Alexander Michael Ayers

This is one of my favorite little guys, Lex, my 3 year old nephew, my little brother's boy. Anyway, his mother is from Egypt and they left today to visit my sister-in-law's side of the family. They will be gone for 2 whole months! Don't they know that I need my Lex fix at least once a week? LOL. Really, I'm glad my brother is able to take off work for that long and go visit his in-laws. I know they miss Lex and Sherine, my sister-in-law, I can't imagine having one of my kids in another country and a whole different culture. It's been 2 years since they've visited. Sure they've seen pictures and my brother has webcam but it's just not the same as being there face to face and they'll be able to give all of them real, live hugs. I really am glad that the other side gets to enjoy Lex and his parents. But in the meantime, I'm really going to miss my little Lex. Let's face it, I'll miss his parents too.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I would just like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

Another New Look

Okay so I changed the look of my blog again but I don't like it and I don't like the options to choose from. Can someone tell me how I can design my own? I mean I love Jason's, Stacie's and Don's.

Vote?

I am so glad the election is over. No more commercials.....YEAH! Now comes the real fun. Fun you say, yes because holidays with my family will be all about complaining about the president elect. My question to them will be and to anyone else who wants to complain....did you vote? Really, did you vote? Well if you didn't, stop complaining, just stop! Your vote could have made a difference.

F-O-R-T-Y-!

So today, October 21, is my birthday. The big 4 O! I don't exactly feel any older but I do feel a tad bit wiser, but that's not saying much, LOL. Anyway, Billy had a surprise birthday party for me on September 12. He thought he would really surprise me by having it a month early but his plan backfired. God love him. This is what happened. Sometime back in August, Billy told me that he needed to plan a volunteer appreciation dinner for his volunteers and I said okay, let me know what you need me to do. He said that a date wasn't decided yet but that Janice would plan everything and let him know. Toward the end of August he told me that the date was going to be Friday, September 12 at Dave and Busters, I said that's fine. Then the Tuesday before the 12th we were in the kitchen cooking dinner and he turns to me and says "oh don't forget this Friday is the volunteer dinner and you have to be there". I looked at him and stared for a minute and then I said "why are you having a surprise birthday party for me?" and he said "are you crazy? Do you think I am capable of giving a party?" Please, I couldn't do that and besides your birthday is a month away." I said "that would be the perfect surprise, I would never suspect and you could so pull it off, I have tons of friends who would help". Well he put my mind at ease so I blew it off until about a week before the 12th. My friends Carolyn and Tonya had been talking about getting together for a while and they told me to pick a Friday but Carolyn said not the 12th because she was going out with Susan (Carolyn later said that she was hoping I would invite myself...LOL). Then about a week before she said that Susan couldn't go out and that she and Tonya were going to go to Dave and Busters so why don't I meet them. I told them that would be great because we will already be there. The thought crossed my mind again that Billy and the girls were planning a party but I didn't say anything. We show up at Dave and Busters at 7pm (because Billy was bent on being there at 7pm, another clue) and when I walk in the front door there stands my dad. I said "hi dad, what are you doing here" and he said "hi, I'm waiting for Donnie" very quietly and quickly. I then looked at Billy and said "why is my dad here?" Billy says "waiting for Donnie and having dinner" and I say "my parents never go to Dave and Buster's for dinner they only go to Cracker Barrel" Billy says, "I don't know what to tell you". Billy had me walk around looking in different rooms before he finally brings me over to the place where everyone is waiting. I was so excited. I saw people that I hadn't seen in awhile. It was definitely fun and I had a great time. I really do have the BEST husband. Today, we took Cody to the doctor (I'll talk about that on another day) and then Billy patiently went shopping with me and to top off the day, we are having pancakes for dinner!

