Confessions of my Teen-Age Daughter...

Tonight at the end of our Christmas Day, we were all sitting around the kitchen table gabbing and my daughter Morgan told us that she and Jacob had opened some of their gifts and re-wrapped them (as she was taught by her Aunt Lisa~lolol) and confessed that after opening one gift that was a book, she read it in 3 hours then wrapped it back up! and when she opened it, she pretended to be all excited about this new book. I have to admit it gave us all a good laugh! What else could we do at this point? Next year we will have to get more creative with our gift wrapping~I'm thinking triple wrapping, taser wrapping or wrapping with alarm bells! We still haven't gotten the full story on Jacob's re-wrapping....Hope everyone has had a wonderful Christmas as we have. I will be posting pictures as soon as we get my camera card fixed.

GA vs. GA Tech Game--Go DAWGS!!

I'm way late on posting this...we went to this game over Thanksgiving weekend. It was rainy and freezing cold, but we had a great time anyway! Afterwards we went to Carrabbas for some delish Italian food. Several friends also went to this game, next year we'll have to all coordinate so we can get together. Gooooooo DAWGS! Sic em! Woof Woof Woof!!!

HomeMade Gifts....Christmas is coming WAY TOO FAST!

I can't believe Thanksgiving is almost here and I haven't even begun to come up with ideas for homemade Christmas gifts. I always do Cookies in a Jar, Fudge, Homemade Cocoa and RedVelvet Cake for friends and family. I've also made photo albums, knitted scarfs, The Living Christ picture frames, Christmas Potpourri and Tote Bags. I'm searching for something different this year that's quick and easy yet tasteful. Any ideas? What are you making this year?

Sometimes it's just not what it looks like....

When I first moved to the Winder Ward, the Stake Relief Society President was visiting and gave a lesson on gossip. One of the stories she told was of a sister in a ward that had milk delivered to her home each morning. It was delivered after her husband and children left for their day. The Milkman would always go in to the sister's house each day and stay for a little while. This did not go unnoticed by the nosy neighbor across the street. That neighbor made several assumptions about what was going on. She assumed that the sister was having an affair, and the neighbor quickly told all the sisters at church and pretty soon the rumors were running rampant. After the Bishop heard of this, he met with the sister in question and found that the milkman was her Father. His wife had recently passed away, so his daughter would prepare him breakfast each morning and have it ready for him when he delivered the milk. He would stay and eat and visit with his daughter. Imagine how the nosy neighbor felt after learning the truth~if only she could take those words back.

This is a great lesson that might need to be taught again in the Winder Ward. Sometimes when a man comes to church with a woman other than his wife, it's his sister that is in town visiting. Let's not be quick to assume and pass around wrong information, instead if we feel the need to make comments, be sure to find out the truth. Truth is Beautiful and Comforting! :) Happy Sunday everyone!

And the Winner Is....Flower Power! Groovy!

Miss Ann (2nd place), me (1st place), Kristy (3rd place)

1st Place in the Costume Contest at Work....who would have thought the power of those big bright flowers? Not me for sure. In fact since all of us in the ER couldn't come up with "hippie attire", we decided yesterday to go "Camo". We all had "camo", right? NO! Not me, but I just knew with all the hunters in my life I could easily come up with a costume. And I did, a jacket from my brother, a hat from my nephew, shirt and pants from my Dad--but it was all different shades and patterns of "camo", and nothing fit right--baggy in all the wrong places and boots that were way too huge for me. So at 10pm last night, I was thinking Flower Power... Groovy...Can You Dig it?...Let's Boogie~Happy Halloween 70's style! and went back to my original "hippie" costume, and much to my surprise, it won me 1st place. Thanks JoAnna for loaning me this costume! It was a fun day at work with all the goodies and great costumes.

Me and my dear friend Tammy~a RN in the ER

(We've been friends since 1st grade)

Front-Tammy, Kylie~Back-John, me

(some of the ER crew--love working with you guys!)

Lisa from the Lab looking sleepy!

Halloween Creepy, Crawly Goodies

A Sticky Sweet Mess.....

Me and Aunt Alice

Last night was our ward's Trunk or Treat and I got to make the Cotton Candy--oh yeah, it was a sticky sweet mess for sure~all over my clothes and in my hair! Thanks Joanna for showing me how it's done and after a few tries, I had my rhthym flowing! With the help of my Aunt Alice and my cousin's husband Daniel~this was a 3 person job due to the high demand, and bags that were too small (we know next year to get gallon size). It was actually so easy, just pour in the colored sugar and turn it on and it spun round and round, then voila' we had some yummy cotton candy! It was a fun night for the primary children, YW/YM that helped with the games and for our community. They all enjoyed lots of games, food and a hay ride. I didn't get to take many pictures since I was busy with the sugary pink fluffy stuff, but here are the few I did get to take. First few are of Jacob and the others are cousins:

Jacob

JoAnna looking Totally Groovie and her son Joseph.

