Subway Art

A popular art item currently is what is called SubwayArt.  I recently who someone had taken the Auburn fight song and turned it into art.  Most people us their Cricuts to make them, but since I do not own one - I took to my handy-dandy computer and used photoshop.  Here is my result for the MSU fight song. Coming soon to an etsy sight near you...maybe?

I think it would look good either as a poster or printed on canvas.

Backyard Camping

While on vacation the girls and I went to see the Judy Moody movie. Hannah was not that excited, but enjoyed to movie after all. It was cute movie, and inspired our girls to make a chart of challenges between their friends to accomplish some exciting things this summer.

One of the challenges was to camp in the backyard and to stay up all night. They got a tent and decided along with their friend in the neighborhood to go for it this last weekend

The best part was watching the girls put up a tent for the first time

Here they are getting it ready

Hannah reading the directions

 

 Trying to direct her sister

Dad couldn't help but come to the rescue.

Emily couldn't wait to get in!

Successful!

Ready to stay up all night!

They managed to stay up most of the night.  They did get points for it.  When I came down in the morning, they were all passed out on the couch.  They got cold around 5 or 6.  Congrats girls! They have more fun challenges coming.

Phoenix/Sedona 2011

This past week hubby and I were happy to represent our church at the annual Southern Baptist Convention in Phoenix. We had a great time having couple time away from our girls even though we missed them terribly.  They did have fun hanging with grandparents.  We enjoyed the preaching and the different sessions we attended.  On Mondays they have a special session for the pastor's wives during the pastor's conference.  I always enjoy the panel discussion, and this year Kay Warren was our special speaker.  Tuesday, I attended the Minister's Wives Luncheon and was able to be a table hostess.  Our music was provided by Kim Hill and the speaker was Lisa Harper.  I had a wonderful time meeting other wives from across the country from LA, GA, MS, VA, AL, and Hawaii.  I was even privileged to have Marilyn Foley the wife of Univ. of Mobile's president at my table.  We all had a lovely time, and thankful for the sponsors who gave us nice gift bags.

During our time there we were able to connect with many of our friends who are in the ministry.  I was able to meet Lynette Ezell the wife of NAMB president and fellow adopting mom.  She is so sweet and happy to be encouraged by her.  Hubby was able to meet Russell Moore and his wife of whose book we have read and recommended to so many people. 

Thank you church for allowing us to go and be refreshed, and enjoy some time away.

 us halfway up Schnebly Hill Road in Sedona

At the Schnebly Hill Vista - and yes we drove up to this view. Sadly pictures do not do it justice

Church in the Rock

Time to Dance

I never thought this day would come. Our dossier is finished and on it's way to home office in Virginia before heading to China or DTC(date to China). It should leave for China by Friday. A lot of work and stress has gone into preparing all that paperwork, but It will be worth it. Getting it ready in the last couple of weeks has felt like labor. I was happy to send this Fedex package without a return envelope in it.

Now we wait for our log-in-date or LID as it is called. My prayer is that it somehow makes it to the top of the pile and is done quickly. Once that is done, we will then be moved from a paper-chasing family to a dossier family and able to get a referral. We are anxiously waiting for that day.

Keep praying for "Allison" and that we will know her soon.

Girls Weekend

This past weekend Emily and I traveled to Cleveland for her dance competition. We decided that we would be the only ones to go since Noel and Hannah would get to see her in Columbus in a few weeks at another competition.  We left out on Thursday afternoon because she was dancing early on Friday morning. We also went thru Chick-fi-a on the way up for dinner and to try the new banana pudding milkshake - as Emily put it - "it was a life-changing milkshake"

Most of the dance families stayed at the same hotel and travel over together. The girls could hang out at the pool.  I felt safer staying where people I knew were, since it was just the 2 of us. 

If you are not aware of what is involved in getting ready for dance competition - you have to get there 1 hour before your dance time, and there is a lot of makeup and hair spray involved.  We had early mornings both days of competition.  She was a little nervous, but we prayed the night before and the day of with her dad over the phone.  She knew her dance, and I just wanted her to go out and have fun and do the best she could do and be happy with her performance.  She did great! She smiled and look great.  Another mom was sitting with me while we were waiting for our daughters to dance.  I think both of us were about to throw up waiting for them. It was the biggest stage she had danced on by herself.  When awards were called out she received High Silver and that qualified her for nationals in Orlando.  We were very happy for her, and she was pleased. 

