Want Free Jewelry?

Blogger Blast

2009-03-10T09:33:00.001-04:00

There were so many of you that I needed to reply to about going to the blogger blast this weekend, so I just thought I've BLOG about it--how appropriate?!?!?!? So, yes, if I can get a sitter, I'll be there with bells on!! Ready to meet the ones I don't know yet, reunite with those of you I haven't seen in a while, and just plain out have a girls night out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I made it....

2009-03-09T15:09:00.003-04:00

I got the final word this morning that I passed my EMT exam!! woo-hoo!! It has been a stressful 6-7 months-- away from two small kids, juggling Premier, working, class 2 nights a week and at least 1 Saturday per month, a shift working husband, and all the rest of the hats that us ladies wear!

March Madness Specials

2009-03-03T14:21:00.001-05:00

In honor of NCAA and March being a big Basketball month,
I want to give YOU any pair of 'hoop' earrings for 20% off the retail price!

Also, by 'holding' a show with me this month, I'll 'pass' you ANY piece of jewelry (up to $40 value) for $10.00!!
Yes, ladies, that is 75% OFF!!

We're having a 'ball' of fun this month.. Don't commit a 'foul' this spring by not being on top of your 'game' with Premier's hotest fashion trends!!

Call or email me today to take advantage of these 'steals'!!

wishes..

2009-02-17T09:14:00.002-05:00

Yea, I'm blogging.. just for a minute..

I just wanted to wish my very dear friend, Donielle, a special HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! You are an amazing Christian woman, wife, mother, friend, teacher, mentor, babysitter, goofy person, fun loving, caring, sweet, compassionate, talented singer (lol), awesome cake maker, jewelry maker, on and on!!!! Did I mention goofy?!?!

Today is YOUR day, and you totally deserve all the best wishes your birthday can bring!! I love you dearly and thank God for you being in my life! You have touched SO many different people in so many ways. You are an inspiration to all you meet!

Now, wipe your tears and get it together!!!

All the 'regular' tests are done..

2009-01-29T14:21:00.003-05:00

Last night I took my 7th and last EMT test. Next week I have the final exam and practical exam. Last night was a milestone, b/c we have to have a 80 average on tests AND a 80 on the final exams in order to sit for the state exam on March 6.

I took the test and waited for over an hour for the results. It was a 90-which is an A b/c it's a 10 pt grading scale-- which allowed to me to have maintained my A average since August. Which I must admit was a rather large challenge.. with working 2 jobs, raising 2 small kids, and a hubby that works shiftwork.. This class was 2 nights per week and at least one Saturday per month. whew...I'm glad to almost be done completely with this.

Upon passing the state exam in March, I can and plan to go to work as an EMT. Then, if all continues to fall into place, I'll start the next certification, EMT-I in the fall or winter. Both of these have to be done before enrolling and taking Paramedic classes. whew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

16 random things...

2009-01-13T10:32:00.003-05:00

I'm gonna take a stab at this.. NO thinking involved, just typing..

1-I'm not please with my job!
2-I'm not happy with my weight.
3-figuring out a babysittering schedule--ugh!
4- thank God I have WONDEFUL sitters, when I can coordinate their schedule with mine.
5-EMT class is almost over
6- state exam is March 6--OMG!
7-I really want a vacation.
8- I want to do more 'family activities' this year.
9- my trampoline was destroyed.. the poles were snapped like toothpicks.
10-my jewelry Mama is having her 2nd daughter Thursday
11-Jamie is still sick
12- need to go to the bank & PO
13- what al I gonna eat for lunch
14-I need to get back on target and read my bible EVERY night like I used to do
15-This year, I need to SEARCH for ways I can make a difference in someone's life
16-I pray EVERYday for my hubby and my children.

Bits and Pieces of the last few weeks..

2009-01-08T16:15:00.004-05:00

Well, Bowen started Christmas Eve with pink eye, sore throat and a VERY high fever.. 105.3 to be exact!! It stayed in the 103-104's for about 3-4 days.. Around the clock Motrin and Tylenol every 3-4 hrs. whew!!!

In the middle of this, Karley has a cold and sore throat.. Then got Pink Eye.. Then she started New Years Eve with the viral fever.. Hers was 102-103's for the same 3-4 days..

Jamie got pink eye in BOTH eyes..

We stayed at home New Year's Eve and was in bed by 10pm..

New Year's Day--my sister's dog was gunned down by a neighbor and anyone that knows my fmaily KNOWS that the death of a pet is MAJOR business.. So, she had her friend that was visiting her drive her 2 hrs. home form New Bern for the burial at my parent's house.

WE got a yellow lab puppy, Bella, for Christmas.. I've been VERY busy house training her.. So, as Shelley says, I've been raising 3 kids..

Karley went back to school as did I this past Monday..

Evey which way I turn, it seems that there's been a death... jeepers creepers!!

Erin & Joe had their baby girl, Reagan Whitney,Friday the 2nd at 1:34 am.. She had a great labor and delivery.. Water broke around 7:30 Thursday night, and baby was here at 1:30am!! BEAUTIFUL little girl.. I have pics, but had ZERO time to post those.. There 'stored' with my Christmas pictures I took!! lol! So, Erin, YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!! We are elated to have a new baby in the family..

Last night's wind storm threw the $375 trampoline and enclosure OVER our shed into the woods.. It took out Pine tree limbs that were 30 feet up... All balled up in the woods.. Jamie and Joe are digging it out now to see what if anything we can save.. My parents and TOnya got the kids that for Christmas.. And ya'll know the weather we've had.. they've jumped like 3times for a total of 30 minutes MAX...

I THINK that's all I have off the top of my head!! Sorry it's been SO long since I've posted, but I've been kinda 'dry' with thoughts lately!! And been WAY too busy to get into all that.. Ya'll just be thankful I gave the SHORT version of events!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Update

2008-12-23T19:47:00.001-05:00

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

2008-12-23T14:14:00.003-05:00

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

2008-12-23T11:02:00.001-05:00

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

2008-12-22T16:28:00.002-05:00

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...

2008-12-21T22:53:00.001-05:00

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

2008-12-21T22:45:00.002-05:00

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

2008-12-20T07:43:00.003-05:00

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

2008-12-19T08:49:00.002-05:00

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

2008-12-18T10:23:00.002-05:00

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!!

2008-12-16T16:08:00.001-05:00

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..

2008-12-16T11:00:00.003-05:00

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

2008-12-11T16:28:00.004-05:00

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!!

2008-12-09T14:10:00.000-05:00

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...

2008-12-09T11:27:00.004-05:00

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.

2008-12-08T07:32:00.004-05:00

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?!?!?!

2008-12-04T16:27:00.002-05:00

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

2008-12-01T15:12:00.002-05:00

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

2008-11-25T10:37:00.002-05:00

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!!

2008-11-20T16:15:00.002-05:00

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??!!??