Election

Okay so I don't like to talk politics but this election has totally gotten me upset. I'm sure all of you, like me, have received emails about how Obama is Muslim, right? Well, I received one of those emails over the weekend from my mom's "friends". Well, I've had about enough so I emailed them back and said "I wish people would do their homework before sending this slanderous stuff out. (I sent them a link to the fact that he's not Muslim) Obama is not Muslim, he claims to be a Christian and has been for some time now. We need to pray for him since he'll probably end up getting elected because so many people are sick of republicans. We should actually be praying for both he and John McCain. This job that they are both doing is not easy and this slanderous stuff does not help. I haven't decided who I am voting for but this doesn't help. Stop sending me this garbage." (I can't find the original email so I'm not sure word for word what I said.) Well that opened a bag of worms (what was I thinking, I knew it would but I'd had enough). I received an email from a friend of my mother's that said "Don't lecture me, I didn't send this to you". I responded, "okay, thanks". She proceeded to email my mother and told her "Teresa needs to get her facts straight, he's going to be sworn in on the Koran" and blah, blah, blah and now she's worried about my faith (she didn't say that but I know these people, they think I'm going to hell now since they think I've dumped my republican ways and therefore my Christianity). I laughed when my mom forwarded it to me. Then I received an email from a man (another so called "friend" of my parents), and he said that "lots of people claim to be Christian but look at Judas. Anyone who votes for Obama is Judas and they are turning their back on God."

Really? Seriously? ARE YOU FREAKIN' KIDDING ME? I can't believe these people. I can't believe that people actually feel this way. Why can't we respect each other and the office of the presidency? I honestly don't get it. REALLY? JUDAS? I'm baffled!

Busy

I know Jason, I haven't updated in quite a while but I've been busy. Sorry. Doesn't my new background look pretty though? I will definitely update in a few days.

Tired

I am sooooo tired of looking for a job!

Thats all, I just needed to vent.

Is this his thing?

We went to my bff's house over the weekend and had a blast. They live on a 10 acre farm and have 3 horses, a pond, and a four wheeler. We went horseback riding and discovered that Austin is really good with horses. He has never ridden by himself before and this time he did. He loves it. He has always been very good with animals but, I kid you not, he is like the horse whisperer....LOL! I know that sounds funny but I think he has found his "thing" you know his niche. I love it when my kids love something so much that they almost become "alive". How cool is that?

My Mom

So this is a picture of me and my mom. Doesn't she look good for her age, she is an old woman after all. Just kidding mom! LOL!!!

I love you!

Girl's Weekend

This past weekend, I met up with the girls for some food, laughter, a 007 mission.....oh yeah and scrapbooking. My scrappin' friends, aka "scrappin' bitches" (we want t-shirts that say this....LOL), met up this weekend. We usually try to get together on Denise' farm every 3 or 4 months but this time we let it go by for a year. Instead of going to Denise's farm, we went to Tonya's new house. We helped her set up her "scrappin'" room and then we set up some tables and started taking a stroll down memory lane with our own scrapbooks. We laughed so hard our stomachs hurt, we ate a ton and we caught up with each other's lives. Oh and I can't forget, we, I mean Sherry, watched the Bengals game because that's what we do for Sherry. We had to go on a spy mission but if I told you about it, then I would have to kill you...LOL. We didn't sleep too well because she who cannot be named snores reallllllyyyyyyy loud....LOL. I think I should add that grown women do have sleepovers. Denise's son, Ryan, told her that she was too old for a sleepover. I hope I'm never too old for sleepovers and fun. On Sunday, Tonya and I went shopping. It was an all around great weekend. I'm still tired though but I'll snap out of it. I can't wait to do it again.

Girls, we have to make it a point to get together sooner, let's start making plans and adding it to our calendars now.

I'M SO ANGRY!!!!!

I know I've vented frustrations on this blog before and said I couldn't name names or anything but this is really something I can't put out there in public.....what's a girl to do? I'm so angry I could cuss!

Okay, I feel a little better now.

On a happier note....the boys started a new school yesterday and the first day was a total success. I'm praying this year will be a good one, no, not good but GREAT. I can't believe that Austin is now in junior high. Both the boys are in junior high. Time definitely flies. Cody has reminded me that next year he'll be in high school. I just want time to stand still just for a moment......LOL!

