Birthdays Week-end

The week-end of November 7-8, Jordan came home to celebrate our birthdays. We had a great week-end-he came in on Thursday and stayed through Sunday, spending almost ALL the time with us!!! On Friday night, Jordan, Kenny and I went to see "The Christmas Carol, 3-D". It was good, of course, you already know the story, so there is no surprise ending-but we had fun and it got me in the holiday spirit! On Saturday, Kenny and Jordan helped "Papaw" with some of his outdoor holiday decorations, then Jordan went to the VSU game with Heather and Wade. That evening, we all meet Mom, Dad, Karen and Ervin for a birthday dinner in town. It was nice to be able just to sit and visit since it had been awhile since they had seen Jo. Sunday was dinner at the Holton's. Kenny's aunt and uncle were here from OK. so Beth, Tressie, Toni and Chris all came down from ATL. I would like to say it was for the b-day celebration, but I really don't think so! We had a great lunch and wonderful visit with everyone. Sunday was also Justin's (Kenny's niece's husband) birthday, too so we had a BIG party! One party for all 3-that makes it so easy on everyone! Shortly after lunch, Jordan had to head back to Montgomery--HOPEFULLY TO BE FINISHING UP IN DEC!!!!! So the week-end long celebration ended but it was a great way to get to spend your birthday!

Trick or Treat

It took me awhile but I thought I would post a few pictures of Halloween-at least I made it before Thanksgiving! ;) I have to say-Jess made a cute Doctor and it is nice to know with the way Health care is heading--having a Dr in the family may not be such a bad idea!

School Halloween Party

We had a great time yesterday at our Halloween Party at school. I made lunch for everyone and I must say-I think everyone enjoyed it. We had "jack-o-lantern" grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese curls, orange juice boxes and homemade cupcakes! Can't beat that, surely it was better than school lunches! ;) After we ate, it was time to carve our pumpkin! I have to say-Jess really enjoyed that!

Hope everyone has a great day and fun trick-or-treating tonight!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Fall Break

On Monday morning, we got up and headed to Atlanta. Kenny had a meeting downtown so Jess and I went along for the ride. We were able to check into our hotel early, so Kenny left us there for the afternoon. I tried for 2 hours to get Jess to take a nap and after no luck, called Toni and Chris, Kenny's sister and brother-in-law, to come over and visit! Shortly after they arrived, Kenny got back so we went across the highway and shopped for awhile and then went and had dinner. After dinner, everyone needed to head to their own "quarters" and settle in for the night.

Tuesday morning, Kenny, Jess and I left the hotel and headed for Burt's Pumpkin Patch. It was about 2 hours north of our hotel so we decided it would be worth the drive. It was a beautiful, but COOL morning. When we arrived at the pumpkin patch it was around 40 degrees. That didn't stop us and Jessica was amazed at all the pumpkins-so amazed we could not get her to look up for pictures-had to see all the pumpkins. After we selected our pumpkins, all we could get in the car, we started south. I am so thankful that we got up early so we were able to get back home around 4. It was a great trip and is always fun to take Jess-but so nice to be home in time for everyone to relax. It's also nice that Wednesday is Monday for Jess at school and Kenny at work-so we will all enjoy the short "work" week!!

Kenny selecting the perfect pumpkins!

At least she is trying to smile-can't stop looking at the pumpkins and all the other kids!

Guarding our "loot", while Dad took one load to the car!

Special Olympics 2009

Just a few pictures from Special Olympics this year. We had bowling on Tuesday and basketball and soccer on Thursday. This is such a great thing and all the kids had a blast!

CATCHING UP...

So much has happened since the middle of September, and my last post! First, let me begin by saying that the job did NOT work out. I had really more responsibilities than I had originally thought and I wasn't getting off when I thought I was going to be able to. This my all sound silly but I just was not up to it! I was missing events Jess was doing and was going to have to miss more and several days I hardly had time to get home and eat before I had to pick Jessica up.

