2006 - Recap

Since the new year is just hours away, I thought I'd recap some things that happened in 2006. The thing that really stands out the most in my mind is that PaPa passed away on January 9, 2006. That was probably the saddest day in my life. Our family held on tight to each other and we made it through that rough time, with God's help. We had A LOT of birthday parties at mom's and several anniversaries. Brett and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary on July 7. We spent the weekend in Charleston at a Bed and Breakfast. It was so nice! I joined Weight Watchers and have lost 25 pounds. I was blessed with new friends and we became the Flip Flop Club. I can not even begin to tell you what this group of girls has meant to me. I look forward to many years of flip flopping through our lives together. I started going to Sunday School and let me just tell you that it has blessed my life more than words can begin to express. Our Sunday morning group is really unique and I am glad to be a part of it. Through WW and Sunday School, friendships have formed that will bless me forever. Ivette and I made it through another year of great friendship. We have held each other up through tears and laughter. She is my sister and I love her so much. I started playing golf again. I'm not that good at it but it is so much fun. Angie, Jessica and I played in our first tournament and we did not come in last place. Yah us!! Speaking of Jessica... she has been an amazing friend!! I know that God put her and Jeremiah in my path this year for a reason and slowly I am seeing that reason. It's because I needed them and I didn't even know it. God always knows what we need, even before we know it. (Sniff-Sniff) This year, I caught the "crying at the drop of dime disease" from Jessica... thanks for sharing that with me. The people who make Kleenex are certainly benefiting from that! Mason started taking karate. He can karate chop you and do it with a smile! He has been such a good boy this year, aside from the occasional, normal things. He turned four on September 17. He has a "girlfriend" at school. She is very pretty. He tells us that he is going to marry her when he grows up. He is growing way too fast. Brook and Justin got a new puppy named Remi. He is really adorable and full of energy. They love their pups! We got a new puppy and named her Layla. She has been a great addition to our family. Ripley is very happy to have her to play with.

I finished my 12th year at Real Estate Professionals. That's a long time, huh? Time has really flown by! Bernie graduated from the Faith Home in October. He is new man and continues to grow in his faith and his recovery. Bobby and Diana moved in two doors down. Mason loves having them so close because he can play with Robert and Wes more. Billy and Amy built a beautiful home in Walling Grove. It is their dream house and I couldn't be happier for them. They also got two new pups. Maverick and Bailey. They keep Billy and Amy very busy! Angie went back to work and seems to like it. Her purse business is also doing really well. I went on vacation with her and all the kids in September. Angie and I both got tattoos and belly button piercings. We had a great time! I'm sure that I left out a lot about 2006 but if I wrote about everything that happened, it would be 100's of pages long.

All in all, 2006 has been a good year. There has been a lot of laughter, tears, and disagreements but we made it through the year together. I hope that everyone has a safe and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I know, I know! I haven't blogged in over a week. We have been so super busy since before Christmas. Now it is almost a new year and we are still busy!

We all had an amazing Christmas. On Christmas Eve, Mason, Jessica, Jordan, Jackson and McKenzie sang Happy Birthday Jesus at church. It was so precious and of course, I cried. I think that I am catching the cry all the time thing from Jessica Y. because I cry at the drop of a dime.

Christmas day, I made breakfast for Brett's mom, dad, aunt and uncle. They came over about 8:30am. Mason had been up since about 7:30 and plowed through the things that Santa left for him. He was so excited. His favorite gift was a trampoline! It was raining on Christmas day but he jumped anyway and Grandma (Brett's mom) jumped with him. Needless to say, he was soaked when he came back in but it was worth it to see the smile on his face.

We went to mom's at noon to open presents and eat lunch. It was really crazy but really fun, as always! After mom's we went to Brett's aunt's house for dinner. We ate all day long but it was all yummy and worth it!!

Mason is loving all the days off of school that he has had over the holidays. He has been trying to fake sick every morning that he does have school so he can stay home. This morning he told me that his tummy hurt. I asked him if it really hurt? He said, "No, but my knee hurts." Again, I asked him if it really hurt. He said, "No, but my elbow really does hurt...... for real." He did go to school today but he has three days off now. I am not looking forward to Tuesday morning when he has to go back to school!! Little Faker!!

