Uh, yeah I do ~

Recognize a Communist Nation?! In America?!

From September 30th through October 1st, the Empire State Building will be lit up in colors of red, yellow, and red to note the 60th anniversary of Communist China, the People's Republic of China. My ancestors fought, and died, for America and I for one am greatly insulted that we are recognizing a nation that has oppressed its people under Communist rule. How dare this happen. How sad that this can happen, that the ones in charge of this have allowed it to happen. You can click on the photograph to be directed to the lighting schedule of the Empire State Building.

Giggles, Giggles, Giggles

1) Nothing is worse than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

2) I totally take back those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

3) Do you remember as a kid, playing Nintendo, and it wouldn't work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it, and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we know how to fix the problem?! There was no Internet or message boards or FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.

4) There is a need for a sarcasm font.

5) How in the world are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?!

6) I will carry 10 plastic bags, and one in my teeth!, up a flight of stairs rather than make two trips to bring the groceries in.

7) I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

8) Was learning cursive really necessary? Geometry?

9) How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you nod and just smile because you still didn't hear what they said?

10) I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent an idiot from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!

11) Every time I have to spell a word on the phone using 'as is' examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete loser. Today I had to spell a name to another and said, "Yes, that's G as in . . . (10 second lapse) . . . ummm, Goonies!"

12) While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it. What?!

13) MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. I know how to get out of my own neighborhood.

14) Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

15) Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty. You can wear them forever.

16) Bad decisions make good stories.

17) If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their kids would probably just be completely invisible!

18) Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they're from, I get so incredibly nervous? I mean, I do know my name and where I'm from. There shouldn't be a problem.

19) You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.

and last, but not least, 20) Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVD's?! I really don't want to restart my collection. Again.


Tiffany Anderson has more of these on her blog! Thanks for the giggles tonight, girl!

He's in Love

When he wasn't playing trucks & cars,

or making buildings with wooden blocks,

or having someone

jump on his back,

he was watching this little girl.

This new female in his house.

He's in love,

and I look forward to watching

this story unfold~

Miss Elle

Okay. So we couldn't keep our hands off her.

She's just too cute. And snuggly.
And she fits just right into your heart.

She's beginning to look at you. And smile.

It could be gas. But it's still a smile.

All dressed up for some Mexican food she can't eat. And she has a brother that just cannot keep his hands off her. We smile, and breathe a sigh of relief that he isn't eaten up with jealousy because he had to give over the seat of being the baby in the family. He's her big brother now. Not the biggest, but a big brother nonetheless. And he adores her.

There's something so neat about watching your daughters with their daughters. A really nice kind of feeling. And you hope that they will only teach them the good things you taught them. And forget all the things you wish you'd never done. But then, that's life. And it goes on.

Sweethearts and SEC ~

Alaina came to see us Friday night!

and she brought her daddy, mommy,

and big brother, Austin!and we are in heaven ~

More pics to follow with the rest of the family! Jenny and her family have been with us most of the day and we've eaten and laughed and eaten and shopped and eaten and gotten a bit sick with the eating part! They shall return home to Mississippi tomorrow and Ian has already shed a few tears when he realized he and Austin were going to have to say goodbyes. They play so well together ~ and I have a new game to share with you tomorrow that Austin came up with. Kind of drove Pa and Brett crazy! We will travel over in October to catch one of Austin's soccer games.

On the SEC front, the Tide rolled over the Hawgs;

my Vols are still working over Ohio; and, bless Tebow's heart, he got a crushing blow tonight! I mean, the man was knocked out cold! Wowzer, he was down for the count!

As I upload pictures from our weekend with Brett, Stacey, and their babes I'll share! Got some cute ones of our newest member, Miss Elle, too!

Cristi and Billy

Cristi is the owner of Charm Home, that I blogged about recently! I noted tonight on her blog that a video of their wedding pictures is now on the singer's site! And the number continues to go up, up, up on YouTube viewer hits! Way to go, Billy, you did a beautiful job on this! After you've looked around Cristi's awesome blog of designs, leave her a comment and let her know you took a peek! You know how we all love comments! And it only takes a minute! Enjoy the vid!!

House Rules ~

These House Rules are too cute! Head over to The Pleated Poppy and check out the easy peasy directions!! I would loved to have had this when the girls were home, for then it would be a family heirloom now ~ especially since our daughters are much older than they should be. (Ever looked at your children and think "wow, they've gotten older!" 'cause you know YOU haven't!) You can click on the photo to go straight to the tutorial or go to The Pleated Poppy and see what else she's done since!

Charm Home

Don't wait. Click on the photo above to go now to Charm Home. Cristi Curlee Holcombe of Charm Home offers a wide variety of interior design services catered to each and every client. I taught this talented lady in the second grade and know her to be very gracious, very bright, and a hard worker. Throw in that she is drop dead gorgeous, happily married, and you've got a dynamic combination. She has a fan page on Facebook, as well as a business site. Click here to access that site! Take time to look through her photo gallery ~ you'll be glad you did. Like Martha says, "It's a good thing." Yay for you, CurleeLocks, your dreams are coming true!

