WELL IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT CHRISTMAS IS HERE AGAIN. THE CHURCH PARTY WAS SO FUN FUN, AND WE ALL HAD SUCH A GOOD TIME. I WANTED TO SHARE SOMETHING VERY TOUCHING THAT HAPPENED WITH BUBBA. AS YOU ALL KNOW MY DADDY ALWAYS IS SANTAS HELPER AT CHRISTMAS...BUT THE PAST FEW YEARS HIS HEALTH HAS PUT A DAMPER ON IT, SO AS MICHELLE WOULD SAY...BUBBA IS HER BACK UP SANTA. HE REALLY ENJOYS DOING THIS FOR THE KIDS EVEN THOUGH MOST KNOW WHO HE IS IT DOES NOT MATTER. EACH YEAR A NEW CHILD IS THERE AND FINALLY SITS IN HIS LAP...LIKE STONE AND SADIE...HE LOVED THAT. BUT IT WAS THE HEART OF ONE SPECIAL LITTLE GIRL THAT TOUCHED MY SANTAS HEART SO MUCH THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. MANY KNOW AMBER THAT GOES TO OUR CHURCH, AND MOST OF YOU KNOW HOW THINGS IN HER LITTLE LIFE ARE AT THIS POINT AND TIME. BUBBA DID NOT! SHE KEPT COMING AND HUGGING HIM AND TELLING HIM HOW MUCH SHE LOVED HIM AND HOW GLAD SHE WAS TO SEE HIM FINALLY AND HOW GOOD SHE HAD BEEN ALL YEAR. I WOULD BE WILLING TO BET MY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS THIS YEAR THAT SHE WENT BACK TO HIM AT LEAST 6 TIMES IN THE LITTLE BIT OF TIME THAT SANTA WAS THERE. HER INNOSENCE AND LOVE TOUCHED BUBBAS HEART SO. THAT IS WHAT CHRISTMAS SHOULD FEEL LIKE TO EVERYONE. EVERYONE KNOWS THAT I AM NOT REALLY INTO CHRISTMAS , BUT JUST SEEING THE FACE ON MY HUSBANDS FACE THROUGH A SANTA CLAUS BEARD MAKES ME FEEL DIFFERENT. AMBERS HEART AND THE WAY SHE MADE BUBBA FEEL IS THE SWEETEST THING I BELIEVE I HAVE SEEN IN A LONG TIME.
BELOW IS THE PICTURE I WAS REFERING TO OF SANTA AND AMBER....IT WAS TO SWEET NOT TO SHARE...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

New Job

I am so very happy to say that after 5 long months, I finally have a new job. I start tomorrow. I am so excited and I have never been excited about working before. I will be working at Picture Me Portrait Studio, located inside the Cullman Wal-Mart. This is so amazing!!! When I had the surgery and then was done the way I was done, I felt so useless and unwanted, and thought that it could not get any worse...Boy was I wrong??!! There were weeks that it did not seem like there was a way ...but The Good Lord seen us through it all, and now I am going to be doing the one thing I have wanted for so long....TAKING PICTURES !!!! I am so very thankful that I was sent there... and decided to check my phone one more time for messages before going into to interview for a daycare position, and I am thankful that my new boss is understanding of my desire to go to church, and I am just PLAIN THANKFUL....
I can hardly wait to get up in the morning...Thanks to all of those who were praying for me after all these months....you will never know how much that meant to me...knowing that you prayed daily just for me, made me want to try harder......I am forever grateful.....WISH ME LUCK!!

Brandy Poe 1994-2007

AND CAN IT BE THAT, IN A WORLD SO FULL AND BUSY, THE LOSS OF ONE SMALL CREATURE CAN MAKE A VOID IN ANY HEART SO WIDE AND DEEP THAT NOTHING BUT THE WIDTH AND DEPTH OF VAST ETERNITY CAN FILL IT UP...
Charles Dickens

~Our Forever Friend~

There’s something missing in our home,
I feel it day and night,
I know it will take time and strength
before things feel quite right.
But just for now, I need to mourn,
My heart ~ it needs to mend.
Though some may say it’s “just a pet”
I know I’ve lost my best friend.
You’ve brought such laughter to our home,
and richness to our days…
A constant friend through joy or loss,
with gentle, loving ways.
Companion, pal, and confidante,
A friend I won’t forget,
You’ll live for always in our heart,
Our sweet, forever pet.

