Happy Mother's Day

Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt..
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom..

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body..
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the amazement or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

I'm back...again...maybe

my life has been crazier than I ever dreamed (it's been more of a nightmare, but things are headed in the right direction now)...in the past month and a half I've learned who my true friends are and who I can trust...I won't go into details but I've learned alot about myself this past month and a half; I'm a lot stronger than I ever give myself credit...

but with my nightmare comes changes and the biggest change is I'm going back to work, I've been a stay at home mom and nephew sitter forever and now I'm getting back into the real world...before children I sold insurance and I'm going back into that field, I interviewed and was offered a job with a brand new agent with ALFA (just waiting on him to get the office set up)...it's going to be a HUGE change but I'm ready!

When your hut is on fire...

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions.

One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, 'God! How could you do this to me?'

Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him!

'How did you know I was here?' asked the weary man of his rescuers.

'We saw your smoke signal,' they replied.

The Moral of This Story: It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground, it just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

want one of these?

want one these fun 12 x 12 chalkboards with whatever accent colors you'd like...you could even have it monogrammed or have your name printed on top...cool?

if you want to enter to win one of these get on over to http://myflipflopz.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-about-fun-little-giveaway.html
be sure to tell her that Kristie R from http://thegatormom.blogspot.com/ sent you

help end childhood hunger in America!

If you have read much of what I post or my about me you know I'm a Tastefully Simple Independent Consultant and I'm so proud of what Tastefully Simple is doing now...here's the details...


Today more than 12 million children growing up in America experience hunger, not knowing when their next meal will come. Tastefully Simple is proud to partner with Share Our Strength®, a national non-profit organization whose mission is to end childhood hunger in America.

You Can Make a Difference!

Every time you buy a box of our For the Love of Cookies Mix, Tastefully Simple will donate $1 to Share Our Strength.

For the Love of Cookies
Just add butter and an egg for crisp, chewy cookies that taste homemade. Makes an excellent incentive for kids to finish their homework or chores. 0g trans fat per serving. Kosher.
Ingredients Needed
¼ cup (½ stick) melted butter
1 egg
16 oz. box (1 lb.) 453g

"Together, we can show millions of children that they aren't alone. Together, we can make a difference."-Jill Blashack Strahan, Founder & CEO

To learn more about Share Our Strength and ways you can help, visit www.strength.org.

Help us give with gratitude and end child hunger!


if you want to help feed millions of hungry children in America you can place an order on my webpage www.tastefullysimple.com/web/krussell and enter my name Kristie Russell as the host and you will receive a discounted shipping rate...also for every box of "For the Love of Cookies" that I sell I will match Tastefully Simple's $1 donation to Share Our Strength so for every box of cookies you buy $2 will go to help feed the hungry children of America!

EVERY WOMAN...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
a youth she's content to leave behind...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
a feeling of control over her destiny...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to fall in love without losing herself...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without; ruining the friendship...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder...and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to live alone...even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go...be it to her best friend's kitchen table...or a charming Inn in the woods...when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she can and can't accomplish in a day...a month...and a year...

this ever happen to you?

I took my small child with me shopping, halfway through our shopping trip, nature called, so I took my little one with me into the restroom. If you'd been one of the ladies in the restroom that evening, this is what you would have heard coming from the second to the last stall:

''Mommy, are you gonna go potty? Oh! Why are you putting toiwet paper on the potty, Mommy? Oh! You gonna sit down on da toiwet paper now? Mommy, what are you doing? Mommy, are you gonna go stinkies on the potty?''

At this point I started mentally counting how many women had been in the bathroom when I walked in. Several stalls were full ... 4? 5? Maybe we could wait until they all left before I had to make my debut out of this stall and reveal my identity.

My child continued:

''Mommy, you ARE going stinkies aren't you? Oh, dats a good girl, Mommy! Are you gonna get some candy for going stinkies on the potty? Let me see doze stinkies, Mommy! Oh ... Mommy! I'm trying to see in dere. Oh! I see dem. Dat is a very good girl, Mommy. You are gonna get some candy!''

I heard a few faint chuckles coming from the stalls on either side of me. Where is a screaming new born when you need her? Good grief. This was really getting embarrassing. I was definitely waiting a long time before exiting. Trying to divert him, I said, ''Why don't you look in Mommy's purse and see if you can find some candy. We'll both have some!''

''No, I'm trying to see doze more stinkies...Oh! Mommy!''

My child started to gag at this point.

