December

Hey guys!...It's been a while since I've posted, so thought I would try and catch up.  LOTS of things have been going on with the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season.  By the way, it's the most wonderful time of the year!  While keeping Christ in the center of our focus, we've had lots of family time and fellowship going on.  We began the Christmas gatherings at my Grandmother's house in Hornbeak!  There, we met with my mom's side of the family (well, all that COULD attend). 

Then, after leaving my Grandmother's abode, we traveled ALL the way to Union City (haha) to my parent's house.  There, we had Christmas with my immediate family, which is growing quite large.  Grandchild # 7 should make their appearance in April if all goes as planned.  And no, I'm not the mother, my sis-in-law, Kim is!!

After much fun there, we went home and "Santa" had made an early visit to Caudill Casa!!  So, we let the kids open their gifts on Christmas Eve night this year...with no objection from them!  Kayelee and Ri read the Christmas story with their Dad.  We do this every year:)  The kids got lots of things that they have been wanting, and it makes my heart glad to see them happy!  We are very blessed and thankful for all that we have.  We are MOST thankful that we know the reason in which we have all of these gatherings, gifts, and festivities....JESUS...He truly is the reason for the season!

So, from our family to yours....MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

It's Fall Ya'll!

Well, Fall has arrived!!  Yesterday I took a day off work to spend with my husband and kids, celebrating their Fall break from school!!  It was a great day of family relaxation.  We did some work around the house, the kids played outside in the perfect weather, and then last night, we attended the movie, COURAGEOUS.  Courageous is a must see if you haven't already!  I love having family days:)  This time of year is my favorite because of all the activities and holidays that are associated with it.  And I don't know about you, but my family and I do EVERYTHING together, which is the way I think it should be.  I am so blessed to have a tight knit family and am looking forward to the rest of October and the remainder of the year with them!  Have a great day friends and <3 Life!!

Life of Riley....and the rest of us!

This morning, Ri had his first Chorus Kids practice at his school.  He was so excited!  Normally, he'll take a 20 minute shower and then take FOREVER to get dressed.  Not this morning!!  He had showered AND dressed in like 10 minutes TOPS!  HAHA....it was hilarious.  I hope he really likes it!  And it thrills my soul that he is interested in music, surprise, surprise.  They have to wear a "chorus kids" polo when they perform somewhere.  I just gave him Kayelee's from when she was in this group.  I told them yesterday that this was the only time they would be able to share clothes LOL! 

And tonight, Kayelee is cheering during half-time of the UCMS football game.  She attended a cheer clinic hosted by the 7th and 8th grade cheerleaders, and those that participated will be cheering tonight!  She is excited about that.  She thinks she wants to be a cheerleader for the school, so tonight may give her a taste of what it's actually like...we'll see:)

I hope you all have a marvelous day!  And remember, Life is good, God is great, and We are STILL Blessed!!!!

Another Great Time!

Last night, my family and I sang at Word of Faith church in Mayfield, KY.  We had a ball!  It was so good to see lots of family and friends there.  My Uncle Bill and his friend, Leta, were there from Springfield, MO.  And some longtime friends that are really family, Edwin and Barbara Haynes from Malden, MO, were also there.  And last, but not least, Jim and Brenda Cagle, longtime friends that I grew up in church around.  They are all just awesome people.  The church was very kind and when the singing started, the presence of God fell and people were touched.  And THAT'S what it's all about!!  I love doing what I do, but without HIM, its nothing...BUT He never disappoints!  I am so thankful that God continues to use and bless our music ministry!!  I am excited to see what He has in store for us...He didn't bring us this far to leave us!!!  Have a great day!!

Battlefield of the Mind

A few years ago I read Joyce Meyer's best-seller, Battlefield of the Mind.  I have remembered the words of its' pages since.  Satan will try to put things on our minds from past "bad"experiences that, if allowed, can divert our attention from present successes.  He (Satan) will also try to plant things in our minds that don't even exist i.e., certain situations within relationships (marriages, friendships, kid/parent).  But we are overcomers in Jesus!  I am SO thankful that God is the Commander and Chief of the battlefield of MY mind.  So, let this encourage you...if you are dealing with mind games that will not give you release, turn it over to HIM!  The tongue and mind are the hardest things for us to put under subjection.  And that is why we must let God help us.  I am an overcomer and YOU can be too!! 

CHURCH

Yesterday was a GREAT day in church!  I have not been THIS excited about church in a LONG time.  I am bubbling over with thankfulness that the Lord led us to New Life!!  I think the part that excites me the most is that my kids are finally seeing the outpouring of the Holy Ghost in a REAL way!  My words cannot express how I feel right now....and this post will be short and sweet, but the thing that I cannot get off my mind lately is GOD IS FAITHFUL!  To those that truly love Him and seek after HIM, He ALWAYS comes through!  I love Him!!   Have a good day everyone!!