Opportunity

As I have been looking for a job I came across an opportunity that an actor friend of mine thought I should pursue. I won't go into detail about it because I haven't decided what I want to do yet, all I will say is that the contract is active for 30 days so I have that amount of time to decide. Here is how the conversation went with the kids:

Billy: Hey Cody, Austin, how would you feel if mom were in a commercial?

Cody: I don't care

Me: You wouldn't be embarrassed? (I ask this because everything we do embarrasses them)

Cody: No

Billy: Okay because mom is going to be in a tampon commercial

Cody: Can I move to another city?

Austin didn't comment, he just gave us the weirdest face.

We live to embarrass our kids.....LOL!

BTW I'm not doing a tampon commercial, Billy was totally kidding.

August 4, 1994

Labor: 27 hours (God's honest truth)

Pushing: 4 hours (again, God's honest truth)

William Cody Gordon: PRICELESS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CODY!

Crazy Man!

As most of you know, I am the only girl in my family. I grew up with 4 brothers. Fun, fun! We range in age from 49 to 30. This is a picture of my oldest brother Donnie. He is absolutely hysterical. I don't think there is a picture of him that is "normal" even in his wedding pictures he is being goofy. So if you wonder why I'm goofy, you now know why. It's because of him and I'm telling mom. LOL!!!!!

Funny!

I saw this this morning. How funny!!!

Okay so this is how I imagine this conversation went:

Walmart Employee: Hello 'dis be Walmarts, how can I help you?

Customer: I would like to order a cake for a going away party this week.

Walmart Employee: What you want on the cake?

Customer: 'Best Wishes Suzanne' and underneath that 'We will miss you'.

STOP LAUGHING.....LOL!!!!

Why God?

So yesterday we received some very bad news that Katie Reider passed away after battling a rare tumor. You can check out her story at http://katiereider.blogspot.com/ You will here her amazing voice.

As you may recall, her mother died last August. This is what I wrote:

"I just lost a dear friend of mine to cancer. She had battled cancer for awhile and decided this last time that she would not have treatment because her quality of life was more important than quantity. I completely understand that decision but it's still hard. She taught me so much about God's faithfulness before and during cancer. She was one of those people that when you talked to her you knew she really cared about you and you knew that when she said she was praying for you she really was. From what I understand, her husband and son played and sang worship music as she went home to be with the Lord. How wonderful for her that she heard that as she left this earth and heard heaven's music as she arrived. I know that she is totally enjoying being in God's presense, I mean, who wouldn't. I'm also sure that God is so happy to be with her. Even in death, she is still an inspiration. She was a beautiful woman inside and out and she will be greatly missed. I love you and miss you Gaile."

I didn't know Katie like I know her parents but I've heard her sing several times and she was amazing. I'm sure she'll continue to touch lives.

Back to Reality

We pick up the boys today from camp and I am so excited. I really missed them. I missed them so much that my heart ached. The good thing that came out of it though was Billy and I got a lot of quality and quantity time together. It's nice to reconnect and get back to what brought you together in the first place. What I learned from this is Billy and I need to go out on more "dates" and enjoy each other because one day the boys will be grown and gone and it will just be the two of us again.

So with all that said, now it's back to reality. Now it's back to hearing the boys argue over little things, the boys playing with the dogs (the dogs missed them also), summer homework that they have yet to start, football camps and helping their uncle Troy and grandpa at the concession stands at Phillips Park and Landen Park. Tomorrow we will paint our living room, mow the grass and I'll go to rehearsal. Sunday, we'll go to church and I'll go to a baby shower.

Like I said back to reality but hopefully Billy and I can sneak in a little date....(wink, wink)

Camp

My boys are at camp this week. This is the first overnight, all week camp that they have ever been to. It's paintball camp at Pleasant Vineyard http://www.pvmcamp.com/. I'm sure they are having a blast but me not so much, I miss them. They have been getting on my nerves so much lately but now that they are gone, I miss them terribly! I can't wait for them to come home so I can give them a great big hug and a kiss. I guess this is what growing up is all about and I don't mean them growing up, I mean me, LOL! Hopefully by the time they are ready to move out of the house, I'll be ready for them to move out, LOL!

