Houston and Michael Jackson

I know you've probably already heard enough of it, but other than hearing his songs on radio, the boys had never really seen Michael Jackson. They are exposed to all kinds of music, and I must confess their Daddy is a HUGE fan! Anyway, we were watching all the videos, listening to radio stations playing tributes on the way home, etc. The boys really enjoyed it all. I then realized Houston was really soaking it all in. He loved it! Even practicing some of the dance moves, which bless his heart, he is so white!
Anyway, I let them know, "Guys, now he was a great singer but he definitely made some bad choices in his life, he was really weird and I don't want you to think that this is somebody to look up to." Not trying to judge, but just painting like I see it. I mean you never know. One day, they may pull out the old "You remember that night he died and we all sit around watching and listening to his videos and....." See where I'm going with this. Of course, they wanted to know why he wore make-up, "What happened to his nose?!",etc. Then Houston with all his 4 yr old knowledge said this. "Well, I hope he got saved and bapatized, don't you Momma? Then we can see him Heaven. And Bubba, we just need to say this. He was a good singer, a good dancer and he had a good smile and that's all, ok Bubba?" Sums it pretty well, maybe they understand more than you think they do, sometimes. I just worry about what little seeds may get planted in their minds. I'm not a anti-Michael Jackson fan or anything. I love the old songs, even if I had to sneak a radio under my pillow at night when everyone went to bed and listen. You see, my Daddy he was an anti-Michael Jackson fan. He meant well but I just love "Billie Jean" and "Man in the Mirror" and "PYT", enough already.

We're Home!!

We have just gotten home good and trying to unpack. I'll have pics up soon. We had a great time and not 1 drop of rain in 7 beautiful days! Am I really home, do I have to catch up on this laundry? Can I please be on vacation until Monday?! I think I just talked myself into it.

Another Busy Week

We continued to have many activities to keep us busy over the past week. I had a lot to do before we left for vacation. The excitement was building and the boys were growing impatient. Can you imagine that?! Beach trip ahead, less than a week away, ages 7 and 4.5 AND of the male gender! Oh yes, how many more days, how many more hours, what would I have to count to to count up to 24 hours?! On and on. However, they were occupied some which was my only few moments of non-impatience, if that's a word.

We did have a swim day with Nana's sisters and cousins, FUN!! We hadn't got together in a while and needless to say, there was a lot said and some of it may not have been the truth or half the truth, but it was fun!ha The boys also took their first motorcycle ride on Aunt Charlotte's bike. A little nerve racking but they absolutely loved it!

Also, another first on their list....Skinny Dipping in North River! Oh yeah, PePaw of all people let them do it. I had to go to town to get last minute sunscreen, snacks, etc for beach and they begged to stay with MeMaw and PePaw and of course their wish was granted. I was in Old Navy when the phone rang and it was Levi. "Hey, Momma. Guess what we're doing? PePaw brought us swimming at North River AND we are skinny-dipping!" Laughter and giggles could be heard all over Old Navy. They thought it was hilarious. I of course, thought, "OMG, what about snakes, bugs and even turtles that could bite their, well you know what I mean! But not PePaw. "Just lettin' them be boys." OK Glad I wasn't there or my Mother either, she would have had a fit. Anyway, they then had a swim party for Ethan's birthday and a day of golfing with Dad on Friday before we left. Busy week and we managed to get packed by Friday night. I'm so ready for vacation!!

Beach Bound

Well, Good Lord Willin' we are headed to the beach in the AM. We always go to Orange Beach/Gulf Shores but have decided to go back to PCB. I know, I know a little wild for this Christian, God Lovin' family BUT we have heard great "family changes" have been made. We will see. And by the way, this is where my honey and I honeymooned many moons ago. 11 years ago to be exact. We will be coming home next Saturday, so hope to have pics up ASAP.

Don't forget to call your precious Daddy and tell him you love him and "THANKS" this weekend. Also, don't forget to thank the Good Lord above for your earthly Father and let the Heavenly Father know we couldn't make it without him either. Love to you all and Happy Summer!!

