Langley Christmas Family Photos

I love to take pictures, in my house we have our own Paparazzi but how often does one sit down and look at photobooks anymore, rarely. One can pop online and check out the family and all the memories they are making anytime they want.

These were my pick of the 283 Christmas pictures taken over 3 days.

Christmas Tradition - Hash Style

As I have mentioned a moment ago, my sisters husband Brian is quite the jokester. He decided we needed to start a tradition so we all sit down at the dinner table and he hands out lotto tickets to all parties and a penny to go with it. We are instructed to scratch at the same time. Yep, you have figured it out by now, we were all winners, hence the scratching of the tickets simultaneously.

Lotto Tickets $7 The look on my moms face when she thought she had won $10,000, Priceless.

Christmas Scavenger 2008

The teens take the joy out of Chrismtas because they are all so picky they have made it ridiculously hard for one to buy for them so basically most people have gone to gift cards. Last year, my sister and now husband decided if you were gonna ask for giftcards then you get to work for them when it comes time to open. Last year was quite humerous as well but they all worked hard this year to make it special for the boys. There were various clues around mothers house that suggested where items might be located and in the end they boys had to answer a riddle to receive a screwdriver to open one of the gifts. My father the Engineer coordinated with my brother-inlaw the prankster and together they came up with some fun stuff for the kids to do. Enjoy the show.....

Christmas Party

Every year we try to get together and do something between friends. Times are tough these days so we agreed to keep it simple and make ornaments and cookies and simply spend some time together. As you can tell our cookie session had some issues. They would be small when we put them out to cook and HUGE when they were done. They were so huge one couldn't even really make out what they were. The kids had a great time and it relieved us for at least a moment from the pressing question, "Can I open 1 present, just one, please, please, please".

New Edition

This is the newest edition to children of my Bi-Fri's. His name is Kaden Rian. Isn't he just adorable?

Tony's 15th Birthday

Its Tony's 15th birthday party. Drew also came in from AL. We hold parties every year but as they grow older we get way more than we expected. David and I were on Teen Patrol for at least 3 to 4 hours. Only one thing was broken and nobody ran off, but we had an interesting time trying to entertain the crowd. By 11, David and I were asking that they start calling their parents so we could distinguish who was staying the night and finally being able to relax. We wound up with 10 guests for the night. The real nuts part about all of this was that I agreed to take the fellaz to the mall at West Town. Had I not lost my mind enough? Guess not. I must be crazy. It took 1.1/2 hour to get to the mall because traffic was at a dead stop at many various places once you got within 5 miles of the mall. Heather and I decided to find somewhere not in traffic and eat a bite, the only place that wasn't crowded was the IHOP and it was terrible so when that didn't kill enough time, we decided to go to the Kmart that was going out of business again, bad idea, that place had been picked over. So we decided to venture to the mall which at this point resembles the 7th circle of hell right now. We suffered thru like an hour and then we rounded up the fellaz and brought them all back home.

Memory Lane

These are only a tiny fraction of the many memories my grandparents left behind.

ORHS Freshman Football Banquet

The ORHS Freshman faired far better than their varisity did this year. In the meeting they said out of all of those boys that only 2 had made F's the entire season. That in and of itself says something about them as a group of kids in general. Tony has been A/B's all year and I like to see the initiative. These are a great group of boys and I hope to see them do well in the season to come.

Saturdayz In December

My g-friend Christy is ready to have this baby anytime now. We gather collectively and eat at her house on Saturdays when we don't have Shoneys money. We give Shoneys a run for their money from time to time. That evening we joined again to see the Christmas Parade. Maybe its the economy but they were skimpy on the candy and even worse they randomly selected kids to hand out stuffed animals to which left the other kids looking around like "why them and not me". I guess that was a lesson in Lifes not fair kid. Thankfully my little one didn't care after she started to get cold...

Angels

Some months back I received help from an unknown source getting my bills caught up. The person simply went to my rental office and paid the rent. I had never had this happen and I blogged about it then as well. The holidays came like a storm and with David being out of work it is still rough trying to maintain everything so again this person shows up and pays the rent again. The letter was sweet and they do not want to be recognized in anyway which essentially is true giving. I have been blessed to have caught the eye of someone who must think highly of me. I appreciate the help.

My Angel also became our Secret Santa, I got gifts and I rarely get gifts that I didn't purchase. The kids got presents and they were soo excited about it. It was a great feeling walking out of the door knowing that someone cared that much about me and can't possibly know me.

I can only hope that God blesses them and they continue to find people at hard times and bless them. The note says - This isn't about who it came from, it is about unconditional love and bringing joy and peace to others. - Isn't that just the sweetest thing you have ever heard.

