2011 in review!

My year in review---via my iPhone camera roll.

It's been a great year, and I'm glad I captured it all! Say cheese, and Happy New Year!

January!
My sister and I completed my biggest personal accomplishment to date. Disney's Goofy Challenge.

Half Marathon on Saturday. Full Marathon on Sunday. Yes. 39.3 miles!

*I can't think of anyone I would've rather crossed that finish line with!

February
A group of Girls dashed down to Orlando for the Princess Half Marathon! Fun times with the girls!!

March
We zipped down to Destin for a very impromptu Spring Break Beach trip!

April
To Chicago for our last-ever Oprah show!

And April, 27,2011
The day the tornadoes took Alabama "by storm" and our lives were all changed.

May
Mothers Day! I *heart* these cute boys!

June
We set sail on the Disney Wonder. Destination:Alaska
This pic is one of my faves! Kids in the pool. Snow-capped mountains in the back!

July
I fractured my leg, and Scott and I woke up that weekend with no kids and no plans! So down to the beach we went! Best 3 days!!!!

August
School started

Football season had us "all systems go"

September

My sweet Mason totaled his truck. And it reminded me, yet again, of just how precious life is.

Football. Football. Football.

And I wouldn't trade these minutes for anything!

Me and Susie took a break from reality and skipped down to WDW for a quick over-night "work" trip!

October
We did the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure. Always one of my faves.

We managed to squeeze in an Alabama football game!

More Panther Football!

November
Scott and I and our little anniversary rendevouz.

Lucy and I fly to Houston for a little bit of scrapbook fun!

Back to the Happiest Place on Earth for work!

And as football came to a close, we dove right into basketball season!

December
Took Macy and Alora for a fun night of girly shopping!

Lots of yummy gifts for the teachers!

Jingle Bell Run!

We took the most wonderful Disney Cruise Christmas Vacation ever!

And then our Christmas Card photo!!

All in all. 2011 has been fantastic!!!

I can't wait for 2012!

Fruit loops and popcorn! A family tradition.

As silly as it seems, fruit loops and popcorn have become a family tradition. Mix in a needle and some fishing line and you have Christmas Tree garland.

I'm not sure how it even started, but one year the boys and I ventured into the pantry to make garland. And this was what we came up with.

It adds the cutest bit of whimsy to our tree!

And we typically sit in the living room, on the floor in front of the tree. The lights of the tree light up the room. Christmas music on. No tv. No nothing else. Just us.

Making memories.

This year, we surfed Spotify for silly Christmas songs, I want a hippopotamus for Christmas, was the favorite of the night.

Now, don't get me wrong. The boys lose their attention for this tedious project quick. So we only did about 6 strands this year. Just enough for the front.

And I'm ok with it.

Again. It's real life. Just a tree full of memories. Nothing fancy, or over the top.

A family tradition.

Almost a month.......

Back in the day, when I started this blog, I started it because I thought it would be a great way to connect with other crafters, and to just put my thoughts onto "paper"....

And lots of times, I am really great about updating, but, since I have a "job" now, something that has just not been a part of most of my adult life, I am having to find that balance, between being a "stay at home mom" and a Disney Travel Planner, and then there are all of the little things....like this blog.

I love this blog. I love to be able to put my thoughts down, and then have them here so when I come back, later, I can see, just where I was at...today.

And, so, today it is.

Today has been a seemingly great day.

I've been busy about, with lots of "work" to be done, and a football banquet to prepare for. Lots of little details that go along with that, and well, I am not really a "football banquet" kind of person, so I am learning along the way.

Maybe just about the time Mason graduates, I will have figured it all out, and I won't feel like I am driving the Coach crazy, or that I am spinning my wheels.

Regardless, work to be done, and I had to meet a future Disney guest, to go over some details of their trip.

Anyways, I say all of this to day, it's been a busy day.

