these are the days

Lay it on 'em thick

2009-11-06T10:51:00.002-05:00

There are no two ways about it, friends.

It was ugly two weeks ago at App State.

But, in true Eagle form we are going to pick ourselves up, dust off our battered feathers, and get back in the game.

Big Al, of course, has a few thoughts on the matter. And he would be honored to share them with you at this time. Enjoy!

GO EAGLES! (Please, pretty please) BEAT SAMFORD!

Identifying Info

2009-11-04T16:55:00.006-05:00

Name: Debbie

Nicknames: Mama, The Debster, Deb, Mama Babe, Debra D, Double D

Birth Date: November 4th!!!!!!!

Married To: Big Al

Favorite Son: Matthew

Favorite Daughter: Jenna Babe

Talents: Random Acts of Kindness, Showing love, Critiquing movies, Making potpourri on the stove, Laying out on the beach from sunrise to sunset, Clearing a room while singing on her husbands Karaoke machine

Non-talents: Lying, Remembering things

Loves: God, Husband, her children, friends, her job, THE OCEAN, The GSU Eagles, Cool Whip, Twilight (!!!), Paula Deen's dressing recipe, Football, Birthday Cake, Holidays, Pizza, Good smelling candles, Diet Coke, E!, Reading, Her bright-as-the-sun-yellow GSU blanket, Laughing

Hates: People messing with her babies, People talking during Grey's Anatomy (i.e. Big Al), Being cold

Signature Sayings: LOL2, Heavens to Mergatroid!, I love you, Jenna can I borrow _______.

Claims to fame: Recently made her film debut in a 12 minute student film & Once saw Forrest Whitaker in a restaurant in LA.

Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, Going to every movie Hollywood ever created, Beth Moore Bible studies, Decorating for every holiday between Halloween and Easter

Goals: To live happily ever after with her family and (one day) a bunch of grandbabies

Who she reminds me of: My Nannye (her mama)

Who wants to be like just like her: ME

Who loves her: EVERYONE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAMA! LOL2!

Halloween '09: I laughed my mask off!

2009-11-03T18:25:00.005-05:00

Halloween was on my good list this year.

Marlee has been hosting a Halloween party for the last few years, but for whatever reason I had never been in town to go. So I was very excited that I would be available this year because word on the street was this party was where it's at. And it did not disappoint.

I went over to the Hagans that afternoon to help with party prep and was forced into the kitchen. Now, for the record, I will contend forever that I am a good cook - I just never actually do it.

The main reason being, um - Jenna, party of one.

But as my wise mother always says, if you can read a recipe you can cook.

(In an unfortunate Halloween twist, this theory would later be dispelled - but it is a nice thought, generally speaking).

So here is where I spent the afternoon. Be warned, that the picture you are about to see may be frightening and unfit for children under 30.

That's Tara holding the Easy button that Marsha's husband Greg brought in for me. Haha hee hee ho ho.

There are 100,000 comedians out of work, but everyone around here is trying to be funny.

What Greg didn't know is that the fastest way to get me to screw something up is to tell me it's easy.

In all honesty, there really weren't any catastrophes.

The only sketch thing that happened was that I accidentally put both packages of meat (that were both handed to me at the same time with the words "OK HERE, NOW BROWN THE MEAT" fyi) into the Tortilla Soup.

Which wasn't a problem until it was time to cook the chili.

Meat free chili, anyone?

Thankfully there was an extra package of meat in the freezer so we didn't have to go all vegetarian that night.

(Email me if you would like the recipe for JT's Extra Extra Meaty with Extra Meat Tortilla Soup).

Sometimes while I cook I like to pretend I am on the Food Network. It is very entertaining. - just ask my audience.

Marlee and Matthew made the Banana Pudding which in hindsight might have been a better task for mini-Martha over there at the stove.

While many preparations were happening inside, there was much to do outside as well. Tara, Matthew, and Marls worked tirelessly to hang a big white sheet in the barn. Marsha was setting up to take pics of all the kids at the party. It was very high tech and photographer-y.

The decorations around the barn were hard core and really helped set the scene to be scared out of your everliving mind.

And before we knew it, it was time to get dressed.

Marlee and a bunch of her people were the cast of Mario Kart. So funny. Marlee made all of the carts and did such a great job!

She will go off to college next year, and I am suggesting Cart Maker for a major. I think there is a future there.

Marlee went as Toad. LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL.

Mario and Toad getting ready for the big Hallows Eve race.

Even Phoebe got into the spirit. Everyone please welcome Skele-Phoebes! She is so hood.

And then of course there was this.

Let me just say, I found out this costume was out in the barn about 5 minutes before the party started. It was on loan with a box full of other costumes, and when I put it on I knew this was the costume I was created to wear.

I felt like Fat Monica from Friends, and I danced just like her all night long. You have never made people laugh until you have made them laugh while booty dancing in a fat suit. It is priceless in more ways that I can count.

Check out these cuties. Sissy, Ashley, and Kendall - a few of our high school Bible study girls - were there!

Of course they wanted a pic with Lt. Phatty. This pic below makes me want a donut for some reason.

K and S have a special fondness for the camera, the likes of which I have never witnessed before. And obviously the cam loves them as well.

The Spooky Barn all ready.

The party was very fun and everyone's costumes were so cute. I didn't take very many pictures since I was busy embarrassing myself, but Marsha will post a bunch on her blog soon, and I shall direct you there at that time.

EVERYONE wanted a turn in Marsha's picture-taking set-up. Some gave their life waiting for a chance to be photographed.

She is SO good. And Marlee's party was SO fun.

Sending love, donuts, and fatgirl booty dances,

Lt. Phatty

You might have a good mama if....

2009-11-02T11:56:00.003-05:00

You randomly receive a little something like this...

With a message attached that goes a little something like this...

Personal Good Mama Assessment: A+++

Needless to say we had fun

2009-11-01T17:23:00.009-05:00

(awesome photos courtesy of the great Marsha Hagan)

Friday Randomosity

2009-10-30T12:30:00.004-04:00

A few thangs:

-Blog break to get caught up on life = Fail.

I have issues. I could list them all and all the reasons I did not really accomplish my goals this week but in reality it would just say, "I am a loser." It's been a good week, just not a To-Do List conquering week as previously planned. Oh well.

-No Big Al commercial this week. The Eagles are off.

Funny commercial related story: An App State fan got a hold of last week's video link and apparently passed it around to all of Boone, NC. The video now has over 1000 hits, and I have no less than 25 comments from App State fans in my inbox (I moderated comments on my youtube page, so they are just for us to enjoy, haha).

The comments are all along the lines of, "We smoked ya'll" or "GSU sucks" or some other more colorful message about how they dominated us and how they are God's gift to football or whatever.

We even had a couple calling Big Al a hillbilly and a moron, and we have laughed our little selves silly reading them all. We even called my brother and read them all the him.

Family bonding at it's finest.

And while this incident has made my disdain for Crap State all the more fierce, Big Al (the voice of reason in our crowd) did say as a response, "Well if we had beat them as bad as they beat us, I'd be talking like that too."

-This week is Red Ribbon Week so we have been able to wear jeans to work everyday! It has made me exponentially happy on many deep and meaningful levels. Mainly the level of not have to worry about figuring out what to wear. I will mourn the loss of this week come Monday.

-There was a flu shooting at my work yesterday and I was unexpectedly wounded. I had not planned on getting a flu shot, but that's the good thing about working at a hospital - the flu shots come to you and they are free.

