Complete Randomness!

I really wanted to post something deep and profound, or maybe something with a Christmasy feel, but my last night's activities were too good to not to share!

And just let me start by saying I am sorry Luke, Lisa, and Tammy! Do I have your attention now, wink..wink? Just kidding, it's nothing torrid or anything like that. Do you know what you get when you mix a lovely church dinner, late nite leftover mexican food, and a late night viewing of "Dirty Dancing" and "Twilight"? Well... I'll tell you what you get....one reeeaaaaalllly strange dream! Here's how it went:

Its the 60's and me (except I look like Bella Swan from Twilight) and my sister "Baby" aka Lisa Mckay go with our parents (the movie parents)to the summer holiday camp. We are getting ready to go to the opening ceremony for the camp. Baby is getting on my nerves complaining that her white Ked tennis shoes look dingy compared to her stark white pedal pusher jeans and that her perfect curls are making her look too cutesy. All I'm worried about is if my mint green cardigan matches the colassal green headband I have in my hair. We go to this dance and I find my man, who is actually Edward from Twilight. And then, Baby spots her man! Picture Luke Mckay with a mullet, but on Patrick Swayze's body. Me, Edward, Baby, and Luke/Patrick are inseparable. Luke/Patrick teaches us all how to dance but is torn away from Baby to go help his sister, aka Tammy Pike, who is pregnant, and needs her brother to come beat up her boyfriend, who is Robbie from the movie. After Luke/Patrick brings the pain to Robbie and helps deliver a beautiful baby girl, Sally, for Tammy, Luke/Patrick and Baby want to get married. Everyone is sooo happy for them, but our parents hate Edward and don't want him to come to the wedding. Luke/Patrick shows Edward some of his best moves and devises a plan. Fast forward to the wedding reception....."Baby" looks beautiful in her beehive hairdo, poofy dress, and bright pink lipstick and Luke/Patrick looks so handsome with his curly mullet and blue tuxedo. But, I am so sad since I haven't seen Edward in weeks until....Edward burst through the double doors with 4 large men in all black behind him. He nods to the DJ who promptly plays "Boom Boom Pow" from the Black Eyed Peas. Me, Edward, Baby, and Luke/Patrick shake what our mommas gave us and we rock the house! Our parents automatically love Edward and the 4 large men who came in with Edward are actually talent scouts who immediately ask us to go on tour with Dancing with the Stars, and then I woke up laughing. What??? There are SOME similarities, come on!





















Now, anyone out there want to decipher that one????

Love, Peace, and Happy Dreams To All!!!
Karri

Halloween, Ladies Banquet, Sports, and Injuries

As usual, it's been crazy busy around our house. Halloween was so fun at the church..here are a few pics























Onto the Ladies Banquet. First, let me say a special thank you to Lisa for coordinating this. I look forward to this all year! This year came with the usual excitement, but was a little sad too. Why sad? Because one of my best friends, Deedra, couldn't be there. She's usually the "brains" behind the decorating. I usually just do what she tells me to do because she always has a beautiful vision in mind. Without her it fell to me and Holly this year. Decorating turned out good, but I'm sure it would've been even better if Deedra had been involved. The food was great, and it was made even better since we were served by the men of the church! The singing was out of this world! Jenny, Tonya, and Victoria...you girls rocked it! And Mary Snyder was our speaker. She was so funny and her message of grace and was so timely. Here are a just a few pics..






























Now..I can't say how excited I was Friday night when the Hornets laid the hammer down on Lanette! I am so proud of the boys! And as I have told many people, I am more proud of Coach Tinker for being a good Christian role model not just teaching the boys football, but teaching them morales and life lessons. WAY TO GO HORNETS!!! Even though football is not over yet, we are in full basketball mode at our house. We had two basketball games and the football game this week. Between games, work, kids, and decorating for the ladies banquet I feel like I'm running on fumes!

Which leads me to injuries. Cohen and I have both had a bad week! Earlier in the week I was folding clothes and Cohen came running in the house holding his eye and crying. I ask him what was wrong and he said a piece of glass flew in it. I checked him out and saw a small cut under his eye, but I didn't see anything IN his eye. So, I did what all good mothers do and told him he'd be alright in a minute (in other words, leave me alone so I can get this laundry done). When I ask him where he got glass from he said he found a bottle in the yard. Thank you whoever threw your beer bottle in our yard!!! ARGGGHHHH! Anyway, he said he "dropped" it on the concrete, but if you know my Cohen, you know he probably threw it down as if he were spiking a football. The next day I had to leave for work before the kids were up so I didn't see them until that evening. When he came in I just about cried. His eye was so swollen and red he could barely see out of it. We loaded him up immediately and took him to the eye dr. He told us Cohen had a corneal cut all the way across his pupil that would most likely leave a scar and impair his vision! But it's healing well now and we'll just have to see how his vision does as he grows. Should I get the mom of the year award or what??? Well, I got payback on Sunday morning. Jason and the kids went on to Sunday School and I was running late as usual. As I was running out the door, I couldn't remember if I had unplugged the iron or not. I was about to jet down the stairs to check and somehow missed the first step, then proceeded to fall down four more steps! You win this time devil, you win! With a huge pump knot and a black and blue sprained ankle, I sat myself on the couch for the rest of the day!

And that my friends, wraps up one crazy week! Now, I've gotta get ready for this week! Love you all! Have a great week!