Happy New Year Everyone!! Be safe!!!

Date Night

Friday night, Mason and I had date night. Brett had to work so it was just the two of us. We had such a great time. We went to see Charlotte's Web. It was so super cute and Mason agreed. He sat as if in a trace and stared at the screen. I have always loved Charlotte's Web and now so does Mason. It was fun of humor and we laughed and laughed! Templeton, the rat, was the funniest character. Mason's favorite part was when Templeton got a rotten egg and took it into his rat hole. He rolled it down and put in a spot where he thought that it would be secure. Well, it started rolling and Templeton started running. The egg eventually caught up with him and broke. Yucky, rotten egg went all over him. Mason laughed and laughed. I told Mason that I thought I could smell that rotten egg. He looked at me and said, "No, mom that's not rotten egg you smell. I passed gas!" Talk about giggling!!

The most special part of our evening was while we were in Belk before the movie. I don't remember what song was playing on the radio but Mason looked up at me and asked me to dance. Of course, I accepted and we did a little slow dance in the junior section of Belk, complete with twirling and dips. It was truly a memorable moment in my life.

According To Mason.....

On the way home from school today, Mason and I were talking about Heaven. I'm not sure how the subject came about but it was priceless. I asked Mason what he thought was in Heaven. He answered, very matter of fact, "Well, there are little floors because you walk on clouds and we won't need floors. God's bedroom is on the left and mine will be right across the hall." He named all the people and animals that he knows are in Heaven, waiting on him. Buster, Sabre, Jackson's grandfather, Cooper, PaPa and his hermit crab. Then he asked me if the "real" Joseph would be there. I told him yes. He wanted to know if the real Mary would be there, too. Yes, she will I told him. He sat in the backseat lost in his own thoughts. Then he asked, "Mommy, were you there when Jesus died on the cross?" I told him no, I wasn't. He told me that he thought that PaPa was there because he was old. He asked me how Jesus died on the cross. I told him that some men beat him and he died. He sat looking really sad and then said, "Mom, did you know that when people die that their eyes stay open?" I asked him how he knew that. He said that he was at Mr. Asa's house and that he had an alligator in his freezer. He told me that the gators eyes were still open but he was dead. He told me that he thought that Jesus died with his eyes open so that when he got to Heaven, he could look down and see what we were doing. Sort of a morbid thing for a four year old to consider but it makes sense to Mason. Can you believe this kid of mine??? He is truly amazing!

Mason's Layla Bear

Busy Days!!

I know, I know! I haven't blogged in a few days but I have several good excuses. Mason, Brett and Layla!

This time of year is always so busy but this year seems to be a lot busier. Mason is in the Christmas program at church so we have been back and forth to church a good bit to practice. He is Joseph so he thinks that he the luckiest kid around. The program is Sunday night. I know that it will be so good because all the kids have worked really hard.

Santa came a little bit early and delivered Mason a puppy. Her name is Layla and Mason really loves her. She is already fitting in well with our family. She EXTREMELY prissy and SUPER foo-foo!! Today her hair is up in pig tails on the top of her head with hot pink rubberbands. Foo-foo, huh? I'll post some pictures later.

Brett and I went on a date last night. We haven't been out alone since our anniversary in July. We really enjoyed it! We went to Moon Doggies for dinner. It was really yummy and definitely not Weight Watchers friendly... oh well! Thanks to Jessica and Jeremiah for letting Mason come over so we could go! We owe you one or two! You name the time and we will be there to keep your girls so y'all can go out!

Last night while I was tucking Mason in, he was telling me about his day at school. He told me about the letters that he learned, the crafts that he did and about his friends. Then he shocked me with this, "Mommy, I told Henry that if he was a good person in this world that when he dies he will go to Heaven." Mason told me that Henry started to cry because he didn't want to go to Heaven without his parents. Of course, the idea of Heaven to a child must be sort of scary if they have never been to church and heard about how wonderful it is going to be. Mason told Henry that his parents could go to Heaven too if they loved God. Just as simple as that, my four year witnessed to another four year old.

Although Brett doesn't go to church with me every Sunday, we both agree that Mason should be raised knowing and loving God. Brett and I were both raised going to church and we want Mason to understand and love the Lord. Isn't it amazing that now Mason is telling other kids about Heaven and God? I am very proud!!!

