A Poem / Song

Drought in Alabam’

It’s dry down here in Alabam’
We’re waiting for a rain.
It’s dry down here in Alabam’
For nine months it’s been the same.

It’s dry down here in Alabam’
I’ve been looking to the sky.
It’s dry down here in Alabam’
I see no clouds and sigh.

We’re waiting for a big storm
It needs to last for days,
And when it’s o’er,
There will be no more,
Drought in Alabam’.

It’s dry down here in Alabam’
The leaders called for prayer.
It’s dry down here in Alabam’
And no one wants to share.

It’s dry down here in Alabam’
But we keep pressing on.
It’s dry down here in Alabam’
Who’ll notice when it’s gone?

We’re waiting for a big storm
It needs to last for days,
And when it’s o’er
There will be no more,
Drought in Alabam’.

Thanksgiving Holidays

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. I went home to Jasper on Wednesday night, where we had a wonderful Wednesday night service at church. Many were home from college, work, etc., so there was a good crowd. Thursday, John came down early, and our whole family went to Liberty PBC's annual Thanksgiving Day meeting. Dad and Elder Howell were blessed to preach some good sermons. Then, we went to my aunt's house in "Twilleytown", Alabama, and got together with my mom's side of the family. It's always a large gathering, since she is one of nine siblings. Then on Friday we went to my Granny's house. Uncle George (my dad's brother) and Aunt Joyce, my cousin Brian, his wife Lori, and their son Gavin, all came and we got together for Thanksgiving. We had a great time watching Gavin play with all the toys we used to play with. And, since my dad and Uncle George graduated from MSU, we watched the Egg Bowl. What a win! (Next day, another coach got "Croomed". Hehe.) Saturday, we put up the Christmas tree and watched the Iron Bowl. What can I say about that...Alabama lost again for the sixth time in a row to Auburn. I've always lost, and Table's always won. Maybe next year...

Below are some pictures of all my, umm, first cousins once removed?? Second cousins?? I'm not sure how that works. They are my cousins' children. I've been doing some experimenting with photography lately. It's something I would love to learn more about and become better at. Thus, some of the black and white photos.

This is Gavin, my cousin Brian's little boy.


Derrick and Brian

Uncle George, Granny, Dad

This is Noah (my cousin Monica's little boy) and Christian (my cousin Tonya's little boy)
This is Reagan (my cousin Zac's little girl), the only great niece so far!
This is Caleb, my cousin Tonya's youngest son.
Tonya and Christian - this is one of my favorite pics!
And, the newest edition, Jace, my cousin Jason's little boy.

Anniversary Meeting

We were blessed with a most wonderful meeting last weekend. Elder Gary Harvey and Elder Harold Stumbaugh, both from Arkansas, were invited to preach, and the Lord poured out his spirit upon both men and the congregation. Excellent edifying, encouraging, and convicting sermons were preached by both. We also enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship with all. We only have a morning and afternoon service on Saturday of our fall meeting, which allows for fellowship time on Friday and Saturday night. So, Saturday afternoon everyone came over to our house. We played ping-pong, sang songs, ate, and had a great time. It was the first year our meeting didn't fall on the same weekend as the Iron Bowl (something we had been hoping would happen for a while!), so no one was glued to the t.v. Below are some pictures from the weekend.

Group photo from Friday night. We had some talented musicians in the crowd who were able to play for us.

The preachers kicked back and relaxing.

Elder Harold Stumbaugh, and his wife, Sis. Mary. Elder Gary Harvey, and his wife, Sis. Becky.

Group Photo 2 on Saturday night

Ping pong match between Elder Harvey and Andrew.

Duty

I haven't had the chance to watch any of the televised presidential debates to date, but tonight posed the perfect opportunity. Table and a friend were using the living room to study, so I took my dinner to my room, and through the marvels of Google, found a link to videos of the presidential debates. I watched the most recent Republican Party debate which was held in Orlando, FL. The whole hour and half plus. It was fascinating. I loved watching the candidates interact with each other and the audience, and seeing them respond to questions, instead of just reading their stances and ideas on various issues.

As for the title of this post, I felt like I was engaging in my part of this presidential race by doing my duty as an American citizen, and trying to become informed. We have been given such a wonderful gift in the opportunity to vote in this country. THINK about that for a moment. YOU get to VOTE for who you want and ideas you want. As my dad always says, "If you don't vote (and just purely because you don't, not because you aren't able or are of age, etc.), don't complain about who gets elected. You have the opportunity to make your voice known. People, that is power. If we don't like our representative's voting record, then elect someone new! Or, perhaps, run for office yourself! We must act, because it is APATHY which will lead our nation to destruction.

