Here comes the bride!

Well, the wedding day is here........for my sweet friends, Maegan and Vann (here's a few shots from a fun photo day at the park)! And, guess who the fabulous wedding director is! MOI! What were they thinking! That is hilarious!

I digress.

This cute little couple is just precious! I have watched her grow up from just a little girl, maybe 9 years old (that's old my chap is now). And, now, she is about to walk down the aisle. I can't believe it.

And, the worst part about it, my dear friend, Connie (the bride's mom!) is about to send her little girl down the aisle! As a bride! Oh my!

But, the rehearsal went great, and the church is gorgeous!

I can't wait to see the beautiful bride, and that handsome groom! I am so proud of them. I know that God has big plans for them, as they begin their life serving Him together. It's a great day.

The busy-ness of it all!

***NOTE: VERY PIC HEAVY POST***

Well, this time of year, seems to be busy, busy, busy! But, on the other hand, it seems that we spend alot more time with family and friends. I like it!

We have had people "just drop in"more than usual, and have spent more time, just here, hanging out, and I like it!

I baked a LOT this year! Well, not really "baked", but just made some yummies! And, yes, the boys LOVED giving them out to all of their teachers, helpers, janitors, you name it!

The egg nog? Well, the minute I see it hit the shelves, we start buying it, well, we drink it a little, but I mostly use it for Egg Nog French Toast! And, let me tell you, it is so yummy! So, I make it until the Egg Nog disappears from the stores, and then we wait until next year!

These little beauties are for Scott's work, and all of those that work with/for him.

And, finally, Merry Christmas from us to you!

Cocoa and Canvas

Well, for Chappy's 9th birthday, I was feeling a little adventurous......or maybe just a little crazy!

But, I tell you, Sips n Strokes ain't got nothing on us!

Check out these little cuties!

17 Santa Bellies! I love it!

We had a blast. The kids were GREAT! The paintings are precious!

And, again, I am thankful for my studio!

Santa Shop time again!

So, I have the most fun in the Santa Shop at Chapman's school! I spend all year, buying stuff, finding little deals and treasures, and then, when it gets here, we set it all up,and they come.......boy do they come! Tons of them, millions of little people with their cash and their list.

Side note: Why in the world would a mother send their K-5 child to school with $25 cash! Are you crazy!

So, they shop, we wrap......and wrap........and wrap!

Here are just a few funny tidbits from my first 2 days this year:
Me: So, do you need a gift for mom? Or grandma?
Kid: No, grandma died and I don't have a mom.

(Quick note to self: SHUT YOUR MOUTH)
----
Me: Oh, who is this cute dog bowl for.
Kid: My mom, she loves dog bowls.
----
Me: Who is the little journal for?
Kid: My dog.
Me: Your dog? The notebook is for your dog?
Kid: Yes, I am gonna draw his picture in it!
----
Me: Do you want me to wrap this ponytail holder?
Kid: No
Me: What about the pencils?
Kid: No
Me: What about the mirror?
Kid: No
Me: Do you want me to wrap any of it?
Kid: No, it's all for me. I like to shop!
---
Me: Ok, that will be $9
Kid: Do you take credit?
---
Me: Now, you need to remember to get a gift for mom.
Kid: Oh, I will get her this, she can put her beer in it.
---
Geez, I love a kid!

Wow! What a weekend!

Well, I guess we are not big enough fans, because our cheering did not pull 'em through!

Oh well. It was fun! And, heck, the king size bed was just what I needed for a getaway!!!

So, before I left, I played a little with my new Crop Suey Kit and here's what I made!

And, I played with my scripts kit too! I will post those pics soon!

Roll 'Em Tide!

Well, we are here! In ATL for the SEC Championship game! Wow, it is crazy here.........ROOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL Tide screamed everywhere you turn! I don't know if I have ever seen so much houndstooth........even more than on campus. I love it!

So, this pic is blurry, but who cares.......we were having fun in the elevator!

And of course, I was thinking of my friend, gretch, when I took this pic! Dr. Pepper boxes stacked up for this cute little display! Here's to you, gmac!

And, now, I guess I gotta go! Scott just reminded me of this:

Self-Motivation!

Ok, so I am stuck! Stuck at a place between mile 13 and mile 17......but I just can't seem to get to Mile 18! But, I know I can do it.......I just am mentally stuck!

So, here's the solution (actually, it was Scott's idea!):

NO EXTREME MOOSE TRACKS UNTIL MILE 18!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GASP! Shock! Yikes! Yes, that's right! Now, I love this stuff. I mean love it. Yes, smarty pants, I WOULD marry it!

