Ramblings from the Rogers

Wow - time flies!

2012-01-31T12:48:00.003-06:00

It's been a while! Life gets hectic doesn't it!? My before-Christmas-whirlwind has not slowed down so far. Funny, I just can't figure why!

I don't want to ramble on and on about how busy life is so instead - I think I will post some pics of my Valentine's Day decor I have put out. I'm in party mode. Much to my husband's dismay, I LOVE to throw big ole parties! lol. February 10th I am hosting the church's Tweens/Teens Valentines party at the house. I LOVE THAT AGE KIDS!!!! These are the 10-15 year olds. They are hilarious! I'm thinking the game of the night this time is going to be Just Dance 3 on the XBox. Should make for an interesting evening! :) Then on February 25th I am hosting a Pantry Shower/Tea for Hilo Ann at my house! I just love LOVE! haha. But it's true - I'm a romantic at heart! Then I have a a couple more MAJOR shindings I'm working on so it's going to be a partytastic month!! (New word alert! Wonder if WWF will recognize that!?)

Here's some of the decor I've been putting out:

Instagram phone dump....

2011-12-20T10:46:00.003-06:00

The small sunroom tree:

The den tree:

The living room tree which looks short and dumpy...it's not - the top just wouldn't fit in the picture!:

And the sweet little angel:

There are four more. Just didn't get their pictures made last night....maybe another phone dump soon!

Wedding music....

2011-12-13T10:34:00.006-06:00

I have been trying to figure out how to upload a song to a blog. I think I have finally figured it out! I wanted everyone to be able to click on it and listen to it, but not have to listen to it the whole time you were reading my posts!

As most of you know, Kylee and Erik are both great singers. (They're mine - I can brag!) I BEGGED them to sing to each other at the wedding, but NOOOOOOOO, they refused! :( However, one night at church, Bro. Rob Buckner came up to them and told them he had written several songs that would be perfect for a bride and groom to sing to each other at their wedding. They agreed to at least LISTEN to them. And there was one that they both loved. Now, I didn't get my way - but I think what they did was even better. They were convinced that their nerves would not allow them to sing live that day - so they went to see good ole Uncle Dusty....who just happens to have a recording studio at his house. And they recorded the song and Dustin added music.

We had been so busy with wedding preparations that I had not even heard the recording until it was played at the wedding - and I was very impressed! They did such a great job!!!

I want everyone to be able to hear it! So here's my attempt! Hope it works!!

"Time Stood Still" Written by Bro. Rob Buckner, Vocals by Erik and Kylee Aragaki

(Sidenote: You have to hit the green "download" button to listen. And every once in a while - it tries to redirect to a game place - don't go there, just hit the "x" in the right hand upper corner and it will go back to where you can download it.)

Just a quick pic.....

2011-12-06T16:25:00.001-06:00

Taken from our front porch (via Instagram):

I plan and I try......

2011-11-29T09:48:00.004-06:00

I plan and I try all year to get to November and December and there not be chaos.... well.....WHATEVER! :) it doesn't matter - it's still all out chaos and bedlam! I THOUGHT this year would be easier (of course that was BEFORE there was a November wedding!). Kade had already said he didn't want to be in the Christmas program at church so I thought, "Hmmmm, no weekly practice, no more preparation...." Guess what! STILL.CHAOTIC.AT.MY.HOUSE!!!

Thanksgiving was good. Great times with family. No need to do a thankful post. I thank God every.day.of.my.life for what he has given me. HE is the one that provides and blesses me daily. And even though I will never begin to be able to repay him for the the blessings he gives, I still tell him very often! And if anyone ever wants to talk about God's miracles and his awesome mercy, call me. I have amazing stories to share! Several people have told me I needed to write a book and classify it as a spiritual romance novel. I see it on the best-seller list in my mind. :)

Didn't do the Black Friday shopping this time. Man, I am OLD! :) Lee and I decided it was worth the extra money we were going to have to pay to get the items we needed, without the stress of Black Friday! That's all I needed to know - I was good with that. Of course, since he is a Store Manager for Lowes - I was still up at 2:30 a.m. helping get him off to work. But then I got to sleep for a while longer!

Of course we watched the ballgame. Or I PARTIALLY watched the game. Didn't keep my interest for very long. Roll Tide!

I now have seven Christmas trees up! Only one left that I'm still working on and thinking of adding a new one to my repertoire. We are hosting the church "middle-age" group Christmas party this year. I had said I wasn't putting them all up..... (enter MORE chaos here....)

Last night (Monday) the great ladies at Higdon were giving Kylee and Lauren (engaged to Kyle Young) a "necessities" shower/party (soap, lotions, etc.). So Melia and I went. Of course I had to leave straight from work and I ended up having to work over and it was raining/snowing. But we made it! It was a GREAT shower. Kylee shouldn't have to go to the store for a year! lol. I was thinking maybe I needed one of those! :)

Kylee had set her tree up a few days back. But it was just sitting there, waiting on Mom to help decorate it.... so after the shower me and Melia ran to Kylee's and went to work in a wild, rush, it's-snowing-and-we-are-on-this-mountain, frenzy! Erik was amazed. ha. We decorated that tree in record time - and low and behold, she has a gorgeous tree! I told her it looked like something from Trees and Trends! None of MY trees look that good!! We helped her put the rest of her Christmas decor out and then we took off for home. Got home at 11:15ish. Overslept this morning. Kade missed the bus. Had to take him all the way to Gurley. Was VERY late for work. Ugh! But just to add some Christmas cheer....here's KYLEE'S tree! I haven't even made pictures of my my own yet! (And excuse the poor iPhone quality picture!) :)

Tis the Season!!

Loving it....

2011-11-22T16:48:00.004-06:00

Lee and I both bought new iPhones a few months back. I liked it. Didn't see any thing majorly big about it. UNTIL......I found Instagram. I LOVE Instagram (okay, and I have a slight addiction to Words with Friends - username "Marty Rogers" if anyone wants to play.) Back to Instagram - my username there is mkrogers3081. Have any of you used it? I just love the pics - maybe because I'm a photographer. You take pictures with your phone and then you can use their filters to change the way it looks. Aaaaahhhhh! My kind of thing! Yesterday, I found out (by googling) that you can download your Instagram pics to your desktop. Which means.....I can now share them on my blog! So here are a few pics from my phone!

The picture I sent to my husband at work one day. His response, "Oh no you are not!" My response, "Oh yes I already did! :)"

Kylee and Erik's wedding.

Our sweet baby.

Cooking orange blossoms.....YUM!

Me and the kids....very bored at Lowes while ordering Kylee's carpet.

Something a little different!

2011-11-15T09:06:00.003-06:00

Melia and I had a chance to participate in something a little different than what we normally do. My great-uncle, Jack Kelly (yes, my dad is named after him), is a very very big UAH Charger basketball (and Alabama football! Roll Tide!) supporter and has been for years. He actually travels across the United States with them during their season to watch them play (did I mention he is in his 80s? :)) Uncle Jack donated the money for UAH to do some upgrades to their program, and in return, UAH dedicated their ball court to Uncle Jack, except he asked that they name it the "George Artis and Ethel Atchley Kelly Court" which is my great-grandparents. They had a court dedication between the mens and womens basketball games last night (November 14th 2011). It was actually pretty cool! They had court-side seats set up for the family....I never realized how HUGE college basketball players were, it was a little scary being that close to them!! lol. Kade went with us and he was thrilled, he loved every minute of it. Below is the official logo that is on the court and the press release that UAH has on their website. I took a lot of pictures but haven't downloaded them yet, I will add those when I get them finished.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Following a very generous donation from retired Huntsville businessman Jack Kelly, the gymnasium playing floor at Spragins Hall will be named the George Artis and Ethel Atchley Kelly Court, the University of Alabama in Huntsville Department of Athletics announced Monday.

The naming of the court was approved by the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama System on Sept. 16, and the logo will be painted on the floor on Oct. 11-12 to ensure that the floor will bear the new name in time for Midnight Madness, which will take place on Oct. 15 at 12:01 a.m.

“Jack Kelly is a man who is widely respected in the Huntsville community, and it is with great pleasure that we adorn our basketball and volleyball playing court with the names of both of his parents," said Director of Athletics Dr. E.J. Brophy. "Mr. Kelly has always been a strong supporter of UAH Athletics and we greatly appreciate his generosity as we continue to strive to take our athletic programs to new heights”.

The Kelly gift will make possible the creation of a state-of-the-art film room, additional donor room, locker room renovations and video boards in the Spragins Gymnasium. The Chargers are coming off of an impressive 29-5 campaign in 2010-11 that saw them win the Gulf South Conference East Division crown, the South Regional Championship and advance to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight in Springfield, Mass.

Remembering the Details.....

2011-11-08T08:01:00.003-06:00

Our Children - in pictures

2011-11-07T07:04:00.002-06:00

My husband and I are extremely blessed. We have added another son to our family and we are so proud of him. Our beautiful daughter was married on Saturday in a picture perfect wedding. We had prayed and prayed and worried and worried when she decided on an outside wedding, IN NOVEMBER. But we could not have asked for a more amazing day. We are so overjoyed for the two of them. Here are just a sampling of the pictures. There will be many more!

Christmas Pictures!!!!

2011-10-20T14:10:00.004-05:00

Believe it or not......Shannon and I ARE doing Christmas pictures!! They will be run the same way as they have been in years past and will be taken on Saturday, November 12th, 2011. First come, first serve appointments!

Call or text me at 256-656-9580 or email me at mkrogers3081@hotmail.com now! :) Set will be creamy, vintagey, antiquey.

Best colors to match will be browns, darker reds and darker greens. But really - ANYTHING will match this time!

Can't wait to see you all there!!

One month...four weeks...PANIC

2011-10-05T09:57:00.003-05:00

I have hit panic mode here. Kylee will be getting married one month from today. AGGGGHHHHHH! I keep going over and over in my head what I like being done with the preparations.....it's not a good scenario.....any way that I play it! :)

The days are flying by! We are down two out of six showers/teas/events! (SIX!?) I'm so proud of the person she is today! And obviously so is everyone else. They have SHOWERED her and Erik in wonderful, beautiful gifts. They should come out of this with EVERYTHING they need to start a life together....plus lots of extras!

If you see me on the street wondering around, looking dazed and lost....please point me in the right direction. Or call someone. I feel like I live in a fog right now. Poor Lee. Maybe by the first of the year I will have it all pulled back together and function normally again! :)

Fun, fun, fun!!!

Love

2011-09-29T10:41:00.004-05:00

Just a quick picture so everyone knows I am still alive! I have been doing some pics - they just happen to be of my daughter and have to keep them under lock and key for a few more days! :)

Love this one....

and this one....

