My Scrapbook Ladies

Ok, so I promised my scrapbook group that I wouldn't post any pics from last night's swim meet at Selena's...and I'm going to keep that promise. To be honest, I haven't even looked at my camera today. I did want to say how thankful I am to have a group of friends like my scrapbook ladies. We listen to each other, encourage each other, and most of all eat with each other every Monday night. I am so blessed to have great friends like them! And thanks Selena for the pool party last night, I had a blast!

It's PAULA DEEN

Mom, Dad, Luke, and I all headed to Dallas this past Saturday morning to see Paula Deen. I think every interstate in Dallas was under construction but Dad got us there safely. Dad and Luke dropped us off at the Music Hall. I don't think I have ever seen more crazy women. There were some that had boas on and homemade Paula T-shirts...one lady even had a styrofoam stick of butter....but they wouldn't let her bring that in, THANK GOD!!!

Paula was wonderful. She is very down to earth and so southern. She visited with the audience for a good half hour. She even had an argument with a lady up by us about how to pronounce the word pecan....I was thinking...who cares....and....YOU ARE ARGUING WITH PAULA DEEN of all people!!!!! Women gave her the funkiest stuff....homemade t-shirts, aprons, etc....what would you do with all of it?? Well we were on our toes hoping she brought someone with her...and she did! Bobby and Michael!!! Mom and I were hoping for Jamie but we had to settle I guess...LOL!!!

She didn't cook hardly at all, but she did make her fried pork chops that are to die for! She's down to earth, friendly, and even burped on stage ya'll! Mom and I had the best time and I'm so glad I got to share this with her. We even had time this weekend for scrapbook and technology stores! What a fun time! Thanks Mom and Dad!!!

Choir Party

This past Friday night the choir/orchestra had a Hawaiian Luau at church. Mom and I had a blast working in the kitchen with Millie and Tom Brock. They are such a hoot and I think I can learn a lot about cooking from sweet Millie. Mom and I made Pineapple Kabob skewer things....which I could care less if I EVER see a grape, pinapple, strawberry, etc. as I snacked all day on that fruit and it made me SO sick!!! Here are some pictures from the fun evening!

The First Day of School

I had the honor of teaching the 2 1/2-3 year old class on their first day of school. Actually, it was 2 first days of school considering I had one class on Tuesday and a different class on Wednesday. I have decided I take for granted that the other children I have been with in the preschool know what centers are, what the potty is and how the paper towels work, and how many children are supposed to be in a center at one time.

It was so neat to see how excited the parents were and how scared the little kids were on the first day of school. I felt honored that I was able to help make the transition easier for them....well sorta I guess.

The first day went fantastic. I think I only said, "Wash your hands, you MUST use soap, and pull on the paper towels," a hundred times. I didn't have any potty accidents the first day either which is definetly a plus in my book. The children loved to pull out their new schoolboxes with that fresh crayon smell (that I LOVE) and show me all their goodies.

One little boy wanted me to read a story to him about the first day of school. When I turned the first page what was on it but a guinea pig. I got all teary-eyed and skipped that page. "You skipped a page Mrs. Elissa (they forget that I have an "M" in my name). "I know I preceeded to tell him, I don't want to read that page...ok?" "But please!!! Ok, why not?" "Well Mrs. Melissa had a guinea pig named Ginger that went to heaven not too long ago, and reading that makes her sad." (I used to laugh at our preschool teachers talking in third person and here I am doing it!!!). Then here's the tear jerker...the little boy said, "I'm so sorry we don't have to read that on ok?" Isn't that sweet???

Well the second day did not go too smoothly. I was ready to scream by the time the parents came!!! I had a poopy pants with no clothes to change into, a center counting problem, and repeating myself over and over!!!

Oh well all in all it was a great experience, and I was able to introduce the permanent teacher to all the children today. Well, I'm off to get us packed for Paula this weekend and get ready for the choir party we're helping with tomorrow night at church! Bye Blog!

Cropping 4 Kids

Some of my scrapbook ladies and I went to a local crop this weekend. It was our second time to go to this particular Crop and we had a blast as usual. All the proceeds of this Crop went to Easter Seals. I think we all got a lot done....I know we talked a lot! The food was good (well excep the lasagna....but I'm not a lasagna fan!!!), and the fellowship even better.

I was able to see people from the Scrapbook Corner days that I hadn't seen in a while. I was especially glad to see Ms. Helen. She's now 81 years old and still scrapping! Her Mother is 102 this year and just this year was put into a nursing home and loves it. Ms. Helen is an inspiration to me and she reminds me a lot of my sweet Grandma.

Well enjoy the pics! The monkey/bear is Bubba. Whenever you finished a page you could yell, "Where's Bubba??" and whoever had him had to give him up. If a timer went off and you had Bubba you were able to get a prize. I never had him for a long time because I didn't want to yell Bubba, but Selena got him several times and won all three prizes! Way to Go!!!

