WW # 10

Andrea and Jordan all dressed up for finalist for Mr. and Miss. Jemison.

Happy Birthday Joey!!

Joey and Ashlynn (our neice) in Destin, FL

Today, is Joey's birthday. He is traveling today....hopefully, on his way home from Annville, PA. He delivered 2 big jeep things to the army base there. He left yesterday and arrived sometime this morning. I am not sure how we are going to celebrate his birthday this year. I may go to Academy Sports and buy him 2 of those nice reclining camping chairs. When we go camping at Spring Break then he can relax and enjoy his chair. Several of our camping friends have these and they make them look oh so comfy. IF I buy 2 then I get to have one. Joey always use to buy ME something for my birthday .....like four-wheelers, motorcycles and outdoor things. Things I never asked for but, that he wanted. So, I think if only fair that he gets 2 of the nice camping chairs. Don't you?
Happy Birthday Joey...Andrea and I love you.....more!!

Sips and Strokes

Tonight, I am going with a group of ladies to a place on 280 called Sips and Strokes. Candace and Melissa, Debbie and Kelly and Jennifer and I are going to an art class. We get to sip our drink (diet coke) and stroke on canvas ( paint a picture). okay, you can stop laughing now. I know I am not very artsie but, it sounds like fun. I must say I am nervous....when I was a little girl I remember painting those # pictures that you could frame. Well, my Mom never framed mine. I couldn't seem to stay in line. LOL I know that Brantley and Michelle have gone and Candace said that Brantley's painting was good.
We have a mentor/mentee group at my church .....this (painting class) is something that a group of us decided to try and hopefully we will have a good time. I know this sounds random...but, I was trying to explain the way I grouped everyone in two's.
Anyway, trying to get back on track. When Brantley and Michelle went and Candace saw how much Brantley enjoyed this ....she asked several of us to go and try the class. Candace is very good at drawing and painting and decorating. I am not sure about the other ladies.....I have not seen their work. But, me....I was not given this talent. So, that is why I am nervous. I want my painting to look good (the class cost money) and I would really like to hang it in my house if it does or I could give to my Mom for Mothers's Day.
I am sure we will have a good time and have plenty to laugh about, so it will be worth going and if the painting is good ......then the night will be doubly good.LOL
Candace said she was bringing her camera....I don't know if this is for blackmail or what....so I am sure you will see a picture of the painting....somehow.
I am feeling a little bad about leaving Joey at home....he left for Georgia very early this morning (like at 1:30am) and will probably be home when I get in from work. Tomorrow.....we plan to spend alot of time together. We are going to Ashlynn's (my neice) upward basketball game and then off the RV and Boat show. Yeah! I love walking through the campers and seeing what is new. We are going with a couple from our church Paul and Tracy.. who also love to camp. I will stop rambling. Have a great weekend!!!

22 Years!!

Today is my day 22 years ago. On this day..I remember as if it was yesterday. All the time spent to get ready to walk down the aisle, the preparations and planning for everything to be perfect. To me it was a perfect day. My friend Candace is busy helping plan her daughter Brantley's wedding....as I listen to Candace talk about the plans and photographers and etc. It brought back so many memories of my day. The dreams and plans of a bright future. WOW, the ride I have been on certainly has been an adventure!
Joey and I have like most marriages have had ups and downs...but, because of God in our lives we had made it this far. We have a beautiful daughter that we are so proud of. I could talk about Andrea all day. But, today is not about her.
Joey and I are so blessed to have God in our lives...not just in our lives but, I think the center of our life. While that has not always been the case...I am thankful that Andrea has never seen our lives without God.
I depend on Joey for so many things and lately since he has been traveling...I didn't realize how much it meant to just be in the same room. Even if I am reading and he is watching that Ultimate Fight stuff. LOL I think sometimes we take each other for granted and don't realize how much we love and appreciate the small things. I believe that Joey and I are closer now than we have ever been. We have gone through so much and depend on each other ...our faith has kept us together when the world would tear us to pieces. I am so thankful for my christian Mom who I know prays for me and mine even still.
As I look outside and see and hear the rain on the window sill...I don't see what a messy day....I remember what a beautiful and special day this is. The day that I became a wife 22 wonderful years ago. I am looking forward to our continue adventure....I have been told the best is yet to come ... all I can say to that is "WOW"!!!!!

