Name, please

I am so excited about this weekend because I am traveling over to the West Side (of GA, that is) to see my brother, his sweet girlfriend Larsen, and her parents.

Larsen's family has invited us for the Second Annual Independence Day Celebration which will be held at their pool.

God Bless America.

We love L's parents - but how could we not? They raised Larsen and we LURVE Larsen.

Here is an example of why.

(Of course it starts off with a story).

Today has been INSANE at work. Day 1 of being on my own (yesterday) was pretty calm and easy to handle. Today started off with me walking into my office to find a HUGE DEAD ROACH laying feet up right beside my chair.

A sign perhaps?

Well, ever since C. Roach went to be with Jesus, it has been non-stop at the ole grindstead (but in a good way - not really overwhelming, just busy).

Which is why, when I finally took a break a few mins ago and checked my email, I was propelled into some serious happiness upon finding a funny forward from Larsen.

The subject line reading, "Dorfus Pottysprinkles."

You can imagine why my interst was peaked.

Now, I decided to post the little exercise found in this particular email because as much as I tried (in my very professional, hard-working, handling the office alone self) to not think this was funny - I have been laughing pretty heartily since reading it in all it's ridiculousness.

It's like getting tickled in church. You try not to let it happen, but once you are there - there is no going back. There is no way to get a handle on it, and eventually you snort so loud the lady asleep in the choir loft wakes up. So embarrassing.

So without further ado, ya'll go have yourself a good laugh...

*************

We all need a little stress-reliever! This only takes a minute.

Sometimes when you have a stressful day or week, you need some silliness to break up the day. If we are honest, we have a lot more stressful days than not.

Here is your dose of humor...

A. Follow the instructions to find your NEW NAME.

B. Once you have your new name, put it in the subject box and forward it to friends and family & co-workers (or put it on your B-LOG - per Jenna)

And don't go all adult - a senior manager is now known far & wide as Dorky Gizzardsniffer!

So:

1. Use the third letter of your first name to
determine your New first name:

a = snickle
b = doombah
c = goober
d = cheesey
e = crusty
f = greasy
g = dumbo
h = farcus
i = dorky
j = doofus
k = funky
l = boobie
m = sleezy
n = sloopy
o = fluffy
p = stinky
q = slimy
r = dorfus
s = snooty
t = tootsie
u = dipsy
v = sneezy
w = liver
x = skippy
y = dink y
z = zippy

2. Use the second letter of your last name to determine the first half of your new last name:

a = dippin
b = feather
c = b atty
d = burger
e = chicken
f = barffy
g = lizard
h = waffle
i = farkle
j = monkey
k = flippin
l = fricken
m = bubble
n = rhino
o = potty
p = hamster
q = buckle
r = gizzard
s = lickin
t = snickle
u = chuckle
v = pickle
w = hubble
x = dingle
y = gorilla
z = girdle

3. Use the third letter of your last name to determine the second half of your new last name:
a = butt
b = boob
c = face
d = nose
e = hump
f = breath
g = pants
h = shorts
i = lips
j = honker
k = head
l = tush
m = chunks
n = dunkin
o = brains
p = biscui ts
q = toes
r = doodle
s = fanny
t = sniffer
u = sprinkles
v = frack
w = squirt
x = humperdinck
y = hiney
z = juice

Thus, for example, George W. Bush's new name is: Fluffy Chucklefanny.

And remember that children laugh an average of 146 times a day; adults laugh an average of 4 times a day.

Put more laughter in your day!!!

****************

Ok let's here 'em!


Love always and forever,

Sloopy Gorillafanny

Movie weekend and a new day has dawned

When the clock struck 5 on Friday afternoon, I had no places to go and no people to see.

Isn't that just the best sometimes?

I would definitely say on the continuum of Extrovertness, I am probably a 8 or 9. I love people, especially love all my people, and love to be with them. Hanging out, Lake weekends, family karoake nights - heart, heart, heart.

But there is just enough Introvertness in me to sometimes love the thought of a couple days in the row where you don't have to be anywhere at a scheduled time.

So when I got off of work Friday, I picked up some food, went home, can't remember what else I did, and went to bed at 10:00.

Ten. Oh. Oh.

This from the girl who will stay up past 1 on a work night. (I can't let go of my former life quite yet, can you tell?)

Maybe all the late nights and early mornings had something to do with why I was so excited to know how many hours I was about to spend sleeping.

The dawn broke on Saturday (I didn't see it since it rang in before 11am), and I had another day full of togetherness with myself.

I did interupt such to go see the beloved My Sister's Keeper with My Children's Mama. Ashley was without the little men for the weekend and invited me to go see it on Saturday. I love that woman! It was so fun catching up with her, eating popcorn mixed with M&M's with her, and crying my eyes out throughout the entire movie with her.

That's what friends are for, people.

The movie was wonderful (despite leaving us in a state of depression), and I give it Two Thumbs Up (and Many Tears Down).

The rest of Saturday involved a large amount of nothingness.

Sunday. More of the same. Until movie time can around again, and I met up with some of my work ladies to see The Proposal.

It was very good, just like I had heard it was. It also completely secured my already-deep and abiding love for Ryan Reynolds. I think we all said "that was cute" about 100 times as we discussed the movie upon exiting the theater. I believe we all thought it was very cute.

After the movie it was back home to eat dinner, visit with the parents, and start mentally preparing for the week ahead.

It is going to be a little different this week at work because the girl in my office (the sweet, God-given woman who has trained me and loved me and helped me learn this crazy job that I have) is taking some (much much much deserved) vacay time.