Goobye Eugene Williams

I have been friends with Dewanna and her family since 1999 so close to a decade. Eugene is Dee's Grandaddy. Illness brought him to a shut-in point a few years ago.
Gene was among the players for the Negro Baseball League in the 1950's. He was loved by the ladies and he has a lot of family in his area so I would gamble to say he has led a pretty good life. In 2002, I attended a huge birthday party for Gene that was held in the mall. We all dressed like Kings and Queens and had a ball.

In the end all you have is those you are closest to and for Gene it was his daughters and his grand daughters. Everybody has had a turn to "Feed The King". The one thing I love about this family is they come together for their members and do for each other. If you were in Gene's house for any period of time you had a turn taking Gene a plate and chilling with him for a second. I have seen both Ann and Dee's cousin Norma, work their family members into their days for years. Its touching and I can only hope that in my old age, someone will be there for me like that or when my people start to fade that I will be there for them like that.

R.I.P Eugene Williams, I was glad I got to know you.

Santa @ West Town

So we went to West Town to see Santa.

My Weekend

I was all over the place this weekend. Started at Heathers, spent Sat morning at Christy's for breakfast, took I took Jordyn to Marys. Id like to say I had a great child free weekend, but that just didn't happen. We had the bathroom worked on and my house was a wreck.

From Steph2008

From Steph2008

From Steph2008

Child Support Court

So I went to Child Support Court on December 4th and to no avail, they had screwed up and he had been there that morning with one of the 5 other Babies Mamaz. I was MAD and as usual wasn't nothing I can do about it but whine. I get to wait until February 24th to find out that he will pay me somewher between $20-50 and that tiny effort will keep him out of jail. Poor pitiful him, nobody is hiring. I don't care, He needs the going to jail incentive plan.

Oh Christmas Tree - Whoa Christmas Tree

We have a nicer tree than we have had in the past this year. It wasn't nearly as easy to put together but the end result was AWESOME. Enjoy

Thanksgiving Weekend 2008

And so went the Thanksgiving Holiday. Drew graduated from Bootcamp and is now in Red Stone AL at his new station until after the new year. When I get the address, Ill post it so that anyone who wishes can write. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving, spent the morning delivering and setting up food for the Meals on Wheels program for 2nd Baptist in Clinton, spent the afternoon with Norma and family at the Clubhouse and then spent the the evening at Moms. Went to Wanda's birthday party at the clubhouse on Friday. Did the UT ball game on Saturday and that was MISERABLE but short lived. Sold more ponchos than anything else. With the store having 75% off on a lot of stuff, we didn't stand a chance outside vending in the rain.

My Bro @ Halloween

My brother made a Handsome Michael Phelps for Halloween. Over the years, his theory on Halloween has definetly been "less is more", but hey if you can wear it well than go for it. I just wonder how all of us got the short and robust gene and he wound up with the abs of steel. Can anyone spot Sara Palin, LOL??? Too Funny.

Trick or Treat 2008

Well at least this year Jordyn wasn't scared to death of Halloween Costumes. Truly there wasn't much to fear this year unless short skirts and bad make-up scares ya. Hats off to Briarcliff, they are an awesome group of people to fork out all that money on Halloween candy and decorations for the kids. Extreme thanks for the use of a potty and to the ladies who were handing out Hot Chocolate, I hope the public were considerate enough to throw their cups in the garbage and not on the ground.

Vols vs AL - We Got Hammered

Hallowee @ The Civic Center

So it was the Annual Halloween Fest. There were plenty of Princesses, Fairies, Disney Characters, Hannah Montanas, Pumpkins, Transformers & Power Rangers. The one thing I did notice was that bloody & scary are out. The yuppies have taken over guys. Halloween is no longer about dressing up as witches, goblins, Jason etc., its about who can spend the most on the TV characters. Fortunatley for me, I can use my costume year round. J loves to simply dress up so its money put to good use. The only thing different about this years celebration is there are less vendors. There was a face painting crew there that did an EXCELLENT job. Check out Jordyns & Kamwrens face paint. That cost me 25 cents folks. I got their card, they will be doing my next birthday party. And to be that well done, they were with each child for maybe 5 minutes so they are quick as well. What more can a parent ask for.

Drew @ BootCamp Ft. Sill OK

The link Drew provided in his letter didn't work so I went on Ft. Sill's website and with that crazy mailing address of his, I deciphered which one of the sets of photos were his group. I couldn't find him on the first try but Dad did so I went back this morning and studied the faces. Dad is right he is in there. His hair is darker and he is wearing some maroonish rimmed glasses, you know those hideous military issued style. Have fun spotting him.