I have never had a flu shot before, but all went well (i.e. no passing out) and the only weird moment was when they asked me if I was allergic to eggs??? I know there is a medical purpose to this question, but since I opted out of med school, I felt it was completely random.

In related news, I ate an egg sandwich for dinner last night.

-Marlee is hosting her annual Halloween party on Saturday and I am concerned that it is Friday and I still have no costume. I have had some suggestions, but none to my liking and I am afraid I am going to end up going as The Lame Girl with No Costume. Ideas are welcomed.

I want to go as a giant sub sandwich, as suggested by my friend Lin, but sadly there is no time to construct such an AMAZING costume idea.

I told Marsha I wanted to go to as that and she stated flatly, "You are weird." Maybe I could go as a Kettle and she could go as a Pot - and she could call me "black."

-I am thinking about making cake balls tonight for the party tomorrow. We'll see what my mental state is a 5 when I get off. I may not be able to emotionally handle a shopping trip - although I am sure no one will be at Walmart at 5 on the Friday before Halloween.

-Speaking of Friday, YAY.

-Happy Weekend and Happy Halloween!

The shot heard 'round the town

2009-10-27T10:20:00.004-04:00

Well, that didn't take long!

So less than 24 hours after declaring my week-long blog retirement, I am back.

I am not shocked because, well, I know me - but I really am only doing it because something monumental happened, and I have no power to wait until next week to announce it.

And as those of us who blog about our lives know - our blogs are not ours alone.

They also, in a way, belong to those who make life worth writing about - and they serve as a way to also document the lives of those we love.

And a BIG thing happened to one I love, and he deserves to have it announced.

Jake "The Man" Hagan KILLED HIS FIRST DEER.

Now, I do not hunt because what about the phrase "give Jenna a gun" sounds safe to you? But Jake loves to hunt with his grandaddy, and he has been working tirelessly for some time in efforts to take out his first deer.

I got a call yesterday evening announcing that The Man had taken The Gun and shot The Deer. So I raced over to the house to capture the big moment.

He shot a 4-point buck white tail with a nice-sized body. I have no idea if that is correct deer-talk. Jake? Help a sista out.

Meanwhile, here is the proud hunter and his bounty. That thing was huge!

And here they are with Papa - the man who helped make it all possible.

Jake's dad, Greg, and sister, Phoebe, were anxiously waiting outside when Papa, Jake, and Bambi pulled up. Everyone was so excited and proud. Is that a tear I see in Phoebe's eye?

Being killed really takes a lot out of a deer, so he decided to put his feet up and relax a while.

If you are squeamish, please disregard all that blood. Pretend it's ketchup. Also, repeating the phrase, "Be strong, be strong" can help someone not pass out while looking at such a scene. Not that I personally know anything about that.

"I lead a good life." -Bambi

Cute Phoebes was taking it all in. She had a worried look on her face, as if to say, "Will this happen to me if I keep using the bathroom on Marsha's new carpet?"

One more shot of the proud deer-killing Hagan men.

CONGRATS, JAKE!

Holla

2009-10-26T13:58:00.003-04:00

I'm not really a planner, so to speak.

I mean don't get me wrong, I have a planner.

And I was really excited about it when I first got it.

And I'd be really excited again if I could just find it.

I have noticed that since I became employed last March, the number of things that would get crossed off a to-do list (if I had a planner to write them in) has drastically decreased.

There just seems to be more to do and less time to do it.

Thank you, adulthood. I appreciate all you are doing to make me crazy.

(And to think! I am just one little person only responsible for myself. The words "Learning Process" and "Prep for the Future" come to mind).

I have been burdened lately by my apparent inability to get things done in life. I have good intentions but between work, obligations throughout the week, and a good dose of procrastination at every turn - I am spiralling out of control. For example.

My car is a disaster area.

My living area would make your mama cry.

My very organized budgeting system peaced-out a while back.

There are things I need at Walmart, things I need to take back to Walmart (among other establishments - buyer's remorse, you haunt me).

My inbox is packed to the gill with messages that need to be replied to or erased.

(I am going to have to stop soon, this list is depressing me)

There are also so many things that I actually enjoy doing that are falling by the wayside, much to my dismay.

I have thank-you notes that are begging to be written.

I can't even talk about how many days I am behind on my Beth Moore Bible study. It pains me.

My "To Call" list is a mile long with the names of dear pals I need to catch up on life with.

And so on and so forth.

Sorry, Jenn - the phrase "transitional period" is not longer applicable to you. Move along.

So last night, I decided it was time to find my inner planner and get myself together.

And I am planning to use this week to get all caught up on life.

In order to do that, I am going to go on a little hiatus from a couple of things that zap my time.

The main thing being this little blog thing that I do heart so much.

It is going to be a crazy week in the workforce and a relatively slow week in the personal life, so it is a good time.

I'm not doing a big no-computer thing and I'm sure I'll still be reading, etc. (I am kind of a free spirit when it comes to blog breaks), but my plan is to not worry about posting and to keep the computer off when I get home.

Time to fill those hours whipping my little self back into shape.

Have a good week!

Go upside the head (plus an exclusive BACKSTAGE PASS)

2009-10-23T10:10:00.004-04:00

It's that time of the week again!

Game time!

It's also time to hear what Big Al has to say about this week's Eagle match up.

Now, there is one game in particular each year that REALLY gets our blue blood boiling.

Appalachian State. (Boo and Hiss)

Eagle fans do not play when it comes to App State. Just the mention of their name can send any Eagle in a 100 mile radius into a trash-talking tailspin.

I could insert a story here about how one year in college, Lindsay and I drove to Boone for the big game with 2 of our other Eagle-lovin friends - just to be there in hopes of helping cheer on our boys to victory. And just to show you how crazed App State can make people - we actually left at like 9pm, arrived to a sleeping town in the middle of the night, and then slept on the side of a mountain in the freezing cold. We woke up to the band practicing on the field. Idiots. The boys made us do it.

But that is another story for another time.

For now I just have one thing to say - Ain't it GREAT to hate App State?!?

Here's what Al has to say about the whole thing. (And please note he has busted out his Adrian Peterson jersey for this occasion. I'm telling you people, this is big-time.)

Take it away, Al...

Oh yeah, baby! I am officially pumped.

In addition to this week's commercial, I have a little bonus for anyone interested.

It has come to my attention that I have never really explained in great detail exactly what this whole "Alan's GSU commercial" thing is all about.

So I decided to interview the man himself and let him share a behind-the-scenes look at the history of the commercials and a little about the makings of these special presentations.

GO EAGLES! Beat Crap State!

My hairs are happy

2009-10-22T22:20:00.002-04:00

A few months ago, I was at Marsha's while her friend Patrick was out there doing her hair. I was really just an innocent bystander until all of a sudden I found myself here....

Which then lead to this...

And as for today....

Thanks, Patrick! You are my hero.

No, really.

Many, many thanks from me & my many beautifully highlighted, perfectly cut hairs.

Blog meet-ups are my fave

2009-10-22T16:30:00.003-04:00

Something really exciting happened last week that I have YET to post about.

Which is so weird because procrastinating and not following through with things I want to get done (even GOOD things) is so unlike me.

Somewhere in Heaven God just looked over and gave me a narrow-eyed glance.

Anyways, a few weeks ago, my sweeeeeet blogging friend, Mandi, sent me an email saying that she and her darling little family were going to be taking a vacation and that they would driving through my area.

Then the clincher - Would I like to meet up for dinner?

Um, that was be a big YES.

