Patron Saint Nicholas

It is great being Catholic. There are so many traditions, events and days to celebrate. December 6th is Saint Nicholas day! Yippee! Since I was not born a Catholic, and have learned this through the grapevine, I am sure that I will not due this "day" justice which I apologize for in advance but will try to explain it. Here goes, from my understanding, the night before the 6th, everyone in the house puts a plate out for Saint Nicholas, who helps Santa during the busy holiday season. Saint Nicholas then arrives sometime in the night to assess who is in the house and if they are worthy to receive the thumbs up or not. He then reports back to Santa Claus at the North Pole. If you did indeed receive said thumbs up, you are left a little treat on your plate. Lucky for us here at Davisland, every year we have received a little something from Saint Nicholas which ensures us that visit from Santa Clause on Christmas Eve....whew....we made it again this year. Don't Blake and Rachel look festive in their tee-shirts??? Me and Gary got matching red ones - thanks Saint Nicholas - you're the best !! Hope you visit us again next year !

Trimming the Tree !!

We trimmed our tree last night. It was awesome! We had Christmas music playing, the kids are old enough to help execute the whole thing "joyfully" and yes Oreo even got into the Christmas mood with her new Santa outfit. Though it does look like she is looking out the window, not for Santa, but for someone to come rescue her from this crazy household. Tis the season !!

Many Thanks !

I am so thankful for so many things in my life. It is hard to even know where to begin. First, I am grateful for this wonderful country we live in. Amen to our freedom and those fighting for our freedom and protecting us , it is sad that they cannot be with their families today. God bless them. I am thankful for my family, my blood family and in-laws. I love them all in special and different ways. How lucky am I to have been blessed by being welcomed into such a large family? I do know how blessed I am to have healthy and happy children and grandchildren and do not take a day of that for granted. Thank you Lord for their beautiful faces and personalities! Thank you for Gary for who I could not be my best person and run Davisland. He makes me know that its always going to be o.k. no matter what. And I am thankful for every small thing that I get to experience every day that I am here on this beautiful earth with my friends and family. Help me to always remember today and throughout my life, that it is always the small things that are truly the best !!

Yoga - ouch !

Its good to try new things. I tried yoga today. Um...gonna need more practice. All I've got to say is I have a new respect for people who can actually do "yoga". Maybe one day....

Doing a Good Deed

Rachel's Girl Scout Troop participated today in the Four Paws Reading Program. It is in association with Tender Paws, a pet therapy organization, in Clarksville. There were 5 dogs that the girls took turns reading to and petting. That is Molly in the single pic and Gus with Rachel and Camille. The dogs loved being pampered by the girls especially since they work so hard to make others feel good all the time. Way to go girls !!

Blake enjoying Fall

Where's the back yard?? It's there somewhere !!!

Update on Suzi Beetle Davis

As luck would have it, as the new mechanic was attempting to give her a new oil pump and the fixings, it was determined that she does indeed need the engine as metal was found in her oil pan. Poor Suzi...hang in there. You'll be good as new before you know it !! Next surgery is November 5th!!

Trick or Treat - My throat is killing me.....

Halloween 2008 started out great....Blake went as "clothes pens", yes those are ink pens attached to his clothes - I love his play on words. He thought that up all by himself. Rachel and her American Girl doll are adorable witches !! But as the night wore on poor Rachel's throat was apparently zapped by the strep throat goblin and by 9 p.m. had a 102 fever yikes. That for sure will get a you date with the doctor the next day. Better luck next year....