But, this morning, in the midst of it all, a quick chat with a sweet friend, only for her to tell me that she and her hubby are getting a divorce.

I felt like she kicked me in my throat. (um, imagine how she feels)....
I was just not prepared, and it saddens my heart to know that a wonderful marriage can get to that point, where it is just no longer worth working for.

And on my drive to Birmingham, it reminded me that none of us are exempt from this. None of our marriages are perfect, or spotless, or guaranteed.

And, it just hurt my heart.

And, then, Scott was busy in meetings all day, so we only chatted off and on, and that was just not what I needed. I needed to be one of those "whining wives"...you know, the one that calls, and has no regard for the fact that he's at work, because *I* am having a bad day, and I wanna whine.

Ok-well-didn't happen. And that's probably a good thing.

And then, later this evening, as I am just kicking into what should be a very productive rest-of-the-day, I get a facebook message from a friend, and he is sharing with me that he and his wife got sad news from the doctor, and their little sweet baby, well, that sweet baby has gone to be with Jesus. Even before Mom and Dad ever get to hold it.

Oh, what a break in my heart.

So many things I want to say. So many words I want to share. And none of them need to be said right now.

But, it's almost like my heart hurts for them so bad, because I know that grief so deep. And I know the heartache, and sad days ahead. And, I wish more than anything, that no one I ever know would have to go thru that.


So, I clicked over here to the trusty ole blog, just so I could jot it down.

And, I know that as soon as I hit "publish" it will all still be the same, and nothing will have been solved by this, but it helps my feelings a little bit.

And, one day, I will look back, and maybe both of these friends will be in a victorious day in their life, and I can say, "Wow, what a wonderful thing God has done in their lives"....

Star Wars, General Mills, and a Giveaway!

How fun is this! Have you spotted these yet in stores?

The backs of the cereal form the Star Wars picture!

So very fun!

I got a box of these in the mail from General Mills and needless to say, I was VERY excited!

So, I put them out on the table, and the boys had a fit!!!

**If you haven't seen these yet, run to your nearest Wal-Mart and check them out. VERY limited time on this one!

This incredible collection unites all six Episodes together for the first time in stunning high definition with the purest digital sound in the galaxy. With over 40 hours of thrilling special features, including all-new content created exclusively for this release, you can journey deeper into the Star Wars universe and discover more than ever before. Feel the Force of STAR WARS The Complete Saga on Blu-ray this September! In honor of the release, select General Mills Big G cereals have a limited edition Star Wars good versus evil image on their packaging, which when combined creates a full panoramic poster. Exclusively at Walmart, look for specially marked boxes of Big G cereals, including Honey Nut Cheerios®, Cinnamon Toast Crunch®, and Lucky Charms®. Collect all three to create a Star Wars panoramic poster showcasing your favorite characters, like Darth Vadar™, Luke Skywalker™, Han Solo™, Princess Leia™ and more. Marking the first time ever that the full Saga is available in one complete collection, the 9-disc STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA will be available on Blu-ray September 16th, courtesy of Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. May the force be with you as you check out these Star Wars boxes at your local Walmart for a limited time only!

**And, here's the fun part!

I have a giveaway!!!

Your prize pack will contain:
• One box of each of the following cereals to form their own Star Wars panoramic poster:
• Honey Nut Cheerios
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch
• Lucky Charms
• $25 Walmart gift card

All you have to do is leave a comment---and tell me why you wanna win?!
*And, if you want an extra chance, go "like" Main Street Memories on facebook, and come back here and tell me that you did!

Ok, ready, set....GO!

**this blog was made possible by MyBlogSpark and General Mills

Good game. Good game.

We always like to cheer on the guys as they come OFF of the field after the game. Even after a loss. To tell them we are proud of them and we stand with them, win or lose.

So, tonight, after the crowd had cleared out and most everyone was gone...I saw something.