''Uh-oh, Mommy. I fink I'm gonna frow up. Mommy, doze stinkies are making me frow up!! Dat is so gross!!''

As the gags became louder, so did the chuckles outside my stall.. I quickly flushed the toilet in hopes of changing the subject. I began to reason with myself: OK. There are four other toilets. If I count four flushes, I can be reasonably assured that those who overheard this embarrassing monologue will be long gone.

''Mommy! Would you get off the potty, now? I want you to be done going stinkies! Get up! Get up!''

My child grunted and tried to pull me off now I could hear full-blown laughter. I bent down to count the feet outside my door.

''Oh, are you wooking under dere, Mommy? You wooking under da door? What were you wooking at? Mommy? You wooking at the wady's feet?''

More laughter. I stood inside the locked door and tried to assess the situation.

''Mommy, it's time to wash our hands, now. We have to go out now, Mommy.''

My child started pounding on the door.

''Mommy, don't you want to wash your hands? I want to go out!!''

I saw that my wait 'em out' plan was unraveling. I sheepishly opened the door, and found standing outside my stall, twenty to thirty ladies crowded around the stall, all smiling and starting to applaud. My first thought was complete embarrassment, then I thought, where's the fine print on the 'motherhood contract' where I signed away every bit of my dignity and privacy? But as my child gave me a big, cheeky grin while rubbing bubbly soap between chubby little hands, I thought, I'd sign it all away again, just to be known as Mommy to this little one.

(Shannon Popkin is a freelance writer and mother of three she lives with her family in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she no longer uses public restrooms)

catchup time...again...

this time of year keeps me running in circles and it's only gonna get worse...

it's beautiful here all the fruit trees and flowers are starting to bloom, the sun is shining...I love it! I've been so happy about our beautiful spring weather then when I decide it's time to work outside last weekend it cools off and rains all stinking weekend; hopefully the yard gets some attention this weekend...I inherited my grandparents house when my Granny passed away last January and my Granny loved flowers, I think there are about 100 flower beds in this yard that I have to weed...maybe 100 is exaggerating but for real there are 7 flower beds plus all the bushes & trees she had planted all around the 2 acreas, and with the remodeling we did on the house last year they haven't had any attention since the spring before...I have lots of pruning and weeding to do...

so I want to spend some time working in my yard but what does everybody else want me to do...let's see...hubby had surgery to repair a torn tendon on the 5th, surgery went well he's in a cast now but that limits him some, he's hard headed and still thinks he can do whatever he wants (that's what tore the tendon in the first place)...Chelsey is playing soccer 6 days a week...Relay for Life is just around the corner so we have to start fundraising and go to meetings...2 of my nephews are on the high school baseball team and they (and Chelsey & Jenna) think I have to be at every game...next month Jenna starts softball and guess who couldn't say "NO" when asked to coach; yeap me!...hubby sold his old shop and the guy is moving it on the 28th and I have been storing stuff in it since we moved so now I have to have all my stuff out by the 27th...I JUST WANT TO WORK IN MY YARD!

I did win Preppy 101's 200th post give away...YEAH ME! I never win anything but that was the 2nd blog give away that I've won...maybe I should go buy a lottery ticket...

anyways, I hope you all are enjoying your March!

Happy 200 Preppy 101

Preppy 101 over @ http://southernandpreppy.blogspot.com/ is having a 200 posts give away

go check it out http://southernandpreppy.blogspot.com/2009/03/happy-200-posts-to-me-time-for-giveaway.html

proud soccer mom!

a few post ago I was telling you how proud I was of Chelsey for making the middle school soccer team as a 6th grader...well now I'm telling you how proud I am of Chelsey for not only making the soccer team as a 6th grader but for being a starter for the middle school soccer team as a 6th grader. Chelsey started and played the entire game, I was so proud! It just goes to show you that no matter what stands against you if you give it your all you will succeed...they had their first two games last week and won them both...WAY TO GO EAGLES & CHELSEY!

here's a picture from the 1st game

3/11 Outdoor Wednesday

It's Wednesday so time to take a trip outside...get over to Susan's at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/ and check out all the other outdoor post...thank you Susan for organizing this for us

since I'm so ready for summer and a nice trip to the beach I'm going to share some pictures from the weekend getaway that the hubby and I took to Amelia Island in June 2008

the view from our room

we took a river cruise and the dolphins were jumping all around us but my camera was too slow to get the picture of the dolphin but this is still beautiful

this is another view from our river cruise

this was walking to the beach; there's a hawk sitting on the rail



the beach! what more can I say?



hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!

