Welcome to the Blog Plantation Y'all

Our family welcomes you and thanks you for stopping by to visit. We are delighted you have taken a few minutes out of your day to spend with us. We are Joe and Jessica. We have two children and one very regal beagle! We post often and it usually includes details of our Christian faith; life here in the South; entertaining our family and friends; tales of our travels; as well as the daily adventures of having two children. Oh, and our passion for Alabama Crimson Tide Football!
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Thanks for dropping by Y'all!




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What time I am afraid I will trust in thee
Psalm 56:3

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Monday, September 29, 2008

Funny. funny, funny!

Well, I think we have calmed down around here after such a rush from the Bama game. It was so awesome!

I got this from my Daddy. I thought it was so cute.





It was a fun day around here today. We played and painted after we finished school. Orren is still all about Mr. Potato head. So we played with that. TODAY he took the feet (two sets) and put them on the floor and kept stepping on them trying to "put them on" Joe and I were rolling it was so funny and cute to watch him trying to figure this out. It was so sweet.



Olivia is in an "organizing mood" she keeps "organizing" things all over the house. Now I am very much an organized neat freak. OK, so I am OCD. It is OK I can own it, I'm not scared. Anyway, so her OCD is now overlapping my OCD. Heaven help us!



Oh, did I mention BAMA won this weekend? Roll Tide!!!!!!



My precious sweet friend Michelle (who is about to be REALLY mad when she reads this, as I was told you better not put that on the blog! LOL OOPS!) and I were talking today and she said "well, I don't know I don't have ESPN" We were not talking about the channel. More along the lines of mind reading. Get it? I can't say much because when I hurt my knee a while back I said "I think I tore my ACLU" No wonder we are two peas in a pod!

My Sis-in-law had her own funny story to tell me along those lines. Last night we were talking about abbreviations for computer/ tech devise. She told me that she thought LOL was lots of love. I was on the floor. We love you girl.

Just remember, life with us comes with a disclaimer. You WILL be on the blog!



This week is busy and the weekend is going to be a blast. I wish that I could just have a birthday without actually getting older. Just so all of you know, I am turning 29. (heeeheee.......... again) All I know is someone better come up with a red velvet cake. It is all I want.



Well, I guess I better go and try to settle in and hopefully actually get some sleep. I will have Ameer with me and the children tomorrow. We are going to have so much fun.
Have a blessed one!

Sunday, September 28, 2008








Last night was not the night the lights went out in GA! Alabama kept the power on and bright for all to see! We are still so pumped up about THE win last night we can hardly stand it. I must tell you Joe was outside yelling Roll Tide the last 3 seconds of the game. We are so ready to take on AUburn, the sad thing is that will mean the season is over and with a season like this, who would want to see it end?

Saturday, September 27, 2008

ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

TIDEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

what an awesome game, Joe and I were so excited and had such a good time. We are part of the SABANATION!

So how do I explain this? HMMM

The children's trick or treat pails I had done. They say Happy Halloween on the back.
They are covered in candy corn, Olivia's is purple and (they did not have green so) Orren got black.


See what had happened was......................................................................





All of you know I am addicted to blogging and the computer. So you would understand how upsetting it would be should I not have a computer or heaven help me BLOG! I missed you blog friends!





Well, it lasted about 24 hours, Joe could not handle it anymore so he "rigged" something up! I am typing on my laptop that is hooked to my PC monitor.... you might be a Red Neck if.........LOL





On Friday morning as I was checking my email Orren had a BETTER idea. Let's play Mr Potato Mommy! He then hurls it across the room and SMACK!!!!!!!!!!!! Right into the screen of the lap top. I had the most beautiful pattern of lines. "Look at the colors Mommy it is so pretty" Olivia said. Yes darlin' the are pretty, Mommy needs a grown up drink now. Make that a double.





I literally felt sick to my stomach and thought oh no, please! Please no. BUT it was. I understand that you can get a new screen for laptops that will be something we will be looking into first thing Monday morning.





