My kind of place

I have found a great new hang out for the Jones family (mainly me).
While the kids and I were walking along Main Street in the freezing cold yesterday, we came upon a place called Sel Et Poivre. I had never heard of it nor seen it in all my times driving passed it.... ON Main Street.
We decided to go in and take a look and get a menu. Upon entrance I new this was my kind of place. Black and warm yellow walls with beautiful hanging lights, open ceilings, bright red suede-like chair covers and booths, black and white photos, free WiFi, a daily changing menu(the kind on a chalk board) and best of all...... they serve Starbucks coffee.
Where have I been since moving to London???
When we moved here I asked about a Starbucks and someone told us that there was a place that served the coffee and they acted as though it wasn't very good. THEY ARE WRONG!!
The gingerbread lattes are great and the white hot chocolate is rich. The menu looks absolutely scrumptious. I can't wait to come here with Chris for lunch or a dinner night out.
When the kids and I came yesterday it was us 3 and 3 other kids in the place and that was all.
When we got here tonight at 8:00 PM it was a packed house. We had to wait to get a table. Chris was ready to go and I asked him to wait so we could sit and take in the atmosphere. I also wanted to be able to get on the internet while here. Gracie is acting like such a grown up drinking her white hot chocolate out of her Starbucks cup. What a hoot!!!
If you're ever in London, come onto Main Street and find Sel Et Poivre and find me as well!!

observing

It's 11:42 PM and I'm sitting up just observing.
Jim Jones, David Jones, Chris Jones and Wayne Wilson have been playing monopoly for a few hours now.
Aaron Pelsue and I have been watching some football game that's a big deal to the guys here.
Nor Nor is asleep on the couch and has been for awhile now.
It's interesting to just sit here and listen to these 5 men sit around playing childish games and watching football.
I'm bored out of my head but not ready for bed.
So, I'll continue to make small talk and listen.

Rate my photo

http://www.picture.com/voteforme/photovote1.asp?PID=2446449

Go to this sight and you can rate my photo of Gracie that I submitted into an online photo contest. If I win, I'm not sure what I get but I'd like to find out!!


Rate My Photo, Click Here

Christmas, is it really over? Did you have a good one???
We sure did and still are??
We had planned on leaving London Wednesday morning but ended up leaving at 5:00 PM on Christmas day. After opening presents and having lunch, Chris threw out the idea of going on to NC. I told him if we were going to do that I needed to get cleaning and doing some laundry to pack.
So in about 3 hours I did 2 loads of laundry, cleaned out the fridge and got all the lunch stuff washed up. After that, we were on our way. The kids were so very excited that we left a day early. They also were so excited (as was I) that we were going to show up at the house unannounced.
The plan worked. We turned off our car lights when we pulled into the drive and rang the doorbell at about 10:30 PM. Pop's face was VERY confused when he came to the door.
When it opened we said "Merry Christmas!"
How fun!!!
We got up the next morning got our showers (except for Chris b/c it's a Christmas tradition to not shower) at some breakfast and then started the present opening process.
The 5 kids went first. After them, we cleaned up some paper and had intermission time. Then it was adult time! I think my favorite gift was the Beth Moore daily "Praying God's Word prayer cards"from David and Kelly... thanks guys!
Isaiah's fav gift was his full spider-man suit, Gracie's favorite gift was her Gabriella doll, Chris' fav gift was the book "Skin" by Ted Dekker.

Today Chris and I went out shopping. He's wanting to find a new pair of shoes and I was on the hunt for a digital camera. We did research online and found what I wanted at Walmart!
Right now I'm charging the camera battery. Once it's ready, I'll be taking some pics and playing around with it. I love new gadgets!

We've got another 4 days in NC and we will do some more after Christmas sales shopping. I always get the kids' winter clothes for next year at this time. It really does save the bucks!!

Merry Christmas

Tomorrow is the last Sunday before Christmas which means lots of Christmas music in church service. YEAH!! I love Christmas songs.. don't you??

Monday night CCC will be having our Christmas Eve service where I'll be Mary and sing Breath of Heaven. I think our bell choir will also be playing. They are so beautiful to hear! There's nothing like bells at Christmas time!

Monday day Amy and Dustin will be coming to our apartment in London for the first time. We'll eat, chat, open gifts and just catch up for awhile. I can't wait to see them again! Amy and I have seen each other a few times since the big move but she has not seen the kids since July.

I so look forward to Tuesday morning. Oh, the ah and wonder in the kids' eyes as they peer upon all their gifts. I too noticed I had a couple under the tree...obviously I've been a good girl this year. I look forward to reading them the Christmas story (even though Gracie has it memorized) and just talking about Jesus' birthday! I'm as excited as the children!!

Then Wednesday morn we'll head towards Advance, NC where the weather will be in the high 50's!! This weather is crazy. I'm so glad we were able to see snow last weekend while at my parents home in Indiana. Even though we did have to drive thru 3 inches of the stuff up and over and around those country roads, it was still so pretty!

Well, as usual, I'm off to Walmart for the 3rd day in a row. I REALLY must be crazy.

Merry Christmas and have a BLESSED new year in Jesus Christ!

From our home to yours!

can you believe it?

Can you believe Christmas is almost here??
I love seeing the wrapped gifts under out little tree. The kids have done so well this year.
They've not picked up a single present to try and open it.
I can't help but think back to last year when I was watching little Noah Fizer at my house in Flemingsburg. He came over 2 times a week and through December, he opened a present everytime he was there. I had to rewrap a few of them. Thankfully Isaiah never did that.

Gracie had something interesting happen to her this past Saturday, December 15 exactly one month from when Isaiah had the same thing happen.
She managed to dislocate her elbow just as Isaiah did. Hers did not seem to be as bad though.
She was hanging around Chris' neck when it happened. He had no idea she did it, but it must have caught just right when she was hanging and it pulled out of socket.
He left to go back to work and she came up to me and tole me she "needed a band-aid cause her arm hurt" I asked her to show me where and to tell me what happened.
She wasn't holding hers close to her belly like Isaiah did but when I told her to lift it above her head she said it hurt.
I then grabbed her hand and turned it inward just slightly. She let out a yell and that's when I knew it had been pulled out. I told her I had to twist her arm in and up and it would be over.
So I did just that. She let out a yelp and then was up and playing.

Isn't it strange how I'd never heard of such a thing and then, just like that, I'm taking one to the ER and mending the other? Chris was very impressed with my doctoring skills when I called him and gave him the news. I told him "it didn't hurt me any to do it."

We'll be off to NC the day after Christmas for about a week. We'll be with the WHOLE family a few days then David and Kelly and the 3 kids will head to her parents house for a few days/nights.
I'll have more internet time while there. Not having internet in the home is killing me. I can't sit and research things like I used to , or shoot out a quick email and my blog is lacking in effort.... I know~~!!

Chris has come for his computer so I must go!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Today is Isaiah's 3rd Birthday.

So far, we've had a home-made breakfast together, even though I was the only one who liked it.

Then we went to the restaurant of Isaiah's choice, which was McDonald's with the play land.

Later today we'll have cake and ice cream and open presents!

What a fun day!

HI

Hey everyone. Good Monday to YOU!!

Only 15 days until Christmas. Can you believe that? I can't wait. I love it with the kids!!

Happy Birthday to Kelly Jones today!!!

Jen from London, KY

I was just on K-LOVE Thursday, 3:50 PM.

I'm STILL here at church online. I had 99 emails to sort through.

I had the radio on while tinkering and all of a sudden there I was.

