ADORABUS

I Heart Faces~Dramatic B&W

2010-03-29T18:30:00.007-05:00

This is my entry for this weeks i heart faces photo challenge. My daughter was baptized on March 7, 2010. What a glorious day for our family! "Whoever believes and is baptized shall be saved." Mark 16:16

Head on over to i heart faces and check out the other entries.

Happy 9th Birthday, Anna Reed!

2010-03-15T17:02:00.002-05:00

May all your wishes come true!

Camera Fun

2010-02-27T14:51:00.010-06:00

The kids and I, with the help of my photographer brother, decided to play around with the shutter speed and some fireworks! We used f8 and the shutter was open for 20 seconds. Pretty cool, huh?

Roman Candle

Sparkler

The kids walking with sparkers~they look like ghosts!

What cool things have you captured with YOUR camera?

Happy 7th Birthday, Gates!

2010-01-12T07:33:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday Little Brother

2010-01-04T13:47:00.005-06:00

Me at age 13 with my youngest brother, Blanton, who is 26 years old today!

Happy New Year...

2010-01-01T19:01:00.004-06:00

...from our family to yours!

The Dramers

New Year's Day 2010

The children were nestled all snug in MY bed...

2009-12-23T22:01:00.001-06:00

My Christmas Present...

2009-12-23T15:47:00.002-06:00

...that I have waited three years for~an oil portrait of Anna Reed at age five.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

2009-12-23T08:04:00.003-06:00

I Heart Faces~Tooshies

2009-12-01T20:08:00.008-06:00

This week's photo challenge at I Heart Faces is all about tooshies. I snapped this photo while we were at the Alabama vs. UTC game a couple of weeks ago. Behold, a few tooshies of the number 2 ranked team in the nation~The University of Alabama Crimson Tide!

Check out the other entries at I Heart Faces.

Fourteen Years Ago Today....

2009-10-22T06:51:00.006-05:00

....I married my Prince Charming!

October 21, 1995

I ♥ Faces~Bubbles

2009-08-18T17:37:00.003-05:00

This weeks photo challenge at i heart faces is "bubbles". I knew immediately which photo I would be entering. This photo was taken of my son blowing bubbles in the backyard at his great-grandparents house last Easter.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words~Take Two

2009-08-18T09:09:00.007-05:00

Second Day of School

Now there is my sweet boy's smile and his beautiful big sissy!

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

2009-08-13T20:38:00.006-05:00

First Day of School

Gates~First Grade, Anna Reed~Third Grade

Wordfull Wednesday~Meet the Teacher

2009-08-12T15:18:00.013-05:00

I cannot believe it is time to start school again. Didn't they just get out for the summer? How can I possibly have a first and third grader? I think times flies by faster and faster every year.

Gates is excited about his school supplies!

Gates and his awesome teacher, Ms. Washburn!

(we know she's awesome because Anna Reed had her too)

Check out the gum he didn't hide well enough!

Anna Reed trying out her desk. She has her "hurry up and take this pic so we can get some pancakes at McDonald's" smile on!

Anna Reed and Ms. McKinnis.

I ♥ Faces at the Beach

2009-07-28T20:30:00.014-05:00

This week at i heart faces, the photo contest theme is the beach. I have followed this blog for a while now but this is the first time I have entered one of their contests. This was taken of Anna Reed in Panama City Beach, FL.

"Shadow Dancing"

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-15T23:37:00.003-05:00

"Therefore go ...

2009-07-08T21:25:00.005-05:00

...and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19

My husband, Chris, left today for a mission trip to Thailand. Team members from our church, Hunter Street Baptist Church, working in partnership with Shades Mountain Baptist Church will help serve alongside Michael and Hope Johnson and other Christians in the Chiang Rai area. Michael provides pastoral leadership for Baan Athitaan Church and overall direction for the Grace Language School.

The missions team will help assist with a conference for Christian leaders in the Chiang Rai area. The conference will provide training, encouragement, and refreshment for those in attendance. A Vacation Bible School will also be offered for children of the missionaries and those attending the conference.

The team will return July 17th.

