the BEST ever

We had the BEST Thanksgiving I think we've ever had. It started on Wednesday when Shea got to come and visit and spend the day. We enjoyed having her, and then.....she was off.

We decided to forgo the big meal this year, and instead just lounged until we got ready to leave for Atlanta. On the way there, we found a Cracker Barrel and along with many other folks we had a good meal, good fellowship with each other, and then....we were off.

We arrived in Suwanee and immediately began to discuss our Black Friday plans which actually started that night at 12:01 except for Billy whose idea of shopping is.... I'll watch the kids at home thankyouverymuch! Which works because, really, who wants to listen to whining the whole time (and here I'm talking about Billy, not the boys!). We worked out a plan, and then.....we were off.

To Wal-Mart. My idea was...let's get there, get everything we want, check out at 12:01 and not go back for the entire weekend. Do you think that worked out? Of course not! We went back there two more times on Friday, and then when we got home on Sat.! LOL That place casts a spell on people, I think. We were back up at 7 on Friday and off at 8 to the Mall of Georgia. Whew....now that place was crowded. It was funny, though. Some stores you couldn't get into and some were practically empty. I wanted to go in Aeropostale, but you literally couldn't get IN. So, I went next door to AE and didn't hardly have to wait in line. They had a great sale, too!

We shopped a large portion of the day until it was time for the Alabama/Auburn game ~ Alabama, you let us down : ( 

After the game, we were off again! This time to the movies with just the adults. Billy and Tracy hadn't seen the new HP, and Steve and I saw Unstoppable which is based on a true story and was pretty good. (Even if it hadn't been good, looking at Chris Pine for two hours is bound to make a person smile!)

The next day, we had to leave earlier than we would've liked, but responsibility called. Honestly, this was a wonderful weekend topped off with Georgia beating Georgia Tech.  I hope to make this our NEW tradition.

so much to be thankful for

With Thanksgiving two days away, it is only fitting that I give space to share what I am thankful for this year.

1. You, my readers and bloggy friends. It's been so nice to get to know you this year.
2. My family, of course, they are a joy to me every day. I've really enjoyed this year watching our kids mature into such fine adults (except Luke who is growing into a fine young man!).
3. My husband, Steve, who I can honestly say I love more today than yesterday and certainly more than 20 years ago when I married him.
4. My job. I need to be there full-time, and I want to be, but I am very, very grateful that I have a job with insurance.
5. New friends. Isn't it amazing how God answers prayers about even the smallest things in our lives?
6. Having the chance to go and spend some time with the extended family this week!
7. Jesus, without whom, I would be lost and floundering.
8. Our church family. They love us, and show it. That is a wonderful experience!

There are so many small things that I could count, but I won't bore you with the details. I hope you and your family have a glorious Thanksgiving season full of family, peace, and joy!

harry potter

I know a lot of people, pastors especially, don't like Harry Potter and the story. However, we do. Thus, we found ourselves at the midnight (actually 12:20) showing Thursday night/Friday morning. I had planned to take a nap when I got home from work so that I could actually stay awake through the entire movie, but when I got home I had 3 extra teenagers in my house so that was not to be. I just stayed out of their way like normal and went about my business, but that didn't include the nap!

After they left, it was almost time to go and get Stevie from her class, so still no nap. However, we did finally make our way to the theater where we sat/stood in line for about 3 hours until they let us in. Now, if you haven't ever been to a midnight premiere of a movie, let me tell you, it is something to behold. Because, the most avid fans are the ones who come out that late! Yes, there were people in costumes.....grown men with their wands (weird, huh?) girls dressed up like Luna Lovegood and Hermione......but my favorite ones were the 5 college boys who came dressed up as.........(DRUM ROLL, PLEASE)........

BATMAN! I think they got confused!

The movie is pretty good, although I think it was about 30 minutes too long since it has some slow places. Of course, the whole point of this movie is building up for the last movie in the series coming in July. But, all-in-all, a pretty good flick. And, yes, we've already seen it again....although this time at the $2.00 theater (gotta love that price!) considering we paid $11.25 for the other one.

So, what's your take on HP?

veterans

Today we celebrated Veteran's Day at our school with a sweet little program where all of the kids had a chance to sing patriotic songs. Some of the kids had an available veteran to bring to the program, and they got to introduce them. We ended with a parade of veterans....all of the students lined the hallway waving flags while the guys walked through them. So, so sweet....kinda choked me up!

Our little town had a celebration as well which Luke and Steve took part in. The band was asked to come and play for the ceremony, and Steve had the privilege of participating as a veteran. I would love to have been there, but I just couldn't get away.

Today, I say thank you. Thank  you to those who serve now, and those whose service in the past has kept me free. My classes today watched a documentary on the Tuskegee Airmen who people thought weren't good enough to hold leadership positions because of the color of their skin. The story was very touching, and I am so proud that they were successful in spite of the circumstances.

I'm proud to be an American. I'm proud of our military, and I appreciate the efforts they and their families put into making our country strong!

is my life really this boring?

I cannot think of a single thing to blog about. Talk about writer's block! Our lives have certainly calmed down this week with the ending of the marching season.

Of course, we are beginning to gear up for the holiday season which always makes for a busy time around our house. With the addition of this new medicine that I am on....the one the DR. assured me would make me happier (I thought I was pretty happy before), I am TIRED! I like naps and going to bed early. The upside is that I don't eat as much so I've lost 10 pounds....yeah!

But other than that, at this point....life is peaceful. I like it......because I know that within the next week or so, things will be crazy again!

We are going to Augusta tomorrow for Steve to preach homecoming at the church where we married. I hope to get some pictures of the kids since Shea will be there as well. I need to order Christmas cards!

So, happy daylight savings time to you.....hopefully, my blog will soon have something interesting to say : )

faces of joy

They started working last Spring. They marched and trudged through the horrid South Carolina heat. They practiced until their cheeks were soar. They suffered through sleep-deprivation, late nights, and traveling every weekend. And do you know what? It was ALL worth it last Saturday.

Because, that's right folks! The little band that could is the the little band that CAN! Out of 52 1A high schools in the state of South Carolina, the smallest competing marching band also known as the North Central Marching Knights is 7th......and we couldn't be happier, or prouder!