It's the Great Pumpkin.....Patch!

This past Sunday after church, JB and I took the boys to a local pumpkin patch. The boys had a great time climbing on pumpkins, tractors, old trucks, a hayride, seeing the animals on the grounds (pot belly pig, geese, goats, cows, zeedonk..half zebra/half donkey). They also enjoyed the hay bail maze. What JB and I enjoyed the most was watching them have fun. They are at such a fun age where everything is a new adventure.

These types of family activities is what rejuvenates me. I look forward with excitement for every family event we can participate in. It is at these times that I feel the awesome blessing of having my family and what a blessing it is to live in such a family friendly city.

Scroll to the bottom of the page to watch our version of "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown". Hope you enjoy.

“We fancy men are individuals; so are pumpkins; but every pumpkin in the field goes through every point of pumpkin history”~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Until next time, we'll be up with Linus, looking for the Great Pumpkin, HB

I Need to Add...

I must add the following to my previous post. My success and enjoyment last Saturday could not have happened without the help of some special people:

Thanks to my dad for building my shelves that have more use and value than for "art shows". He made me a "bookshelf" out of shutters from my grandparents' house. The fact that he made them from his parents' shutters gives so much sentimental value to this piece of furniture. He also helped move that huge thing in and out of the Community Center.

Thanks to my mom for her help in setting up my display and manning the booth. She is so talented with "presentation". She doesn't think so, but if you have ever seen her house, I think you would agree with me. I don't have the ability to picture such arrangements in my mind and bringing them to be as she does.

Thanks to my sister for helping "man" the booth. She willingly gave up part of her Saturday to help. She was also so encouraging with her compliments and enthusiasm for me participating in this event.
Thanks to my Aunt Joyce for making the coke koozies. She is so talented in sewing and can do just about anything.

Thanks to the Faith InDeed Foundation for giving me the opportunity. I can't think of a better organization to help raise money.

Thanks to JB for his encouragement and support. He was very proud of me and expressed his enthusiasm which gives me so much encouragement.

All of these special loved ones did their part so willingly and lovingly. I can never express in words the gratefulness I have for them. Their help was so encouraging to me and even more so, a blessing. It's situations like this that I realize just how blessed I am with family.

Thanks, Mamma, Daddy, Tiffany, Aunt Joyce, JB. I love you all very much and pray that God blesses you as much as you have blessed me.

Until next time, HB

Faith Fall Shopping Event

Many of you have asked about my experience and outcome of the Faith Fall Shopping Event that I participated in last Saturday. I am glad to say that I had a wonderful time. I enjoyed setting up my booth and hated to take it down. The time went by so fast...as they say, "Time flies when your having fun". I met many new people and made friends with several "booth neighbors". I hope to participate in this event again.

As for the results of my sells, I did great. It was definitely worth the hard work.

I have since been accepted as a vendor at The Gingerbread House that will be held Dec. 7th and 8th. This event is held at the Ag Museum and usually draws 2500 to 3000 attendees. Yep, another month of long nights...but I love it. This means that my blogging will not be as often but I will do my best to keep you posted on the happening of our family.

I must say that the Faith Fall event was a blessing to me and I hope that The Gingerbread House will be just as much of a blessing.

Until next time, "High ho-high-ho...off to sewing I will go", HB

Bet You Didn't Know...

Should there be a crash, Prince Charles and Prince William never travel on the same airplane as a precaution!

Our Spa Fun!

As you can see, we had a GREAT TIME. We were able to let our hair down, literally, and be ourselves and friends to each other. As much as we love being mamma's, wives, co-workers, sisters, and daughters, it did us good to be ourselves and friends. I believe I can speak for all of us when I say it was truly a blessed weekend. Just the time together allowed us to grow as friends and individuals. The spa was so relaxing, the food was delicious, the shopping was fabulous but the friendship was the most blessed.

We are already anxious for next year's trip but, as my friend Ann said, we will have to rely on lunches and girls night out to suffice until then.


Ann, Stephanie and Tracy...you each are beautiful both inside and out. You bring out the best in me and I thank you for your support, friendship, accountability, and Christian influence. My God bless each one of you as He has blessed me through your friendship.

Until next time, HB

“A friend is someone who lets you have total freedom to be yourself.” ~ Jim Morrison (This best describes our weekend)

Faith Fall Arts & Crafts Shopping Event

As some of you are already aware, I will be selling some of my monogram/embroidery items at the Faith Fall Arts & Crafts Shopping Event.