Karri

In Honor of Coach Wade Daniel and What the Bible Say About Death

In the aftermath of Coach Wade Daniel's death, Jason felt like the youth might have questions about what happens after death. A lot of our youth group had Coach D. as a teacher and are devastated by his passing. Jason and I both thought, what better way to honor Coach D. than to use his passing as a way to minister to the youth and for them to minister to their peers. I also wanted to post this here in the blog world in case any of you out there have questions.Portions of this were taken from http://pastorseansblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/what-do-baptists-believe-about.html
What happens to a person when he dies?
Some believe that nothing happens; people die, their bodies decompose, and the end is the end. But this is not what Baptists believe to be true. Baptists believe what Orthodox Christians have believed to be true for two thousand years.
Christians believe there is more to life than just living and dying. Christians believe the universe, the earth, humans, and all that is contained within it were created by God—an infinitely powerful being Who exists outside of time with no beginning and no end. It is this God Who gives life purpose and grants to His children eternal life.
Christians believe God has revealed Himself to mankind in the Bible. The Bible is a special Book because its authors were guided by God’s Spirit to pen only truth (2 Tim. 3:16). This same Sovereign God has preserved His Word so that Christians are not ignorant concerning what happens to people after they die. 
According to the Bible, followers of Christ will spend eternity in an amazingly glorious place of indescribable splendor, beauty and joy in the presence of the Light of the Universe—the Son of God—Jesus Christ (Rev. 21). Christians die; their bodies are buried but their spirits (or souls) are immediately ushered into the presence of the Lord in heaven (2 Cor. 5:8). 
When Jesus Christ returns to this earth, Christians’ bodies will be raised from the dead, be made perfect, and be reunited with their spirits to live forever with Jesus (1 Thess. 4:16).
The Son of God eliminated the sting of death for all who will turn to the One True God and place their faith and trust in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross (1 Cor. 15, 1 Jn. 2). Don’t pay for your own sins. God’s Son bought you with a price (1 Pet. 1:18,19); therefore, begin glorifying God today in both your body and spirit (1 Cor. 6:19,20
Recognize that you (like every human being) are a liar, a sinner, and you have been an unbeliever—change that today (Acts 3:19)
Turn to God, and declare yourself a sinner, guilty of violating His commandments, who now believes in the Truth and wants to be a child of God and a follower of His Son—Jesus Christ(Jn. 9:35-38).

Like we told the youth tonight, we are not promised a tomorrow. Don't think you have time to get your life right later. Do it NOW! Christ is never tired, you can call his name anytime of the day or night and he will listen. And last, but not least, Jason played this video as a tribute to Coach D.


Can't wait til we all rise!
Sending you all love, faith, and prayers!
Karri

RED 4 RANDALL!

Hello All! It's been a while, but I come to you to for several important reasons today. My friends need your prayers. Please remember Deedra and Jennifer, they both have precious lives growing inside them but their blood pressures are endangering their health. Also, the ladies involved in the Believing God bible study at Ider Baptist want to ask you all to wear a red ribbon on your right wrist for Randall Black. Everytime you look at it, remember to say a prayer for him and his family. Why Red? Because in the bible, red symbolizes protection, deliverance, faith, and redemption. Gen. 38:20-28; Leviticus 14:4-6; 49-52; The book of Joshua; Hebrews 9:11-26.
I know that God has a plan for the Black family and that HE is all powerful. We must all believe God, not just believe in him. We must have faith without proof. We must trust Him whether we are on the mountain or in the valley.

Love you all!
Karri

Firsts and Funnies

My baby lost his first tooth tonight! I can't believe he is old enough to start losing teeth. I can remember when he got that little baby tooth when he was 5 months old, he bit through more pacifiers than I could count. His little tooth has been loose for about a week now and he said it got looser today at snack when he was eating beef jerky (who knew they gave kindergarteners beef jerky for snack???). Anyway, when he got home today he wanted me to pull it, but he wouldn't let me. After dinner, I turned around and he just yanked it out by himself! He was so proud. He had to call aunt Freda and aunt Deanie to brag about it. He thinks he's such a big boy now. He just asked me and Jason if we wanted him to go to bed without huggin and lovin and stuff like that now that he's growin up. Seriously? Does it start this early? I was hoping for at least a few more years of "huggin, and lovin, and stuff". On to little miss drama queen....

I had to carry her out of Micasita kicking and screaming Sunday she was throwing such a fit. Don't you just love the looks people give you when your child is actin a fool in public. She makes me wanna pull my hair out sometimes and then other times I want to squeeze her to pieces she's so sweet and sooo funny! She told me yesterday she wanted me to put up one of those shocky fence things across her bedroom door so her brother couldn't get in. And she kept asking for "hoodin". I kept asking what's hoodin? She finally said you know...chocolate hoodin, banilla hoodin..oooooo you mean pudding? Yeah mom, that's what I said, gaaahh! Yes, she already has a teenager attitude! Then today she said she wanted to watch the hooligans??? What? The hooollliiiggaaannss mom, with dorofy and the scarecrow. She meant the munchkins on Wizard of OZ, but she still calls them hooligans.

Ahh kids, what did I do with all my love, time, and energy before them?

Love Yall
Karri

BTW...do you know of anybody who needs a house? If you do, have them look at ours at www.dekalbcountyrealtors.com and go to PLS# 19312 and give Debbie at Summerville Realty a call!

A timely message

I received an email about Rick Warren's, the author of Purpose Driven Life, life views and it was such a blessing, I wanted to pass it on. Here's what he says:

Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one. The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort; God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy. We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.

I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore.
Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life.. No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on. And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for. You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems:
If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, which is my problem, my issues, my pain.' But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others. You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life.

When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do. That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.


