Dickens of Christmas

I guess this is a year of new things. Eric and I took Tyler to Dickens of Christmas in downtown Spartanburg. We have heard about it but have never been so we decided this year to go and check it out. The store fronts had old time scenes in them with people acting out a story, carolers singing, victorian days people walking around, even Santa was there and they had carriage rides and lite the tree up at Dennys. We ran into Mark & Johanna Gregory and went and had dinner with them and their girls at Wild Wings afterwards. It was great time all around and glad we decided to go, I think we will be going for years to come.








He was all smiles and bright eye and couldn't take his eyes off of Santa.

THANKSgiving

This Thanksgiving I sat back and thought of all things that I am thankful for...

1.My Lord & Savior.. My God, that loves me when I have been unloveable, that never leaves me, I can always turn to, forgives me like no one else can, died for me, comforts me and give me peace.

2. Eric, things might not be the fairly tale life but we made this commitment and through the good and bad of it we stick together. He accepts me for who I am and loves me anyway..lol. The spiritual growth that he has I know that God will lead our marriage. He is really such a great daddy and Tyler's best friend

3. My 3 boys, sometimes might feel like we have 2 families cause of having teens that don't want to do the family things and then having a 7yr old that loves to do things w/ mommy & daddy. I cherish the time we do spend together and sadden at the times they don't want to.. but I am thankful for each one of them from Ryan's musical talent and stubborness, Stephen's personality, Tyler it is always a new adventure with him. I thank God he entrusted me with them.

4. My family, I am thankful that for the past year I have been reconnected with cousins, unlces, aunts and have a relationship with my sisters. I thank God for answering that prayer.

5. My friends, I have some of the best friends and each one brings out a different part of me, I am encourage, humor, unwounded, share laughter, tears, give me Godly wisdom, trustworthy, from the new ones I have made to the best friend from childhood that is back in my life to the friends that are there everyday, to the ones that know when I need that prayer I am thankful for each and every one.

6. Health of my family, we have been truly blessed with a healthly family

7. My job, in today times there are so many people that are out of work I am thankful to be getting up everyday to go to work and get a pay check.

8. My church family I have the best pastors and church family that anyone could ask for.

9. I am thankful that Eric and I finally took the plunge and after 12yrs of talking about going on a cruise we are finally doing it next year with 8 other couples.

10. I am thankful for all that the Lord has bless me with. Don't worry about what you don't have but be thankful for what you do have. Play with the deck of cards that God deals you with.

For this thanksgiving we went over to have lunch with Eric's parents and then took the boys to their dads while we made our annual run to Kmart. Once we got home and went to bed so I could get up at 2:30 to get ready to go shopping at 3:30. Me, Denise my friend Beverly from work meet up at Waffle House then went onto Kohls, Target (which was the worst for me stood in line for 2 hrs but got what I wanted and got gift cards to go and spend), the mall which I was shock that Hollister was having a good sale, that is another I am thankful for.., on to Greer to Wal-Mart and back to Kmart to get my luggage that I am getting for Christmas, stopping to eat breakfast and lunch, stopping to talk to people I took Denise back to her car at 4pm, oh yeah Beverly left us after Kohls to go back to Toy R Us and the mall and home cause she had been out since 12am. Once I got home I was history and went to bed. That night and next morning I was hurting and wonder why I do it but its just a day that I look forward to and I have my crazy friend Denise that goes with me and whoever else we can talk into it that year. I am not a crazy shopper I love to watch the other people and I do like the deals.

Overall it was a great thanksgiving but I didn't take a picture at all so I was sad about that.

Oh yeah, I am thankful for1 more thing.. after 12 yrs of saving we are going to decorate Thanksgiving weekend we finally did.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to 2 of my best friends!


There is one thing that us girls like to do and that is to celebrate each other birthday's so November 21st we went and celebreated Shannan's (23rd) and Kim's (27th) bday. We went to see New Moon with the half of Spartanburg that didn't go see it at midnight the day before. Kim went the Saturday before and got all our tickets so we could get in all together and not fight the crowd. Our movie was at 4 but we got there at 3 so we get a row for all 8 of us. Now we are some savers we get 1 large popcorn and 1 large drink and ask for trays and cups and share and even get to go back for refills..lol


After the movie we went to Wild Wings to celebrate their bdays. It was funny and I do wish I had taken a picture of these girls but there was a group of 17-18 yr old seniors from Byrnes out there celebreating one of their friends bday and we were all laughing cuase we were thinking we were them in 20 yrs. They were nice young ladies they came and talked to us and even volunteer to sing Happy Birthday to Kim & Shannan. We had a great time together a night full of laughter, stories,great movie, good wings and good music.

