Count down....

In less than 24 hours Wooten will be home!! We're ready!! We'll be asking lots of questions and I'll be washing lots of smelly camp clothes. We're just going to chill out and enjoy catching up on the goings on of the week.

In 24 hours the 2008 Amazing G-race VBS will be over. We'll be undecorating (not a real word, but I like it) and cleaning up. This week has been amazing. The kids seem to be having fun. I for one can't stop singing the songs we've learned this week. I know I'm not the only one because I've heard several kids singing and humming as they walk down the hall. I like all the music but this one is my favorite.


It's from Hillsong Kids. Enjoy!! Worship IS fun!!!

Where's Wooten?

Wooten is at camp this week with his cousins' (Rebecca & Josh) church. Here he is on the bus Sunday afternoon. They'll be back Friday. We know they're having tons of fun, but.....
we sure do miss him!! Can't wait to hear all about his adventures and...
get a big hug!!

What to do on a hot day?

VBS water day, of course. We are having VBS this week at our church. The theme is The Amazing G-race after the popular television show (The Amazing Race). Each day there are skits, music, crafts, Bible lessons, memory verses, lunch and an afternoon activity. Yesterday we went skating. But today it was all about the water...
Anna Gracen slipping and sliding.
Christian getting drenched before taking the big plunge.
We're having a great week at VBS.

Go Wildcats!!! (revised from this afternoon)

Usually you hear that followed by "Get your head in the game". Those familiar with "High School Musical" recognize those words. I'm not putting them here in honor of "HSM 3" coming out in theaters this fall. They are here in honor of my brother being named head football coach at West Johnston High School (the Wildcats) in Benson, NC. He will also be the head track and field coach. You can read more here. This is a wonderful accomplishment for Bennett. We are all so proud of him. Bennett has had the opportunity to work with some great coaches and awesome athletes in the past. These coaches aren't just co-workers they are life long friends. The athletes aren't just athletes they are fine young men excelling on and off the field/track.

Can you tell that I am proud? Can you also tell that I am a cheerleader at heart (as well as a past cheerleader - I think once you are a cheerleader you are always a cheerleader - kinda like the saying about Marines - once a Marine always a Marine.)(That makes better sense now doesn't it, Matt?)

One last time (in this post anyway) - "GO WILDCATS!!!!"

Revision: Please excuse the TERRIBLE typos in the previous version of this post. My brain was fried from being at VBS all day. We had a blast though (which is why my brain was and is fried). Yeah, spell check finds misspelled words but not idiot mistakes. I think it's time for bed. Another day of VBS tomorrow.

Just music or heart?

I can't believe in my meme (the Cd's question) I forgot to mention Aaron Shust and Don Moen. I love listening to their music. I don't just listen - I worship. When I sing along I'm not just singing words, I'm singing my heart. I close my eyes and try not to think of the people around me or how I may sound. Because no matter what I may sound like to natural ears, my Father hears my heart. My sister in Christ, Laura, and I were talking of that very thing the other day. Check out her blog and hear the song her cousin wrote and sang for his father's 75th birthday. When you hear it you hear his heart. As you listen to your radio or favorite Cd's (Christian or secular) this week, listen deeper - do you hear the heart (of the artist, the song writer, yourself)?

After watching the video, it increases my desire to learn to play the guitar. To be able to pick it up, make a joyful noise and sing my heart is what I long to do. I pray (well, I was going to say "I pray God gives me the patience and anointing to worship Him in music") - but God has already given me the desire. He placed that within me. He is my Provider - He has given me patience and an anointing (I just haven't started walking in it, YET, that is!).

A meme??

Here is a new one for me. My sister-in-law posted a meme on her blog. I wasn't sure what it was - so glad she explained it. A meme is a list of questions and answers that a blogger posts on their site. You answer the same questions on your blog and then your readers post the meme on their blog. That way the meme travels. So here goes:

What were you doing 10 years ago?
I was a stay-at-home mom of a 2 1/2 year old. I was watching "Blues Clues" and "Winnie the Pooh". Helping Tom raise/breed beagles and going to field trials.

Favorite snack?
Homemade salsa and chips
Spinach dip w/Hawaiian bread

To do list?
Tomorrow's to do list looks something like this: eat breakfast, feed kids, check e-mails, catch up on blogs, eat mid-morning snack, cut grass at church, help with VBS set, eat lunch, feed kids, work on VBS skits, get Wooten's stuff together for camp, do some laundry, have a date with Tom (yeah!!)