I am so happy for her, but I am fighting off the desire to completely freak myself with the responsibility that comes from handling our office by myself (of course, I am not completely alone as there are many sweet people scattered through the hospital who are ready to assist me should I get in a mess).

I have been less stressed than I would have imagined leading up to this day - mostly because when Ging mentioned a while back about taking some time off at the end of June, I never committed the days to memory.

I like to think of it as a valiant effort of self-preservation.

Everytime I'd start to imagine handling our office alone, somewhere deep inside I heard Scarlett O'Hara...."I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow."

Well, it's officially "tomorrow." And this one-little-girl-in-the-office party has started! All I have to say is that I'm so glad God works in my office, too. :-)

Hope ya'll are having a great Monday!

Pass the popcorn

Back in August, I went back to 6th grade.

I highly recommend this because it is a wonder how 15 years can change one's middle school experience.

Awkwardness? What awkwardness?

Listen in class? Not necessary.

Scared of the teachers? Pssssht. Just make friends with them!

Another thing to note about my experience in 6th grade was that little broken-armed C, whose books I was responsible for carrying and whose notes I was responsible for taking, was very determined to do a lot of the aforementioned tasks by herself.

Despite her 2 huge pink casts, bless her heart. She has a survivor's spirit.

So really my job became just being AVAILABLE should she choose to take advantage of her resources (me). Because she was a rock star and worked those casts like you wouldn't believe.

That was awesome, but it left me with a lot of time (especially in class) to stare at walls and make my to-do lists and ponder life's most pertinent issues.

But once I got all of those worked out, I was looking for something to do as we moved from Science to English. From History to Math.

And I found my answer when I stumbled upon this book.


I had no idea what it was about, and I quickly fell in love with it as I sat at my desk and read it many hours a day for almost a week straight. I laughed, I cried, and I implored all passersby that THIS was a book they needed to read.

I didn't get much a response, of course, since everyone I was around at that time was approximately 11 years-old.

I finished the book a few days before I graduated 6th grade, and I have to tell you - I attempted to start another book, but threw it down in disdain after the first 10 pages.

I had no room left in my heart at that time for any other stories. I wondered if I'd ever read again or if my love of this book had had ruined me from all other novels.

Come to think of it, I don't think I've a read a book since. (Which isn't necessarily a direct result of my middle school love affair with this one. I just like TV.)

Anyways, a few months later, Mama and I went to see a movie. We sat their drinking our $8 diet cokes and soon the previews began. The first one caught my attention because I noticed that it was starring Cameron Diaz. I enjoy some Cam, so I was intrigued.

As the previews unfolded, I realized I was watching and listening to a familiar story...


My heart leapt and I immediately turned to The Debster and in a not-quite-quiet-enough whisper said, "MAMA! This is a movie about the book I read in 6th grade!!!"

Blank stare. Confused look.

"Deb. This is from a BOOK. It the one I read when I was back in 6th grade!"

She smiled and nodded and pretended to care/know what daughter was talking about.

Let me just tell you - I cried like a baby at the PREVIEWS. Not a good sign. (Deb cried too even though she never went back to 6th grade and read this book during Math class).

When the preview ended and "In Theaters June 26th" flashed on the screen, I cried even harder - that was too long to wait!

But do you know the date of today?

And can you guess what I will definitely be going to see at some point this weekend?

Hope ya'll have a good one!

He's not finished quite yet (thank goodness)

Does God ever stalk you with a song?

Each time I entered my car today (8:00am on the way to work, 12:30pm when I went out for lunch, and 5:00pm when I got in my car to go home) the SAME song was playing.

I had heard the song before, and I do like it - but when I got in my car after work and realized it was coming on AGAIN, I thought I had better take a closer listen to the words.

Apparently God was wanting it be my new favorite song.

(I sure do enjoy having a personal DJ contracted out from Heaven.)

As I listened to the words I realized they were quite relevant for this little girl in her current stage of life, and it made me happy that God sometimes stalks us musically to remind us of things of great importance.

Here's to waiting and seeing.....

Same song, different day

Sometimes I like to write about what I did Friday night on Wednesday. That way the memories can last and be relived at my leisure, and I don't have to close the door on the fun so soon.

I come up with these plans in my free time.

So let's address the excitement that was last Friday.

It involves these good-looking people...


On the left we have my cousin David, and on his arm is his darling daughter, Ashleigh.

Ashleigh was in town last week for Girls State at GSU, and when her ride home fell through, a new and exciting plan was formed - one which involved David driving down to pick her up.

All that by itself doesn't sound too thrilling, but Part 2 of that plan called for staying the night at the Tyson's! There was even a Bonus section in the plan, because David ALSO picked up my aunt and brought HER down (and she is staying the week with us!).

Impromptu family reunions, we heart you.

Also joining in the good times was Ashleigh's sweet friend, Katie. Don't hate them because they're beautiful. These girls are just as cute as they can be - so smart and funny and mature. I loved getting to hang out with them.


I was so happy to walk in the door from work and find so many smiling faces in my kitchen, and lots of talking and catching up was done by all.

Then it was food time.

Per usual, Big Al cooked a huge meal. BBQ chicken, corn, rice and butter beans, squash casserole, fried okra, and corn bread. "Southern fare," he called it.

I don't care what you call it, as long as you are putting it on my plate while you're talking.


If you have been reading this blog for very long, you can probably guess what happened after we finished our meal.