HAPPY PINK SATURDAY

Happy Pink Saturday!!!

sorry if this "Pink Saturday" post is cheesey but my hubby had surgery on Thursday and I've been taking care of him

Be sure to check out all the other pinks at Beverly's http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/ ...thanks Beverly!

I got this email saying I've been pinked so here goes...

Hello, Pretty Lady!

You've been hit. You've been considered one of the 10 prettiest ladies with a kind, warm and loving heart. Once you have been hit, you have to hit 10 pretty ladies with kind, warm and loving hearts. If you get hit again you know you're really pretty and kind.

SEND THIS TO PRETTY LADIES, TO BRIGHTEN THEIR DAY, INCLUDING THE ONE WHO SENT IT TO YOU! REMIND LADIES TO BE INFORMED, AWARE AND BE CHECKED FOR THEIR HEALTH'S SAKE. TELL THEM THAT NO ONE WANTS TO LOSE THEM - AFTER ALL, THEY ARE PRETTY LADIES WITH KIND, WARM LOVING HEARTS...

In honor of anyone you know that has been struck by breast cancer

50th post give away winners

I had a give away for my 5oth post...some of my favorite things; chocolates, candles, lotions and notepad for the fridge...my nephew Brandon was suppose to draw but then my girls got mad so we have 3 winners... here's all the names in the basket

Brandon drawing his name (his eyes are closed)...

Lisa at http://typicaldaytoday.blogspot.com/ can thank Brandon

Jenna drawing her name (her eyes are closed too)...

my real life friend Tracy who got me into blogging at http://barbourbunch.blogspot.com/ can thank Jenna

Chelsey drawing her name (and yes her eyes are closed too)...

another real life friend Sherrie at http://childresshousehold.blogspot.com/ can thank Chelsey

CONGRATS TO ALL 3 WINNERS!

and THANKS for playing

Outdoor Wednesday

I love being outside!

I live on a farm, back in 1940 my Grandaddy bought 100 acres of land so that all his family could live together...today most of us do live on that 100 acres...60 of the acres still have cows on it which is on 2 sides of my 2 acres...I have cows beside and behind me, the cows are hiding in these pictures


this picture was taken February 28, 2009 of the birds playing in the water puddles in my yard

this picture was taken the next day, March 1, 2009 from about the same spot on my porch of the beautiful snow covering the barn, trees and pasture

this is from my front porch of the snow falling on the magnolia tree

I think snow is beautiful but I'm glad we don't get it that often

for more beautiful "Outdoor Wednesday" posts go see Susan at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/

American Cancer Society's Relay for Life

I'm a huge supporter of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life...here's a link to a post I did last month about why
http://thegatormom.blogspot.com/2009/01/have-you-ever-felt-helpless.html


I'm also a Tastefully Simple Independent Consultant and all proceeds I make from now until our Relay on April 24/25 I'm donating to the American Cancer Society...so if you need some Tastefully Simple goodies check out my website http://www.tastefullysimple.com/web/krussell place an order and support the American Cancer Society all at the same time


if you would like to just make a donation and be entered in a drawing which will take place on April 27th you can make an online donation on my Relay page at http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY09SA?px=3343132&pg=personal&fr_id=12844 each $5 donated is 1 entry in the drawing for a Bath & Body Works gift basket

Concentrate

To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.

When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better.

Concentrate on this sentence...
The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.

well, it snowed

well it snowed yesterday, it snowed a pretty good bit for this area...stuck for a little while but it's all gone now...the girls loved it, well Chelsey did Jenna thought it was too cold (I agree with Jenna)...all the schools around here closed for today, well all of them except 3 and yes my girls go to one of the three that didn't close so they were not very happy about that when they went to bed last night and I'm sure they are not going to be happy when I wake them up in a few minutes

my nephew Taylor, Chelsey & Jenna

more pictures to come

happy monday!

it's snowing!

this is very rare down here in Middle Georgia

crazy weather

can you believe we have been having beautiful spring like weather in the high 60s and low 70s for the past couple of weeks, my daffodils are blooming and today we are suppose to get SNOW!? and back down to freezing temps at night...next weekend we are suppose to be back in the 70s...crazy I tell you, just crazy!

I live in Middle Georiga, it does NOT snow here very often...so this will make all the children very happy (my youngest daughter should be thilled, she asked for snow for Christmas)...if there is enough snow for pictures I'll be sure to share them with you later in the week

happy Sunday!