2008-11-18T09:58:00.002-05:00

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

2008-11-12T15:56:00.001-05:00

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

2008-11-12T15:47:00.004-05:00

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

2008-11-12T15:21:00.004-05:00

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

2008-11-12T15:07:00.002-05:00

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

2008-11-10T14:22:00.002-05:00

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

2008-11-10T11:48:00.001-05:00

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

2008-11-04T09:11:00.003-05:00

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

2008-11-03T09:58:00.002-05:00

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...

2008-10-27T21:46:00.002-04:00

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

2008-10-23T18:52:00.001-04:00

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

Bowen's at Granny and Grandaddy's

2008-10-19T15:12:00.005-04:00

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!

2008-10-16T11:14:00.002-04:00

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

2008-10-13T16:36:00.003-04:00

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

2008-10-06T11:11:00.002-04:00

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..

2008-09-22T14:47:00.004-04:00

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!!

2008-09-16T09:34:00.002-04:00

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...

2008-09-11T11:55:00.005-04:00

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..

2008-09-11T11:50:00.002-04:00

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

2008-09-11T11:26:00.004-04:00

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

2008-09-02T11:34:00.002-04:00

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'!!

2008-09-02T09:49:00.003-04:00

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

2008-09-02T09:42:00.003-04:00

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...

2008-09-02T09:32:00.002-04:00

$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!!

One down, and I don't know how many left...

2008-08-26T08:43:00.002-04:00

The test last night was 50 questions.. I missed 3.. making my grade a 94 and I couldn't be more proud of myself!! Yipee!! A good ole' confidence booster if nothing else, huh?? One of the ones I missed, I pondered about too long, and ended changing the answer!! You guessed it, I had it right BEFORE I changed it.. always been a problem for me-- second, and third, and fourth guessing myself!!

My first Test

2008-08-25T11:36:00.002-04:00

Well, as Karley has her first day of 'big girl school', I've tried to prepare for my first test tonight! Jamie and I were up until 11:30 last night studying. He has always stepped up to be my study partner!! It's 4 chapters, one of which is anatomy and physiology!! geesy louisey!! Not only body parts, but a detailed explanation of how air enters the body and where it goes from the nose, how blood flows through the heart, and the ENTIRE facial structures and spinal column!! I'm nervous, b/c I know that this particular chapter is the foundation for the rest of the class and on through Paramedic level. So, it's the GOTTA KNOW AND UNDERSTAND rather than memorize for the test stuff!
I'll be studying during lunch and before class tonight also... wish me luck!!

Karley's First day of Kindergarten!!

2008-08-25T10:13:00.004-04:00

"I'm okay daddy!!"

We did it.. Up at 6, caught (literally) the bus about 7:15 and she was off.. Big girl never looked back.. I begged for the pictures I was able to snap.. And at school, she was so NOT worried with Jamie and myself.. They were all TOO busy checking everything out and chatting with each other.. I say, "My baby's in Kindergarten", but really, I've gotta do this all over in a couple of years with Bowen--really MY BABY!! Not looking forward to that!!

Happy 4th Anniversary Sha-na-na!!

2008-08-21T10:13:00.002-04:00

Happy Anniversary to Mr & Mrs. Daryl Smith!! Just when we all though Shannon would NEVER get married, she did.. and has stuck it out for 4 years now!! Congratulations to you both and wishing you many more years of marital bliss!!!!

Yes, me too....

2008-08-18T09:53:00.005-04:00

Well, after all the chatter about us old brides, I drug me filthy, non cleaned, non preserved dress out of the closet.. I did it!! Heck, I even broke out the veil... and no, I still didn't stand up straight. My baby belly filled the dress in more than it did 8 yrs. ago, and my boobs were less filled than 8 yrs. ago!!

And Karley even broke out her Flower Girl dress for the photo session...

And what did I get out of this marriage??

Class...

2008-08-12T15:18:00.002-04:00

Thanks to ALL of you supporters for all the kinds words of encouragement for me going back into the Student world!! It has been some 12+ years since I ran calls with Woodland Rescue Squad and took the EMT class, and about 10 years since I went through one year of nursing school.. And BOY have things changed!!

Last night went great..We didn't cover very much material because of the time it took to get registered and the orientation done. That matched with about 10-15 folks coming to class on the first night WITHOUT a book!! Geesy pete! what were they thinking? There are about 45 folks in the class..

I'm excited and again, thanks to you all for the 'push' and encouragement!!! I'll keep you posted.

One of my many Pet peeves..

2008-08-11T16:38:00.002-04:00

NEGATIVE PEOPLE! This one person in particular is NEVER encouraging or optimistic about anything anybody is doing. I tend to think it's a jealously thing. EG: I've never had a 'great, fulfilling job'..it was just whatever paid the bills. uumm, well, as I see it, I you're given the chance to go for it- scared to death or not, do it. You can't stay stuck in a dead end, boring, lifeless job, solely b/c it pays the bills. What's wrong with having the best of both worlds? At least partly! NO, I'm not thinking that life is all sugar and spice, but if some people want to take a leap of faith and further their education and move on to exciting new careers, then by golly, JUST DO IT. God doesn't want ANY of us to settle with average achievements, he wants us to push and strive to accomplish a little more..not to be greedy, but go out and get it!!

None of us are 10000% convinced that the everyday decisions we make are the right ones,but if we believe in our hearts, that our decision today IS right for us, then it is.. Sink or swim. do or die. You can't say it won't work if you don't try it first!!

So, for us that ARE making a change and going for something new and different, YOU GO GIRL(S)!! And to those of you that are positive and supportive to us, THANK YOU! We will need a ton of encouragment and support throughout the next little while. When we are doubting ourselves and/or our life's decisions, lift us up. Speaking for myself, I have given MOST of my career choice making to the Lord, and I DO KNOW that he is going to guide and direct me to where I'm supposed to be. And hopefully help me figure out what I want to do when I grow up!!!

tonight's the night....

2008-08-11T11:53:00.001-04:00

I will start my EMT class tonight.. Boy, am I scared.. I'm fearful that my house, husband, and kids can't function without me. Class is twice a week from 6:30-9:30.. I haven't studied anything in almost 10 years... I'm nervous. But, I'm going for it 1000%.. Wish me luck.

Be thankful....

2008-08-07T10:01:00.002-04:00

As I spent a good part of yesterday morning listening to Jamie complain about our again broken lawnmower, I tried to tell him to stop, think, and be thankful for all that we do have.. So, I made a mental list of my many blessings that I felt moved to share:
1- we have 2 beautiful, healthy kids.
2- we have each other
3- we have a fairly new house that is more than enough for us
4- we have 1 good and three average fish ponds
5- we have 4 goats
6- we have 1 rabbit
7- we have 6 hyper hunting pups running around and one not so hyper lab
8- we have the resources to feed all those animals and ourselves
9- we have 2 nice vehicles
10- we have Directv
11- 2 cell phones, 1 house phone
12- FAMILY nearby..
13- health for all of us (such as it is, but it could be worse)
14- awesome friends
15- a riding (but broke down) lawn mower..we could have to push all that grass!
16- decent jobs (most days!)
17- FAITH and PEACE!
18- a loving church family
19- both of my parents are still here with us.
20- Jamie's mom & step dad are still with us.
21- living next door to our kids' 82 year old Great Grandmother
22- more than enough clothes, toys, and food for all 4 of us
23- freedom to say and do what we want to do
24- the resources for me to start school THIS monday, whew!!
25- 3 new babies coming all around us, and NOT US!! thank goodness!