BACK IN THE SADDLE

Well, I missed work yesterday.  Woke up about 2am with something I don't even want to describe.  But today, I am back at work, going strong LOL.  I am really blessed to have a job that I love.  It's one of the things I was blessed with and KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was a "God thing"!  You know, sometimes it's good to KNOW that God had His hand in something.  I think His hand is in everything, don't get me wrong, but sometimes it's more evident than others. 


And now to change the subject:   When the kids and I opened up the garage door this morning, this VERY cool breeze came in reminding us that Fall is here.  I love Fall.  I am NOT a hot weather person whatsoever, so the coolness this morning was very welcome:)  So, I wish you all a HAPPY FALL!  I guess I'll keep this post short and sweet HAHA!

DENTIST

Happy Monday to everyone!  First of all, let me clarify that we DID NOT go to the high school football game on Friday like I previously posted.  We had every good intention, but when Scott and I got home and settled, there was no getting back out LOL!  Don't we sound like an old married couple?!?! HAHA!  Anyways, from what I hear, it was another blowout and would have been a disappointment to watch anyways.  I really hate to say that, but no one wants to go pay money for a "not so good" game.

Well, today's blogging will be about the DENTIST!  First of all, let me say that I believe I go to the best one in this area.  Dr. Sullivan is da man, well, BOTH Dr. Sullivans!  I have been a patient of Dr. Jerry Sullivan since I can remember.  And while going to school at West KY Community and Technical College, I did my internship with him.  I also worked for him for two years after graduating from that school, until I decided to be a stay-at-home mom.  So, needless to say, I am VERY partial to Dr. Sullivan and his staff.  NOW, Dr. Jerry's son, Gabe, who I attended high school with, is the primary dentist.  He has saved me LOTS of pain by doing an extraction that would normally be sent to an oral surgeon after I broke a third molar here at work.  I have LOTS of confidence in him as well.  So now, after the plug....the dread!  Today I have a dentist appointment.  I think I am dreading it as much as I dreaded BOTH of my c-sections LOL.  Yes, I know that sounds ludicrous, but I just can't help it.  I can work in YOUR mouth all day long, but I HATE to have someone work on mine!  I just dread what they may tell me HAHA!  Just pray for me as I face the dental chair this afternoon HAHA!!

It's FOOTBALL Time

Well, football season has arrived!  Tonight we will be going to our 2nd football game for our Union City High School Tornadoes!  Looks like we'll be getting more involved since Kayelee has entered middle school!  I have to say I enjoy it though.  Football's not my favorite sport, but I've been watching and learning for the past couple of weeks!  I really hope UC pulls off a win tonight.  We played OCCHS last week and lost 36-6.  It was horrible!  I hated it for our team so bad:(  I'm not saying that we would have won, but our main quarterback was hurt during practice, so the TORNADOES had to perform without him...and I do know enough about football to know that your quarterback is pretty important lol!  Anyways, hoping for a good game tonight.  I'm thinking the weather will be nice tonight as well, so we'll see. UC UC UC UC UC UC UC.................... 

Bible Study

Hey Everyone!  Today is Wednesday.  I know, it's been a few days since I posted, but to be honest, sometimes I just forget LOL!  Those that know me will not be surprised at that statement.  Anyways, as I was pondering what to blog about, Bible study came to mind.  Scott and I have always put an emphasis on the Bible, prayer, and our beliefs (based on the Bible) to our children.  However, I am ashamed to say that it (Bible study) hasn't always been a priority in our home.  But, in the past few weeks, the Lord has really been dealing with Scott and I about some things, Bible study being one of those.  For you see, we, along with MANY others, have come to the conclusion that if your kids don't get it at home, they won't get it.  Even since I was a kid/teenager, the face of the church has changed dramatically.  Things are tolerated that shouldn't be, the Holy Spirit does not move (whether because we don't allow Him to, or because we don't know what to do with Him when He comes), the blessings of God are taught, but not HELL (which DOES exist)!  I can't remember the last time we heard someone talk from the pulpit about being filled with the Holy Ghost or speaking in tongues for that matter (which we believe in:).  And trust me, I'm not blaming anyone but myself!  My kids MUST see it in ME!  We have been doing a Bible study on the book of Proverbs and wisdom, along with other Bible books and topics here and there.  There have been some very enlightening conversations with our 11 and 7 year olds.  I am proud to say that they are engaging themselves in these Bible studies.  Sometimes it seems that these studies are in vain.  The kids are tired and sluggish, they don't comment much, or you can tell they are in lala land.  (not ALL the time, but sometimes LOL)  However, as times passes, I will notice them both making comments about certain things we have recently talked about and I realize they are GETTING IT!!  And that just proves the point of how very important teaching your kids is. Especially in these end times!!  We are responsible for making sure our kids know what it takes to be ready for Jesus' return which is SOON AND VERY SOON!  Just wanted to encourage you!  Yes, it takes effort, and sometimes does not "fit" into our schedules.  I know at my house, it might be 9:30 before we begin, but in the scheme of life, what's more important?!?!   NOTHING!  Have a great day guys!!