Jobs I have had?
Cotton candy girl (making the sticky stuff for my family's amusement rides & concession stand); babysitter; working at my great grandmother's grill making hot dogs, cheeseburgers, taking orders from the customers and my Granny; Daycare worker; Paralegal; stay-at-home homeschooling mom

Places I have lived?
North Carolina and South Carolina (for a few years as a child)

Bad habits?
Getting side tracked; leaving clothes in the dryer or washer for too long (I hate that); not folding laundry as soon as I get it out of the dryer (finally); Not starting something unless I know I can finish it (like ironing, I have a basket full. I won't start until I know I have the time to finish all of it); taking too long answering these questions!!

Five random things people may not know
I was determined that when I turned 18 I was going to move to New York and be on Broadway (one trip to New York and my mind was changed and fast)

There were four kids in my graduating kindergarten class that I graduated high school with also.

My great-grandmother's maiden name was Jefferson. Her family tree goes back to Thomas Jefferson.

I came up with Anna Gracen's name after seeing my high school cheer leading coach at the library with her daughters, Anna and Grace.

Before I met Tom I was jealous that he was out with another girl. I knew who he was (my friend's cousin. I was also hanging out with his sister), but hadn't officially met him.

Cd's I would want if stranded on an island
Cd's really wouldn't do me any good unless I have a waterproof CD player and lots of dry batteries. Or unless I was going to use the Cd's to reflect the sunlight and heat the fish I have to catch. Sorry, I digress - I would want a Stevie Nicks CD (Tom loves her music & it has rubbed off on me); Mercy Me; Chris Tomlin; and a Best of 80's CD.

What would I do if I were a billionaire?
1.) Pay off all bills/house
2.) Give a big chunk to my church
3.) Set up trust funds for my kids for their future
4.) Buy a beach house at the OBX
5.) A suite at the RBC Center to watch the Carolina Hurricanes w/family & friends
6.) Give to charities and ministries
7.) Invest

From The Voice of Martyrs:

The eyes of the world will soon be on the Olympics. But the eyes of God remain on His children and especially those who suffer for their faith.
Despite what you may hear in the news, Chinese Christians who refuse to register with the government controlled church are being persecuted. Many have undergone horrific suffering.
Recently a prominent representative of a group of house churches in China asked Christians throughout the free world to pray for China during the Olympics. The Voice of the Martyrs, in partnership with China Aid Associates, has accepted that call and has produced the Olympic Prayer Band. We would like to invite you to request one to wear during the Olympics. Similar prayer bands will also be distributed to house church Christians in China and they will be praying for you as well.

When I received the bands I ordered in the mail, the kids asked me about them. I explained about praying for China. Wooten spoke up and said, "We should pray for all the nations." Out of the mouths of babes. Yes, we should. We pray for unity in the body of Christ - that body is all over this world. We have brothers and sisters in many nations. Let us unite in Him and pray one for another in Jesus' mighty name!!

I pray that God's glory be manifested in China. His light dispels any darkness. I pray for safety for the Christians in China and all the athletes participating in the Olympics. I pray they know God's truth and experience His peace. This coming together of the nations in China is significant. Let us pray with expectant hearts to see God's glory poured out upon His children as they gather. I decree and declare that the news media will report on all that the Lord does during the games. Their eyes will be opened to Him. There will be no denying Him in Jesus' name I pray, Amen and Amen!

Here is a family you need to know about. I haven't met them (in person that is). I have been reading Nate's blog from the beginning (thank you, Jennifer!!). I have prayed for them, cried for them, rejoiced for them and had dreams that I was praying with them. When we went to the OBX for vacation this summer, we were on their stomping grounds.

God uses all things for His good - Nate, Tricia and Gwyneth Rose are great examples of that. Go to their blog and read all about them, but do more than that - pray for them. I am praying for God to heal Tricia completely and totally - no CF, no cancer. God is bigger than either of these!

*WARNING - You WILL be inspired!!!

