On Economics and Meal Planning

I'm proud to announce that I have finally reached my goal weight!  

WooHOO and Hallelujah!  

Just in time for baseball season (no friends, I don't think concession stand food will keep me here for long!).  I decided that it was time to get serious about meal planning on a budget, and I rediscovered something I tried years ago.  Let me just tell you, it is new and improved and I am excited to get started!!!  

The founders of this awesome concept are from right here in Alabama, and when they first got started they went on Rick and Bubba to promote the plan.  Chris told me about it, and we tried it for a few months.  I really liked it, but for some reason or another quit doing it.  That was probably 5 or 6 years ago, and let me just say, the options and features have gotten so much better.  I was so excited to see that they had a Points option (I'm a Weight Watchers girl) for my favorite grocery haunt (Publix!).  Don't have a Publix near you?  No need to worry...they have an Any Store and Wal-mart option, too.  They offer low-fat, low-carb, and regular meal plans.  They average $75-$90/week (before coupons) for 7 meals to feed your family...can't beat that!

What does it involve?  Plain and simple, it gives you a weekly meal plan (7 meals that will feed a family of up to 6) based on the diet plan and grocery store of your choice.  The meals include ingredients that are on sale that week, and have full recipes and grocery lists.  It is pretty unbelievable!  It's economical, efficient, organized, and simple.  Just what this frugal, multi-tasking, Type A, mother-of-3 needs!  I can't wait to get my menu for next week!!!

Click HERE to sign up!

(it only costs $5 a MONTH to join!)

Any of my readers already on the e-mealz plan?  

Tell me what you think!

In Bloom

It seems like everywhere I look, something is blooming.  The dogwoods are gorgeous, the cherry blossom trees are breathtaking, and the buds just started to pop open on my snowball bush (to be honest, I don't really know what it's called, but they look like snowballs to me).  I've always loved the rebirth that comes with Spring, and it parallels my life in so many ways this year.  Easter is the icing on the cake of that rebirth....sure wish I wasn't working!  I'm truly trying to see the bright side of that one, but so far no cigar.  Praying for a miracle there....will you join me?

I have been trying to figure out what to say in this post for the past few days.  I've said more prayers in the past week than I remember saying in a long time, and I can honestly say that I have felt God moving in me through it all.  God is opening doors (and windows and peepholes and sunroofs) that are blowing winds of change into our little life.  Changes that are amazingly refreshing and renewing....like rebirth.  I realize I'm being vague (or in the words of my sister Erin, cryptic).  I promise I will be more specific as I feel led.  Some things are just too personal...I'm finding the balance.

All that to say....I can't wait to see where we are headed, and I am so thankful to have such a wonderful partner on this journey.  I am blessed beyond measure to have children whom I adore, and friends who get me.  I am working on myself and my life, and it feels really good.  I'm done apologizing, and I'm keeping my eye on Him.  I'm done with settling for just OK.  It's time to live the kind of life He wants me to live.  

My life is in bloom.

Blooming as a Metaphor

.....more on that later.

If things weren't already interesting enough....

..... my Chris is back on staff with these crazy guys! 

He couldn't be happier to be back in the director's chair, and we look forward to spending more time with the guys (they are sincerely some of the most wonderful people you will ever meet). The show will be back on television in the coming weeks and Chris will be directing it....if you listen, his moniker is "Christopher Columbus" (and no, Columbus is not our last name).  Some guy actually thought he was the director by the same name.  That cracked me up! 

Know what else it means?  My life is no longer my own!  Yesterday they had a few laughs at my expense and it was just like old times.  Yes, they are likely to discuss anything if it's good for a laugh, and I suppose I give them some great material.  Good thing it doesn't bother me (and it is all true....there's no denying it)!  Yesterday, they talked about the time I was responsible for the death of one pet frog named Spiderman (belonging to a sweet 2 year old Reeves).  I made the unfortunate decision of placing his aquarium on the deck in the blazing hot July sun....yes, I fried the frog.  That "bit" made a best-of CD if I'm not mistaken.  It is sort of funny now I guess!