So, even though the presidential election is a year away, start becoming informed now. Talk with friends. Engage yourself. Believe me, the year will fly by.

If you're interested, the link to the GOP Presidential Debate I watched is below:

http://www.youdecide2008.com/video/video-fox-news-republican-debate-from-orlando-florida/

Childhood memories!

So this drink brings back childhood for me. I'm not really sure how to describe it to you. See my family and I take a vacation every year. And for the longest time whenever we would stop at a gas station Derrick and I would ALWAYS get Clearly Canadian Strawberry water if they had any. It was SOOO good and ya know healthy(like we were concerned but whatever). Anyways, all of a sudden they just disappeared it seemed. We still look for them all the time and can't find them. So this past weekend John brought a couple of these back to Alabama for us because he saw some and thought of us. To make this story short, it has made my day! This week has been a rough one, really rough. So it has been nice to enjoy this drink and occasionally think of road trips and good times with the fam. I love them.

P. S. If you have never experienced a Clearly Canadian, you should.

Fall Photos

These were some pictures just taken around the house this past weekend. Hope you enjoy the fading days of fall.

And, Happy Veterans's Day! Thank you to all veterans who have made the sacrifice so we could enjoy freedom. God bless you, and God bless America.

Blessed be the Fall

October gave a party; The leaves by hundreds came -

The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples, and leaves of every name.

The Sunshine spread a carpet, And everything was grand,

Miss Weather led the dancing,

Professor Wind the band.

-George Cooper

I hope you had the opportunity to at least step outside this past weekend, especially if you live in Alabama. The trees were in full color - bright yellow, orange, and red! I was blessed to be able to travel to Cullman, Alabama on Saturday for a church meeting. Now, perhaps I'm partial, but Alabama has some of the prettiest, scenic drives in the country for just ordinary, day-to-day traveling. So, I drove up I-65, and couldn't help but notice all the various colors, and praise and thank God on my way to church for his creative genius, and blessing us with it. Then, after church, I drove home on Hwy. 69, and saw the same amazing, beautiful sight. I love how God graces us with good things, even as the days begin to get colder and somtimes seemingly more dismal. Enjoy them while they last, for soon they shall begin to fall.

Race for the Cure!

Rebecca, Savanna, John, me

Corey, Sam, and Sis. Joy

Natalie, Emily, Adam

Sis. Carol (Survivor!) & Mom

Group Photo Numero Uno

Group Photo Numero Dos

We had not yet walked one mile, but we topped a small hill in Birmingham, and the view was incredible. We were towards the back of the group, and you could see thousands of people in front of us.

Blaire, Sis. Lauretta, Sis. Sharon

Dad and Mom

We had a great time walking the streets of Birmingham for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in honor of dear friends who have and are battling breast cancer. It was so encouraging to see all of the people whose lives have been touched by breast cancer come out and support such a wonderful cause, united together in hope. This year we were walking especially for Sister Lynn B. over at The Beehive. Notice the shirts! :-)

We're already looking forward to next year's race, and are hoping to make this an annual event. Hope to see you there!

My new favorite

Lord I Believe

Lord, I believe thy power I own
Thy word I would obey
I wander comfortless and lone
when from thy truth i stray

Lord I believe but gloomy fears
sometimes be dim my sight
I look to thee with prayers and tears
and cry for strength and light.

Lord I believe but oft I know
My faith is cold and weak
My weakness strengthen and bestow
the confidence I seek

Yes, I believe and only Thou
Canst give my soul relief
Lord, to thy truth my spirit bow
Help thou my unbelief

WAR EAGLE HEY!

So these pictures are a couple of months old but I'm a little behind right now so maybe you could excuse that..please. I finally graduated from Auburn and never have been more proud to be an Auburn woman.
Wittel Women: Bridget, Catie Anne, and Kitch


Got to one CRAZY thing before leaving college, so steal a bike. Or at least THINK about it?
Legend has it that if you step on the Auburn seal, you don't graduate, you don't get married, have kids, your kids don't go to Auburn (horrible I tell ya).
And of course, the infamous Auburn graduation pose. This one is for the parent's of course.

If I Stand - Rich Mullen

If I stand, let me stand on the promise,
That you will pull me through.
And if I fall, let me fall on the grace,
That first brought me to you.

And if I sing, let me sing for the joy,
That has born in me these songs.
And if I weep, let it be as a man,
Who is longing for his home.


These words are the chorus to a beautiful song by Rich Mullen. I started singing it the other day, and had to find my cd to play it. In every aspect of our lives we are trusting and looking to God, whether it be when we're praising him on the mountain top, or struggling through the valley.