The fruits of our labor

We are blessed to have family with fruit trees and bushes. My grandparents have a cherry tree - we made cherry pie and cherry sauce to put on ice cream. My mother (Nana) has peach and pear trees. The kids love grabbing a peach and taking it outside to eat. I love cutting them up on my cereal. I made stewed pears with the ones I picked. I cut up the pear; added a little water; some cinnamon and some splenda and let them cook until tender. Nana has grapes growing also. They'll be ready later on. MeMa and PaPa (Tom's parents) have blueberry bushes. Boy do they have blueberries. I went out yesterday to pick a few and ended up with a big bowl full. Anna Gracen eats them by the handfuls. I, again, like them in my cereal. I've made blueberry crunch twice in the last few weeks.

Tonight Anna Gracen and I decided to try some new recipes. We wanted to make some muffins and found a great recipe in Best of the Best: The Recipe Hall of Fame Cookbook - "Winning Recipes from Hometown America". I have really enjoyed this cookbook which is evidenced by it's appearance (folded pages and worn cover).

Here is the pic Anna Gracen took of them (before the boys got ahold of them). They were a hit with everyone.
Saucy Blueberry Lemon Muffins
Then I made a "Melt-In-Your-Mouth Blueberry Cake" from the same cookbook. Did I mention that I love this cookbook?


Blueberries aren't just tasty - they are good for you. The benefits are numerous, so enjoy! We will!

TIME GETS BETTER WITH AGE

I received the following in an e-mail from my dad. It will be great if we can go ahead and learn these things now and live them out. Let us gleam from the wisdom of others and be ageless!!

TIME GETS BETTER WITH AGE

*I've learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing "Silent Night". Age 5
*I've learned that our dog doesn't want to eat my broccoli either. Age 7
*I've learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back. Age 9
*I've learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it up again. Age 12
*I've learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up. Age 14
*I've learned that although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretly glad my parents are strict with me. Age 15
*I've learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice. Age 24
*I've learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life's great pleasures. Age 26
*I've learned that wherever I go, the world's worst drivers have followed me there. Age 29
*I've learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it. Age 30
*I've learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don't know how to show it. Age 42
*I've learned that you can make some one's day by simply sending them a little note. Age 44
*I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the greater his or her need to cast blame on others. Age 46
*I've learned that children and grandparents are natural allies. Age 47
*I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. Age 48
*I've learned that singing "Amazing Grace" can lift my spirits for hours. Age 49
*I've learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone. Age 50
*I've learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. Age 51
*I've learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills. Age 52
*I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die. Age 53
*I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life. Age 58
*I've learned that if you want to do something positive for your children, work to improve your marriage. Age 61
*I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. Age 62
*I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. Age 64
*I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you. Age 65
*I've learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision. Age 66
*I've learned that everyone can use a prayer. Age 72
*I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. Age 82
*I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch-holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. Age 90
*I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. Age 92
*I've learned that you should pass this one on to someone you care about. Sometimes they just need a little something to make them smile.
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Here I go again...

My, My, what a long awaited movie weekend. Not one, but two big movies - "The Dark Knight" and of course, "Mamma Mia!". I went to see the musical chick flick today (enjoyed it Jennifer & Jill). I heard from three men that "The Dark Knight" was great! (Being men they didn't divulge any details - thanks Matt, Scott & Ron). Following suit I won't tell any details about "Mamma Mia". I will say that the music was AWESOME!! The trailer and the ticket man at the movies were right, "the music is contagious". I can't stop singing (which may not be a good thing - sorry Tom and kids). If you like Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, musicals and/or ABBA music, you will enjoy. I certainly did!! There are surprises - I just love surprises. The only thing that could have been better was the audience. Jennifer, Jill and I were the only ones laughing during the previews. Needless to say I knew these people wouldn't be "dancing in the aisles" as the trailer suggested. Jennifer and I did clap (by ourselves) at the end of the movie. I didn't think Pierce sang badly - as some reviewers have said. Who really cares if he can sing well or not, he is Pierce Bronson - enough said. I personally can't wait to buy the soundtrack.

Something else to look forward to - there were some great previews. I told Jill that I need season tickets to the movies so I can see all of them. I might just settle on waiting for some of them to come out at Redbox. Here are a few I want to check out: "Henry Poole is Here" (August 15); "The House Bunny" (August 22); "How to Lose Friends and Alienate People" (October 3); and "Flesh of Genius" (October 17). Check these and more movies out on www.comingsoon.net.