The list could go on and on.. My thought is: when you're down and out and think you have nothing, STOP and look around.. WE all have more than alot of people do.. Heck, we all sitting here blogging AT WORK and reading from a computer!! Have a great day, and take a minute to thank God for all the things that you DO have in your life! It's precious, regardless of how problematic you think it is today. Everything around you could be gone tomorrow!

My Handsome Men

2008-08-05T10:38:00.002-04:00

This was taken last night.. Jamie and Bowen often wear the same color shirts.. they did Friday night when we went out to eat. And again yesterday..I'm SO proud to be the wife and mother to such good looking fellas!!

Vacation Bible School

2008-08-05T10:29:00.002-04:00

These are a few of the girls at VBS last week.. From the looks of the pictures, I think they had a great time!! These are Karley, Bentlee, Rebecca & Hannah (Donielle's 2 oldest)...

Baby Girl D'Arco

2008-08-05T10:22:00.002-04:00

Erin and Joe came last night to tell us that they are having a GIRL!! We are SO happy for them. And they can't be controlled they're SO dang happy!! They will go tomorrow for the blood test that Mandy and Charlie just had done. Actually, they are still torn about whether or not to take the test.. They, like I was, don't really care about the results. They said they'd deal with any problems if and when they arise..
Either way, please keep the D'Arco's and all the other new parents in your thougths and prayers. They all will need a huge amount of love and support during these last few months of pregnancy and the rest of their lives as they raise kids!!

My Super Duper Birthday weekend

2008-08-04T10:40:00.002-04:00

Well, I started off Friday morning with lots of calls and the kids telling me "Happy Birthday Mommy!" a thousand times. Jamie got me the most heart felt gift I think I have EVER received. He got me a new Bible. The New International Version, which I what I've been saying for months that I wanted... That was SO special, particularly getting it from Jamie.. and a sweet card!! Karley self crafted me a very special card!! So then we spent the day cutting grass, weed eating, pulling weeds, playing with the puppies and goats! Which was EXACTLY what I told Jamie I wanted to do!

Friday night we loaded up and hit RR to go to Lone Star, WalMart, and Belk! I bought myself a new bathensuit top with some of my b-day money.. I spent my 21st birthday at Lone Star (yep, with Jamie), so I guess it was 'fitten' to go there for the 31st!! Jamie treated me with the LONE STAR birthday song, which was rather embarrasing but the kids thought it was fantastic.. and when they were done singing, Bowen belted out "HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY!" and of course all the waitresses thought he was adorable..Yeah, Jamie's son for sure--working the ladies!! It was VERY special that Jamie went all out to honor me on this day.. My eyes filled with tears throughout the day and night about every 30 minutes..just thinking of how truely blessed I am to have him and my healthy children, among many other blessings!!

On Saturday, we went to the Watermelon Festival Parade.. I was not as impressed than I have been in years past. It was smaller than usual, but the kids enjoyed it. Then we went on to the river to spend the day and go out to eat at Riverside that night.. There we met up with Mama, Daddy, 'Uncle' Peter, 'Aunt' Patty, Jason, Ashleigh, and their 3 kids, and one nephew!! Yes, that totaled up to 7 kids!! We had a BLAST!! Boat riding, talking, and catching up with Jason and Ashleigh... And Ashleigh and I got on the innertube.. Actually the BIG MABEL!! and boy, the guys and kids thought it was hilarious.. and it was! A little sore yesterday, but not as bad as I expected it would be.. We just had a wonderful day and night!!

Overall, one of the BEST birthdays I've ever had!!

My flowers

2008-07-21T15:13:00.002-04:00

Any of you that know me well enough, KNOW that every day I'm off I can be found in my yard! I had to put my gardening off in years past because of the kids' ages. Now that they are old enough to play alone outside I get to play in the dirt!! This is one of my hydrangeas, and Karley's first sunflower of the year, and one of my orange gerber daisies.

Our Puppies

2008-07-21T12:00:00.003-04:00

These are the hunting puppies we are raising.. they are about 6-7weeks old now, and are quickly turning into pets. Especially Odd Ball. He has flirted with death twice already, so needless to say, I have bonded with her quite a bit! Odd Ball got her name first, because, DUH, when she was born she was solid white (like 101 dalmations).. then came our two black and tan girls, Princess (the runt) and Lady. Then there's Odd Ball and Sara which are both girls.. Then we have Jabbo and Mickey that are our only boys. they're both white and tan. 6 all together. They are a TRIP!!

My World Traveler

2008-06-19T11:42:00.004-04:00

Well, the proof is in the picture. Karley made it to Jacksonville, FL last night about 5:45.. She was so growny pulling those suitcases. I didn't have my camera with me in Norfolk yesterday, so thanks to Granny, I can share this one she took.
Miss Thang just called and they are off to Orlando as we speak for a 2 night trip to Magic Kingdom!!! Can't wait to get those pics!

I'm getting sad...

2008-06-17T14:42:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow morning Jamie and I will head off to Norfolk to the airport to meet Janna (Jamie's mom). She and Karley will then fly back to Jacksonville, FL which is 20 or so minutes from Janna's home in St. Mary's GA. They have an overnight trip planned to Disney World. Then next Thursday Jamie, me and Bowen will fly down there for a week. We will then visit Sea World for 2 days. So, yes, that means Karley will be there basking in the sun out by Granny's pool for a WHOLE WEEK before we arrive. She'll be away from home for 2 weeks!! Geepers Creepers!!

For those of you that have kids, you know this is bitter sweet. It's great to catch a break from one of the kids (particularly the older one), BUT we are going to miss her so bad!! She is our Tally Ann, Peanut, Sis, Baby Girl, Sassy Frat, and Squirt Britchers to name a few.. She is almost five, but I still want her to be 'my baby girl' for a little longer-- But that's the part we can't change. She's growing up too dang fast! After all, this is the 2nd summer in a row that she has done this flying and vacationing bit without her parents.

The up side to this is that Jamie and I will have Bowen all to ourselves for a week. They will surely be fun filled days and he won't get bossed around by Sissy AT ALL!! He'll love that. And most likely get spoiled a little more while she's gone. That second kid ALWAYS tends to get neglected a bit, no matter how hard you try!

I am thankful for....