My dad has been preaching lately on how we need God's grace in practically every aspect of our lives. It's been a blessing to see just how truly dependant we are upon it. Grace to live, grace to die, grace to serve...

Praise the Lord for his abundant Grace!

In Remembrance

"Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)"

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

The greatest is love
The greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day




*Thanks to the following site for providing the lyrics: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/alanjackson/wherewereyouwhentheworldstoppedturning.html

Because I like it

A few things that make me happiest:
1. A crazy spiritual church meeting.
2. Reading and finishing a good book
3. Hanging out with real friends that understand and laugh
4. Playing at the farm
5. Reading my bible before bed
6. Exercising, yea i rarely do it but it makes me happy when i do
7. A long shower
8. no plans
9. Auburn football
10. someone i don't know saying hello to me and vice versa
11. cooking for friends
12. knowing the answer
13. a cool pair of shoes
14. accomplishing goals
15. talking about Jesus with someone
16. family time



* There are others, so we'll just call this an edited list ;)

Thanks dani for the idea. It made me happy just doing this.

A Farewell to a Pair Unlike Any Other

Last night I laced up my soccer cleats just as I have done many times before, preparing to take on the field and whoever may come my way. I haven't played in a couple of years. I played two seasons of intramural soccer while at Alabama, and before that, I was on the field every fall since third grade! I just can't describe the joy and excitement I feel when I'm on the field - I just know I belong there. I'm always ready to play.

A friend called me up yesterday wanting to know if I wanted to play, so as soon as I got home yesterday, I started looking for all my gear. Out of all the sports I've played, soccer has stuck with me, and so have these cleats. I have had the cleats above since middle school - that's about 10 years. They have been one of my favorite pair of shoes - comfortable, oh so right on my feet, worn in. They know me, and I know them. I've never even thought of parting with them...

But last night, after about 30 minutes on the turf (we were playing indoor soccer - something new for me), I noticed my right foot was hugging the inside of my shoe. After a while I could feel my foot sliding off of the heel. I tried to take no notice to it, and it wasn't until we took a break after an hour that I learned the awful truth...my shoe had completely ripped open on the left side. I could touch my foot. I was devastated, in a sense. These were my all-time favorite soccer shoes that had never left my side, that gave me confidence, that could pass, shoot, steal. They were proven.

I went to the snack counter and asked for some tape, which somewhat held the shoe through the second hour. I suppose looking back it should have been a bittersweet moment - wearing my 'Ole Faithfuls' one last time. But, I was caught up in the moment, and of course, now it hits me.

I shall miss these shoes dearly, and probably still won't part with them. Rather, I think I will keep them somewhere. And then, perhaps my children or grandchildren will find them someday, and I can tell them this story, one part of a larger story, which, in truth, is just one part of a much bigger story.

What I'm Listening to These Days

I didn't think I would be able to find this cd anywhere but Amazon.com, but strolling through downtown Homewood one day on my lunch break, I walked lazily into a music store. The cds were scattered everywhere in "orderly disorder" (if you ask me), but I felt certain that this was the kinda place where you could find any kind of music you were looking for. When the gentleman at the counter first asked me if he could help me find anything, I declined, but later, feeling inspired, I popped the question - "Do you happen to have any Gillian Welch?"

I had discovered Gillian Welch very randomly, happening to catch a bit of a biography on her on CMT late one night. Her music and voice caught my ear - a mixture of bluegrass and folk, and completely filled with emotion. Songs that you didn't just hear, but felt. According to the show, she was rejected by Nashville, so she built her own recording studio. She writes her own music with her good friend, David Rawlings, and you may have heard her on the O Brother Where Art Thou Soundtrack.

I was thrilled to hear the gentleman respond that he did have some of her cds, and he actually seemed to know her. He didn't have to look through a computer to see who she was and if he had any of her cds. He went straight over to where they were. Then, I had to decide which one I wanted: Revival, or Time: The Revelator. I settled on Revival, because it seemed to be just as the title would indicate - more songs about redemption, or a focus on religion. Time: The Revelator seemed to be more dark. I discussed this with the store owner, and he concurred, describing her work as "cyclical".

In short, I haven't been disappointed. I can't even give you a favorite song on the cd, because I love them all. She has truly been blessed with a gift. If you're interested, check out some of the samples of her songs on Amazon.com.

A recent physics problem..go ahead, be a nerd!

A woman stands between a vertical mirror 1/2 m tall and a distant tree whose height is unknown. She is 1.0 m from the mirror and the tree is 11.0 m from the mirror. If she sees the tree just fill the mirror, how tall is the tree?

give it a try, what could it hurt!
Virtual m&m's for the winner, oh now it's worth it.