Happy Pink Saturday

it's time for another "Pink Saturday"...be sure to go by and check out Beverly at http://www.howsweetthesound.typepad.com/ to see more of the pink stuff

last week (my 1st "Pink Saturday") I told you that I really wasn't a pink person, well after looking for something pink all week I now know without a doubt I am not a pink person...I have nothing in this house that belongs to me that is pink

first we have this clown that my Granny won somewhere and gave to Chelsey...it kinda looks like a scarecrow but he's cute I guess...he has brick for a body so he sits up straight

second we have a beautiful porcelain doll my Granny gave Jenna...she has a pretty, long, pink dress on with white ruffles and lace...she's pretty old but I'm not sure how old

or third we could just use Chelsey's pink room...I NEVER thought Chelsey would want a pink room but the older she gets the more pink she becomes...I guess she's now figuring out it doesn't have to be girly

both the clown and doll picture was taken on Chelsey's pink polka dot bed


be sure to check out my 50th post give away http://thegatormom.blogspot.com/2009/02/my-50th-postgive-away.html

HAPPY PINK SATURDAY!

some of my favorite things

I blog about my Granny alot but she was an important part of my life and I have lots of specials memories I want to share...today I'm going to share some my favorite things of her's that I got when she passed away

I've always loved these plates, I guess I'm a fruity person...these plates where given to my Granny & Grandaddy for Christmas 1964 from my Grandaddy's brother and sister in law...to be that old they are still in pretty good condition...I have them hanging in my dinning room

also hanging in my dinning room is this painting of more fruit...not sure where it came from or how old it is but I've always liked it



this mirrow is haning in my kitchen (as you can see in the reflection)...I had never seen this before until we were remodeling (if you're new here and don't know, I got my Granny's house) and tore out one of the closets and it was stuck in the very back...I think it's pretty awesome


this painting is hanging in our bedroom...it's the "Mill Stream" by Robert Wood


Chelsey and Jenna both wanted this mirror with the "Lord's Prayer" on it so to avoid an argument it is hanging in the office

these are a few of my favorites that belonged to my Granny

hope you have a great weekend!

where did they come from!

the girls are gone to Florida for the weekend to see their Granny (my mother-in-law) so I decided this morning that I would clean their rooms...I go in Jenna's room and it really is a disaster area but I clean, make her bed, sweep, dust, etc...she has these 5 BIG stuffed animals (they are tv pillows) under her bed and I look on the top bunch...OMG! where did all these things come from? her top bunch is packed from head to toe with stuffed animals...I'm glad nobody has to sleep up there

five simple rules to be happy

A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably combed and shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready.
As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window.
"I love it," he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.
"Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait."
"That doesn't have anything to do with it," he replied. "Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged .. it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away. Just for this time in my life. Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories!"

five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

what are you giving up for Lent?

Why do some Christians give up things for Lent?
answered by: Rev. Jonathon Jenson

Lent is a season of preparation for Christ's passion on the cross and for the resurrection celebrated at Easter. The early Christians observed this season of 40 days plus Sundays with a time of penitence and fasting. The 40 days are a reminder of Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness in preparation for his public ministry.
Lent is the most introspective of the church seasons, and in modern times the foci are on self-examination and repentance; prayer, fasting and self-denial; and meditation on the Holy Scriptures. All of these devotional practices, including giving up something, are to help us prepare for Easter.
The practice of fasting or self-denial often receives the most attention. To better prepare, we abstain from something: Alcohol, meat or chocolate are simple pleasures that many people often give up as a Lenten discipline. Giving up peas for me would be no sacrifice; I hate peas. The sacrifice should be something that produces a noticeable absence.
The theological basis for this is simple: Every time we want what we have given up, we are reminded of what Christ gave up for us. Christ gave his life. While our sacrifice pales in comparison, it serves as a frequent reminder of God's overwhelming and complete love for each of us in our season of preparation for the resurrection.



so what are you giving up?

I love my Coke...the drink not the drug...so this Lent I'm giving up my Coke and all soft drinks

GOOD LUCK!

just a reminder

since this wasn't getting much attention I'm reposting...


