In my Life..

2011-04-18T11:05:00.001-05:00

My first wedding cake :) I think it turned out great!! The flowers were added by the bride

IMG00117-20110204-0734.jpg

2011-02-04T08:52:00.001-06:00

It's cold in Mississippi!!!
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone

2011-01-19T16:23:00.000-06:00

I'm still alive!

2010-12-23T08:51:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

2010-10-08T16:06:00.003-05:00

ALL ABOUT ADVENTURES IN SAVINGS.COM

I've been meaning to tell you all about a friend's blog site. http://www.adventuresinsavings.com/ She is a stay at home mom with get this five (5) youngins and 1 more on the way....could you imagine half a dozen kids?!?!? NOT ME...which is another reason she has my utmost respect!!! She also homeschools her children and STILL has time to get a blog page set up and to post regularly (which I cannot do...post regularly that is)!! As in posting recipes, coupons, finding free goodies for everyone and posting links to the goodies. I started following Rose's page simply because she had cake ideas I could steal (yes, I'll admit it), but after reading her post I've become a huge fan. And YES I take advantage of all the freebies that interest me or I think someone in my family could use. Some Wisk laundry detergent..only, a single use, but never the less I didn't haveta pay for it and I figure it will be good for when I "accidentally" forget to buy some and run out!!! Here is my first goodie received from CostCo (which if we had one here would surpass Sam's 2 to 1...just my personal opinion).

Rose has turned me into a "Coupon clippin, freebie junkie" and I'll proudly admit that as well. I've known Rose pretty much for easily 20 + years, she and Brandy were best friends in elem school, so I know she takes much pride and everything she does is done from the heart. So, take a minute to bounce over to her website and follow her as well. You won't regret it.

2010-09-28T16:56:00.002-05:00

Meet Baby Keaton Ray Lowery....for those of you that know our "Junior" this is his little one. Junior is a buddy of Chris' from work that began hanging out at the house and quickly become a family member... May of 2009 he got married to a wonderful girl and added this little one to the list of boys!!!

This was taken the day after he was born. Little chunky monkey weighed 8 lbs 11 oz!! I went over this past weekend and got me some wonderful baby lovins!!

2010-09-22T16:43:00.009-05:00

WE'VE ARRIVED...via pictures that is...
Destination Washington!!!

Eastern Washington...like around Moses Lake area...they do lots of farming in here. Next picture is what we called a Wind Tornado Not sure what the technical real name is, but as you are driving, you see these in the dry fields...There is not a tractor or anything causing this, just the wind. You watch it for about 3 to 4 minutes, they start out small and then get larger and then disappear... We stopped in Moses Lake and ate with my Aunt Judi and cousins on our way thru to Grams. FYI...if you ever are close to a Shari's restaurant, take a minute for pie...pretty good stuff and any kind imaginable...

We got to Grams Sunday (Aug 29th) night about 5 or so. Daddy & Uncle Steve were working on Gram's back deck. We were luck enough for Monday to be a pretty day without rain to finish her deck up. And of course Tuesday, the rain moved in... We managed to dig up some Hens & Chicks to bring home. Some kind of plant Mom wanted & a few other ones. Then we were off to Ellensburg where my Aunt Sherri lives and where the family reunion was going to be held. On our way we stopped at Snoqualmie Falls. Daddy was telling me all kinds of things about places around here and playing at the foot of the falls. He grew up in this little town.. I wish the day had been pretty, because I'm sure this would have been an awesome shot on a pretty sunny day.

2010-09-20T10:03:00.009-05:00

Vacation 2010 (3rd entry)

We drove all day Saturday (28th), went thru the remaining part of South Dakota & into a section of Wyoming that had not much but road construction and then on into Montana. Which is very beautiful!! Not the greatest picture, but it turned out to be a beautiful Montana sunset. We drove all day & rode with lots of ear popping going on (especially thru the Continental Divide) and then the weather started getting bad. So the next town (which ended up getting to about 12:30 am) was Missoula, Montana & in the mountain outside our hotel room I saw this. Missoula from my understanding is a college town. Seemed to be a nice little town, of course which all we done was sleep for a few hours then to hit the road again on Sunday morning and from the looks of the map about 6-8 more hours until we are in the land of our family.... some more of Montana before the clouds cleared off. Now, let's make a quick trip thru Idaho (for once I thought to take a state sign so I'd know what pictures belonged where)The Great Escape (aka my buggy) is thankful for each and every break even if it is a short one for just a few pictures...now lets boogy on down the road to Washington!!! Not too much further now!!

2010-09-17T11:29:00.006-05:00

Vacation 2010 (2nd entry Mt. Rushmore)

So it's actually day 3 of our trip...August 28... we woke up in Walls, SD and decided to go on to Mt. Rushmore. Of course by now Daddy has called to see where we are and just which way did we decide to go (when he left, we still hadn't officially decided on a route). We inform him of where we are at and our plans to visit the 4 men in the mountain. I'm so glad we decided to do this. Beautiful and breath-taking Our first glimpse of them we're getting closer!! This quick passing pictures do not even do it justice...just wait.. So after a long trip up the mountain we finally arrive. As you walk in these pillars each have a state's flag on it along with the date the state was admitted to the union. And you know, I had to take note of Mississippi This is the view from the lookout theater There is a walking path around the bottom of the monument to be able to get some pictures. It's only like maybe a .34 mile walk around there, but let me tell you, the elevation make a big difference on a fluffy person. I was wore out. Along the way we found this little birch tree of some sort ( or so Daddy says) with the perfect rings around the bark. It was just one of those that caught your attentionThroughout the path, there are little places you can get some good shots . I felt like these were the best ones I had of each individual It is truly breath taking. As I was taking mypictures of each, Mom would get ahead of me and find a nice little spot to sit and watch the wildlife... Lots of squirrels & chipmunks around here. They know you can't bother them and believe me they were not scared of people. Like me with the funny sun glasses!!

Now it's time to hit the road again. But we were out quick in the little tourist town at the foot of Mt. Rushmore Some very nice shops in here and a lot of shops that had Sturgis related items in it. Which told me we were getting close to motorcycle city. Now back in the vehicle and we do actually pass the Sturgis on our way into Wyoming.

I'll pick up later where we are leaving off....Wyoming that is...the whole maybe 120 miles of it we went thru..

2010-09-14T12:42:00.005-05:00

Vacation 2010

Here's vacation in a quick outlined & pictures included version

Left on August 26th (Thursday) around 3 pm.... our route took us up thru Utica & then across to LA, Arkansas & Missouri. We drove straight thru the night, so no pictures to show...

27th travels took us thru Iowa & South Dakota....South Dakota...aka the Bad Lands...let me tell ya, it pretty much sucked! The stretch between Sioux Falls & Rapid City was for the birds!! There is a stretch of almost 400 miles of nothing .. literally nothing

but maybe a rest area and if you saw the little tee-pee, you best be stopping because that is the only form of civilization till the next little town that may be miles away... every now and then you saw a little "town art"or in this case some field art ...Looking from my side mirror back to where we just came...HOT...DRY...WINDY and let me tell you that 400 mile stretch had you...if you needed gas and were lucky enough to make it to one of the gas stations, you paid almost 40cents higher...hotel room in the one town was almost $90 for an Econo Lodge that wasn't nothing to it... but it's now 4pm on Friday and we've been traveling for 24+ hours and we gladly took the Econo lodge hotel room, found a over priced Dairy Queen in the little town of Walls and called it an evening. And for the first time in forever, I was asleep by 7 pm.

More to come tomorrow...and it's the good part of South Dakota!!!

2010-08-04T16:31:00.004-05:00

Here's what has been going on around here....

Clay Walker Concert...w 3 amazing ladies....

And yes, he can still swing them hips!!! He put on an awesome concert

And somewhere up in the middle of my passings, Caden turned 1!!!

Mr. Kenneth Golman retired AGAIN...I informed him this was the only cake he was getting from me so if he comes back, someone else is making it!! I'm afraid this Herring Gas truck may end up causing me to have to create a few more cakes similar to this truck...but it's all good....every one I do is fun!!

The boys have been trying to stay cool with our redneck AC....A huge shop fan is good for staying cool on these 100+ degree days plus it keeps the skeeters away when you are outside working..

2010-07-19T15:53:00.002-05:00

hAPPY BIRTHDAY Cheyenne!!

Baby girl (&only girl) turns 12 Wednesday. We had an early birthday party at the house for her this weekend...

Picutres of Caden's Bday party and The Clay Walker Concert to follow once I find my thumb drive!!

2010-07-14T18:17:00.002-05:00

My latest creations...Star cake is for Mrs. Donna's Birthday

This is for baby Caden's bday..will post pictures of the birthday boy shortly

2010-06-04T13:28:00.002-05:00

I'LL GIVE YOU THE BOOT!!

