Happy New Year

to everyone! I pray 2008 was all you hoped for and that 2009 will be even better!

Tracy

Random Pictures

I had to get a new USB thingy for my camera so I could share some pictures with everyone.

This is a house in our neighborhood! Ummm, things have sure changed over the years when it comes to outside decorations.

Silly and her friend the "turkey'.

My brother at his retirement ceremony.

Cousins!

Three peas in a pod! These three were inseparable while we were there.

Like everyone else, next week will be busy, busy, busy for me. I still have lots to get done, so if you don't hear from me before Christmas I hope everyone has a blessed holiday and remember to take time to recognize what it's all about. May God be glorified!

Tracy

Fostering

My friend A has started foster parenting and she has the tiniest little 1 week old baby. She is so precious, but oh so tiny. I could not imagine taking care of a baby that small. Silly weighed a little over 10 lbs. ( yeah I said 10) and The Rock Star weighed 8.9 lbs. Her little head fit right in the palm of my hand. Pray for her!

I'll be back later because my beloved DJ was tagged. How fun!

Tracy

Gifts

I cannot believe Christmas is NEXT week! I still have so much to do and if you know me at all then you know this is not the norm. I am a true bargain shopper and I usually start buying for next year the day after Christmas. I am all about a good deal! I rarely ever pay full price for anything. I've only got to get The Rock Star a couple more things, but I am at a total loss for Silly. She hasn't really ask for anything in particular so......
Just a little update on The Rock Star and The Guitar Player-they broke up last Thursday! No worries, he has moved on. By Saturday he had a new girlfriend. For the sake of the blog we will call her BFF because that's what they "were"! So, we'll see how it goes. Thank goodness I have a little while before Silly starts dating. She still thinks boys are disgusting because they have stinky arm pics! Not pits, but pics. O to be 5 again!

Tracy

Crazy Weather

I don't know about the weather where you all live, but here it has been up and down everyday. Either it's freezing cold all day and night or it's muggy and raining all day and night. I think it's been colder here than it has in a long time this time of the year. You don't know if you should wear a hat/scarf/gloves or a short sleeve shirt and a raincoat. Today is one of those dreary gray days.
Hope everyone has a great Tuesday!

Tracy

Brothers

I was in the middle of this post last week when we got the news that Big Poppa's brother was shot and killed early that morning in Atlanta. Violent acts are so hard to grasp. We know that God is in control and we are leaning on Him for our understanding. Pray for us!

Tracy

Blood Pressure

It's amazing how your blood pressure level can go from normal to off the charts in like 0.5 seconds. I've posted before about the parking situation here at our lovely campus. So, I go out to leave for lunch and I am parallel parked between 2 cars. The one in front of me is too far from the curb and the one behind me is too close to the curb. It took me 10 minutes, 75 times of pulling forward, backing up, 5 times getting out of my car, and about 9 inches from hitting the bumper of the car behind me before I could even get out of the parking space. By the time I was done I was sweating and my face was burning hot. I wonder if anybody was looking out their window to witness such a thing. If they were I'm sure they were laughing. At least that's what I can do now. Good times!

Tracy

Powerful

Sorry I've been slack on my posting. I guess the holidays got the best of me. I hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving. We definitely have SO much to be thankful for. My friend Lyds sometimes posts about a daily devotion we receive from Proverbs 31 (go here to sign up-you will not be disappointed). Anywho, yesterday's was about being a good wife and mother. Seeing how I am a wife and mother it really hit home with me concerning the actions that I have on the future of my children. See below....


December 3, 2008

I Can’t Believe My Husband Feels Dishonored Renee Swope

“Then when the king's edict is proclaimed throughout all his vast realm,
all the women will respect their husbands, from the least to the greatest."
Esther 1:20 (NIV)

Devotion:
My son Andrew was having a rough afternoon; he was tired, he’d been disappointed by a friend and he had homework. He tried to hide the tears dripping down his cheeks as he gritted his teeth and completed his worksheet.My husband JJ was sitting across the room watching football, occasionally glancing over at our son and me. I thought about something fun JJ could do with Andrew to cheer him up. Then I thought about how it would encourage Andrew if his dad recognized he was upset and "engaged" with him.