Two weeks after I had started my job, Jessica got sick! She was sick for 12 days! Too long for me to be in the house with her and too long to have to decide everyday what I was going t0 do about my job. So, I quickly decided that at this time, it just wasn't the thing for me to do! Jess was sick with some kind of stomach virus and I didn't think she was every going to get over it! Thankfully, after 12 days-she was cleared to be back at school! Since then she has really been doing well!

Last week she went to Special Olympics. On Tuesday, we did bowling and on Thursday, we had basketball and soccer skills! She did well and that was such a great experience, again this year! The Valdosta/Lowndes Parks and Rec Dept. helps head it up and volunteers come from local high schools, VSU and Moody. It is so inspiring to watch those kids participate and receive their ribbons!

Jess is on fall break today and tomorrow so we are just going to enjoy the cooler weather! It has been BEAUTIFUL and the forecast says that we will be back in the 80's later in the week--so enjoy!

WHAT AM I THINKING???

Almost 9 years ago, Jessica was born! Since that time I have not had a full-time job. I started subbing at the school that she attended-but never worked too much. A couple of times I have done long-terms but again I'll say...never FULL-TIME!

Last Wednesday night, a friend that I have taught for in Quitman, called me and out of the clear blue asked me if I would be interested in teaching her pre-school class at her daycare. She opened a daycare last year. Well, after talking with her, I decided to go and talk to her business partner and the next thing I know I am employed!

I started today and only work from 8-noon. There is a girl in the class with me and today we had 14 3 and 4 year olds! The problem has been that the girl that was teaching, didn't have any discipline-so just guess how today went? I am hoping that after a week or two of repetition on classroom rules, we will have a good year! I have school holidays off and they are very understanding that Jess has Dr. app't and is prone to get sick.

So after thinking of every excuse I could, my "mornings of leisure" are over! WHAT AM I THINKING???

Time Marches On...

I can not believe that it is already Labor Day!!! I know Jess started school way too early but where is the time going?

We had an extremely hard August! On the 13th, Kenny got a call telling him that his nephew in Tennessee had killed himself. Needless to say, we were in shock!!! Time seemed to come to a complete stand-still. It is hard for me to believe that it has only been 2 weeks ago today that we buried Matt! On one hand it seems like it has been forever and on the other hand it is still all too fresh! The hurt and emptiness left just will not go away. I find myself going through the day and then all of a sudden something happens that reminds me of him. Time will make things better and we have so many good memories but it is so tragic when someone so young and so alive takes his own life---it just isn't right!

So from the 13th until the 31st-the days passed and now we are getting ready for a dinner in Atlanta for RTV and already trying to plan for Jessica's fall break. By the way, we went this morning for our sedated EEG at the hospital and the children's ward was full and the Dr. nor Jessica's parents wanted to run the risk of her catching something while she was up there...so I guess we will re-schedule!!!

Also during Aug., the girls' house got broken into in Montgomery and Leigh has gone to London and Paris for 10 days! Kristen has started her 2 quarter of "beauty school" and I guess Samantha is settling into college...she needs to call her Gin-Gin!!!!!! Louise is the stable one in the clan and she just takes care of what anyone needs!!!!! Love all you girls!!!!!

Samantha Leaves for College!!!:(

Well, it finally happened!!! Samantha had to leave for college! Don't get me wrong, I am so excited for her! I hope she gets in school and has a great time! BUT...I am really going to miss her! She has been around us for soooo long! She has been Jessica's "go-to" babysitter! We always felt comfortable leaving her with Jessica and like I have said before, she takes better care of her than me, sometimes! On Friday afternoon, Samantha came over-crying, because she had just left school, telling everyone good-bye-and wanted us to go eat with the "fam" at Red Lobster. So we met Mom, Dad, Karen, Ervin and Sam at 7 for dinner. The meal went well, but when we got outside to say our farewells, it wasn't as good! The tears started flowing and by the time Samantha picked up Jess to hug her and say good-bye-I was completing loosing it!!! I know, I know...she'll be fine and so will we! It's just a part of life that when you are right in the middle of it, it doesn't seem like if will be alright!