Whew! Doesn't that make you wanna shout? I mean this message couldn't have come to me at a better time. And I must say that when he says the easiest way to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others is so true and I pray that Jason and I can ingrain that kind of character into our kids.

Wishing you all love, peace, and CHARACTER!

Karri

Happy Days...And Not So Happy Days

Well, it's been a week of firsts. Cohen started kindergarten on Monday and now he has his first loose tooth, and just before bed tonight, he read his first two words all by himself! Sigh....my baby is growing up. He's totally suprised me, he hasn't got in one sigle bit of trouble for two whole days at school! For those of you who know Cohen, you know this is a monumental accomplishment. So happy days for him that he is becoming a big boy and a mixture of happy/not so happy for me.

I am playing betty homemaker right now since I am outta work so me and Taegan have been having just girl days since the boys are back in school. She has blossomed over two days like no other child I have ever seen. Who knew a little mommy attention could go so far? She is loving ever minute of it, and so am I. I never thought I would be a stay at home mom and homemaker, but I think I can do it! I must say it's much harder than any paying job I've ever had! I am a little sad that I am not a nurse anymore, but with the way this whole healthcare thing is going, it might be a good thing I'm getting out now. However, I must say it is really disheartening to know that a 15 sec. mistake can erase almost 10 years of excellent, untarnished nursing service. So once again, happy days for Taegan, and a mixture of feelings for me.

As I mentioned before, I am out of work and have been for some months now and since the job market is not looking so good for me right now we have decided to sell our house (before we lose it) and move into something more affordable (don't know where yet). So, if you guys know anyone who is in the market for a house tell em to give me a call. I am working on painting and yard work this week and then I'll post some pics. This part is all not so happy days. Jason has been so supportive and would never say anything negative, but I know its going to kill him to leave the house he grew up in. Please pray for him!

Lastly, we hear there is possibly some bad stuff coming down the pike, legally for me. So please pray for my future, and more importanly my childrens' futures also. I can't go into details, but more than anything, I just want everyone to know that whatever happens, whatever is said, I know the truth, I've told the truth, and I wish the authorities would focus on finding the truth instead of listening to lies from unreliable sources. Definitely, definitely unhappy days for me and jason, we are trying to keep our kids sheltered from all of this.

Somedays are better than others, but even in the darkest of days I find comfort in knowing that God has a plan for me. It may not be the plan I had in mind for my life, but His reign is sovereign and I trust in Him because I know no matter what happens on this earth, God will one day say to me as he said to the woman in the Pharisees house, "Your faith has saved you, go in peace" (Luke 7:50). As Job " I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil" (Job 3:26), I may lose all my worldly possessions, I may suffer, I may even lose my freedom, but I will never lose my faith, the Lord's love, and the love of my husband and children. So, I will be as Job, I will stand through the pain, pray for those who have accused me of wrongdoing, and I will be restored (if not in this life, then the next)!

Love and Peace to You All!
Karri

Half Fairy Princess/Half Army Man, Besties, & Are Whoppers Sleep Aids?

Weird title, I know. Check out the pics below and you'll see where it came from.




This just cracked me up! Cohen and Taegan were playing dress up the other day and Cohen said he was going to create his own costume. This is what he came up with. He is a fairy princess up top and army man below who is apparently sweeping the floors and then goin swimmin???? Pretty creative, huh? I think he should be on that fashion design show on tv! (Jason is gonna kill me for putting this picture of his son dressed up as a fairy out there for the world to see).









I can't believe our little man is starting to kindergarten in a few days. We found out a bunch of his friends are going to be in his class (Mrs. Meadows, yeah!), and he is so excited. He's now officially graduated from pre-school.


















Ahhh, childhood friends!


















And, last but not least....I think they should market Whoppers as a sedative????





Love and Blessing to Everyone!
Karri

Happy Birthday Baby!

Taegan's 4th birthday was great! We have the best family and friends in the world! She loved seeing everyone and really loved all her gifts. Thank you Smiths for letting us have it at your pool!!! I was gonna post a few pics from the party but apparently Taegan erased them all! Yep, she was looking at them and must have hit the "erase all pictures from this date" button, so I have no pictures of her 4th birthday! Oh well!

Like my friend Deedra, I write my kids a letter every year to put in their baby books. Here's my letter to Taegan this year:

Taegan, I can't believe you are 4 already! When did you get so big? I tell you everyday that I love you, but as I look at you today my heart swells and my eyes fill with tears because you are the daughter that I have always wanted. You look so much like your daddy with your big blue eyes, but you act like me with all your drama! When you sleep with your mouth open you look like Granny Willoughby and when your mad at Cohen you look like Mamaw Susie. You're such a mommy's girl and you give the best hugs and kisses. Cohen picks on you and makes you squeal all the time, but I'm just waiting on the moment when you finally lay into him! I tell you all the time that you have "princess syndrome" but you really are my sweetheart. I love it when you want to cuddle with me at nighttime and although I get onto you all the time for still sucking your thumb when you go to sleep, I am actually going to miss it. That will be the last "baby" thing that you do, and you will officially be a big girl then. And I'm not sure I'm ready for that. I know you have to grow up, but even when your 40, you'll still be my baby girl. I love you now and forever my sweet girl!

PS-Thank you for all your prayers for my job situation, I have a job offer! I figure if this nursing job doesn't work out I'm going to Lowe's or Walmart!

Another slap in the face!