Wednesday I had to have Brandy The Dog put down. Her kidneys started failing, so I did the best thing I possibly could for "My Little Old Woman"--- humanly put to sleep. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. As she took her last breathe, it was me she was looking at. She was 13, had no teeth was almost blind, and was the sweetest thing in the world. She would chase those cats all over my house, and they would run and hide from her. I will miss her...but I know I did the right thing for her. Cherish every moment you have with your puppies and "Old Women" because you just never know........

Jacob's First Note!!!

Well he had his first full day of school yesterday. He got his first note sent home too. We all know that Jacob is a real pistal ball, his teacher is aware of it too, Mrs. Hancock and I are friends. He did not get into trouble for misbehaving...just talking. He got on the red light and tried very hard to make it to green, but got to yellow. Mrs. Hancock is a wonderful person and knows Jacob outside of school, so she knows how to handle him. She also has a red head so she feels my pain!! lol
All of you who know Jacob, know how he is...I think that he has ADHD and if he has the signs, the school will test him ASAP.
I know that hundreds of kids each year get diagnosed with ADHD and if the parent is as commited as Bubba and myself, they can get better. It just worries me, what Mother wouldn't worry? I remember my nephew Robby, who is mentally retarded was put on meds that made him like a zombie...that is not what I want to do to Jacob. That is not a way for a child to have to live, but I know that I have to do something.
So my friends when you pray, say a pray for Jacob. That whatever comes to us, we can face it the right way!!

OK Mandy a question for you....How do they test them and what steps do they take??

Jacob's First Day!!!!!

Well Jacob's newest journey has now begun. My baby started school today!! He was so excited and was more than ready to pop out of bed at 6:30 this morning. I did ok until I started walking down Kindergaten Hall with my little boy, I felt the lump in my throat start. I was not about to even let him think that I was about to cry. We walked into his room,he found his name on his table and sat down and started coloring a picture for his Teacher.. Mrs. Hancock, I took several pictures of him talking to his little friend Abby, she was at his birthday party and went to the pre-school with him. He was telling her all about his new shirt he had on!! I talked with Mrs. Hancock about the dismissal of Kindergarten, and then gave him a quick hug and walked away....but not before I snapped a few more pictures for my album and blogs. I walked alone down Kindergarten Hall and it was the longest walk of my life. I guess since I know that I can not have anymore children...this just got me a little. My baby is growing up on me. He had a great first day and loved every minute of it.....He ate corn dogs and pickles for lunch and drank chocolate milk....and he did it all by himself!!! He was so proud.
Drew began Middle School today and was so excited he could hardly contain himself...He was practicing opening his combination lock for his locker....oh my goodness he has a locker!!!!???? He is in beginner band and is going to play the Snare Drum....so look out Uncle Tommy you are about to get moved off the drums at church.....it's Drew's turn!!!! I am so very proud of both of my boys for being who they are.I know sometimes that they get on my very last nerve, and I do them as well, but I know that they are going to be ok.I am raising them to know right from wrong and God will protect them in whatever they do in life, without God I don't know how we could be ok as long as we have. I am so thankful...

Ok...I will stop now.Hope everyone kids had a great first day.....and the lump in my throat is gone now, so IT'S ALL GOOD!!!!

Fun at the Zoo!!!!

Well yesterday was Jacobs 5th birthday and we granted him king for the day...anything he wanted we did. We started our day with going to Grandmas so she could sing Happy Birthday to him in the way he expected....a silly crazy way..... he just laughed. Then we went to eat breakfast. He wanted to go to the zoo so we did. We had a great time feeding the giraffes and walking around and laughing at my little red head. He was so funny in the Lorikeet exibit.Those birds like to have scared him to death at first, then he was mad because it was time to go see the sea lions. We had so much fun!!! After a 4 hour zoo adventure, we went to the Trussville Regal Cinema and seen That Rat movie... I have no clue on how to even begin to spell it. He loved that as well. We were getting hungry so Jacob said he wanted to go eat WATERBURGER.... which in our language would be Whataburger!!!! Then we went home and got ready and went swimming!!! We had a busy day but I would not trade it for the world!!!!I made a slideshow of our Zoo Adventure....it is hard to believe that he is 5 now....where does the time go....soon I will be wiping tears as he gets on the bus for school, and I just can't stomach that. I cherish every day he gives me good or bad and if you know Jacob he can have some BAD!!!! days.
I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I do......

ILLUSIONS OF REALITY

Ok I am super excited!!! It is official...I am published!! Here is the Picture and the Cover of the book it is in, and the write up I wrote with it....I am just tickled to death.....hope you enjoy!!!!!

Happy Birthday Drew, Jacob, and Brandy!!!!

JACOB THE ARTIST

Ok I decided to do it this way, because this computer is so slow and I could never get the video to up load. I hope you enjoy Jacob's presentation!!!