Ta da!

We did buy a new car. God's timing is perfect! Shortly after I posted the last post, we headed off to Greenville. Tom wanted to meet with Tyler whom he had spoken with on Wednesday evening. I didn't want Tom to have to ride by himself so, the kids and I went with him. The whole atmosphere was different at this dealership. We found Tyler to be an honest, helpful, young man. An honest car salesman - what a breath of fresh air! We took the car out for a test drive and then came back for Tom to talk business. The kids and I headed to the customer waiting area and I prayed. I prayed a short prayer for God's will to be done (car or no car). A short time later the five of us were headed back to Wilson in a blue Dodge Journey.



I must admit - it was sad leaving our beloved Durango behind. We had it for 6 years. We took lots of trips in that car and had lots of memories. Tyler called today to check on things (great customer service). He said they sold the Durango yesterday afternoon at 5:30. Boy, it didn't stay there long. If you're looking at buying a new car we highly recommend Tyler. Give him a call and tell him we sent you. (If you click on his card above, it enlarges so you can read the numbers.)

What I've learned from this process is what I mentioned in the earlier post. Keep your eyes on the prize, Jesus. Move in His timing! Pray about things FIRST, not as a last resort or out of frustration. God opens doors for us - we just need to look and stop banging on the shut doors. Betty worded it best in her comment: "We all work in the flesh at times. He knows that so He waits for us to give it over to Him. He is our rear guard and loves us at all times!"

Keepin' it Real

This is a different kind of post. It's not uplifting or inspiring (or maybe it will be). I'm just "keepin' it real" (meaning being honest) and sharing what I'm feeling. The words to this post have been running through my head all morning, so here goes.
I'm disappointed - not in my kids or my husband, but in myself. I consider myself an upbeat, positive person. Well, not so the past few days. Why you may ask? Quite simply, I took my eyes off the prize. No, not the new car we were looking at buying, but Jesus!!! I have been consumed (for lack of a better word) with looking at cars. I have wasted hours on the computer checking out gas mileage and price options. I have wasted hours sitting in car dealerships listening to the "truth" as it has been told to me by dealers. (Notice "truth" in quotes, I wish just ONE dealer would give the truth). I chose not to attend a funeral visitation and missed church Wednesday night all because my focus was somewhere else. God has used this to show me how easily my focus can be diverted. How no matter how unconcerned I am about material things, they can affect me. I didn't think my personality could change so fast. I have seen that the timing is not right now for us to buy a car. If it were - this experience wouldn't be so hard. God opens the doors that need to be opened and He closes the doors that need to be closed. So even though the phone is ringing off the hook (2 dealers have already called this morning; one has called twice), I will patiently wait on the Lord. Some of you may think that sounds silly, but the Word of God tells us "for in Him we live and move and have our being". I will not move until He moves me. I will not try to go through a door that He has closed. I will not try to open it in my own strength. I am also not going to wallow in self pity - YUK! I will embrace the lesson I have learned and move forward. As David List (church friend that has moved to Florida) said Sunday at church, "You can't drive forward looking in the rear view mirror."

Who knows in driving my car that doesn't have air conditioning I might lose that 15 lbs. I want to lose.
Be blessed!!!

Busy, busy weekend

Boy, were we busy last week and (week)end.

• Wednesday, before the fishing trip, we went out to church to help set up tables for a luncheon for Sunday.


• Thursday, Anna Gracen and I went to church to help Ms. Carla decorate the tables. Then we went to MeMa's to swim with cousins, Jacob and Eli. They are both such cuties! (However, Jacob probably wouldn't appreciate being called a cutie.) Eli seemed to like my Carolina Hurricanes hat. I'm not sure if he kept looking at it because it was red or because he was wondering why I wasn't wearing a Pittsburgh Steelers' hat like his daddy.


• Friday, I headed to Greenville for a much needed hair cut. I love Edward at Bella Salon!! Afterwards the kids and I went shopping at the mall. What an adventure with three kids all wanting to shop for themselves. They were very patient which made the trip fun. We were successful in finding some shorts & shirts for Wooten. I wish I had taken a picture of Christian's "crappy" shoes (as he called them) before we threw them away. They were great play shoes, but he had started wearing them in public which, quite frankly, was embarrassing. We desperately (desperate because he was wearing those very shoes that day) looked at the mall for an inexpensive replacement pair, but didn't find any. He is so cute maybe no one looked at his feet.