2008-06-12T16:49:00.002-04:00

1- It's my Friday!!
2- Jamie's off this weekend and we have no where we HAVE to go!
3- Jamie-I think he's just about the BEST husband in the world!
4- Karley and Bowen, even though they drive me bonkers daily!!
5- Jamie being Super Dad!!
6- My family-and all their dysfunctions!! haha..
7- My friends. They're awesome!!
8- My new car!!
9- My and my family's health..even though I'd rate mine as fair to poor! BUT, we're all here and breathing.
10- And I'm mostly thankful for my faith. It shows me daily that without God, numbers 1-9 would NOT be possible.

Jerry McGuire's step-son??

2008-06-12T11:24:00.003-04:00

Bowen thinks it's SO funny to put on my reading glasses.. We think he looks like the little boy from the movie.. Either way, it's cute!

Mama's SO proud....

2008-06-12T10:47:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was Karley's first Tball game.. Don't know why they call it tball-- the coach pitches to them.. They get 3 pitches and if they don't hit it then, they set the tee up. Well, my Karley didn't need the tee at all!!! I'm so proud. She did great!! And she fielded the ball 2-3 times, and threw it to first base-just as we've practiced!

I never knew August to June could go SO quickly!

2008-06-10T10:50:00.003-04:00

Today is Karley's last day of Pre-K.. I look at these pictures and wonder, where the time went? Where is my little girl? Who is the independent 'Big Girl'? Not only has her physical appearance changed a great deal, but she as a little lady has changed. She's still mine and her daddy's little "Peanut" though....

We have had a fun year and she's already counting down the days til Kindergarten starts!!

Karley Graduates from Pre-K

2008-06-05T15:36:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was Karley's BIG day-- graduation.. Honestly, I'm SO relieved that this was just Pre-K not High school, which will be sooner than I'd prefer.. She won't actually be done with school until Tuesday the 10th, but it's official after yesterday!! I am so proud of her personal growth and accomplishments, and yes, even the numerous yellow and few blue cards she was issued this year! LOL! We are ready for next year and becoming a "big girl" in Kindergarten. Yipee.. So, now we're waiting anxiously for June 18th when she and Granny will head off to Georgia/Florida and then to DISNEY WORLD!!

Our Family Vacation

2008-06-05T15:05:00.002-04:00

This was the first time EVER just the 4 of us have EVER been on any type of vacation without someone else going along--which is great, but we needed 'our' family time.. It was wonderful to say the least!! Jamie and I really enjoyed spending time together and with the kids in a different environment. Funny how the beach makes EVERYBODY much happier!!

Look Daddy, it's a Monster Truck......

2008-06-05T14:54:00.003-04:00

Our 'tourist-like' trip to the Diggers' Den... And we actually watched the Gravedigger later that night on TV..

VERY random, but hopefully satisfying!

2008-05-27T14:38:00.003-04:00

"Do you believe in true forgiveness and having peace in YOUR skin?"

I do. I know first hand that this is a hard thing to achieve, but once you've found your way, life is easier.

You all know that I've never been a very religious person, but about 6-7 months ago, I started attending a church that truely opened my eyes to a different kind of world. A world filled with true acceptance of ALL walks of life. A world filled with love. A world filled with forgiveness. Now, I'm not good enough to quote scripture, but I do know that this church and my new found life has had a huge impact on me and an even larger impact on my personal growth. Open Arms Church and my faith has strengthened my ego, my passion, my marriage, and my friendship with my dearest friend, Shelley. We, together, have grown spiritually as well as individual women. I often think, "how will I ever re-pay her for what she's has exposed me to and given me?" WEll, the answer to that is, I thank her daily by just being me. I talk to her, she listens and vice versa. And us watching each other grow (and fall occasionally) is enough re-payment for us.

I have not always lived an ideal life. I have done bad things in my life. Some of which HAVE caught up to me and took a hunk outta my butt!! I have hurt people and even my 'friends'.. But some 8 years ago, to the day actually, I asked my now best friend for forgiveness. I will spare you all the details, but I hurt her very badly, and it took several years for me to ask for forgiveness and say those 2 powerful words: "I'm sorry!" Without hesitation, she forgave me, and we became closer than we ever were. That very day, with MANY tears, she got married and I got back one of the best people I know..We have gotten married together (not to each other, Jamie!), partied together, had children together, and share our families as if they're one.. We even plan our children's parties together..LOL! Wade still owes me BIG!

So, to answer the question above-- I do believe in forgiveness, and never looking back. What's done is exactly that. DONE AND OVER. We do not have the ability to erase things in the past. All we can do is admit our wrong- doings and ask that person and God for their forgiveness. Also, I do believe in inner peace. That is something that as we grow and mature, you find. Nothing that anyone can grant you..

Admit your guilt/sins and ask for forgiveness. Talk to the ones you hold dear to your heart. Love them and let them know you love them. Respect them and yourself. Forgive yourself. Let all bad things just be. Forget it! Live a joyous life while you have one to live. And when the world seems like it's too much to bare, fall on your knees and call or email your friend(s). Friends are as dear to one as family, but friends tend to be honest and bold. They will be blunt and tell you what you NEED to hear, not what you WANT to hear. And there IS a difference!

I DO beleive that I have found peace in ME. And I do beleive I have been forgiven and forgave others. I have left yesterday and all my yesterdays in the past. Don't look back. Don't live with regrets. Pray, be good people, and do good things.

Look around, this might be your last day here. Have you completed all your unfinished business? Are you at peace with YOU? Is there someone you need to talk to today? DO it!

So, in closing (finally I know) Shelley-- thanks for your strength and forgiveness. Thank you for your undying support and love you've shown me for these 8 reunited years.. Thank you for being YOU! And now, STOP CRYING you wuss!

Here Comes June

2008-05-20T11:32:00.003-04:00

As if May wasn't busy enough, June is right around the corner-and boy is it gonna be busy!!
To finish out May:
24th-- I have a 'Young' Family Reunion.. Also the St. John's FD Pork Fest that I'll miss AGAIN this year!
26th--MEMORIAL DAY! Fly those flags and enjoy a day off!
27th-- Shelley and Wilbur celebrate 8 years of joyous matrimony!! Well, joyous, I can't say, but somehow Shelley has managed to NOT kill Wade YET!

June:
4th-- Pre-K Program at school, maybe the End of Year party too..
5th-- Vickie Soper's Birthday.. can't mention the ripe age she'll be.. but last year, she was 36...
7th-- tentative date for End Of Year Party
10th-- LAST day of school
15th-- FATHER"S DAY!! tell your daddy how much you love and appreciate him!!
16th--Mandy Pie's Birthday! Again, women don't like telling their age, but she has one more year before she's the big 3 0.....
18th-- Alycia's Birthday.. see above
18th -- Karley's flying to Georgia and will be going to Disney World with Granny
23rd-- Jonathan and Mary celebrate 7 years of marriage.. and yes, they have had the 'bad and good' and 'through sickness and health' part--
25th--Tina, Jamie & Bowen go to Norfolk to spend the night
26th--We board a plane at 7:30 AM to Jacksonville, FL to get to Janna's.. we get to visit Sea World when we get there!
July 2nd-- All 4 of us return home from a much needed, long awaited VACATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh,, yeah, and somewhere this month Shelley and I have to squeeze in a fundraiser for church....humm, when the heck?!?!?!?