First Day of Seventh Grade...

2011-08-15T07:19:00.001-05:00

Where does time go? Why do our kids grow up over night? How did my BABY get to be in seventh grade??

Actually, he's not much baby anymore. We decided to measure him again Saturday. From April 13 to August 13, he grew 4 inches. He's now hovering at 5'9".......at 12. And he is wearing a size 12 shoe....again....he's 12! What am I going to do when he's 16?? It is kind of funny...his dad is 5'7"ish...his mom and sister 5'2"ish....and then there's him! :)

Told you....

2011-07-13T14:12:00.002-05:00

I have LOTS of pins...I need buyers...call me soon. :)

There is CHAOS at our house!

2011-07-12T11:00:00.008-05:00

Well, actually, there is always chaos at our house. But now days, it's double chaos at our house! My nice big sunroom has now turned into a store room, my dining room has turned into the pin shop (I have LOTS AND LOTS of pins for sale!! Call me!! :)) My living room is now the pin manufacturing plant. My brain is on MAJOR overload...and I'm not sure that even touches it! Why? Because of this...and THEM! :)

See that ring on her hand? It's all it's fault!

Yes, they are engaged. Yes, she's moving away. Soon. They are getting married November 5th. Which explains the CHAOS! Geez! :)

I guess they better be proud that I really really like them both...... :)

Here's a few more pics. I have some that I took that night, but I haven't downloaded them from my camera yet, so we may just get a little backward with pics. Look for LOTS of wedding talk coming soon!

And Kylee normally refuses to dress in the same colors as us...but miraculously she and Erik were dressed in the same colors as her Uncle Johnny's wedding Saturday night! So OF COURSE we had a picture made! :)

The ACTUAL proposal...

2011-07-09T10:28:00.001-05:00

These pictures were taken on Friday, July 8th, 2011 (need that for documenting purposes!) :) Approximately 11:30 p.m. at night!

Erik had asked Kylee to take him to the EXACT spot where they had planned on getting married so he could see. Well.....they are getting married in a pasture...that hasn't been bushhogged yet....the grass is about 4.5 feet tall....Kylee and Erik are only a little more than 5 feet tall.....oh, AND it was raining...did I mention it was about 11:00 at night?? (There's another story there...maybe Kylee will write about it on her blog!) lol.

Anyway, they hike through the wilderness to the exact spot where Kylee thinks they will be getting married....they are being watched by three deer, a rabbit, and probably many snakes that they just didn't see....

Supposedly Erik asked a ton of questions about where everything was going to be, etc. And then he gets down on one knee (keep in mind the wilderness) and proposes. Kylee says she started screaming and jumping up and down, which probably means the neighbors thought someone was killing someone in the pasture.

And to hear Kylee tell it....it was perfect. :)

Here is the first picture made of them when they returned...(definitely not the best picture but I couldn't keep her still very well!)

Hilary rushed up to the house when she heard. Daniel had proposed to Hilary earlier in the day, on the same land as Erik asked Kylee. Different spot but same land. And a great great piece of information that I thought was soooo special.... W.P. Simmons (my granddaddy) proposed to Catherine Simmons (my Goody) on July 8th, 1958. Exactly 53 years to the date that Kylee and Hilary got engaged.

Kaylee was in on the whole scheme. Poor thing, I think she was texting her Mom to pray because Kylee kept asking her questions and she didn't want to give the surprise away. hahaha

This what they did for the next hour.....text everyone they knew obviously!!

And of course there was LOTS of this.... :)

And lots of laughing and smiles and happiness in general....

GOD is Good....GOD is Great!!!

2011-06-20T10:35:00.006-05:00

We made it through an AWESOME revival! Sooooo proud of the four souls that were saved! And so proud of the visiting ministers that we had - they were so perfect for us this time and so glad we got the opportunity to spend some time with them! I just LOVE revival time! Only thing that would make it better would be to not have to work during them! I love going to day services and there's just no way. Maybe soon! Last night my little cousin Ashlea and her friend Courtney (whose parents are friends of ours also) received the holy ghost too! I have heard of sooooo many in the last couple of weeks! That is such GREAT news, whether I know them or not!!

We had gone and gone and gone last week. Revivials are also very tiring!! But at the last minute Friday, we decided to go to the Smokies for the weekend. Well....I obviously forgot to tell Dustin....lord help me! :) At about 11:00 he and Melissa and the kids decided to join us so they ran home and packed some clothes and we left going to Pigeon Forge at midnight! We got there about 3:30 our time, slept a little while and got up and went to Pancake Pantry for breakfast. Sooooo good!! Walked around in the rain for a while - which was actually pretty fun. Went back to the condo, took a nap, got up and went to Mellow Mushroom and then to ride go-carts. Went home and played games with our "young adults" (they informed us that's what they were - lol) and had a BLAST! The fact that we were deliriously tired probably added to that.......we finally went to bed around 2:00 and got up Sunday morning and Kylee and Hilary cooked breakfast for us. Chocolate gravy! yummmm!! And it looks great all the way down white skirts! Just ask Mo! :) Then we hit the outlets and ate and cleaned and headed home. It was a fast weekend but one of the best trips we've had in a while!

I didn't take my big camera - I just couldn't do it this time. So I used Kylee's small one and my phone and Hilary's phone for pics this time! Not my normal pics but still have reminders of great times!!

Just some random pictures.....

2011-06-08T16:40:00.001-05:00

Must keep the blog alive! :)

And I'm not sure where my son was in these....

We did our part.....

2011-06-03T10:01:00.004-05:00

I was brought up to celebrate the holidays. You know, be proud of who you are and where you're from. Well, since I was raised that way, we could not just ignore this national day of celebration....

IT'S NATIONAL DOUGHNUT DAY! We did our part - now go do yours! :)

P.S. If you go to Krispy Kreme or Dunkin Donuts - you get one free today!! We didn't think one would satisfy us - we believe in celebrating big. So we paid for ours...... :)

LOTS of posts

2011-05-25T11:18:00.000-05:00

Just an FYI....I posted about 6 new blog posts....so read away and enjoy!!

And Good Luck to Alyssa!!

2011-05-25T10:20:00.002-05:00

Can't believe this one is old enough to graduate! :(

2011-05-25T10:11:00.004-05:00

His mom is one of my very best friends. I have watched him grow up since the day he was born. Seems unreal that he is old enough to be out of school! Good Luck to you Jordan!!

Congrats to Cheyenne!!

2011-05-25T10:03:00.002-05:00

And a few of some gorgeous little ladies....

2011-05-25T09:52:00.003-05:00

Okay...okay...and one of their Mom and Dad too! :)

And congrats to Rese!!

2011-05-25T09:42:00.003-05:00

Talking about fun! I think I will take Rese and her "posse" with me on all shoots from now on! :)

Congratulations Luke!

2011-05-25T09:34:00.002-05:00

I have shot several seniors this year - just haven't had time to blog about them! They kept me VERY busy! This is my cousin Luke - and as of the time of these pictures....he was single. But that may have changed....lol! Congratulations Luke!!

Trying to keep my pics safe....

2011-05-23T13:35:00.004-05:00

As most everyone knows....I'm crazy over pictures. I have several massive scrapbooks full. And hope to start scrapbooking again soon to complete lots more. But I got to thinking after the tornadoes....I would be SICK if something happened to my pictures. I have my computer backed up on hard drives and I have my actual photography sessions uploaded online and a few of my personal pics online but I have thousands more that I don't want to lose. So.....I set up a shutterfly site for my family and personal pictures. I actually really like it - I can invite members (no one can see them if they aren't invited) and then I can tag them if they are in any of the pictures and they can even order prints or books or download them. And the best thing.....if something were to happen to my house - I still have all of my pics!! YAY for that!!

So - if you want to be a member of my site - you can send a request.....go to therogerslife.shutterfly.com (sorry - the hyperlink refuses to work!). I will consider making you a friend... :)

Mother's Day

2011-05-10T09:37:00.005-05:00

We decided to just cook at home for Mother's Day this year. I'm not one who likes to fight crowds and wait for an hour or two to be seated. So everyone came to our house for lunch after church and we grilled. It was still a little rushed but so much better at home!

The guys did the grilling.

My handsome and sweetie of a husband who bought me THREE new peony bushes...even though I only asked for one! :)

The guys just hanging out outside.

The boys just being the boys...which is probably not good. There is no telling what they had been in to.

Harley hunting the Easter eggs that Keelie and Kensley hid for her....in my living room?? lol. Oh well....kept them entertained for a while.

I laughed when I looked at this picture....the one where Alicia is standing at the stove looking like she is in to some cooking....hahahaha...sometimes pictures are deceiving. lol! Even though - her seven layer salad rocked.

And of course we can't not make pictures of this. Poor child - we fight over her constantly.

And is this not the cutest little child ever? I love to take her picture - she HATES for me to take her picture! lol. But we played a little game. I told her she BETTER NOT look at me. lol

And some one was trying to take their doll back because they were leaving....

And last but not least....all of my beautiful flowers that I got for Mother's Day. I love them and the people that gave them to me soooo much!!!! I was in the yard planting them at 6:45 a.m. this morning. I can't wait to watch them grow!

beautiful people....make beautiful pictures....

2011-05-05T14:00:00.003-05:00

I did upload some pics!

2011-05-04T16:45:00.002-05:00

Where do you begin?

2011-05-03T11:10:00.010-05:00

My goodness...

Number one: I am soooo far behind. Blogging, editing photos, cleaning, laundry. I had lost control a few weeks back. I promise to try to get caught up. I have pictures that I have finished that have not even been uploaded. Will work on that very soon.

Number two: Our state was pummeled with deadly tornados on Wednesday. Our property is fine but even more important, our family is fine. We have friends that are not fine. I feel so helpless. We didn't have power from Wednesday night until Sunday night but that was the worst of our problems. And compared to others - it wasn't even a problem. Except that it made #1 that much worse. Still....not really a problem.

We made the best of it. Lee is a store manager for Lowes - they had HUGE generators in place already, they were prepared and they were open. So needless to say - he worked. I was/am so proud of him. He worked hard and never complained.

Dustin works for the utilities as a pole setter - needless to say - there were poles down everywhere. So he was also working...actually, he still is. He and Lee neither one have had a day off yet. They are working long hours and hard days. I'm sure they are exhausted. But yet, I don't believe either of them have said a word about it.

While the guys worked - me and Melissa tried to keep our families taken care of. Luckily, in between tornado warnings on Wednesday night, we decided (for some reason that has left me now????) to make a mad dash to Publix. So we had some things. Unfortunately, when we walked out of Publix, we were under ANOTHER tornado warning. My nerves did not hold up well. :) But they did hold up well enough to think to take a picture....it's saved on my computer as "grocery shopping during the tornado." ha.

