Davisland4

Really - 3 months !!

2009-11-03T16:57:00.004-06:00

I can't believe that it has been over 3 months since I have blogged. Facebook is way too much a part of my life - LOL !! We are busier than ever here at Davisland. Blake and Rachel are in full swing with school and their Scout activities. Rachel recently enjoyed a Mall Lock-In and Blake camped in the wilderness and had to build his own shelter. Pretty sure from this point on Blake will be able to make his bed....Gary had gall bladder surgery and is doing well from that experience. Halloween was huge fun as Jason came up with Jada and Kaleb. A good time was had by all.

Facebook...the New Blog???

2009-07-28T15:06:00.002-05:00

I haven't had time to Blog because of Face Book.....umm.....Hopefully, I will post more later. I didn't think I was going to like FB, but I have grown to really like it. Too funny, you just never know. Even my Dad is on FB !! It is addictive....gotta run and check my FB.

School's Out For Summer

2009-06-06T23:37:00.005-05:00

We have hit summer head on. Blake and Rachel are both golfing.

Blake having a moment with Gary

Picking strawberries.....

Taking a walk by the Cumberland River.....

Plus there is soooo much more that we have done that I just haven't even taken pictures of...bless my heart !!

Happy Mother's Day !

2009-05-10T17:20:00.003-05:00

I have had the best Mother's Day ever !! My parents and grandmother came up yesterday and we went to lunch because another really bad storm came through and we had no power for most of the day so out to lunch it was !! They enjoyed their "flower cupcakes" also.

My kids treated me to breakfast in bed, yum, yum and Rachel has been a sweetie and has worn her "I heart my Mom" tee-shirt for 2 days in a row declaring her love for me...aawww...

Do you notice how tall Blake is getting?? He's 5 ft. I'm 5 ft. 3 inches. Oh my !

Jason is spending the day with my parents and my grandmother and his other grandmother. Nothing makes me happier than that !! He has his 2 little ones with him today and I think that is the greatest way for him to spend the day !! Happy Mother's Day everyone !

I knew I wouldn't die today....

2009-05-08T18:23:00.002-05:00

That's right not today. There was yet more tornado activity in Clarksville. What gives Mother Nature? Are we your red-headed stepchild weather city? Have we not seen enough of that type of weather to last, let's say 100 years or so? Can't you go bother some other cities for awhile. Don't you get tired of coming back to the same place over and over? Its a big United States out there really. Not that I wish harm on anyone else but can't you lighten up on us? At any rate, like I said I knew that no matter what the old girl had up her sleeves, I would be spared? Why? Because I had cupcakes to bake today and it just wasn't on my list today. And so after all the rumbling ( I was at Wal-Mart when the storm hit buying cupcake supplies), I headed home and made my cupcake cuties and all is right with the world. So take that Mother Nature !! (My cupcake blog is www.davislandcupcakes.blogspot.com)

You never know what kids are thinking

2009-05-06T07:00:00.003-05:00

Part of Rachel's homework is keeping a journal with the teacher giving them a "journal prompt" each day. Recently the prompt was "You have a million dollars, but you can't spend it on yourself. What would you do with it?" Here's here entry....

"I would build an animal shelter. We would keep on excepting animals no matter what. Plus, I would give the leftover money to poor people."

Aawww...I have such a good, kind, compassionate, caring, sweet, girl. Plus somehow, I think that would truly be her answer no matter what the conditions on the million bucks.

S'more Cupcakes

2009-04-27T15:42:00.003-05:00

Today's cupcake is S'more Cupcakes. We have a Girl Scout meeting tonight about Camporee this weekend so I thought why not try some of these cupcakes to get us in the camping mood ! Here is Blake sampling them to make sure that they were actually edible. He gave them an overall 8 on a scale of 10 ! Sounds like they passed to me. So its off to the Girl Scout meeting with these cupcakes in tow. Yum, yum.

Happy Birthday Rachel !