Scott was chatting and I was just standing, watching the world go by and I noticed...I noticed one of the coaches call our QB over to him, and he said "you played a great game. Be proud. Hold your head up"

And they chatted some more and they were quiet.

But you know what, he didn't have to do that. He could've been the typical jerk-coach that lets that kid hold his head in shame as if it was all on him. NO. Not this coach. Nope. He gave him something to smile about and be proud of.

So I drove home, just myself, and it really made me think of what a difference a year can make.

Last year, our guys would've rode the bus home in silence and in defeat. But tonight. Their coaches told them they were proud of their effort and follow-thru.

Our guys know they lost. Believe me. They are beating themselves up enough.

I am so so thankful that we have some of the best coaches ever!!

Hey, our record is not stellar, but our guys are. And we are building an awesome football program, and some awesome young men in the process!!!

Go Panthers:-)

Beach Trip Shutterfly Book

Scott and I took a very unplanned trip to the beach this summer. Somehow, we found ourselves with no kids and no plans for the weekend, so we threw a bag together, grabbed our bathingsuits and out the door we went!

I did NOT even take my DSLR, so all of the pics are iPhone pics!!

I had a free coupon for an 8x8 from Shutterfly...so I just ordered it!

Can't wait to see it...IN REAL LIFE!

Click here to view this photo book larger

Jesus TOOK the wheel......

A mother's worst nightmare--

"Mom...I had a wreck"

Actually, it was a text:


Yes, a text.

**I had just left the doctor's office......two shots.....yep...one in each cheek......and was on my way to get my scripts filled. I have pneumonia. Lovely!

Needless to say, I was not in my right frame of mind.....and I was on the phone with my sister.....giving her the low-down on my sick-self.

When I get the TEXT!!!!!!!!

And the crazy part is, that was the BEST way. That kid of mine, he knows me.

He knew I would FREAK out.....so the text was a buffer. It let me know he had the wreck, and it let me know he was alive.

So-----of course...I FREAKED out. And I called him.

No answer.

Called again.

"Mom..I'm ok. I'm ok"

"Where are you?"

--He told me where he was and that a friend of mine from high school was with him. Already?! Wow! So thankful.

Anyways, I rushed BEHIND THE SLOWEST PAWPAW DRIVER IN AMERICA-----

And I turned the corner to a Fire Truck, lights flashing, his horn was stuck LOUD, police car, lots of traffic......

Where is he? Where is he?

Whew! I spotted him. Standing up. Away from the truck.



Goodness. My heart can resume beating again.

My sister in law, Chanda, was already there...taking care of him. And being the mother to him. Praise the Lord for sisters!

The long and short of it is:

He hit a piece of concrete in the road. Just a junk massive piece of concrete...in the middle of the road.....it popped his wheel and it folded under neath him. And he began his journey....into the ditch.

What a level head. He said "I just knew if I could keep it to the right, keep it to the right, I would not hit anyone else and that wall would stop me."

That wall...being a DITCH.

So, he said "I just held the wheel, and tried to keep it from going left into the other lane"

Then he finally got off the road and the airbags deployed (thank you makers of those) and ultimately, he hit the ditch.

The truck is totaled.

Mason is alive.

No one was hurt.

No others involved.

Thank you Jesus. Thank you til the end of time.

No, we did not have full coverage. Just liability.



So, the adventure for a new vehicle will be a painful one. But,that is ok. God is in control. It is just metal.

Anyways, I was reminded by my friend Amy, of this blog post......about when he got his license..just a few short weeks ago....and it all means even more now. Wow.

Again....tonight.....no sleeping because my meds have made me crazy, I can't breathe, my mind is in a thousand directions....

I am reminded that life is short. Kids grow up. Moments with them are precious and so much of the day-to-day crap does not matter.

I hugged him a few extra thousand times tonight....and just told him I loved him. Period.


***and so, was the lifespan of the White Ford Ranger***

It was fun while it lasted.....and now.....off it goes into little junk yard heaven. Poor Thing.