FINALLY FRIDAY!

I shouldn't say "finally" friday, like I don't like every other day, but it makes for a title for this blog lol:)  I really don't have much to say today, but you know me...I can conjure up something!  This weekend, I plan to clean my house.  It's been a while since I REALLY cleaned.  Scott and I do things every night that help keep it orderly, but I'm talking about getting out the chemicals and thoroughly cleaning!  I guess I will do this tomorrow while Scott is at work:(  I hate it when he has to work on weekends, but also hate to complain because I am VERY thankful that he has a great job.  After he gets off, we are planning to go to the UNION CITY vs CENTRAL football game.  It will be my kids' first HS football game.  I think they are excited...or at least I HOPE they are!!  The only problem I foresee is what side to sit on.  We are going with our friends, the Crawfords, whose kids go to the county schools.  Our kids go to the city schools.  AND Gary and I went to UC, but Dawn and Scott went to OC....my, my, my!!!!  I really hope the weather cooperates as well....hoping it's not rainy AND not too hot!  However it turns out, I'm sure it will be fun!  And of course, on Sunday, we will attend church of our choice...haha....those that know us know why!  Hope you all have a GREAT weekend!!!

FREEDOM

Today, we saluted the local National Guard Troop 913 as they headed out for Afghanistan.  As I was watching through the window at work, I realized just how very blessed we are with so many BRAVE soldiers.  They are essentially throwing themselves into the great unknown, and why?  For our freedom.  I don't agree with alot of things that are going on in this country, but I still think we have the best country on Earth.  I am very thankful to live in the "land of the free, and the home of the brave".  So today, I want to thank each and every one of the men and women that are so freely giving their lives for us.  And also to their families who are left behind....THANK YOU!  It is my prayer that God will watch over and protect our military as they go abroad to accomplish their mission.  God bless the USA!!

FaIr TiMe

Tonight we will brave the crowds at the Obion County Fair!  My kids are super excited for this once a year event!  I wish I was as excited lol...although I'm sure once I get there, I will have a blast.  This year, me, along with our (Scott and my family) and several friends are going.  I think it will be a fun time!  I already have the cash out of the bank HAHAHA!  I can honestly say that the thing I look forward to the most is the FOOD!!!  Caramel Apples, Funnel Cakes, Hamburgers, Lemonade, Cotton Candy (just a few of the Caudill favs)....I can taste it all now.  I'm also really thankful for the weather.  It has cooled down tremendously the past few days.  Temps are in the high 80's during the day, and dropping to the 60's at night.  By 6 o'clock, it should be superb weather!  I know I've been saying this for a while, but the plan is to post pics on here...hopefully soon!  I keep forgetting when I get home...seems other things grab my attention, surprise, surprise.  Well, IF you go to the OC Fair tonight, I'll probably see you there!!! 

Registration Day!

Well, today I registered both kids for the 2011-2012 school year!  It was smooth sailing, but I can't help but be a little nervous and sad all at the same time:)  We went to the middle school first to register Kayelee for sixth grade.  Her teacher is Mrs. Cox.  I'm not really familiar with her, but there are several kids in the class that we have been with before, so that eased my mind a little bit.  You can already tell the difference though...as far as independence and stuff like that.  She'll do fine though!  Mrs. Cox issued a locker to her and we got to go out and practice opening it with the combination.  Kayelee did well, and I'm thankful because that's the one thing she kept mentioning over and over....so I think that was her biggest worry!  After we finished up at the middle school, we made the drive across the street to the elementary school.  Riley will be in second grade this year and his teacher is Mrs. Bondurant.  I graduated with Mrs. Bondurant's husband, Dylan, who is an optometrist here in town.  So, I am a little more familiar with her.  She seems really sweet and interacted GREAT with the kids!  Riley was a ham as usual:)  Joke here, joke there, jokes EVERYWHERE!!!  Some little boy had the same tennis shoes as him and he had a little issue with that LOL!  I think the kids will have a GREAT year!  Let's Go TORNADOES!!!!

BRUNETTES HAVE MORE FUN!

Well, today I woke up a brunette....well, I actually went to bed as one last night too lol.  I decided to give this hair some color!  I LOVE blond highlights, but my roots were showing terrible.  And I pulled the impatient card and just dyed it myself....sorry Allison:(  I'll be back though...I'm sure I'll want those highlights back before too much longer! Anyways, the new color is taking some getting used to.  It's a little dark right now, but a few washings and it will be right where i want it (fingers crossed:)  Also, today is 6th grade open house at Union City Middle School!  YES, my daughter is a middle schooler.  Hard to believe, but it's here:)  I'm a little leary, but excited all at the same time!  I'm excited for her to start band since we love music so much.  She decided to play the clarinet too!  That makes me happy because that's the instrument I played!  There are just so many things that she can involve herself in, and I'm anxious to see her begin this new journey.  Yes, I worry...but all I can do is raise her right and pray for God's protection and guidance on her life.  It's a new season, it's a new day....and we're gonna enjoy every minute of it!!!   Good day all!!! 