Beautiful

This is the same flower that has finally bloomed.

Isn't it beautiful? God is sooooo cool!

Trying Something New

I got a new camera for Christmas this past year and I haven't really played with it much. I've taken pictures but haven't messed with it enough to see what it can really do. I love photography, I wish I knew more about it and I wish I had a great camera but I am going to see what I can do with the one I have and see if I have an "eye" for photography. So I've taken these pics of a flower that is about to bloom from my flower bed. Let me know what you think, really, I want to know. Tell me which one you like better. I want honest opinions.....

Sweet Girl

As you can all tell, I am an animal lover. This is my sweet girl, Duncan. Who can resist her?

Brotherly Love!

Conversation me and boys had this morning:

Austin: Hey mom, did you hear about the guy who ran over his brother? He was trying to kill him but instead messed up his legs.

Me: Yep I heard.

Cody: I wouldn't run over Austin, I'd just punch him really hard.

Do you feel the love?

The BEST Dad

I'm sure most people think that their husband is the best dad is the whole world but mine really is. Really, he is. I love him so much and my boys love him so much. In every stage of our boys lives so far he has known exactly what to do. He would get up in the middle of the night for their feedings, to change diapers, to calm bad dreams and even to rub their backs when they have been sick to their stomachs. One time when Austin was about 6 months old, he woke up screaming. Billy went into his room, held him close and sang Jesus Loves Me. I fell in love with him all over again that night. He took them camping and fishing when they were really little, like about 3 years old. He still takes them. He has coached basketball, baseball, soccer and helped coach football. He encourages them, he hugs them even though the boys think they are too cool for that. He always tells them and me that he loves us and it's great to hear the boys say "I love you dad". He also respects them and their space. He calls himself dad first but also friend. He always wants the lines of communication to be open. I knew he would be a great dad when I would see him with the nieces and nephews. They adore him. The picture that is attached is Billy with our nephew, Josh. It has been so cool to see the dad that he is. I definitely married up!

Holly

My friend Denise had to say goodbye to her pug Holly. If you've read my other posts, you know how much I loved that dog. I didn't see her much but when I did, I fell in love all over again.

I feel so bad for Denise and her family. Losing a pet really is like losing a family member.

I believe that God put dogs on earth to show us how to love. Dogs love unconditionally and I know that is how I want to love.......unconditionally. So with that said, Holly will be greatly missed.

My Best Friend's Wedding

My bff got married on Friday, May 16. It started off as a cold and wet day but as you can see from the picture, it turned out to be an absolutely gorgeous day. Congratulations!!!!!

Mean People

Why are there mean people in this world? Billy and I have the opportunity to make our life much better and some people or should I say someone is trying to sabatoge that. I just don't understand. Please explain it to me.

FRUSTRATION!

I am sooooo mad and frustrated I can't see straight. BUT I am going to choose to trust God and believe Him.

Okay God, did you hear me?

New Skill

I know that it's been a few weeks since I've updated. Oh well, it's not like very many people are on the edge of their seat to read what I have to say. So it's okay. Anyway, a few weeks ago I had to teach a scrapbooking workshop at VCC but I also got to take a class. This is what I learned...cake decorating. I made an Easter basket. This is not something I will continue to do. But it was nice to try.

Kyle

I absolutely love this kid.

He's my bff's son and I love him like my own. He just celebrated his 7th birthday. I can't believe how time has flown.

Church or Comedy Club?

This weekend I went to 2 churches. Billy and I do that from time to time. Anyway, the first church we went to was a little disappointing. I mean I love church but this felt more like a clean comedy act. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a prude or anything, I love humor used in a service, it keeps a person interested but I have to draw the line when the whole talk is nothing but humor and the message gets lost. There was so much more that could have been said on the subject. I know you are probably thinking, well you try to teach. You're right but I can't so maybe I should shut up. But I'm not going to shut up because this is my blog....LOL. I just want to know if anyone other than me thinks that churches are becoming way too "seeker sensitive". I mean have christians gone so far to be relevant that the whole meaning of Christ gets lost?