It's funny because it always goes down the same way. We have people over, we sit down and eat, and after we're done we all sit around calmly chatting and laughing.

Then Daddy goes missing.

"Where is Alan?" someone may ask aloud.

And within a couple of minutes you hear it.

The music starts up, and out comes that booming voice from the speakers.


It is Alan's quest in life to expose every family member and friend to the fun that is Tyson Karaoke.

But as you can see, people warm up to the idea VERY quickly.

Take David for example...


I love DD in the background. Her smile is saying, "That boy can saaang."

Ashleigh also got into the action. You go girl!


I think one reason we like Karaoke around here is because it can really get everyone involved.

For example, are you not much of a singer? No problem, audience members play an important role in helping the singer feel loved and talented.






We continued on into the night, and were so sorry to see David and the girls head out the next morning. But we hope they know they are welcome back ANYTIME (and we want them to bring Nicole and Lauren next time, too!)

You can bet we'll have the Southern fare and the microphone waiting. :-)

Hi there!

Seven things you might not know about my world at the moment...

#1 - My sassy hair and I are still getting along very well. Although Deb did have to tell me the other day (when apparently I was getting a little out of line) - "Sweetie, just because you have a spunky new haircut doesn't mean you can act all spunky in your every day life." Dually noted, Debster. (Hair Action Shot below)


#2 - I do not wear so much bling around my neck on a regular basis, but sometimes a little dolla dolla bill sign adds that something special to an outfit. Feel free to take a minute and write that down if you need to.

#3 - The fact that Jon and Kate are getting a divorce disturbs me greatly on many, many levels.

#4 - Also disturbing me deep down is the fact that The Tysons had an impromptu karaoke par-tay on Friday night with some fun out of town guests, and I have no post to show for it at this time. (I am sure I'll get to it sometime in the next 5 years).

#5 - Today I'm glad to announce that I am wearing my beloved green shoes (which, you'll remember, were NOT manufactured in the depths of The Fiery Place, like I once believed).

#6 - It reached one million degrees outside today in south GA, so that's exciting.

#7 - I am hoping ya'll are enjoying a great Tuesday!

The proof is in the letter

About 5 years ago, I went on a really cool Christian retreat for college-aged women. I loved it, and at 20 years-old, I experienced God's love being poured out onto me unlike I ever had before. One portion of the weekend found all of us girls reading surprise letters that our family and friends had written to encourage us in our walk with the Lord - and also to tell us about how much we meant to them.

It was awesome, and I received so many sweet letters which I hold very dear to this day - all of which are kept safely in my little "Heart Box" with other meaningful cards and letters from years past. Even to this day I will, from time to time, scrounge around in my box and pull out a few to read - they are priceless to me.

Seriously, if the house starts going up in flames - I am grabbing that box.

And as much as I loved all of the letters, there was one that stuck out miles above the rest.

It was written on the lines of yellow paper from a legal pad, in a handwriting that I'd recognize anywhere.


It was from my Daddy.

I pull that one out more than any other because I have found that - as a young, single woman trying to figure out who she is in this world - it is invaluable to have a father who loves you and cherishes you for exactly who you are. The implications of such spread far and wide into so many areas of a girl's life - it is a blessing that I do NOT take lightly.

I will never stop thanking God for what He has blessed me with in the Daddy Department. Big Al is the man.

I am posting this letter today in honor of Father's Day because I think it is one of the best representations of the kind of daddy I have - one who delights in his family and whose love is most certainly not just found in the pages of a well-written letter to his daughter.

(Although such a letter makes his daughter tear up every time she reads it.)

He might have penned these sweet words to me a few years back, but his love jumps from the pages everyday, and it's felt deeply and consistently as it weaves itself into every aspect of our lives.

Here's is just one of the (countless) tangible examples of why I love Big Al, and why I hope he has a wonderful Father's Day. :-)

******

Dear Jenna Babe,

In 1984 in the delivery room of the Hospital in Dublin, GA, I heard the term "shoulder lock" for the first time, and panic went through me like a knife. But within minutes your shoulders were freed and into the world you came. At that point JOY quickly overcame panic. Now it has been 20 years, and I can truly say, the joy I felt in that delivery room was no more intense that the joy you bring me everyday just having you as my daughter!

As a little girl you were a wonderfully cute little blonde with a personality that won the hearts of everyone you came in contact with. As a young teenager, your mom and I could not have been more blessed to have a daughter, who - with the help of her church leaders, school teachers, and friends - established life values, beliefs, and morals that were invincible to peer pressure and temptation.

Jenna, to say that I was proud of you during your high school years would be the biggest understatement ever. Watching you play sports was fun, seeing your excitement on prom weekends made my heart race, and when you walked up on stage to receive your diploma as an honor graduate, tears of happiness filled my eyes.

MY SWEETIE, as the years have passed, you've grown from a wonderfully cute little blonde into a wonderfully beautiful young lady! And through it all you still continue to win the hearts of everyone you come in contact with. Jenna Babe, you are a very special person! Honey, you are smart, funny, caring, giving, forgiving, and I already mentioned beautiful!

The world is definitely your oyster!

Jenna, as I said earlier in the letter, it brings me great joy having you as my daughter and being able to love you every day, but what brings me the greatest joy is your unconditional love for me! If after these 20 years, I could go back to 1984 and the Lord said I could choose anyone I wanted to be my daughter; there is no one on this earth I would choose, but YOU!

I love you, Baby, with every inch of my heart!!