2009-04-27T09:18:00.002-05:00

Rachel had a couple of her friends for a swim party at a local hotel. We had big fun! It was easy and I didn't have to clean the house - yippee! Rachel is 9. Good thing she is getting older and me and Gary aren't - LOL ! A good time was had by all and yes, these are some more cupcakes that I made. Beach cupcakes to go with our "splash bash" theme. Yes the girls are eating sno-cones in the pool ! Its their party they can do what they want. All kidding aside, they stayed on the side of the pool and did not make a mess and I watched them like a hawk while they were eating. It all turned out just fine. Happy Birthday Rachel !!

Spring Ball

2009-04-26T05:58:00.003-05:00

Could it really have been time for the Spring Ball already?? My time flies. Blake said that he had a good time. They played "musical knees" which is similar to musical chairs. It was fun to watch the girls scramble to find an open knee to claim. Blake has had a busy weekend. Baseball Friday night, a Scout outing Saturday day, see the sunburn cheeks - and then the Ball Saturday night ! Whew ! He only has one more year for Cotillion. It has gone by too fast for me - probably not fast enough for him !! Though he did say that it has made him feel more comfortable being around the girls. That's good - I think.

Cupcakes

2009-04-24T12:01:00.003-05:00

I have been making cupcakes like crazy lately. It all began with Rachel's birthday a few days ago. Then she needed some for a class party. So below are "tye-dyed" cupcakes. Yummy, no frosting needed. They were a big hit. Next, Spring Fling at her school which was a circus theme. So I after some searching I came up with "Cotton Candy" Cupcakes. But, there was a problem, the cotton candy only lasts for about thirty minutes. So I had to re-ice these babies. So these cupcakes now go under "flaming dessert and serve immediately" catergory. I am enjoying trying new cupcake designs. Rachel even said that my cupcakes look professional. Oh, how sweet......

How is your life going??

2009-03-29T11:12:00.002-05:00

I know that I am taking mine for granted. That's right. We get up every morning thinking, I'm so busy, I've got this and that to do, this can wait, etc. Well, unfortunately, I attended two funerals within two days last week and it was a wake-up call. One was for my 39 year old neighbor. She left behind a husband and 12 year old son (she had been ill) and one was for Gary's 92 year old great uncle (who had been active until the very end). They were both equally hard because death, my friends, is for everyone, no matter the age, and what family members you leave behind, it is FINAL !! So having these experiences soooo close together really, really gets you thinking about "how's my life going?" I have a beautiful family, home and all my needs met. But, I need to do more and can do more. So this past week, every day, I have done something new and different. It wasn't anything like climbing Mt. Everest, but small things that made a difference for that day and that I enjoyed and haven't done before. Because, it can all be gone tomorrow. I found a great website - www.recyclethis.co.uk - that gives you something new to try everyday. Give it a try, what do you have to lose or better yet, you might gain something. Enjoy your days. I hope your life is going well ! Try something new today !

Woof Woof Waffles

2009-03-09T09:59:00.002-05:00

Yep. You read it correctly. Woof, woof. I helped Rachel make these special treats for Oreo. Homemade waffle treats for the dog. Um....they took a few minutes to mix together and an hour to bake. Whose spoiled at our house??

Happy Anniversary

2009-03-05T09:41:00.002-06:00

Today is our 12th wedding anniversary! We got married in Maui. Wish we were there celebrating, it was such great place to be. It was a beautiful beginning to a wonderful life. It is truly hard to believe it has already been 12 years. It has gone by so quickly ! We have had so much fun and have 2 beautful children from all of our "hard work" I love you Gary ! Thanks God for sending me such a great guy. Here's to the rest of our happy (and busy) life !! (Do we look young or what??)

Lent

2009-02-27T08:51:00.002-06:00

I just love Lent ! It means so many things. First, that we get to celebrate that Jesus died on the cross for each and everyone of us and for our sins and that we are forgiven ! Amen to that ! AND it also means that Spring is getting closer and closer every day. Lent also means that we give up something to help remind us of the sacrifice of Jesus or we can choose to do something good for other to also honor this sacrifice. At any rate, Rachel was very proud when she announced that she was "Giving up school for Lent !" Um, no, let's try that again. She thought about it and went with Cheese-Its. Blake has given up desserts, and asked that I please "Don't bake any Brownies or cookies because I don't think I could take it !" I hear buddy.

