ENTERTAINMENT

We have had a very low key weekend. I have had a Lupus flare up or I really do have the flu. I just know I have felt horrible for a few days now. I did get out some today to be with Coco at the Girl Scout cookie booth at Lowes. We also gave away some hard earned moola at Academy Sports. She needed shoes, shorts, shirts, socks and softball pants. She should be setup for the season. Oh yea helmet and some contraption to help take the ping out of the bat when she hits a ball and all I got was a pair of shorts.

I told her I don't know how parents with 2 or 3 kids do it. She said if I had siblings I would know that I couldn't have everything I wanted. Not that she really gets everything she wants but I think she would much rather have a sibling or 2. Sorry baby girl it just wasn't in God's plans for us.

On to the title of this post.

Our entertainment recently has been watching 2 new shows on CMT

Bayou Billionaires

This is the most hilarious show I have ever seen. They had drillers come in on their land so they are getting royalty checks off the natural gas or whatever. They call the money mailbox money. Because it just shows up in the mailbox and they don't have to do anything. I laugh so hard when I watch this. It is on on Saturday nights.

My Redneck Vacation

This one is a family from Louisana that is vacationing in the Hamptons. It is not as funny as the Bayou. They seem to all be alcoholics but they do some of the dumbest stuff that you have to laugh.

That has been my "lately" still working alot and loving my new job. I suppose it really isn't new anymore. All is going well.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK



BEAUTIFUL GIRL

Coco had her Valentines Dance recently.

We bought 2 dresses for the dance. I found a great deal at Dillards and paid less for 2 dresses than for 1 that she liked at Kohls. Unfortunatelly I didn't think of using reverse physcology on her until it was too late. She wore her favorite and not the one I liked better.

She is growing up so quickly.

Too quickly for this Mama!

She has her own opinions about what to wear, how to wear her hair.

She looks so beautiful all dressed up!

I pray that she always knows how beautiful she is inside and that beauty is the most important!

It seems like just a blink and I was dressing her up for Easter Sunday or just for church.

Now it is dances and birthday parties.

God help me as the next few years come and her social events become more and more often.

Oh Dear Lord I don't even want to think about when boys enter the picture.

There will be lots of prayer going up for her and her future!

I thank God for her each and everyday and I know he has the control of her future!

I will just be the chauffer and I gladly take that job!

PHOTO DUMP OF THE WEEK

Warning photo loaded post ahead.

I haven't uploaded photos in awhile.

Perfect time to do a photo dump. I wanted to call it Friday Photo Dump but it is Saturday and it just didn't sound the same. ha

My sister's tree at Christmas. Her home was beautiful and she should have done a post on her blog. hint hint

 Girl Scout Christmas party gift exchange. The girls did a homemade gift and we played White Elephant . Lots of fun and creativity

Coco kept asking to open a gift so I let her open her "gag gift". Her job is dishes

and she was not impressed with her dish washing gift. ha ha

Somebody will learn not to play with the camera!!!

 Coco and I had a impromtu Girl Scout meeting at IHOP recently. I had eggs benedict and she had the strawberry pancakes and couldn't help herself with the whipped cream!!

 Today we attended a birthday party for our neighbor Joann. She was a young 77 today.

Pretty girl in purple

 Couldn't help myself. This Lady Liberty was on the street today with a sign for some income tax company.

Coco strives to get a job dressing up in costumes and waving at cars for Halloween Express so she loved this !!!

We were going through a box of photos tonight and I really want to know where this girl went because I want her back!!!!

Scott is on his way home with Chili's and I am in trouble because I forgot to call it in. When he got there he had to order and then wait for it!!!

So glad I have such a patient man! The Good Lord knew what I needed

Blessings,

Pam

WEEK IN REVIEW

I spent last week in St Louis for training in my new position.

Unfortunately I DID NOT get to go to the World Series but I did watch every minute of games 6 & 7.

Wow game 6 was full of DRAMA. I have not really been a watcher of baseball on tv but now I am hooked and disappointed that it is the end of the season. I have already told Scott that we have to go up to a Cardinals game next year.

While there I had the most amazing dinner ever. We went to Wild Horse Grill and I ordered Butternut Squash Ravioli in a ricotta brown sugar nutmeg sauce. I am still dreaming about it. I have never eaten Butternut squash especially in a ravioli. It was the BOMB! I have looked for a recipe but haven't found on with the same ingredients for the sauce. When I get time I am going to play with it til I get it right.