Happy Anniversary!

Today marks 8 years that I have been married to my sweet husband!  I am so very blessed with a sweet, honest, hard-working, Christian man.  So thankful for so many things that led up to me meeting him.  He is my best friend and I LOVE HIM!  We just had an awesome weekend with friends and family.  On Saturday, we went to Jackson with some friends, the Crawfords.  God placed them in our lives as well, and we are very thankful for their friendship.  This past weekend was tax-free weekend in Tennessee, so our families took advantage and bought some school items for our kiddos.  Yes, it is almost that time again!!  My kids will register on the 11th and their first full day with be August 15:(  Anyways, back to the weekend.  On Sunday, my Unlce Tom preached at Trenton First Assembly of God.  My family, the Crawfords, Mom and Dad, my Grandmother, The Duncans, and my brother's family all went.  It was a great time and a GREAT sermon that spoke to all of our hearts!  We also did some singing which I always thoroughly enjoy:)  After church, we made the trek back to UC and ate at Lepantos.  After eating, we all met up at Mom and Dad's.  It was so fun.  We sat around....Dad and Tom pulled out some guitars and we sang some old hyms and other songs.  Such a blessing!  It was a great day with family and friends.  I am blessed beyond measure and I never cease to thank God for that fortune.  People may let you down, but I'm thankful for a faithful, loving family, and a handful of friends that we can always count on!! And now, I'll post some lyrics to an old, OLD song from years ago:


There's a roof up above me, I've a good place to sleep
There's food on my table, and shoes on my feet
You gave me Your love Lord, and a fine family
Thank You Lord, for Your blessings on me!

OUCH!

Well, today I will probably keep this post short and sweet!  This morning I woke up with the most terrible back pain I have EVER encountered.  I sure don't want to have this ANYMORE!  I'm usually not a public complainer (I get it all out at home to my husband and kids lol), but this pain is horrendous!  I have taken a muscle relaxer and some other pain medications, and nothing is easing the pain.  I think a heating pad and icy hot will be my best friends tonight! Hope you all have a marvelous day!!

Drummer Boy!

Tonight is Tuesday, and most Tuesday's are "Borders Band" practice!  We are excited to be playing with a new drummer, Mr. Steve James.  We met Steve recently at church and he has just fallen right into place.  We are practicing tonight at 6pm and I'm SO excited.  I love it, if you can't tell HAHA!  Hopefully, before too long, we will book some dates and start singing out again.  We have been on the down-low for a while because of the health issues going on with our steel player, Bill.  Unfortunately, Bill passed away a week ago:(  But we will carry on....that's what he would want us to do:)  Until next time.........

What A Blast!!

This past weekend was such a good time for me and my family!  On Saturday, my family, along with my parents, my brother and his clan, my Grandmother (our kids' Granny), and cousin, Drue and his girlfriend, Kristen all got together to do some birthday celebrating! (i'm sure my previous sentence is a compound, compound, compound sentence LOL!)  It was SO much fun!  I got some really nice gifts...SO nice that I want to turn thrity again next year!  It was so much fun!  I really enjoy spending time with my family, and I try not to take having a "good" family for granted!  Like I said in my last post...I hope to post pics soon of some of the things I've been blogging about!  Stay tuned though, I'm gonna do my best to keep this thing current!:)

BEEN A WHILE

It seems it's been FOREVER since I posted something!!  And I guess it has HAHA!  Anyways, lots of things have been going on lately, some good, some bad.  But God is faithful and will not put more on us than we can handle...WITH HIM!  July is the month of many birthdays for our family!  Saturday was my Dad's.  Unfortunately, we lost a great friend and the steel player of our group on that day as well.  He suffered with cancer and now He's playing in Heaven!!  Yesterday was my birthday and my husband got my family together to celebrate.  It was a hoot and many more GREAT memories were made!  I am now officially 30 years old.  WOW, where does the time go????  I'm a young 30 though lol.  I will post pics of this event tonight hopefully.  Just wanted to check in and let you know that I'm still here and still trucking.  Hopefully, I will figure out how to post on my blog from my new smart phone which I've gotten since I started this blog.  Hope you all have a marvelous day!!!!

Almost Vacation Time!

Tomorrow after work, we will be leaving for our 2011 vacation.  This year, we are going to Scott's sisters house in Selmer, TN.  While there, we will be visiting Pickwick Lake where we will fish, ride the boat and intertube, and swim!  We are all excited and know that we'll all have a good time.  Scott also wants to visit Shiloh.  Neither of us has ever been there.  Most of all, we are just looking forward to having the week off together.  I'm sure I will take LOADS of pictures, so I will post some when I get the chance!  Looking forward to this "not so far" vacation!  <3 Life!! 

