One of My Favorite Things.......

For as long as I can remember the Dogwood has been one of my favorites....I love them all......Pink, White & Red.......I wish I had a yard full but unfortunately most of ours have died.....a few with the help of the last hurricane......but this picture was taken of one of our trees Sunday afternoon and I thought I would share the Legend of the Dogwood with you. ( Not that I think you don't already know it) but I can never be reminded of it too much!

According to legend,

The dogwood tree used to grow o tall and straight that

it's wood was used to make

the cross of Christ.

Out of sorrow for

the Lord's suffering.

The dogwood shrank,

Becoming slender and twisted,

It's branches drooped with sadness.

The dogwood would never again

be used to make a cross.

Instead, it's blossoms would

repeat the story of Jesus' death

The four white petals of each blossom

form a cross, and at the outer edge

of each petal are rusty brown nail

prints stained red as with blood.

In the center, tiny florets

form a crown of thorns.

The bent but lovely dogwood

blooms each year at Easter time

To remind the world of the

story of the crucifixion,

and that out of suffering

comes the promise of new life.

Isn't that an amazing poem?

I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I do evertime I read it.......Happy Tuesday!

Weekend Update & More!

Weight Watchers - Week 7 Results

I didn't weigh at Weight Watchers two weeks ago because I had to go take care of Easter stuff when I got off work Thursday.........so....last week I was expecting a gain.......but actually had a two pound loss..........I was thrilled!!!!.........that makes my total 15.2 pounds in 7 weeks........after WW Corey & I met Cathy & Kelly at Los Amigos and we all got Mexican Steaks.........I'm not much on Mexican food but I am hooked on those Mexican Steaks covered in cheese.........YUM!!!! Life was Good!!!!


Saturday morning Corey & I went to Roanoke Rapids where they were having a Home & Garden show at the mall..........Gay Implement had a display, Colin was working so we decided to go and see what it was all about..........

Corey liked trying out the equipment

I think I would like to have this...........

and of course.....can you go ANYWHERE and not jump?

We got hot so what could be better than lemonade?

Yum! Yum!

After we got back from Roanoke Rapids I had promised to help with the Spaghetti dinner at our church for Relay for Life........Corey helped too until Grandma & Grandaddy got there to eat.....then he went home with them.......

We had been invited to CJ's Birthday Cookout and as much as I hated to miss it I felt like I needed to help with the dinner since I had committed to it.....and I knew Colin would be getting home later and would be so tired.........

I sure didn't know what was in store for the party later on that night..............Please keep all the boys (and their families) in your prayers as they heal.........you can read the details on Kelly's blog if you haven't already...........I can tell you.....I admire Kelly so much for being able to change those bandages twice a day.......it makes me queasy (is that a word?) just thinking about it........You Rock Kelly!.....what an AWESOME WOMAN YOU ARE!!!!!!

Then it was on to church the next morning for Sunday School & Church......I don't think I've ever mentioned before that Corey is learning to be acolyte at our church.........he's still kinda young for it but he is really doing a great job with it...........I think it won't be many more Sundays and I'll be able to go back to my regular seat....but until he is feeling comfortable with it I am sitting behind him just to help him with when to do what..........these are not very good pictures but I think you can get the idea.........

He is so serious

My heart feels so full EVERY TIME he does this!

After lunch it was on to Cub Scouts.............I can't believe that our year is just about over...........hopefully all my boys will be presented with their Bear Badge at our May Pack Meeting.........we still have a lot to do to finish up but I am confident we'll get it all done!

That's all for now!

Happy Tuesday!

The Easter Bunny Visited MFI

Sometime during the night last night Meherrin Fertilizer was visited by the Easter Bunny. This morning started out as any other morning with the usual tasks at hand. Around 10:00 I did my usual visit to the Post Office & Main Office.

Only when I opened our post office box.......a plastic egg rolled out onto the floor. I have to admit it startled me at first........then I read the note taped to it.......saying it was for the MFI Girls from the Easter Bunny.

I took it back to the office with all the mail and the search began........

The Easter Bunny has us all on a Scavenger Hunt!

It was so much fun....

This is the egg that rolled out of the post office box.......