P.S. I wish I was still that small!! Along with the 22 years ...I have lots of love and memories and added pounds!! We like to celebrate by going out to eat. We celebrate alot...according to the before and after pics. I will try to post a pic of the way we look now. maybe not.LOL

WW # 9

Our Anniversary is tomorrow!
Wow 22years!!

Proud Aunt!!

My nephew Todd is a senior at Jemison High School this year. Actually, Andrea and Todd are only 2 weeks apart....Todd being older. I love to watch Todd play football...Andrea cheers, so it makes it easy to go to his games. However, I really don't get to watch him play baseball. Andrea plays tennis and there is always conflict on games. This year, Andrea has a medical out because of shoulder surgery. So, I now have the opportunity to watch Todd play baseball. He plays centerfield and is really good (at least to me). He is also a fast runner. Last night, the Jemison Panthers was playing Calera Eagles at JHS....nice day but oh so cold. I was freezing and was trying to decide ..do I stay or go home? Joey is traveling and Andrea is at the game....do I really want to go home and be alone? Well, I stayed and boy am I glad. Todd hit a ball over the fence!!! I was so excited!!! The team runs out of the dug-out and waits for him to cross the plate. Giving him high fives and hitting him on the butt. Must be a guy thing.LOL Tammy and Tony are standing up and Tammy is telling Tony "I told you he could do it" while trying to get her camera out. I am yelling my head off and jumping up and down. It was so exciting to see him do this. I don't know how many feet it is or anything...I just know it is along way. I am soooo glad I didn't give in and go home. I stayed and watched the whole game. By staying....I also got to see Wade pitch. I didn't know he pitched baseball. He is a senior also, but from Calera that goes to my church.
When I got home it took forever it seemed to get warm...but it was worth getting to watch Todd play and get his homerun. I don't know if this is the first for him....but it was the first time for me to see it. Jemison Panthers defeated the Calera Eagles! Way to go Todd!!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's.
My Valentine is traveling...I talked to him 1st thing this morning ...this is how it went.
Me "I have something I need to ask you".

Joey "okay, what"

Me "Will you be my Valentine?"

Joey "yes, I will, I love you".

Me tear...."I love you too".

Since January 08....Joey has been on a new adventure with his job. He is traveling alot.We came home from our run-a-way/get-a-way Monday, from St. Augustine, FL where Joey had 2 deliveries (look at previous blog). Tuesday, Joey left to make a delivery to Kanas City, MO then returned to Huntsville, AL last night. To Cullman, AL this morning to pick up next load to Iowa. Joey should be home sometime Friday night. I miss him bunches...but, especially this time of year. Maybe this weekend Joey will take me out to eat and hopefully a movie. I am in a way looking forward to summer ...I guess it is bittersweet. In May, Andrea will graduate high school and hopefully we will be getting ready for college, I will also have the summer to travel with Joey. I am excited to go with him...I have always wanted to see the sights in our wonderful USA....even if I may not get to do everything...but, I can start lists of the places to go back to when we retire.LOL
Today, Andrea and I are going after school to look for a prom dress. I am excited and nervous. I pray for God to use this time to help heal our relationship. For me to show love and not frustation.
Happy Valentine's!!!