Walk Of Hope

Today our bank is hosting its Walk of Hope Sack Lunch Sale!  We are selling hamburger or bbq bologna, chips, drink, and dessert for $5.  You sure can't beat that!  The grill is set up outside under the shade tree, but shade tree or no, in 98 degree weather, it's gonna be HOT.  I don't envy the guys cooking at all.  I will sure enjoy eating my hamburger later on today though LOL!  Walk of Hope is such a great cause.  It is an organization that raises money for cancer awareness and cures.  The money raised within the community STAYS within the community to help those in need!  My family has been affected first hand by cancer.  Scott's father, Randall Scott Caudill, died of cancer at the age of 46.  We have a picture at home of Scott (my husband) pushing his dad in a wheel chair around the track at Walk of Hope the year he died.  Such a great reminder of the good things Walk of Hope does for our community and those affected by this dreaded disease.  So, if you haven't supported the Walk of Hope by buying a sack lunch today, find a way to support!  It is a GREAT cause and you never know the lives that you are helping touch through the many outreaches of this organization!  <3 Life!!

Don't Worry...God's got this!

Today, I just feel like posting some lyrics to one of my favorite songs:


You don't have to worry, and don't you be afraid
Joy comes in the morning, troubles they don't last always
For there's a friend in Jesus, Who will wipe your tears away
And if your heart's been broken, just lift your hands and say

I know that I can make it, I know that I can stand
No matter what may come my way, my life is in Your hands

So if your tests and trials, they seem to get you down
And all your friends and loved ones, are nowhere to be found
Remember, there's a friend in Jesus, who will wipe your tears away
And if your heart is broken, just lift your hands and say

I know that I can make it, I know that I can stand
No matter what may come my way, my life is in Your hands
With Jesus, I can take it, with Him I know I can stand
No matter what may come my way, my life is in Your hands

Tupperware Party

Last night I attended my first ever tupperware party!  It was held at my house, but wasn't my party.  It was my sister-in-law, Brandi's grand opening party.  Since she lives in Selmer, my house was just the gathering spot!  It was a fun time too:)  Brandi's regional rep was there to walk her through her first show and while demonstrating the money tupperware products (which are awesome by the way!), we made salsa.  It was SO yummy!  Everyone at the party was excited to look through the catalogs and purchase new tupperware.  To our knowledge, there are not alot of tupperware salesman in this area, so the party went over really well.  And I'm not a salesperson, but their products are extremely durable and have a lifetime warranty.  My mom realized that bowls she had recently thrown away, which she had for many years, could have been replaced with brand new ones!  She was a little disappointed HAHA!  I was glad to be a part of Brandi's first show and I wish her well in this new little business adventure.  I will be hosting a party for her with some of MY friends within the next few weeks!  Hopefully, I can have a good party for her!  <3 Life!!

S*T*O*R*M*S

Just let me say "ENOUGH ALREADY" with all these storms!!  I am fully aware that we have been really fortunate in this area compared to people in say, Joplin, MO.  For that, I am extremely thankful!  But still, I am so tired of this weather.  Yet, I know that this is the ultimate plan of God as far as end times, but geez!  Anyways, last night was another "rough" one.  We had called the kids in from playing outside, and not long after, the tornado sirens went off.  Alright, HERE WE GO!  They went off for what seemed like an eternity.  I guess when you're in that situation though, it DOES seem like an eternity.  I emptied out the coat closet, which is surprisingly the only interior space in our new home.  The kids went to their rooms and pulled out every blanket they had in their closets and 2 pillows each.  They were doing really well until the hail started pounding on the windows:(  It broke my heart to see my kiddos scared.  And you can'th help but think, "Is this really the way we're gonna go out?!?!"  So, when I began to see the fear and panic in their eyes, and hear it in their cries, we began to pray.  It was amazing the calm that came when we prayed for God's peace and comfort to surround us.  Guys, He REALLY hears us and is with us no matter what!!  It's amazing to me, but He is amazing, so I really shouldn't be surprised.  After about 10-15 minutes, it began to calm down outside...even though the skies were wicked looking.  The four of us walked outside to survey any damage that might have taken place.  Luckily, nothing had happened to Caudill Casa except the mailbox had been blown almost sideways.  I think we can manage.  We did have a few neighbors that had shingles flying off everywhere.  But nothing too extensive.  After picking up trash and limbs that had blown onto our property, we went back inside to enjoy the rest of the night.  We hadn't been in 30 minutes when the power went out, and stayed out for a good hour.  And of course, as soon as it goes out, my youngest decides he is hungry.  So, I use a candle lighter to search under the kitchen sink for my oil lamp.  I finally found it and lit it for him as he ate a bowl of cereal HAHA!  We explained to him that people WAAAAY back in the day were raised up by candlelight and oil lamps.  Of course, neither he, nor I even, can imagine!  We are so spoiled.  The funny thing was we were leaving to go to my parents where there WAS electricity...I go to open the garage door and.....NOTHING!  Just a habit to flip a switch or push a button and wa-la!  Not so much!!  All in all,  the night was not too bad.  We were a little more guarded than normal, but let our guard down a tad when the kids had a light saber "fight" in the lights out conditions!!  Thanks Lord for Your protection on my family, friends, and our home.....<3 Life!!

