Late Post's A Coming!

I've been slooooooowww this month on posting ~ a lot going on in the Smith house :). Hopefully within the next month I'll be doing some major updates.

I hope everyone out there has a Happy New Year!

Blessings,
Tammy

Four Chrismases

We had a whirl wind of activities tonight. Christmas party, Birthday party, movie going... Don't you just love the holidays spent with friends and family.

Blessings,

Tammy

Some of my favorites off of our Christmas tree

This is a photo blog of sorts...I hope I don't bore you too much. :) Here are some of my favorite ornaments collected over the years. Each time I look at these ornaments it takes me back to the first time I seen them - lovely memories. *sigh*

Made by Mason in Dec. 2000

The first ornament I purchased during Mason's 1st Christmas

Celebrated at Disney: 2006

Made by Mason: December 2002

Made by Mason: Dec. 2000

Made by yours truly: 1977

Made by Mason: December 2000

Heirloom ornament from GG

Got to have our baseball fix in December

Jimmy D'Cricket (inside Farkle Family joke) Mason made the gingerbread man and the silver bell is from Greg's Aunt Kathy

This ornament is in Memory of Sassy from Cousin Traci

Russian ornaments from Greg

I LOVE PINEAPPLES!

This one matches our Christmas china pattern

Merry Christmas,

Tammy

www.wordle.net

O Christmas Tree

We finally put our tree up...normally we would have had all 3 Christmas trees blazing bright by now but this year we've taken things a little slower than usual (which I know it's OK to slow down sometimes) but it feels weird, you know.?.

We purchased this tree last year and may I add, very last minute. Our Christmas tree was starting to look a little too worn and tired and I personally don't like to do real trees anymore (they make me super nervous - it was like each year we went out and bought one...the drier the tree was). But when we purchased this tree, Greg and I laughed all the way home -we were calling it our "Charlie Brown Christmas Tree" but after setting it up and Greg not having to spend 3 days putting thousands of lights on we were pleasantly pleased with what we got - a lovely and perfectly sized tree for our tiny family room. Now it's beginning to look like Christmas! Now all I need to do is finish my shopping and wrap some gifts to go under that lonely looking tree.

Hope you are having a great month!

Blessings, Tammy

Celebrating Thanksgiving with the Cooper's

Greg with Tina & Marty Cooper

Today we went to Columbia, South Carolina and celebrated a Thanksgiving feast with Greg's cousin Tina and her family. This is a rare treat because they are living in Columbia only for a short time while Marty is completing some Army training/schooling courses. When he has finished his schooling they will be stationed somewhere else (before they were in Texas) so you see it was a real treat to be able to celebrate this year with the Cooper clan. :)

On the way down we snagged the opportunity to Letterbox. We had learned about a library series in Richmond County and since it was rainy and not the best Letterboxing weather we thought this was the best route for more finds.

The guys were all into the Clemson vs. USC (University of South Carolina) game and the kids were busy playing Guitar Hero, fishing *in the rain* or just running around - don't you remember those days.

In this picture you can see Mason and Dillon playing Guitar Hero and then directly behind them you have Brandon on the computer/laptop and then to your left you have more kiddos on the desktop - the girls were smart and stayed playing in Alyssa's room.

The other Cooper kids were MIA most of the day...playing, running, laughing, fishing - having a great time.

Alyssa being shy - yeah right. ;)

Tina checking out her photos...hmmm did I get Uncle Joe with Sally Sue??

Marty snapping a pic of the snapper :)

A great day spent with family!

Blessings, Tammy

The Woman & The Fork

My friend Amy emailed me the story below and I thought it was just the kind of story that I would like to share with you all. It seems like we all have been experiencing more difficult times; whether or not it's financially, health concerns or battles for your soul we need to remember we are not alone - we have our friends and most importantly we as Christians have the Peace, Love and Mercy of Jesus Christ. I know that during this difficult time with my Mom's health I would not be able to make it through without His Peace, Love and Mercy.

There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things 'in order,' she contacted her Pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.


Everything was in order and the Pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her. 'There's one more thing,' she said excitedly. 'What's that?' came the Pastor's reply. 'This is very important,' the young woman continued. 'I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.' The Pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say. That surprises you, doesn't it?' the young woman asked. 'Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request,' said the Pastor. The young woman explained. 'My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming...like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!' So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder 'What's with the fork?' Then I want you to tell them: 'Keep your fork, the best is yet to come.' The Pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming.


At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the Pastor heard the question, 'What's with the fork?' And over and over he smiled.


