Desperately Seeking Susan -- New Beginnings

2011-11-06T15:44:00.002-06:00

Boy I sure am a bad blogger. I know it's been awhile since I posted anything. It just seems like it has been so busy now that school has started esp with these new teacher evaluations this year on top of my other state dept. evaluations. There never seems to be enough time!!
Anyway, this picture was in our local newspaper today. I am very honored and surprised to receive our school systems teacher of the month award at our school board meeting this past month. Also, on my quest of getting my life back with Take Shape for Life....I have now lost 55 lbs. and over 23 over all inches!! Yeah me!!
I have a few more lbs to go but at least it is reachable now. I just have to keep pushing myself and staying focused!
I am also blessed to have a very special guy in my life right now too! God and life are good!!

Sisters and daughters!

2011-09-12T06:46:00.002-05:00

My daughters attended a wedding this past weekend. I was so glad that someone took this picture of them together! I can't believe how they are growing into wonderful mature young ladies! If you have young children, you had better not blink because they will be grown in no time! I am so thankful that even though they are 4 years apart in age, they are still very close to each other.

Getting my life back in balance!!

2011-08-08T07:11:00.004-05:00

Before my journey began (above)
Spring 2011

July 2011
40 lbs lighter!

For the past 4 months I have been on a great journey to get my life back in balance and started taking care of myself and getting healthy again! I cannot tell you how much better I feel and I hope to get off all my meds soon. Yes I am taking blood pressure pills, cholesterol pills, and sugar pills! All my numbers are in control now and I sure hope when I got back to my dr. in Sept. she will take me off some of these!
I have decided that I am going to try and help others who are in the same boat as myself. Who have fought this battle most of their lives. Yes I have done all the fad diets, WW, etc too prob just like you have unless you are the fortunate one who has not had to deal with being overweight. The program that I have had the wonderful opportunity to take part in is called "Take Shape for Life". You have a free health coach (which would be me when I get started with this) and you supplement your eating with the Medifast foods (eat 5 per day and one lean and green meal). It is the easiest and best thing that I have EVER done for myself.
If you are interested, just send me a message and I will get back with you on the program.
I do have a few more pounds to go before reaching my goal but the first 40 gone was my first goal to reach and I am proud to say that I am at that first goal!!

We have a TTU Golden Girl!!

2011-05-21T11:12:00.004-05:00

Congratulations to my youngest daughter, Leah!!! Last weekend she tried out for the Tennessee Tech Golden Girls Dance Team and she made the team!!!! This will be her 2nd year at TTU and I am so excited that she is dancing again! It will be so much fun to go to the football and basketball games now to support her :)
She danced on the high school dance team (picture above is her senior year) for 4 years and has taken dance lessons just about all of her life!!
Congratulations Leah! I am sooooo very proud of you!!

Love Being a Mom!!

2011-05-09T09:13:00.004-05:00

I sure do LOVE being a mom to these two beautiful, special young ladies! They made my mothers day such a fabulous day!!
Love you both to the moon and back!!

Happy Birthday Lauren!!

2011-04-02T09:50:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to my April Fool's Baby!!!! She was 23 years old yesterday!! I just can't believe my oldest baby is all grown up, graduated with a teaching degree and is now supporting herself!! I am so proud of her! She is such a great person with her head on straight and knows exactly what she wants in life :) A mom could not ask for anymore in raising her children! Esp in this day and time!
HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET LAUREN!!
I LOVE YOU!

Oh the beautiful sunshine!!!

2011-02-19T08:45:00.002-06:00

These past week here in Tennessee has been a beautiful one to say the least!! This is our first week in quite awhile with no snow!! The temp has been in the mid 60's for most days. It has been a little overcast a few days but still wonderful!
Since I teach preschool, it has been extra nice to be able to take the children outside to play in the nice weather. It sure helps to get outside and run some of that energy off. I wish that I had just a little bit of a 4 year olds energy :)
I noticed that the buttercups are starting to pop up. You know the old saying about winter isn't over until is snows on them?? Well it probably will be true and snow a little more before spring is truly here.
I hope everyone had a great Valentines week and it was special to you in some way.
March will soon be here before we know it !!!! Everyone have a great weekend!

My Valentines!!

2011-02-12T15:44:00.003-06:00

I know it is not hardly Valentines Day yet but....these are the two prettiest Valentines that I could ever have.....my daughters!! Deacon, our dog well he is not exactly in the same category as the girls but he is smiling at you and keeps me company. I love him dearly too!!
Happy Valentines Day!! Mom loves you :)

Wow it's a Winter Wonderland Outside!!!!!!

2011-01-10T07:49:00.002-06:00

Woke up to a beautiful, white snow this morning!! It is sticking to the trees and my dogs look like they don't have a clue what to do! Of course, we do not have school today and probably won't the rest of the week since it is not supposed to get out of the low 30's all week and in the teens at night here in Tennessee.

It looks like we might have 6 inches of snow right now and more on the way between today and tomorrow!! I wish the girls were still small and were home to enjoy the day out playing and sledding in the snow. When they were growing up, we just did not get that much snow at all and they got to sled very little. Oh well, maybe they will find friends to sled with in Cookeville and Murfreesboro today and get to enjoy it ;)

Everyone stay warm and enjoy some hot chocolate today!

For today.......

Outside my window.... Beautiful snow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! About 6 inches!! and still going strong!

I am thinking.....hot chocolate would be good right now!!

I am hearing.....nice and quite

I am thankful....that I have a job (teaching) that when it is bad weather I do not have to get out and drive in it like many people do. I hope everyone stays safe!

I am remembering....what fun I had when I was younger sledding down the hill in the back of my house!

I am wearing.... Still in my PJ's!

I am going....to start on my new sewing project for a teacher at Lauren's school. Fixing her curtains!

I am hoping....that we have some snow days from school next week! (looks like my wish from last week has come true!)

One of my favorite things......Being snowed in and can't go anywhere! (same with this comment from last week! I am def snowed in!!)

Around the house....All is quite here now. Leah went on back to Cookeville last night with my encouraging. I was afraid that she would not make it back if she waited to go sometime closer to Thursday when her classes start! So glad she went on back for sure!

I am praying....that everyone stays safe if traveling in snowy weather today!

Let it Snow, let it snow, let it snow!

2011-01-08T08:53:00.003-06:00

For today.......

Outside my window.... It looks like I live in a snow globe right now! The snow is just coming down and the wind is blowing too! Just beautiful!

I am thinking.....hot chocolate would be good right now!!

I am hearing.....nice and quite

I am thankful....that I have a warm home!

I am remembering....what fun I had when I was younger sledding down the hill in the back of my house!

I am wearing.... It's Saturday! In my warm up suit! Nice and comfy :)

I am going....get started again sewing on my daughters curtains for her classroom. Almost halfway done!

I am hoping....that we have some snow days from school next week!

One of my favorite things......Being snowed in and can't go anywhere!

Around the house....youngest daughter will be leaving this next week to start college classes again! Sure has been nice having her around for a few weeks. Guess it will get nice and quiet again.

I am praying....that everyone stays safe if traveling in snowy weather today!

They say that we might get more snowy weather Sunday night thru Tuesday here! We will see!!
Everyone have a wonderful day!

Remember if you expect the worst out of your day that is what you will get! If you expect the best that is what you will get! I pick .......the best!

For today.......

2011-01-05T06:46:00.004-06:00

For today.......

Outside my window.... It looks very cold again outside! There is ice on the window shield so I have already gone out and started the car to warm!! Weatherman says there might be some light white stuff late this afternoon. We'll see....

I am thinking.....need to get started on Lauren's curtains for her classroom this afternoon!

I am hearing.....the dogs fussing with one another outside

I am thankful....for coffee every morning!!

I am remembering....not to forget my lunch today!

I am wearing.... blue jeans/white shirt/lime green blouse (my favorite)

I am going....to try and start exercising more this afternoon!

I am hoping....that everyone will have a great day!

One of my favorite things......All You magazine!

Around the house....youngest daughter is still here until next week when her college classes begin again :)

I am praying....for all those who are undergoing treatments at this time for cancer and other related illnesses

Everyone have a great day today! If you expect the worst, you will get the worst, if you expect the best you will get that too!! You decide!!!

Back to Work I Go!!!