Kelly was ALL ABOUT finding that egg and getting the clue......


She's reading us all the clue so we can find the next egg......

Donna had just found an egg.......

A clue said an egg was in my office.......

So.........Cathy is checking out my plant........

(BTW they gave me this plant my first day)

I'm looking under my desk.....

we all KNOW that Easter Bunny can be pretty sneaky..........

Kelly is happy she found the prize........

That Easter Bunny had us going all over the building........an egg was in a file

in the file room.......under the table in the kitchen.......

in a plant in Donna's office......

behind my keyboard in my office.......

stuck to the fire extinguisher in the closet.......

We finally found the prize in the cabinet over the refridgerator......

It was hilarious........and so much fun

This was the MOST thoughtful prize........

the Easter Bunny knew ALL our favorite drinks

& snacks

AND knew we were all dieting......

I bet that Easter Bunny had alot of fun watching us looking for the eggs........

and probably laughing at all our guesses that were wrong....

But........doesn't Rhonda look very pleased (and maybe a bit proud????)

for SOME reason?

I wonder if she KNOWS the Easter Bunny.........

But I'm new there so I wouldn't know.......

But I do know I'm working at the best place ever!!!!!!

I'm feeling very blessed!

I hope you all have a Great Weekend!

Cub Scout Easter Egg Hunt

We had our Pack Easter Egg Hunt yesterday in Severn.

Unfortunately alot of our Pack had other committments.......so...they couldn't be there.....

but....I think all the boys (& little brothers & sisters) had alot of fun

This is our Pack Cub Master giving some instructions......
Corey, Aaron & Ethan with their eggs

Corey counting his eggs

Mr. Joe had 2 special eggs that he put a Dollar in with the candy

Corey was one of the lucky winners!

After the Egg Hunt everybody enjoyed cupcakes & snacks

and they could work on a craft and play on the playground

It was nice watching the kids just having fun together

I hope everybody has a Great Sunday!

Week 5 Results

I am extremely happy to be posting a weight loss this week......I lost 1.4 pounds for a total of 13.2 pounds in 5 weeks. I can't explain it but I am not complaining. I told the girls at work the other day that for the last couple of weeks it's like I have forgotten all about that I'm suppose to be on weight watchers. Hopefully I can get myself back on track and follow the plan again.

Tomorrow is Grandparents Day at Corey's school. He asked me last night if I was coming and when I told him not this time he looked so hurt. He said "But mama YOU come to everything I do at school". It was so hard trying to explain that I now have a new job that I can't just come & go as I please and that his grandma & grandaddy would be there and they will take pictures for me and I wanted to hear all about it when I get home from work.

Happy Friday!

Dose of What's Really Real

Today didn't start off as a very good day at all.......Colin & I had both taken off work because Corey had an appointment at King's Daughters Hospital this morning........He was referred there by his Dr. a couple of weeks ago......and I can tell you.......last night was a very sad & scary night for me.......so many thoughts and so many unknowns..............so many what if's.............when Corey went to bed I layed down with him because when I got home from work I could tell he was 'anxious' about today.........and I knew he would want to just talk........he tries to be so 'Big" and so brave but a mommy always knows...........we talked....and we talked....and we talked some more.........but after he finally went to sleep I couldn't bring myself to leave him........I sat on his bed just looking at him and found myself really wondering what kind of mama I am to him and what kind of teenager he'll be and what kind of man he will grow up to be..........

But.....I am SO HAPPY to say all the worrying was for nothing..........everything went fine this morning......he is as healthy as can be.........but I think it took a little scare for me to really put things in prospective AGAIN..........we all have so much to be thankful for...........sometimes I find myself really getting caught up in all the material things I would love to have for my family........and get a little jealous of what my friends have.........but at the end of the day.........I can always take a good look at all I have to be thankful for...........and find myself wondering how I can let myself get so caught up with such un-important things and let myself loose sight of what is really important.........and that is a Happy, Healthy family!

I hope you all had a Great April's Fool Day and didn't get too fooled by anyone........I have to admit Mandy really, REALLY got me with her Blog....Did you read it?

Corey's Birthday Party

OMG!!!!!!

Where do I even start?

