Decisions

This summer has been crazy for Jared and I. While trying to keep normalcy for the girls through summer activities we have been faced with life-changing decisions and now that it's all said and done we have seen that Heavenly Father's hand has been guiding us all along. In May, a recruiter for a station group contacted Jared for a position available in Pittsburgh. It was an enticing opportunity and we entertained the idea all summer. However, after he flew there for the interview we concluded it wasn't the move for us. We are so grateful that we have the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives that helps us and whispers to us as we try to make decisions--even deciding upon two good things. I guess the Lord works in mysterious ways because the same day Jared told Pittsburgh we were not moving there, he was called to serve here as Second Counselor in the Bishopric. We were completely stunned by this turn of events but excited about the potential for growth that will come with it (Jared began to think Pittsburgh didn't sound too bad afterall ;) Traditionally, fathers ordain their sons to the office of High Priest so this past weekend Jared's mom and dad came to Nashville so his dad could ordain him. It was a very special day and the Spirit was so strong in that room. I'm especially grateful that Regan stayed asleep the whole time so I could listen to all of it...just one of the MANY tender mercies that Heavenly Father has given to us.

Firsts

Coco's first day of Kindergarten--August 3, 2010.

Bryn's first day of 7th Grade, Scotlyn's first day of 3rd Grade--August 2, 2010

Angel Scotlyn

While cleaning the craft table this wanted poster was found. Scotlyn sure has an imagination. I especially like the drawing where she has arrows pointing to different evidence on her person as to why she is an angel.

I Worked It...

Bad picture--Shellie kept moving but she posed for me in between segments.

Billy helping one of the producers with a move behind the scenes.

Shellie, me and Billy. I had to change the coloring because we were in front of the green screen and it looked really weird.

One of the perks of having my husband working at a television station is that famous people visit the station and he gets to meet them and then brag to me. This time, he let me have the opportunity to meet a celebrity because he knows I have dates with this man at least 4 times a week ;) I was fortunate to meet Billy Blanks and his daughter, Shellie. Both are VERY kind, generous and down to earth!! I was able to stay in the studio, after getting Billy's autograph and talking with them, to watch the segment they were on--"Talk of the Town" (kind of like "Good Things Utah"). You can watch it here: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newschannel5.com%2FGlobal%2Fstory.asp%3FS%3D12846563&h=3bbf3 . It was such a fun (and embarrassing) ordeal that I was ear to ear smiles and beet-red. I could have been cooler but I regrettably looked like a goofball. I think Billy and Shelly were laughing under their breath. UGH!

Lazy Summer Days

This summer the girls spent all summer going to the free movies, reading for the library summer reading program and swimming at several friends' pools. It was pretty lazy.

EEEEEK!!! Eclipse Eve

Once again, my buddies and I went to the midnight showing of Eclipse in June! We had a party at the Allred's before and then caravanned over to the theater. Good times are always had at these things.

YIKES and SORRY?!!!

So, I was just cleaning up my bonus room and blasted my playlist from this here blog and WOW! One of the songs I put on here about 2 years ago now was somebody saying a bunch of potty-mouth profanities! Sorry, if that came on whilst you were visiting my little space here in cyberworld. I apologize profusely. I had no idea. I guess the person who originally posted that song to playlist.com changed it. If you notice that happening with another song of mine--PLEASE let me know so I can remove it! Thanks!

False Advertising

THIRTEEN years ago, this man promised the following:

He would make me happy.

He would provide for me.

He would be a dad.

He would love me.


And I BOUGHT IT!!! Thirteen years later I say that was FALSE ADVERTISING because this is what I really got:

He makes me laugh so hard I cry...everyday...seriously.

He makes a great living and all my needs are provided for and then some.

He is an EXCELLENT daddy to his four little girls, equipped with humor, discipline, and love.

He not only tells me he loves me but shows me by his obedience to the Lord and makes me want to be a better wife and mother.

His payment for these things was for me to "stand there and look pretty."

Guess he got the short end of the stick and I got a steal! I am a bargain shopper afterall! Happy Anniversay, Jared! I love and adore you!

The Newest Hero

This is on the wall but it wouldn't let me put it in the post with the others for some strange reason so here she is by herself--my Rogue Regan! She has a killer toothless smile (not anymore--need to change that), a sweet heart, twinkle toes and her super-power is her hidden explosives she stores in her diaper-region.

3 Months and Counting. . .

Wowzers! Zoinks! Was it really February the last time I put anything on this here blog? Well, here are some updates--not all because I couldn't even remember to take my camera places. Where is my head? I act like I'm a busy mom and wife or something...

Super-daughters!

Oh yeah--I finally got something put on that stairway wall that I've been trying to do for 3 years! I could never figure out what to do so I finally just brought these babies over from the dining room and ta-da! It works. . .I think. Does it? Again, suggestions are welcome!

Our Story Problem

I finally finished a project that I had been working on for over a year. It was all in my head but like I said--it's been busy, excuses, etc. I really like how it turned out but I know it could use some improvements. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! It's a chalkboard so it's easily changed! Let me know what you think!