Holy Scrap!!!

I have a blast anytime there is a Crop at the church. Nikki and Brook do an awesome job putting this on! I was thrilled when Nikki asked me to come and help setup this Friday. It felt great to be actually asked to do something...I know...I'm crazy! Anyway. Mom couldn't make it this time....the traveling fool her and Dad have now become....so Margaret and Jaime came along. It was quiet and COLD and wonderful. We talked and got some pages done. I think Jaime won the prize for getting the most done! I am so thankful to have friends that love to scrapbook! Poor Margaret, I never can get a picture of her with her eyes open! Oh well.

Fall is in the air!

Well, not really with it being 107 degrees today, but I wanted to share some fall pics Luke took last year that I just got on my computer. He's such a talented photographer! These pics just make me long for the cool fall days....which is another reason why I'm about to put up fall in the living room today!!! My fall stuff outside I will save for September, don't want the neighbors to think I'm too nuts!

Our Inside Fall Decor

I have never really decorated for fall inside before. Usually I'll just add a fall wreath and scarecrow to our front porch and maybe some Mums....but that's about it. Well, Mom inspired me to decorate the inside this year. I bought a few things from Hobby Lobby, but the rest is Mom's! Thanks Mom!!! Sorry some of the pics are blurry....I'm not too good using the "no" flash!

George the Yogurt Eating Cat

I have never known a cat to absolutely love yogurt. Everytime I get a thing of it out of the fridge I feel like I have to eat it in secret. George will follow me all over the house wanting to eat some of it. Well the other day I successfully ate the whole container and here he comes for the leftovers. He's a mess! Madison and George are best friends though. She has basically raised him as one of her own...so he acts more like a dog than a cat!

Madison Murphy and the Tomato

Mom brought us home a squeeze stress reliever toy from the Microsoft Convention. I didn't know if Madison would play with it or not...she's not really big on toys. She loves this tomato!!! Of course, I automatically think of Veggie Tales and have been singing that all night long in my head!!! She gets so excited to run and get it...but she doesn't want to do it very much. So I took some pics of her on the couch enjoying her tomato! Who says dogs don't love veggies!

The Williams Spa

Luke and I take a warm washrag periodically to Madison's eyes. She has watery eyes and really seems to enjoy having her face covered in the warm rag. I had a picture of her somewhere on my computer, but can't seem to find it. Well, this time we took and put that warm rag on George...thinking he would go nuts! He really seemed to enjoy it too!

Madea

Ok, so Luke, Mom, and I are now big fans of Tyler Perry. We have seen some of his plays and 2 movies on DVD....he is wonderful! Madea is a rather large black woman that tells it like it is. We need more of her in our society. She isn't afraid to speak her mind...and most of the time she is right! Tyler Perry is a Christian....he lived homeless for several years and he has an awesome testimony! I would highly recommend "The Diary of a Mad Black Woman" and "Family Reunion." Madea simply cracks me up!!! "Don't bring your baby to the movie no more...I hate that", "I'll see you about 3 o'clock!", and "Little girl stop popping that gum!!!" are just a few of my favorite lines! And, yes she does say hell a lot....but as Tyler says.... when you grew up in Louisiana, it was hot as hell!!!

ISI Float Trip

Dad took his company on a float trip to the Buffalo River this past Saturday. He invited Luke, Chris, and even our friend Nick to tag along. Mom and I stayed here and shopped and scrapbooked most of the day. Here are a few pictures from the trip! Enjoy!

Jason and Alicen's Surprise Party

We surprised Jason and Alicen last night with a HUGE surprise party. Luke and I grilled hamburgers (a BIG thanks to Mom for making all 50 patties) while everyone else brought a favorite side to go along. The food was really good and the fellowship even better.

I really coordinated everything (and even liked being a little sneaky!) through email with our Sunday School Class. Jason and Alicen have been wonderful directors and deserved something special for sure!

We had over 34 people and 5 kids here last night. I know now that my house is NOT childproof, and chex mix and coffee table decor do not go well with kids! Other than that our house held everyone great! I got a good group picture of everyone just before Jason and Alicen showed up. They were really shocked...so we got 'em good!

We also surprised them with a gift card to their favorite restraunt. Luke and I are so blessed to have them as our close friends, and I was more than happy to do this for them! Thanks so much to everyone who came, ate, talked, laughed, and had a good ole time! I really appreciate it!

Alan's Birthday

We went to Luke's folks house for his Dad's birthday on Wednesday. He grilled everyone burgers and we had a good time. Luke's Aunt Pam and Aunt Kelly are always a hoot to be around!

Our New Grill

We got a new grill sometime last week, but I didn't want to post any pics of it because we were planning a surprise party using our new grill! Now is the perfect time to buy a grill because all of them are on sale. Our old grill lost it's handle and the burner was on its last leg....but it was a good one for 3 years so we did get our money out of it!