Happy Birthday Morgan!...BIG 16!

Yesterday, my baby sister (who's not a baby anymore) turned 16 years old. I can't believe it. Talk about something that will make you feel old. Erik and I met the whole gang at Huey's for lunch, and then it was off for bowling. Lets just say that my bowling skills have gone down the drain. ( Not that I had any to begin with, but yesterday was pure proof!) Morgan won't be able to get her license until tomorrow, and I know shes so excited. You only turn 16 once! Oh, and all of you drivers out there, look out! Ha! Just kidding. I couldn't resist.

The Oh So Yummy Cake!

Erik showing us how it's done

The Birthday Girl is happy about her STRIKE!

Breaking THE News...

Erik arrived home from work yesterday morning around 7:25 (a lot earlier than usual) and I was ready and waiting on him. We had a lot of stops to make starting out at my mom's for the delivery of good news. Each of our parents received a box with "baby things" in it. We were just hoping that they would "get it." If you know what I mean! After Mom's, we headed to Erik's parents. They were SUPPOSED to be cooking breakfast for Mama B and Daddy B, but when we pulled up and got out of the car, their house was dark as a dungeon with no one in sight. It was the oddest thing. I turned to Erik and he immediately called them on the house phone. Finally, they answered and Erik ordered them to the door! Come to find out, Mama B and Daddy B never showed! Its nothing like being made to get out of the bed on Christmas morning huh? I am quite sure they didn't mind!! After leaving there, we headed to Dad's for our usual Christmas morning breakfast and Santa, where we dropped the bomb and then back to Mom's. This year we had dessert over at my Uncle Byron and Aunt Judy's, and then we went to Mama B and Daddy B's for supper. Lets just say that there were A LOT of tears shed throughout the day yesterday. It was the best Christmas!

THE Bone

Santa also came for Joey, as you remember from this post, Santa always brings Joey a HUGE bone every year. The poor thing was so excited. He couldn't wait for me to get it out of the package. We weren't here throughout the day to see him enjoy it, but I guarantee, he never left it alone.

Our Christmas Gift

Santa Claus came! Well, actually he came about 3 weeks ago, but we haven't been able to share until now, and its been killing me!!! Lets just say that we received a REALLY BIG GIFT! hehe. If all goes well, with many prayers from family and friends, we will be welcoming a new member to our family on or around Aug. 17, 2009. And no, we're not getting Joey a doggie friend. WE'RE PREGNANT! We went for our first OB visit on Friday, and are scheduled for another visit on Jan. 8 for an ultrasound and bloodwork, and whatever they do. I'm totally new at this, so I'm just going along for the ride, and Erik...he's a trooper :) Please keep up in your prayers, because it is still very early. We are praying for an easy 9 months and for a healthy happy baby. Today, we told our families! Pictures to come tomorrow.


For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him
1 Sam. 1:27

12-7-08

I always said that I would NOT be the crazy that took more than one test, but I couldn't help it, I figured with 3, all of which are different, I couldn't be wrong.

Santa's on His Way!

Okay Mom's and Dads, remember to get those kiddos in the bed before Santa arrives! I just got through tracking Santa on the NORAD (click) and I'm hoping that he'll be stopping by our house tonight. It appears that he is now in Paris, France, but seems to be moving rather quickly-hehe! We just want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. We hope you get all you wish for, and remember...Jesus is the Reason For the Season!


For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, [b] Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Mr. Carter's Peaunt Brittle

One of our patients, Mr. Carter makes THE BEST peanut brittle you've ever put in your mouth, and I can promise you that! Every year at the beginning of December, he always stops buy with a large tin full to the brim of his famous brittle. It is the crispiest, fluffiest, and the most tasty stuff ever. We at work all have to agree that its the best, but...he WILL NOT share his recipe. There is one small thing that he does to give it an airy texture, and he won't tell. We've all guessed the obvious, baking soda, but he swears that we're wrong and that he'll be dead and gone when we find out the answer.

I have been bragging about the peanut brittle since the fall to one of our new employees. I told her, "just wait, its the best peanut brittle you've ever tasted." Well, the first of December rolled around and...no peanut brittle. The second week of December...no peanut brittle, and so on. FINALLY, today, our last day of work before our Christmas vacation, Dear old Mr. Carter comes marching in 6 large Ziploc bags, all individually labeled with our names on them, full of brittle! I was so excited! I told him, "Oh Mr. Carter, I thought you would never come!" He said, "Look out there! It's a mess, the weather is terrible. You know I got out in this cold icy weather just for you all!" I am so glad he did. Now the only problem I have is making it last til' Christmas.

Mother Nature...Is She Crying Wolf?

