Y'all--I just had the best time--I mean the BEST. The twins and I were so privileged to have just spent the evening with Jason Crabb--of the Crabb Family fame--he was in our town tonight for a concert--at a church. Church concerts are my favorite because they are so much smaller and intimate. A local black high school show choir was there to sing during the offering. Jason called them up at the end to sing with him and that sure set some things off--for another hour of unplanned old time singing. It was stupendous. I had more fun watching Jason marvel over the kids. There were some really great soulful soloists in that choir. The twins had a great time. M. even got a kiss and hug from Jason, and A. got a high five when he told Jason he had killed his first deer this past year. B. will enjoy hearing that Jason is a big hunter and killed an 11 pointer this past season. It was just what this girl needed---and I am so excited to go back Sunday night because Aaron and Amanda Crabb will be there then. Fun. Here's a clip of the same medley he did with the choir at the end--it gets real good after the first minute or so. Enjoy.

Labels: Fun

This crazy squirrel has been in this position forever under my porch railing. Nope, not dead--just very greedily eating something off the bottom. My first thought was, "Oh no, termites!" My second thought was, "I think ants eat termites, not squirrels--aren't squirrels herbivores--acorns and all?" So, is he eating paint?--licking water off the bottom? I'll go check it out in a second while no one is home to take a picture of me looking under there.

Labels: Fun

The house is quiet after several days of NOISE. I enjoyed having my family here, and can you believe I only took ONE picture the whole time? Crazy! I took one of all the cousins playing the kid version of Apples to Apples. They spent hours playing that game. It was so precious to watch all seven of them playing and having such a fun time. The time flew by, and I could hardly believe how quickly Saturday came and everyone was gone. As per tradition, M. got sick. She has gotten a stomach bug for the past three years at Thanksgiving. I am thinking that she just runs herself ragged--she's too busy to eat, and much too busy to sleep. We tried to ward it off this year by taking Airborne everyday. It worked in that this year she got sick the day everyone left instead of while everyone was here. I can't tell you how depressed she was the last two years to watch her cousins play while she barfed!! She was better by Saturday evening, but she didn't eat much Sunday or Monday. My sister and I had a great time shopping on Black Friday. We always go out --not at 5 am, mind you. I spent a little money, and then returned half of it yesterday--some stuff just didn't work out. We also enjoyed a girl lunch after we were finished shopping. I always look to our lunch with mixed feelings because my sister and her family always head for home as soon as we get back to the house. At lunch time, I know our time together is almost at an end. Anyway, even though it completely wore me out, we had a wonderful Thanksgiving together. I also wanted to let you know about a blog that you might be interested in. I can't remember how I found it--I think through Baby Bangs, a sweet young mother. This is the blog of a mom who researches great shopping deals on the web. Go check her out: The Bargain Shopper Lady. I have enjoyed looking at all the deals she finds. I even ordered one today. Also, my cousin sent me an email about feeding the hungry. You might want to check it out as it is the real thing. Free Rice It's a fun way for you to help feed the hungry--and test your vocabulary skills. I just finished helping to donate 600 grains of rice. This did check out with Snopes.

Labels: Family, Fun

Labels: Family, Fun

Tell me this is not the cutest thing...

Labels: Fun

Labels: Family, Fun

My hubby informed me that I had forgotten to post something of extreme importance from around here. He was actually a little shocked that I hadn't thought of it. As a matter of fact, he has been waiting to see it mentioned on my blog for two entire days. So, here is the bit of info. that I was remiss in posting:

• I'm so glad my hubby is home. I missed him so much while he was in Texas this past weekend. Nothing was quite right with him away--and now everything is perfect--just as it should be. What would I ever do without him?

Labels: Family, Fun

Nan, over at Life is Like a Lunchbox, has the most wonderful, MAJOR, award--and I think I deserve it. One reason, the leg on that lamp looks just like mine do--and I deserve a major award for that, I think. ( Of course, it could be that I'm fibbing just a wee bit ( or maybe a whole lot), but, nonetheless, I want that award!)

Labels: Fun

We had such a fun time tonight. Our week has been so crazy busy that we have hardly had any time together as a family, so on Wednesday, I designated Friday night to be an official family night. I told everyone (read: my hubby) not to make any plans, whatsoever. I bought a bunch of steaks and potatoes, and we had a wonderful meal together. Afterwards, we let each of the kids pick a game to play. Our son, A., was first--he picked Uno Stacko. That is a nerve wracking game, much like the game, Jenga. M. picked a game called Swipe. It sells at Wally World in the game section for about $5.00. It is over by the card games, like Uno and Phase 10. It's a fun game, especially for kids. K. picked a big family favorite--Farkle. I would say we had the most fun with this game--we usually do. Have you heard of it? We haven't found too many people who have. It's a fun little dice game that dates back to medieval times, and if you haven't ever played it--you really should fix that. You can find the rules here. There are many variations of this game, but these rules were the closest to how we play. We only require a person to get to 500 before getting on the "score sheet" though--1000 is too hard. I would love to hear if anyone else out there plays this game! I hope you all have a great weekend. I probably won't be around!