Every experience I have had meeting a blog friend has been absolutely wonderful. I love it. I want to quit my job and meet every blogger in the world.

It really is a crazy little blog world we live in, and I know sometimes to the outside non-blogland people the thought of meeting and hanging out with people you only know through the Internet can sound creepy.

But the friendships that are formed really are just amazing!

And as the wise old sage Debbie once said, "All these people you have met over the blog are so awesome!"

Preach it, Deb. Pa-reach it.

So, needless to say, I was very excited to meet up with The Moseley's at the great establishment that is The Cracker Barrel last week.

I had heard that their Dillan could really put away some biscuits and macaroni and cheese and since this instantly forged an even deeper connection between D and me, I was very excited to see the boy in action.

Seriously, how cute is that little biscuit eater?? He is such a doll! Even cuter in person if that was even possible.

I met Mandi a while ago through blogging, and I just fell in love with her sweet spirit and darling family. Her blog about life and adoption and faith is so inspiring - it was honor to hug her neck!

And just like every other case of Blog Meet Up, I really felt like I had known her forever. She is just as kind and amazing as you would think, and I LOVED talking with her.

And talking we did.

We talked and talked and talked and laughed and laughed and laughed. It was awesome.

And speaking of awesome - a big, huge, special thanks goes to Mandi's wonderful husband, Howie, for entertaining the little man so the crazy blog girls could chat.

Once we looked out of the window and saw Dillan running by at the speed of light with Howie hot on his trail. It was hilarious. He is a good husband and daddy that is for sure!

Moseley's - I enjoyed meeting up with ya'll so much and I can't thank ya'll enough for stopping by and for for dinner! Let's do it again soon. :-)

And Mandi, two words. Girl's Weekend!!! (Or "Girl's Afternoon", right Howie??) Ha.

Now go forth, all you blog-people, and find a blog-friend to hug.

The Big 2-7

2009-10-21T20:43:00.007-04:00

Today is a VERY special day.

27 years ago, a VERY special young woman was born.

A woman I happen love VERY much.

Here are 27 reasons I heart Birthday Girl Bri.....

-I have no recollection of the first time I met her - it just feels like I have always known her!

-she loves her family and loves her friends

-she is loyal, and you can ALWAYS count on her to do what she says

-she has a great sense of humor, can hang with a joke, and has great comebacks that always make me LOL

-she is a great person to talk with - randomness or deepness, she's right there with ya

-she recently joined the blog world! (hello, exciting)

-she will always compliment your new hair cut or your cute shirt

-she is hardworking and very giving

-she married a really good and funny boy from my hometown

-she is a great cook (girl makes a mean poppyseed chicken)

-she has planned some gooooood post-grad trips for our friends (bout time for another Bri)

-she has a knack for falling while getting ON ski lifts

-she is honest

-she is handy and crafty and very creative

-she is a GREAT hostess and she has a beautifully decorated house that I seriously heart

-she has an eye for antiques

-she has an abnormally keen sense of smell (we made a good team in college because I have a faulty smeller)

-she has an awesome sense of style and always looks cute

-she's a tiny little thing, but don't be fooled because she is freakishly strong (she'll throw you up against a wall if you aren't careful)

-she can't spell and she lets me proofread any papers, etc

-she is an AMAZING teacher to some very lucky little 4th graders and she always shares her funny kid stories with me (again, LOL)

-she is super smart. (she's only 27 and already has her Masters in Education and is now working on another graduate degree for Administration - STAR STUDENT)

-she is one of those people who will succeed in anything they do

-she likes when I call and leave her rap songs on her voicemail (and she responds with her own rap song on a subsequent voicemail)

-she is a great role model for the kind of wife I want to be one day

-she loves Mexican food, chocolate, a nice glass of wine, The GSU Eagles, and Lifetime movies.

-she has a signature dance move all her own - I call it "The Brittany"

-she is a great planner, very organized, and can wear many hats - all while keeping her cool and being a genuinely delightful little lady despite any stress she may be experiencing

-she's easy-going and easy to please

-she had the most amazing wedding of all time, and she let me stand up there with her (will always be one of the greatest honors of my life!)

-she was a PERFECT roommate (shared food, left sweet notes, would come lay on my bed for hours talking about nothing and watching TLC)

-she is has a thankful spirit and does not take for granted all the many blessings God has entrusted to her

-she is a "lifer" friend (we'll be chasing our kids down the beach together one day, as we say)

-she is a beautiful, amazing, Godly woman whom I am proud to call one of my very favorite friends!

Happy Birthday, Bri!

Your Friend,
JT aka Leona :-)

Chicken Cups: You asked, Connie delivered

2009-10-21T09:19:00.003-04:00

They have often been called the "star of the tailgate spread."

A well-earned name, say the ones lucky enough to have consumed them.

They are The Chicken Cups.

And they bring the party to your mouth.

Here they are featured at one of last year's tailgates.

Takes me back to some good Chicken Cup times, let me tell ya.

After I posted their picture the other day, many requested the recipe. I could not deliver on that because I actually just eat the things, as opposed to having a part in their creation.

But I sent out a recipe SOS to the Conster, and she graciously supplied me with the goods.

Thanks Connie! (Picture here in between her lovely daughters)

Tex-Mex Chicken Cups

Ingredients:

2 – 2/1-2 pounds cooked chicken, chopped
Ranch dressing
Package of Wonton Wrappers (generally located in produce section)
Finely shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese
Chopped scallions - optional
Sliced black olives– optional
Chopped bellpepper – optional
Salsa
Sour Cream

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix the cooked chicken with enough ranch dressing to coat the chicken but not to be soupy. Lightly spray muffin tin with cooking spray. Press two wonton wrappers in the bottom of each tin, alternating points. Bake for about 2 -3 minutes until lightly browned. Cool and place wonton cups on a baking sheet. Fill each cup with the chicken/ranch mixture. Top with cheese and whatever other toppings you like (scallions, black olives, bellpepper, etc). Can press down lightly to “pack” cheese and toppings. Bake until golden brown (can broil for a minute or two to get cheese bubbly if desired). Serve with salsa and sour cream and enjoy! Makes about 24 chicken cups.

This post brought to you by:

Connie's Kitchen

With special thanks to:

Erk Russell for saving our football program in the 80's
All the tailgaters who still benefit from his decision here in the 2000's
Kathy, the recipe originator
Chickens everywhere
Cups everywhere
Black olives (which are not optional in my life)
Hungry people wearing blue and white
Diet Coke (never miss an opportunity to thank DC)

Sunday was a good day

2009-10-20T10:49:00.002-04:00

Several months ago a plan was formed.

This plan involved a small road trip.

And this road trip involved a car full of these crazy people.

What do these 5 women have in common?

Well a scary amount of things actually, but for the purposes of the fun Sunday recently gone by - their most notable similarity is their deep-seated love for a certain American Idol winner turned hott rock star turned Jenna's future husband.

Yes, many months ago, we found out that David Cook was going to be in Perry, GA for the state fair.

Or it's technical name, The Georgia National Fair of Perry (aka Ol' PeREE), GA.

So we decided that life just wouldn't be complete if DCook was 2 hours away and we did not get to properly yell and scream and profess our love to him.

So on Sunday we headed to the Fair.

Sufficed to say, we had more than a show dog could jump over - and that was before we ever even pulled out of Statesboro.

And it was really all over but the laughing when we finally made it to our destination.

Here we have Kathy, Connie, and Anna on the Trolley that takes lazy people to the entrance.