My Life!

Last night we had a t-ball game!  It was SO hot!!  I am NOT a hot weather fan.  I was soaking wet after 5 minutes of being at the ballpark.  But it sure was worth it to watch my boy play.  He played 2nd base for most of the game and did well there....THEN, they put him on 1st base.  He SMOKED it!  He really is the little ballplayer. He made 2 great catches at first base, which led to two outs at first.  I was so proud, but tried not to show it TOO much in front of the other parents LOL!  In all honesty though, I was wanting to scream, shout, AND jump up and down on the bleachers!  It was a great game!  After the game, it was Wal-Mart time....boooooo!   But we HAD go.  There's only so much you can do with a loaf of bread and peanut butter hahaha.  All in all, it was a good night spent with family doing what families do.  Tonight is church night and cram cleaning night:)  My sister-in-law is hosting her grand opening tupperware business party in my home tomorrow night.  So, if you know me, you know that I want everything SO SO.  That means house cleaned top to bottom, side to side, and inside out.  And of course I had about 4 "projects" I baited my husband on that really weren't even necessary, but SURE weren't necessary 2 days before a party is hosted at my house HAHA.  We women must all be the same!  Anyways, he was a good sport and got them all completed like he always does.  He is TOO good to me!!  So, I am planning to crank up the coffee pot tonight and chalk it up to a late night of getting things prepared.  I think some storms are brewing for tonight too, so I'd probably be up anyways!  Memorial Day weekend is upon us.  I have got to try and think up something for us to do to celebrate!  Maybe grill out with my parents and Scott's mom and just have a good ole time.  I am truly amazed at my life and how God continues to bless me and my family.  I don't deserve it, but I'll take it!!  HE is the reason I have joy!  And it's not just when life is rolling in the right direction like this post describes...but HE is good ALL the time!!!  <3 Life!!

Sweet Summertime

Well, today is it....the last full day of school for my kiddos:(  I will soon be the parent of a middle-schooler and a 2nd grader!  WOW!  Where does the time go????  It is a bittersweet time though.  I am so thankful that my kids are healthy and thriving and able to move on.  I'm not really worried about the elementary school to middle school transition for Kayelee.  Although I know it will be different, with new classes and greater challenges, I KNOW that she will do well!  Ri will move ahead in elementary school and I have been involved with that school so long, I have absolutely no worries for him either.  And though I know my kids will adjust to whatever changes the new school year will bring, it saddens me at the same time.  I still rememeber fresh the memories of my kids as babies and toddlers.  How I miss those days sometimes.  Yes, I am a realist and know that they MUST grow up, but couldn't it take a little longer for the growing up process?  I mean, I birthed them just yesterday, right?  HAHA.  But it's been a great year and I am looking forward to summertime!  Scott and I both work full-time, but we still get to take days off throughout the summer and see them enjoy a break.  Just another one of life's blessings:)  <3 Life!!

Favs from the Barner Shindig!

 Me with the Girlz...Emma, Mandita, Nicole, and Dawn

 Double Trouble...OH YEAH!

 Scott with Gary, Milo, and Joshua

 Little man cheesing!

 My two kiddos...looks of concentration as they play Rock Band

Our drummer boy...yeah, he actually plays!

COMPLETELY Forgotten!!

BWAHAHAHAHAHA.....I have already forgotten about my blog!!  WOW!  That didn't take long!!!:)  Really, I was going to update this thing EVERY day and I forgot I even had one over the weekend.  Either I had a really busy and fun weekend, or I just had a brain lapse.  I plead guilty to both!  So, let's play catch up.  This past weekend was great.  My husband and I did some touch up painting in our 8 month old house (well, 8 months since WE moved in).  Nothing major, just filled in some nail holes from the previous owners, and then painted a wall in the kitchen just because I thought it would look better....and it does!!!  I LOVE working on my house.  I am so thankful for it and even at my other house, I always took pride in it and wanted it to be nice and especially "homey".  Besides, it IS where I'm raising my children and I always want them to know where "home" is!  Speaking of homes, we visited our friends, The Barners' new home on Saturday night!  We had a really great time and enjoyed getting to hang out in their abode.  Many pictures were taken, and I will post some of those later today.  Sunday was another GREAT service!  I always look forward to "Son"days!  Then, after church, we did our "every Sunday meal" at Mom's.  It was YUMMO!  We had ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, cornbread, pinto beans, rolls (i think that's it)....YES, she does this EVERY Sunday!  And I love it.  That is some good eatin' folks!  And since we no longer have night services, family time was had by all!  We enjoyed some time out in the yard playing with our beloved dog, Jake ( I should really post a pic of that cutie) It stormed again last night in TN too.  Just as we had drifted off to sleep, we were awakened by hail, rain, and strong winds, along with thunder and lightening...NOT some of my favorite combos.  But I did get a good nights rest nonetheless (my favorite BIG word lol)  AND TODAY:  it's been a great day!  Work was alright...no major drama:)  Things went smoothly and the cash drawer balanced HAHA!  IT BETTER!!  Now, I just picked my kids up from school and I am awaiting my husband.  I guess we'll have a night of doing whatever we want since there are no ballgames or other plans tonight!  I think I'm gonna like this!!  NO, I KNOW I'm gonna like this!...<3 Life!! 