Birthday cake for my co-worker's son! Which matched his boot almost perfectly!!! I still need to work on my writing, but i can see progress.... and I'm enjoying this. I love seeing the look on the kids and parent's faces!!!

Stay tuned, I have a HUGE cake to do for next weekend (18 x 20 w 2 tiers) for some friends who have a family function... Which means practice all weekend!! Which I have nothing else to do anyways!!

2010-05-24T13:08:00.004-05:00

ALLIGATOR CAKE!!!

I had so much fun (tired but fun) doing this cake for Colten.
He wasn't real sure about it at first...

Yes, I plan on doing a few cakes for other people. I have Cheyenne and Caden's birthdays a day apart to do cakes for. Cheyenne has found a Money cake she wants...it looks simple enough and Bridget is still deciding between a "1" cake or a topsy turvy cake pan for Caden's. Either way those will be easy I think compared to ole Gator here. I have agreed a kids fun kinda cake for a family reunion...any ideas... the gator may make another appearance...

I'm checking into a few more cake decorating classes hopefully to better myself at this. I think this is something I can see myself doing on the side

2010-05-22T17:54:00.004-05:00

I need an E!!! Nathan's Fundraiser
Do you know how many E's are in Nathan Steele Fundraiser Hamburger plates. We sounded like the Wheel of Fortune group saying " I need an E" or Do you have a M?? But this was how the morning started out!! Bikes lining up for a 50 mile fun run... the fun was to make the ride and get back before the bottom fell out of the sky!

And they are off..... In the mean time, the kids...old and young were entertained by our favorite retired State trooper!! Buddy was a "trooper".. He rode the dunking booth for prob close to 2 hours total...Never once complained...but he did have his trash talking going on with the throwers....

Looks like someone hit the bulls eye!!!

The cooks....burgers were good!!

Cake walk got transfered inside due to the rain (as you see the water washing off our numbers)....Lil Bo was good enough to keep everyone on the right numbers!! And the lady in the red is Nathan's mawmaw...and my adopted one.... She was one lucky lady this day...she won 3 or 4 cakes...some got donated back to raise more money.

All in all we had a wonderful day and raised lots for Nathan. Please remember him & Rebecca in your prayers as he is still recovering from his surgery. He's had a few complications in the last few weeks and still has his chemo yet to face...

2010-05-20T16:32:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday Colten!

My blond hair blue eyed boy!!!

2010-05-19T16:30:00.002-05:00

Super man?!?!?
My blond hair blue eyed little super man/ or maybe shall I say his Mamo's superman... he went thru this phase where he had to have his "cape" on the minute he got out of Bridget's van... But I think he's realized that cape is just hot now!!!

2010-05-17T16:04:00.005-05:00

I'm a BAT!!! (now is that good or bad?!?!?)

ROAD TRIP....back a few months ago, it was decided that Mrs. Donna (my coworker) and I would be going to class to learn to give Breath Alcohol Test, which mean ROAD TRIP! Oh how exciting....but I so forgot how long it was to Knoxville especially driving....but it was nice to be out of the office for a bit. Donna and I left that Monday around 10:15 from Brookhaven and manged to get to Knoxville around 8:30 that night. With a brief stop at the hotel, we were off to locate our building where class would be. Little did we realize that we were in the middle of University of TN campus. Drove thru it that night not thinking about it, but geeze the next morning we realized something was going on when it took FOREVER to get out at the red light...Mind you I'm in a Herring Gas Vehicle, so I can't chance things like I would if I were in the Great Escape.

We had a long day of class. We were hoping to get out early and get back on the road, but that didn't happen. Class lasted till about 4:45. Which we are offically certified Breath Alcohol Technicians or BAT and something else to do with calibrating the machine. After class Donna and I both went back to our room and CRASHED... this studying and class work is hard stuff!!! About 6:30 we decided to get up and go find supper... We rode around the downtown district of Knoxville just to find alot of people and this... Don't ask me what this was in front of, I took it while sitting at a red light, didn't have time to look and see what it belonged too. We went to a little mall up the interstate. Figuring we'd find some restraunts and boy did we!!! If you ever get the chance, stop at Texas Roadhouse and order you a steak, baked potato (loaded of course), and a salad. This is my new favorite restraunt!! I could be the new spokes woman for them. Oh the rolls and cinnimon butter was delicious...Steak you could just about cut with your fork...seasoned just so right that I didn't even was steak sauce or ketchup with it...oh and the salad dressing is homemade and you could tell it....SWEET TEA was best I'd had in a long time... I'm putting this out as a big ole hint...I'll take any gift certificate to the Texas Roadhouse anyone wants to give me!!! LOL (infact, I found there is one in Baton Rouge and I have some friends who went and tried it out this weekend and said it was pretty good)....

AFter eating and stuffing ourself till we were miserable, back to the hotel to pack and get ready to roll out early the next morning...oh and this is what we saw when we opened our blindskinda makes you wonder what you'd get if you called right?!?! Next morning we were off early and took our time coming home. Stopped in Valley Head, AL and checked out the Miracle Pottery place (which it would be a miracle if I could afford that stuff).... then stopped in Ft. Payne and saw the Alabama Museum and Fan Club Shop. I was very disappointed in how this place has went down over the years. I remembered coming when I was little and being amazed by it...but the AC was out, the stuff in the cases were faded so bad and just wasn't taken well care of. But I guess those things happen over time. We finally made it back into good ole Franklin county around 7:00 that Wednesday night. We enjoyed our trip, even though it was a fast and tiring one....

2010-05-17T15:44:00.001-05:00

Let's play catch up...
Cake class first.....

I do belive my Smurfette cake was my favorite...even though it took the whole class time to finish it!!!

I'm not sure what class was next, but my basket weave cake I just didn't finish....said I'd come home and finish it up...well that never happened...so here is what it looked like (sad wasn't it)
I have to practice, because I want to be able to do a clown like this one day

I wasn't able to attend my last night of cake decorating class becasue of a work trip, but hopefully I'll be able to take her next class....I really enjoyed this, all but for being sick every Monday night from eating too much icing :)

2010-04-21T09:53:00.005-05:00

Cake Decorating class with Ms. Annie P!!!

Class #1 all we done was watched Mrs. Annie make this and classify us as the "Cake Divas"

My flowers & Mrs. Rhonda's practice boards.....

My 1st rose that looked decent...then I dropped the stupid thing and flattened the side of it!!!

Mrs. Beth's board....yes it's empty....good thing about cake decorating class was we got to eat our mistakes. Mrs. Beth said she had a mistake...LOVE it....mine looked like this a few times....

My final rose of the night!!! Wonder what next week brings....but I do know that this week, I must do some playing around and get some practice in!!!

2010-04-01T16:51:00.000-05:00

i'm still here!!
Cake decorating class starts in 2 weeks...I'm sure I'll have some interesting pictures then..not much interesting has happened lately....will try to find something in the next few days to entertain you with!!!

2010-02-24T08:09:00.001-06:00

That white stuff came down from the sky again this morning!! This makes me feel like we live further north than we actually do!!! Would be nice if we had a not so HOT and MUGGY summer but I doubt that really happens....

2010-02-09T12:07:00.006-06:00

HUGE TURNOUT

We had a big turn out for Nathan's blood drive. Here are a few pictures of the Fire Dept guys giving blood. UBS wasn't thrilled with us taking pictures, so I only took those of the guys on the fire dept.

Jay Ezell...relaxing
Lil Bo Dixon...all smiles!! (could have been the cute girl that took his blood)

Daddy wondering what I volunteered him for (plasma or platelets)

Chris finishing up!

Justin Lloyd (didn't pass out even though he was scared he would)

Raymond Scott (East Franklin VFD)

Christian Ezell

Bodi Bass

Joseph Cothren

We as a dept set a goal of 50 units...and after LOTS of headache and problems we managed to get 47 units. Which we will get our goal of 50 by the 25th. The blood banks had a surplus of A+ blood, so we had to turn away any A+ people (which sadly was about 25 donors). BUT any A+ people that couldn't donate Fri can donate at FC memorial Hospital on Feb 25th and it will go towards this drive's goals! I was so happy to see a waiting line...Not that making people wait was what I wanted to do, but I was Glad that FC people showed up and showed out in support of Nathan and his family!! THANKS EVERYONE WHO MADE THIS A HUGE SUCCESS!

BTW: United Blood Services called to congratulate us on our turn out for it to have been a 1st time deal for us. She said that they honestly expected us to fall short by about 20 units..WE SHOWED THEM!!!!

