My birthday ROCKED!!!

I will never forget my 36th birthday...it rocked! I have been blessed this year that's for sure. We got the pool open just in time too...My hubby, sister and friends threw me an awesome party. In attendance were me of course, Brian, Ryan, Amber, Taylor, Noah, Betty, Doug, Dad, Brenda, Jr, Whitney, Daniel, and Pat. They grilled out a fabulous dinner. I also got a bridal's veil hanging basket from Whit, along with a new shepards hook and the most beautiful hummingbird feeder I've ever seen, I got a manicure and pedicure gift certificate from Brenda, of course Dad took us to the beach already, Amber got me some beautiful picture frames, and lotions, and a scrapbook, Betty got me a nice shirt and some jewelry and more lotions, my mom sent me the most beautiful bouquet of flowers (by the way she is still recovering nicely from her knee surgery), my grandmother from Florida sent me a monetary gift and a beautiful top and some Lancome makeup. My wonderful husband surprised me with a new Canon RXI Rebel camera...I was sooooo surprised because it's very expensive and I wasn't expecting anything like that. He spoils me that's for sure. He knows me better than anyone though and I am fortunate to have him. I do wish that my Mom and my buddy Cheri could've been here but maybe next year. Anyway...I had a blast at my party...Amber made me a crazy birthday hat to wear...Noah helped me wear it that was a hoot! We played in the sun with my giant beach ball and stayed outside until the late hours of the night. Whitney tried out her new S.L.U.T.S (Southern Ladies Under Tremendous Stress) lip balm that I bought her at the beach...I think she liked it! Ha ha! This was definately a birthday to remember.

Just had to post some updated pics of my chickens...they are growing so fast. When I got back from the beach I couldn't believe my eyes. They are happy healthy chickens.

I love Savannah

Today was fantabulous!!! I have decided that if I ever get the chance to move away from East Tennessee that my first pick for relocation will undoubtedly be Savannah Georgia. This is the most beautiful, relaxing, fun, historic, magical place in the South. If you haven't been yet you must Go! We saw everything and I took almost 370 pictures. We saw Forsythe Park and the famous fountain there. The Mercer House, The famous River Street, the endless shops, the beautiful southern homes with their awesome architecture, the horses and buggies, the bench that Forest Gump sat on in the movie, the statue of the Waving Girl, Club One made famous by Lady Chablis, Bonaventure Cemetary, you name it and we saw it, took pictures of it and loved every second of it. Sooooooo much endless history here. Sooooooo many pictures to be taken. Breathtaking! I will be going back in the very near future. This time with a blanket and a good book to lay in the grass under the monstrous trees in one of the many squares, my camera of course and money for good food and spirits at the local establishments.

Hilton Head Beach at Caligny

Today Amber and I went to the Caligny part of the Island and hit the beach wide open. We loved this area. We went and soaked up the sun, splashed in the waves, shopped and sipped on Pina Coladas with Dad at Hinchey's outside in the shade of the beautiful trees. We are planning a future stay at the Holiday Inn there...they had awesome live entertainment and a sweet tiki bar. Amber and I like the sandy white beaches of Hilton Head and the people here are great. Everyone is so friendly and pleasant. Right now we are sitting outside the RV on the porch watching TV, sipping a cold beer, and waiting to go to the comedy show tonite at 9PM. Woot Woot!

I love Hilton Head!

We arrived in Hilton Head yesterday around 6pm. We have been relaxing at the most beautiful RV park I've ever seen. Today we strolled through Harbor Town and went to South Beach Marina. We got alot of shopping done. I have tons of pictures but these are just a few from today that I loved.

Mother's Day 2009 Was the Best Yet!

Mother's Day 2009 was AWESOME! I actually got to be with my Mommy! It was a beautiful sunny day and perfect for the short drive home to West Virginia. The scenery was absolutely beautiful as well. My Mother met us at the door without any assistance from a cane, walker or anything to lean on. It was wonderful to be with her on this day and to see how well she is recovering from her knee replacement surgery. We ate at our favorite Chinese Restaurant "Young Chows". The best Mother's Day present for me was just being with my Mom. I am making a vow that weather permitting I will drive up to see my Mom every Mother's Day from now on!

