Asa the all-star!

 

We spent the weekend at Asa's all-star tournament cheering the boys on. They lost, then won, then lost to end their journey in the tourney. I am so proud of Asa for his determination and dedication and for his love of the game! and I am thankful to God for him allowing me to be a baseball mom--it's something I never thought I would want to be but I love it!

Andrew is an All-Star!

 

Just got home from Andrew's last minor league game. They won and he made the allstar team! So proud of him!

Father's Day

 

 

Here are my men--golfing and swimming! What a great day we had!

Walking barefoot on Jerry Clower's grave

After church this evening, we took a ride through the East Fork community that Jerry Clower always talked about and found the cemetery where we thought he would be buried. And after only a short search, we found his grave. I got out of the car and walked barefoot over to where this famous man, from such a humble and little known area, is buried. What a strange way to end our Father's day. I was really looking for his home which I assume would be huge and I know is somewhere down that road, but we didn't find it.

We started our day with 9 holes of golf at the CC. All of the boys played with Jimmy and I drove the cart and just enjoyed watching all of my boys play together. Then we had a picnic and swam for a while. The boys have been begging Jimmy for a very long time to swim with them and he never will so today was indeed a treat for them. We came home for a short nap then to church and dinner in McComb.

On this day I am so very thankful for my daddy and for all he has ever done for me. You never really realize what all a parent does and does without until you become a parent yourself. And I am also thankful for the father that Jimmy has become. Words cannot begin to describe what an awesome Christian example he is for our boys.

Hope you had a GREAT day!

Layouts I did yesterday

SOLO is the title of this layout because this was the first day that he rode a bike without training wheels.

 

This layout is of a picture taken of me and my boys on Mother's Day. The wording is a song entitled "Tending Sheep" and the words are these:
I have a little flock of sheep, and they are mind to tend and keep. and I must guard them every day for little lambs, when left alone, will lose their way. So many voices say to me, a sheep fold is no place to be. Your time in there is dull and slow, and lambs leave very little roorm for you to grow. (Chorus: So if I ever start to stray, deceived by thought of green pastures, remind me, Lord, that keeping sheep will lead to happier ever-afters.) Oh, surety there will come a day when all the lambs have left my side, and I am free to roam about and go exploring other meadows, green and wide. Yet something whispers in my heart that when my sheep have left this pen I'll long to stroke their little heads to draw them close to me and have them young again. So while they still are in my care I pray that I will clearly see these little lambs wtihin my fold are tender gifts the Master Shepherd has given me.

 

That just says it all, doesn't it?

 

Lastly this layout is of a pic of Luke that I captured one day when he was waiting ever so patiently (NOT!) at one of the many baseball practices that has has sat through this season. He was drawing with his tongue sticking out like he always does when he is concentrating. In fact, all of my boys did this in their preschool years. The title of this layout is "little ARTIST." Love him!

introducing My scrapspace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Well, here it is . . . my scrapspace!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited about it! so nice to have a room (well half of a room for me) all for scrapbooking. Those of you who don't scrapbook won't understand and those of you who do will be green with envy b/c this is a dream come true. I didn't really have a plan in mind when I started however it has evolved into something I am very happy with. I have a few things left to paint (like the leg on the right side) and a few things left to hang up but for now it is complete enough for me to start playing--fun, fun! So who wants to join me in my new room?

it's been a while since I last posted . . . .

so much going on here. enjoying our summer. living at the country club, sporting our new tans! working on my "studio" as I am going to call it although it is a small bedroom that I will be sharing with Jimmy as his office but my side will be called my "studio!" sounds good doesn't it.

Best news I can share today: Asa made allstars last night. He wanted it so badly and he deserved it. He is really a good little athelete. But you know, small town politics are involved in little league baseball so we didn't know if he was going to make it. So I gave him the speech about if he made it or not, he is a great little boy and he played very well and there were a lot of kids to choose from this year, blah, blah, blah. I felt so sorry for him as we waited to hear his name called. They called him last!!!!!!!!!!!! his was the 12th name called and boy was he grinning when he got his trophy. He later told me that he had his fingers crossed--so cute! I remember how heart broken he was when he didn't make it last year so my heart was really wanting him to make it this year. You know his brothers have all made it before so he wanted to "live up to that" so to speak. He was chosen as 1 of 12 out of about 75 and if I am not mistaken, he was the only one who was not one of the coaches's sons. Told you it was political!

Noah the hay man

Noah worked with Jimmy baling hay all day Saturday and Sunday after church. . . . don't feel sorry for him, he has racked up quite a paycheck. Maybe I could learn to do it!