So, I made this little ring around the ice cream using my Crop Suey kit, and it is there until..........until I make it to mile 18!

Now.....I am motivated like never before!

Pray for my friend...........

If you have a heart........and a second.........please pray for my friend, Becca.

She has just learned that her boys, of eleven months, will be returned to their biological mother next week. Please pray that God's will be done in this situation, and pray for Becca and her hubby, that they will lean on HIM for guidance.

Bless her.

Ok, I don't care who you are........this is funny!

My mom showed me this...........hilarious! And, to think......he knows EVERY SINGLE MOVE!

Man, I freakin' wish I had half of her rock hard body!

100 things.......

So, I got this from Bree's blog, and I have put the things I have accomplished in bold print! I hope you will play along on your blog! Leave me a comment if you do! I want to see.......

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band ---does the tambourine at my 19th bday party count? (and the high school band)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland - trip planned for September
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis - no interest!
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon - scheduled for January
28. Ridden in a gondol a in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset - my first date with Scott
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing (does that fake wall count?)
40. Seen Michelangelos David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Happy Birthday to HIM! 35...........and still hot as evah!

And, you wonder where my kids get their personality! No joke! This guy is good stuff!

Ok, so I could post 35 things I love about him, but there are really about 75 things, so I will wait til he's a little older!

I could post 35 things that are a sign that he is OLDER than me........but, I will save myself the time to dig those up!

I could post some very tragic pictures of when he was younger and so skinny, and lanky, and awkward........but then he MIGHT return the favor and do that to me one day

So, instead, I will just profess my ridiculous obsession with him here:

"Ok, so you know, there is this super cute guy, and I, like, totally wish he would be hot for me, because, like, you know, I am so totally hot for him. I mean, when I look at him, like, I just wish I could be near him,and like, when I think about him, I totally want to make out with him. And, then, like, I turn on the radio, and like, I hear this super cool sweet song about how good love is, and like, I totally think about him, and then I get super hot for him,and then, like I just want to call him, and hear his voicemail pick up, so that, like, I can just hear his voice. Like. Do you know him? Scott Smith...........super fine!"

Yep, you got it. That's MY man! Happy Birthday, honey!

Wuvee!

Set your TiVo...............

Well, i have mine set for sure! So, we went, and it was LIVE!

She said, "Welcome everybody........we are Live from Chicago!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Ah, that was great stuff! No joke!

And, after the first show (Will Smith and Rosario Dawson!) we stayed for a second taping. (we had seen the screening of the new movie the night before!)

Now, I could give a play by play about how Kristin got in the line, and Susie and I hopped in a cab, dashed into our hotel room, packed like maniacs, got back in a cab, headed for Harpo Studios (luggage in tow) and hopped out, stashed our luggage in the office at the Oprah Boutique, ran across the street to get in the line, and barely made it!!!!!!!!! Then, we were let into the studio, and the second taping began! Great fun! Amazing, talented kids!

And, then..........she says something like "well, Sprint wants our audience to keep in touch with their talented kids......so they are giving everyone a BRAND NEW SAMSUNG INSTINCT phone"

WOOOO TO THE HOOOOOOO!

Crazy, Crazy good times!

Then, we hopped out of the studio and headed over to the Oprah Boutique to do some shopping! Too much fun! Oprah stuff everywhere, and the best part is that ALL of the profits go to the Angel Network! Good Stuff!

So, then, jetted over to the airport, and headed home!

Good Times, I tell ya, Good Times!

I can't wait to see the show tomorrow!

2 months away...........

And I am feeling defeated!

Just for a day, I suppose, but none-the-less, I do feel that way today! I guess that is the ups and downs of the training.

So, I set out for my "long run" today, and I only made it 12 miles. Yikes. 12 miles. And, I know that is great.......I mean, just a few short months ago, I would have killed for 12........but, that being said, I still have more to go.

My feet hurt, my toes felt like they were all broken at the joint, my knee, oh, my right knee. My hip, my back was throbbing, and it was ultra cold. So, I just could not get warmed up.

So, 6 miles short of my goal, I stopped. Yes. Just dead stopped in the road, and turned around. To WALK home (oh, the horror, I walked!)

I felt defeated for the entire 2 mile walk home. UGH!

So, I began to talk to my pshyche, and to listen to God. You know what:

I press toward the mark. I will not be defeated.
I can do ALL things!
My chains are gone, I've been set free.
God with us. God with us.
Jesus, bring your rain.
I have been tested, and when I am finished, I will come through pure as gold.
The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be his name.