Today we had Corey's Birthday party at the Skating Rink

in Franklin

Well.......we sent out about 40 invitations

We invited both 3rd Grade classes at school, the other 6 boys in our Cub Scout Den

and a few other friends

I started getting phone calls for regrets last weekend

and by last night I was really thinking we were going to be lucky if we had 10 kids.....

How sad is that thought?

We got to the Skating Rink to set up and the kids started coming.......

and coming.......

All in all we had about 31 kids (& some parents)

It was AWESOME!!!!!!

I think Ballgames were cancelled

and other's plans just changed

Corey was so excited......

And it made me feel SOOOO good!

What a Great Party we ended up having after all!

Here is the hat Corey picked out the other night at Party City to wear at his party

That we forgot all about until we were cleaning up

Carol made the cake from the invitations

Did y'all see the invitations Mary D. did for us?

She is so talented
and Carol is amazing

Here is Corey skating



Doesn't he look so happy?


And here he has collected some of the balloons to pass out to his friends after the party


OK........the party was not all wonderful
Carol (one of my Best Friends)
decided to be a 'cool mom' for her son
and skate......well......
she got a little too comfortable
and fell.......
That's right........
she fell.......
One of the parents took her to the ER
after the party I went to the hospital to check things out
and to pick her up
Only to find out
she BROKE her arm
That's right.......BROKE
Colin took Corey & her boys to Conway
I waited for her to get her temporary cast on
then took her home

What kind of friend am I?
I have more pictures of HER than I do of Corey
I have the fall, the swollen arm, her almost passing out and laying on the floor
the hospital pictures
and now I'm wondering what she must have been thinking.......
I'm sorry Carol!

So....that was our eventful party!
If any of you are ever wondering about a different kind of party I would highly
recommend the Skating Rink
It was an awesome afternoon
and with our 50+people
there was still plenty of room
and the kids had so much fun!

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the weekend!

Week 4 Results & a Catch-Up

Well.....last night was not so great at Weight Watchers......I only lost .4 (for a total of 11.8 pounds).....but I was just happy that I lost something.....this week maybe I'll be more focused.....I'm really looking forward to when I can post I have lost 50+ pounds.....that will really be a time to celebrate.

Corey got his Report Card Monday and it was all A's..........He brought his B in Reading up to an A-.......and got 2 A's and 3 A+'s.......I am so proud of him........but he is still talking at inappropriate times as much as ever......I keep telling his teachers that we'll work on it but he gets it Honestly from his mama and he just CAN'T help it.........He is so ready for Summer Break........he thinks he's gotten all that 3rd Grade has to offer and it's all now pretty much a waste of time........

I am still L-O-V-I-N-G my job at Meherrin Fertilizer.........I look forward to going to work in the mornings and the days go by so fast.........I really feel sorry for Rhonda........she's training me and it is all SO new to me that I know it's hard for her to get any of her own work done for answering questions for me (or fixing my mistakes)........but I will have to say the girl has got some patients!!!!!

Well....that's all for now.....Gotta get ready to meet that school bus in Conway and get to work!

Oh.....I'm doing Corey's Birthday Party tomorrow afternoon at the Skating Rink in Franklin......so wish us luck.........so far about 1/2 (or more) of the kids we invited can't come for different reasons.......ball games or practice, swim meets, out of town, etc......My heart is aching for Corey.....he doesn't act like it is hurting his feelings.........but I wonder deep down if it is.........I tried to tell him that we just picked a bad time and that we'll have a great party no matter who's there.....so.....wish us luck!

I wonder if I'll have the nerve to try to skate....since I have NEVER been on skates in my life I think NOT!!!!!!!!!

Week 3 Results AND a NEW JOB

What a week this has been.......I don't even know where to start.......

I went to Weight Watchers Thursday night and had lost 2.6 pounds this week.......I was not too excited about it because I had done really, REALLY bad this week and the loss was O-N-L-Y because of a virus.......that's right.....I have not had a virus in about 15 years and Tuesday night about 2 am.....here we go........and it went into Wednesday..........

