Trying to catch up...

Even though I have updated several times in the last few weeks, I feel like I'm falling behind on general updates. So, I'm going to try to get caught up now.

First of all, on December 10th our church family had a surprise 40th birthday party for our good friend and youth minister....Kenny. His actual birthday is Dec. 12. Yeah, I know, 40 is kinda old to be a youth minister :). Hey, I must say the kids must keep him young, because he doesn't look 40 and certainly doesn't act 40!! Anyway, I do believe he was surprised...

"2-T", aka..Nancy Morrow made the cake. It shows Kenny trail bike riding and falling. Kenny and Bobby (my guy) are trail riding buds. This bike riding thing is becoming addictive, which is a good thing. Also from the surprise party, I must share this picture of the daughter of one of my good customers, Jessica Gallahar. Here is Harper taking some of her first steps at 11 months old. Jessica better look out...Harper is on the move!! :) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On Saturday, December 13, we travelled to Leeds, AL to celebrate Christmas with my mother's mother, siblings and extended families. Altogether, there are about 60 of us, so this celebration took place in the fellowship hall at the Ashville Road Church of Christ building, where my mom's youngest sister and her family are members. My mom is the oldest of 6 (5 girls and one boy). One member of the family has ties to the North Pole is "the" official Santa. He always pays a visit to the family gathering. As you can see most of the kids are thrilled, however there are a couple that aren't so thrilled. Here are a few pictures from the day...

Here is Santa with my Maw-Maw.....

Here is Santa with the kids (minus 2 sweeties).......

Here are the 2 sweeties with their "Pop".....

Here is Santa reading "T'was The Night Before Christmas" with the help of one of the angels....

This is Hudson, the youngest of the whole clan-- with his grandparents and daddy (my cousin). The next addition is due in January!!

A fun time was had by all. We are scattered all over the south east, so it's always great to see everyone.

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Moving on, Sunday, December 14 is Kenny's sister, Tammy's birthday. She isn't as old as Kenny :). Anyway, Tammy started the W.I.N.G.S. bible study that I'm a part of on Thursday nights at her home. Well, all of the W.I.N.G.S. "sisters" met at Cracker Barrel and had dinner to celebrate Tammy's birthday. It was really great to be able to get out for a few hours and have fun with the girls. Sorry I don't have a picture, I didn't take my camera :(

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Then of course the next night is when Tammy's daughter, Taylor was so suddenly taken from us. We are all still hurting and will for some time. Here is a link to a tribute here grandfather (Ken Wright) put on YouTube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DhnMcMRBZE . Tammy sent me the link with this message..."THIS IS WHY WE'RE STILL RUNNING THE RACE!!! How true! Taylor made a difference in this world during her short 17 years and she will continue to make a difference. We have all rallied around Tammy and her family and will continue to do so, but it will never be enough. We are all looking forward to the day we meet her at the gate!! I love you Newsome and Wright families. Let God be your strength. This picture was taken on the youth mission trip to Mobile inner city we went on the Summer of '06...this is how I prefer to remember her...

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On, Sunday, Dec 21, we had Christmas with my parents and my brother and his family at our house. Below, are my parents....Here are my 2 girls and my brother, Stan's 2 girls, Brandy, Alison, Courtney & Abbey...

It was a nice relaxing afternoon and always great to have us all together.

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On Sunday, December 21, about 20 of Alison's friends from school and church met us at Struts to celebrate Alison's sweet 16. I'm sure they all had a great time. I tried to stay in the background. It looks like they had a good time anyway. Thanks to all her friends for the support. She loves her friends....every one of them....

Moving on, Tuesday, December the 23rd was a big day around here. First of all, my baby turned 16, so there was no question where we were off to first....The Alabama State Troopers office in Jacksonville, AL...to attain her first Alabama Driver's License. I'm nervously proud to announce there was SUCCESS!! I will have to admit, I would not have been disappointed if there wasn't success, but I would have had one sad 16 year old on my hands for Christmas. So, Congratulations Alison. Now for the rest of you, if you see her on the road, please don't distract her, she is concentrating!!! :) Here she is with her birthday crown on while she's still the princess.

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I'm not through yet, but it's getting close to time to start the "party". It's time to welcome the New Year. We've invited my W.I.N.G.S. sisters and families over for a night of fun, food, and games. I really need to get myself in gear and get ready, so this blog will be continued tomorrow, Lord willing, and a new year. For now, everyone have a safe New Year's Eve and remember.....

"How you exit one thing, determines how you enter another"

May you all be blessed in the New Year!! I love you all!

Update on Coleman

Peggy, Coleman's mom updated his CarePage this afternoon. They were able to come back home for now and are consulting with home-care and Hospice. He is pretty much just sleeping with the help of pain meds. He is still not able to talk, except a word or two at a time. Also, having a hard time swallowing. Caden is very concerned about his brother and wondering what he can do to help Coleman fight harder. Everyone, please continue to keep the whole family in your prayers. If you would like to read the update, you can do so here, (cp: colemanscott) . You may have to create a username and password if you haven't already. Then search for colemanscott (no spaces). The whole family is overwhelmed at all the prayers that are going up on Coleman's behalf. Their faith and strength through all of this is amazing and very inspiring. Thank you for your prayers on their behalf.

Coleman is fighting hard

Coleman is fighting harder than ever and needs EVERYONE'S prayers. Christmas eve/Christmas day Coleman had to be airlifted to the ER. He couldn't swallow, hold anything in is right hand and he was having a hard time talking. They had to cancel their big family Christmas (which the boys were really looking forward to, since they had not been able to attend the big family celebration in the last 2 years, due to Coleman's low blood counts). There have been no updates on his CarePage since Christmas. Please take time out of your busy schedules to pray for Coleman and his family. They need every prayer we can offer. Thank you for praying for Team Larson. Their "team" motto is "Team Larson Never Gives Up"....let's not give up petitioning God for Coleman's complete healing.

"He will hear our prayers"

The Princess has arrived!!

Well the long awaited princess AraBelle Nicole Ishee has arrived.

December 23, 2008--11:40 pm--7 lbs. 9 0z--19.5 in.

AND....she is healthy and beautiful (oh, mom is doing great also!!)

Is she precious or WHAT??!!

Here's the dethroned princess Alison with the new princess AraBelle. I think she really does love her. After all, there will always be a bond there....seeing as they share a birthday now :)

Well, that's it for now, I've got to finish cooking for Christmas. Everyone will be here soon.

I pray that everyone has a blessed Christmas. I will post again soon with more pictures. May God bless each and everyone of you.