My little Prince just went right on babbling to me about whatever it was that he was telling me. I did great, No tears and sobbing until he went down for his nap. Then I needed to be heavily medicated. Since I could not find any willing Drs to call in some type of drugs, and I had no alcohol in the house, I gave in and took a brief nap (very brief to make sure I would sleep later)





Yesterday was a crazy day for me. I did not sleep one wink Thursday night, had coffee and bacon, eggs (which Orren ate, apparently as long as they are cooked in bacon grease and smothered in cheese) and biscuits. With orange milk and black grits (Halloween is coming). Joe and I sat out in the courtyard, in the FREEZING cold, drinking coffee watching the sun come up before he left for work. It was wonderful and I love those precious times together. Then dundundundah dundundundah Watch out for flying objects!


In need of shopping therapy, we headed to Target to get Birthday present and only "necessities" Finally, we were off to Ramsey's party. I wish that all of you could have seen Orren dancing. It was a hoot! He loves to boogie! We had such a good time and it is so wonderful to be with our friends.





We have been outside playing with the Mike, Margaret, and the boys. In between this awesome football day! We are thrilled Ole Miss won, hope that Tenn (oh my sweet word did I just say that, but it helps us in the rankings if we win tonight)beats AUburn, and of course ROLL TIDE tonight. I am fixing the rotel, and sausage balls right now! Orren is decked out in his BAMA wind suit and Olivia in her BAMA sweatshirt. We have all of the Alabama platters, bowls and trays out for our snacks. WE ARE READY!





So, I hope all of you enjoy the rest of the afternoon and I will see you tomorrow! Courtesy of the red neck Riviera

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Bloglifted for fun!

I blog lifted from Abbey! You may want to copy and paste and send this via email to your friends and family.

1. Do you like blue cheese? Umm not a fave I am a feta girl
2. Have you ever smoked heroin? No, is this really a question? I mean if I had could I really fill this out? This is absurd.
3. Do you own a gun? I am a Republican, of course there is a gun in this house
4. What flavor do you add to your drink? Cherry or lemon depends
5. Do you get nervous before doctor Appointments? a little
6. What do you think of hot dogs? Lucky dogs are the best, but I love a good dog at the ball park!
7. Favorite Christmas movie? It's a wonderful life
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Diet Pepsi
9. Can you do push ups? LOL It is more likely that I would smoke heroin
10. Age? 17 too young to be held accountable, old enough to live it up!
11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? my cocktail ring from my Grandmother
12. Favorite hobby? blogging
13. Favorite Actor? ooo toughie, I really like Brad Pitt
14. Do you have A.D.D.? all the tests say I don't, hey was that a bike?
15. What's one trait you hate about yourself? I hate raising my voice and I do when angry
16. Middle name? Scarlett
17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? I need to clean that base board, Wonder if the children are sleeping well, I want some b'day cake
18. Name 3 things you love to eat? Eggs Benedict, West Indies Salad @ Wintzell's, Chinese food
19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Diet Pepsi, coffee, Champagne
20. Name 3 sweets you crave? Cheesecake, red velvet cake, chocolate
21. Current dislike right now? Democrats or Auburn, it really is a tough choice
22. Favorite place to be? Home or really nice resort
23. How did you bring in the New Year? Dinner and a Ball at Chateau Elan
24. Where would you like to go? Tuscany
25. Name three people who will complete this? Clancy, Jonna, Mother
26. Do you own slippers? yes, black velvet trimmed in fur
27. What shirt are you wearing? My nightgown
28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? No, I will take 1400 thread count Egyptian cotton any day
29. Can you whistle? yes, only one way
30. Favorite color? Red, it is my signature color
31. Would you be a pirate? Doubt it, They are kind of dirty and rustic
32. What do you like to sing in the shower? LOL I will never tell
33. Favorite girl's name? Olivia
34. Favorite boy's name? Orren Montgomery
35. What is in your pocket right now? I don't have a pocket
36. Last thing that made you laugh? The story of Orren I was telling
37. Best bed sheets as a child? Holly Hobby
38. Worst injury you've ever had? Stitches above my eye
39. Do you love where you live? Oh my goodness, it is perfect
40. How many TVs do you have in your house? 6 will be 7 shortly
41. Who is your loudest friend? You know the old saying if you don't have an annoying neighbor than you are probably the annoying neighbor? Well, that is most likely true here and I don't have any loud friends.
42. How many dogs do you have? one
43. Does someone have a crush on you? for over 12 years
44. What is your favorite book(S)? Pride and Prejudice
45. Where were you born? Mississippi
46. What is your favorite candy? Godiva chocolate with creme brulee centers
47. Favorite Sports Team? Alabama Crimson Tide RTR
48. What song do you want played at your funeral? adagio for strings and anything over on the play list
49. What were you doing at 12 A.M.? blogging, can't sleep
50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? I need to cook breakfast