Karley's 1st Big Haircut

2008-05-13T15:30:00.004-04:00

Well, it took Karley almost 5 years to grow all this hair, but only about 20 minutes to get it off. That's right-I cut about 3 inches off her head last night! She's been wanting to cut it short for a while. I promised her that if we got through Erin's Wedding and the Dance Recital, I'd cut it. So, last night was the night!!

Bless her heart, the sides are straight but the back is curly, so her haircut looks uneven--but it's not! I think it's TOO CUTE and now she looks so growny! She's happy with it, and says "now I don't have to wear all those clips in my hair ever again!!"

Now, it's Bowen and Jamie's turn. They are in desperate need of a buzz. But with Bowen, it's SO much easier said than done. He hates it! Maybe this weekend's project?!?!?

2007-08 Dance Class

2008-05-12T15:40:00.004-04:00

The girls in our group,
back row: Kayla White, Bentlee Mayle,
middle row: Megan Roberts, Kayleigh Roberts,
front row: Karley Bryant, Jessie Martin

Aren't they adorable!!

Dance has Come to an End

2008-05-12T14:21:00.003-04:00

So, Saturday marked the end of a period in our lives that I dooubt we'll repeat next year. Unless, Karley decides between now and then that she HAS to do it again.. She was so-so after getting to dance, but didn't really look forward to it. I did my job--I exposed her to it, and supported her- now she has said she doesn't want to continue it.

I shook like a leaf after I got her hair and makeup done on Saturday. I was teary and very emotional that we had arrived at this point in our lives. I am very thankful to have experienced this with her, even if it was only one year.. But he we come T-ball!!

I think that we had the cutest, most entertaining class there. Although the other class in this age group might have had their dance more structured--we totally ROCKED with the cuteness and 'wow' factor!! No offense to the other class....

Enjoy the pictures of the girls, and as the future actress Bentlee would say "This is how we roll!!"

Mother's Day!

2008-05-08T09:47:00.002-04:00

As you all SHOULD know, Sunday is Mother's Day!! This day is not all about me being a mother. It is about the moms that made me the mother I am.
First, there's my mama-"Big Mama". We are best friends! This does NOT mean that we don't disagree from time to time or that we always get along..this means, at the end of the day, regardless of what has happened, I love my mama!! I have not always been as perfect as I am now (ha ha). But my mama has stood beside me through everything. As a teenager, I would 99% of the time, tell on myself and get in trouble. I have NEVER hidden anything from her. I could always tellher everything, and did-- even the stuff she'd probably rather not know! When I got married, almost 8 years ago, it was vital that mama AND daddy walk with me and give me away. Then, she gave me HER wedding band to wear with mine. I still wear it EVERYday, a cherish it. I had her initials and her wedding date put on the inside of the band, and look forward to the day she and I can present it to Karley on her wedding day. Another wierd thing we share-- Mama was 26 years old when she had me. I was 26 years old when I had my daughter.. WOW!

Secondly, there's Janna, "Granny" the mother-in-law. This lady is very important in my life as well. We have not always had the best relationship, but for the past several years, it's awesome! She's not the typical mom-in-law. She's wonderful, caring, loving, and generous. We have alot of fun together. She has taught me alot through these 10 years that I have been a part of them. And most imporatantly, she gave me the man of my dreams!!

Lastly, there's Memama- Jamie's grandma. We live next door to her. She is almost 82 years old, and in pretty good health. She is now in remission from bladder cancer!!! She adores us and those great-grandkids! I love that we can just step across the yard and see her anytime we want--except the past 5 weeks, she's been in Georgia. But she's headed home as I speak, and we can't wait to see our Memama!! She too has embraced me being a part of her family for 10 years, and treats me like one of her own. Because I've never been so close to my grandparents, I feel as if she is MY MEMAMA too.

So, I just wanted to tell everybody how important these women are in my life. They have molded me and kept me strong through the years. Through sickness and in health-they have always been there for me and my family. They all have been instrumental in making me that crazy mama I am today!! I thank God for each of them! I LOVE YOU ALL!!

And for all of you reading this- some of our moms are not physically with us anymore. But they are still in our hearts. and never forgotten! And those that still have your mother, tell her TODAY that you love her! Show her you love and appreciate her!! Tomorrow might be too late!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all!!!

A New Comer

2008-05-08T09:34:00.002-04:00

There might be a little one coming soon!! NO, NOT ME! The newly married Erin & Joe D'Arco are going to the OB/GYN this afternoon to confirm that they are pregnant. Yes, they did just barely celebrate their one MONTH wedding anniversary, and NO they were NOT pregnant when the got married! They are just barely pregnant according to their math. They are both SO excited! Joe has wanted a baby for 6 months now!! They're a trip.

On a serious note, please pray for this young couple. We all know all too well what could happen in these early stages of pregnancy. I will update you all on Monday, as I am OFF this afternoon and tomorrow!! DON'T HATE ME because you're jealous!!!

My Super Weekend

2008-05-05T08:43:00.002-04:00

Well, it started off that my parents came and picked up BOTH children to spend the night in the camper at the river! They left our house about 12 noon and Jamie and I honestly stared at each other for about 15 minutes b/c we had NO idea what to do with our time! We had done all the yard work in both yards and piddled in the garden on Friday. We had NOTHING to do. We didn't even know what to talk about. It was kinda scary and wierd!! So, we rode to Jackson for a bite to eat and yep, some beer in preparation for our night out with Shelley and Wade. (that evening is a whole different blog that I'm leaving up to Shelley!)

Anyway, shortly after lunchtime, Jamie and I decide to pack a cooler and sit on the deck in the sunshine!! Something we NEVER do! So, we did.. and talked and talked and talked. I bet money that was something that we haven't done in 5 or 6 years!! At first, we didn't know what to talk about that wouldn't violate our self made rule-- no kid talk! Then, it came out.. and boy did it..Amazingly, we sat there and talked, drank, and listened to the radio for at least 5 straight hours..

To some of you, this may not sound like such a great weekend or a fun way to spend your time. BUT it was the best day that we as a married couple have had. If you've been married long enough and especially if you have kids-- you know that the "couple time" seems to somehow disappear! All we ever talk about is the kids or money! We aired and discovered that our only one big problem in our marriage is the stress of raising children.. No, don't get me wrong, we weren't on the verge of divorce or anything like that, but we had just lost sight of US. A couple that loves one another. That look that was/is so deep when we stare at each other. We didn't know how to talk about random stuff. This was something that we, like many others, had vowed to never let happen. We swore that we would always go out perodically, always be sporatic, etc.. Well, that easier said that done. I can't tell you how to avoid this from happening. I think it happens to everybody!

