Update

Just to let you all know.. We found out about 5:30 this evening that she had a 'diabetic coma' spell and she is home now. She is an insulin dependent diabetic, but very out of control. If her sugar gets below 100 ('normal' is 60-120), she's bonkers.. and it was 60..hers has been SO out of control and so high for so long, a 'normal' reading on her is BAD!

It's a relief for all of us,but especially for Mama--she was very upset and worried.. and since we work together, I HAVE to be strong for her.. So, I turned to my blogging buddies for strength.. Thanks to you all..

We are all there for each other when this world takes a turn on us!! I'm so thankful for that!! Merry Christmas and Binches of Love to all of you!!!!!

I'm gonna be 'off-line' now for a few days to enjoy the kids...

Needing a Lift

My family needs some prayer.. My grandma,who is 79(but has the health of at least an 89 yr. old) had a 'spell' last night that was VERY similiar to a stroke. Couldn't move her legs or talk.I spare ALL the details. Anyway, she was better first thing this morning--talking & moving around. Then just before lunch, my aunt called to say 'something still wasn't right' and she was taking her to the ER. We haven't heard anything yet from her. We ALWAYS do Christmas Eve with that side of the family and do have plans to do so tomorrow at 3..

Please pray with me that things check out fine and she'll come on home and be able to spend Christmas Eve with her 4 children, 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

It's NEVER a good time for folks to be sick or pass away, but Jamie's grandfather (who raised him) was VERY sick and died at Christmas time 13 yrs. ago, and Christmas has never been the same.

The Vann Family News

Charlie said yesterday that everybody is doing well.. The plan now is to have Mason's circumcism done this morning and they'll all come home this afternoon.. So, be on the lookout for blogging mania form the Vann's..

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU!!

Christmas Cards

I wanted to thank all of you for the cards we've gotten in the mail this year.. I think I got more than in years past. Some of the kids I've never seen, and the others that I do see regularly--i just LOVE the poses. Even those without kids.. Great pictures by far and so much appreciated. They are covering my pantry door in the kitchen so that we can see them everyday! And yes, I do cherish the cards without pictures at all.. The warm thoughts that everyone takes much time, money and energy in doing these types of things this time of year--

my, my, wouldn't it be GRAND if we all put that effort forth all year long?!?!?

Birthday Wishes...

I also wanted to break from this busy few days to wish my friend, and our fellow blogger, Keri and VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!! Let me guess, 33?

have a good one!

Latest on Mason

WE did go for a short visit Saturday afternoon. WE had to tow both kids, of course they weren't allowed in the Women's Suite, so we had a short stay. We were half way to Franklin when I realized that ONCE again, I had forgotten the camera.. I'm getting awful about that. Never fear, daddy Charlie has plenty of photos.

Mason is a handsome little fella. He seemed so small whne I held him and they it hit me, my Karley 2.5 ounces smaller than he. And, NO it does NOT make me want another Mrs. Pinky!! lol...He's adorable and the Vann's seem so natural at this baby stuff. Mandy was looking forward to getting up at 2 am to shower and stir around a bit. Hopefully that went well.. I have been SO crazy busy today with church, visting other family, and Christmas program tonight that I haven't picked up the phone to check in with them.. Mandy and I DO share to love (or LACK thereof) of phone conversations!!

Anyway, I'm assuming all was well through last night and today. There were planning his circumcism for Monday and released to home on Tuesday. So, hopefully, that's still the plan and they will continue to do well!!

Oh, and FYI-- as SOON as Mandy gets internet service, ya'll better be ready!! I Know they will have have lots of photos and stories to share! Can't wait..

Mason Daniel Vann

Little Mason made his grand entrance via C-Section earlier this morning at 3:26. He weighed in at 6 pounds, 12.5 ounces and is 19 1/4 inches long.. All the Vann's are doing well. Just spoke with Charlie. She dialted to 4cm and stopped. Mandy isn't allowed to get out of bed until 5 this afternoon. She was just sitting in the bed feeding that little bundle of joy!! Like I told Charlie, mom and baby are fine, there are worse things than a c-section.. The end result is the same. Please continue to pray for this family, and a speedy recovery for Mandy.

Update on Mandy

I just talked to Mandy. She was given Cervadil (to thin her cervix)at about 6 pm last night.. Rested fairly well last night. Waiting on MD to come exam her this morning. Her cervix has thinnned a bit but NO dialation to note. After the MD's exam, they will begin more aggressive measures to get things going.