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Chubby Cherubs, Disney on Ice, and Birthday coming up



The two O's and the crew of Wizard of Oz. Orren now loves his Tin Man toy!




It is so cold I saw my breath outside! I am so excited!



Well, we are getting ready for the weekend, but I must admit, I am already looking forward to next weekend. MY BIRTHDAY is on the 4th. Now, normally I would really care less. But I am really excited about the plans with Joe, the children, and the El-Fallahs (Michelle and Salah). I am going to get to see Michelle perform that day to!

The children are ready for Ramsey's second birthday party on Friday. It is at Pump it Up. As most of you know that is a favorite children's spot! I have to spend tomorrow afternoon finding just the right gift for him.

I am extremely excited about joining the group Chubby Cherubs http://sahp.meetup.com/82/ today. It is over 300 stay at home Mothers and their children. 3-4 times a week they have play dates, family events, or field trips. Our calendar is already filled up with activities in the next couple of weeks. (because obviously I didn't have enough to do) I am already planning my "spooky dish" for the Halloween party! So fun. I was asked to join sometime back and actually just never got around to doing it. Hewy reminded me of it last night so I made it top priority and got it done. Thanks Hewy!


I am debating taking the children to Disney on Ice, .................again. I know that the show is different every year, but after 6 years maybe we should take a break? We just did High School Musical on Ice a couple of months ago. I really want to go to the circus this year since we have taken a 3 years off from it. That is just around the corner. Olivia wants to go see the Rockettes in December, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is in Dec as well. We are also going to the Nutcracker Ballet and 2 plays. I think we might be better off missing the Ice show this time.


We are all missing Chief and GrandMaMa terribly! Orren called them and pushed the buttons on Mother and Daddy's voice mail in such a sequence it froze it up. The phone co. told Mother they had never seen such and really were not sure what to do. After a lot of "tech" attempts they finally figured out how to fix what the 16 month old did. Mother says he must work on his calling skills for next time.

I think we will be ready for those White House Dinners in no time! Maybe he thought mashed potatoes were what Santa used.

We are fully walking and rarely crawl, so ummm I never sit down. Ever! His Dr was very amused at all of his tricks. She asked if he knew what a doggie said. I laughed and said why don't you ask him. She said does a puppy say woof woof. I said Not in our house. She said does a puppy say (insert barking noise). Not at our house. Confused she said what in the world does a puppy say? Orren? He panted. I swear I thought the Dr was going to fall out in the floor. She is sending us to an allergist to find out what the allergy is because he definitely has a food allergy, but all of the GI blood work was negative. So HERE WE GO AGAIN!He was 95th % for his height and 75th % for his weight



Olivia playing on the computer with Huckleberry




Olivia is doing super and is loving this routine of Daddy taking them out every evening to ride the scooter and wagon. I love it to, I get just a few moments of Mommy time. Granted it is usually spent cleaning up the dinner aftermath, but I will take it!