That afternoon she participated in the scholarship auditions for the 7-9 year old age group. They have them in all the disciplines, but she just did tap.  She had never done them before, but we decided to try them out.  She was in there with around 30 other dancers.  They learned a short routine and then had to do 2 steps down the floor followed by a pose.  We were not allowed in there and had to sit outside and wait.  Several of the other girls from our team competed that day as well. Emily was the only one in the youngest group.  We did not know how she did until the next afternoon.  She just told me it went well.

That night we went out to dinner where they had giant meatballs. She was very excited to eat there, and then we were able to find her Easter dress and found some fun nail polish at Sephora to paint our toes that night. 

Saturday morning was another early day getting ready for the group dance.  Ms. Joan wanted the girls there so they could go over their dance together.  We busy getting all the  jewelry handed out, making sure all the bows were in the same place on the costumes, and getting pictures taken.  It was a flurry of activity backstage.  I was not feeling well that morning, because the cold that the family had the beginning of the week had decided to attack me.  All the girls were ready to go.  They did a great job, despite the early morning.  We had to wait about 3 hours till awards. We watched the other dances and waited.  I wanted to go back to bed. 

Dances were over and it was time for awards.  They called the scholarships out first, and to Emily's surprise she received 3rd place in tap.  She was shocked and could not  believe it.  She won $25.  Only 2 other girls from our group won a scholarship award.  Next up were judges special awards, and our group received "Tops in Taps".  Again they were all surprised and happy.  Then they called out the rest of the awards, and our group received High Silver and qualified for nationals.  Great job girls!! Ms. Joan was happy. 

Emily and I had a fun time together. We acted a little silly and would do it all again.  We did miss Noel and Hannah.

Dancing Queen

We have entered the time of year where we are preparing for dance competition season.  There are extra practices and dealing with stressed and worried dance instructors.  Emily's tap class is entering their 3 season of competition, and Em's second year doing a solo.  We head to Cleveland this weekend for some mom and daughter bonding over makeup and hairspray.  Noel and Hannah are staying at home this time, but they will get to see her dance in Columbus at another competition.  Emily is a little nervous for her solo, but I know she will do a great job. She has a cute dance, and her personality will shine.  It will be her first time on a bigger stage and being at Dancemasters in Cleveland.  I am just praying I do not forget anything.  We will enjoy our weekend hanging out with the other dancers and dance moms, but the only thing I do not enjoy is seeing some of the inappropriate dancing by young girls in clothing that shows too much.  Thank you Joan for tasteful clothing and dancing! Good Luck to the Garrett Dance Competition teams and dancers.

This time of year other things are ramping up to the end of the school year.  If we can survive till the end of April, all will be well.

Meeting The Pioneer Woman

I almost missed it.  I almost missed getting to meet Ree Drummond aka The Pioneer Woman.  Thanks to twitter, I was able to find out she was in Columbus today.  I have been following her blog for several years now. I enjoy seeing a glimpse into her life and especially her recipes.  Her favorite of mine and others who have tried them is her cinnamon rolls.  I do have her cookbook.  I also use her Photoshop actions for many of my photos.  We have several things in common such as photography, cooking, and home schooling.  The only difference her husband herds cattle, mine - "sheep".

I was one of the 300 or so people who waited to meet her today at a book signing along with my daughter and friends Rochelle and Amy.  It was a little long, but to me worth it.  My daughter said it was amazing. I hoped she liked the cupcakes I gave her.

Emily with Ree

Emily taking her book up to Ree. She wanted to do it herself, and even had her ipod touch to the other guy could take her pictures.  She was precious. Ree even guess correctly how old she was

 Rochelle and Ree

Emily, Ree, and myself - I just hope I did sound like a babbling idiot.

(Thanks to the people who helped me with Hannah today so I could to meet Ree. I so appreciate it!!!! )

Happy Groundhog Day!!

Today, Puxsutawney Phil and Buckeye Chuck said spring is around the corner. I am praying that is true. When our weather is cold, dreary, and nasty, I miss weather in the South.

I do look forward to this time every year. Not for the weather, but it is a reminder of one of the happiest days of my life. Despite what ever the groundhog says, I have a man who loves me and chose me to spend the rest of his life with.