"A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on." --Carl Sandburg

Pray for Peace....

I don't have many words, my heart is heavy. Every Thursday night I meet with about 8 sisters in Christ for a bible study. One of those sisters' lives changed forever last night about 8:00 pm. Her oldest daughter, Taylor who is a mere 17 years old, more beautiful on the inside as on the outside, went to be with our one and only Savior. As many teenagers, Taylor had problems, but some of Taylor's problems were deeper and different than your average teenagers. She had the biggest heart of anyone her age and loved her parents and two younger sisters as well as a special young man in her life. But the monster raging inside her took over this weekend. She felt like the world was against her and she set out to run from that. As she was running, she was struck by a car and killed. Please, pray for this family, pray for peace and understanding. Pray that we as brothers and sisters will know what to do for the family. Pray for the Newsome's to be comforted and know that they are loved. Taylor has conquered this beast and won her home with the King. Go about your day in prayer and love those you don't think need loving...we all need to be loved. We love you, Taylor!! And we love you, Newsome & Wright families. John 11:25,26....Taylor lives!!

Be blessed...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

I'm back....What has taken me a full day, maybe a day and a half to do in past years, has taken me at least 5 business days to do this year....you got it...decorate for Christmas!! I'm getting old or it's taken me longer this year to get in the mood to decorate. Actually, I enjoy decorating for Fall than any other time. So it took a while to take the Fall decorations down and put those away, before I could even think about the Christmas decorations. I've actually been through decorating for a few days now, just had a hard time finding the time to document it with photographs and blogging about it. So, for your boredom, here we go....

The overall view...

Small Santa collection...

Santa Lane....

The Snowman collection...

The mistletoe and what to do when near it...
Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head know what to do!! :0)

Lexi is taking it all in....this is her first Christmas with us...

The parade of trees...The main tree with miscellaneous ornaments from through the years...

The Coke tree...

The trio of trees (Nostalgic games/characters tree, The Photo tree, & the snowman tree)...

Our favorite new addition to the nostalgic tree...the "mooing" barn... So basically there you have the tour of the inside of the Phillips' house at Christmas time. If I can remember, I'll snap a shot of the outside at some point. But it's nothing spectacular.

Well, besides the decorating, it's just been the usual hectic time of the year. Three out of the four of us have had the sinus/bronchitis crud, so that hasn't helped our non-existent Christmas cheer. I think we are all seeing the light at the end of the tunnel with the crud thing though, so that's good news.

We did learn that "the Princess" will make her royal appearance more than likely on December 23. Yes that is the date we welcomed the last little princess in the family (16 years ago). Princess Alison will have to give up her throne, and she is NOT a bit happy about that. Just ask her!! She'll forget fast enough, as that is also the day that (hopefully) she will gain her Alabama driver's license, so all will be well with the de-throned princess. I'll keep everyone posted on the outcome!! We are all anxiously awaiting Princess AraBelle!!

Another long awaited and exciting thing that is happening this week is, the church family where my family attends worship (Greenbrier Church of Christ) has been collecting money from the members to sponsor 33 children who attend Golden Springs Elementary who need a little help at Christmas. We met our goal and were able to purchase for each child, a brand new coat, shirt, pants and shoes. These will be presented to the children and their parents on Wed. morning at the school. This is the second year we've been blessed to be able to do this. Last year I believe we sponsored 25 children. So, we have been truly blessed to add 8 more children to that list this year. I will be there to take pictures and hopefully have a couple to post the next time I blog.

This past Saturday, my family travelled to Leeds, AL to attend my mother's side (The Reaves) of the family's annual Christmas gathering. I'll have more about that along with some pictures, hopefully tomorrow or the next day (you know me)...ok sometime before the end of the year.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE remember Coleman in your prayers. He's hanging in there, by the way, he and Caden turned the big 5 last Wednesday. Please pray that this LAST chance at treatment will rid his body of the terrible beast...cancer. Pray for complete healing. Thank you, I know his family is so thankful for all the prayer warriors out there!! God bless you!!

I'll leave you with this gift.....

And share this thought... **Wishing you a season of beauty**

**Wishing you a season of peace**
BE BLESSED....

An update to my year long resolution

OK, in my previous post I resolved to be thankful for something every day, not just at Thanksgiving. Well, as you know, I'm not very dependable when it comes to posting here on my blog daily. But I am dedicated to my daily bible study, prayer time, and journaling. Even though I may slip from time to time, hey, I'm human. So, my everyday thankfulness will be written daily in my journal. From time to time, I will also post what I'm thankful for here on the blog, but the big revealing will be November 24, 2009. That's what I want my blog family to hold me accountable for. Yes, it will be a long blog, but you have a year to prepare and make a note of it on your new 2009 calendar. I still want to invite you to join me, so come on....

Today, I'm thankful for the pain in my hands....at least I have hands and can still use them.

Yes, it's short today, but I'll leave you with this....
"Thanksgiving is a word of action"

Thanksgiving....

Well, it's Thanksgiving week already. I can't believe this year is almost over. I just love Thanksgiving. It's a time to get together with family and friends without the expectation or obligation to give each other gifts. It's just a time of togetherness, fellowship, and being thankful. However, EVERY DAY should be thanksgiving. As humans we complain more than we count our blessings. If you think about it, what we consider to be burdens and complaints would be blessings to many people. I'm forever complaining about our monthly mortgage creeping up every year due to escrow. When I don't even think about the millions of people around the world who don't even have a roof over their head, or their "roof" is made of grass. I complain that my feet hurt, when I should be thankful that I can walk. I complain because I don't have enough money to buy a Christmas gift for everyone who is special in my life. I saw a saying the other day that really made me think...."Being rich is not determined by how much I have, but by how little I need". Oh man, talk about stinging!! Anyway, all this brings me to this...I know resolutions are typically made at the beginning of the new year, but I'm making a resolution today to make an entry in my journal EVERY day for what I'm thankful for each day. By November 24, 2009 I should be able to list 365 things I'm thankful for. So, hold me to it, if I don't have that list posted on my blog one year from today, Lord willing, of course!! Hold me accountable, I dare ya!! Oh, by the way, you all are welcome to join me!!

I'll leave you with this....
"A thankful heart is a happy heart"

Coleman needs your prayers....

I know it's been quiet a while since I've posted. It's just been busy, busy, busy around here. Which is a good thing. I just wanted to ask a favor of everyone on behalf of my little guy, Coleman......