Nike Women's Marathon

Here it is ! The "medal". That is the Golden Gate Bridge circling around the runners ! You too can get one BUT there is a catch....you must suffer my friend. My journey to the Nike Women's Marathon was over a year long adventure. When I first learned of it in 2007, silly me thought I could just "sign up" for it. Um, no this baby sells out in 3 days. Okie dokie then, I'll be ready in 2008 when registration opens, um wrong again. In 2008 the Nike officials thought it would be fun to hold a lottery type entry. Lucky me gets in and jumps threw the normal hoops of finding hotel and "cheap" airfare. Then I'm in "training mode". Let's just say the "hills" of Tennessee are pale in comparsion to the "hills" of San Fransico. Race Day was cloudy and dreary which is better than sunny and blistering. And there was a time limit to finish this 26.2 distance in - 6 and 1/2 hours, um, really. That was plastered everywhere. I was worried. That's a 15 minute, or so pace. I'm a walker, not a runner. My running days are over (since baby #3 in 2000 but that's another story). Enter the Good Lord. Yes, the big Guy upstairs. He does work in mysterious ways. Mile 11 to be exact. He comes to me in the form of a cute girl named Kate. Mile 11 is where the 1/2 marathoners separate from the full. She was alone also and we decided that it was good for us to hang together. Indeed it was. As luck would have it, my good knee was absolutely killing me, she had no idea that we had to reach Mile 18 by noon, so we were each other's cheerleaders. Misery loves company and all that. We did indeed reach Mile 18 way before noon, actually had 13 minutes to spare. It was Kate that also informed me that she saw on a flyer that we actually had 7 hours to finish - good we need that extra 30 minutes and it was me with the watch that would pace out each mile and it was both of us that talked us through this adventure. It was Kate's first marathon and my sixth. It was God who knew what he was doing bringing us together to get us to the finishline, it was a team effort, with the team just having met and being formed and yes miracles can happen that quickly. Though, I'm pretty sure, God knew about this way longer than Kate or I did, he was just waiting for the big event. It was Kate that heard the announcer as we approached the finish line "2 minute warning for the 7 hour limit" and looked at me and said "can you run?" I'm thinking "no and yes all at once, but I did not come all this way (literally) not to get that necklace or the tee shirt" So with my tortured good knee, I jog for a few more seconds to cross the line (with 20 seconds to spare) to get my "medal" from the San Francisco fireman dressed in his tuxedo holding the silver tray with the blue Tiffany box just for me. I'm sure he was thinking - what took you sooooo long??? Me too, buddy, me too.....

My Family Tree

Since the kids are on Fall Break, we met Jason, Jada and Kaleb at the park for some afternoon fun. A good time was had by all.

Rachel's Fall Break Sleepover

Here in Tennessee we have Fall Break. I mean the kids just get settled into the school routine and then they get a Break. But who am I to say that they don't need one. Any hoo, this was a big week for Rachel or should I say Dr. Doolittle? Not only did she animal sit for a couple of friends during this Break, but she had her FIRST sleepover with more than a family member ! The girls had big fun, built a fire (with some supervised help of course), made s'mores and played in our pop-up camper. The girls were all set to sleep in said pop-up with their glow sticks, that would be the picture on the top but the telling of the one too many scary stories forced them into Rachel's room with Nibbles the guest guinea pig for the week. And yes, there was some sleep involved. Yippee !!

Suzi Beetle Davis

Here's Suzi Beetle Davis three years ago. Blake and Rachel look so tiny. At any rate, as some of you may know, Suzi had a heart (engine) transplant this summer. It didn't go well (supposedly). As with anything in life, everything comes with an opinion. Suzi got a second opinion yesterday from a mechanic that has 20 years experience with VWs. His opinion is that her engine is fine. Great. I am glad that we spent all that money replacing her engine. So on October 27th, Suzi is going to get a new oil pump and all the fixin's to hopefully make her whole again. Let's all say a prayer for her that this works!! We must keep Suzi in the family. I am just not ready to part with her.

R.I.P. Honey and Welcome Home Midnight

Its happened. Death. Not sure when the Angel of Hamsters came and took Honey. I discovered Honey's lifeless body. I knew it was going to be sad. I accidently bumped her princess pink cage and nothing. No movement, nada. And I knew. Honey had left us and left me to spread the news. I had all afternoon to ponder what I was going to say. It took my hours even after she got home to work up the courage. When I told her, she made some hand gestures and ran upstairs. Several minutes later she came down in full ugly cry. The most important thing I did Friday was hold my little Dr. Doolittle as she mourned her invincible pet. She didn't ask why or where Honey was. She just cried and wanted to know if she could give her a funeral. Very proper, grown up and respectful. Rachel really is a mini Dr. Doolittle, she loves animals and they love her. I missed the funeral as I was participating in the Race for the Cure but when I got home, she was her happy self again and she wanted me to meet Midnight - her new boy hamster. She heard that they were nicer than the girl ones but I knew that she picked a boy in hopes that she would have a totally different result. Good luck my sweet girl. And I am proud of the way you handled giving Honey a proper and final resting place (right by your swingset so you can still keep an eye on her!)

