The First Snow - Winter 2009

So the weatherman was right we got our first snow on Saturday morning. It was pretty and it lasted until just about lunch time and then it was if the snow had never happened.

Thanksgiving 2009

I know I am late but its still blogworthy to me. Thanksgiving was nice. It was unusual to not go to moms.

Tony went with Terrell to Candies family and Drew ran with us. Tony had a good time with them. He said they have different food and it was good.

Drew spent Thanksgiving with us. It was nice because he is leaving soo soon and all he is worried about at this time is girlies and partying. So it was nice to have him.

Seth came this year so Jordyn had a playmate and it made things nicer for her. Reality is that means she didn't ask us to leave and go home 20 minutes into the affair.

And so another Thansgivng passes. My family is healthy. The bills are paid and most things are in working order. And that is what I am thankful for.

My Sweet Baby

At 6 this morning I take Tony to KMart to chaperone kids while they are getting their $65 gift cards from the Toys For Tots. At 9 when I pick him up he is both humbled and saddened by this event. He tells me he chaperoned 3 separate kids but the last one stole his heart. He was a 10 year old boy names Shawn that had a small list in his pocket. On his list was 2 pairs of jeans and a pair of shoes. Tony asked him why he wasn't getting a toy and he said because his needs outweigh his wants. So Tony tried his best to bargain shop so that the boy could get a toy and he succeeded but in the end he brought all the money out of his own pocket (which wasn't much) and he added to it so the the young man would not have to return anything. My sweet baby has the Christmas spirit.

Jordys Hair Experience

So I go to brush Jordyns hair for a lunch engagement and I realize that there is about 3-4 inches MIA. Imagine my surprise.

The Civic Center event was more than Jordyn could handle. She doesn't like crowds and this place was packed. We didn't stay long. As for Halloween,It was rainy and UT kick off was at 7:30 p.m. Talk about your miserable settings for Halloween. We survived it and the kids made out with enough candy to make them happy.

Corn Maze Field Trip

Mom and I went on Jordyns field trip to the Corn Maze in Athens, TN. It was much nicer than I had expected. The Corn Maze seemed a bit overbooked but with all the rain we have had I am just glad the day was beautiful and we were able to enjoy it. Mother hadn't been able to go to a field trip in a long time so I am glad we could enjoy the time and make a good memory.

Last Venture To Clark Park

Lindsey's 4th @ "Her Spot" at Clark Park turned out to be a success. Surprising since she wasn't feeling well and the weather was lookin like a toss up so good luck saved the day and the kids enjoyed them selves and had a good time.

Jordyn is in the First Grade. She is sooo excited about school this year. Check back with me in a couple of weeks. Ahh the young years, when riding the bus and eating cafeteria lunch is considered cool. Story is much different w/Tony in High School.

Visit From Scooby

 

Lindsey got a visit from Scooby Doo. Tony was a good sport. Happy Birthday.

The New 2 Me Hoopty

Its too bad I didn't have a before shot of this ride. It had been parked for a year and it was insanely dirty. Mom, can you belive it got this clean. Jordyn was happy that it got this clean.

Jordyns 6th Birthday

Jordyns 6th Birthday Party. What can I say I have great family and friends. I was one day out of the hospital, I was sick as a dog. My friends came together and really helped me make it happen. I love yall.

We went to the Annual Secret City Festival. It was HOT.

Jordy had a great time playing around in the park.

She got to ride a horse.

More fun at the park.

Kels Family Reunion

We went to Frozenhead for Kels Family Reunion. We all ate well and then went for the annual walk up the mountain to go see the waterfall. Man was it hot today. The kids had a good time though.

Bayside Adventure

Heather got her Cabin at Bayside in Kingston, TN and we all went up to spend the day on Saturday. The kids had a blast. Tony caught all kinds of fish but was most proud of his catfish. We had a TON of floats so the kids had a blast. I love it when a plan comes together...

Chris Returned Home

Chris is back home safe and sound. He came baring gifts from Japan. Thanks good people who sent us presents.

Jordyn was especially fond of the fans. It was for me but I have given up the argument and given it to her.

So the girls played with the fans.

These were our presents, again thank you kind folks.

On his was into Japan, Chris had a layover in China. Apparently they didn't like him and the stamp on his Visa says "Go away and never return", how RUDE.

Jordyn missed her Uncle Chris

This was a cell phone charm, I have been driving my folks crazy with it. At least all I have to do now is shake my purse to see if I have the phone in it. Cool gift right.

Houseguest Moved On

Yep, it was a long road we traveled together but the good Lord knows I was exceeding my means and he allowed for these two to move on to their own apartments. They came together but they left apart. Good Luck.

Orange & White 2009

So the UT fans were out in full force yesterday. TN Traditions actually had a great sale and got rid of all of that old stuff. There were 56K people turn out. Good thing was UT won. LOL.

Its Been A Year....

Granny,

It was a year this past weekend since you left this earth and I have missed you terribly. I hope you are up there in heaven having a lovely time with Papa and looking down on us with smiles galore. Know that I love you and you are always in my heart and soul.