Christmas Time Already??

Can anyone believe that Christmas is right around the corner? I am amazed at how fast time goes by. It seems like we just undecorated from Christmas last year and now we are re-decorating again. Brett spent all day Saturday putting the lights up outside. It looks like a winter wonderland. We got our Christmas tree on Friday. Mason and I decorated it on Sunday afternoon.

On a different note, Mason has a double ear infection. This is his first ear infection ever. I took him to the doctor Monday because he was covered in a terrible rash. He had not complained about his ears hurting and still hasn't. The doctor just looked in his ears as a routine thing and said, "Oh no Mason!" I was shocked. She let me look into his ears. That was really weird. I have always wondered what it looked like and now I know. Anyway, he has had off and on fever for two days but he acts fine. Brett and I are definitely ready for him to go back to school. Hopefully tomorrow.

"Nobody is so far from God that he can't get back to the Lord. Our responsibility is to keep knocking at God's door about that person, to keep believing God will answer our prayers. Thank God for what He will do. Patiently but expectantly wait on the Lord. Renew your hope!" - Thelma Wells

Since it is the day before Thanksgiving, I thought I'd share a few things that I am thankful for. I am thankful for:

* Brett - He is the love of my life, even though he is hard headed sometimes.
* Mason - He is a gift for God.
* Mom and Dad - I have the best parents ever.
* My Sisters and Brothers - THE BEST!!
* My grandparents
* My in-laws - They are all very special!
* Ivette - She has stood by me through many years of living life on life's terms.
* The Flip Flop Club - They are my mixed up blessings.
* My church family
* My home
* My Sunday school teacher - He may not know it but God speaks to me through him in a way that I can understand.
* French Vanilla Coffee Creamer - My coffee wouldn't be the same without it.
* Weight Watchers
* The Faith Home
* My job
* The rain - even though it keeps going and going.
* The freedom of speach
* Publix

I'm sure that I left so much out. We are all very lucky to have so much. I hope that everyone has an amazing Thanksgiving. Gobble! Gobble!

Today I am going to play in my very first golf tournament with Angie and Jessica! I woke up nervous, not because I'm playing but because we will have other golfer waiting behind us. We are likely to slow up the entire tournament. Oh well, I know that it will be tons of fun!

I'm going to make this a super short blog. The main reason that I took the time to do it is to ask that you pray for Vincent. I can't begin to imagine the daily struggles that he must go through especially living in a new place and learning a new profession. I dreamt about him all night last night and every time he was in a different situation with the devil right on his tracks. I think that I woke up at least 4 or 5 times and he was on my heart. Please pray for him. Pray for him even if you don't know him because God will know exactly who you are talking about.

Unfortunately, we had to take Gidget back to Brett's aunt last night. She was not house broken and since she is not a puppy, she would have been really difficult to train. Needless to say, Mason was heartbroken over it. I explained to him that Gidget missed his doggie friends at Aunt Tia's house. I told him that mommy just couldn't have a dog that pottied on our floor. He accepted that but insisted that he send a letter to Santa asking for another puppy. I typed it up for him. These are his exact words.... from his mouth to the word processor.

Dear Santa,

Give me a dog named Gidget. I want her to not pee or poop on our floor. And I don’t want her to have stinky breath and I want her to be the same color and I will love her. I want a puppy just that little. The same size as Gidgets tail and black eyes. I want her to have the same toenails. I want her to have to same black mouth but not stinky breath, please.

Love,

Mason

This picture was taken at the Faith Home the weekend that Bernie graduated. For some reason looking at this makes me think of all the prayers that were sent up for Bernie. Our prayers carried Bernie along the way. We prayed while he was home, we prayed while he was in the Faith Home but we need to remember to keep praying for him now. So take a minute and say a prayer for him! As we all know, prayer works!

Brett's aunt takes in fosters dogs that are taken from abusive homes or from owners that can't afford to feed their pets. This is Gidget. She is a little bundle of prissiness and she is not afraid to show it. She has several dresses and she seems to enjoy wearing them. Brett and I have Gidget at our house now. I am almost positive that we are going to keep her. It's really a test run sort of thing to make sure that she gets along with Ripley and that she is house broken. So far, so good. I guess that the only downside is that she sheds. Ripley doesn't shed so we are not used to dog hair in the house. But besides that she is very sweet and super cuddly. Anyway, I wanted to show everyone her picture. She is actually so ugly that she is cute and her personality makes her even cuter!

