A Few Of My Favorite Things

GIVE THANKS...

2011-11-25T08:44:00.001-06:00

Wishing all of you a safe, enjoyable and family filled Thanksgiving! Remember, we ALL have things to be thankful for. But most of all, remember WHO to thank... "Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people." 1 Chronicles 16:8 KJV

The Boy and the Starfish

2011-09-18T20:58:00.000-05:00

A man was walking along a deserted beach at sunset. As he walked he could see a young boy in the distance and as he drew nearer he noticed that the boy kept bending down, picking something up and throwing it into the water. Time and again he kept hurling things into the ocean.
As the man approached even closer, he was able to see that the boy was picking up starfish that had been washed up on the beach and, one at a time he was throwing them back into the water.
The man asked the boy what he was doing, the boy replied,"I am throwing these washed up starfish back into the ocean, or else they will die through lack of oxygen. "But", said the man, "You can't possibly save them all, there are thousands on this beach, and this must be happening on hundreds of beaches along the coast. You can't possibly make a difference." The boy smiled, bent down and picked up another starfish, and as he threw it back into the sea, he replied..."I made a huge difference to that one!"

MOLLIE IS ONE YEAR OLD!!

2011-09-02T21:04:00.001-05:00

HAPPY "1st" BIRTHDAY to my precious, beautiful niece Mollie Harper!!! I am a little late with this as her birthday was August 23. Sorry Mollie Lou! I love you!!

Happy 16th Anniversary Chris!

2011-07-29T07:47:00.000-05:00

Our wedding was 16 years ago and the celebration continues to this day. I love you Chris! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!! ♥♥♥

Joseph's Surgery

2011-07-10T19:57:00.001-05:00

My baby boy had to have his appendix taken out! OUCH! :( Last weekend about this time, Joseph was complaining of an awful pain in his stomach and was running a 102 fever so we took him to the ER. After bloodwork and CT scan we were told he needed to have his appendix removed and it was starting to rupture and leak infection! He did great with the surgery and after 5 days in the hospital we got to go home! YAY! I have to say though, I was not really worried or scared. There was a peace that came over me and God truly gave me comfort and strength! We had many church members and friends and family praying, bringing balloons and gifts for Jo, preparing meals and visiting that we felt so very blessed and loved! He is feeling much better and walking slowly but surely. I am just so grateful he is out of the hospital and well on his way to making a full recovery!! :)

Joseph asleep with his Lego watch he asked for since he had to have surgery.

MY MOM :)

2011-05-07T10:55:00.003-05:00

I so very much LOVE and adore my mom! I wish I could show her just how much but there just isn't enough time and I would never be able to find the words to express that to her! She is a loving mother of 5, the "bestest"grandmother to 8, wife to a man who would tell you he truly doesn't deserve her and the most thoughtful daughter any parent could ask for! She is a caring sister to 3, a fun loving aunt to many nieces and nephews here and to the one who was called home too early and she is also a friend to everyone she meets! I thank God everyday He gave me to her and that I get to call her mom! She has always been there for me whether I deserved it or not without hesitation! She has had more blessings than most and many heartaches that none should have to bear. I will not be spending Mother's Day with my mom this year so I wrote this as a tribute to her so that she would know how much she is LOVED!!

Proverbs 31:25-31 (King James Version)

²⁵Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
²⁶She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
²⁷She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
²⁸Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
²⁹Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
³⁰Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
³¹Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM!!!

Our Hero

2011-05-02T13:59:00.000-05:00

I remember my grand-daddy (Ret. Col. James Allen Cox) who passed away 9 years ago today....OUR HERO. We love you and miss you dearly. (The quality of the pic is bad, sorry.)

GOD BLESS USA

2011-05-02T13:43:00.000-05:00

Although Bin Laden is dead, I'm sure tension is higher than ever! We need to pray even more for our military and ourselves. God said not to rejoice in the death of the wicked; we should pray for the lives of the living. GOD BLESS AMERICA and ALL of our armed forces!! Now Bin Laden will get true justice by the highest Judge!

