Council Family Blog

Long overdue Council update

2012-01-23T00:07:00.007-05:00

So I am down here in Orlando FL staying at The Wilderness Lodge for business. I know that we have not posted here regularly in a while but maybe I will just need to fix that.

LANDON is now five since Jan 3 and taken up Ice Hockey. He is the fun in the house and everyone loves him. He enjoys anything Marvel, weapons, and friends. I miss him terribly while I am away and enjoy him telling me it will be "BUTT KICKING TIME" when I get back.

JAEL is now 7 (8 on May 18) and is competing Saturdays for indoor soccer. She is the innocence and joy in the house and everyone adores her heart. She enjoys friends, miss matched clothes, and her rock collection. She likes that I have to shave my beard for work and promises to smother me in kisses when I return.

MADYSON will be turning 12 by the time I return on Jan 29. She is growing up too fast and it breaks my heart. My favorite times with her are late at night while watching movies (since she cuddles with me) and tuck in time (cause we get to talk a long time). Her heart is still for God and I pray that it never changes.

ANNA is still just as beautiful as the day that I met her and I am not foolish enough to mention her age. She is a loving mother of three and tolerant wife of one. She is passionate about the Lord and fiercely loving of her family. We do not deserve and thank God daily for her.

JAMES is older and more crusty. I am blessed beyond what I deserve and not as grateful as I should be. I travel a lot for work but am looking forward to that changing.

Singed,

Blessed Father Council

PEPPER! WE WILL MISS HIM!

2011-11-12T17:12:00.004-05:00

Today around 10:30am-11:30am,pepper was put down.He had cancer in his rear-right leg. He has been fighting it off for a long time. It was really sad to see him go,but it had to be done. Pray for us!

@ Grandma's House

2011-09-23T15:21:00.003-05:00

This weekend, I'm @ my grandma's house in AL with my aunt Sarah and uncle MIke ( oh and who can 4get little miss Amy Roo!?!?!?!?!) 2day we r going 2 go on a short little airplane ride. 2morrow we are going to Panama City beach then 2 Seashell Island,FL. This is going 2 b a great weekend!!!!

I'm Taking Over

2011-09-23T11:26:00.003-05:00

Hi.My name is Madyson Council and this is now MY blog(it is still the family's,but I will be the one posting) . I will be posting pics and posts about what is happening in around the house. I'm only 11 so there won't be that many posts @ 1st but I will soon get there.

AWANA Ceremony 2010

2010-05-12T20:33:00.000-05:00

Landonisms a.k.a Landon bossoms (1-10)

2010-04-11T20:55:00.016-05:00

Mom: So, Landon, what did you learn about in church this morning?
Landon: Don't eat the Legos.

Landon: Last night in my dream I was on a soccer ball team and you didn't wave at me or yell for me...but Aunt Sarah did. You are supposed to wave and yell for me just like Aunt Sarah.

Landon: Shake what your momma gave ya...shake what your momma gave ya

Landon: Read me Jump on Dad...read me Jump on Dad!! (And of course, he gets Dr. Seuss' "Hop on Pop"!!!)

Landon (get's out of a real long bath last night and says to Daddy): Look, I got Grandpa hands.

Dad: Are you kissing my woman? (Mom kisses Landon) Are you kissing my woman again?
Landon: No she kissed me
Landon (after a while of repeating this): Daddy, she is OUR woman!!

Jael (for the 20th time in the car): What are we having for dinner?
Dad: Fried calamari, raw squid, and dead monster.
Jael: (fake squeals of terror and agony).....
Landon: I LOVE DEAD MONSTER!!.............
Landon (fast forward to the dinner table. Mom serves black beans, taquitos, and popcorn shrimp): Where's the dead monster?!

Landon (New superhero for the day): Underpants!! (formerly known as Underdog)

Landon: Dad when I grow up I want to be a fireman.
Dad: Thats great son.
Landon: Actually I want to be IRONMAN......or maybe a GIANT!!

Landon: Daddy I need a new diaper (Dad fixes the undone strap)...
Landon (later, Landon squeezes dad and proclaims): Dad, your the best dad in the whole wide world.
Dad: Your the best Landon in the whole wide world and I love you.
Landon: Then change my diaper!!