She made it to school with her parents and they got her all set up. Rumors are that when Karen and Ervin left Montgomery it was pretty tramatic, too. But, reports are now that Samantha is getting use to her new surrounding and adjusting well, I knew she would! With both siblings and 3 cousins and an in-law over there, she hasn't gotten away from family...just different ones!

Good luck, Samantha! We love you and know you will be a great success! BUT...we DO still miss you!!!!

First Day of School

Well, the first day of school is here! It seems like our summer went by so fast! We went to Open House and Jessica sat down in her seat and tried to "strap" herself in...I think she is ready for another year of school. We have our same teachers and are looking forward to a great year!!!

Jessica ready for the big day!

Daddy and Jessica

Myrtle Beach

We went to Myrtle Beach with Kenny's Mom and Dad the end of July. We really had fun and Jess loved the beach. We got to go to the Braves' farm team game and we went on Tuesday night and Tim Hudson pitched on Thursday!!! It was great fun. The rest of the time we just relaxed and enjoyed ourselves. The condo had a "lazy river" that was Jessica's favorite! She can flat lay back and relax! A big thanks to Nana and Papaw for inviting us to go with them!!!

BEACH!!!!!

For a quick up-date...we made it through Jessica's EEG, even kept her awake from 1 AM until we got the the Dr.'s office. After we got her wired up, she was WIRED! She could not go to sleep and couldn't even lay still! After only about 5 minutes of her being still enough to get a read, the Dr. decided we need to try again another day!! This time he will sedate her but when he said we would have to do it again-I thought he was going to have to sedate ME!!!!! We made it through and we will again but hopefully this time will be easier.

After a very busy week, we are looking forward to heading off to Myrtle Beach tomorrow! I am not worried about the weather, I am just ready for a day or two away to relax!!!

It is hard to believe that school starts in about 2 weeks! It really seems like it has been a fast summer, even with me getting to entertain Jessica EVERYDAY!!! She is such a sweet heart but it is nice when I have alittle time to myself! That sound pretty bad, huh? Hope you have a good week!!!

TONIGHT!!!

Tonight as you all get all snug and comfortable in your beds, please think of me! Tomorrow Jessica has another sleep deprived EEG. It is scheduled for 8 AM, so hopefully by 9:30 we will be finished and heading home. The real catch to this is that after midnight tonight...she is suppose to stay awake!!! Sounds like fun, huh? She is asleep right now (6:30) and has been for almost an hour. I am hoping that she can sleep until close to midnight! She has already had dinner and 2 tsp. of allergy medicine, so hopefully she will be out until 12.

The bad part is I need to be sleeping, too-and just can't seem to settle down. Maybe when it gets dark-9:30, I be able to sleep a couple of hours-if she is still down!

Then you have to go through the wires being "glued" to her head, which she REALLY enjoys!!! NOT!!!! And then she is suppose to lay still, or sleep while they flash lights all at different speeds. It is really something everyone would love!

But, if she will just sleep awhile now, we will make it through it. It may take a 3 AM trip to Wal-Mart and a 6:30 trip to Cracker Barrel for breakfast but ...this too shall pass---SLEEP WELL!

Prayers

Please keep the Tomlinson family in your prayers. The oldest son, Rick (48), was found dead yesterday afternoon by his Dad, looks like a heart attack. The service will be tomorrow.

FIREWORKS OVER DASHER!

We were lucky on the night of the 4th to be able to step out on our front yard and enjoy our very own fireworks. One of the new houseparents at the children's home, put on a great show for the kids and those of us who walked outside to see! THANKS, CHRIS! Can't wait til next year!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Hope everyone has a safe and happy day today! Don't forget to pray for our service people and say "thank-you" if you happen to see one!

HAPPY 4th OF JULY!!!

What A Week!