I love sky photos and I took this one for Coco. She wasn't a bit interested.

On the drive home from the Tulsa airport Friday afternoon the first thing I noticed was the trees had really turned colors over the week. I took these going 80 mph, shame on me but they turned out pretty good. I was even using my small point and shoot.

I think this was in Siloam Springs. The pictures don't capture the abundance of color that was on display.

I LOVE FALL

I made it home early enough to take Coco and A to their first dance. It was a Halloween dance and they were so excited and nervous. It was adorable. Coco couldn't decide on what costume to wear so she wore the snow princess from last year.

We also had softball tournament beginning at 8:30am on Saturday. She played at 9am, 5pm and 11am on Sunday. We were so busy that the weekend has flown by. I am ready for things to slow down a bit. I don't see that happening just yet. The new job is going to keep me busy busy for several more weeks.

Everyone have a fabulous week!

Pam

PHOTO SHOOT

On the way home on Sunday I pulled the car into this field and told Coco we were having a photo shoot.

She was totally not prepared but I love the ones we shot.

She was worried that we were trespassing, I told it wasn't marked and we

didn't do anything to this field.

Giggles got ahold of her

This one was we gotta go now because I gotta go MOM!!!

Ha

Love my girl

FIRST DAY OF 6TH GRADE

Coco's first words to me this morning were "Do I have to go today?"

LOL

She was super nervous this morning.

I did a few photos before I drove her to school

She was overcome with excitement

I almost got to walk in with her. We got there and she said she wanted me to come in with her because she wasn't sure where to go. We got half way to the door and she saw a friend pulling up with her Dad. She says to me its ok Mom I will wait for Ashlyn.

:(

Come on Mom REALLY

Isn't her outfit cute

pretty girl

Peace out

After school photo

She had a great day

Here Mom I could be a perfume model

I wondered about her all day. She had a great time. The only hiccup was she had to sit with 7th graders at lunch. Those 7th graders must be scary.

I am also saving these photos for a Week in the Life project I started today. I will be documenting our week in notes and photos.

I will try to share here on the blog.

Hope all your kiddos had a great first day of school too!

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE 6TH GRADE

Tomorrow morning my baby girl will walk into a new school.

A new set of classes

A new set of teachers

Not a play ground in site.

She will be a middle schooler

with al a carte lunches

and study halls.

She is prepared as much as possible

she has been very nervous this year

her Daddy couldn't understand why

she was in such a tizzy tonight.

She cut her leg shaving

she brushed and flossed and lotioned

so many changes getting ready for this year

we shopped at

aeropostle

charlotte russe

american eagle

the buckle

we bought toms instead of nikes

we got feathers in her hair

we had her nails done

she is carrying a purse this year

she needs some where to keep

her phone and all those things

girls need

I probably won't get a photo of her in class

she made sure everything fit in her backpack

so Mama doesn't need to walk her in

she's to big to have her Mama walk her in to class

Mama doesn't feel like she is big enough to

go into school by herself

but I will let her do it on her own

as I watch through the car window

proud that I have helped prepare her

for days like these

days she needs to be confident and brave

days where she will come home

to tell me all about her day

the friends she reconnected with

new friends she made

which classes she liked

and those she didn't

she will tell me with excitement

about the new lunch options

she has never had before

it will be a long day for me

as I watch the clock

anxious to get home

to hear all about her day

in this new place

called

middle school



PARTY TIME

We celebrated Coco's 11th  birthday today.

She picked pink and gray for her colors.

I am loving the pom poms made from tissue paper. There are super easy to make.

I have seen these banners all over blogland so I wanted to try my hand at making her one.

I love how it turned out. It is hard to see but the 1st layer of paper is really cute with black chandeliers.

 

 I ordered her cake from Walmart. It was supposed to be pink and grey. As you can see it was NOT.

Coco was happy with it, she thought it looked tie dyed. As long as she was happy but it drove me crazy. If we had more than 2 hours before her guest arrived I would have done something else.

I picked up Eureka pizza on the way home to so that we could make a 6:35pm movie time. Coco, A and C having pizza before we left.

I took them to see Monte Carlo. I expected the theatre to be crowded since the movie just came out today but it was only 1/2 full. Must have been due to the holiday weekend. It was a cute movie.

