Life on the ranch

Our "after Christmas" trip to the ranch is sadly over. We love going there and spending time with everyone. It's good to see Uncle Stanley and Aunt Diane, Michael, Nicole, Christopher and Kristin. And, of course, we love the hunting. This year was a time of firsts. First year that neither of the girls were able to go with us, and Cj's first kill. He did so well and is still excited about it.

My cousin, Michael, presented me with my first deer mount. Its so cool! Not the mack daddy, but not bad for a girl. Michael caught an armadillo and drug it out of its hole for all to see. That was, achem, strange. (but a first)We were visited by what we lovingly refer to as "the Martie Party". Its a loud, crazy bunch of Moore's that love the ranch - did I mention they were loud? :) Its Martie, (my birth father), his wife Christine (which would be my birth step mother), Jason and Yesenia (my half brother and his wife), their daughter Scarlett (cutie patootie), Matthew (another half brother) and his girlfriend, Areli. They are always fun, but a little loud. (for hunting)

Scarlett - too cute!

Then, of course, just when we are packing up and getting ready to leave (so we can actually make an extra stop in San Antonio and still get home before midnight), Mike has to shoot some freak nasty that he had spotted on the deer cam the day before. Because of Cjs smack down, and Mike's ambush, it took us until 3pm to get everything cleaned and put up to even think about heading home. I voted to hang out in San Antonio Tuesday night to rest before heading home on Wednesday, but was overruled. Oh well, another road trip it is!
Thanks to Uncle Stanley and Aunt Diane for their gracious hospitality. To Martie and Ms. Chris for the use of their camper, and to south Texas for another exciting few days in the wild.

Birthday wishes....

What a great day already. Sam was able to come by for a while and open gifts and spend some time with us which is always wonderful. Love you, Sam!

We sang "Happy Birthday" to CJ and had cake (sortof). It fell apart when I was getting it out of the pan, so it looks more like biscuits and gravy (with sprinkles, of course) but it tasted good which is all that matters. I'm not bitter about my lack of baking skills.

Besides, my Grandma always said that if a cake didn't fall apart, it wasn't any good. That's the hope I'm holding on to!

Then Mark came by to wish Carly (and us, but mostly Carly) a Merry Christmas and just hang out for a couple of hours til he had to get back to his fam.

All in all, we have had a very Merry Christmas. We hope you and yours did as well......

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday!

Christmas is here and I hope everyone has an awesome day with family and friends! We had fun last night with the Smith's on the levee watching the bon fires. Its always a blast even though Carly couldn't actually participate. To walk up the levee wall would be just too much on that new knee she got from Santa.

Then we are up this morning and gifts are opened and now the birthday cake is in the oven. Yep, Cj's 9 today! I can't believe he's growing up so fast. So, the rest of the day will be spent with family and friends, and trying to figure out what to do with all the new stuff that we have to fit into our already crowded lives. Ahhhh, the joy of the season!

**Birthday is celebrated after lunch, so birthday pics will follow.....

Workin it!

Here's Carly. Working the new knee and texting at the same time. She and I agree (along with Beck) that God loves texting. Its just a great thing.

Carly had some breakthroughs in therapy this week. She can straighten her leg completely, can make a full rotation on the stationary bike and can pick it up by herself - almost. Its the little things, but she's doing great!

Bro Wayne visited her while at therapy so he gave her his best coach pep talk. We love Bro Wayne.

Busy Thursday

Today, Carly went back to school. Wow! A huge accomplishment. She's doing great! Came home a little tired, but other than that, she's great. (even though she's making a funny face!)

After getting the kids to school, I sorted through some gifts, wrapped what was not wrapped, made a list of any last minute gifts and headed to the church to serve. What an amazing site! I was asked to help sort gifts into boy/girl categories and age groups. For the past few weeks, at our services, we have been collecting toys for children in the inner city and who are less fortunate. Can I tell you, our church is a giving church! They represented! We sorted thousands of toys. Toys for boys, toys for girls, toys for babies, toys for teens.....it was crazy, but in an amazing way. I can't wait until this weekend when we get to bless a child with a toy. Its going to be so cool!

Then, CJ came home with a list of things he needs for his Class party tomorrow. (yes, tomorrow)So, we made cupcakes tonight. We made birthday cupcakes. I know its Christmas and all, but its also his birthday, so we're making birthday cupcakes.