I sounded horrible! Do I really talk like that??? She used my call- in to open the song "I'm alive" by Steve Fee!!

YIPPEE!!

I'm still alive

Since turning 30 things have just gone down hill..... I don't even know how to use my computer anymore!
Kidding...

I've not blogged or checked email in a while. I know, not like me.
I don't have internet connection at home anymore so I have to go to the library or church to use the internet. Neither is much fun so I make it super quick so the kids aren't bugging everyone.
Today I'm in the church nursery with Chris' laptop, that way I can blog, check emails and just surf the net and not bother anyone.
The kids are running around and playing... loudly! Can you hear them???

I've had to start using Chris' old laptop because mine literally died one day. The last time the kids and I went to NC I was using it and it was working fine. The next day, I went to turn it on and it would not stay on. As soon as it would power up it would say "now logging off". NOT GOOD!
So all my info, pictures and stuff that were on that computer now can't be retrieved. I'm a little perturbed about that.

Yesterday I wrapped my first Christmas presents. We'll be going to Pekin, IN on the 14 and 15th to do Christmas with my parents and brother and his family.***(Greenvillers, come on by!!)*** So I decided to go ahead and wrap all presents that will go on that trip. The underneath of our little tree is now full. I love it.
Yes, I was able to put up a tree this year. I was afraid I wasn't going to be able to. Chris had to go back to F-Burg and get the rest of our stuff a few weeks ago from the house and all our Christmas decorations were there. So, he let me put up our smaller tree and a few decorations. The kids really had a good time putting all the ornaments on the tree. They're at the age that they enjoyed doing it and not destroying it. Of course the ornaments were on all the lower 2 levels of the tree so I had to go back and move them upward and take multiple ornaments off the branches. So cute!

Last thought,
I heard Steve Fee on K-LOVE today. I was so pumped. He was the worship leader at Catalyst this year and ROCKS! I called into the radio station and told Kelli Caldwell how excited I was that they were playing Steve Fee! I didn't make it on the radio though! BUMMER!

What a day or two

Seriously, I'm about to lose it!
Yesterday Isaiah decided to pee in his pants 3 times and once on the floor in the bathroom! 4 times in one day, what is going on?
When I woke up this morning, his shirt was wet.... with pee.
He peed through his pull-up and all over my bed from the king size comforter to the fitted sheet.
I now have to take that stupid king size comforter to the laundry mat again.
Here it is Thanksgiving tomorrow and I'm as bitter as a granny smith apple. Satan is trying to ruin me and he's doing a great job at it.
I have so much laundry to try and catch up on because Isaiah has peed on everything! I also have to get to the grocery in order to have things baked and cooked tomorrow to take to David and Kelly's for Thanksgiving lunch. We'll get to see the 3 kids and Nor Nor and Pop.
I'l be making the broccoli casserole, ham, rolls and apple pie.
To top it off, I burnt my right thumb on a 200 degree flat iron this morning. I grabbed that dern thang right on the hot surface. What a dummy! Now my thumb has a pink scar from the glass accident and a big puffy burn on it as well.
I'm determined to destroy that thumb after all.

Nursemaids Elbow

Last night I was watching 2 girls (ages 2 & 3) so their parent's could go to prayer and share.

It was about 9:00 when Isaiah got stuck behind the couch and Abby and Gracie decided they could pull him out. I told them to stop but it was too late. He was crying that his arm hurt so I felt on it and it made him scream. I knew something was wrong this time. When I felt on his arm right below the elbow it did not feel right. Fear set in.... was it broken or what? Ends up it was pulled out of socket and it's called nursemaids elbow. They showed me how to put it back into place if it ever happens again. I don't know how willing I am to put an elow back into place but I know how now.

He was such a trooper at the ER. He laid in my arms and just held his left arm with his right hand. When she had to put it back into place he screamed NO and just cried. It broke my heart, but it was over to fast. A few minutes later they gave him motrin and he moved it and just laughed at himself at what he'd done. He was so proud he could move it again.

He's fine today and playing as normal. We do have to make sure he's careful with it and to not let him hang on things or swing him by his hands because these are things that cause dislocations.

Sunday Sales

Today we all went to church at Pinedale Christian Church, which is the church Chris grew up in.

We went to their second service which is known as the contemporary service.

To me, it's what a normal worship service should be. I think out of 6 songs we sang, I only knew 3. I did feel a little lost this morning. They had a great band set up of drums, guitar, vocals, keyboard, sax and slide guitar. It was great. We also heard Jon Hauser preach, who is one of the YM's.

After we came home and had lunch, Nor and I took the kids out shopping. I love sales! First we went to The Rugged Warehouse, which is a small version of like a Gabriel Brothers.

I got a cute little pullover sweater for 4.99, a cute set of 3 "pearl" bracelets and big white sunglasses for 2.99!! What a steal!

Then we headed to K-Mart to look at toys and more sales. Nor got Isaiah a pair of "Cars" shoes and Gracie got fluffy, pink house slippers that say "I love Troy" (from HSM).

I found a plethora of UNC stuff on sale but can't say what because some are Christmas gifts!

I LOVE IT!!!

Our plan tomorrow is to shop....some more. There's supposed to be really good sales going on for Veteran's day.

By the way, THANK YOU to all of those out there serving our great America!! God Bless YOU!

Doodlebops

Today was a really neat day. Nor Nor and Pop took us to see the Doodlebops Live in Greensboro!

What a fun time!

Dee Dee, Rooney, Moe and Bus Driver Bob are super cool in person.

They really did put on quite the show of singing and dancing.

The kids had fun but you would not know it by looking at their faces.

They sat in their seats with arms folded taking it all in!

Pop and Nor Nor were super nice to buy them light up spinners and flags while there.

By night time the "Doodlebops" came alive in the house by the names of Gracie Doodle and Zayah Doodle.

NC

The kids and I made it to Nor Nor and Pops house safely.
We'll be here until Tuesday and from what I'm told we have a fun 4 full days planned.
As these days go by I'll keep you updated on the fun!
We did have one funny thing happen on our way here.
Pop met Chris and I (and the kids) somewhere passed Knoxville, TN then he drove us the rest of the way here.
While riding Isaiah said he had to go potty. We drove 2 miles to the next exit which took us directly to no where. Our best option was the side of the road.
It was a very beautiful setting. We were looking over a beautiful flowing creek with colored trees all around and a nice cool fall breeze. I guess Isaiah got nervous because he said it wasn't coming out the let us know "it's cold out here" while his pants and under-roos where around his ankles! It was quite cute!

Family Time

The Jones family took a little break for 24 hours on Thursday.
Chris left the office early and the 4 of us headed to the Holidome Holiday Inn in Lexington for some fun.
Chris swam with the kids while I enjoyed the sauna all by myself and the hot tub (fungus among us) for just a dip.
The pool was a little chilli for me, even in-doors. I'm the kind that likes to swim outside in 90 degree weather and the pool be at least 86 degrees!
After that, we headed to the mall and had some mall grub.
Isaiah played in the play area with Chris while Gracie and I went to Build A Bear. This was her second time doing this and loved it.
She was 3 last time she did it and she enjoyed it and appreciated it more this time. She also won't put her new bear, Gabriella down. She named her that from one of the kids on High School Musical. The bear is wearing a HSM shirt as well!
After a night in the hotel we went to Hamburg and enjoyed some time at Old Navy and Target and had a good meal at Logan's Roadhouse.
I rounded off our time with a much needed pedicure today at the salon. Boy, my toes where hurtin' for it! It was a great hour of pampering!!