It will be this coming Saturday, October 27th, from 8:00 am til 1:00 pm. It will be held at the Madison Community Center next to the Madison Airport. I will have Christmas t-shirts, t-shirts with non-seasonal designs (chenille flowers, baseballs, footballs, letters, etc.) monogrammed towels for children, Jaguar and Patriot t-shirts and coke koozies, bibs/burp cloths and a few other items. T-shirt sizes will range from 12 months to 7/8 and will be both short and long sleeve.


Also, my mom will have a few items such as note pads with scriptures printed on them ****these make great teacher's gifts for both school and church, great gifts for co-workers, bunko buddies, friends, etc.**** She will also have few baked goods which will not leave the buyer disappointed.

There will be close to, if not 30 vendors. Their booths will be both inside and outside. Vendors will be selling jewelry, distressed picture frames, ceramics, children's items, spa products, cookbooks, baked goods, and many more specialty items. You will not be disappointed!!!

Admission is free and parking will be plenty across the street at Ridgecrest.

This event is sponsored by the Faith InDeed Foundation. This foundation was created by a special friend of ours. JB currently serves as a Board member and we both support the mission and vision of the Foundation. To simply describe their mission... Through various fundraisers, they raise money that is in turn given to Christian based ministries in order to further God's Kingdom. They also have a scholarship fund in which they grant money (through an application process) to a ministerial student. As you can see, the cause of this event is not just for a "shopper's delight" but most of all to further God's Kingdom.

Until next time, Come one...Come all and let's shop 'til you drop, HB

SouthernBelle in Speech

I found this cute quiz through another blog and thought it would be fun to share. Go ahead, try it.

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The South   That's a Southern accent you've got there. You may love it, you may hate it, you may swear you don't have it, but whatever the case, we can hear it.
The Midland
Philadelphia
The Northeast
The Inland North
The West
Boston
North Central
What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Our Most Recent Date

A few weeks ago, JB and I went on a much needed date to a local steakhouse. We enjoyed crab claws for appetizers, steak as our main meal and were too full for dessert. It was nice to eat uninterrupted from thrown food, uh-oh's at food on the floor, "your tea, mamma and daddy", more, pease...frooo and want down.

Thanks to my mom and dad for watching the boys for us as we enjoyed a night out.

Until next time, HB

Give me an A, Give me an L, Give me an E, Give me an X...Go ALEX!!

As you read in a previous blog, my niece, Alex was in her first cheerleading competition. I am so proud to announce that her team won 1st place in their division! Tiffany said that Alex had a great time and is looking forward to other future competitions.

Until next time, 2 bits...4 bits...6 bits...a dollar...all for Alex, stand up and holler!!! HB

Bet You Didn't Know...

There are 18 different animal shapes in the Animal Crackers cookie zoo!

What's up with us...

Sorry for the lack of blogs lately. First, I am busy monogramming for the upcoming Faith InDeed Fall Shopping Event. If you haven't noticed yet, details are on the side of my blog. I will blog the details about this closer to the event.

Second, I have been sick the past few days with bronchitis/sinus infection/sore throat/laryngitis/funk/"the crud"/and whatever else comes with this draining aggravation of illness.

Third, JB flew out today for a 5 night business trip to Atlanta. He is going to be trained on some software that he will in turn use here to enhance his job responsibilities. Seriously, every time he goes out of town either the boys or I get sick right before he leaves. Bless his heart, it makes him feel worse about being gone even more.

We didn't make it church for obvious reasons but instead we are just relaxing here at home. The boys are surprisingly calm, I think they can tell I am not feeling well. CB is enthralled with the Incredible Dog Challenge, a dog agility competition on TV. He is currently watching the Diving Dog event. When the show is interrupted by a commercial, he starts whining, "Doooooggggg wwiiimmmmiiiinnggg, Mamma?" Asking where are the dogs swimming.

BB must think the floor needs vacuuming as he runs his "golf caddy" around the den floor as a vacuum cleaner saying, "make a mess, mamma, bacuum" and "beep, beep, mamma" for me to raise my legs so he can bacuum up the mess.

Now the dog show is over and CB whines "sssseeee doooggs, mamma". I guess he's gonna be dog lover like his parents and grandparents.