2010-02-02T16:44:00.003-06:00

Quiet...sort of

All has been quiet lately...busy but quiet. Have had nothing major to post pictures of. However this week from Wednesday on will be busy.... Wednesday after church is done, Mom and I have to do our weekly cleaning. Of course being the 1st Thursday of the month, we have fire dept meeting, and Friday we have a blood drive for this amazing guy!Nathan Steele. Our familys were very close as we were growing up. He's an EMT, along with a volunteer fire fighter. Nathan has been married for about 5 yrs now his wife Rebecca. Last year around Sept or October, he was diagnoised with Colon Cancer. Such a blow for a 29 year old man to face. But Nathan and Rebecca have stayed strong and he's taken his chemo like a champ with very little complicatons. On January 13th, he had the cancer removed from his colon and have had complications due to an infection. Please, I ask you to pray for this family as Nathan has a LONG recovery ahead of himself. He will undergo more Chemo once he is recovered from the surgery and infection. So if you are in Meadville, come out Friday to support our Fire Department as we show our Support to Nathan and Rebecca by a blood drive.

After the drive I'm coast bound with some friends to celebrate their mother's 50th birthday!!! Maybe I'll have some exciting pictures to post...until them, stay safe and remember to pray for my buddy!!!! Love you all!

2009-12-27T02:43:00.004-06:00

Some snapshots from Christmas weekend...enjoy

2009-12-18T16:02:00.002-06:00

I GOT ME A NEW RIDE.....FINALLY!!!!

2009-12-17T16:43:00.003-06:00

We have had a "Winter Wonderland" here. I'm about a week and a half late posting these pictures, but never the less you can see it SNOWED!!! Hope for more to come before the winter is up....(always good for business!!)..

These are just a few pictures...I'll try to get more up later

Sorry for this post to be so short, it's almost time to go, I've got a wake to go home and get ready for....

2009-11-25T11:43:00.003-06:00

COOKING CLASSES
As many of you know (who keep up w me thru facebook), I attended a cooking class called "Holiday and Party Food II". Taught by Ms. Annie P from Annie P Goodies.... I had a blast...don't have much time to go into detail, but here are a few pictures from our class...I'll upload some more maybe after the holidays....These are just a few of my favorites...FEW ...there were many more

Pecan Tassies (right) Over the top Potatoes (left)

"Fancy Rolls"

Sugar Snaps

Craberry Pecan Cheese Cake

2009-10-19T18:04:00.006-05:00

WHERE OH WHERE HAVE I BEEN???

Where to even start....lets see...September for us at work is a month that we would like to forget. INVENTORY and prep work for year end close out! So really that explains the lack of posting...worked late and was mainly up at NAPA during the day. But the Lord has blessed me with a good job so no complaints...lets get to where all I have been...

Last weekend in September, I went to Richton to stay with Junior & Sara and to attend the Pecan Festival...let me tell ya somethin' If you haven't been you MUST do so. Booths, arts, crafts, mule pull, old time tractors, sheep herding and anything else imaginable is there. I came home with a few items. Next year I will go prepared to Christmas shop and be done with it all by Oct!! Yep, I'm tellin you it was that much stuff there!!! I do have pictures so i'll post them later. Oh of course we ate out alot that weekend...

Along the month of September and among all this other stuff I had two great uncles (brothers in fact) pass away on the same day, so sad, but they were both sick. I got to see family I hadn't seen in a long while. Mom and her girl cousins had a little get together the weekend after both funerals and had a good time.

L to right, Belinda, Vivian, Kathy, Mom, Joy & Brenda. These are all 1st cousins. They have an agreement between them all to have a Cousin's day about once every 3 months. They said no Aunts allowed!!

Then there was the dreaded work day at the Fire station! UGH!! INVENTORY again....but i guess I got off easy. The guys had to wash almos everything that had wheels! The only thing that didn't get washed was the Recovery boat I think...

I took a trip to Monterey this past weekend to see Will, Paula, Brother and Sister (Riley & Natalee). For those of you who don't know, I lived with them while I worked in the Jena office. Will was my boss and his wife quickly became my best friend. Brother played basketball while Sister cheered him on. I'm having trouble with the computer, so I'll post those pictures later also.

I have signed up for a cooking type of class thingy with Annie P. Goodies and that begins tomorrow night. 5 weeks of fun holiday foods! Bound to cause a person to gain a few extra pounds...The class will be every Tuesday night from 6 to 9 till the week before Thanksgiving. MaYbe I'll have some new idea to contribute to Turkey day meal!

As for tonight, I'm working at the sheriff's office filling in. The house is coming along well. We have like 3/4 of the siding up but next will be a porch to keep me from getting soaked when trying to get my door open!

Hope all is well with everyone and as I get pictures to work, I'll add them along the way.

2009-09-07T19:15:00.000-05:00

How Dirty can one lil boy get?!?!?

Colten 9/5/2009

2009-08-24T09:59:00.001-05:00

Yes, we did determine something is NOT NORMAL!
This was what I did all this weekend...EMT refresher class...24 hour class shoved into a 2 and a half day period.... I'm to tired to type anymore..oh and we won't mention the 2am call I got this morning! Did i mention I was tired?!?!

2009-07-29T14:05:00.003-05:00

Mission Trip 2009

We all pulled out Sunday, survived what could have been a bad accident on 55, and made it to our destination. We were greeted by some very nice church members of the Bogue Chitto Baptist Church and we were greeted with a SPREAD of food to top it all off!!!

After fellowship and eating, we went to our "home away from home" for the week. The Bogue Chitto Boys and Girls Club (gym). The kids loved it there..along with some of the adults. Jennifer was in heaven since she has no where out here to play basketball.

Monday started out rough, the VBS bus was like an hour late getting the kids to the church, but we managed to make the most of the bad start...on Monday we had 50 something kids, Unsure of how many on Tuesday, but Wed and Thur we had aroud 87 -90 kids for VBS!! How awesome is that?!?!?

This was my first mission trip, and I promise you it will not be my last!!! Blessings were received by all...Teachers, students, construction workers, preachers...it was amazing to see how the Lord had his hand on each one of us...

Jennifer and I worked with the 5th & 6th graders...if we had the room for them, they would have all came home with us!! We had one accept Christ on Wednesday and then get this...5 more on Thursday!!! Jennifer put it straighforward to them...No hold bars...they had a choice Heaven or Hell and that we wanted them with us!! We were both in tears when we looked up to see 5 of our students going w Bro. Marvin Thursday!! And to top it off, Thurday Jennifer and I had to head home...talk about leaving on a high...Knowing our students made this major life step...I have actually talked to one of the girls via text and Jennifer has another student or two, so staying in touch is something we plan on doing!!

I can't put into words just how much that trip meant to me...All I know is the Lord touched me and worked in my own heart as much as he did theirs!

We made some great friends...in fact some are talking about coming down in September to stay at the dorm that our church has for the weekend...I'm already wanting to see them!! There is actually talk about going back next year and doing their VBS again...I hope to be able to go and would love for Cheyenne to go and help as well...

I'm attaching the link to my pictures that I've uploaded thru face book...it was just too many to pick a few from to attach on this post.... Enjoy!!!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=288884&id=771890082&saved#/album.php?aid=288884&id=771890082 (construction pictures)

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=288884&id=771890082&saved#/album.php?aid=288343&id=771890082 (VBS pictures)

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=288884&id=771890082&saved#/album.php?aid=288811&id=771890082 (our downtime pictures)

2009-07-28T18:23:00.000-05:00

2009-07-24T13:40:00.002-05:00

Baby Caden Bruce Ellis is here.. Born Wed weighs 5 lbs 7 oz...18" long...baby and mom are well...

2009-07-13T16:44:00.003-05:00

Can we say a dirty little boy? Do you care to guess who the feet and legs belong to?

That's right Cole! He's been w us this weekend. Saturday Tara and I took her 2 boys and Cole to the river. Couldn't have asked for a better child. I think maybe once I had to get on him.

The dirty feet and legs are from Sunday. I think the only time he had on shoes or flip flops was while he was at church! He has had a blast this weekend and goes back to Brandy tomorrow...

2009-07-10T16:16:00.002-05:00

New adventure.
Please be thinking about myself and some of our church members that are going to Philadelphia the week of July 19-25th. We are doing a mission trip. We will go to the Reservation up there and do a VBS with approximately 80 to 100 children and also doing some repairs to some of their buildings.

This is my first mission trip of any kind, so I'm really glad it's only a few hours away especially since Bridget is close to her due date and having a few issues. This is also if I'm not mistaken the first mission trip our church has done in a long while.

Please say a prayer for traveling grace and the trip as a whole.

2009-07-10T15:45:00.004-05:00

Let's play where have we been and what have we done?!?!

Here's what we've been up to:

July 3rd

Girls night out w Tara, Wendy and myself...two of my best friends in the whole world!

I spent July 4th at the River & pavillion with the Sullivan group (after I went and got my siding), then at home with the family for the evening.

Chris rented a cabin in Osyka @ Alford's Lake...very nice and peaceful. He, Bridget, the 2 boys and myself spent Sunday and Monday down there They boys and I had a good time. Lots of trails to ride. I recommend it but just at a cooler time of the year.

For laughs and kicks this week, I let Jennifer foil my hair....her daughter Aubren just laughed at me as we were sitting and waiting...one friend refered to me as a redneck antenna...thanks Carlos!