Well, Roll Tide! Get ready to take down Georgia.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Just pictures

Orren waiting for Daddy to come home


The 2 O's waiting for Daddy!

Not too much to post tonight as Joe and I are now down with the tummy bug!

Just some pictures:

Orren lounging, watching TV. Notice his onesie is unsnapped. His newest trick! That and taking his pants off! (My biggest pet peeve is little ones with no pants on. He would stay that way, it is such a fight.) He is such a man.

Olivia in Mommy and Daddy's bed on the computer

Monday, September 22, 2008

Sick Children




Quick post I have to get back to the children. Olivia has a tummy virus. The pediatrician said everyone in the city has it and to not give her anything to eat for a day or two. FUN times. Let me tell you.



Orren had a Dr appointment and had two shots and the flu shot. No fun there either.

I am posting pictures that are from happier, more fun times.

Picture of Lord Huckleberry's birthday party. Our precious Hayes family friends & Rosie!

Sunday, September 21, 2008

National Stay At Home Week?




Orren and Olivia, playing in the park

OK, so I am sure you know this is National stay at home week. ( Michelle is NEVER going to be able to do this)I am not sure why we are having this event, but it is happening none the less. So to start off we stayed at home today! The children played in the tent and on the swing set while Joe grilled hamburgers for dinner. He and I sat in the Adirondack chairs watching our precious children run and play. Their innocent giggles being caught on the wind and carried away into the cool night.

Olivia and Orren piled up watching morning cartoons



After dinner we gathered on the front lawn and watched Olivia ride her electric scooter. That lasted about 5 minuted and then Orren wanted to "ride" so Joe got the wagon and pulled Orren around. I sat watching and thanking God for these most precious moments.


Orren eating his chicken


I forgot to mention how wonderful my Husband is. I woke up to the most gorgeous card and my favorite Chocolate ~Ferrero Rocher. For no reason, just because. I love you!

Something on TV caught their attention



We had an amazing day being together and hope ya'll have a great week!

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Birthday party, campouts, and football





We had such a great time @ Andy's birthday party today! Margaret once again out did herself and the party was phenomenal. The face painting was amazing and the children had so much fun making their own tie-dye shirts. Olivia purple and Orren green of course!







Orren thought he was just as big as the rest of the children today. He walked around & refused the stroller. He ate a corn dog off the stick and would not drink from his straw cup, he wanted to drink right out of the bottle like the rest of them (crayola waters, my children LOVE those and they have been a big fave around here for a while). He sat at the play table and played play dough, and painted. He was adorable in his Alabama overalls running around. We kept him in them all day.







Olivia had the most beautiful face painting done and some very cool hair!





Olivia and the lady who did the face painting.


She and Joey were really good "big kids" today with all the little guys. She was so tickled that Andy was so excited about the gift she and Orren gave him.







Time constraints with the party and nap time kept us from making the grape stomp this year. It is OK , we have been every year for several years now and once isn't going to kill us. We might still make the grape stomp at the Biltmore before the season is over.







Joe and the children are "camping out" in the backyard tonight. They have the tent set up, snacks and the TV in there with them! I am piled in our bed with a glass of champagne and chic flicks galore! I will meet Joe at the door in the morning with coffee and croissants. He is such a good Daddy. Olivia looks forward to "camping out" every fall and spring! I think she likes the s'mores and roasted hot dogs most of all. Regardless, Joe is willing and without complaint. Now they have another camper! Huckleberry used to camp with them, but he has decided it is better inside with Mommy. I might even let him sleep on he bed tonight. SHHHHH!

I think I can catch this bubble.

What's your name? (Orren talking to "Newt" our garden gnome)


Alabama game was awesome and the boys looked so good! This is going to be a great season.


Roll Tide!
As you most likely guessed, I have pictures off the camera. I will be posting them over the coming days.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Shopping, weekend, & Shelby County Republicans

I am home after busy day! Goodness. The children and I went shopping for birthday presents and things we just couldn't live with out!