Langley Sunday Oct. 2008

Well we hadn't been to mom's for dinner in a while so we came together for Ham&Beans.
Jordyn and Ashley got to play together. I went to church at 2nd Baptist for the first time in a long time. I still have that nodding issue when it comes time for preaching but maybe one day I will find the inspiring preacher that talks to my soul. Regardless, they have some nice programs and I love sitting with my moms Sunday School group, they are a hoot.

My Neighbor Mr. Bob

We live in a nice little meshofva circle with decent neighbors but I needed to take a moment to salute my good neighbor Mr. Bob for his Bush Character.

This is Mr. Bob's Bush Character from the side:

From Sept-Oct 2008

And this is the front of Mr. Bobs Bush:

From Sept-Oct 2008

And this is my daughter demonstrating the size of this lovely Bush Creature:

From Sept-Oct 2008

TN Vols

Devins Birthday Parth

Celebrating yet another birthday. Its that season for us. We had a great time and Devin also had a good time. So alls well that ends well.

Best Friends

Its been really hard for Jordyn to make friends. She is such a dominant personality that its hard to be able to enjoy yourself when she has friends over. She and Muffin get along beautifully

First Day of Kindergarten

I bought this lovely outfit last night at the Walmart thinking that it was a dress. Put it on this morning and said NOT, we must find some leggins to go with that. J got a new teacher to ORS and its a he. Lord she is gonna give that fella a run for his money. Wish us all luck

Linz Birthday

It was chilly when we got there but it warmed up and we all had a great time. Dee, Carrie & I played Volleyball with the teen boys and were winning till they solicited the help of more experienced players and then we got beat up. Not too badly. I have to say my heart took a work out. I haven't been faithful to any form of exercise in FOREVER. We all stayed till close to 7 and everybody had a good time.

Hit CNN Again

East TN managed to hit CNN.com again. I wish they would report one good story to represent v/s all the bad ones that actual make National Headlines.

I was on WBIR.com early yesterday morning to hear about the school shooting at Central High School. Before the shooter was caught and people were aware of any facts the comments started racing in. Political Banter, Religious Fanatics & Racists crawled out of the woodwork armed with their words and hiding behind their screen names. It was a real shame.

The victim died yesterday shortly after being taken to UT Medical. A useless and senseless murder that developed from an argument. When will these kids learn that guns don't solve anything. The shooter lands a prison sentence for 1st degree murder and the victim is six feet under and all over words or even actions, but nonetheless senseless. Im more scared of these wannabee gangters in the projects than I am of actual gangsters these days. When will they understand that its more to live another day than to kill or be killed.

Why????

When I get to work this morning I get a call from a co-worker. She is letting me know that someone we mutually know has committed suicide. Her name is Summer Herrick. The reality is I know her children better than I do her so this really hurt me to my heart. She did this on her children's first day back at school. She and her boyfriend had just purchased a house. She had a good job at one of our local physicians clinics. I don't understand what could have brought her to this point.

She had an 18 year relationship with her childrens father. It had its ups and downs but it was my understanding that as long as he assisted them in being financially comfortable that she would accept his lifestyle. I can only guess that the harder she worked to improve their livlihood by getting educated and moving up financially as well as being an excellent mother that maybe he would come around to being the partner she had always wanted. That Assumption could be totally left field but from the outside looking in, it is the only thing to see. In speaking with others, I mentioned that they do a tox screen to see if there were any script meds that could have possibly played a factor. The idea had to have already existed and if not the idea the unhappiness of it did. There are some additional factors that private lives hold that we may never know and some we do but shall not share. Regardless, nothing is worth the prices that are paid here.

There is nothing sadder than when a person chooses to end their own life. The people that get left behind are forever scarred. The same question rolls in my head over and over again. How could she do this to her children? It seemed as if she lived for them. If I feel this way from such a distance, I can't even phathom what they are feeling. In one moment, there life has been forever changed by one selfish act.

Please pray for those she left behind: Dante & Jade Shephard

J's Pool Party

Well the Party was a success. Thru all the drama I maintained my sanity. Mom and Laura couldn't attend. But alls well that ends well

Charles Chedda

I swear Dee & Deb had just as much fun as the lil guys. Jordyn got some good gifts and as always I spent a fortune on Narly Pizza and a salad bar that religiously makes people sick. I guess when you ask a group of teens to make anything you get what you asked for.