~Daily Prayer~

2011-04-27T10:01:00.001-05:00

Dear Lord,
I thank you for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and you keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for Your forgiveness. Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You. Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things. Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over and give me the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do your will continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak... Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those that will delete this without sharing it with others. I pray for those that don't believe. But I thank You that I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers for each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes; that they are out of debt and all their needs are met. I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in your hands for You to fight. I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees it in Jesus' name. Amen

Our Easter

2011-04-26T00:02:00.000-05:00

A few words from my pastor....

The message of Christ and His resurrection is a message that is more than stories about a rabbit--it's about the Lamb of God! It's more than painted eggs--it's about an empty tomb cracked open for all to see inside! It's more than a new Easter dress--it's about the new garments God gives to those who receive His gift of salvation! It is a message of hope over despair, life over death, love over hate, righteousness over evil, and victory over defeat. It is a message that shines amid the darkness of this world pointing all who would to behold the Lamb of God Who was slain for our sins. This Lamb, Christ, is now risen in victory, and He offers new life to any sinner. I hope this new life is yours! (1 Corinthians 15:55-58)

What an awesome weekend we had!! He is RISEN, He is RISEN indeed!! We started off our Easter Sunday with a powerful message and a beautiful choir presentation at church followed up with our annual "Egg Race"...all we have is an empty field and no where to actually "hide" the eggs! :) After church, we spent the rest of the day with some friends who surprised my kids with an Egg Scavenger Hunt! SO MUCH FUN!!! We ate too much, laughed too much but we certainly could never PRAISE our RISEN SAVIOR too much!! I hope each of you had as blessed an Easter as we did!! :D

Emily, Hugh & Joseph before church

My husband & I...never a dull moment! :)

Joseph @ the church egg race...

And then there's Hugh.

Joseph with Uncle Brent setting off on their Scavenger Hunt...buddies! :)

Me trying to help Hugh with his clues!

Hugh yelling, "RUN for your life...SNAKE!".....NO JOKE!

He was eating a salamander!!! And he didn't care that we were there!

GROSS!!!

He was not going to give up...I will spare you the rest of the story!! LOL

And let's not forget about Emily...she says she was hiding from the snake but I think she was secretly hunting for eggs! LOL

It's only Friday...Sunday's COMING!! AMEN!!

2011-04-22T13:06:00.001-05:00

That's My KING!

2011-04-16T19:42:00.002-05:00

As Easter approaches I wonder if you have taken time to ask yourself "Who is Jesus?" Well this is "MY KING"! Do you know HIM?

I AM A SOILDER!

2011-04-10T20:17:00.002-05:00

When Pastor Michael Zachary preached at our church on Sunday, April 10, 2011, he read this challenging statement about being a soldier for the Lord. Enjoy!

I Am a Soldier

II Timothy 2:3-4
"Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of
Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangled himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier."
I am a soldier in the army of my God.
The Lord Jesus Christ is my commanding officer.
The Holy Bible is my code of conduct.

Faith, prayer, and the Word are my weapons of warfare.
I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by
adversity, and tested by fire.

I am a volunteer in this army. I am enlisted for eternity. I will either retire in this army at the Rapture or die in this army. I will not get out, sell out, be talked out. I am faithful, capable, and dependable.

If my God needs me, I am there. If He needs me in Sunday school to teach children, to work with youth, help adults, or just sit and learn, He can use me because I will be there!

I am a soldier. I am not a baby. I am not in need of being pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked up, or pepped up. I am a soldier. No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me, or lure me.

I am a soldier. I am not a wimp. I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name, and building His kingdom!

I am a soldier. No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy or give me handouts. I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for, and catered to. I am committed!

I cannot have my feelings hurt badly enough to turn me around. I cannot be discouraged enough to turn aside. I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit.

When Jesus called me into this army, I had nothing. If I end up with nothing, I will still come out ahead. I will win. God will supply all my needs. I am more than a conqueror. I will always triumph. I can do all things through Christ.

Battles cannot beat me. Money cannot buy me. Governments cannot silence me. And hell cannot handle me!!

I am a soldier. Even death cannot destroy me. For when my commander calls me from this battlefield. He will promote me to a captain. And then bring me back to rule this World with Him.

I am a soldier in the army. And I'm marching, claiming victory. I will not give up. I will not turn around.