Ready for Homecoming!

Well, it's that time of year, building floats, and decorating cars, crazy dress-up days at school, and lots of Black and Gold everywhere!

And, at our house, it's no different....we are ready to go watch this guy....and the Pell City Panthers take on Huffman Friday night. Hoping for another mark in the W column!

Go Panthers!

A winner and another giveaway!

First off......the winner of the Land O' Lakes Giveaway is:

Virginia!!! Yay for you! I will email you for your address.


And, up next, I have a giveaway with this Fiber One package:

1 box of Fiber One 80 Calories Cereal

1 sensor pedometer with USB connector to chart walking progress

1 neoprene iPod/smartphone holder with armstrap

It's easy to win! Watch this video, and comment here and tell me one thing you learned or why you wanna try this new Fiber One cereal.

Hey...and as a side note....I am not really a "fiber cereal" kind of girl...but this stuff is GOOD!!!!!

I am so glad I got to try it!



And, special thanks to My Blog Spark and Fiber One for letting me try the cereal, and for the giveaway!

Here's what I'm praying...

11:40pm. August 4,2011.

I should've blogged the last hospital visit with Pop. But I didn't.

He has infection in his body. Not sure of the source. He's sick. Very sick.

The best doctor ever just came in to tell us that he needs aggressive management in the ICU and LOTS of prayers. It's touch and go, he said.

And he was very sad. And apologetic. And I understand.

And I hate that I was there to see the look on my husband's face. And the reality that sadder days are ahead.

I know that our Jesus is a healer. But I also know that Pop's body is failing.

I'm praying for God's perfect will.
It's all I know.

I'm praying for rest. And wisdom and clarity.

I'm praying for low-stress and for togetherness. I'm praying for sweet moments in the days ahead.

I'm praying for loving friends and that this would not feel like we are on an island.

I'm praying that the same God that knew Pop before he was born, will give us the softest peace.

I'm praying for my boys. They love their Pop. This hurts them so much. This hurts me that they have to see him this sick.

I'm praying that no matter what...that God would receive the glory and that we would let Him use us.

I'm praying.

And I'm asking if you've read this...will you pray too.

Freschetta By the Slice Event

So, here's something cool I found.

August 4, 2011

From the comfort of your home!

Check out the details here: www.FreschettaFreshConnection.com

Lemme know if you play along......

Cinnamon Sugar Goodness--and a giveaway!

So, I got this pack in the mail! And it has this cute little waffle iron in it, and this great spatula....and some other goodness...but the best part!!!

The Land O' Lake Cinnamon Sugar Spread!

This stuff!

It is Cinnamon Toast at it's finest! It's a spread. And it's delicious. And we LOVE it!

And, the best part is, that I have some to giveaway!

One of my lucky readers is going to get the same prize pack that I got!

So, very easy to win!

All you have to do is leave a comment. Any ole comment will do. But, nice sweet ones are best!

And, I'll draw a winner! Easy!

*My Blog Spark sent me the prize, and sponsored this giveaway!

Blogging from the gym

So, I am 4 week post-injury and day one on the rehab schedule that the doc gave me.

Bike. He told me to do the bike 5 days.

Now. I'm not a fan of the bike. I guess my "runners ADD" kicks in and I wanna be making progress. Going somewhere.

But, I am doing the bike. AND I AM GONNA LIKE it ;)

And to be honest, I am supposed to be feeling great, and to tell the truth, my leg still hurts. It burns actually.

Very discouraging. But I just keep telling myself if I follow the plan it'll be all better.

There's nothing like a son and his father

Typing from the hospital as I'm watching my husband rub his fathers head, hoping for relief from this pain.

The tenderness of this is overwhelming. The thoughts of the role reversal and so many things run thru my mind.

I'm thankful for a husband that, when push comes to shove, let's that tender spirit take over and nurture the ones he loves.