So, if you happen to be in a Rick and Bubba market and you hear my sweet hubby's voice, I'd love it if you'd shoot me an email and warn me of my forthcoming embarrassment.  I don't usually get to listen to the show with my crazy brood running around!  If you are NOT in the market, click here to see who in the heck I'm talkin' about...they are a pretty awesome group (and they seriously love them some Jesus, too)! 

Click on that cute button up there to check out a great blog 

and read some more funny stories on your Friday!

Here He Is!

Henry Sean

isn't he the sweetest!

With Spring Comes Change....

and lots and lots of Baseball!

We will be spending too much some significant time at the ole ball field over the next couple of months! I am asking for forgiveness in advance for lots of baseball related tweets and posts....for this is the stuff of life (our life at least)! I actually adjust my grocery budget to account for all the meals we eat from the concession stand....how crazy is that?!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you read my post from yesterday, you know that it has been a week filled with emotion. In all honesty, I am ready to kiss this week goodbye....it's been so very emotional. If I had it my way, the only excitement for the week would have been the birth of my nephew, Henry.

Welcome to the World Baby Boy!

(and NO, I don't have any pictures yet)

But life with 3 kids and 2 animals and 2 jobs (wait, Chris has about 3 jobs all by himself) and all sorts of other responsibilities isn't set up for "easy"....nope friends, sometimes life is just hectic. And God expects and yearns and calls us to rest in him. To trust in his promise. His promise to carry us through it all. Today, I surrendered to that call.

Through prayer and petition, I worked through a difficult situation today....one that I am not ready to share here. I called on those I respect and treasure the most to give me wisdom and insight into this delicate situation. I am at peace with the decision God helped me make, and the changes it will bring to our little world. I feel like great things are in store, and I promise to share more later. For now, I know that my God has us in His arms and that it was the right thing to do....thank you, Father, for opening doors and guiding me.

Oh, and I got a really snazzy haircut!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Before bedtime, Reeves and I read a few of the "Pigeon" books and had some time together in prayer. I am so impressed with the maturity of his prayer time, and am in awe that I have a boy this big. Where has the time gone?

We prayed for some very special friends tonight, and if you feel led, I beg you to pray for them too! For where 2 or more gather in His name, there He is also...

Our little friend Mary

and baby Stellan (click the button to read his Mama's blog)...

HIGH low

6:13 HIGH Phone rings, mom's voice, Rachel is having a baby today! 7:01 low Lucy in tears, not wanting to go to school....again 8:11 HIGH Greer still sleeping, pour my second cup of coffee, work on my Praise Baby post 8:38 low Chris races upstairs, beckons me to basement, Maximus (Landon's cat) has passed away in the night....the tears flow and flow and flow 9:37 HIGH Phone rings, mom's voice, It's a BOY!!! 9:45 low Try to call Erin and Landon to tell them the news, tears of joy over my new nephew, tears of sadness....decide to call my mom back instead 9:58 HIGH Phone rings, Rachel's voice, praising God, joy JOY joy!!! 10:25 low laundry taking over my house, tears still overwhelming me as I think of talking to Erin and Landon, praying for my friend Mary as she is in surgery, praying for peace 11:39 HIGH hot shower, washing me clean 12:40 HIGH Check email, "David Wilcox is now following you on Twitter"....what??? One of my HEROES!!! 12:48 low Phone rings, Erin's voice - filled with sniffles and the sound of tears, mom has told her, we both cry, she says she's coming down 1:09 HIGH low See Lucy's face, quickly realize she had a bad day, my heart is breaking, tears flowing, I try to make a joke (and it's pretty pathetic) 1:21 HIGH Lucy is happy and laughing and excited about her new baby cousin 1:31 HIGH gymnastics, visit with friends, play with sweet baby Greer 2:49 HIGH home, Greer down for nap, Lucy tucked in to my bed with juice and Little Bear 3:08 HIGH Reeves walks through the door, we talk about his new baby boy cousin, we read and talk about multiplication...he knows what 10X10 is! 4:21 low HIGH Erin and Landon arrive, sadness, we load up Maximus in their car, they say they are so sorry it happened on my watch, I tell them how horrible I feel, we talk about how elated we are about Henry, Rachel sends a picture on the phone...he is GORGEOUS! 5:00 HIGH girls still sleeping, bags packed to go out for Reeves' first baseball game 6:13 HIGH Chick-fil-A drive thru 7:02 HIGH friends, red dirt, packed parking lot, strollers, ring pops, baseball bats and gloves and balls....it's Opening Night at the ball field 8:32 HIGH low Ballgame! the score is NOT in our favor but the smiles on those little boy's faces tell me that they know they played their best 8:49 low Lucy is already crying about having to go to school tomorrow HIGH we say a prayer together on the drive home and talk about the things she has to look forward to 9:38 HIGH everyone is asleep