Labels: Family, Fun

In keeping with my last post where I talked about meeting Amy Grant in my dream, I thought I would post about my real life celebrity encounters. There are only 4 of them--three are rather small. First, I have posted before about meeting Lisa Welchel! That was really cool--and we even talked blogging--for like 5 seconds or something! I told her it wasn't for me! Guess I changed my mind. I have also met Carman once--I have a picture somewhere--this was during his "Champion" tour. I was a huge fan. I also got to meet--sort of--Louise Mandrell. We actually just had a short conversation--it was mostly with my youngest daughter--during one of her concerts. She talked to my kids because they were the ONLY KIDS THERE. She talked about home-schooling and San*derson Farms chicken! The biggest celebrity encounter I have had was this past Christmas at a party. I was seated right next to this guy. By this guy, I mean the second from the left in the picture. He didn't look much different than that at the party either! Ean Evans is the lead guitarist ( I think lead anyway) for Lyn*yrd Sky*nyrd and actually lives right here in my town. No one would normally take me for a girl who would hang out where "Lyn*yrd Sky*nyrd" type people hang out, but he happened to be at my husband's squadron Christmas party. I have to admit that when I first saw him, I thought it was a military member in costume--someone who had already had a little too much to drink- if you know what I mean. I really thought it was for fun. Then, after I met him and his wife and talked with them, and realized that he was for real, I discovered that he is a very nice person--as is his lovely wife. His daughter happens to be married to the son of our good friends and our good friend's are also military and had invited them to come. It was fun to sit with them and watch them WIN ALL THE DOOR PRIZES--surely it wasn't rigged! A fun night, indeed. Never, ever judge a book by it's cover--that's what my momma always used to say! She was right! So, there you have it, my only star encounters. Boomama asked yesterday for people to post their celebrity stories in her comments. They were a blast to read--I even saw someone who had dated Brad Pitt's brother. I think that post is actually where my Amy Grant dream came from. Anyway, if you want, post your encounters in my comments. I would love to read them. I'm off for a weekend of Junior Bible Quiz. The twins are competing in Regionals! We won first in the region last year and are praying for the same this year! Pray with us?

Labels: Friends, Fun

All right. I am off to see Mercy Me, Aaron Shust, and Audio Adrenaline in concert--after a quick supper at Ruby Tuesday's! Please, please, try not to be jealous! Really, envy isn't a good thing. I will try to help you feel better by posting a little something from Aaron Shust to help you with your Resurrection Day celebration! Watch it until the end, y'all, it'll bless your socks off! I promise!

Labels: Family, Fun, Music

My sister-in-law sent this via email today. I thought it was so cute and wanted to share. If you've seen it before, PRETEND like you haven't!

When I'm an Old Lady...When I'm an old lady, I'll live with each kid, And bring so much happiness...just as they did. I want to pay back all the joy they've provided. Returning each deed! Oh, they'll be so excited! (When I'm an old lady and live with my kids) I'll write on the wall with reds, whites and blues, And I'll bounce on the furniture...wearing my shoes. I'll drink from the carton and then leave it out. I'll stuff all the toilets and oh, how they'll shout! (When I'm an old lady and live with my kids) When they're on the phone and just out of reach, I'll get into things like sugar and bleach. Oh, they'll snap their fingers and then shake their head, (When I'm an old lady and live with my kids) When they cook dinner and call me to eat, I'll not eat my green beans or salad or meat, I'll gag on my peas, spill milk on the table, And when they get angry...I'll run...if I'm able! (When I'm an old lady and live with my kids) I'll sit close to the TV, through the channels I'll click, I'll cross both eyes just to see if they stick. I'll take off my socks and throw one away, And play in the mud 'til the end of the day! (When I'm an old lady and live with my kids) And later in bed, I'll lay back and sigh, I'll say my prayers and then close my eyes. My kids will look down with a smile slowly creeping, And say with a groan, "She's so sweet when she's sleeping!"

Labels: Fun

Since my IRL friends, Coach J and Mandalyn, posted about us, I thought I would post about the person I would most like to meet IRL. The best part about this blogging adventure has been the new friendships. I don't know if I really expected that! Annie has been reading my blog since the beginning and has always been so sweet to comment and we email nearly everyday. I just love her and her precious family. She has been a blessing to me and to many others in our corner of blogging! Here's a few others I would like to meet: (Please don't be offended if I don't mention you. My hubby went to bed without me and he said if I don't join him soon, there will be no cuddle time--and I likes me some cuddle time.)