We so enjoyed ourselves. Orren got a new monogrammed sippy cup (IT IS SO PRECIOUS!) This is what they look like. His is blue and white checked with a blue "B" It is the one with the blue top below.

Now I am going crazy and having tons of them done.





Olivia got a new purse. A Hello Kitty one she has asked for a thousand times! We did get the birthday present we went after so at least that is a plus.



I also got their Halloween buckets! Oh, they are the most precious things I have ever seen. The designs we chose to have put on them turned out adorable. They are ready to trick or treat! I really am going to have to stay out of Wrapsody. Good things do not happen there. I don't have enough self control to visit.





Sew Precious was another really weak spot for me. The football John Johns, just wait 'til you see. The pants for Olivia, too cute!







We picked up Zoe's for dinner. Yummy!







Tonight, I was working the phones at the Shelby County Republican Headquarters. That really is a lot of fun and I can't wait to help out some more.







OK so some of our AUburn friends are not too happy with me about the jokes I ave been making on here. I look at it this way...... it has been a few years now since Alabama had the lime light, we love ya'll BUT too bad LOL!!!!! Ya'll had your time to make fun of us and give us a hard time. Turn about is fair play.

Roll Tide!
We have a Birthday Party in the morning
The we are going to the stomping of the grapes at the vineyard. We will post when we get home!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Board meetings, stay at home Daddy, weddings and football


HOME ALONE WITH DADDY!

I am home from my board meeting tonight. The children and Daddy had a really good time. I know I joke about things, but I am so glad they get to have time together like that.


My Dad sent this one. He took it after IKE. Thought it was sad and yet funny all at the same time.





I have some pictures to share:







This is Kayla on her wedding day. We love you and we are sorry we missed your big day!







This is her Bridal Station:







This is just plain funny! I got this from my friend and I had to share!




I will have more pictures to post I PROMISE soon. I figures out that the way I accidentally formatted the disk in my camera, I can't load them on here until it is finalized. I have so much space left I don't want to waste. Oh well, we will just get to relive everything when I get it done!

Alabama BIG GAME DAY coming up! Roll Tide!

Monday, September 15, 2008

There is a crispness in the air!

Wow, what a weekend! We were so busy.
Friday:
We had to fight for gasoline! Then the stations started to run out. It was crazy around here.
Saturday:
We got up and headed to Heardmont Park (stopped at a station that had gas. It was $5.03 a gallon)to cheer Ramsey on in his soccer game. He was not happy that we missed last week so we could not miss this one. After that we headed out to babypalooza @ Brookwood Village for lots of fun and games. Then we came home and spent some time together as a family. Played games and watched movies.
Sunday:
We got up and headed to Salah and Michelle's house. We are having so much fun decorating and NOW the renovations are finished and it is GORGEOUS! So happy for them. Michelle is going to need a cleaning crew for this one! We got home very late, as I posted last night. We got the 7th plasma TV hung..... finally! The children had so much fun playing. Orren fell asleep on Aunt Michelle, it was so sweet.

Today we had some errands to run. We got to go and see Daddy at work. The children were so excited. He is working late tonight. It was great to see everyone there. Joe works for amazing people. We are so blessed.

It was very cool today and Autumn is on it's way. I cannot wait to open the windows and sleep in that crisp night air.

Tomorrow night I will be working the phones at the Republican headquarters. I most likely will not get to post. BUT I might be the voice you hear on the other end of the phone! Promise I won't call during dinner time. LOL, Let's hope the house survives another night of Mommy being gone.

This weekend is very busy as well. We have birthday parties, the stomping of the grapes at the vineyard, and a major ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE football game!
ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

HAPPY GRANDPARENTS DAY!!!!!
We love the Grandparents!
We did not get to be with any of them, but we talked to them and thought of them!
We just got home from Salah and Michelle's. Sunday family day, you know.
It is very late so I will post tomorrow.