 
 

Pics of boys' new room and bathroom

 

 

The first three pics of the boy's new room. The last pic is of their bathroom. Thanks to my sister for her leftover shower curtain. It goes perfect!

 

 

Noah receiving his 6th grade diploma and mother's day with my boys

 

 

happenings here . . .

Asa's team won last night, playing awesome! made three double plays in the game. Asa caught two fly balls and made the last out of the game. His team plays next Saturday night for the coach pitch championship. Should be exciting!

Andrew played two games last week and has two this week. They won last Mon night but lost Thurs night--it was brutal! He had special attention at practice last Friday night, finally teaching him some catcher plays! so glad b/c he has played catcher all season and they have never worked much with him besides behind the plate.

Luke played again yesterday morning, sliding in at home both times. too cute! he loves it and feels like such a big boy!

Noah has been helping his daddy in the hayfield. I am looking at a bill for labor on his desk that Noah wrote to his daddy. Jimmy is paying him 15 cents a bale and that will add up! He is really good at driving a tractor at his age and I think he is proud of himself for being such a big help to his daddy. I am also proud of JImmy b/c he needs the help but if something else comes up for Noah to do he will "let" him, saying that he is a kid and doesn't want him to be stuck working all the time. Way to go, Jimmy! That's why I love you!

GREAT things happening here!

Just a quick post to brag a bit. Last Wednesday was Awards' Day at school and 6th grade graduation. Let's just say that our boys swept the awards ceremony. I could not believe all of the awards that they received. Jimmy and I are so proud! Asa gt 2nd place in the district art contest, 1st place reading award in his class (which is based upon total books read and point earned on comprehension tests) and straight A's for the entire year; Andrew received straight A's and the highest lower elementary reading award with 150 points (only required 35 points); Noah graduated from 6th grade receiving the highest upper elementary reading award with over 300 points (the 6th grade requirement is 50), an academic excellence award based upon his math and science scores on the standardized test, a bank at school teller award, a physcial fitness award (for attempting!), A-B honor roll and something else that I can't remember. It seemed that every other award was for an Abadie. Several parents have commented how impressed they are and I must say so am I. It feels good to know that you are doing something right as a parent. Go boys! Mama and Daddy love you and are sooooo proud of you!

Then onto baseball. . . . Asa had a GREAT game last night, hitting his first ever home run--a true, "hit the ball to the fence" homerun. He also made five outs at first and caught a fly ball and a line drive straight to him! He is on fire!!!!!!!!

Andrew had a game on Thursday night and played awesome as catcher! He really is a natural at that position. So cool to watch him continually throw to second to stop the runner from stealing! Go Andrew!

Lukee had another tball game today and he played so well! And he is so proud of himself. I guess from basically growing up at the ball field--he was two weeks old when Noah first started playing and he has been going to watch his brothers ever since--that he is so glad that he is finally getting to play. He gets up on game days and dresses himself and gets his bat bag ready and puts his game face on and is ready to play ball!

My heart is so full! I am the luckiest mom around!

Happy Mother's day!

My new master bedroom

 

First of all I stand corrected regarding my previous post. It is ticks not fleas in the song. Even still, crazy song!


It has been a long time coming--15 years to be exact--but I finally have made a nice master bedroom. We are in the process of totally rearraging our house and this is our new master bedroom. Oohh Lala! Love it! still getting used to it and my house is a total mess but in a few weeks it will all be worth it.

Sorry the pic is so dark.

Song lyrics that crack me up

It seems that songwriters have run out of things to write about. It used to be about broken hearts, getting drunk, honky tonks, how much mama loves you or you love her, etc. BTW I am talking about country music here. But now we've moved on to "Thank God for turnip greens" which has been out for a few months now, the song by Billy Currington. But today, I have heard it all. "I'd like to check you for fleas" was the line in Brad Paisley's new song. Now really, can't he find something else to write about? That just doesn't sound too romantic to me. Walking in the field under the stars might but then checking for fleas--heck, I don't want to even check my husband and kids! Ok, I will admit it is quite a humorous approach at romance in a country song. If you hear it come on the radio, turn it up way loud, roll your windowns down and sing it to the top of your lungs. Now that will scare the heck out of the person sitting next to you at a red light. But wouldn't it make you laugh? Here's to good ole' country music!

Lukeeeee the Graduate

 

 

Here he is, the preschool graduate! Doesn't he look so cute? Sharon, his godmother said he looked like a little GQ! Not only handsome, he is smart too. He was a bit nervous but didn't crack under the pressure. And he sang his little heart out and said his poems and bible verses. My heart is so full of joy just watching him being so proud of his accomplishments. This is only the beginning.

 

Here is his class, only 7 of them, at their end of the year party. We went to the creek and they had a blast!