That wasn't happening. So, I invited JJ into the situation by suggesting he turn off the TV and come talk with Andrew. At this point, I was not thinking very honoring thoughts towards my husband. It got messy. JJ felt insulted. I felt frustrated. Finally JJ said, "Tell me what you want me to do."

So I did. Andrew loved my idea to go do something fun with his dad. In minutes, his homework was done. His tears were gone, and so was my husband. JJ was very frustrated. It wasn’t because he had to miss football. It wasn’t even what I said. It was how I said it. He felt dishonored by the timing and tone of my words. I couldn’t believe he felt dishonored. I felt so misunderstood!

I calmed down and thought more about what had happened. I remembered that JJ’s preference is for me to call him into another room away from our kids when I don’t agree with him. He’s also asked me to share my thoughts in a non-critical tone. It was very hard to admit, but I knew God wanted me to honor my husband's perspective and preferences.

Just a few months ago God had taught me the importance of honoring my husband through the story of Esther. Esther was chosen by the king to be his new wife because his first wife, Vashti, dishonored him. The king’s advisers insisted the king remove the queen from her throne because they were afraid her decision to dishonor the king would influence other wives to dishonor their husbands.

That passage reminded me that, although I may not influence a whole kingdom, my daily decisions are far-reaching. As wives, our words, actions and attitudes towards our husbands influence many. We influence the kind of women our sons will marry. We influence how our daughters will speak to their husbands. We influence how our friends might talk to their husbands after hearing how we talk to ours.

So, now I had the opportunity to apply this truth to my marriage. I have to admit it wasn’t easy. My pride insisted that I had the best of intentions. I thought so highly of my husband that I wanted him to be the one to speak into Andrew's hurts and right whatever was wrong.

Maybe Vashti had good intentions. Maybe she was trying to prove what seemed like a good point, but it lead to her downfall. Whatever the case, a bigger point was proven: a wife’s influence is far reaching when she dishonors her husband. I couldn’t change what I’d done that day. But I could change how it was impacting my little kingdom. With God’s help I told JJ, "I'm sorry for dishonoring you," and I said it in front of my sons. My pride was hard to swallow, but it went down a little easier knowing that honoring my husband honors God, and also influences my sons who I hope will one day look for wives who will honor them, too.

Dear Lord, I want to be a woman who honors my husband, but it’s hard when that means giving up my desire to be right. Help me to honor You, my husband and others in my thoughts, actions, words and decisions. I pray that my life would have a Godly influence on those around me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Tracy

The Beach

It's beautiful no matter what time of the year it is.

Waiting on 5:00

I know it's early in the day to be waiting for the clock to strike 5:00, but I am a little anxious today. We will be leaving right after work to go out of town. Tonight we are going to spend the night in Dothan with my daddy and tomorrow we are off to Florida to spend the weekend with my brother and his family. He will be retiring from the Air Force on Monday. Way to go brother! Big Poppa will be doing the prayer at his retirement ceremony. What an honor! They have 3 kids-1 boy and 2 girls. Needless to say The Rock Star and Silly are super excited to get to visit with their cousins. I will be off all of next week too! I can't wait.
Being reminded that Thanksgiving is coming up I just want to say that I am thankful for my brother serving our country for the last 24 years. I honor you today!
I hope everybody has a blessed Thanksgiving!

Tracy

1 thing I love about the holidays

This is my all time favorite product from Bath and Body works! It just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy.

So, the question of the day is...............what is your favorite?

Tracy

T-shirt

I saw this t-shirt here and could not resist sharing it. Funny stuff!

Tracy

Yummylishous

This + this


1 8oz. cream cheese (I used 1/3 less fat)
1/2 cup of sugar
3/4 cup of brown sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup of milk chocolate heath bar pieces
(in baking isle)



= something that tastes divine!

Tracy

Youth Retreat

Here's some pics from the youth retreat this past weekend. The view was amazing!

Here's The Rock Star during silent covenant! Looks a little like sleep covenant. Who knew he could be so still!

This was during communion after they had squeezed their own juice from grapes!

Here's the gang! We have a great brunch of kids.

Told you the view was amazing!

Tracy

Addicted

to these! They are delicious! Have you tried them? You should!

xxxx & oooo

Tracy

I'm drowning....

in a sea of this! Although this is not my laundry room it very well could be if they were all in seperate baskts by color. I can't seem to catch up. Sad!
Happy Monday!

