revelation

So, Busyboy comes running to me this morning with great excitement.
"Mom. God healed me. He healed my scratch and the band-aid just came off!"
It reminded me of the stone that had been rolled away from the tomb when he said it. He was shocked.
And there was no way I would tell him that I pulled the bandage off his face while he was sleeping. Instead I responded "You are right. God heals. Isn't that great?!?!"
Man, I love my children :) Every day is amazing when you have little ones at your feet.

Photo Friday

I've heard and seen the "wordless Wednesdays". There are too many thoughts to decide what to post today so I decided to come up with a "photo Friday". enjoy~

Happy New Year!

Yes. I did say "Happy New Year" because I have not already- oops!
I am over my scare (that was the last post in case it's been so long that you have no idea what scare I am referring to!) and over the fact that I acted somewhat immature on New Year's Eve. Wait. That's another post.

So, I have been away from the computer more lately or at least away from my blog. It's almost like a fad. Blogs remind me of t-shirt ties and side pony tails and tight rolling jeans. I never would have considered myself a rebel but I guess I am of sorts. Once "everyone is doing it"....that's when I get tired of it. You know. Like a diet. Of course Atkins sounded good and worked the first time. But, why try again?

Speaking of dieting....I have not done so well this year. I have however, impressed myself with trips to the gym. If only hubby wasn't a coach, I might could go more!

Life is so busy now with it being baseball season, and friends having babies, and a consignment sale to participate in....not to mention my Relay for Life team that's forming and the efforts there (check out the Southern Belle team at www.relayforlife.org/hoover)

So, here's hoping that you are all having a super day and that I will find more time to be a member of the bloggy world. I know some of you are in withdrawals because you haven't had a Spencer post to read. sorry! I will try harder and post more of my "post thoughts". Do you have those by the way? I know I haven't pecked out much here on the keyboard but friends, believe me when I say I think in "post terms". Everything that happens is in my head like a story. But what Mommy has time to post it all, right?? I'm too busy being a mommy!! Hence, Busy Momma :)

Erase the memory, please!

Okay. So there haven't been too many posts lately from this household. I hope to do better in 2009. For now, I leave you with this:
Christmas and all the fun chaos that comes with the holiday....isn't it inevitable that something disastrous happen? All was well until BusyBoy decided yesterday to take a test run on his cousin's new motorcycle. It is the cutest thing you have ever seen, complete with training wheels. I had just mentioned to my dad that the rider was so low to the ground and it went so slowly that even if it crashed, injuries were unlikely. Wouldn't it be fun if BusyBoy had one and they could ride together? NO!!!!
BusyBoy had the dirt bike at top speed (faster than what I thought it would go) when he jumped or maybe tried to go around a bush. Down he went. Bike to the left, boy to the right.
I have never been more scared in my life!! My nephew was in my lap in the Rhino as Busy Daddy raced to the scene. There he lay spread eagle, face down and not moving at all. After calling my baby boy's name several times and without a response, I screamed to the top of my lungs. I just knew that he was dead, paralyzed or at the least unconscious. My screams rang through the fields. My brother ran as fast as any white boy has ever ran, jumping the terraces through the field. My daddy drove his truck so fast that Mom swears he'll need a new one soon. It's built Ford tough but that's not what Ford had in mind, I'm sure!
BusyBoy got up without a scratch. His cousin was crying because I screamed so loudly. And I was in hysterics at just the thought that my baby was dead or paralyzed.
Immediately, I took back at all I had said to my dad about the Santa gift being safe for a three year old. I held my baby in my arms for the ride back to the house. The dirt bike was thrown into the back and returned to the shed.
Christmastime is sure to hold memories. I wish this one could be erased. I just knew that I was about to hold my sweet boy for the last time and it was the MOST terrifying thing that has ever happened to me before.
I'll be back to you in 2009, after I recover from my scare :)

Tag....I'm it! (again!!)

This time it's a photo tag. The rules are to go to your photo files and post the 6th photo in the 6th file. So, here ya go:

This silly (or scary) face of Busyboy's was really the 6th in the 5th folder because folder 6 only had two photos....

And try number two resulted in this pose from Busybaby. It was the 6th photo in the 6th folder from the bottom....just in case you care.
Tag! Now you are it, ...crazy, wonderful...
Bevs
Harwells
Screws
paperwork and pacis
Primm and Proper
Shunnarahs
Okay. So that's seven. So what. It didn't all work out how it was intended anyway!
~enjoy :)

Daddy Crocker

That's right....there's no Betty Crocker at our house but there's sure a Daddy Crocker! (He can't have all the credit though. Clay's aunt made the dough and the icing......he only rolled it out and made the shapes.)
Busy Daddy and Busy Boy had such a good time in the kitchen tonight making sugar cookies. The bad part is that Busy Momma rolled out the dough and it stuck to the kitchen table and was too thin. Busy Daddy came to the rescue and just look at the finished product:

Thanks, sweet Aunt for sharing your sugar cookie stuff with us!