Mandy said to tell everybody that she's doing fine and "I'm still happy, so I'm not hurting!"

I will keep everybody posted throughout the day as I have more info.. It seems like it's gonna be a long day yet..

Lift them all up today for a healthy delivery of Mason.

TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT

Please keep Mandy in your prayers today and tonight..She will be induced around 5 (which more than likely means 6, lol!) I plan to go up there in the morning, unless she really gets going tonight.. I will keep you all posted as I get info. I KNOW Charlie will burn Jamie's phone up!! And say a prayer for Charlie too. He really is a very attentive and loving husband. But he too will be 'tried' through all of this and will need love & support!

What wonderful parents the two of them will be!!! GOOD LUCK AND MUCH PRAYER AND LOVE TO YOU BOTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Time's Up!!

GET OFF IT SHIRLEY, AND BLOG!! TO BE SURE, YOU'VE GOT SOMETHING YOU NEED TO SAY!! WE MISS YOU IN BLOG LAND! HECK, YOU'RE THE REASON 3/4 OF US STARTED THIS ADDICTING CRAP!!!

Oh, BABY..

Babies, babies, everywhere!!

First there's Mandy, Charlie and Mason-- hopefully, she'll hang in there until Thursday-Friday..Yipee!! can't wait.. But, I know they're WAY more pumped than I am.

Then there's Wendy--on total bed rest b/c of VERY high levels of Uric Acid. NOt a BP issue at all.. went to the MD yesterday, and things checked out 'okay'..Praise the Lord!! She and Baby Payton are healthy thus far! She is 36 wks. along and her stomach has SO much fluid in it, it's spongy! Not firm at all!! But, they have decided to keep her on total bed rest and re-evaluate, possibly to induce AFTER Christmas.

Next up is Erin, Joe and Baby Reagan--she is like a sister to Jamie and myself.. She's due Jan. 6th, and I never thought she'd hold of til then. She is bound to be the BEST pregnant girl I've ever come across. Literally, no complaints AT ALL!! She had the morning sickness and fatigue to start with, but I had to drag it out of her for her to say "I feel bad!" She's has helped her hubby raise coon pups, feed about 15 dogs EVERY day (which isn't an easy task! they ALL get clean water and food bowls EVERY feeding!), she is on her feet all day every day as a Dental Asst. About a month and a half ago, she lost her mother in law. The girl just doesn't EVER ask for help or complain. UNTIL last night-- she doesn't want to eat, having alot of aches and pains, VERY tired, etc.. and is 2cm.. Goes back to the MD end of the week to check again.

My Jewelry Mama is having her 2nd child (Raelyn) by scheduled C-section Jan. 15th. In the middle of 'finishing' 2 rooms in her house, mixed with raising a 4 year old, hubby that works Nucor's shift work.. Those guys work ALOT!

Then lastly, there's Michele, Kevin and Lil Peanut! Not due until July, but already facing their first issue as parents.

Please let's rally in prayer for these pregnant ladies. For safe pregnancies and deliveries! Strength and endurance for the families!!
But, as the bearer of bad news for the pregnant ones: All in all, the pregnancy, regardless of how bad it is (I know from experience!),are the easier days of those to come!! LOL!! As most of us already know, raising children is the MOST challenging yet rewarding task in life!! Can't wait to meet, hold, and kiss all these little ones! Children ARE such blessings and tiny miracles!

My Premier Gift to YOU

I DON'T HAVE EVERYBODY'S EMAIL ADDRESS, SO FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT DON'T RECEIVE AN EMAIL WITH THIS MESSAGE, HERE YOU GO....

Merry Christmas ladies!!!

I'm in the giving spirit, and have a gift for YOU!!

Our January promotion is in full swing-- 50% in free jewelry that Premier Designs is offering!!

But I personally want to add a bonus to sweeten the deal quite a bit!!!

I haven't done many shows in December, so I could soak in the Christmas season with my family,but 2009 is on it's way, and a WHOLE new year!!

Let's call it "Tina is Ringing in the New Year!!"

Book and hold a Home Show in January and I'll give you a ring for the price of the date of your show..

For example, have a show on the 10th and get a ring of your choice for $10!! Or, have a show on the 5th and get a ring for $5!!
on and on..

And you're guests WILL be pleased with a deal I offer them at your show.
Now, that's a deal you can't refuse.