Once we got home they played on the trampoline with the sprinkler. Daddy helped them shoot some fireworks off. She has had a great birthday.

Looking forward to the 3 day weekend.

Everyone be safe and have a great holiday.

Pam

SOMEBODY'S HAVING A BIRTHDAY

Coco will have a birthday next week.

I asked her tonight to make us a wish list.

This is what she brought me.

1. Cell phone

2. DSI 3D

3. Good (new) camera

4. Bulletin Board

5. New purse

6. Paris Perfume

7. Lots of stickers

8. Notebook w/ pens

9. Reba seasons 1 & 2

10. Lemonheads

11. 2 sim cards

12. Allowed to wear makeup to school :)

She will be turning 11. I can see in her list the changes from a little girl to becoming a young lady. Each year will be harder on her Mama

Daddy and Mama have already said NO to number 12!!!!

We will be preparing and planning for a small affair to celebrate her 11 years next week.



SCHOOLS OUT FOR THE SUMMER

Another year down! My baby is now a middle schooler :(

This is the 1st day of 5th grade

The last day of 5th grade.

She was a straight A student this year. Participated in SEEK, played basketball and softball, earned the Gold in math. She will leave the building she has known for the past 6 years and move to another world. She is excited and nervous at the same time. Lots of changes coming for our girl. Changes her Mama is not ready for. My hope is that these next few years will be a happy fun experience for her.

We have lots of summer plans as our list in the previous post shows. Lots of memories to make and new experiences for us as a family.

HONORED

Coco received this invitation in the mail today. I was so proud of her.

She was nominated by one of her teachers.

The above photo is of the invitation, it says

IN HONOR OF YOUR ACADEMIC ACHEIVEMENT

AND LEADERSHIP ABILITY

THE CONGRESSIONAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO PARTICIPATE

IN THE

JUNIOR NATIONAL YOUNG LEADERS CONFERENCE

In Washington DC this fall.

WOW

We were so excited, we called our parents to boast. We talked about ways to make it happen. The cost is over $2k. Then I googled it. It is not from the US Congress. It is a for profit company named Envision that host these leadership conferences. I am still very proud of her and honored that her teacher chose her, but I am skeptical that this company sends out feelers to our teachers and then the company sends out this invitation. The sample schedules show that she would get to go to all the monuments, the White House, the Library of Congress, etc etc. Keep in mind this is for 5th and 6th graders to go to DC and stay at the National 4H Center for 6 days. The parents can travel with them but we can't attend any of the events.

Have any of you ever heard of these conferences?

Could it make a difference in her life?

I would love to see DC and this might be our perfect opportunity.

I will keep investigating and see what happens.

JUST WHAT I NEEDED

 I have had a wonderful 3 day weekend. It is amazing what 1 extra day off can do for you. My Lupus has kicked my booty for the past few weekends. To the point that by Sunday rolled around,  I just wanted to stay in bed and that is what I did for about 3 weeks.

Scott and Coco went to a campout with his best friends family on Saturday and Sunday. I just hung out at home on Saturday. Sunday my sister and I went to flea markets for the afternoon. I did not buy 1 thing, but had a great time just hanging out with her. She is on a special diet and is doing so well. SO PROUD OF HER!!!

My family got home at 11pm last night and I was ready for them to get here. I missed them even though I enjoyed the time alone.

Today I got up and went to work cleaning the house. I finally used my Shark steamer that I won at a Christmas party. Crazy that I let it sit in the box for so long. I loved it. It came with a little bottle steamer that I used to clean the tub and shower surround. WOW that little thing is amazing. Should have used it sooner. Well now I know!

Coco and I went to do a little shopping.

My baby girl is not so much my baby girl anymore.

She will be 11 next month. Where has all the time gone. I just want to cry thinking it was just yesterday that I was rocking her to sleep everynight. Giving her a bath and now she is shaving her legs, wanting to wear makeup (NOT).

This photo we took in the car shocks me that I have a TWEEN!!

Believe me the attitudes remind me often!!

A great weekend and now I am counting down to the next one. Which I will have a 6 day break at the end of June. Wooo Hooo

Have a great week my friends

Pam

THE DUGGAR'S

Coco and I had the pleasure of going to a Princess Brunch at our church Immanuel Baptist on Saturday. Our special speaker was Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar.