***********So............tonight, as I sit, after my very unproductive and defeated Veteran's Day.............I am reminded that with only 2 months away, I have trained, and I have trained my body, and am only 9 miles short of my goal! My training is right on target, and I will see this thing through.

Every day CAN'T be a good running day, and I will grab my ipod, and try again another day! And, yes, I WILL do it!

(oh, and I think I'll run over to Fleet Feet tomorrow and get some new shoes: just in case!)

2 months and counting! Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Remember this?!

Well, guess what...........we fly out in the morning....going again! Someone pinch me! I can hardly believe it! It's gonna be the best!

And, we are going to a private movie screening! I won't give too much info now, but you might want to tune into the show Thursday! Hint, Hint!

Ok, lots of bags to pack, boys to get ready, hubby to smooch on, and laundry, oh the laundry!

Good stuff!

The best 11 years of my life!

Spent with one man!

I love him:

1. He checks me out........and I like it!

2. He loves our boys.

3. He prays for me, about me, with me and over me.

4. He loves his mother and that is an admirable trait. I hope my boys take that after him:)

5. He kisses like a ............well, I can't say that, cause then everyone would be jealous! But, let me say.........I like to kiss him.......(with my tongue!)

6. He is smokin' hot!

7. He sings........and it is the sweetest thing I've ever heard. I just close my eyes most of the time, and soak it up.

8. He cares. About everything. His closet, his pastor, his friends, my family, our nieces and nephews, the country, babies, my scrapbooking, our children's friends, and everything in between. He is genuine.

9. He is so thoughtful. He notices the little things.

10. He loves me very unselfish-ly........even when I am not love-worthy. For real.

11. He is still with me, and 11 years later, wow! There is something to be said for this man!

Scott, you are my hero! You know it. And, I can't wait for more!

Dear Elliot

Ok, so you know my BFF, Oprah, well she had this family on her show and I just watched it.

You know I have a heart for boys, and for families, and well, for this.

Watch. God shows Himself real, even when we can't understand it.

Catching up!

Seems like a lot has happened since I last blogged.........and we were headed down to the campfire! (can you tell that the campfire is a mickey head, man! they sure know the straight shot to my heart!)

Well, the rest of the trip was great! No doubt! Lots of rest, and lots of good times with my 3qtguys!

Then, Scott and I flew out early Saturday morning, for the Tower of Terror 13k~ Let me say, unbelievable fun! Now, my legs were tight, and I could have felt better, that's for certain, but for a night race, hey, what can you expect! And, a long day at that!

The shirts were glow in the dark! The park was FULL of people cheering us on! Bands or DJ's at every mile!

So, you can tell that Scott doesn't get to 'hold the camera' that often! So, when he does, boy, does he go at it! Crazy guy!

And, look who I met along the way! Maybe about mile 4~

(and no......that is NOT a glow in the dark head band around my head, it is the reflection on my fave Nike visor!)

So Far............

Well, as always (an expected by now) Coca-Cola kept Scott longer than I wanted him to stay.....so we arrived here at the lovely 3:30am. Yes, that's right! And, loved it all the way. Chap sang to his ipod at the top of his lungs. Mason was over it all, and Scott and I got to catch up on some much needed chatting.

This moring:

brunch

A little shuffleboard

Chilltime in the hammock (love that!)

A family pirate scavenger hunt (the boys had tons of fun with this!)

And then swimming (yes, freaking cold) but we played with the new camera in the pool! That was fun! (well, Chap swam, and I -in my long sleeves and jacket submerged the camera!)

Then to dinner and Publix to grab a few things!

Now, we are headed to a campfire with s'mores!

What a great day so far!

We are outta here!

Headed to Hilton Head to do alot of nothing!

Peace out!

We've made it!

Well, ok, so it's a fake mag, right, but how cool is it! I could not resist!

Create Fake Magazine Covers with your own picture at MagMyPic.com

A few layouts!

Just a few layouts I did at the crop a few weekends ago!

This Ice Cream in a bag was from a few weeks ago, when I was helping in his classroom, and they partnered up to make this homemade ice cream in a bag! And, it was yummy, no kidding.

This one is from my first Crop Suey kit! I love this pic. I think it worked out well with these papers,and vintage ledger.

And, this one of Chap is with the same Crop Suey kit!

I love this layout and the pics of my sister. This October Afternoon paper is so great. I can't get enough of it.

And, of course, that Accucut circle is not half bad either! :)

Minnie Marathon

I am just now working on these photos........but I was in a "lovey-dovey" kind of "hooray for me in my marathon training" kind of mood...............so I worked on these pages!