Fourth of July

2009-07-08T18:21:00.017-05:00

This fourth of July we were asked, along with two other families, to join the Oakmans at their lake house on Smith Lake. We all happen to be good friends which made it all the better! We arrived early to get out and have some fun before the lake got too crowed or too rough. We grilled hamburgers and hotdogs and had enough food to feed an army! It was all DELISH!

The Dramers

The Oakmans

The Freemans

The Ballintines

Anna Reed jumping off the pontoon boat!

Gates chillin!

Josh, Gates, Chris, and Brooks tubing.

Anna Reed on the ski platform~great job!

Even I've still got it!

We took an evening boat ride to watch the fireworks!

Anna Reed and her sparkler!

Gates with his sparkler!

And, of course, fourth of July is not complete without juicy watermelon!

A big "THANK YOU" to the Oakmans for a wonderful time!!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-08T18:07:00.004-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-01T14:39:00.004-05:00

Photo of the Day

2009-06-30T23:45:00.003-05:00

Amusement/Water Park ticket-$34.99

Arby's Roast Beef Sandwiches-$7.00

Warming your lunch on the dash of your car while you hang out at Alabama Adventure-ONLY IN ALABAMA!

You're Gonna Love It Or Else.....

2009-06-30T22:20:00.011-05:00

"Love what?" you ask.
"MAFIAoZA's", I say.
It is a fabulous little pizzeria located in the heart of Crestline Village in Birmingham, AL.

My brother, Blanton (AKA Uncle B), has gigs there every so often and finally a night came where he was playing and my family could go and listen to him.
We arrived around 7:00 on a Saturday night, walked right in and were seated immediately. They had a nice patio area that I would have loved to sit in, but it was just too darn hot!

Our table was near a bar area that was covered in flour. Behind the bar were the men making the pizzas. The area was for kids (and parents) to come and sit and "make" your very own pizza! The kids had a blast!

We ordered an appetizer that was truly to die for...cheese bread. I don't remember the name of it, as it was a new item on the menu, but I am sure it had some type of "mafia" name as all of the entrees and pizzas on the menu did. I could have just made my meal off the cheese bread alone. Did I mention IT.WAS.TO.DIE.FOR!

After dinner, we moved up to the "stage" area were Blanton would be performing (he sings and plays guitar). He is very talented, if I do say so myself! He plays a wide variety of songs from James Taylor to Dave Matthews Band. We listened for about an hour and then had to get the kiddos home and to bed.

So, if you live in the Birmingham area and haven't tried this place out....it is a MUST!

We will be back! After all, we're "family" now!

Works of Art

2009-06-26T21:38:00.005-05:00

Anna Reed and Gates just completed summer art class this week with Mrs. Alice. She is the Helena Elementary School art teacher and is just awesome! She holds art classes every summer where the children get to make clay pieces and learn to paint on canvas. They brought their canvas home today and will pick up their clay pieces next week. They had a wonderful time and were so proud of their paintings!

Happy Father's Day...

2009-06-21T23:15:00.004-05:00

...to the World's Best Daddies!

My babies' Daddy!

My Daddy!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-17T21:46:00.003-05:00

Photo of the Day

2009-06-15T22:52:00.002-05:00

Found this little cutie in our backyard today!

Hot and Now-Just The Way I Like Them!

2009-06-05T06:36:00.010-05:00

Today is National Doughnut Day! The holiday, which is on the first Friday of June each year, celebrates the doughnut (a.k.a. "donut") -an edible, ring-shaped piece of dough deep-fried and sweetened. So check out your local Krispy Kreme to get yours today, I will be! No purchase necessary..nada, zilch! There's nothing better than a HOT original glazed-my fave!

What's your favorite doughnut?

WONDERFUL Wednesday

2009-06-03T22:20:00.003-05:00

Anna Reed planted marigold seeds last week,

her daddy and I planted the seed of Christ in her from the day she was born,

both have grown today....she became a CHRISTIAN!

Photo of the Day

2009-05-30T21:50:00.005-05:00

Little brothers....

Photo of the Day

2009-05-28T20:52:00.000-05:00

Our first pool day of the year and we need this!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-27T11:19:00.002-05:00

Photo of the Day

2009-05-26T22:46:00.002-05:00

Where did I eat?