It's a.....

BOY!!!

Congratulations Rachel and Matt!

Henry Sean

7 pounds 4 ounces

19 3/4 inches

baby brother to 

Caroline and Olivia

I can't wait to meet my new nephew, and when Rachel sends out a 

picture I'll be sure to post an update!

We love you sweet baby Henry!

If there was ever a night for Prayer....

....tonight was the night. 

In spite of a busy workday (MAN was L&D hoppin' today), I have so many people I love who are in need of some immediate prayers.  Here are a few of my dear ones who need some liftin' up....

My sweet little neighbor Mary (whom I've known since before she was born), was born with hydrocephalus.  Our church family prayed that God would perform a miracle in her little life, and I truly believe He answered our prayers.  Mary was not supposed to have such an amazing outcome, and she has really thrived in her short little life.  She has some challenges ahead of her, but she is so loved by her family and friends.  

Mary will be undergoing her 8th surgery in 8 weeks tomorrow morning.  She has been having MAJOR troubles with her shunt, and they just can't seem to get it right.  Please pray that this surgery will bring the relief that she (and her sweet mom Jana) need.  You can read more about her journey by clicking here!  Oh, and if you want to see sweet Mary in person, click here to see a little video of her in our Christmas play at church.  She is the last little girl to speak....

I Love You Bob!!!

I mentioned in my post from this morning that Stellan (and of course MckMama) needed your prayers.  Well, things have NOT gotten a whole lot better (yet), and they are still trying to convert his heart to a normal rhythm.  I know that lots and lots of people are praying for this sweet baby, but I don't think God ever tires of hearing our cries for mercy.  

I consider MckMama a friend and have gotten to know her through her blog.  I feel blessed to have also grown a personal friendship with her over the internet, and we've joked about being "kindred spirits".  We email and tweet and just generally have a good bit in common....and I can tell you that she is as genuine as can be!

I love you baby MckMuffin and MckMama!!!

My friend Jennifer and her precious hubby Alan will be in Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital till at least Wednesday.  Alan was readmitted for some intensive therapy, and we are praying that his time there helps him make some major progress towards recovery and healing.  Please be in prayer for them as they fight to get back some semblance of a normal life and that God will work a miracle in his life....I know my God is big enough (and I will love and trust in Him no matter WHAT)!  Please pray especially for their immediate struggles with insurance.  It has been a very frustrating time on that front.  

This story has way more to it....I encourage you to head over and read it from Jennifer's perspective!  She updates often, and she is very real about what God is doing in her life as she struggles to seek Him in all that she is facing.  

I love you Jennifer and Alan!!! 

And last, but certainly NOT LEAST!!!  Please be in prayer for my sister Rachel this week.  She is expecting her 3rd baby very soon, and will have him or her (I have a love/hate relationship with this decision she made to NOT find out) no later than Friday.  I am praying for the safe arrival of my newest niece or nephew, and ask that you please pray for them, too.  

I LOVE YOU Rach, and I wish with 

all my HEART and SOUL that I could

be there with you!!!

***Update - Tuesday Morning***

Rachel is in LABOR!!!

I'll let you know when my new niece or nephew 

is here....please say a prayer that all goes well!

Not me!, Monday

I'm gonna post my "Not me!, Monday" this week, even though I don't think there will be an official NMM post from sweet MckMama herself!  She has been in the hospital all night with her youngest baby boy, and he is very sick.  Please be in prayer for them and head over to read her story....