Update on Andrew's baseball team and nice people

Andrew's team played Thursday night and WON again! and I didn't hear too much negativity coming from the coaches. It was a good game. Andrew threw a player out at second and also threw a player out at home--really hard to learn to do when you are playing catcher! so proud of him. remember he didn't want to play catcher but now loves it and he is good at it! After the game, the coach had his team talk way out in the outfield--where no parents could get to nor hear what he was saying--smart guy!!!!! But Andrew said he didn't say anything negative. Maybe he really did hear what Jimmy and I were saying.

On to nice people . . . I received an email yesterday from a woman named Melinda who had bought a scrapbook related item from me via ebay last June. She contacted me to say that there was a birth announcement, picture and various other momentos in the back of it that she had just found that must be mine and she wanted to return them to me. It is things from Asa's birth. I am thrilled to get these things back. Of course, I never knew they were missing but eventually I would have, right? Anyway, BIG thanks to Melinda!!!!!!!!!! There are still nice people out there and I have just "met" one of them.

Andrew's ball game . . . .

Monday night was good! They won so we were proud. However it wasn't the greatest game; but they are not major league players so no big deal, right? well, afterwards the coaches were chewing on them negatively, telling them everyting they had done wrong and I just couldn't take it anymore--like a volcano erupting from two seasons of negativty and I burst out, "Do y'all ever say anything positive?" at this point, Jimmy joined me and we had about a two minute conversation with the coaches, where of course, they thought we were crazy. What do they not get about it? You build a child's confidence, make them think they CAN do it and they WILL! not tear them down. So upset for my child to be subjected to this game afer game. However, Jimmy and I both admit that we should not have made a scene in front of the team. We did not pick the right time to bring this up. And we feel bad about that. But one mom called me the next morning to say that her son said he was glad we did what we did, he felt like we took up for the team. We apologized to Andrew and I asked him if we embarassed him and he said "no" and that he always comes away from the "team talk" feeling bad. This is little league baseball. It is supposed to be a positive learning experience. Makes me so sad! When we got in the car, Noah said, "Mama, that is why I quit." Man, that hurt! He quit baseball two years ago but would never say why. Now our suspcisions have been confirmed. Why is it when you stand up for what is right, you feel so bad inside? Like we were wrong. Well, we know that we weren't wrong in what we were saying. We just hope that the coaches will atleast think about what we said and maybe make atleast a little change. I observed a little bit of Andrew's practice yesterday and the head coach did seem a little bit more encouraging. If this continues, then making a public spectacle of ourselves was worth it--for our children's sake.

Noah does it again. . .

Yesterday Noah hands me the JV basketball summer practice schedule? WHAT!!!! Our summers are NOT for this!! Looks like I am in for a rude awakening! Then today, he told me that he was elected to class Treasurer for next year.

6th grade graduation, class officer, JV basketball--my heart can't take it -- can I freeze him?

Luke's First TBall game

 

Last Saturday was the day Luke has been waiting for for a long time. His first Tball game. I did not let him play last year to make life a bit simpler and knowing that he would have two more years he could play. Anyway, he woke up Saturday morning singing, "Today is my tball game; we're gonna win first place." and so on. So Cute! He hit the ball both times up to bat and got his hand on the ball a few times playing in the field. He was promised a snowball after the game however the snowball stand was closed so he got it Monday night during Andrew's game. Tball, here we come for the next five Saturdays!

 

Asa's First Communion

 
 

Sunday was a BIG day for Asa! He made his First Communion at church, something he has been working on and preparing for for a year now. It was such a special service with the five children participating in the readings--Asa even collected the offering. He looked so handsome in his shirt and tie. Growing up too fast. I am amazed at how at such a young age, he truly "gets it." The whole salvation issue. Even though he is being brought up in a different denomination, it all reverts back to the same. Jesus, the Son of God, died on a cross for our sins so that we may have eternal life with him. And the bread and wine are there to fulfill us with the Holy Spirit. Speaking of which, he didn't like the wine and is glad to hear that he doesn't have to drink it every time. It is optional in the Catholic church--not sure why--for me it would be because they drink out of one cup--yuck! I can't get past that. Anyway, so proud of our little man.

Sad and Scared

I was in McComb on Monday, picking up baseball uniforms when I heard on TV about the shootings at Va Tech. After the shock wore off, now I am just sad AND scared. Sad for the lives lost, mostly young men and women whose lives were just beginning and sad for their families. Can you imagine sending your beloved child off to college and having this happend? Oh my, what despair! AND scared because THIS is the world we live in today--the world that my children are living in. Scared for them to grow up, never want to let them go, never let them out of my sight. Scared because there are just some things that are out of our control and we never know when it might be "my" child. I am just overwhelmed with emotions as I think about this tragedy and all of the others that are happening on a daily basis in THIS world. So I suppose that the lesson here might be to NOT be 'in' this world because we are promised a better place someday . . . . . .