Photo of the Day

2009-05-25T19:48:00.003-05:00

Right before the bottom fell out!

Photo of the Day

2009-05-24T21:54:00.004-05:00

Paper: $1

Markers: $2.50

Homemade card for dad: Priceless

Photo of the Day

2009-05-23T14:41:00.006-05:00

I post a "photo of the day" each day on my facebook profile. A friend of mine suggested that I post it on my blog as well. Duh, why didn't I think of that?

Yes, I actually have this on MY iPod!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-20T15:24:00.001-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-13T21:53:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-06T22:04:00.003-05:00

My New Ride

2009-04-24T18:40:00.009-05:00

2009 Honda Pilot

My hubby had sworn he would never buy me an SUV with all the in-town driving that I do. Hmm, amazing what batting my big brown eyes can get!

Actually, we had no intentions, what-so-ever, of buying a car today.

I had the day all planned out: work out while hubby ran errands, meet hubby to look at cars, eat lunch, head home for some quality time with the man before the kids got home.

Here's how the day actually went:

9:00-Worked out

10:15-Met hubby

10:25-Looked at cars/SUVs

10:30-Talked about our options

10:45-Test drove SUV

10:46-Fell in love with the SUV

11:10-Talked some more about our options

12:30-Went to lunch in the SUV

12:40-Decided it was more than we wanted to pay

1:20-Returned to dealership with a low-ball price

1:50-They accepted the price

2:15-Filled out the necessary paperwork

2:45-Cleaned out my Infiniti I30

3:15-Called to make sure my little brother could get the kids off the bus

4:00-Drove the vehicle home

5:00-Hubby took big ol' fat check to the dealership

I LOVE it! It is loaded! Has everything except the navigation system. My kids love the DVD player with the nice large (10.2 inches) screen. I am loving the XM radio.

It has taken some getting used to as I have always been a "car" person. My biggest challenge is parking. I must say, I am getting better every day!

Golfing with Daddy

2009-04-19T22:07:00.012-05:00

The family went to the driving range at Oxmoor Valley after lunch. The kids got some lessons from dear old dad. They had a great time. Gates and Chris have been trying to play every weekend and have even started some lessons on Saturdays. Anna Reed hasn't played in a while but once she warmed up, she was sailing them in the air!

OK, I am going to have to brag on myself for a minute! I can not tell you when the last time I picked up a golf club was....way over two or more years. I decided today was the day to see if I still "had it". Back before we had children, I used to play a good bit with Chris from time to time. You know, when the weather was just right. It couldn't be too hot, humid or too cold.

Anyway, I grabbed my hubby's 5 iron he was using and sailed that sucker (the ball, not the iron) almost 135 yards!! Chris said, "Dang, it looks like you need to start playing golf."

Guess I'll be the market for some clubs of my own!

Upward Softball

2009-04-18T17:22:00.008-05:00

Today was opening day for Hunter Street Baptist Church (HSBC) Upward Softball. This is Anna Reed's second year to play. Her team is the Orioles. We played the Blue Jays. (And we will every game as they are the only two girl's coach pitch teams!) Her daddy is the assistant coach and I am the team mom.

I just love Upward sports. The league at HSBC helps children develop the basic skills of baseball/softball while in a safe, encouraging, Christian environment. Each practice concludes with a devotion and a memory verse. They earn a green star for each memory verse they learn.

At the end of each game, the girls are awarded individual game stars. Anna Reed received the white "Christ-like" star for this game. Other star awards are defense (red star), offense (gray star), best effort (blue star). I love how each child is recognized for something good they did in the game!

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God, the Father through Him." Colossians 3:17

"Don't Judge a Book By It's Cover"

2009-04-17T13:54:00.009-05:00

Meet the frumpy, unemployed, 47-year-old woman who shocked Simon Cowell.

During auditions for "Britain's Got Talent" last week,

Susan Boyle walked on to the stage to snickers from the audience and an eye-roll from Cowell. After she unleashed a perfect rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" from the musical "Les Miserables," she left with the crowd on its feet.

"Without a doubt, that is the biggest surprise I've had in three years of the show," said one of Cowell's co-judges, Piers Morgan.