During his message, the Pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. He was right. So the next time you reach down for your fork let it remind you, ever so gently, that the best is yet to come.


Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. Cherish the time you have, and the memories you share. Being friends with someone is not an opportunity but a sweet responsibility.

Love to all and many blessings to you, Tammy

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

What are you thankful for today? Have you ever sat down and really... I mean really thought about what you are thankful for - strip away all of the wants and needs you currently have and dig deep - What are you thankful for TODAY?

Here is a list of things I'm thankful for TODAY.

• My faith in Jesus Christ. My grandmother took me to church when I was a small girl and introduced me to whom I would later know as my LORD and Saviour. When Mason was 6 months old Greg and I went to a Billy Graham Crusade and that evening in "Panther's Stadium" we rededicated our lives. I know that I am not perfect and that I fall short of His Glory but I strive to be a more merciful, more compassionate and a better wife, mother and friend because He lives in me.
• My wonderful Hubby. I prayed long ago to send me a life partner, a man that I could grow with in age and wisdom; though the age thing kind of hurts now and Greg is that man. My best friend, my lover, my left to my right; would not be complete without having had him in my life. We finish each others sentences, I think it; he draws it (almost creepily exact).
• My super cool boy Mason. He is such a great guy. Growing by leaps and bounds right before my eyes...can't slow him down - though I would like to savour some of these moments a little longer but I know he's on his way to being a teenager and then a man (wooo that hurts just to type). I am so thankful that God has instilled compassion into my young one.
• My parents. Though I am so much like the other that I grate at each of their nerves (they are divorced ;P - so I give each of them the irritating factor they find in the other). I do know they love me and I them.
• My in-laws. They have to be the most humble people I have ever known. I know without a doubt that they love me just as their own and the feeling is mutual. They have a never ending love for the LORD Jesus Christ and His light shows in their daily walk.
• My country. To be living in a country that WAS created under God and having the everyday freedoms I enjoy is such a blessing.

These are touching on a few of the things I am most thankful for this Thanksgiving season.

Blessings to you and your families, Tammy

The Day The Music Died

Okay, so we succumbed to the pressure. We took Mason out last night and bought the Guitar Hero World Tour bundle; mostly as reward for having such an awesome 1st nine weeks in school. He was so excited and for him we couldn't get home fast enough. The game list is awesome...I was in the Family Room on the computer and he was in his room jammin' LOUDLY - I sat at the computer singing while I browsed Facebook.

Tuesday started out as just another day. Mason was in his room playing GHWT with his cousin Devin and his friend Matthew when....crunch, scratch, crunch, scratch, crunch, scratch...and his XBOX 360 started emanating sounds of a machine eating a quick lunch - though it was no lunch - it was his new GHWT game. AHK! We tried a little everything to buff out the scratches - we used toothpaste to buff the scratches (more like chew marks) would buff out of the disc but NOoooo it wasn't happening - the darn game would not load and you know you can't return a video game after it has been opened...wouldn't you know it. ;)

Feeling sympathy for parents everywhere.

Blessings,
Tammy

Saluting America's Best

Honoring all Veterans who have served our great country including my Daddy who I have included pics of below. He's going to love the picture I added of him ironing but sometimes when you least expect it your past comes back to haunt you - lol.

On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who in defense of our freedom have bravely worn the uniform of the United States. Of the 25 million veterans currently alive, nearly three of every four served during a war or an official period of hostility. May God bless each and every one because because of them I can worship as a Christian, read my bible in public and vote for our nation's President (whether or not I agree with the outcome ;) ).

It's hard to imagine my parents as "LOVE BIRDS" nevertheless here they are... 1967 Germany

Now this is one for the ages... 1966

Blessings, Tammy

Farkle Family Thanksgiving Wordle

Well, it's November ya'll and you know what that means - yep...start pulling out those recipes and deciding what you will be cooking, baking or tossing up for Thanksgiving. I spent wayyy too much time with this Wordle and I could really do for some serious Thanksgiving vittles right now.

Things That Make You Say HMMMM.....

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2).

I was searching online after the election...in an odd way looking for some anxiety release when I came across this article by Del Tackett for Focus on the Family - I hope you learn something about yourself one way or another by reading the below.

However, by diligently learning, applying and trusting God’s truths in every area of our lives — whether it's watching a movie, communicating with our spouses, raising our children or working at the office — we can begin to develop a deep comprehensive faith that will stand against the unrelenting tide of our culture's non biblical ideas. If we capture and embrace more of God's worldview and trust it with unwavering faith, then we begin to make the right decisions and form the appropriate responses to questions on abortion, same- sex marriage, cloning, stem-cell research and even media choices.