And did I mention Wednesday was my FIRST day at my Brand-New-Wanted-Forever-Job-At-Meherrin-Fertilizer?........That's right........I got the call Tuesday afternoon and was starting Wednesday morning at 8......I could not have been any happier......I....(That's right ME).....was going to be a real MFI Girl with my very Best Friends..........well........I didn't know what to do.........Like I said I never get a virus so I was not exactly sure that's what it really was.........Cathy kept telling me it was just nerves............Boy was she wrong.........and I feel so bad that I took some sick germs down there.........I am praying that none of them will get it........And I'm the type that only does certain things at home in my OWN bathroom....but that had to change Wednesday.........and THAT"S the only reason I had a weight loss..........But that 2.6 pounds brings my total weight loss to 11.4 pounds for the first 3 weeks..........

Well........Thursday there was no more Virus but guess what........NOW I have a cold/Sinus Infection/Something awful going on with me........go figure......But......I had three of the Best Days at my new job that ANYBODY could have..........It is just as wonderful as I always knew it would be.......it is such a great place to be and such an awesome boss........that I ALMOST feel guilty getting paid to be there.........It's going to be the kind of job that I'll look forward to going to every morning..........I know it's not going to be all great days but neither is any job.....but........I am so very thankful that I am part of Meherrin Fertilizer and I honestly hope I'll be there for a very long time............

Sorry for such a long post!

Happy Saturday!!!!!!

I'm going to take more cold medicine!

Busy, Busy Weekend

Friday Night Blogger's Blast

Words can not express how much fun I had Friday night. I loved meeting all you that I didn't know and I loved spending time with the ones I already knew. I really enjoyed hearing how you all started Blogging. I took several pictures but I don't think I have any that have not already been posted. Thank You so much Judi and Wendy for all the work and planning you did to make this such a special night. And Thank You Mandy for the Blogger's Plaque, I love it! I can't wait until the next Bloggers Blast!

Thank You Again!!! It was definitely a night of memories!


Museum

Corey & I got up super early Saturday morning to meet some friends and go to Raleigh to the Living Science Museum for the Exotic Reptile & Amphibian Exhibit. It was so crowded that I told my husband I was pushed & shoved more in the museum than I was when I went shopping the Friday after Thanksgiving. But Corey & his friends had so much fun it was worth it all.

This is the group!

Aren't they cute?

He did NOT get this curiosity from me!

These are two funny boys!

I was glad for the 'glass'

But....oh no!

This was nothing but Y-U-C-K!!!!!!

Big Teeth!

And this is my little Scientist!

He reminds me so much of his grandaddy!

Sunday

Corey & I were both exhausted Sunday so we didn't even make it to church. I had to finish preparing for my Cub Scout Meeting so we stayed home and I let Corey sleep!

We went to my parents for lunch then it was time for Corey & I to go to our Cub Scout meeting!

Then.........it was Monday morning again!.........ALREADY!!!!!

I hope you all have a Great Wednesday!

Happy Birthday Sue!!!

Today is my sister-in-law Sue's Birthday
Unfortunately, she's home sick so please visit her site and send her some well wishes!

Happy Birthday Sue!

Week Two Results

I was really dreading going to weigh at Weight Watchers tonight because I have been so crazy all week eating everything I knew I shouldn't and not counting points and just being a big fat mess..........Well.....I went in and had already decided that whatever happens I did to myself and tomorrow would be a new day and I can start over.....but.....guess what?.....I lost 3.4 pounds....that's right....I LOST........not gained........OMG!!!!!!!..........All I can say about it is it was only by the grace of God that I lost.......but I'm happy and I'll take it and I'll have to try to keep on track next week!.....By the way.....I made a mistake last week when I blogged......I actually lost 5.4 pounds.....not 5.2....for a total of 8.8 pounds.....Yay Me!

Are y'all ready for the Bloggers Blast?
I am so excited about it I feel like it's Christmas or something.....I can't wait to meet those of you I don't know and for those of you I already know I can't wait to see you again!

Happy Friday Everybody!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COREY!!!