Tracy

Donuts with Dad

Silly's school had donuts with dad this morning. How cute is that? Big Poppa has to be at work at 5:00am, but he came back home to get her and take her to school so they could have their daddy/daughter time. Awe!
I Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Tracy

Burger King

I feel the need to share with all of you how our Saturday went this past weekend. Once a month our skating rink/church has an all night skate. Big Poppa had to do a devotion and show a video Friday night at midnight (insert age here=too old to stay up past midnight) so, we didn't get home until about 2:30am with our precious 5 year old Silly that was still awake, but crying and fussing, and crying some more. Go to bed only to have to get back up at 6:30am to pick up The Rock Star from where we had just left a few short hours ago (teenagers-grrrrrr). Got back up again about 11:00am b/c Silly had a birthday party to go to at Burger King (reminds me of this you tube broadcast MAD tv - Bon Qui Qui at King Burger anyway) The party is running a little late and guess what? I have locked my keys in the car? Is my husband at home? Yes! Does he have a car there? No! (we left it at the skating rink the night/morning before) Is my neighbor home? No! So, I'm sitting there wishing Bon Qui Qui worked here, but she don't so I have to think of something else. I call somebody from church that lives close by to pick me up. Problem solved! The Rock Star also had a birthday party to go to and b/c of the key issue we got there so late everybody else was already gone. At least they are family friends so we stayed for a while anyway. Kids only want gifts! HA! They don't really care if you missed the entire party. Moving on....the day was still not done. We had to go to The Guitar Players concert thingy being that she is the girlfriend and everything we felt the need to go. She did a great job BTW. Sunday was better. After church and lunch we crashed for 2 maybe 3 hours!
Good times!

Tracy

News part II

Remember in this post I said I would have bigger news? Well, see below! Of course my name is under the black line. I am truly humbled! Big Poppa was already ordained under another ministry, but he was ordained under this ministry as well on Sunday. God has brought us so far and I can only look forward to what is to come. To God be the glory!



Tracy

What a guy

This was part of an email from a dear friend of mine. Her husband was our Pastor for about 9 years. She is referring to her son that is a junior in college. If this don't make you want to do more for the cause of Christ then I don't know what would! May his cup runneth over.....


This past sunday Josh became a liscensed minister from the church -- he was about one of eight set in order -- somebody gave him a 50 dollar bill after service and then he went and found some homeless people in the woods and bought all of them something to eat and spent the day with them.

Tracy

I'm Charlie Brown

I know it's kind of long, but my friend/co-worker sent this to me and I thought it was cute, so go ahead and give a try.


Everyone has a personality of a cartoon character. Have you ever asked yourself what cartoon character do you most resemble.
A group of investigators got together and analyzed the personalities of well known and modern cartoon characters. The information that was gathered was made into this test
Answer all the questions (only 10) with what describes you best, add up all your Points (which are next to the answer that you choose) at the end and look for your results.
Do not cheat by looking at the end before you are done.

1. Which one of the following describes the perfect date?
a) Candlelight dinner (4 pts.)
b) Fun/Theme Park (2 pts.)
c) Painting in the park (5 pts)
d) Rock concert (1 pt.)
e) Going to the movies (3 pts.)

2. What is your favorite type of music?
a) Rock and Roll (2 pts.)
b) Alternative (1 pt.)
c) Soft Rock (4 pts.)
d) Country (5 pts.)
e) Pop (3 pts.)

3. What type of movies do you prefer?
a) Comedy (2 pts.)
b) Horror (1 pt.)
c) Musical (3 pts.)
d) Romance (4 pts.)
e) Documentary (5 pts.)

4. Which one of these occupations would you choose if you only could choose one of these?
a) Waiter (4 pts.)
b) Professional Sports Player (5 pts.)
c) Teacher (3 pts.)
d) Police (2 pts.)
e) Cashier (1 pt)

5. What do you do with your spare time?
a) Exercise (5 pts.)
b) Read (4 pts.)
c) Watch television (2 pts.)
d) Listen to music (1 pt.)
e) Sleep (3 pts.)

6. Which one of the following colors do you like best?
a) Yellow (1 pt.)
b) White (5 pts.)
c) Sky Blue (3 pts.)
d) Dark Blue (2 pts.)
e) Red (4 pts.)