Weekends A'comin!!

Today is FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!  I love this day:)  Well, I really love everyday, but Friday is the day that leads to the weekend, which leads to time with my husband and kids and parents and church and ballgames and shopping and playing in the flowers and playing with the kids and washing the vehicle (well, maybe not THAT hahaha)...get my drift?  i LOVE my weekends!  This weekend we have a few things going on.  Tonight, there is a block party at the kids' school.  They have food, games, jumpy houses, and the principal gets in a dunking booth (which the kids think is the funniest thing ever).  Then tomorrow, Scott will go and hit a few golf balls with a friend early in the morning.  I'm so happy for him.  He usually puts things like that off in order to be with me and help me out with the kids, house, and whatever else!  He really is a good husband and he deserves some time doing something JUST for him.  Then, I get my hair done later in the morning.  I am super stoked about that!  It hasn't been colored in a few months, so it is definitely time!  I think I'm gonna go back to the blond highlights for the summer.  I just like them AND my hair fixes so much better when I have that color in my hair!  Then, after my hair appointment, Ri has a t-ball game.  I really enjoy watching my little man play.  He really is a natural and I think he will eventually be a really good ball player.  Kind of like his Dad, I hope!  Then, maybe I will have some time to work on my house as far as laundry, cleaning, and all that jazz.  I am a clean freak and like things so so.  I get it honest, trust me haha.  Saturday night we are going to some church friends' house.  They recently moved to the big metropolis of Obion, and we are gonna break the place in with one of our "gang" get-togethers.  I love having good church friends!  They are the best!  And speaking of church, that's where we'll be on Sunday!  Looking forward to another great service!  Well, there is a highlight of the Caudills weekend plans.  Now, as you all know, we can only plan and hope that things pull together.  I am a realist though and expect for something to be thrown off kilter!  But you know what....the older I get, the more I am learning to just go with the flow and do what I can!  Life is GOOD, God is GREAT, and I am STILL Blessed!!  <3 Life!!!  

RICK AND BUBBA

Please don't hold this against me, but I am an avid Rick and Bubba listener.  For those of you who may not know, Rick and Bubba are cohosts of the Rick and Bubba Show, a syndicated comedic radio program based out of Birmingham, AL.  I like to listen to it because it makes me laugh AND they both claim to be Christians, which makes for a clean radio broadcast I'm not ashamed for my kids to hear.  This morning, one of the big topics was the prediction of the rapture of the church by Harold Camping.  He has predicted that this event will take place on May 21, 2011, which is this coming Saturday.  Well, obviously no one, NOT EVEN JESUS, knows the day or hour when the rapture will take place according to Matthew 24:36 which says, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the son, but only the Father."  However, as I was listening to Rick and Bubba converse about this topic this morning, one of them (not sure which) made this comment.  They said (and I'll paraphrase)..."the rapture probably won't take place on this predicted day, but nonetheless, on May 21, 2011, SOME people WILL meet Jesus."  This statement really struck me.  Here lately, I have been in a study revolving around the book RADICAL, and I have realized that I have failed tremendously at doing whatever it takes to reach lost souls.  Rick or Bubba were right....SOMEBODY (more than one) will meet Jesus face to face on Saturday, May 21, 2011.  Maybe me, maybe you, maybe our spouses, children, friends....have we done whatever we can to reach those that are lost?  I hate to admit my answer to this question, and it is "no".  Lord, forgive me for not doing all I can to make sure people know you.  Forgive me for not reaching out to those people that met their maker on May 17, 2011 (yesterday).  No, the rapture date is unknown, but so is our "come to Jesus" date.  May we all be ready and may we all strive to help others be "ready" too!  <3 Life!!