Today is Corey's Birthday

I CAN NOT believe that my little boy is turning 9 years old today

I looked at him sleeping this morning

when I went in to wake him up for school

and my heart felt so full

All of a sudden I was filled with all kinds of emotions

He is growing up way too fast

and I feel like I have missed so much of him being little

just by being so busy with all kinds of things

I've always played a BIG part of his life and been involved with

pretty much every aspect of his life

But......the older he gets the more

I miss him being so little & innocent

But as he grows & matures I love him being my friend!

Happy Birthday Corey

I can NOT begin to tell him what he has meant to me!

I Love Him more with each day that passes

and with each & every moment we share!

Happy Birthday Daddy

Today my sweet, sweet Daddy turned 80 years old......Is that amazing or what?.........Sometimes I look at him and think OMG how he has aged....when did that happen?......and other times I think about my daddy and think how amazing it is that he is 80 and gets around as well as he does..........he raises collie puppies and takes such good care of them.....has his chickens and collies that need constant daily attention (no matter how hot it is or how cold it is or raining or windy or whatever........he ALWAYS makes several trips a day outside to check on things.....and he has the greenest thumb of anybody I know......I think he could grow ANYTHING.........I guess his love for animals and flowers come from over 30 years teaching Biology & Zoology at Chowan College (Chowan University now).........he has been such a role model for Corey.........and he has certainly done his part in spoiling him........but I guess it hasn't helped matters that he is the ONLY grandchild........he has learned sooooo much from spending so much time with his grandaddy..........grandaddy started bonding very early with Corey since I had to go back to work when he was 4 weeks old and my daddy kept him for me to work.....that time was priceless for them.........and Corey loves that we live just across the rode from them.........it is nothing for me to find Corey at the ditch yelling across the rode at grandaddy if he sees him in the yard or getting his mail........I would not trade the bond they have for any thing in the world.........there is nothing any sweeter!

Happy Birthday Daddy!!!

We Love You!

First Week w/ Weight Watchers

I had my first weigh-in tonight at Weight Watchers.....and guess what?.........I lost 5.2 pounds this week......I am so excited and I can't believe that I am really, REALLY, R-E-A-L-L-Y on my way to a smaller me........I know it will be a long (L-O-N-G) process but at least I have started the journey..........I know that realistically I can't expect the scales to say 5 pounds each week but I will be very happy with ANY loss........I'm thinking I have about 75 pounds to go.......so.........it's going to take quite a while.........but maybe then I will no longer be the 'fattest Third Grade Mom".

Thank You to all you ladies giving me the inspiration to change 'me'!

First Day of Weight Watchers

Okay......

Of all days for Heather to have a Fundraiser at Building Blocks was yesterday......

I met her at the Daycare at 6 am to unload Doughnuts.....

That's right.......D-O-U-G-H-N-U-T-S

one of my biggest weaknesses

OMG!!!!!!

As we are unloading 425 boxes....I'm thinking.......

ok....maybe I didn't exactly choose the right day to begin Weight Watchers

with EACH donut being 5 points

I helped her separate the orders (they were pre-ordered)

and helped parents carry them out to their vehicles.....

It was TOUGH......

But......

Guess What?

I didn't eat any....that's right

you heard me.....

not even one bite!!!!!

Yay-Me!!!

I think I had a great day resisting temptations.......

I'm looking forward to the weigh in Thursday night.......

I just hope I can stay focused!

On another note......

Are you all as excited as I am about the Bloggers Blast

in Franklin March 13th?

I can't wait to meet everybody.......

I know it is going to be sooooo much fun

If you don't yet know about it head over to Judi's Blog

and read about it.......

Then sign up to come!!!!!

Applebees will never be the same!

Happy Saturday!

Weight Watchers

I Did It!!!

I joined weight watchers last night. I finally got my husband to agree NOT to be so mad if I joined AGAIN......and I stress again.......I'm the queen of joining and failing weight watchers.....he thinks I won't stick to it so it is a waste of time & money........but I think it is time I do something about my weight........I just can't understand HOW I got like this?

I don't want to be the 'fattest Third Grade Mom' anymore....So........Keep your fingers crossed that I will do it this time!

Happy Friday!

Pinewood Derby

This is the car Corey had in the Pinewood Derby Saturday.

His car didn't do well this year and it was a hard lesson in sportsmanship for him.