No Disney World for us this year

Well we had our trip planned for this December...but my surgery has put a damper on things. I had to reschedule our trip for December of 08. I have just made myself sick over it, but we had to put our priorities in order, and do the right thing. When I left to have surgery I had a job, but....now I don't. Because of people running their mouths to the wrong people....I am now unemployed. It sort of upsets me to know that there are still people out there that will do things like that, but there is, and all I can do is continue to be me!! I know that there is something out there for me to do...I just wish I knew what it was!!! So hopefully I can find something soon that will be the dream job I have always wanted. I guess I can always go back to wiping runny noses at a daycare....NOT!!!!! But if that is what I am intended to do then I will. I just feel so betrayed and un wanted...considering I worked as hard as I did and did not hesitate to work 16 hour days 3 days before my surgery, was only late 1 time and that was when I found out the news about Charlie.... I am just venting about my feelings so bare with me. But I just wish it could be better...it has to get better!!!! I hate the feeling that I have had, but I am sure the next job will be worth my while!!
So look out Disney here I come......next year!!

NASCAR WISES UP!!!

Ok I am probably gonna push some buttons with this one but you know me!!!! I think it is so funny that Dale Jr. is going to Hendrix!!!! All you Gordon haters have to hate it too....I am a big Nascar fan and Jeff Gordon is my favorite driver....yes Jeff Gordon!!!! I never liked Jr. but it really dont matter to me if he wins or not. However Jr. fans hate Hendrix Motor Sports and I think it is funny that he picked to go there. So lets see how many cups get thrown at Hendrix now???? LOL
My Mother in law is so mad she is making herself sick!!! I just think it is funny.


GO HENDRIX!!!!!!!!

Ok Stacy here is something new!!! A Fathers Day gift from Jacob

Ok Stacy told me in church that I needed something new...so here ya go girl!!!
Jacob was so excited and Bubba loved it so you did good!!!!

Anthony Joseph Fields {A.J.}

This my best friend Crystal's brand new baby...she had him on Michelle's birthday so Happy Birthday Aunt Michelle!! He is so sweet and beautiful....I just could not resist plastering his face all over the internet!!!!

I am Blue Michelle

BLUE

You give your love and friendship unconditionally. You enjoy long, thoughtful conversations rich in philosophy and spirituality. You are very loyal and intuitive.

Find out your color at QuizMeme.com!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNT MICHELLE AND DREW!!!

Well Drew turned 11 on May 31st and Michelle will be old enough on June 7th, every year she always stands with Drew in church while the church family sings to him. This year her birthday was closer to next weeks service...BUT....I insisted that she stand with him this week, so she did and I captured another great photo of the two of them.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DREW!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHELLE!!!

ALL MY HEART LOVES YOU BOTH!!

Summer time Fun!!!

We love it when Summer time is here....Bubba is the biggest kid when it comes to the water. Drew is a little axious about water getting into his face, but is getting better.....however Jacob is scared of nothing!! He is swimming under the water with no floaties and eyes wide open. He jumps in and comes up laughing....I know before the end of Summer he will be swimming as good as me....So here are a few pictures of my 30 year old child, my timid 11 year old, and my dare devil demon 4 year old lol

WE BE REDNECKS!

Well the boys wanted to build a fire and make smores, but with no rain we are under a NO BURN order, so we compromised a little. We officially have our sign, and WE BE REDNECKS!!!

Brad's graduation pictures!!!

Jacob's Prescool Graduation ceremony!!!!

Charlie

This picture is of my friend Nikki's son Charlie who passed away in March.This is the sweetest picture of him, and is everyones favorite. This picture was taken before his condition worsened. He was at school and was jabbering with his little friend and then when his teacher said his name he looked at her with this beautiful smile. This is a priceless picture and we all have one and we ALL love it!!!
This touches my heart so much, so I wanted to share it with you!! Even in sickness if we just stop and smile it can all be better........

The Pampered Chef gives back!!!!

I am hosting an online Pamered Chef party for the month of May.
This month The American Cancer Society recieves $1 for each Help Whip Cancer product you purchase. This is a great chance to give back to those who need it. Breast Cancer is one of the number one killers in the USA, and the Help Whip Cancer products are pink, and girly!!!

If interested please visit the website listed below and help do your part..and if you know of anyone who would be interested please pass this on.....

www.pamperedchef.biz/cookingwithpolly

Thanks guys,
Paula

Love it!!!

Here are the last pics that Mama took at the car show in Gardendale....I am so proud of them.....I miss seeing Tony and Stacy though, but I love the races too!!!

Where does time go?