Does anyone ever feel like the universe is conspiring against them? I try not to complain about my life, I know I have it much better than some, but today...well today has been a doosey! My day started out pretty good, the kids slept in, I was getting some cleaning done, and preparing for Taegan's birthday party this weekend. Then, I got a phone call. Those of you who know me know how excited I have been to start my new job at Ft. Payne. Alas, it was not meant to be. The phone call was from human resources at the hospital. Apparently, the economy is hitting the hospitals too! Their admissions have been low and their new CEO is not letting them hire anyone else this month (they said maybe next month). Keep in mind this is the Thursday before the Monday I was supposed to start. I already went through all my background checks, my drug screening, my TB tests and everything! To say I was crushed is an understatement! I sobbed uncontrollably for a good 30 minutes. I had not even applied anywhere else because this was supposed to be a sealed deal. I thought, seriously..., after all my family has been through the past few months, can I just not catch a break??? But, after wallowing in self-pity for a while, I decided that feeling like this was the work of the devil, trying to kick me while I was down, and I would have no part of it! So, today I have sent about 50 applications out all over northeast alabama and chattanooga. For some reason working at the hospital in Ft. payne is not part of God's plan for me right now and I have to accept that and move on with where I need to be and what I should be doing (when i find out what/where that is, I'll let you know). I thought of Proverbs 3:5-6 today
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight

So, I am asking all of you, my dear sweet friends, to please remember me and my family once again in your prayers. I NEED a job ASAP or we are going to be living in a cardboard box! I leave you all with the prayer that has been replaying in my head all day today, the Serenity Prayer:

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.


Thank you all for your love and prayers!
Karri

Walmart Price Match Rocks!!!

Hi everyone! I just got back from my weekly Wal-mart trip and I saved $41.75 using price matching and coupons! Yeah me! Price matching has helped our family finances tremendously over the past few months. Every week I make a list of what’s on sale where and integrate it with my grocery list. Since this helps me out so much I thought I would share it with all of you. I organize my lists according to the different sections of the grocery store. Let me know if this helps any of you out there! If it does, I’ll post it every week! Just copy, paste, and print the list and highlight what you want to purchase and taadaaa, instant savings! Your welcome!
Love ya all!
Karri


Prices good 07/14-07/20
Stores- L=Lucky’s, LSS=Lucky’s supersale-good only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, F=Foodland, W=Walgreens


Item Qty Price $ Store

Dairy
Mayfield Ice Cream 48oz 2 for $6 F
Store Brand Cheese (shredded/cubes/chunk) 8oz 2 for $3 F
Bright & Early Orange drink 64oz 1.00 F
Food Club OJ 64oz 2 for $5 F
Merico Biscuits 5ct pkg 2 for $1 F
Store Brand Butter 1lb pkg 2 for $4 F
Blue Bell Ice Cream ½ Gal. 3.89 L
Florida’s Natural OJ 2.19 2.19 L
Blue Bonnet Margarine Sticks/Box 0.69 L
Store Brand Biscuits 12 oz can 0.88 L
Sargento Deli Sliced Cheese 6-8oz 2 for $6 L
Coffee Mate Creamer 16oz 1.99 L
Swiss Miss Pudding 6ct pkg 2.29 L
Kraft Deli Deluxe Cheese Slices 8oz. 2.99 L
Prairie Farms Ice Cream 4qt pails 4.99 L

Drinks

Coca Cola Products 2liters 1.00 L
18pk/12 oz cans 5.99 L
Powerade 32 oz bottles 3 for $2 L
Aquarius Spring Water 24pk/.5liter bottles 2.88 LSS
Crystal Geyser Water Gallon or 6pk/.5lit 5 for $5 F
Store Brand Soda 12pk/12oz cans 1.99 LSS
Store Brand Apple Juice 64oz 0.99 LSS
Gatorade 32 oz 0.99 L
Welch’s Juice 52 oz. 2 for $5 F
Propel Fitness Water 10ct pwder or 6pk 16 oz 2 for $5 F

Paper Goods
Charmin or Bounty 24 rg roll pk 7.00 F
Charmin or bounty 8 rg roll pk 7.00 F
Hefty Foam Plates 50ct pkg 2 for $3 F
Store Brand Paper Towels Single Roll 0.89 L
Quilted Northern TP 12 double rolls 7.99 L
Kleenex Facial Tissue 8ct pks or 200ct box 1.89 L

Produce
Dole Bananas 2lbs 1.00 L
Idaho Potatoes 10lb bag 3.49 L
Iceberg Lettuce Head 1.29 L
Cabbage Head 0.39 L
Russet Potatoes 15lb bag 2.99 LSS
Russet Potatoes 5lb bag 2 for $3 F
Slicing Tomatoes 1lb 0.99 L
Peaches 1lb 1.19 L
Strawberries 1lb pk 2 for $3 F
Green/Black/Red Grapes 2lbs 3.00 L
Bing Cherries 1lb 2.00 F
Rainier Cherries 1lb 3.00 F
Dole Shredded Lettuce 8oz bag 1.00 L
White Onions 2lb bag 2 for $3 F
Dole Salad Mix Pkg. 2 for $4 F
Cantaloupes 2 for $4 F
Washington St. Apples 3lb bag 2 for $5 F
Broccoli or Cauliflower Head 2 for $4 F
Cherry Tomatoes Pkg 2 for $3 F
Limes 10 for $1 F
Mangoes 2 for $1 F
Packham Pears 1lb 1.00 F