Gotta brag on NOAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He was nominated by his teacher to be a part of the Quiz Bowl team for next year -- 7-12th graders! Yeah Noah!!!!!!!!!!!! We are so proud of you!!!!!!!!!!!

Weekend highlights

Thursday
Asa and Luke -- ball practice
Andrew -- game (see previous post)

Friday
hard to get up!!!! b/c of late night at the ball park
school
I worked at school all day preparing for Field Day
Asa game--awesome game, lost by one point but our boys played so well! proud!

Saturday
Field Day at CA, weather was predicted to be severe but it held off and turned out to be a beautiful day and we had a great time. Asa won three second place ribbons, Andrew won a first place and a second. Noah just had fun! played carnival games and ate lots of carnival food. Luke and Noah and I won a drawing.

Sunday
TIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Asa sick with fever and sore throat! I think we have all hit a brick wall and just need a day for rest so that is what we are doing today!

Andrew's first game of the season

and his first minor league game . . . Andrew moved up this year to minor league--big step! hitting of a pitcher, not the machine. He did so well. played catcher which is the hardest position on the team in my opinion. When the coach put him there on the first day of practice, he was not happy, wanted me to tell the coach that he didn't want to play there. But I told him to do his best and that the team "needed" him there because he was the only one who could throw from home to second (which is a must because they steal in this league and you have to be able to get them out at second). He still was not happy about it but after a few practices he realized that he could do it and now he likes it. In fact in the last inning of the game, he was moved to second and I later asked him if he was more comfortable there and he said no that he liked playing catcher better. Boy did that make me proud. He is really maturing and becoming a young man. Anyway, he played catcher and got one out at home and two at second. Still mistakes made and lots to learn but I am so proud of my little catcher. His next game is this Thursday. So fun to be at the ball park watching my boys play ball!

ps no pics b/c Ms. Treva was there taking pics with her good camera so I will get some of those from her.

Play Ball!!!!!

Tonight was Asa's first coach pitch game of the season, this being his second season to play in this league. He is playing in the pitcher position. He had a GREAT game! Hit every time up to bat, scoring atleast one run, getting out at third once. He made many outs, stopping the ball that was hit to him and throwing to first. His team won 20-0! He is so proud of himself-- Love that big grin he is wearing right now!

Look at him goooooooooooooooo!

What a milestone . . . Luke learned to ride his bike today without training wheels. One wheel came off last week so he has been riding with one training wheel, then today he took the other one off and away he went. Really! just that simple, he was riding by himself. No push from me or anything. We took his bike to Asa's practice so he could ride on the pavement and he rode with no fear! with the biggest smile on his face! My heart is so full of joy just knowing how happy he is!

Zoo Trip with Luke

Yesterday, Luke and I went to the zoo with his playschool class and it was very nice. The weather was GREAT! and the kids had a ball. I am so happy to create these memories with Luke and my other kids. So nice to have a one-on-one date when I can.

I dreamed last night . . .

that we were at my Maw-Maw Betz's funeral (she died two years ago this May) and my daddy was giving a eulogy when the funeral director came in and told us our time was up--that he had another funeral to do in that same room. At this point, I got very irate with him and told him how rude he was and that my grandmother deserved the time that she had paid for (what a way with words I have, I know) and he gave me the smirkiest grin. And I said, "I'll slap that smile off of your face." to which he replied, "I can have you arrested for that." So if you dream that I am in jail, now you will know why.

Weekend highlights

Friday:
Baseball practice and fried fish and fries for supper.
Visited with John and Vivian for a while--very nice couple!
Darren, Jill and Cole arrived with their horses to spend the night. They brought us
a hound dog named Rufus.
Late to bed.

Saturday:
Awoke to help all of the men and boys get off on a trail ride.
Jill, Luke and I spent two hours in the WalMart parking lot selling 5 of our 8 baby
rabbits before being asked to leave--against company policy--oops!
Insert long nap here--woohoo!
Popeye's chicken for supper--yummy!
Darren and family leave.
Long bath with a good magazine--aaaahhhhhh!

Sunday:
Church.
Tucker's 3rd birthday party--Fun!
Noah rode his "unbroken" horse which makes Mama a nervous wreck.
Hung out outside enjoying the spring weather.
Played baseball at the practice field in C'ville.
Wrote note to tooth fairy for Asa who lost a tooth tonight and then "lost" it before putting it under his pillow. I think she will understand and leave money anyway!