7. What do you prefer to eat?
a) Snow (3 pts.)
b) Pizza (2 pts.)
c) Sushi (1 pt.)
d) Pasta (4 pts.)
e) Salad (5 pts.)

What is your favorite holiday?
a) Halloween (1 pt.)
b) Christmas (3 pts.)
c) New Year (2 pts.)
d) Valentine's Day (4 pts.)
e) Thanksgiving (5 pts.)

9. If you could go to one of these places which one would it be?
a) Paris (4 pts)
b) Spain (5 pts)
c) Las Vegas (1 pt)
d) Hawaii (4 pts)
e) Hollywood (3 pts)

10. With which of the following would you prefer to spend time with?
a) Someone Smart (5 pts.)
b) Someone attractive (2 pts.)
c) Someone who likes to Party (1 pt.)
d) Someone who always has fun (3 pts.)
e) Someone very sentimental (4 pts.)

Now add up your points and find out the answer you have been waiting for!
Put your character in the subject line and forward to your friends.
It is very interesting to see 'who' your friends are!
(10-16 points) You are Garfield :
You are very comfortable, easy going, and you definitely know how to have fun but sometimes you take it to an extreme. You always know what you are doing and you are always in control of your life. Others may not see things as you do, but that doesn't mean that you always have to do what is right. Try to remember, your happy spirit may hurt you or others.
(17-23 points) You are Snoopy:
You are fun, you are very cool and popular. You always know what's in and you are never are out of style You are good at knowing how to satisfy everyone else. You have probably disappeared for a few days more than once but you always come home with the family values that you learned Being married and having children are important to you, but only after you have had ! your share of fun times
(24-28 points) You are Elmo:
You have lots of friends and you are also popular, always willing to give advice and help out a person in need. You are very optimistic and you always see the bright side of things. Some good advice: try not to be too much of a dreamer. Dreaming too big could cause many conflicts in your life.
(29-35 points) You are Sponge Bob Square Pants:
You are the classic person that everyone loves. You are the best friend that anyone could ever have and never wants to lose. You never cause harm to anyone and they would never not understand your feelings. Life is a journey, it's funny and calm for the most part. Stay away from traitors and jealous people, and you will be stress free.
(36-43 points) You are Charlie Brown:
You are tender, you fall in love quickly but you are also very serious about all relationships. You are a family person. You call your Mom every Sunday. You have many friends and may occasionally forget a few Birthdays. Don't let your passion confuse you with reality.
(44-50 points) You are Dexter:
You are smart and definitely a thinker... Every situation is fronted with a plan. You have a brilliant mind. You demonstrate very strong family principles. You maintain a stable routine but never ignore a bad situation when it comes. Try to do less over thinking every once in a while to spice things up a bit with spontaneity!
Now don't spoil it! Have some Fun!! Change the subject of the email to what you are and send it on.

Tracy

Halloween Fun

I hope everybody is ready for their sugar high! Good times! We haven't always "done " Halloween. Sad, huh? We were too christian for it. Anywho.....you can now judge me. Just kidding! However, we have always done the fall festivals or trunk or treat at church and we will sort of be doing that tonight. We will be at church which is also the Turnaround Christian Center/skating rink and Big Poppa will be preaching at midnight. I hope I can stay up that late. HA! They will be having an all night skate too.
So, I go to Wal Mart LAST night because that is basically the only place where we live to buy anything to find some kitty stuff for Silly. Well, because I went LAST night they didn't have any. She decided she would be Hannah Montana instead. After looking at the $20 plastic dresses we decided on a HM t-shirt with sleeves that are detachable (sort of 80ish). At least she can wear again. I let her wear her down with a head band for the full effect. She has some massive hair!
The Rock Star bought some Georgia pajama bottoms to wear. He wanted to prepared for the all night skate.
I love this explanation of "doing" Halloween.
I hope you have a good one.

Tracy

Sad times

Poor Silly got her first :( face yesterday at school. She was being way too talkative. She was devastated. As soon as I walked in the door she met me at the bottom of the stairs to tell me about it. She immediately started crying. She has such a tender heart and takes pride in being well behaved. When she does something, lots of times she will ask me if she is obeying. Bless her little heart. She is so precious!
On another note, the Guitar Player is participating in a little mini concert this weekend and The Rock Star wants to buy her a rose. Awwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeee! He was asking me all these questions about how it will keep until afterwards and how is he going to hide it. Good times! I don't know if I am going to be able to handle all of this dating stuff.