I know everybody is VERY busy with Christmas, etc., but by acting now and getting an early date, you'll get your ring even cheaper!!! By hosting a show after Christmas, your friends can treat themselves to a gift they WANTED that they didn't get for Christmas!

CALL OR EMAIL ME TODAY TO GET ON MY CALENDER!!

Great Message!!

Today's Word with Joel & Victoria Osteen

Be Victory-Minded

Today's Scripture

“The Lord is my strength and my song; He has given me victory” (Psalm 118:14, NLT).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Do you need more joy, victory, and confidence in your life today? You might need to evaluate what you are thinking about on a daily basis. If you go around thinking things like, “I’m just average,” “I’ve already reached my limits,” or, “I’ve missed so many good opportunities,” those thoughts are going to drag you down. Instead, every morning when you wake up, start your day with thoughts of hope and success. Determine to be victory-minded. The Bible tells us that what we think about we will become. When you think thoughts of success, victory, joy and peace, your life will be filled with success, victory, joy, and peace.

No matter what’s going on in the world around you, remember, as a believer in Jesus, greater is He who is in you than he that is in the world. The Greater One lives inside of you! If God is for you, who can be against you? You are an overcomer through Christ. So set your mind on victory and move forward into the abundant life He has for you!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for the gift of another day! I choose to be victory-minded and think on good things today. Remind me, Holy Spirit, to stay focused on the blessings and favor that You have in store for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Just Because...

I'm guilty of this too..But it seems as if we join together and pray for one another when there's a specific issue. When do we pray for LIFE in general? When do we stop and just pray for 'whatever issues friends are facing"?

I have several friends facing lots of different issues, that I WON'T name, but I'm asking for a Prayer Rally 'just because'! To help people just cope and deal with life's curveballs. Some issues are self induced, some are just facts of life.. regardless, there isn't any problem God can't handle and fix. Through prayer, people CAN cope and get it right. He may not make things disappear, but he will help!

For those with financial burdens (tis the season!), maritial issues, substance abuse, death or missing a loved one, job stressors, raising children, or whatever the burden might be, HERE'S TO YOU.. THROUGH MY PRAYERS, MAY YOU BE LIFTED UP AND FIND A RESOLUTION TO WHATEVER YOU ISSUE MAY BE! HE CAN HELP YOU!! I DON'T HAVE TO KNOW. HE KNOWS WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU.

Join me in prayer for people in general!!

My Christmas Deco.

Here's my 10 year old tree.. We saw that this year, for some reason, the top is REALLY leaning. So, this might just be the year we go out after C'mas and get a new one.. But then again, we're kinda 'sideways' from time to time too!!!



Here's my wreath that I decided to make for the front door. I haven't ONE tiny creative bone in my body- and I refuse to pay the regular $50-60 for a wreath, and was tired of searching for a deal..and my regular 'decorator' has
been so tied up lately, I decided to try.. I have about $10-12 in this wreath. don't laugh, it's on the front door, we're pretty far away form the road and with everything lit up at night, you can't see it from the road at all.. So, I'm not sure what the point was in doing this anyway...hummm?!?!?!?

Facebook?!?!?!

I have just joined facebook. Our alumni gal said there was a Ridgecroft page on there, and I wanted to see it!! and to do that, I had to officially 'join'. Well, needless to say, I didn't see much there- but WOW have I received some friends!! I'm SO impressed.. Shelley, did you know that Leslee Medlin is in Murfreesboro?? Geepers, creepers!!

I'm not sure I like the layout of facebook, but then again, nothing is as awesome as blogging country!!!!

Thanksgiving

Well, like most of you, I had one heck of a busy Thanksgiving week. I MUST slow down and reflect on what I am very thankful for:

Black Friday shopping with my bestest bud, Shelley!
My awesome husband and silly kids!
My healthy, WILD & crazy family!
My less than perfect health! (yes, that does include this 2-3 week old 'junk' that has infested my home and family!)
My blogging buddies!
My faith to help me through the rough times!(that's surely been tested this past week!)
Internet, so I can keep in touch with you all!
My less than exciting job and my very exciting job (Premier Jewelry)
The opportunity to further my education to pursue a passion of mine and fix the above entry!!!
Good food, family, and friends!!!!

Larry Wayne Parker 08/10/54-11/23/08

When trying to gain control of ALL my emotions and type this, bare with me.