TEXAS--what an awesome state you are!

We got home last night from an AWESOME trip to Houston, Texas! it seems that everything is not bigger in TX but better! What a great time we had! We spent four fun-filled days at Jimmy's sister's home and were warmly hosted by Louise and her husband, Mike and their three children, Megan, Janelle and Michael. There was never a dull moment . . . we started off our first evening there with birthday cake for Luke, then the next day toured the Blue Bell Creamery, a mini-horse farm at a monestary, and picnicked at a roadside park with a beautiful stream where some of our people got wetter than others and Noah's shoe made a trip down the stream and Jimmy spent quite a bit of time trying to rescue it, which I will say he did successfully. We made it to the Cotton Gin museum where he wore a plastic bag over his foot in his shoe which peaked the curiosity of the nice lady at the museum. She couldn't quite figure out why he had a bag on his foot--too funny! Janelle is really into GeoCache-ing--which is a nation-wide scavenger hunt of sorts using a GPS--we had not heard of this craze until she told us about it at Christmas-time. We really like this "game" and found three caches while there. Of course, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was good as was the concert by Dierks Bently--what a hottie! he cut his curls off and is super cute now! By far the best part of the trip was just being with the cousins. They live in a subdivision with a park about a block away so everyone just rides bikes and scooters back and forth--now worries! so cool. Asa has a twice-skinned knee to prove that he was very busy on the bike! We had birthday cake for Noah right before we left and then ended our Texas trip at a boot store for Noah's new boots for his birthday which was yesterday. We ate dinner with the Abadies and Marty and her family at Cracker Barrel in Lafayette on our way back. Noah was serenade by us with "Happy Birthday" and then two Shriner's clowns came over and did the same. As one clown put it, "A bit of public embarassment builds character." and embarrassed he was. You know he's 12 now! Thanks to Louise and her family for an awesome time! Noah said it best, "this was the best vacation ever!" We can't wait to go back.

I forgot to say "Thank you" . . . .

to Ms. Debbie for keeping the boys AGAIN while I got away. You are a life saver! and it means so much to know that my boys are well taken care of by you while I have a bit of time to myself. But mostly a BIG "thanks" to my dear sweet hubby for holding down the fort for me. He brought the boys to Ms. Debbie's for most of Saturday while he worked but then after he and the boys went to church, he took them to the LSU baseball game. What a dad! It melts my heart that he would plan a day just for he and his boys. Thanks Jimmy! I am so lucky that you are mine and that you are my children's father.

P.S. In my previous post I forgot to mention that after being gone for 36 hours, I was not home 5 minutes when Luke puked his guts up and didn't make it in the toilet--mental picture here, I know--thanks to his daddy letting him eat apple juice and half of a bag of Flamin' Hot Cheetos! so cleaning up puke was my "welcome home."
(I said he was a good daddy but didn't mention that he doesn't plan the best meals while I am away. haha!)

What a weekend I had!

I had a girls' weekend straight from Heaven. I went to Scrapfest in Mandeville with Lisa, Shara and Benita and my dear friends, Robyn and Joelle met us there. Words cannot describe 15 hours of scrapbooking to those of you who don't get "it" nor can I put into words seeing Joelle and Robyn. So good to be with old friends. Not old as in age but old as in "you know everything about me since we have been friends for so long." I spent the night at Robyn's and on Sunday morning we went into the French Quarter and had beingets at Cafe Dumonde and walked around. So nice, so fun, so good for the soul to just "be" with a friend.

Gobble, Gobble . . . BOOM!!!!!!!!!!!

Noah killed his first turkey this morning and is now cleaning him so I can cook him for supper. Nothing like free food straight from the woods! He is soooooo proud. First time turkey hunting for him and he gets one. I am proud for him - he couldn't wait to show me . . . although he could have waited til a little later instead of waking me up so darn early! Congrats Noah! I am happy for you, man.

Getting to know me . . . .

My friend Tracy sent this to me so I thought it would be fun to share. Enjoy!

1. What is your occupation? mother

2. What color are your socks right now? none, in my slippers

3. What are you listening to right now? sound of my computer

4. What was the last thing that you ate? brownies at supper club last night

5. Can you drive a stick shift? yes but i like automatic better

6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? red

7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Jimmy

8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? yes, she is a dear friend whom I admire for her courage throughout the last ten years!