PRAY! PLEASE! We all have one BIG contact in Heaven...call on Him. Pray for a miracle! If you do NOTHING else...just pray! Coleman Larson is 4, he will be 5 on December 10. His twin Caden has been a trooper for the last 2 1/2 years that Coleman has been fighting a beast known as Medulloblastoma...BRAIN CANCER! Together they are TEAM LARSON! Coleman has endurred brain surgery, chemo, radiation, CT scans by the dozen, MRIs that he no longer has to be sedated for...he is a pro, multiple lines, port-a-caths, a stem cell harvest and transplant and two relapses. His fight is getting harder and there are less and less options for him.

If you would like to, I know they would be very greatful to receive a birthday card. They love to get mail and they are very appreciative of every peice of mail they receive. Again, their birthday is December 10, 2008. Here is their address:

Coleman & Caden Larson

c/o Team Larson

Box 251

Callender, Iowa 50523

How can a doctor look into these eyes and say, "We are out of options."? Coleman and his family are in IOWA. But they are "regulars" at the Ronald McDonald house in NYC. Team Larson needs YOU, those of you who kept reading even though tears are streaming down your face, to PRAY, and PRAY like you've never prayed before! Because if TEAM LARSON has taught me ANYTHING it's to NE-VA DIV UP!

They got back home Saturday afternoon and are going to be able to spend Thanksgiving with their family for the first time in 2 years. However, when they got home, due to side effects of this new treatment, Coleman can no longer walk without falling. So, he is having to be carried everywhere. Can you imagine how frustrating and frightening this is for him and his family? He is still a happy little boy, just very scared and confused. HE NEEDS YOUR PRAYERS.

Coleman and Caden will tell you exactly what they think of Cancer if you ask. Peggy, their mom asked them and this is what they said:

Coleman explains, “It’s hard to be hooked up to a pole all day when it’s a sun-shiny day, ann be in your hos-pita woom all day when yoa don’t wanna be there ann wish ya tould be outside in-said, but NO, ya tan’t. I wish that no more tids would det tancer, tuz it's tewwible to haffa do all-a the suff what ya dotta do. If no more tids dot it, then we tould all yust be no-mal wif no more pokes."

Coleman’s twin Caden chimed in and gave his two cents, “Cancer is the worse day of my wife (life) because you don’t getta pway wif your brudder when ya weally want to. Sometimes the hospital is fun …if ya aren’t froe-in up wike Coleman does sometimes. I wish that no tids ever det tancer, so they tan haff fun all-a their days until they be daddies."

Thanks for hangin' in there and loving Coleman already! How can anyone not love this kid and pray for him continously??

For more info on Coleman Larson and his family, go to http://www.carepages.com/ and register (it's FREE and takes seconds). Click on Visit and type in ColemanScott (all one word). Be prepared to fall in love. This is ONE AMAZING FAMILY!!!!!

Just a Thought

I received this e-mail earlier today, I can't even remember where it came from, but even though we all know the outcome of the election, I still think this is a great thought provoking message...

Today, millions of people in the United States will cast their votes for a slate of political leaders, including President. After months of campaign speeches, television ads, and debates, each voter has the opportunity to say to one candidate, "I choose you." Not everyone's favorite will win, but every voter has a choice.
Unlike a political election in which the majority rules, each of us is given the opportunity to select our personal leader each day. In the spiritual election deep within our hearts, our choice will stand no matter what others may decide.
After many years in the Promised Land of Canaan, the aged Joshua called the people of Israel together and issued this challenge: "If it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Josh. 24:15). In a great collective response, the people said, "We will serve the Lord!" (v.21).
Everyone serves some kind of god. Whom will we choose to have rule in our hearts today?

Honestly, that's about all I have to offer right now. I'll try to post something again tomorrow. I think I'll go say a prayer and continue to put my trust in God. May God bless this land! I'll leave you with this....

"Those who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants."
--William Penn

I think Tuesday was actually Monday!!

Tuesday felt like a Monday to me, that's going on the way the world perceives a "Monday" to feel like, not that I actually know what Monday feels like. The first thing I do when I wake up, before my feet hit the floor, I reach for my glasses. You see, when you're blind as a bat, which I am, grabbing your glasses is a prerequisite to making your way to the bathroom. Well, I went to put them on and something just wasn't right. The left arm was missing!! When I went to bed the night before, as every night the last thing I do is fold my glasses and place them on my nightstand. They were folded when I went to grab them, but obviously when I grabbed them the arm fell to the floor. Well, after scrounging around I finally located the straying arm. This is the first time I've had any trouble with these frames since getting them about 2 years ago. So, as in the past with other frames I assumed the screw just fell out. I go to try to put the arm back in place and try to figure out where the screw actually goes....well, nothing is easy for me on a "Monday", even though it was Tuesday. There is no screw, nor a place for a screw. The arm just mysteriously decided it wanted to strike out on it's own, I guess. I tried, unsuccessfully to insert the arm back in it's rightful position, but It didn't want to stay. Almost running late, I had to put it aside until I could make it to the kitchen to figure out what to do. Actually getting dressed and presentable for the day went surprisingly well. I make my way down the hall with my one-armed glasses resting cockeyed on the bridge of my nose. I arrive in the kitchen and search for some "super glue", what a hero "super glue" is. I squirt a little down the hole where the staying arm is supposed to be, hold it for a couple of seconds, and all is well with the world. On with the morning....

I get back home from taking Alison to school, which went amazingly well, since I am insisting that she drives as much as possible, seeing as she will be "legally" driving in a couple of months and needs all the practice she can get. Now my next task is to get Abbey out the door and to her "job coach" by a certain time. As we're trying to get out the door, of course the phone rings, and of course, I feel drawn to answer it. It is my good friend Jennifer. She and her family (our youth minister), bless them, live next door to the church that we attend. I am assigned to change the marquee sign in front of the church building, which I enjoy doing, since I'm such a quote freak. Well, that task was taken care of Monday morning, the real Monday. Jennifer is calling to inform me that one side of the marquee has been violated sometime during the night. The saying (which I love) that I had put up, said,

Forgive

Your Enemies--

It Messes With

Their Head

Well, some twisted, sicko, I mean some troubled soul, with nothing better to do thought that they would have their jollies and break a limb off a nearby tree and proceed to remove some letters (which several were not recovered--in other words, stolen) to reveal a rather perverted, disgusting phrase (which I will not post here). While out for her morning walk, Jennifer ran into a neighbor who brought it to her attention. She immediately had her oldest son throw on some clothes and go take down the altered message. Well, it turns out that there were a few calls of concern, meaning several people-- members of Greenbrier, acquaintances, and passer-bys --had seen the vulgar message....not good for "business".