Hide and Go Seek

Mason and I play hide and go seek all the time. It's one of his favorite things to do and if you ever stop by my house, chances are that he will ask you to play. Usually he hides in the same spot over and over and we have to pretend like we don't see him. Well, yesterday Mason and I had this big plan to hide from Brett when he got home from work. We waited until we heard his truck pull into the driveway and we both ran and got on top of the washer and dryer. I closed the laundry room closet doors as best I could from the inside. Brett came in and as he was walking down the hallway, he shut the doors all the way. It was pretty dark in there. Mason was giggling silently as Brett searched all over the entire house for us. He looked in the shower and under the beds and in the closets. Mason was so tickled that his daddy couldn't find us! Then we heard Brett say to the dog, "Mommy and Mason must have gone for a walk or to Ivette's house." So, he sat at the computer to check his e-mail. 5 minutes later, Mason and I are still sitting on the washer and dryer. I whispered to Mason that we would have to drink Tide for dinner. Then he looked at me and said, "Mommy, you look like my daddy in the dark." I had to put hand over my mouth to muffle my laugh. He kept looking at me and saying in a quiet voice, "You're the best mommy ever." "I love you, mommy."

We were in that dark closet for about 10 minutes before Mason made a little sound and Brett found us. Of course, we jumped out and yelled, "Boo!" And of course, Brett was so scared. I must say that that 10 minutes were the most precious moments in my day.

Tonight I was given a LARGE dose of the devil's handy work. My feelings got hurt and I reacted. Someone attacked me verbally and I allowed it to fester and turn into a big fat boo boo. I allowed it to eat at me. I questioned friendships. I got a big helping of what the devil can do and I allowed it to happen. I'm sure that the devil was standing over my shoulder smiling. Of course, at that point I questioned my strength as a Christain. I mean, I am walking the walk but am I talking the talk? Someone jumped on me and I jumped right back. I almost let the devil win the battle tonight. I almost sunk into my gloom and allowed him to cover me up. But then....

I opened my Women of Faith Study Bible and it opened to this, "When we see a clown being shot out of a cannon at the circus, we laugh because we know it's not reality. When we're the ones being shot out or shot at, however, it's no laughing matter. It can be a thanksgiving matter, though. Not about what's happening to us, but who protects us in the line of fire. When we take refuge in God, He promises us peace beyond human comprehension. EVERY situation is included. So don't be afraid. There's no battle too fierce for God."

What did I learn from the attacks that the devil threw my way tonight? When someone attacks you, don't allow the hurt to control you. Allow God to control the hurt.

I'm not sure if this post makes any sense but I feel much better having written it.

The Choice to Be Happy

When things happen in my life that make me feel gloomy, I have a choice. Do I sink in gloom or choose to be happy? Life's trials can feel so overwhelming sometimes and it's not always things in my life that make me sad. Sometimes it's things that are happening to a friend or family member. The devil uses every resource that he can to bring us all down. He makes things that are bad look good and he makes things that are good look bad. So, when life seems like it is crashing in around you, what do you do? Do you sit quietly and wait for the storm to pass? Do you snap at people that you love out of spite? Do you call a friend and talk it out? Personally, I have tried all of these things to feel better. Although some of those things make me feel better, it's only temporary. The only thing that I can really do to shake the glooms is "Let Go and Let God". Just take my hands off of the situation and put God's hands on it. That is a hard thing for me to do because I can't stand to see anyone suffer. I want to solve everyone's problems and I want the people that I love to be happy. But that's not up to me. That is God's job. So, my prayer tonight is that God will continue to help me let go. I know that He will do one of the things that He does best..... Answer prayers.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Guess what?! My man is growing a beard! I'm not sure why I am excited about that but I am! Of course, I think that Brett is a goodlooking man. His Italian looks won me over a long time ago. But when I envision him with a beard, I like what I see! I'm being silly, I know. But that's what love will do to you!