WOW, I never thought I would get here!!! I know, it's only 50 but I started this blogging thing just because my good friend Tracy over at http://barbourbunch.blogspot.com/ wanted me to...like I don't have enough distractions keeping me from what I really need to be doing? anyway it has taken me since September to get to here but I have to say since December I've been doing pretty good with posting on a some what regular basis

in honor of my 50th post I'm having another give away...some of my favorite things...chocolates, lotions, candles and who knows what else I'll throw in there

here's how to enter:
1...posting a comment gets you 1 entry
2...following me gets you another 2 entries (if you already follow that's 2 for you too)
3...blogging about my give away (and let me know) gets you another 3 entries
4...if a new follower lets me know they are here because of you I'll give you another 1 entry

if you do all the above you have 7 chances to win...good luck!

my nephew Brady drew for my first give away which got me in trouble with his big brother Brandon so Brandon will draw for this one on March 2nd after school

Monday fun...

I saw this over at http://zentmrs.blogspot.com/, and it looked like fun. Copy this and bold the ones you have done!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland or world!!
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis...it was a dare, those things scare me
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check...16 years old should never have a check book
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year's Eve
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (quail, deer, and fish)
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee


several of those are on my list of "to do before I die"

how many...

how many Georgia bloggers are out there? I borrowed this "Georgia Blogger Award" from Susan over at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/ so if you are from the great state of Georgia go ahead and add it to your page...let me know which state you are from

happy Sunday...hope you all have a great week!

Happy Pink Saturday

this is my 1st "Happy Pink Saturday" post, I've been reading others for a while and thought it would be fun...what was I thinking? I'm not even a "pink" person...oh well I love a challenge, so let the challenge begin

my Granny passed away last January, I inherited her house and lots of her things so my 1st "Pink Saturday" post will be of some of her things

first we have this cute little tea pot, it has pink roses all over it

next we have these 2 little angles kissing in front of the cross which has a lot of little pink roses all over it...Granny actually bought this from a fund raiser that Chelsey did when she was in preschool, she said the angles reminded Chelsey and Jenna...so this is pretty special

to check out more "Pink Saturday" post get over to see Beverly at http://www.howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

be sure to check out my give away http://thegatormom.blogspot.com/2009/02/my-50th-postgive-away.html

thanks for stopping by and have a GREAT Pink Saturday!

my 50th post...give away!

WOW, I never thought I would get here!!! I know, it's only 50 but I started this blogging thing just because my good friend Tracy over at http://barbourbunch.blogspot.com/ wanted me to...like I don't have enough distractions keeping me from what I really need to be doing? anyway it has taken me since September to get to here but I have to say since December I've been doing pretty good with posting on a some what regular basis

in honor of my 50th post I'm having another give away...some of my favorite things...chocolates, lotions, and who knows what else I'll throw in there

here's how to enter:

1...posting a comment gets you 1 entry
2...following me gets you another 2 entries (if you already follow that's 2 for you too)
3...blogging about my give away (and let me know) gets you another 3 entries
4...if a new follower lets me know they are here because of you I'll give you another 1 entry

if you do all the above you have 7 chances to win...good luck!


my nephew Brady drew for my first give away which got me in trouble with his big brother Brandon so Brandon will draw for this one on March 2nd after school

WAY TO GO CHELSEY!

my oldest daughter Chelsey is in Middle School and made the soccer team as a 6th grader!

I knew she should make the team but sometimes being in the 6th grade the coaches make you wait a year...Chelsey is really good, and I'm not just saying that because she's my daughter...she has played soccer since she was 6, she's been to camps, she loves it!

I'm so proud of her!

WAY TO GO CHELSEY!

Happy Wednesday

don't have much to say but...

is my luck changing?

I'm one of those people who never win anything...if my name is in a drawing 48 times and there are only 2 others in there, I don't win!

but I finally won something!!! I won some much needed Victoria Secret's body tint from Sarah over at http://knsfunk.blogspot.com/2009/02/giveaway.html

THANKS Sarah! now I can get my pale self ready for Spring...I'm so ready for Spring

happy Sunday...

I'm a NASCAR (Dale Jr) fan and today is the long awaited for Daytona 500...there has been no racing since before Thanksgiving and for those of us who love to watch (as my non NASCAR fan hubby says) "cars go in circles" today is most important race of the year...it's been almost 3 months since the last race, we have withdrawals! today the withdrawals end! YIPEE!