Fall is hair

I've been waiting and waiting to get my fall "do" done.

I went in to the salon on Monday to have it darkened. Which, it is dark but I like it.

She put some mocha and copper in it. But I thought it looked a little too dull. She agreed.

So she said if I could come back that she'd put some highlights in it at no charge. I said "yeah, I can come in!!!" DUH!!

So today she put some red through-out the top. It's not really noticable in the pictures but it's there very subtly. It's a bright red too, but I love it!

I have to get used to this new me. When I look into the mirror I forget how dark it is and have to look again.

I think Chris likes it because it gives him a feeling of waking up to a new woman.

Blond wife for summer, dark haired wife for winter! Not bad!

Thanks Dena, you did great!

Trunk N Treat

Sunday night was CCC's Trunk N Treat.

It was our famly's first time doing this and it was FUN!!

For about an hour the kids got to play on the 4 HUGE blow-ups in the gym while adults sang karaoke!! You know, I should correct that because adults played on the blow up slides as much as the kids. Let me tell you, those things are slick!!

We also had hotdogs w/ chili and popcorn... you know, the good kind from the kettle popper!!

After that we had a brief devotion and then the kids were off to the trunks to get more candy than should be allowed.

My kids decided to use things we already had in the house for dress up. Gracie is a Tar Heel chearleader and Isaiah is Julius Peppers for the Panthers! Although I didnt' make it in any pictures, I was a teenager at a slumber party with BIG hair bows on my pig tails, pajama pants, toe socks and slippers.

We had kids and parents from the community that I had never seen before. I hope this outreach worked in a big way for them!

tooth

Isaiah gave me a scare today. He and Gracie got wild and running around the bedroom when daddy came home for lunch. They bumped head to mouth. His mouth to her head.
His front tooth started to bleed a little around the gum and Chris said it was a little loose.
I called the pediatric dentist in town and they suggested I bring him in. I had to leave to go babysit for a friend so Chris ran him over for an exam and an x-ray. Thankfully everything looked ok. Didn't appear to be any damage. They did tell us to keep an eye on it for any color changes and to let him eat softer foods for about a week.
I steamed broccoli tonight, which was super soft but he didn't like that a bit. Gracie on the other hand ate it for some reason.....and liked it!
He did like the popsicle just fine though.

Speaking of teeth, I get to go to the dentist again tomorrow for another filling! I was supposed to go last Friday, but his wife decided to have her baby. I think after this one I only have one more to get filled!!

P-O-T-T-Y TIME!

Last Wednesday Isaiah decided he wanted to use the potty all on his own. He came to me after he took a shower and said "I need to go potty" I was thrilled. I got the step stool for him and let him do his thing. He was so excited watching his "pee water" come out! Since Wednesday, I think we've had an accident each day but that's to be expected. I've been very brave and only put a diaper on him at night. We go out with big boy underwear on. He's peed all over himself twice at church now. But it's a lesson learned for him!! I've learned to carry extra socks, pants and a plastic bag in case of an accident.

The funniest story so far is when Isaiah got confused because the toilet seat was up (daddy didn't put it back down grr). He sat down on the toilet, minus the seat, and it about caused him to fall in. He got so caught up in the moment that he forgot to pull his underwear down. I heard him yell, "mommy, I peed in my underwear!" I got into the bathroom and he was hanging onto the toilet for dear life with his underwear still up around his waist....soaked! That one doesn't count as an accident because it wasn't his fault.

As for my hand, it's coming along. I still keep it wrapped up in order to keep it from busting open.

cuttin' it up

Today while washing dishes I cut the back of my thumb pretty deep on a glass. It hurts a bit but I refuse to go to the doctor for fear of stitches. It kinda lays open but is trying to close as long as I don't move or bend it. So I've got my thumb taped to the side of my hand so that I won't move it. It tends to bleed if I move it too much because the cut runs over the back knuckle. So, I'm sitting back letting Chris do my chores and all. I think he's gonna have to take us out to dinner tonite because I simply can't cook a good meal like this.

This one's for you, Chad Doerr

The Duluth Police department was kind to send Chris a few pictures of our car running one of two red lights while at the Catalyst conference.
You see, Chris thought becuase he was following Chad that he needed to run these red lights to keep up.
Luckily we only got caught on one.
I joked with him when he ran them (well after I yelled) that if they took a picture of our car, the ticket would mail to the address on our license.... Pecks Ridge. So we joked about that.
We were wrong, it came directly to London. They provided a few pictures of proof and let us know that the light had been red for 2.5 seconds when he went through it.
Now that's dangerous!! Chris assured me there was nothing coming when he ran it. Now, I feel better!
Our "keeping up with the Doerrs'" cost us $75 whoppers!

funnies

2 things:
1. I changed my myspace layout today. It's spooky so check it out. www.myspace.com/jenljones

2. So, I was in the dressing room the other day at Cato's and I hear a lady yell out "Euleen (you-lean) come here."
I couldn't help but laugh out loud and wonder if "You-Lean" had a twin "I-Lean"!!

Preach on, Preacha

Today was Chris' first sermon at Community Christian.
He did a great job both services. He taught about Christians not going to church because we are the church.
I also sang "If we are the body" by Casting Crowns.
It was a Jones Family day.
People asked us if the song went with the sermon or the sermon went with the song.
It was a great fit. That's the advantage of reading the sermon before it preached.
For the first time today, I could see Chris doing this (preaching to adults) and succeeding!!!
I think he's got something to look forward to in the future when his youth days come to an end.

My day

Let me share a part of my day with you.

I had a dentist appointment at 10:00 AM to get a cavity filled tooth drilled on.
I was sweatin' it! The reason, it had a deep cavity that could (and can) lead to a root canal. I fear the thought of pain at the dentist and I explained that to him.
He told me there was nothing to worry about because he was going to numb me up good.
He gave me two shots (which didn't hurt) and told me I shouldn't feel a thing because he gave extra for precaution. He poked on my gums and asked if I could feel it. I said "yes". So he proceeded to give me a third shot. AHHHH numb!!! VERY numb!!!
I put my ear buds in and went to musictown on my ipod. I didn't feel a thing, but was as tense as a hooker in church. I was afraid of the pain I might feel. After the drilling, suction and vibrating thing in my mouth he told me "if you didn't feel anything during that, then you're good!"
Oh, I was able to relax. I felt my butt cheeks finally touch the chair and my palms were beginning to dry up. "Wow, this is easy" I thought.

All in all, it ended up not being bad. He did tell me if I have any type of pain in the tooth, to come in for a root canal. If I can make it six months without any trouble then I should be good to go. With my numbed up and drooling face I smiled and said "shanks." I was numb for 3 hours!
Can you believe that?? I don't mind to bite on my cheek and drool for 3 hours as long as I don't feel a thing during the procedure.