Boyle received three "yeses" from the judges and is the early favorite to win on the hit reality TV series.

"I knew the minute you walked out on that stage that we were going to hear something extraordinary and I was right," said Cowell.

Wake Up Call

2009-04-16T17:46:00.006-05:00

A friend called today to tell me some news.

"I spoke with someone today who had something nice to say about you and you will never guess who it was," she said.

"Well, who is it and what did they say?" I ask.

She told me who it was and let me know that this person had "confessed" that they had been wrong about me. "I was always so mean to her and didn't know why. She never did anything to me personally. I was just forming my opinions based on what someone else had told me."

You see, I knew I had never done anything to this person. She based her opinion of me solely on someone else's untruthful and negative comments.

I was glad to hear that this person no longer disliked me. I am sad to think of all the years (yes, years) I have missed getting to know this person who could have potentially been a very close friend.

I started to think about my own attitude towards people. I have been there before, that person who's made a false judgement about someone based on what other people might have said about them. And you know what? After getting to know the individual, my opinion turned out to be totally different than my friend's. Sometimes, it would be the same...I mean, some people are just plain weird! Just kidding!

I believe some individuals base their opinions, dislikes, or negative comments of someone on the insecurities, shortcomings, unhappiness, or failures in their own lives. They look for any little fault in someone to make themselves feel better and take the focus off of their own issues. I pray for these people.

I have become more conscious about forming opinions or stereotyping before I get to know someone. We are all such unique individuals created by God. Just think how boring this world would be if we were all the same!

Several friends (and family members) will do or say some things that just drive me nuts....but guess what? I love them anyway. Our strengths and weaknesses as individuals makes us who we are as friends. I love each and every one of them dearly and are so thankful they are in my life.

"A friend loves at all times." Proverbs 17:17

At all times. Not just when things are going good. Even when they are getting on our last nerve! A true friend loves at all times.

Have you been a good friend lately?

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-15T08:50:00.003-05:00

My First and Last

2009-04-11T15:50:00.013-05:00

This is the first year we have been able to participate in our city wide Easter egg hunt and, unfortunately, it will also be our last.

As my family arrived at the egg hunting site, I noticed the children leaving were depositing their newly found eggs into a big black lawn bag. I also noticed there was no candy in their baskets. I thought this was rather strange and figured I had better go ahead prepare the children.

I told them that it looks like we would not get to keep the eggs that we find. They must want us to return them so they can reuse them for future egg hunts......you know, recycle. WeIrD! But, whatever! I mean, I am all for recycling, but not letting the children keep the eggs they find-what's up with that?

Anyway, I tell the kids. They look a little puzzled.

AR just shrugged her shoulders and said, "OK."

Well, that was easy. I knew it would be with her, she is my "go with the flow" child (for the most part).

Gates said, "We don't get to keep the eggs?"

I said, "It doesn't look like it. All the children are turning them in as they leave."

By now, I am feeling that things are about to go south. See, Gates is my not so "go with the flow" child. When he gets something stuck in his head: an idea of how something should go, work, look, taste, whatever, he expects it to be just so. Yes, he's OCD. By the way, I have no idea where he gets it from!

"Well, is there candy in them?" he asked.

"I don't think so, sweetie. But that's OK, we are going to hunt lots of eggs at Nana's and Papa's tomorrow, don't you worry!" trying to avoid the inevitable.

"Well," he says, as he sits his basket on the ground, "then I am not going to hunt any."

"Now, buddy, that's not a nice attitude to have," I say.

But I am totally thinking "I am with you Gates. Who wants to run around and find eggs that have nothing in them only to have to give them back. What's the fun in that?"

The eggs were out in the open field and it was a mad rush to collect as many as you could. (Only to return them, remember? )

AR took off and I lost her in the crowd for a second. I finally caught up to her and snapped a couple of pictures.

Gates was poking along with his daddy, picking up an egg here and there, but by no means was he going to exert much energy for nothing.

Start to finish-FIVE minutes, if that.

Well, after stealing a few eggs from his sister's basket and a few tears later, we made our way back to return our eggs to the big black lawn bag.