It has been awhile since I have been able to blog! It is funny how much time I really do have during school verus Jess being at home ALL day! We spend most of our time in the pool-getting ready to go to the pool-or getting dried and clothes back on after the pool! Oh...don't forget I still need to keep clothes washed, house picked up and sorry,Kenny-usually I run out of steam before dinner!;)

This past week, Laurie came over on Monday and stayed until Wed. afternoon. It was so nice to see her and get to visit with her. On Tuesday night we had a "31" party. This is a fairly new business that Laurie has just started in. We had a good time and got to visit with people that neither one of us had seen in awhile! Thanks for coming Laurie-it was great and come back soon. By the way, if you are interested in seeing the product you can contact Laurie, Melissa Hicks or me-we are all going to try our hands at the business!

I can't believe that it is already the 4th of July! The summer is flyng by! We have a quiet week-end planned-work some around the yard and house, hang out at the pool and possible throw a hamburger or hot dog on the grill. Hope you all will take time to remember our service people who are helping to help defend our country and protect our freedom!

Please remember Louise in your prayers. She had surgery today and is going to be recoverying for several day. Hopefully, she will be ok by Monday and Dustin will be able to go back to work and Louise will be ok with Laurie and Leigh just checking on her. Jamie and I both offered to come down and help but Louise assured us both she would be ok.

I hope you all have a great week-end.

Wedding

Jeff, Christal, Toni, Chris and Josiah waiting for the ceremony to start

The wedding site

Kenny and me

The Bride's grandfather and father

Papaw giving Sus some advise!

Nana, Olivia and Heather arriving on the hayride.

Susanna and Bryce cutting the cake

On the morning after Samantha's graduation, Kenny and I got up at 4 AM and headed to Jacksonville. (Jess stayed with Louise, Dirt and Leigh until they could meet up with Mom and Dad.) We flew out for Branson, Missouri to finally end up in Neosho! We had a lay-over in Atlanta and met Jeff, Christal, Megan, Toni and Chris and we all made the 2nd leg of the filight together. Susanna, Kerry's youngest, got married on Sunday. Jeff, Christal, Megan, Kenny and I got into Neosho and checked into the hotel-Neosho is a story all it's own-and were able to help Kerry and Becky out at the wedding "venue". The wedding actually took place in a pasture! In fact, guest rode a hay wagon down to the site! I have to say, it was different! But, the kids had built an arbor and Becky had really worked hard on the reception, which was BEFORE the wedding! And with no electricity-that was quite an accomplishment! The ceremony itself was really sweet! Kerry performed it and did a great job.

After the ceremony, we headed to Branson for a couple of nights. Jeff, Christal and Megan flew out on Monday and Toni and Chris came to Branson with Stephanie and her kids for the night before we all flew home together! Monday night, Stephanie went with Kenny and me to a show while Momma T and Pappa C babysat! While we were in Branson we were able to visit with Kenny's aunt and uncle from Oklahoma. It is always good to get to see Bob and Virginia.

On Tuesday, we all got up to head to the airport! After a 2 1/2 hour delay in Branson and fortunately a delay in Atlanta-Kenny and I made the plane to Jacksonville. We were late getting home and Mom had been sick all day Tuesday, so Karen and Ervin were at the house with Jess. Thanks to Mom and Dad and Karen and Ervin!!

After what turned out to be a super long day, we were glad to be home but so glad that we had been able to work it out to go! I wish I could write like Laurie because I promise I could have you all cracking up about the entire trip. Now that all the TICKS are off of us, we are settled in for the summer!!!

Nana congratulating the Bride

Here comes the Bride!

Heather, Olivia and Megan-ain't they cute!

Graduation Pictures

We're ready!!!

"Not another picture...I've got to go!!!"

Here comes Samantha!

Finally getting that diaploma!

Making her Salutatorian speech

Samantha's memories

Sam with Mom, Dad and Nana after graduating

Samantha with her memory table after it's over!

Louise, Samantha and Leigh

Kristen and Walker with the graduate!

Samantha with her #1 fan!

Uncle Kenny and Sam