Blogger Blast

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....

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

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..

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..

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...

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..

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

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

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

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

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

Needing a Lift

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

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

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

The Vann Family News

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

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU!!

Christmas Cards

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

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

Birthday Wishes...

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

have a good one!

Latest on Mason

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

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

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

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

Mason Daniel Vann

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

Update on Mandy

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

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

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

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

TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT

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

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

Time's Up!!

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

Oh, BABY..

Babies, babies, everywhere!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Premier Gift to YOU

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

Merry Christmas ladies!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great Message!!

Today's Word with Joel & Victoria Osteen

Be Victory-Minded

Today's Scripture

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

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

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

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

A Prayer for Today

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