I am a soldier, marching, heaven bound. Here I stand!! Will you stand with me?

Hugh 1 Turkey 0

2011-04-10T19:05:00.001-05:00

My sons Hugh & Joseph went turkey hunting with my father-in-law this past weekend and look what Hugh got....or as my 6 year old said, "Look what Hugh caught!" LOL

IT'S AS BIG AS HE IS!! :)

Moon

2011-03-21T18:23:00.003-05:00

We took this picture of the moon Saturday night with a telescope....AWESOME!!!! God is truly AMAZING!!! :)

SPRING GIVEAWAY @ Love, 2 Car$eats and a Minivan

2011-03-20T17:37:00.003-05:00

Love, 2-Car$eats, and a MiniVan is having a GIVEAWAY...5 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT SPRING!! Head on over to Michelle's blog and enter! She picks a winner tomorrow so HURRY!! :)

This time, I AM GOING TO DO IT!

2011-03-19T09:45:00.002-05:00

Operation "Weight Loss" has begun! I don't think I'll ever reach my original weight though, no matter HOW hard I try! Let's face it, 6lbs 3oz is not very realistic is it? :)

My Niece Mollie ♥

2011-03-07T16:28:00.002-06:00

Family Time

2011-03-07T16:22:00.002-06:00

Emily, Mollie, Hugh, Karoline, Jackson, Joseph & Lily

Me & my siblings

Me & my beautiful children

Me & my twin sister

Picture time is over! :)

Patches

2011-02-12T13:57:00.001-06:00

Meet the newest member of our family...Patches! We adopted her this morning from the animal shelter. Someone had left her chained up outside all night in the freezing cold at the shelter! :( She has black patches underneath her white fur so the kids think her name is perfect! :) They were so excited and I think my husband is enjoying her most so far. :) We love her already! Best Valentine's Day gift ever!

Giveaway Update!

2011-02-10T13:39:00.000-06:00

Sorry it has taken me this long but I am ready to mail out goodies for all of my winners in the "Few Of My Favorite Things" Giveaway!! With 6 WINNERS it took me a little longer than I thought! :) So be on the lookout everyone and thanks again for entering, following, reading and blogging with me! :)

Lia Sophia Bracelet Giveaway!

2011-02-06T21:42:00.000-06:00

Love, 2 Car$eats and a Minivan has extended her Lia Sophia Bracelet Giveaway until Thursday so there is still time to win it! YAY! Head on over to Michelle's blog and enter right now! :)

SNEAUX DAY!

2011-02-04T23:00:00.000-06:00

We have had 2 days off from school and work due to "potential hazardous weather conditions like snow (SNEAUX)"...BTW, we didn't get any! The kids were disappointed but I have enjoyed the time off! :)

My kids asked, "Whatcha doing today?" I said, "Nothing." They said, "You did that yesterday." I told them, "I WASN'T FINISHED!" :)

4 Boyfriends

2011-02-04T20:27:00.003-06:00

Once upon a time there was a girl who had four boyfriends.

She loved the fourth boyfriend the most and adorned him

with rich robes and treated him to the finest of delicacies.

She gave him nothing but the best.

She also loved the third boyfriend very much and was always

showing him off to neighboring kingdoms. However, she feared

that one day he would leave her for another.

She also loved her second boyfriend. He was her confidant

and was always kind, considerate and patient with her.

Whenever this girl faced a problem, she could confide in

him, and he would help her get through the difficult times.

The girl's first boyfriend was a very loyal partner and

had made great contributions in maintaining her wealth and

kingdom. However, she did not love the first boyfriend

Although he loved her deeply, she hardly took notice of him!

One day, the girl fell ill and she knew her time was short.

She thought of her luxurious life and wondered, 'I now

have four boyfriends with me, but when I die, will I be a

alone.'

Thus, she asked the fourth boyfriend, 'I loved you the

most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered

great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow

me and keep me company? 'No way!', replied the

fourth boyfriend, and he walked away without another word.

His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart.

The sad girl then asked the third boyfriend, 'I loved

you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me

and keep me company?'

'No!', replied the third boyfriend. 'Life is

too good! When you die, I'm going to marry someone

else!' Her heart sank and turned cold.