Now, in honor of my friend and her great bloggy fun...

We are finally back from our vacation, and we have had quite a busy weekend getting settled back into our "normal", little life (not to mention gettin' some Daddy lovin')!  In my earlier posts, I might have given you the impression that it was the perfect week in paradise, but that would totally NOT not be very realistic....Don't know why I'm talking like this?  Well, head over to MckMama's Blog, and she'll fill you in. See, she's the creator of this weekly bloggy therapy where all us perfect mothers do NOT dish on all our not so perfect daily happenings. Here we go....

I did NOT attempt a week away (in NOT gorgeous Florida) with my 3 kiddos (sans sweet hubby) and it was NOT (not) positively perfect in every single way....

I did NOT let Greer drink a Capri Sun at the pool every. single. day.  just because she liked them and they kept her entertained.  Capri Suns are NOT completely lacking in any sort of nutritional content, and are NOT filled with artificial flavors and sugars....yack!

My kids did NOT eat way too many donuts, drink way too much 7-UP, and stay up WAY too late watching shows that I wouldn't normally allow at home....every. single. night!

Lucy did NOT use "finger quotations" in context one day, and my sister and I did NOT totally laugh hysterically about it!!!  

Greer is NOT smiling in this picture, but it is NOT an illusion, y'all!  Greer did NOT hate the spraying water at the mall where we stopped for lunch and some playtime before heading home on Friday!  

We did NOT get all cleaned up, loaded in, and on our way after a good hour and a half of playtime at the Destin Commons.  Greer did NOT fall asleep right away, and the big kids did NOT watch "Nims Island" in sweet silence for almost 2 hours.

I did NOT tweet about how perfect our drive home was going, only to have it all NOT completely fall apart within seconds of that tweet. Here's what I did NOT say....

Stopping at Durbin's Market for an early supper and fresh air, fruits, & veggies....maybe some homeade peach ice cream, too!
4:44 PM Mar 20th from txt

Oh dear friends, that was NOT the kiss of death!  That quick little stop did NOT last 1.5 hours!!!

It did NOT involve losing and NOT finding (no seriously, we never found it) one of Greer's shoes, a rather unpleasant Burger King experience (because the kids didn't want to eat at the vegetable market), a bathroom accident that did NOT involve the throwing away of an entire outfit (and that accident was NOT had by one of my elder two children who should be way beyond such accidents)....no friends, it was the perfect pitstop!

How 'bout you!?  Any great "Not, Me!" moments this week?

Lucy Makes Me Laugh!

Oh sweet Lucy, how she makes me laugh!

So, one of the highlights of every road trip is listening to the conversations that my children have in the "way back." I think they think I can't hear them, and they are completely candid. Sometimes I hear profound stories about God's creation and love. One time I overheard Lucy telling her little friend about where babies live when their mommies are pregnant....

"I was in Mommy's womb....it's sort of like a basket."

Not sure where she ever got that, but I do tend to talk about pregnancy and childbirth around my children (job hazard I guess) a lot. That interpretation was pretty funny to me.

Just yesterday, as we were heading out for our last splash in the pool, I overheard a funny conversation between Lucy and her big brother. She's always trying to out-do him, and this one was over the top.....

Reeves. "Lucy, I'm gonna be a baseball player when I grow up. What are you gonna be?"

Lucy. "Well....." (imagine that said with a little drawl and jerk of the head). "I'm gonna be..."

a dentist helper

purse buyer

science teacher

fire girl

and police girl

You go, Girl!

Head over to Amber's for more Friday Funnies

(her blog is pretty awesome, by the way)!

All Good Crazy Things Must Come to an End!

Well, today was the last day of our beach vacation for Spring Break 2009....


I must admit, I am pretty pooped! I aim to be real, y'all, and I would be lying to you if I said it was all giggles and roses! It was tough at times, going it alone (without my precious husband that is)! All of the discipline, packing, unpacking, sunscreen applying, meal preparing, entertaining, Greer chasing, etc, etc, was pretty much up to me (and I would be lying if I said that I did it all with grace and poise). I would also be lying if I didn't tell you that I am a bit nervous about the ride home tomorrow. I pray it goes as smoothly as the trip down did, but at least I know who'll be there to meet me on the other side. I am dying to see you Chris!


