First Deer of the Season

Congratulations Brandon!

Goodbye to a GREAT Weekend

Sunday morning was check-out day from "Family Getaway". We took these pictures before saying goodbye to the cabin that housed us for the weekend and contained our conversations...all of them! There were many conversations too with ten women! Just remember, ladies, what happened or was said at Family Getaway, stays there!

Moments & Memories...

MamMaw reading her memories

Sheila read scripture

Marley tells about a pink hair moment...

Amy reading her entries to my memory book

Tandi laughing and crying at the same time!

No telling what was said here!

"NO Tandi!"

Can you tell that I was a little embarrassed?

After our delicious dinner at The Peddler, we headed back to the cabin. We all got into our pj's and enjoyed the best ever carrot cake for dessert, thanks to Sheila. Portia had arranged for everyone to answer some questions about me and share them with everyone. There were some funny stories, some sad memories, and one very embarrassing moment shared by Tandi Elizabeth! We laughed and cried sometimes all at the same time! It is an evening that I will never forget. I even have a scrapbook to remember every detail.

Thank you Portia and Tandi for the most wonderful birthday I have ever celebrated. And, thank you Mam-Maw, Robin, Amy, Leah, Sheila, Marley and Megan for the most memorable weekend. I appreciate each one of you for being a part of my life.

I love you all dearly!
Hey! Let's do it again next year, okay? :)

Happy Birthday Dinner

Tandi, Me and Portia

Tandi, Portia, Marley, Lozena, Sheila, Megan, Amy & Me

Robin, Portia, Marley, Lozena, Sheila, Megan, Amy & Me

The girls are all dressed in black to celebrate the 50 years of my life! We celebrated big by going to The Peddler in Gatlinburg for dinner. The best steak ever is at The Peddler. It was a wonderful evening of good food and fellowship.

The Celebration Continues...

We woke to rain, rain and more rain!

Me and my beautiful girls

On Saturday we went the Tanger Outlets to do some shopping. It was a miserable day with all the rain. We all had to drive and I think everyone visiting the Smoky Mountains were shopping. Parking spaces were scarce but we lucked up with a handicap space thanks to Pa and his handicap permit. We soon found out that the outlets are not handicap friendly. I never noticed until today! One of the girls would have to take me and my wheels out into the weather to get around steps. We were getting drenched! It was not the shopping spree we had hoped for. We bought Madi a few things and we were ready to go. The girls spotted Mam-Maw's car and I got in. We all met back at the cabin before dinner to dry off and freshen up.

My Happy 50th Birthday...Surprise!

Tandi and I were ready to hit the road when Portia blew in from Memphis, transferred her stuff to Tandi's vehicle and jumped in for more traveling. I was in the backseat with my leg elevated on pillows and wondering how in the world the girls would handle me all weekend. For days we had all heard lectures from Gregory on the risk/rewards and how handicapped I am. I debated about not going on several occasions but I'm so glad I did!

We arrived in Pigeon Forge and checked into "Family Getaway". The check-in process took what seemed like a very long time. I was ready to stretch out and get into my pj's. We had already decided to order pizza since it was late and drizzling rain.

When the girls got me up the four steps into the cabin and on the couch, I was relieved. They unloaded the vehicle and then I hurried them back out to get drinks and pizza. "Johnny ordered the pizza online", Portia said. I didn't give it a second thought! We've done that numerous times.

The girls came back fairly quick with Walmart bags of drinks, ice, paper plates, cups, etc. My first question was, "where is the pizza?" Portia's reply was, "Oh, it's being delivered". About that time there was a knock on the door. Portia opened the door and instead of the pizza delivery man, there stood Robin with a bouquet of balloons; Lozena and Amy with cake and ice cream! I couldn't believe my eyes! I was so excited! My first question was, "Did you get enough pizza for them too?" Portia said, "Yes, Mom. I knew they were coming". :)

Then, there is another knock at the door. The pizza man is finally here I thought. Portia opened the door and there was Sheila, Megan, Leah and Marley! They delivered the pizza! I was in total shock but happy, happy, happy!

We had a wonderful evening. We ate pizza. I opened gifts. We ate cake and ice cream. We played games. We laughed. I cried. We said good night and I thanked my Jesus for such wonderful and thoughtful daughters and for family and friends.

I am so blessed...

Happy Birthday from the Alabama Gang!

Here is the gift that my Alabama family sent to me for my happy birthday.

I love it!

Thank you Madi, Shelby, Marin and Lyssa!