2009-06-16T16:29:00.001-05:00

Cole just had to go fishing with his Papo and Junior this past weekend. Saturday they got up about 6:30 and away they went...Daddy said about mid morning they looked back and this is what they saw.

Little man got sunburned on top of falling asleep and knocking MY hat he had on into the lake. And they only caught 1 or 2 fish.

I know he had an awesome time and didn't quit talking about it!

2009-06-15T09:19:00.005-05:00

& All God's people said "Amen"!

On Wed I got a call from Cheyenne's VBS teacher telling me she had accepted the Lord! This did not come as a shock. Cheyenne and I had went the night before to put some flowers on our precious Brandi's (Runnels) grave and she had a million questions on the way home. Believe me, I am not the best at explaining things like this. I answered most of her questions to the best of my ability and I think she understood what I was trying to tell her.

She spoke w/ her VBS teacher at length that day and then with Bro. Marvin and this was what we did Sunday. We just happeded to have family in from Georgia that were also there to witness this wonderful part of Cheyenne's life. Please pray for her as she ventures into this new journey of her life.

2009-06-04T15:07:00.004-05:00

I'M NOT MISSING!!!

I'm letting everyone know that if I disappear, have no fear... I've gone to Hawaii, gotten arrested, jumped bail, and I'm hiding in a shack waiting for this hunk to come get me!!

I've never been on to get obsessed with a star or actor, but Duane Lee Jr from Dog Bounty Hunter has caught my eye. I think it's the rough, good guy look that melts my heart...ahhh....Guess I better start planning my arrest!!

2009-06-02T15:26:00.002-05:00

Oh Baby bellies!!!

Bridget & her sister in law Samantha. Both obviously drank the water!! Bridget is carrying baby BOY- Caden Bruce and Samantha is carrying baby GIRL (I'm unsure of the name right now). Bridget is due in Aug...which I've told her if we make July 15 I'll be surprised! Samantha is due in September.

Stay tuned for more pictures...and baby info!

2009-05-28T21:41:00.001-05:00

Yay! yay! Chris is home!
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone

2009-05-20T08:38:00.003-05:00

Here they come..the terrible twos!!

Two years ago, after working a page where a guy had attempted to overdose and "put my lights out", I get a telephone call about 12:45 am that says "yea, where are you?" My response was "leaving the fire station..what's up?", she says "yea, um...can you come take me to the hospital? My water broke about an hour ago, but I knew you were on a call.." of course my answer was "An hour ago?!? why didn't you call sooner, I'll be right there."

I get there we get the car loaded, get Mom and Dad to come stay with Colby and away we go..Now, here is how organized Bridget was...the car was on EMPTY.. so to Fenns we go (since they have the 24 hr pumps) & grab Jennifer Ezell on the way. We finally made it to the hospital about 2:30ish I think. Chris was sick with a cold, had had taken way too much Nyquil. Bridget had actually called him when her water broke and all he said was ok... Knowing he was sick & had taken the medicine, she didn't say anymore. At about 5 I think Chris called and asked was he dreaming or did Bridget really call and say her water had broke. Then he was somewhere in TN working I think. So on the road he got. It was already planned that if Chris couldn't get there in time I would go in the delivery room with her. Which I did and LOVED every minute of it even though the Dr kept trying to pull a sheet up where I couldn't see!

Well here we are two years later and this is the outcome...one very lovable, blond hair, blue eyed, loves to be outside, hates to say he love you, will take a baseball bat to his brother, is as big as the big boys, loves is Mamo & Mommy beyond belief little boy!

Happy Birthday Colten!

I wouldn't trade any amount of money for those memories I made and will continue to make being your Aunt Chonda!!

Now how will baby Caden make his appearance?!? As eventful as Colten? Stay tuned, time is getting closer!

2009-05-19T16:08:00.003-05:00

Parents

Sometimes I sit & wonder how my life would be if I had a child. What kind of parent would I be? Then I wonder about some of the people in this world that have kids and ask my self how could anyone mistreat them.

When I was younger, I babysat for a family or two, and looking back, I feel @ times I was a little harsh on the kids, but I never had any trouble out of them & honestly, they all turned out to be GREAT kids. I like to think I had a "LITTLE" part in some of that.

Saturday as I was sitting at Colby's ballgame, I looked around, and saw this:Jamie & Dakota...Jamie had been off working and when it came time to go back to Nebraska for work, said he couldn't leave the family...and i mean 3 boys and 1 girl

Matt & Hunter... Matt works nights on Friday and then drives in so he's here for Hunter's game on Saturdays.

Then there is a mommy Hi-fiving her little boy. This is Joy and Spencer. Spencer was born a premi and stayed many weeks in the hospital. Joy has worked with him and other than his size, you would never know he was born way early and was way little. Joy has made sure he could do just what he desires to do and more!

I know Cheyenne & the boys will tell you, they know not to get too far out of line when I'm around. I was brought up to respect my parents as well as other adults (as we get to be adults you make your own decisions on some people), I knew that being drugged was something good (as in drug to church, drug to ball games, drug to family reunions), I also knew that when I grew up I wanted to love my children just as I was loved by my own parents and those that have taken me in as their own.

Thank you all for the blessings you each show me every time I see you with your children...

2009-05-12T13:18:00.001-05:00

T-ball is in full swing..

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=6867870&l=85661be3a6&id=771890082
click on the link for Colby's latest t-ball pictures...Well, honestly Aunt Chonda should be shot. I think there are more of Spencer Bowman on here than Colby...Sorry Colby!!

2009-05-05T12:51:00.004-05:00

Summer is here! Which means plenty of baseball and river time!

Saturday I spent my time in a pool, @ the baseball field then @ the river...here are just a few shots from the day

Sam Cowart

Casey Zimmerman

Jayden Foster

Babby Cooper Foster

Colten the future t-ball player!

2009-04-28T15:14:00.002-05:00

Sunday was a GREAT DAY!!

Sunday was a great day... first of all, my friend Richie Spring preached @ church while Bro. Marvin was doing an Emmaus walk. He done a WONDERFUL job. So good, I went back and listened to him that evening.. but in between church services, Jake Petty had a birthday party. Jake is the son of Dustie & Kenneth Petty.

Dustie and I became good friends when I was dating Festus (dustie's brother), but I feel our friendship grew over the next few years as we found strength in each other to face the fact that we would lose our Precious Momma Joann to a disease that in the end would have her passing from cancer. Being around for Dustie, her family and her children is something I hope to do and keep doing long into the future. I refer to Jake and Zack as my nephews not by blood, but by love..

Happy Birthday Jake! I love you!

2009-04-27T16:49:00.002-05:00

Just do it?!?!

Why is it the simplist things in life can be the most complicated to do. As in balancing a check book, stoping by to mend fences w a friend or simply saying "Here's my number, why don't we grab a bit to eat together & catch up?' WHY is it so hard?!?

I've had one or two okay relationships, and the other ones, I knew were doomed from the beginning. Hard headed is what I say I was...Have I learned from these relationships? Yes, I know that I can survive being heart broken, I know that as hard as it is, I'd rather be friends with my exs than be left all bitter from them.

Buy why is it so hard to put yourself out there to someone again? A great guy at that. A guy that I've known forever...a good Christian God fearing man...This should be the man I'm running to saying "HERE IS MY NUMBER CALL ME!", but it's not that simple...and I don't know why... the thought of rejection, yes I think crosses my mind, but he would do it so gracefully but we'd remain friends. Is it the awkwardness afterward that freaks me out?? I don't know, but all I know is this could be my prince charming and I'm too scared to find out! Please pray that this fear with go away by this weekend. For I'm afraid there is another person thinking he is their prince charming as well!!

Please pray if it's meant to be it will progress....

2009-04-17T13:30:00.001-05:00

Just a few pictures from Easter @ Mom & Dad's

2009-04-10T09:33:00.002-05:00

Few more pictures from Safety day:

Steve Smith, game warden, with a real "stuffed" rattle snake. That thing was huge! He talked to the kids about different types of snakes in our area and how to tell which ones to stay away from. HUGE I tell you!

Deputies talked about different kind of drugs & the effect they have on your body. I live a sheltered like when I realized that some of the 4Th graders knew exactly what marijuana and cocaine was when it was held up before them!!! I didn't see any of this stuff till I started working at the sheriff office!

2009-04-10T08:31:00.008-05:00

Farm Safety day @ the elementary school..

Wednesday & Thrusday many, many little people came out to learn different safety things from lawnmower riding to what kind of snakes we have down here. The fire departments normally have 2 or 3 different site and this year was no different...we rolled our dive boat out with one diver (Justin Lloyd) and a tender (Daddy).

Tracy Martin & Mr. Robert Martin took the Rescue Bronco with the Jaws of Life and talked to the kids about road & driving safety. Mr. Robert does an exceptional job with the kids...Tracy as well..

