31 Days---Day 16

Yesterday was a whirl wind of activity. We had a Student Council meeting afterschool, bought three pairs of basketball high tops and took MagPie for her birthday dinner at Olive Garden. It's a 45 minute drive with the crazy traffic even on a Wednesday evening. Luckily for us, the schools in the county where we attend church was out for fall break, so no activities, we could celebrate. We waited for 45 minutes and as busy as they were we ate for over an hour, mostly waiting on more bowls of endless chicken and gnocchi soup. I about died when we pulled into Krispy Kreme for her birthday doughnuts for her school party today. The hot sign was on. If I didn't have to weigh in at Weight Watchers Saturday morning and hadn't ate three bowls of soup already I would have consumed a dozen right there. I restrained and left them in the car overnight. Bad mistake, let me tell you. The car smelled like doughnuts this morning. Maggie has outgrown her food allergies of white potatoes, mushrooms, peanuts, navy beans and chocolate, but she still doesn't like to eat cupcakes so she always takes Krispy Kreme. The kids at school love it. Many of them never get doughnuts at least not that brand.

Maggie is 11 years old. She is one of the most thoughtful, loving kids you will ever meet. I often tell her it's not fair she's got it all brains, beauty, creativity, athleticism, the works. She can do anything she sets her mind on. She has wanted to be a missionary since she was in the 2 year old Sunday School class with Mrs. Mary. She plans to be a large animal veterinarian so that she can travel oversees and help animals and tell others about Christ. Maggie is the "Mother" to every kid she ever meets who needs one. Maggie is perfect in every way. Happy birthday, Maggie!

 

   

 

                         

31 Days---Day 14

It has rained a lot is an understatement. I'm not sure how we missed out on the severe storms but it had poured rain all day. Fifty-seven severe weather warnings in our area, thunderstorms, flooding, flash flooding for every county.

As we were cooking dinner, I noticed the sun was shining at the back of the house. It was still dark and pouring in the front. I knew there was a rainbow somewhere. When I walked out there it was, not one but two and both ends touched the ground right in front of me.

The girls started walking to see if they could stand where it touched the ground. I just started taking pictures. East Tennessee weather, the beautiful leaves changing colors and God's glorious rainbows.

The last two pictures are pointing west as the rain came to an end. The top layer of clouds was moving from south to north and the orange, fire looking bottom layer was moving west to east. They all were moving really fast.

As wet as I was running in and out of school yesterday morning, changing schools at lunch, to a meeting after school, to basketball practice after that and finally into the house, I was so blessed with this beauty. Life happens, it moves fast, but you've got to slow down and dance in the rain, and admire God's handiwork.

Thank you Lord for you blessing today.

31 Days---Day 12

Sometimes life gives you friends that span generations. The Sweeten's are one of those families. My parents best friends. They travel together several times each year. Their children and I are still great friends although we are grown. Now grandbabies who will grow to be friends.

I was so excited to be able to photograph them Sunday. It was pouring rain and the park we wanted to use was a muddy mess. We made the best of it and luckily they have a wooded area across from their house so we stood in the carport and used it as a background. Here are a few of my faves.

 

 

31 Days of Life--Day 4

So these two went to the UT/ Florida game Saturday afternoon. Maggie has never been to a football game except middle school games. Kellie's family has UT season passes. Of course this was the game they would checkerboard Neyland Stadium. They were prepared. Excited was an understatement. Kellie's Mom, Wendy, caught this pic before they headed out the door. Wendy is one my best friends and an awesome photographer. Check out Wendy's photos at her website Wendy Iven's Photography. The girls had a great time and Maggie can't wait to go to another football game.

31 Days of Life

I'm three days behind, because, well, life happens. I am attempting again this year to blog for 31 days as part of The Nester's 31 Days of Writing Challenge. My posts won't be long, some days just a picture, uploaded from my phone. I'm hoping to document our life. My word for 2014 was live. You can click here to read why. I've attempted to take a picture everyday to put in my journal. I haven't blogged much this year because we have been living. I haven't posted here but have posted snippets on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I'm having problems linking to those at the moment. I'll try to revisit and link up later. Wish me luck as I attempt to succeed at 31 days of blogging life happenings in our family.

31 Days---Day 4

31 Days---Day 5

31 Days---Day 6

31 Days---Day 9

31 Days---Day 12

31 Days---Day 14

31 Days---Day 16

31 Days---Day 23

31 Days---Day 30

31 Days--Day 1 Some Things About Mattie

                                           
                                            Hi, I am Mattie and I am 11years old.

Back to School Pic

Over the next month, Mom and I are going to tell you about my days in middle school. The one thing I don't like is we have lockers. They are so aggravating some times, I just want to punch them. I don't have a favorite teacher, because they are all cool. My favorite subjects are social studies and language arts. My favorite school food is Big Daddy pizza. I also run cross country. I am a Christian. I'm on the Bible Drill Team at church and I'm a GA, Girl's Ambassador. I just found out yesterday that I made it into Beta Club. I really like middle school and I'm excited to share my story with you.  Mattie


I wanted Mattie to introduce herself today. She decided to only share a little about herself because she doesn't want to run out of things to say. She's like her Momma she never runs out of things to say. But nevertheless, it's the first day of 31 days of middle school life. I can't tease about tomorrow since it is her decision and she hasn't written it yet.  Come back and see what Mattie has to say about middle school life.

Exciting New Page

After all these years I've finally realized I can add a page to my blog. Yipee!! So click up at the top there where it says 31 Days...Middle School Life, for an exciting month of posts from Mattie and I.