After that, we kept the roads hot. Thursday we left and headed to Pulaski. Dad's wheelchair and bed are electric. We had to have a generator. Lee was getting a truck in but we didn't know when, we heard Tractor Supply in Pulaski had some so we headed there to try to snag one and get gas. When we were stopped in traffic on I-65 we heard that City Lumber in Big Cove were getting generators in an hour. We called and sent Mom there right then. She walked in and they let her pay for one and she only had to wait about thirty minutes. But then we needed gas to run it. We finally got to Pulaski and went to Walmart - wow. LOTS of folks from our area there and LOTS of things were already sold out. But we got most of what we needed.

Friday or Saturday one (is it just me or did everyone have a hard time keeping up with what day it was?! One day I went all day long thinking it was another day and Dustin informed me that night I was wrong!) Anyway, Goody decided she also wanted a generator so I once again call Lee - and thank you Lord, he had JUST got a truck in of them and he grabbed us one. So here Mo and I go again....this time to Hartselle where Lee's store is, however, their Burger King had power so at least we had some fast food!! lol. It's the small things in life.... :)

I think that was Friday, because Melia had power on Saturday if I'm not mistaken so we went to Grant that day to spend the day at her house. It was a beautiful day so we actually just hung out on the deck and soaked up some sun. And ordered pizza and hot wings! I did get a load of laundry done at her house though. My husband was thankful - he was worried about having clean socks! :)

Sunday we got a text from Stephanie saying some people were doing some donation drives for the Higdon area where a lot of our friends live (and where some of them lost their lives. The stories are heartbreaking and bonechilling all at the same time.) Mo and I decide we'll call a few people. And that's what we did - called just a FEW people. And in the matter of a very few hours - like maybe 2-3 - we had three SUVs and a car AND a trailer jam packed FULL of stuff!!! Melia had made a few calls too so we went back to Grant and met her and Melissa's mom and dad. It was so much that we were going to take it to a dropoff place in Scottsboro but it was kind of crazy to unload all that and then someone else have to load it again so we took on to Higdon. And then we all stayed and helped unload it and sort it and organize it. It was a LONG day and we were completely exhausted but felt like we had at least tried to help a little. I wish it could have been more but you just do not know what to do!

These are pics of just what 5 or so people donated. Melissa's car was packed to the ceiling!

These are bad pictures I know - I was so not into bringing out the big camera. I think it's time to buy me a point and shoot to carry in my purse. These were taken on my cell phone.

And then Monday - it was back to work. Talking about having trouble getting back in to the swing of things!!! I can't figure out what normal is anymore!!

Pray for all of those that have lost family members and friends. And pray for those that have lost all of their possessions. I can't imagine. I am soooo attached to pictures. I just keep thinking, "their pictures are gone." All of their memories. I know they are just grateful to be alive but how truly sad it is to think they have nothing.

New Harmony with The Isaacs

2011-04-19T07:54:00.002-05:00

The gospel group that my brothers are part of opened for The Isaacs in Scottsboro on April 1, 2011. It was a great concert and from the looks of things they made some great new friends. Here are a few pics of them - they even got to sing and play with them on stage.

She's here!!

2011-04-04T10:31:00.004-05:00

Hallie Renee Kelly was born at 8:38 a.m. on April 4th, 2011 - she made a VERY fast entrance into the world! She weighed 7 lbs 6 ozs and is 19.5 inches long. We're already worried about big sister dragging her around - she keeps saying..."I hold her!" More pics of her later AND pics from The Isaacs!! (Would have these pics up sooner but blogger wasn't be cooperative!!)

I do sell pins.....

2011-03-08T10:28:00.004-06:00

I just can't seem to keep them in stock! Here's a glimpse of the newest ones I made. Most are $10 - I have some with bigger rhinestones in the center that are $12.

Two years old....

2011-03-03T11:31:00.002-06:00

and this child is HILARIOUS! I loved just listening to her talk. She is so funny. And did soo good!!

Loving babies!

2011-03-03T11:26:00.003-06:00

I just love newborn babies! Problem is, I want to play with them instead of taking their picture! :)

Just one...for now.

2011-02-21T20:20:00.001-06:00

Valentines...a little late!

2011-02-18T11:10:00.003-06:00

What a GREAT Valentines weekend! Our church has a Valentines party for the young kids every year - however, I don't have young kids anymore. :( So.....I decided to let Kade have ALL the preteens at our house for their own Valentines Day party on Friday night. I love that age. They are just now interested in girlfriends and boyfriends and it's so funny to watch them and listen to them. We had about 35ish kids at the house, and since they can't drive, we had their moms and dads also! :) We had a BLAST! We had some "Minute to Win It" type games for them, and it was so funny. I had set up the studio to take some pictures of the event for those that wanted some. They turned out soooo cute! Here's my PICTURE OVERLOAD!

(We also had a great actual Valentines Day....more pictures from that to come later!)

SURPRISE!

2011-02-09T09:17:00.004-06:00

No words are needed. We'll let the pictures do most of the talking.....

Kellie Byrd is 30! And she has no clue Shannon was throwing her a surprise birthday party!

Invitations courtesy of the wonderful Shannon Byrd Photography...of course. Just a shameless plug....Easter pictures are coming up!!! :)

Cake courtesy of Pam Byrd (and she has the MOST delicious cupcakes EVER!) Let me or Shannon know if you need the number...we can hook you up. :) And it taste ever bit as good as it looks.

Oh look....Shannon bought Kellie a new Willow Tree figurine. Awwwwwww....it's the one that's expecting........................!?!?!?!?

OH LOOK....SOME VERY VERY SURPRISED MOTHERS!!!!!! BABY BYRD #3 IS DUE ON SEPTEMBER 16TH, 2011!! CONGRATULATIONS TO SHANNON AND KELLIE!!!

And pass the word that we now HAVE to have weddings booked!!! Shannon has to pay for a baby!!! :)

What a weekend.....

2011-02-07T10:53:00.002-06:00

Man, a whirlwind weekend....from us...imagine that! :) Friday night I rushed home and started doing some embroidering and sewing, needed some birthday presents. Saturday morning me and the kids and my mom and dad (Lee had to work) got up bright and early and took a little day trip. It's hard having friends in Flat Rock, Alabama - you almost have to pack a suitcase to go there! However, my good friend, cousin, and photography partner in crime's wife, who is a better friend (hehe), was having a birthday and Shannon was throwing her a big SURPRISE bash!! Well, there were LOTS of SURPRISES!!!! BIG ONES!!! Of course I was the official party photographer - and we have not downloaded the pictures yet, but when we do.....ONE of us will let you in on the surprises! Okay...okay....I will go ahead and let you in on one.....KELLIE TURNED THIRTY!!!!! :)

The next one....requires pictures. And I have none yet. So......... :)

Then Saturday night we joined the multitude of people that decided to go to church at Big Cove. Great service! Loved getting to be with family and friends and hanging out afterwards!

Sunday Lee had to work and Kylee had a paper that had to be finished so we hung out at home and then went to church that night. Then went home and watched the end of the Super Bowl. Sorry the Steelers didn't win - but maybe next time!

Anyway............look for more news soon!! :)

Newsworthy.....

2011-01-28T11:56:00.002-06:00

Not much happening on the homefront at the moment. Lee and I have both been sick this week. Ugh. Seemed like it wasn't going to end. So didn't have a lot happening because of that. However, felt like I did have something newsworthy....

HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY TO MY HUBBY TODAY!!!

That seems so strange to me! Lee and I started dating when he was 15 years old. And now he's 40!!! We've been through a lot in those 25 years. Needless to say - we came out much better on the other end. Love him soooo much! He is a great husband and father and I love being able to spend HIS old age with him! :)

He NEVER reads my blog - I will actually have to email him a link just so he knows I wrote about him! lol.

Got in the Valentine craft mood!

2011-01-24T13:57:00.002-06:00

Snow - #1 of the year...#2 in three weeks!

2011-01-10T13:37:00.003-06:00

Just a few bloggable pictures of the snow we got on Sunday, January 9, 2011. I got to stay home from work for three whole days!!!! Lots of fun. New bruises. Never.walk.up.the.Mahatheys.hill.again. :) A few things I noticed...my husband is MIA in these pics - and I have no clue where he was! And...Melissa hangs with us a lot! lol.

Not a real good picture...but this is the reason I will never walk up the Mahathey's driveway in the snow again....hence the new bruises. I fell FOUR times!!! And yes, I am on the ground in the picture. lol.

What we do when we have free time...and sometimes...it's better to just not ask questions. :)

2011-01-09T13:28:00.001-06:00

We hang out with our family. In our living room that has no furniture at the moment. And play weird games.

Exciting changes!!!

2011-01-07T10:24:00.002-06:00

As if I need MORE exciting changes in my life....lol. As most know, Shannon Byrd and I have been teaming up on numerous photography projects lately. Well guess what!? We are now making some official changes in the "Shannon Byrd Photography" business and hope to steer the business into the wedding market more for 2011! So please pass the word - tell your friends - tell all of those people that got new diamonds over the holidays! I am excited. I LOVE shooting weddings. But you just cannot get the coverage and the photos you need with just one photographer. So this is great! And we both possess different qualities that help each other - he is so good at the technical parts and I'm better at the creative parts...so we think together our wedding photography is going to excel! We have shot several weddings together already - but working together on a full-time basis gives us the opportunity to work out the kinks and get into a groove and improve. (I think I will make that our mission statement..."Getting into a groove which gives us the opportunity to improve!" :) Shannon will love it. lol.

We have set up a new blog just for the wedding portion of the business. It's still a little blah at the moment but give us a little time...it will be spruced up soon! And look for a sneak peek of our latest wedding that we shot in December VERY soon! Please visit the blog and be one of our "followers!"

And pass the word about the business if you don't care. We have both shot numerous weddings and are very experienced. Your word of mouth advertising is the best advertising we could ask for!

http://shannonbyrdweddings.blogspot.com/

Marty

Wow!

2010-12-28T21:06:00.003-06:00

Have any of you seen this much SNOW! I have seen snow - we lived in Kentucky so I have seen lots of snow actually...but goodness! This was beautiful, white, falling SNOW! And on CHRISTMAS Day!! We have three floor to ceiling windows in our living room and we just sat and looked at it. I kept going back and forth to the window. Gorgeousness! :) Of course there were TONS of pictures! Here's a few of my favs so far...

This one is of the kids waiting to ambush Lee as he walked off the porch to play in the snow with them....

And yes....that's Melissa on the bottom of the pile! LOL!

ahhhhh...much better

2010-12-20T07:54:00.003-06:00

Reworked Kade's Christmas tree. Actually "reworked" probably isn't the right word. It was more like.....take it completely down and re-do. It's better now. I don't walk by his door and cringe. :)

Gingerbread House....