Want to go to Brooklyn?

Anyone up for a trip to Brooklyn? What about Jerusalem?
I watched the following two videos tonight on youtube and I'm ready for a journey.... You see, the Bible study I am doing right now is Psalms of Ascent by Beth Moore. I was so confused at first and thought that surely this was a study only for scholars (or at least those who are more Bible smart than me!). The more I study and the more I learn, the more hungry I am for the Word. It's such an amazing thing friends!! I'M AMAZED!!

I just can't wait for Wordless Wednesday to share these!!

Why?

"I love you Momma" Busyboy said as he settled onto the sofa for a half hour of Noggin.
"Why?" I asked him. (Usually, I just respond, "I love you too!")
"Because you're so cute!" he said in a matter of fact way.

Well, now doesn't that just make a momma's day? I'm loved because I'm so cute :)
Thanks, Busyboy for loving me!! I'm pretty fond of you myself and yes, you are so cute, too!

Love never fails

This afternoon, Busyboy and Busybaby (those are the newest blog names I've chosen for the kiddos, by the way) went to church with a dear friend while hubby and I went to see "Fireproof" at a local theatre. Our church sold tickets to one showing and it was sold out! We were running late (because what theatre experience is complete without popcorn and a super sized coke that costs you what dinner would at a sit down restaurant?) and ended up on the very front row (where I thought for a few minutes that I would surely vomit!! That pitch black room with little lights on each step never made me feel so drunk before!! What's happened in my old age of 29??) and I have to admit, I would do it all over again :)
The movie was super! So many times, I glanced over at hubby or he would sneak a peak my way as if to say, "that sounds familiar" or "I think I've said/done that before!" Chances are, you can relate to the couple as well as we did.
"The Love Dare" is an important part of the movie and I quietly wished that I could find a book just like it ....AND I DID!
Back up one minute- Even though we would be back home just a few minutes after my sweet friend needed to leave and head to her own church service, she insisted that she take the kids with her (she isn't a mommy yet so running late isn't such a norm for her) so that we could have another hour or so to ourselves. Well, let me just tell you: a book store is that last place you would find either of us if we were missing in action AND THAT'S EXACTLY WHERE WE WENT! I don't ever purchase those frequent buyer things they offer because I seriously might go to a bookstore once or twice a year!! I went this time with all intentions of finding a specific kid book while hubby had a few minutes to catch up on whatever he might find interesting in the sports section. On the same aisle where I was searching, a dark brown, small, paperback seemed to scream at me. Get ready!! You won't believe me but I swear it's the truth!! "The Love Dare" was the title on the cover!! So small and dark and hidden in all the others and I just stumbled upon it...just happened to see it there...NO WAY!! This is why I love the Lord my God- He's amazing and His light shines when all else fades :)
I would encourage everyone to see "Fireproof". Not married? Not a big deal. Go see if you can get it all figured out before you get into a relationship. Not interested in a relationship right now? That's okay too! You can still learn lessons about love! God loves us even when we try to run from HIM. And our love for others should be unconditional as well. ~Corinthians 13:7-8

The story behind the song...

I never knew the story behind this song. I rarely know the story behind any song to be quite honest. Ask my husband or brother-in-law. They will tell you that I don't even know the correct words to most songs! "Give me the Beach Boys, free my soul..." In case you are confused, it's "give me the beat...".
Anyway, this was posted on another girls blog and I decided I should share it with y'all. Whoever y'all might include. Enjoy and please know that HE can move mountains in your life and mine!!

**side note: you will want to mute the usual music of my blog or you will be hearing it and this all at once :) To do so, just scroll on the way to the bottom and hit pause. That should do it.

Happy Birthday, Coach Tubberville!

And Happy Birthday to ME!! It has by far been the best birthday yet :) It all began last night when I was expecting my husband to show up ready to take me to dinner, when instead, it was three of my favorite friends at the door- all giggles because they had pulled it off and I was totally surprised!!
We got to the restaurant and what do you know? Four other friends were there to join us (they are all my favorites, too!) We enjoyed dinner, complete with wine and strawberry truffles (from Ashley Mac's in Bluff Park I might add- the best!!). And as if that wasn't enough, they together gave me a black HOBO clutch :) See you later, ugly and too little wallet!! I have found a new friend (even my lip gloss and car key fit in there)!