I love Blake !

Let me begin by saying that Blake may just physically be 11 years old but emotionally he's already grown ! He has tried out and made the middle school basketball team ! Which is awesome for a 6th Grader. Here in is the situation. He will have practice every day after school for 2 hours. On Wednesdays, Rachel is involved in the Fitness Club and both of them will of course need to be picked up at the exact same time on opposite sides of town. Blake's first reaction in giving me his practice schedule was that this was not going to be good because of Rachel's schedule. He is so sweet. Now of course he is excited that he has made the team, but he is such a gentleman that he is concerned for his sister and how we are going to work Wednesdays out. He is going to make someone a very good husband. Don't you worry Blake, I'll work something out so you and Rachel can both do your thing ! You are the greatest for being so considerate of your sister !!

Milk or Orange Juice

Look at how "normal" Rachel looks. Painting, being creative, being basically herself. WELL, I had the nerve to ask her what she wanted to drink for breakfast, "milk or orange juice?" Her response was "Ummph....I have to make decisions ALLLLLL DAY long !! Can't you decide for me??? Me...Ooookkk. Knowing that whatever I choose after such a statement is going to be totally wrong and set her day off on the wrong track. Give me strength ! So I carefully respond with Orange Juice - thinking that what my daughter needs at this precise moment is a cup of Sunshine ! She responds - "Fine but please no bubbles in it!" And a good day was had by all ! I can't wait for her to be an actual teenager and not a practicing one !

Happy Birthday Blake !

Today is the day! You turned 11. Say it isn't so? Where has the time gone? Ever since you have arrived on the planet, you have been a pure joy to me. I admire your gentleman ways, your kind spirit and your calmness in everything you do. The world is a better place because of you. I am honored to be your Mom and am grateful for every day that we get to spend together as a family. Happy Birthday Blake! I love you!

American Girls !!

Here I am with my with my dear friend Teresa. I have known her since 3rd Grade. Here is Rachel with her friend Michaela. They are in the same 3rd Grade class together. Rachel and Michaela have known each other since they were 3 years old !! They are also in the same Brownie Troop together. The 3rd Friday of every month, we travel to Brentwood (about an hour from Clarksville) for American Girl Doll night at Barnes and Noble and then to Pie in the Sky for dinner afterwards. The girls get to learn about the different American Girl dolls and then participate in a craft. Teresa and I get to chat and have our own "American Girl" time. All of us girls look forward to this night for our own special reasons. Teresa has two teenage daughters. Her youngest Lauren, is a new teenager type, and in the past 2 years, we have had the pleasure of Lauren's company at American Girl night. I wonder when Rachel outgrows (pleassseee....don't grow Rachel, I love you at 8 - you are great!) American Girl night if we can still "pretend go" to AG night and eat dinner? It is a part of your childhood my sweet girl that I don't think I will be ready to part with...

No Fun for me, thanks

Blake is in 6th Grade and in his 1st year of Boy Scouts. He was in Cub Scouts and received his Arrow of Light. He enjoys Scouts very much. He wants to follow in his father's footsteps and become an Eagle Scout. He has plenty of time to accomplish this goal. Gary and I are thrilled that this is the path he is choosing. There is a lady who will come to Boy and Girl Scout Troop meetings and hold tie dye workshops. Tons of fun. I asked Blake if he was interested. He said NO, he is not intested in fun, only things that will get him a merit badge. Oh my, I don't think that was what he meant to say. I promise that you do have time to smell the campfires and have some fun along the way to earning your Eagle.

If Rachel were a teacher....

Rachel is in 3rd Grade. Below is her essay on being a teacher. Enjoy - especially my teacher cousins Nancy and Sarah in CA !)

"If I were the teacher for one day, the kids could scrapbook and do whatever they wanted. I would let them play on the roof and watch TV. After that I would let them have snack all day. Then they could play outside or inside or trash the room or they could do all three. Finally the bell would ring and it would be time to go home. By Rachel Davis."