2011-01-03T07:00:00.002-06:00

Well I am not off to a good start with my daily journal entries am I??? Well I have a good excuse.....after church yesterday my mom and I headed to Murfreesboro to see my daughter and her new classroom plus we got in a little shopping as well!! I will do better today even though I have to go back to school but just for inservice today. My sweet, precious preschoolers will be back tomorrow!!

Monday, Jan. 3, 2011

For today.......

Outside my window....It looks very cold! There is ice on the window shield so I guess I will have to go out and start the car early before I leave!

I am thinking.....what all I will need to get completed at school today to be ready for tomorrow!

I am hearing.....nothing right now all is very quiet

I am thankful....that I am healthy and able to go to work each day

I am remembering....not to sweat the little stuff

I am wearing....my warm up suit something comfy to be able to work in my classroom today lots to do!!

I am going....to have to go to the grocery today I have put it off so long can't wait any longer!

I am hoping....to be able to start excercising more!

One of my favorite things......coffee in the morning before I leave for school!

Around the house....youngest daughter is still here until next week when her college classes begin again :)

I am praying....for all those who are out of work at this time and hoping that something will soon come your way!

Everyone have a great day today! If you expect the worst, you will get the worst, if you expect the best you will get that too!! You decide!!!

Happy 2011 Everyone!!

2011-01-01T09:54:00.003-06:00

I hope that everyone had a wonderful New Years celebration! I am very thankful to have been able to ring in another new year and I am looking forward to great things this year for me! I have decided to try and start a daily journal on my blog. I don't know if I will be able to do it everyday but I am going to give it a shot. We will see how hectic things get when school starts back and how faithful I am to doing this!!

For today-----

Outside my window -- it is raining heard some thunder around 2 am and 5 am.

I am thinking-- about how this year is going to be so much better than last year

I am hearing -- nothing much right now dogs are quiet and resting outside

I am thankful -- to have my family who has been my rock for the past 6 months

I am remembering -- to treasure the little things

I am wearing -- a shirt and shorts (yes it is on the warm side here this morning in TN.)

I am going -- to try and declutter some today since it's the new year and get some school work done

I am praying -- that all those who continue to hold grudges will learn to let go and live their lives to the fullest Life is too short!

Around the house -- finally have all the Christmas decorations put up until next year!

One of my favorite things -- Couponing and saving money!

Happy New Year!!!

2010-12-31T18:09:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone has a very great and safe Happy New Year!!

Lauren's College Graduation

2010-12-21T14:23:00.010-06:00

My oldest daughter, Lauren received her B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Middle Tenn State University this past Saturday! So very proud of her :)

This is Lauren with her boyfriend, Ben!

I am so proud of both of my daughters! Leah is a freshman at Tenn. Tech University and now Lauren is a graduate of MTSU! Can you tell that I am a proud mom??

Laurens roommates are education majors too and they all graduated at the same time!! Isn't that too special!! I thought they did a great job decorating their graduation hats!

I wanted to make the graduation cake for the girls to have at their party that they had that evening.

This is a picture with my mom aka- Gran!

So very proud of you Lauren and all your accomplishments! Congratulations on your new teaching job too!

Very Proud Mom!!!

2010-12-05T17:03:00.004-06:00

Here is Lauren at her Granny's. She is 4 years old and "teaching up a storm" to someone or anyone who would listen and be her students !! :) Little did we know........

Here is Lauren at 22 years old and we have such great news to share with our blogging friends!! She will be graduating this month from MTSU! Receiving her B.S. in Elementary Education! The best news of all is that she was notified at the end of last week that she has been hired as the new 2nd grade teacher at an elementary school located close to where she is now living and has been doing her student teaching!! We are sooo very proud of her!! Lauren has always loved teaching as you can see from the picture above! It just goes to show that when you are small the things you are interested in usually end up being your career in your adult life!! Love you so much Lauren and so very proud of you!

More prayers needed!!

2010-12-05T16:29:00.002-06:00

As another week begins there are several who are needing prayers this week. I am asking that you please include them as you say your prayers please.

Lecredia Woodlee Rutledge (my teaching assistant) father Jewell is in serious condition at this time

Chad Crabtree

Andy Dunn

Aubrey Haley

Prayer......

2010-11-29T20:33:00.003-06:00

There is a special little boy, Andy who will be returning to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital this week for his extensive round of tests that he has to undergo on a regular basis to check to see if the "c" word is still gone from his system.
Please keep Andy and his family in your prayers that he will remain cancer free! God has answered prayers for this family and he will continue to embrace them.
Also, please keep in your prayers Amy who just lost her husband in a motorcycle accident this past weekend. They laid him to rest today. She is a wonderful, sweet woman. She kept my oldest daughter when she was little when I had to go to the football games at the high school.
I am also praying for all who need prayers at this time! There are many who are hurting, undergoing treatments, family problems, sick not only physically but mentally and those who have no families during the holiday season.

A Fresh New Start!!!

2010-11-27T20:07:00.005-06:00

Seems like I have been out of the blogging world for quite some time now. I have had a lot of changes happen in my life since the middle of summer. With the biggest change being the mid-life divorce that I have been going through and is now final after being married for 27 years. That is why I have decided to add on the "new beginnings" to my blog title. Because life it too short to not move on to bigger and happier times and that is exactly what I am doing. Life is too short and I intend on living my life to the fullest and be much happier than I have been in many years!! I don't know what I would have done if I had not had the support of my daughters, mom, sister, other family members, my close friends and my church family! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for standing by me and helping me get through the hardest thing that I have EVER had to get through in my entire life! But you know what??? I made it and I am stronger than ever! I just hope that I can in return help someone else that is having to go through a mid life divorce like myself one day.

Prom 2010

2010-05-01T09:35:00.007-05:00

Our daughter, Leah with her date Mason to their senior prom!

These pictures were taken in Mason's yard. Aren't the azeleas beautiful??? Such a great place to take special pictures!

These pictures were taken inside the gym at our civic center where they prom took place. The colors were teal, black and silver. The theme of their prom was called "A Black Tie Affair".

I thought the waterfall made out of balloons was so cute! :)

These are Leah's friends who were on the dance team with her and are seniors as well. Aren't they all beautiful girls? They all went together to eat and enjoyed riding in the stretch limo that held 20 people! Whew a tight squeeze for sure but fun!

Is Spring really here???

2010-03-22T22:03:00.003-05:00

I am pretty sure that last Saturday was the first day of spring but......today we had "SNOW" on the buttercups! Which is pretty typical for Tennessee weather.

I think it is suppossed to warm up tomorrow though :)

Christmas 2009

2010-01-02T14:42:00.010-06:00

My mom with all her grandchildren - Leah, Lauren, Chelsea, Marcus and Trevor

This picture cracks me up!! The nintendo DS is fun for all ages from 5 years old up to 17 here in this picture! Look how they are concentrating!

This is my husbands mother and his step-dad.

Trevor, Marcus and Leah watching Lauren opening presents.

Chelsea is digging into her stocking.

10 Days of Giveaways!!

2010-01-01T09:12:00.003-06:00

Brandie Mansfield of Custom Artwork has put together the best idea and is having some very talented people donate something to her 10 days of giveaways.

This starts today!! All that you have to do is leave a comment on her blog and you will be entered! :)

Just go to her link on my blog called the 10 days of giveaways and you will be right there!

Happy New Year to all my blogging friends!

Way behind in my blogging!!

2009-12-26T20:08:00.002-06:00

I have missed the time that I once had to blog that is for sure!! This has been a busy year with it being Leah's senior year in high school and adding in dance team responsibilities that I have in helping with the group my free time that I have is no more or I don't have much of it to say the least.

While we are off on Christmas break, I am hoping to get caught up and upload some pictures of our trip to New York for the Macy's parade and Christmas pictures.

For starters I have finally gotten to change my background to my blog :) Be back soon! (I hope)

Football Senior Night 2009

2009-11-11T21:29:00.008-06:00

I just wanted to share with my blog readers some great pictures that we made on a very special night for our youngest daughter, Leah --- her Senior night recognition as a member of the Pioneerettes Dance Team!! We are very proud of you Leah! Congratulations and what a beautiful young lady you are!

The family :)

Our Senior Pioneerette Dance Family!!!! We have all grown so close during these past several years we all feel like family! It is so nice to know that if you need help from any of these great people they would stop and come help in a heart beat :)

Sisters!!! So proud of my daughters!