Steph & Heather Best Friends Forever

So I take you back to where it all began in 1988, that fateful day when I met my best friend Heather. I discovered that my fella was talking to this girly and so I got mad as teens do and I decided to confront her infront of this very bathroom and was gonna whoop her butt, but instead we both decided his ugly unworthy tail wasn't worthy and I invited her to spend the night instead and we have been bi-fri's ever since. So this is a tribute to the Roller Express bathroom, for had it not been for that place and time, who knows where we would be today.

Kamwren's 6th Birthday

Kamwrens birthday party was a lot of fun, the kids played and everybody had a great time.

Kinsey's Birthday Party

We are in the beginnings of setting off Birthday season. Dave is early March, then Dee, then Kinz and Kamwren. Enjoy...

Dee's Birthday

We celebrated Dee's Birthday at Calhouns on the river. It was nice.

Good Day & Farewell to Paul Harvey

My memories of Paul Harvey stem from the summers spent on the farm with my Granny & Papa Langley. Papa was into "surround sound" long before it became popular. He was with the belief that all should hear Paul Harvey. This also include the cattle when he put Paul on loudspeaker for all the acres to hear when it was feeding time.

Paul had that soothing voice. Even when I may have disagreed with the topic of the day, I always listened. He was a good man, a true man and a loving husband and father. He will be missed greatly.

Below is a picture found on a tribute at www.paulharvey.com Its Paul with his wife and son many many moons ago. If anyone knows where to get the early years of Paul Harvey on CD, please contact me thru my email and let me know where I can purchase them. vanillasly@gmail.com

Tales of The Weekend

Well we took the kids to have their picture made. Good Lord, they showed out. We did however get some good photos of the. Enjoy.

Proud of Mr. Hall

Tony hall is now legal to learn how to drive. He is doing well. We have limited it to backroads and parking lots but his confidence grows with each drive.

Tony has an exhibit in the Art Show at the Childrens Museum. The title of his picture is "The Recession". I am very proud of him and I wanted to share.

The extra art are the ones that caught my attention along the way.

A View of Izumo

Chris has so much excitement going on that I am going to try and post a blog on him as I get pictures and information so that everybody can keep up with his travels.

From A View of Izumo - Chris Ryan

The vending machines have HOT coffee in them. Like, for a dollar you can get a CAN of hot cofee and they are apparently everywhere from shrines to temples to every corner to outside Chris's apartment building.

From A View of Izumo - Chris Ryan

Chris notes that was odd to have steps leading people down to the water. He doesn't know why this is, but it humorous to him.

From A View of Izumo - Chris Ryan

This is the ATM. This has been a fun game of Trial & Error for Chris because as you can see there is no English on this screen.

From A View of Izumo - Chris Ryan

The mall here is named YouMe Town.

From A View of Izumo - Chris Ryan

You can buy hotdogs on a stick. Im thinking better check what kind of meat you are getting from the dog on the stick.

From A View of Izumo - Chris Ryan

The fella to the left is Chris's newly found friend Seth.

From A View of Izumo - Chris Ryan

Chris's lovely Japanese tour guides are Junko & Kayoko.

From A View of Izumo - Chris Ryan

This Big Shrine with the Hay Decoration on the ceiling is... well, the most famous shrine in all of Japan. In November, all the Gods of Japan go there to meet. In that month its called somthing crazy like, " Time with No Gods," or somthing like that.

From A View of Izumo - Chris Ryan

You must wash your hands before entering the Shrined Temple.

From A View of Izumo - Chris Ryan

Chris saw an Alfa Romeo.....in Japan!! and was like, "Ummmm.. Italy called"

From A View of Izumo - Chris Ryan

This is the largest lighthouse in Japan and they climbed to the top and took some lovely pictures.

From A View of Izumo - Chris Ryan

Beside the number 140 is the Japanese version of 140 Steps. To the top of the Lighthouse.

From A View of Izumo - Chris Ryan

Public Restroom, Enough said, Chris and I agree that I wouldn't be pottying there.

From A View of Izumo - Chris Ryan

Yes, he did try grilled live squid from a street vendor. He is a brave man. Not to mention the snail looking thing. They kept calling it a "turban shell" and I can't help but think that must be wrong.

From A View of Izumo - Chris Ryan

So this is totally a reporter from the Zankei Newspaper (a national newspaper in Japan) and he wanted to interview Chris for the paper to ask 20 questions regarding where he was from and what his impression of Japanese lifestyle are. He gave a shout-out to mom and her love of lighthouses, and the state of TN, and Nashville!! Kayoko promised to get him a copy of it. Not that we will be able to read it, but stil....

From A View of Izumo - Chris Ryan

Train Station

From A View of Izumo - Chris Ryan

Chris said there are actual Wind Mills on the sea, No Joke.

From A View of Izumo - Chris Ryan

From A View of Izumo - Chris Ryan

Chris says that this was the coolest cup of coffee to accompany the smallest peice of cake ever. The reality is it was the tastiest because it was F R E E that spells free.



There are plenty of pictures in here that are gorgeous and don't really need explanation. Enjoy.