I wish I would have gotten a picture of her van all decorated with flowers and fuzzies and glow in the dark things. She had "Simon and Garfunkel" playing and we swayed to the music as we gave out candy and glow in the dark bracelets from her trunk. They were definitely a hit with all the kids.

Charlie and Kelli Garrett and their Pirate Family and their Kangaroo they picked up in Australia on one of their many voyages and adventures!

This is beautiful Ella ~all pretty in pink in her little tutu~she is my cousin Erin and Daniel's baby.

I did not dress up this time since my Halloween tote is at my house in Auburn and I didn't have time to put something together or go shopping~lack of planning on my part:(.....however, JoAnna is letting me borrow her hippie outfit on Halloween for work (unfortunately, no time to make coordinated costumes as we had wanted to). Thanks JoAnna! Happy Halloween everyone!

Decisions, Decisions.....What will I be for Halloween?

Help! I need some fun ideas for costumes for Halloween this year. All of us in the ER are dressing up on Halloween day and we're trying to come up with something really fun to be while at the same time being functional in doing our job (being able to run around like crazy! ha ha). We're trying to all go with one theme, but we've been in a non-creative phase this week. What are you dressing up as this year and what ideas do you have for us in the ER? I know I have lots of creative friends out there--can't wait to hear your ideas! Thanks!

I've Been Tagged....

I've been Tagged by Cheril...to post the 6th picture from the 6th folder in My Pictures file. So here it is--I couldn't believe it was a picture of some of the Young Women at Girls Camp 2007, the year that Cheril was their Girls Camp Leader......The girls are doing their skit as a caterpillar--I made the caterpillar costume for them and their headband spots--they look pretty cute if I do say so myself! And since Cheril was their Girls Camp Leader and the one that tagged me-- I'm also posting my 8th picture in the 6th folder too--it's one of all the girls and Cheril in front of their Camp Flag. Cheril did an AWESOME job with the girls and made camp so fun for them! Samantha (lady bug),Megan,Cindi,Rebecca & Morgan

Cheril is on the back at the far right in the blue shirt

I tag Cecily, Jenn, Janeen, Mandy and Shannon. Thanks Cheril for this cute tag!

My Mom's Bucket List

On Saturday night my sisters and I took my Mom to the Alan Jackson Concert in Atlanta for her 65th birthday. This was on the top of her bucket list and not long after she had told us about her list, my sister Lisa heard about this concert and got us all tickets. We had a great time even with the mishaps from the rowdy crowd--some guys spilled beer on my jacket and splashed some on the back of my sister Ronda's dress--they were having a hard time walking--there was also a gal dancing all over the place (until the ushers would lead her back to her seat) and she kept telling us that she was sorry, but that when "Trace Adkins" came out, she just wouldn't be able to control herself--we just didn't have the heart to tell her that he wouldn't be coming out, that she was at an Alan Jackson concert! We wonder if she's still waiting to see Trace....lolol It was a fun concert and the best part was seeing how much my Mom enjoyed herself. Happy Birthday Mom--we love you! I'm sure our brothers will take care of the next item on your list--going to a Nascar Race.

Lisa, Cherie, Mom & Ronda

Echols Family Play and Fun Time in Alaska

Scott has been posting some of our old videos on YouTube and I just wanted to share some of our wonderful and fun Alaskan memories.

Jacob Wants to Go Fishing:

Jae Bell Running the Day Boat:

Jacob, Where are we going?

Cherie at the Wheel--oh no!

Sharing another video from Alaska--me having fun driving one of our boats until I was meeting the Alaska State Ferry and a Cruise Ship......I miss Alaska!

We Can Decide Today

This is a video of Jacob having fun practicing his Primary Talk when we lived in Alaska. I thought it was just too cute and couldn't resist posting it. Of course when he realizes I've put it on my blog, he is not going to be very happy with me!

Going Back to Work.....

