Eagles took the field...

and put the mustangs on the run... Eli had a great tackle tonight and got to play a good bit and even called in on kick return ... he did good job tonight - all the boys did and I will say almost every play boys were getting hurt...so it was a bit nerve racking!! 40-18

Game Night!!!

Here is Eli's excitment tonight... they held the other team and they never got 1st down... EXCITED!! Eli almost made interception...but one of his spaz teammates ran over him before he made the catch... not much more action tonight but we won!! Go Eagles!!! and Roll Tide Roll!!!:)

Go EAgleS Go Eli!!!

okay papa just for you the first tackle Eli is on the closest side of the field to us playing safety.... he is the first one to the boy on the tackle... and the first video is a bit fuzzy we tried a new flip camera... no as good... This was yet another tackle Eli's on the opposite side of field playing cornerback ...he gets his name called out on the tackle!!! Such a good night!!!

We got to the game at 5 and it was about to storm... we only had one umbrella in my car with five people so the little ones and i went back to car and back to Calera to grab more gear...and all cleared...Eli and Mark weathered the storm under Jemison school shelter...when we got back the skies were clear and temperature had cooled - we have learned to use our folding chairs and not sit on the hard stadium seats... it was a nice night... Dannah and Cole made friends and played just in time for the Eagles to take the field... Eli is such a trooper... he has such a heart for the game... he is never on the sidelines playing like some of the other spaz kids...he is standing next to coach watching yelling... getting fired up... he on more than once would even notice the coach going to fill up the water bottle...he would get it from him and fill up for him... just wanting to help out and be in the middle of things... I love him and love his character... I love that he is just as proud of his team as anyone... and he is such a team player... proud of that boy... his week at practice was hard...he had lots of hard challenges this week at school...and in the end I think this week has been a week of growth for him... he learning to be responsible in all areas of his life...and I feel as thought this year will just that a year of growth... a year of learning more about life and challenges will be faced with endurance and perseverance... I pray God will give him strength and confidence he needs to make him the man I know God has planned for him to be and I could not be prouder of him for his heart. He is a good boy... good heart ... a heart that has always shown such love for others...and he is such a great big brother and son... I am sitting here with him watching his Tide bring in a victory and I love that he still wants to snuggle with his mama... and that we can all just be on the same team...one big happy family... that is in this together...win or loose ... up or down!!! Go Eli ... God is with us... he will guide us and make our path straight...he will prepare a way where there is no way... and he loves us...he is our father and if he is for us no one can come against us!!! I love you Eli !!! 3-0 way to go!!!

Feelings of Fall…

So after Labor Day we put away our swim toys and trunks until next year… We hit the pool one last time this weekend and neither Cole nor Dannah could stay in very long without freezing, so summer is officially over. It is bitter sweet… this was possibly the best summer ever. I enjoyed my kids they enjoyed the pool and friends…and we did not go on vacation we had a “staycation” in celebration of our new home and it was a wonderful feeling. Relaxed …full of fun and full or rest … just what we needed!!!
Fall football…dance…Mark’s work is picking back up full force. Here we go ready or not!!! This week if I make it through I will be amazed!!! We have pictures at school…football practice and our first away game… Mark is leaving today to head to Orange Beach (which I sooo wish I was there). We are having furniture delivered today… which my parents are on watch since there is no exact time of delivery. Today is dentist on top of dance and football… three kids all needing to be in three different places at the same time… should get interesting!!! I will say that thanks to Mark the boy’s clothes for the rest of the week are organized and laid out so that will help make my mornings so much easier!
I will say that having the kids at school with me is nice, however, I am missing a bit of down time before the “mommy” job kicks in… that few minutes without talking and noise was nice too… and seems like most days when I get off duty and to my three they are all fusing and ill and ready to be home too… so I am going to try and not let this afternoon blues get us down… usually a good afternoon treat perks us up and helps us making 20 minutes home!!!
We enjoyed our annual peanut boil a few weeks ago…and being on the farm sure was fun… I think it was the first year I was ever involved from picking in the field to eating my belly full and all that the process brings. I have to say that I appreciate those who worked the fields for all those years and really appreciate those who invented machines that make our lives easier. Love being around my family... I love that we let our hair down and can be ourselves and still be loved… everyone needs that!!!