Lauren is a Senior @ MTSU majoring in Elementary Ed. and of course Leah is a Senior in high school!!

Leah and the other Seniors with a very special person, Coach PShock!!

Thanks Penny for all you do for the dancers giving everything from your heart to them to make them the best dance team in the state!! No lets say country!

2009-10-31T18:37:00.001-05:00

Hope everyone has a safe and hollowing Halloween!!

2009-10-23T06:49:00.004-05:00

Good Luck to all the girls in the Miss Warren County pageant tomorrow night!! There are 49 contestants!! Wow that's the most ever I think! The pageant goes to a great cause -- Queens for a Cure -- Relay for Life!

All good things must come to an end!

2009-10-18T07:51:00.002-05:00

Fall break is now just about over. Back to school again tomorrow to see my sweet little children! I have a great class this year and I am very thankful.
I attended a conference for early childhood teachers this week in Gatlinburg with my assistant. We had a good time and the conference gave us some good ideas to take back to the classroom :)
It won't be long until Halloween! The toliet paper will start to fly soon I am sure. We have already had teenagers trying to roll our yard so the dogs have been on patrol for the last few days!

Everyone have a great week!

Look at these beautiful waves!!!

2009-10-01T21:31:00.010-05:00

Can you believe these beautiful huge waves??? My nephew Shane's wife, Kristin made these. They now live in Hawaii where Shane is stationed in the Navy at Pearl Harbor. How wonderful to be in such at great place for a few years? Well Kristen may not think so because Shane is out on the boat for a few months and she is there taking care of the children while he is away and it is a new place to them. So I am sure she is lonesome.

Can you believe that she captured this wave like this and this man just about to get clobbered??? There are lots of surfers in Hawaii as you will see in the pictures that I have below. Hope you enjoy! And thanks Kristen for letting me post your great pictures!

Note: If you click on the picture, it will make them larger and you can really see how awesome these waves really are :)

Check it out!

2009-09-30T21:35:00.002-05:00

My friend Joy @ Simply Joy Catering now has her blog back up and running!

She has not been able to post for a few months and wanted me to let all my blogging buddies know to come and visit her blog.

Joy can help you out with all your catering needs -- birthday cakes, wedding cakes, cookies to just plain ole home cookin if you want her too! Her chicken pot pies are to die for!

The holidays are coming up esp. Halloween and those Halloween parties!!

Take a look --- www.simplyjoycatering.blogspot.com

Celebrations!!

2009-09-28T21:34:00.022-05:00

Tonight we had 2 surprise celebrations for 2 dear friends!

Laura Miner who will be a new bride this Friday and Patti Clarke who will be a first time grandmother at the end of October!

All of our friends who worked and taught together at the high school preschool gathered to celebrate tonight at Applebee's.

As you can see from the pictures we had a great time and it was so nice to get together and visit with each other for awhile! Hope you enjoy the pictures and Congratulations Laura and Patti!! Rae and Scott we will celebrate with you when Little Clarke is born!

2009-09-22T06:05:00.002-05:00

Good bye summer welcome fall!! Time just continues to go by so quickly!! Fall is my favorite time of the year! Not too hot and not too cool. Just perfect......

Now if only the rain would stop for just a little while!

Leah's Senior Casual Pictures! I'm so excited!

2009-08-21T07:00:00.010-05:00

Stephanie Edens is a former teaching friend of mine who most of you know now as an awesome photographer. Leah told me several years ago that she wanted Stephanie to take her Senior casual pictures and what and awesome job she did!! We had the best time taking these at Rock Island at Mr. Abels home.

She also took some of Lauren and Leah together because I needed some up-to-date pictures of the two of them!!

If you would like to see more of Stepanies great work, I have her link to the side of by blog! Stephanie Edens Photography!

This is the way I have been feeling lately!

2009-08-18T22:26:00.002-05:00

Sorry I haven't been blogging much lately. Just very stressed out with family stuff, school stuff, garden stuff, house cleaning stuff, laundry stuff, and on and on......

Maybe things will calm down and I can relax and worries will go away. I have some pictures to put on here but don't have the time right now. Hopefully soon.

Hi Ho, Hi Ho it's off to teacher inservice I go!

2009-08-04T06:21:00.000-05:00

Westwood Women's Softball Team

2009-07-31T22:17:00.004-05:00

Thanks so much to Amy Redmon (the one of the front row who is acting her age I think!) LOL for sending me this picture that I made for her of Westwood's women's softball team after the tournament game Thursday night.

Notice all the mud on some of the girls??? Well right at 3rd base there was a huge mud puddle. Amy bless her heart sacrificed herself and slid in head and then belly into the mud hole! And she was safe that's for sure!

Well some of the younger girls including my child, Leah thought it would be fun to play in the mud puddles after the game was over. Needless to say....memories they will never forget!!

Some of the team members were not there the other night. Hopefully, we can get a full team picture before the end of the season. By the way....we won our game and will play Tuesday night, Aug. 4 at 8:00 at the fairgrounds if you would like to come out and support the Westwood Women!

Big Yard Sale Friday - July 31

2009-07-30T09:38:00.004-05:00

The Senior members of the Pioneerettes Dance Team

are having a BIG YARD SALE!

When? Friday only - July 31

Where? Moore's Lumber Sales on the Manchester Hwy.

Time? 7:00 a.m. until??? hopefully it's all gone!

Why? The girls are trying to raise money to help with their trip

to perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Ya'll come! There will be lots of name brand clothing for the whole family! Some not even worn! Would be a great time to do some back to school shopping. We are going to have some fall clothing items as well. We have household items too.

First Tomato!

2009-07-28T20:31:00.004-05:00

Yum Yum! I ate the first tomato out of my garden tonight for supper along with fried squash from the garden and hamburger steak. We also had some fried okra that was in my freezer from last years garden.

Needless to say --- it was all eaten and not a bite left!!!

Leah's Senior Casual Pictures

2009-07-23T22:23:00.004-05:00

If you don't have anything else to do except surf the web, then take a look at some of Leah's senior casual pictures that Stephanie Edens took of Leah. They are absolutely wonderful and it is going to be soooo hard to chose from the pictures that she made (which was over 100)!

We made the pictures down at the Barren Fork River in Rock Island at a good friends home.

Thanks Mr. Ray and Pearl!!

Look over to the right at my links and click on Stephanie Edens Photography and it will take you right there.

New Auto Repair Business

2009-07-23T22:13:00.002-05:00

Our good friend John Tubb and his dad, Wayne have opened up an Auto Repair business. They can work on just about any kind of vehicle that you might have and do their work at a great economical cost and won't be too hard on the ole pocketbook!

If you need their services, give them a call at 273-7424 or check out their blog at www.jandwautorepair.blogspot.com!

You'll be glad you did!

Dr. Pepper/Sundrop products on sale!!

2009-07-21T22:26:00.005-05:00

It's that time again to stock up on your favorite Dr. Pepper products for the fall!! Leah is now selling 20 oz. bottled drinks. They are $23.00 for 24 drinks. That's a pretty good deal! Just a little over a dollar/drink!

Just leave a comment or email me if you would like to order. The sale ends on Aug. 13 so we will have to collect your money before then. Thanks so much for your support! This fundraiser helps Leah's individual account for the dance team and believe me we need all the help we can get with it being our senior year and a New York trip and nationals trip that we have to come up with the money for.

Here is the list of the drinks we have to sell --

Dr. Pepper, Diet Dr. Pepper, Diet Caffeine Free Dr. Pepper

7 up, Diet 7 up

Sundrop, Diet Sundrop, Diet Caffeine Free Sundrop

RC Cola, Diet Rite

Welch's Grape, SunKist Orange, Diet SunKist Orange

A & W Rootbeer, Nehi Peach

A & W Cream Soda and Deja Blue Water

2009-07-21T07:36:00.001-05:00

Today is the last time for our Seniors to go to WCHS and pick up their schedules for the school year!

Time sure does fly!

2009-07-19T21:36:00.002-05:00

You know you think that your babies will take forever to grow up especially when they are small and require so much attention and time??? Well in a blink of an eye they are all grown up and getting ready to start their Senior year in high school!! This was a special day for Leah when we went and had her formal drape picture made.