2010-12-09T07:08:00.004-06:00

This year for our Christmas Program at church, the decorating committee (ya'll rocked! :)) wanted each family to make a gingerbread house so they could be displayed on the tables in the fellowship hall after the program (we have to eat afterwards, of course!) So Kade, Konnor and Kensley were to make one together....well, it started off good - they were all in to it, but after about an hour, they were done. So me and Melissa and Kylee just HAD to finish it for them. :) Me and Kylee and Kade make one every year just for us normally - so I had a little experience. And a gingerbread house is the perfect thing to unleash my boxed up, dying to get out, over the top, Christmastime creativity. It's something about Christmas - my creativity levels get a boost. I constantly buy craft supplies around this time of the year! Anywhoo.....we finished it for them, and I even went and added some to it just before the program. LOVED it!! Here's the pics:

Christmas Trees in the middle of remodeling....

2010-11-24T10:22:00.003-06:00

I moved. Maybe, 3 weeks ago. House is under construction at this time, AND we live there. But it's Christmas!! So up go the trees! Five of them at this time. And I REALLY want to add just one more - okay, I'm contemplating 2 or 3 more but it's probably not going to happen...

I guess during all of the chaos that is my life right now, my brain got overwhelmed and went into shutdown. So a big thanks goes to my friend Lindsey! Poor thing - I called her (more than once), and text her numerous times. She even had to text me pictures of how she did part of her tree. I knew WHAT I wanted - just couldn't seem to get it there!

But I perservered! Is that spelled correctly? Doesn't look right - anyway, I did it! And BEFORE December 1st!! YAY!! Here's pics! (And sorry for the quality - I was being lazy and didn't want to get my flash out.)

Living room tree:

Master bedroom tree:

Kylee's tree in her den in her apartment:

Den tree:

Kade's bedroom tree: I think it's going to be reworked....he up and changed themes on me and now it don't jive.... :)

2010-11-19T15:35:00.002-06:00

For those that may not know - New Harmony consists of my brothers, Dustin and Justin, and my cousins, Joe David and Chad, and some really good friends, Cassie, Erica and Dustin M. And they are opening for The Isaacs!

I got my tickets today, the concert is April 1st, 2011. Tickets went on sale today and are selling out fast. If you're interested, better hurry! I'm at the end of the third row; and can't wait!

Go to http://www.perfectharmonypromotions.com/

HURRY!!! Christmas Sessions now booking!!

2010-10-19T10:44:00.002-05:00

Here is the email that went out to our photography clients this morning, wanted those blog followers to have an appointment also!!!..........................

And I am not joking when I say you really need to hurry! :)

As you all probably already know, we shot our Fall sessions this past weekend and I have had three people email me to tell me that saw some of them and were soooo sorry they didn't book! They were super duper cute!!!! I am telling you this because not only did all of the folks from Saturday get a $5.00 discount (if they bought the $35.00 package, which most did!) on the Christmas session, they also got the chance to book their Christmas session appointment before we announced it!! And even more important: THEY ALSO ALL GOT HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES FROM THE CAKE LADY THAT LIVES NEXT TO THE WAREHOUSE WE SHOT AT! They were SOOOOO worth whatever money was spent! lol.

And because we LOVE our repeat clients.....IF you buy Package C at the Christmas session, you get $5.00 off of the Valentine session PLUS you get to register for a FREE 11x14 at our Valentine session!!!

We will be offering the 10x20 storyboard that we had at our sessions Saturday (people fell in LOVE!) and we are planning to add Christmas frames to the frame line this time!! THEY ARE AWESOME!!!!!!

Just to verify - if you want to book - you need to do so soon! I only have ONE, I repeat ONE, morning appointment still available!! They are first come first serve! Fastest one wins!! :)

We are still finalizing details but here is where we are:

They will be shot in the same spot as the Fall and Easter pictures. The warehouse on Walter Bird Drive in Owens Cross Roads.
They will be shot on Saturday, November 6th, 2010.
The set will be suitable for children, pre-teen, teens, adults, couples and families (up to a certain number).
We WILL be offering Christmas cards!

We do have the set in mind - however, we are making some last minute decisions on it this week and will let you know when we are 100% sure what we are doing!! Will also have the prices on the next email - still VERY affordable!!

Email me at mkrogers3081@hotmail.com or call or text me at 256-656-9580 to book! I don't always get to answer during business hours (8:30 - 5:00) but feel free to leave me a message and I will call you back!!

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

AND THANK YOU TO THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE ALREADY BOOKED YOUR APPOINTMENT!!

Marty
Shannon Byrd Photography
with Marty Rogers as
Creative Director :)

Why?

2010-10-18T16:46:00.003-05:00

am I doing this?? ugh. Just to prove to Cassie that I read her blog everyday she posts I guess. Still doesn't make me WANT to. ugh.

THREE WAYS I AM STILL A KID:

1. I cry at totally stupid stuff.
2. My stomach still does flip-flops when the love of my life (my husband for those of you wondering) walks into the room.
3. I love cupcakes. (But not GiGis!)

THREE WAYS I AM ALREADY OLD:

1. I like to go to bed EARLY! Even though I don't.
2. I use "Remember when......" A LOT!
3. I hurt all over all the time! :)

THREE THINGS I WANT TO DO:

1. Go on a honeymoon!
2. Get my house closed and move to our new one!!
3. Be off work!!

THREE WAYS THAT I'M A STEREOTYPICAL "BOY":

1. I can watch football with the best of them!
2. I LOVE four-wheelers, as long as I'm driving.
3. I LOVE to build things.

THREE WAYS THAT I'M A STEREOTYPICAL "GIRL":

1. I love clothes/shoes.
2. I scream when I see mice/hamsters/rats/snakes of any size
3. I cry.

THREE NEW THINGS YOU WANT TO TRY IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS:

1. Living in a new house???
2. Building those Christmas frames I saw.
3. Being debt-free. It won't happen but it's getting closer! :)

THREE THINGS YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:

1. I get over things really quick.
2. I usually have a pretty positive outlook....except for Kylee and Lee - which doesn't count, because they ASK me my opinion or thoughts, then they say I'm negative when I give them. Duh? I don't lie.
3. If you want something done - I normally can make it happen. Except when it comes to getting my own house closed obviously.

THREE THINGS YOU DISLIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:

1. I have NO will-power to lose weight.
2. I can't keep up anymore.
3. My body feels old. Hence #2.

THREE THINGS THAT SCARE YOU:

1. Mice/hamsters/rats/snakes
2. Scary movies. Hate them. Can't stand them. Drives Lee and Kylee crazy. I refuse to let them have them on in the house.
3. Something happening to my family.

THREE OF YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS:

1. Mountain Dew
2. Cell phone
3. My husband/best friend.

THREE THINGS YOU JUST CAN'T DO:

1. Sleep through the night!
2. Keep my laundry caught up.
3. Quit work.

THREE CAREERS YOU'RE CONSIDERING:

1. My goal in life is to stay at home.
2. My goal in life is to stay at home.
3. Photography, but only part-time, because.....
My goal in life is to stay at home!

Ten things you wish you could say to ten different people right now:

1. Why did you fill this out on your blog!?!
2. Just let it go already!
3. I don't want to hear it!
4. It closed!!!
5. Believe in the Lord!!!!!!!
6. Cheer UP.....my brotherrrrrr. (Insert musical notes....)
7. No!
8. Booked!
9. Don't judge.
10.This is forever. Deal with it.

NINE places you feel at home:

1. Mom/Dad
2. Dustin/Melissa
3. Melia/Jeremy
4. My old house.
5. My new house.
6. Church
7. My car.
8. Pat and Jen's
9. My office. Unfortunately.

SEVEN people of the same sex who mean a lot to you:'
1. Mom
2. Kylee
3. Melia
4. Melissa
5. Alicia
6. Jennifer
7. Hilary and Goody - and more but they only asked for 7, except I slipped in 8. :)

FIVE things that cross your mind a lot:
1. I have the holyghost.
2. I'm almost pretty near close to 50.
3. Aunt Libby
4. Brian
5. Where are my kids and my husband and are they safe?

FOUR things you do before you fall asleep:
1. set alarm
2. pray
3. tuck Kade in.
4. tell Kylee goodnight.

THREE songs that mean something to you
1. Through the Fire - it kept me sane when I was lost!
2. that song that Br. Ethan sings that for some reason I can't remember.
3. He Touched Me.

TWO confessions:
1. I actually don't know EVERYTHING, even though I really think I do. ;)
2. I have now sat at my desk for fifteen minutes - AFTER the time I was supposed to get off.

ONE thing you're thinking about right now:
1. I don't want Lee to work tonight.

Perfect picture.

2010-10-17T12:30:00.003-05:00

Maybe not technically - but definitely emotionally! Such a sweet sweet session!

Such a Doll!!

2010-10-14T20:36:00.003-05:00

Call NOW!!

2010-10-12T08:54:00.002-05:00

Call or text me at 256-656-9580 or email me at mkrogers3081@hotmail.com for an appointment! Filling up fast!!

And we are offering a discount on our Christmas session (November 6th!) if you do both sessions!

Fall

2010-10-04T09:09:00.004-05:00

I LOVE this time of year! Starting in September, I just get beside myself. Seems like I get more "crafty" and more creative and just excited all around! I love to decorate when it gets Fall - of course, it would help if I actually had a HOUSE right now! So for now, I'm just in planning mode. Eventually the house will close and I will get to move. I may have to decorate for Christmas when I do but that's okay! :) I was looking through some pictures and found these of Harley from last year and decided to use them on my blog today. It's her Halloween/First Birthday pics and she is soooo cute in them. Have a wonderful Fall day today!!!!

Somehow I missed it....

2010-09-28T16:18:00.002-05:00

I scan blogs all day - when I'm on hold on the phone, when I am waiting on something to print, when someone is talking to me and it's boring....lol. I even read Shelby's fall questions - but somehow I skipped right over the part where she tagged me. Sorry Shelby...you'll learn that I'm always late. :)

Fall Questions...

1. Do you like Starbucks? I don't drink coffee, give me a Mountain Dew and I am good to go! HOWEVER, when it gets close to Christmas, I usually WILL go to Starbucks for a peppermint hot chocolate! Mmmmmmmmm......

2. How do you decorate and prepare for Fall? I normally go all out - until this year! :( We sold out house about three months ago and are STILL waiting to close on it! So....I don't want to put anything up until we get to the new house - which looks like I am going to go straight into Christmas decorating! And I LOVE my Fall decorations....I'm totally bummed.