OMG!

This is how my morning went:

To set the scene....I just got up and I'm downstairs making coffee

Cody: It's freezing down here, is there a blanket I can use?

Me: I don't think so but you can get one upstairs

Cody: Uhhh, I don't feel like it

and then he lays on the couch in a ball freezing his butt off

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Now it's an hour later and we're about to walk out the door

Austin: I don't want to wear this t-shirt thats under my shirt

Me: Why, what's wrong with it?

Austin: It's too short, it feels funny and Cody wore my other shirt and got it dirty

Me: What's the big deal, it's under another shirt and besides with all of the t-shirts you own, I'm sure you can find something

Cody: What about the red SOS shirt?

Austin: Red doesn't match

Cody: You're wearing a gray shirt, it matches

Austin: You don't know what you're talking about Cody, it doesn't match

Me: YES IT DOES! Now find something, we have to go

Again.....OMG ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

And the all caps do indicate yelling.

Random Acts of Kindness

Check out this myspace account. This idea http://www.myspace.com/myfaceisapaperbag originated from Rudy at The Underground. This is a very fun way to serve someboy.

Dogs

Since my last post, Billy called to tell me that the dogs got out of the mud room today and tore up the blinds in one window in the living room. Ugh! I'm glad he was the one who got to deal with it. They listen to him a bit better than me.

If anyone wants a window blinds eating dog, let me know, we have 2....LOL!

Pug Luv

I absolutely love this dog....

This is my friend Denise's dog Holly. She is now blind and has diabetes but is just the sweetest dog in the whole world. I love her.

Now this is my puppy Maya...

She is just one year old and a very small golden retriever...35 lbs. I love golden retrievers. She is so playful, sweet and loves to cuddle. Kinda sounds like Billy, huh? LOL! How you know she loves you is she'll pee on your foot. It's really very sweet. So if you come to my house, call first so we can put her in the mud room or outside so she can get the peeing out of her system. Believe me she is potty trained, she's just quirky, to her, it's a love pat. We love her so much, she is the prettiest red head we've ever seen. We also have an australian shepherd named Duncan (sorry no pic), and yes the dog is a girl but the name totally fits her. We have her because we are sharing custody with a friend....funny story but too long to share on this blog.

But I have to tell you, if all pugs are like Holly, my next dog will be one. Don't tell Billy though, he's not too fond of pugs but then again he hasn't spent anytime with Holly.

New Year

Hey guys, Christmas was great, as usual, but man am I glad it's over. I'm really happy that 2007 is over. I am so looking forward to 2008. I love the newness of it. You know like when you get a new pair of shoes and they look and feel really good but some wear out quickly and others stay really nice for a long time. Well that's how I feel about the beginning of a new year. It doesn't take long to figure out the quality. But I just have a gut feeling deep down inside that this year is the Year for our family.

Some things to looks forward to:

1. I have some awesome news to share but can't go into the details now, only a few people know. Before anyone asks, I'm NOT pregnant.
2. I'm looking forward to what my new job holds for me.
3. I'm looking forward to getting organized.
4. I'm looking forward to doing all of the creative things I love to do and selling them.
5. I really want my etsy store to do great but I need help with the site....anyone interested in helping?
6. I'm looking forward to helping my friend Cindy succeed in the opening of her new store.
7. I'm looking forward to the next Beth Moore study.
8. I'm looking forward to seeing what God has in store for Compass Community Church.
9. I'm looking forward to seeing what God will do in the lives of my friends.
10. I'm looking forward to seeing what God has in store of my whole family.

It has definitely been a trying year but let me say this, God has had his hand in everything and we, Billy and I, are learning to totally trust Him. Not just say we trust Him but really, really, truly trust Him.

Oh and one more thing I'm looking forward to is my friend Tiffany Peterson has started a ministry called Moment to Moment Choices, check out her website http://www.mtmchoices.org/. God has done amazing things with her and will continue to do amazing things.

I'll post some picture soon of our Christmas. We had a great time.