Well, I was trying to get Abbey to her appointment, so there was nothing I could do immediately, except fume. I'm thinking, I'll get Abbey to her appointment, then go figure out how many letters were missing (whether it was worth the hassle to report the wrong doing) and what to do next.

I get Abbey to the appointment, not realizing that the appointment was meant for me also. Obviously a lot of "routine" paperwork and acknowledgement of obligations on both the agency and our part. Oh joy, I felt like we were closing on a house.....sign here, here and here, and initial here, here and.....here. Anyway, an hour and 15 minutes (a valuable hour and 15 minutes) later, we're back in the car headed back to Oxford. We stop to get lunch, which thankfully was uneventful). We move on to one of the job sites so Abbey can turn in her job application, again uneventful. Things are looking up....it's actually beginning to feel like Tuesday, instead of Monday...oh, I forgot, it IS Tuesday. Anyway, I run Abbey home, so I can run some errands and she can do some things around the house.

One of those errands is to make a deposit at the bank from a Wedding that I shot this weekend. (Oh, another story all it's own). I must insert here, that I had already been to the bank the day before to make this deposit, which the check to be deposited just happened to be drawn on the same bank I use for my business. Well, you can guess why it wasn't deposited the day before....I had my suspicions, so I wanted to be sure the funds were there.....you guessed it. Again, today, Monday, uh, I mean Tuesday, still not there. I immediately call the customer (they didn't take a honeymoon), at home to leave a message....no answer, no answering machine. At work....she isn't at this office any longer. I get new work number....she isn't here today, she may be off this week, you know she got married this weekend (oh yeah, did she??!!). I head home long enough to fire off an e-mail to her, which she responded late Tuesday night to say she gets paid Friday, and could I wait until Friday and it should be there. Hello, why couldn't you have just told me that LAST Friday, and saved me a couple of trips to the blessed bank. I honestly have no problem with post-dated checks....just clue me in!! We'll see what Friday holds....

I head to the church building to find out what I need to put on the defaced, bare sign. It is suggested what to put, so I go with.....

Our Apologies-

Victim of Vandals

Well to be honest, I wanted to put my favorite previous saying back up there, but I know the twisted, I mean sweet mischievous child, would probably return.... I'll come up with different wording, but the same message and post it again in a few days. "Hakuna Matata"....there are no worries here. God knows who you are.

Ok, now I have to get my equipment ready for a "minor" senior session. Then I'm off to get Alison from school. Once again I get her to drive, to get that all important practice in before the "real" thing. Only this time, a friend (the sister of the senior that I'm photographing) is coming with us. It's soooo much fun to "coach" a 15 year old driving with a friend in the car. What is it, that the 15 year old all of a sudden is a pro and knows more than her mom, who's been driving 28 + years. Anyway, after being in continuous prayer, we made it home safely. We're home for oh, 45 minutes, before we head out to Oxford Lake for the senior session. Once again, I am the driving coach. Student has somewhat of a better attitude. Coach continues to pray and yes, God is good, we arrive safely. The senior session is short and sweet, we are less the friend, who went on her way with her brother and headed home....sweet home.

I must say the evening was uneventful and I enjoyed the peace. God is Good all the time, He just likes to keep things interesting and keep us on our toes. I know my tomorrow is a brighter day, because, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says, "Therefore we do not lose heart....For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." My worst day here on earth WILL be worth it all...

I pray you all have a blessed day and remember.....

If you find a pathway with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere.

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah.....

I know, it's been over a week since I posted. I really doubt this fact affected any one's ability to go on with their life....so, get over it, already! I'm just kidding, of course. I've been a little busy, ok, maybe I should say....lazy.

Also, since my last post, my oldest daughter, Abbey had a birthday...October 9 she turned the big "20". Happy Birthday, Abbey!!! Yes, I know, I'm getting old....and have been for some time now, thank you!!

Please continue to remember my little guy, Coleman. He's in New York again, and started his next round of chemo, today after a second relapse. The kid is a fighter and he deserves our prayers. As he was receiving his chemo today, he was actually praying for the kid on the other side of the room who was having a rough time with mouth sores and throwing up. Coleman is only 4 years old, but his faith in God is HUGE!! We could all learn from him.


Have I mentioned lately that I love this time of year. I love to get a good book and sit in my "air chair" on the screened in porch and escape to another place. Well, I have the book, The Lucky One, Nicholas Sparks' newest novel. And speaking of, yes, I got to finally meet my favorite author...Nick!! That one deserves a post all of its own, so you'll have to wait on that one!!


My sweet niece, Katie tagged me, therefore I must oblige....


10 years ago I:
1. Had a 10 and 6 year old & had been married to my sweetie for 12 years.
2. Weighed about 20 lbs. less than I do today :(
3. Lived in another house.
4. Had a different JOB.
5. Was even more computer illiterate than I am today :)


5 things on today's "to do" list: (seeing as it's 11 pm, I'll go for tomorrow's list)
1. Take Alison to school
2. Change the sign at church
3. Visit the "alteration lady"
4. Go to the grocery store
5. Prepare for the wedding I am photographing this weekend.


5 snack I enjoy:
1. Chocolate
2. Popcorn
3. Fresh peaches
4. Gummy Bears
5. Frozen cappuccino from Joe Muggs


5 things I would do if I were a millionaire:
1. Give back to God
2. Of course, pay off all of our bills
3. Go back to college and set aside enough for Alison's college
4. Invest for Abbey's future
5. Buy a house in the mountains....any mountain.


5 places I have lived:
1. Anniston
2. Montgomery
3. Auburn
4. Birmingham (Roebuck, Vestavia Hills, Alabaster)
5. Oxford


5 jobs I've had:
1. Cashier (Hardee's)
2. Photographer's assistant
3. Office Clerk (BellSouth)
4. Bookkeeper (Hammett Service Center)
5. Photographer (Studio One, Creative Image, Self-employed)


Ok, Casey's already participated.....so I'm tagging Amanda, Bethany and anyone else who might have time to kill. (By the way, be sure to visit my friend, Amanda's blog, Kughn Watch.)


I hope everyone has a blessed week. Here's my quote for the day....


"If you have never been hated by your child--You have never been a parent"

A Blessed Weekend Indeed...

What an amazing, spirit filled weekend I had this past weekend. Thursday afternoon, seven of my sisters in Christ (Deb, Diane, Denise, Sue, Wanda, Roberta, & Christie) and I headed to Atlanta for the Women of Faith convention. We absolutely were blessed beyond our expectations. Here's a picture of our group....not a great picture, but a picture....