3. Will you participate in your college's homecoming activities? Does Calhoun have a homecoming!?!?

4. What is your favorite Fall clothing item or accessory? Boots. But they have to be the PERFECT boots and I have not found them yet. I will probably wear them with everything. I hate finding shoes. Can't find any that please me. UGH!

5. What was your favorite Halloween costume as a kid? I have absolutely no clue. I never remember what I dressed as. I know I went. I'm old people. Give me a break!

6. Do you like Halloween/Horror movies? No, No, and NO! I remember going on a date with Lee in high school and he wanted to go see a Steven King movie. I don't remember which one. I sat during THE.WHOLE.THING. with my eyes covered. Lee wasn't happy - he said he wasted his money. Duh?

7. What is your favorite Fall activity? I always like to have a BIG pumpkin carving party with my kids and nieces and nephews. I love to camp - which we are doing next week!! YAY!! PERFECT weather. My #1 favorite thing is to go to Gatlinburg though! I need to try to work that in soon!

8. What is your favorite Fall recipe? Definitely 100%....pumpkin dip with ginger snaps!!

Quick questions...

1. What movie coming out soon are you looking forward to seeing? I have no clue!
2. What will you miss most about Summer? My flip flops...I can actually walk in them.
3. When do you start your holiday shopping? When i come up with some money!
4. Favorite exercise/activity? Shopping....but see #3 above.... :)
5. Best book you've read lately? Anything Debbie Macomber.
6. Do you make your bed every day? wow - Cassie and I are alike! Yes, I make it (or at least "straighten" it - but somedays it's not until I start to bed! Just don't like getting into an unmade bed!
7. If you could choose a personal chef or a personal shopper, which would you choose? definitely the chef!
8. Which TV show are you most excited for this Fall? Alabama Football! lol. Seriously - I don't even know what other shows are coming on. I very very rarely watch regular TV.

And I'm tagging Drea, Melissa (who hasn't filled hers out still), and Dustin, and Melia!

I am thankful.....

2010-09-21T15:24:00.004-05:00

Following Drea, Cassie and Melia and their posts...

I am thankful....because I go home to a wonderful husband who loves me very much and never fails to tell me that he does.

I am thankful....because I go home to a beautiful daughter who loves me very much and always tells me that she does.

I am thankful....because I go home to an awesome son who loves me very much and always tells me that he does.

I am thankful....because my house is now a home, with a family, who has been blessed beyond words this year.

I am thankful....that my home is prayed in numerous times a day.

I am thankful....for our church and for the opportunity to go there four times a week.

I am thankful....for my parents, there are no words to describe why.

I am thankful....for my three brothers, my sister, my 3 sister-in-laws and my 1 brother-in-law, they ALL always give unlimited "love biscuits." :)

I am thankful....that God healed my son's eye, even though the nurse called from school today to tell me he was having problems with it. Get.behind.me.Satan!

I am thankful....for the oodles and bookoodles of friends I have. They are amazing people.

I am thankful....that God saw fit to save our souls, provide us with the perfect jobs that we asked him for and for keeping us safe, healthy and together. He is an awesome God.

...how many people are now singing...."My God is an Awesome God"!?? :)

So neat....

2010-09-20T11:46:00.002-05:00

Friends.... :)

2010-09-19T22:19:00.000-05:00

And a few from Maggie's session...

2010-09-15T14:37:00.003-05:00

A few more of Ashlea...

2010-09-15T13:58:00.007-05:00

Geek Day!

2010-09-15T09:17:00.010-05:00

Okay - Geek Day is made for our kids, or at least Kade and Konnor. Check out these pics. And of course one of the Diva - who told me that Divas do not do Geek. You go girl! :)

ETA: The more I look at the picture of Kensley the more I think it should go in the Enquirer. Kensley informed me that she WAS NOT dressing as a geek - that she was going as a ROCKSTAR today. When you look at the picture, it does look like she is a famous rockstar and Melissa is her bodyguard. lol.

ETAA: It's Homecoming week at school - that would be why our kids are dressing up everyday. Yesterday was camouflage day, didn't even think about taking a picture but I can recreate that in a heartbeat and no one will even know. :)

She waited FOREVER....

2010-09-14T08:16:00.003-05:00

but I finally got them done! Tallie cheered for Wallace State for two years and at the end wanted some pictures of her in her cheerleading uniform. I am pretty much ashamed to say - but I took them MONTHS ago. She has either been really really patient or she forgot about them completely, she hasn't ask about them one time. Poor thing. I think they are great - she found the PERFECT location for cheerleading pics!!

Coming soon to computers near you....

2010-09-13T15:50:00.009-05:00

Slight problem this week - my laptop - which is where I do ALL of my photo editing, etc.....died. Had to wipe it completely clean. It just hit me that all of my actions for my pictures (photography stuff), are gone. I can get them again - but it's going to take me a lot of time. ugh. I shot two sets of senior pictures last week - really.bad.timing. I hope to have every thing back up and running VERY soon. Until then, here is a glimpse of what I will be working on.

Boys....

2010-09-07T08:56:00.003-05:00

they are strange little individuals aren't they? Okay - maybe it's just mine. But that kid has an imagination that never gives up! He always has - I remember when he was just tiny, he started talking when he was WAY TOO YOUNG...and he has talked and talked and talked and talked some more ever since! I remember he used to make up these long, outlandish, unreal stories. I would just worry and worry about it. He could make people believe him - and he was probably 2! My mother used to tell me that meant he was going to be smart, because he has a very over-the-top imagination. Well, I suppose that's true. He does do very very well in reading, language, literature, etc. (enough to get moved in the AP classes at school...YAY Kade!) But sometimes, even today, I just sit and watch him and think, "Where in the world does he get this stuff?! And what was it earlier in life that he DIDN'T get that would improve his math? lol. Don't get me wrong - he does well in math, right now. We just tend to struggle a little more than in the other subjects.

Anyway, I tend to blog around pictures that I take. And I definitely want to keep the one above. He went to a movie with his cousins - bless Kyle and Jennifer for taking them, poor souls. It was a 3-D movie - Kade became attached to his 3-D glasses, which he then took the lenses out of. And he wore them for several days after that. THEN he decided they needed blue masking tape in the middle - so he could be a nerd for a day. THEN he decided the glasses needed blue masking tape ALL OVER them. Don't ask - I have no answers.....

On a Roll!

2010-09-03T08:04:00.005-05:00

There were just too many great bargains to pass up this week. I spent 3 times what I did before but I am stocked up on MANY things now! Here's the pics (yes I am actually a photographer, no, the pictures don't show it - but it's just way simpler to take pictures with my phone, I can send them directly to my computer that way!) My husband walked in yesterday while I had coupons spread EVERYWHERE trying to get the new ones organized. I think he is now looking for a treatment center. He says I seriously have an addiction. lol. I guess it didn't help when I got home and started staging all of the groceries just so I could take a picture...... :) (But he LOVED the amount I spent!)

In summary - I bought $309.06 worth of groceries and I paid $142.55. I saved $166.51!

I always want to know EXACTLY what other people bought - it's easier for me to plan my own grocery list that way. I can look at other people's list and it will hit me, "OHHHHH - I have a coupon for that!!" So here's mine. It's long. The actual receipt - about 4 FEET long! No joking!!

3 lb ground beef
1 Sara Lee hot dog bun
1 Sara Lee hamburger bun
2 Lays chips
1 Publix milk
3 Mueller Fettuccines
9 Mueller Spaghettis
1 Mueller Penne Rigatoni
5 Mueller Elbow Macaronis
8 Duncan Hines Cake Mixs
6 Duncan Hines Frostings
4 Ball Park hot dogs
1 Clorox toilet bowl cleaner
1 A-1 sauce
1 Newmans spaghetti sauce
2 Kraft BBQ Sauces
1 Wisk Detergent
1 Caramel apple dip
3 Air Wick Freshmatic kits
2 Hellmanns Mayonnaise
4 Pantene shampoos
2 Kraft Ranch dressings
1 Ivory body wash
2 Old Spice body washes
1 Pert Plus shampoo
1 Dixie Crystal sugar
3 Glade relaxation candles
2 Vlasic pickles
1 Air Wick candle
1 Glade fall spice candle
1 Glade fall spice spray
1 Frenchs mustard
2 Dole pineapple slices
1 bag of apples
1 tomato
2 Kraft velveeta cheese
1 Tampax tampon
1 Always ultra thin
1 box of Cheezits
1 bunch of bananas
1 Heinz ketchup
1 Publix hamburger bun (bought by accident!)
1 Kraft singles cheese
2 Aunt Jemima pancake mixes
2 Honey Nut Cheerios
1 Capri Sun
4 Green Giant Steamers
1 Publix White Bread
4 12-pks of Mountain Dews
1 12-pk of Cottonelle Toilet Tissue

AND....Melia and I decided to shop together, so we even had a ton of fun while we were there. The people back home waiting for us to come back to bring the groceries to fix supper - not so much. But man - that Pizza Hut pizza they ended up ordering was GOOD!! :)

Monday morning status update....

2010-08-30T08:58:00.006-05:00

Well....the update is....I'm here and I'm breathing. :) Wow - No one filled me in on that little issue that when you become a full-time church-goer......that's all you have time for! Could someone fill this full-time worker, full-time mother, full-time wife, full-time church-goer when you fit your laundry into your day?! Drycleaning is calling my name....and so is a housekeeper! Any takers? Need everyone to put in bids - lowest one wins! ha!

Had a singing at Huntsville Friday night - had a great time! The singing was very good. Great way to start off "singing season!" Of course we didn't get in until after 11:00 and I had worked all day and I crashed! Got up Saturday morning and Lee and I were going to go to the new house and do a few things, and then hit a few yard sales....somehow he begged out of the yard sales and me, Mom and Melissa went. Didn't buy a thing!!! We just didn't have a good yard sale day. I guess I did too well the week before. I didn't post about that! I bought a brown glass patio table with 6 resin wicker chairs with the cushions (and I actually liked them!) and 4 extra resin wicker chairs and 2 wrought iron chairs for $75!! Unfortunately, didn't find that kind of bargain this time around....

(Notice in that last paragraph there was no mention of laundry.......)

Mom decided we needed to cook so Kylee and I ran to the store. We bought 20 lbs of chicken leg quarters and Lee grilled them and Mom made 10 lbs of homemade french fries and slaw and mac and cheese and then Kylee and I made a fresh fruit pizza. Oh my goodness. It was wonderful!

(Again, notice in that last paragraph there was no mention of laundry......)

Went to church Saturday night, Sunday morning and Sunday night. Mom and I did shop in between church Sunday. I went in to panic mode when I realized that I had NOTHING to wear for fall. I now own a few fall skirts - of course, there are no shirts to go with them but I am going to work on that soon....