Atleast I feel confident that I'm taken care of later in life.

Recipe: O'hana Bread Pudding

STOP THE PRESS!!!!

Have you ever been to O'hana at Disney's Polynesian Resort. Well, if you have, then you know the goodness of the Bread Pudding....but if you have not, I swear to you, it's worth driving there RIGHT NOW from where ever you live :)

So, it makes my mouth water, as I type, but, I thought that it would be sinful if I did not share with you this fabulous recipe.

Now, let me tell you that I tried it, and I am not a "candy boiler" kind of person.....so I burnt it.And when I say I burnt it, I mean that I had to throw the pan away. Not kidding.



So, YOU give it a try, and just invite me over :)

Ingredients
BREAD PUDDING
5 eggs
3 cups whole milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 1/2 cup sugar
8 cups french or ‘Ohana breakfast bread

1. In bowl mix eggs, milk, salt, sugar, and nutmeg. Set aside.
2. Cut bread in medium (usually 2-inch) pieces and place on cookie sheet pan. Put in 350 degree oven.
3. Bake bread until lightly toasted: about 15 minutes. Remove bread and place in egg and milk mixture.
4. Place mixture in a greased 10-inch cake pan, and bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour.
5. Let stand 5 minutes; serve hot with ice cream.

BANANAS FOSTER SAUCE
4 oz sugar
4 oz brown sugar
4 oz corn syrup
4 oz unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup spiced rum
1 cup banana slices

1. Combine sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and half of heavy cream in a large pan. Bring to a boil and slowly add remaining heavy cream keeping mixture at a steady boil.

2. Add spiced rum and flambe.

3. Candy will brown slightly; cook 3 minutes until candy forms into a firm ball in cold water. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Add sliced bananas. Serve warm.

**I am also posting on the Main Street Memories blog, for my Disney followers

There goes my heart.......

I just watched him drive away. Alone.

No one in the passenger seat to remind him that there's a stop sign coming up.

No one to make sure he sees the green light turning to yellow.

No one to tell him the radio is too loud.

No one. No one at all.

Just him. Out the door. Down the driveway and out of sight.

I prayed as the tears filled up my eyes.

And, although I have such a strong faith in my Jesus, I also know the power of that steering wheel.

Sweet Jesus, keep him safe.

16 years of God's grace.....

I had no idea.....16 years ago, today.....that my life would be how it is today.

I had just absolutely no idea. I mean it. NONE.

I did not know of a loving God. I did not know of a forgiving Jesus. I did not know of a Love.....that could Love me....and forgive me.....and die for me.....

I did not know the love of sending a Son as a sacrifice.......

But.....what I did know 16 years ago today.......is that I was about to have a baby!

HOLY CRAP! WHAT?! A BABY?????????????

And.....um, excuse me.....Doctor know-it-all.....WHAT did you say? A boy????

What in this world am I going to do with a boy? What in the world do I know about boys?! Good grief.

Nothing.


I can so clearly remember it like it was just this morning.

The doctors prepping me for a C-Section.....you know.....telling me the whole drill, how it was all about to go down....and my mind racing.....not hearing a thing.

Honestly, it was a Charlie Brown Teacher WAH-WAH-WAH moment....

And I remember leaning for my sister, and I so secretly, and almost like I was confiding my darkest secret to her....I said into her ear "how am I going to love him??" and "I'm not ready to be a mother...I don't know HOW to be a mother".....and the tears just streamed down my cheeks. Not crazy crying like tears. Just the tears that come out, without you being able to do anything about it.

And, she told me "you are gonna love him and he is gonna love you...and you ARE ready to be a mother"........

And....well....this little guy......

The C-section.
The baby.
The recovery.

But, then I held him. Oh, I held him.

And I loved him. I loved him so much it made my heart hurt.

How did this happen? How did he do this to me?! I had no idea WHAT to do with him.....but I couldn't WAIT to do it.