She then asked the second boyfriend, 'I have always

turned to you for help and you've always been there for

me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?'

'I'm sorry, I can't help you out this

time!', replied the second boyfriend. 'At the very

most, I can only walk with you to your grave.'

His answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the

girl was devastated.

Then a voice called out: 'I'll go with you.

I'll follow you no matter where you go.' The girl

looked up, and there was her first boyfriend. He was very

skinny as he suffered from malnutrition and neglect.

Greatly grieved, the girl said, 'I should have taken

much better care of you when I had the chance!'

In truth, you have four boyfriends in your lives:

Your fourth boyfriend is your body! No matter how much time

and effort you lavish in making it look good, it will leave

you when you die.

Your third boyfriend is your possessions, status and

wealth. When you die, it will all go to others.

Your second boyfriend is your family and friends. No matter

how much they have been there for you, the furthest they can

stay by you is up to the grave.

And your first boyfriend is your soul. Often neglected in

pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world.

However, your soul is the only thing that will follow you

where ever you go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now,

for it is the only part of you that will follow you to the

throne of God and continue with you throughout Eternity. In

essence, it's the REAL you......

Thought for the day: Remember, when the world pushes you to

your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray.

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that He gave his only

begotten Son, that whoever believes on Him will not perish but have

everlasting life. For God did not send His Son to condemn the world,

but that the world thru Him might be saved.

PRAY

2011-02-02T15:50:00.001-06:00

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28) It seems so many families are going through difficult times right now so let’s pray that in their time of utter grief they can find the peace Jesus so freely offers.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSEPH!!

2011-01-31T22:15:00.000-06:00

My baby turns 6 tomorrow!!! :( I can't believe it!! He loves Buzz Lightyear, Pictureka, snuggling on the couch with me, watches, vanilla and Legos. He doesn't like BUGS, chocolate, pickles, swimming and cats. He is handsome, funny, considerate and so loving and will always be my baby! :) I'm so glad you were born, because you brighten my life and fill it with joy!!

JOSEPH ALLEN PAUL...HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY!!!

A VERA GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-01-31T16:12:00.000-06:00

Kristen's Palace is having a VERA BRADLEY GIVEAWAY!!! Head on over to her blog and enter to win a purse of her choice with some goodies inside!! LOVE IT!!!!

GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!

2011-01-29T10:33:00.001-06:00

I want to thank each of you who entered my "FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS" GIVEAWAY! Since there were only a few of you that entered...I'm feeling generous this morning and so the WINNERS are..................ALL OF YOU!!!!

Kristen

Michelle

Jessica

The Watermelon Tree

Brandy

I need each of you to email me your mailing address so I can send you a few of your favorite things!! My email address is hollympaul@yahoo.com.

CONGRATULATIONS and a very BIG THANK YOU to all of you for reading and following my blog!! :D

Sissy's Paintings Giveaway!

2011-01-27T18:40:00.004-06:00

THE COMPANY SHE KEEPS (TCSK) is having a fabulous GIVEAWAY! Sissy's Paintings by Jane Marie creates custom prints and prices are only by request. To enter to win, leave a comment on her blog by February 3rd, 2011. THIS PAINTING IS SUPER CUTE!! I LOVE ALL OF THE PINK!

ENTER MY GIVEAWAY!! :)

2011-01-27T14:12:00.002-06:00

Remember to enter my FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS GIVEAWAY!! Don't miss out on receiving some of your favorite things! :) Tomorrow is the deadline and I'm picking...

WINNERS!!

Giveaway @ Love, 2 Car$eats and a Minivan!

2011-01-27T13:45:00.001-06:00

You must go check out the giveaway Michelle @ Love, 2 Car$seats and a Minivan is having! Take a look at this super cute bracelet she is giving away...

LIA SOPHIA...http://www.liasophia.us/sites/corporate/productcatalog?page=productdetail&sku=101208901&showCrumbs=true

ALSO...if you haven't become a FOLLOWER of her blog, don't you think it's about time you did! :D

Few Of My Favorite Things Giveaway!