GO DALE JR!!!

happy Sunday and HAPPY RACE DAY!!!

prayer request

some of yall know my real life friend Semi-Slacker Mom (Tracy) over at http://barbourbunch.blogspot.com/ and she had asked for prayer for Baby Girl, well she needs more...I got this email this morning from her Mom (Babsy)


Our youngest grandchild, Baby Girl, contracted a "Bug" on Wednesday with severe vomiting and diarrhea. Tracy took her to the doctor on Thursday PM and she was badly dehydrated and was hospitalized Thursday evening to receive fluids. She was dismissed Friday morning. Well, the same thing occurred Friday afternoon and she is back at the Medical Center, Room 310 of the Children's Hospital. Please keep her in your prayers. I am also concerned about Tracy. She was up all night on Wednesday with the baby being sick, spent Thursday night in the hospital where no one gets much sleep and was back there last night. Please pray that the Lord will take the few hours of rest she can squeeze in and multiply it so that she can keep up with the pace that is required of her.

They were supposed to leave Friday for a trip to the mountains, so everyone is disappointed about that as well.

ALSO, Tracy's housekeeper and Nanny to the children, Matt Lizzie, was hospitalized the first of the week with a ruptured intestine. She is at the Medical Center, Surgical ICU, and is expected to be there for 6-10 days.

This is an especially tough time for Tracy. Please remember her, Baby Girl and Matt in your prayers

Babsy

Happy Saturday!

WOW!

4 post in one day...be sure to read them all...and comments are greatly appreciated

any NASCAR fans out there?

with the Daytona 500 being this weekend I need to know; is there any NASCAR fans out there?

I started watching NASCAR in 2001, I LOVE IT! the races are awesome; the smell, the sounds, the vibrations...I can't wait to go to a race this year!

who's your favorite driver?

my favorite driver is Dale Earnhardt Jr...I started watching NASCAR out of pity after his Dad was killed in the 2001 Daytona 500...now I admire him as a driver and as a person...he's just a down to earth good ole southern gentleman

what's your favorite track?

I've been to 5 tracks but only watched races at 3...I've been to races at Atlanta, Talledega & Bristol; out of the 3 Talledega is my favorite...I've also been on tours at Daytona & Lowe's; a race at Daytona is on top of my "want to do list"

I rode around the Atlanta Motor Speedway at 170 MPH in a Kevin Harvick car...I want to drive but hubby thinks I'll chicken out

A Mother's Love

More than 21 years ago, Pam and her husband, Bob, were serving as missionaries to the Philippines and praying for a fifth child.

Pam contracted amoebic dysentery, an infection of the intestine caused by a parasite found in a contaminated food or drink. She entered into a coma and was treated with strong antibiotics before they discovered she was pregnant. Doctors urged her to abort the baby for her own safety and told her that the medicines had caused irreversible damage to her baby.

She refused the abortion and cited her Christian faith as the reason for her hope that her son would be born without the devastating disabilities physicians predicted. While pregnant, Pam nearly lost their baby four times but refused to consider abortion. She recalled making a pledge to God with her husband, "If you will give us a son, we'll name him 'Timothy,' and we'll make him a preacher."

Pam ultimately spent the last two months of her pregnancy in bed and, eventually, gave birth to a healthy baby boy August 14, 1987.

Pam's youngest son is indeed a preacher. He preaches in prisons, makes hospital visits, and serves with his father's ministry in the Philippines.

He also plays football. Pam's son is Tim Tebow.

Last year, the University of Florida's star quarterback, became the first sophomore in history to win college football's highest award, the Heisman Trophy.

my favorite Gator & my favorite Bible verse

Philippians 4:13

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"

another game...want to play?

I got this from Kris at http://vintagewindow.blogspot.com/

O.k. the rules are simple...if you want to play leave a comment on this post informing me that you want to play along. I will assign you a letter and you will post ten of your favorite things that start with your letter, then people will comment on your post and you will assign them a letter and well.... it's like the song that never ends....yes it goes on and on my friend!

Kris gave me the letter "L".
1. Laughter...I love to hear my girls laughing
2. Lemons...I love lemons in my tea, in my water, and just plain
3. Lights...I love all the beautiful, colorful Christmas lights
4. Lady Bugs...I don't know, I just think they are cute
5. Lobster tail...one of my favorites at Reb Lobster
6. Lollipops...I'm just a little kid, I love lollipops
7. Lions...big strong cats, king of the jungle
8. Leaves...I love the leaves in the fall when they change to all those pretty colors
9. Licorice...I know not many people like the black jelly beans but I do
10. Love...I guess since tomorrow is Valentines' Day I have to say love

that was fun...want to play?