We hope she has many great memories of her last year in high school!

Reunion of Friends

2009-07-18T22:32:00.003-05:00

On our recent trip to Seiverville (the tractor pull and my shopping trip) I was so glad that I got to go and have supper with one of my college friends, Suzanne. We both graduated from TTU and became friends when we had classes together the majority of the time. We soon found out not long after we met that of course we had the same (similar) names -- Susan and Suzanne so we called each other Su#1 and Su#2. We were both born the same month and year AND she was born on the 27th and I was born on the 28th!! How bout that for the ingredients of a close friendship!! She and I have kept in touch for some 25+ years! I think we stayed in Ruby Tuesday's some 3 hours just catching up!

It was great seeing her and of course she hasn't changed a bit since we were in college!

Home Sweet Home!

2009-07-18T08:19:00.007-05:00

I thought I would share with you all our home. This is originally my grandparents home which was built in the late 60's. As a little girl I remember all the details in the building of this home. There are soooo many wonderful memories that I have as a child staying here with my grandparents and now I get to live here!! Actually my parents did move here and lived for quite some time before my dad and mom and to move to another home so that they could just have one level and no stairs! We were fortunate to be able to sell our home in Midway and then move here along with 18 acres of land!
Well I decided this year that I wanted to try my hand at putting out a garden. My grandmother always put one out in the back yard. Her garden was much bigger than this one though.
I thought I was never going to get to put it out though due to all the rain we had this spring. I think I actually got to put it out at the first of June.
Take a look at the next picture to how it looks now!! I am thrilled that it is doing so well. Just getting yellow squash and some cucumber out of it now but tomatoes, corn, okra and a few beans will be coming soon!

Who says makeovers are for only "humans" !!

2009-07-06T17:37:00.009-05:00

This is our Golden Doodle - Sadie

That rain we had Sunday night just did not help her looks at all!! LOL! Bless her heart! She looks pitiful!

This is our Golden Retriever - Maggie. She weighs in at about 84 lbs. But after her new makeover today she will weigh much less!

TAA DAA!!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?? DIFFERENT DOGS FOR SURE!

Ellite Kennels did a fantastic job!

Boy she sure does feel cooler I can tell you that! And looks much better too!

2009-07-04T08:20:00.002-05:00

Happy 4th of July everyone!!

We hope everyone has a great and safe day!

Enjoy your family time that you have together!

Come and see the fireworks at Midway CIC somewhere around 10:00!!

Also if you are out at Midway today, come by and visit the Senior Pioneerettes "Patriotic Sweet Shoppe!" They are trying to raise money for their trip to perform in the Macy's parade this Thanksgiving! They will also be doing face painting!

Dance Camp was a success for our team!

2009-07-01T12:27:00.005-05:00

The Warren Co. High School Pioneerettes returned home from dance camp with many prestigious awards!! We are so proud of them!

They received the Team superior trophy, the team drill down award, and second place in their home routine.
These are the Senior/officers for the dance team this year. They are very talented girls who work very hard to keep the team at its best and be good examples and mentors to their teammates! At dance camp at TTU all of the Seniors received the All-American award (they had to perform a routine they learned at camp and do it individually plus add a couple of 8 counts onto the end of the routine for competing). By receiving this award they have the opportunity to go to Rome during New Years and perform in their parade there. However, also as officers, they have the opportunity to go to New York City and perform in the Macy's parade and they are going to be doing that!! We are so excited! The 4 seniors moms are going to go as well! I went when my oldest daughter was a senior and it was a great trip! I can't wait!

They seniors along with one junior also recieved the Team Full Out Award. This was a dance routine that was taught at camp in which they had to dance with 5 girls and incorporate shape changes and make it their own. They did a great job and were so proud of them for receiving this award at the end of camp!

Here's Leah after the team performed their home routine on the first night of camp. We did a routine this year that was totally different especially with the make up and hair! It was a hip hop routine that they girls absolutely loved! Thanks to all of you who came and supported the girls at camp and cheered them on. We had a great crowd from our town come and watch!

Here's Lauren and Leah showing that "sisterly love"! yes those are false eyelashes you see on Leah! Talk about having to put them on 20 girls!! Whew thank goodness for great parents/grandparents/aunts of the girls who came early and helped with hair and makeup!!

Here's a picture I took the last day of camp when the girls were stretching out to make sure they did not pull any muscles! Wish I could stretch like that!

Look at those good pointed toes!

Congratulations to the girls! and the coaches! A lot of time goes in before camp to get ready and prepare. The girls practiced every day after school was out from 8:30 a.m. until 12:00. During that time they also condition by running. If they didn't these routines are so strenuous they would never make it through the routine!

Thanks to all of you who help support our team throughout the year with our fundraisers! They sure do appreciate it!

Just Love'n the Summer Time!

2009-06-30T22:14:00.001-05:00

ABC's of me

2009-06-26T13:25:00.008-05:00

A - Age: 48

B - Bed size - King

C- Chore you hate - matching socks!!

D - Dogs names: Maggie, Sadie, Deacon and Roscoe (a stray who has been with us for several years! I think he likes it here!)

E - Essential start to your day item: usually a Diet Coke or Diet Sundrop

F - Favorite Color - Lime Green

G - Gold or Silver - Silver all the way!

H - Height - 5'5"

I - Instruments you play - none

J - Job Title - Teacher

K - Kids - 2 daughters

L - Living arrangements - married

M - Mom's name - Sandra

N - Nicknames - Su

O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth - Stayed 3 days when someone decieded to run a red light and hit me in the drivers side. Ouch!!!

P - Pet Peeve - When I take the time to get all the families clothes folded and put on their shelf and they tell me they can't put their clothes up because they have no room in the drawers!!!

Q - Quote from a movie -

R - Right or left handed - Left

S - Siblings - 1 sister

T -Time you wake up - 5:30 during school and around 8:00 during the summer

U - Underwear - absolutely

V - Vegetable you dislike - Beets

W - What makes you run late - usually Leah

X - x-rays' - yes I have had many

Y - Yummy food you make - strawberry cake, chocolate pie and mac and cheese

Z - Zoo animal - Gorilla's (they are so interesting to watch)

I am now tagging: Joy, Sheila B., Stacey E., Wesley H. and Lindsey M.

Happy 17th Birthday Leah!!

2009-06-23T08:17:00.003-05:00

Happy 17th Birthday to our daughter, Leah!! She is away this week with the church youth group at Impact which is held at Lipscomb University. We miss her and are sad she is not here to celebrate today but she is with lots of great friends who I know will help her celebrate today!

We love you Leah Rae!!

P.S. I just love Leah's picture that they had made at Mayfield's just recently with the dance team! We can't believe our baby is going to be a Senior this year! Time sure does fly!

Senior Pioneerette Yard Sale! Ends Saturday!

2009-06-12T18:44:00.005-05:00

I am sorry I did not get this posted earlier in the week!! I know one of my faithful blog friends asked me this morning why didn't I have it on here! I have no excuses except for lack of time and energy!!

We are finishing up Saturday, June 13 with our Senior yard sale. We are doing this to try and raise money for our 4 Senior dance team members who are trying to raise money to help out with their trip to perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in November.

My oldest daughter had the opportunity to do this when she was a senior and it was a great trip and educational experience as well.

Come on out tomorrow to 102 James St. behind the ball fields! There is lots of things for everyone esp. clothes (name brand) for all ages. Some that have not ever been worn. We will be there until noon!!

If you can't make it tomorrow, we are planning on having one sometime in August when school starts with some fall clothes as well.

Thanks for all your support!

I am burning at both ends!!

2009-06-12T18:41:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone!! I just can't seem to get caught up and un-busy for a few minutes to blog any at all but I am trying in the few minutes that I have before I am on to the next commitment!

Next week I will be totally out of pocket. Maybe by the end of the month I can sit, relax and blog for awhile!

Hope everyone is having a good summer! Watch for those storms!

Annual Pioneerette Yard Sale!

2009-06-04T09:42:00.003-05:00

The Annual Pioneerettes Dance Team Yard Sale is this Saturday, June 6 at Bobby Ray Elementary. The time for the yard sale is 7:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

There are 20 families participating with lots and lots of name brand clothing, household items, all kinds of shoes/purses!

Everyone come out and find some great deals!!