Fun Filled Week

I can't believe I haven't posted since Sunday. I'm usually all about the blogging. However, we have had a busy, fun filled week. We just did the usual summer things. EXCEPT, hopefully for the 1st and only summer buzz haircut. Houston definitely looks so different and Levi just had to have his buzzed too. I can't believe I let him talk me into it. Anyway, it will grow out and I hope very soon!

Levi had a Dentist appt. earlier this week. We also went to the Library to get his 1st official Library card. We got a few books and movies and went to the park to play afterwards. We also swam a few times this week and as always played baseball. Levi never gets enough of it. And just let me tell you, I'm not what I used to be when it comes to playing outside. I guess the extra 20 lbs could make a little difference. But I seem to keep my winter coat year round, these days. The Star Crunches and Krispy Kreme doughnuts may have something to do with it. I just really don't like to get cold in the winter, ha!

We also spent a day with Zac and Aunt Kristi, FUN!! The boys adore Zac and he is so precious. And I adore Aunt Kristi for she too is so precious. She is my Aunt, however, she is like a sister. We really have a lot of fun together and the boys really play well together. And Uncle Mark, he's not so bad either,ha.

I have always catered to my boys every need and focused the majority of my time and efforts on them. I truly do not have a hobby outside of them and definitely have NEVER been a reader, even before the boys. However, I stumbled upon a website, I believe thru Raegan's blog~ The Pioneer Woman. Just let me tell you, I think I have read everything on that blog. After the boys have gone to bed, I have started reading and before I know it, it has been 1-2 AM. Do you know how long it has been since I've seen those hours of the morning?! It is so interesting. She has a great sense of humor and you can tell that she truly adores her children and husband. Her recipes sound so good and her pictures are breathtaking. Anyway, you may want to check it out when you get the time. Anyway, hope all of you have had a great week! The summer will be gone before we know it!

Sooner or Later.........

They all usually try this. My little man with the thick, beautiful, "John-Parker like" head of hair apparently couldn't wait until tomorrow.

We had church and then Decoration at Bevan's Chapel and came home to chill before going back to church. I had a mess in the kitchen from cooking and breakfast this AM, so I was occupied and let the boys loose.

After cleaning, I came in the living room to relax a little and Houston was coming out of our master bedroom. He rarely ever goes in there and I asked him, what he had been doing.

"Nothing", with that sneaky grin and I knew good and well, he was up to something.

"Really son, what were you doing?"

"Looking in your big mirror."

"Why?"~then I saw it. The HUGE gap in the front of his hair.

"Did you cut your hair, son!?"

With no hesitation whatsoever, "Yes Mam". As if he had done absolutely nothing wrong.

"Oh my goodness son, what were you thinking?"

"I'll clean it up, Momma, I'll get it." He was more worried about getting in trouble for the mess than for cutting his hair! (maybe I need to lay off the "Mess should have been you middle name, son", a little huh?)

"Where did you do it?" And with an innocent little shy poochy lip face just pointed to the playroom. "Show me, son." Well, I didn't see anything and told him once again to show me. He slowly slid his little recliner over and there it was. The evidence and the weapon used to commit the crime.

"I'm sorry, Momma. I'm sorry."

"Can you just please tell me why in the world you did this?"

"Welllll, I knew I was going to get a haircut tomorrow and I just wanted one today."


It seems sooner or later all children try their hand as a Barber, and they always manage to try it slap in the middle of their forehead. And it just so happens, Houston has 2 cow-licks. One on each side of his forehead, so it should be interesting how she fixes it. I had already made appts for regular haircuts for Monday. We were going to get it cut shorter and thinned out for the summer. He sweats ALOT and his hair is so thick, but I really wasn't thinking this short! Oh well, it's just hair and his will definitely grow back. We were just talking yesterday about how his hair was like a chia pet. I could almost swear it grows every time I wash it!