Tracy

Outing

Our first outing with the youth was this past Sunday night. We took them to Judgement Journey. Several churches have something similar to this. We went to the one in LaGrange at Faith Baptist Church. If your ever in the area this time of the year they do it every weekend in October. Check out the intro here www.judgmentjourney.com. We enjoyed being with them and are looking forward to many other things to come.
Happy Hump Day!

Tracy

Such a gentleman!

The Rock Star never ceases to amaze me. After church Sunday my Pastor's wife (which is his girlfriends mother and for the sake of future posts we will call her The Guitar Player b/c she plays the guitar) told me that he came to her to let her know that he really liked her daughter and that she could trust him because he was a good kid and that he would never put any kind of pressure on her. I got all teary eyed! I was sooooooo proud of him. In case he reads this, you make a momma proud and I love you with everything that is within me.

Tracy

News Part I

You are looking, well not looking, but you know what I mean, at the wife of the new Youth Pastor at Covenant Word of Faith Ministries! WooHoo! Big Poppa and myself are super excited about this! I know, lots of these ! Anywho, I will have even BIGGER news in a couple of weeks so, stay tuned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tracy

Outage outrage!

Ha! Come on blogger outage already. I don't have all day to post and now it is the end of the day. We're going to dinner with our Pastor and his family tonight, so hopefully there will be some exciting news to tell you all about tomorrow and I got tagged!
Until tomorrow.....

Tracy

Hairspray

I know a lot of people don't use hairspray much anymore, but I do and I use the maximum hold stuff because I like for my hair to stay the way I like it all day long.
Anyway, have you ever sprayed your face with hairspray? Um, yeah, it's hard to pry your eyelashes apart when you use maximum hold.
Just a little friendly advice. HA!

Tracy

Ironing

I do NOT like to iron, but I do NOT like wrinkled clothes even more. So, every night I iron The Rock Star's, Silly's, and my clothes. I know she's only 5, but still! Anyway, I ask The Rock Star to get me his clothes out so that I can get them ready for the next day and this is how our conversation went.......
me: Give me what you are wearing to school.
TRS: Do these jeans match this jacket?
me: No!
TRS: Sighing-no blowing-no huffing.
me: You need black jeans.
TRS: OK-giving me the black jeans.
So, I get his jeans and t-shirt ironed.
TRS: Can you iron my jacket?
me: Are you kidding me right now?
TRS: No, look how wrinkled it is.
me: It's a jacket!
TRS: I can't wear it like that.
So, I iron his jacket.
How crazy is that? He is 14 for crying out loud. We are little OCD about our clothes. The Rock Star likes to look good, Silly likes to match-hair bows and all, I just like a lot of clothes, and Big Poppa, well he irons his own clothes because he thinks he irons better than me. Oh well, I have enough to do anyway.

Tracy

Busy, Busy, Busy

Sorry, no time to "chat". We're getting ready for visitation day here at the college and we have tons to do.
Maybe Monday! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Tracy

Whew!

What a relaxing 4 days! It was so nice to be home with my family. We did a lot of nothing which we don't normally get to do. We barely left the house. The weather was so nice too! I love Fall, especially seeing all the leaves changing. We did do a little house arranging. Upstairs we had the master bedroom, Silly's bedroom, and Big Poppa's office, downstairs we had The Rock Star's bedroom and den, and Silly's playroom. We moved the playroom upstairs and the office downstairs. I'm waiting for the men only sign to go on the door, unless your here to see The Rock Star that is. Silly hardly ever went down there unless she had company so now maybe she will use it more. It's amazing the difference in kids. I hardly ever see The Rock Star and Silly barely leaves my side. I suppose it's the age.
Do any of you like going to the Arts and Crafts festivals that are everywhere every weekend? If so, which one is your favorite?

Tracy

What's your passion?

Big Poppa is the general manager of a restaurant. He truly cares about his employees. If they have a problem or a need they call him. Sometimes people do genuinely need a helping hand. One of his girls called him last night and was crying about some things she is going through. He was encouraging her and giving her some scriptures to read. It blessed me to here him be so passionate.
My kiddos have fall break Monday and Tuesday so I decided to take off with them. I can't wait for five o'clock to get here. I hope you all have a great weekend and I will be back next Wednesday! Woohoo!
Tracy

Gas Prices

We live about an hour south of Atlanta (but still in Georgia) and today gas is $3.79 per gallon. Big Poppa was 20 minutes down the road in Alabama today and their gas prices are $3.29 per gallon. Can ANYONE explain to me how that works? That is a big difference!