It was quite a memorable day. We had been dating for 7 1/2 months (3 of those months in different states) and had been talking about marriage but nothing serious. We were in love, and I could not imagine my life without him. One day he asked me to go with him back to his hometown to meet someone, but would not tell me who. The morning we were to leave, I got very sick. I was throwing up and there was no signs of stopping. We were to leave early in the morning, but that was not happening. When it looked like I was getting better, he picked me up and took me to his house. I felt so bad, but I knew he was itching to head to Anniston. I had know idea of why though. He kept telling me this person was only going to be in town that day, I had to get better. I finally did, but not feeling great.

We headed out later than planned, but we finally made it there. I was totally clueless. He said he wanted to stop by this church where he use to work, and I thought ok, no big deal. We may or may not have "broke-in" with a key someone had. I don't know the details are fuzzy. We went into the worship center, and he was telling me about the church. It was where he was saved as a teenager, and where he was called into the ministry. The church held a special place in his heart. We were sitting up on the platform, and he told me that in this place it is where he chose his Master, his mission, and now he is choosing his mate. He pulls out the ring, and right there asks me to marry him. I was surprised and excited and said YES!! We prayed right there for God bless our marriage.

This is the funny part, we go to tell his mom, and they were not at home which was surprising. They were actually at a political fundraiser. I think we left them a note. We were able to tell his grandmother, and a good friend of his. I told my mom when I got home. On the way back to Mississippi, we picked our wedding date.

The day before this, mom took me to look at wedding dresses. Her idea, not mine of which Noel doesn't believe till this day. I did find a dress that I would get if he ever asked. He did and I went back and ordered it. When I was looking at dresses, he was actually across the street picking up my engagement ring. We had no idea.

Oh, and the person I met - my fiancé. Sixteen years later, I would still say YES!!

Under the Overpass

I recently finished the book Under the Overpass by Mike Yankoski.   I had heard Mike on Focus on the Family and was interested in reading his story about his experience choosing to living among the homeless, and see what it was like.  It was very interesting seeing how the homeless population varied according to area of the country.  Some people choose to be there, while others it was chosen for them.  There are some people struggling to get off the streets while others do not care.  There are broken dreams and what if and if only.  Maybe a kind word or smile and a tortilla with peanut butter can make the day of anyone out there on the street.

Mike talks about his different encounters with people, and what it was really like - the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Everyone out there has a story.  Now when I think about them, it makes me wonder their story, how did they get there, and maybe could I help? Would you?

"And when you knee, hungry and broken at His table, you receive a grace from Him you might, at some other time, have completely missed.

You'll know this grace when you take.  It goes deeper, quicker, and it burns all the way down." 
       - (except from the book)

Christmas Card 2010

 

This is our Christmas Card for 2010 that I designed.  Sorry I was not able to get them printed or sent out this year. Just think of the trees I am saving.  

Our family would like to wish all of you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

COOL GIVEAWAYS!!

Since we are adopting from China, I have been finding all sorts of cool pages related to adopting and to China related things.  I found this blog that I so feel I relate to - Ni Hao Y'all.  She is have a series of giveaways this month.  Go check them out.

Are You Brave Enough to Ask?

I just finished the new book by Angela Thomas called Do You Know Who I Am? I have read other books of hers in the past, and I was eager to read this one. She poses a question at the beginning of each chapter and gives you the Biblical answer to what God has for you, and how He has the answer for all your needs.

Some of the questions are:

• Do You Know I am Afraid to Dream Big?
• Do You Know I am Invisible?
• Do you Know I am Lonely?
• Do You Know I am Ordinary?
• And many others.

Many women have probably asked these questions to themselves. We all have things we struggle with. I know, I have had my share. In our lives we play so many roles - mom, wife, educator, etc., but do people see us, the person. Others may not, but God sees us. He is there to be what we need during what ever season of life you may be in. He is our Sufficiency, our Comfort, our Hope, our Savior and King.

This book has been a great source of encouragement, and will be my go to book when I have one of those days. Angela interweaves scripture and stories from her life to make you wonder if she knows you, and has been where you have.

I know I can go to my Father who is there to answer my questions, and I just need to be brave enough to ask and follow.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons neither present nor then future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Does He Know You?