We just had a DQ open in London and the kids wanted to go there for lunch. So we did.
I had to chew on the right side as well as learn how to drink thru a straw again. I told Chris I never wanted to have paralysis of the face. I know when I ordered our food the girl had to notice my mouth not moving. After we ate and got back to church Chris noticed he didn't have his phone. I called it and no answer. I continued to call it and it went straight to voice mail. Not a good sign! He hurried back to DQ and tried looking in the booth we were ate but he didn't want to scare the people sitting at it. He asked a worker if they'de seen it and they hadn't!
Oh boy, not the phone! He decided he'd go back to work and come back to DQ again later.
I called AT&T to have a block put on the phone so calls could not go out or come in.
I thought for sure it had been stolen and ready to be put on ebay for .99. The kids and I headed to Corbin to go to the large Christian book store there. While there, my phone rang. It was a young girl who said"I found a phone in the DQ parking lot." Well, I got really excited and people in the store new it!! I thanked her a million times and she offered to take it to him at church since she was in town. Praise the Lord! She saved us from a lot of headache and money.
The cool thing is, Chris got to meet someone and it could end up being an ordained moment by God! ***smiling!***

Now let me rewind. On my way from church to Corbin I was nearly in a very serious accident.
It shook me to the core.
A big dodge truck was coming down one of our roads. It's a very busy, 2 lane road with a speed limit of 35 mph. They were probably going faster than this but either way, they managed to drop their right wheel off the road. They over corrected and were heading towards me.
I saw smoke and heard their tires squeal! All I could say was "oh my goodness!" My reaction time was nonexistent (could have something to do with the numbing medication). By the grace of God he was able to pull that truck back into his lane right as I came past him. Adrenaline flew through my body immediately causing sweaty armpits and shaking hands. I stopped at the apartment and my legs were shaking and were so weak that it was hard for me to go up the stairs.
Gracie, remembering the last fender binder we were in, said "we almost got a dent in the car!"
I explained to her this would have been more then a dent. It would have sent us spinning off to who knows where.
Oh I was scared and thanking the Lord out loud for his protection!

In short, the Lord showed us his mercy in three BIG ways today.
First-by letting us meet a dentist at our church who is willing to help us out.
Second-by letting someone find his phone and then have to come to CCC to drop it off...... I see cool things happening!
Third- He spared the kids and I from what could have been a wreck.

Remember When

You Know You Grew Up In the 80's if:
1. You've ever ended a sentence with the word SIKE.
2. You can sing the rap to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and can do the Carlton
3. You know that 'WOAH' comes from Joey on Blossom
4. If you ever watched 'Fraggle Rock'
5. It was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons.
6. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head.
7. You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school.
8. You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in a knot on the side.
9. You played the game 'MASH'(Mansion, Apartment, Shelter, House)
10. You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets and were proud of it.
11. You know the profound meaning of ' WAX ON , WAX OFF'
12. You wanted to be a Goonie.
13. You ever wore fluorescent clothing. (some of us...head-to-toe)
14. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose fell off and his cheeks shifted.
15. You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf.
16. You took lunch boxes to school...and traded Garbage Pailkids in the schoolyard.
17. You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slap bracelets.
18. You still get the urge to say 'NOT' after every sentence.
19. You thought your childhood friends would never leave because you exchanged handmade friendship bracelets.
20. You had BIG permed hair
21. You ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes.
22. After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you kept saying 'I know you are, but what am I?' 23. You remember 'I've fallen and I can't get up'
24. You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates.
25. You have ever played with a Skip-It.
26. You remember boom boxes and walking around with one on your shoulder like you were all that.
27. You remember watching both Gremlins movies.
28. You thought Doogie Howser/Samantha Micelli was hot.

Highlights

My goal today is to highlight some facts and events that happened over our 5 day trip between Catalyst in Atalanta and church in Ashville.

While at catalyst we broke some Guinness Book of World Records such as:
- the most bubbles being blown at one time
-the most frisbees being thrown at one time
-the most frisbees popping the most bubbles at one time (this got a little wild)
-breaking the most records (literally breaking 45's) it sounded like rice krispies

Fact: if 11,000 people blow those whistle suckers, it can break a light bulb and a wine glass!
-When those same 11,000 people blow those whistle suckers, it is EAR PIERCING! YOUCH!
-We saw Atlanta Falcons player Joe Horn while at the mall and he drives a sweet ride.
-When 11,000 people get let out of a confernce for lunch, it takes more than an hour to get somewhere and back!!!
-Jeremy Kane, from Greenville, IN, is one funny Metro-Redneck! You can take the boy out of the county, but you can't take the country out of the boy!
-Sometimes in worship it's just too hard to even say words. THANK YOU JESUS FOR MAKING ME SPEECHLESS!
-There are people like Flemingsburgs' "Tim" in Ashville, NC!!
-Having to throw away a starbucks coffee that is 3/4 full is a sin! Forgive me, Lord!
-Sometimes you have to "sneak" food and drink into places that don't allow it so you aren't causing more sins... as spoken about above.
-Rick Warren makes more money than I could ever even phathom!
-Rick Warren is a "reverse tither". He tithes 90% and lives on 10%.. now that's rich!!!
-When I run low on sleep, I can laugh really hard about nothing!
-8 adults can fit into a mini van.
-Joe (GCC) stands with his toes turned under and they look cut off!
-It's good to spend 5 days with your spouse without kids!
-My God is GOOD!

Orange Peel

I want to do my best to describe the church service Chris and I went to today in Ashville, NC.
The church is Highland Christian and it's located in downtown Ashville. It's a beautiful setting.
The mountains grace the backdrop of the skies when I looked out over the city. I was able to get some great pictures on my phone but have no clue how to get them to my computer.

So this body of people, known as the church, gather in a building called The Orange Peel. It's an old brick building with beaten up hardwood floors and a fairly large stage. The outer walls of the interior is the bar area. There is a large sign over head that reads "bar" and you'll see budweiser handles on tap. Weird experience. This place isn't an actual bar, it is more of a place where local entertainment may take place such as concerts or plays but it happens to serve alcohol. After getting over the bottles of wine and bud gear I found myself taking in the atmosphere. It was a younger crowd mostly in jeans and tees. I saw a lot of mowhawks and some piercings. I wore khahkis and wedges and was over dressed! There were plenty of youngsters too. children toddler age and older are in the worship with their parents. They are given craft packets to work that go along with the sermon topic. Their motto is "busy hands, listening ears".
Another intersting thing to take in (this one was hard) was the food and drinks. At the bar area, church goers serve coffe and bagels. During singing time people would go and get coffee and bagels and sit down with it. Now this would not work in a traditional church atmosphere, but this is FAR from traditional. The place was somewhat noisy but the music was loud and drowned most of it out. It was not a large area, so people where seated closely like at a concert.

Today's service was different because it was their 2nd anniversary since the church was planted. In the future they do hope to have their own building but until then, the orange peel is working great with about 350 strong!
So, as I mentioned today's service was different in that we sang some opening songs (very cool) and then they played vidoes of the past events that have taken place over the last 2 years. Between video plugs we may sing a song and there would be some type of drama. There was dance, poetry and the kids sang a song. This was the most diverse group and worship I've ever seen. I was never uncomfortable with any part of the worship as progressive as it was. It all just made sense!
Because they don't have a building to keep supplies and offices in they also don't pass communion with trays! OH KNOW!! Is that allowed??
It was a neat concept that made me very nervous at first. They had ONE cup and a plate of bread. I said to myself "I WILL NOT drink from the community cup!" But I watched as people went forward to take the communion and they simply took a cracker and dipped it into the juice. AAAHHHH, relief! So, Chris and I got up and did the same. What a simple concept!

Service runs promptly 10-11:30. They have to be out by 12:00 so once it's over chairs are folded and put away, instruments are packed up, Highland gear and pamphlets are put away, the kids packets are put into totes, the fold up church sign is taken from the front entrance and all things are packed up and taken to homes until the next Sunday morning.
During the week they have to meet in homes or public places. They have the concept of "being in the community" down! They do things as a church in the park often, what an excellent witness!

I look forward to going back to HCC and seeing them grow in God!

reverb!