We have taken pictures of this child her whole life, and out of all of them this one is my favorite. Her Mama is saying "Why"? I just love this picture of her. My sweet girlfriend is growing up on me, and I am starting to feel old as I look at Justin. But no matter how old they are, and how big they get, they will always have my heart. The picture of Justin [lol] is my favorite of him as well, ALL THAT HAIR!! He would kill me if he seen this, but IT'S ALL GOOD!!!!

[the pic of Meaghan was taken by Michelle]

Bailey-Man and Boo-Boo

Ok this is just a couple of the HUNDRED of pictures I took at the BJCC races. I am so proud of them, although the last race I gotta a little scared when I seen a dirt bike on top of another child in Bailey's class. That was awful, but thankfully he was ok. Brandy sleeping is my favorite.
Can't wait till I can go watch somemore!!!

No time for blogging??

Hello my friends, I feel like it has been ages since I posted last. I have had quite the year so far.
I am recovering from a well needed surgery these days.I had to have a hysterectomy, on April 30th. Also, unexpectedly I had to have laser surgery on my bladder to remove scar tissue.
I am doing well and getting back to myself slowly but surely. I was in the hospital for several days, and God Bless my sweet sister Michelle...she stayed with me from the time I got there until the time I was released. I could not tell you how much that meant to me.
I am back and ready to go now, so look for lots of things to come on this Blog.......

Love those kids

> A fifth grade teacher in a Christian school asked her class to
> look at TV commercials and see if they could use them in some way to
> communicate ideas about God.
> Here are some of the results: scroll down.
>
> God is like..
> BAYER ASPIRIN
> He works miracles.
>
>
>
> God is like...
> a FORD
> He's got a better idea.
>
>
> God is like...
> COKE
> He's the real thing.
>
>
> (This is great)
>
> God is like...
> HALLMARK CARDS
> He cares enough to send His very best.
>
>
> God is like...
> TIDE
> He gets the stains out that others leave behind.
>
>
>
> God is like...
> GENERAL ELECTRIC
> He brings good things to life.
>
>
> God is like...
> SEARS
> He has everything.
>
>
> God is like...
> ALKA-SELTZER
> Try him, you'll like Him
>
>
> God is like...
> SCOTCH TAPE
> You can't see him, but you know He's there.
>
>
>
> God is like...
> DELTA
> He's ready when you are.
>
>
> God is like...
> ALLSTATE
> You're in good hands with Him.
>
>
>
>
> God is like...
> VO-5 Hair Spray
> He holds through all kinds of weather.
>
>
>
> God is like...
> DIAL SOAP
> Aren't you glad you have Him? Don't you wish everybody did?
>
> (that one is my favorite)
>
>
> God is like....
> the U.S. POST OFFICE
> Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet , nor ice will keep Him from
> His appointed destination.

In Loving Memory

CHARLES RAY LEE BRANT
JANUARY 31,1998
MARCH 9, 2007

Everyone has their own way of dealing with things that come upon them in life, I myself write. So now as I am writing this, my heart breaks for my dearest friend of almost 18 years, Nikki.
Her precious angel Charlie has gone home to be with the Lord. He has suffered all his little life with SanFilippo's Syndrome.

San Filippo Syndrome is a rare and catastrophic genetic disorder. Children afflicted with this horrific disease are missing an essential enzyme that breaks down strings of a complex body sugar called heparan sulfate. The partially broken down sugar accumulates in the brain and the body's cells and tissue, causing severe damage. This disease affects children's appearances, bodily functions and development. Sanfilippo children tend to look alike and have similar health problems.

A Sanfilippo child appears normal at birth and seem to develop normally for the first year or two, but as more and more cells become damaged,symptoms begin to appear. Eventually causing hyperactivity,sleep disorders, loss of speech, mental retardation, dementia, and finally death. The life expectancy for one of these children is 10 to 15 years. Only 1 out of 24,000 children are born with this disease, and only 200 to 300 cases known in the United States.

There is currently no treatment or cure.

Charlie was the sweetest little boy, he would just melt your heart with his smile. I find it an honor to have been able to be a part of his life. The love that he had in his special little heart,is the love that we all should feel each and every day of our lives.
I envy My Sweet Nikki for being the Mother that she is. The love and affection she showed Charlie was amazing. Not a day went by in his 9 years of life that she did not show him the love that he needed. She is the type of Mother that all women should long to be like.

So friends I dedicate this blog entry to God's newest little helper Charlie, and his wonderful Mother, and my dearest friend- Nikki.

Rest in Peace Charlie!!