"SINGLE"

Well, today I feel like a part of me is missing!  I walked right out of the house without a stitch of jewelry on...well, except for the earrings I just so happened to find in the cubby hole of my van:)  Now, I can go "jewelry-less" sometimes, but I ALWAYS have the wedding ring on!  Without it, I feel like I'm doing something "wrong" HAHA.  Besides all that, I work in the public and run across hundreds of people a day in this big bank.  Some I know, some I do not.  For the ones that know me the question will be, "Is everything okay with you and Scott, I notice you're not wearing your wedding rings?"...YES, people have asked me that when I did this on another occasion.  For one, NO...nothing is wrong between me and Scott.  And secondly, even if there were, do they REALLY think I would disclose that to them at my desk?...don't think so!!  For the ones I do NOT know, I always worry that they will bring up the absence of a wedding ring and what that implies (especially the sicko male gender...if you're male, don't take offense...i said the SICKOS).  This does not happen often though...for one, I usually ALWAYS have my wedding ring on.  However, it has happened once or twice in the last couple of years.  So, I guess the point of my blog is this:  I think I'm going to buy a cheapo wedding band to keep in my drawer here at work.  THAT way, none of this will be an issue lol.  I know, I'm crazy!  But if you're reading this, you probably know me well enough that you already had that one figured out;)  Hope you all have a blessed day!!!!!!!  <3 Life!

It's a BEAUTIFUL Day In The Neighborhood!

This morning, I was awakened by the beautiful sunshine!  The weather today is my kind of weather!!  The temps are in the upper 50's to lower 60's, and the sun is shining bright!!  It brought to mind how the sunshine can just pretty well change your day.  Well, it does mine anyways.  Especially after there have been many gloomy days here recently.  As I was getting ready this morning, this thought popped into my mind and I actually posted it as my facebook status: "Lord, help me be the light in someone's darkness."  Just as the weather can make a difference in our day, so I, as a Christian, should make a difference in someone's day.  And I can do this with the light of Christ shining through me!  You never know, on my public job, I may encounter numerous people that have had "many gloomy days here recently".  It is my prayer and desire to be a shining example:)  I want to bring "sunshine" and joy to peoples' lives...there are too many other folks that take care of bringing all the other junk!!  <3 Life!! 

WHEW!....Motherhood!

Today has started off with a BANG!  First, I had to get up a few minutes earlier to make sure I had time enough to pack Ri's lunch for field day today:)  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the "jobs" of motherhood, but sometimes those few minutes of extra sleep make such a difference to my day.  And what makes it worse is on Mondays, I am to be at work at 7:15 instead of the normal time of 8:00.  Anyways,  we made it out the door with time to spare, thankfully.  On Mondays, my Mom is gracious enough to let my kids come over since I do have to be at work so early.  She takes them to school every Monday and they look forward to this each week!  They will miss this during the summertime while they are out of school.  My workday has been very busy, but good.  I am thankful to work at a place where I love my job AND the people.  We all get along which is a HUGE blessing, especially since the majority of the employees are women HAHA!  In all seriousness though, First State Bank is a great place to work, and for my job, I am extremely thankful!!  Kayelee graduates from the DARE program today at school.  She was all excited about it...getting the t-shirt, certificate of completion, and whatever else they will grace them with LOL!  Dentist appointments are today at 4:00 for both kids.  I am anxious about that.  The kids do really well with their teeth, but the dental assistant in me always thinks of the worst!  And then tonight, we have a free night at home...woot woot!  I am REALLY excited about that.  Yes, it will be full of cooking, cleaning, and preparing for tomorrow...but I will be HOME!  I am so blessed and I NEVER want to take my life for granted!  This Mommy business is work, but it sure is FUN!!!

My Church Peeps...Nicole, Dawn, and Mandita:)

Sunday, Sunday

 This is one of my favorite days of the week:)  Church was great this morning too.  We usually always have a "good" service, but today was extra good.  Needless to say, when I left, I was in need of a new makeup job!  I LOVE those services.  So thankful I was raised up in a Pentecostal church and now my kids get to experience what I did!  Anyways, after church we went to my parents' house.  My mom has cooked Sunday lunch for us ever since I married and moved away!  That is another highlight of my week...momma's home cooking...YUM!  I am very close to my parents and Sundays are "our" day together.  Now, Scott, the kids, and I are at home on this drizzly day!  The kids are out jumping on the trampoline, soaking wet, and they are loving every minute of it!!  I guess here in a bit I will work on my house (dusting, sweeping...all that nonsense!)  I have done something productive already today though.  Scott and I went to Wal-Mart after eating and stocked up on groceries and toilet paper haha.  When we got home, I cleaned out the refrigerator and now it is clean AND stocked.  That's such a good feeling:)  I guess the rest of the night is left for family time and housework!  And that's JUST the way I like it!  For those of you wondering, we don't have P.M. services, just one extended morning service.  I'm not skipping out on church LOL!  Now, on I go to prepare for this coming week full of ballgames, church, work, and whatever else may creep up.  I think Kayelee has DARE graduation tomorrow and field day another day.  Ri has something too, not sure...maybe a class pinic.  I'll have to pull out my calendar that keeps things rolling around here:)......<3 Life!!