It's late Friday night and Chris and I are back into the hotel exhausted!
We're drained yet so full after two full days of teaching and praising!
Catalyst is a high impact, high profile, high energy leadership conference.
This is NOT for the faint of heart or wimps!!!!
My favorite speaker from the first day was Francis Chan. Before this, I had never heard of this little guy. Boy does he have a passion and an unexplainable love for Jesus. He reminded us of how special we are as children of God and how he knew us before we where in our mothers womb and SET US APART! (Jeremiah 1:5) How awesome! This verse was particularly special to him because his mother died giving birth to him.
In that same day I was graced with words from Rick Warren and Andy Stanley.

Day two was another intense day. Worship was outrageous. We were blessed both days with the praise band from Andy Stanley's church North Pointe. They Rock!
I think my favorite speaker today was a toss up between Craig Groeschel and Dave Ramsey. Both are very funny, 'say it like it is' type of guys! We also were blessed to hear John C. Maxwell, what a soft hearted man!

I can't wait for God to take the information given to me these past 2 days and using me for his Kingdom and Glory!!!

I also had a great time with the group from Greenville Christian from Greenville, IN!
I met Joe, Berry, Kim and Jeremy (who also went to Eastern High School in Pekin, IN!!)
Chad and Jennifer-it was great to share this event with you all!!!!

Atlanta Bound

Chris and I leave tomorrow for the Catalyst Leadership Conference held on Thursday and Friday. We'll meet Pop in NC where he'll get the kids. They'll stay at Nor Nor and Pops house a full 8 days while Chris and I are at the conference in Atalanta. While there we'll hear Andy Stanley, Craig Groeschel, John C. Maxwell and more. After the conference we'll head off to Ashville, NC to Highland Christian to visit a service there on Sunday morning. Chris has heard really good things about the youth program and wants to see how things are ran, and meet the minister to exchange thoughts.

I'd really like to see the Biltmore Estate while there but don't know if we'll take the time to do that.

I'm super excited to be going to my first conference with Chris. I'm hoping to be like a snake that sheds its old skin to become renewed.

do I hear chickens?

It's here,

the whole reason we moved to London, Ky....

The World Chicken Festival!!!

18th Annual September 27-30, 2007

The festivities kicked off last night in downtown London. Our church youth has a food booth that I am hoping to help run when I get up and running.
I at least want to get the family out there one evening to see the activities. According to the chicken festival website, the festival has been voted as one of the Kentucky Tourism Council's "Top Ten" Events and the Southeast Tourism Society "Top 20" Events. It has also been voted"Best Festival In State" by KentuckyMonthly Magazine.

WOW!! I'm proud to be a part of this! CLUCK CLUCK!

Is this all there is?

I'm still here, and yes, in the same spot..... my bed. At this point I should have bed sores and a walker.
I'm on day 5 of the yuckies. I went to the doctor today to make sure I wasn't dying of something I wasn't aware of.
I woke up this morning with a sore throat so then I knew I could be dealing with a whole new animal. She tested me for strep and it came back negative.
She came to the conclusion that I got too dehydrated on Saturday and that my body was depleted of electrolytes. Thankfully that meant no more ginger ale, now it's Gatorade time with a dose of a daily multivitamin. (why didn't I think of that sooner?!)
It has seemed to help. I don't seem to be so tired and nauseated since the Gatorade and multivitamin.
At this point I'm gonna have to take up weight training just to be able to walk around. My legs feel like jello! On the up side, I have managed to lose a few pounds, but this is not the recommended way to doing it!

Round II

It's 9:45 PM on Monday and Isaiah is now vomiting!
Just as we thought it was over and we had the bad food out of us.... now we're thinking virus!
WHAT IS GOING ON???

I'm still in bed with a headache from the devil and feeling a little nauseated. Cleaning up puke doesn't help matters any.

*** (five minutes later)***

I had to take a vomit clean up break. I hate to see my children sick and hanging over the toilet!!
This could be a long night!

Our prayer tonight is that we all make it through as peacefully as possible!

sick as a dog

It's Monday, 10:30 AM and I've been in my bed since Saturday at 6:00 PM. That's 40 ours I've spent in my bed.
It all started this past Friday. I got up late and did't eat breakfast and then all four of us went to Mr. Ghatti's for lunch. Chris and I had the salad bar that didn't look so fresh. I told him after I ate it that maybe it wasn't the smartest thing to do. Not long after eating I got sick to my stomach, a headache and just nauseated. It never went away all day Friday. I told myself it was due to not eating well that day. I woke up Saturday morning feeling fine. I went to Lexington to meet up with my girlfriends for lunch and shopping and felt fine until about 4:00. I had a headache and my stomach started to feel upset. I went through Chic-Fil-A drive thru and got a diet coke and chicken sandwhich, hoping to calm my stomach and make my headache go away.
As I was driving home the nausea set in a little more. Chris called me around 5:00 and told me he was on his way to camp to speak but didn't know if he was gonna make it because he was sick feeling. "Great!" was my thought. Ends up he wasn't able to speak due to "nasty" coming out both ends!!!
I got home around 6:00 pm from Lexington and got straight into my bed. By 7:00 my head was over the toilet doing something I had not done since I was a child.....throwing up!!
I was freaking out inside. I didn't know what to do or how to react. I serioulsy had not thrown up since I was about 8 years old, and it was coming up hard!!! I called Amy to warn her I was sick since we all ate together and most of us had a salad. She said she felt fine. So, food poisoning was now in my mind. Chris and the kids got home and for the next few hours he and I were sharing the single toilet. I have never felt pain in my stomach like I did that whole night. I had major pains in my upper stomach. They were sharp, strong, intense pains. Chris said he too had these pains that he'd never had before when throwing up. I think Mr. Ghatti's gave us food poisoning. Some friends of ours from church came and got the kids for the night so we could die alone!
My body cramped from head to toe from all night Saturday until Monday morning. I took phenegren Sunday night to release the pain and slept a very long time!! My stomach is feeling more normal this morning, but my head feels like it's going to explode! I guess I got dehydrated and that's why my legs where cramping the way they were. I couldn't lay still in bed from the intense pains going down my calves and through my thighs.
I'm hoping by tomorrow morning I'll be able to get up and walk. Right now when I get up I get very dizzy from my head hurting so bad.
All I know is, I don't EVER want to do this again. As for Chris, he does this once a year. He got over it much quicker than I did. He was able to go to church Sunday night while I was still laying in bed dying! He's been cleaning house today like a mad man. I don't know how he's doing it. Maybe it's becuase I ate a sald twice the size of his.

Up and Running

I got my power cord in today and now want to share some Florida pictures with you.

Above are my parents, Mason, Isaiah, Lakin and Gracie after a crab hunt!

I think these 2 of all the kids are the only pictures we got all week of all of them together!!! They had a wild time!

powerless

I'm behind on my blogging and blog reading due to the fact that I, once again ,managed to vacuum up something that I shouldn't have. This time it was my power cord to my laptop.
Without it, my laptop doesn't work. Chris brings his laptop home from work at night and I use his for now. I ordered a new power cord on ebay and it shipped out today. I hope to get it in the next day or two!! At that point I will be able to send some pictures out of our Florida vacation. Needless to say, Chris was a little disappointed that I managed to suck up another item of importance. Maybe he'll take away my vacuuming privilege again.

last night

Well, it's our last night at the Sand Trap house. It's been really nice. The weather was great considering we had at least 40% chance of rain every day. We only got rained out from the beach one day. The island is beautiful and the shops are super neat! I can't wait to come back but with Chris next time. I hate that he had to miss out on all this water, sand and sun!!
We'll hit the road early tomorrow and travel for a good 6-8 hours and then stay the night somewhere in Georgia. I'll talk to you once I'm back in Kentucky.

rainy day

I have taken all the pictures I can take on my digital camera. I forgot my cable to download any pictures while here. Which really aggrevates me because my plan was to download the pictures off the camera so I could send some to Chris while we're gone as well as put them in my blog.
Now my camera is full and we still have 4 full days left of the beach. BUMMER!! I ony have about 30 pictures which really isn't enough for a vacation!! I hate when I do bonehead thigns like that.
Today was a rainy day. It has come on and off. We were able to play and lay out for a few hours and the rest of the day has been spent lounging around, reading, sleeping and a trip to the local piggly wiggly.
You just never know what kind of weather you're gonna get at the beach, especially at hurricane season.
Well, over and out for today!