Love Aunt Paula

Drew the scientist

Drew recently had to do a science project for his science class. The whole 5th grade had to do one. He did his on What is a cloud made of, and it was so good.
He wrote the reports and took the pictures and everything. Welll last night was the awards for the science fair. He placed third out of all 92 5th grade students at Good Hope. He got a medal and 5 whole dollars! He gets to represent Good Hope sometime in March at the big science fair. He was so excited and I was brought to tears for being so proud of him. I have neevr seen him glow like that, I am so proud of him!!!!!!

My Red Headed Demon Child

Well we have another saga in the life of Jacob Alexander. He has been sick with the Croupe, so I took him to the doctor yesterday. They have diagnosed him with Asthma. He is now on 3 different kinds of meds a day and a Breathing Aerochamber as needed. I swear if it is not One thing with him it is ten!! He is already allergic to everything including the sun and now he has Asthma! But at least we found it now instead of when he has a bad attack. Asthma is hereditary in my family, my Uncle Donald had to move to California beacuse his was so bad. So allergy season is upon us my friends, so please say a prayer for Jacob that we make it through this season ok, and with no major attacks.
He will go through all the tests to see what triggers it at a later time, when we get those results I will keep you posted........

Tour Guide Mike and Michelle!!

I must say my sister should be a travel agent instead of helping run the tile shop!!
She introduced me to her "other man" Tour Guide Mike over the weekend, and I am LOVING it!! It is amazing the things I have learned in just a few days. I was just shocked at all of the things that were on the main page. If you are planning a trip of any kind, TGM is the way to go.
It can be so stressful to remember all these different things, but now I don't have to worry about it cuz I have TGM and Michelle lol

What is a hero?

I have pondered on this for some time. What is a hero? Some may think it is a soldier, or someone that has a military background. Others may think that it is a teacher, or a preacher, parent or even a friend. All though all of these people are wonderful, some people may have a different look at it.
God is the best Hero of all, and as I am writing this, I don't want you to think that I do not think that God is The One And Only Hero, but in my case, there is another man that I appreciate just as much.
It is one man, that knows who he is, and I could not put into words how I feel about him. I dont love him like his wife, or his children, nor his parents, but I absolutely adore him in every way possible. He has helped me throughout my whole life, and every memory I have involves him in some way. The wonderful things he has given me are so amazing, but the most I appreciate is what he doesnt have to say.I know he loves me, and he has showed that to many times through out my life. He has supported me even when he did not want to, and has ALWAYS taken care of me. I know that no matter what time, day or night, he is there. I have total trust in him. If I was to need him, he would be there no matter what he would have to put on hold, and that I am grateful for as well. This is my intake on what a hero is, some may disagree but you are intitled to your own opinion, my heart tells me that a hero is someone who loves me the way that he does, and I am so thankful to him for everything he says or does for me and my family.

He is MY HERO, and until I take my last breathe I will owe him my life.

I LOVE YOU!!!

Just another bunch of pictures!!

Love those old cars!!!!

I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!!

My Bailey-Man and My Boo-Boo doing what they do!!!

I must say, at first i was anxious about this, but after I went and seen it. Oh my I just love it! Bailey is so good at it and they are very careful. I am so proud of them. I can't wait to see them in the finals in April. I am sure EVERYONE that is at the BJCC that night will know that I am a Bailey and Brandy Graves fan.

Rock on my babies!!

My photographs

I love to do Photography in my spare time, these are just a few of my pictures. One of these has already been published. I am proud of them. I hope you enjoy!!

Amazing Grace

Well I am tickled to say that I am teaching Drew the words to Amazing Grace. He wants to sing in church, so move over Michelle and Stacy!!! He has the prettist voice for a young man, he reminds me of Billy Gillman [ One Voice Was Heard]. He sang a solo in this years past Christmas play and me, Michelle, and Mama all three just BOO-HOOED.
I am so proud of him for wanting to sing God's beautiful songs. It shows me that I am doing my job as his Mother!!

Disney Countdown!

Well as you know we are planning our Disney Adventure this coming December. We are all so excited to be able to do this. We are staying at Pop Century, and will be there for 5 days!!! I am really excited for Drew and Jacob! They get to do something like this, and it does my heart good to know that me and Bubba can allow them to. Michelle has helped me alot so far and boy am I glad she knows what she is doing!! Now if we could just talk Bubba into flying it would be PERFECT, but we all know how Bubba is on his paranorma, but at least he cares.

Work In Progress

Ok Michelle has got me hooked. I am just loving this!! This is a good way to vent and not get into trouble. Trust me I know how to get into trouble, just ask Papa.... lol

Bare with me, I am getting it together. I hope I can do as good as Michelle but we shall see!!!!!