We would not want to expend too much energy walking - that might leave us too tired to eat fair food.

Those funnel cakes were not going to lift themselves.

JBabe, her sunglasses, and Deb enjoying the trolley ride.

It was such a beautiful day! Clear blue skies, sunny, with a brisk breeze floating through the air. It was perfect weather for walking around and seeing the sights.

We had planned to get to the Fair about 2 and walk around until the concert started at 4. But due to some time issues, once we got into the fair we only had time to grab quick bite (chicken pitas and steak gyros - we love you, you gave us the strength we needed to scream like idiots).

We were a little on the pumped side.

After we stuffed our faces at an even more accelerated speed than normal, it was time to get the arena.

The fair had been in town for 2 weeks and many other singers had performed. They wrote all of their names on the doors, but we really only cared about one.

Walking into the arena really got our hearts pumping. I really wanted to bust out right then with "Always Be My Baby" DCook style. When he sang that on AI, it pretty much sealed our love.

Anna and Deb shared in the excitement as we made our way to the front to take our seats.

But, my friends, we weren't sitting for long!

The moment he came out, we were all on our feet and as I looked down the row it made me feel so happy to see Deb, Anna, Kathy, and Connie raising their hands in the air and screaming like little school girls.

I've never loved them more than in that moment.

I really have no words to portray how awesome David was. That boy can sang sang sang.

And I know this is a family friendly blog, but I just have to say, Dave is not too bad on the eyes.

Hott + Can sing and play the guitar = Jenna Tyson Cook.

Apparently some other people in the crowd had some wedding plans for Dave. This was never more clear then when a lady a couple rows behind us took the opportunity in between songs to yell, "MARRY MY DAUGHTER!"

Just when I thought my chances were over, Deb threw her hands up in the air and yelled at the top of her lungs, "MINE TOO!!!!"

And we were back in the game!

Thanks, Mama.

This is where I wanted to post the video I shot of David singing the song "Lies" off of his album, but YouTube decided it wanted to revoke our friendship last night, so that video will have to be forthcoming.

Here is Anna taking the opportunity to grab some awesome shots.

And before we knew it, Dave was finishing up. It was bittersweet. I was really sad for him to stop playing, but I was happy for him to get off stage so that we could finally start our life together.

Thanks for a great show, David! Call me.

After the concert it was off to explore the Fair a little bit, and where else is there to go first except to see some livestock?

Anna and I with our friend Old Bessie. Bessie was obviously thrilled.

We visited some other cow friends, too.

Now, I am no cow farmer, but it seems Daisy over there might be in the need of a little assistance in the hind area. Somebody get that girl a milkmaid!

Always wanted to help, I hurried off to find assistance for the distressed animal. And luckily I came across these farm people and their cows. Surely they could be of service.

I explained the dire situation a couple stalls over, but they didn't move. Just smiled. It was awkward. But their cows sure were cute.

We walked around the Fair for a little bit longer, but since the entire state of GA seemed to be there, we didn't get to do much.

It was still fun though - how could it not be when you are hanging with these pretty ladies?

After we walked around a little bit, it was time to head back. But not without one last special treat - meeting up with Linnie!

Linds and her friend Derek were at the Fair, too!

We caught up with them for a minute, grabbed some Diet Cokes from Connie's cooler in the back (Connie, I got nothin but love for ya), and hit the road.

In conclusion to this recap of our amazing Sunday, I would like to leave you with one last image.

I lovingly entitle it: Dave, his guitar, and his biceps

Sunday.

Will live.

In our hearts.

Forever.

The C's of a good Saturday

2009-10-19T11:50:00.005-04:00

Creating and Cooking
(taste-tester JT at your service!)

Coldness!
(which can lead to an extreme need to snuggle)

Chicken
(no more Cluckin when Big Al gets a'hold to ya)

Candy Corn
(Fall, we love you and the sugar you bring us)

Connie's Chicken Cups
(try one! or 3 like, um, some people)

Chatting and Cackling
(ear drums be warned)

Cheesing!
(which can lead to Chinese eyes if you're not Careful)

Cheering and Celebrating
(Eagle Final Score: 30-20!)

My Excessive Detail Disorder is havin a major flare up

2009-10-16T19:35:00.000-04:00

I now present to you My Top 50 (I know) Most Favorite Moments of Memphis Weekend '09...

-Driving down the interstate in the dark, listening to some good music and anticipating the FUN FUN FUN times ahead.

-Contemplating whether or not to call Caroline or somehow come up with a plan to surprise her (I later nixed that plan because it was not really feasible to think I could find her among the 13,000 people. Let us not forget I was not thinking clearly and tremendously hyped up on adrenaline with a side of excitement.)

-Arriving in ATL at midnight and trying to find Amy Beth. We knew the road we were going to meet, and since I was there first, I pulled over into a Kroger parking lot beside a McDonald's and she planned to come to me.

When she got to Kroger she called because she didn't see me. "I'm right out in front," I said. "Um, me too," she replied. Either we were both invisible to one another or something had gone awry in our planning.

Turns out there are TWO Krogers (both beside a McDonalds) on the SAME road about 10 miles apart.

I don't know why, but I feel that they may have been a little over zealous with the Krogs.

-Staying over at AB's friend's mom's house in the ATL. AKA: The night of the most comfortable bed ever.

-Loading and unloading all of my haphazardly put together bags approximately 10 over the course of 3 days. (And I didn't lose one thing!)

-Getting up early Friday morning and driving to Amy Beth's house.

-Stopping at (you guessed it) Kroger for a little breakfast.

-If there is ever an appropriate time for chocolate donuts, it's Beth Moore Day. I may be mistaken, but I think that's in the Bible.

-Chatting 90 to nothing with AB the whole 2 hour trip to her town. So fun.

-Getting to AB's house! She went into work for a little bit and I showered and hung out with my new friend.

-Hitting the road, gathering up her college girls, and grabbing some lunch. (Exhibit A: Cute college girl, Hannah).

-Realizing I wasn't in Kansas (or you know, Georgia) anymore.

-Calling Caroline from the road and giving her the BIG NEWS. I told her the big, long story and we just shrieked and laughed. I really think the people in the car with me experience hearing loss after that convo.

-Having Amy Beth ask, "Now have you and Caroline ever met before?" And accidentally starting to say, "Yes."

-Spotting the sign the college girls made for our journey.

-Driving through the mountains (hills? humps with trees on them?). I was never much for geography but I know gorgeous when I see it.

-Having AB serenade us with a performance of Jordin's Sparks "Battlefield" that changed us all forever. It lead us right into the praise and worship portion of the weekend.

-Finally making it to the main event (after 2 days and 12 hours on the road). So worth it, I can't even tell ya.

-Finding my Caroline!

Oh what a glorious moment.

We spotted each other as I was coming down the stairs towards where they were saving our seats. It was like I was reuniting with someone I had known a million years. We just hugged and hugged and I just remember hysterically laughing the whole time we were embracing. Pure joy! She is every bit as beautiful, funny, Godly, amazing, and priceless as you would think.

-Getting to meet Caroline's sweet Mama, sister Dixie, Aunt Chris, and of course Melissa. Love them! (pics below provided by my C-girl - along with all the other AWESOME ones outlined in black on this post. She's got the skillz!)

-Running down with Caroline to see Sophie and Melanie before everything started. It was so great to see them again and hug their necks. We pulled out our cameras (of course - they are like our 3rd arm afterall) but we didn't get a chance to take a pic all together because just after Boomama snapped this shot us with her camera...

