Stop and Smell the Marigolds

Life goes by so fast and too often I get swept up in the craziness and I forget to stop and thank God for the important people I have been blessed with along the way. I am so thankful for each and every person that I have met along life's journey. It always saddens me when I see friends that have touched my life struggle or face a horrible situation.

Tish Riley's boyfriend Jason Myers is engaged in a fight against Melanoma right now. He and Tish spend most of their days at Vanderbilt and they are tired but determined.

As you all know- we are running a race to raise money for Cancer on December 6th in honor of my grandmother, Barbara Smith.

I am now switching my focus of where the money needs to go. We thought about giving it to a Cancer Research foundation, but helping someone that we know that is fighting for his life now would definitely make my grandmother smile down from Heaven. Her sweet spirit will even be there with us as we run cheering us on. Please pray for Jason and Tish. They are so tired but they are so determined to win this fight. If you feel led to make a donation then just let me know and I will give you the information you need to make it possible.

My Birthday Surprise

Well- I cried to one too many neighbors because my husband did not get a birthday cake for me last week and now I feel oh so foolish. I hate to admit it but Matthew did a great job of scheming to make me feel like I was getting absolutely nothing but a pair of PJs for my birthday. He did such a good job that I spent about 30 minutes crying at sweet Lauren Dunns house on the night of my birthday and she sat there and consoled me but she held in the surprise that was right around the corner.

The Saturday after my birthday Matthew took me out for what he said was dinner and a movie and we took a detour to the Arrington Vineyards and we had an incredible picnic on a hill overlooking the vineyards and on top of my salad was a beautiful anniversary band. After we finished dinner I heard people breathing heavily behind me from the huge hike up the hill and when I looked back all of my friends were gathered behind us for another surprise. I cried when I saw them, especially my brother and his wife. It was a GREAT night.

Today I turned 30! Well- I am waiting and waiting but I do not feel any different. I still fixed my coffee the same way, put my pants on one leg at a time and ate the same breakfast that I eat every day. My boys were too funny today. Luke woke up and eagerly said, "daddy told me to tell you happy birthday." And then he told me that he loved my cake and I asked him if he bought me a cake and he looked down with a disappointed look and said no! I think he just wanted cake for breakfast. Blake was quick to give me a hug and kiss, and once I told him I did not want to get upset on my birthday I only had to tell him three times to brush his teeth and put on his socks and shoes. Now- that is a huge relief. It usually takes about 10 times for him to listen in the morning. Blake's hair is getting longer and we went to get it shaped yesterday to avoid the mullet. He is so darn handsome. Matthew was quite the jester this morning. He had a case of toilet paper set out disguised as my present. But- when I turned the corner there was a Victoria Secrets box awaiting me and inside was a pair of Pink PJs I have had my eye on for the last month. So far this has been a great day! I love being 30. Maybe now the neighborhood kids will quit thinking of me as their BFFs and they will think of me as an adult. Well- I doubt it!

Big Bad Chad is as Bad as They Come

The title says it all! God blessed me with a fun loving brother. He always makes me smile and his wife is a sweet sweet soul. I love them. Chad- I WILL not erase these pictures. Thanks for the laughs.

Sweet Sweet Boys

Occasionally I get a smile. Here are some pics from a visit we had from the Harrison's. I may be biased but my nieces are absolutely gorgeous. Check out these cuties and tell me they are not going to be heart breakers at an early stage. Blake and Luke love playing with their cousins. Luke would like to make Brooklyn his kissing cousin. We are having to keep an eye on him at an early age. He is a mess. Blake is my old soul. He is way too mature for his age sometimes. We had a great visit. We miss them already.

My funny funny boys

My boys are total hams when it comes to the cameras these days. Just wanted to let you view some of my favorite funny pictures. Yes- only Luke would want a tattoo on his bottom.

I am not a good blogger! I usually have to post two or three at a time to catch up! Here is the latest developments on our house. Matthew and I went out yesterday and did trash patrol. The construction men are quite messy and they eat some odd things. Our next door neighbor Hayden dropped by and offered us a pair of gloves. He is 5 and very outgoing. We love our new house and we can't wait to move in. It will be here before we know it. The picture with the neighbors houses showing is the view from our front door. There is also a view from our kitchen inside and it shows the connecting living area and the fire place.

My picture is the one I snapped of them "raising the roof". The picture with the stairs showing is taken from our breakfast nook. We have had a great time looking at the latest developments. BTW- we still are selling our present home so PLEASE PRAY FOR US!!!!!!!!!!!