Spa's

Silly Folks

J's Chucky B-Day

Well Jordyn had been asking for a pool party for 2 months but alas it got within a week of her party and what does she holla. I want a Chucky Cheese Party. So a few of us got together and went to visit Mr. Chedda. She made out pretty good for last minute notice. Chucky is still the most expensive NASTY food in town.

Gigi Freeman - Artini Exclusive

I wanted to give a shout out to the Party Co-ordinator for Laura's wedding party. She kept things in order, everything looked great, the food was prepped and ready for serving, she kept herself all over the building ensuring that people were having a good time and I recommend her to anyone. You can find Ms. Freeman on craiglist.com. If your in the East Tennessee area and you need a Party Co-ordinator, contact GiGi Freeman at (865) 209-4054 or shoot her an email at ARTINIEEXCLUSIVEDESIGNS@YAHOO.COM


Ms. Gigi wore a glorious pair of Ann Taylor red and black patton pumps to handle our affair. After an hour, I saw her outside and saw her poor feet were taking a beating from those beautiful shoes. I asked if she would like to borrow my Maryjane Croc's. After a moment of deliberation she decided her poor feet needed a break and she had a couple more hours/miles to go on her feet so she took me up on my offer. About 5 crown & cokes later toward the end of the evening I saw her round the bend again and she asked if she could buy the crocs from me. After laughing hysterically at the thought of selling my shoes at the wedding party I took her up on it and asked her for a photo of said shoes on her feet. Go Gigi Go Gigi rock them Crocs.

Hash Wedding Party

Laura & Brian's Wedding Party was a HUGE success. We had several people come in from MO and Laura had lots of people coming in MI and other southern regions. We had a blast. The kids had a great time. The food was delicious. We all had enough to drink. Everybody got along beautifully. Shout out to all of you who stayed behind to help clean up. You are Da Bomb.

CALLING ALL CARS CALLING ALL CARS - IF YOU WANT THESE PHOTOS FOR YOURSELF PLEASE GO 2
http://picasaweb.google.com/vanillasly/WeddingpArty
I highly recommend Snapfish.com for digital printing. Great Pics half the price.

Tonys Beach Trip

Well Tony had a great time at the beach with his dad and their people. Thanks for keeping up your roll as a good parent to my child. I appreciate it.

Luvin The Lake

Heather and I took the lil ones to the lake on Saturday. They had a great time.

Laura Suzanne Hash

My sister took the plunge in Jamaica on Monday. Its official. Mrs. Laura Suzanne Hash has been born. Best of luck to you baby.

Reese 4th of July Party

Well the party was a success. The kids had a good time. The grown ups had a good time. The Chocolate Martinis were great. I cooked Ribeyes, T-Bones and Terriyaki Ribs so the food was tha bomb. Everybody cleaned up after themselves so the end of the night wasnt much. We played cards till 4 am. Everybody got home safe. Love it when a plan comes together.

Auth Beth Has Passed On

My favorite Uncle which is my Dad's twin brother has spent the last year taking care of his wife Beth. Beth was diagnosed with cancer some time ago and it spread quickly. When I think of love and when I think of future, I pray that my partner will do for me what Stephen has done for Beth and that is take 100% care of her and held her hand into death and he held it in life. In the months, weeks & days leading up to her death Beth was in great pain so she was pretty much sedated into a coma. Her 2 daughters came in the end and stood by their father and helped him help her see her last weeks thru.

This has been a hard time for my family. My father and Stephen just lost their Mother in April. Rest her soul, I cry from time to time still thinking of my sweet Granny. My mothers mother has grown ill and her twin sister is also ill so my parents are experiencing lots of death within their family and it hurts. Stop and pray for peace and pray for those in your life who are living. Make memories because money can't go with you when you are no longer here. Enjoy life.

FunkyTown

We in the Langley Clan are always trying to make one another laugh. Life is tough and there isn't enough laughter in it. When we are together, we are usually cutting up, funning one another or simply being silly as hello. For Example.

For an entire decade or even longer, our mother, the Queen of the Langley Clan kept the same style. I fully intend to scan a photo for reference but for now a description will do. Mother wore the same hairstyle and glasses forever. She kept her hair in a bun and she wore the largest glasses known to man. What makes this funny is the new style shades that the celebs have brought out in the last few years bare a strong resemblence. I bought a pair of Baby Phat knock offs and I wore them to Moms. Chris and I immediately dove into the fact that they seriously favor mothers old glasses. What do you think, are we fabulous or what?

Now later that same day we all went to Laura's Bridal Shower and had some more fun to add to the mix. Laura decided that my new shades were so fabulous that she had to be photographed. She was channeling Elton dontcha think. Makes you just want to sing some Crocodile Rock.