Whew been busy around here!!

2009-05-26T21:39:00.002-05:00

Sorry I have been out of the blogging world for a few days! It's the end of the school year plus dance recital week and I have been swamped with last minute things that need to be done or get done!

Hopefully, I will be able to post a picture on Thursday of the Red, White and Blue bows that Leah is selling for the dance team.

Some of you have already ordered and thanks so much! I will be getting in touch with you soon on when to deliever them.

Congratulations Leah!!

2009-05-19T03:19:00.003-05:00

This past Saturday was the annual end of the year Pioneerette Dance Team picnic and awards presentations.

The awards the girls receive are voted on by their team members. Leah was awarded "The Best All Around Junior" member of the team for the 2008-2009 school year!

Congratulations Leah!

These are the upcoming Senior Officer group for the dance team next year. Leah, Kayann, Allison and Laci. They will be a great group of officers! They have been friends for a very long time and bring a lot of dance experience and leadership to the team for their Senior year!

Congratulations girls this is going to be a great Senior year for you all! We are looking forward to having another National Championship title under our belts!

Happy 17th Birthday to my niece!

2009-05-19T03:15:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday to my niece, Chelsea who turned 17 actually last Thursday but we celebrated her birthday on Sunday with the family!! Chelsea and my daughter, Leah are only 6 weeks apart in age. It has been fun watching them grow up together and I can't believe that they will both be Seniors next year!!

We hope you had a good birthday Chelsea! Don't spend all that money in one place! Love ya bunches! Aunt Susan

P.S. for those of you who don't know we have a running joke that Chelsea looks more like my child than both of my children looking anything like me!

Red, White and Blue Bows are ready!!

2009-05-16T20:23:00.002-05:00

I will have a picture to post tomorrow of the bows for you to see.

The dance team is once again selling their Memorial Day/4th of July bows.

They are still $6.00 per bow.

Leah sure would appreciate it if you would consider buying from her. This sell not only helps the dance team overall but also helps Leah.

Thanks again in advance. Just leave me a comment and I will get them too you ASAP!

Happy Mother's Day to two special ladies!

2009-05-10T07:23:00.004-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to my mom!! Thank you so much for all you have done for me thru the ___ years!! LOL! I appreciate so much all the things that you given up to do for me not only many years ago when I was growing up but now as well! You have been a great and lovely gran/mom with a love that never ceases! Love you bunches! We had a great day yesterday just loafin around!!

Happy Mother's Day to my mother-in-law, Nina!!
You are another special lady in my life that I appreicate and love so much! Thanks for all that you have done and given up not only for your son, but for our family! You have been a wonderful mom/granny and we love you bunches too!!
Happy Mother's Day!
Joey, Susan, Lauren and Leah!

Congratulations College Graduates

2009-05-09T08:01:00.004-05:00

Congratulations to Toree Craven and Vanessa Cannon who will be graduating today from TTU with their BS in Education!!

Congratulations also to John Ryan Tubb for his graduation from Motlow State College today!

Congratulations to my teacher assistant, LeCredia Rutledge, for graduating from Vol State with a technical degree!!

Way to go everyone!!! So proud of you!

It's Here!

2009-05-06T13:45:00.001-05:00

To all those who ordered from my initial outfitters party, your things are here!! I will deliever the majority at church tonight. If you are not going to be there, I can bring it to you Thursday or Friday. Just let me know!

Thanks again everyone!!

Thank You!!

2009-05-02T20:53:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to say thank you to all my friends and family who came to my "Initial Outfitters" party last Sunday!!

I could not believe everyone who stopped by and looked, browsed and bought!! Lori told me that my party was the biggest that she had ever had!! Wow!! Thank you all so much!

I am looking for everything to be here this week. I will be in touch as soon as I have it!!

I am also sorry that I have not been blogging lately! I have had a busy week plus I am still trying to get over this sinus infection that is continuing to drag me down and I don't have time to be down!!! Too much to do and this past week was busy, busy.

I finally gave up again and the doctor prescribed for me another anitbiotic, Z-pk, so hopefully it will kick in. I am soooo tierd of coughing and feeling worn out. I have had to continue to go but really felt terrible. Guess I can do some good acting!

Ya'll have a good week! I will be posting some pictures of the cousins reunion on my father's side that my mother, sister and I hosted today.

Keep your rainboots on!! Looks like more is headed our way.

Maybe we will get out of school on Monday!! LOL!

To all my blogging friends and readers! You're invited!

2009-04-21T21:56:00.005-05:00

I am hosting a party on Sunday, April 26!!! This party has everything a women would want!!! Jewelry/engraveable jewelry; monogramable items from purses to umbrellas to hats to visors!! They even have engraveable things like trays and items that a guy would like. At very reasonable prices!

These things would make great graduation gifts and that is coming up by the way on May 22!! Mother's Day is coming up too!

The party is come and go so you won't have to commit your whole afternoon. Just come and take a look at all the neat samples of everything that she has. And believe me she has lots to show you. If you remember, Lori Steakley that is who is hosting my party. Yes I had her in class back when she was in the 8th grade if that tells you how old I am!! LOL! Lori is now a Hendrix and living in Dowelltown and teaching!!

Take a look at the pictures below and I am including the website for you to look at as well. If you would like something and can't make it to the party, let me know and I can place your order for you!

Sunday, April 26

2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Westwood Church of Chirst

down in the educational building in the large classroom. Go through the glass double doors and the classroom will be on the left just a little ways down the hall.

www.initialoutfitters.com

2009-04-18T07:56:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday today to my sister - in- law,

Carol!!! Hope you have a great day!

2 Important things going on tomorrow!

2009-04-17T21:33:00.002-05:00

The Westwood Youth Group will be having a pancake breakfast tomorrow morning from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at Westwood Church of Christ in the fellowship hall/gymnasium. This is a fundraiser for Relay for Life.

The cost is only $5.00 and you will also get some of that good ole Goolsby sausage and a drink.

Also on your way to the breakfast, the Warren Co. Pioneerettes Dance Team will be having a roadblock to raise money to help support the team. This money will be used for costuming, choreography, camp and any other need the team may need. Your help will be greatly appreciated!!!

Yipeeeee!!!!

2009-04-16T19:27:00.006-05:00

It's amazing what being on an antibiotic for 24 hours can do for you!! I am finally feeling much better and the head congestion is GONE!! Thanks everyone for thinking of me!!

Thanks Dr. C. your the best!

2009-04-16T11:37:00.004-05:00

Well I went back to school yesterday and was still feeling pretty rough by the end of the day soooooo I broke down and made the appointment to go see Dr. C. I just about freaked out when he wanted to do a "flu test"!!! I thought please I can't have the flu now!! Well good news.... I don't have the flu thank goodness but a very bad sinus infection which has my head totally stopped up and a very congested cough.

With that being said and a low grade temp last night, I decided I needed to stay at home again today in hopes of feeling better. Needless to say, it hasn't happened yet. Hopefully, by this afternoon I will feel the effects of the meds!!

Have a good day everyone. It looks awfully pretty outside.

Bummer!

2009-04-14T12:03:00.002-05:00

Well I have been lucky so far this school year and I have not been sick but on Sunday night I could feel the results of a bad cold starting to take effect!!! After church I headed to the drug store to get some vitamins to start taking in hopes that it would fight it off but last night I continued to get worse. So I had to take my first sick day off of school today. I really don't think I picked this up from one of my students. I think that I must have gotten the bug while I had a check up appointment at the doctors office on last Friday!!! I stayed in the bed today until about 10:15 then dragged myself out and took a shower. Feeling maybe some better but I am starting this coughing and having to clear my throat thing now! (my husband will love that tonight!! LOL) Oh well guess I will stop feeling sorry for myself and go watch TV and relax for awhile.

I AM FINALLY DONE!

2009-04-12T21:33:00.002-05:00

I bought this 1000 piece puzzle at Hobby Lobby back before spring break. I started working on it during spring break and I stayed up until 2:00 this morning finishing it!!! It has been a stress reliever for me working on this. I have had a lot of things stressing me out lately and this was the perfect medicine for me! As you can see it was a difficult one to do. I am going to have to ask my sister in law, Carol if she would like the challenge of working it??? She loves puzzles too! I gave her a real hard one back many years ago but I believe this one is harder. I will probably look at it a couple more days and then put it back in the box!!