Bo Dixon from Roxie Fire Dept had their truck and talked to them about different safety things pertaining to house fires.

Some kids have seen and heard this many times before, and some even have family involved in the Fire Dept as Byron does below, but there is always something new to be learned and something to catch their attention.

2009-04-01T15:41:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday DADDY!!!

2009-04-01T15:09:00.003-05:00

Spring has Sprung & I'm off the list :(...

I guess I should post more often. Nana had done kicked me off her list of blogs on her page.. I'll try to do better so I can get back on her list.. Love u Nana!

Things have just been crazy and nothing much happening of any interest to blog about. I have been really really tired lately. I've gotten off my diet and I think that is the problem. I'm going to the fitness center tonight and gonig to try to get myself back on track. I've discovered I LOVE Karen Kingsberry books! But I have to have a box of Kleneex when I read them.

I worked a call last Saturday night that caused damage to both Chris and I. My SI joint got outta wack when the girl pulled away from me. Chris got his broken finger reinjured via an arm splint. I have been laid up on a cold pack. It seems to be better today.

Speaking of Chris, he will leave on April 12, Easter & his birthday, around 9 am and head to Texas for work. Not sure on how long he will be out there yet.

I'll try to do better at blogging...

2009-03-23T12:58:00.011-05:00

Weekend Wedding
Jr & Sara got married in Richton this weekend...attached are some of the snapshots I took throuhout the weekend....I didn't get any of the ceremony for I was busy working and doing things...

The bride in her"Bride 09" shirt

The groom giving Chris directions on something

I was the stand-in bride @rehersal and really enjoyed it. Her farther is a nut. Jr has married into a really nice Christian family. They all made us feel so welcome.
The wedding party...

Sara kept Jr's groom table and cake a secret from him. He wasn't allowed anywhere near the fellowship hall until the day of the wedding...

The rest of the pictures are of "things". Click on the pictures to enlarge

Centerpieces & fountain

Chruch sign on the outside & foryer

Programs, Jr and Chris
Flowers were beautiful!

Pink & Hot Pink were the colors..Sara's daddy

Jr's corner...check out the cake!

The Kid's candy table...it was a hit!
She loves her frogs!

Both cakes!

This picture does the beautiful bride no justice. It was a quick snapshot as I was passing thru.

Love you both and wish you the best of luck!

2009-03-23T09:29:00.001-05:00

Week 7 on Weight Watchers
-1.8 lbs loss
That's an overall total of -5.8 lbs in 7 weeks. It's SLOWLY coming off. I'm really scared of the scales this week. I was out of town from Thursday til late Saturday night. Out of town doing wedding! Which meant rehersal dinner, cake, eatting what you can when you can, and yes I ate cake, and what I could when I could. I feel that I had plenty of exercise on Friday and Saturday getting things ready. Maybe I can get myself back in the swing of things today and the rest of the week.

2009-03-16T15:18:00.002-05:00

Weight Watcher Progress

I started on Jan 29.
Week 1 -2 lbs (go me!)
Week 2 +1.4 (. was expected)
week 3 nothing- i was being bad and missing
week 4 nothing - I was being bad again!
week 5 + 2 lbs (this is where my badness showed up) and at week 5 I weighed more than I started out at because of my stupidity.
Week 6 -5.4 (really go me!) Today I was able to wear some pants that when I was wearing them I had to lay down on the bed to zip them!

I'm looking forward to this weeks weigh in...Tara will be MIA since it is Spring Break, they are taking the boys fishing...I know for some of you a total loss of 4 lbs isn't a lot, and even for me with the amount of weight I need to lose, it isn't a lot, but 4 lbs can make you excited and determined to stay on track more.

Wish me lucK! I go Wednesday to get a dress for a wedding and Easter, Weigh in on Thursday and then after I weigh in I leave to go to Richton for a wedding on Saturday. I'll try to stay on track while in Richton, but I'm sure we'll have some good food! it'll be hard, but I can do it!!

Also, I'm looking at a new ride. I really really don't wanta take the Kia to Richton, but I must go. So hopefully in a month if the Lord and I see a way, I'll have me a new buggy.. I'm looking at a 2007 Nissan Xterra and lovin what I see!

I'll keep you guys posted!

2009-03-06T13:03:00.000-06:00

Love it....this explains me!!!

2009-03-04T11:33:00.004-06:00

Bridget went to the Dr today...and sonograms shows:

Due in August..around the 13th I think

2009-02-27T14:17:00.002-06:00

Thank you Wendy and Mrs. Donna.... my birthday happies....flowers are from Wendy, my best friend...and the bag with some good smelling lotion, shower gel and body spray was from Mrs. Donna, my co-worker.

Jennifer & Breann took me out to eat last night and to the movies.. We had a good time..

Thank you everyone who has texted, myspaced, facebooked or twittered me a Happy Birthday message...Love you all! This birthday has maybe broke the cycle of bad ones from the past 2 years!

2009-02-26T15:33:00.002-06:00

A favorite of mine...This is one of Aubbie taken the night of the Brookhaven Christmas parade..Bless her heart, her "Honey" aka Daddy forgot her hat and her mittens, so she ended up with his. She had food all over her face, but the expression on her face is just too much...

2009-02-26T11:04:00.005-06:00

Here are a few Christmas pictures. This was the week I was sick with the "I gotta die to get better" sickness where I missed 2 days of work...
Cole with his bike Chris & Bridget gave him

I have no idea what Colby had but musta been good!
Lookie at the mess piling up...Colten was fun this year, he had to help mom pass out gifts and was rather unsure of some of his.

Big hit with the boys was the sleeping bags that lit up...

I think I posted pictures and caught you guys up. My camera batteries have been dead since Christmas.. I did manage to get one or two pictures yesterday of a few things before they went completely dead...

2009-02-26T09:13:00.001-06:00

How late is too late to post pictures?!?! NEVER!! Here are a few from Fall 2008

Natalee and Will @ Monterey Homecoming in Oct or Nov. (I lived with the Duncan family the whole time I was working in Jena) I have watched Nat & Riley grow up...When I first met them, they were 3 now we are rockin on 12... My how time flies!

Of course Our Cheyenne in the leaves...She reminds me so much of myself it is scary at times...She's growing into a beautiful young lady...who still shows her Tom Boy side 24-7

The day is not complete with out the boys... Daddy included! Colten as you can tell is managing to hold is own with the other two. In fact, Colby gets beat up by him on a normal basis. What's the old say payback is hell?!?! Well Colby is getting it from time to time now.

2009-02-23T16:06:00.003-06:00

Bull Bash 2009!

Yes Lord help it is that time again! Every November the fire chief (aka Roger Dale) hands us these envelopes with a $ amount on the front...this is what each person needs to collect in ads for us to have the stock contractor paid up front. Ok so as they do that I get handed these business cards that have scribbles thru and some that for some apparent reason have half the card missing?!?!? and I get to design the frazzlin ad program. I may fuss about it, but the ad program is something I do enjoy doing and take much pride in, but here is the thing...this year, I am into my final week of designing and copying ads and I have a CPR class tonight (and actually fireschool I'll miss for CPR class), Fire school tomorrow, I'll do ads Wednesday night, Fire school again on Thursday. My birthday is Friday so I'll have to go to Brookhaven to have my mug shot taken for my liscense which happen to expire that day, Saturday is an ambulance driving class (8 hours mind you), Sunday will be church day and to finish ads up since one week from today we staple the programs together! GEEZE!!! So this will be the week I meet myself on the Highway coming and going...if you see my little green kia just get outta my way...I'm a woman on a mission, I may be texting, sending email or just half zonked out and I can barley keep it all straight!!

On a lighter note, I've only got like 6 more pages to lay out and design...that is unless my guys pull a surprise and turn in more ads while we are at this fire school!!

Bull Bash is March 6 & 7th in liberty...starts at 8pm...gates open at 6pm. Come enjoy and show your support!

2009-02-10T16:34:00.004-06:00

Photo Tag:

Here are the rules:

1) Go to the 4th folder in my computer where you store your pictures.

2) Pick the 4th picture in that folder.

3) Explain the picture.

4) Tag 4 people to do the same.

Colby taken one day last summer. Playing on the John Deer Gator that he was just about too big for back then. And still now tries to ride it! It was a good day. Colten was making the old man face this day also!

I choose to tag...

Madge

Momma Pug

Nana Bell

Jennifer C

2009-02-08T09:21:00.001-06:00

Oh the magic number as
Momma Pug calls it was 2! I lost 2lbs last week. Not the best ever, but it was about what I expected. I know I didn't follow plan as I needed to have done, so I was greatful for my shed of the 2!
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone

2009-02-04T16:02:00.005-06:00

It's that time of the year again.

For some apparent reason, this little guy attempts to put my friends up to trying to have me a date for Valentine's and I don't like it.