A Birthday Present ~

Elle was to have made her arrival on Brandon's 30th birthday, but decided she wanted to be dressed and pretty for it ~ so she came last weekend! Look at this happy man! And do not let Noah's expression fool you. I was there today to get some snuggle time and Noah and Ian both are all into this littlest female! Noah was showing me everything, EVERYTHING, in her nursery ~ down to candlesticks and the hamper, even to the littlest stuffed animal! (You can click on either photo to be taken to Jen's post on this neat celebration and for more pics!)

They are smitten ~ but then, so am I.

I Was Reminded ~

of this adorable video after being with Brandon and Jenny's boys for much of the past four days. A friend sent me the link about a year ago and I laugh each time I think on it, not to mention it's one of my favorite YouTube vids. I remember having my finger chomped down on and having a difficult time getting it out of the mouth of a child without losing skin! If you haven't seen this, you're in for a treat ~

Introducing Elle Elizabeth Maddox ~

The above was my first glimpse of my baby girl

holding her baby girl ~ be still, my heart.

The proud, and relieved, father and his girls ~

Yeah, I was relieved too!
She came here wide eyed and wondering ~and we fell in love with her.
My baby girl, with her baby girl, and me.

See the man back there, Elle, playing with your brothers? That's your daddy and he is such a good daddy. He will love you forever ~

and Nan will as well ~

Welcome to our world, sweet girl.

You are an answered prayer.

What a Saturday!

It began at 9 am with Ian's first soccer game of the season and ended around midnight with the birth of Elle Elizabeth Maddox ~ daddy, mother, brothers, and new baby sister are all doing fine and happy to finally get to meet the newest member of the family! Of course, as photos are uploaded and I have time to post you will hear all about this awesome day!

Elle was 7 pounds 2 ounces, 20 inches long, and has the silvery blonde hair her biggest brother had at birth ~ she was staring intently into her mum's eyes when I first laid eyes on my baby girl holding for the first time her baby girl. I fell in love instantly and am so looking forward to holding her later today. Hence, the pink blog that will remain for days!

***UPDATE***
Elle Elizabeth, via Daddy's cellphone!

Remember the Fallen ~

This was the image that greeted us on all major network stations that day ~ I remember where I was. I bet you do, too.

I was in my second grade classroom with fewer than twenty little ones. We had just begun a brand new year and were getting to know each other, when a library aide motioned for me to come to the back of the room. She whispered that one of the twin towers had just been hit and that our principal was awaiting further news from the county office as to how to proceed.

Grabbed my cell, left the kids with the aide, and hightailed it outside to call John, who was at home this particular day. He was in tears, and while filling me in, shouted out, "Oh dear God, Nancy, a plane has just hit the other tower. Oh God, all those people". Then we both cried. And prayed. And cried. And prayed. By noon, I had half my class as parents began an exodus of coming for their children. Maybe New York wouldn't be the only ones to take terrorist hits.

The carnage was unbelievable and our hearts were deeply saddened with the stories that emerged over the next few weeks. Notes of courage, of faith, of compassion. The nation came together, worked together, and prayed together. We would never be the same.

On this anniversary, this Friday, that is now Patriot's Day, please remember the families that were separated by death that day. Their lives were forever changed. Remember those that still suffer from nightmares and panic attacks. They relive it more than we'll ever realize. Give thanks that we are strong, we are free, and we serve a mighty God. One that will never forget the hurting, the grieving, the lost and lonely.

May you forever live in health and happiness and may God continue to bless America ~

Don't forget to display an American flag Friday!
(Oh, and when John cried out? He was actually crying for his King. I know him. We are not the type to use His name loosely ~ we truly believe in crying out for Him. Make no mistake.)

Free Breakfast in September!

Breakfast at Chick-Fil-A is

FREE on Tuesdays in September!

This includes the ones at Colonial Promenade,

Eastchase, Eastdale Mall, Midtown,

and Premiere Place in Prattville!

Sept. 15th is the 3-count Chick-n-Minis!
September 22nd is the Sausage Breakfast Biscuit!
and

September 29th is the Chick-Fil-A

Chicken Biscuit!

No purchase is required and there is a limit of one per person per visit. Valid during breakfast hours only ~ and the only humorous thing mentioned on the flyer I got today was that the customer had to be present to receive offer. Made me giggle ~

Evolution of Dance ~

So, how many of these do YOU remember?!

and there's a sequel!

Need A Beetle?!

This young man has a Bug ~

a 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle 1.8 Turbo GLS!

And it's For Sale ~ $5,800

Click on any of the pictures to be directed to a link to AutoTrader.com. Or you can contact Brandon by clicking here. This is his Facebook page, so if you cannot link to it, leave me a note and I'll give you his email address. Of course, you can always go to their website by clicking here and leaving him a note there. How cute would this be with a daisy in the flower holder?! Not to mention being cute as a bug driving it! It averages 35 MGP on diesel AND 70 MPG running on vegetable oil! Brandon installed a Greasecar alternative fuel system, which includes a complete filtering system AND about 100 gallons of oil to get you started. (Now, if you don't want to use the vegetable oil system, the car runs great without it too, no modifications needed!)