• We celebrated Aunt Lillian's birthday on Saturday and enjoyed some fun in the sun and pool.


• Sunday was packed with lots of food and fellowship. Our church family celebrated the 28th anniversary of the church. We also celebrated our Pastor's 50 years in the ministry. Which meant lots of food preparation Saturday night. We had to be at church at 9:30 am for me to practice a dance with the dance team. The service was a great time of worship and unity. There were guests that came to honor Pastor Eric and share their memories. There was a dance that we did to "Worthy is the Lamb". The congregation sang along with the video "I Then Shall Live". We had a pot luck feast. Boy, do we have some awesome cooks at our church!! I think the same can be said of any church.


• The kids and I left straight from church to head to Clayton for Carson's 1st birthday. (Tom was on the midnight shift & was thus sleeping). Carson LOVED his birthday cake. When his piece was placed in front of him, he kept looking at his Mommy and Daddy like he was wondering "Are you really going to let me eat this by myself?" Too cute!! Sydney had fun (for awhile) opening Carson's presents. He was occupied playing with toys. Sydney stopped and decided she was going to try out Carson's new golf set. That girl can swing! Watch out, Tiger Woods. Once she makes contact with the ball, she'll give you a run for your money.


• We headed back to Wilson. I had time to drop the kids off with Tom, freshen up and then I was off again. This time to Ruby Tuesday's for dinner with some ladies from church. Carolyn H., a friend from church, did a great job of organizing a "girls' night out". Our friend, Cecile, who is now living in Florida, was in town for the church celebration. It was so much fun visiting with one another. Anna Gracen said it must have been fun because I was there for 4 hours. You know how girls are when they get together and get talking. It was more than a dinner, it was a time of encouraging each other in the Lord, a time of sisterhood. What a time of blessing!!!

After a busy weekend, we are taking it easy today. Relaxing with s bike ride and doing some laundry. All too quickly another weekend will be here...I need to rest up!

P.S. I had a delay in posting this because I ran Wooten over to visit with friends. Then we went out looking (just looking for now) at cars and then I was off to prayer. I may end up busy before the weekend even gets here.

So many movies, so little time...

Okay, I'm going to approach this a little different. I'll list the movie, number of stars I rate it (5 being excellent 1 terrible and my thoughts about it. Don't worry I won't reveal any specific plot twists. I love plot twists. I'm always trying to figure out what's going to happen. You know if everyone is happy and the movie still has an hour left that something is going to go wrong. I like to figure out what that something is. Have I mentioned that I LOVE MOVIES!!

Here goes:

1. ***** "Waterhorse" - great family movie about the Loch Ness Monster and friendship.

2. ***** "The Illusionist" (Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel) - wonderful must see movie. Paul Giamatti is fantastic; great love story but not a chick flick.

3. ***** "The Other Boleyn Girl" (Natalie Portman [from "Star Wars"], Scarlett Johansson [she was the little girl in "The Horse Whisper"]) - story about King Henry the 8th, Anne Boleyn and her sister, Mary. Make sure you watch the bonus material on the DVD, very interesting history.

4. ***** "Next" (Nicholas Cage, Jessica Biel, Julianne Moore) - a different kind of movie but I love it. Good plot twist movie.

5. ***** "Ghost Rider" (again Nicholas Cage, Peter Fonda, Sam Elliott, Eva Mendes) - very sci-fi. Tom didn't like it that much, but I loved it. (He also didn't care for the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films but I loved them, also). Spiritual content - good triumphs over evil.

6. ***** "Enchanted" (Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey [McDreamy from "Grey's Anatomy"]) - great fairy tale movie. Anna Gracen & I saw it at the movies and then rented it when it came out. Must admit the guys didn't enjoy it much (pre adolescent chick flick)

7. ***** "Alvin and the Chipmuks" - (Jason Lee, Alvin, Simon, Theodore, duh) - great family movie. Christian liked Theodore the best. They are all so cute!

8. ****1/2 "Evan Almighty" (Steve Carell, Morgan Freeman, Lauren Graham no relation to Laura Graham) - good family movie. I had my kids tell me the similarities and differences between Evan and the story of Noah.