I was so shocked that I never really teared up until today...in the car pool line...I started thinking about how blessed I am to be surrounded with awesome friends who truly love me...a few tears and then a prayer...and a new post was born.
Thanks to you: Chera, Elizabeth, Leslie, Alison, Amanda, Joanna, TaraKy (listed not by order of importance but by seating arrangement if you are curious) for making my birthday so special and being my friend- I love you all!!

The story isn't over. Hang tight. Today, I went grocery shopping with my mother in law's husband (I guess that technically makes him my father in law?) and it was great. They gave me birthday money so I could (for once) by groceries with cash. Then he paid for lunch (which we picked up and took to enjoy with hubby at his school). It was so nice to have someone make out like the day is all about me!!

Several e-cards, phone messages, e-mails, a flower from my real estate agent (who is a great friend) and this afternoon my daddy is taking me to pick out a new washing machine...what more could I ask for? Happy 29 years to me!! And happy I am!! Thanks so much to those of you who have helped to make my birthday so special :) I wonder how Tommy's day has been so far?

Where are your priorities?

I know mine aren't always in the right order. What about you? I want to share this thought that was shared in my Bible Study on Monday. It is not an original of my own but I do not know who the author is. So, whoever you are, I hope you don't mind that I pass this along. And, kudos to you for:

Cell phone vs. Bible
I wonder, what would happen if we treated out Bible like we treat our cell phones?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we turned back to get it when we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
This is something to make you go....hmmm....where is my Bible? oh. And one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill. Makes you stop and think "Where are my priorities?" And no dropped calls!

So there you go. Ponder that today! My kids are higher on my list than this blog so ta ta for now....Clay is yelling for a drink :)

random photos (because I LOVE photos!!)

And you ask why I want to lose weight? Just look at me here!!
Just kidding. It's only my face on that body....in case you were wondering and if you didn't recognize me at all it's understandable but I'm the one at the top of the photo :)
I just found this on my computer and it makes me laugh. I went to New Orleans with the coaches wives at the first school where my hubs taught and this was just one of the silly things we wasted our money on. It sure makes me feel good about my figure though!!


This is one of my uncles. We won't mention any names...for obvious reasons :) I took this photo when we were entertaining ourselves in the waiting room of the hospital after a terrible vehicle accident involving my brother. So, that's the sad part. The funny part is that I sent out an email to people (who would recognize this man) and asked for donations that could help him with his "issues". He really was just being silly with some hideous eye glasses but my family sure got a kick out of the pretend email. Now to the serious part. I wish I could tell you that he's having a fun day and being silly right now, but that's not the story. My uncle is in the hospital undergoing some tests. I know he would appreciate your prayers and so would I.


Here's the last one for now. It is my grandfather. I love this photo for more than one reason. Frist of all, because it's him, but also because it shows what a hard working man he is. Always out in the garden working to feed his family....like people used to do. Notice there is no cell phone clipped to his waistband either!! Am I the only one who sometimes imagines how nice it would have been to live a long time ago...when life was more simple? I know. I know. Then I wouldn't have this blog but you know what I mean. Family, fun just staying at home, church is the exciting part of your weekend...no worries about your food (the cost and the pesticides) because it came from your backyard... ah! the good ole days.

President

I do not consider myself intelligent when it comes to politics. Just ask my husband. He would be embarrassed to admit the level I am on considering that he teaches high school economics....and conversations he has had lately with his senior students concerning our next president and the economy are far above me!! With that said though, the following is an email I received and I did find it to be rather interesting:

You couldn't get a job at McDonalds and become district manager after 143 days of experience.
You couldn't become chief of surgery after 143 days of experience of being a surgeon.
You couldn't get a job as a teacher and be the superintendent after 143 days of experience.
You couldn't join the military and become a colonel after a 143 days of experience.
You couldn't get a job as a reporter and become the nightly news anchor after 143 days of experience.
BUT....
From the time Barack Obama was sworn in as a United State Senator, to the time he announced he was forming a Presidential exploratory committee, he logged 143 days of experience in the Senate.
That's how many days the Senate was actually in session and working.
After 143 days of work experience, Obama believed he was ready to be Commander In Chief, Leader of the Free World, and fill the shoes of Abraham Lincoln, FDR, JFK and Ronald Reagan. 143 days?
We all have to start somewhere. The senate is a good start, but after 143 days, that's all it is - a start. AND, strangely, a large sector of the American public seems to feel comfortable with this and campaigning for him. We wouldn't accept this in our own line of work, yet some are OK with this for the President of the United States of America? Come on folks, we are not voting for the next American Idol.