Best girlfriends I girl could have
Shannan, Kim,Ginger,Ree,Denise


Denise, Kim & Wanda


Ree & Beverly


Kim & Ginger


All of us


Shannan with the Onesoles we got her



Kim with her steel toe boot box we got her..no, really we got her a pair of Dansko that we had to order


I love my besties.... they are all like sisters to me.

Halloween

Normally, for halloween we go to church for the trunk or treat but our friends Kim & Scott Hewitt were going camping with his family up at Yogi Bear in NC and wanted to take Tyler with them and he wanted to go so he took off with them on Friday and Eric and I went down Saturday to hang out with them and bring him home that night (which by the way he didn't like that idea don't think he missed us). It was pretty cool there they had on Friday night planted magic pumpkin seeds and then went back and got there pumpkins that morning after breakfast with Yogi. We got up there when they were decorating time it just right Kim had just got done getting all the gup out..lol.. Tyler had 2stickers with differnt faces and he wanted them combine into 1 face so daddy did it for him.




After the pumpkins were done they had games up at the activity center that Tyler went up to try to put a pumpkin in a basket w/ his feet, wrap someboby up like a mummy and eat a donut from a string which I was shock my child didn't do better consider he can eat the heck up out a donut all the kids got a piece of candy for playing.






They also had a dog contest which Kim's dog were a fairy and bumblebee but the dog that got painted blue won.





The rest of the day we just hung out at the campsite talking, eating, playing games, keeping dry and warm. Until it was time to get ready to go trick or treating around the campground.







After we went and loaded up on candy and ate dinner we went up to activity center for the haunted house and dance. Now, all the way up there Tyler wanted to do the haunted house and a lot of kids were going through it so we didn't think it would be that scary so we took him in after the first little area he was scared so mommy and daddy had him stuck between us and as we would hit the didn't areas I was shaking my hand no and telling them to not scare him which I have to say they were great about. I was the one that scare like a booger... you come out of the haunted house (which is 1/2 of the activity center) into the dance area and just a normal looking guy jump out and said boo and let me just say over the music they heard me scream and I think I step all over Eric and Tyler but it was funny... At the dance they had the pumpkin contest which we didn't win and they had the adult custom contest which Kim enter as a Hippie. Now remember what I just said about Tyler being scared of the haunted house well the dance started off w/ the owners son dress up I guess as Michael Jackson or something and they did the dance to Thiller and they were actually great dancers esp him but lights were out, smoke screen was up and the majority of the haunted house people were dancing and he was up front on the floor with them watching and was in totally amazement, good thing he was not tramasize by them. Once they were done with that we all began to line dance even learn a couple of new ones.. Tyler was a dancing machine that night. I think we were the last to leave even got Eric out there for 1 slow dance.








We had a great time spending the day with the Hewitt's to hear her side of the story and you can check her blog out at http://hewittfamilyhappenings.blogspot.com/2009/11/happy-halloween.html. Even though Tyler was mad cause he had to leave and couldn't stay another night he was asleep by the time we hit the main road. One of the days I am going to buy me a camper and do more things like this..




Oh by the way while we were having our fun in NC the boys were up in VA w/ the youth and this was there custom. This is my 2 boys, Kim's and Zach Riener better known as KISS. I have to say they look great..

Boo In The Zoo

Eric and I took Tyler to Boo In The Zoo the Monday before Halloween in Columbia and I have to say that hour drive there was worth it. We have been to the one at Greenville but this one is so much better. They have candy, dancing, magic show,foam party, train ride, marshmellow roast, along w/ seeing all the animals it was really a fun night and worth the money. We will make the trip again next year...

Beach in October

Since school gives the kids a Friday off in October for the second year in the roll we have gone to the beach with some dear friends. Last year all of us stay at Ocean Lakes while Ginger and her family stayed at Dunes Village so this year we decided to stay there.. It is the only motel in the area it was on Grand Stand but down where the houses are at. There are 3 building with 2 buildings having water parks inside of them and one even have a game room. The rooms are set up like apts where 2 or 4 familys can share a room.. We have an angle view of the beach and it was perfect.. The only down size to the trip is we opt for 2 rooms so my family and Ginger's family stayed in 1 room and floors below Ree and Allison's family share a room so I missed all the late night talks and early morning breakfast table talks like we had last year but over all the trip was great...




We left on Thursday and follow down w/ the Darwin's we got there about 8 that night once we got check in and decided who had what room we took off and walk around to see the hotel and play some ping pong (not sure who was worst me or Ginger),pool and shuffle board. After a relaxing evening we got up the next morning and went shopping at Tomlinson and couple of other places. I even came home w/2 Christmas presents. After shopping we just chill and got ready and went to Margaritaville for dnner. We had 17 of us trying to figure out where to go and hopefully get in and at least get 2tables near each other we were not sure if it would be done but we did and we all got to sit together. It was a cool place and had some of the best nachos that 2 if not 3 people could share. It was a cool place to go and food was good.. After dinner we just walked around Broadway let the kids get milkshakes and ice cream and then headed back to the hotel to call it a night..