Easter pics

2009-04-12T21:17:00.010-05:00

Spring is definitely in the air!! The Grandey's all dressed in some shade of green for Easter today. My niece, Beckee took a family shot for me at the annual Golden family reunion.

Yes the Easter bunny still visits our house!! I used to get the good pictures of the girls just getting out of bed with their hair in every directions but those days are over I guess!!

Leah got a Vera plastic cosmetic case and some chocolate goodies!

Do you see those flashy orange plaid shorts on the couch?? My husband got those for his Easter present along with another pair of white with blue plaid stripes!! You will be able to see him coming that's for sure in those!

Lauren got a Vera lunch box/cooler to take to work with her!!

This is the cutest picture of Lauren and Leah's cousins at the reunion. That's Austin, Travis, Rachel and Brooke!

Here's Travis hanging like a monkey! Boy he sure is growing up too fast!

Cool Dog!!

2009-04-12T21:14:00.003-05:00

Our dog, Deacon is soooooo spoiled!!! Can you believe this picture of him posing??? He sat there for the longest with these on with Joey holding him!!

Some pics of Lauren's fam birthday party!

2009-04-12T20:50:00.010-05:00

This birthday makes me feel really old!! I just can't believe she is 21!
The future teacher mentioned one day while she was in my classroom that she would love to have one of these portable laminators so that she could laminate all the things that she has collected so far to have in her classroom. Well mom is always listening for these little hints! I think she liked it!! LOL!!

Below is some of the our family. Joey, his mom, Chelsea, my sister Charlotte, and Trevor

Leah and Lauren have always sat with one of their legs up in the chair!! They even do this when they are eating a meal at the table. I don't know it must be in the genes!! That's Marcus sitting there next to Leah. I thought I had everybody in the picture but the sun was shining so bright, I could hardly see who was in the picture. Sorry I missed you Marcus!

Here is Gran , my mother and Austin, Joey's mom's husband.

We were all glad it was such a nice day that we got to celebrate outside!

Can you believe that Deacon actually posed and looked at the camera?? He almost looks like he is smiling just a little! LOL! He is actually Lauren's dog. But he stays with us. He will be 3 years old in June. I don't think that we will ever be able to let Deacon leave our house!! We're too attached!

Sisterly Love!!!

Just had to have one of Lauren and myself.

Leah's tryout pictures

2009-04-12T20:38:00.005-05:00

Here are the upcoming Seniors for the 2009-2010 school year!

The girls are getting ready to tryout to their own original routine that they have choreographed along with their own costuming. Allison, Kayann and Laci all performed a lyrical dance routine and Leah busted it out with a good ole M.C. Hammer routine!! The girls always enjoy this part of tryouts but I will tell you the truth, it makes me a NERVOUS WREAK!! Leah waits until the last minute to tell me that she needs for me to fix something on her pants and of course it has to be sewen!! If you know me, you know that I do not wait until the last minute to do things unlike my youngest daughter!!

Lauren came home to watch Leah at tryouts too!

Tryouts open to the public so a lot of people were their watching and supporting their favorite contestant.

This is such a good picture of the upcoming Senior members of the dance team for the 2009-2010 school year. Laci, Leah, Kayann and Allison. They are getting ready to enjoy a good strawberry cake to celebrate their last tryouts. It has been a tradition for the past 4 years for the girls to go to Prater's and eat supper after tryouts and wait for the posting of who made the team at the high school.

2009-04-12T16:02:00.000-05:00

We Made it!

2009-04-05T20:02:00.002-05:00

Thanks everyone for your good luck wished to Leah!! She made the team for the 2009-2010 school year -- HER SENIOR YEAR! We have had a big and busy past week with Lauren turning the big "21" and Leah with tryouts! I am definitely ready to rest some this week. I am so glad that this is a short week with being out of school on Friday.

Of course, I am still wishing for one more snow day! Looks like it is in the forecast for Monday and some Tuesday. We will have to wait and see. It is too late for snow isn't?????? Glad I haven't started planting my garden yet!!

Everyone have a great week!!

Good Luck to Leah !!!

2009-04-02T21:16:00.003-05:00

Good Luck to our youngest daughter, Leah on Friday!!!

This will be her last year to tryout for the Pioneerettes Dance Team at W.C.H.S.!!!! We can't believe that she is going to be a senior next year!!! Please parents cherish all the time you have with your children because it goes by sooooo quickly!!

Also good luck to all those other young ladies who will be trying out as well!! I know my friend, Toree who has The Craven 5 blog's daughter, Timber will be trying out for the first time! I know that she is probably nervous pervous tonight!

Quick update on Simply Joy's mom

2009-04-02T21:12:00.002-05:00

Joy had to take her mother to the ER in M'boro on Wed. night due to the possibility that she may have had a stroke. With many test done within the last 24 hours. She did have a mild stroke with it seems very minimal complications (thank goodness). Some of the test results did show 2 small blood clots still on the brain and they were treatable with medication.
They also check her neck arteries and all was clear.
They are giving her medicine now to prevent any more strokes esp. now until they figure out the best way to treat her condition.
We are thankful that it was not as bad as it could have been that's for sure. Please keep them in your prayers.

Happy 21st Birthday to our oldest daughter, LAUREN

2009-03-31T21:54:00.026-05:00

Let me begin by saying that I could not believe that I was having my first child on April Fools Days!! Do you know how many people DID NOT believe me when I called them and told them that I had given birth to Lauren???? NOBODY DID! They would say yeah right you are April Fooling us!! This was a very difficult day to say the least in trying to get people to believe me. Also another very unusual thing happened that probably won't happen to anyone else...... my best friend in high school Pam Cantrell Green had her first child, a son on the same day that I had Lauren!!! Talk about crazy!! We could not believe it!! So best friends had children on the same day and same year.

Oh I ment to tell you too the reason why no one believed me was because Lauren was not due until April 21!! She was 3 weeks early and breech on top of that . So off to have a C-section I went. Believe me a C-section is not the way to go if you can avoid it. It just about KILLED ME!! But I did survive!

21 years ago on April 1, 1988 our first child was born! Lauren

Weighed 6 lbs. 11 ozs.
I have posted some pictures of Lauren as she has grown into a beautiful young lady that we are very proud of!! She is presently in college at MTSU and majoring in Elementary Childhood Education. She says she is not taking after me and teaching PreK. She better watch out though she might eat her words!! We sure do hope that she has a great 21st birthday and look forward to seeing her accomplish her goals in life.
We love you Lauren!!!

Lauren I think was almost 2 here. It just about killed me to lean over in the bathtub to give her a bath so we just filled up that little baby bathtub there at the sink. This picture was taken in my "thinner" days as you can tell. Oh well life happens doesn't it??

Isn't this picture sweet???

then next picture below is the devil coming out in her!! LOL!

Ready to swim!!

Lauren's 1st birthday! If you look closely at the cake it is a rocking horse. I actually made that cake believe it or not!! That was when I had just a little bit of free time to do things like that.

Oh NO not Santa she says!

This picture was taken at Dollywood with our tractor pulling friends!! This is Rachel, Erica Groves, Leah and Lauren

Don't you wish you could do your legs like that and watch T.V.?
I guess it's all those years of dance!

The following pictures are some different years of birthdays that I found. Thought you might enjoy how Miss Lauren changed through the years!!
The first picture she absolutely hated me for giving her the "bowl" hair cut. Oh well it was cute at the time and in style!

I'm getting older here! Can you tell?

Just a swangggginnnnn!!

Lauren and one of her best friends, Holly posing for a "photo" session with mom!

Lauren and another one of her best friends, Anna dancing in the May pole day dance at the Black house in the 5th grade.

We're definitely getting older in this picture!! This is freshman year in high school!

Lauren took dance lessons all her life practically. Since she was 4 years old. Her senior year in high school, she was given the lead role in the yearly dance recital as Peter Pan. This is Lauren with Holly, aka ...Wendy dressed for the recital. This was one of the all time favorites I think that they have had for a recital. Lauren's sister, Leah got to be Lauren's shadow in the recital. Kind of touching with sisters dancing together!!

Getting ready for summer dance practice!!

There are many more pictures that I could post but I am running out of time.