I am not asking for any comments as to who you are voting for. I just wanted to be nice and share this bit of info for you to ponder. (And since this blog is somewhat of a journal for me, I like to record things such as this to look back on in days ahead. By the way, does anyone know if there is a way to print a blog?)
Voting is around the corner and we all need to pray that the right man is sworn in to lead our country. Here's hoping you have a happy day~

Why do they grow up so fast?

I told my kids that it was bath time. Even the Lord knows that kids shouldn't attend church that grubby! The boychild who's three responds, "Right after I shave." And up on the counter he goes....shaving cream swiped all over just like his daddy does it and then it's wiped away sweep by sweep with the Diego razor. Is this really happening? He seriously thinks that he should shave before each bath now!! (And he prefers a shower to a bath by the way.)

Betty Crocker

"Great cook" is not on the list of descriptives for me. I am no where close to being a Betty Crocker. Sometimes I like to pretend I am though. Every now and then I get super organized (usually because the checkbook balance is low) and plan out meals and grocery lists and try new recipes. That keeps us out of the drive thru windows (which tend to take away from the funds and add to the bellies).
So, I thought I would share with you a new recipe for Easy Mini-Cheesecakes.

Here it goes: 12 vanilla wafers 1 tsp vanilla
2 8oz pkgs. cream cheese 2 eggs
1/2 cup sugar

Line muffin tins with foil liners (I used paper but surely the foil would be better. I really think this would work perfectly with the silicone muffin cups. Has anyone tried those yet?).
Place 1 vanilla wafer in each.
Mix cream cheese, vanilla, sugar, and eggs on medium speed until well blended.
Pour mixture over wafers, filling 3/4 full.
Bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes.
Cool on wire rack and then chill.
Top with your favorite topping or enjoy it plain like we did!

okay. So that's not hard at all and the ingredients can easily be halved so that you don't eat too many :) Let me know if you try it out! Happy baking~ Betty C.

Fall is near, Football time is here

In the spirit of football season,
AUBURN football, that is,
here are a few photos I stumbled across from Clay's earliest days as a Tiger fan. enjoy~

I should have known!

Picture this:
It's raining. Not pouring. Just a drizzle that makes you want to stay in bed all day. We are heading to the first day of preschool for the second time this morning. Yep. You understood. We left home once and now we are leaving again. As we drive down our street my mind is in a fog of what exactly I'll call my blog post today. I know that will be my first task to complete when Ags and I return home :)
I should have known that it would come naturally and without much thinking.

This is Clay's first day of preschool. Not Mom's Day Out but the real deal thing- PRE-K. I can't believe it's happening. So, we are up and ready with breakfast in our bellies and no fussing over how many more shows we should watch on Noggin. We are doing well! Out the door we go at 8:34 to get in the carpool line that begins to unload at 9- what shall we do? Our church is less than 2 miles from our house. He was so eager that I couldn't contain him in this house any longer! He was in the car before me! I decided that it would be nice to go visit my aunt who works at a bank nearby. After a quick visit at the teller window, off to school we went. I stopped to take a photo or two of Clay in his carseat, the sign that says "3K this way", and we even pulled over into a parking spot to say a prayer. We are third in line then:
"Clay, where's your backpack?"
"I don't need a backpack. I'm a big kid and don't pee in my pants."
"Son, it's the rule. You must have your backpack!!"
So, the lady behind me is honking because she thinks I'm about to back into her white Jeep. No lady. I'm getting out of this line for a reason. We left home half an hour too early and now that it's 4 minutes until unload time, we have to go back home and get my kid's backpack!!! Doesn't crap like this happen to you? You obviously have a preschooler too. And you know you are ready for a break and a teacher to handle him or her for 4 hours or else you wouldn't be so darn close to me in this carpool line!!

There was really no reason for me to get huffy and stressed. We made it back in plenty of time. Did I already mention that our driveway and that of the church is approximately 1.8 miles? And remember we left at 8:34 to be at school at 9.




So after a wild ride, Clay hops out and heads into a new chapter of his life. And, I should have known that eventhough all summer long I've been looking forward to this day, I cried like I did the first time I ever took him to Mom's Day Out. Except this time, I didn't call my husband in hysterics, I simply prayed that the Lord would calm my soul. And that He did!

There's a first time for everything....

Meeting "Nim Nim" and getting her first Madam Alexander dolly...
Riding on a pedal boat at Oak Mountain State Park...
Tubing at the lake...
Fudge popsicles...