Happy Valentine's Day...

so how did you meet your special someone?

my story is different, I'm sure...I always picked the bad ones...my best friend's (Tricia) boyfriend (Windle) joined the Marines and he met this guy (Jerry) and told Tricia "Kristie has to meet this guy, get her to write him"...so we started writing letters while he was in boot camp (this is March 1993)...Tricia asked me to ride with her to Windle's boot camp graduation (April 16, 1993) and I could meet Jerry, so I did...love at first sight...Jerry and Windle had 2 weeks off before they had to report to their next duty station but Jerry lived in Florida and I was in Georgia, so he went his way and I went mine...about 4 days later I get a call at work from Jerry and he says "so where exactly do you work?" and I told him "State Farm" he says "no, where?" so I give him the address and minutes later the door opens and in walks Jerry with a dozen red roses...he and Windle had already planned to fly to their next duty station together but he just came up earlier than planned so he could spend some time with me (he left his family to spend his days off with me)...so for the next week and a half I was with Jerry everyday after work then departure day came so Tricia and I drove them to the airport...not knowing what would come next, he once again went his way and I went mine...the phone calls and mail kept coming...they had a long weekend and wanted Tricia and I to come to North Carolina to see them, so we pack up the car and head to North Carolina and spent Mother's Day weekend with the 2 of them (our Mothers were not happy but oh well)...then he gets his next orders, California!...when he is telling me this over the phone he says, "Kristie I love you, will you marry me? I promise I'm on one knee"...I say "YES!"...all my friends and family think I'm crazy!...so we start planning a wedding for when he leaves California, September 1993 but then he gets his next orders, Japan...oh crap, I am not going to Japan! and I don't want all our 1st to be spent apart so our wedding is pushed back to September 1994...now all our family and friends are breathing a little easier, they don't think the year apart will ever work...we proved them wrong and we got married September 10, 1994

ready for the beach?

Sarah over at http://knsfunk.blogspot.com/2009/02/giveaway.html is having a give away to help us get ready for summer...go check her out!

Angel Aiden

Cynthiaa over at http://cynthialovespictures.blogspot.com/ needs our prayers...she is going through every mothers nightmare, her baby boy Aiden was taken away from her before she could even get to know him...I have never been through this personally and I can't even begin to imagine the pain...Cynthiaa I'm sorry and I'm praying for you!

reading her pain since Aiden's birth has made me realize how lucky I am...never take for granted how lucky you are to have those children who drive you insane...be sure to tell them and show them how much you love them

some of Cynthiaa's friends are trying to organize a ballon release tomorrow (February 11th) and are looking for people to join in. If you could release a blue balloon or a few of them and take a picture, they want to put them into an album, showing all the places that balloons were released for Angel Aiden. If you would like to participate send your pictures to yummy_mummy_x@live.com

so will you join me and release a blue ballon for Angel Aiden?

I always like this...

I know this email has been around and around but I really like it and wanted to share...


One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, 'My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. One is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is Good - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.'

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather 'Which wolf wins?'

The old Cherokee simply replied, 'The one you feed.'

thanks Tracy!

Tracy at http://barbourbunch.blogspot.com/ tagged me for this post & because she is such a great BF, I'm going to talk about myself some more! If you are totally bored hearing me talk about myself, please feel free to skip down to the end & see if I tagged you!

Step 1: Respond and Rework. Answer the questions on your own blog. Replace one question that you don't like with a question of your own invention. Then add one more question of your own invention.

Step 2: Tag eight other un-tagged people!

1. Make a list of things you can see without getting up. books, calendar, pictures, monitor, printer

2. Favorite Football Team. FLORIDA GATORS

3. What are you wearing now? jeans & tshirt

4. What's the last thing you read/are currently reading? some junk mail

5. Who was the last person you hugged? Brady

6. What's you current obsession/addiction? getting this house finished

7. What was the last thing you said aloud? Brady, wait the floor is wet

8. What was the last thing you bought? groceries

9. What are you listening to right now? Brady laughing at the TV

10. What is your favorite weather and why? sunny, I hate being cold

11. What is your most challenging goal right now? finish painting

12. Say something to the person who tagged you. Tracy, thanks for keeping me distracted

13. If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished, anywhere in the world, where would it be? some where in the mountains

14. Favorite vacation spot? mountains

15. Favorite children's book? Charlotte's Web

16. Name one thing you just can't resist no matter how bad it is for you? chocolate

17. Describe your perfect day. quiet day by the pool

18. Who is the most famous person you know? "ME" no for real I don't know

19. What would you do if you won the Lottery? pay off lots of bills and take a vacation (by myself!)

20. Aside from blogging, what is your favorite past time? playing on computer

Now I tag the following bloggers: I'll do that later

have you ever felt helpless?