Friday, September 12, 2008

What have you eaten lately?

I got this from Leigh @ http://lbratina.blogspot.com/ she is a blog I love to follow! I had to play. You can play along too:
1) Copy this list onto your blog or email, including these instructions.
2) Mark the items you’ve eaten with a "+".
3) Let us know when you've posted the list, so we can compare!
4) Have fun!
1. Venison + (my Daddy used to be a Big hunter)
2. Nettle tea + (@ the spa, it is great for your allergies)
3. Steak tartare + (The best way to eat it)
4. Alligator + ( I did grow up in New Orleans. Fried Gator on a stick. Tastes like chicken!)
5. Black pudding No (do you know what that is? YUCK!)
6. Raclette + ( not sure there is a cheese I haven't tried)
7. Natto NO
8. Carp + ( I caught one when I was 5 and made my Mother cook it!)
9. Borscht NO
10. Baba ghanoush + ( eggplants and Tahini, Yummy! We eat more Middle Eastern Food than we used to, Salah's influence. We love you Uncle Salah!)
11. Calamari + ( Joe's sister thought they were very good little onion rings. Love you Christy)
12. Pho No
13. Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich + ( My Daddy still makes the best!)
14. Allo gobi + (Cauliflower and potatoes sticks to your ribs)
15. Dirty water dogs from a street cart + (yes, I love the push cart hot dogs! They are the best NONE better than a Lucky Dog in New Orleans)
16. Epoisses de Bourgogne + ( love stinky French cheeses!)
17. Black truffle NO
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes + ( blueberry, apple, muscadine & pear)
19. Steamed pork buns NO
20. Green tea ice cream NO
21. Ugli fruit +( I will eat any kind of citrus)
22. Fresh, wild berries + (Yes, of course I love to pick fresh strawberries and blueberries)
23. Foie gras + ( my Mother and her pate. We have been eating it since we were little, My children to)
24. Gumbo + ( We did cover that I grew up in New Orleans right?)
25. Head cheese + ( EWWWWW! I did try it it was awful!)
26. Raw habanero + (I am an idiot what can I say. I used to do anything on a dare!)
27. Dulce de leche + ( LOVE IT!!! ONE OF MY FAVES!!! I am so fond of caramel)
28. Raw oysters + (Love the oyster shooters with my Daddy and brother! My Mother's are the best!)
29. Baklava + (I recently turned Olivia on to it,now she asks for it all the time)
30. Bagna cauda + ( not real fond of it. think it is the anchovies eww)
31. Wasabi peas + (love them, love sushi. SOME sushi)
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl (+ Yummy, getting about that time to!)
33. Salted lassi NO
34. Kim chee NO
35. Kangaroo NO
36. Cognac + ( Not a fan)
37. Clotted cream + (Yes, best in the morning on a scone. Oh, be still my tummy rumble)
38. Jello shots + ( Shana will remember these well on my 21st Birthday! 69 total)
39. Buttermilk straight + ( again wasn't a fave)
40. Oxtail + ( we had oxtail soup for New Years @ Chateau Elan, it was very good)
41. Curried goat NO
42. Insects NO, NO, & NO
43. Phaal NO
44. Goat's milk + ( Not a fave)
45. Whiskey that cost more than $200 a bottle + ( My Daddy)
46. Fugu NO ( isn't that poisonous?)
47. Chicken tikka masala NO
48. Eel NO ( most likely never going to)
49. Warm Krispy Kreme original glazed donut + (Yes, oooo wonder if the "Hot' sign is on?)
50. Sea urchin roe NO

Ready for the weekend!




Good Morning








We are off to a great start here today. It is Friday! Olivia is doing her school and Orren is napping. That gives Mommy an chance to blog.