Our budding videographer and editor

This year in school both of our girls have a year-long project that they are to work on everyday. Hannah is learning how to take different types of videos and edit them. She is having a lot of fun with them. Here is a little sample of her work.  Check out more of her videos at awsomedolls.blogspot.com



Emily's project is COOKING 101, so we are enjoying her projects. Hannah is her official taste tester.

SHOWDOWN!

Forget the Iron Bowl, Egg Bowl, or OSUvsMich. - The BIG GAME is tonight!  It that time of year for the BIG SHOWDOWN in the Dear family - MISSISSIPPI STATE vs AUBURN. No matter the outcome someone will be sad and the other will be happy, but we cannot discuss that.  Do I watch? I missed the first game of the season, so I really want to watch. We are playing at home!  Is there anyone out there that will let me watch the game at their house and pull for the Bulldogs with me.  Will you let me ring my cowbell (app on my phone)?  I'll bring food.

Reed Family BBQ

This past weekend the girls and I traveled to Murfreesboro, TN, where my Uncle Joel lives.  Uncle Joel is my dad's brother and the oldest sibling left of the bunch.  Everyone decided that this would also be a good time for everyone to get together like a mini-family reunion, since most of the time we see each other is at funerals.  It is funny how they all traveled up, and I was the only on to travel south.  I actually was not the farthest because my Aunt Montez traveled from Osyka, MS which is right on the line between MS and LA at the bottom of the state.  I do think she may have done hers in 2 days though.  It was good seeing all the family and catching up on what everyone it doing now.  Some family I had not seen since Emily was a baby, and some we had never met.  Sad, I know.

This year returned his Reed BBQ which has been on hiatus for the past few years due to his health.  He holds it on Sunday which allowed us to go down and be able to come back and not miss any school. Not only family comes to this event but friends, neighbors, and church members.  We had a live country band and wonderful food.  I think my uncle smoked around 20 Boston butts.  It was so good having a true Southern BBQ feast complete with all the trimmings.  I found out that he actually orders his sauce from Ohio of all places.  It is called Mississippi BBQ sauce, what are the odds of that.  At the party I did meet one of their neighbors that is originally from Akron, and a church member of my cousin who has actually been to Newark (he works for State Farm).  The girls had a great time visiting with family and meeting new people.  We hope to be able to go again next year, and who knows we may have a new member of family with us. They also hope Noel is able to come next year as well.

Since all the brothers and sisters where there we took and updated picture of them.  The one on the left is this weekend and the other was taken in 1964.  All are there except my father.  They did have one other brother, but he passed away as an infant.

Present day L to R starting on the bottom - Montez, Joel(who looks most like what my dad would look like today), Gerald, Juanita, and David
1964 L to R starting on the bottom - Montez, Juanita, David, Joel, Daddy, and Gerald

First Day of School

The day has arrived that we have a 4th grader and 6th grader. My oldest is now in middle school. She moved up to the youth group...AHHHHHH! She did have a good time in her new class at church.

So here we are ready for school.

Heading off to class.

Here's to a new year of school and our new subjects and adventures we will do.

Summer Hair

I am in need of a going to the salon for a hair cut and maybe a few highlights, but I am trying to wait a little longer. On our last trip to Alabama I was able to see the "hair wizard" Keith, which was great. I do love my stylist here, but I do miss having my southern stylist. In case you didn't know, hair is a big deal for southern belles. Thankfully, here in Ohio I do not have to deal with as much humidity as I did before.

Well, since it has been warmer here, and we are having to get up early for swimming lessons, I do not like having to deal with my hair. Usually, I do a pony tail or pull it in a clip. I have pretty thick hair so finding a clip is tricky. I have been on the hunt for something a little different. I have recently found these wonder little spring looking thing from Goody called spin pins. They create what is called an "undone bun". When you get them in just right, they work great. I love them, and I just pray I don't lose one of the pins. So if you want an easy "up do" try them out.

Summer

It is hard to believe summer is almost halfway over. We survived dance week and headed off to Florida for the convention and then vacation. The Southern Baptist Convention was held in Orlando this year. We heard some great preaching, and I always enjoy watching the business part. The girls attended the children's conference and had a great time. I was able to go to the minister's wives' session during the pastor's conference and the minister's wives' lunch during the actual convention. At the lunch I had the opportunity to sit at Michelle Blizzard's mom's table. I did not know it was her until we started talking. I enjoy going to the convention because often run into our friends in the ministry. One thing we found out at convention this year is that it will be in Columbus in 2013. It will be exciting to see it venture this far north for the first time.