(And again....notice....oh nevermind - you get the picture!)

Have a happy week!!!

And just because I like to always have a picture.... Here is one of Kylee's favorites and I want to blog it so I will always have it around. This is Ben Honeycutt. He is the guy from Rainsville that was on the last season of American Idol (briefly, but he was on television a couple of times!). Enjoy!

My secret....

2010-08-26T17:03:00.005-05:00

Okay - I feel the need to tell my secret. NO. It isn't whay you are thinking and it will NEVER be! :)

I had several calls, texts, and emails...and then Drea....who were pretty much impressed with my shopping skills this week. Let me just say that I was pretty impressed also. But let me let you in on WHY I did so well this week. You see, I have 100s of coupons - so many that I was overwhelmed, frustrated and felt like picking them up and throwing them all up in the air and letting them rain down on me. Yeah, that bad. I decided last week that I WOULD figure out a way to get organized. I mean - I knew I had the coupons of things I wanted to buy, but I could never actually FIND the coupons I needed. So I set out on a quest. A quest for the perfect organization for my coupons. I knew some folks used baseball card binders, but I felt like they were too small for what I was printing. In the beginning I was using a small coupon organizer - not quite big enough for me now days. Then I bought a larger coupon organizer - still not helping, had to pull all of the coupons out to be able to see what I had. I couldn't find what I was needing. So I went to Walmart and I SEARCHED AND SEARCHED for my perfect solution. And I found what worked for me. A photo album. It holds 4x6 pictures and it has a row of three. I bought a package of stick on tabs and I went to work.

And it was what I thought. Perfect. I can flip through the tabs that I personalized just for me and it's right there in front of me. Ohhhh...and I also had a hang up with how much I spent for it - I mean, I'm trying to SAVE money with the coupons so I didn't want to spend what I was saving! The photo book was on clearance for $5.00 - I bought some extra pages for $2.50 a pack. Not a bad price! THAT is how I managed to save $90 this week. Because I could actually SEE the coupons I had. I took it to the grocery store with me and when I saw something on sale that I didn't have on my list - flipped the pages to see if I had a coupon and most of the time, I did. I scored big.

Here are a few pictures of what I did. Leave a comment if you have questions! Will be glad to answer!

Have an awesome day!!

Writers block....gone.

2010-08-25T15:46:00.003-05:00

Obviously my writers block has been lifted. I keep thinking of things and saying, "ooooh, I need to blog that" today. Very unusual for me lately. I have been stareing at my blog daily thinking, "do I have ANYTHING to write about?????"

Here's what's on my mind....followed by an explanation:

DOUBT. Let us ponder on that word. The meaning is "to lack confidence in and to consider unlikely." Do you have problems with doubting? I have been rolling this around in my mind lately. Do I doubt? I am talking about spiritually. Do I? I have ask myself that question over and over.

Here is what I have come up with...kind of. It's sketchy to say the least.

Everyone knows about Kade getting shot in the eye. We have ever more had a time with it. I asked God an INFINITE amount of times to heal him. Did I doubt that he would? No. I 100% believed that he could and WOULD take care of Kade's eye.

Here's the story - Kade saw the same retina specialist six times in 3 weeks if I'm not mistaken. On the 5th time, he set him up to see a cataract specialist because he had a cataract. His reasoning for this was that he could not see the extent of the damage to his retina because of the cataract, therefore, the cataract had to be removed. So...we go to see the cataract specialist, he agrees the cataract needs to be removed and even agrees for the reasoning. That was on a Tuesday I believe and they scheduled him for surgery 8 days later. On Monday before the surgery on Wednesday, he had another appointment with the retina specialist. Lee takes him and it takes FOREVER. I finally get in touch with him and he is just acting strange about it. So he explains that obviously the doctor is crazy. lol. When they went in, the doctor looked at him, told Lee his retina looked good and he thought he was fine. He then proceeds to tell him that he has a small cataract and later on he might need to have it seen about. So Lee proceeds to tell him that HE sent him to the cataract specialist and Kade is scheduled for surgery on Wednesday! The doctor says, "Oh, I did? Well. Good. I don't need to see him again, he can just follow up with the cataract specialist." HUH? Remember back when I told you that the REASON for the cataract surgery was so the retina specialist could see the damage to the retina and fix it?? He told Lee his retina looked fine! So then Lee goes on to ask him about the three prescriptions three times a day he is on. The doctor's reply, "Oh, he don't have to take those anymore." And....the appointment is over. The cataract specialist had already told us that the surgery was no rush - he said it could be done in 2 days, 2 years or 20 years. Needless to say, we cancelled that surgery in a hurry.

So what did we do? Decided the doctor was a quack, and got an appointment with a different one for a second opinion. Then it hit me, didn't you ask God to take care of him? Yep - sure did. Numerous times. And then I cancelled the second opinion.

Do I believe God took care of him? Most definitely. Why have I failed to blog about it or tell everyone? (I have told very very few.) I have decided it isn't because I have doubted, but for fear. I KNEW that as soon as I made the statement that he was fine, Satan was going to be ALL.OVER.ME. Why have I decided to tell now? There were 100s of people praying for my son. And they deserve to know that he is fine. And I can handle anything Satan can throw at me. Period.

GOD IS GOOD!

And yes, Shannon Byrd, I know. It IS still very strange to read anything remotely associated with God that I write. :)

Couponing and other things....

2010-08-25T08:41:00.007-05:00

Let me just confess. I am an addict. I LOVE to cut coupons. It's really nothing new - I have always loved to cut coupons, but NOW - I actually use them. For years I would cut cut cut and then forget about them. But NOW, I can't wait for Publix to send out their sales paper so I can see just how low I can get the price... and FREE is even better. It gets my blood pumping. Gets my brain to kick in to gear, I research and research on just how low I can get my total at the checkout. Don't get me wrong, I'm not an expert, I'm still in learning mode. But I do okay most of the time! Here's how addicted I am: I jumped up at 6:00 a.m. this morning, got ready, got Kade ready for school, dropped him off at Melissa's (she's doing the school driving this week)and went straight to Publix! I had my list, my coupons, and a nice quiet store. Bought what I wanted and was at work ON TIME!! Yeah, I know, it's kind of strange..... But check out this receipt!!

Ahhhhhhh! What a rush!! lol. Some people need drugs.....I just need coupons!! Maybe that's a new treatment plan? Get them addicted to coupons!? I may have just came up with something great! ha!

I told Melia I would put what I bought on here - the receipt is waaaaaay too long to take a picture of. So here goes:

1 Aquafresh Toothpase
1 Colgate Toothpaste
1 Bounty Napkins
1 Publix Greenwise Bath Tissue (Penny item today!)
3 bags of Chex Mix (Traditional, Chipotle Cheddar & Honey Nut)
2 Hunts Sugar Free Chocolate Pudding (both were FREE!!!!)
2 Franks Hot Sauce
2 French's Worcestershire Sauce
4 Betty Crocker Potatoes (2 sweet potatoes & 2 loaded baked potatoes)
5 Hormel Compleats Chicken and Dumplings (on Kade's list of GREATS!)
3 Nature Valley Granola Thins/Peanut Butter Bars (for Kylee who is on a major diet!)
1 Caramel Bugles
2 Chef Boyardee Mini Ravioli
2 Select Harvest Mexican Tortilla Soup
1 Little Debbie Honey Bun (only thing I bought not on sale)
1 Ritz Crackers
1 Clorox Bleach
1 Heinz White Vinegar
2 Lipton Teas
1 Orville Redenbacher Popcorn
1 Kraft Squeeze Mayonnaise
5 Right Guard Total Defense Deodorants
5 4-pack Yoplait Fiber One Vanilla Yogurts (the name of this kind of throws you but it is REALLY good - and I don't usually like yogurt!)

And the GRAND TOTAL is --------------------------> $36.21 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I may take a picture of all of the stuff to add here just for dramatic effect - but it will be later. :)

Yep, it's a good day - even though my tire was flat on my car this morning and I had to drive the truck ------- it's a good day!!!!

Also - if you have time, say a prayer for Br. Slick and Sis. Crystal - they have had a set back with the new baby and I'm sure would appreciate everyone's prayers! Here's the link to read about it - http://slickandcrystal.blogspot.com/

HOPE EVERYONE HAS A WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY - LIKE ME!!!!

Happy 70th Birthday Granny Jones!!

2010-08-20T09:17:00.009-05:00

Granny Jones is turning 70. She looks great for 70 doesn't she!? Her children and grandchildren threw her a BIG 70th SURPRISE birthday bash at church last night. Granny Jones has LOTS of friends that wanted to celebrate with her!! I had the honor of playing photographer. I still have a few pictures to upload but the majority of them are HERE (and a big "YEE HA!" to me who just figured out to link another URL!! :) ) on my photography website (and you can even order from there if you want! WOW! GO ME! lol.) Just scroll down the page until you see "Granny Jones Birthday."

Awwwww.......

2010-08-18T13:26:00.003-05:00

My favorite thing to photograph......

Panic.

2010-08-09T14:08:00.006-05:00

Okay - my panic is actually now over. For those of you with small children....you have soooo much to look forward to!

Somehow - and I still don't know how - my daughter (she's 19) ended up with a free beach trip, so she calls me and says, "Mom, the only thing is, Rachel and I have to drive down by ourselves." Rachel is also 19. And I certainly thought her parents would say, "NO WAY!" for me, but they didn't (geez Leslie! lol). So, I still wouldn't give the go ahead and I told her to call her very.over.protective.still.thinks.she.is.8.....father. Guess what he said!?! He told her yes, that she could drive - ALL THE WAY TO GULF SHORES. Oh, he did tell her that if it rained, she had to pull off?!? lol.

I never said a word. I just acted like it wasn't happening. Until 5:00ish a.m. this morning when she called to tell me she was leaving. Then I decided I might need to pray about her! ha!

They made it. They never even got lost one time!!

WHERE IS MY BABY!?

Changing colors.....

2010-08-09T08:58:00.007-05:00

Well. We made a drastic change today. For YEARS my kids have worn the green and yellow colors for their elementary school and the ever-so-popular-spent-a-fortune-for red and blue for their high school. However, this year, this year is different. Kade will now be sporting purple and gold. It's like coming home for Lee and I. We both graduated in purple and gold and it's just, well, it feels normal. It hasn't been without some tears though. We took Kade to 6th grade orientation Thursday night and while I was sitting there I was fighting tears. Yes, me. Not Kade. Me. Kade is so excited. He has wanted to go to MCMS for a while now. He has numerous cousins and friends there. But while we were sitting at orientation it hit me - this is the first time EVER that one of my kids weren't at OCR. They both started kindergarten there. I was always head of this or on that committee. We were just involved. And there I sat - in the middle of a hundred people, and I knew one person there. Seems odd that I was the one upset but not really. We are expecting a great year though. I was so happy to see Kade excited. But for the first year ever - I FORGOT TO TAKE HIS PICTURE!!! He will so be reenacting this afternoon!!! lol.