9. How old are you today? 36

10. Favorite drink? dr. pepper

11. What is your favorite sport to watch? my boys playing baseball


12. Have you ever dyed your hair? yes, silly question!

13. Pets? none for me, but the boys & Jimmy have about 17 horses, 20-something rabbits and a cat that won't die!

14. Favorite food? boiled crawfish

15. Last movie you watched? Flag of our Fathers

16. Favorite Day of the year? not sure

17. What do you do to vent anger? not sure, ask my children!

18. What was your favorite toy as a child? dolls

19. What is your favorite, fall or spring? spring

20. Hugs or kisses? hugs


21. Cherry or Blueberry? neither

22. Do you want your friends to email you back? yes


23. Who is most likely to respond? benita

24. Who is least likely to respond? everyone else


25. Living arrangements? 65 year old farm house that we have severely outgrown about two kids ago, but it is home

26. When was the last time you cried? can't remember, I am probably due for a good cry


27. What is on the floor of your closet? shoes and clothes that fell off hanger

28. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending this to? Joelle

30. Favorite smell? a newborn baby

31. What inspires you? people who have triumphed over tragedy, like Tracy!

32. What are you afraid of? losing my children and my parents dying


33. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? plain

34. Favorite car? the one that is paid for

35. Favorite cat breed? none!

36. Number of keys on your key ring? lots


37. How many years at your current job? Noah will be 12 next Saturday, so 12 years


38. Favorite day of the week? Friday, b/c the weekend is coming

39. How many states have you lived in? 2 louisiana and mississippi

40. Favorite holiday? Christmas

Congrats to Noah's basketball team . . .

they won their tournament last Saturday. Noah played a bit each game and even scored two points in the championship game! Go Tigers!

Mardi Gras pics for ya!

SICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Been sick . . . REAL sick! I'll spare you the gorey details of THE most wretched stomach virus I have ever had--bet you're glad now that I can't figure out how to upload my pics. It wasn't pretty! so there went my weekend - in bed - you know I like a good ole' nap however a 48 hour one while having to run to the pot every minute is not my idea of a nice relaxing weekend. Ok, I said I would spare you the details . . . sorry!

Thanks to my dear, sweet hubby who totally took over for me. Although at some times it sounded like a drill seargant was living in my home . . . oh well, he didn't want anyone else to catch it so he "ordered" them to stay away from "the enemy." Me that is. No kidding, you should have heard him go on about how I was the enemy. Sort of hurt my feelings but then again, I was getting peace and quiet! Sure stinks that you have to get dreadfully ill to get peace! Ok, too much American Idol for me . . I am using the word dreadful!

To my dear friend Terry who has moved away and forgotten about me . . I'd love to know that you are alive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am delerious now! from too much sleep and not enough food. Maybe I have lost a few pounds. You know that line from "The Devil Wears Prada," . . . "I'm just one stomach virus away from my goal weight" . . . well, unfortunately for me, it would take more than one stomach virus, but maybe this was my jump start.

Ta!

Baaawwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't get my pics to post! I am so *!_)**!!! computer challenged!

Throw me some'n mista!!!!!!!

We spent the day in New Roads yesterday. Belive it or not, it was Jimmy's idea--and he supposedly hates Mardi Gras. We went to Bill's girlfriend's home for yummy food and fun and saw two parades. The first was a dud, but the second was GREAT!!! The boys came away with so much junk--even Jimmy got into it as you can see from the pics. It is amazing how crazy you can get for a few plastic beads! The best catch of the day--a box of Zatarrain's seasoning. Now I just have to get some crawfish!

Damn Chocolate . . . .

As I typed I am munching on a bag of World's Finest Chocolate's Ravin' Raisins--OH MY GOODNESSSSSSSSSSSS!!! these are so damn good! The boys' school is selling the WFC and I believe it might have been me who suggested it to the PTC--afterall who wouldn't buy a $1.00 chocolate from a cute kid (atleast mine are!). Anyway, so we are selling it and I think I have eaten a third of it, especially since trying the chocolate-covered raisins. The gummy bears were pretty good too. Ok, gotta stop eating all this junk . . . . . .

Yeah!!!!!!!!!! for me!

I am so excited to report that my first mammogram was clear! You know I never really thought much about having breast cancer until I actually had a mammogram--my first one ever--about two weeks ago. and since then I have been really worried--you know, all the "what-ifs" and remembering all that Mama went through ten years ago. So happy to get a letter in the mail today saying that it showed nothing!

Wednesday night tidbits

Here I sit at the computer and I love that sound -- do you hear it? the sound of NOTHING! well actually the sound of the dishwasher running and Jimmy snoring but the quiet of the house is absolutely blissful! I love this time of night, when I can just chill and be alone. Of course, Jimmy would like for me to not be alone, you know what I am talking about here but he is asleep so I get to do my own thing--woohoo! ok, I am rambling, I know.

For those of you who post comments on my blog, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! however if you do not have a blogspot account, your comment appears as anonymous and so I have no idea who posted. so please from now on, in your comment, start it off with ,"hey this is Jane" or whoever you are. That way I won't have to wonder who is telling me what.