Just this past Sunday at church, that one single guy and I were talking as friends do, and the "cupit" of the day bounces up and says "So, you two want a Valentine's Banquet ticket right?" My response is "HUH?!?" with a look of ARE YOU CRAZY on my face. My "HUH" give him the split second opportunity to RUN and quickly I might add. I have told "Cupit" this guy has to be handled with kid gloves since it's apparent his last two relationships have been not so kind at all to him. I pray she didn't freak him out more than I realize.

I know everyone wants to help in finding me the "right man". And I do have faith that the Lord will send him my way. If my "Cupits" aka Friends don't scare him off first. Is this single guy the one for me and he's just scared? I don't know...all I do know is that I've enjoyed talking to him lately. Old friends reunited. We grew up semi close to one another and when he married for the first time, we all grew apart.

**Latest update** @ chruch this past Sunday, the single man stayed far far away from me and the "Cupits". My "Cupits" have somehow found out the single man got a ticket to our church Valentine Banquet, and now I have a ticket also that they bought me. Go figure! But since it is a fund raiser for the youth, I'll go along and enjoy myself. Besides the meal should be YUMMY!

I'll keep everyone posted on how much damage my "Cupits" might cause

2009-02-04T15:56:00.003-06:00

I am my own worst enemy!
I'm sitting here wondering what the scales will show tomorrow...I know with the Super Bowl, birthday parties, and lunch at Logan's and supper at Broma's this week, I haven't done as good as I should have. The plus is that I have worked out 3 days this week so far. I am more concious about what I have eatten the last week. It'll take time...I'll know tomorrow just how bad or how bad I thought I did.

2009-01-31T21:14:00.001-06:00

Sorry for the lack of details on the deer. The kill was this morning about 8 20. Jay was the LUCkY hunter to take this big guy down. He weighed 165 lbs, was a typical perfect 10 point, and they are saying would score 165 on the point scale. He called Jennifer and I when he shot it and said he couldn't even go check it out since he was so nervous!

Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone

2009-01-31T11:43:00.000-06:00

Two more. Couldn't get the tips of the horn in the picture!
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone

2009-01-31T11:24:00.000-06:00

He's totally excited.
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone

2009-01-30T16:33:00.004-06:00

Big Girls You are Beautiful!

Do a search for Big Girl (you are beautiful). It's a cute song for us fluffy girls! Mika is the artist...it's a cute fun song... A friend of mine put it on my MP3 player a while back & it is a favorite. Here is the YOu tube link to it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pW1BRiuwPI
I got my starting number last night at weight watchers....and that number will never been seen again! I've drank enough water and unsweetened tea to flush myself out of Franklin County today! Tara and I will hit the road again tonight in our goal to walk at least 30 min today...

Hope all my girls have a good Weekend!! Mrs. Carolyn Laird's (Jennifer & Breann's mom) birthday is today, we are taking her to the movies and lunch at Logans tomorrow. Then home for Cole's Birthday party. His birthday was the 27th and he turned 5 this year. Brandy's birthday was yesterday and she turned...well I ain't tellin...
I'll post birthday pictures Monday!

2009-01-26T16:55:00.006-06:00

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.. I KNOW I CAN

I think I can do this diet thing. It's not the first time I've done one. And at one time I was successful at Weight Watchers, which means, HERE I COME AGAIN! Well, WE COME AGAIN. Tara and I have decided to join AGAIN on Thrusday.

Turning 30 was no major deal. But turning 31 and being out of shape has just like floored me. I guess my true "wake up" was last Sunday @ the hospital with Jen & Shelly. I had dropped Jen off at the ER door so she wouldn't have to walk so far, RAN back up the hill and into Graham's room. About out of breath, look at my phone that is going off and it's a text from Jen saying she needed her purse...mind you it's at the bottom of the hill in the truck...so quickly I WALK back out to the truck and attempt to run back up but decided HELL with that. Then Nana pulled up so we briskly walked up the hill. By this time I can barley catch my breath. ENOUGH is ENOUGH!

I always get this way after a "MAJOR" EMT call for some reason. Last time was July 2 years ago when i worked a wreck with 5 patients in the shade on a 99 degree day. Needless to say I said never again...and yet here I am 30 pounds heavier than I was then...

Today was a good day... had an orange for breakfast, chicken salad (very little mayo) with a few crackers, an apple and sliced bell pepper for lunch, an orange and a little bit of popcorn for my afternoon snack..and yes I have drank 2 bottles of water and only a half a diet coke.... GO ME!! Now if I can survive my evening time cravings...I'm thinking wheat rice with sauteed bell peppers and onions with some sliced chicken breast.

Everyone here at te office has been warned that in about 3 days I'll look like this chick...and I'll be mean enough to bite your head off...but I'm going to TRY to refrain from taking it out on anyone. Donna has decided to diet as well, so Tommy is now eating his fried chicken, rice and gravy, cornbread and applie pie by himself. She and I both eat before he gets his lunch. Must be lonely being the only skinny one in our office.

So, please say a prayer for me, Donna and Tara. And maybe say one for the families & others that are around us as well. I may bore you guys with the details of what I ate, but it's my way of writing it down so I won't loose it...

OH and cannot forget my best friend Wendy Z...she's lost an amazing 80 pounds last year. GO GIRL!!!

2009-01-19T11:23:00.004-06:00

Just another quiet Sunday...NOT!!
It started out as a normal Sunday, church, dinner on the grounds, cleaned the car out, started on the house, then the cell phone rang about 4:20 or 4:30 maybe...That's where quiet left... It was Jennifer (Cowart) saying "I need you now...at my house Graham has broke his leg...Now! Chonda comeon" "ok I'm on my way" is all I could say. I yell for Daddy to get the truck while I'm grabbing my medical bag from the car and he says "the pager hasn't went off what's wrong with you?".."yea I know but it's fixin to. Graham has broke his leg comeon NOW!" I made one call to Jay Ezell who is an ex first responder and a physical therapist assistant. Jay and I have worked many calls together and I feel comfortable with him and rely on his input alot.

For what may of you may not remember since it's been so long ago, was Graham was & still is "one of my babies". He and Ryan for many years were my boys...well as well as Jennifer's also!

When we get there, Shelly has is arms wrapped around Graham and Jay Ezell has begun to cut his the leg of his pants. As soon as we got it high enough, I could tell his femur was broken. Thank GOD it was NOT broken thru the skin, for that is a whole different more complex matter. I like Jennifer did not want to cause him any more pain than necessary..what's the sense in moving him now to cut his pants, moving him then to get his boot off, moving him again to get a splint on and then moving him once again to get him to the backboard and in the ambulance?!?!? I made my right to First EMT on scene decision. NO ONE MOVES ANYTHING TILL AMBULANCE GETS HERE WITH A TRACTION SPLINT. I've worked a traction splint only once before and they are awesome things...mind you it hurts getting it on and the leg straightened out but it is relief almost instantly. After ambulance got there, the boot was cut (and graham wears REAL cowboy boots..the tall kind), and his leg was put into traction and moved to backboard and then into amublance.

After an hour and a half the police went and found the on call ortho Dr that wouldn't answer a page. I'm like Nana, we won't go into detail on that, but I saw the "Herring" come out in Jennifer and Mrs. Barbara. Which in my opinion was acceptable considering the circumstances. This is a picture of the x-ray I took over Shelly's shoulder while he was looking at it...ok so maybe not over his shoulder, but under his arm.. I know it's hard to see the break, but it is there and they were overlapped even with the traction splint still on. At about 9 pm they come to get him for surgery. Jen sent me a text about 11:15 or so to say that he was out of surgery.

For a 12 year old, Graham was an amazing patient. I've had MANY adults be all acting in pain, when I'm really wanting to say "get real you don't know pain!" But I have to restrain and can't do that. Graham on the other hand, was very calm and reacted as I would have expected him to do when we moved him. Him being calm was a blessing for me. This is one of those cases, in your mind, you know what you are suppose to do, but how you handle is it differently.

Sometimes on the scene of an accident, if I offend anyone I'm sorry. I have one task to complete and it is that of saving the life of my patient or making them as comfortable as can be under the circumstances. I can be harsh if you are in my way, I can be an all together b*tch if i need to be, I've seen the pain they are in many of times, I know that what I have to do may at the moment may further the pain, but if I do anything like that it is because I know relief will come shortly or their life is in danger. I rely on my fire dept guys when I need help. I work with an AMAZING group of guys ( I can say that since I'm the only female on the dept) I have been in circumstances where I need my fire dept guys to bring me back to earth, times in which I need them to have my back and keep me from harm, & there have been times when afterward I needed them to just "treat me like one of the guys" and let me destress from the call with them. NONE of them have ever backed away from anything I've asked of them. I am the only certified EMT in my district. I'm very glad to say hopefully by the end of March Justin Lloyd will be certified and can be my backup or I his. Once he has completed all his training I feel he will be a big help to me and the community. I have a feeeling Justin and I will butt heads on a few calls, but you'll never see us do that in public. If you aren't a supporter to your local fire department, please consider becoming one. A lot of fire departments run First Responders and EMT's as ours do, but the funding for them is very scares. No one really realizes the importance of a First Responder/EMT in the rural area until they are needed. Support your local volunteer fire deptartment as much as you can. They work off of donations and grants, without those, they couldn't exist.