Mason has karate tonight and he is really looking forward to it! He has been practicing what he learned at his last class... front kicks and ready stance. I think that karate is just right for him!

Last night I went to Weight Watchers and then Applebee's for dinner with the Flip Floppers. Let me just say that this group of girls is extraordinary. Each one has wonderful qualities that make her special. I love you all!

Halloween Pictures

Pictures from Amy and Billy's Party

Trick or Treat!!

We had so much fun last night at Jessica and Jeremiah's Halloween get together. We had a lot of kids dressed as all sorts of things. A beautiful ladybug, a fierce looking set of Power Rangers, Strawberry Shortcake and a cuddly Care Bear, a munchkin cowboy and a Star Wars guy, a super handsome Superman, a very speedy Ninja Turtle, a dashing pirate and a mini grouchy pirate, a gorgeous fifties girl and a sweet as pie fairy. Is that not a great assortment? Bernie pulled all of us around the neighborhood on a hayride. Some people walked and a few rode. Thanks to Jessica and Jeremiah for hosting the party and thanks to Bernie for pulling us!

Happy Halloween!!

Last night Mason and I carved our pumpkin. He really had fun helping me clean out all the pulp and then washing the seeds. We put the seeds in the oven with a little salt and baked them... YUMMY!

While we were carving the pumpkin, Mason kept looking over at me and saying, "I love you mommy." Then he would reach over and hug me or kiss me. He was so excited to be helping that he was overcome with emotion. He must have hugged me 10 times. I started thinking about how busy I have been lately. It seems like I have something planned for every night of every week. Weight Watchers, church, holiday parties or whatever. When I am at home, I'm busy doing laundry or dishes or catching up on cleaning. I realized last night that I haven't been doing enough fun things with Mason. That's why he kept hugging me. Normally while I'm cleaning or whatever, he is in his room playing. I really need to make a point of going in and playing cars with him or coloring. I'm not saying that I ignore Mason but while I am busy living my life, I'm missing little pieces of his.

It is so easy to get caught up in life and you look up to find that weeks have passed you by. My prayer today is that I can slow down and enjoy my family more. I don't want to look up one day and see Mason graduating from high school and wish that I could go back to play cars with him or color a picture of a Power Ranger. Shame on me for being so busy. Shame! Shame! Shame!

I was reading a book today called "Peace Above The Storm" and I came across a story that really touched me. I want to share it with you.

"Grandpa George had a failing heart. It was so diseased , his doctor had told him he would need a heart transplant or die. So his name was placed on the waiting list for a donor. Each night his grandchildren prayed that if it was God's will a heart would soon be available for him.

Then it happened but not in the way anyone could have guessed or wanted. George's grandson, Scott, was an active teenage, who loved riding his motorcycle with his friends. Scott prayed daily that his grandfather would get a heart.

Then one day Scott became the answer to his own prayers. He was in a terrible motorcycle accident. His friends stood around helplessly as he lay on the payment, his body crumpled at an odd angle.

The ambulance soon arrived, its sirens wailing, and sped Scott to the hospital. Their tests revealed that though his heart was still beating, he was brain-dead.

Scott's parents raced to the hospital in shock. When they heard that his death was inevitable, they knew what he would want them to do. They signed a form releasing Scott's heart to his grandfather.

The surgery was completed within a few hours and in the following weeks Scott's grandfather recovered nicely. He told reporters, "I have a new heart, but it's broken."

Scott's grandfather lives each day to the fullest in honor of the gift his grandson gave to him. "If I waste this life, Scott's gift will have been in vain," he says.

What about you? Somebody died so that you could live forever. That's how special you are to Him. Don't waste His gift."

Bernie's Graduation Speech - Part 1 & 2

Have you ever seen anything as cute as this? Mason is officially a Lil Dragon. He starts karate on Tuesday and he is so excited!! I hope that he likes it because he looks really cute in his outfit or whatever it's called.... a gee I think?

Random Thoughts

Let me start by telling everyone that I bought a pair of size 8 Levis today and guess what..... THEY ARE TOO STINKIN BIG!! I didn't try them on at Belk but was pleasantly surprised when I got to work and tried them on!!

Tonight Sandy and I are taking the boys with us to church. I admit that I haven't been to church in a few weeks and there really is no good excuse.