....the lights dimmed and Travis came up behind us. So Caroline and I scurried off shrieking like little school girls. So excited!

-Watching the worship team take the stage and begin leading us in some GOOD TIMES.

-Getting to sit by my dear Caroline as we worshiped together. I highly recommend that, people. Find a blog friend turned real friend, find an LPL event or church service, and go forth in peace.

-Reaching over to grab Caroline's arm when Travis started singing, "In Christ Alone."

"Fave!" I said.

"FAVE!" she said.

-Listening to Beth bring it.

-Hanging out with these cool ladies all weekend.

-Staying the night at Amy Beth's friend Kelly's house (pictured above second from left). She treated us RIGHT.

- Eating sweet Kelly-Homemaker's muffins she made us (told you - she was awesome!). Dear Camera, why to try to make these muffins look fluorescent? Just know they were not radioactive and were quite tasty.

-Spotting the darling gift baskets Kelly made us.

I tell you what, that Kelly defines hostess with the mostess. I want to be like her when I grow up even though we are the same age. She is amazing! Thanks Kelly for everything!

-Going back to the FedEx Forum on Saturday for round 2. I seriously loved Saturday.

-Having God make my seat assignment.

-Hugging sweet Sue Ann goodbye after the first session and thanking her again for pretty much being my favorite person out of the 13,500 people in the arena that morning.

-Being able to find find Caroline and her crew after the first session. God wanted me to sit by Him first session, but then he was, "Ok hon. You can go find your friends now." Ha.

-Walking around with Caroline and Melissa during the break.

-Running into sweet Kim from Missouri who recognized Caroline and then told us she reads both of our blogs. So sweet! Kim, you are awesome! Thanks for saying hi!

-Listening to the 2nd session and just writing like a maniac trying to soak in all the amazing things Beth was teaching us. I'd never be able to accurately write about that aspect of the weekend. Lord, let those words be engraved on my heart!

-Leaving the FedEx Forum and heading downtown Memphis to eat at the Rendezvous with Caroline and the gang.

-RENDEZVOUS-ING

Caroline lovin it!

-Getting to hang out and talk with sweet Ms. Robin. She is a hoot and even more darling in person!

-Getting a seat in record time and everyone taking their places around the table and passing around a big ol' pitcher of SWEET TEA.

-Chatting, chatting, chatting, chatting, chatting, chatting.

I borrowed these pics above from C's blog because they crack me up.

This probably when I was saying, "Hey, Caroline, did you know I've never had cole slaw on my BBQ sandwich?"

And she was thinking, "Pssht, and you call yourself a BBQ lover. Didn't your dad OWN a BBQ restaurant? Stick with me, kid. I'll show you how it's done."

-Having this beauty set before me and dumping that cole slaw all over that sandwich. When in Memphis!!

-Making a shout-out sign to our girls Kelly and Ms. Judy. When Caroline and Kelly met up in July they very sweetly took a picture with a photo of me and then left me a voicemail. I love it, and the tradition lives on!! Missed ya'll!!

-Walking bacK to meet up with my dear Amy Beth and her crew at the historic Peabody Hotel.

-Hanging out in the lobby as we waited.

-Taking pictures of Ms. Robin chase down her new friend.

And of the sisters!

-Seeing Amy Beth and her crew come around the corner! I owe this amazing weekend to this crazy girl, that is for sure. I had the best time!

-Posing with two of my blog-turned-real-life friends.

-Hugging Caroline as we had to leave. So sad!

-Heading with Amy Beth and her friend Kelly and Melanie to Pottery Barn outlet.

-Eating dinner at Amy Beth's friend Christan's house and spending the night at AB's friend Melanie's (AB has the BEST friends).

-Getting up bright and early to make our journey home.

-Feeling like the trip was about 1 hour as opposed to the 8 million that it acutally was due to all the talking (deep, silly, random, and inspiring) that was going on as AB's car made it's way back to GA.

-Spotting 3 huge tour buses around the Nashville area and guessing what extremely famous people were in there. AB voted Miley Cyrus, but I was holding out for Lady Antebellum.

-Arriving to my car safe and sound and getting back on the road for 4 more hours of driving, processing, and thanking the Lord for such an amazing trip.

-Pulling into Statesboro and having "In Christ Alone" by the great Travis C. start coming out through my speakers. The MOST perfect way to end the weekend.

-Knowing how much I will always cherish my crazy, random, friend-filled, love tank-filled, God-filled weekend in the charming city of Memphis TN.

THE END. :-)

Open up a can on 'em

2009-10-16T07:40:00.002-04:00

Due to unexpected travel plans of his director/producer/camerwoman daughter, Big Al did not get to record his commercial last week.

And apparently not posting his clip had horrible ramifications for our Eagles, as they definitely got their feathers ruffled last week in North Carolina.

Let's just say my fab weekend was almost ruined when I received a text from Deb with the halftime score.

42-7

It hurt me in a place I didn't know I could hurt.

But Big Al is back!

And he's back with what I believe to be the funniest commercial yet. We have to laugh to keep from crying, you understand.

Here's Daddy practicing.

I entitle this picture: HI FOLKS.

Reading over his script.

Wait a minute I don't have my glasses on. Jenna Babe, can you stand 10 feet away and hold this so I can see it?

After a wardrobe change, a few practice rounds, and the quieting of the set, he was ready!

GO EAGLES!

Welcome to long-stories-about-Memphis week. And I'm just getting warmed up

2009-10-14T20:55:00.006-04:00

I've been working on pictures and trying to construct a post that accurately portrays just how fun this past weekend was. But for some reason it has yet to be.

Between getting back home, a couple of crazy days at work, a few other little activities thrown in - I just can't get myself together.

But this morning I was thinking about some of the weekend, and I realized that maybe the reason for the delay is because there is another story that needs to be told before I get to the fun stuff.

I entitle this story: The One with all the Tears.

Alternate Title: Amazing Love

Needless to say, the events of Thursday evening had me completely hyped up and basically in shock as I made my way down the interstate. I was going to Atlanta in the middle of the night! I was going to see Amy Beth! I was going to see Beth Moore! I was going to get to meet Caroline face to face!

Does anyone notice anything missing?

Well God did. And it was HIM.

Don't get me wrong - I knew God was going to be moving that weekend. I knew that I was going to leave changed, and that He was the whole reason for the trip.

But that wasn't necessarily where my mind was. Let us not forget the road trip! Spontaneity! Beth! The friends!

That many exclamation points can really crowd a girl's brain.

On Friday night Beth told us a story of how she almost didn't make it to LPL that weekend because of crazy weather trying to fly out.

You know how crazy airline companies are about sending out planes during storms. They are so picky.

Her take-home message from this wild story was that she wanted us all to make no mistake about it - if we were in Memphis that weekend then we weren't MEANT to be in Memphis.

She then told us that our prayer for the weekend should be, "God reveal Yourself to ME."

I was all about that. Wrote it down. It even received the coveted double-underlined honor.

But let us not forget all the exclamation points flying around.

Naturally, I was still so excited about all that was going on around me. By that point I had had a great road trip with Amy Beth and her college girls, had worshiped next to Caroline(!), heard Beth Moore live and in person, and so much more. I knew the fun had just begun.

Then, a still, small voice.

It's really not about that.

And a then a tiny yet strong pull at my heart.

It's about you and Me.

I wish I could say at that moment that I turned from my wicked ways and stopped focusing on all that was going on around me and concentrated on preparing my heart for what God wanted to say. TO ME (double underline, remember?).