Injuries

2010-01-30T17:11:00.001-05:00

On top of Mady splitting her chin open, Landon face planted in the Wal-Mart parking lot and Jael scratched her knee at school on her library name tag!!!

Jael painting her shelf

2010-01-30T17:08:00.001-05:00

Daddy bought a shelf for Cookie and she really wanted to paint it red to match her upcoming Wizard of Oz decor...ok I wanted it red, but that's really not important, right?

2010-01-30T17:07:00.000-05:00

Misc. Karate pictures

2010-01-30T17:03:00.003-05:00

The karate school did a fun day and each participant earned a trophy. Also, both Landon, Jael, and I each earned new belts this month AND Mady got her first tip on her black belt. Unfortunately, I missed capturing Mady's birthday push-ups from Tuesday...oh well.

Red Birds

2010-01-19T14:32:00.002-05:00

ACTUAL conversation between me and Landon this morning while I was painting the closet:
(I was trying to keep him busy so he wouldn't "help" me paint)

"Mommy, there are some birds in the grass."
"How many are there baby?"
"5"
"What color are they?"
"Red"
"Are they boys or girls?"
"Boys...the girls are pink"
"If only boys are in the grass, where are all the girl birds?"
"At home eating birdfeed."

2010-01-04T20:40:00.001-05:00

Cowboy Landon

2010-01-04T19:28:00.002-05:00

Thanks Grandma Carolyn!! Now reach for the sky!

Landon's first Little Dragon Class

2010-01-04T19:18:00.004-05:00

Great Smokey Mountain National Park

2009-12-31T20:54:00.003-05:00

Family Fun

(Jael had just fallen down)

James' kids

our happy little snowman

Mady's Black Belt Testing Day

2009-12-02T11:59:00.003-05:00

Here are some of the "highlights" of testing day morning...I was only able to stay for the two mile run and the hour of sparring; missed out on the bag workout, self defense, jui-jitzu, cleaning, paper writing and whatever else they had to do that day.

My Red Belt!!

2009-12-02T11:57:00.003-05:00

Halloween and Jael's first lost tooth

2009-12-02T11:39:00.004-05:00

I have been so bad at this I am not even going to try and catch up on everything. I will, however, post a Halloween pic and Jael loosing her first tooth.

Foster as a ninja and then mine as the cast of Wizard of Oz

Cross Country I and II

2009-09-26T13:32:00.002-05:00

Cross country meet one at Victor Ashe Park, Knoxville, TN:

Cross Country meet two at Cove Park in LaFollette (?) TN:

This one's for you James

2009-09-26T13:06:00.002-05:00

Since you missed her getting her high brown belt, I figured this was the next best thing

Meet Kermit

2009-09-26T13:01:00.002-05:00

Meet Mady's new pet...she takes good care of Kermit. We almost named it Valerie!!

(JK Val, we never woulda done that to you, but I couldn't pass it up.)

FINALLY!!

2009-08-26T10:42:00.003-05:00

After days of missing the ice cream truck or him just not coming, they finally got one!

Cades Cove

2009-08-26T10:36:00.002-05:00

Some friends of the family are going to Italy for four months and we had an intimate farewell party for them at Cades Cove up in the mountains. After getting lost three or so times, I finally got there and ended up having a wonderful and relaxing time. And, ironically, didn't get any pictures of the Woidtke's...oh well, I guess I was focused on my kiddos. Have fun Shane, Tracie, Skyler and Knox!! Hopefully, by the time y'all return, we will have our house sold and be on the way to a reconnected family!

Budding Photographer

2009-08-25T19:54:00.004-05:00

Check out the cool pic Madyson (my 9 year old) took the other day
Speaking of Madyson, she is well under way to becoming a black belt. She will have to perform all 10 of her kickboxing combinations, begin the training of a non-student, do some sparring, write four papers, run 2 miles in 20 minutes without stopping or complaining, write her own 45-60 second combination to perform in front of the whole school at the black belt presentation ceremony and who knows what else. We are so proud of her. For all you non-Facebookers, she can already run 2 miles in 20:27!!