It was definitely "Sooner" when Levi gave it a try at the ripe old age of 3. He cut his and a strip of Houston's. It was a little "Later" for Houston at the ripe old age of 4 1/2.

No shame, whatsoever. He's still just cute as ever, though!

Prayer Chain

Many of you remember Josh's aunt, Rebecca Cannon. She graduated in 1990 from BHS. She entered the military and married Alan Waldrum. They have lived many different places in the USA and overseas. They are currently in Maryland. They have just received some disappointing news concerning Alan's health, but NOTHING is impossible with God.

He had been suffering from continual headaches and bouts with blurry vision. While vacationing in FL, he went to the ER with these headaches. He had previously been diagnosed with HBP, changed his prescription for his glasses and given allergy medications to relieve the pressure by his family practice Dr. However, the pain sent him to the ER. Here, Thank God!, the ER Dr. ordered a CAT scan. Here they found a mass. He was then sent back home and underwent surgery. The mass is located on his thalamus and the results were malignant. The mass is inoperable and incurable. Chemo and radiation will slow the mass but nothing will cure.

Alan and Becca have 3 small children and need your prayers!! I know this will not reach a lot of people, but the people who I have faith in and believe will grant my request are each of you! My fellow christian sisters, my lifelong friends, and Mommies who will immediately relate and think what if that was one of us in their shoes. PRAY, PRAY, PRAY! Like you never have before. Like it was the Father of your children, your Soul-Mate, your Best Friend. Please believe and mention their names whenever you can. Thanks in advance, I know you want let me down.
"And whatsoever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the son." John 14:13

Close Call

My sweetheart of 17 years gave me the scare of my life! He suffers from migraines and usually HAS to have a shot for relief. He went into work but came home around 6:15AM, he goes in around 4:30 AM. He said he had waken up with a headache and tried to tough it out but couldn't. After about an hour of throwing up and severe headache, he said he needed to go to the ER. So, off we went.

Thank the Lord PePaw and Grandaddy had taken the boys fishing. They had left around 5:30AM. We arrived at the ER a little after 7 AM and were quickly seen and shots were given. This Dr. however, added a drug with the usual Toradol/Phenegran shot that Josh is usually administered. They went thru the spill of how it is possible for his blood pressure to drop, so they would watch him for 30 mins., they didn't act like it was a big deal, so we didn't think anything about it. OK, 30 mins. passes very quickly and we are released to go. I pull around front to pick him up since construction was in progress at the ER entrance. The nurse wheels him out and helps get him in the truck.

We are hungry and I haven't used the bathroom all morning so I stop at McDonalds. He is pretty much out of it by now from the drugs but says he wants a Powerade and he will be fine for me to run in and use the bathroom. The nurse had said that lots of times, a sudden move or getting up too fast was usually the cause for the BP to drop, but when he loaded Josh previously, nothing happened.

Well, he raised up just a little to get a drink of Powerade and by this time I had made it back to the light to turn left at the Chevron in Fayette. He says "Angie, I feel weird, I don't feel right." So, immediately I'm concerned. By the time we turned he had started jerking, almost seizure like and completely went unconscious. Of course, I'm trying to drive and freaking out at the same time. He is totally non-responsive and honestly, looked like he had no life in him whatsoever. I call 911 when I realized I'm still close to the hospital so I wheel around and head back to the ER. All the time I'm screaming his name and slapping him on the arm and NOTHING! I wheeled around at the Co-op and headed back. Josh finally started coming to around Charles', Critters, somewhere in that area. He was just mumbling and looked like death. I was so scared. I made it back to the ER and the construction was still going on. I was afraid to park and leave him in the truck alone but I knew I had to get help, FAST. I ran up to the door and luckily the nurse that had helped us some few mins. ago, was at the door and saw the panic in my face.