Our First TaCkLe!!!

*NOTE: - WHEN YOU ARE VIEWING THIS ELI IS PLAYING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FIELD IN THE CORNER BACK POSITION IN BLUE JERSEY #94 !!! Go EaGlEs...Go ElI!!!

Thoughts... Ramblings...

First let me say productive!!! After getting up at 9ish today (which is no where near on schedule for new school year coming fast - Monday for me for one day ...I will have to grab starbucks on the way in!!!) We got alot accomplished around here... some of my boxes and toy boxes have been piled in the basement untouched because by the time we got it all moved here I had no desire to move one more thing!!! for awhile!!! So... got up got kids fed... and started... cleaned out my van (thanks to our shop vac papa!!and a left over chocolate milkshake..cole!!!) backed it out and started dumping toys in the drive way and sorting... (I am sure the neighbors love us... and seeing how they are prego with number one... I am sure they have ??? going off in their heads!!! Oh well they shall learn soon!) Separated the balls from barbies... the keepsake from the give aways!!! Swept out the garage and moved shelves into the basement... and tackled more boxes... I can say honestly for the first time since Mark and I lived in Pleasant Grove I know where all my stuff can be located ...and could put my finger on it if I needed to!!! A ton of my stuff could go in the attic still, but at least it is organized and in one place!! I also cleaned off the desk today and only have one stack of papers left to sort ... the dishes are washing the clothes are separated and most put away... that is a never ending cycle in which I never seem to catch up on... the kids rooms are all clean and well the playroom is another day!!! Shew... I have to say ... I have not posted pictures of the house... I feel like we have so many to do things on the list we might not ever catch up... but I know it has been a blessing to have space in our lives again... and we are so blessed that God opened up doors with this house... we have plenty of time for the details... I am learning Rome was not built in a day!!!
After a day like today... I was just so thankful for what we do have ... a beautiful roof over our heads ... a healthy family... good jobs... great families who love us and are always there for us... wonderful friends (whom God is blessing in all sorta ways - which makes my heart smile) I am so very overwhelmed by God's goodness to us... he does not promise an "EASY" button... he does not promise it will always be an easy climb up the mountain from the lowest of our valleys but he does promise to go before us and make our path clear ... he will show us and lead us even on days when we don't feel him as near as we would like... it is easy to feel him when you feel so blessed but I think the best part of the blessing is knowing how close he was when it was struggle... the fact that you can dig in and hold on... and know that all of that was so we could be more ... more in and through him... we can know his heart for the hurting... we can pray for the weaknesses... we can say I understand and truly understand!!! We will be back at Vincent Assembly of God in the morning... and I feel very touched that they have welcomed us in during a very difficult time for their church and it takes me back to our very best days at Pleasant Grove ...seeing God really move in our lives... stretching us... helping us grow and showing himself to us through our willingness to put ourselves out there...he longs for us to be willing... he can do everything else...he just needs us to take a chance on him... lean on him... look to him... we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.
On a side note... Daddy is doing well... dr's apt. this week showed his blood was now in the low normal range... which is a long way from a few months ago when he was receiving blood transfusions... she did not want to test bone marrow just yet ...she said they needed to give the chemo a full 8 treatments... which he is on treatment 6 of 8 as of this week...and each treatment is 21 days of pills. He still goes to get iv meds to build up his bones...he has slow drip days where they go early and get home late... I always seem to forget when those days are and call him during a treatment...he answers and says "slow drip" and I know... they want be home till after 5 -- I forget sometimes... that UAB is a daily/weekly routine for them... we get so carried away in our lives ... and this has just become such a norm. I am thankful for the flip flops in mother and daddy's world that got them to Birmingham God really does see the big picture... who would have ever guessed that they would need to be so close to UAB and now we are so thankful they can come home and be in their own bed after the longest of days in treatments... God you are so good to us!!! And that Paige and I can be right here... ups and downs... that matters the most!!! That we all have each other... and the grand kids will know them... and have memories that will be priceless just as Mark and I do of our grandparents... who were so important to us... this is what is priceless!!! I will work on updating the blog with pictures... soon!!! maybe a few slide shows!!!