Tracy

Poor Silly

Poor Silly was going to do her first set of sight words today (must have young children or be a teacher to understand). They are a little different from her old school so, we studied and sent the note saying she was ready. Well, do you know what that teacher did? She didn't go in the same order as we did so the "story" was a little confusing and Silly couldn't remember her "sight" words that way. She said, with a little quiver, that she went down instead of across and now she has to try again. Poor little thing it was just too much pressure for her! How dare that teacher do her job! LOL!

Tracy

Lunch

This is how my lunch went today!

One of these (not necessarily this breed, but one of his relatives) just about flew in my hair. Now mind you I grew up in the 80's and my hair is still somewhat there, but by no means does it look like a birds nest. If that thing would have hit me I would have died. Do you hear me? Right on the spot! Movin' on......

Now, I work at a college where parking is NOT a good situation. When I parked my car this morning everything was fine just as it is in this illustration below. When I left to go to lunch the car next to me was so close that I had to get in on the passenger side and move over to the driver side from the inside. Hello, we do NOT have drivers ed here.

Next, I go to this place to add a line to our service for my momma so that we are a free ring away. They are out of free phones so needless to say I will have to go back another day because I am all about FREE!

This place is right next door and seeing how I am out of checks because I reorder after the fact I go in to get some counter checks. The computers are down therefore, I am still out of checks.

There is hope after all. I go across the street to the mall and pick up these comfy cuties and get one of these yummylishous icedream cones from Chic fil a.

I sure am glad it's Friday and not Monday!

Tracy

Happy Friday

Is anybody glad it's Friday? Me too! It's been a stressful week with the kiddos starting their new schools. But all is well that ends well. Thank you Lord for working it all out even when I couldn't see it. I am in awe of You!
Not much going on for us tonight. I will be proctoring the SAT tomorrow and getting stuff ready for an upcoming yard sale. I seem to accumulate a lot of STUFF. Church on Sunday! I so look forward to going each week. Our Pastor brings a good Word.
So, how's your weekend shaping up? Hope it's a good one.
Tracy

Why?

This was the reason for the not so happy dance yesterday. Sad isn't it? All because she wanted to sit in the front seat. Women, I tell ya, if we can't have our way then we'll just take it. Starting out kind of young huh?

Too much

So, I was asking Silly how it was going at her new school and if she liked her teachers. She said yes and yes, but that the one teacher was too much. I asked her what she meant and she said she likes me too much. She said she just keeps smiling at me all the time. What more could a momma ask for? Thank you Ms. H and Ms. L for welcoming her in.

Tracy

Thanks

Thanks belle for my pay it forward gift. It is so cute and even cuter that you thought of my precious Silly too. Thanks again!

Mornings

Do they have to start so early?
There was also a little dance that went with this too!

It's official

Well, it's official The Rock Star has a new girlfriend. Oh, did I mention who it is? No. It's our Pastor's daughter. Help!!!!!!!!! Has he considered the ramifications of this? No. She is quite precious though so, we''ll see how it goes.
Moving on, when I took Silly to school today I had to leave her crying and reaching out for her momma. It was all I could do to wait till I got to the car to cry myself. And for what? When I picked her up the teacher said she had a great day and Silly even said she liked it. PTL! There's actually a little girl that she already knew in her class.
The Rock Star starts his new school tomorrow. They have over 400 freshman there. There wasn't even 400 kids at his last school from daycare to 12th grade much less one grade. He's pretty level headed so he should do fine. I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed.
Nothing like having more reasons to pray.

Tracy

Girls, Girls, Girls

Tonight Big Poppa and The Rock Star are going camping with the fellows from church. My friend A, her baby girl, and Silly are going to dinner, to the mall, and to rent a movie. Good times! Pray for my boys because they are not the woodsy type! But I am the mall type so, I will be just fine. Retail therapy is what I need. See yesterday's post. Anywho....my weekend is actually pretty calm for a change.
Silly is staring a new school on Monday and it has been traumatic to say the least. For her and for me. One minute she is crying and flailing about and the next she seems to be sort of ok. Insert prize system. Don't judge me, we all have our faults. Sometimes ya gotta do what ya gotta do and this time I gotta do it! Her current teacher ask her about her new school and she proceeded to tell her she was NOT going and that she had already told her momma that! She's gonna need retail therapy too. LOL!