Ms Peggy and the ladies at church have a heart for God's Princesses and they know how to do it up right.

The tables were all decorated so pretty.

They served juices french toast, breakfast casserole, biscuits and the most wonderful apple butter ever.

At each place setting there was a photo of the Duggars and a book mark.

Sorry the photos are blurry, I had to take them without flash and couldn't get it steady enough. Michelle had planned to bring the girls to sing and play for us but they had a rough time getting to Saturday. Jim Bob and Michelle were on their way home on Friday from D.C. and all their flights were delayed. They were in Atlanta at 11pm on Friday night and Josie had to be taken to the ER for respirtory problems. They were at the hospital until 3am and our event was at 10am on Saturday. Grateful that they were able to make it. They decided on the plane that Jim Bob would come with her and they would share their testimony. I remember Michelle going to school with my sister and she was always the sweetest girl back then. She hasn't changed a bit. They were very transparent in their sharing about how they came to know the Lord. I left encouraged and uplifted. She was very sweet to Coco when Coco asked her to sign her card. Michelle just hugged her and asked about her.

We won their new book that is coming out soon.

I love how they sign their name with their favorite verse.

PLAY BALL

We've been busy

Doin ALOT of this

Isn't she so cute in her uniform

Forgot where the strike zone is

Bring it on

In case you can't see that score board

it SAYS  17-2

OUR FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON

These girls really needed it for their morale

They had lots of spirit in our Friday and Saturday games

A GOOD GOOD DAY

Our Saturday morning started out way to early and way to cold. Coco had a softball game at 8:30am and the temps were in the 30's with very strong North winds. I felt so bad for those girls but they were troopers and played through the pain of freezing hands and little noses. The Mama's didnt fair so well. Several of us gave up and watched from the comfort of our cars with the heaters running.

After the game we went to Old Navy for the grand reopening of their recent move to a new area of town. We got some cute t-shirts and a couple of cardi's on a good sale. I am not sure I like the new store. It was totally different with lots of different styles. I will have to wait and see after the new wears off.

We had lunch at my favorite restaurant Chick Fil A. I love the way they always say My Pleasure when you say thank you. It is worth the extra cost for good service. The chicken is so yummy too.

We ended the afternoon at the movies. We saw Soul Surfer, it was a wonderful movie. Bethany Hamilton's faith was and is so strong. To overcome the tragedy of losing her arm to a shark attack and still become a pro surfer is just amazing. Her parents I am sure are so proud of her and the qualities they have instilled in her. The surfing in the movie was amazing too. I have never seen anyone surf in real life and now I really want to . It was kind of like when you watch a dancing movie, you immediately want to go dance around the room. I left wanting to learn to surf. To bad we are so far from waves that the desire will be gone by the time I get near a beach!

Coco and I enjoyed a Mommy / Daughter day. We need to do this more often!

WEEKEND RECAP

This weekend has been just wonderful. We started it out with Coco having a sleepover with 3 other girls. I laughed so hard Friday afternoon when I called home to check on them. Scott was home when they got off the school bus and he was a little antsy with all the giggling and squealing going on.

The played and played and played on the trampoline, ate pizza, watched Tangled and made paper cell phones. Only 1 of the girls actually has a cell phone. The convinced me to take them to Sonic for a Blast about 9pm. I think we had some sugar overload but Scott and I didn't hear a thing after about 11pm.

PTL

Saturday we had to be up early for softball practice and then Coco and I came home to just hang out the rest of the day. Scott and I watched the Fighter. It was a good movie just tooooooo many bad words.

Sunday morning we had a great service on Worship. A quick lunch at Taco Bueno. Walmart run to pick out  a birthday gift for our nephew Jack who turned 6 today. I didn't pick up my camera until this afternoon.

Coco tried to get me to let her play in the sprinkler yesterday and I kept telling her it was to early in the season.

Sunday I gave in. This is what she did with it.

She had a blast and never complained about being cold. It has been really windy today so I thought she would be back inside quickly but I WAS WRONG. She stayed out there for quite a long time. I had to let go of my Mommy worry and just let her be. I do remember being a kid and the water was NEVER to cold...

When I went to upload the photos I found a BUNCH of these. Someone had a fashion show recently.

Love weekends like this. Full of memories and fun.