Friday was the pre-conference where there was free seating (not reserved seats). There were probably a couple thousand women or more there by this time. During one of the breaks, as the lights came on, I looked down 2 rows in front of me and saw a friend of mine from Crossbridge Church of Christ in Birmingham, Wendy Hall. I couldn't believe in that crowd of women from all over the Southeast, there, two rows away was a friend. We visited for a few minutes before the next session started. It was great to see her, but I never saw her again the rest of the weekend.


The Women of Faith speakers were wonderful. Some of them included, Patsy Clairmont, Anita Renfroe, Sheila Walsh, Sandi Patty, Nicole C. Mullen, Jan Silvious, Luci Swindoll, and several more. They all had a message about God's Infinite Grace, either through comedy, music, everyday life experiences, from the standpoint of a psychologist, etc. Each were unique in their presentation.


The main message I got was that at some point in our lives, sometimes it's a one time thing, for others it's continuous, but, our lives will be scorched, burned, destroyed....BUT Spring will come and make that life beautiful again, possibly growing something even more beautiful than before... God's grace is a gift, a gift we can't do anything to earn.....it's God's gift to us, no matter who you are, where you are, or where you've been.....you've just got to accept it. Let God bless you.


Another message that stuck with me was Emotions....There are, of course, positive emotions and negative emotions. It's not the positive or negative that's important, it's how we react to the emotion--good or bad. What determines the quality of your life? Your emotions OR your relationship with Christ? The same way that our negative emotions can control our lives, our positive emotions have that same power. Emotions can do two things: they can bring glory to God or they can make people wonder if I really know God. Romans 12:2 tells us to "not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will." It really comes down to the question, is God really in control of my life? Or, am I trying to control everything? Wow, did I need that. I pray daily that I will have the wisdom, to give it all to Him, to allow Him to have control in my life. It's a daily struggle, but God's grace will see me through. He will do the same for each and everyone of us, we just have to accept His grace and seek His will. He is, after all, in control of everything. We were never promised that life would be easy, just that it would be worth it if we follow His plan.


Ok, that's it for the lesson today. Sorry, I got carried away. But the messages from this past weekend and how they were presented absolutely blew me away. The message has been there all along, I realize that. It just really hit home and touched me in a way it never has. Thanks for allowing me to use my blog to put into words what has been swimming around in my head since I got home Saturday night.


Sunday night, my wonderful husband took me to see the movie Nights in Roadanthe. It was nice to have a date with my guy!! The date was great, the movie, no so much. Let's just say I liked the book much more. I do recommend the movie, but if you haven't read the book, I recommend that more so.


And yes, I DID get out bright and early Tuesday morning, to purchase Nicholas Sparks' brand new book "The Lucky One". I haven't been the lucky one and had the time to get started on it, but I plan to in the next few days. Actually, I'm reading "The Shack", (which I highly recommend), for the second time. There is a group of ladies from Greenbrier (WINGS) who meet on Thursday night to discuss "The Shack", so I'm back into that right now.


I don't know about you, but I am so looking forward to this October weekend. I am just loving this weather. We are so blessed....God handy work is so awesome!!


I almost forgot, my little guy, Coleman and his family made it back to New York for his next cancer treatment. Please keep "team Larson" in your prayers as Coleman goes through this new experimental treatment.


"Life is hard, but God is Faithful"

I LOVE FALL!!!

I know, it's been a while. This is such a busy time of the year. But then again what time of the year isn't busy? This year is just flying by. Anyway, this post is going to be all over the place, so bear with me.

First of all, don't forget September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. SO, please remember, if you are near a Chili's restaurant on Monday, September 29, PLEASE eat there. ALL of their proceeds that day are donated to Childhood Cancer Research. I know there isn't a Chili's around Oxford, AL. But there is one in Gadsden, which is only about a 30-45 min. drive. Our family will be making Sept. 29 a family night out and take a trip to Chili's. I hope others will also. Please spread the word.

Another little guy I follow on Caring Bridge--Cole--earned his angel wings this past Friday. The little guy was just diagnosed July 26, 2008, one month after his 3rd birthday. His family had less than 2 months from the time he was diagnosed, and more than half that time he was sedated. His Caring Bridge site is http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/viewJournal.do?method=executeInit. Please pray for Cole's family...no parent should have to bury their child!


And please remember Coleman, as they will return to New York next week to begin his new treatment. They were pretty concerned about the date, Sept. 21, this past Sunday. You see that was the date 2 years ago that he was diagnosed, then on that same date 1 year ago, they were told he had relapsed. He is in his second relapse and remember he won't be 5 years old until this December. That little guy has been through more in his short 4 years than most adults will go through in their entire lifetime.


Here is a portion of Peggy's (his mom) post from yesterday.....

One more week before we leave for NYC. We have a LOT we want to fit in, lots to get ready and much to do before we go. It will be a busy week around here! Sept. 21, 2008 It was MUCH better than the two previous years! It started out with us deciding to ‘chance it’ and take Coleman to church with us. We’ve been keeping him home, trying our best to keep him away from germs with his low counts. He was SO happy- and was the first one ready to go in the morning. The boys and I headed out to the van and were waiting for Scott. Coleman said, “ohhhhh, I for-dot bunny!” (I had told him to make sure it was by the door before we got ready, so he wouldn’t forget it) I went into…. “remember when I told you to put it by the door?.....” Caden stopped me and said, “I’LL go get it Coe-man” and took off for the house. He came back and tossed it on Coleman’s lap. Coleman said, “FANK YOU TAYD! You are the bessess bwuver I ev-va had, ann I doan know WHAT I would do wifout you.” Caden answered, “I would do ANYFING for you Coe-man!”
Cman’s prayer when he went to bed last night…“ann Dod, Fank you for wettin us haf the BESSESS day in the woe-ld (world) today. You maked it a DWATE (great) day for me. Fank you Dod. Ann pweeze Dod wet Day-weck (Derek) det outta the hos-pi-ta ann have fun too.” THAT one was already answered! Our little friend Derek got to go home today- YAY Derek! (cp: derekellerbeck2007)
Oh how I love to hear Coleman pray. His prayers are so heartfelt, and he never ends without thinking of someone who needs to be prayed for…often many…)
We appreciate your continued prayers for Coleman’s complete healing. We not letting up…we’re letting God KNOW our desires, and we know He’s listening….we’re praising him for the blessings He’s given us yesterday, today and tomorrow.
This is the link to Coleman's link, if you want to read more of his deep thoughts and prayers....http://www.carepages.com/carepages/ColemanScott. You'll have to create a password, if you haven't visited CarePages before.