The kids were given a Caprisun and a bag of cookies for coming out. Hey, at least they didn't leave totally empty-handed!

"Ooh, my favorite!" Gates exclaimed, as he tore into the bag of Bud's Best Chocolate creme-filled cookies.

All's well, that ends well, I say!

Date Night

2009-04-10T22:58:00.006-05:00

AR was at a spend the night party and Chris was working late, so the G-man and I went out for the night!

Isn't he handsome?

His restaurant of choice. (So thankful he didn't choose Mickey D's)!

I see you!

What fun!

I Have A "Marley" On My Hands

2009-04-09T16:41:00.022-05:00

Our "sweet" little Cocoa.

At two months, she managed to get her head stuck in the handle of a shopping bag.

By three months, I was able to train her to consistently ring a bell to go "out" when she needed to take care of business. Which, eventually backfired as she was ALWAYS ringing it.....just to go outside and play.

Yep, found this on my front porch one day after one of her "outings". She had help from our Jack Russell, Bandit, as he does the hunting and killing and she retrieves the goods.

I was NOT happy when I found Cocoa chewing on my dining room chair. She got an a#$ whooping!! She has not chewed on it again. Lesson learned!

She also liked to string out the toilet paper, get into the trash and jump up on the table.

"Who, me?"

I came home to a broken food bowl today (it was Bandit's). She has done numerous other things that I have not captured with a photo. Chewed up my Yellow Box flip-flop, chewed on the kids flip-flops, chewed up AR's baton tips, ripped the straw out of the broom, and rearranged the deck furniture among other things.

She really is a sweetie! And SO pretty!

Crabby What?

2009-04-08T08:35:00.008-05:00

On Tuesdays, I pick the kids up from school, as AR has ballet lessons at 3:30. As always, I ask how was your day? Do you have any homework? They both answer yes that they had a good day. Anna Reed replies that she does have homework and Gates never seems to know if he has homework or not!

Anyway, Anna Reed proceeds to tell me about a play (music program) that the Second Graders are performing in May and that she has a part. I say great!

Just to give you a little background, in past experiences of Kindergarten and First Grade programs, a "part" meant playing some sort of musical instrument (tambourine, maracas, the triangle, you get the picture!) All the kids wear their "field trip" t-shirts. It's very amusing to watch, some sing to the top of their lungs and do every hand motion and some just stand there, frozen in fear.

"Well, what is your part?"

"I am the crabby cabbage!"

"The what?"

"Crabby cabbage!"

"A crabby cabbage?"

"YES!"

"What in the world is a crabby cabbage?"

"I don't know!"

"But here's what I have to say:

'Now plants! Plants! Hear me once and for all!

These weeds are getting to tall!

I can't even see where my head meets the ground,

AND I'M THE QUEEN AFTER ALL!!'"

"Oh, wow, you have a speaking part!"

"Yes, and you have to make me a costume."

"WHAT?? Make you a costume?"

"Yep, it's a program about a garden and there's all kind of plants, vegetables, flowers, a scarecrow and a gardener whose name is Herb, you know... the 'H' is silent."

"Yeah, I know." Make her a costume?

I mean, I am pretty creative and crafty but a cabbage costume? So, if anyone has an idea on how to make a crabby cabbage costume, please let me know!

Jelly Bean Prayer

2009-04-06T08:33:00.014-05:00

Some of you may have seen this before, but with Easter coming up, it is a simple way to tell children of the AWESOME love of Jesus Christ, our Savior. I plan to give this to my second grade Sunday School class that my husband and I teach.

RED is for the blood He gave,

GREEN is for the grass He made,

YELLOW is for the sun so bright,

ORANGE is for the edge of night,

BLACK is for the sin we made,

WHITE is for the grace He gave,

PURPLE is for His hour of sorrow,

PINK is for our new tomorrow.

A bag of jelly beans,

colorful and sweet,

It's a PRAYER!

It's a PROMISE!

It's a TREAT!

HAPPY EASTER!

"The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.'"

Matthew 28:5-6

Spring Fling

2009-04-04T21:30:00.021-05:00

Today was the Spring Fling at Helena Elementary School. The weather was absolutely gorgeous! We arrived shortly after noon and didn't leave until 5:30. Needless to say, I am pooped! I painted faces for several hours until my sweet husband told me to take a break and he would take over for a while. I had several dads tell me he gets the "husband of the day" award!