So, some time, between sorting toys, wrapping gifts and making cupcakes, I get a picture text from Paula. She and Becky pretty much know me as good as anyone, but this one got me. The subject of the text was "Wanna go?". So I was mortified when I opened the picture, and it was this....Ever since I was a small child, I have had a horrible fear of birds. Any kind. Ducks, chickens, live ones, dead ones. Its so strange, and I'm at peace with that. Fair's are kinda creepy to me anyway, but to add birds???? ON PURPOSE???? Someone is just sick. I'm sure this would be a great time for someone, but not me! No, Paula, you are on your own with this one!

Carly's free!

Our visit to the doc went better than expected! She was anticipating getting the cast off, and getting a new one on. In fact, we were prepared. What we were not prepared for was getting there and the doctor telling her its time to start walking and physical therapy! She is so excited! The leg looks great! Just needed a good bath. She was fitted for a limited range motion brace (with hinges and all)! She's just like Forrest Gump! She starts therapy today and we can't wait to see what fun things they have in store for us! A few pics from the morning.

Carly, just after they cut the cast off - waiting for x-rays....this scar drew some attention!

Carly and her doctor.

Dr. Frierson. He's the best....and looks so young...(hehe, inside joke!)

Excited about our news and ready to go home.

Carly's Night Out....

Twas the night before... the next "big" dr visit and Carly's friend calls to let her know the school's band Christmas concert is tonight. Carly had mentioned she'd like to go. Unsure if she would return to school before the holiday, she wanted to hear the band and see her friends. So I loaded her up and we went. It was awesome! She was able to see some of her friends, visit with some teachers and even got a shout out from her band director. She misses being in school with her friends. She'll be back soon...... a few pics from last night.

Carly with her friends, Elizabeth, her bff Lily and Alaina

Carly with her friend, Deva (the absolute, coolest name on the planet!)

NOEL....

This is something that I had to post about! This is in one of the neighbor's yards. They are so brave. They put this out every year! I mean, like clock work.....Thanksgiving is over and they are out putting up the "NOEL" in their front yard. However, it never fails.....the closer it gets to Christmas, someone, every year, just as they have put it out, has come in the night and switched the letters around to read "LEON". The neighbors don't take it down in anger or put it away in disgust. They just fix it right back and it stays out all season. That's dedication to the holiday. I don't know these neighbors, but I should. They have to be good people.

Kings or Wise Guys?

Three of the amazing guys at the Baton Rouge Dream Center where we have been serving for almost a year now. These guys are the 3 Kings in our Christmas play that I'm sure Carole and I will blog about next Sunday/Monday! What a crazy day yesterday in Kids church! We had 30 kids sign in and get name tags and at the end of the day, one of our volunteers counted 60 something kids! They always have such a great time and we are gearing up for the Christmas blowout that starts this Saturday and will flood over into Sunday! WOW! It is gonna be great!

picture courtesy of Carole Turner

Snow in South LA!

We woke up this morning to a little precipitation. Its really pretty to sit inside and watch it snow while sipping on my cup of hot coffee! Makes me feel like I'm back in North GA! I love watching the snow. But, I do not like having to get out in it! It's cold, wet and nasty. So far, they have not closed schools for the kids and CJ is supposed to head to Nola today for a field trip. Just waiting to see if we are still on. Here are a few pics from inside my warm house!

This picture was taken shortly after 6am....

This was about 6:45am as the sun was coming up.This is our backyard covered with snow. The little prints that cut through the middle of the picture? Yes, that's CJ's footprints. He couldn't stand it. He ran to the little tree and back - in his pjs.

No school.....

Well, it seems Carly's on a temporarily permanent snow day. She is getting very bored at home and her school work is piling up. We haven't heard from her homebound teacher and its been two weeks. The school is trying to get someone set up but it has not happened yet. So our days are spent like this....

I just clean around her and help her with what school work she can do. We tried to go to school today. I drove her up there and she was ready to go to class when the Guidance Counselor told us that the school can't take her in her wheelchair. She's too much of a risk for getting bumped and injured. Oh well...we tried.