Okay, everyone......Are you ready for this Friday, Sept. 26, 2008...it's the opening of the movie.....Nights in Rodanthe, based on Nicholas Sparks' book. Here's a link to view the trailer.....http://nightsinrodanthe.warnerbros.com/ I'll have to wait until Saturday or Sunday night to make my first viewing of the movie (notice I said first), because I will be leaving Thursday afternoon headed here.....
About 8 ladies from church are attending the Women of Faith Conference in Atlanta. The theme is Infinite Grace. We'll be back Saturday evening. So, Nights in Rodanthe will have to wait a day or two. I'm pretty pumped about the women's conference and spending time with my sisters in Christ and meeting other sisters I didn't even know about!! I'll let you know more about that next week.

On to the next news....Tuesday, September 30, 2008 I will be headed to the local Books A Million first thing to purchase this beauty.... The newest Nicholas Sparks book....The Lucky One. Can you tell that I'm an avid Nicholas Sparks fan? Well, on October 9, 2008 I'll even make the trip to Birmingham, along with a few friends, to his book signing. I'm just a little excited! And yes, for those of you who know me well, know that date rings a bell with you. It's my oldest daughter, Abbey's 20th birthday. So I don't get the "worst mom" award, the book signing is at noon that day, so I'll be back in plenty of time to "celebrate" with my (sigh) 20 year old. Talk about time flying....

Well, except for the nip in the air and sleeping with the windows open, I guess that's all the excitement I have for this post. I pray that everyone is feeling as blessed as I do. God is Good....ALL the time!! I'll leave you with this quote....


"Every 60 seconds you spend angry, upset, worrying or mad, is a full minute of happiness you'll never get back"

Tag I guess I'm it....

Ok, my sweet niece, Bethany was in a blogging slump this past week. So, how does that effect me? Well, she didn't have anything she felt was worthy to blog about, so she goes and accepts a tag. Well, that's fine....for her. But, she can't just leave it at that, she has to go and tag me along with other innocent bloggers. Thanks Bethany, thanks a lot, like I didn't have anything better to do with my time on a lazy, rainy, Monday. Just kidding, of course. I kind of welcomed the break from real work. I will, however, be blog-kind and refrain from tagging any other unsuspecting bloggers. So, here goes....

6 Things You Might Not Know About ME
1. I HATE when I can't just eat ONE piece of chocolate or have just ONE cup of coffee. They call that addiction, don't they? Is there a c & c anonymous support group in town?

2. I love to cut the grass and work in the yard. No, I'm not crazy, as a matter of fact, it keeps me from going crazy. Since no one will help me with these tasks, it's my alone time, when I can talk to God, praise God, think, dream, and scheme, uh, make plans.

3. I am becoming more and more like a mean 'ole mom...just ask my kids. Isn't that my job, after all?

4. I tend to rely on Bobby too much for the computer side of my business. Why learn it myself, when I've got him? I really do need to sit down and learn it, I know.

5. I am obsessed with photographer's websites and blogs. It's a great to look at other photographer's work to get my creative juices flowing. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn't.

6. I love my family...both physical and spiritual. I really don't know how people make it through life without both.

Ok, Bethany, there you have it. Consider that your Christmas gift....that's one off the list.

Oh, another thing.....a few happy birthday shout outs:
September 4th was our nephew, Chris' 35th birthday,
September 10th was our nephew, Logan's 17th birthday,
September 14 was another nephew, Noah's 12th birthday,
September 16 will be another nephew, Garrett's 4th birthday,
AND September 24, will be ANOTHER nephew, Lucas' 14th birthday, SOOOOO.....
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GUYS!!!!! See, why I am ecstatic to finally have a little princess added to the mix??

We do have nieces, but it's been a while since we've had a little one!!!

Which reminds me, we do have a niece, Brandy who will be 25 on the 17th of this month.....so, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Brandy!!

WHEW.... I think that got everyone....in the family at least. We have several family friends who also have birthdays in September. I know December is a busy month, but come on...these things wouldn't pile up so, if everyone would just do their Christmas shopping!! Just kidding of course.

"A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on" --Carl Sandburg

Childhood Cancer Awareness Day....

Today, September 13, 2008 is CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS DAY. Chances are you didn't know that, probably didn't even know there was such a day. That's because you probably won't hear about it on the news or in the newspaper. Everyone has heard of Cancer Awareness and Cancer research, but did you know that Childhood Cancer Research is pretty much on its own. Of the money that is donated to Cancer research, only 3% goes to Childhood Cancer Research. Isn't that sad?

Below is a video of 165 little warriors of Childhood Cancer and heroes who have earned their wings. This video was created by Mimi Avery, the mother of Julian, who earned his wings January 19, 2008 at the age of 4 1/2. All he wanted was to be 5 years old and go to kindergarten, but when he realized that might not happen, all he wanted was for everyone to wear yellow and not black to his funeral. Because yellow reminds him of the sunshine, and he wanted everyone to think of the sunshine when they thought of him. It's just not right....I never met Julian in person, but I have learned so much through him....truly wise beyond his 4 1/2 years. Please click on the link below to view the video.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXTwHtBDqdo&eurl=http://www.carepages.com/carepages/JuliansWorld/updates/1716267

So what can you do? There are a few very easy things!
1. Become a Bone Marrow Donor. Many times the only way to save the life of a cancer patient is through a bone marrow transplant. Now through September 22, The Nascar Foundation is paying the $50 fee so you can sign up for FREE! Be a hero. Be a Bone Marrow Donor.

2. Go out to eat! Seriously! On September 29th Chilis restaurant will be donating 100% of their proceeds to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. What better way to help cancer research?! In the meantime, go Create a Pepper for Kennedy! Be sure to post the link so she can see it!

3. Go sign this petition!!!

4. Check out It's 4 the Kids. Bookmark it and visit often. There are LOTS of ways to help on there!

5. Go to Complete The Cure and watch the videos. For every video you watch sponsors will donate 25 cents to the Children's Cancer Research Fund. It doesn't sound like a lot, but it adds up quickly!

6. Most importantly, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY and spread the word!!! Talk and talk and talk until someone HEARS us.