I Have To Move On

This past month has been crazy busy. Bryn was in a Michael Jackson Choir Concert and there were parties and picnics and field-days oh my! Coco will be starting school in August and I'll be at home with just one little girl again. I'm gonna miss these days with my Coco. She and I had a lot of fun for a few years when the girls were at school. Now, it's time for her to move on. I guess it's time for Scotlyn, too. Look at what she wrote to her teachers! Cracks me up!

Coco is the Big 0-5!

When Jared turned 5 years-old his dad took him on a train ride. So, Jared wanted to continue that tradition with his own children. Bryn went on Trax when she turned 5 and both Scotlyn and Coco have now been on the Music City Star for their rides. Coco loved it so much she wanted to have a time machine so she could experience it all over again!

Nashville Tennessee Flood 2010

The week after the marathon (which was cut short because of weather) this crisis emerged here in our beautiful Nashville. Again hope, hard work, and perserverance...

Kids Marathon

The girls ran in the kids marathon the day before Jared and Lee ran the marathon. They put in hours of running and sweating, crying and huffing and puffing! They made it through the finish line and got their medals. Good job, girls! Perserverance wins the race!

Author: Scotlyn Turner

Scotlyn was invited by her teachers to be in the Writer's Night not only at her school but at Cumberland University. She was also evaluated this year and invited to be in SEEK, the gifted program at her school for next year. We are so proud of our little Scotlyn and her desire to learn and create! CONGRATS, Scotty girl!

CTR (Cake to Ravage?)

Our sweet friend, Stephanie, made this beautiful CTR cake for Scotlyn's baptism! Not only is it pretty--it was DELICIOUS!!! If you need a cake person. . .call me (I have her digits--oh, yes, I did say that).

Letter To the Editor--The Tennessean

My friends' aunt wrote this letter to the editor this month due to all of the "snow" days we've had here in Tennessee. Tee-hee!

To the Editor,

When Carol Birdsong sings, people listen. It's a crazy thing, but when the phone rings and the caller ID shows Williamson County Schools, the reaction in my house is as follows: The children squeal with joy; the parents cry with sorrow. Why, oh why, Carol, have you been calling me so much? So what that there's a little snow on the ground. So what that there's three plows for all of Williamson County. So what that the 4 inches of snow is covered by 2 inches of ice. Carol, can't you remember what it was like when we were kids? You know, walking three miles to school, in 6 inches of snow, barefoot, uphill, both ways. Didn't that build character? Aren't we better adults for having suffered through the storms as kids?

Carol, listen to me. We're going to have to have a new game plan if we're both going to survive the rest of the school year. Of course, we know that on day one of the storm, school's going to be closed. I've lived in Middle Tennessee long enough to know that it's a given. But here's the twist: On day two, I want you to call and leave the following message: "This is Carol Birdsong of Williamson County Schools calling to let you know that if you don't get out there and start shoveling your own road, school ain't happening tomorrow and your kids are staying home again!" Carol, I predict the roads will be snow-free faster than you can say, "Mommy, can you make pancakes again?"

And while you're at it, please suggest that it's OK for folks to go out on the main streets and start sprinkling salt from the shaker. Hey, the entire container of Morton's costs about 58 cents, and it will be the best 58 cents they could spend if it allows the buses to keep rolling!

Seriously, Carol, the Chuck E Cheese's parking lot is clear, why not the schools'? How come we can go to the Y, the library, the mall and everywhere else except school?

So here's the deal, you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours. You make the revised phone call, and I'll get out every shovel, broom and pooper-scooper I can find to clear the roads. We can do this together, Carol, barefoot, uphill, both ways.

Fam

My sister, Michelle (a.k.a. Mickey) with Regan at the airport. My cousins, Amy, Desiree and I at the care center. I so wished I lived close to these wonderful women! I miss my sisters, brother, my cousins, my aunts and uncles, and my mama! I really feel blessed to have such a wonderful family!

Lovell or Bust

Aunt Barb and Regan.

Mickey, me, mom, Barb, and Kirk at Uncle Henry's birthday party.

This picture was taken at was once known as the "Rose Bowl" a car-hop type of restaurant my mom worked at in the 1950's when my dad pulled up in his brother Cleve's convertible and saw my mom for the first time. Well, it was all history after that. . .

My sister, brother, sister-in-law and I went to Lovell, Wyoming to surprise my mom who is in a care center. I haven't seen my mom in 2 1/2 years and I was nervous. My sister and brother and sister-in-law went into her room first and surprised her. She was shocked to see them. Then, my sister said that she needed to call me to tell me what my mom's reaction was. She called me on her cell phone while I was in the hall and said, "Sister, I wish you could be here." Then I said, as I walked into the room, "Maybe I can." My mom looked right at me and just stared! She couldn't believe it. Everyone was crying. Regan went right to her and snuggled her for a long time. We only stayed 2 days but it sure was worth it for her to see her last grandchild. I miss my mama! It was so hard to leave. Tears were shed knowing I might not be able to see her again for a long time. It was all very emotional but I'm so grateful to all the people who made it possible for Regan and I to have experienced it all!

Famous Amos

When I arrived in Billings, MT on the way to surprise my mom I spent the day with my AWESOME cousin, Amy. She has a wonderful family who spoiled me and made me feel right at home! I miss you Amy, Clint, Patrick, Paige, Karissa, Kyla, and Randon--ya buncha Pollocks!