9. ****1/2 "Cleaner" (Samuel L. Jackson, Eva Mendes, Ed Harris) - great plot twist movie. Warning lots of blood (the main character cleans up crime scenes).

10. ****1/2 "Michael Clayton" (George Clooney, enough said in my opinion) - strong language, but awesome movie. Great twists.

11. **** "Underdog" (Jason Lee is the voice for Underdog; James Belushi) - another good family movie. We enjoyed it.

12. **** "National Treasure" & "National Treasure II: Book of Secrets" (Nicholas Cage, Jon Voight) - good mystery, lots of twists, full of adventure.

13. **** "Charlie Wilson's War" (Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts) - good movie; based on true story. Tom Hanks is great at every role.

14. **** "Jumper" (Hayden Christensen [young Darth Vadar], Samuel L. Jackson, Diane Lane) - sci-fi-ish, Tom and I both liked it. Action packed (I had to cover my eyes several times).

15. **** "Gone, Baby Gone" (Casey Affleck, Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris) - WARNING: extrememly strong language. Dark content. Lots of plot twists and turns. I like this movie because it kept me guessing what was going to happen next.

16. ***1/2 "Walk the Line" (Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon) - about Johnny and June Carter Cash. Joaquin and Reese did their own singing - they sounded just like Johnny & June. Gives some insight into Johnny's life and the battles he battled.

17. ***1/2 "Vantage Point" (Dennis Quaid, Matthew Fox, Forest Whitaker, William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver) - something happens and you get to see what each character saw from their vantage point. Then the pieces are put together. Great twists.

18. *** "Chaos" (Jason Statham, Ryan Phillippe, Wesley Snipes) - good cop movie; which cops are good which aren't? What are the bad guys up to? If you figure it all out you are better than me. I tried and got a few things right.

19. *** "The Bucket List" (Morgan Freeman, Jack Nicholson, Sean Hayes) - funny at times, sad at times. Made me want to make a bucket list. Some surprises. Great chemistry between Freeman & Nicholson.

20. *** "August Rush" (Keri Russell, Terrence Howard, Robin Williams) - nice love story - love between a boy and a girl; love of music and love of family.

** Movies: "Georgia Rule" - dark content; strong language; "Juno" - somewhat slow; "Untraceable" - graphic violence; "The Waitress" - okay movie.

* Movie: "Perfect Stranger" (Halle Berry, Bruce Willis) - strong adult situations; "Bella" - I found this to be a slow movie; "Air I Breathe" - dark content - not a feel good, happy movie; "Into the Wild" - based on a true story, interesting, but sad and disheartening; ""The Kite Runner" - very dark content - the best part was watching how the kids run kites; "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck) - I didn't think Brad Pitt was a very convincing Jesse James. Interesting background on Jesse James and how he died. I didn't know the story about Robert Ford.

Gone Fishin' Answer

Wooten's big "catch" was a bunch of pond weeds. He did catch several fish just not with this pole.Anna Gracen had the big catch of the day - this bass - pretty good size.
We also tried our hand at kite flying. Didn't get any pics - hard to fly a kite AND take pictures. Tom was busy with line duty (you know making sure everyone had a worm - taking the fish off the hook, etc.). We were visited by a flock of Canadian geese and we saw several sets of deer tracks. Obviously we're not the only ones who like to visit Aunt Mozelle's pond.

Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes

I received this story in an e-mail. It is a great story - just had to share.

Last week I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, "God is great, God is good, thank You for the food, and I would even thank You more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert and liberty and justice for all! Amen!" Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby I heard a woman remark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!" Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?" As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at my son and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer." "Really?"my son asked. "Cross my heart," the man replied. Then, in a theatrical whisper, he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes." Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment and then did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and without a word walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, "Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes and my soul is good already." The End.

Gone fishin'

We wanted to go fishin' yesterday, but an afternoon thunderstorm caused us to wait until today. We went to Aunt Mozelle's pond. At one point the kids were catching fish as fast as they could throw their lines in. That makes fishin' fun. I'm not much for sitting quietly and waiting.
Wooten had the idea of posting this picture and you guessing what was on the other end of his fishing line. Was it: a.) a turtle b.) a big bass c.) weeds or d.) a shoe Answer to be posted later.

Anna Gracen wanted to post the following with this pic: "Anna Gracen may be wearing pink, but she's no girlie-girlie." She baits her own hook - thata girl!