St. George Island

We made it!! After about 13 hours of total driving (broken up into 2 days) the Jones family has arrived at St. George Island, FL. The ocean is rough and dirty due to the hurricane that is headed our way. We managed to get a little over an hour of sand time in this evening. The sun is shining without a cloud in the sky so far. This evening was a gorgeous evening for the first night of being here. We only hope for the next 7 days to be as sunny and cloudless but the weather forcast isn't looking like that will happen. Once I get the camera out on the beach tomorrow I'll be sharing the much awaited photos!!

Not looking good

The kids and I leave tomorrow morning for a ten day trip to Florida and I still feel horrible.
I've been sick to my stomach since I woke up Tuesday morning. I went to the doctor yesterday and was told I have a cold and that I have fluid in my ears and a swollen throat. My stomach is so nauseated that I've not had an appetite. I better lose weight is all I can say! I've eaten pretzels and soup for the most part.
If I'm not feeling better by tomorrow I don't know what this trip will be like.
The doctor gave me a Z pack which usually kicks in really quickly for me. But not this time.
I took some sudafed earlier to see if I can dry up some drainage and maybe my stomach will stop being so whoozy! Please pray I'm feeling better by tomorrow morning or this could be a long trip. We plan to drive 3-4 hours from London tomorrow and stop for the night and then do the rest of the trip on Saturday. Remember, there will be my parents, 3 toddlers, and a 6 year old. PLEASE PRAY!!!
FYI: I'm not pregnant!!!

no good, very bad, rotten day

I woke up this morning feeling like I'd been hit by a mac truck.
My head hurts, stomach hurts and I have zero energy. I went to my Tuesday evening bible study at the park and that made me feel worse in the hot weather. By the time I got home I was just nauseated. I took a hot bath and that was not a good idea either. So I've been in bed since about 7:00 PM. I'm hoping I'll sleep really well tonight! The kids and I leave Friday for a 10 day vacation to Florida!! We've got to get feeling well in this house!

Happy Day

I woke up this morning to an anniversary card in the bathroom from Chris. It was a sweet simple card. I kinda felt bad because I think this is the first year I didn't even get him a card.
When I got to church I thanked him for the card and told him he did more than I did. After church we went to a Mexican restaurant with another family from church. I celebrated our anniversary by taking a 2 1/2 hour nap today. I guess I'll be up until 2 AM again. We have no idea what we will do tomorrow on our day off. I've talked about going to Somerset, KY for the ShoutFest concert. Jeremy Camp and Super Chick will be there along with others. It's a free concert but I'm afraid it may be super hot and super crowded! We'll just have to see how the day goes. I definitely want to cook something on the grill along the lines off corn on the cob, chicken and garlic bread!! YUM YUM!!

7 years

Chris and I went to Richmond, KY today to eat at Red Lobster and go to the mall there and shop around. We went out to celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary. Our anniversary date is tomorrow, September 2, 2007 but it was on a Saturday that we were married. It already seems too long ago. Chris was supposed to get a babysitter but didn't attempt to call anyone until yesterday so we couldn't get one. For the first time we celebrated with a night out on the town with the kids. So honestly, if felt like a usual night. You know, fussing, fighting, spanking, threatening (the kids that is) and potty breaks. Usually Chris' parents are in town this time of year, but things were different at his moms work this year. I guess after so many years of marriage and children this is just the way it becomes, no gifts, no cards, no I love You's. Now that's sad!!!

fridge of the fritz

Around 11:00 this morning I was trying to decide what I wanted for breakfast. My usual is cereal but I wanted something different this morning and decided on a very unhealthy frozen pastry thing.
It was God lead because when I got the frozen thing out of the package I noticed it wasn't very frozen. I opened the freezer back up and noticed it was not running and the ice cream was melting out of the box into the freezer. I called Chris and told him the fridge wasn't running but things in the freezer where running. He got home about 11:45 and started checking things out. He tried adjusting the freezer setting and it wouldn't kick on and we tried the breaker as well. We called our land lord and told him the problem. He said he'd have a guy right out.
Around 12:30 a very different man (who I believe is a cross dresser by his very high voice) came and opened the fridge. He asked who had turned the fridge off. Chris and I just kinda looked at each other. The dial had been turned to zero which is the same as off I guess. It not only controls the fridge but also the freezer.
I felt so dumb. We'd gone all morning ( or longer) without the thing working and then a repair man comes for 30 seconds and says it's turned off. I sure hope our land lord (or us) isn't charged for this one. I told Chris that Isaiah had been playing in the fridge yesterday and must have found the knob and turned it. The "fridge man" took the setting adjuster knob off so that this can not happen again. Again, I sure hope no on is billed for this senseless act. I was a little embarrassed by the time he left.
We only lost a tub of old ice cream and my fudge bars! I didn't need any of that anyway!
I told Chris it would have benefited the repair man to call asking us to check the setting knob. They must assume most adults already know to do this!

Lets get together tonight

"Lets get together tonight" was the title of an email I received yesterday.
Out of curiosity I opened it and of course it was for singles.
With Yahoo mail you can get a lot of junk mail. Most of it is filtered so why this one came through I don't know.
Once I opened it and read that it was not just for singles but for black singles I decided I was not qualified and opted out of the blacksingles.com emails!
I got a laugh out of this one, thought you might too!

I give God Glory!

I had to take both kids to the doctor this morning. It's conveniently located so we walked right over. They've both been coughing, sneezing, congested and rotten. Gracie hurled chunks of hot dog this past saturday evening while in the bath tub but never ran a fever. I think all the snot drainage is making her belly hurt. Isaiah has sounded like a seal for the past two nights and isn't letting any of us sleep.
Luckily they don't have ear infections, it's just allergy related and possible viral. The doctor, which Gracie doesn't like at all, perscribed them a strong allery medicine of some kind.

Later today we'll be going to church to witness the baptism of one of our new couples at church.
Beth and Jason and their 7 month old son Caleb started coming to CCC about 6 weeks ago. Beth ,as well as 4 others, where baptized about 4 weeks ago and her husband Jason has decided to make the same decision as well. They are a super caring young couple who are wanting to do work for the Lord. AMEN!!
Beth is a young stay home mom so I think she and I are going to start a Bible study for new Christians. I feel as though I can be a mentor for her and help her along the way. God is gradually bringing women my way that are seeking friendships as well.

I also got together with a group of women last night for a relaxed bible study at our local park. A young lady in my Sunday school and Wednesday night class invited me to join the group. It's a mixture of about 6 ladies who are single, married, minster's wives, teachers etc all from local christian churches. We study, vent and a laugh! What fun!!! I give my God the glory for these events happening in my life!

Proverbs 31

I've had a hard time getting and staying into the word since my move.