I didn't ignore the thought - that night and the next morning I did pray that He would reveal Himself and that I would have ears to hear and wisdom to understand.

But then on Saturday, even more exclamation points arose as we got a late start, had an issue with seating (Sweet Caroline and her crew were saving our seats but because we were a little behind, things were getting hairy on the seat-saving front, bless their hearts).

The plan changed once we realized they weren't going to be able to save a chunk of seats and it ended up that Caroline would just try to save one seat for me. But I still was a ball of stress and nerves because I didn't want to put them out or put stress on them, and I knew I was going to be cutting it close.

Once we got to the FedEx Forum, I hightailed it to their section. Caroline had sent me a text telling me where they were going to be. Unfortunately, I accidentally deleted the text, but no worries because I remembered what it said. 114 J.

Or so I thought.

As I make the turn into the arena, Travis is already rocking the house, everyone is on their feet, and I breeze past with my huge purse (think big camera, huge bible, etc etc - I may have a dislocated shoulder after lugging that thing all weekend) looking down at the letters on the side of the seats.

I find row J and look for my friend.

Hmmm, Friend not there.

Ok, I think, they must be on the other side of this section.

Up up up the stairs I go (I swear I thought they were leading to Heaven they were so high and plentiful).

Once I got up the top, I breathlessly told my new door guard friend whom I passed on the way down, "They must be on the other side!"

I laughed. She smiled.

I reached the other side and down I went, found row J again, and what do you know? All I saw were strangers.

I smiled and continued looking, but I saw no familiar faces. Interesting.

So I trucked back up the stairway to Heaven, texting Caroline and her sister but knowing they weren't going to answer since they were, um, a little busy.

Travis Cottrell was singing for goodness sakes. I didn't expect them to be checking their phones.

But I also didn't want them to wonder where I was or have trouble saving the seat. Oh the drama.

I got back up the stairs and the door lady just smiles a 'bless her heart' smile. I decide to go down the first aisle again - maybe I looked at the wrong row? There was a lot going on and everyone was standing and maybe I just got confused.

Down I went again. And eventually, up I went. Again.

By this time I was not sure what to do and could feel my eyes filling up with tears.

Should I wait and see if I can find them once everyone sits down? Do I text Amy Beth and see where they ended up? Do I just go up to the top level and sit alone?

And with that thought, the heart tug made a reappearance.

Wait, am I supposed to sit alone? I thought. I mean that's fine, God, but You do realize they are saving me a seat. I want to find them and I will feel bad because they have risked their lives to the crazy Beth-lovers who wanted my spot. Plus, they will wonder where I am - and FURTHERMORE, I WANT to sit by Caroline!

As soon as that thought left my brain, another one made itself known.

But I want you to sit by Me.

About that time, the sweet little door lady came up to me and put her hand on my shoulder.

"I know you are waiting on your friends, but I wanted to tell you that a little bit ago, a lady came up here from this section to let me know that one of their friends did not show and that they had an extra seat. Her name is Sue Ann. I don't think anyone has taken it if you want to see if you can sit there."

Then sweet angel lady walked me down the stairs right to an empty aisle seat by most darling woman you'd ever meet.

When we approached, Sweet Sue Ann moved her bag and patted me on the back as I dropped my 100 lb purse in front of me. By that time sweet angel door lady was patting my other shoulder and then she made her way back up the stairs.

As I bid her farewell, my eyes just flooded with tears again.

You know how when you are stressed or frustrated or nothing is going right and then someone does something really nice for you and it completely compromises your emotional stability?

That was me in that moment.

I tried to gather myself, but as I turned back toward the stage, I became aware of the music playing. I look up to the screens to see the words to a familiar song.

Amazing love, how can it be
That you my king would die for me
Amazing love, I know it's true
It's my joy to honor you

Of course at that point, it really was all over but the crying.

I just stood there wiping away tears. (Sweet Sue Ann later passed down some tissue for me. "It's got a little lipstick on it, but you are welcome to it," she said to the emotionally unstable girl. Isn't that precious?)

You see, Beth was right.

God had me in Memphis for a reason. And the reason was Him.

Not just for a fun, spontaneous trip. Not just to hang out with Amy Beth. Not just to hug sweet Caroline's neck.

All that was overflow.

And just so I didn't miss it, He (the Savior of the world, the King who died for me, the One who is and is to come) had worked out a little seating chart to make sure I remembered I was all His that weekend.

And He was planning to reveal Himself TO ME (triple underline).

Now THAT is some Amazing Love.

In the meantime

2009-10-13T10:45:00.003-04:00

I have not even attempted to write a coherent follow-up post to the dramatic prequel of my LPL Conference recap.

Oh life, it's hard to get certain things crossed off my list when you are so full of other fun things.

But I couldn't let another day go by without posting a picture of a certain sweet friend. There will be a few more to come of course (including ones about BBQ sandwiches with cole slaw on them - 25 years is too long to not know about that trick), but for now here is a little sneak peak.

As she said on her post, the love tank got some major fillage.

In other not nearly as exciting news, last night I painted my fingernails for Fall.

I entitled the above picture: Skeletor.

Hand pics always look weird to me.

Oh my gosh, Skeletor Pic reminded me of a conversation Mama and I had last night about the day I was born. (There's a sentence I never thought I'd write).

Somehow Deb and I got on the topic of the what it was like on the days her children were born.

When we started talking about her second go 'round - aka March 20, 1984 aka the very best day of her life - I asked if Matthew (who was 4 at the time) and I exchanged gifts.

I already knew the answer, but I like storytime.

Turns out Gifts was high on my love language list from the beginning, because on the day I came into the world, I gave Matthew a prize.

And what else but his very own Skeletor.

Nothing says "Hey! I'm your sister and you will be madly in love with me and my big cheeks for about 2-3 years and then I will become REALLY loud and annoy you to the ends of the earth and then you'll turn 16 and start liking me more and then once you go off to college you will love me again and we will end up adoring each other" like Skeletor.

This picture disturbs me greatly, but I had to post it in honor of my brother (notice the nails and the long weird fingers! they look miiiiiiiiighty familiar to me.)

P.S. Caroline, I'm sorry I put your beautiful self in such a random post and with the picture of Skeletor. I love you. Love, Jenna

A worthy Beth Moore recap is to come. Along with another fun post about something exciting happening tonight. Good times!

The detailed back story

2009-10-12T13:46:00.000-04:00

I don't quite know where to start.

So I guess, I'll just start from the beginning and in 8 years when you get finished reading this sure-to-be-extra-long post (or posts - which is more likely), I may have accurately described just how grateful I am for the crazy weekend I was just given.

I know I could leave out stuff and that I don't have to give every last detail, but if anyone here believes that I actually have the ability to do that, then I fear you do not know me at all.

Where was I? Oh yes, the beginning.

So, I had known about the LPL Memphis weekend for a long time. And since the moment that such knowledge came into my life, my little heart yearned to go.

God was going to be there of course. And Beth. We can't forget our friend, Beth. I knew it would be life-changing. (Spoiler alert: it so was).

I also knew that my dear, dear Caroline was going with her peeps. And as the weekend got closer, I found out the awesome Amy Beth was also planning to go.

My heart equaled: I want to go!

But my brain equaled: How will I get there? What about the money? What about work? Memphis, you are so far away - am I crazy to consider you?

These were the questions that plagued me and caused me - in good ol' Jenna form - to just become overwhelmed, throw my hands up, and just assume that Memphis...it was just not meant to be.