I'm not sure what Christian enjoyed more catching the fish or getting the worms out. He kept a smile on his face.

Weekend fun with friends

The kids LOVE sleepovers. Saturday night Wooten spent the night with Chandler. Anna Gracen had Lindsey sleep over (well they didn't sleep much). We had some fun with sparklers that packed a bang. They didn't just burn, they popped which caused us to squeal (me more so than the girls).
Christian spent the night with Charlie. After church on Sunday, we traded off again. Anna Gracen headed home with Lindsey and Charlie came home with Christian. Wooten enjoyed the day with Chandler.

Christian and Charlie had a blast! Check out the huge bubble Charlie blew. Luckily the bubble didn't pop.

Friends are such blessings!!

Save me a seat...

Here is the first in the movie series. I thought I would focus on a movie genre that is very near and dear to my heart - Chick flicks! (Get it near and dear to my heart? - these are the movies that tug on your heart strings. Or if you're a guy makes you wish you would have picked out the movie.) Let's be honest there are some chick flicks that even the manliest man likes (even if he doesn't admit it openly). Tom likes some better than others. I love the period love stories - "Pride and Prejudice", "Becoming Jane" and of course "Gone with the Wind". Tom, not so much. He fell asleep during "Becoming Jane". I, on the other hand, used up two hankies (not tissues, but fabric hankies).


I'll rate the movie with stars 1-5 - (5 being excellent). I'll also rate on number of hankies (5 being a real tear jerker). I understand we may be on different levels as criers. Let me go on and put it out there - I am a crier - Hallmark commercials, kids saying cute things, hearing a beautiful song and church (I'm a big church crier - I know some of that is the Holy Spirit, but some is me). So if I rate something as a 5, I woke up the next morning with a stuffy nose. Now that has been said let's "look" at some movies.

At the movies:
"Sex & the City" 3 3/4 stars and 1 hankie (I didn't cry in this movie - shocking I know. Could have done without the nudity - it did NOT add to the story at all. A good wrap up to let us know what happened to the characters we came to love (or not love - I never liked Miranda - I kept saying that the entire movie - just ask Jill).

On DVD:

• "Definitely, Maybe" 4 stars and 3 hankies
• "P.S. I love you" 5 stars and 5 hankies
• "Becoming Jane" 5 stars and 5 hankies
• "No Reservations" 2 1/2 stars and 1 hankie
• "Atonement" 4 stars and 4 hankies (warning: strong language and adult content)
• "The Holiday" 5 stars and 3 hankies
• "13 going on 30" 5 stars and 2 hankies

Don't forget some all-time favorite chick flicks. If you haven't seen them before, check them out. If you've seen them but it has been awhile, check them out again.

"Dirty Dancing"
"The Wedding Planner"
"The Wedding Singer" (anything with wedding in the title is probably going to be considered a chick flick)
"Titanic"
"Love Actually" (Hugh Grant - I love movies with Hugh Grant in them)
"Sweet Home Alabama"
"The English Patient"
"Sleepless in Seattle"
"You've Got Mail"
"City of Angels" (Meg Ryan/Nicholas Cage)
"The Bridges of Madison County"
"Grease"
"Shakespeare in Love"
"Sliding Doors" (1998 movie with Gwyneth Paltrow - great story)

Of course "Beaches", "Fried Green Tomatoes" and "Thelma and Louise" are chick flicks, but I'm leaning towards good ol' love stories. These are great friendship movies.

Okay, there are way too many to list. Do you have a favorite that wasn't mentioned? Please add it or them to the list. I'm always looking for a good love story to watch or re-watch whichever the case may be.

Looking forward to the coming attractions:
Next week: "Mamma Mia!"
August: "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2"
October: "He's Just Not That Into You"

Sorry, Charlie...