July... Back to School...back to real world...

Well... no babies anymore means new blog name...Walker's Words seems more appropriate since we just registered our last baby for kindergarten... no more dribbles... we are on to drama and since this blog is no longer daily!!! We have our backpacks... we have our school supplies bought... the boys have added to the collection of t-shirts and now the only thing we lack is new shoes... and Dannah a few more outfits ...mom a few things as well...and we will all be ready for August and the sound of the 7:30 bells!!! It is hard to believe how fast our summer has passed! Getting moved in and settled in our new home and getting days of tan on at the pool... friends over and cousins to spend the night we have had a blast just being in our pj's till noon!!! We look forward to another week with nothing planned... then Eli will start football season... practices four nights a week... not sure how much I am loving that ?? But Eli is thrilled and he can't wait!!! Go Calera Eagles!!! Dannah will start dance again...and not sure if Cole will pick a sport or just hang with mom?? We will see! Dannah has a great teacher this year and we have heard great things about her... she gave D big squeeze the day we met her and Cole we are looking forward to meeting his soon... Eli has Mr. Maxwell 4th grade and he is very excited about a male teacher... he thinks guys rule girls drool... so that is fitting for 4th grade!!!
We took a short trip to Cheaha State Park this past week and enjoyed some rest and relaxation with my parents... they have been a few times this summer and had to show the kids the sites. Mark has a surprise for the kids before school starts for a little get away... and we are looking forward to that soon...before he starts back on his full schedule and mom takes over duties alone!!! Here is hoping our last days of summer stay long!!!

Let the new recipes begin...

Okay confession... I am no cook... surprise!! I know now get over the shock of that statement... they say if you want to get good at something... you have to surround yourself with those who can help you better yourself... so does it count if you BFF's that can cook up a storm... okay next to making it habit you must practice this skill for at least 8 days for it to become routine... summer time! So here goes and yes I have watched Julie and Julia twice thus far and that is a very cute movie and very inspirational...although the character desires to cook... (and I don't) I do love the fact that she has a meltdown in the floor and cries... that is me in the kitchen!!! So we are cutting back way back on eating out... thus that means we are cooking... and I can handle the basics Taco's / spaghetti / cereal...hehe!!! However I want to enjoy my new kitchen... my wonderful kitchen aide and make my nanny proud!!! (as well as my friends and family) I am praying that my desire to cook will come!!! So I am giving my self a challenge at least one new recipe a week while I have time off to prepare and do this... find some new things that will spice up our life!!! So far we have been doing lots of grilling... and mash potatoes... that is the boys favorite. Have made cubed steak... cornbread... but that is all things I have done before... Sunday while watching Giada's Everyday Italian I was inspired... she made orzo with sausage, peppers,and tomatoes... one I had everything but orzo...and I had never heard of it.. but I love rice and it is considered a pasta but looks like rice... so I tried it this week... oh so yummy and the kids were not big fans but I made spaghetti for them... and they did try it... keep introducing those new foods over and over and maybe they will learn to like... Mark and I really enjoyed it... and it was so easy and simple... I had it done in the same time as the spaghetti... so we all ate together... the preparing and planning worked out just great... which for me is half the battle ... it also made a huge pot and thus leftovers and shared with my parents so plenty for a few days... So now for my next challenge...which is what I really wanted to tackle this summer "The Boston Cream Pie"... that will be on tomorrows things to do list... so that Jamie and I can indulge on Friday when she comes over... I have tasted my first cream pie a few weeks ago and I was blown away... it was so very yummy and Dannah thought so too... so here's to good eats!!! :) I may never be Julia Childs or Julie blogin' and become famous but if my kid can love my cooking and have favorite dishes that are not made by Olive Garden or take out... I consider that success!!!