Super Saturday

We are still in holiday mode since my family is still here. I love having them in our home. We have laughed and played so much its really been wonderful. Today was no exception. We started out early. Mike and Billy were up early (like, 4:30am) early to go deer hunting at the camp in Clinton. The rest of us got up at a normal hour, ate breakfast and then loaded the car with some snacks and headed up to meet them for lunch. It was a blast. The girls had not been, so it was fun to show them around. It started with a ride on the 4-wheeler. The river was so inviting, I thought it would be fun to cross it with me driving and Carly, Caitlin and Grace along for the ride. Once we hit the sand....it was all over from there. It sank. Like quick sand. So funny. Carly there in her cast, trying to jump off before we went under. Caitlin trying to help her, but sinking herself and Grace.....just held on. Never said a word. That's my Grace. Here's Mike coming to our rescue with the winch to pull us out. Everyone had gotten off when the sand was covering our feet. Thanks, Mike!

After that, we decided to stay on the road. Carly rode back to the camp with Mike. Grace walked. Caitlin was looking for trouble. She jumped right back on and she and I rode through some standing water that soaked us both. Then I got Grace back on and she and I took it down the road. We rode back into the woods a little bit and had a great time just riding. When you are with Grace your time will be quiet, but amazing. On our way back to the camp, I pulled over to let her drive. She wasn't sure because she had never driven before, but with my skills, (haha) I had her driving in seconds. Here's a picture of us just as we pulled back up at camp.

Grace, Carly and Caitlin just after being rescued.....

Mom and Carly posing by the fire pit. Mom is working the camo!We got home and I had to get a shower and head to church to sing. Mom went with me. It was nice. I led worship for my kids and Mom sat in and loved every minute. Our children's church (ages 6-11yrs) is so much fun. It's high energy, high entertainment and full on church - but on their level. We sang and had a blast and then my friend, Andrew got up to get his preach on. He's an amazing volunteer at our church that told me tonight that he leaves in a few days for somewhere I've never heard of. I don't know, somewhere in the Persian Gulf, but either way he will be missed. The kids love him and so do us adults. He will be protecting our country from the outside, so say a quick prayer for him as he lives out his dream and answers his call. Here's Andrew talking with the children....Then after church, I came into the kitchen to over hear Caitlin and CJ discussing something very important, I'm sure. Not sure what the topic of conversation was, but they were definitely up to something...Our day rounded out, yet again, with the Wii. CJ challenged Billy with another round of boxing. I'm not sure what makes grown adults think they are still in high school, but even my sister and I got in on it. CJ beat Billy and then I boxed my sister and FINALLY won. She used to beat me up when we were kids and I finally was able to come back. J/k...she's awesome and I'm so glad that she was able to come out to visit. I miss her when we are not together.On a sad note....our fish died today. Or at least that's what I thought. I'll let you be the judge. I tried to prepare CJ by telling him quietly that I needed to talk to him about the fish and as I brought him to the bowl, I calmly told him that I think the fish is dead.

Cj's reply...."Nah! He's just bored."

After Thanksgiving rush

We are having a blast with my family here for the holidays. Thanksgiving day was wonderful with tons of food and fun. Besides our air conditioning going out, we've had so much fun!.

This morning, Mike and Billy got up and went shopping. Believe it or not, they headed to Cabela's at 6:30am to grab some bargains. Then we took the kids to the movies to see Bolt in 3D. Mom stayed in the theatre with the kids while I took Cathy and Billy to Hobby Lobby! That was fun. I helped a total stranger select wrapping paper and then we left. We all met back at the house and using leftovers from the previous day, I made a gumbo while Cathy and Billy made cookies and snacks for everyone. (um...still no a/c but Tony's working on it!)

Today I was able to snap a quick shot of Grace...my neice....She is so precious. Caitlin and Carly and typical teens and typically loud - they even text loud....but Grace is so quiet and her spirit is just so sweet. She's alot like me.... :) She just turned 12 the day before Thanksgiving. She is just so awesome....

They also brought their dog, who Winston hasn't figured out yet. His name is Sammy. He's really cute and sweet. He is a true lap dog, where Winston is more of a cat. Or maybe like a rabid squirrel? I'm not sure, but it works for us.