I'm glad to say Graham looks like he'll be out of the hospital tomorrow. Will be on crutches for a while and within a few months should be back on his horse with his new boots Nana promised him while the other ones were getting cut off! Mrs. Barbara (Nana) also posted on this incident if you want to check out her blog as well. click on http://nananotes.typepad.com/nana_notes/2009/01/life-is-never-dull-on-cotton-branch.html and it should take you to that post.

Stay safe out there!

2009-01-05T18:47:00.001-06:00

Not your typical Monday!
Daddy called as I was leaving home this morning and said 'your mom is driving herself to the ER' . My question was what's wrong and why didn't she call me. Hello I'm right beside the house! But she had major abdominal pain. She said it was worse than ever giving birth! So after about 4 hours at Meadville with no conclusion other than you need to talk to a surgeon with the mention if abdominal blockage she and I went via ambulance to Brookhaven. After about 4 hours there they came to the conclusion that she has a sluggish bowel along with some infection. White counts were 18000. They sent her home with 2 prescriptions. No blockages, no galbladder problems, kinda something that happens once in a blue moon well that is the excessive pain w sluggish bowel. Dr stated many people have it but never know it.

She is on the couch passed out right now. Thanks to Bro. Marvin for coming out to be with us. Jennifer for thinking of me and bringing me my Sonic Diet Coke and checking on us. Thanks to everyone that called and checked on her and us, and thanks for the prayers!

She goes back to Dr tomorrow to have her white blood cell counts checked to see if the infection is decreasing after the 'row seven' shot! Bridget will take her, Daddy and I will both be at work tomorrow.
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone

2009-01-04T21:45:00.002-06:00

Welcome 2009
I have not posted in a long while...Nothing major other than the holidays. I was cursed with the stomach flu the week of Christmas... I worked only 2 days really that week. And can say I shared it with my co worker. She wasn't very happy with me on Christmas Eve.

Christmas has come and gone along with New Years. Our big news for 2009 is Chris and Bridget are expecting #3.

Work is work..busy busy...especially this time of the year. Which we expect. I'm filling in tonight at the sheriff's office. They are short handed and I agreed to help tonight. I now know why I don't work here anymore.. I enjoy working with the deputies, they are always a hoot to work with, but everything else just brings a person down.

Someone asked me what my New Years Resolution was..I thought and thought... and decided not to make any resolutions...they are made just to be broken...so I have decided I will say I'm going to try to get healthier, follow thru on being a better person, and continue to try to grow spiritually. This is something that over the years I've let fall to the waist side, and I'm not proud of it. But we have a forgiving God when we fall short. I know this now and I have been trying really hard to walk the walk and talk the talk so to say. I've got to say, since I've really been trying hard this is been easier this time. I guess before, I just felt bad about something that hmight have happened, and would ask for forgiveness and go on about my business. I guess as they say when you lay all our burdens down to the Lord, he makes them disappear or they become easier to deal with. And for this I am thankful! I'm not a person who can quote Bible verses at the drop of a hat, but that's ok...Maybe my words can simply be enough.. That's me a Simiple person, Simple Christian...Simply growing...

I hope for each of you a blessed and happy 2009... Stay tuned for Great news. I have a good feeling this year!!!

2008-12-11T13:46:00.006-06:00

Around the state by Herring Employees!!
Pictures taken by Tom Puckett, Operation Manager for our branches to the East

Pictures taken around Brookhaven by Eddie Stebbins, Operation Manager

Pictures taken w camera phones...and most from the inside of a truck...Come-on guys it's not THAT cold out there!!!

2008-12-11T09:22:00.002-06:00

Snow day in Mississippi....these are a few taken around here at the office with my camera phone

I WANT my truck back! Driving in this stuff the last time was easy w the 4 wheel drive...but so easy today in the Kia!!!

This is my favorite. I've got a few taken on my camera, but won't be able to post them until I can find my camera cord.

Think my BOSS should be smiling...We have snow for our Herring Corporate Open House how amazing is that?!?!

Hope everyone is safe out there today! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

2008-12-05T21:57:00.000-06:00

Happy Holidays everyone!
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone

2008-12-05T18:31:00.001-06:00

Will TRY to post the happenings of the past few weeks one day soon! Tonight I rest!
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone

Test 2

2008-12-03T13:45:00.001-06:00

Test 2
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone

2008-11-13T16:23:00.001-06:00

Test from mobile

2008-11-11T15:26:00.009-06:00

Fall is amoung us here in the south!!

Just a few pictures of our beautiful leaves, trees and such. I love the fall...By no means are these the greatest pictures, but I think they get the point acrossI was trying to get the yellowish leaves red and green ones all in one shot...

This picture isn't the greatest in the world, but after the last two weeks I've had seems to have meaning to me. I'll admit, I've not been the "most Christian" person around, but I do know where my heart is and who it belongs to.

I've had many "bends" so to say in my life the last few years. I have only myself to blame for those "bends". I learn from each and every one. Sometimes it may take more than one "bend" for me to learn my lesson, but within time I do. Fall to me this year has a whole new meaning..I like the leaves, am shedding some of my dead & awaiting the new. Not to be a new person, but to be a better person with new growth.. I hope to not fall short of this one goal I'm setting for myself. I know with the Lord's help, I can achive my goal.

I've lost the one person at one time that was closest to me for many years and after much thought I have come to the conclusion that person could be classified as one of my leaves & a "bend". Some drama is always involved between he and I. He's a "bend" in my road already traveled and left behind. From time to time I get the urge to take that road again, but friends in passing is best for me and I think him also. I feel making this decision was the right thing to do and I'm happy with where I am the last week or so. Friendship will always be there, but the closeness has faded with the leaves.

With that note, one final colorful picture among all this fall/changing going on..and it just so happens it's purple! My favorite color!!

Have a great day!!

2008-11-03T14:07:00.002-06:00

I helped Saturday night with a Haunted House for Big Spring Church in Brookhaven...attached are a few of the pictures...

2008-10-31T14:33:00.002-05:00

Eight Things:
Eight shows I like to watch
1- Grey’s Anatomy
2- ER
3- The Unit
4- CSI
5- Criminal Minds
6- Private Pratice
7- Days of our Lives
8- Army Wives

Favorite Restraunts
1- Back Yard Burgers
2- Santa Fe
3- El Potro's
4- Chili's
5- I don't eat out too much as you can see
6-
7-
8-

Eight Things that Happened to me Yesterday
1- I bought breakfast for me and Tommy
2- I was on time at work for a change.
3- I went to the haunted Shed in brookhaven to help.
4- I had lunch with my co-workers.
5- I washed a load of jeans.
6- I saw Colby and Colten..or well they came and saw me.
7- I got my Napa paperwork done.
8- I called and requested a new computer for my office at Napa.

Eight things I’m looking forward to
1- going to see Coach J tonight
2- Haunted Shed
3- Thanksgiving
4- watching Colten enjoy Christmas
5- the future in general
6- Hunting season
7- getting my house completed
8- buying groceries for my house

Eight Things I Love About Fall
1- cooler weather
2- being able to get fresh air (doors open
3- Holiday cooking
4- branches being busy
5- Hunting season
6- family begins to come in more often
7- snuggling down in my bed on those cool nights
8- bonfires

Eight things on my wish list
1- a complete house
2- someone that not worried about what everyone else will think and can love me as is
3- all my boxes unpacked and items placed away
4- well i know it sounds shallow, but a new car!
5- Not to be sick all winter with a cold or krud
6- To lose some weight
7- Cold weather
8- another round of snow

Eight things I’m grateful for
1- My God
2- My parents
3- My siblings
4- My neice and newphews
5- My extended family
6- Some of the most awesomest friends in the world
7- My ability to help others when needed
8- Our freedom and the men and women that make it possible..

Nana, I know it sounds like I redone some of your answers, but they were GREAT!!!

2008-10-06T16:45:00.003-05:00

Tristan's Turn!

He was not in the mood for pictures at all this particular day. I managed to get a few here and there.

I did manage to luck up about a week ago and get this one of him and Wes together as they got ready to go for a ride on "Ole Red" . When they got back, Tristan was sound asleep!

2008-10-06T16:40:00.002-05:00

Picture time!!

Ok Since I'm no longer at the sheriff office, this is what I do in what spare time I have...

Colten wasn't big on pictures at Low Water Bridge for some reason, so we had to catch his in the yard playing around.

Colby on the other hand was all smiles

2008-09-29T17:30:00.001-05:00

Something about brothers...

I do believe there are some future cowboys right here.

More pictures of the boys tomorrow!!