Kosher Salt... this is my first time using this... yea me!!

Wallermellon...

Dannah and I might possibly turn into a watermellon!!! We got this seedless this week and yummy!!! It has been all we have eaten!!! Watermellon + summertime = Happiness!!! My watermellon memories are floating them in the pool before parties so the water would keep them cool - yes they float... and how many seed spitting contest... and one that landed a seed in my ear!!! I am so glad Dannah will enjoy my love of this fruit... she was the one who wanted the juice... we do not let any of this go to waste!!!


Eli and Tryton started golf camp this morning... those were two excited little golfers... I thought they looked adorable this morning. They were big men...and very excited about the time together and time to play!!! I can't wait to pick them up and hear all about it!!!

Summer has finally begun!!!

Summer 2010 is here...

Well much has changed since our last post... we have moved into our new home... I have a 4th ...1st...and Kindergartner!!! We have been planning a move and gave ourselves a timeline... and this summer was that goal... we have been looking on the market for awhile and we finally found our dream home - we have room to grow and that is more than a blessing to us...

May was full of change... and challenge... we were packing ... moving... finishing school both the kids and I ... I don't think our life would be normal if it were not for chaos... we know no other way!!! If we don't do it all at once we don't do it at all!!!

But with summer has brought about focus... and family...and finally rest!!! The list of to do is long but now we have time... time to stop and enjoy!!! I think the best part is each of us having out space... we find that the kids are much more at peace with each other... they are playing better in their own spaces... and they are enjoying and just as thankful as Mark and I are for this aspect of the new home. I am once again enjoying my bath...and I am proud to say that my new beautiful kitchen (and kitchen aide) are getting used quite a bit these days... we have cut out most of our eating out... even eating left overs which Mark and I both struggle with ... this weeks menu so far... grilled chicken... mash potatoes... corn... cornbread... cubed steak... brownies... cakes... :) Watch out Paula Dean the girl has butter!!!

We are enjoying the community pool and mama is loving that we have no upkeep... I always thought I would have a pool of our own growing up with one ...spoils you but what is even better is no maintenance and life guard on duty to have extra eyes if it is just me with three kids... we are also making friends at the pool... Dannah has a friend Hannah of coarse!! Eli has an Eli... and Cole even met a friend I did not get his name... but that is always fun!!!

Grandmother and Granddaddy are missed but they come over to eat... we have to have help eating the food!!! And Dannah still has her moments where she want grandmother we call -- she spent the last week of school with them... they are doing so well... Granddaddy's blood is at 11 - normal count is 14 we are on the rise... and he has three weeks off treatments so they are at the beach enjoying while they can before the oil gets washed in.

We traveled home this past week - it was not on the best of circumstances but it was great to be back in Elba and Enterprise and be around so many we loved... a sweet friend passed away and it broke our hearts but we are reminded of how important each moment with each other truly is... let those you love know you love them ...be the best friend that you would want in your own life... and pray for others... carry their burdens... tell others about your faith ... and show them by example... in all that we do acknowledge Christ and he will guild you... he will be your strength... he will wrap his arms around you.


This week is Vacation Bible School and since my kids were little we have always participated in my families church here in towns VBS... it has been amazing as always to see such a crowd join together for VBS and I have for the last few year been with the older kids in arts/crafts... it has been fun to see so many from my school there is year and they surprised to see me as well... I say I am not signing up for this next year when I can send mine and shop...but I believe in VBS and it meant so much to me as a child... it really was a tool used to lay a foundation in my heart...and I love hearing my own children get in the car so excited singing the tunes and telling the Bible stories... this getting up early during summer... ugh.. but we have been taking as many naps this week as we can...