He looks thrilled doesn't he?

We purchased Anna Reed and Gates an armband for the rides.

Anna Reed absolutley LOVED this one:

Brings back childhood memories of the Central Alabama State Fair in my hometown of Selma.

Gates is my cautious child and did not care one bit to try the Scrambler, he stuck to something a little more low key:

CARS! Right up his alley!

They both loved the slide and playing games. I was a little shocked to see this as one of the prizes offered at the Pick Up The Ducks game. I mean really....this is a children's game people!

Hmmm, tonight I am going to watch the Disney Channel. Eat my vegetables? Not tonight

Good grief!

We couldn't leave before we had a funnel cake, a MUST have at any carnival!

This was all that was left by the time I got my camera out!

Gift Ideas

2009-04-03T09:09:00.012-05:00

If you are like me, you will be running around frantically trying to find the perfect gift for your child's teacher as this school year is quickly coming to an end. As well as her dance teacher, baton instructor, gymnastics coach, you get the idea! We have Teacher Appreciation week coming up in May where we present the teacher with a gift each day from the class. As room mom for my son's Kindergarten class, I must get on the ball and think of some neat and unique things we can give his AWESOME teacher. I did run across some sale items at Vera Bradley that would make great gifts. Some were only $5! As I come across more great deals I will post them. On the other hand, if any of you know of any cute, unique, just can't pass them up gift ideas....let me know!

Never.....

2009-04-02T08:34:00.010-05:00

.......ever, in a million years did I think I would be purchasing Auburn merchandise! Well, I had to step up to the plate as room mom whose Kindergarten class is in charge of the Auburn basket for the silent auction at Helena Elementary School's Spring Fling this weekend. I think I did pretty good with the amount of money that came in from the class. I had a total of $85 given by the class, $15 of my own and a cap and three t-shirts were donated. If you know me at all, you know that I am a bargain shopper and very rarely buy anything that is not on sale. Not all of the items were on sale (after all, I was spending other peoples money) but a couple were and I thought I got a great deal. Auburn ice bucket with 4 glasses and 12 coasters regularly $75, I got it for $27! The party pennants were $2 and the dry erase board $1.50! Also included is a cooler, a car flag, party bowl with popcorn(unpopped, of course), magnet, keychain, ornament, two shakers, face tattoos, and my favorite....two packs of tissues (ROLL TIDE)! More items will be added today from the class working with us. I will let you know what they are. SO.....if you are an Auburn fan, bless your little heart, come on out to the Spring Fling on Saturday and bid

on the basket!

Whew!

2009-03-31T09:27:00.016-05:00

WOW! What a week and weekend! I was behind posting last week as I had been preparing for Anna Reed's sleepover. Now I am in the recovery phase! Here is a picture of the precious, but LOUD group of girls that spent the night. They had so much fun! More to come!

Shopping Spree!

2009-03-23T17:06:00.026-05:00

In the words, of my sister-in-law, Shannon, I have "created a monster", in that both of my children LOVE to shop! Yes, even my six-year-old SON. He had such a good time picking out his new spring clothes. I think he did an AWESOME job! He LOVES "golf" shirts, as you can tell. He also found a pair of tennis shoes that he just HAD to have in Gymboree, except they didn't fit. "We can make them work" he said. I told him no and he had a total meltdown in the middle of the store. I told him we could look elsewhere for some shoes. That was NOT what he wanted to hear. His video games have been taken away for tomorrow as well. Yep, yesterday, he had them taken away for today-good grief, I am sure that will be a post for another day. I have never known a BOY who loved to clothes shop as much as Gates. True, I HAVE created a monster-but a very stylish one!

I Am Excited!

2009-03-23T07:58:00.003-05:00

Hi its Anna Reed. I am so excited because I am going to have a sleepover party on Friday. We are going to do nails,hair,makeup and play games! We are going to have so much fun!!!!!!!!!!!

I Did It!

2009-03-22T22:10:00.010-05:00

Woo Hoo! I started a blog!