I'm so proud.....

If Rachel had a Million Dollars she would...

1. Buy 100 books.
2. Buy art supplies.
3. Buy a big house, 5 dogs and tons of toys.
4. Buy a camera.
5. Buy a jet.
6. Buy some monkeys. (!?!)

This list was one the back of some of her homework. I love what at big thinker she was and creative right up until the monkeys !!! Yikes.....how about some ponies instead??

Happy Birthday Jada

My first born's (Jason) first born Jada celebrated her 4th birthday yesterday. We went to Fletcher's pizza in Donelson and then to Grand Ole Golf for a game of putt putt. Jada loves to play putt putt. She was so cute and no matter where the ball landed, she would pick it up and put it right by the hole and then hit it in. It was a great day! Happy Birthday Jada! We love you !

Ace of Cupcakes

We love a show called "Ace of Cakes" on the Food Channel. They do amazing cakes of all shapes, sizes and themes. So the kids thought they would try their hands at "mini cupcakes" Looks like we have a ways to go before we graduate to the "cake" size. A good time was had by all though and Gary took the culinary delights to his office because even mini cupcakes will eventually equal a big one if you eat enough of them!!

There's Nothing to Eat !!

MOM, there's nothing to eat. Yes, yes there is. You just can't see it in the pantry because "someone" has stacked boxes on top of boxes and "nobody" will move anything out of the way, so therefore, there is nothing to eat. So I have solved this dilemma. I emptied the pantry into the dining room. So now my precious family you must move away from the pantry and actually look and see what wasn't in the pantry and eat it before I go to the store and buy anything else. The phrase "can't see the forest for the trees" comes to mind right about now.

Believe or not...Honey's been found

Gary is a hero...late last night, he found Honey hiding under our couch. Though it is a little creepy to know she has been roaming the house free for a week...ugh!! But we are all smiles again. The Zoo here at Davisland is all in tact once more, the hamster, dog, turtle and fish are all safe for the moment !

Creek Stomping

Gary's father has a farm. It is about 25 minutes or so from our house. Gary's Grandmother's house is still "standing" on it. Gary, Blake and Gary's brother Jimmy and his son Austin go dirt biking riding out there. I don't venture out there so much because I am not crazy about corncob toliet paper. But we did have a good time this past weekend walking in the creek and the kids found a log to jump off of over and over. Oreo had her some fun also....

Born to Blog

I helped my mother-in-law create her own blog called Sybarite Sisters this Labor Day weekend for her and her sisters. It was a fun experience and I couldn't imagine doing anythng better with my time than helping her get "up and running". Sure it had a few hiccups, because I am no computer "smarty pants" as Rachel refers to her Daddy, but it all came out in the wash. And Gary, the next day helped to iron out the wrinkles.

I admire Mary for her willingness to always, always try something new, to jump in with complete gusto and embrace it with sheer fun and joy. She makes me contanstly want to be a better person. Thank you Mary for being you. You are awesome and were born to blog ! Enjoy!

If Rachel were President.....

She would make everyone recycle or kick them out of the country. Also every girl would get a pony and every boy a puppy. You go girl....keep it simple !!

Ma'am you are unauthorized !

We are switching phone services from Bell South to our cable company. The cable company called and left a message about the upcoming change. I returned said phone call but was told that since I was not listed on the account, even though I had just provided, name, address, social security number and phone number, AND do Gary's laundry AND have bore his two children, THAT I was UNAUTHORIZED to confirm such an apparent complicated telephone change. PLEEEAAAASSSEEE.......Needless to say this "unauthorized person" called Gary to handle such important matters....