I started a new job yesterday in a whole different field than I've ever worked in before. I am working in registration at the ER and in the Admissions/Business Office. I was hired for a part-time 4 day/week to work some in the ER and some in the Admissions Office, but now a full time position has come open M-F 7-3pm, registering ER patients, admitting patients into the hospital, outpatient orders for Xrays, lab and respiratory. This shift will work out great for us because Morgan goes to seminary at 640am and they get out of school at 3pm, so I will probably end up taking this shift. It's a very busy job, but I am enjoying it so far.... learning alot about the medical field. And wearing these comfy scrubs are definitely a bonus! Just got to go shopping for some more cute ones!

Nails in the Fence

My friend Linda emailed this to me several weeks ago and I used it for our Family Home Evening Lesson tonight and thought I'd share it with all my friends:

Nails in the Fence

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His Father gave him a bag of nails and told him that everytime he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all.

He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You have done well my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out, but it won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound will still be there. A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.

Remember that friends are very rare jewels indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to us." YOU ARE MY FRIEND AND I AM HONORED! Please forgive me if I have ever left a "hole" in your fence.

I'm Tagged.....My Quirks out in the Open!

I've been tagged! The Rules are... tell about 6 quirks of yours and then Tag 6 fellow bloggers to do the same, be sure to leave a comment to let them know.

**some of these are embarrassing and might just require a 12-step program!! lolol**

1. One of my biggest quirks (or OCD as the Laurels used to call it!) is that the toilet paper roll has to be turned a certain way. It has to flow coming over the top. If I'm at your house and it's going under, I can't leave the bathroom without changing it....sorry!

2. Before I can cook in the Kitchen, it must be completely clean, and all dirty dishes put in the dishwasher, nothing in the sinks or on the counters and everything wiped off and nothing out of place. And by the time I'm done cooking, all pots/pans have to be put in the dishwasher or cleaned before I will sit down to eat--only exception is if my family is in there starving! I also can't stand cluttered counter tops--I have to have them free of clutter.

3. I constantly check for my purse when I'm driving in the car. I have to have it in my sight to make sure it's still there or if it's in the backseat, when I ask my kids if it's back there, they say there's no way it's still not in the car because we haven't even stopped anywhere. They get annoyed with me.....but at least I have never lost my purse!!

4. When I get up in the morning, I like to make the bed right away before doing anything else, sometimes before my husband even has a chance to get out!

5. All towels and bath cloths have to be folded a certain way and put in the linen closet/ bathroom cabinets so they're all uniform. (Morgan says I actually do that with all my laundry)

6. I go in a certain order when I shower and can't hardly make myself go out of the order--such as if I want to leave conditioner in my hair longer than usual.

7. I know, only supposed to list 6, but my friend Shannon's quirks reminded me of one that I can't believe I forgot.....my GermX...I don't leave home without it! I have some in my car, my purse and in my bathrooms at home and at the kitchen sink. I use it so much, my hands get so dry. I only use public restrooms in emergencies and try not to shake hands (nothing personal) which gets kinda hard on Sundays at church. I don't allow others to drink/eat after me--even my own family--I didn't let my children share with each other either--I feel we stay healthier that way..... I'm sure I have more quirks I just can't remember right now, but I think I've shared enough!

Basically I'm just anal about A LOT of things!! I tag Britt, Cheril, Marsha, Margot, Erin and my good friend Shannon--no more excuses--you have to create your blog now so we can know all about your quirks!! Thanks Jaime for this fun Tag!

The Political Rat Race

This years' upcoming Presidential Race has left me feeling that I had no choice for president, as I have not been a strong supporter of either candidate. I am definitely a conservative, however I have never cast my vote for a candidate just because they are the chosen one running on the conservative ticket. The biggest reason for McCain not having my full support is that I feel he is the most liberal of all the Republican candidates that ran and his short-temper that he displayed during the presidential race 8 years ago. It saddens me that the conservative party has chosen the most liberal Republican candidate to represent our views and values. I have been struggling with if I would go ahead and vote for him just because he is the chosen Republican candidate to help keep Obama from being elected or if I would just sit this election out.

Senator McCain's VP choice definitely surprised me and at first I was disappointed that he didn't choose Mitt Romney even though I had my doubts that they would be able to work together. Once it was announced that it was Governor Palin, I started my research to find out more about her. Of course I love the state of Alaska, but that wouldn't weigh in on my decision, and she was not governor when we lived there, so I didn't know anything about her. I was impressed with her when she spoke when they announced she was the VP choice and also with her speech at the RNC the other night. She seemed to represent my conservative views and I liked her fiesty spirit and that it was obvious she will be able to "hang and stand up" to the good old boy politicians. I liked that she is a mother, a successful woman, basketball player (my favorite sport) and also so down to earth. I was really feeling good about supporting the McCain ticket even though I really didn't want to support him.