******


Love you, too, Big Al. :-)

Didn't see that one comin'

In case the picture of The Precious left you wondering, my friend Marsha is a photographer.


Picture: Circa Lake Weekend 09

She is working on her little business, and I am so glad that I now have an amazingly talented, built-in photographer for all of my photographic needs. (Cause one day, homegirl is gonna catch that bouquet - know what I'm sayin?)

Anyways, a while back we started her up a little blog to put some of her pictures on until she gets a fancy website up and going. It had been forever since we updated it, so I went over to her house yesterday evening to work on it.

Here is a little tidbit of info that will help you on your journey through this post. You NEVER know what to expect when you walk through the door at the Hagan home.

Ok, let's proceed.

So I walk in the house babbling about how I just talked to the guy outside that was working on their cars, and how he is just the nicest guy. Something along the lines of, "I like Kenny, he is just so nice. He is my friend...."

When all of the sudden I rounded the corner and all of that talking turns into something like this, "Bwahahahahahahahahaha!" See below.


I came to find out that Marsha's hair guy (Patrick - we love Patrick) was in town (he moved away to Charleston, the big loser) and had come out to the house to cut and color Marsha's hair. So after we stopped laughing, I of course took about 20 foil-filled pics (none which were approved for blog postage), and then I went upstairs to work on the blog.

A little while later, as I sat upstairs computerizng (whilst singing to some Sugarland at the top of my lungs - sorry Jake), I heard my name being called downstairs.

When I got to the bottom, I became witness to the magic that is Patrick.


"That looks so good!" I raved. I mean look at that color.




As we all stood around in the kitchen talking, I think I made a comment about how I was ready to get my hair cut. To which Patrick responded with something along the lines of, "Um, yeah, what is going on with your hair, girl?"

"Well, I got it cut at the end of April...but I was going to just wait til next month, but I don't really know (decisions: not my thing)...does it look bad?"

Patrick flips me around, runs his fingers around in my hairs and says, "You should let me cut it."

And let me just tell you, when Patrick speaks we listen.

I don't really remember what happened next, but all of a sudden this is where I found myself...


And then happily here!


Right before he started cutting, Patrick said, "Ok, so are you ok with how short I want to go?"

I thought a minute and replied, "Patrick, I give you free reign. Do with me what you will."

BEST DECISION OF MY LIFE. (After accepting Jesus, of course).

Let's break for a moment and look at Patrick's cool tattoo.


End result making me SOOOOOOOOOOO happy. Seriously.


The back of my head is ridiculous.


Thanks so much Patrick!

I'm actually not desperate

The other night I was mulling around on Facebook, when I noticed someone had put up new pictures of the wedding I attended a couple weeks ago.

Always up for reliving the joys of fun gone by, I started clicking through the album.

I saw pictures of the gorgeous bride - smiling as she posed with guests and family members alike.

I saw pictures of the groom - decked out in his tux.

I saw pictures of friends - laughing and basking in the romance of the evening.

I saw pictures of the couple's first dance - so presh.

I saw pictures of them cutting the cake - a moment of silence was observed in honor of the red velvet.

Then...I saw a picture from the bouquet toss.


Upon further examination, I noticed something that made me laugh out loud for approximately 3.5 minutes.


Seriously, Jenna?


Have some shame, girlfriend!

(P.S. I didn't catch it) ;-)

Whatever Wednesday

My girl Larsen emailed me this little Bucket List/Survey thing yesterday. She is always forwarding me fun stuff, including a "Thought of the Day" every single day.

It makes me happy within.

I thought this particular forward might be a fun to complete for a little Whatever Wednesday post.

I was right! Enjoy, good people.

Your Bucket List - Place an (x) by all the things you've done in your life thus far.

() Been to Europe

(X) Been on a cruise

() Gone on a blind date

(X) Skipped school

(X) Watched someone die

() Been to Canada

() Been to Mexico

(X) Been to Florida (St. Augustine, I heart you with all that I am)

(X) Been on a plane

(X) Climbed a lighthouse

(X) Swam in the ocean

(X) Cried yourself to sleep (I mostly cry myself awake - the tears are directed to the alarm)

() Seen the Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C.

(X) Played cops and robbers (I have a brother - I'm sure I was forced to at some point)

() Flown a plane

() Owned a boat

() Watched grandchildren grow

(X) Recently colored with crayon (As you know, Brannen and Will bring color to my life - sometimes via Crayola)

() Been to the Kentucky Derby (I just want to wear the hats)

() Been to Key West

() Been to a rodeo

(X) Sang Karaoke (It is my heritage)

(X) Paid for a meal with coins only (the Tyson girls have no shame when it comes to
this)

(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't

(X) Made prank phone calls (Sent many people off to catch their refrigerators back in middle school)

(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose

(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue

(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus

() Been kissed under the mistle toe (How about letting that be a goal for Christmas 2009!?!?)

(X) Watched the sunrise with someone

() Seen the green flash at sunset (Why do I not know what this is?)

(X) Blown bubbles

(X) Gone ice-skating (Aww, that makes me want to)

(X) Gone to the movies? (It is my heritage)

() Owned a convertible? (Never owned one personally, but I've ridden a lot of miles in the Debster’s little green Stang she's had since I was in 6th grade)

Now Answer the Questions Below:

1. Any nicknames? Jenna Babe (er'body) , Jenna Bird (Marsha), JBug (Larsen), Bean (college peeps), JT (spatterings of people throughout the years)

2. Mother's name? The Debster

3. Body Piercing? Ears

4. How much do you love your job? THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSS much

5. Birthplace? Dublin, GA

6. Been to Hawaii? No, let’s go!

7. Ever been to Africa? No, let’s go! (Alan and Deb just had simultaneous heart attacks)

8. Ever eaten just cookies for dinner? I can’t remember such an incident, but I am willing to do it for the good of this survey.