have you ever felt helpless?

well I do every time I hear the word cancer...that's why I volunteer for the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life

here's why I got involved...in December 1998 my Aunt passed away from cancer (at the young age of 54) and at her funeral I realized all the things I never told her...I never told her how much I admired her, how I thought she was a wonderful wife and mother, and how much I loved her...I made a promise to myself sitting right there in the church looking at her casket that I would do any and everything possible to help find a cure for that horrible disease so the next April I participated in my first Relay for Life...this April will be my 11th Relay for Life and it all started because of my love for my Aunt

you know, my Aunt may be the reason I started but my list grows every year...more family members, friends, parents of friends...I think the one that hit me the hardest was sweet little Olivia, 3 years old and diagnosed with leukemia...she's 5 now and still battling that horrible disease...she hasn't gotten to do the things little girls are suppose to do because she has spent the better part of the last 2 years in the hospital very very sick...bone marrow transplant, chemotheropy, you name it she's been through it...it makes me sad, no really it makes me mad!

I hope all of you who have been touched by this horrible disease will support your local Relay for Life and those of you who haven't be sure to thank God every night

Kristie needs...

I'm got this from Alicia who got it from Cynthia who got it from...anyways, it sounded fun so I'm doing it...

go to www.google.com, type in your name and write needs after it....for example, Kristie needs and click search...then take the top 10, list them and comment after each one!

have fun!!!

1...Kristie Needs Our Help

oh how true, I need all the help I can get

2...Kristie Needs Olives

well, I like olives but not sure if I ever needed them

3...Kristie Needs To Go Home

sorry I thought yall liked me but I am home

4...Kristi Needs To Know Exactly What Time She Is To Be Doing Something

well I do like to know exactly what and when something is expected of me to be done but I got that trait from the hubby

5...Kristie Needs Money

you can never have too much

6...Kristie Needs Chocolate

how did you ever know, I love chocolate

7...Kristie Needs To Turn Up The AC

no I don't, I'm perfectly fine

8...Kristie Needs A Life Style Change

what's wrong with my life style, I thought my life style was fine

9...Kristie Needs Something To Do

I have plenty to do, please don't add anything else to my list

10...Kristie Needs Not To Worry

easier said than done

that was fun, give it a try

I'm behind

I'm behind, sorry...I received 2 awards last week (thanks Tracy & Kris) and haven't given them to others yet but I promise I will later today so be on the lookout

Jen's prize...and maybe something for you too

Jen said she likes our sweets and our seasonings so her prize is going to be a little of both...these items are from our Fall/Winter line and will only be available until March 8, 2009

ITALIAN GARLIC BREAD SEASONING BLEND

Make your own garlic bread in minutes! Simply combine with softened butter and spread on sliced French bread before browning. Or use as a versatile Italian seasoning for hot pasta, sautèed mushrooms, pizza, soups and sauces. All natural.

CLASSY CHOCOLATE POUND CAKE MIX
xxxxx*, rich, double-chocolate goodness. Just add butter and enjoy this luscious cake loaded with real chocolate chips. For a little extra flair, top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate. Makes about 10 servings. Kosher. (0g trans fat per serving)

*a word that Jen does not like was removed (read her blog to find out what the word is)

CHEERY CHERRY CRISP MIX
Cheer your family and friends with delicious red cherries and a crunchy crisp topping. Just add butter and water. For a sweet ending, serve warm with whipped cream, ice cream or Creamy Caramel Sauce. Makes about 8 servings. (0g trans fat per serving)

PLUS if Jen ever wants to place an order with me she will receive 10% off her order when she reminds me that I promised this

all she has to do is check out my webpage
www.tastefullysimple.com/web/krussell
then email me what she wants
simply_kristie_06@yahoo.com
and I'll send her an email invoice and her order will be placed

just because I'm such a nice person, anyone who was entered in the drawing can get 10% off their order if they follow the directions above

and the winner is...

the official name drawer, Brady, my nephew

the names

I promise he can't read


and the winner is...

drum roll please...

sorry this is so blurry but it does say "JEN!"

the winner of my Tastefully Simple give away is...Jen over at "Life According to Jen" http://jenske426.blogspot.com/

so now Jen please email me @ simply_kristie_06@yahoo.com your mailing address and if you like sweets, seasonings, soups or drinks (adult type or child friendly)



CONGRATULATIONS JEN!

and thank you all for playing