American Idol--did you watch it? some people are just plain freaky and too funny! but I do love when someone gets on there that truly does have talent--some have such powerful voices. My boys think that I should try out. So cute, their naiveness (not a word, I know). For they don't have a clue that their mama couldn't hold a candle in Hollywood. So nice to know that they think so though.

Well, that's about all for now. Sorry I don't have anything deeper to say. It's just that my toes and fingers are so damn cold that I can't think anymore. Gotta love this old house!

(no title needed)

Well, I kept putting off posting something new because I wanted to post pics and stories from Christmas but never made the time to do so. So let's just say that we had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year so far. Now I can release that guilt and move on . . . . (I'm being facitious here, y'all!)

We have been busy here in the Abadie house. Jimmy is on the road mostly -- 11 hours today -- delivering hay to those horse lovers over in E La--gotta love those people who pay more attention to their horses than I do to my kids--they help put food on our table!

Noah has played 5 basketball games in the last two weeks. It is so interesting to watch him play. This is his 4th year and he has come along way--it is definitely not natural to him, however he gives it his all and is really learning a lot. He even made a few fouls last week--we always get excited when he makes a foul b/c that means he is playing hard!

We don't hear much from Andrew these days b/c he always has his head stuck in a book. He is required to have about 50 AR points for the entire year and he has like 150 so far. He reads 3 or Louis L'Amour books a week!!!!!!!!!! Never thought I would punish a child from reading but he wants to read in the tub, at the dinner table, in the car, etc. Gotta love his passion for it though.

Poor Asa, he has more homework than any of my boys have ever had. He comes home every night with a full page of typed instructions from his teacher. And everything has to be signed off by me. When did homework become the parent's responsibility? I don't ever remember my mom helping me nor signing off on anything. Even in the first grade. Don't get me started here for I would still by typing when the sun comes up tomorrow.

Luke got two new rabbits last week--Libby and Loppy! aren't those cute names? We don't have room for them with the other rabbits so they are in a pen sitting on top of the wheelbarrow. One day last week I was helping him feed and water them when all of a sudden my foot was wet. The darn rabbit had scooted his butt all the way in the corner where the cage was not over the wheelbarrow and well, you get the rest of the story. . . . ugh!!!!!!!!!!

I am enjoying my new business and the benefits it offers. Working only two or three days a week and getting a bit of a paycheck sure is wonderful. I sometimes can't believe that I like it--never thought I would do this sort of work. I am truly blessed.

You know I was watching Oprah last week--the day she had the special on about women in their 30's. I fit in that category so I watched it. There was an American black woman on there who is Muslim. I don't know much about that religion except that they do believe in the same God and they belive in Jesus but not as the son of God or Messiah but as a prophet--ok big difference! Anyway what struck me about her was her dedication to pray to God so many times a day at the exact time each day no matter what. If she is working, she stops and puts her mat down and kneels down and prays for a certain length of time; if she is on a plane, she does the same. If she is in a meeting, the same; doctor's office, the same. And it made me think of how little time I/we give to God. Think about it. I am not saying that I think we should have specific times everyday to do so but I know that I don't give God even 1/100 of my time. Maybe if I would start doing so and being still enough to listen, he might just have something to tell me.

Just my thoughts for tonight.

I'm back

Well, the holidays are over and I have so much to share but just sooooo busy . . . . I hope to post some of our Christmas pics and share some of our memories with you in the next day or so. I have been working to catch up since I took two weeks off, supper club is at my house tonight so I have a ton of cleaning and preparing to do, Noah plays two basketball games this Saturday, dinner at church on Sunday . . . etc, etc. etc. Be back on here later to tell you more . . .

"Joseph went with Wanda."

My sweet dear Lukee gave me the greatest gift last night--a laugh from something that he said, so sweet and innocent. I hope to never forget this one . . . .

We were sitting at the dinner table when out of nowhere he said, "Mama, Where did Joseph go with Wanda?" I had no idea what he was talking about so I told him to repeat himself. And he said again, "Where did Joseph go with Wanda?" I was even more confused so I asked him, "What are you talking about?" And in the sweetest, most precious way, only the innocence of a child could give, he said, "You know in that song you sing, Joseph went with Wanda." It was then that I realized what he was talking about and I couldn't contain my laughter--the lyrics to "Mary Did You Know" say, "Joseph wept with wonder." I guess he has heard me sing it so many times that he has memorized it--now if only I could sing more clearly, right?

Merry Christmas!