Lauren we wish you the happiest of birthdays. We can't believe it has been a very short 21 years!!! We hope and pray that you will continue to accomplish all your goals and you will be a wonderful teacher one day and mentor to others!!

Love you bunches! MOM!

Pioneerette Dance Clinic is this week!!!!

2009-03-29T20:26:00.004-05:00

The 2009 Pioneerettes Dance Clinic will be held this week Monday thru Thursday from 3:15 p.m. (or whenever you can get there) until 5:00 p.m. in the W.C.H.S. gym. The clinic is for grades Kindergarten thru 11th grade.

Cost is $10.00 for the week of clinic and a dance CD of the music and $10 if you would like a clinic t-shirt. You can't beat that for $20.00. The t-shirt is optional. If you are in the 8th grade and up and are interested in trying out for the team, the entire team will be staying from 5:00 until 5:30 each day to give individualized instruction to girls that might have questions regarding the tryout routine.

We will also have concession there for the girls to buy. We know they are all hungry after school and this will save parents from having to stop somewhere and get something for their child to eat and also help out the dance team.

We hope to see you there!! The girls have a lot of fun during the week and there are lots of award winners at the end of the clinic on Thursday.

Tryouts for the 2009-2010 team will be Friday afternoon.

This is my daughter, Leah on the left and her friend Laci. They have been such good friends and have grown closer each year on the dance team. Wow I can't believe they will be seniors next year!! This picture was made I think at the 4th of July perform downtown last summer.

Sorry for the fuzzy picture here. This is Leah doing a "stall" in hip hop terms. This was in the football routine that we took to nationals last year and place 9th in the national with. Needless to say, you have to be pretty darn in shape to do all these dance moves and technique that is required.
Who says that a dance team is not considered a sport??? I tend to differ on that for sure! They are the most physically fit girls that I know!!!

Ya'll have a good week! And I will say this one more time....
this is my last tryout that I have to stress over!! I have counted them down now for the last 8 years!! Yes you heard that right!! I have been a dance team parent for 8 years in a roll if Leah makes the team!! Plus all the other years that I helped coach the dance team!!
WHEW!!!!

Time is running out!!!

2009-03-27T18:29:00.002-05:00

If you are thinking but not sure if you are wanting a spring bow or bows to hang outside to deocrate, you need to hurry and make your decision. The ribbon is running out and there is a limited number left that I can get.

They are $6.00 and Leah will make $3.00/bow right now on her sales. Thanks so much to all of you who have bought from her this year!! Right now we have sold 80 bows and I am going to have to request 10 more!! WOW! I can't believe we have sold almost 100 Spring Bows!!!

THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE!!

Special prayer please

2009-03-20T21:12:00.005-05:00

Another addition as of Saturday morning: Please keep the Rudie Thomsen family in your prayers. His mother has passed away in Kentucky.

Also another prayer is needed tonight for Hazel Griffith, Joy's mom. She is having severe pain in her shoulder. Another appointment is scheduled with the doctor in Nashville to see if something can be done to help ease her pain.

I am also saying a prayer for Joy who has had to make so many trips to Nashville lately for not only herself but for with her husband and mother as well. Last year it was Dillon and all his mishaps. Oh I forgot about Katie her daughter as well. She has a broken bone in her hand right now too on top of everything else and that's trips to M'boro!!

Spring Bows are Here!!

2009-03-18T14:28:00.002-05:00

Aren't the spring bows gorgeous???? They look just like and Easter egg to me! What a great way to bring life to your porches/mailboxes, etc with a spring bow!!

My daughter, Leah is now selling these for the dance team and it also helps her dance team expenses as well. They are $6.00/bow and I now have 20 to sell and I am waiting on more because I think these will sell out quickly.

Just drop me a post or send me and email if you would like to purchase one or even more and I will get them to you ASAP as long as they last.

2009-03-17T09:30:00.003-05:00

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY TO EVERYONE!

I could not resist putting this picture on here. This looks just like our dog, Deacon. Lauren would die if we dipped him in green dye like this!!
Too cute though!

Lucky me!!

2009-03-15T21:58:00.001-05:00

Well you guessed it!!! And in both eyes!!!

Found another sweet picture!

2009-03-15T16:51:00.002-05:00

I was looking through some pictures this afternoon and found another sweet picture of my children along with John Ryan and Katie "pooh".

This picture was made if I am not mistaken at a Nashville Sounds game.

Leah as around 5 and Lauren and John Ryan around 9. Katie was around 1 year.

My how time flies when it comes to how fast your children grow up!!

In Appreciation

2009-03-14T09:12:00.002-05:00

I was so excited an honored to have received an award from my friend Joy yesterday. As you can see she gave me the "Thoughtful Blogger Award".

When I started "blogging" in Sept. of last year, I really didn't think that I would stick with doing this because of the time it took to just sit down and be able to edit pictures/post etc.

I have truly enjoyed this new hobby of blogging. The purpose of blogging in my eyes is to just let family and friends have a way to keep up with what we are doing esp. for those family members who live out of town.

Hopefully my blogger friends enjoy reading all the day in and day out things that the "Grandey" clan is up to.

Thank you Joy for saying such nice things. I truly appreciate it.

Everyone have a nice weekend! Rainy one that is....

Whooooo Hooooooo It's Finally Here............

2009-03-13T18:18:00.002-05:00

Thank you Credia!!!!

2009-03-13T18:10:00.004-05:00

Today was inservice for teachers in our school system. After lunch, my assistant and I went back to our prek classroom and dove right into cleaning up all the things that we just don't seem to have time to do in a regular school day!! Boy we were slinging, flinging, shredding, dusting, disinfecting, and throwing away today!! Our classroom now smells and looks sooooooo much better!! We have been needing to take the time to do that for awhile now. Now I am motivated to start on my house since we are now on SPRING BREAK!!

Thanks so much to Credia, my assistant for staying and helping me until after 5:00 today!! She is the best teacher assistant anyone could ask for and I am so thankful to have her working with me and having her as my friend. She does so many things to help so many people out in the Rock Island community. She is a jewel that's for sure! She sure would make someone a good wife too!

Great News!!

2009-03-12T21:11:00.003-05:00

We are so thankful to hear that John's procedure went great today and he does not have any blockages!!! The problem that is occurring is the pressure that his sleep apnea is putting on his heart. That is especially when you "are not" wearing your Darth Vader mask at night like you are supposed to!! LOL!

Thank goodness it was just something as minor as this and he did not have to have anything major done.

I guess he will be up and back to the grind umpiring next week again. I guess the ole saying goes..... You can't keep a good man down!!! Lots were praying for you today John!! We are sooooo glad everything turned out they way they did!

Happy Happy Birthday!!

2009-03-10T22:43:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday dear Joy

Happy Birthday to you!! And lots more!!!!!

I would like to wish one of my best friends, Joy a wonderful birthday tomorrow, March 11. I sure do hope that you have a great day! I am glad that you did not have to spend your birthday at the hospital. I know that is coming for you and John on Thursday.

Joy and I enjoyed going on a little "mini" shopping spree on Saturday to find something to wear to the reception. We had not been able to do that in such a long time. We had a ball. It doesn't take much to entertain us that's for sure!! LOL!

I thought this picture was so good. Even though I am not one who likes having their picture made. This was taken at Rae and Scott's wedding reception. We all had a great time and enjoyed the evening with good friends.

Have a great day today Joy!! Enjoy and relax!! Hopefully you will have some good ole birthday cake to sink your teeth into!! Hope you don't have to make it though!! LOL

Saturday night was a blast!!

2009-03-09T23:10:00.005-05:00

This past Saturday night we were invited to Rae and Scott Boutte's wedding reception at the Stones River Country Club in Murfreesboro. As most of you know, Rae's mom, Patti and I have been the best of friends for a long time now. We won't say how long but just to give you an idea...Patti was my 8th grade science and homeroom teacher, then I was on the dance team and she was my coach and then I got my teaching degree and began co-teaching with her in 1990 as well as helping her coach the dance team at our high school. Now we spend our time at her and her husband, Tommy's place at the river and sit in our floating chairs relaxing and relaxing!

I will post more pictures tomorrow. It has taken me all night tonight editing my pictures and getting them on this crazy computer of mine!!

Wasn't today an absolutely beautiful day??? Look forward to almost 80 degrees here tomorrow then the bottom drops out again and it starts raining!!! I sure hope it gets out of here before our spring break starts next week.