I have been a part of this family for some 22+ years. I babysat the kids, vacationed with the family, and later just became one of the kids. I can't count the MANY days and nights and meals I shared with them. And the 'family' photos we trotted off to RR to take. And the races we went all over NC to. The family arguments we often had with raising pre-teen and teenagers!! The food fights we had. The tears and laughter we shared. The good, bad, and ugly that any family had!! To say I love this family is a HUGE understatement.

As I sat with the Parkers yesterday, we spoke that we NEVER in a million years expected he would die this way. We all had bets he'd die in a car wreck going 100+ mph in one of many fast cars this man was SO passionate about. I never thought I'd get the call that such a giving and loving, kind and compassionate man would be gunned down on his very own back porch while his wife, step-daughter, and grandaughter fought for their lives a few 10 steps away.

This man was a father to many, a brother, an uncle, a grandaddy, a life savor to many. He was a dynamic mechanic and a devoted friend to many. I never knew him to have any enemies. Plain and simple, a GOOD MAN!

Please continue to pray for this family and the family of the other victims- whom on last report, the mother is expected to pull through. Praise God!

Bowen is Going Potty!!

Yes, that's right, my baby is potty trained!!!! He started Tuesday and had 3-4 accidents. I trained both of mine with underwear..Karley might have used 5 pull ups the entire time. Bowen REFUSES to wear one. He says "I aint wearing no diaper!!" So, Tuesday night, he stayed dry ALL NIGHT. Then at home yesterday and all last night, NO ACCIDENTS at all..He even pooped on the big potty!! So, we gave Judson all our diapers today! More than a whole box of Pampers...

My proven theory on potty training girls or boys, DO NOT force it on them. They will do it when they're ready and not one day before!! Karley was FULLY trained in 2-3 days and it looks like Bowen will be too.. And when I say 'trained', there aren't ANY accidents ever! My kids know how to pee and poop beside the road if need be!! Jamie can take credit for Karley pooping in a cotton field, but that's a whole different blog!! LOL!

How 'Bout that snow??!!??

Don't know where ya'll 'stay-to' but we had a beautiful 20-30 minute snow this morning.. It was around 7:50-8:00.. It was pretty decent size and pretty thick.. It must have been in very few spots, b/c Shelley nor people in Jackson got the size we got.. YIPEE!! LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW!!! I love it!!

#3

Okay, party number 3 for the weekend..

Jamie and I Halloweening it Adult Style.. Can ya'll believe Jamie went to this extreme to dress up?? He kept saying, "Add more, right here!" a trip.. First Halloween party Jamie and I have EVER been to--and folks that started in 1998!!

#4

ok, so I got 3 & 4 backwards..

This was Erin & Joe's Baby Shower we hosted at our house. Remind you all that this was party #4 for us in the SAME weekend... Halloween Friday night, Bowen's party Sat., our Halloween party Sat. night, and this shower on Sunday. All of this the SAME week that Joe's Mother passed away! The flowers with Mickey Mouse in them were some that the D'Arco's had at her funeral services. Joe asked me earlier in the week to bring those home with me so that his mother would be at the shower!! One pic of Erin and her mom Darlene, another with Memama.

They got lots of goodies and I can't wait to babysit baby Reagan!!

#2

These are from Bowen's 3rd Birthday Party..Sorry Donielle, apparently Janna took the pic of the cake with her camera not mine.. Anyway, Judson is shown here helping Bowen open some gifts..Granny & Grandaddy gave Bowen his first REAL set of golf clubs. Yes, that's a REAL hard driver he and Jamie are playing with!! Look out Karley! and shins..

#1

Well, in MY defense, I figured I'd better blog or 'get outta town!' So, here's the first one-- Halloween '08- and before you think or say it--better late than never. I've been swamped every since Halloween week.. Bowen was a Pirate and Karley was a Sparkling Witch.. We had a ball at the Conway Baptist Church Fall Festival again this year!! Thanks Michelle!!

Thank God

Thanks to Michelle Burgess for sending me this email.. VERY meaningful and important..Something we all need to make time to do. hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!

DEAR GOD:


I want to thank You for what you have already done. I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me; I am thanking you right now.. I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears ; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed;

I am thanking you right now. I am thanking you because I am alive. I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties. I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles.


I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better.

I'm thanking you because FATHER, YOU haven't given up on me.

God is just so good, and he's good all the time.