9. Ever been on TV? Probably local coverage for sports stuff in high school (do not take that to mean I was athletic – let’s us remember the recent Ski Failure of ‘09). I have been on the BIG SCREEN though! I need to do a post on my movie career.

10. Ever steal any traffic signs? One of my old roommates stole the street sign off the road we lived on in college. Then, I stole it from her. HaHAAAA

11. Ever been in a car accident? Let’s just say my first years behind the wheel were eventful. I have only totalled one car though. (Somewhere in the distance, Big Al is shaking his head in defeat).

12. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 4

13. Favorite number? 1234 (Seriously – and you know there’s a story about that for another time).

14. Favorite movie? Steel Magnolias

15. Favorite holiday? Christmas (followed closely by Thanksgiving, Easter, Valentine’s Day, Labor Day, St. Patrick's, Groundhog Day, April Fool's, Your Birthday...I like to celebrate good times, come on)

16. Favorite dessert? Anything chocolate, and on special occasions - my grandmother’s caramel cake (oh my lands – now I want THAT for dinner)

17. Favorite food? SANDWICHES

18. Favorite day of the week? FriSatSunday

19. Favorite brand in cars? No preference because I am a girl

20. Favorite smell? I can’t smell

21. How do you relax? Laugh laugh laugh

22. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Married, babies, still loving this little life o' mine.

23. Furthest place you will send this message? I don’t know, tell me where you’re from!

How the Lake was Fun: Part Two

There are a lot of ways to spend a Saturday morning. Sometimes one can sleep in, sometimes one must get up to do errands or rise earlier than normal for an engagement of some sort. But sometimes, just sometimes, a person gets the opportunity to wake up, walk outside, and see this...


And I am glad and thankful to say I got to be that person this past Saturday. Sometimes the stars just align.

I was also excited to be spending the day with these little ladies.


We nicknamed Sissy (left with pizza) M.E.G. It stands for Most Eatingest Girl because, my friends, that girl can put away some food. And she is tiniest person I know. I pretty much hate her - in a loving kind of way.

Once we all made it down to the dock, we loaded up in the boat. Matthew and Jake started the day off right with a little tubing action. It is fun to watch people on the tube. I especially like it when they scream bloody murder (not pictured).


Sissy was pumped to take a turn on the tube with the fellas.


And then I got in on the action. I love the way Sissy is totally giving the thumbs up in this picture (not holding on at all), when all I can remember is thinking, "Hang on or die."


I really think boats and water give people a special kind of happiness.


Matthew showing us all his skillz on water. Please notice that he is on ONE ski. A concept which my body and mind will never understand.


Here is my favorite child, Jake, skiing his little athletic heart out. What we didn't realize is that while he dazzled us with his talents in water sports, he was also hosting a little Gun Show. Check out those muscles!


After some good times on the water, it was time to go up and eat. We were all pretty excited.


Marsha's husband, Greg, served as executive chef this trip and his lunch specialty was sandwiches. I think we all know my sentiments about sandwiches - and we all concluded that food just tastes better at the lake. A phenomenon we were happy to reap the benefits of.

The kids took our lunch break as an opportunity to play a little Uno. Or in this case, Cinco.


My main man.


Before heading back out on the water, we found these two stow-aways reading their books. Apparently someone forgot to send out a memo to the dork population that it is SUMMER vacation. Oh well, I still thoroughly enjoy those little nerds.


THE life, I tell you.


Pretty soon it was time to get back out there and show that lake what we're made of!

But first a special thanks to the sponsor of this trip - The Gregster. Fearless leader/boat captain/sandwich maker/steak cooker.


Sissy took a turn on skiing. She had never been on skies before, mind you, and got up on the second try. Worked it like a pro for the duration of the trip.


I also attempted to ski, but we shan't be discussing that. It was not pretty and it did not end well. Let's just say my arms were sore for days - and it was all in vain. Success did not visit me that day.

Jake on the other hand....


I would like to take a moment to introduce you to Marsha's camera - lovingly referred to as The Precious. Let's use that in a sentence, shall we? "You no touchy The Precious." The Presh documented the fun. We stand in awe of The Presh.


Sadly, at some point, the day had to come to a close!

But not before I could get in the obligatory pic of me and my girl Mar Mar, who incidentally is my skin-tone opposite.


Saturday evening was filled with visiting and food (steaks and baked potatoes) and of course, Smores! It is mandatory when any of Marsha's Mellows are around. Marlee headed up the mission and after Jake and Ashley got our fire going...


...we concluded the trip in the most perfect way possible.


There we have it! Thanks to the Hagans for a great weekend and also for giving me their lake house and boat. So Sweet!

They are good people, I tell ya. ;-)

How the Lake was Fun: Part One

I had a very fun and exciting, yet extremely relaxing weekend.

And before I tell you all about it, I would just like to extend a warning at this time. Because while I think we all know what happens when I have a fun weekend, I want you to be prepared for the volume of pictures and commentary you are about to witness.

I have decided to break it into 2 parts so that my blog will not become so full of pictures and words that it loses the will to live and completely self destructs.

I not sure that could really happen, but what do I know - I just work here.