My Halloween costume should be here any day. Brett and I are both going to be devils. Now, that doesn't mean that we are devils... we are just dressing up as devils. We are more like club devils, sort of punk devils. Our costumes match and I am hoping that they look decent on us. I guess we'll see!

I totally got ALL my hair chopped off today! I look like a different person. It is boy short and I absolutely love it!! Brett is going to be happy because he likes my hair better when it's really super short.

Mason is doing great! He is going to be a green Power Ranger for Halloween. Although lately, he thinks that he is a dog and even barks and crawls around on the floor. I have to tell him every morning that he can't be a dog at school.

I will close with this.... Mason told me that for Halloween, Brett could be the cow and I could be the utter! Isn't that nice??? I'm sure that he heard that from his daddy!

The Faith Home Choir

Pictures From the Faith Home

These are a few pictures that mom took while she was visiting Bernie this weekend. He looks really great and so stress free. He graduates this coming weekend. There will be 11 graduates and they all get to speak. I am definitely going to pack my tissues. My prayer is that this weekend will be all about giving God the glory for all that He has done and will continue to do in Bernie's life. I am so excited to see him. It is going to be a fun weekend! I wouldn't miss it for the world! Who wants to go???

Happy Birthday Ivette!

Have you ever had a friend that you just wouldn’t trade?

One of the sweetest people that God ever made?

Someone who wipes away your endless tears,

She knows your weaknesses and all of your fears?

I have this friend that God made just for me,

We are as perfectly matched as friends can be.

She has walked with me through fire and rain,

She has stood by me through the greatest of pain.

She laughs when I laugh and cries when I cry,

She tells me the truth, looking me straight in the eye.

She’s been there through the good and all of the bad,

She can just look at me and tell right away if I’m sad.

God knew what He was doing when He brought us together,

He knew that our friendship could withstand any weather.

So, today I celebrate the day of her birth,

The day that God sent an angel down to the earth.

So Happy Birthday my friend, Have a great day,

And may our friendship stay strong, come what may!

Vacation Pictures

Now back to blogging.....

After being gone for over a week, it is so hard to get back into the swing of things. We had an amazing time in Florida. The kids were as good as they could be staying in one room. Angie and I really had a good time talking and laying out by the pool. When we are at home, we don't get much time to just hang out.... it was almost the best part of the trip. Want to know what the best part of vacation was? Brett surprised me and came down on Monday. He called my cell phone from the lobby of our hotel and told me that he was going to a meeting for work. I looked up and there he was! I caused a commotion around the pool! He only got to stay until Wednesday but Mason and I enjoyed every minute that he was with us!!

Ok, so, Angie and I could totally be on the show Girls Gone Wild because we sort of did. Sunday, Angie got her belly button pierced. I wanted to really bad but I chickened out. All day Monday I thought about it and tried really hard to build up enough courage to do it. Finally, at about 8:45pm Monday night, I said, "Let's go before I change my mind." I knew that if I at least got in the van with Angie that she would not let me chicken out. So, I got my belly button pierced!!

Then on Friday evening Angie and I both got tattoos. I already have one on my back that I got about 7 years ago. I forgot how bad it hurt! Oh my, I thought that I was going to have to squirm off the table and run out the door. I had my fists clenched and my toes curled. I was making some really ugly faces. I had no idea that there was surveillance cameras all around me. I really hope that no one was watching me for those 30 minutes.

Mason had a blast. His hair turned five shades lighter. He almost has white hair. He swam everyday and learned how to doggy paddle. He really looked like a puppy with only his little face out of the water.

Anyway, we had a great vacation! Now back to reality......

Today I woke up feeling very sad. I know that I should be so excited because Mason and I are going to Florida this morning. I am excited but I am leaving a huge part of my heart here. Brett has been on trips for work that lasted a week and Mason and I survived that. But this is the first time that Mason and I are going to be away from home for 7 days. As I am sitting here blogging, I have that feeling in my throat you get before the tears come. But of course, I won't cry because then Mason will cry. He is also really torn between staying with his daddy or going with his mommy. I had no idea that going to Florida without Brett would be so hard. Brett and I need to plan our own family vacation. If he could just get off work. That's seems to be the hard part.