One of the little blessings of this trip was having my sister Erin (aka Aunt Becca) and her boyfriend Landon down for most of the trip. They were awesome helpers and I think that if they hadn't been here, well, I would have completely lost my marbles! We had lots of fun, and we were so sad to see them go today! Thanks guys....we love you!


In fact, I think Greer has found her new favorite person in the whole wide world....

Sorry Landon, I think you're a bit too old for my sweet baby G!

(but don't they make a cute couple?)

We decided to make the most of their last night (especially since Erin lost a good two days to a horrendous stomach bug...). We headed over to Baytowne Wharf for dinner and ice-cream - and some awesome live music! Greer couldn't stop herself, y'all, that girl has some sista in her soul! You have got to see her dancing...it is absolutely hysterical. Promise I'll catch it on film some day soon!



And today we managed to make it to the pool not once, but 2 times....it was actually pretty warm. I feel like the kids had a great time - despite missing their Daddy. He better get ready...we're gonna cover him with some major hugs and kisses when we finally see him!





I am so happy that my kids have the opportunity to come down to this very special place. The memories we all have here are a part of our history and I know they feel like it's their home away from home....just like I did when I was growing up.

Thanks again, Charcey and Papa!

We had a great time!

````````````````````

And now...for the most important business of the day!

Who's the Winner of my 1st Times are Tight

Giveaway???

Congratulations BRANDI!

I'll be contacting you soon to get your address!

Hope you enjoy the album....I'm jealous

For everyone else who entered and supported me, a big heartfelt thank you to you, too!!!

I feel so loved and supported, and can't wait to see where this thing goes. Don't forget to stop by Janice's Etsy Store (the link will stay on my blog under Giveaway Participants)....I know she will be getting lots of new business! Love you Janice!

I'll be having another giveaway sometime in mid April (and I have participants lined up through the Summer, too), so stay tuned. Feel free to keep the button up on your blogs....I'll keep all the details up to date!

Gotta go pack a little more....I can't wait to get up and drive HOME!

Night, Y'all!

Times are Tight Giveaway - 1st Edition!

***Update***Since it's our last day at the beach, we're gonna be pretty busysqueezing in every ounce of fun we can today.I probably won't announce a winner till this evening, so if you happen by here today (Thursday), go ahead and leave a comment for a chance to win!

Thanks for stopping by!

Want to know the story behind the

Hold it Up to the Light Times are Tight Giveaway!?

click here for the long version to read all about it!

Now, here's the short version....

Times are Tight!

You probably have friends who have lost their jobs or can't find one.

You can't turn on the TV, read the paper, or surf the web 

without hearing about what a bad state our economy is in.

We are all cutting back in one way or another, and

we are trying to find ways to make a little more money.

I have friends who have small businesses.

Some of them have been around for a while and are struggling a bit, 

and some of them are brand new.

I want to help them, and that's what this idea is all about.

Each month, I will highlight a friend's business. 

It will give them a chance to show off their stuff, and of course....

Give Something Away

If you've been reading my blog this week,

you know that we're on vacation at the beach (YaY).

We have had a wonderful time, and I have tried to 

capture everything with my brand newcamera.

My first featured friend is giving away something 

that I would LOVE to keep for myself...especially after this week!

When I asked Janice to join in, she was so excited.

She has been a unbelievably amazing scrapbooker for 

a long time, and she just opened up her own Etsy Shop!

Her specialty is stamping, and I am so impressed with what she can do!

Please stop by and check it out, and know that you are 

supporting a wonderful mother, grandmother, wife, friend, and

Child of God

when you support her with a purchase.

Janice is a gem, and I love her so much!!!

And for all my awesome readers, this is what one of YOU will win...

 

A pre-made scrapbook, just in time for your next 

Beach Vacation!

It has lots of pages ready to fill with all your happy memories...