Have a good one,
Tracy

Change

I don't like it!

Tracy

Our children's future

On Tuesday nights our church does outreach ministry to kids that normally don't go to church. These teenagers need Jesus in their lives. So, when you pray today please pray for them. They are going before our younger children paving the way for them. It breaks my heart to know some of the things they go through daily in their own homes. They are so angry and so hostile. Pray for their parents or guardians to be a better example to them. They are looking for someone to love them.

My heart is heavy today!

Tracy

The Rock Star

We are having a mini concert at church tonight and The Rock Star will be "performing" one of his songs. He raps! He writes his own songs, puts the music to it, and records it on the computer. Pretty nifty huh? Your question may be, why is he called The Rock Star if he raps? Well being that he is 14 and all, he has a tendency to change his mind from time to time (day to day) about the things he is interested in. He has a guitar (well actually he has a bass, an electric, and an acoustic), a keyboard, and a set of drums. Are you getting the picture? I guess I could change his name to the rapper. Anywho....he does a momma proud. I always get a little teary eyed when he's on stage. If you are in LaGrange come out to the Turnaround Christian Center at 7:00 and check him out! You will not be disappointed, although I am a little biased.

Tracy

Woohoo- let's pay it forward!

So, I won a pay it forward from LL at http://abelleandherbeau.blogspot.com/and now it's my turn to do the same.

HERE ARE THE RULES:The exchange focuses on doing an act of kindness without expecting anything in return other than that the recipient will, in their turn, pass the kindness along and pay it forward.This is how it works... I am going to agree to send something fun, cute, & nice to the first 3 blog owners who post a comment on this entry. In turn, those three will post this information and pick 3 people they want to send something to and so on.Unfortunately, due to postage costs, I can only pay it forward within the United States. If you are interested in participating, be one of the first 3 blog owners to leave a comment! The little something you send can be something you made, bought, were given or found. Just a gift that will make the person smile.If you'd like to join in, be one of the first 3 people to leave me a comment. You have to promise that you will then post about this on your blog, link to me, and then send something to the first three people who sign up to play along through your blog. I hope people like this idea. It's a small way to bring a smile to someone's face!

Quick, fast, hurry, go comment!

Tracy

Is it just me?

Is it just me or is there always something to do? It seems like there is just not enough time in the day to do everything you need to do. Our weekends are as busy as the weekdays.
We are headed to Atlanta to church tonight, birthday party tomorrow, and lunch at our Pastor's house on Sunday. Good times, but busy times.
My question is how do you all balance it all out? Family, work, church, and life's little extras!

Tracy

Peace

Last night at church my Pastor was talking about when the disciples were on the boat with Jesus and the storm came and Jesus was below asleep and they were all freaking out. The point he made was, HELLO people Jesus is on the boat, God is not going to let it sink. God is a God of peace.

My question to you is.......Is God on your boat?

Tracy

Come back to me

I tell you what! You take a week off from blogging and even your faithful few leave you. It wasn't that I don't love you all, it was me. HA! HA!

Miss you guys!

Tracy

Help!

I am looking for some ideas for lunch for The Rock Star and Silly. We are not big sandwich eaters, nor do we eat PB&J! I know, I know! Who does not like a good PB&J sandwich? Them and me! YUCK! Now, Bip Poppa, that's a different story. He loves the swirl kind. Anyway, we've tried many a thing. The Rock Star can use the microwave and he LOVES meat (funny how that works because when he was little he hated meat. He would chew it up and spit it out), but Silly can't. If she takes something that needs to be heated I pop it in the microwave before we leave in the mornings so that it is room tempature at lunch time. Did I mention the reason they take their lunch? It's not because the lunch at school tastes bad. It cost $3.75 a day per person. No lie! So help me out and give me some good ideas.

Hope you all are having a good Tuesday!

Tracy

A must read

If you have not already done so, check out this blog http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/. It will definately change your life. To God be the glory!