After the convention was over we headed to the beach at Cape Canaveral. It is beautiful there and the best was that it was not crowded. This time of year is their off season. We had a wonderful time hanging by the beach and pool. My mom was able to come down for a few days to hang out with us. Near our condo we were able to watch the cruise ships leave in the afternoon, and in the distance we could see the launch pads at Kennedy Space Center. We taught the girls how to play phase10 and watched several movies. We did tour the Kennedy Space Center. It was very cool see the space shuttle launch pad, rockets, the space capsules, and many other things that helped shape our space program. The girls loved the shuttle launch experience, and mom and dad did as well. The only thing that would have made it better was to see a shuttle launch.

This year has been the first time Noel was off on Father's Day. We were able to have a nice breakfast that morning and the worship together at church. It was a nice relaxing day for all. We let Noel pick all the places to eat. We ate at one place that had 7lb lobsters you could order. It was huge!! We didn't order one, but they did bring it out for us to look at.

We are just thankful we were able to get away for a few days.

The rest of our summer will be filled with swimming lessons, robotics, tap class, and other exciting things. Before too long school will start back. Have fun everyone!!





- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

My Dad

I have been feeling a little sentimental today and for the past couple of days. Today would have been my dad's 71st birthday. It has been 16 years since he past away. I have great memories of my dad, and he would do almost anything for me. I have been thinking a lot about him lately, and one reason is that I keep seeing a truck around town that is just like the one he drove - a dark grey Dodge ram pickup. It is not a uncommon truck, but to see it in that color just brought up those memories of him driving it. It was a fun truck to drive - it had standard transmission, it was loud, and it had a dent in the bed from where a tree fell on it.

My dad was a union journeyman wireman for most of my life except for those occasions when jobs where tough to come by, and he would find some non-union jobs locally. Those jobs led him across the south and we would often visit him when he was off working those locations. His jobs have led him to Dallas, TX; New Orleans to work on the World's Fair (why do we not have those in USA anymore?); Illinois; Popular Bluff, AR; multiply locations in MS and AL; Orlando, FL, and his last job was wiring the Saturn plant in TN.

My dad worked hard despite living with diabetes for most of his life. He showed me hard work and that family was important. He believed in going to church and raising your family in church. Church was always a major part of our lives, as well as serving in the church. My dad loved RA's and the youth ministry. When he was not off working, you would find him helping someone or doing something at church or church related. He love the Lord, and read or listened to his Bible faithfully. I am thankful for that.

I miss you daddy!

My dad and I at Rock City-

Dad in high school

Dance Week

This is a busy week for the girls. Dance recitals are today and Saturday, and the girls are in multiple numbers. In addition to the recitals, there have been many hours of recital practice at the Reece Center. For the past two days we have been there from 4:30 till 8:30ish. We even having dinner there (at least as a family). The worse thing about all this practice there - no cell phone coverage, wifi, or internet inside the building. I was able to fill my time with conversation with other moms and a little reading, but Noel stayed some yesterday for me - he got a little bored I believe. Especially with NO PHONE COVERAGE! Thanks BABE!!

It has been a good year in dance. Both girls are in 2 classes each and have done a great job in all. Emily participated in 2 competitions this year - Dancemasters of Ohio and KAR. Their groups did great and received Silver at DMO and Top First & Top Line at KAR. Emily also competed as a solo at KAR and receive First Place. It was her first time to compete as a solo, and we are very proud of her. Hannah is hoping to compete next year in either pointe or ballet. This is also the first year we have let Emily perform in the group jazz number in the recital.

We are happy our girls love dance and enjoy making new friends in their classes. Mom and dad are ready to have our nights free.

BREAK A LEG GIRLS!!!

Emily - tap solo

Emily - Junior Jazz (5th from the left - one in the green)

Hannah's Pointe Class

Hannah - Pointe

Emily - at tap competion (yes, I know how much makeup she has on!)

Emily's Tap Clas with their trophy from KAR

I know I do not have any from Hannah's ballet class, but it is had to pay someone else to do pictures when I do them myself.