Next week is Eli's golf camp... we will be participating at the one here in our neighborhood which I am looking forward to ... we have a friend coming to stay and go with Eli and he has a few buddies from the pool that will be there as well... I am excited about drop off being seconds away not across town... he itches to play each time we pass... and it is fun to think one day he will be big enough to get home from school and go out on the coarse and play... we might make something of this whole golf thing. Get Cole and Dannah in on this and that will be even better... Dannah seems to be quite the golfer at the range I might add...she has more natural athletic ability which surprises me since I am so not that!!! But girl golfers get all kinda scholarships...and they are pretty cute too... bows and skirts!!!

We can't wait for granny and papa to come back at the end of June for a visit...and they have been such a huge help to us getting the house in order ... we wish we lived closer to all of our family... and Ranch House BBQ!!!

Walker’s words are few and far between…

these crazy daze I find myself without much to say…and little time to sit and type out my thoughts or update on Walker World!!! I must say life has taken a turn for the better on the home front! We are now pretty much moved into our new home – it is such a blessing and God has gone above and beyond what I could have ever imagined…he loves us and sometimes we forget how much…he wants the best for us… sometimes our view of self can cloud that…or circumstances get us down about thee picture his of love for us… when we began looking at homes we prepared Eli for sleeping with brother … shared space… and to now to have room to grow and spread out it is hard to put into words what that does for all of us… the closest emotion would be depicted on Extreme Home Makeover... “Move that Bus!!” The kids are thrilled with more space to spread out… before we moved you could not pry Dannah from my side - rarely did she play with her toys in her room… now she stays there for long periods of time… or they can go into the basement to ride bikes and eat popsicles!!! Cole was a bit unsure of this move… and a bit worried about his toys and where he would sleep… we have not gotten the boys bunk beds yet… so we have their single beds set up in the playroom…which worked out for the best …Cole is getting acclimated to being in the new space with Big Brother right there … Eli does not mind for now… he is a bit ready to get “ROLL TIDE ROLLING” on his Alabama Crimson Tide décor… but he is being patient. We also have moments where we have to figure out how to live in the new space… keeping up with everyone is a challenge… as Cole told my mom, “Which direction do you want to go… we have lots of directions!”
I will eventually get boxes unpacked and pictures on the wall… it is going to be a process and we have a list of things to do… it will slowly but surely get there…

We have 11 more days of school left… and I could not need the break anymore than I do this year… I am ready to shut down shop… mentally teachers and kids need summer we need to rest our medulla oblongata!! Eli got a homework pass yesterday for good behavior and I don’t know who was more excited him or me!!!

I have finished all my biology classes!!!! That being said I am having a hard time signing up for summer classes… (so need a break) but I will push on … I will be thankful when I get done sooner … so this summer I am doubling or tripling up to get more accomplished while I lay at the pool with the kiddos and a book and pencil in hand…

Getting ready for summer fun activities we will get to do our VBS and his weekly golf clinic only this summer we can do it at the course in our subdivision so it will make for easy drop off and pick up… Eli went to the range after school yesterday and passing the course each day gives him and Mark the fever!!!

Cole has been a trooper this year with school and I am so proud of the little man he is becoming… he is always asking for a “check out”… and soon I will be excited to tell him “last day” – he has had the best teachers this year… Dannah has another ½ week until preschool is out… she has an end of the year musical where she will dress up in a poodle skirt and sing “Jesus is the Rock and he Rolls my Blues away!” She has done really well with preschool and Grandmother and Aunt Paige have too… I don’t know what I would do without all my support… it takes an army to raise a family…