2011-01-24T22:26:00.001-06:00

Kristen @ Kristen's Palace/Trying To Find Myself is having a Giveaway called "a few of my favorite things"! She is asking for you to tell her 5 of your favorite things and she is only taking the first 5 commentors! Head on over to her blog and enter! :) A few of my favorite things are...anything PINK, Archie Comics, Handbags, Reading romance novels, Target, Chocolate & did I mention I LOVE PINK!! :)
In honor of her giveaway, I am going to have my own!!! :) Since my blog is called "A Few Of My Favorite Things", I want you to tell me some of yours! You can list as many items as you want and I will choose what to send you! :) I will choose 3 bloggers...you need to leave me a comment and follow my blog...you have to do both! :) This giveaway ends on Friday night and I will announce the winners on Saturday morning! GOOD LUCK TO ALL!! :D

How'd You Meet Your Cupcake?!

2011-01-24T17:02:00.001-06:00

Love, 2 Car$eats and a Minivan is having a SWEET Giveaway! All you have to do is go over to Michelle's blog and share your story of how you and your "cupcake" met!

This giveaway consist of:
*cupcake book
*cupcake dish towels (adorable)
*cupcake icing knives
*cupcake foil wraps
*baking utensils
*cupcake magnets
*and of course cupcake mix!!

GOOD LUCK!! :D

Happy Birthday Diddy!

2011-01-24T14:03:00.002-06:00

Life Lessons
You may have thought I didn't see,
Or that I hadn't heard,
Life lessons that you taught to me,
But I got every word.

Perhaps you thought I missed it all,
And that we'd grow apart,
But Dad, I picked up everything,
It's written on my heart.

Without you, Dad, I wouldn't be
The woman I am today;
You built a strong foundation
No one can take away.

I've grown up with your values,
And I'm very glad I did;
So here's to you, dear father,
From your forever grateful kid.
By Joanna Fuchs

Happy 62nd Birthday Diddy!
Thank you for always being there for our family, for being strong and for being our protector.
I love you so much more than I could ever put into words!

Cupcakes 'n Cream

2011-01-23T20:34:00.000-06:00

I found the best little shop in town... Cupcakes 'n Cream! OMGoodness! These are the biggest and most delicious things I have ever eaten! I kid you not! These over sized cupcakes are moist and fluffy, and most include a sweet filling inside that makes them an extra-surprising treat. The shop offers 16 flavors of ice cream and eight flavors of Italian ice in addition to between six and eight rotating cupcake flavors. :P

Red Velvet, Carrott Cake, Chocolate w/ Chocolate Buttercream, Vanilla, Reese's Peanut Butter Cupcake, Chocolate Salted Caramel, Cookies N Cream, Pink Lemonade, French Toast N Bacon, Wedding Cake, Chocolate Mint, Orange Dream, Banana Caramel, Strawberry Shortcake, Lemon Delight

I'VE LEARNED...

2011-01-20T21:20:00.003-06:00

I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.
I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.
I've learned.... That having your child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.
I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.
I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him/her in some other way.
I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
I've learned.... That simple talks with my Mother on the phone at night when I need to share or laugh has done wonders for me as an adult.
I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.
I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned... That under every one's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with kind people who are wiser than I am.
I've learned... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I've learned..... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost, someone will take the ones you miss.
I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned.... That one should keep his/hers words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he/she may have to eat them.
I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I've learned.... That when your newly born nephew or niece holds your little finger in his/her little fist, that you're hooked for life.
I've learned.... That everyone strives for the best things in life, but they already have them right at home.
I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

I'm not perfect I'm only human ... But to Christ my Lord and Savior, I am a piece of art. He is the sculptor and I am the clay ... a work in progress .. his time, his will, his way!

GIVEAWAY @ Steadfast Spirit!

2011-01-17T11:10:00.002-06:00

Allison @ Steadfast Spirit is having a giveaway! A copy of Abby Johnson's book unPLANNED...The true story of a former Planned Parenthood director's courageous choice in favor of life. If you want a chance to win this book, go over to Allison's blog and enter! :)

Kristen's Palace and Love, 2 Car$eats and a Minivan!