Thanksgiving Humor

Just think...if the Indians had given the Pilgrim Fathers

a donkey instead of a turkey we would all be having a

Piece of ass for Thanksgiving

Another Baby

Jonathan and Mary Jenkins welcomed a very healthy baby boy last night at 7:39 pm, Weston Zane, to their beautiful family. He weighed in at 6 pounds, 2 ounces and is 19 inches long. Mom and baby are recovering from a C-section at Southampton Memorial. God IS good!!

Below is a picture I 'stole' from Kelly Peele's blog..

Hold your breath as you read

Well, most of you ladies won't believe what you're about to read, but it's the TRUTH!!

I've been going to Open Arms Church for about 10 or so months now. I've been praying for the 'knee bending, back breaking experience' that I've heard SO much about. Well, unfortunately for me, I was beginning to doubt all that jive. Thinking it was just crazy folks that over exaggerated their personal experiences when called to answer God's plan.

Hang in there with me as I take you back to a week or so.. I had a little too much to drink two Fridays ago.. And suddenly, I didn't drink a drop all last week. That's REALLY uncommon for me!! Now, I'm not an alcoholic or anything, but I love to take a drink with the best of them!! Then, I talked to Donielle for 2 HOURS on Wednesday night--we spoke for a while about religion and being saved, sinning and always gonna be a sinner(something I've struggled with understanding).. I had a few beers Saturday afternoon, and then went on to the Halloween party Saturday night. Had a blast.. Drank all I wanted, even had a shot of something like 'fire in a bottle' with my girl, Shirley!! Drank more, danced even more, and then something unexplainable occured! Brace yourself. I took a sip of my beer, had at LEAST a half a beer left, and walked to the trash can and threw it away! Yes, Tina threw a perfectly good beer away, and no I wasn't drunk or sick! Then about 11:30, I approached Jamie and asked him if he was ready to go home... SHOCK-this never happens!

So, yesterday morning, like all the rest, I got up took the kids to Sunday School and while I was in the restroom (of all places!) I started humming a song that we havn't sung in a LONG time..But it was in my head STRONG! Yeah, yeah, whatever...On to Praise and Worship--what was the 2nd song, yep you guessed it--that song.. Shelley might be able to verify that we haven't had this song in a good little spell-"Lord, I Lift Your Name on High"..anyway, by about the 10th word, I broke out in a CRAZY hot sweat, and began to sob like a newborn baby!!! NO JOKE!! And no, all I have been smoking are my Salem Lights!!

This was like NOTHING I had ever imagined.. I really believed that this experience would be like so many other fantastic things in my life--shared with Shelley(after all, it was HER idea that I try this church).. Moving right along, I couldn't make it to the preacher, but I grabbed my friend Mrs.Joan (whom I have talked with at length numerous times about all this in Sunday School) out of the Praise and Worship team, and simply said, "I'm ready!" She cried, I cried more, we cried even more! Then I front of all my church family, minus my bestest friend (another Chapter), I committed my life to God!! WOO-HOO!

So, yes, I have officially and publically been saved! We have several others in church that are waiting to be Baptized also, so we will soon set a date for all that!! I LOVE this feeling and this NEW me that I have uncovered. I wanted to shout it from the roof top..and still do! I didn't have my cell with me, so I had to ride 35 minutes home without telling a single person, except the kids of course! I'm still teary about my transformation..

So, for the non-believers, you just keep thinking that God won't ever TAKE control of your life and work in mysterious ways through you. It does happen, and can happen to anyone that turns things over to him. And I'm living, breathing proof that God loves all of us and will accept you with ALL your faults--even partying, trouble making, rednecks like me!! Keep praying and believing in his power! It works! You need him in your life. Praise the Lord!!

I'm getting old when...

my BABY'S 3 years old..




Yes, today (Oct. 28), my "Little Man: is turning three. He's still not home, but will be tomorrow. Today he and Granny are at the Aquarium in Atlanta. He called me last night to tell me "I'm in Atlanta Mommy".. Can you believe how time flies.

So, this afternoon, at 2:35pm, join me in my tears in wishing my Bowen Edward a Happy 3rd Birthday!!

Bowen, you'll never get too old to be My Man!

I've Gone Creative

These are my Uppercase Living initials for my car.. they are lime green, and I love 'em!

Bowen's at Granny and Grandaddy's

This is what Bowen found at Granny & Grandaddy's when he arrive on Friday! He just got a Gator from them about a month ago..don't you feel so sorry for the little fella? I'm sure he's having a horrible time at Granny's! NOT!