Here we go again, more warnings of inclement weather, and they're not even predicting snow, just ice! I can't stand ICE! We even left work early today, because of patients cancelling their appointments. Tomorrow will probably be a repeat of today...ugh!
I hope we never go through another ice storm like we did back in 1994. Yes, we got out of school, and yes there was drama, but I will never forget how long we went without electricity and how cold we were. In Garland, we had no gas logs, nor gas anything. So, we would lie around in the dark covered in blankets, freezing to death. It took several days for us to get our electricity up and running again, due to being 8 miles outside of town. I can remember waking up to the sound of our weak pine trees cracking, splitting and popping, because of the weight of the ice. It sounded like a shotgun. In the end, the trees looked like giant sticks in the ground, no branches or anything. They were completely destroyed. They never looked the same and have been cut down now. Who knows what will happen tonight. Maybe she'll show and maybe she won't. Uh oh, Dave just said, she's a comin'!

Tacky Christmas Sweaters...oh yeah!

(L-R) Christi Cranford, Danielle Pepper, Kendra Parr, Nicole Hensley

Kress Smith, Me, Sarah Sullivan, Amanda Williams, Kate Krull, Sara White

Our new friends Aaron and Sarah hosted a "Tacky Christmas Sweater" themed party for our monthly supper club outing. I must say that I managed to pull an oldie out of the closet, and I mean oldie! In elementary school I had a black Christmas sweater complete with snow, reindeer, Santa and a burlup toy bag. The kicker...the white collar trimmed in hearts! Yep, no kidding. I didn't even remember having this sweater, but with a little digging for something to wear and a little help from Mom with my jewelry, I managed to find it. Hey, there was a prize to be given to the tackiest, and I was not going to be let down-ha! I did win! Erik didn't get to go, because of work, and I hate that, but I'm not sure if he would have pulled off the whole sweater thing.

Later we ended the night with a game of pictionary. My team (Christi, Kendra, Sara, and Me) lost to Kate, Amanda, Danielle, and Nicole. Aaron joined our team at the last minute, while Jan joined our competetors.

Dirty Santa

Last year, our bunco group decided that we would stop playing bunco, and have a different outing each month. Since there are 12 of us, each girl was assigned a different month. Thursday night, we played "dirty Santa" at the home of Jenny Lazure. Its always good to get out once a month and do something with the girls. Our outings this year have consisted of movie night, dinner, aerobics, jewelry making, couples cookout, a scavenger hunt (which I missed due to being out of town. Man I hate that!) etc.
We had a lot of fun enjoying food, "girl talk" and stealing presents! It was exciting night, and when I say "exciting," I mean exciting!

What a Blessing

This morning a me and a few ladies from our BYW (Baptist Young Women) went to our preschool/kindergarten to host a quick "Happy Birthday Jesus Party." I had no idea what a blessing it would be! The four of us each took a class. We read a book, passed out cupcakes, and sang happy birthday to Jesus. I had so much fun! Anyone that knows me knows that I just don't have the "teacher personality," but those kids really helped me out. It was such a blessing!

I had the privilege of reading to "Ms. Angie's" class. The book I read..."The Donkey's Christmas Song." I had never heard of this book, much less read it, but I will tell you this, it was an adorable book. If we ever experience the joy of parenthood, it will definitely be on my list. The class helped me out a lot, and boy do they know their animal noises! I then, found out that they have been learning a donkey Christmas song, which would explain their expertise in "hee-haws." Ms. Angie then had the class sing it for me. Too cute!

Send a Little Love to Our Armed Forces!!!

XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL

If you go to this web site, http://www.letssaythanks.com/ you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq . You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services. How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!! It is FREE and it only takes a second.Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them.This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you. I sent one tonight, and found it to be a great blessing! Please take the time to send one! Pass it on for others to do. We can never say enough thank you's.Thanks for taking to time to support our military!

A Sad but Victorious Night

I sit here tonight watching our Vols play Kentucky, I am thankful. I am thankful, because they are winning on Coach Fulmer's last night at Neyland Stadium. Those boys are playing their heart out, and seem to have more energy than they've had all year. I am ecstatic for them, but have to admit...I'm a "mush!" I think I've teared up 3 times during this whole game. HA! Okay, so its a little more than "teared up." Lets just say that I bawled! Call me crazy or what you will!! I know its silly. Not seeing Coach F on the sidelines is going to be very different, but I have to remember, they will still be Tennessee. As much as I know that change is needed, I am so sad! I just have to wonder what next year will bring. As I sit here and cheer on the Big Orange I pay best wishes to coach, and those boys who have played their hearts out. GO VOLS GO!

Impatience?

