and then to DQ for Blizzards instead of Birthday cake.

By the way if you noticed Curtis' hat is a NY. He is die hard NY fan, but there were no Eli jersey's to be found. Mom and Dad had to get them both Peyton. So Curtis is supporting both teams until we get a NY ordered.

We are going to Mom and Dad's for a cookout tomorrow night and yes there will be cake there for him. Chocolate, Chocolate there is no other for him. Just wanted to wish my honey a happy birthday. Going to watch Bond with the Family!!!

Luck O' The Irish

What a fun packed day we had on Tuesday. We started out with green eggs for breakfast and continued with green food throughout the day. Here is a sample of the goodies we had for our fun filled day at the Turner's House for a St. Patrick's Day Celebration.
Here are Curtis and Keaton showing off their green jello. My kids have a ball when they are at Lori and Jeremie's.

Here is one big bad green dude. He was just chilling in the kitchen while we were getting things ready. Don't you just love those green glasses.

This was the main event, a hunt with 12 clues for a pot of gold. Lori had them running all over the place. There were 4 girls and 6 boys. The boys against the girls, Brianna was worried because there were more boys. Lori assured here that the 4 smart girls would do fine. The boys were like loose cannons when looking for the clues. It was so funny watching them run all over the place while looking for clues.

Clint found the pot of gold for the boys and they shared the gold between them. They also painted sun catchers to take home. We had a great time and would like to thank Lori for hosting such a fun day. By the way I did make pictures of Kristen and the boys as usual, but didn't have enough room for them on this post.

Kim Cantrell's Contest

Where was Kim when my boys were little. This is one of Kim's new creations. She is having a contest to give this new addition to her many works a name. It is a bib and passe holder. She is needing a cute name for it. Click on her Riemake Boutique on the right side and enter to win a monogrammed beach towel.

My suggestion for this is: Double Duty

Snow, Snow, and More Snow!!!!

What a surprise to wake up to on a Sunday morning. I noticed Shawn had not left for work and I heard the phone being dialed. I got up to make sure Shawn was not sick and boy was I surprised. 4" in our front yard and more in drifts. This is a picture with my "Part-time" daughter as the boys call Kristen. What would be a picture without my little blond cutie. I am so blessed that Lori and Jeremie share her with me. We love her just like she is ours. The girls at B&B refer to her as my little blond girl. I think that she could pass as ours, don't you?

I think snow is beautiful when it is like this. It is God's amazing work. Who else could create this magnificent beauty.

You know we had to get out in the snow and play around. This is a one of a kind shot of Shawn. We rode down the snow covered road to the Turner's house where we brought everyone out to play in the snow.

The boys just could not keep from falling in the snow. They have wished for a snow big enough to get out in. I think there was more snow on them than on the ground. Even their underwear was wet when we got in.

One last shot before we headed in. Clint was just itching to throw a snowball at me, but my excuse was I had the camera. Believe me I got it when I put my camera in my pocket. We had a great day, especially since Shawn was home with us.

The snow is still hanging around. My granny Myrtle always said that it stays around for another big one. I hope everyone enjoyed their day off on Monday, but now we are back in full swing.

I hope everyone has a great week and a warm weekend!!!!!!!!!

The Game of Tag about your MAN:

1. Who is your man? Shawn

2. How long have you been together? 19 years


3. How long did you date? We dated for 4 years


4. How old is your man? He's 35


5. Who eats more? Shawn


6. Who said "I love you" first? Shawn Did



7. Who is taller? Shawn


8. Who sings better? Shawn - He is mean with Sing Star!


9. Who is smarter? Shawn


10. Whose temper is worse? Mine


11. Who does the laundry? Me


12. Who takes out the garbage? Both


13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me


14. Who pays the bills? Shawn


15. Who is better with the computer? Both


16. Who mows the lawn? Both


17. Who cooks dinner? Me


18. Who drives when you are together? Depends on how many hours Shawn has worked that day, but usually he does.

19. Who pays when you go out? Shawn


20. Who is most stubborn? ME


21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Shawn


22. Whose parents do you see the most? Both


23. Who kissed who first? He kissed me


24. Who asked who out? Neither, It was a blind date and love at first sight!


25. Who proposed? he did

26. Who is more sensitive? I am


27. Who has more friends? Me


28. Who has more siblings? We both have a sister


9. Who wears the pants in the family? Shawn does, but we share the decision making.

Now I tag Kim, Paula and Lulu!!!!

A Little Blog Love

Here is a little blog Valentines for all you girls out there. Hugs and Kisses to all on Valentines Day. Now copy this pic and pass them on to your blog pals. I hope everyone enjoys their day with their special loved ones.

Trendy Spot Give Away

Jennifer at the Trendy Spot is giving away the cutest little Chalk Mat. Make sure you go over and vote for what you would like to see. Her link is to the right of my blog. The Chalk Mat would make a wonderful church toy. Jennifer is so talented and sweet. We go back to our Dibrell day. Wow! I am getting old. Have a great day.

A Warm Yummy

We do a Mother's Day Tea every year at school and ask for recipes from all the moms. Well Brooke Totherow sent one in and it is a REAL WINNER!!! Girls you have to try it.