Remember the old Starkist Tuna commercials? I like tuna (in a can or pouch) but I hadn't had fresh tuna until we went to Nags Head. Man, it puts ol' Charlie the Tuna's tuna to shame. I had it once at Darrell's Restaurant in Manteo and then Daddy cooked some at the beach house. Well, tonight it was my turn to give cooking fresh tuna steaks a try. I marinated them in fat-free Italian dressing. Then I put a little oil in a hot pan and placed the tuna in. Once it had changed color on one side I turned it over and let the other side cook. As this was cooking I made a sauce to go over the finished dish. I put some fat-free Italian dressing, a little bit of soy sauce (not much because I'm watching my sodium intake), a little bit of sugar (to take the bite out of the dressing), and a couple of dashes of hot sauce in a pan and let it reduce (fancy cooking term which basically means I let it heat up). I served the tuna on top of some sauteed garlic green beans along side scalloped potatoes and finished off with fresh, sweet, white corn. The kids and Tom loved it. Wooten went back for thirds on the tuna (which always makes a Momma happy). I won't be cooking this every week, but it is nice to try something new. Anyone have any summer recipes to share? Post 'em here! I'll share some more recipes later. We're having a church anniversary luncheon on Sunday, so I'll be breaking out the cookbooks. Happy cooking!

Fourth full of fun, food, family & friends!

Artwork by Anna GracenThe kids and I actually started celebrating the 4th on the 3rd (Tom was working). We went over to Mama's (Nana) house and had an indoor picnic with her and Mr. Bobby. The kids had some of their favorites - hot dogs, chips, root beer for the boys, cola for Anna and ice cream cones. What fun! The Fourth of July started with a birthday celebration at Bill & Betty's (MeMa & PaPa) house . Tom's Grandma (a.k.a. GG) turned 89 on July 1st. We all had a good time but missed those who couldn't be with us. Colleen, Ronnie, Rebecca & Josh are in New Jersey visiting Colleen's Mom and stepfather. Jacob was with his mom and stepfather celebrating the 4th. Wooten was lonely.

Luckily, Wooten was surrounded by lots of boys later when we headed over to the Gram fam's. At one time there were 15 kids there. They had a blast!! So did the adults!! (Tom forgot to take pictures there, so check out The Graham Family's blog to see the ones Cameron & Laura got - I love the sparkler ones - too cool).

We are blessed to have such wonderful friends and family.

Happy Independence Day!!!

Thank you to all of the servicemen and women and their families. Our freedom was not and is not free. We thank God for His hand of protection upon our troops. We ARE one nation under GOD!

Have a wonderful Independence Day (& long weekend)!

"I Then Shall Live"

A friend of mine sent this video to me. I was totally blessed by it. By the end, I had tears in my eyes and glory bumps (as a wonderful lady at my church calls them instead of goose bumps) on my arms.
Lord, as we listen to this song, let our hearts sing out those very words to You.

Kid's say the darndest things...

Kids are too funny. Here are two examples of funny things Christian has said recently. When we returned from the beach Christian had to go to the bathroom. The toilets at the beach house we stayed at where oblong. Ours here at the house are more round. Christian announced as he was sitting on the toilet - "Either this toilet has gotten smaller or my butt has gotten bigger." He said this in all seriousness knowing that it had to be one or the other for sure.

On another occasion, I was explaining to Christian the importance of brushing his teeth (aren't you glad, Nana?). I told him that he needed to brush his teeth every night before going to bed. I said, "That is your job." He quickly respond, "So, do I get paid to brush my teeth?" In which I replied, "Do I get paid to take care of you?" Without missing a beat, he said, "Yes, you get paid with my love." How do you argue with that?

Clay Vessel

I received this story in an e-mail. I just had to share it! Tom took this picture I thought it went well with the story. Be blessed!

The Clay Balls

A man was exploring caves by the seashore. In one of the caves he found a canvas bag with a bunch of hardened clay balls. It was like someone had rolled clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake. They didn't look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag out of the cave with him. As he strolled along the beach, he would throw the clay balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could. He thought little about it, until he dropped one of the clay balls and it cracked open on a rock. Inside was a beautiful, precious stone! Excited, the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls. Each contained a similar treasure. He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the 20 or so clay balls he had left. Then it struck him. He had been on the beach a long time. He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their hidden treasure into the ocean waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown it away!

It's like that with people. We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel. It doesn't look like much from the outside. It isn't always beautiful or sparkling, so we discount it. We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or wealthy but we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside that person. There is a treasure in each and every one of us. If we take the time to get to know that person, and if we ask God to show us that person the way He sees them, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gem begins to shine forth. May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away a fortune in friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of clay. May we see the people in our world as God sees them.
I am so blessed by the gems of friendship I have with each of you. Thank you for looking beyond my clay vessel.