Yes, I know I am a slacker . . . . . . .

but it has been C-R-A-Z-Y!!!!!!! with a capital "C." I am sure that you are experiencing the same thing with your family right now. I am so psyched!!!! I finished up my work today and will not be going back til after Jan 8!!!! oh, the beauty of this "J-O-B!" I will be absent from my blog for quite a while, just enjoying the boys during the holidays. I hope that you have a VERY Merry Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year!

Love,
Amy

It's been a crazy week . . . .

so I have neglected the blog a bit. Sadly, Jimmy's grandmother, Deanie, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning. She was 97 and lived a very full life. The funeral is tomorrow so we will be traveling to Lafayette today for that. Burial will be in Acona, MS on Tuesday. Jimmy will be driving his parents so the boys and I will not be going. Please remember his family in your prayers--especially this Christmas. She was always a very vibrant part of the family and will be missed terribly.

We went to a festive Christmas party last night at the Leake's in Liberty and had a wonderful time as always. Bubbles the clown entertained the kids, Santa stopped by and the fireworks knocked our socks off.

We are headed to Baton Rouge today for the parade that passes right in front of Mama and Daddy's. So much festivity, I can hardly stand it. I'll leave you with this . . .

Getting to know your friends at Christmas

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? both

2. Real tree or artificial? usually real, but artificial this year

3. When do you put up the tree? The day after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down? the day or two after Christmas

5. Do you like eggnog? used to love it but now don't like it at all

6. Favorite gift received as a child? the doll clothes that my mother made right under my nose

7. Do you have a nativity scene? yes

8. Hardest person to buy for? my mother

9. Easiest person to buy for? my kids

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? not sure

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail definately!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Rudolph the red nosed reindeer

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I usually have some before then, but mostly the day after Thanksgiving

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? yes

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? My mother-in-law's dressing, but don't tell my mother and all of the fudge and pralines--wish I could make divinity.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? usually colored for the kids, however the tree that I bought came with clear lights.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Mary Did You Know

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? this year dinner with my family at my house then always travel to New Iberia to Jimmy's family for a few days.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? of course

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? used to be an angel til she "died". just bout a cool star last weekedn.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? the kids get to open one present on Christmas Eve (a tradition that my mom started with us), then the rest of the gifts Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? The fact that it gets so crazy that you don't have time to enjoy parties, etc...that it is just too busy.


Answer these questions and post them here.

Trying to recover . . . .

from yesterday -- super-charged Christmas shopping!!!!!! I left my house at 5:30 am and got home at midnight. What a blast I had shopping with my supper club friends. All six of us fit very comfortably into Benita's suburban however after 14 hours of shopping, it wasn't so comfortable. I think I had SIX bags on my lap on the way home. I can't believe that I didn't take my camera b/c there were some shots to be taken, especially when Anita and I camped out on the leather recliner in Target -- and it was comfortable too. We laughed and cut up and had an awesome time--and I found lots of GREAT gifts. My find of the day, well I can't say b/c I bought it for two people on my list and they are going to be soooooooo lucky to get this gift!!!!! aren't you just dying to know? call me and I will tell you if you want to hear about a GREAT deal! Thanks to Debbie Smith who kept my boys for over 12 hours. What a dream babysitter she is. She fixed a full breakfast for them when they arrived at 8am--and had prepared enough for Jimmy too--then she took them to Sonic, made cookies with them, made homemade pizza with them for supper, roasted marshmallows in their fire pit, played ping-pong with the boys, bought them all remote-controlled cars, the movie CARS and then told me when I called, "I bet I am having more fun than you are!" Jimmy picked them up at 8pm and she had roast and rice and gravy ready for him. He told me that if anything should happen to me on the way home, that he would be moving in with her!!!!!! (Love you too, honey) Wonder what her dear hubby would think of that! Anyway, when we arrived at church today, I started to feel bad because I didn't see her car and thought that she was too worn out to get up and go, however she was there and told me that she so enjoyed the boys and to bring them anytime--Anytime, you say? hhhmmmm . . . . . She even offered to keep them for Jimmy and I to go away for the weekend. Ok, this sounds too good to be true, however lucky for me, it is not! You see there are still good people in this world and I am blessed enough to know one--thanks Debbie!

Back to wrapping gifts!

Night!

Signed, Sealed, Delivered. . . They're Postal!

I am soooooooooooooo super excited to say that my Christmas cards are done!!!! woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!!! It seems that the last few years, my Christmas cards have not gotten started til mid-December and have become a chore rather than a joy, hence my reasoning for doing them early this year. Pat, Pat on my back! Anyway, check your mailboxes because they are on their way.

Off to Hattiesburg at 5:30 am!!!!!!!!!!! tomorrow -- Christmas shopping with my supper club. Should be tons of fun!