Health-Beauty/Cleaners/Dog-Cat Food/Misc.
Purex 2x laundry detergent 24-32use bottle 3.99 L
Matchlight Charcoal 13.5lb bag 9.99 L
Alka-Seltzer Plus 6oz liq or 20ct tabs 5.49 L
GE Reveal Light Bulbs 4pk 4.99 L
Friskies Cat Food 16lb bag 12.99 L
Dawn Dish Liquid 10-24oz bottles 2 for $3 L
Bounce Fabric Softener 120 shts/60use btl 5.99 L
DowneyFabric Softener 120 shts/60use btl 5.99 L
Electrasol or Finish Dish Det. 15-20 gelpks or tabs 4.49 L
Gladware Containers 3-5ct pks 2.99 L
Tide 50oz liquid or 70 oz powder 7.00 F
Store brand detergent 50oz liquid 2 for $8 F
Alpo Dog food 13oz can 3 for $2 F
Friskies cat food 5 oz cans 5 for $2 F
Store brand charcoal 18lb bag 5.00 F
Store brand lighter fluid 32 oz 2 for $5 F

Meats
Ground Chuck 1lb 1.79 L
Frozen Split Fryer Breast 1lb.tray pk 0.99 LSS
Fresh Split Chicken Breast 1lb 1.00 F
Country Style Pork Ribs 1lb 0.99 LSS
Boneless Ribeye Steaks 1lb 5.99 L
Lean Pork Steaks 1lb 1.29 L
Boston Butt Pork Roast 1lb 1.29 L
Bottom Round Roast 1lb 2.00 F
T-bone Steak 1lb 5.00 F
Whole Pork Loin 1lb 1.99 F
Boneless Pork Chops 1lb 2.59 F
Tender cubed steak 1lb 2.99 F
Butterball ground turkey 1lb 1.79 F
Bottom Round Steak 1lb 2.29 F
Bar-S Hot dogs 1lb pk 0.89 F
Bar-S Bologna 1lb pk 1.09 F
Bar-S Sliced Ham 1lb 1.99 F
Bar-S Corn Dogs 3lb pkg 3.99 F
Boneless Sirloin Tip Roast 1lb 2.39 L
Boneless Sirloin Tip Steak 1lb 2.39 L
Frosty Morn Bologna 16oz 1.59 L
Carolina Pride Cooked Ham 10oz 1.99 L
Zeigler Jumbo Hot Dogs 16oz 1.99 L
Cloverdale Farms Bacon 12oz 1.79 L
Bar-S Smoked Sausage 16oz 1.59 L
Tennesse Pride Pork Sausage 16oz 1.99 L
Zeigler Sliced Bologna 16oz 1.99 L
Freshland Country sausage 1lb 1.99 F
Conecuh smoked sausage 1lb 2.79 F
Cades Cove BBQ 5.49 F
Royal Sliced Bacon 1.79 F
Seafood Salad 1lb pkg 3.69 F
Yellow Fin Tuna Steak 1lb 5.99 F
Catfish Fillets 1lb 3.99 F


Frozen Foods
Mckenzie’s Frozen 16-20oz 5 for $5 F
Vegetables(any variety)
Store Brand Pizza 2 for $7 F
Store Brand Ice Cream Bars 2 for $4 F
Birds eye steam fresh 4 for $5 F
Store brand breads (any) toast, breadsticks.. 2 for $3 F
Budget, yusing, or michelina entrees 1.00 F
Store Brand Waffles 12.3 oz box 1.69 L
Kid Cuisine Meals 2 for $4 L
Tonys Pizza 1.88 L

Canned Goods
Van camps baked beans 28oz can 1.29 L
Hunts spaghetti sauce 26oz can 1.19 L
Luck’s beans (any) 15oz 2 for $1 F
Spam 12oz 2 for $4 F

Condiments
Welch’s grape jam/jelly 2lb or 22oz 2 for $3 F
Store brand ketchup 64oz 2 for $5 F
Store brand mustard 8 oz 2 for $1 F
Store brand ketchup 20oz ez squeeze 0.88 L
Store brand mustard 20oz 1.19 L
Store brand pickle slices 16oz 1.29 L
Store brand peanut butter 16-18oz 1.79 L
Store brand grape jelly 32 oz jar 1.59 L

General Groceries
Frito Lay/Ruffles/Cheetos 10-14oz 2 for $4 F
Golden Flake Potato Chips 5oz 4 for $5 LSS
Old Fashion Merita Loaf Bread 0.99 LSS
Sunbelt Fruit jammers/granola bars box 1.75 F
Pasta or Ricearoni 5 for $5 F
Delmonte fruit to go 8pk 2 for $4 F
Skinner Pasta 12oz 5 for $3 F
Pilsbury brownie mix 19oz 1.00 F
Cracker jack popcorn snack 7oz or 3-3oz 1.00 F
General Mill Chex Mix 8oz 4 for $5 F
Bugles Snacks 7oz 4 for $5 F
Cheerios Snack Mix 8oz 4 for $5 F
Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad 1.00 F
Chicken/tuna/hamburgerHelper 0.99 F
Macaroni Grill Mix 2 for $7 F
Betty Crocker Brown mix 1.00 F
Store Brand Mashed Pototo 8oz 1.00 F
Store Brand Cereal 32oz 2 for $6 F
Saltine Crackers 16oz 1.00 F
Store Brand Vanilla Wafers 12oz 2 for $3 F
Doritos 2 for $5 L
Oreos 3.49 L
Mexican Season Mixes 0.59 L
Pringles 1.69 L
Cheerios (any variety) 10-17oz 2.99 L
Crunch n munch 4oz 0.99 L
Oreo cakesters 2.99 L
Nutter Butters 2.99 L
Nabisco Toasted chips 2.99 L
Dinty Moore Big Bowls 2 for $4 L
JFG mayo or salad dressing 32oz 2.99 L

It's Yard Sale Time!