WW #8

Prom time: Hillary and Andrea prom "07"

My Run-a-way....get-a-way

Most of you know the things my family is going through and it has not been a easy road. A couple of weeks ago we noticed a change in the good direction. I was thrilled and wanted to call everyone. But, it was short lived. This past week was very hard on me. I was feeling so alone and drained of everything and well....I just wanted to run away. I know you are not suppose to question God...but, I was wondering "Where are you? Why haven't you done anything? Why do I feel you are not listening to me? Are you there?" I cried most of the day on Friday and was beginning to think the tears would not stop. This is the first time that I felt there was no hope and I felt so alone. Beverly suggested that Joey and I take a weekend getaway and not take Andrea with us. I thought there is no way Joey will agree to this. On Friday as school is getting out...Joey calls and tells me that he has 2 loads to take to Jacksonville, FL. 1st load to be delivered on Saturday morning and the 2nd load to be delivered on Monday morning. Which means he will have to stay the whole weekend. He asked me to go with him and take off work on Monday. I first told him there is no way I can take off work on Monday. I told my neighbor (at work)Kerri and she said "you need to go.. this is your runaway time". I called in a sub and got everything ready for him for Monday. Called Joey and said I am going. Went home packed (way to much), made arrangement for Andrea to have a place to stay and was sitting on ready when Joey got home from picking up the loads.
We arrived in Jacksonville on Sat. morning about 6:30. Joey drove all night. He found a "nice place" for us to stay and we carried our things in. I could not believe my eyes! this place was a dump.even the roaches had moved out! Joey was so excited before we went in because they gave him a discount for having CDL on his license. He was going to drop me off and deliever his load. Well, lets just say I wouldn't stay there by myself. So, I go with him....when we get back to the pit....Joey is so tired and is ready to sleep for a while. When I pulled back the covers to the bed ....you want believe this ....there are cigaretts holes in the sheets!!!
The t.v. didn't work and then the bathroom...oh my...I want go there.
We decided to go for a drive. We went to visit John and Ann Sweat they use to live in Calera and John was the assistant to Bro. Hal. It was so good to see them and their boys have grown so much. John told Joey the area we were in was not a good one and they suggested St. Augustine ( not that Jacksonville is bad just where we were was bad). So, we leave there and drive as fast as we can to pick up our bags and head to St. Augustine. The hotel was more money (poor Joey) but oh was it nice. On Sunday, we went to church with the Sweats and headed back to old parts of St. Augustine for sightseeing. We rode one the trolley through the city and went to the beach. I have never seen the beach on the Eastern side of the U.S. In my opinion the gulf beaches win hands down!! There were people riding their bicyles on the beach!! I have never seen this. the sand was not near as beautiful has Destin or Gulf Shores. But, I got to see the beach of St. Augustine and I can't complain. We had a wonderful supper with fresh fish and oh my it was yummy!!
They also have outlet stores that I was itching to go through. Joey hates shopping and so, when he asked what else I would like to do; I was hesitant to tell him. I thought "why the heck why not" so I told him I wanted to go to the outlets. He said "lets go"!!! I was so excited.....we walked through the shops and he didn't complain not once. that is amazing!!! Of course they had some outdoor shops that we went in and that helped.
I am telling you about my trip for 2 reasons. 1) When I thought there wasn't away to get away....God showed me and gave me away. He also showed me that He was with me and had never left. (I knew this just needed to feel HIM). God knows what we need before we do and I give HIM all the Glory for my much needed get away!! Thank-you God! 2) I don't feel the pressure I felt before we left. Things at home with Andrea are still not great....but, I know that God will work this out in HIS time. I may need you to remind me of this from time to time. 3) I know I said 2 but, I can't leave this out. It was so good to spend time with Joey ..just me and Joey. Everytime we would try to talk about home (andrea) we would remind each other that now is our time and we can discuss this later. I really needed that. I think Joey did too. It was also good to visit friends and see how God is working in their lives. John is a great minister...if you haven't heard him speak .....I suggest taking a little trip. okay, maybe that was 4.LOL
Joey is on his way to Kanas City, MO. today and I told him that he would miss me.. at least he has Bertha. That is what I nicknamed his GPS.LOL Actually, I already miss him.
I know that God hears me and I know that God is looking out for my family. I know that God loves Andrea and will bring her to where she needs to be on HIS time. I just have to keep praying and never lose HOPE!! For those who are praying...don't stop and thank-you!!