Here are a few fact about Childhood Cancer: Did you know?
*Each school day, 46 children are diagnosed with cancer.
*On the average 12,500 children and teens will be diagnosed with some form of cancer each year in this country.
*One in 330 children will develop cancer by age 20.
*Although the 5 year survival rate is steadily increasing, one quarter of children will die 5 years from the time of diagnosis.
*Cancer remains the #1 disease killer of America's children - more than Cystic Fibrosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Asthma and AIDS combined.
*In the U.S. almost 3,000 children do not survive cancer each year.
*Over the past two decades, only ONE new cancer drug has been approved for pediatric use.
*Currently there are between 30-40,000 children undergoing cancer treatment in the U.S.
*As a nation, we spend over $14 BILLION per year on the space program, but only $35 MILLION on Childhood Cancer Research each year.
*There are 15 children diagnosed with cancer for every one child diagnosed with pediatric AIDS. Yet, the U.S. invests approximiately $595,000 for research per victim of pediatric AIDS and only $20,000 for each victim of childhood cancer.
*Research funds are scarce as most money is diverted to well-publicized adult forms of cancer, such as breast and prostate.
*Right now, this second, somewhere in America, there are 7 children fighting for their lives who won't live through the day.

I believe Julian, at 4 1/2 years old, lived the quote below....we can all learn from Julian.


"It's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." ~Abraham Lincoln




Everyone have a blessed day of worship tomorrow....

A Message about September 11......

Hi Everyone,

Below is the September update from Coleman's Mom that she posted on their CarePages site. I got permission from her to pass it on to you all. So, let me introduce you to Peggy Larson, Coleman's mom........

September 11,

I debated sharing this, as it was just my rambling thoughts I put down earlier today…(of course if you read Coleman's carepage, you're used to my ramblings by now!)
I also didn’t want to offend anyone who lost loved ones in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, or diminish the tragedy of that horrible day. I hope if you read this you’ll know that isn’t my intention at all. Sept. 11, 2001 will be engraved in all our memories forever.
We all remember what we were doing 7 years ago (doesn’t seem like that long!)…when we saw the horrific pictures on the news. Do you remember the feeling in the pit of your stomach as you watched over and over the planes crashing- and first tower crumble, then your breath taken away watching the second? Do you remember??? I remember coming home from work and watching as the stories were read, and sobbing my heart out. I remember the wrongness of it all… Do you remember hearing the phone calls of people stuck in their offices? Calls from innocent people in the planes to their families telling them what was going on? Some saying their good-byes? Imagine how desperate they felt…not knowing what was in their near future. Would they make it out of the nightmare they were in? Some had to be so struck with fear, they froze….some stood up and fought…. Some helped others, only to lose their own lives. What would YOU do in a moment like that? If you found yourself in a situation that chaotic and terrifying-
I felt the same disbelief and helplessness 5 years/10 days later… September 21, 2006. A plane crashed through our lives as we listened to Coleman’s doctor say “We found a tumor”…the breath was knocked out of us, I felt like a spectator watching with my hand over my mouth...watching everything around us crumbled like the towers. Our son was under attack.
We’ve been on our own “floor” or “hijacked plane” for almost 2 years now. Our future is uncertain. We’re picking up the rubble only to be knocked down again and again. We try to stay as positive as we can, (we TRUST GOD is with us) and I know we aren’t supposed to, but we can’t help it- the fear is there. It’s real. We watch the hell Coleman goes through with treatments. It’s like watching repeats of the planes crashing over and over again…time after time…as he fights on. We watch kids around us, in the same ‘burning building’…other parents with the same look of shock in their eyes. We don’t even have to speak words- we KNOW what they’re feeling. We have a bond with them much like anyone who goes through a tragedy together. Seven years ago the nation was hopping mad (myself included) that such horror could come to this country we love…. So many innocent lives were lost; so much taken away from us. I’m hoping our nation and political leaders will realize we’re still under attack. Cancer is a terrorist that doesn’t care who you are, where you’re from, how much money you have, it’s going to strike. It’s just as horrific and merciless as the terrorists were on that awful day. It’s crashing into people’s lives, attacking their world as they knew it. It's taking lives. It’s destroying carefree childhoods, destroying bank accounts, destroying family time, destroying any ‘normalcy’ it's victims once knew. Too many children in our country are crumbling. Families are left standing in the quiet ashy aftermath of this monster, wondering in disbelief what just happened in front of their eyes, and where to go from there.I’m praying we finally take a stand and say "we aren’t taking it ANYmore." Childhood cancer is unacceptable! One new drug for pediatric cancer in the past 20 years is unacceptable. Only 3% of all cancer funding going to pediatric research is unacceptable. We need to fight back!!! We’re banding our own war on this monster, but we can’t do it alone. We need an army.

Here are some ways you can help…

**First of all, if you haven’t signed the petition…PLEASE do it now! Please ask at least one person (I’m hoping you’ll ask more,) but at least ONE other to sign it. PLEASE. Ask people for their email and home address, and if you can sign it FOR them!
click here to SIGN THE PETITION.....http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/CureChildhoodCancer
Did you know there is a junior high girl in Des Moines collecting signatures from teachers at her school? She doesn't have a sibling with cancer, she's doing it simply because she has a good heart. She's willing to stand with us...(thanks MacKenzie!!!) Won't you? Gather some signatures PLEASE!!! Every one counts, and people are willing, if you'll only ask.


**You can wear a gold ribbon- Tell everyone you know (and don’t know) about the kids in this war. Talk about their battles…Talk about the casualties. Talk about the HEROES. Help bring awareness.


**Click on these links…check them out. Don’t think you can’t make a difference, because YOU CAN! We need to start somewhere. Start today. You can stand with us and FIGHT against any more attacks. Together we WILL be heard…we WON’t GIVE UP UNTIL WE ARE!!! Our kids need a voice in this fight.click and join PEOPLE AGAINST CHILDHOOD CANCER
Go to curesearch.org to find out more ways to help


**Eat at Chili's this month- a portion of their proceeds will go toward Childhood cancer research- Sept 29th ALL proceeds donated.

So something- anything to help bring awareness to our fight.
Don’t stand frozen because it isn’t affecting you...because it’s too sad, or you’re too scared. I’m here to tell you, it COULD BE YOU- IT COULD BE YOUR CHILD! Wouldn’t you want someone to stand with you in your fight?We took a moment of silence today to pray for the way too many families who lost love ones on 9/11. Our country was forever changed that day. We remember. We honor those who lost their lives way too soon…it was wrong, plain wrong. September 11th- is a day none of us will (or ever, ever should) forget. This post was not made to take ANY honor or importance away from people who lost their loved ones in the attack of 2001.

Sadly, Sept 11 2008 will be remembered as diagnosis day for 46 families (46 kids diagnosed EVERY single day) A 'terrorist' attacked 46 times today, and there are parents standing in shock tonight.Tomorrow it will happen again….and the next day, and the next, and next... until we do something to STOP it. We prayed for the parents who had to bury their children today- an estimated 2,500 kids will pay the price this year …7 each and every day. WE PRAY FOR A CURE!!! The children of our country deserve it. They need US to stand together and say “ENOUGH”. Won’t you stand with us? Quoting the hero Todd Beamer…“LET’S ROLL.”

