NOT SO "Joyful" THESE DAYS!

Just wanted to let all you "JOYfilled Life" faithful followers know why I haven't been able to blog lately...We returned from our trip to Alabama (which I'll blog about later when I can show pics) to a very SHAMEFUL & DISGUSTED Cory Williams. Why??? He dropped my laptop while we were out of town. I know it was the LAST thing on earth he wanted to happen and, believe me, he's doing everything possible to fix it or GET it fixed. We'll be back up & running soon - Sending this one from work...so gotta get back to business! Remember Cory in your prayers :)

Wacky Wednesday

Here's the "little mama" with her new baby doll stroller Mommy found at a local consignment store (where I waited in line for 45 minutes on opening day!!!). She put plenty of miles in on it though and got my $3.00 worth.

Maddie's Light Shines!

Here's the link to watch my friend Brandi Beamon, mother of Madelyn who lost her fight with Neuroblastoma in February. Brandi was interviewed on a local Memphis show, "Live @ 9" talking about their journey and "plugging" the St. Jude Run/Walk. (You may want to scroll to about 39 minutes so you don't have to watch the whole hour). Keep Maddie's light shining!

http://www.wreg.com/global/video/popup/pop_player.asp?ClipID1=2905996&h1=Live%20at%209%20Friday%2C%20September%2012&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=3542567&LaunchPageAdTag=News&activePane=info&playerVersion=1&hostPageUrl=http%3A//www.wreg.com/Global/category.asp%3FC%3D53326%26nav%3Dmenu93_8&rnd=42693818

Wacky Wednesdays

I'm going to copy my friend Karla and create something called "Wacky Wednesdays," in which I'll be just posting wacky, but priceless pics of the kids or whatever. My friend, Karla, calls them "Wordless Wednesdays" on her blog, but we aaaalll know that JOY doesn't know how to be "wordless." Today's "wacky" photo is of the boys in "Mister-ssippi" as Jake calls it on Cory's grandparents' land where I'm sure the boys (and Ally) will learn many life lessons.

Patties for Maddie

Our friends, Neal & Brandi Beamon, are hosting a fundraiser on September 20th during the Countrywood Sales to raise money for "Team Madelyn" and the St. Jude Run/Walk in December. Neal & Brandi's 6-year-old, Madelyn, tiptoed into Heaven in February 2008 after 4 years of battling Neuroblastoma. Maddie received treatments at St. Jude and the Beamons are very grateful for the time St. Jude gave them with their little girl. Maddie was the face of St. Jude/ALSAC's "Thanks and Giving" campaign in 2007 (see pics below). The Beamons are in our LifeGroup at church and we came to know the Beamons when Maddie was 4 years old. We will never forget all the life lessons this little girl taught us! Their little girl & Maddie's little sister, Ella, is big buddies with our Ally. Although we will not be able to attend because of a trip to Hartselle, just wanted to spread the word and am asking you to pass it on to your friends too.

Here's one of the shots of Maddie from St. Jude's "Thanks & Giving" national campaign in 2007

Here's a picture of Madelyn w/some of our LifeGroup kids last year at Halloween. She's the snaggle-tooth kitty in the middle. Oh, did she love to dress up! We miss you Maddie!!!

Delta Fair 2008

Pics from our trip to the Delta Fair in Memphis. No, we didn't lose Jake & Ally - left them with Cory's parents. It was a little sprinkly, but we managed. Ben sure had a blast - and even used some of his money he earned to cover the cost of admission. Don't feel sorry for Jake & Ally, though, they had enough sugar at Grammy & Pop's that they required clothes to be washed and baths once we were home. We aaaalll slept well that nite!

Ally & Jake start Mother's Day Out

Ally (18mos) and Jake (4) had their first day of Mother's Day Out today. Jake is in the 4 year old class and will go 2 days a week and Ally is in the Toddler class, but will only go one day each week - So, if you're counting days, that gives me ONE DAY to myself...yippee! They both seemed very eager to start, Jake especially. All Ally knows is that she's getting to go play somewhere. I'll be anxious to pick them up this afternoon for sure. What have I done with my free time? I shopped by myself for TWO whole hours and managed to squeeze in about 5 different places and wanted to come home & start cleaning a bit, while I don't have little hands "helping me." Below are some unforgettable moments.

Jake's first homework - "All About Me" poster to share on the first day of school.

Jake proudly sharing his "All About Me" poster

Jake going into his "Fabulous 4's" class

Give this girl a basket of books and she's rarin' to go!!!

Jake says, "Mom get outta here, can't you see I'm busy?"