Answer These Questions and ask yourself: Do you have a Biblical worldview?

Do absolute moral truths exist?
Is absolute truth defined by the Bible?
Did Jesus Christ live a sinless life?
Is God the all-powerful and all-knowing Creator of the universe, and does He still rule it today?
Is salvation a gift from God that cannot be earned?
Is Satan real?
Does a Christian have a responsibility to share his or her faith in Christ with other people?
Does a Christian have a responsibility to share his or her faith in Christ with other people?
Is the Bible accurate in all of its teachings?

Did you answer yes to these? But what's more important than your yes to these questions is whether your life shows it. Granted, we are all sinners and fall short, but most of our gut reactions will reflect what we deep-down, honest-to-goodness believe to be real and true. Make your actions show your love for the LORD Jesus Christ. If we deny Him - he will surely deny us. It's OUR choice!

If we don't really believe the truth of God and live it, then our witness will be confusing and misleading. Most of us go through life not recognizing that our personal worldviews have been deeply affected by the world. Through the media and other influences, the secularized American view of history, law, politics, science, God and man affects our thinking more than we realize.

We then are taken "captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ" (Colossians 2:8).

In the end, it is our decisions and actions that reveal what we really believe.

• Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
• Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
• Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
• Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
• Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
• Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.
• Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
• Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3-10

Top 10 Predictions No Matter Who Wins the Election
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. The gospel will still be spread.
6. God will still be worshipped.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.

ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS REALLY IN CONTROL?

Blessings to you are your family this Tuesday Morning!

Tammy

VOTE SMART

Junior Beta Club

Mason was offered and he accepted a invitation for the National Junior Beta Club (an organization of rank, the induction into which recognizes excellence among one's peers; the objective of the National Junior Beta Club is to reward scholastic, leadership, and service achievements among the members of a school's student body) this week. CONGRATS to my bigga boy.

For those of you not familiar with the National Junior Beta Club organization ~ Mason had to maintain at least a grade point average of 3.5, and also exemplify strong character, and have maintained role model behavior throughout the last school year. We are very proud of him and his accomplishments. This evening they held a formal Induction Ceremony for the 2008 7th and 8th grade nominees and of course my camera was there...
It was a very graceful ceremony and the kids really enjoyed themselves - all but the dressing up part - now Mason could have done without the jacket - ha. "Do I have to wear a jacket - yes Mason you do - ah man"...Mason's school is planning to take their Junior Beta Club to the state convention in February - Mason said he was interested in the geography portion of the competition. He studies his atlas all the time - get this - just for fun!

Papa & Mimi....................................PawPaw & Mason

The Motto of the club shall be Ducamus aliis serviendo — “Let us lead by serving others.”

The Junior Beta Pledge:

I hereby declare

That I shall always strive

To be honest and truthful at all times

To maintain a creditable scholastic record;

To be of service to my teachers and fellowmen;

To conduct myself in an ethical and moral manner

To reflect credit upon my school and community.

I think we sometimes forget how difficult a time middle school is for our children ~ I know I do. With all of their projects, papers and tests they have nowadays it's amazing their little heads don't explode with all the information being forced at them - but they are...whether or not they know it...resolute in learning.

Ms. Parker reminded us all of a quote from Mahatma Gandhi, "Be the change you want to see in the world". What powerful words!

Thank you LORD for my many blessings.

Tammy

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Blessings, Tammy

MONSTER MASHING

This weekend Berby held her annual Halloween partay and I must say - we had a BLAST. This years theme was spooks and ghouls. We, of course, had last minute changes to our costumes and boy am I happy with the results.

Our characters were - Greg/rocker vampire, Mason/pierced vampire, Mama/witch, Tammy/bad Betty (Boop), Mimi/witch (orange hair), Linda/funky witch (purple hair), Papa (creepy spook), Austin/vampire copper, Unkie Jeff/vampire, ReRe/corpse bride and Berby/zombie.

The Witches of G-Town - tee hee.

Berby always goes all out for her Halloween parties - dry ice, loads of food {yum yummy treats, punch (which Mason looks forward to every year), decorations, pumpkins, loads and loads of pumpkin carving tools, lights and laughs, laughs and more laughs}.

Unkie Jeff was especially funny... Check out his video below.

Many Blessings & have a Happy Halloween!

Tammy