So I give you, Part Uno. :-)

Earlier in the week, I received an invite by Marsha to hit up their lake house with them this weekend. I researched how many different ways there are to say YES and then answered her in a timely fashion.

So once the clock struck 5 on Friday afternoon, I loaded up with these thugs below and headed off to enjoy life the way God intended.


In the back we have Marlee and Matthew, and in the forefront we have two of our little Bible study girls - Ashley and Sissy. A fun group of youngins, indeed.

We made a couple of essential stops on the way. Stop One was for gas.


Let us never pass up an opportunity to photograph. That is the thesis of my life's essay.

Ash and I patiently waiting...


I know the words on the bottom of the mirror are hard to see, but they read, "Dimples on people in mirrors are larger than they appear." Whoa. Some happy individual was big time cheesing.

Second Stop - Mexican. Because it's the right thing to do.

Hola mis chipas. Come to Mama. (We had a moment, the chips and I).


Sissy y Juanita (high school Spanish name) were muy happioso.


As were Marlena y Matteo


After we stuffed ourselves to near death, we got back on the road where Mar Mar took us the distance.


She is practicing some long distance driving before she goes off to college next year. (Unfortunately for her, we're actually not letting her go to college - please don't tell her).

We finally made it to the lake where the Jakester was waiting on us. We were all pretty happy to be there, as is displayed on the faces of our boys.


For the rest of the night we sat rocking and/or swinging on the lovely screened in porch. Chatting, laughter, visions of the coming day o' sun - I could have died that night a happy woman.

But, I have to say - I am glad I lived to see another day because Saturday was some KINDA fun.

To be continued...

Some people just like words

The other day Mama and I were sitting in the kitchen eating some dinner when Big Al called.


He and Deb talked for a few minutes, and about halfway through the convo, Mama busted out laughing (as most people at some point do whilst having a conversation with Daddy).


Seriously, people, I'm trying to help ya'll understand - the man ain't right.


When she got off of the phone, I asked her what he said because 1.) I am nosey and 2.) I like to have my hand in all the goings-on of the Tyson homestead.

She then informed me that she laughed because Daddy was telling her how he had been trying to leave work for the past hour, but had a client in his office that would not stop talking.

"I could not get out of there," he had told her. "That boy could talk the ears off a brass monkey."


(That's when Deb had laughed).

(That's when I laughed at the re-telling).

(That's when Deb started laughing again because I was laughing and she likes to be like me).


When we finally settled down (heads shaking at what a mess the patriarch of our family is), I took a moment to make a joke of my own regarding the aforementioned Alanism.

"That 'talk the ears off a brass monkey' thing should so be my personal tagline."

I expected Deb to begin laughing again and follow it quickly by a sweet little spill about how that was SO untrue. I figured she'd tell me to hush and to realize every word I say is precious and valuable and not at all long-winded/unnecessary.

Instead I hear, "Yeah, it really should."

(Head jerk in her direction) "MAMA!"

(That's when we the laughing took over our lives).

Apology from the sole

Dear Shoes I Once Accused of Being Made by the Devil,

Hey there, my little green friends.


Please accept the following letter as my sincere apology.

A while back Marlee shunned you and gave you to me. I know I made a huge deal about how cute ya'll were and how much I loved ya'll - only to turn around and publicly humiliate you both by saying you were the most hurtful, uncomfortable shoes ever created in the history of shoe-kind. And how I would rather cut off my feet than EVER wear you again.

Seriously, that was harsh - even though your soles were soaked with my blood at the time.

Well as ya'll know, the other day I saw you from across the room and had an unshakable desire to wear you. Ya'll were just the right addition to my outfit for the day, and I mourned the fact that you would never leave the house again.

Then, I had an epiphany.

As I stood there barefoot, a thought occurred to me. You see, I have lost a little weight in the past couple of months - nothing drastic, but enough for my pants and shirts to be fitting a little better.

So in that moment, with that in mind, I dared to dream....could it be that my feet had lost weight, too? Could my SHOES actually be fitting better if I'd only give them a chance?

I looked down to assess the situation. I swore in that moment my toes looked skinnier.

I knew I was possibly getting my hopes up (not to mention endangering the feet that have carried me through the last 25 years), but I did it - I braced myself for the pain, and I tried you on.

My grimaced face melted into a smile as I realized nails and daggers were not shooting into my foot from every angle.

My heart leapt as I walked downstairs, fixed my lunch, and walked to the car. My excitement grew as the day wore on and I realized my pain level was at a zero. Was I walking on a cloud? I could not tell.

I would look down throughout the work day, happy as a lark that you were with me. That you were adding that something special to my outfit, and that you were not ferociously biting me as I, in my fat-footed ignorance, once claimed you did.

So I am so sorry, green shoes. I know now the pain was not intentional and that you were not created in the depths of hades with the sole purpose of trying to get people to never wear shoes again.

Please accept my deepest apology, along with my most sincere appreciation for all you are now doing to help my feet be the cutest they can be.

All our love,

Jenna, her Left Foot, and her Right Foot

Getting our pop on

Earlier in the week, Ashley asked me if I would be interested in keeping the little men on Thursday. My schedule was clear and my desire was intense - which, in babysitting mathematics, constitutes a big YES.

A little later in the week, Ash sent me a text saying the boys had really been wanting to go to her mom's pool after school one day - would I mind taking them there for a little bit before we journeyed home?

I said sure, and was very excited. Until Thursday afternoon when gale force winds and torrential rains entered our lives.

When I picked the boys up, the first thing Will asked me was, "Are we going schwimming at SaSa's pool??"