Watch out Martha!

Step One:

Take an middle-sized pumpking, some mod podge, and some Martha Stewart Glitter (MS works best b/c it is ultra fine)

Step Two:

Coat entire pumpkin with Mod Podge. Add glitter.

Coat stem with mod podge. Add glitter.

Step Three:

Place Bling'd out pumpkin on tray, and add a few natural elements....and Viola!

I am loving this one on my table!

Wanna win a gift card?

So, one of my best friends in the whole world.....well her hubby, one of my dear friends, Jason Flebotte is a pharmacist at Rite-Aid. And, a great one at that.

Will you vote for him HERE and you could be in the running for a $2,500 gift card! Heck, someone has to win, right!

Anyways, he is here in Bham, so give him a vote, if you will! And, buy me a Reese's cup if you win that gift card :)

Thank you, Santa!

So, I am in the Secret Santa for Wrapper's Delight

and this arrived at Scrap ETC. just for me! Oh my! It is so cute!

Thank you, Secret Santa!

An invitation for you!

Ok, so all of you bazillion blog readers (well, ok, really just 3).....you are cordially invited to church with us Sunday! We have 2 services! 8:30 and 11am!

Scott is singing at both services, and I just love it when he sings, so I thought I would shoot out the invite!

And, he is teaching our Young Couples class at 9:45 am, so won't you join us?!

God with us....or atleast me!

I did it! I did it! I did it! 14 miles today! Wow, what a great way to start a day!

I had a friend (he is 50!!) to run the middle 8 miles with me! I ran the first 4.......feeling great, he joined in, we ran, busy roads.......still feeling great......then at 12......i ran home! Literally.

The last 1 1/2 mile.....I put my ipod back in..... and had a little bit of Mercy Me goodness.

Then, at .80 to go......this song came on! Now, I like the Mercy Me version, but I really like the version down below (my bro-in-law) better. A little up-tempo.

So, that last .80 i ran.......hands raised in the air, smile on my face, probably almost skipping at a sub 9 minute mile...... praising God, thanking Him, and just beside myself! I was doing it! I was running it! 14 miles!

What a great day! Enjoy the video! I know just thinking of this song makes me happy!

I am voting for her.......and the old guy!

I mean, she didn't do so hot in the debate, and that's fine...........but, i mean, come on.

She's cute, her glasses are fabulous, and I am totally for her!

Go Palin!

(and if she had said "dang right" one more time...........i love it!)

Lots to say.........and it's Friday!!!!!!!!!!

The coloring on this one is not so great, but I looooove the way it turned out! Roll Tide Baby!

Half way there..........................13.1 miles on Tuesday! I did it! Man, I was running that last half mile, hands raised in the air, just thrilled to my soul.........what a rush of accomplishment!

Busy weekend ahead! Boys get out of school early today! So, we will play a little tonight. Give away a little ice cream tomorrow at the Auburn Game (no fun!) and then head home to watch the Bama/GA game (roll 'em!!) & hoping to sneak up to the store for ScrapPink!

**And, if you are still reading I need a little help!

Can anyone out there recommend a good book (keep in mind, I am NOT a 'read for fun' kind-of-girl)? A good book about "help-my-previously-perfect-teenage-son-is-hormonal-and-it's-killing-me"??? Anyone??

Refreshed..........

I had a weekend away.......scrapbooking with friends, just for me! No working, no planning, no doing much of anything, certainly not sleeping!

So, although I am tired, I am refreshed, ready to conquer the world (again!). I certainly needed some renewing........the teenage years might just be harder then the preschool years. I am certain.

Marathon training coming right along. Gretchen helped push me Friday, although I only made it 11.25 miles, I felt good about it, I pushed myself, and I gave it what I had, and then some. It was great.

I am so proud of my Scott. He is also in training, and way ahead of me. He is training for the Goofy Challenge (half on Saturday, full on Sunday) so he has to be ahead of me! But, he ran 20 on Saturday, and said (after he got over the initial excruciating pain) he felt great! Great for the rest of the day! I am so proud, because that means his training is paying off. He said at 18, he hurt, bad, and wanted to stop, but he "gutted it out" for the last two. Now, that is pushing it! I love him.

But, back to the real world, and running tomorrow, then working a bit, and wow, the laundry!

Good times, kids, good times!

4 Months Away

4 Months Away................I am pressing toward the mark.........................

And praying that God keeps us healthy as we train.

Now, bring on that lovely Fall weather!