Alex, my niece, is in a little "cheer and tumble" competition today at the coliseum as part of the fair events. This is her first and I hate that I am not able to cheer her on in person. But rest assured, Meme and Pappaw, Nanna, and Pop will be there cheering enough for all of us. She definitely has a entourage to follow her. She has been taking cheer and tumble for the past few months and seems to be doing very well. I wish her the best of luck and whatever the outcome, I hope she has fun.

I must go now and retrieve about 10 baby wipes the boys have thrown in the toilet. I take back what I said about them being calm. I just wish I had half their energy.

Until next time, HB

The Church Gossiper

Mildred, the church gossiper, and self-appointed monitor of the church's morals, kept sticking her nose into other people's business. Several members did not approve of her extra curricular activities, but feared her enough to maintain their silence.

She made a mistake, however, when she accused Frank, a new member, of being an alcoholic after she saw his old pick-up parked in front of the town's only bar one afternoon. She emphatically told Frank (and several others) that everyone seeing it there would know what he was doing.

Frank, a man of few words, stared at her for a moment and just turned and walked away. He didn't explain, defend, or deny ... he said nothing.

Later that evening, Frank quietly parked his pickup in front of Mildred's house ... walked home ... and left it there all night!!!

You gotta love Frank.

Until next time, HB

Our New Tadpole Hole

The boys and I have started going to a different Y other than the Reservoir Y. This one is newer, bigger, and best of all, has an indoor pool. This allows for my "tadpoles" to swim all year long. The pool only goes as deep as 4 feet and has an incline instead of steps. This pool is used for the Y's therapy and water aerobics pool but for a couple hours of the day, it is opened for "Family Swim Time". We are usually the only ones there with the exception of the lifeguard.

As most of you know, CB LOVES the water while BB is slightly less enthused but does enjoy the time. I've enjoyed this time also as it provides more activities for us that is not limited by weather.

And speaking of the Y...my parents have recently joined. My dad often joins us for the workout trips while my mom attends on the days she is off. I have enjoyed having daddy for the help but most of all having an exercise buddy. The boys also enjoy him being there when we pick them up from the "playroom" as we call it. Also, a weight update... Since I joined in March, I have reached my initial goal of loosing 10 lbs. My next goal is to loose 5 more. However, I am not so pressured to loose that last 5 as I have been satisfied with the weight loss so far and been able to maintain it.

CB loves to "foat" with his new floating suit.

BB in his less enthused state but still enjoys the adventure.

Until next time, "It's fun to play at the Y M C A", HB

Calgon, Take me Away!

The much anticipated, much needed, and long overdue time has arrived. Some girlfriends and I are headed to the beach for our annual spa weekend. This is the 2nd year that we will have gone. We are getting massages, pedicures, and manicures. And of course doing some shopping and eating all the seafood we want. It is such a fun memorable time with great friends that feel more like family.

I will post pictures when I get back...that is if we come back!?!?!

Until next time, relaxing at the beach, HB

Anger Management

Sometimes when you are angry with someone, it helps to sit down and think about the problem.

I got this through email from my SIL (thanks, Angie). This picture reminds me of my boys. Only, they do it to provoke anger not to manage it. Then I'm the one who needs the anger management after prying them off each other for the 3rd and 4th time.

Until next time, CB, get off your brother....now, BB, you get off of CB, HB

Bet You Didn't Know...

That in Tokyo, a bike is faster than a car for most trips of 50 minutes or less.

Until next time, keep pedaling, HB

What My Mother Taught Me...

I received this through email from my cousin. (Thanks, Denise) I thought it to be funny but accurate. Hope you enjoy as you might realize that you, too, are repeating some of the wisdom taught by your mother.

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE. "If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."

2. My mother taught me RELIGION. "You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.. "If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

4. My mother taught me LOGIC. " Because I said so, that's why."

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC. "If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT. "Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

7. My mother taught me IRONY. "Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about." (I so remember this statement and I am determined not use it~HB)

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS. "Shut your mouth and eat your supper."

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM. "Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA. "You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER. "This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY. "If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"

13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE. "I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION. "Stop acting like your father!"

15. My mother taught me about ENVY. "There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION. "Just wait until we get home."

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING. "You are going to get it when you get home!"

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE. "If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way."

19. My mother taught me ESP. "Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"

20. My mother taught me HUMOR. "When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT. "If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

22. My mother taught me GENETICS. "You're just like your father."

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS. "Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"

24. My mother taught me WISDOM. "When you get to be my age, you'll understand."

25. And my favorite: My mother taught me about JUSTICE. "One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you."

Until next time...Thanks, Mom, HB