But there are a few things that trouble me about her. That she could choose such a demanding job that will leave her very little time to spend with her family and especially her special needs baby. I respect her for being supportive of her pregnant teen-age daughter, but it also concerns me that she would take this job knowing that her daughter's pregnancy would be played out in the National Media. As a mother, I could never do that no matter how prestigious the job may be, because my most important role is the one of Mother and I would be willing to sacrifice my ambitions to ensure that my children and family's needs were met first.

Even though I would not make the choices she is making as a Mother, does that make her less qualified to serve as V.P.? Does this mean she is not as conservative or hold the values I was looking for in a presidential candidate conservative ticket? Will she lose my vote based on how I judge her as a Mother? The answer is "NO".....because I started thinking, am I looking for someone that will make a good VP or am I looking to vote for someone solely on whether I judge her to be a good Mother? I still feel she will make an excellent VP and still represents most of the core conservative values that I hold dear. So for now, I am still leaning towards the McCain/Palin ticket, but will continue to research and learn more about her during the rest of the campaign and during the debates.

I would like to hear your opinions on Governor Palin, it helps to hear all views in order to make an informed educated decision.

Trying to Look Smarter.....Not Getting Older!

That is my story and I'm sticking to it! I've had prescription reading glasses for several years now for working on the computer and reading. They aren't very strong, but I had started using them much more often. Recently though, they were not strong enough for me to read clearly and my Mom handed me a pair of her reading glasses and voila' ~ I could SEE! It is amazing at the difference. I teased my husband when he had to start wearing reading glasses, reminding him of his 40+ yrs and that it comes with getting older...... so it just serves me right that my time has come! I actually like them and will go see the eye doctor soon because I think I might just need them all the time now since I absolutely love being able to SEE! Don't I look a little smarter? even if I'm being lazy working from the couch instead of my desk in the office!!

8th Grade Memories

Last night I went with Jacob to his Open House at school. He is attending the same school that I went to in 8th grade (they start construction on a new school in spring 09'). It was actually called the Elementary School when I was in 8th grade (1981) with grades 3rd-8th, now it is the Middle School with grades 6th-8th. As we went through the different halls to go visit with Jacob's teachers, I told him which grade used to be in each hall and showed him which classrooms I had been in. My highlight of the night was reminiscing with Jacob's History Teacher who was my 8th grade Math teacher and also my Basketball Coach. It was great to see her and talk about old times and our basketball team memories. She said she knows it's time to retire when she starts cycling through families. She's not that old though, she was quite young when she taught me--probably just out of college. (I regret not taking pictures of all 3 of us and of the school) It was also good to see the principal, assistant principal and the many teachers that were my good friends from high school. I also ran into parents that I went to school with too--it was like a high school reunion for me! Jacob told Morgan when we got home that it took forever to go through the halls because everybody knew Mom and we had to stop and chat--of course they say the same thing about us going to the Piggly Wiggly too. (for those of you that aren't from the South--it's our grocery store) My children just thinks it's neat that everyone knows each other--since they've grown up in much larger areas where it wasn't that way. These are some of the things I will always treasure about growing up in a small town and am glad that my children are getting a chance to experience it also.

P.S. Jacob really likes all his teachers and he's gotten off to a great start this school year!

Stuff.....Neverending Stuff!

Stuff.....lots and lots of stuff.......too much stuff......What the heck is "stuff" anyway? I took a break from all of my "stuff" and google'd it--this is what came up:

• cram into a cavity (til the "stuff" is overflowing!)
• miscellaneous unspecified objects (who knows what this "stuff" is?)
• informal term for personal possessions ("stuff" that nobody claims)
• a neutral term for resource ("stuff" that has been saved for years but never used)
• a group or scattering of miscellaneous objects (the "stuff" on my kids' bedroom floors)
• thrust, press or force ("stuff" it til it won't "stuff" no more!)

These definitions (along with my comments) thoroughly describe the "stuff" that has emerged from the "black holes" in my house this week---otherwise known as closets! Cleaning out "stuff" is NO FUN! If I ever get done, "stuff" is banned from the Echols home til further notice!

Laurels Reunion--August 2008

Dinner with Rebecca W. at Auburn City BBQ

(L to R: Cristie, Cindi, Rebecca M., Rebecca W., Melissa, Sarah, Cherie)

Our ? gold rings (look closely) from the vending machine--we got bracelets last year.