I am so NOT a pack rat! My mom and my oldest sister were/are both hoarders and keep stuff from 30 years ago. At my house, unless something has sentimental value, it's outta here if it hasn't been used/worn in a year. Yep, I've been cleaning out closets, cabinets, and storage buildings and I have got stuff we don't need running outta my ears! I've also been making lots of hairbows since I haven't been working. And.....since I haven't been working, my wallet is a little too thin so we are having a yard sale at my aunt Deanie's this week. Here's the ad I put in the Times-Journal:
Huge Yard Sale Wednesday July 8th through Saturday July 11th 2 miles west of Ider 4 way on Hwy 117. Furniture, cookware, tools, kid's clothes (mostly gymboree, old navy, children's place-girls 3t-4t and boys 4t), kid's shoes, women's name brand clothing (various sizes up to 18/20), men's name brand clothing (up to xxl and 40x34 pants), toys, electronics (including a working dell pc and 20" tv), HANDMADE HAIRBOWS AND MATCHING FLIP FLOPS.
Seriously, we have tons of stuff we are bringing, plus my aunt is putting out her stuff, and Pearle Dalton is bringing all of her yard sale stuff too. So if you need some good stuff at great prices (not to mention helpin a sista out) come on over!

And speaking of hair bows and flip flops, I'm thinking of opening a store on etsy.com, what do you guys think? Anybody ever sell anything on there? If so, how do you get advertising? Just wondering.

On a separate note, please continue to remember me in your prayers. The next couple of weeks are going to be busy! I go for my second Lap-Band adjustment on the 15th (I'm down 32 lbs so far), my sweet baby girl is turning 4 on the 16th!!!! I can't believe it. (Yet another reason for the yard sale, birthday parties are expensive these days!) And, I start my new job the 20th (I'm really nervous, it's been a long time since I've worked anywhere other than surgery). For a change, these things are all good sources of stress! I'm so thankful that God has a plan for me. I just hope I can do his will without complaints or grumbles and be happy for the new oppurtunities I am given everyday to prove my love and devotion to HIM.

O...I almost forgot..today is my 32nd birthday and I'm proud to say it, because the alternative to not having a birthday is well..you know..not so good!

Toodles for now!
Love You All!
Karri

In case your wondering..../Happy Father's Day

In case you are wondering where we have gone...we are in Myrtle Beach! It was a very last minute planned trip, but a much needed one. Let me start at the beginning of the week. Jason had to take the varsity basketball boys to camp at UTC for 3 days, mon-wed of this week. So, that left me by myself going crazy with kids. However, due to a last minute cancellation and a very good friend, I got a call on Monday with an offer I couldn't refuse! I almost called Jason to squeal about what a great deal and vacation I had secured for us, but I thought, how fun would it be to suprise him when he got home on wed.? And that's just what I did. I had everything packed and loaded in car with driving directions along with a Happy Father's Day card waiting on Jason when he walked in the door. The kids and I said "we love you, now go get in the car"! (This is a huge deal for me, I've never pulled off a suprise with out him finding out in the 16 yrs we've known each other). Off we went! We left at about 6:30 wed nite and I drove for a little over 8 hours straight! That was ok though because Jason and the kids slept most of the way. Even though this is Jason's father's day gift, I need the get-a-away too. We are having the best, most relaxing time. It's beautiful weather here and the kids have been fairly well behaved.


Now onto Happy Father's Day. Most of you who've been to a crowed beach know that you see allll kinds wondering up and down the sandy shores. This week I've seen men who are tall, short, fat, thin, handsome, and some who hit every limb on the ugly tree on the way down. Looking at all the men passing me by I have thought to myself how blessed I am that Jason is my husband and the father of our children. He is not perfect, but he is perfect for our family. He is more than I could ever ask for and much more than I deserve, but God somehow brought us together and has guided us every step of the way through our marriage and blessed us with two beautiful children. I love him with all my heart. My soul is for Jesus, but Jason has the rest of me! I don't tell him enough how much I appreciate him and everything he does for our family, but I don't know what we would do without him. He has more than honored the vows we took almost 14 years ago....in sickness and in health, in good times and bad...he has honored me all the days of our marriage. He is a christian role model to our children. He loves the kids all the time, but is a disciplinarian when he needs to be (which is a lot with Cohen sometimes). I can't say enough good things about him, I am truely a blessed woman. Thank you God for bringing Jason and I together, and thank you Jason for being the man you are.



Now, back to the beach. We had a little excitement today while we were swimming. Look closely at the pic of the water. See that dark line a little way off the shore. Well, that is a large school of fish that sharks were chasing! The lifegaurds made everyone clear outta the water in a hurry when they saw them. The most we've ever worried about on our trips to the gulf of mexico were jellyfish! With that being said, I think I do prefer the Atlantic Ocean here over the Gulf. The sand is still white but not powdery (so it doesn't stick to EVERYTHING) and the shells here are AMAZING! With that being said, it's dark now and the kids are ready to get the flashlights and nets out to go crabbin'! We will see you all back on the mtn. soon!

Setting the Record Straight!