An Ode (I guess)

Ode to Singing School
you are but a few days a way
and I have so much work to do
before I can play

But thank you for your torture
it keeps me slaving away
because I know when I get done with this
i can have fun with my friends all day!


Yea, its bad. But I'm tortured by the thought of singing school being so close and I wrote it in about 2 min. So there

Warning: This may cause a sudden realization

I was listening to Rick and Bubba this morning on the radio while driving to work. Ususally I try to find music, but this was on and I didn't change the station. I was glad I didn't. My drive was short, but this morning I deducted they were talking politics to some extent. The statement that caught my attention was something like Rick saying, 'This is a huge realization for many people - it was for me'. Now, please realize, that's VERY paraphrased. Bubba then relayed the following story:

He recently talked with a Russian Communist visitor to the U.S. Bubba was promoting capitalism and democracy (yes, I know we're not actually a democracy, but that's not the point...), and discussing the differences in the U.S. and Russia, when the Russian asked the following question:

R: Do you own your property?
B: Yes, I own my property. I have a deed. It says it's mine.
R: You pay property taxes, correct?
B: Yes, I pay property taxes.
R: And, if you didn't pay your property taxes, the government would take your property, yes?
B: Yes.
R: Then, you don't own your property. The government owns your property, just like in Russia. You just rent it from the government.

Yes, I know...let the realization sink in. I was just sorta stunnned when it hit me. He makes a good point.

So, just some food for thought. How can we make informed decisions if we are uninformed?

Question of the moment?

If I've never had what I'm gonna get, would I miss it if I never got it?

Why wasn't this a headline in the news????

iPods can glitch out pacemakers, teen warns

Perhaps it was and I missed it. I would hate to think that the media wouldn't publize this to a large extent due to the fact that the iPod is probably Apple's most popular and best-selling product.

It should at least be noted.

Maybe have an accompanying warning label. Caution: Could interfere with Pacemakers. You know, just like McDonald's coffee cups now have, Caution: Hot contents inside.

Interesting...

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You scored as Hector. You are Hector, Prince of Troy. You are a very brave person and the leader of your army. You would also fight for your country, and maybe even die for it.

http://quizfarm.com/images/1122966838Hector_1.jpg">

Hector		67%
Achilles		58%
Paris		58%
Briseis		58%
Helen		33%
Agamemnon		0%

Which Troy Character are you?
created with QuizFarm.com

Check out these HEADLINES in the NEWS

Article Numero Uno:

The price of a mom: $138,095

Yep, that's correct. Based on mom's jobs, such as housekeeper, laundry machine operator, van driver, CEO, and psychologist - just to name a few, mind you - Salary.Com has derived that mom's time and effort is worth about $138,095. They also duly noted that mom works a LOT of overtime, working about 92 hours per week.

How they can put a price on MOMMA beats me. I would say it's priceless, but, I suppose purely mathematically speaking, they did the best they could.

Opinions??

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Article Numero Dos:

Okay...so I can't find it. But, I read last week on MSN.com a really neato article about a bionic hand that the Rehabilitation Institute in Chicago has developed. It can actually sense and feel, using nerves in the torso (I think). Tests have proved that a man can pick up a styrofoam cup without crushing it, due to having the ability to sense the cup and detect the precise amount of grip needed. Right now the technology is being developed for veterans of the war who come home with amputated limbs. But, I predict that in the future we will be hearing a lot more about bionic limbs. For more information, look at the RIC's website.

-----------------------------

And finally, should Paris Hilton go to jail or not? Do you even care? Do you even know what she was arrested for? (To be perfectly honest, I haven't a clue.)

Gilmore Girls Say Goodbye

"The sharp-witted saga of an independent mother and daughter that added to the luster of the young WB network, will end its run after seven seasons."

Oh, I haven't the words for how much I LOVE this show. Two weeks of mourning to follow this post :(

ROLL TIDE!!!!!

We've got spirit,
Yes we do!
We've got spirit,
HOW 'BOUT YOU????

Alabama Fans Win Argument - check out the article. Don't worry. It's short.

Let me give you one number: 92,138.

Spring Break 07 Ooh Rah!

Could you think of anybody more fun than these people to spend your spring break with? I couldn't!
My parents. Aren't they cute? We decided to hike some, it was fun.
Pretty view!
Adam and I at the Cades Cove PBC
Laura and I being goofy!
Cades Cove PBC
One of my favorite views in Cades Cove! I want to live here, darn US government!
Yea, I love you guys!