Daddy is doing so well… thank you all for the constant prayers!!! I could not ask for better prayer warriors and friends who stick with us through it all… letters, calls, prayers, support, and love is so much a healing factor… A kind word, a simple pat on the back, or phone call can bring sweet peace to our hearts at any given moment… Thank you… He went to the dr. yesterday for treatments… his red blood cells are producing like they should… which we went from getting transfusion to everything looking good… huge answer to prayer!!! He is feeling almost normal…He told my girlfriend the other day that he felt like nothing was even wrong… and that has been a blessing… we love days where there is no pain and no cane!!!! He looks great… his feels good… could not ask for much better than that… he get a week off next week … and I am waiting for summer to come so I can take over all kid duties and send them packing to the sunny shores of Florida for little R&R … mother needs it as much as daddy… she holds up stronger than anyone …I love her mother’s day was spent cooking her a meal… and spending time with her… she went with Paige’s family on a hike …
There are not enough a word to express to our Mother’s how much they mean to us and all that they do for us… Mark and I both were so blessed to have such strong God fearing mother’s … I just pray that I too can be that example to my own children… and so glad our parents are a huge influence on our children… they have more than just me and Mark.

Speaking for raising children… I had read years ago when Eli was younger “Bringing Up Boys” by Dr. James Dobson and I have picked it back up and look forward to readying “Bring Up Girls” which just came out… I encourage any mom to read this and let it settle in your hearts… I have only read the first chapter but it has settle in my spirit and I have been very challenged and encouraged by his advice and words… our Pastor and his wife spoke this weekend about their family and the one thing they said that settled in and has stayed with me… “your not to list is just as important as your to do list” … I think we all get it in such a hurry and schedule so much for out kids… that we loose the most important time…just hanging out at home and pouring into their hearts … quantity = quality… They talked about how yes they signed up for one sport a year… one activity… and let the rest of their time be spent at home where their influence is greatest on that child not the coach or others… I guess with Eli loving sports and being the one who wants to sign up for everything I have questioned myself as to whether or not he is missing out …everyone else lives at the ball park – should we… and that spoke to me Sunday… it was like an answer to my internal conversation… We do not have to be like everyone else and our kids might be better for it!!! And I am all about not living at the ballpark (now how do I pour into them at home) … teach work ethic… teach them to clean up … do chores…  sounds like a plan… (That is why you were born right???) I have been blessed with some pretty neat little individuals in our home.

update just for betty...

I love you and so glad you care what is going on in daily dose of chaos...I really should update our blog title...these changing babies to big kids is a mess.. I don't know that I have more time ...details are few and far between these days... I found a card last night ...an anniversary card... it was blank...I showed it to Mark and we agreed I must have bought it and then forgot to fill it out and give it to him...that is about par for the coarse... (note to self ...save it and give it to him in May!!!)

Okay ...so at school the 4th and 5th graders are learning all about bloggin' and podcasting and I have enjoyed telling them what got my bloggin' started... might have inspired some journals... not sure the boys bought into the idea...until we talked Rivals....and bama online!! :) Computer lab is so much fun...and I feel like I am finally getting to remember some names...and enjoy seeing all the kids and teachers and I feel very close to the teachers and enjoy our short conversations and laughs!!! :)

School... well I am maintaining an "A" average so far... so good...but SOOOOO ready to be out of Biology...and on to a different topic!!! I am going to take on a heavier class load this summer...and knock it out... so ready!!! I will say that I have timed out of one quiz because of mommy questions...and destractions... but overall it has been fairly laid back online and so glad I can knock out those extra hours needed that way... I get the kids down by 8:30 -- that gives me an hour or two before I fall asleep!!!

Changes... Mark and I are actively looking for home... we have been in transistion and planning this for awhile... we set a goal that we would make this change when Eli finished 3rd grade and all the kids will be in school next year...so I will not have to rely so much on mother and daddy (paige too) when she is in school... So we are searching south shelby county....looking for a house that can hold us and we can grow in ... the kids at first loved looking at open houses and picking out which room would be who's but after weeks of this ... they are soo over it!!! And mom is almost over it too... just ready already to have the unknowns... known..and plans made... so we will keep you guys posted on our new where abouts...