Deep Dish Pizza Casserole

1lb. Lean Ground Beef

1 15 oz. can Spaghetti Sauce

1 10 oz. can refrigerated Pizza Crust Dough

1.5 Cup pre-shredded part-skim mozzarella Cheese

Bell Pepper, Onion and Mushrooms

Pre-heat oven to 425. Cook meat in skillet until browned. Drain meat and add spaghetti sauce and cook until heated. While meat cooks coat 13x9 baking dish with cooking spray. Unroll pizza dough and press into bottom and half way up the sides of the dish. Top crust with meat mixture, then layer with mushrooms, onions and bell pepper if desired. Bake uncovered for 12 minutes. Then top with cheese and bake an additional 5 minutes or until crust is browned and cheese melts.

My honey does not like to try new things and he turned his nose up at first, but after he ate it he loved it. I used the pizza dough mix and it made the crust thick and yummy. This is absolutely a Grissom house hold regular now... Thanks Brooke.

Since there is no school today I found some really good recipes online I am going to be trying so stay tuned for more.

Silhouette Sisters

Girls you must check out these amazing new pieces of jewelry that Tabitha and Stephanie have come together to make. I am speechless. I can not wait to see what is in store for these two wonderfully talent women. May I say who are first rate in their profession, none like them. Way to go girls!!! Make sure you click on the icon on the right side under Silhouette Sister and it will take you to their blog. I know it is not the icon on their blog, but this is what I got. It still takes you to their blog if you click on it.


Oh, by the way they are doing a give away and you could win one of these wonderful Silhouette pieces for yourself or someone very special. You know Valentines Day is just around the corner and What about Mother's Day!!! I know what I will be giving for Mother's Day this year!!!


Congrats girls!!!!!!

Friends

What a wonderful snowy day we had today and of course tomorrow too! I was trying to think of a post for today and while looking for something I came across this picture. I think It speaks for itself. Curtis and Jalen are best buddies and their Moms have a hard time telling them apart from each other from the back.

It is so wonderful knowing that Curtis has a friend that will be with him all through out school. I can remember friends in school and now I see them and it seem funny how much we all have changed. I get warm feeling in my heart when I see my children enjoying life and what it has to offer. Curtis has several other buddies I just don't have resent photos of them.

This is a little funny on Jalen's Mom. Curtis spent the night with them on Friday. He was so excited about getting to spend time with him and his little brother and sister. The phone rang about 9:45 and his mom said that Curtis was complaining about his belly. Well what would you think, I want to come home. So she and I decided he would just tuff it out.

About 10:45 she called and said he was not kidding about his belly. He had thrown up all in the bathroom. Well me of course left in my jogging pants and boots to get him. I pick him up and we left and stayed in the living room for the night. He woke up the next morning and was feeling a little better. Around lunch he was eating Pringles chips.

Sherri called to check on Curtis on Saturday. He was felling better and was up and playing. You know it is true friendship when your puking child is at his friends house and does not give the virus to them and their family. Curtis told me he did not want his friend to get it because it was bad, but it was OK that his brother got it on Monday morning (lol).

Friendship

None of that Sissy Crap Are you tired of those sissy 'friendship' poems that always sound good, but never actually come close to reality? Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship. You will see no cutesy little smiley faces on this card- Just the stone cold truth of our great friendship.

1. When you are sad --I will jump on the person who made you sad like a spider monkey jacked up on Mountain Dew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.

3. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.

4. When you're scared -- we will high tail it out of here.

5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining, ya big baby!!!!

6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.

7. When you are sick --Stay away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.

8. When you fall -- I'll pick you up and dust you off..

9.. This is my oath....I pledge it to the end. 'Why?' you may ask -- because you are my FRIEND!

Friendship is like peeing your pants, everyone can see it, but only you can feel the true warmth.

I got this in an email today and I love it and wanted to share it with all my friends.

Special Suprise

What a wonderful day we had back today. Molly one of my students left us just before Halloween and went back home to GA. Her mom Karen was serving in Iraq and Molly was staying with her grandmother Carol.

This is one of the sweetest little girls I have ever meet. All the children in class loved her and were very sad to see her go. Yesterday I got a message that Molly and her Mom were coming to see us and bring us something special. This morning I told the children that we were getting a special surprise. I explained that Molly was coming to see us and her Mom that had been in Iraq was coming too. The children were all excited, they kept asking how much longer till Molly got there.

We were at play time and they came in the gym. I could not believe how much she had changed in just a few months. Molly's smile was bigger than ever and it was so good to see them. I forgot to mention that her Dad is in Iraq now and will be coming home in March for a visit and will be home in May keep him in your prayers.

Molly and Karen brought the Day School a flag that had flown over the US headquarter in Iraq. How cool is that. Karen talked to the kids about Iraq, but they were to excited about seeing Molly. They also brought us some cupcakes, pink Dora for the girls and red Wal-E for the boys. We all had a great visit and hated it when she had to go, but they had to be back in GA tomorrow because her brother had to go back to school.

There is not enough money in the world that could replace the bond you have with your students each year. You think that you might forget one, but there is something always around to remind you of many of them. You might find it at Christmas while putting up an ornament they had given you or something in your room from them. The satisfaction you get when you see those young children leave your room and grow is indescribable. To know you had a small part in it is amazing and that is why I LOVE TEACHING!!!!!!!!!!