Tracy

Back to the land of the living

Sorry for the delay in posting. I've been in a blogging funk so to speak. Being one of four in my office that started a blog the same day I wanted to do it the most, but have been the one that has blogged the least. So.......anywho. I'm back just in time for the weekend. This is what the party has going on. Tonight, The Rock Star has a game, tomorrow, I have to work half a day & then on to a yummy-licious fish fry at my moma's, and Sunday, church, of course, and a visit to a friends house who's mom is not doing well (pray for her-she has just found out she has cancer). Silly was suppose to participate in a cheer thingy on Saturday, but she's 5 and has changed her mind like she does quite often. Like, every 5 minutes.

What does everyone else have going on?

Tracy

Party On....

I just wanted to share some pictures from the Rock Star's Birthday party and of my precious Silly! I so enjoy each one of them at the different stages they are in.

Happy birthday!

The Rock Star turned 14 today. Happy birthday son. I love you!

Mom

Go Cougars!

The Rock Star's team won Friday! It was so exciting. Way to go Cougars! Keep up the good work!

Are you ready for some football?

Today's the day! The Rock Star's first football game. We are so pumped! Here he is with his very own personal cheerleader. I am so blessed! He called his coach last night to tell him he wanted to do the devotioal today. I'm a crier so, I teared up a little and I got a lump in my throat as my heart swelled with pride. May his cup runneth over. We have the game tonight, a friends wedding/cheerleading camp/The Rock Star's birthday party all tomorrow, church on Sunday, and lunch with some great friends afterwards. Busy anyone?

Cuteness

This is our beloved DJ. Isn't he the cutest thing? He is spoiled rotten.

What rocks my world...

These two! I love them to pieces. Introducing The Rock Star and Silly to the blogging world.

Can anybody say they are glad it's Friday?

I can! It's been a long week. I got the results from my doctor's visit this week and all is well. Praise God! Some ladies from our church are going to a ladies conference tonight to hear Beth Stephens. If you haven't heard of her you should check her out at http://www.bethstephensministries.org/. I can't wait!
The Rock Star is having his first football scrimmage game today. He looked so handsome in his jersey. Good luck son! Fellas, please take it easy on him. Big Poppa is in charge of taking pictures. I took a couple this morning. I just couldn't resist. Silly is going to her Granny's for the evening and is too excited.

Hope everybody has a good one!

Tracy

Randomness

Is it just me or does anyone else in the universe have a problem with being on time? I just cannot get where I need to be on time. Oh well, maybe next time. Um, yeah right!

The church meeting went well. We all need to be put in our place every now and again. Thank God for Godly leaders who are willing to do what is right for the kingdom. We love you Pastor Jeff and Pastor Phyllis.

If there are ladies out there that need a daily devotion go to proverbs31devotions@comcast.net and subscribe. You will not be disappointed.

Today is my daddy's birthday! So, a great big Happy Birthday to him. I love you daddy! FYI I pronounce that deddy!

Hope everyone's day is going good,
Tracy

I know, I know....

I said come back on Monday and it's now Wednesday. It's just been that kind of week.
Monday 5 laptops were stolen from our office. Can I just say "Thou shalt not steal" anyway.... what a way to start the week.
Tueaday I started off with a series of doctors appointments that led to an extra one and one being canceled. It's always fun to have a needle as long as your hand stuck in your armpit and jabbed all around. Pray for positive results!
Then we found out that we have a mandatory emergency church meeting after Bible Study!!!! Again, pray for positive results!
So here comes Wednesday and before 7:30am I have yelled, ok screamed at The Rock Star and grounded him (and we all know how firm I am with that) (not so much). I love him more than life itself and it just kills me. The joys of being a parent to an almost 14 year old boy, teenager, and young man all wrapped up in one body! Pray for him! I know God has great and mighty things in store for him.
Hopefully Thursday and Friday will be better.
Until then,
Tracy

Ist Timer

One mock blog post and four new bloggers later brings us to where we are now. An office with serious blog addiction and our very own brand spanking new blogs. How exciting for L, A, LL, and myself? I hope this blog will bring you all a belly full of laughter, some inspiration, and not leave you scratching your head asking yourself what in the world? This blog will pretty much be about the life of my family because let's face it that is what consumes me and I love it. So, come back on Monday to journey through with me. Happy Friday and enjoy your weekend!

Tracy