We came back to Tennessee and Brian presented his mom with a present that he made himself. Well almost. It was so neat! A couple of month's ago we found this old rusty planter underneath our house (we inherited our home from Brian's late Grandparents). This old planter belonged to Brian's deceased Grandmother. We had it sandblasted and Brian painted it and he painted some pots and packed them full of all different types of flowers and vines. It turned out really lovely. His mother was astounded. She loves flowers and plants and had a fit over how well he had restored Mamaw's old planter. He couldn't have done any better for his Momma on her special day.

Well I guess the next time I post it will be from Hilton Head Island, SC. I'm outta here!

I'm alright...Diverticulitis and all!

Wow what a life changing week I've had. Wednesday morning around 2am I woke up with the most excruciating pain I've ever felt in my entire life...this pain made labor and delivery seem easy! My sweet husband was a trooper...he stayed up with me and nursed me through the rest of the night and the next day when my sister finally talked me into going to my doctor. I'm so glad I listened to her...too often we women don't listen to our bodies or others and we just suck it up and dismiss it saying it will go away in a few days...don't do it...if our bodies tell us something we need to sit up and listen. I went to the doctor and was immediately sent for a CAT Scan...where it was determined that I was suffering from diverticulitis. If I hadn't gone to the doctor I would have continued to suffer with this pain in my stomach that I've suffered with for months but I didn't find out what the real cause was until it was severe. Needless to say...my diet changed real quick. So not only have I given up smoking but now it looks like I may have to give up eating as well. I'm joking of course but I have been on a liquid diet since then until today. I actually ate real food again...just watched what I ate. It wasn't too bad. I also had a totally different shopping experience at the grocery store today...there I found myself looking for foods high in fiber, with whole wheat and grains, and fruit but hold the seeds PLEASE! Oh and corn on the cob...forget it!

Well let's get to the good stuff that happened at the end of this week. Despite my health problem we managed to get down to my sister's and put together Noah's new swing set that his Grandma Dee and Papaw Mike bought for him (pictured above) he loves it! He is a huge fan of the trampoline that is on the end of it. Hey how come the swing sets we had when I was little didn't have a trampoline on them MOM? Huh? What's up with that? Special thanks to Uncle Brian and proud Papa Ed (pictured above) for getting it put together for us.

Also my sister in law Jennie (also pictured above) graduated from ETSU today. I am extremely proud of her for sticking with it and working full time and going to school at night to get her degree. My brother Doug held a party for her tonite at their house and we enjoyed everyone's company. Congratulations Jennie! You go girl.

Well tomorrow I am off to West Virginia to visit with Mom for a couple of hours on Mother's Day and then back here to visit with Brian's mom as well. Then Tuesday it's off to Hilton Head Island...Yay...beach trip! Can't wait for that! So for now...I'll just pop an antibiotic and sign off for the night. Hope all the moms out there have a Happy Mother's Day!

Noah turns Three & We set the chicks free!!!

Yesterday was Cinco De Meyo and a big day around our house. Brian finished up my lovely chicken coop...got all of the chicken wire up and raccoon proofed and then we were able to set the chickens out into their run area. It was so exciting to watch them scratch around on the ground and discover the world around them. I took a bunch of pics and video but these are my favorites.

My little buddy Noah turned 3 years old on this date as well so we had to go see him for a little bit. Took him a few little presents but we will take him his big present from Grandma Dee and Papaw Mike on Saturday when he has his official little party.

We had a very nice pot luck lunch at work also. We were raising money to support the Relay for Life program of the American Cancer Society. Make sure you arrange something like this at your place of employment. This is something everyone needs to support.

Brother Doug turns 30!!!

Saturday night we headed out to Fun Expedition in Johnson City for my brother Doug's surprise 30th birthday party. It was a hoot. I loved the go carts, bumper cars, and playing putt putt with the hubby. Can't wait to go back.