"Well, I don't know, buddy" I said. "Let's look outside and you tell me what you think."

Eyes avert to the window. Downtrodden face averts back to Jenn Jenn.

"It's ok, babe. We will totally think of something else fun to do."

"Yeah, and I know what it's gonna be! A pah-corn pah-ty!"

"Oh yeah, dude, good call. I like where your heads at."

Popcorn Parties were first created as last ditch effort to save the day when things started going south in a hurry. We broke the rules, ate with reckless abandon (or strict rules threatened by punishment if they dropped any on the floor or spilled their drink, but whatever), and they just loved it.

So yesterday, we got home and, as luck would have it, the rains stopped. So Will took part in a little afternoon bike ride until it was time for the popcorn.

I'm not sure who this little girl with flowing, golden ringlets is. She rode up on her bike and taunted me with her hair.


By the way, we ride bikes in our underwear. It's less restricting.


When we got back inside, Will wanted to show me his end-of-the-year scrapbook from preschool, so we sat on the kitchen floor and I Oohed and Ahhed as he flipped every page.


Once, with his hand ready to turn the next page he said, "Oh Jenn Jenn, I fink you are gonna like this next one." Then he flipped to a picture they had created of their family tree.


Wait a minute, who is that in the middle??


Will, you are right, I fink I REALLY like that one. It's so awesome being a part of your fam-a-wee.

Ok enough of this make-my-heart-explode stuff...let's get to the Pah-corn!

Here is will opening the goods for us. It took forever because I kept letting him run around the house with the scissors.


Just kidding, DFCS, just kidding. It was more like a light jog.

Set up and ready! And oh-so-happy. Just the way I like 'em.


Lord, help me. Re: pic below.


After everyone got their fill, it was time to snuggle up and watch a movie.


Oh yeah baby, we all cheers to that!


And I'll cheers to a GREAT night with my favorite little sweet and funny dudes!

SAM I Am (in love with you)

Yesterday at work, I received a text from Marsha that read...

"You are awesome. I want to be like you in every way."

Well, it was kind of like that except she didn't say I was awesome, nor did she mention that she wanted to be like me. She did however ask if I would be interested in going to Sam's in Savannah when I got off of work.

Not as heartfelt, but exciting just the same.

I texted back a very quick YES, and so a plan for my evening was born.

The thought of Sam's was making me happy because, you see, in the last month or two - since becoming gainfully employed - I have become quite the number cruncher. I am budgeting and figuring out all this money stuff, and in doing that have become VERY interested in the savings portion of my ghetto list I keep of all my purchases.

The one with my expenditures scrawled out on notebook paper with a highlighting system that even I haven't quite figured out yet.

Apparently I get high off of highlighting random totals and numbers and sometimes even headings.

It is very fancy in a financial kind of way.

I had actually been thinking recently that I wanted to go with Marsha to Sam's (she's a card holder) to see if they had any of the items I frequently purchase; therefore providing me an opportunity to get my save on.

So needless to say I was pumped to spend the first evening of June paving the way to saving some dolla dolla bills, ya'll.

And I was also excited of course to spend time with this young lad and his mama. Tis always a pleasure.


By the time we got to Sam's I was pretty excited. The Bulk World was my oyster, and it felt nice.

We walked around to all the departments and it was all fun and games until we got to the boating/lake stuff section. Marsha and her fam have a lake house, and they were on search for smaller, more girly life vests. We found some and I offered to try them on.

I wish I had warned my self-esteem before proceeding.

I am not sure if these were mini vests or what, but I could help but sing out, "Fat girl in a little coat....." (Tommy Boy anybody?) as I tried on each of the teeny life jackets - none of which would even think about zipping.


We all laughed heartily as I sang. Well I did at least. Jake was embarrassed and looked more horrified than amused. I understood. It's hard seeing a "Fat girl in a little coat..."

Later as we scrolled the book section, I heard Marsha say, "Aww, Jenna, did you make the cover of this one???" And as I looked over, I saw that she was holding the book she assumed was written about me.


Then she busted out laughing because she gets tickled at herself easily. She finds herself hilarious, and thankfully so does her inner circle.

Then Jake found his personal memoir, so that was exciting.


After I took this picture, I made sure to beat him up until he cried. I wanted to give him something to draw from for the second edition.

Other activities while in the store included testing summer lounge chairs.


And modeling summer lounge wears.


Then it was time for business. The grocery department. Where a kid can be a kid. Or where an adult can be an adult, as the case may be.


Buying all that food in bulk made us really hungry so it was off to Macaroni Grill, where I created this lovely depiction of what I was about to do to some poor innocent chicken.


After our bellies were full, we took one last shot of Ebony & Ivory, and then we headed home for the night.


See ya next month, Sammy!

WAY more than anyone ever needed to know about my fun weekend :-)

I had a really good Monday and I think a lot of it had to do with being high on life thanks to my awesome weekend.

(That and a trip to Sam's which will soon get it's own post at a later time.)

But for now, let's take a look back at another weekend for the memories books.

Here is a VERY un-brief look at my favorite parts of Mel's wedding weekend.

*Getting to Bri and Earle's on Friday night - walking into their house is like going home. I am fond of those two.

*Chatting with Lindsay on the phone as I made my way in. She was a little bit in front of me so she had stopped to get us a "treat." Chick-fil-a ice cream, I do love you so. Linnie Marie, I do love you so.

*Investigating the oh-so-cute wedding guest gift baskets left on our beds.