We have a BIG weekend before us and we will be super busy. Soccer games, babypalooza, Alabama football and we get to see Michelle and the boys! It is a good thing because Michelle and I both have been inundated with "when are we going to see ________(fill in the blank with some member of either family)?" This picture is several months old, 9 to be exact because Zachary's birthday is in Dec. I need to get a lot of pictures out of my camera and on here. Anyway this will do for now. This is the group minus Orren. He must have been asleep.







This is an example of how hard core football fans are around here. This is a house in Trace Crossings. I could not believe it. How did they do that? Why would they do that? Should have known they were AUburn fans!









It is only a month until Michelle and I have our beach trip! I cannot wait. Just the girls, the beach, and cosmos!

OK well, I will post more later. Have a great day!

Roll Tide!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Can you tell we are cousins?






















Two sweet Princes. Both boys had their pictures made after their Birthday parties. I thought it was funny they were dressed just a like!
Orren on his first Birthday June 20, 2008
Grayson on his first Birthday Sept.6, 2008

Ike, not just in Texas Look @ Gulf Shores!



Entrance & parking Lot of Gulf Tower
under water

Storm Picture, this is a street

I know I posted once already, but when we returned home this afternoon, Chief (my Daddy) had sent us these pictures from the condo in Gulf Shores. As ya'll know they own a house and condo on the beach and these are taken from the condo this afternoon. They are incredible! This is way worse than Gustav ever thought of. We pray everyone will be safe. Chief and GrandMaMa come on to Birmingham if you need to.
We love you.


The water surrounds the pool of Gulf Tower. Thank goodness they have a barrier wall! There was a pool next door, they did not have a wall.

Taking a moment to remember, celebrate & breathe!


It is Patriot Day!
Do you remember where you were 7 years ago? I was holding my 2 (almost 3) year old on my lap as we watched the second plane fly into the second building. We sat on the floor in our living room just like that for hours, just watching. I was on the phone with my Mother the entire time. When the towers fell Olivia gasped and I held her tight.
My Father had been on a plane & Joe's office is just down the street from the airport. I was uncertain of the future of this innocent child that I held. I knew not what to do but pray. Our Holy Father was with us then and is with us today as well.


Good Morning!

Things are settling down for us. Thank goodness.





This is a picture Chief sent me just before everything got crazy. In all the chaos I did not get to post it. Mother is so talented. Every moment is an event at their house.









We missed the reception at the Shelby County Republican Headquarters on Tuesday night. It was the Grand Opening. We were disappointed, but with everything going on we just couldn't make it. I wanted to let everyone know it is open and needs volunteers. If anyone is interested send me an email and I will give you the contact info. I am volunteering two nights next week.




The Greek Food festival started today and I am taking the children this afternoon. I love this festival. OK so I love any festival. I think it is all those years in New Orleans. There was a festival every weekend!


The 2008 Birmingham Greek Food Festival will take place September 11th through the 13th. The Festival opens daily at 10:30 A.M. and lasts until 10:00 P.M

Holy Trinity - Holy Cross Cathedral307 19th St. S.; Birmingham, AL 35233Phone: 205-716-3080 / Fax: 205-716-3085




Mother is on the road and heading home. GiGi is settled in her new home and it will just be a long process from here. Daddy's days of bachelorhood are drawing to a close. It was fun talking to him as often as I did while he was "home alone" I hope he won't mind if I still call him an "check in" even though he won't need me anymore.



Olivia had a spelling test today she got a 100! I am so proud of her. She is doing super with her schoolwork this year. She is growing into such a lady. She is my princess. I could not have asked for a more perfect little girl.



Orren, he is just Orren. Little boy through and through. I adore him. His Daddy said I have to stop with the John John suits. I said when he was four, until then we are wearing them.
Michelle, shhhhhh I know you are on Joe's side.

We are having "game night" tonight. I hope the children don't pick the Disney scene it........ again! We have "seen" it all I want. How old do they have to be before game night can include spades? LOL
Ya'll have a good night.
Our prayers are with Texas and we hope that all are safe!