Blessings to you all,(and thanks for being on our TEAM!)
TEAM LARSON

http://www.carepages.com/carepages/ColemanScott

There is really nothing more that I can add to that, except, continue to pray for Coleman, his family and ALL the kids fighting this attack on their little bodies. Here's the quote for the day....

"Don't ever give up" --Coleman Larson, age 4

Have a Blessed weekend, Gaye

Yes, I'm still here....

I know, you thought I gave up the blog world. Well, you're wrong, I'm still here. I've just been swamped. This past weekend I had a 2 day yard sale that went great. Steady shoppers and buyers both days. Friday they kept coming up until 4:00 pm even though we tried to stop around 1:00 pm. I got rid of A LOT of stuff!!! It felt soooo good to clean out and try to simplify. We even sold Bobby's pickup truck....how blessed we are!!



In addition to the cleaning out, pricing, setting up and having the 2 day yard sale, I've had several senior portrait sittings in between. So, needless to say, the 'ole blog was put on the back burner.



Once I get through all of the editing the next few days, things might slow down a bit. Except for the fact that September seems to be THE birthday month for family and friends. We have at least 6 nieces and nephews and 4 family friends who have their birthdays in September. And before we know it Abbey's birthday will be here (Oct. 9), then Alison's big 16 (Dec. 23). Christmas time is coming fast. But, before that is my favorite season of all......Autumn. I love the fall leaves and the crisp air.

A quick update on my C-man (Coleman). Team Larson is back home in Iowa for a few weeks of more chemo, before they head back up to NYC for the new treatment to try and rid little Coleman of the nasty beast of cancer. Also, please remember that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Continue to keep Coleman, his family and all the kids who are fighting cancer in your prayers.



In the next few weeks in between the not so busy days, my goal is to take time to go through a few on-line/personal photography courses. There's always more to learn....it's never ending. In other words, the blogging may be few and far between the next few weeks, so bare with me, I'll be around, just busy. Oh, I almost forgot, I've got a wedding to shoot in October also...busy, busy, busy.



I did find this along the road one morning last week after I dropped Alison off at school.....
Someone (thing) else has been busy. I also found this.....isn't God an awesome creator...... We are so blessed with His ever changing beauty.


I'll leave you with this quote, until next time....

"All art is the expression of man's delight in God's work, not his own."

Election day in Oxford....

Well, it's a sad day for Oxford, at least in my book. "King" Leon is still the dictator. Enough on that subject. We did all we could do....All we can do now is PRAY!! "Old politicians never die---they just run once too often." That quote won't cost anything!!

I refuse to let the above news overshadow the GREAT news we got today. Our niece, Casey, found out today that she is having a GIRL. Yes!! I love my great nephews, but it is past time for a girl. Well, we do have a couple of great nieces already, but we only see them a couple of times a year, if that. This little princess will be just down the road. Talk about a perfect model for Aunt Gaye's picture takin' fix. Everyone, please do continue to pray for a safe and healthy pregnancy for mom and baby. God is great!!


As most of you know my hubby, has been on a diet/exercise program for about 4 months or so now. He has always been overweight, so have I :o). Anyway, back in April I had some blood work done and I was told to be careful, because I was border-line diabetic and my cholesterol was out the roof, not to mention needing to lose some weight. So, I adjusted my diet, therefore we all adjusted our diet. Bobby got on board gung ho. He started out limiting his calories each day, as I did. He also started using our stationary bike that had been stationary alright....in the corner with cobwebs on it. Anyway, I digress. He also began riding his bike outside when the weather was good. Eventually he rode only outside, about 10-12 miles a day. It quickly became an "obsession"....to say the least. But I'm not complaining, he was dropping the weight and feeling good, not to mention, he wasn't SNORING anymore!!! Yeah!!! All along we were eating healthier and watching our daily calorie intake. I returned to have followup blood work 3 months after the first visit and my cholesterol level had come down over 60 points and I had lost about 12 lbs. I was pumped. Even though Bobby was way ahead of me....he was dropping weight faster, which I know, stinking men tend to have that gift. Anyway, he became so obsessed with this bike thing, I was feeling like a bicycling widow.
Well, he took it even farther and purchased a Cannondale Trail Bike...not your everyday Wal-Mart bike, but a BIKE. I considered this his "mid-life crisis" purchase and informed him of this, in which case he wasn't allowed another "mid-life crisis" purchase in the future. He agreed, (we'll see). So, now, at least until football season starts (in a week) every Saturday or Friday, if he's off, he'll load his BIKE up and take off to the Talladega National Forrest management area in Choccolocco for some serious trail riding. During the week he finds trails around the house, mainly made
from kids on 4-wheelers. Last Saturday, I met him in the management area and took a few shots of him on the trail. Here's my little trail riding BIKE enthusiast...oh, by the way, he didn't get a starting weight, but we estimate he has lost approximately, 54 lbs. Is that great or what!!! We were at Outback the other night and he ordered steamed veggies with his dinner.....WHAT??? I've never been able to get him to eat broccoli!!!??? He said he was "craving" steamed vegetables. Who is this man and what has he done with my husband??? I am actually loving it, even though he's getting a little cocky about it all!! I guess you're all wondering, I've only lost about 15 lbs. and fluctuate with that. I've got to get a bit more serious with the exercise program. I let you know how that goes. I'm proud of you Bobby!!! Your are looking good and I know you are feeling better. Keep it up!! I love YOU!!


A short update on Coleman....they are in NYC and in between scans, MRI's, etc. they are enjoying the Big Apple. They are from Iowa and live on a farm in the middle of acres of corn fields, so NYC is a little different scenery for them. Coleman's twin brother, Caden loves the pigeons and wants to take them home. He also promises he saw a rat in the street one day while they were walking and wants to bring some cheese the next time to try and catch it. Coleman found a little sign from God while out on the town. He found a coin that has the imprint, "With God All Things Are Possible". Then they got word that the tumors on his spine have responded to the last round of chemo. The disease is still there, but not as much. They are cautiously optimistic, because this is exactly what happened the last time. But they are looking forward to meeting with the Dr. on Thursday to discuss the 2 options they have as what route to take next. Options are good. Continue to pray!! Prayer works and it is working. Thank you for praying for my little buddy!!


Good night and may God bless the city of Oxford.


"We must go through the valley to stand upon the mountain"