I have decided to give up complaining. Not that I sit around and gripe all day, but when you think about it, sometimes you just don't realize how much you whine or complain about things that truly do not matter. I can't repeat what Gary was going to give up.....I'll pray for him - LOL. Happy Lent/Easter Season everyone !

The Cookies Are Here !!

2009-02-06T16:42:00.004-06:00

Rachel is hard at work filling her orders. She finally, after 3 years of trying, placed first in Cookie sales in her Troop. Way to go Rachel !!

Happy Birthday Oreo !

2009-01-29T11:46:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was Oreo's 2nd Birthday ! And it snowed also, so the kids of course were out of school. It was a real treat for everyone. We have had Oreo for 7 months and the kids are still just as crazy about her as they were on Day 1. She got a new coat for her birthday which made the snow day even more appropriate, along with her gift! Then today, I lost Oreo ! It was absolutely terrible! She cannot be trusted without her leash. She loves to run and run and run away from us. She loves freedom more than us! I was having trouble with the garage door closing and I didn't shut the inside door and she bolted outside to enjoy the snow again. All I could think about was how sad Blake and Rachel would be after being so happy yesterday, if I lost Oreo for good. So I went inside to get treats, because women can always be persuaded with food, and put on my snow boots and started my search for a semi-white dog in the white snow. Happily I found her and lured her back to me with treats and got her back in the house. The kids will never know !! Whew......

Winter Ball

2009-01-29T11:36:00.004-06:00

Blake and his cousin Austin are involved in the National League of Junior Cotillions. It is a wonderful program that teaches young men and ladies about manners and dress in social situations. This past weekend was their first ball, appropriately titled "Winter Ball". The boys said that they had a good time. Probably as good as time that anyone can have all dressed up and having to dance with someone of the opposite sex. The last few minutes of the ball was reserved for a dance with your parent. We had a good time. The boys go once a month for their "instructions" and I think that they really have learned quite a lot. I am very proud of Blake, he was already a polite young man, and he just keeps getting better and better. Until the Spring Ball....

One Person Can Make a Difference

2009-01-22T11:20:00.002-06:00

Yes, one person can make a difference. That's it just one. Rachel's elementary school doesn't, or should I say, didn't allow soap. That's right, you read that right, soap. The children would have to use Germ-X given to them by their teachers to "clean their hands" after restroom breaks and before lunch. Some children are allergic to Germ-X and I know of some mothers who would "sneak soap type packets" into their children's bags, so that they could wash/clean their hands. Seriously, don't the children have other things to tend to during the day, than to worry about clean hands?? The reason for "no soap on my watch" was that the principal didn't like the "mess" that soap could make. While Germ-X has its good qualities and does come in handy - no pun intended - sometimes you just can't ignore the good old fashioned quality of handwashing with soap and water. So it was one Mom's mission, Kristine, to make Sango a better place for our children and thanks to her and her unwillingness not to stop the fight, each child can now wash their hands like millions of children across America !! Thank you Kristine ! You are awesome !

Ding, dong, hey there want to buy a cookie??

2009-01-15T13:39:00.002-06:00

It is that time of year again here in Tennessee. Thin Mints, Tag-alongs, etc. Rachel has really been working hard selling these yummy cookies. Normally she is pretty shy about forcing herself on others but not when it comes to selling cookies. This is her 3rd year of selling cookies and she is proving herself to be a real Cookie Diva! She has sold to everyone in our neighborhood, who was at home. She had no problem marching up to their doors, ringing their bell and saying "Would you like to buy some cookies?" I on the other hand at age 8 would have been mortified to have done that! She has even sold to people at church. Her daddy has helped her out also,(and maybe her mom). But she has done the bulk of the selling. Even making phone calls ! I'm so proud of her ! You go girl! And if anyone out there needs a box of Thin Mints, give us a call !