you don't have to be a scrapbooker extraordinaire (like Janice)

to love this one!!!

Wanna Win It?

Here's what you do....

To enter 1 time, just leave a comment

and get extra entries for 

Following My Blog

Tweeting About It

Following Me on Twitter 

or Posting My Button on Your Blog!

Make sure you let me know what all you did when

you leave a comment (if you already Follow Me Here or on Twitter,

I'll make sure to give you those votes....just remind me)

and thanks for supporting my friend!!! 

If you want to enter, but don't have a google account,

you can just leave an anonymous comment.  Just make sure you 

let me know who you are!

Voting ends tonight at Midnight....

I'll announce a winner sometime on Thursday afternoon, 

so make sure you stop back by to see if you won!

P.S.  If you have a business you want to promote, email me!

Stake it!!...Vacation Style

Wanna read about my Vacation Dieting Philosophy....yes, deep stuff!

Head on over to Stake It!

A Little Message for our Favorite Guy....

Love, Reeves (aka Lloyd Christmas), Greer, and Lucy

(and Mommy, too)

We promise to bring home some of these!

Not me!, Monday

We're on vacation this week, but that doesn't mean that I haven't had plenty of "Not me!, Monday" moments that I've NOT been dying to share!!!  Don't know what I'm talkin' about?  Well, just head over to MckMama's Blog, and she'll fill you in.  See, she's the creator of this weekly bloggy therapy where all us perfect mothers do NOT dish on all our not so perfect daily happenings.  Here we go....

I did NOT spend a hectic week getting all packed for a trip to the beach.  It did NOT take me more time and energy than I had expected, and we did NOT get a later start than I had planned.  That late start was NOT right around rush hour on the Friday afternoon before Spring Break.... The whole town did NOT have the same idea, and it did NOT take us almost an hour to get out of town.  I did NOT consider turning around to go home at LEAST 3 times.

"Why would you NOT do that???," you ask.  Did I NOT forget to tell you that I was attempting this trip alone (with 3 small children)?  My dear, sweet husband did NOT have too much work to do right now (counting that as a blessing) and couldn't make the trip this time.   

After we got on the highway, things did NOT go pretty smoothly (you can click HERE to read all about it), and I was NOT proud of my amazing skills of anticipation (being NOT neurotic pays off sometimes)!  I did NOT have a slew of snacks, drinks, and "loveys" all within reach and I did NOT master a blind pitching skill....I really should have tried out for the WNBA!!!

The forecast has NOT looked like this since we arrived (although there have been brief periods of sunshine....click HERE to NOT see what my crazy children did when that happened):

But these crazy children did NOT make the most of it....

I am NOT so happy that we decided to go ahead and make the trip!  Everything's NOT better at the beach (well, if we ever actually get down to the beach)!!!  

Rain, Rain Go Away

I was NOT beside myself when my sister and her boyfriend showed up late Saturday night. They are NOT planning to stay with us for most of the week, and I am NOT so very happy to have some adult company!!! I am NOT so sad that Chris can't be here, too (especially since today is NOT his birthday..... Happy Birthday, Chris!)

I did NOT wake up this morning and find that our fridge had NOT been turned OFF by one of my dear children (I'm NOT assuming this). I am NOT going to have to re-buy close to $100 of food.....so much for a "budget" vacation.

Dear Reeves and Lucy....

it's really not warm enough for this!!!

But....

I wanna go!

The Scary Part is OVER!

I have a confession to make.....

the IDEA of today TOTALLY freaked me out!!!

When my mom told me that her condo in Destin was available the week of our Spring Break, I totally jumped at the chance to come. Chris and I had originally planned to head to Disney World this week, but had to postpone that trip till May. I wanted to "get away" for Spring Break, and this would be the perfect opportunity!

Originally, Chris (caring, loving, wonderful provider that he is) was going to come along. Unfortunately, plans changed. Chris is very busy with work right now, and that just couldn't happen. I couldn't bear to disappoint the kiddos, so bagging the Beach Trip was NOT an option!

I knew that once we got here, things would be great...it was the "getting here" that scared me!