My timing's out of whack, my study books are packed away, and I've been plain out lazy.

I've always had a hard time just picking up my bible and reading something. I have to have tools to help me stay focused Thus, I usually read a devotion book of some kind. I was reading some good ones, but have no idea where they are in my boxes in the storage unit.

So, I decided I needed to do something until I started the women's study at church.

I've been using the Proverbs 31 ministry online. I get a daily devotional sent to my email address and they've been encouraging.

I encourage you to also use this free tool! It's a simple, short, thought provoking time with God.

today's forecast

London, KY Weather!


May 30, 2007:
Just moved to London, KY . Now, this
is a city that knows how to live! Beautiful sunny days and warm balmy
evenings. What a place! I watched the sunset from the porch while lying on a
blanket. It was beautiful. I've finally found my home. I love it here.


July 28, 2007:
Really heating up. Got to 100 degrees today. Not a problem. Live in
an air-conditioned apartment, drive an air-conditioned car.
What a pleasure to see the sun everyday like this.


August 3, 2007:
Had the backyard landscaped with hardy plants today. Used lots of decorative rocks, and some succulents ...the yard is a breeze to maintain! No more mowing the lawn
for me. Another scorcher today, but I love living in London.


August 5 , 2007:
The temperature hasn't been below 100 degrees all week. How do people
get used to this kind of heat? At least it's kind of windy because we're on a hill, but getting
used to the heat and humidity is taking longer that I expected.


August 7, 2007:
Fell asleep by the pool. (Got 3rd degree burns over 60% of my body.)
What a dumb thing to do. I learned my lesson, though.
Got to respect the ol' sun in a climate like this.

August 12, 2007:
Morgan (our cat) sneaked into the car when I left this morning. By
the time I got to the hot car for lunch, Morgan had died and swollen
up to the size of a shopping bag and stank up the $2,000 leather
upholstery. I told the kids that she ran away. The car now smells like Kibbles and
Bits. I learned my lesson, though. No more pets in this heat.

August 15, 2007:
The wind is awful. It feels like a giant freaking blow dryer! The home air-conditioner is on the fritz, and the AC repairman charged $200 just to drive by and tell me he needed to order the parts.

August 18, 2007:
Been sleeping outside for 3 nights now. The monthly house
payment is sky high and we can't even go inside. Why did I ever come
here?

August 19, 2007:
It's 101 degrees. Finally got the air-conditioner fixed today for a
cost of $900. The temperature gets down to 78 degrees, but this
freaking humidity makes the house feel like it's about 95 degrees. I hate this stupid
city.

August 20, 2007:
If another wise person cracks, 'Hot enough for ya today?' I'm
going to strangle him. By the time I get somewhere, the
radiator is boiling over, my clothes are soaking wet, and I smell like
baked cat!

August 21, 2007:
Tried to run some errands today. Wore shorts and sat on the
leather seats in the ol' car. I thought my butt cheeks were on fire.
I lost two layers of flesh and all the hair on the back of my legs and
butt. Now my car smells like burnt hair, fried butt, and baked cat.

August 22, 2007:
The weather report might as well be a recording. Hot and sunny.
Hot and sunny. Hot and sunny. It's been too hot to do anything for
two months, and the weatherman says it might, just might, cool down next
week. To what? 95?? Doesn't it ever rain in this desert place?
Water rationing will be next, so I might as well watch $1,700 worth of
cactus and yard plants just dry up and blow into the air.
Not even cactus can live in this heat.

August 23, 2007:
Welcome to HELL!!! The temperature got to 102 degrees today.
Forgot to crack the window and blew the windshield out of the car.
The installer came to fix it and said, 'Hot enough for you today?'
My husband e had to spend the house payment to bail me out of jail!!

LONDON!!

What kind of a sick demented idiot would want to live here?

did you say sale?

My body is somewhat sore today as I anticipated. My upper arms and lower back started tightening up before I even fell asleep last night. It's nothing major, just enough to be felt when I move.
As I also anticipated, I was awake last night until about 1:00, therefore Isaiah and I slept until about 10:00 this morning. I'm telling you, this is getting ridiculous. I get frustrated at myself at how much I LOVE to sleep. It consumes me. The kids and I got on my bed today to watch our 4:00 Little House on the Prairie episodes (because Isaiah loves to see Warwa) and I started dozing off around 5:00. I had to make myself get up and start dinner at 5:30. I didn't want Cris to come home to me and the kids asleep at 6:00.... again.

I had a girl from church call me this morning inviting me out to a massive yard sale type event.
She called to tell me she bought about 400.00 retail of baby stuff for under 100.00. So I asked "Where?" At the Laurel Co fairgrounds they have a roofed building and inside were just racks and rows of everything kids from 1 month to whatever older kids sizes are. Boys on one side and girls on the other. It's put on by a group called Wee Peat. It was all used/new clothes that kids grew out of, shoes, toys, cribs etc. It was such an organized set up. I was impressed but could only handle the excitement for 30 minutes do to the fact it was 99 degrees outside. I came out of that building soaking wet but with a smile on my face and a few items in my hand. They will be having another one of these things around Spring, I'm definitely putting my kids' clothes in this one. It was a big deal!

NO!!! GET BACK!!

Tonight I attended a three hour basic self defense class along with about 29 other women. Let me tell you, this is fun stuff.
This has to be the best stress relief I've ever encountered!
I gave it my all and was punching and kicking the lights out of the two padded trainers!
I can't wait until next week's three hour lesson. The class is put on by local R.A.D trainers and is a free course held at our church. Which is really awesome since it's about 120.00 a session. It's also very empowering to be prepared for weirdos out there!
We got to kick, punch, block and yell! And these are some of my favorite things!
We met in the very hot gym at the church. There's not any air conditioning so sweating was a must. It was great exercise and now I'm all jacked up and can't sleep!! Looks like another late night of internet surfing and channel surfing! As I type this,1 1:09 PM, Isaiah is still wide awake watching Zach and Cody.
Judging by the jello feel in by biceps and triceps, I think I'm gonna be a little sore tomorrow. I may just need to stay in bed!!!

A rainy day!

We had the first rain today since living in London. It has been as dry as a bone here and as hot as the desert. I figure hurricane Dean had something to do with this rain. It was a slow steady rain that only lasted an hour or so but we needed it badly! The kids and I went grocery shopping in the rain but didn't mind a bit. It was nice to be cooled off for awhile. Tomorrow is supposed to be another scorcher.

Gracie's 2 days of school have gone really well. As for me, I'm not handling the 7:45 wake up call. Today Isaiah and I took a morning nap at 10:00AM then left to pick up Gracie. We're still going to bed around 12-1:00 AM and it's just not working out for us. I don't know if I'll ever adjust to this morning stuff. The 3 hours she was gone this morning felt like 8! My days in this small apartment are very very long! I'm planning on starting a women's bible study in the next few weeks so that will give me something to focus on during the week. I'm not real sure what we will do once winter gets here. One friend told me we'll "make babies". I sure hope not!!!!

Lastly, I added a picture that Gracie took of herself. It's quite funny! Enjoy!

A day of Firsts

Today was Gracie's first day of her 2nd year of preschool. We reluctantly got up around 8 AM.
She was hard to get woke up because she's just like her mommy. Her daddy took her in and said she didn't cry but was very quiet. While she was gone I cleaned and cooked for our first guests that were coming over for lunch. I picked Gracie up at 12:00 and she was grinning from ear to ear. She had a great day with Ms. Buffey's class. She was very excited that they had waffles and peaches for breakfast. She also told me she used scissors in the art center. I'm glad she has these opportunities to grow!