Hi everyone out there in blogland! Boy have I missed you guys. It's been well....interesting to say the least around our house the past month. I don't really know where to start. There have been so many rumors started and spread around this tiny little town about me the past few weeks I can't begin to address them all. I can't get into details, but I just want to say that they are ALL lies. I have been accused of something I would NEVER, EVER do for many reasons. First and foremost, I love the Lord and though I am a sinner I would not and did not break a sacred commandment. second I love my family more than anything on this earth and would not do anything to hurt them or put them in jeopardy. Anyone who really knows me knows the truth by now and I do not hold a grudge against those who have spread these rumors (Thank you Luke McKay for your message yesterday at church). All I ask is that you speak to ME personally before you speak of things you really have no idea about and if you hear someone else speaking of things they know nothing about to defer them to me. Sorry to get into that, but, I had to get that off my chest! I also wanted to say thank you to my family and friends who have supported me through this mess. If it were not for you guys and the good Lord giving me strength, I think I would crumble into a million pieces. Even through this sadness and confusion, God has blessed me and my family far beyond what we deserve. I am so grateful to get to spend time with my little boy, who's about to start kindergarten soon, and my little girl, who has always been a mommy's girl. And I have gotten to do so much work at the church, all for HIM. I ask you all to continue to pray for my family and for our VBS this week. I hope that the Lord will claim some more victories in lives for HIM this week. May the Lord bless you all!
Karri

PS- I just wanted to send out a special thanks and love to my husband, my sis Freda, deanie and wayne, aunt kay, gail, crystal, all my cousins and my friends-Lisa, Jenny, Tammy, Deedra, Kim, Keri, and bro. Luke. I can never repay you all for your love and support, but I promise I will never stop trying!

Safe in the Meat Freezer!

It's been a c-r-a-z-y weekend! Let me start with Friday....

Jason and I were supposed to be chaperones for the Ider prom. So, we had my niece, Tiara and her friend Brooke coming over to babysit for us. I knew I needed to stop on my way home from work and get some groceries so I first stopped in Tiftonia. Guess what? Walmart does not function without electricity! Who knew? I thought I would just run into Lucky's super quick and get back home before the bad weather set in. Seriously, it wasn't even raining in Henagar when I went in. Meanwhile, my husband had left school early and went home, but didn't go get our children from daycare???? What was he thinking? So, I called and ask my sis to pick them up when she brought Tiara and Brooke. Little did I know that my two babies are the ONLY ones left at daycare (yes give us the parents of the year award). Keep in mind I was only shopping for about 20 minutes. I start checking out and I hear one of the bag boys say its hailing the size of baseballs! What?? Then before I knew it I could hear sirens and alarms and the Luckys manager is yelling at all the customers and employees to get to the back NOW that there was a tornado coming. We dropped everything and followed the employees to back of Luckys into the meat freezer! Yep, their safe place is the meat freezer. It was cold, stinky and very crowded. I didn't have a cell phone signal, I didn't know where my children were at that moment, and I was thinking I was gonna die in that stupid meat freezer. To say I was panicked is an understatement!!!! I've never been clausterphobic until that very minute. After about 10 minutes we got the all clear and we could go back out into the store. I called home immediately. Everyone was ok, thank you Jesus, Jason had called my cousins Tim and Angie who live right behind the daycare and they had the kids. I got checked out and loaded my groceries in the pouring rain and got home safely! Tiara and Brooke came a couple hours later and off Jason and I went to the prom! It was so fun! The dresses this year were so wild! There was every kind of animal print in every color you can think of there. Nothing too R rated. Nathan Parham was the DJ and he played some old school tunes mixed in with the new. He even played my high school theme song "baby got back". But I decided not to embarass myself or my sweet nephew by dancing. Your welcome Tyler! When we got home everyone was asleep except Cohen! He was waiting up on us. We finally all crashed after a very eventful day!

Saturday we were completely and utterly lazy. I can't even remember the last time we didn't go anywhere or do anything on a Saturday. But, after the Friday we had, we needed a day of rest.

Sunday was the best day! The youth drama team performed to "Does Anybody Hear Her" and I cried like a big ole baby. It was the best performance yet! They are so talented! Luke brought a wonderful Easter message and home we went! The kids were so excited to hunt eggs. This is the first year we have ever done Easter at our house. It was blissful! We hid and hunted eggs with kids, took a million pics, and ate! Jason cooked us Easter dinner ( I'm talking ham, mac n cheese, creamed corn, pinto beans, rolls, and a chocolate cake). Have I ever said how much I love him?? Anyway, after letting our food settle, we decided it was such a beautiful day we would go enjoy it. We took the kids hiking at Little River Canyon. It was hilarious. Taegan stuck her foot in a puddle and got her feet soaking wet and apparently princesses do not wear wet shoes, I had to carry her back up the trail! Cohen fell on a wet rock into a stream and got his rear end drenched, but he thought it was funny. He just wanted in the sun so he could get some more "frankels" (aka freckles)! After that we went and played at the new fort payne park and then we were on to dairy queen for a sweet treat! The whole day couldn't have been more perfect! I felt like we were in a scene from Leave it to Beaver.

That, in a nutshell, was our weekend and our Easter! I hope yours was as blessed as ours! I just love my family (for today anyway) and I love making memories with them.
TaTa for now! Love you all!

Karri

One Nation Under God???

I always ready my daily news on msn.com and came across this article from newsweek. http://www.newsweek.com/id/192583 I'm very disturbed and confused by this story.

It personally left me with a lot of questions. Is this the reason our nation is in such decline? Are we as christians putting to much stock in our president instead of relying on God to direct our future? Like it or not, Obama is our president, and God is sovereign, so why can we not trust his will (and I do believe it is his will, otherwise it would not be). It may be his will that our selfish, conceited nation fall, I don't know, but I trust that God will will be done. Why is one party considered more moral than the other? My views on politics, lawmaking, and world view in general have changed so dramatically in the past year. I once considered myself a liberal leaning moderate (not Republican, not Democrat). Now, I think I am more of a moderate conservative. I now use the bible as my strict reference instead of what's mainstream or based on MY feelings. It took much soul searching and bible reading and praying to get to this point. I ask you to join me, whatever your political stance is, to pray for our nation, our world, it's leaders, and our lawmakers.
Lord, God, you know the hearts and minds of every single person on this earth. Please guide us all in making decisions, both big and small. Help us Lord, to reach out to our neighbors, our community to give them your word. Lord, use us, your children, to be a beacon of light to those in the dark. We love you, God, we trust you God, with our lives, with our childrens lives, with all of our futures here on this earth and beyond. Help us carry out your will even if we do not understand it. Thank you Lord for the many blessings you give us. Please continue to bless our families, put your hands on our national and world leaders, help them see that your word IS the truth, the light, and the only way to make it through these tough times. We ask all these things in your precious name. Amen.