This little guy. Good gracious. Is there anything cuter?


And, somewhere along the way.....he started growing up. He started walking and talking and running and playing.

He started having a personality. And I loved him even more. And I loved it when he loved me back. And I loved it when he told me that he did.

I learned along the way that when he went to the doctor and got a shot.....oh, I couldn't take the tears. Those days became " you can have an ice cream or happy meal or anything your little heart wants" days.....as they should!

I learned that my mom and dad were right when they spanked me and told me "it hurts me more than it hurts you".

I learned that when he fell down...and it hurt him so bad he couldn't catch his breath enough to cry.....that hurt my heart.



And as he got even bigger.....

I learned that when he spoke of Jesus, he believed every single word he said. With a child-like faith. A faith that us, as adults, need to take a lesson from.

This little guy.........wow.

I've learned that if I have a "quick math" question, I can ask him.

I've learned that the phrase "stinky boys" is an under-statement.

I've loved him every little phase along the way.

I've loved playing Legos with him, and I've learned that it's really not about the building of the lego's but about the process of "playing" with Legos...together.


And, then as he has gotten older.....I have learned that it's hard to let him go.

It's hard to let him go:
--on a trip with the GrandParents.....without me. But, man, he has so much fun, and he is making memories of a lifetime. So...I must.

--out with a girlfriend and her parents! How in the world did we come to this?! But, it's part of the process...so I must.

--over to a friend's house...that we don't really know very well, and then hear him come home and tell the stories of such a sad situation...but it teaches him that everyone has a story...and it's not always like yours...so I must.

--on a mission trip, without cell service, and hundreds of miles away. But, he is serving Jesus, and blessing others...so I must.

All of these things are the things that we have raised him for. Raised him to do. And, although they are difficult as a mom...I must let him spread those little wings :)


So, as I get ready to let my sweet baby get his Drivers License, and get behind the wheel of a car, and drive out into this world on his own.....

I can't help but be so thankful for each and every step of the way so far.

Don't get me wrong, it hurts my heart that he's not my baby any more. And it hurts my heart that he doesn't crawl up in my lap and "need" me anymore.

But, I am so excited about this new phase of his life. And I am so thankful that he still does hug me and tell me he loves me, and even sometimes, he tells me that he needs me.

And I am so excited about the phase of "young man" that he is entering.

So, Happy Birthday, sweet Mason. I love you more than you'll ever, ever know.

And, although I am thankful that Jesus set the perfect example....the example of loving a Son so much, that you let them go.....so that God's plan can be fulfilled....I have a feeling that my "praying knees" might just get worn out in these next few weeks and months and years.

She was his biggest fan....

10 years ago today, we lost sweet Kendall....and every time I see this picture. It gets me.

This was the perfect picture of her sweet spirit. How she wanted the best for everyone else. How she was so giving, and so loving.

She was so sweet and tender to me the whole time I was pregnant with Chappy. It was such a tough pregnancy.

And, she never complained about her sickness, or her aches and pains. She was just so loving. And tender. That is the best word I can find.

When I got this picture developed (yes, back in the day of film).....I could see the tears in her eyes, and honestly, it's like I could feel the joy deep inside of her.

She was her brother's biggest fan. She was his cheerleader. She always told him "love you, brother" and when she said it, she said it with the sweetest tone, and she meant it.

I know that she was so proud when Chappy "finally made it"! She was so so proud of her little brother. And that made my heart smile.

Now, when I look back, this picture is such a treasure. Just a simple reminder of just how sweet and short life is.

If I knew then, what I know now.....and that 10 years later, I would be blogging about her, instead of able to call her on the phone....I probably would've called more, and stayed longer, and...and...and....

But, I'm just so very thankful for the years I did have. And, so thankful that my hubby had a "biggest fan".....way before I came along :)

Sweet Keni, I miss you.