And know he's having to work around the yard to earn his keep!

getting nervous, and sad!

Well, my man is off to Georgia tomorrow! No, not Jamie, BOWEN!! Jamie's mom has been after us for a while to take Bowen home with her.. Karley has been for two summers now for a couple weeks each visit. Well, Bowen will be 3 yrs. old in a few weeks, and you all know the 'second child syndrome'..So, Jamie and I left it up to Bowen. When we asked the little fella if he wanted to go to Granny's, he was SO excited!! (no brainer) Janna is a big child herself with tons of energy and the kids think she's awesome!!

So, Jamie will leave tomorrow morning to meet Janna half way to give my baby away until the 29th.. Yes, that's 12 WHOLE DAYS! I think I'll survive, but time will tell. In the mean time, I'm looking forward to a little R&R--yes, you can do that with one child!! And too, I am going to enjoy having Karley all to myself. Maybe she and I can go do 'girl stuff' as she refers to it!!

Happy Birthday Jamie

Well, tomorrow, the 14th is Jamie's 37th birthday.. Yes, I know, he's an oldie, but goodie!! I don't know what I'll do with him when he hits the BIG 4 0 !!! It'll be here before we know it..We'll surely have a party for that one..

Jamie, here's to you- my best friend, my husband, my 'Baby Daddy'! I love you more with each gray hair & wrinkle, oopps, I mean with each year!!

My busy weekend

Well, for starters, Big Mama & Pa have had their camper at our house since Wednesday for one reason or another-- and aren't planning to leave until tomorrow evening, IF then.. Which is great!! I LOVE having a house full of family and/or friends at all times!! I just love it! And that's what life should be all about.

Then, I finally got my Sample pack of jewelry for my Premier Designs business. It got to my house Friday evening, just before our annual trip to Judy's Pumpkin Farm. I didn't have alot of time to play with all of it then, but got chance that night. Big Mama, me, and the kids strolled out to go "pumpkin hunting"... That was FUN, FUN, FUN!! as always!

Then, we hosted a 79th Birthday Party for my Grandma Evelyn on Saturday. We fed 43 folks!! What a DAY! It was a great time. Grandma got chance to catch up with her family that she hadn't chatted with in a long time.. We had 13 kids aged 1 yr. to 7 yrs. old.. All of them played great together, surprisingly!! It was a long, but awesome day with family.

Sunday, whew!! Sunday school, church, luch, and NAP!! The best part of the day!! Then last night, Mama and I pulled out all of my jewelry AGAIN, and went through it oohhing and aahhing and were able to price it all and get my guest folders put together preparing for my Training Show this Saturday--which by the way, I hope to see you all there!!

Just a BUSY, fun-filled weekend. I'm tired as all get out today.. BUT I have class until 9:30 tonight.. So, I don't know when I'll catch up!!!

My New Business..

I have 'bit the bullet' (so to speak) and signed up to begin selling Premier Designs Jewelry. I am very excited about this, and really believe that it is going to be a life changing experience for myself and my family. I'm looking forward to all the jewelry coming in, the parties that I'll be putting on, and the new friends and family that come with Premier. I'm so pumped!! I am expecting my start-up package of literature and jewelry to arrive later this week, and my Premier "Mama", Mary Jo, says it's gonna be like Christmas.

I am planning my training show for Oct. 11th and after that date, I can have a party for YOU!! We have some of the BEST incentives for hostessing a Home Show. For example: you earn 30% of your sales in FREE jewelry, some half off items, and bonus bucks for doing simple things such as having your party on the original booked date and/or haivng 10 people show up at your house for the party.

Leave a comment, email me at premierlady@hotmail.com, or call me and I'll be happy to give you some info. on how easy it is for you to earn FREE JEWELRY!! No pressure.

Happy Anniversary to us!!

This is NOT our best picture over the years, but all that I have of just us 2 here at work. We were at the end of a long, hot, sweaty day at Sea World!!

At 4:00 in the afternoon on September 16, 2000 I married my best friend! We've stood beside one another through alot of crazy happenings.. We have picked on each other, laughed together, and cried together. In these 8 years of marital bliss, we have had two children of our own. We have had (and still have) our fair share of health issues. We've scared each other quit a bit..

All this said, at the end of a less than perfect stressful day, Jamie is the one that I run to. I can't wait to talk to or see him EVERYday. We are pals! I tell him all my problems, and bless his heart, he's trying to be a better listener rather than a judge!