I mean well

2009-01-15T13:36:00.003-06:00

Bless my heart ! In reading some of my past blogs, I can't spell or I use the wrong word ! I am going to blame this on my thyroid. Yes, my thyroid. My numbers are way off, AGAIN ! And part of this disease messes with your memory. Soooo, there's my excuse. Please bear with me, or bare with me, I do mean well ! I am on more medication to get this under control. Give me strength that I will be "cured" like Oprah ! Good for her! Don't even get me started on that......um....

Patience

2009-01-10T09:06:00.002-06:00

Blake is the most patience person I know besides his father. I guess he didn't fall far from the tree. He made the middle school basketball team which is pretty good for a 6th Grader. Which also means he doesn't play much at all, or dress out. His journey began last October. He has practice every day after school, every day. Even during Christmas break they practiced some. Then there's the homework, plus Scouts, plus some sort of resemblence of life. He has to catch the bus every morning at 6:45 a.m. - ouch. He takes this all in stride. Some nights, he doesn't finish homework until 10 p.m. because middle school is a whole different ball game from elementary, they demand more from their ever expanding minds.

He is number 21. I love that, 21 is his birthday. Look how small he is compared to the big old 8th Graders ! This past Thursday was his night. He not only did he get to dress out, he got in the game! We were so proud not of him, but for him. This is his thing. He is the one doing all the work and making all the scarifices. We of course are thrilled to support him but this is his baby.

Hang in there buddy! Your patience is paying off!

Happy New Year

2009-01-09T22:48:00.003-06:00

Happy New Year to everyone! Its hard to believe that the holidays have rolled in and out so quickly, yet again ! We had a wonderful Christmas. We are so lucky to live in this country. Yes, I hear all of you now going - hello- are you crazy, recession, grocery prices, fear of losing our jobs, etc. But really where else would we rather be? We are close to our families and friends who love us and want to spend time with us no matter how much we have in the bank, no matter how much gas costs, who love us for just being us. And that my friend is worth a million don't you think?

Patron Saint Nicholas

2008-12-07T00:09:00.003-06:00

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 !!

2008-12-06T11:03:00.002-06:00

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 !

2008-11-27T22:08:00.003-06:00

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 !

2008-11-19T13:19:00.002-06:00

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

2008-11-08T16:39:00.003-06:00

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

2008-11-08T16:34:00.003-06:00

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

Update on Suzi Beetle Davis

2008-11-01T23:16:00.002-05:00

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.....

2008-11-01T15:46:00.003-05:00

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

2008-11-01T14:02:00.003-05:00

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

2008-10-16T17:45:00.003-05:00

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

2008-10-16T17:27:00.004-05:00

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

2008-10-08T18:37:00.002-05:00

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

2008-10-04T22:47:00.003-05:00

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 !

2008-10-03T17:37:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-24T19:34:00.003-05:00

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 !

2008-09-21T22:15:00.003-05:00

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 !!

2008-09-21T21:51:00.004-05:00

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

2008-09-16T22:08:00.003-05:00

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....

2008-09-16T21:30:00.003-05:00

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...

2008-09-14T20:34:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-08T08:39:00.003-05:00

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

2008-09-06T00:34:00.003-05:00

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 !!

2008-09-05T23:58:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-04T12:35:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-01T22:06:00.004-05:00

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

2008-09-01T18:11:00.004-05:00

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.....

2008-08-30T22:00:00.003-05:00

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 !

2008-08-30T13:17:00.002-05:00

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

2008-08-29T11:14:00.002-05:00

(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 !

2008-08-29T07:14:00.001-05:00

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??

2008-08-29T06:18:00.002-05:00

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

2008-08-27T21:44:00.002-05:00

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

2008-08-26T22:24:00.002-05:00

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 !

2008-08-25T06:21:00.005-05:00

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

2008-08-24T14:00:00.000-05:00

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"