How in the WORLD would I travel alone (5 plus hours) with 3 kiddos and a van stuffed to the hilt? How would I manage to keep them entertained AND drive safely???? On the one hand, I knew that my kids were pretty good travelers, but for some reason I kept going to a bad place. The place where Greer cries the whole way and the big kids keep needing to stop to go potty.

All I can say is, God heard your my prayers! Thanks so much friends! We actually had an awesome trip.

The plan was to leave right after Reeves got home from school (3:05 to be precise), but Greer was still napping and I was still packing. We didn't get out of town till 4:08 (yes, I looked at the clock as we pulled out to the driveway). Lucy had an immediate meltdown (aka..."I want DAAAAADDDDEEEE"). I said, "But Mommy can't wait to be with all of you". To which she replied, "But I want BOTH of you".....tears were flowing.

Thank the Good Lord for the brand new Pinocchio Movie that Honey brought over last night! It was a hit.

The hit I wasn't expecting came around very quickly. Unfortunately, it took us almost an HOUR to make it out of town (I guess everyone decided to head out after school today). My blood pressure rose quickly, and more than once I thought about turning around.

Thankfully, there were no major meltdowns, and before long......

We caught a glimpse of THIS in our rearview mirror

It's one of the landmarks on the way to NorthWest Florida. Let me just tell you, there are quite a few gems along the way.....

A Gigantic Confederate Flag

The State Capitol

The Peach Places

Pecan Orchards

Trailers next to Mansions (Plantations I should say)

Country Churches

Pick-up trucks filled with Watermelons and Tomatoes

Dark Scary Roads in the Middle of NO-WHERE!!!

A Daylily Farm

Priester's Pecans

Bates Turkey Place

5 Dozen Cracker Barrels

Mississippi, Tennessee, and Georgia Tags

Just as I was lifting my feet to cross the Florida line, the last of my 3 little angels fell fast asleep. The dark, deserted back roads were perfect for sleeping babes......Lucy hadn't made it more than 20 or 30 minutes after our impressive SINGLE stop at Subway for dinner. The soft Praise Baby music filled me my van with perfect Peace and I knew we had made it. The scary part was over!

We arrived around 10, and all three kids had been asleep for the last hour and a half. Lucy and Reeves got a second wind after our arrival, and it took me till close to 11 to get them to sleep. Greer (aka the absolute best baby in the whole world) went right to sleep in her pack and play, and I got all the bags unloaded while the kids made sure everything was just as it should be around the condo. It took some convincing, but I finally got them all tucked in to the big kingsize bed. I bet if you asked them, they would say this is their favorite place in the world.

Thank You, Charcey and Papa, for sharing it with us!

Lucy's Big Night

Ever since we got the big news back in February that Lucy had won the Finley Award for her grade level, we have been anxiously awaiting this night. This award is a really big deal in our very large little 'ole town, and we couldn't be more proud of her! Tonight we celebrated Lucy, along with lots of other deserving young men and women, at a Banquet held in their honor. It was pretty awesome!


Wanna know what impressed me the most? The focus on Jesus (in a public school systerm)! Every speaker talked about the great Faith that Coach Finley (the award's namesake) had in Jesus Christ, and how that faith contributed to his character and leadership.....they even talked about how he witnessed to his players and students. We prayed before the meal, and I felt like this banquet not only honored these precious children....it honored God. It was incredible!!!

A girl after my own heart....

she never leaves home without her Camera!!!

We had to wait in the lobby for quite a while,

Lucy and Daddy entertained themselves with staring contests.

I must say, they got pretty silly.

To say that Lucy was proud to have her teacher

there to celebrate with her is a HUGE understatment...

Thanks for coming Miss Frazier!!!

Chocolate Cake...

little did they know, they were speakin' her Love Language!

Check out that Medal (and she got a certificate, too)...

And those flowers are strategically placed on her dresser

(she wants to see them right when she wakes up in the morning)!

Chris likes to call her "Megan in a Dryer"

If you know me very well (at least in my younger years),

you know that I couldn't stay up very late either....

We knew that bringing the Hannah Montana

pajamas along was the right decision.

Yep, it was.