Spring Break!!!! I have needed this week more than words can express... I need to refocus...and recharge the battery... I am working on some yearbook pages...but it will be nice to get that organized and coming to a close... We are packing some unused items while we have time off... be ahead of the game!!! It will be heaven to have more space... and we have been jammed in a small space for so long... have two babies in our bedroom to having Humana Headquarters in my bedroom ...I want a home make over... roomantic spa escape bedroom...one with a lock on the door ...so i can lock the rest of the house out for moments at a time!!! :) fat change right with little ones who jump in the tub when they hear my water running...or know when I go the bathroom and follow needing to ask ?'s ... what is up with that??

Soo... Dannah Marie is turning 5 yes my baby girl is turning FIVE YEARS OLD ...wow!! now i might shead a tear... She is precious and I can't believe she is becoming my big girl... she told me the other day she could not watch noggin channel that is for babies!!! We have been to lots of birthday princess parties this year...but I don't think I have it in me to pull off a party this year...so we are meeting Jamie and her crew in Montgomery at the Renassance for a night in hotel and heated pool... Maddy and Dannah will be getting a big chocolate cookie and brothers singing happy birthday... We will be heading down Wed...so hopeing the rain goes away and we have a pretty day and evening for fun...:)

Daddy is doing really good... he and mother went to Elba for the weekend... the new meds are doing just fine no side effects... and the dr was very pleased with him last week... so travel...I know they endjoyed..I know they were thrilled to be home... with family and friends... we can not say it enough how much the prayers mean... continue to pray!!!

Cole and I are enjoying our time together today... must get back to our pinebox racer...

till next post...

Welcome 2010...what will you bring...

National Championship for my BAMA BOYS!!! I pray!!! Health to my family ... I pray that more than anything... closer to reaching goals and to my precious Lord and Savior!!! Good times... less drama!!! Welcome 2010!!! We rang in the new year with great friends... and fun was had by all (little drama but it will make for good stories) we are so blessed... we have to stop and let things settle sometimes to see that in our everydays!!! I pray this year we will cherish each moment spent loving each other and living life together... I pray that we are not in a hurry to leave but in a hurry to get to each other and stay... savor the sweet precious time we share together... live lots (and live well) ...laugh often (at ourselves and others)... love like there is no tomorrow!!! (love our neighbor as we love ourselves) ... that has been the message we have just heard...and I could not agree more!!! I pray we each take a look at those things in our life that need to be worked on (we all have those areas -- do not judge other for we must look in not out) and change a bit... laugh at the things that might have caused us stress and count the spilled milk as a blessing because at least you or someone who spilled it is with you... and LOVE everyone - find the good in them and dwell on that for once not the flaw you find in them... for what would you want them to say of you!!!

I have to say 2010 looks hopeful on the eve of the National Championships... my kids are just as excited tonight as they were anticipating Santa's arrival... Eli is watch TROY play their bowl games as he plays with his helmets... and dannah and cole are keep each other entertained and talking about the blanket of snow we may find when we wake up in the morning... and pa in bed and ma on her blog will soon lie down for a long winters nap!!!

If it snows I will try to take pictures and post soon... school starts for me again tomorrow -- I am starting to feel as thought I might one day see light at the end of this tunnel... and knocking them out... and scratching that off my list of things to do!!!

Daddy is feeling so good this week... and please continue to pray for his blood to straighten out...he got a bit weak today and had a noise bleed but nothing to call the dr with yet...so we pray it stays that way and things start to straighten out...he has finished round one of chemo...and will not go back until the 19th ... for PET Scan and they will draw bone marrow to see how he responded to this round of chemo and tell us where to go from there... We cherish your prayers...they are the greatest gifts you could ever give to someone... much love to all and Happy New Year's to you and yours... we pray a wonderfully blessed year for each of you...