He grabs a wheelchair and another nurse runs out with him to the car. Another nurse was on her way in and just dropped her purse and everything to come and help. They immediately take him back and put him on Oxygen and monitors. At this point, his BP had come back up to like 60/40 but his O2 was still very low. He was still incoherent. They hooked up fluids and monitored him very closely. After about 2.5 hours later, his O2 was back up and BP was up to 106/54. Thank the Good Lord above!

I had never been more thankful to touch him and look him right in the eyes and let him know how much I loved him! All kinds of thoughts went through my mind and emotions flooded from PawPaw's passing, but God's presence was still there to keep me calm. I don't know how in this world, I would make it without him. He is our Rock and the love of my life. God has truly blessed me with the desires of my heart. I delighted in the Lord and he gave me Josh. He slept the rest of the day and night and of course being the man that he is, got up and headed back to work. I love him so much! He didn't remember any of it. He called and said, "What happened yesterday?" Bless his heart, I'm glad he doesn't remember me slapping him around, just kidding. But seriously, God is good, ALL the time! He heard my prayers and answered.

CONGRATS MRS. CLEMENTS!!

Last Friday, Mrs. Clements was honored with a Retirement Luncheon. I was so honored to be invited and to serve. "A Servant's Heart"~that to me sums Mrs. Clements up in a nutshell. Always putting God and others first and jumping at every opportunity to serve and help others. For 26 years to be exact as teacher. But the foundation and love she has given to others will go beyond 26 years, they will last a lifetime. When I think of "A Servant's Heart", my mind is taken back to "The Last Supper." Where Jesus himself girted himself with a towel and bowed down to wash his disciples feet. How Awesome! The same hands that learned to play pat-a-cake as a baby, or served at the Temple, or the same hands that touched and healed, performed miracles and then ultimately were stretched out and nailed to a cross are the same hands that were so willing to kneel down and use his hands to serve. So many times, I have the wrong attitude. I feel like I'm stretched out as far as I can go, but then I stop and remind myself how far God continues to stretch out his hands to help others. Mrs. Clements continues to touch and serve through her testimony and her contagious smile. She is not ashamed and proclaims God's love everywhere she goes. Congrats Mrs. Clements, I love you so much! You have forever touched our lives and I am forever grateful for the example you lived before Levi everyday. I know your crowns will be many. I can't wait to see them!

And by the way, she is the ONLY person I know that could get a room full of grown-ups to perform the "Tootie-Ta", hilarious to say the least!!

"Glasses, anyone?"

No, it's not Halloween and it's definitely not the latest fashion trend but it is "UP" in 3-D!! This was the cutest movie and these were the funniest looking glasses. This was the boys first 3-D movie and we were laughing way before the movie ever started. Houston kept pulling his glasses down then back up, back down, back up. He just didn't know what to think but soon adjusted. By the way, this is a great family movie. You should load the whole bunch up and go see it. WARNING: You may have to take out a small loan to purchase tickets and refreshments.

We really had a great time getting together. After the movie, the boys went with KK and Jeremy and Mom and I ran some errands. Everything went great UNTIL Levi calls. "Momma, I've lost my wallet. I think it's either in my seat or in the bathroom." So, I head back to the theatre. I ask the man at the front desk about it, nothing. "You can go back in and try to find it if you like." "OK, sure".

Well, he didn't bother to tell me there was another movie going on and how in the world am I suppose to find a black wallet on a black floor or in a black seat in the pitch black dark?! Of course being the wonderful Mother I am, I say excuse me several times then get down on my hands and knees and start feeling around for it. GROSS! I have always just let my children obey by the 5 second rule, but not again, at least not at the movies. Anyway, after a few hairs, wet skittles and sticky drink hands later, no wallet! So I mozy on back out front to leave my name and number and the guy behind the counter says, "Oh, here it is mam, it slid up under the computer." "Gee, thanks." Well, needless to say, I got the wallet, which had 1 whole dollar in it and the prized fake Drivers License. Lots of kisses and hugs and "thank yous" cause "this is my most favorite AL wallet ever" and Mom, is the hero once again. All in a days work.