The dream, it had been released.

Fast forward to this past Thursday.

Like I said before, it started out like a normal day.

So normal in fact that I left my cell phone at home (I like to do that about once a week - you know, to keep things interesting).

After work I came home, dilly-dallied, ate supper, wrote and edited my Walmart list, went upstairs to obtain my forgotten phone, and then set out to Wally-world to stock up on that which helps me sustain life (i.e. cereal, hair spray, People Magazine, etc.)

Since I had not had my cell phone with me all day, I had a few missed calls - including one from Amy Beth with a subsequent message.

A message that would change the course of history. :-)

In a nutshell - she had a free ticket. And she wanted it to be mine.

She even offered to come to GA (from her home 6 hours away in TN) to pick me up and take me there. (FYI: Amy Beth is a tad crazy).

I laughed to myself, called her back, and told her that while I was BEYOND grateful for the invite, I just didn't see how it was going to work. And at that point, I really did not even consider it at all.

First of all, I was not going to let AB come and get me. That would be insane.

Plus, that whole job thing I have going these days was kind of cramping my style. Seriously, at that moment, it was so outside my realm of possibility to even think about calling in and asking for THE NEXT DAY off. That is not protocol, and the thought of even asking made this still-feels-new-girl break out into a sweat.

So I gave Amy Beth my sincerest of thanks and heartfelt regrets, and I told her to be careful, have fun, and let me know how it all went when they got back.

"Ok," she said. "Call me if anything changes."

At that point, my heart equaled: I am so sad!

I pulled myself into Walmart, parked the car, but instead of getting out - I just sat there.

I just kept thinking about the whole situation. Inside my chest, my little heartstrings were being pulled, and all the little voices in my head were having a nice little convo.

"What if I could work it out?" said one.

"No, seriously, that would put people out at work and it is just too short notice," said another.

"It is too late. It is practically getting dark and even if you met Amy Beth halfway or something it would dangerous to be on the road until all hours of the night," said yet another that sounded a lot like Big Al.

"But this is a one in a life-time opportunity," said one very convincingly.

"Just call Ginger (my coworker) and see what she says," said the last one. (I think that one was actually God.)

So I called Ging. (Side note: I absolutely love that woman.)

"Ginger," I said. "I need to talk to you about something and I need to put on your glasses of 'Jenna is 25 and is somewhat ridiculous and sometimes has crazy ideas.' I need you to help me think through something."

She was game to listen, and I prepared to go through the whole thing.

I started with, "My friend has a free ticket to a Beth Moore conference this weekend."

And I kid you not, she gasped.

I continued, "So the deal is I am cooking up this crazy plan of leaving tonight and meeting her halfway and then going to the conference. But the deal is I'd have to miss tomorrow so I just wanted to run that by you and see what you thought...."

And without hesitation she said, "I think it would be just fine. You'd need to call and check with B, but I can't see why that would be a problem. A free ticket to Beth Moore?? You can't pass that up."

That's when my adrenaline started pumping out of control.

Over the course of the next few minutes I made a series of phone calls. One was to my boss who did not have one problem with me taking Friday off. "Go have fun," she said.

Deb was next.

Allow me to stop and just preface this with some info on Al and Deb. While they are extremely fun-loving people and have always been excited when Matthew and I are excited about something - springing a spontaneous road-trip to Tennessee on them at 6:30 pm the night I am planning to leave is liable to invoke heart attack like symptoms.

After I went through the whole thing with Deb quietly listening on the phone, I stopped and waited for what she would say.

"I do think it is crazy, but I think it sounds great," she said. And then the dramatic clincher, "Jenna. Beth Moore changes lives."

That Debra D. She gets it.

This story is way long, so I will sum up the last part of this story with the basics.

I called and said, "Um, Amy Beth, I have been thinking....."

To which she responded, "JENNA TYSON, DO NOT PLAY WITH MY EMOTIONS."

I explained the sequence of events leading to the call and after the course of a few conversations, the plan was set.

We'd meet in Atlanta. Stay the night at one of her friend's houses. Get up on Friday and drive to her home in TN. Pick up the other girls going with her. Drive to Memphis.

At that point I was already inside Walmart maneuvering my cart around at a warped speed - grabbing needed toiletries and throwing in about 6 cute shirt options as I passed the clothing section (you gotta look good for Beth).

I checked out. Went home. Packed it up. Had a convo with poor Alan Tyson whose most hated thing in life is having his child out on the roads. But luckily, his most loved thing in life is seeing that girl-of-his excited. So, it all worked out just fine.

At 8pm, I got in my car (in COMPLETE SHOCK at the events of the previous hour, the thought of road-tripping with AB, AND the realization I was going to get to hug my girl CAROLINE), and I headed down 1-16 toward Atlanta.

And let me tell you, the fun had just begun.

To be continued...

Small change of plans

2009-10-09T10:30:00.001-04:00

Ok.

So.

Yesterday I went to work. I got off a little late, went home, ate dinner, talked with Deb.

Just your normal, average Thursday.

After we ate, I continued on with my agenda for the night which included a little Walmart run.

At 6:30 I was sitting in my car in the Walmart parking lot about to get out and get groceries.

Then something kind of crazy happened and, let's just say, my plans drastically changed.

So much so, that at 8:00 I was pulling on to I-16 headed towards Atlanta for a little spontaneous adventure.

One that has included meeting up with my dear friend (the awesome Amy Beth), a trip to Memphis, Tennessee, and a what is sure to be an amazing weekend with the one and only....

I KNOW.

The crazy story with all the even crazier details to follow!

Love,

Your spontaneous friend who may have lost her mind, but who cares cause it's Beth Moore :-)

Random life bits

2009-10-08T12:16:00.003-04:00

1. I had a really good mail day a couple days ago.

First up was a pretty purple envelope with some familiar writing on the outside. Inside the envelope was a card from my dear girl, Brittany. Awwwwwww. Sweetness.

She is a new blogga' so her card was equal parts perfect and hilarious.

HA. I love that Hallmark is embracing the blogworld.

(And, I wish I could blog that I did laundry, but I probably should actually do some before I go there publicly. Stay tuned.)

2. Also in the mail that day was my long awaited Travis Cottrell DVD.

It went immediately into the laptop for my EXTREME viewing pleasure.

Faith and Emilie - I needed you with me, but I watched it in your honor.

It is just as A-mazing as I remembered it.

3. So, the heater is not working in my vehicle.

What's up with that? It's not that big a deal right now since the weather is still mild, but I foresee problems ahead.

4. I posted about our awesome Tuesday night Bible study yesterday, but what I failed to mention is that I have done a terrible job keeping up with my homework, etc.

Let's just say I haven't gotten into a good groove quite yet. One way I have been trying to get caught up is doing some during my lunch break.

I have 30 mins for lunch, so I have been going out to the car and just sitting there in the parking lot, hanging out with God and Beth.

5. Now you may remember from a few seconds ago that my heat does not work in my car. Well the other day when I was implementing my Bible Study at Lunch Plan, it was actually QUITE chilly, and I found myself unable to concentrate.

Interesting fact: I shut down when I am cold.

Then I remembered I had a blanket in the way back of the Tahoe. So I crawled over the seats, got the blanket, wrapped up, and worked on my study.

I have never needed a Snuggie more.

P.S. Between crawling all over my car, sitting in the driver's seat bundled up in a blanket, and taking a picture of myself - I was really screaming PROFESSIONAL ADULT that day.

