Birthday Celebration for Janie

About 20 friends met at the Kingsport Grocery Company to celebrate Janie's birthday. Sweet Little Janie

Our waiter bringing out the cake

Jim, Ashley and Dan

Breezie and Sandy

Great friends

Favorite Boss Moves

My favorite boss and friend just moved to another division. We took her to lunch at Two Sisters Tea Room.

Dawn and me - she will be so missed!

The guys in the group are out-numbered, so the ladies usually pick a girlie place such as the Tea Room or Courtyard. This trip they came in disguise. Last time we ate here they all had camo on. Here we are trying to get Duck to wear this old ladies hat - we almost had him talked into it!

David, Eleanor and Michelle
Laura, Bill and Glenn

They are just way too cool!

Thanksgiving Weekend

Thursday: Had a great Thanksgiving weekend. Started the day out with a call from Sean. It is always so good to hear from him and learn about what he is doing while in Korea. He is making a ton of friends and enjoying seeing new countries. He also made Senior Airman on the 17th, which is exciting! Holiday's are not the same without him, but I know he loves what he is doing and getting to see so much. I finally had to make Malisha hang up the phone and get ready to go eat. I usually cook Thanksgiving dinner, but this year decided to take a break. We drove to Greeneville to eat at the Farmers Daughter. We had to wait for two hours - so I did a little shopping at the Mennonite store just beside the restaurant. Malisha finished off her book and Jim relaxed on the front porch. Oh my goodness - it was worth the wait, the food was fantastic!

Friday: Jim and I have a date tonight, so we didn't get into too much. Jim fixed breakfast while I dragged out some Christmas decorations. I have decided to not put out as much as I usually do. Now that the kids are older - I decorate less. I use to always put up two trees. A "snowman" tree would go upstairs for the kids to decorate. I would place some of their old toys underneath including a rocking chair and stuffed bears. I've decided all that is just too much work. I have several boxes of decorations saved for the kids that I just don't use any more. Anyway, for our date we went to the Blue Moon Dinner Theatre in Johnson City to see "A Tuna Christmas". We sat with a really sweet couple enjoying the conversation. They also blog about dining in the Tri-cities (check out their site under my links). The food was fabulous and the play was a hoot. You must check this neat little place out. We will definitely be going back.

Saturday: We worked our tails off putting up Christmas stuff which always includes a trip to Michaels for some new garland, ribbon or trinkets. Our tree is pretty big, so it takes a while to decorate. In the past, I have always put it in the living room, but this year I wanted a change, so I put it in the foyer. I think I like it there much better and it doesn't crowd the living room. Now I need to get those presents wrapped.

Sweet Little Piqo wearing his Christmas sweater

A tray I had from Pier 1, I put some ornamnets and cones in
Top of entertainment centerSunday: I woke up early and took the pups out - I'm not sure, but I think they are the reason I woke up. I pressed the "on" button on the "get me going juice" and looked in the fridge. Since Jim fixed breakfast yesterday, thought I should do something today - especially since I worked him so hard. I decided on biscuits, gravy and eggs - as if I haven't done enough harm to my waistline the past few days! Oh well - it tasted good. After church we were still full from breakfast, so we skipped lunch. We decided to go to the movies. We have been wanting to see "The Blind Side". Jim dropped me off at the front to get tickets while he parked. Guess what - they were sold out! This is the first time I've ever gone to see a movie that was sold out. We bought tickets for the next showing and came back. I'm glad we did - the movie is a must see - the kind that puts a smile on your face as you are walking out. It is also based on a true story, which makes you feel extra good inside. Anyway, we had a great weekend and got a lot done. I am so thankful to our Lord for the many blessings he has given me and the wonderful life we are Privileged to live!
This is the real family the movie is based on.

44 Lessons

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 44 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:"

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?".

26. Always choose life.

27. Forgive everyone everything.

28. What other people think of you is none of your business.

29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.

30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

32. Believe in miracles.

33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now..

35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

36. Your children get only one childhood.

37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

41. The best is yet to come.

42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

43. Yield.

44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.


I want to add one...
45. Go to the beach and play in the sand.