So now, all my money goes to purple and gold. Let's start the new collection! :)

And here are a couple of pics that Nickie made for me at orientation! I'm gonna LOVE having Nickie around - she NEVER forgets her camera!! :)

By the way.....

2010-08-03T10:06:00.002-05:00

UPDATE - Ignore the below post....Photoshop works wonders! :)

If anyone in blogland knows how to fix my header so that the words aren't across our faces - please email me at mkrogers3081@hotmail.com!!! Thanks!!

Monday Morning Injury Update.....

2010-08-02T16:40:00.007-05:00

He looks injured doesn't he? lol! This is Kade after his latest eye appointment - these are the glasses you wear after cataract surgery - of course he chose to wear them now.....at least he feels fine! Crazy kid!!

He had an appointment to see a cataract surgeon this morning. We got there at 7:55 a.m. (his appointment was at 8:00 a.m.) - we left at 10:38 a.m.!! And it was SO COLD in there! And I mistakenly thought we would only be there for a few minutes so we hadn't had breakfast!

However, Kade LOVED the surgeon - he hasn't been as crazy about the retina surgeon, so that was a relief. If you ever need a cataract surgeon - go see Dr. Mitchell at Maynor & Mitchell. Anyway, they did schedule Kade for surgery on August 18th. The impact of the pellet caused a cataract and the cataract has made it impossible for the specialists to see the damage to his retina. Therefore, the cataract has to come off in order to move forward with repairing the retina.

It was kind of funny while we waited for them to call him back - you could tell all of those little old gray haired folks were looking at him thinking, "why are YOU here??" lol. Not many eleven year olds have to worry about cataract surgery! But that's MY BOY!! haha.

Told ya.....

2010-07-26T20:40:00.001-05:00

Yep - I still take some.... :)

2010-07-26T20:03:00.002-05:00

Just a quick update....

2010-07-26T11:17:00.003-05:00

Kade started being able to see a little yesterday! I have felt all along that he would be okay but it's so hard to press on and be positive at all times! We were sitting at John and Carla's after church yesterday and he told me he could read the clock on the wall and their TV had a little bitty teeny red light on it and he said, "I can see that red light on that TV." You have to really watch him because he CAN see with one eye so I made him cover his good eye and questioned him and he really could see some!

Had an awesome time yesterday at Rocky Branch! Lee and I got to be with our running buddies for the first time since we got back together and we laughed and laughed and laughed. It was such a great feeling to get to be with them - seemed like old times except for we are all married now - and talking about how OLD we were! lol. And thanks Jen for that sudden realization that she had while we were sitting around the table, "MARTY!!!! YOU HAVE GRAY HAIR!!!" lol. Uh yeah, and obviously I didn't fix my hair the right way if you're seeing it! :)

So thankful for our wonderful life today! (And every day!)

Whirlwind....

2010-07-21T13:01:00.003-05:00

Ever felt like you were in a whirlwind? Come join me. It's an exhausting feeling! lol. Waiting on some inspections, etc., but believe the house is sold.....to the first person who called! That means we are in the process of packing, already moved some things actually. Soooo excited about the new house!! I just cannot wait!! Hopefully things will work out so that we can start Kade at the new school at the beginning of the year. I just hate to start one school and pull him out and start another one. We shall see...

Speaking of Kade....I laughed when I was thinking of what I was going to blog about today. I kind of feel like this blog has turned into a diary of Kade's mishaps...and boy do we have a doozy of a new one! Sunday afternoon after church Kade went to a friend's house after church. And you know, boys will be boys! The boys had an air soft gun out playing around and.....Kade got shot in the eye. I really thought it would be fine but....it's not. Took him to the eye doctor and they immediately sent him to a specialist - who he is now seeing EVERY day. He has a bleed behind his cornea and if they can get it stopped, the chances of his vision being unaffected are great, if they can't get it stopped, we have a problem.

And....do you know how you try to stop a bleed behind a cornea, other than meds?! You lay flat - 24/7, except to go to the bathroom and to eat (quickly!). They say probably at least two weeks, but possibly two months!?! Have you ever tried to make an eleven year old lay flat without any sudden movements or getting up!?! NOT.AN.EASY.TASK!!!!! So...please pray - FOR ME! Kade seems to be doing fine. No pain except for a headache every once in a while. As for me, Lee told me yesterday that I really needed to quit being hysterical - which I definitely was. I was trying to deal with doctors and specialist and pharmacies (ugh! ugh! UGH!). And let me just rant a moment - don't you think if you walk into a pharmacy with an 11 year old who has a big...blue...huge...patch kind of thing, on his eye - and he's laid back in a chair and his mother is squalling - COULD THE PHARMACY TECHS NOT BE A LITTLE NICER! I was good - I didn't say a word. But oh my goodness, by the time I left that place, WITHOUT MY PRESCRIPTIONS, I was most definitely a hysterical person on the inside!!!! I would still love to go back and see that same little girl and tell her that she really needs to have a heart!!!! Off my rant now.....

Everyone stay cool and BE SAFE!!!! And don't let your kids have air soft guns - better yet - DON'T BUY YOUR KIDS GUNS AT ALL!!! Just my opinion of course.... :)

Whoaaaaa LIFE!!!!

2010-07-06T13:15:00.003-05:00

I would love to say, "Whoaaaaa....hey life....I NEED you to slow down and let me catch up!" But...I won't. We have been blessed with such amazing changes in the past two and a half months that I would be afraid to say slow down, instead, I'll just say, "Keep up the good work God!" :) And I will follow by saying, "Keep on going...my mind and body will catch up eventually!!" lol.

Lee and I got married April 15th, he moved in to our 1562 square foot house. We have two grown kids and it's a little....tight? Lee had transferred with Lowes and started his job here on April 17th. (Nice honeymoon, huh?!) Lee received the holyghost on June 16th, I received it on June 18th. We were baptized on July 4th, July 5th we found out that Lee had made Store Manager - YAY!!!!!!!!!!!! I think his first day on the new job is July 10th. AND - DRUM ROLL!!!!! We are in the process of buying a new house - just waiting on the old one to sell so we can move!!!! See - all that in 2.5 months - things that usually take months and months have all happened NOW! 'Praise the Jesus' as Kensley would say!! :)

So, if you call and I seem just totally out there or if you text and I don't respond or if you see me and I don't even seem to know you. Please over look it for a little while. I am really hoping to get all of these things settled and behind us so we can live our peaceful little family life soon!

And I can't WAIT to have company and entertain at the NEW HOUSE!!! Space!!! We have space!!! And LOTS of room for teenagers!!! And LOTS of room for little (almost big) boys!!! And we're excited!!!

Here's the moral of the story..... MY HOUSE IS FOR SALE!! EMAIL, CALL, TEXT!!! PRICED TO SALE FAST!!!

Oh my goodness....

2010-06-28T09:47:00.002-05:00

Just a recap for my book that I am planning on turning this blog into: We have gone and gone and gone and gone some more! Week before last I (Lee had to work a couple of nights) went to church every night at Huntsville. And then went on Saturday night and to Scottsboro on Sunday morning and Huntsville on Sunday night and Scottsboro again Monday night and Williams Cove Tuesday night and Huntsville Wednesday night. Thursday night I had agreed to shoot some engagement pics so I worked that night. Lee and I had not had a night with just us since we got married so we decided to go on a "date" Friday night. Went to Conners at Bridgestreet to eat and it was awesome! Of course, it could have just been the company. Food could have been gross and I would probably have never known! :) Saturday night we went to Huntsville, Sunday to Pleasant Oak and Sunday night we went to Oak Grove and then to Karen and Nicky's for a while after church. I really want to go to Oak Grove every night this week. Don't know if it will actually happen. Lee has to close three nights so me and the kids will have to go but I really would like to.

I thought I would be totally exhausted but I'm really not. I still feel pretty good! My feet are telling me to buy new shoes though!! :)

Hope everyone has an awesome week! Enjoy the warm weather! :)

I do have some new pictures!! That pesky Verizon aircard is still messed up at our house so I'll have to go back and add them later!!

Wow.

2010-06-21T09:42:00.002-05:00

What a difference a day makes....or maybe a few! God has added a chapter in my fairytale and life at my house is....BRIGHT! It's kind of funny, we live in a little 50-something year old house that before last week was so dingy and dark to me. But the last few days, I have woke up thinking "Wow, it's so bright and beautiful here!" I have caught myself lying in bed smiling, even laughed out loud a few times, before I drifted off to sleep, and then woke up smiling in the morning. I am amazed at what God has done for our family. I am amazed at the feeling in my home. I am amazed at how my marriage has grown and bloomed in five days. The relationship I have with my husband is at a new level that I never knew existed. (Have I mentioned that I have an awesome husband!?) My LIFE is at a new level that I never knew existed!

"Because I prayed all night, because I held on with all of my might, my cries have awoken the Master!" And what a feeling that is!!

So THANKFUL!!

2010-05-26T11:49:00.003-05:00

I am soooo thankful that #1 - SCHOOL IS OUT!!!! I was ready for a break and I know Kade was!! Today was his awards and I joked that we had had such a hard year that I really didn't see the point in going. But we did, of course. And he got TEN (10) AWARDS!! I don't have them in front of me and can't name them all but he got a FIRST PLACE AR reading award for his class (!!!!), a Student Council Vice-President award, a Science Fair Participation award (ugh...we earned that one), an award for having his art shown at Panoply, an award for having his art shown at the Art Museum, an award for being on Safety Patrol, an award for being the "Flag Person" (he puts it up and down every day), and a couple of others. He also got to start the program by leading everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance!

He also got his report card today and after all of the turmoil we seem to have had over grades this year - he had an A, 4 B's and 1 C! I am excited over those grades!! lol.

I have learned that even though he doesn't always have the best grades, he seems to be an excellent leader. So I try to encourage him in his strong points! And I remind myself daily that he is not his sister who always had excellent grades!! :) He really has turned out to be a really great kid. He is always willing to help people and seems to be more mature than some his age. WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU KADE!!

(I do have pictures!!!!! Will post them a little later!)

What a weekend!!

2010-05-18T10:30:00.002-05:00

I have been soooo frustrated with myself! I had this awesomely crazy wild busy weekend. And I never even picked up my camera to take not one picture!! What is up with me?? I seem to pick it up less and less. And then, it comes time to blog, and I am just mad at myself for it! What good is a blog with NO pictures!? I mean...come on! I am going to do better. I am going to do better. I am going to do better.....maybe.