• Carrie
• Lauren
• Jodi
• Judi
• Corrie
• and the Queen Mother of Blogging. Have a great day everyone and head over to Nan's to see some real life friends, and others who would like to be!

Labels: Fun

I had always wanted to have a "You are special today" plate, but had never been able to find any I could afford. I have the unusual problem of needing two of them and so I was thrilled when I found these 50% off at a local "Tuesday Morning" type store. Two for the price of one! Yahoo! So, now I can hardly wait for an excuse to make someone special for the day! I plan to use them mostly for birthdays, but also for any special achievement, or honor, or whatever, comes along. We have birthdays coming up in May and June and then the twins and I have ours in September. I'm so excited (it doesn't take much)!

Labels: Fun

We just bought tickets to the Mercy Me concert that will be in our area soon! The twins are so excited because they have never been to a concert before! It will be a nice little treat for us--we are going with a few other families from church! I can hardly wait... I could pass on Audio Adrenaline, who is travelling with them, but Aaron Shust is a favorite of mine and I can't wait to hear him! In other riveting news, we had our interview with the elementary principal today. A and M sat there so politely and the only things they ever said were, "Yes, Ma'am" and "No, Ma'am " (We're from the south, we do that! I remember when we lived in Washington state that my children were the ONLY ones who had been trained to do that. I certainly wasn't trained to say Ma'am and Sir. One time, I said "yes, sir" to my dad and he thought I was being a smart alek! Isn't that funny? I wasn't being a smart alek at all). Was that the most words you have ever seen in parentheses before? Anyway, the interview was fine--kind of non-essential if you ask me, but the kids did enjoy hearing about their schedule --you know--lunch, recess, etc. And speaking of educational things, I just finished re-reading The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers. If you haven't read any of her books, I highly recommend them. I practically never re-read books--this is the second one EVER --besides the Bible. So, I enjoyed it again--and would probably read it yet again. I just started a book my friend gave me called Middlemarch. It is a hugely thick book with lots of big words and the first few pages have been hard to get into. But, to tell the truth, my hubby wasn't exactly letting me concentrate on it! My policy is to give it 50 pages--if it's not interesting to me by then, it's not worth reading! Have a great Tuesday everyone! Enjoy your spring!

Labels: Fun

1. I Love Coke--OK, so that's not interesting and I don't know how secret--but I refuse to go a single day without it. I can't--I need it--it needs me--an addiction maybe! I will go to any length to get it...
2. My hubby is a pilot and we have lived in a lot of different places--including the coldest place in the US (this is my opinion)--North Dakota. I still have a hard time believing anyone enjoys that kind of brutal weather! We have also lived in Washington state--which I would gladly go back to--in spite of my southern roots. We have also spent some time in Oklahoma, Texas, and California! My hubby, being the actual military member, has been all over the world--places like Spain, Italy, England, Germany, Japan, Turkey, Saudi (of course), and many, many others! Am I jealous of all his travels? A RESOUNDING 'YES'! Do I think he owes me a few trips? ANOTHER RESOUNDING 'YES'
3. We have experienced the still birth of a daughter and 14 months later, the birth of twins. The birth and subsequent death of our daughter ( which was completely unexpected) was excruciatingly painful. The birth of our twins was exhilarating and restorative. Only God can do something so big and so wonderful that you feel 'healed' from your pain in an instant! We love Jesus around here--and unashamedly so--if you need a friend or a comforter--He will stick closer to you than a brother!
4. Ok- I can't leave out that we are a home-schooling family. We have been for 10 years. I have loved every minute of it until this year when I felt like it was time for a change. Our kids are enrolled in a private Christian school for next year and they are very excited! I have a 9th grader and two 4th graders.

God bless you all and enjoy the PAR-TAY! I hope to get around to visiting you all this week! It's going to be fun. Head over to 5 Minutes For Mom to find all the participants and the PRIZES!

Ps. For a picture of me go here. For a picture of where I live, go here.

Labels: Fun

you get your tax refund back and the majority of it goes to pay off the credit card and next year's school tuition? Thankfully, we are holding out enough to go to Gatlinburg in May! Now that is something to look forward to! I know you are supposed to fix your taxes so that you don't get much back--but I can't help lovin' me a little chunk a money come spring-time! Have a great day! *I was going to add a nice little picture of the Smoky Mountains and blogger wouldn't let me :(

Labels: Fun

Labels: Fun