Looking forward to warmer weather!

2009-03-02T14:06:00.003-06:00

I just had to change my header picture today to something warmer!
We have such a good time with friends and family at the river during the summer months! I am looking forward to visiting my friend, Patti at her place and sitting in my floating chair soaking up the rays and watching the kids have fun inner tubing behind the boat.

Patti came to school on Friday and ask if I had been going to the tanning bed. I said nope just left over tan from all those Sunday's sitting in the floating chair!! LOL!

What a great Birthday present!

2009-03-01T08:03:00.003-06:00

Last night at around 10:30ish we get a call from the Tubb family telling us or me rather (joey was still up) to get up that their daughter, Katie was going to be baptized at 11:00 at the church!!! We hustled around and I slung my clothes on and off we went. We are so proud of Katie and decision that she made to be a Christian.

Katie looked at me when we first got there and said this is a good Happy Birthday present for you Ms. Susan isn't it? When these kids know how to bring tears to your eyes don't they??

Joy's mother, Hazel was also restored last night as well. The angels were rejoicing in the late hours last night that is for sure!

Thanks Joy for letting me us the picture that you took of us!

I've been tagged by Joy and Kim

2009-02-28T15:43:00.002-06:00

Well I have been tagged by Joy and Kim!! I will try and answer all the questions as honestly as I can!! LOL!

1. Who is your man? Joey
2. How long have your been together? Married on July 22, 1983 (26
years this summer!)
3. How long did you date? 4 years
4. How old is your man? The big 5-0!
5. Who eats more? Joey (but he does try and eat healthy)
6. Who said I love you first? he did
7. Who is taller? Joey - 6 ft 2 in I think
8. Who can sing better? Definitely Joey (plays the guitar too as well
as Guitar Hero LOL
9. Who is smarter? Well we both have our strengths in different
things.
10. Who's temper is worse? me
11. Who does the laundry? Up until about 2 months ago, I did most
of it but now we both do the laundry and it sure does help out!
12. Who takes the garbage out? Joey
13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Joey
14. Who pays the bills? me
15. Who is better at the computer? Joey
16. Who mows the lawn? Most of the time Joey but I love to mow the
yard too it is so relaxing to me and a great de-stresser.
17. Who cooks dinner? me unless I am not home and Joey can fix
him up something to eat and does have some "self help" skills in
that area! Yeah! My dad used to wait on my mother to get home
and fix him something to eat at lunch and dinner! Even to make a
bologna sandwich!
18. Who drives when you are together? Usually Joey unless he gets
tierd of me "giving directions" LOL
19. Who pays when you go out? me
20. Who is the most stubborn? me
21. Who is the first to admit they are wrong? Hum??? I can stay silent
for a very long time. Hard question on who's the first?
22. Who's parents do you see most? my mom
23. Who kissed who first? he kissed me of course
24. Who asked who out? A friend and I were riding the stripe and we
saw him and rode around with him for awhile. He asked me out
for the next Sunday and it snowed (we were coming back from a
performance at the UT basketball game : I was on the high school
dance team) We still got to go and do something because he had
a big 4 wheel drive truck! We could go anywhere in it!
25. Who proposed? Joey did at Christmas. He got down on his knee
in my living room and asked me.
26. Who is more sensitive? me
27. Who has more friends? we are pretty even on that I think
28. Who has more siblings? Joey (2 other older brothers)
29. Who wears the pants in the family? Well Joey says that he is the
boss but i am in charge!
30. Who is your hero/heroes? I'll have to think on this one.
31. Who snores more or the loudest? Definitely Joey!!!

Okay I am now tagging Toree Craven

Update on our class field trip

2009-02-28T15:33:00.003-06:00

The Velveteen Rabbit held at the Cannon Co. Playhouse was awesome! There were some very talented actors/actresses in the play with most of them in high school and under.

My class (4 and 5 year olds) watched the whole thing which was about 1 hour in length without budging a muscle!!! This is a hard task for most children of this age. I was so proud of them! They talked and talked about it the next day at school.

I was very thankful and excited that I had such good participation from my parents/grandparents as well. We had 18 adults go with us! It is so great that they are involved in their children's education.

If you haven't every been to the playhouse before, it is a very affordable fun thing to do with your whole family! Try it out sometime you won't regret it.

Field Trip!!

2009-02-22T17:17:00.004-06:00

My preschool class will be going on a field trip this week to see the Velveteen Rabbit. The children are so excited. This will be the first time for most of them to go and see a play in real person!! The TV is of course what most of them are used to seeing. This will hopefully be a nice memory of their year in preschool. They of course are excited about riding the school bus too!! I have included information about it at the bottom.

I am wondering if my friend, Tim and his children (Winton, Dawns better half) are in this play. Last year we went and watched the play Babe the Sheep Pig and they were in it and Tim just about scared me to death during a part in the play!! I was sitting at the front and he saw me so he took advantage of the situation!! LOL!!

Tim and I were childhood friends. My grandparents and his grandparents were card playing buddies! So I tagged along or he did and we had a good time playing together.

Everyone have a nice week!

February 27 at 7:30PM & February 28 at 2:00PM
“When a child loves you for a long, long time,
not just to play with, but REALLY loves you,
then you become real”

The Velveteen Rabbit or How Toys Become Real is a classic children’s story written by Margery Williams that tells the tale of a boy who receives a Velveteen Rabbit for Christmas. The Velveteen Rabbit is snubbed by other more expensive or mechanical toys; the latter of which fancy themselves real. One day while talking with the Skin Horse, the Rabbit learns that real is not how you are made, rather a toy becomes real if its owner really and truly loves it. Join us in the nursery with a boy and his velveteen rabbit as he learns what it means to love and be loved.

Directed and produced by Tara Deason, this production features Gage Davidson and Bryson Bell as Alex and Alexi Davis and Samantha Dean as Velveteen. The cast also includes Christina Davidson, Mason Leonard, Erin Rowland, Lake Summar, Kaleena Devar, Mellisa Chisum, Erin Brown, Ashley Chapman, Cady Field, Faith Medonis, Emma Self, Jennifer Dennison, Brad McCrary, Megan Beckman, Abby Spry, Sara Dean, Anna Levi Chavis, Zoe Chavis and Holland Martin. The Velveteen Rabbit is first production of the 2009 Young At Arts Series and is sponsored by Wild About Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $3 for students.

Happy Birthday to our Principal!

2009-02-16T21:38:00.002-06:00

A very Happy Birthday wish goes out to my boss and principal of Eastside Elementary, Mr. Doug Reed on Tuesday!!

We hope that you have a great day!!!

Happy 14th Birthday Trevor and Marcus

2009-02-16T10:17:00.005-06:00

Happy Birthday wishes go out to my twin nephews -- Trevor and Marcus who are 14 today!! We just about had to call the fire department when they started lighting the candles on their cookie cake and deer cake!!

Marcus wanted a chocolate chip cookie cake!
He decorated it too!

Trevor wanted this deer cake! If you are one who likes birthday cake icing, this would be the cake to get! Whew it was loaded!

Our Disney hotel and other random pics

2009-02-15T21:08:00.010-06:00

Isn't this view of the clouds just breath taking from the plane??

Leah standing on the "L" at the All Star Resort.

Riding the Disney bus to one of the parks.

Our hotel at All Star Music

One of the two pools at our hotel.

The dragon made out of Legos at Downtown Disney.

Leah and friends

Laci, Leah, Scott and Lauren

Day 3 & 4 Hollywood Studios and Epcot

2009-02-15T19:46:00.014-06:00

Spaceship Earth

at Epcot

That's Lauren and Scott in mouth of the shark on Nemo. Sorry it is so small.

Our own personal Japanese Chef! The food was awesome! Wish I could go back!

Some of the ette parents enjoying dinner together at Epcot.

The juniors with some of their sophomore buddies!

Four of the Junior "ettes" eating together in Epcot at the restaurant in Japan.

Sorry I put this picture on twice.

Spaceship Earth at night. I thought the reflection on the water was so pretty.

The next 3 pictures are of the new Toy Story 3-D ride. It was so much fun looking at all the things inside before you got on the ride.

We are always excited about the new rides they have every year.

Sorry so small. This is the AeroSmith Rockin Roller Coaster. It was an awesome ride too!