After winning First in his Den and Second in the overall Pack last year I think he was expecting to win this year so even though it was hard for him to lose I think he learned a very valuable lesson.

There's always next year!

Hoops for Heart

Yesterday was Hoops for Hearts at Corey's school

so........I volunteered for the day........which really makes me

wonder why I don't help out every year being that

his daddy has had two heart attacks

(resulting in 5 by-passes when I was pregnant with Corey)

We started the day eating breakfast at the Huddle House in Franklin

Decisions......Decisions......What looks yummy?



Then it was on to school.....
Each class had a designated time to go to the gym
They had Basketballs, Jump Ropes, Hula Hoops
& Scooters to enjoy


First Corey shot some hoops

What is THIS look suppose to mean?

Then it was on to the hula hoops......

I think we made some over $4000.00 yesterday..........

Southampton Academy has made over $70,000 since

1998 for the American Heart Association

I hope you all have a great Friday the 13th!!

Corey is going to a sleepover tomorrow night so

Colin & I are having a movie night....

I think we're watching Nights in Rodanthe

I can't wait!!!!!!

School Art Fair

Corey's school had an Art Fair tonight........the Art Teacher has been working with the kids since January on projects for this Art sale. When I first told Corey there was going to be an art fair and I was going to be able to buy a framed piece of art he had done he told me 'that was the most ridiculous thing he had ever heard of.....why would he pay money for something he had already done?"

He is too funny!

All the framed prints were set up in the cafeteria like an art show.......Each class worked on a project......

This is Corey's Turtle...

He told me this afternoon that not many people would like his but he knew I would because I LOVE everything he makes......And I Do!

This is my favorite turtle EVER.....and I can't wait until I figure out the perfect place to hang it in my home.

Birthday Ideas

I can't believe it has been so long since I blogged anything......things have just been so busy......but I have been reading everybodys and trying to keep up.......Corey & I had Cub Scouts yesterday......we had our Den meeting and it was also the end of 'Scouting for Food'......the food drive we do every year for the local food pantries.........our pack collected alot of food......and it always makes me feel so good when the boys are doing something meaningful for somebody else.......then it was such a pretty day we followed Carol to her house for the boys to play a while.......

Today was Scout Sunday so we went to church at Zion Methodist Church (which is our Pack's sponsoring church).........it was really nice and everyone made us feel so welcome........

Then it was off to my parent's for Sunday lunch....that's right.....we go EVERY SUNDAY........how nice is that?.....well.......after lunch was done Corey had in his mind he was getting Aunt Sue to go outside with him to play Bad mitten.........but because of the wind it was switched to Tennis Rackets and tennis balls......we had alot of fun.....and yes I did take pictures (but I don't think Sue would appreciate me posting them).....He then climbed too high up in a tree.....and I didn't think he was going to be able to climb back down but after awhile he managed.........we came home.........he played in the yard and I got on the Internet & ordered some cub scout stuff we need..........

I'm trying to start making plans & figuring out what I'm going to do for Corey's Birthday (March 10th)........he wants to have a party at the Skating Rink in Franklin.....we've not done a Birthday party in a couple of years.......... Last year we took him & a friend and my brother-in-law, sister-in-law, niece & nephew to Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg......and the year before we went to the Mountains for 4 days to dig for jewels so he wants to have a 'friends' party this year.......Does anyone have any ideas how to make a skating party special or how to decorate?......a friend is working on a boy wearing skates for the invitations..........but other than that I'm clueless.......any ideas will be greatly appreciated!

Have a Great Monday!

Skating Party

Southampton Academy sponsored a Skating Party in Franklin Saturday afternoon for a couple of hours. It was for any K-3rd Grade children.

Corey is getting his skates....

He has only skated at a few Birthday parties......I think he is doing so much better......

Corey & Blake are really good buddies at school

I think they look like they are planning something.....

I think it was about 60 kids that came to skate

Corey had so much fun he wants to have his Birthday party there in March

I think they all hated when it was time to go.......

A bunch of parents were having a good time too......(like Mary....but shh.....don't tell her I took pictures of her skating....)

It was really a nice event.......where families could just get together and have fun......

I'm really glad we went!