We said to one another a thousand times Saturday and yesterday, "I have had SO much fun with you this weekend!" I KNOW now that our 'spark' IS still alive, we just tend to lose sight of it from time to time. We KNOW now that we can do anything and face anything as a couple. I HIGHLY recommend any or ALL of you to try this.. Don't plan for the kids to go away so you can clean or cut grass or stuff like that. This was a free therapy lesson for us. One that was priceless. You don't have to got to the beach or any elaborate vacation spot.. just go outside and relax. You'll be surprised at how it makes you both feel about yourselves and each other.

I think now that I have a new outlook on my life. Well, until the kids completely STRESS us out again!! I have always tried to be thankful for Jamie and our lives that we've made together, but now I feel rejuvenated and I feel wonderful about me and my husband. I remember now why I love this man SO dang much! Ten years together, 2 WILD kids, about 20 extra pounds each (at least), and ALOT of debt (HAHA)-- as our first dance at our wedding said, "You're Still the One!" and I KNOW with every ounce in me, he IS still the one!! He IS my soul mate, the one God sent to me! The one I will grow old and deaf with!! And it is with GREAT pride that I can say, I am Mrs.Jamie Bryant!

Golly, I love that man!

Bad news

2008-05-01T15:39:00.002-04:00

I just got news from Brandy Hodges Galloway. Her Grandma Bryant (Frances) has just been diagnosed with inoperable stomach cancer. If she gains strength, they can give her chemo, but only to 'buy' her some more time. Mrs. Frances in at Pitt Memorial. Sandy and Brandy are headed there this evening. Brandy says that Mrs. Pat and Mr. Aubrey are not doing well at all.

The Bryant/Hodges families have tremendous faith in God's work. Please lift them up in prayer. Pray for strength. Pray for courage. Pray for peace.

I will post more news as I get it.

Bowen's First Fish!

2008-04-24T11:39:00.002-04:00

These were at our pond yesterday evening. We had a BALL! Bowen was SO excited to pull those fish in one right behind the other! He even touched several. It was BIG fun for all of us!

Macy Crawford Jenkins

2008-04-24T10:59:00.002-04:00

As directed by my editor, Shelley, I need to give a 'brief' version of events on Macy and why this pregancy for Mary and Jonathan is so critical.

Mary started at about 16 weeks with spotting and many troubles while carrying Macy. She was having placental troubles. It was tearing. If it wasn't one thing wrong, it was three! She was ordered to bedrest, which tended to help for a while, but not totally.

Around the first week of April 2007, Mary was admitted to RCH and later transported to Children's Hospital of the Kings Daughters for strict bedrest and closer monitoring. At this point, she was having contractions and lots of spotting. The goal was to stop the contractions totally. Worked for a few days, but then on April 11th, Jonathan came home to go to work and was called to quickly rush back to Norfolk. Mary's contractions had picked back up and they were rushing in for a Emergency C-section. Macy was only about 26 weeks gestation. NOT GOOD! That was the scariest phone call I've ever gotten. Well, Jonathan did just barely make it in time.. Then in the middle of the night, I get the next call-- "she made it, she cried SO loud when she came out!!"

The next 16 days were up and down. The Jenkins and Wentzy families traveled to Norfolk EVERY day. Someone was always with her. Imagine this-- YOUR newborn, sick child--you can't even rub her tiny back, much less hold her! They could only touch her gently with their finger tips. A rub would have been too painful for her small body. Well, on April 26 and in the wee hours of the 27th, they were allowed to hold their baby. The doctors told the family that God was going to take her, and Mary needed to hold her newborn in her arms. And she did! Sadly, early that Friday morning, April 27, 2007 at 16 days young, God came and took Macy.

This was something that I didn't think Mary would EVER recover from. There are still days that SHE doesn't think she'll get through. She was scared to death to get pregnant again. She still is scared. God just CAN'T take another child from her and Jonathan. She won't survive it again. Mary is a SUPER person and a huge character of strength and faith, but the loss of a child must be gigantic. I had heard from many people young and old, that the loss of a child was the hardest thing they've EVER been through. And I havne't first hand experienced it, but I think that would break me down!!

I think back to those days-- a year ago-- I, as a friend, have NEVER felt so helpless. I like to think of myself as a helper, a fixer, a doer! There was NOTHING I could say or do to help them. I could only listen and watch their hearts and worlds fall apart. I was at the house when she and Jonathan came home that Friday. What do I say? What do I do? Nothing. How do you comfort a mother that has just watched her tiny, young baby die? How do you comfort a father/husband that has just watched all this happen?

Just before Macy died, Jamie and I created and carried out The Macy Jenkins Golf Tournament. It was A HUGE success. This was the one thing that I didn't offer to do for them-I knew they'd so "no, we're fine!" We just did it. Their profit was outstanding--I won't give any numbers! We were shocked! All of us! It was a huge day for the families and to Honor Macy!

So, now at 10-11 weeks pregnant, I ask all of you to keep this family in your prayers EVERY day. For strength and health. They NEED this baby-- for many reasons.

Praise God!

2008-04-22T08:52:00.002-04:00

He knows what he's doing...

I talked to Mary last night for a while. We were talking about Macy and 'things' when she started to cry and told me that she has recently learned that she is 10 weeks pregnant. This month of all months.. Really not even trying.. She has had an ultrasound and things look great. She will go to CHKD at 16 weeks for testing and another 'better' ultrasound and possibly find out what she's having. And again at about 26 weeks. Dr. Sheffield is watching like a hawk. It was about 16 weeks when the problems with Macy arose. She probably will not carry to 40 weeks (she delivered at 38 with Wade), but we are just praying to carry this baby close to full term. She is expecting to deliver aroung Halloween or even around Bowen's Birthday (oct.28, yeah!!).. And most likely, another C-section. She and Jonathan are "very nervous, but excited!" And they have just told Wade, and he's SO happy--but confused. He thinks it's Macy coming back.

I have felt for so long that having another baby would help Mary. Jonathan has wanted this, but Mary wanted 'a 100% healthy child garantee', which we all know isn't possible. And with them not even trying so to speak, we do feel that this is God's plan. This couldn't have happened to a better or more deserving family.

Please pray for the Jenkins family. Pray that they will NOT have the complications that they had with Macy. Pray that this child will stay inside until the end of October.

What to do?

2008-04-17T16:31:00.003-04:00

To begin with-- I KNOW I have many blessings in my life, ie: friends, family, health, a home, two kids, an awesome husband,etc. But I'm thinking, what REALLY makes a person happy?