Secret City Festival 2008

Here in Oak Ridge, TN we have whats called the Secret City Festival. http://www.secretcityfestival.com/ We are a city that was born of war. The Manhatten Project was born in 1940 and was designed to create the first Nuclear Bomb. They were successful. There are several plant here in Oak Ridge that were born to create enriched uranuim and plutonium. Now that we no longer design weapons, 2 of the plants have gone to other scientific methods of advancement (robotics, etc.) and the other is being decomissioned. That is what is secret about this city. Most people who aren't military or scientific in nature haven't ever heard of us, but we are pretty popular amongst the scientists and engineers the world over.

I worked the ORHS Football Booster booth as my contribution to my sons efforts to keep his grades up and play football. When my duty ended, I took my little one and we did some of the things there intended for her age. She had a good time and was sad to leave.

Frozen Head Reunion

Food & Fellowship. Plenty of both. Kelz got a pretty diverse family. One side is cool and easy going and the other side are radically religious. Can you imagine how much time one side spends praying for the other. Regardless, they are a pretty cool bunch and we enjoyed getting to see all of them again.

Frozen Head State Park Parsons Reunion . It was a nice getaway and I got to see some of her family that I hadn't seen in almost a decade. I took Jordyn and Tony and they had a good time as well. Kel's brother brought the new twins and wife out and Kel's sis brought her 2 daughters I had never met before.

We decided to take a hike to see a waterfall. Probably would have been better if I hadn't let the 4 year old wear flip flops and if we weren't in the middle of a drought. Hence Waterfall w/o Water ='s Not a pretty sight.

This was a 3 mile hike all in all. For Lazybones like myself it was quite the endeavor. Especially since we took no water. I ended up toting my 4 yo on my back on the way down. Our lack of luck meant that she also had a nose bleed on the way down and we had no paper products so by the time we got to the bottom, it looked like we had beat the child. Funny part is that she konked out on my back and was snoring and bleeding all over the back side of my shirt. She said several times that she never wanted to go to see the waterfall again. LOL

Lauras Bridal Photos

My sister had her Bridal Photos taken. They are gorgeous. I would recommend this person to anyone. If you are in E. TN and you want great professional photos taken, please give this fella a call. He has a great eye and he knows some great locations to shoot at.

http://www.davemoorestudios.com/

Olan Mills

I walked into the Kmart with the girls after a long weekend. I wanted to get J's sis a new bathing suit. A lady insists that these girls need to be entered into their Beautiful Baby Contest. Yep, SUCKER, they got me. They got the girls in there dirtstains, sunburned cheeks and stickers on their skin and all and they managed to capture a smile out of my baby. Her sis smiles on cue so I was impressed.

Cell Princess

My baby might be a tomboy but she will be a well dressed tomboy complete with cell phone, credit card & Crown.
Who you gonna call, JBusters.. I can't hear you.....
Every princess needs her crown and MaryKate&Ashley Shades to complete the look dontcha think.

J Summer

J's end of the year picnic for preschool. She had a great time.

J @ the ballgame blowin bubbles. That is the best dollar I spent all week.

J is the dominant in any situation she gets herself into, if she can't be the leader then she will be fighting till she gets to be the leader. Maybe that will make her a vicious business woman or the next female president.

Dead Beat Dad

This man hasn't paid me childsupport in years until just recently when he decided to start paying the minimum allowed by law. Then he has the nerve to post this pic on his myspace like he just loaded or something. Everytime I see him, he wearing a label that cost more than a month of the child support he sends his son. He claims to be bettering his life, but he has been making this claim for at least 12 years now, so Im thinkin if it isn't better by now, it isn't happening for him.

My baby plays football, he's A/B student, he respects family, he doesn't use drugs, he might be thinking bout sex but he ain't having it yet and all of that is NO THANKS TO THE MAN PICTURED ABOVE. Im thinking he took kept the cash register overnight there or maybe he was counting out someones drawer and needed to be pictured with lots of money. My favorite part is that within this he mentions being a Crypt, GAG. Gangs and bangers for for idiots, please tell me how that coincides with Im bettering my life. It doesn't.

Jordy's Graduation

Big Girl walkin the isle Even got her own Grad Cap :)

Well I have a preschool graduate in my midst. She was really happy about this the first day and from then on she can't understand whey she can't attend preschool anymore so it has had its good time and bad. My girl hates to spend all day at the Day Care. I think its because they don't go outside as much and simply put they aren't as much fun as the pre-school.

Mom & Proud Papa Jordyn's Family