On a lighter note, the sun is just now lighting up the sky because I have been up since 6am doing some last minute packing. I'm still searching for the air mattress. Anyone seen it?

Alright, I am going to close for now. I will be in a van with four kids for over 4 hours..... I may need a tranquilizer!!

Countdown

The final countdown has begun for our vacation. Mason and I are leaving Saturday morning with Angie and her kids to go to Florida for 7 days. I am really excited and so is Mason. The only thing that would make our vacation complete is for Brett to be able to go. He has to work and can't seem to find a way to wiggle out of it. When he first told me that he couldn't go, I thought that he would find a way. We are getting down to the wire and he is really not going. Bummer, huh? This vacation week is the only week of the entire year that we are all together as a family with no work, not softball, no doggie obligations and no alarm clock. But I will go with Mason and enjoy the time with him, Angie and her kids. We don't do anything except eat, sleep, lay around the pool and play the occasional game of bingo. My favorite night is when a DJ comes and sets up on the pool deck, which overlooks the ocean. We act silly and dance for a few hours. It's so fun! Of course, this year Angie and I are taking our new bod's, so watch out Florida!!!

Angie and I are both getting a souvenir while we are there..... a tattoo. We both already have one but we're getting another! We are both getting the palmetto and moon from the SC flag. My problem is which color. At first I thought pink but I'm afraid that pink won't show up really good on my skin, especially if I have a tan.... which I will when I get back from Florida! So, help me out!!! Give me some suggestions for colors. Angie is getting hers in navy blue but I think that I want something a little different. Any ideas?

I hope that I never have to move!! Amy and Billy are in the process of moving this week and we have been there every night. We have moved box after box from one house to the other. Poor Amy has a backache, a shoulder ache, a foot ache... basically an all over body ache. She looks exhausted and so does Billy. Their new house is gorgeous and I know that they will enjoy it for many years to come. But like I said, I hope that I never have to move!!

I am getting up at o'dark:30 again in the morning to walk with Jessica. I felt really good all day until I got home. I definitely ran out of gas as soon as I walked in the front door. I really should go to bed now but here I am blogging.

Our Flip Flop Club has a new blog that I think is really great. If you want to see go here. It' s very cool that we can all blog about whatever. I have the best group of friends ever!!

Bernie Singing In The Faith Home Choir

Bernie Mac

Mom, Dad and Ryan went to Greenwood, South Carolina to visit Bernie this weekend. I wish that I could have gone because I really miss him a lot. Doesn't he look great?! Thanks to Mom for letting me post these pictures!!

My Mixed Up Blessings

A lot of times in life, we are so busy that we may not notice all of the blessings that God gives us. Everything that we own is a blessing whether it's clothes, a house, cars or even something as simple as electricity. This weekend I realized that I have some new blessings... New Friends.

I think that enjoying friendship is one of life's sweetest blessings. What would we do without friends? We all need friends in our lives who we can discuss deep issues with, confide our secrets, fears or sorrows. We also need friends we can laugh with.

I am extremely blessed to have a group of friends, some old friends and some new. We call ourselves the Flip Flop Club. I like to think of them as my mixed up blessings. We are all very different but still sort of the same. Some of us cry at the drop of a dime. Some of us have 3 or 4 kids. Some of us drive minivans or SUV's and some of us drive Hondas. What makes us so similar is our love of life and now each other.

We had our 2nd Flip Flop dinner Saturday night. I'm not sure about anyone else but I had a great time! We laughed until we cried and then we laughed some more. As Mason would say, "It was stinkin doodoo fun!"

The best times in life are made a thousand times better when shared with a dear friend but I am blessed with a group of dear friends. If that's not a blessing, then I don't know what is.

I just want to say that I am really excited about several things that are happening this weekend. Today at 12:30pm I am playing golf for the first time in 4 years. I will probably make a complete fool of myself but I will have fun doing it. I am playing with Angie and Jessica. Watch girls!! Beware of flying golf balls!!!

The other thing that I am really looking forward to is our Flip Flop Supper Club tomorrow night. I am the hostess with the mostest and I am really excited about the things that I have planned. I tried to put a lot of thought into it because all the ladies that are coming really deserve a fun night out, full of laughing and being silly. I hope that it is just that!! A fun night out!

Party Pictures!!