Jamie, I love you more today than I did 8 years ago. and YES, you have to stay with me for many more years to come!! I can't beleive either of us are married, much less for 8 whole years!! HAHA!!

Another thing, as I'm listening to this song on the radio:
(there are many days that I DO feel this way.)
'I don't know much, but I know I love you. And that may be all I need to know!!!'

The only guys in the bunch of GIRLS...

These guys are really gonna LOVE this problem in a few years....
The lonesome three: 'Little' Wade Jenkins, Bowen, and Hunter Martin.
Thanks for being such good sports!

More festivities..

One of the advantages to a summer birthday.. we were able to utilize the play house set, run the Jeep and Gator until the were both dead, feed the goats, jump in the Sponge Bob thingy that we have acquired over the years (thanks Trevino's) and play kick ball and t-ball!! Oh, and just plain RUN, RUN, RUN!!

Karley's 5th Birthday Party

Here's a few shots from Karley's Hannah Montana birthday party this past weekend. She got lots of cool stuff and of course, had a little help from Bentlee, Bowen and Ashlyn. Funny how most of Karley's party pics for 5 years have Bentlee in them!! Love it! We had Hannah, Rebecca, Leah, Bentlee, Rylee, Savannah, Hunter, Wade, Bowen, Emi, Ashlyn, Alexis, and Ashley & Arielle(the best babysitters!)..I hop eI didn't leave anyone out. Thanks to all of you for spending your Sunday afternoon with us!

Our long weekend

Well, as I posted earlier, our weekend was FULL of presents and family time. The house was full at mealtimes and the yard was full the rest of the times. I loved it! Totally loaded with family all weekend. Sunday was busy running the roads with church and Emi's 5th Birthday Party.
Yesterday, after seeing the Georgia bound crowd off, we decided to get our hunting licenses and go Dove Hunting. That was a load of fun! We packed up the kids and the truck and headed off to meet up with the Good Old Fellas from OT Hunting Club for the Annual first day of dove hunting season gathering! We chatted and laughed ALL day long. We grilled hot dogs and ate junk food all day long.
I even took my turn shooting the doves. I do jump at every chance at 'gunning', but NEVER in a million years thought I'd even come close to hitting a target as small as a bird. And I did get one!! Yipee!

We had a ball! The kids LOVED it. Hopefully, we'll make this an Annual Bryant Family Day! Now, our blood is pumping as we wait for deer season!!

Happy 5th Birthday, 'Tally-Ann'!!

As I sit here, I remember going for a 'routine' check up on Sept. 2nd in Franklin and Dr. Dougherty telling me to go home and get Jamie and meet him back in the ER to induce labor. Well, it was actually about 5-5:30 that evening..

26 hours later at 8:06 pm on the evening of September 3rd 2003, with tons of family and friends waiting anxiously (and one HUGE dog!),and ALOT of troubles, Jamie and I sat in the Operating Room and welcomed our healthy baby girl. Jamie named her that very moment and all the staff immediately began calling her Karley! Not exactly the way we had visioned or planned to do this! But we all know about plans!!

Our little 'peanut' was 6 pounds 10 ounces and 19 and 1/4 inches long. I was SO exhausted, I fell asleep in the OR while they stiched me up. After I cried my eyes out and vomited like crazy...Our lives forever changed that evening. I'll spare ya'll ALL the details...

So, tomorrow, my first born Karley Breann will be 5 years old! Here's to you baby girl. Mama & Daddy love you bunches!!

Karley's Gifts

Granny & Grandaddy once again went overboard with Karley's Birthday presents. She got a Princess TV/DVD for her room,Hannah Montana bedside table, Hannah Montana lamp,Hannah Montana pillow, Hannah Montana trash can, a Bratz doll and tons of other little things. Okay, so now Jamie and I don't know how she'll feel about the 4 or 5 items we're giving her..... no comparison! All of our family spoil her and Bowen.. We are VERY blessed to have such awesome family! Thanks Granny & Grandaddy for yet another wonderful Birthday weekend!!

When...

$300.00 can easily be justified....




Just look at his face.. think he likes it??
Jamie's mama and step-daddy came in this past weekend to celebrate Karley's birthday, and decided to go ahead and give Bowen this Gator for his birthday, which isn't until October 28th. Bowen getting a riding John Deere of any kind was long overdue.. He LOVES John Deere's!!