He doesn't really know. Does he? This morning I found our Joey staring at his stocking. Crazy I know! I really don't know what he was doing or wanting. I had to inform him that Santa doesn't come for another 27 days.-ha! I wonder what he'll bring this time. Usually, he brings Joey a new bone. A really BIG bone! A mammoth bone to be exact. I keeps him busy for days, and Erik and I are not allowed near this bone. His possesive behavior wears off after a few days, and the bone will last him until the next Christmas :)

Dinner with Friends

The Morgans

Last night we had dinner with friends at Marlo's Down Under in honor of Landon and Katy's big move to South Carolina. They will be leaving on Sunday and heading back home to Dickson, but will be back during Christmas.

In this picture: Katy & Landon, Tim & Kim Asbridge, Ryan & Christi Cranford, Rives & Lynette Seay, Erik and Me

Yummy

During the Holidays, Katy always makes her famous pumpkin bread. I believe it is her mom's recipe. I love it! Usually she makes them into muffins and is always glad to share with us. I've seen her in the kitchen making batch after batch of these muffins.

This time she brought banana bread, one of my favorites! We shared the bread this morning over coffee. Thanks "Katy-bug!"

Home for Thanksgiving

One of my very best friends, Katy, and an old friend from high school, Landon, who just happened to be married to each other as a result of meeting again at our 10 year reunion, are home for Thanksgiving. I am too excited! I haven't seen them in about 3 months. Normally, when they come home, they claim our upstairs as their living quarters. We may as well just say that its their bedroom. Kelsey, their Australian Shepherd also comes with them. She is such a good girl! She and Joey are big buddies and play very well together. Well, almost. At times they really could care that the other one is in the same room.

Katy and Landon moved to Dickson in April of 2007, and before then she and I were together just about every day. I miss those days, but we all move on in life and God is always opening new doors for all of us. They married in April of this year. I am very happy for the both of them. What a match! They are very happy and I know they have enjoyed their 2 years together. I wish them many more years of happiness.

They arrived tonight after visiting with family and friends in Mason, and announcing a bit of new news....they're moving to Charleston, SC!!! I am a bit sad that they will be ALOT farther than just our normal 2 1/2 drive to Dickson, but I am very happy that they have been given the opportunity to spread their wings and try new things. Katy and I talk almost every morning on the way to work, and she just happened to remind me that they will an hour ahead of us. So, I guess its no more , "It's Monday," or "Good morning" chats for us. Sad, but true. Landon's job is taking him there for a couple of years, and hopefully they will be back in Tennessee after that. We'll see! Hmmm, I've always wanted to visit Charleston, and this may be my best way to get there. Road trip!!! Well, maybe a plane ride.- HA! I am a terrible car rider!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This Thanksgiving, there is so much to be thankful for. I am thankful for my family and friends. I thank God that I have a roof over my head, and plenty to eat. I thank God for giving me the most wonderful husband ever, a job that I love, and a hard earned education. I am thankful to be an American, but most of all I am thankful to be a Christian. Everynight when I say my prayers I thank God for allowing me to raised in a christian home. This is so important, because as I sit and think about it, I could have been one of those who have never heard about Jesus, but instead I was fortunate enough to have a mother who had me in church everytime doors were open. At that time, I didn't realize just how lucky I was. There were always times when I may not have wanted to go, but she made me and I am so glad that she did! I am so glad that I was given the opportunity to accept Christ at an early age and truly understand the love that He has for me. What a blessing! Thank you Mom, and thank you Jesus for always loving me in spite of any failures or mess-ups. :)
I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. Blessings to you all!

Do You Have a Pickle?

“A very old Christmas eve tradition in Germany was to hide a pickle [ornament] deep in the branches of the family Christmas Tree. The parents hung the pickle last after all the other ornaments were in place. In the morning they knew the most observant child would receive an extra gift from St. Nicholas.

Do you have a Christmas pickle? Well, we do! I had always heard of this old German tradition, and thought it would be neat and nostalgic to have a pickle hidden in our tree. Although we have no children, I thought it would be neat that just maybe some day we will, and we can have a hunt for the pickle on Christmas morning. Erik's mother gave me this pickle a few years ago, and guess what! Its a Radko. I was so excited, because I had been wanting a Christmas pickle for my tree, and had no idea that Christopher Radko even made one. Erik's mom had never even heard of the tradition, but she thought he was cute and decided to buy it. He has the cutest rosy cheeks and the brightest eyes. Although this pickle will NOT be touched, it will still be fun to hunt. Funny thing is...according to research the German's have never even heard of this tradition, but oh well! I owe all of my other Radko ornament purchase thank yous to my mom. She has given us about 15 and I love them!!! Joey even has a few of his own.

Christmas Pickle Poem

“To start a tradition that surely will last. Here’s a short story about the pickle of glass. The night before Christmas it’s hung on the tree. While everyone’s sleeping it’s done secretly. And on Christmas morning when you arise. The first one to find it will get a surprise.”