I'm kinda 'stuck' in my present job. It's a so-so job that has many benefits- no, not 401K, health ins, dental plan, etc.. But it offers kinda unlimited paid time off. Now many of you may think, "what could be wrong with a job like that?". Well, I feel horrible everytime I need to ask for time off whatever the reason. No one else in this office can do any of my job even half way correctly. But I can do everybody else's job--now what's up with that? I feel like I have a moral tie to this job. I feel like I'm expected to stay here. Well,another disadvantage is this- if Doc dies tonight, Tina has NO job tomorrow! Now I understand that no job in 'secure' these days, but dang! Not to mention the environment that I sit in, the lack of privacy, the lack of other adult talk during the day, and the lack of 'get up and go' to do my job that I know I once had.

I KNOW in my heart that I missed my true calling. This job was and still is a way to pay bills. PERIOD! The thing is that now I have two children to support, I can't go back to school-which is where I belong! Yeah, granted, I might could get loans etc to pay for tuition, but how would I pay for the bills of running a house? Yes, a part time job is an option--but I'd never make what Jamie and I would need to live on. We don't go all out in our everyday living- our expenses are just that.. Gotta haves! Granted I might could cut out a mere $30-50 bucks a month..but that doesn't hold a candle to the light bill or my goodness, the grocery bill.. You see? So, my thought is and has been for a while, HOW??

I know I was put on the earth to be 3 things: A wife, a mother, and a nurse. Now I've got the first two dreams in the bag, but when and how will the third one come? I feel incomplete as a person to know I have a God given talent that is being wasted! My latest theory was to be a paramedic-- less school time. I would love that too.. Either would be an option. But folks, somethings gotta give. I NEED to be happy as a person inside and out. And that's the ONE thing that could fill the void I have know.

Just had to blow that out..For those of you that really didn't want hear all my issues, refer to my first post--I warned you! ! ! ! ! !

Prayer List

2008-04-17T09:14:00.002-04:00

Wayne Benton has started with his 'bad days'. He began feeling bad yesterday evening and still is. It's kinda a flu like syndrome that may last for several days to come. Please continue that Wayne will prove the doctors wrong and pep up a bit. Please keep the Benton, Mayle, and Baugham families in your prayers as they see him through these difficult days and months ahead. It's hard on the family to see such a strong role model and figure to all of them suffer and be in pain.

Please continue to pray for our Pastor Joe for a speedy recovery following his back surgery. We miss him at church and can't wait until he stands before us again, without pain.

Please pray for the young woman Shelley mentioned earlier this week with the pelvic mass. She came out of surgery okay. They had to remove one ovary and one fallopian tube. She and her family need to be lifted up for her healing and recovery.

Pray for Shelley this week and weekend. She finally got the swingset she ordered for Bentlee's birthday. Now she's worried about the weather holding out for a SUPER party day on Sunday. She's expecting ALOT of roaring kids and she needs the weather to be good so we can all be outside running and playing. Also, the swingset will be a doosy to put together. Pray that she has patience with Wade while trying to put it together!

Also, pray that Rylee gets over her 'virus'. She had the vomitting yesterday and today she has a touch a diarrhea and fever. Pray that she quickly recooperates and that no of us gets it!

Lastly, pray for one another. Pray for continued health and peace. Everybody is going through SOMETHING! No prayer is too small or too large for him to answer. And remember, Don't worry about showing God how big your storm is, show that storm how large your God is! He will answer you!

Wrong's wrong in today's world?

2008-04-17T08:40:00.003-04:00

Everytime I turn the news on, I get very angry and sometimes tearful. It's always, 'this person got shot, this parent abused this child, this drunk driver hit a killed an innocent victim(s).' It sickens me to think what we are raising our children in. This 'free' country. Is it really?

Kids killing kids in the streets or in their own neighborhoods. Over what? Drugs, money, boy/girlfriends? Why? What does that solve? Is taking a life, and then you going to jail and upsetting your family gonna solve the problem? NO! What ever happened to turning the other cheek or talking out your issues?

Parents or caretakers abusing children. Give me a break. There's NO excuse for this. There's no excuse that our justice system isn't more strict on these people. I, as a mother of 2, can certainly say I understand the stresses of raising children while having several other 'jobs' and responsibilities. BUT, nothing could EVER make me want to seriuosly hurt, burn, lock up, or throw a child. It's wrong and unexcusable!

Drunk Drivers. Again, I have personal experience with this. There was a time in my life that I'd rather drive while drinking than sober. It wasn't until I was court ordered to go to a class where we watched numerous videos about the REAL dangers of drinking and driving. It then dawned on me that a person could really get seriously hurt or killed just because I was stupid and got behind the wheel of a vehicle. Now, I think, what if I would have killed a person? What if someone drunk hit and killed MY FAMILY? It's stupid, immature, and plain reckless. There are SO many people now days that offer to drive you home, etc. There's no loss of pride by leaving your car and hitching a ride-a safe one! Those few drinks and one crash(it isn't an accident) can't be reversed! EVER! You can't take it back, regardless of how sorry one might be. And what happeded to our stricter laws about repeat offenders?? The news is always referencing repeat offenders finally actually killing people.. What's up??

I think ALOT of today's issues have one simple solution: TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ONE'S SELF! What happeded to raising our children to 'do unto other's as we'd have done to ourselves.' Be good people. Raise good little people. Hold them accountable for their actions. Don't blame their friends for their behavior. Don't blame the lack of a father/mother. Don't blame where they live. Don't blame your financial situation. Quit blaming everyone and everything else. BLAME YOURSELF! In school systems, if your child gets suspended from school, carry that same punishment at home! If they can't go to school because of bad behavior, then DON'T allow them to run the roads, etc. They should be grounded (word of the past!).. or more! Even if a parent disagrees with a school policy, you still have to make your child and yourself follow those rules. I have heard a parent say that they thought getting in trouble for being tardy at school was stupid. It really didn't matter if you were a few mintues late. BUT after 3 or 5 times of tardiness, the school has to issue punishment to teach a lesson. Hopefully! But when mom or dad says to the child, 'that's a stupid reason for getting suspended.. It's not a big deal!' 'Yes, you can go fishing today while you're out of school!' What does that show or tell your child?? It tells them that it's okay to break the rules IF you don't agree with them... WHAT?!?!? Everywhere you go today, you WILL find rules of which to follow! If you don't agree with the speed limit or wearing your seat belt-that's BESIDE the point.. It's the law. Do it. Or take your punishment. DON'T keep making excuses!

I pray everyday for my children to become good people. One's that will follow the rules and if they don't we DO have consequences in place. I pray that I teach them the right way to live. It HAS to start and finish at home! School can't teach them. Church alone can't teach them. WE BROUGHT THEM HERE and it's OUR job to teach them right from wrong.

Today's Deep Thought

2008-04-15T15:31:00.003-04:00

Alrighty..I have had someone after me ALL day for a new blog. So, here I go.. You asked for it..

Through my 30 years of life, I have had many 'friends' to come and go. I have childhood friends, school friends, ball playing friends, partying friends, mom friends, crisis friends,on and on. Some of you fit into ALL of these categories! I have just a few that came along at one point in my life and has stayed around and toughed it out with me as I 'graduated' through these phases. And man, has it been a ride!