6. This is reeeeeeallllly random. For the first 22 years of my life, my dad owned a BBQ restaurant. The name of it was Vandy's (named for the previous owner who opened it 80 years ago).

One time in college, I tricked someone who reeeeeeaaaaallllly loved Vandy's into believing that my full name was Jennifer Vandy Tyson - and that Big Al named his restaurant after me.

(FYI: My real name is not Jennifer and my middle name is not Vandy).

There is absolutely no point to that story, but I remembered it yesterday for some reason, and I took it as a sign that maybe I needed to share it.

You never know when someone needs inspiration to try and test the gullibility (word?) of their friends.

7. Last night we met up with our high school girls for Bible study.

We are doing something fun and new this year to kind of shake things up. Instead of having a set place we meet each week, we are going to have a little "Destination Unknown" each week.

Basically, we'll blindfold the girls and drive them to different locations for our study.

Too fun! The girls are pumped.

Here are the girls last night when we got to our unknown destination (it was the intramural fields out at the college).

And here they are right after they took the blindfolds off.

Their little confused faces just crack me up.

And with that, I conclude this installment of Randomness. :-)

The things we do at Bible Study

2009-10-07T10:47:00.003-04:00

Gone are the days when Bible study consisted of only, um, studying the Bible.

Don't let that name fool ya.

Make no mistake, studying the Word is the KEY ingredient and the most important aspect of this common practice of Christians.

But sometimes we like to supplement in some other activities, as well.

For example, this is our friend, Phil.

He is a wise, young (your welcome, Phil) sage who sometimes comes to visit us before we start our lesson.

Phil does counseling at our church (Marriage and otherwise) and we love for him to come see us in between his sessions because 1.) he is REAL funny, and 2.) he has pearls of wisdom to impart.

We thoroughly enjoy getting him to give us a short, little mini-counseling sessions on the topic of his choice.

And we lovingly refer to this segment of Bible study as "Phil's Korner."

After Phil leaves, we are in the deep mindset and ready to hang out with our friend Beth as she teaches us about the Tabernacle.

My official statement on this Bible study is as follows: Oh my my.

That's really all I'm at liberty to say at this time.

Here is Becca engrossed in taking notes from the video.

I sat behind her and cheated off of her paper. Just kidding, although thinking back now that might be a good idea because that girl is solid. I LOVE her.

Actually I love them ALL. Momentary pause for a group shot with some of the lovely ladies.

The video for this week's lesson in our study was awesome. It was followed up by our fearless leader, Marsha, doing her thang and taking us even deeper as she shared some of her own God moments.

Including but not limited to when a bird almost crapped on her.

God is in the details, people.

Usually after we get done with all our learning and talking and deep thinking, we like to shake it up a little bit.

Last night our girl, Kami, took the lead and gave a us a unforgettable performance - the likes of which we had never experienced.

I'm sorry did someone say stage? And singing? And dancing? Well, I am my father's daughter after all.

I really have no comment on the extremely disturbing picture above. Except to say I think I may need hip replacement surgery after that show we put on.

Can you tell we love ALL the parts of Tuesday night Bible study? :-)

Crackberry

2009-10-06T12:12:00.003-04:00

The technological tides of the world have turned as my father has gotten a Blackberry.

This from the man who used to call me on a regular basis from his recliner to help him work the TV clicker.

And did I mention I lived 3 hours away at the time?

I'd be in the middle of a study group or hanging out with Meg, and my phone would start a'ringing with Big Al's name on the screen.

"Hey, ya'll? Yeah, I'm so sorry, but can ya'll excuse me a minute? My dad's calling from home - he can't get the TV to work again."

To Big Al's credit, he has since become much more savvy as he works daily with email and can make his way easily around the world wide web. The man can even send and receive texts.

A new day has definitely dawned.

But despite all that, upon first hearing of his new phone, I felt that the BB might still be outside the realm of his ability.

Not to mention the fact that I want one.

There is a big long story about why getting the Blackberry and re-working his plan was the best deal (he'd be glad to tell you in great detail if you have about 30 minutes) but before I heard all that, my initial reaction to the news (given to me by my mother) was very calm.

"What?!? Alan Tyson does not need a Blackberry. He should give it to me!" I proclaimed.

Deb, how did your child get so bratty?

But seriously, don't I deserve something for all my years of hard-work being his tech assistant?

I'm sorry, but his love, support, and the fact that he is currently letting me live at home rent-free is just not enough.

In the end, I really am glad for Al because the phone will help with his business and all that blah blah blah. Plus he is very happy and he feels very super cool with his new device.

I am also happy to report that I have pretty much worked through my jealousy.

And when it gets to be so much, I just pick up my banged up phone with no email access and call someone who cares.

Of course Big Al is not making it any easier for his dear daughter, that crazy little trickster.

He came in on Sunday, took a look at his Blackberry and said, "Ah man Jenna Babe, the Internet on my phone isn't working!"

(Eye roll)

Nites of Passage

2009-10-05T11:49:00.000-04:00

I spent some QT with the Hagan fam this weekend as the kids participated in all manner of growing-up activities.

First on the docket was Marlee's senior Homecoming football game.

The gorgeous Marls was on Homecoming Court this year (she was robbed of the crown). And as I love to do with all big events, I went to her house after work on Friday to help her get ready.

Here she is doing the necessary hair teasing. As we know, it's the first step to getting good Homecoming hair.

Princess Phoebe looked on lovingly.

Poor Phoebes was in a traumatized state, as she had been to the vet earlier in the day for all of her shots.

Thankfully, her Godmother Jenanay was there to love on her so that she could put on a brave face and be there for her mama's big night.

After sufficient preliminary hair and make-up had been completed, it was off to the downstairs area to visit Marsha at her professional studio (aka master bathroom) to continue on in the beautifying process.

Marlee getting her hair did at Marsha's Kut & Kolor.

Mirror image (literally and figuratively speaking). Aren't they are so purty?

The finished product out at the field! Isn't she looooooovvvveeelllyyyyyyyy. Sing it with me now!

But seriously, isn't she lovely? And check out those hott shoes. They looked SO good, but let's just say it's a good thing they were red.

Red shoes always help mask the blood-soaked soles of people who accept the reality that pain is beauty.

Marlee and Greg about to walk out on the field.

And, of course, you know who else was there. Proud mama Marsha and her BFF, The Precious.

Jakester was there, too. If you want to know what happened in the game, he's your man. See me for any dress/shoes inquiries.

Speaking of Jake, that brings us to Saturday night and the next big thing on the agenda. Jake's first Middle School dance!

Awwwwww. He is growing up before our very eyes. (He hated me for making him take this picture).

And the one below, too. But we have to have a sibling picture! You only go to your first middle school dance once, buddy boy.

Marsha took pictures at the dance, so we got to go and experience all the excitement and awkwardness that this type of dance brings.

I have to say, it was a very fun night, despite having many unfortunate flashbacks of middle school dances gone by. The middle school years were not my fave.

These kids on the other hand, did not seem to be bothered by such. They partied like it was 2009 and knew every word to every song that was played.

And they danced and danced. My personal faves of the night - All the Single Ladies, The Electric Slide, and Baby Got Back.

You know, all the classics

Here is Jake and his "date" whom I (close your ears Jake) kept a very close eye on throughout the night. Had to make sure they were leaving room for Jesus over there.

Big Man on Campus Jake even busted out some shagging. Proud moments.

And in conclusion, I would like provide a picture that I think best sums up the phenomenon that is The Middle School Dance.

The End.