LOST!!

***EDITED!!! *** I found the Cert of Citizenship, whew! I can recreate the SSN from last year's tax return, but it sure would be nice to KNOW where that little card is!!!



No, not the TV show, important documents for my baby gurl.




Yup, I've lost my child, at least her ORIGINAL certificate of citizenship AND her Social Security Card. You know, no big deal.




I haven't finished tearing our place apart yet, there is another corner to tackle, but if they aren't there...If you hear loud sobs and wailing, you'll know that's me!






Now that I have readopted her I need to have all the name changes done and order the new certificate of citizenship before they go up on the price again.






Oh to be organized.

Pausing to give thanks

I have to admit, lately I've been a little down, a little distant from God, and a little tired of always praying to Him for the same thing (I have been praying for one BIG thing in particular for almost 4 years) only to hear what seems to be silence. But I have to stop in my tracks and look at all I do have. I am among the accounted. I have been to Guatemala and a few other places that are so riddled with poverty and lack. Those scenes of little children, dirty and hungry, selling Chicklets on the streets flashes back in my mind and I feel ashamed at my pettiness and ungratefulness.

I must focus on what I do have, like two magnificent children, a family that loves and encourages me, a place to live (while not home, it is safe and warm), food, a secure job, shoes on our feet, a 10 year old car, and consignment clothes on our back. We are rich. We are blessed. I am thankful.

I pray that all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving day, and that this will lead you into a Christmas season full of blessings.

a gurl can dream...

Jon Hamm.

People magazine included him on their list of the sexiest men in America, AND Hugh Jackman is yummy. However, Jon with those smokey eyes and that strong angular face. I. Just. Can't. Get. Enough. He should have been the front runner.


He's the star of AMC's hit show Mad Men. The show is in hiatus and that drives me crazy. I love that show and JON HAMM!!!


OK, I'll stop drooling now.

Future career?

Is she a Hootchee Mama in training? Lord, I hope not!

(please ignore the mountain of laundry in the background!)

Joely loves stickers, or 'dickers.' They are an inexpensive way to entertain her; keeps her quiet.

So I was busy cooking, the gurlz were playing in the next room, giggling and laughing. They came running into the kitchen saying, "Mommy look!" I had to laugh, then grab the camera.

No area was untouched.

At least she's "modest."

Near 'Bout Had a Heart Attack!

We almost didn't pull this one off, but we DID beat LS Who!! This means we are headed to the Southeast Conference playoff on December 6 as the Western Division Champs of the SEC. And if we can continue to stay undefeated (Mississippi State and those farmers from the other part of the state), and then Florida on Dec 6...we are headed to the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME!!!!!!

My first tag!

A fellow Alabamian, adoptive mama, and cyber friend, Kristi, tagged me. This is my first for the blog. Yea!

So I have to tell you seven random things about myself:

1. I sooooooooo want to go on the reality show "Amazing Race" with my Mama. She wants to go on it too!

2. I love watching Alabama football, but couldn't tell you much about what is going on in the game. All I know is we are supposed to cross the goal line more times that the other team.

3. Summer is my favorite season. Give me 100 degree weather over any degree under 60 any old day. You can even throw in the humidity. I like my weather to hit me in the face when I walk out the door.

4. At one time in my life I modeled, and was headed to New York City after high school. I had an interview with a representative at Ford Modeling agency too. But I decided to go on to college instead. Glad I chose college, cuz an edjukashun iz importent.

5. I'm a sap. I cry at weddings in movies, when someone dies in a movie, especially when a dog dies in a movie, and Hallmark commercials. Since Hallmark is about to enter into their biggest season, I guess I better stock up on tissues.

6. I like books. Oh, not to read, mind you. Just books. They look so good on the shelf. It also makes you look smart to have all those books surrounding you. Maybe one day I'll actually crack some of 'em open.

7. Chocolate. That's all I have to say about my favorite food group, snack, and reason to get up in the morning. Chocolate.

Now I'm supposed to tag others, but I don't know who to tag. So feel free to tell me random things about you in the comments.

Happy Adoption Month!

I am so happy this is Happy Adoption Month!

And yet, there are so many children around the world who can't come into a family through adoption, for many reasons. But there are numerous ways to get involved in their lives. Here are a few of my favs. Go check 'em out and I hope you'll get involved too.

Global Orphan Team

Mayan Families

One happy Adoptive Mama!

Trunk or Treat!

The gurlz have yet to ever ring doorbells on Halloween night. We have always either gone to a mall or to our church for Trunk or Treat.

Our church uses Halloween as an outreach to the community, letting folks know that it is alright to come to church, that you can have fun at church too. Last year over 5000 people came to our Trunk or Treat, I can't wait to hear how many people came this year. Trunk or Treat is how we found our church three years ago.

The back parking lot is turned into a carnival, with moon bounces, small carnival rides, a rock climbing wall, carnival food, and of course, lots of candy handed out from the trunks of cars. Some folks go all out and decorate their cars, even wear outfits that coordinate with their car theme. Some folks just sit in their trunks doling out candy to children. The kids could care less what you or your car look like, just give me some candy!!!!!!

Speaking of candy, did you get your "Mommy tax?" You know, the pieces of candy due YOU since you had to schlep outside in the cold, with or without costume, just so you could contribute to your dentist's vacation house fund? Of course, what you are really doing is "checking for poisonous pieces of candy."

So, who taught the gurlz to smile cheezy smiles?

Joely's bounce house.

Elaina's bounce house.