Thoughts of you

Today Gracie wore an outfit that she got for her 4th Birthday from the Fizer family.
It was the first time she wore it and it was absoloutely adorable on her. A white eyelet skirt with a teal top and a matching white arm purse. Her daddy told her several times how pretty she looked today.
Things like this happen through the week that remind me of friends and family. She'll were an outfit, color on a coloring book, use a beach towel and so on that reminds me of who gave it to her. I love thinking of my girl friends in the F-burg area that I miss.
Gracie has her first day of school tomorrow so I have to go get her clothes picked out and layed out so we'll be ready on time in the morning. Good luck to me!

2

How many of you watched High School Musical 2 last night??

It was all Gracie and Isaiah talked about all week. We watched the first High School Musical prior to the 2nd one coming on.

You know it's a sign of your kids (mainly Gracie) growing up when they love to watch Hannah Montana and High School Musical instaed of the Doodlebops and The Backyardigans.

I thought it was a really cute movie. We all enjoyed the hyped up event!

not working!

Letting Isaiah sleep yesterday until 10:30 AM was NOT a good idea. The boy did not fall asleep last night until around 1:00 AM!! He wasn't just awake, he was watching the Disney channel, playing his guitar, beating his drum sticks on the couch while singing loudly. It was total chaos. Now that Gracie will be going to preschool, maybe we can get into a better sleep/wake routine.
This madness has to stop!

Nothing Special

Today has been nothing special but it has been productive.

The kids and I didn't even get out of bed until about 10:30.... how nice. I was up late last night due to a self defense class I'm taking on Wednesday nights from 7-10 pm. Once I got home, I was not ready to sleep. So I stayed up watching TV and playing on the internet.


Once I got up this morning I called the preschool Gracie has been registered at to see if she had been excepted. I registered her last week and was told that there were still a lot of apps to be processed and that there might not be any openings for Gracie. I waited for a phone call all week and never received one. So I called her school today and they said she was in fact on the roster and that school had started this past Monday. I didn't know school had started, what time school was or who her teacher was. Gracie decided she'll skip tomorrow and start new on Monday. I feel badly that we've not seen her school, her room or even met the new teacher.
We may go and do some of that tomorrow if they'll let us.

Once that was done, I cleaned our bedroom. I got everything up off the floor and was able to vacuum the whole floor. I haven't swept the whole floor in a couple of weeks. I tusre does feel better in here. Now my "quiet place" looks and feels much better and much more peaceful.

Tonite I'm supposed to meet up with a lady from church to discuss getting a women's bible study together. I feel like this is my calling since I have the time to prepare lessons and things.
I just want to be able to connect women to eachother and to Christ at the same time.
This is kinda my way of getting connected myself as I'm having a hard time finding the types of friends and relationships that I found at New Life. Believe me, I don't take for granted the friends I gained at New Life. The people are different at Community and don't seem to be seeking friendships the way I am. I guess it's all in God's time that I will make true friends. This is what it's like being the "new girl". I'm hoping that through this women's study that it will open doors and hearts!

solo Debut

I sang my first solo at Community Christian yesterday. I sang Potter's Hand, one of my favorite songs. I had to sing it at both the 8:30 service and the 11:00. The first service was easy because there was only about 20 people there. Second service was a little different. There was probably closer to 200. My nerves got to me a little bit more the 2nd time. But I think I pulled it off.
You'de think I was a pop star the way they complimented me. My CCC family made me feel very special and loved with their showers of compliments. It's funny how, even though I've told people I love to sing and that while at New Life I was on praise team and sang solos, that no one ever seemed to give it a listen. Once I sang, I've had people offer to sing duets with me and play instruments with me while I sing etc. I guess I just had to prove myself... that's how it is in show business.
I give God the glory for all talents he's given me, those both big and small!!

hair cut

I got my hair cut today. I had not cut or trimmed my hair in over 2 months and it was due.
I went to the trendy Salon Vogue and had my hair cut by a cute , little, 22 year old girl named Dena.

Although I'm letting my hair grow out she had to take about an inch of the top layer because it was pretty much dead. Then she blended the layers and put some jagged cuts into it.

After she styled it it was looking good. I took some pictures of it a few hours later and realized either the camera makes it look worse than in real life or my cut isn't "all that".

It looks pretty plane in these photos. Once fall gets here I plan to darken it up and put some funky stripes in it like red!! Can't wait!

hangin it up

Cris and I did something today in the apartment that we really never did at Pecks Ridge............................................................................




We hung pictures in every room of the apartment!! Now, what you need to understand is that each room can only hold a few pictures so it wasn't hard putting them up in a total of 4 rooms (bath, bed, kitchen,living). I decided that if we were going to be here awhile we might as well make it feel like home! It's so nice to lay in bed or sit on the couch and see framed things on the wall!!!

Just Peachy

Do you love fresh summer peaches like my family does? Over the years I've been spoiled by Cris' parents with fresh Carolina peaches. Every summer that we visit them we always go to a produce stand to get fresh veggies and fruits.

The past two years that we've gone to Myrtle Beach we stop at multiple produce stands to get enough peaches for the beach to eat as well as to make at least one peach cobbler!

After this years beach trip I didn't get enough, so as soon as we got home I went to Walmart to get groceries and stocked up on the "tree ripened" peaches. What a disapointment. After cutting up 3 nasty peaches I had to throw them away. No juice, no flavor and a horrible texture.

So today the kids and I went to a local farmers market here in London to get some good West Virginia peaches and cantaloupes. I have to tell you, these are delish! They are so juicy. As soon as you put the knife into it the juice starts dripping! They are the perfect ripeness and texture.

I think we've already eaten about 7 peaches today.

I've been trying hard the past few months to really watch what I'm eating and summer is so great for fresh fruits and veggies. Make sure you're getting yours in too!!

Fun Times

I met up with Amy today in Hamburg for lunch, shopping and coffee.
Since her birthday was this past Tuesday we went out to celebrate.
We had a scrumptious lunch at Ruby Tuesdays then headed to Dick's to get some manly protection type things for Dusty's football games.
That was quite funny!!!
Then we proceeded to Old Navy where I tried on 2 hideous dresses that looked more like pj's.
Amy laughed so hard at me that she cried! I was a funny sight.
She was able to find me a trendy brown "shirt" belt. I explained to her that I didn't have an outfit to wear it with. So then we were on a mission. We found a really cute dress at Marshall's on clearance! I can't wait to wear the new dress and belt..... after I find a new pair of brown heels!
We also went to a really neat coffee house called Coffee Time and had a latte and cappuccino.
DEEEEELISH! Amy opened her gifts and we sat and chatted about life.
That's the fun stuff girlfriends do!

Myrtle Beach 2007

I wanted to send a few pictures of our July Vacation. Of course one is of the 4 of us and is the only family picture we got the whole week.
The picture with Cris and Gracie has the condo we stayed in in the background. It was an 18 floor building with a beautiful view. We were on the 3rd floor and could see everything above us and below us.
When we looked out in the day we'd see parasailers and boats, evenings we'de see kites flying in the wind (which I tried) and in the night we'd see fireworks. It was beautiful all day long!!!
Everyday we'd pick shells and one morning I actually made it on the beach by 8:15 AM to walk and have some alone time with God and thank Him for His beauty and blessings.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Today is a special day for a special person in my life.
Today is Amy's birthday. I won't tell you how young she is because I don't think she'd appreciate it!! I can't wait to see you, Amy and celebrate your big day!!