2008-09-14T17:17:00.003-05:00

Some things must come to an end!!

I haven't posted much in the last couple of weeks. Between work and life in general, I've been busy, much like all of you.

There has been a good bit going on since my last post. Work has been busy, busy. Who would figure hurricanes would cause the propane business to get so busy...well, it happens!! I'm learning things about the NAPA store I never wanted to learn, but it's not all that bad, and I can do what I'm asked.

I sold my truck last Friday. As it was a bitter sweet moment. I loved the truck and it was what I had always wanted, I just couldn't justify paying more for gas than the truck note itself. I feel the truck will be well taken care of by the gentleman that bought it.

Cheyenne and Cole came home this weekend. Their Uncle Kevin treated them to a bowling trip, as he had his daughter Kealeigh home for the weekend as well. The kids said they all had a good time and I guess that's all that matters!! Kevin and Daddy from what I understand had just as much fun as the kids did. Uncle Kevin dropped the kids off to Brandy on his way thru to take Kealeigh home.

This coming weekend will be my last weekend at the sheriff office. I made the decision last week that the 21st will be my last day. I am taking a few weekends off to do a few things before we have to start working Saturday's at Herring. I feel I deserve a small mini vacation since I've had none this year.

Daddy and I worked on my cabinets yesterday. FINALLY, my kitchen is beginning to take form and have more that just a fridge in it. Hopefully I can get these stained this week next payday we'll get the rest of the stuff for the up top cabinets. But, this is major for us to have this much done. The siding will go up on the house when I get my LAST paycheck from the sheriff office at the end of the month.

I've been told I have plenty to keep me busy after I quit the sheriff office. Of course there is football season for my Friday nights. Considering I've missed 3 games already! I'll be out just in time to catch all the district games. I've got to get pictures of Tristan done. Then I plan on trying to get some more photos done for a few people. Maybe I can start making a little extra from that as well. We will take Tristan to the Franklinton Fair on Oct 18Th. Bridget and I might go down that Thursday night as well to see Clay Walker!! Then of course hunting season isn't far around the corner!!

I'll keep you posted! Hope everyone has a good week!!

2008-09-04T08:08:00.002-05:00

This is what was seen over Bude yesterday while the sirens were going off..

By no means do I take credit for this picture. If I'm not mistaken, it was taken by Delton Butler.

A WOW kind of sight!

No one was hurt that we are aware of...Minor damages in spots...

2008-08-17T18:20:00.002-05:00

Dang it!! How could I forget...

As Sam says "FRAP" (change the f to a c)! How could I possibly let both batteries in both camera run down?!?! Wes has been asking and asking for me to take some pictures of Tristan, so I figured since I was going to cook supper for the guys I'd take some pictures while I was there. But no the only camera I had in my car had dead batteries..so of course I missed out on some good "father-son snapshots" Friday and Saturday. Then TODAY we decide to take Tristan out in the boat at Okhissa. Of course I really had no plans on fishing, just trying to keep Tristan from becoming man overboard. With camera in hand we head out...as we get settled I look at him and think with the water that would be an awsome picture and he's actually smiling (without a snotty nose at that), I grab my camera..and this one has dead batteries also!! FRAP!!! Dang it!! Darn!! Oh well guess I can look at it like this, Wes will have to take us back out again...ummm..well I thought he would, but he says NO!!

A 2 year old in a boat for 4 hours is not Daddy's idea of fun, and then there is the small fact that when I did fish, I got hung up twice, broke one line, then ended up hooking myself in the back of the leg and we won't even talk about the sunburn and Wes telling me "put sunscreen on" cuz I didn't listen at all (baby had it on, that's the main thing)...so, Wes said it's either me or Tristan he can't handle both of us! So I have a feeling Tristan and I will be sitting on the bank somewhere next time! :(

Even though I didn't have my camera, I had a great weekend with them both!

2008-08-10T22:08:00.000-05:00

one of my favorite pictures...don't know why...just like it

2008-08-10T18:42:00.004-05:00

Herring retired Mr. Kenneth Golman Friday, and of course, that was a reason to have a little retirement party with burgers, sausage, cake and homemade ice cream!!!

Click on the picture of his retirement sign. This was made by his family and was too cute.

Mr. Kenneth came over thru a buyout of Natchez Butane about 5 years ago. During which I was getting moved from one position to another and he was about the only thing that kept me from loosing my mind. Then he was blessed with Hannah and I think she feels the same way I do. He keeps us in the right mental frame of mind.

Mr. Kenneth, Mrs. Nina, David, and Jason. Mrs. Nina said she had a good ole "honey do" list ready for him. She mentioned a mop and a broom in the converation also!!

Mr. Kenneth during his little speech.

You will be missed dearly! Happy Retirement and Enjoy yourself!!!

2008-07-29T14:07:00.007-05:00

Can you tell she DID NOT want any part of taking a picture?!?!

Oh she was all about getting in the creek afterwards.. She was not helping in any shape form or fashion. That was until we got her in the creek and then it was all smiles!!!

2008-07-27T20:14:00.002-05:00

Some things you can't forget..
I can remember exactly what I was doing 11 years ago today at this time. If I'm not mistaken I was sitting in Mandy Long's vehicle crying my eyes out as I told Kevin about a passing of a dear friend.

I think that day has stayed burned in my mind. Brandi LeAnn Runnels passed away 11 years ago. Same type of pretty day..overcast in the evening just as it is today. Up until that point in my life I remember people passing, but no one but my Mamo's death sticks in my memory like Bran's. Simply because Chris, Kim, Bran, and I were so close, I don't know, but I know one thing our lives changed that day. We lost a part of each one of us that day. A part that brought the 3 of us that much closer, I think. Chris and Kim have a relationship that no words can even describe. I remember a few weeks after her passing, Chris getting some Chewy Chips of Hoy cookies and crying all the way home from town when he offered me one. Those were the cookies Bran and I ate when we were laying around watching tv. And to this day I still can't eat them. Weird how the little things can bring you to tears.

Not knowing how things happened that evening made things hard for everyone of us. All we know is the Good Lord had a plan, we hurt from his plan, but we cannot question why any longer. We know that she has been there to greet some of our great friends that have passed. I know when my time comes, that will be one face I'll be looking forward to see..

Bran, know I cry no more, for I know where you are! I love you and miss you with all my heart!! Until we see each other again...

2008-07-27T18:38:00.002-05:00

Happy 3rd Birthday Aubbie!!
Aunt Monica made the cake... Then Mommy helped with the presents!! Good time was had by all.
Proud parents!!

2008-07-27T18:35:00.001-05:00

Colby and Cole

Cole came and spent a few days with us. They claim they are "drying off", but I really think they are working on their tans!!

2008-07-19T21:59:00.002-05:00

I don't think Daddy understands the need of cabinets or shelves to put things on!!! He fusses my stuff is in the way of his construction, but I need something to put my stuff on!

He started kitchen cabinets today and cased out my windows...another thing done.. Fridge, washer, dryer going to go in tomorrow

2008-07-12T16:22:00.002-05:00

Busy...distracted...tired...whatever it is called...

Yes it seems to be that's the way I stay these days. Cannot complian, I'm getting a lot accomplished. But lately, I feel as though I'm just watching life pass by and I've been unable to be a part of that. I guess that is what happens when you have a goal. But working towards this goal is getting OLD quick.

Working at the sheriff office has helped get a few bills paid up that happened unexpectedly, but then I decided to build the house. So what was going to be a 2 month extra $ deal has turned into 6 months now. My Fridays consitst of between Herring and Sheriff office a 16 hour day. Then Saturday and Sunday it's an extra 8 hours. So virtually since Feb. I've not had a weekend off!! Can't no one say I haven't been dedicated to my goal. I have no one to blame but myself for this decision. And if I want to REALLY REALLY get done with the house (enough to have company over), pay off a little bill or two and not have to take out a loan I need to work another month possibly two!! GEEZE!!

Now take into consideration this doesn't even count what will happen if gas goes any higher! I parked my truck up at the office with a big for sale sign on it. I can't justify driving it when the gas will cost almost as much in a month as the freakin truck note itself. IS THERE ANY END IN SIGHT?!?

I think I have 4 vacation days left and I think I might find my way to the coast, to a river, to a fishing hole, or somewhere for a day or two! So if I come up MIA you guys will know where I'm at...

Now that I've vented and everyone has listened to me complain I'll close.
Enjoy your evening! :)

2008-07-08T12:33:00.003-05:00

Wednesday night!
We are going to try to put my bed up tomorrow night!!!
Whoo HOO!!!
Daddy should get the airconditioner in either tonight or tomorrow night. We still won't have plumbing unless the plumber and Wes show up between now and then, but at least I can be cool and can sleep in my own room!!! Now comes the task of MOVING everything and FINDING everything... I've been missing contacts for 3 weeks now...I know they are in a box somewhere...but I just don't know which box!!!