Sean & Malisha - early 90's

Gifts from God

Do you ever just stop and think about how good God is to us and how great life is? This weekend was another beautiful gift from God. As Jim and I were pulling out of the driveway just going for a ride with the top down on our little Honda, I looked at him and said "life is good". Of course having Jim as a husband is one of the things God put in my life that has helped make my life so awesome! He is the sweetest and best husband I could ever imagine any girl having. We went for a nice drive, bought a cute new chair, ate dinner at the "Farmer's Daughter" in Greeneville, went to the movies and enjoyed the beautiufl weather! We are so blessed to have each other and God in our lives.
This photo is a Christmas cactus I bought a few years ago. Each year I am surprised when it blooms and it seems to have more every year - what a beautiful gift. When I see it burst open with so many blooms, I always think about the wonderful gift God gave us - the birth of his son and our savior Jesus Christ. Thank you God for your son, my husband, my life and the many blessings I enjoy each and every day. I am truly thankful and I love you!

Hangin with the Girls in Abingdon

Malisha, her friend Whitney and I went to Abingdon to pick up some theatre tickets, eat and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The Fall Festival was also going on, so we got to visit and talk to several of the local artist. We ate at a cute little coffee house - Zazzy'z. Whitney and I - she is the sweetest girl!
Think something funny was said? ;)~

I love the beautiful homes on Main Street! Wouldn't it be wonderful to sit on the front porch and people watch with a warm cup of tea!

The fall leaves were gorgeous!

Posing in front of a well known historical site in Abingdon.

Just mess with us girls and see what happens! ;)

Special Weekend

Sean has been deployed to South Korea and will be there for the next year. After his stint there, he will be stationed in Italy. I have no desire to go to Korea, so we won't see him for about a year, but I am saving my money for Italy! :)
Al and Sue wanted to see him before he left, so they came up from Georgia. On Saturday we went to the Apple Festival in Erwin. I could not believe how many people were there! Gary, the pastor at Bethel asked Sean to speak at church and wear his full dress blues. He did a fantastic job and I was so proud of him. He talked about where he would be going and what he would be doing. He also thanked the congregation for their love and support. There was a Missionary from Mexico, Susie who spoke about what she had been doing and the lives she has helped change through Jesus Christ. Later Gary spoke about the selfless committment of Sean and Susie; two totally different career choices, yet they both give of themselves to serve others. Then the elders came up and prayed for Sean and Susie. The service was so sweet and special. I had a huge lump in my throat and tears in my eyes the entire time.
Sean and Gary in front of Bethel. Gary retired from the Air Force, so he and Sean have really bonded. Gary has been a wonderful influence in Sean's life.
Al, me, Malisha and Sean
Sean left on Wednesday morning, October 7th. He was excited to be going, but I have to admit, it was really hard for me to tell him bye. I try to remember that he truly enjoys what he does and is getting to see the world - but I miss my kids being little and under my feet.

Waiting for them to call for his flight. Yes, we were all tired - his flight was early.

Please remember our young men and women in the service and keep them in your prayers!

What We've Been Up To

We went to a fun pool party at Allyson & Chris's for his birthday. Their home and pool is gorgeous. The gang has picked out the spot where we are going to build our retirement home, so we can all grow old together and take care of each other. Notice the view in the pictures - beautiful! Baby Justice is such a doll!
Bring out the squirt guns.
My sweet friend Anita and Robin.
Wilson and his friend Ashley, he turned 16 the next day. He is a senior at DB.
Sharon and Mike - great picture!
Mason, what a cutie!

Allyson - the hostess.

Jim relaxing

Connie and Keith.

We had so much fun playing in the pool.

Robin and Sharon

Can I take this boy home with me. I promise I will give him all the lemonade he wants!

Jennifer and her dad - Don.

Janie telling Jim about her latest trip!

What are you so serious about Sandy.

Now thats more like it - I'm sure she is telling something funny!

Chris enjoying his birthday sundae.

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We watched the UT game in our orange and white attire. I even put a UT collar on the pups. It was a disappointment, but we won't hang up the orange just yet!We celebrated Jim's birthday. And we celebrated my birthday. We don't like store bought cakes, so Malisha always makes us one, they were wonderful!
I got a beautiful dozen roses from Al & Sue! I love seeing those vans that say florist on the side of them pull into our driveway! ;)Also, school has started back so I spend a lot of time in class or studying. Jim takes care of almost everything around the house. I don't know what I would do without him! He is the greatest!