Last night most of the girls that were Laurels when I was Young Women President (at church) and Cristie who was their Adviser then later 1st Counselor, all got together for dinner and bowling before they all left off for college again in different directions. We started out the night at Auburn City BBQ. Rebecca W. was working and couldn't go with us, so we surprised her by showing up to eat dinner. Afterwards, we went outside to the Caboose for some silly pictures, then on to a fun night of bowling. We had an awesome time just being together, laughing, being silly and remembering our time together in YW. We missed Ashlee and Sis. Mortensen--hopefully ya'll can make it next year. Rebecca M. says we're gonna do this every year til she's 70--but we've determined I would be in my 90's by then and they'd have to roll me out to the lane to bowl....(lolol)....so I think we settled that we would just try to get together every year as long as we can! I love you girls! Have fun at college! I also posted the rest of the pics on my Facebook page, so if you have Facebook --check it out or click on this link. http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2005807&l=a5eef&id=1054368001

Our 2007 Spring Break Bowling Night

"The One You Feed"--A Cherokee Legend

Sharing a story I read today--worthy of contemplation.

An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. "A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy. "It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego." He continued, "The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?" The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

Not the Twilight Saga--just yet...

I'm finally getting on the Stephenie Meyer bandwagon, but not the Twilight Saga just yet. I am now reading "The Host". (thanks Shannon for letting me borrow it!) It sounds like a storyline that I will be interested in--I know if it was a movie, I'd definitely want to see it. I've heard from some they've had a hard time getting into this book but once they got past a few chapters they liked it. If you've read it, I'd love to hear your comments and thoughts on it. Thanks!
P.S. To all my awesome friends out there (and to my daughter Morgan and my niece Peyton) who just love the Twilight Saga series, I think I'll give in and give the first book a try soon! :)

Cumberland Island, GA

The Bishopric from Cochran Ward took the YM on a camping trip to Cumberland Island back in May and we just got a copy of the pictures.

Waiting for the Ferry to go over to the Island

Wild Horses that run free on the Island

Beautiful Trees on the Island

Cumberland Island Beach

Camping in the Trees

(my brother Randy drinking the green water-bottle)

Listening to Bishop Thompson (far left), Randy (on log on the left),

Ross (on log 3rd from left), Jacob (on log 4th from left)

I was in awe when I saw the pictures, I had forgotten how picturesque the GA Coast is. Jacob had an amazing time and looks forward to going again.

A "Night with a Bite"

My sister Lisa took her daughter Peyton and Morgan to the "Breaking Dawn" midnight release party at Borders tonight. They are all "Twilight" fans. I have yet to read them even though they and others have raved about how good they are! Lisa emailed me pictures from her cell phone and will email me more once they get their books:

Peyton (in costume-Alice) and Morgan (Bella)

They are anxiously awaiting midnight to get their pre-ordered books--Lisa will send more pics then. She said there's like 300 people there to buy books, they were #35 and #36 to get their books.

They had a blast! Now they will stay up all night reading--good idea Lisa to give them the bonus room--they have their own private Reading Refuge. Happy Reading Girls! Have Fun!

Morgan--No More Crutches!

Several friends have asked me about Morgan, so I thought I'd post an update. As of this week, she no longer has to use her crutches. She can bend her knee to 120 degrees (right where the Dr. wanted her by 2 months) and can walk without a limp. She has a new knee brace that is much smaller and more comfortable--at least as comfortable as a brace can be!--she says none of them are comfortable. She will still go to Physical Therapy for another month 2 times a week and is still limited on certain physical activities. But all in all, she is doing great! She has worked very hard at her exercises to ensure a good recovery. Thanks everyone for your concern!

Happy 13th Birthday Peyton!

The Birthday Girl

Today is my niece Peyton's Birthday. We went over to my sister's clubhouse pool for her party. The kids had fun, although Morgan still isn't able to go swimming yet (she can wade in the pool but no swimming for 6 more weeks--she can't wait!). Here's some pictures:

The Cousins

(Jordan, Peyton, Morgan, Jacob)

Peyton and Mallory in the Fish Kiddie Pool

Aviation Camp comes to an end....

Aviation Camp came to an end Tuesday much to Jacob's disappointment. He wished it would go on for at least the rest of the week. He can't wait for the next camp during Spring Break. On Monday they worked in the Air Maintenance Shop and made tool boxes from scratch (see picture below). They used machines to bend the steel sheets and power tools to attach the rivets, latches, handle, etc. I think he did an AWESOME job on it! On Tuesday they built rockets and shot them high into the air. They had so much fun and he learned alot. He is ready to become a Pilot!