2011-01-16T14:14:00.003-06:00

Kristen's Palace has re-opened as Trying To Find Myself and she is having an awesome giveaway, "How To Survive Winter"!! She is giving away a few of my favorite things and I'm not telling you...you have to go to her new blog and check it out! :)

Also, her twin sister Michelle has started a cute new blog called Love, 2 Car$eats and a Minivan and is also having a giveaway...a super cute tutu!!! Go check it out quickly because the deadline to enter is today and while you're there, check out her cutie pa-tootie Maveric!! :)

THANKS GIRLS!!! :D

The Soul Of Our Nation

2011-01-12T20:55:00.001-06:00

"We must reject the idea that every time a law's broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions." ~President Ronald Reagan~

My heart and prayers go out to anyone who lost a loved one, anyone injured or affected by the tragedy in Tucson, Arizona.

Family Fun Night

2011-01-09T11:17:00.006-06:00

We love FAMILY FUN NIGHT!! Fridays at our house is FFN and we have pizza, watch movies or play games. Our week is so busy and we are on the go so much that it's just nice to spend a night at home.The kids picked this new game to play and I was so glad they did! You definitely need patience for this game but it is so fun...even if I lost! :)

There's A Reason Why I Teach...

2011-01-07T20:34:00.006-06:00

To love what you do and feel that it matters~ how could anything be more fun? :D I always try to have a positive attitude and a sense of humor, and to find things to laugh about each day. Sometimes it will be silly jokes I will make up as I teach that might get a laugh from the students. Sometimes it will be jokes that the kids share with me. My students will come out with the funniest things sometimes without realizing what they've said....20 of the most amazing 4 year olds! Enjoy what you do and if you don't...don't do it!

So True!

2011-01-03T20:59:00.006-06:00

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”~ Maya Angelou

New Year's Day Fun!

2011-01-01T23:18:00.006-06:00

Absolutely the best of the series so far! Halfway through this movie my five year old says to me, "This just keeps getting better and better!" Then we went home and while I cooked lasagna for dinner and baked Paula Dean's "Never Fail Pound Cake" from scratch (YUMMY), my husband and kids played a game of "backyard football"...my ten year old says it's different from REAL football cause you can make up your own rules as you play! :D

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T16:13:00.006-06:00

It has been a great year for getting reconnected to old friends and family, and making some new friends along the way!! Thank you for making me part of your life!! Have a very Happy New Year!! :)

Louisiana State Capitol

2010-12-30T21:21:00.000-06:00

My family and I are originally from Georgia and we moved to Louisiana about 3 years ago. We took the kids to the Louisiana State Capitol today for the first time and this was the only thing they were interested in...finding the state of Georgia on the front steps! ~HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS~

My Nieces and Nephews

2010-12-29T21:47:00.000-06:00

KAROLINE ELIZABETH~11~

JACKSON PERRY~10~

LILY KATE~5~

MOLLIE HARPER~4 MONTHS~

I love my nieces and nephews like I love my own children and I hate that I don't get to see them more than I do! They all live in my hometown (near) in Georgia but we visit as often as we can! My children and my nieces and nephews are more like brothers and sisters than cousins and I hope they will always stay that close! We didn't get to see them for Christmas but we hopefully will make it that way very soon! I love you Kaka, Jackman, Lil and Mollie Lou...or as my brother calls her "Mollie Pockets"! :D

Christmas Program

2010-12-27T10:47:00.000-06:00

These are pictures from our Christmas program at our church, Open Door Baptist. It was so beautiful and everyone did a wonderful job! I could have sat all night and listened to the music and all of the holiday songs! I am so very blessed to be a part of such an amazing church family! :)

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T12:56:00.000-06:00

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 ~Merry Christmas and may God bless each of you, your families and friends!~

Thanksgiving In Georgia 2010

2010-12-12T22:27:00.000-06:00

My family & I spent Thanksgiving this year in our hometown of Bainbridge, Georgia with my parents, sisters, brother, nieces, nephews and my in-laws. It was probably the nicest visit we had ever had, so peaceful and relaxing! We hated to leave! :(

Hugh, Emily & Joseph standing on the deck at my grandparents lakehouse. So many wonderful memories!!

Joseph fishing with Bop at on a little pond down the street from their house. That cute dog joined in on the fun!

Joseph Allen Paul

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!