The Good Napkins

(A cute story) Ahhhhh ... The joys of having girls. My mother taught me to read when I was four years old, (her first mistake). One day, I was in the bathroom and noticed one of the cabinet doors was ajar. I read the box in the cabinet. I then asked my mother why she was keeping ''napkins' in the bathroom. Didn't they belong in the kitchen? Not wanting to burden me with unnecessary facts, she told me that those were for 'special occasions' (her second mistake). Now fast forward a few months....It's Thanksgiving Day, and my folks are leaving to pick up my uncle and his wife for dinner. Mom had assignments for all of us while they were gone. Mine was to set the table. When they returned, my uncle came in first and immediately burst into laughter. Next came his wife who gasped, then began giggling. Next came my father, who roared with laughter. Then came Mom, who almost died of embarrassment when she saw each place setting on the table with a 'special occasion' Kotex napkin at each plate, with the fork carefully arranged on top. I had even tucked the little tail in so they didn't hang off the edge!! My mother asked me why I used these and, of course, my response sent the other adults into further fits of laughter.'Mom, you said they were for special occasions!!!' Pass this on to your girlfriends who need a good laugh or anyone who has a daughter! Life is too short for drama & petty things, so kiss slowly, laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly....and for heaven's sake, use the good napkins whenever you can!

Get Up !

Blake wakes Rachel up before he leaves for school. She needs this time with him to make her day all bright and sunny. Well today when he was waking her up he yells to me "Mom, Rachel won't get up, because it's still night!" Poor thing, I know the feeling sometimes...

Honey, where are you??

Rachel has/had a cute little hamster named Honey. Blake, as some of you may know has a cute dog named Oreo. Honey was in her rolling exercise ball on Wednesday in the kitchen, somehow the lid came off and out goes Honey to roam free in Davisland. I saw Honey Thursday morning enjoying this freedom and she was too fast for me to grab. I don't think Oreo has "done anything to her." I hope that the search continues and that this doesn't turn into a rescue and recovery mission. Because the day before, Rachel had library day and had gotten a book on "Pet Hamsters" and well let's just say had more information imaginable to share about the care and history of hamsters. It would be a shame for all that knowledge to go to waste.

Jamie Love

A wonderful person died Monday night her name was Jamie Irwin. I had known of her over the past 5 years or so through Scouting, basketball and normal community events. She had cancer. Cancer is ugly. Jamie was beautiful. She fought the cancer creature with beauty, grace, style, dignity and class. You never heard her complain. She was always ever present at her children's events. She was a shining example of motherhood at its very essence during her stuggle. I admire her and am amazed at her strength and fight. Jamie was a shining light as she passed through this life and now she has the honor to live forever in heaven where the angels sing. Rest, relax and be at peace Jamie - you have earned your wings.

We truly preach our own funerals, endings, whatever label you want to give it while we are here. As for me, I hope to improve my departure party each day. Go my friend, love, serve, give and hug. Make each day count. The best is yet to come.

The two "I's" you want to avoid

Last weekend was Gary's birthday. As luck would have it, I came down with a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection). Bummer. I was sick, real sick. Which got me to thinking. There is another kind of "I" you want to avoid - DUI because that would make you sick also - at some point in time. Both of those "Is" would cause you to serve time whether in jail or in the bathroom, make you feel bad, keep you from doing the things you want, inconveince your family, cost you money (either bail, attorneys or doctor and medicine) and cramp your lifestyle in general. Just a thought my friends, just a thought. Avoid the "Is" at all costs.....

Fore !

I took the kids golfing. I have never golfed a game in my life. Sure I have done the driving range and if you count putt-putt, then I have golfed ! Blake has golfed for a couple of years and this was Rachel's first year to golf. Clarksville has a wonderful program for children to learn how to golf and some tournaments to participate in. Let's just say, I surprised myself and wasn't a total embarrassment. Golf is hard people. Yes, Tiger makes it look easy. But the greatest feeling from this outing was being in total awe of of my children and I have a new respect for them. Yes, little people ! Its true, you never ever know how someone feels, acts or believes until you walk in their shoes (or golf with them). It was a very humbling experience (and beautiful) to be with them and learn a thing or two from them. And they are good, watch out Tiger cause my kids do make it look easy !

First Blog

Here goes. My first entry of blogging. Should be interesting but I thought it would be a good way to keep in touch with friends and family near and far. Please feel free to comment and send us a line here at Davisland. As most of you know, I usually comment that I am always "normal crazy". Well, here goes, I am adding to the "normal crazy" by sharing my thoughts with the hold world and asking that you share also. So please join into our "normal crazy"