Love & Blessings to All!
Karri

A year has passed

Proverbs 31:10-12 and 25-31
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

I'll tell you the city gate busted open with praise when my momma got there!

April Fool's Day will never be the same again. It's the anniversary of my mom's death. I can't believe its been a year! I won't go into how much I miss her. I know everyone is tired of hearing that. But I wanted everyone just to think about her today and remember what a wonderful woman she was and what a blessing she was to me and my sisters. I know she is at peace with our good Lord and knowing I will see her again one sweet day gives me comfort. To those of you who have lost your mother, you know the emptiness that is left behind. To those of you who are so fortunate to still have your mother, do me a favor, please. Even if you don't get along with your mom, even if you fight over the smallest things, even if you haven't talked to her in a really long time, call her. Call, or better yet, go see her today and tell her you love her, because you may never get the chance again. If your mom was gone tomorrow, would you have regrets? How important are the things that come between you? Just remember mothers are not perfect, they are human too. We only get one mother in this lifetime, don't take the time you have with yours for granted. I love you all and pray that you all have a mother that cherishes you and that you cherish back!

Comic Relief!

I'm so proud of our youth! They rocked the church house today! I don't know if I'm still on a high from the church service this morning or what, but I totally have insomnia! Its almost 2 (fast time) in the morning, and I have to be up in just a couple of hours for work. So I decided I'm just not going to sleep. Mondays suck anyway, so I'll just be a little sleep deprived. Whilest entertaining myself in the wee hours of the morning (there's only so many infomercials I can watch), I came upon these videos. They are stinkin hilarious, so I thought everybody's Monday could use a little funny! Here ya go, enjoy!


Glad I'm not the only one who's technically challenged:



Mean but still hilarious!


These last two are from Tim Hawkins, nuf said!





Hope everyone has a wonderful week!

Karri

P.S. I had a few complaints about my last background and not being able to read the font. Hopefully, this one's better...let me know!

Playin catch up!

Since it's been a while since I posted, I have a plethra of nonsense to spew! It's all quite random, so bear with me.

First of all, have yall seen the new Beyonce video? It's the most sensual, but not raunchy, video I have ever seen. I know Beyonce and Michael Ealy are just actors, but DANG they are hot together!! I told Jason if he would look at me the way Michael looks at Beyonce in this video, I would never have a "headache" again! Click the first image on the right ---> on the guys face and it'll take you to the video. I think it should be in The Love Dare that you should look at your spouse that lovingly everyday! Sometimes Jason and I are so tired by the end of the day, we barely speak must less sit down and gaze deeply into one another's eyes. Maybe after the kids are grown we can have that sort of utopian relationship????

Second, I had a wonderful time on our ladies retreat a couple of weeks ago. I really needed to get away. I roomed with one of my bff's in the world, Tammy Pike, and we had a blast. Michelle Phillips and Brooke Smith kept us laughing the whole time, while Jenny Mann's songs and Lisa McKay's messages brought us to tears (in a good way). Snow tubing was a new experience and sooo much fun (even though I had snow in my underwear, my socks, and my hair looked a mess when we got done). Imogene Green totally rocked the dance moves while Brooke and Jennifer sang karaoke. Here are just a few of my fav pics from the trip.



Tammy and Lisa- just beautiful!


Lori, Brooke, and Michelle- I have no idea what they were doin??


Me, Tammy, and Jenny-snow tubing


I have a bunch more, but I promised some of my friends I wouldn't post them!

Third, I had my first Lap-Band adjustment today. I am down 21 lbs, 1 pants size! Yeah me! The adj. wasn't very bad at all, except for drinking that barium stuff. Yuck! I am still mourning my Diet Mtn. Dews more than food, but other than that I still eat pretty much what I want to (just a lot less). BUT...every time I get an adjustment I will be able to eat less and less. They tell me by the time I get to my last adjustment I won't be able to eat things like soft bread (only toast), popcorn, raisins, and stringy vegetables like broccoli stems, asparagus, and celery (oh darn, heeheehee).

Fourth, I am so excited about youth sunday coming up! We have the greatest youth in the world! I am so proud of them all. I'm trying to find someone to switch nursery duties with me that day so I can watch mine and Jason's sunday school class and the youth. Anybody out there know of anyone who might be willing??? I've called several people with no luck!

Fifth, we have some great things coming up in the church. The True Love Waits program will be starting soon. For those of you not familiar with the program, it is aimed at our young people to promote abstinence and purity in God's eyes. We also have the big Easter egg hunt and festivities at the park. We will have free pony rides for the kids, cupcakes/koolaid, and a huge egg hunt with prize eggs. And last but not least, we will be doing a new church directory soon! So, get geared up and prayed up about all these things as we as a body of christ reach out to our community!

Whew, that was a long post. Sorry! Love you all!

Karri

A few pics of my favorite little people!

I always miss photo friday, but I wanted to share these photos of some of my favorite kiddos from church (and a few of my own)!