Yes, this is Winston. He's sleeping on the couch. Sammy wears him out chasing him around the house to play.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thankful for so much. But not just today....everyday. Thank you to all my friends and family. Thanksgiving is actually my favorite holiday. I love all the food and usually most of my family is together to eat it. This Thanksgiving is no different.....we had my Mom....an amazing woman whom I admire, my sister - yet another amazing woman whom I also admire, her two daughters, Caitlin and Grace, who I'm sure will be amazing when they get out of their teen years, and my sisters good friend, Billy (an amazing man for driving all those girls all the way from north GA to south LA!) They drove in late yesterday (Grace's birthday) and got here just in time to celebrate before midnight. I had her a cake all ready and as soon as they got here, we sang and ate cake. The girls always like to pile up together, so Cathy brought her air mattress and they gathered in the living room to sleep. This morning, we got up and started cooking at 6am. I got the turkey and the cornbread in the oven to cook then Cathy got up and after a quick trip to the store for pie shells (yes, I forgot pie shells), we threw together a ham, some sweet potatoes, beans, cornbread dressing, pumpkin pies, chocolate pie, some mashed potatoes and gravy. Most of which is resting somewhere between my hips and my thighs. But its worth it. Paula stopped by while out visiting her family. She is so awesome....my Mom has decided to adopt her into our family since she just fits right in with us and our dysfunctional-ness. Anyway, our day is winding down with a little Texas vs. Texas A&M on tv...... I am thankful......

Mike carves the turkey.....

CJ shows Mr. Billy how to bowl on the Wii and the reining champion of Wii bowling is defeated.... :-(

Caitlin and Carly - best friends and cousins. Caitlin is 6months older, and Carly is 2 feet taller. They are awesome!

Me time....

Hunting season is officially here in South Louisiana, so I'm a widow each weekend. Mike left last night to hunt in Clinton. Last night I took the kids to the mall knowing today was a little "me time".

This morning, I met with the roofers and then got ready for my "me time". A friend was having a jewelry party, so I propped Carly up on the couch and made sure CJ was ready to jump when she called and I headed to the party. It was fun. So much fun that I booked a party myself, so you ladies watch out! We're having a party!!!

On my way home, I called to make sure Carly had not fallen over (which she had not!) and with her blessing, I went on to Walmart for some groceries. While there, the strangest thing happened. I'm standing there, picking out bananas and the lights went out! Crazy! I've never been there when there were no lights. It gets dark in produce!Then, a few lights came back on and "the voice" came on the speaker and said, "Attention Walmart shoppers....if you would like to complete your purchase, you must go now to the nearest register and check out. There power is out and the battery backup that runs the registers only lasts 30 minutes!" So off to register #9 I go! Well, me and about 150 other Walmart shoppers. I made my purchases, and of course forgot some things, but that was my "me time". I guess I'll try again next weekend.

Carly's friends visit

Well, it's been a week and a couple of days, and we are still at home. Carly is getting around more and more each day, but its slow. She's still not in the groove with school work. Especially since once she gets started, she's worn out and falls asleep. But today, she got a special visit. Two of her best friends from school came by to see her after school. Kylie's dad dropped them off and they are getting Carly caught up on the scoop at school. You know, boys, teachers, stuff that teens talk about. They've had fun. I got a picture of them because I gotta have a picture to blog!

This is Kylie, Carly and Lily - yes, they all end in "ee". That's their bond, I guess.....

Some signatures

After getting baptized with hot chocolate shortly after worship at Highland, (thanks Jeffrey!), and a quick change of clothes because of the baptisim (thanks Jeffrey!), Carly and I headed to the Baton Rouge Dream Center where we were worshipping with the children there. What a blast. Those kids are amazing. We are getting ready for their Christmas production extravaganza and it is so exciting. Of course, Carly is wheelchair bound, but she made it through. She finished out the day collecting some signatures. Several from friends that were there at the Dream Center. One from Ms. Kathy - the best seamstress known to the great state of Louisiana, and the soon to be famous, Jarrett Hardnett. Right now, he runs sound for the kids team at the Dream Center, but soon, he'll be the most talked about football player on the planet.....just wait.....see, he's so big, if he was standing up straight, he wouldn't have fit in the picture!

A Field trip and a new best friend!

Carly gets better and better each day. She's gradually getting off her pain meds and can sit up for longer periods of time. She's sleeping in her own bed and can reposition herself which is good for me because it means I get some sleep, too! Kirsten brought her assignments from school for the week missed and we started working on them. (Thanks Kirsten!) One of them is her Science Fair project. We've got most of it completed but needed a few items from Walmart.....so FIELD TRIP! Our first outing to WalMart and it was a success. The wheelchair wasn't too bad and she was able to wheel herself around while I pushed the cart. She was tired when we were finished, but it makes her strong.

While at WalMart, we were able to pick up a fresh coconut. Not so odd, except that when we got it home, CJ just knew it was for him. Named it, "Mr. Coconut" and claimed it as his new best friend. I wonder about this child sometimes.....

Makes Christmas easy. We'll just get him a Ms. Pineapple and baby Kiwi's.