I think that regardless of how tight one's 'home life' or family is, some people mean as much or more to me than my blood family. As I blogged in 'my decsription', I don't have any neices or nephews and only have one sister--but I claim more than that! I surely can't list names, for fear of leaving someone out and hurting their feelings, but you KNOW who you are and which category or categories you fall into.

I've seen the Circle of Life evolve, sickness of your children, surgeries,and even the death of a friend's child. I've been involved in your marriages, fights, and some of your best days of your life. We've spent many hours on the phone or now days, emailing one another. We've took each other's side in an argument or potential fight. We've made each other laugh and spit liquids out of our noses and mouths, cry, and even pissed each other off--only to work it out later. We've spent a house apart, miles apart, and sometimes years apart-- but one thing has remained for many years, WE ARE STILL FRIENDS and sisters in my mind!

To all of you, my buds, I thank you for being a friend to me at one point or another--or at EVERY point in my life. I DEEPLY LOVE each of you differently and for different reasons. I thank God for putting you in my life. And pray that you'll stay in my life for many years to come.

And in closing, and to quote one of my bestest pals, "You like that?"

"My Man", Bowen Edward Bryant

2008-04-14T15:22:00.002-04:00

Well, because of Miss Karley getting my heart ALL outta wack, I couldn't take any birth contol. So, Jamie and I went old school with out BC methods..Yep, go to Wal Mart, and stare at the packages for like 20 minutes b/c neither of us knows what to buy. Anyway, this seems to be working very good. We decided when Karley was about 10 months old that we were gonna build a house. We split our living arrangements between my parents house and Memama's house. (Not recommended for long term with a baby!)

At last!! February 10, 2005 we moved in!! Finally back 'home'! Well, on March 10th (YEP, ONE MONTH!) those little lines appeared SO bright on that test stick!!

But, thankfully, not any drama at all with this kid. I gained my usual 50-55 pounds, but was able to switch my heart medications to safe ones while I was pregnant. So, I was fine on that. He was due November 9th, but we set the date of arrival for October 28th because after Karley was born , my MD told me he'd never let me labor again, and he didn't want me to get close to labor. So, it was an uneventful, scheduled C-section AND tubal ligation. As I awaited the surgery, dang if I didn't start having contractions! Which we all thought was SO funny and typical of me and my silly kids!!

On October 28th at 2:35pm, we welcomed "My Man". 7 pounds, 9 and a half ounces and 19 and 1/4 inches long. My family was complete! My world was complete.

Bowen was then diagnosed with Hypospadias and the pediatrician suggested we not circumsize him and see a specialist for repairs. So, that's what we did. We yet again witnessed an Angel on Earth when we met Dr. Jean Hollowell at CHKD. She fixed his 'pee-pee' (for lack of better terms!LOL) in August of 2006-he had to be at least 10 months old to be put to sleep. In fact, just last week we saw her for the final visit and she released him. She said he was 'perfect'! Which I already knew that!!

All in all, Bowen has been our 'sick kid'. First he couldn't maintain his temperature and had to 'sun bathe' quite a bit in the hospital. Then Jamie and I darn near got the pneumonia while we were in the hospital, and the hypospadias, three hemangiomas, a brown birthmark on his back, colic, reflux (not bad cases), allergies, busted his head open last April, to list a few things.

But he really has completed mine and Jamie's lives. But thank goodness, we're done with KIDS! I wouldn't trade either of them for a million bucks, but wouldn't take another kid for a trillion bucks!! God has me right where I'm supposed to be.

Miss Karley Breann Bryant

2008-04-14T14:36:00.002-04:00

Jamie and I were on no birth control for about 2 1/2 years when we finally got the news. We had one confirmed miscarriage and a fertility drug (Clomid) prescription in hand when Jamie told me I was pregnant. And yep, he was right!! So, under the advice of my OB/GYN, I started a course of yucky drugs to 'prevent miscarriage'. Did that for about 2 months. Then we were out of the woods, or so we thought. I was due September 13th, 2003. It was about July when I started swelling terribly and my blood pressure was CRAZY! I was admitted for close observation, blood tests, and non-stress tests twice. So, then on August 1 (my birthday!) I was checked and found that I was carrying VERY low and the Pre-eclampsia had set in and wasn't going anywhere. I was taken out of work and put on bed rest. We traveled to Franklin about 2 times per week for Non-Stress tests and at least once per week for blood work. The good part of this was I got an ultrasound at least once weekly for about 2 months. So, I got to see more of her than most moms get. And all the while Karley was fine. Never under any stress. Just killing me.
On September 2nd, I went for the check up alone. Jamie had been to almost every one, and I told him to work, I'd run right up there and be right back. No big deal at all.. Well, Karley had other plans! At my appt., my doctor said, "I've had enough, I'm not going to continue to put you through this anymore! I'm gonna deliver you tonight." We had become VERY close to him at this point and he and Jamie were on great terms. So, he said "Go home and get Jamie from work and come right back!" So, I did..

I will spare you the minute by minute details, but I progressed rapidly and a good amount. I was convinced to try this drug free. Jamie and I did the Birthing Classes and I had already used the Exercise Ball alot during the pregnancy to relieve that 'low' pressure. We planned to do breathing techniques and I would do walking and dancing techniques. Well, that started downhill when my MD wouldn't let me out of the bed AT ALL. Now some moms don't want to get up and dance around, etc. But I really did! I just knew it would help. Well, I had 26 hours of labor with about 3 hours of a decent epidural before that quit on me too.. There I sat at 8 cm.. NOTHING! Well, that was some what fine until my temperature starting shooting up and I started to bleed heavily. My BP was already too dang high. So, he made the decision to get me in the OR for a C-section right now!! I spoke to Jamie and my family about the risks and the position we were in with my health. I MADE Memama come pray with us in the middle of the madness. And, there we went. It was so quick! He had two complete OR teams come in. He said he would take whoever got there first-so needless to say, there was an OR full of folks. Looking back now, they all seemed to be Angels. He was an Angel. At 8:06 pm on September 3, 2003, I finally had my baby girl. Completely healthy. A tiny 6 pound 10 ounce 19 and a half inches long baby girl. Who still at this point, I wasn't aware that Jamie and I had agreed on her first name. When all of a sudden one of the nurses called her KARLEY. Yeah, Jamie named her and told all of them. Her middle name didn't come until the next afternoon.. Anyway, the MD told Jamie afterwards that I probably would have never had her--that turkey had twisted and was face up and locked in my hip. And to this day, she does nothing easy. She is still full of drama. But we finally had our baby girl. Our 'peanut'!

Finally Arrived in Blogger World!

2008-04-14T09:53:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm here with all you blogging freaks!! I'm not quite the Cyber Queen like Shelley, but if I could without so many eyes here at work staring at me, I'd probably be as bad! Those of you that know me HAVE to agree, I have ALOT to blog about, so tighten your desk chairs, and get ready!!!