*Sitting on the bed catching up with Lin before getting the "we're downtown, come meet us" call from Bri and the gang.


*Coming back to the house for some late night chatting with Brittany, Linds, and another friend, Brooke. I wish there was a professional chatter job I could get. I would OWN that vocation.

*Having a little Jelly Bean taste-off with Linds before heading to bed. I'm terrible by the way. I have the worst sense of smell and when I tell people that the next question is always, "Can you taste?" According to the jelly beans, no, I cannot.


*Laying in the dark on my little tundrel bed talking with Lindsay like we used to do when we were roommates living in the same room. Back before adulthood came and stole our joy. (Oh I kid, but I do miss living in the same town/room as that girl).

*Getting up the next morning and being reminded of how awesome my friends are. Example one: Earle "The Muffin Man" Tanner had prepared some goodness for all to enjoy.


Example Two: Bri's bucket of edible essentials for our snacking pleasure (the fridge was also full of Diet Coke because that Bri - she loves me.)


*After Bri and Brooke headed off to the salon with the other bridesmaids, grabbing lunch with Lin our old stomping ground. She shares my deep and abiding love for SW. God love her.


*Heading over to the salon after we ate to watch all the girls get pretty. Including the bride herself!


*Being sent to run some last minute errands for the bride, including one that took us to the gorgeous reception site. Yay for sneak peaks.


*Getting back to the salon and hanging out with our peeps. Two of our faves being Brittany and Mer, of course.


*Marveling at Bri's cute new hair cut. She is my hair idol.


*Getting to be in the same place with these two crazy loons.


*Posing for some pics with Linds and our friend Annette once it was finally wedding time. If there were bubbles over our heads displaying what we were thinking, they would have been saying "Party Time!" And mine would have also said, "How long til the cake?"


*Watching the beautiful wedding (no flash photography allowed), hearing the gorgeous music, and watching Mel and Allen tie the knot. In the end, he kissed a girl and he liked it.

*Catching a peak of a little first dance action (I would have gotten more pictures but this portion of the wedding coincided with us sitting down to eat, so you know, priorities). But aren't they sweet?


*Gazing lovingly at my CFF (Cake Friend Forever).


*Snapping pics of the bride and her friends.


*Posing for pics with some lovely ladies. Rachel (far left) was one of the vocalists and I later petitioned pretty hard for her to record a CD for me to have in my car and sell to people far and wide. Her music moves me.


Dancing. Oh my at the dancing. (Bri and Earle slow dancing - the calm before the "get down" storm, if you will). So cute.


*Walking around the reception, visiting with people I hadn't seen in a while, and running out to dance when a good song came on. It had been a while since I have danced like that. Jenna got her groove back in a few short moments though, so it was all good.

*Stopping long enough to eat some of the awesome cake. Somehow I ended up with the largest piece of cake in the history of mankind (about twice as big as Lin's shown below - it was MASSive). I faced this challenge with strength and determination, and I took that cake for everything it was worth. The fondant didn't even see it coming.


*Watching Bri's crazy parents dance! An all time favorite pasttime of mine. They drop it like it's hot and until you see Mr. Jerry get low with Shorty - you have yet to live.


*Spending sweet moments with sweet friends throughout the night.


*Enjoying the funny moments like Earle taking our picture....


... and when Lindsay's feet threatened to fall off if she did not take off her heels. Bri went on a search for flip flops and all she could find were these.


*Did I mention sweet time with sweet friends?


*Hanging out with these two love birds - they are next up for wedded bliss. Can't WAIT til September when they tie the knot.


*Lining the path with all the other guests before lighting sparklers and seeing off the bride and groom. Rach and our other friend Brittany getting ready to get their sparkle on. Britt was the other vocalist at the wedding. Seriously girls - I want a cd with your voices in my car as soon as possible. Don't make me get rowdy.


*Observing Rachel's concentration as she constructed her Sparkler Game Plan.


*Wondering how many sparklers it would take to set an entire wedding reception site ablaze.


*Waving goodbye to the bride and groom as they hopped in their limo. Next stop: St. Lucia. Too bad my jealousy will now stand in the way of me ever speaking to them again.


*Having the band keep on playing after the guests of honor hit the road. That is when the REAL fun began, let me tell you.


*Walking off the dance floor at the end of the night out of breath and thinking, "Man, my legs feel tight." (And spending the next two days walking around like a 90 year old woman due to the soreness. I think the main culprit was The Cupid Shuffle.)

*Getting back to Bri's after the wedding and sitting on the beds with Lin, Mer, and Annette - just chatting some more into the early morning hours.

*Laughing at Earle and his midnight snack of a dozen mini-muffins. That boy ain't right.


*Sleeping in the next morning, then getting up, dressed, and packed - and hugging my buds as we went our separate ways.

Needless to say, I was - as always - sad to see the weekend come to an end. But so thankful for sweet and funny friends, and already looking forward to next time!

Happy Monday!

My weekend getaway, which involved attending Mel's wedding AND reuniting with my gang, was QUITE enjoyable. And fear not - I have an obscene amount of pictures that I will be sharing soon.

I try to average about 10 pictures per hour.

And I am prepared to share all 48 hours worth of photographic memories.

Some of the pics are of sweet, hilarious, hospitable friends who always open up their house for their peeps to stay...


Other pics involve food so good that, when being consumed, caused the eater to begin constructing plans to build a time machine in order to go back and experience it again...


And, of course, there are pics that may not ever make it to a frame, but we enjoy them just the same...


To be continued...