On Saturday when we got up we could not believe that it was in the high 70's so we all got our bathing suits on and enjoy the pool and the beach for the day... .












After a found day of enjoying the weather we got ready and went to Gulf Shores in Garden City that had wonderful seafood and if you go between 4pm-6pm has the best prices... While waiting for our 2 tables we got pictures of our group thanks to a group of ladies that were there for a girls weekend.

My family minus Ryan (its dumb to go to the beach in Oct what does a 17 yr know..lol)


All of the couples... us, Brent & Allison Horne, Sean & Ree Davis and Tim & Ginger Darwin


All of our kids me minus 1 and Ree plus 1


All 17 of us


After a great dinner we went back to Broadway to watch the fireworks and walk around to the side we didn't the night before.. The kids love the candy store, Ginger found her a new man and I thought I saw it all until I saw KISS Coffee House..








Sunday was the day to come back home so after we packed up and check out and said bye to the Davis's and Horne's we went to Flea Market down in surfside and then went to Hamburger Joe's for lunch and put a $1 on the wall and for Tyler to say bye to one of his best friends that he had a ball with until she try to hug and kiss him..lol





We had a great weekend that was relaxing, filled w/ good food, great friends. I hate to miss it next year but we will be coming back from the cruise so that will be our beach in Oct trip but hope to do it again in 2011...

Kay Arthur

I am back and trying to cath up so I had to cheat a little bit and go to my friend Kim's blog to help me out..

Kay Arthur came to Riverland Hills Baptist Church in Columbia the weekend of Oct 6 her topic was Discover Truth for Yourself. I was excited not only was I going w/ 2 of my best friends and some great ladies from church but also my sister Lisa and her friend TK were coming from Evans, GA to go with us too.. I could hardly wait..




We left Friday around 3 and went on down to Columbia and checked in at the Hyatt Place which was a very nice hotel and then we a group of us went to Chili's for dinner while the rest went to Cracker Barrell..

Me w/ my sister Lisa (in the middle) w/ her friend TK


Kim, Denise Monday and Angie Harris

Afterwards we went to the church to hear Kay and she was wonderful. I have to say I have not been a fan of Kay's but I did her last bible study w/ Beth Moore and Priscilla Shirer and I really enjoy her so I thought she would be good. She taught that night for a couple of hours and I have to say when we left I truly had debated about going back cause she was talking about the president and how this world is turning it was pretty depressing for someone who lives in that bubble of a world.. But after a fun night of shopping on line, talking and laughing some of the ladies in Kathi room, hanging out w/ sister and her telling some embrassing stories, and keeping Kim awake w/ the TV on, getting up to a great breakfast and checking out I went on for round 2 and I am glad I did cause even though things might seem they are going down hill I remember that Mandisa song that I have as my ringer..."it's only the world I know the best is still yet to come".. I am so thankful of this only a temporary place and that I will be with my Lord and Savior for enterally. Isn't that great!!!

Ok, here is where I copy cause my notes are home and I am at work on my lunch..lol

8 Essential Things that We need to do:

1. Doing Business until He comes or until we die.
2. You must give priority to the Word of God- it must be first place!
3. Remember God has the Nations Under His Control...He is Sovereign.
4. You are to Fear God NOT Man!
5. You must build a strong community and invest your moneys in the work of God.
6. Pray--it helps others.
7. Learn how to Walk by the Spirit
8. Make Disciples!

She was very powerful and full of the spirit. If you ever have a change go and hear Kay speak please do so you won't regret it.

I was blessed to spend this time with my sister if you know anything about my past you understand this and knows how much it meant to me. I had a great time w/ ladies in our church that I don't normally spend time with and I also got to do it with 2 of my best friends. The funny thing in all of this is that on our way home Kim, Denise and I had made a plan to read the book of James and meet once a week and learn how to mark in our bible like Kay teaches you to. Well here it is a month and a week later and we haven't done it yet. I am going to make sure that in 2010 we do this..

Here are pictures of our weekend...

Us being teenage girls that we aren't..lol, checking out the beds, and Kim chillin on my bed.




Waiting on Kay at the church



2 of my Best Friends


3 ladies I just adore...Kathi Mumpower, her mamma Peggy Harris and sister Angie Harris


Donna Crockett, Ameila Dickerson, Kathi Mumpower


My favorite picture of all... us with Kay Arthur


She was signing people things they bought and since I had some of her books but not on me the one thing I wanted to buy was sold out so I had her sign my bible and she signed and reference Joshua 1:6-9 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."What great advice... Do not be terrified, do not be discourage, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go...

If you want scripture w/the 8 essential let me know and I will send to you what she reference.

Also check Kim's blog out too.. http://hewittfamilyhappenings.blogspot.com/2009/10/kay-arthur.html