I hate when life just takes over and you get so into it that you leave behind the small things. I love my camera. I love pictures. But life has consumed me lately. (Well....life and laundry. But can I just say - for the first time in a month - I have one...maybe two at the most...loads of laundry to do!! Yay me!!!) I want to work on that. I want to figure out a way to keep the house clean, the laundry done and supper on the table....and still have the small things on a daily basis. I haven't sewn in ages. I love that too. How would I fit it in?!? Any suggestions are welcome.... :)

Off the soapbox...

Friday night was the Singing at the Lake. LOVE that singing. Try to go every year. Lee had to work (of course) so me and the kids went with Becky and Hilary because Paul was out of town. We had a blast! Saturday morning we got up waaaayy early and went yard selling - which I also LOVE! Then went to Joe David's surprise 30th birthday, then went to Grayson's 5th birthday (loved hanging out with the girls!!!!!!!! Conversations were awesome!!! :) ) But since I had taken some time off from the house - HAD to go back to the laundry and dirt!!! Spent all day Sunday cleaning and doing laundry. Sunday night Lee and I hit the grocery store so we would actually have food to eat. And all of the sudden, it was Monday again!

I still stand by my recent rant....weekends should be 5 days and the work week should be 3 days!!!!!

Hope everyone has an awesome week!

Please hurry SUMMER!

2010-05-13T14:52:00.003-05:00

Wow. I need summer to get here in a hurry. Otherwise, my accident prone child is going to have something serious happen or his mother is going to seriously hurt him. lol. The kid has come home early from school at least one day a week for I know three weeks and I really believe it's four, I just don't remember what the fourth week was for! Everytime I see the school's number pop up on my cell phone, I wonder what he has done this time. The first week, he fell in PE and hurt his shoulder. We picked him up and took a trip to the doctor. He xrayed it like 3 times and decided he had messed up his rotator cuff. Ugh. However, the doctor said everytime he moved it Kade was in pain because it was swollen so to bring him back in a week so they could make a decision as to what to do. Well, the next night he was throwing a football with that arm so I decided he was fine on my own. :)

Fast forward to the next week.....school calls, Kade is having a terrible asthma attack. Can't find his inhaler. I had mine in my purse. Lee was at home but no inhaler there. So.....Lee picks him up and brings him to my office. He uses the inhaler, he's fine. That night. His inhaler miraculously shows up in his backpack. Again...UGH.

So.....Tuesday of this week. Cell phone rings. Guess who!? Yep, you guessed it - it's the school! I answer. Kade was in PE....fell and hurt his ankle. Looks kind of bad. He can't walk on it. Lee is on nights and is at home. He goes and gets him on his way to work. Brings him to my office. Kade comes limping down the stairs. Funny thing, we get home. That ankle doesn't seem to cause not one problem when he jumps on that dirt bike and starts it!! All together now.....UGH UGH UGH!

Ummm.....yeah.

2010-05-07T08:55:00.004-05:00

Two posts in one day. Wanted to post this picture but had not uploaded it yet. Can we just chalk this up to, "Boys will be boys," and go on with life? Because if not, I'm going to dwell on "what could have happened" and cry some more.

I have a love/hate relationship with the dirtbike. I love it just because of the fact that it gives my son hours and hours of fun. He loves it. All of our boys have one and they ride and ride and ride and ride and ride and ride.

However, Kade's has now been flipped front over back...which resulted in a broke collarbone. A month or so ago Konnor ran his off the gravel road, down the embankment and into the creek (you really should hear Kade's version of that story - SUPPOSEDLY, the dirtbike was ON TOP of Konnor and he had to save him from drowning....let's just say he has a wonderful imagination and I'm not REAL sure that is the true version of the story. Of course Konnor's version is that Kade was riding too close to him and Kade RAN him off of the road into the creek....we'll never know what really happened.) And then of course there have been numerous other little incidents.

Well, last night, Kade was riding and Konnor was on back. Kade didn't see the rope that my uncle had strung up to level some fencing he was doing....obviously, because he hit it full force and clotheslined himself with it. He was lucky. It was rope. The result was a bad looking rope burn with a very small cut place.

Thank you God for it not being barbed wire.

Friday!!!

2010-05-07T07:16:00.003-05:00

I am SOOOO proud it Friday! I need the weekend. I really needed it yesterday. Who was it that made five day WORK weeks? Don't you think it should be two day work weeks and five day weekends?? I totally think so. I can't seem to get done what I want to get done. How am I supposed to clean and do photography and scrapbook and sew and shop and go to church three times all in two days? You know, when you write that down, it makes much less sense!

I have once again got in the sewing mood. Have completed lots of embroidery lately. I will have to post some pics later. Finished several gifts so I'll have to give them to them before I show pictures!

Not much happening today - thank goodness! Plan on hanging around the house and doing the mountains of laundry that I have! And plan on trying to stay cool!! Did you know the high for today is 91 degrees!!!! We need a pool!!!! :)

I will leave you with some of the wedding pictures that Shannon Byrd so graciously took for me!! I did the editing on a lot of them so you will probalby notice a difference from his normal - we have much different editing ideas! Well, actually, it's probably more of a....he knows HOW to edit and I don't!! :)

Happy Friday!!!

Wonderful weekend

2010-05-05T21:14:00.004-05:00

Lee was actually off the past weekend. Very few and far between!! We had all of these home projects lined up to take care of on Saturday...it was supposed to be rainy all day so I just knew I would get my house all clean, and he was going to take care of repairs we needed....haha, funny. We did sleep late, and got up and went out to sit on the deck (our favorite place...no, we are NOT old!) Melia called and said she was cooking breakfast....so without missing a beat we said, "We'll be right there! And tell Jeremy we're going fishing after that!" So, off we fled. Funny how minds can change in a split second! It was great fishing weather! And I caught a fish!!!! Go ME!!!! :) See pics below!

Sunday we went to church and afterwards we were having "Senior Day" so I had cooked for that and we spent time with friends and family and had lunch. Went back to church Sunday night and then made a Krystal run and went home.

Have you noticed how the weekends just fly by!?! It just aggravates me when Monday rolls around!! lol. And it didn't make it any easier knowing that Lee is closing six nights in a row. That means I get up and go to work while he sleeps in and then he gets up and goes to work and comes home after all of us are in bed. Ugh. I guess that means life is beginning to get normal again. Even though I would like to be able to see my husband!! I DID just get married you know!!

Warm wishes!!

Yay Kade!!

2010-05-03T14:41:00.002-05:00

Once again Kade had art displayed at the Huntsville Museum of Art. This is his second piece that they have had on exhibit during Youth Art Month. We have not had a chance to go see in the actual museum but Kylee had to go there for her Art class so I told her to make pictures.....well, I forgot to specify that I wanted a picture of the plaque with his name on it! lol. Isn't it very creative? Way to go Kade!

Irises

2010-04-26T07:06:00.003-05:00

I do not have a green thumb...at all. But a friend of mine gave me some irises a few years back. I have kind of moved them around a few times until I found a spot I liked. I started watching them a few weeks back, the new spot must be perfect because they had tons of blooms on it. Then they started blooming and they were just beautiful. So I went and took some pictures. Sure am proud I did! The next day the storms moved through and they are all laying on the ground now!! :( Oh well, maybe they will bloom again!

Married!

2010-04-19T10:12:00.009-05:00

Yes, I see the dates...I know the last I blogged was....well, it was ages ago. I have an excuse! It's pretty good I think!! :)

I'm sure everyone that reads this already knows the story, but to recap....I am now married. Actually, as of April 15th, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. Yes, TAX DAY - figured there should be something good happening on that day!

I really just wanted to post a few of the pics from the day! Enjoy!! Maybe I will keep up better from now on!!

And I have better pics - just can't seem to get them to work right now!!

GREAT Night!!

2010-04-08T22:00:00.000-05:00

Since I am getting married....SOON....my wonderfully awesome friends and family got together for a surprise outing for me! Hehehe...that poor waiter at Carrabbas will never be the same! Speaking of Carrabbas, going to give them a plug! They have a great outdoor room for such gatherings! Thankfully, we were all alone in there. Except for the waiter...who learned to open the door and peek in before entering. LOL!! I got...ummmmm....mostly really nice gifts! :) I do not believe I have laughed that much in probably years!

Here's a few pics. Notice there are NO gifts showing......

ALOHA! hahahahaha.

Easter Photo Shoot

2010-04-04T20:51:00.000-05:00

Shannon and I did an Easter shoot again this year. Cute cute little lamb...again! I love them. Shannon has a love/hate relationship with them. He always comes around in the end and always likes the pictures but I always have to hear how crazy I am for wanting live animals when I start talking about it. Now....if I can just find a few live reindeer.....

Easter Sunday

2010-04-04T19:30:00.000-05:00

Easter was a wonderful day! The weather was wonderful and I love to go to church on Easter and walk in and see all the bright clothes. Just makes for a cheerful day! :)

The Easter Bunny came! He even brought me a basket!

Spring Break!!!

2010-03-25T06:57:00.008-05:00

We had an awesome Spring Break! Lee was still living in Tampa working so me and the kids flew down and stayed with him for the week. I had been there several times so knew my way around so while Lee worked we toured. Then Lee was off on Friday so we all went to Universal Studios for the day. I have more than a few pics of the week! Imagine that!! :) Picture overload!!

What he loves at 11....

2010-03-22T21:20:00.000-05:00

I want to remember everything I can about my life, my kids, my family. That's the whole reason for the blog. This is what Kade loves. Legos. He will play for them for hours and hours and hours. He builds cities, and buildings and trucks and rescue equipment. He wants new ones constantly - and those things are expensive!! So on holidays and birthdays, we watch for the buy one get one half off sales! It really gets frustrating - you spend $100 on a Lego city and he has it put together in an hour. Really! For $100 it should at least take four hours!!! :) But then he just takes them apart and does it all over again. And then he takes that apart and makes his own designs.

Spur of the moment...

2010-02-20T22:11:00.001-06:00

We actually had a Saturday that we didn't have prior plans. Wow. That doesn't happen much. It was a beautiful warm day and we wanted something to do. I had been hunting rabbits for our Easter shoot that was coming up and someone told me the flea market in Collinsville might have some. So I got the kids up early and off we went! It was a great day! The kids loved the flea market. The both love animals so we looked at every puppy, chicken, goat, lamb, and rabbit there. Some of them twice. And if you are hunting something - chances are, it's there! It was a great day - but we missed out on the rabbits. If you are looking for something...GO EARLY

As we were leaving we were behind this truck and all the sudden this little head popped up...guess he didn't get sold!

!

Kade

2010-02-15T20:46:00.001-06:00