(I will do my Cades Cove posting tomorrow...I am done for tonight)

Landon's pass-times

2009-08-25T19:50:00.003-05:00

This is what Landon likes to do while the girls are in school and I'm not dragging him to karate, the Y, or the store:

Landon's new fave seat

sidewalk chalk on the front porch so I can see him from the air-conditioned living room

First Day of School

2009-08-25T19:40:00.002-05:00

Mady started 4th grade at Farragut Intermediate School (FIS) this year...her first year of public school. She got a really nice teacher, Ms. Crowell, who just happened to have gone to high school with her teacher from last year, Ms. Benson.

My little J-bird started Kindergarten this year...I think it was harder on me than it was on her, but it was hardest on Landon who wanted to stay and play Play-Doh with his big sissy!

Jael and Mrs. Wantland

Jael and Landon

Jael's karate buddy Nathan is in her class this year

my big girl posing for her first day of school picture

Busy Summer...OBVIOUSLY

2009-08-25T19:23:00.003-05:00

I am such the slacker!! Here are a few highlights of the second half of our summer vacation:

Sarah, Mike and Amy stopped by on their way through town for a picnic dinner at the park. Landon loved pushing "baby Amy" in the swing...btw, Amy is a month OLDER than Landon.

My friend Angie and I straightened Mady's hair with an over the counter kit:

The girls played outside in the rain:

Movie time is always fun with popcorn and hot cocoa:

Our Trip to Florida

2009-07-04T16:06:00.002-05:00

Instead of doing 6 or so smaller slide shows, I chose to do one big one. I know it's long, but at least there is just one of them.
The first day we spent with Grandma and Grandpa Drake and cousin Sadie;then we are with the Dawson's; then there's some of VBS at KABC; then we are at Ft. DeSoto Beach; then we are having dinner with Geri and her family; then we are at Monkey Joe's in Atlanta with Aunt Sarah. I tried to include just a few pics from each major event we did--the only ones not pictured is my lunch with Valerie and our dessert out with the Whitaker's and the Woodard's...sorry guys, guess I was having too much fun to remember to take pictures of us!!

Farragut's July 4th Parade

2009-07-04T12:35:00.003-05:00

Here we all are sitting on Kingston Pike waiting for a bunch off floats and some hand-outs...this is the thing memories are made of, right?

Two Rivers July Fourth Party

2009-07-04T12:18:00.002-05:00

Chick-Fil-A

2009-07-04T12:01:00.003-05:00

Sarah, Mike and Amy stopped off for dinner Thursday night on their way through TN to Ohio.

Cheesy smily girlie

one for each hand

they even wipe in unison...although Amy is actually eating a chicken nugget

We thought Landon was special; but he didn't want to cooperate

Busy, busy day

2009-07-03T08:05:00.002-05:00

James and Mady left this morning for D.C. with a cab full of junk food, soda, directions, and travel books...and some clothes too! Taking Landon to the doc. this morning to get his ears cleaned out; he has deep thick wax build up and James is oober-worried about it. Then, during his naptime, I'm taking Jael to see Monsters vs. Aliens at the dollar theater. Once Landon wakes up I may take them out for a while and go shopping!! (Just don't tell James...it's always better to ask forgiveness than permission AND it's always better to start a story with "I saved you "x amount"...") Then, tonight, a local church is doing a fireworks and mini-carnival starting at 7pm. Hopefully, within all that chaos, I will find some time to post FL pictures to make my parents happy!!

Jael's Stipe Belt!!

2009-07-02T14:33:00.001-05:00

Better late than never, right?! Sorry this one is so late on posting...it has been an extremely busy couple of weeks. But I wanted to get this one up before I began posting our FL pictures either tonight or tomorrow. Get ready for a bunch of posts and pics!!

On the road again...

2009-06-17T14:18:00.003-05:00

I found it quite amazing how many other bozos were on the road at 5:15 in the morning! We got to the Atlanta Bypass about 8:15. By the time we reconnected with I-75, I was ready for a bathroom break and some more coffee...alas, both children were snoozing!! They woke up about the time we got to Forsyth, so we ate at Mikey D's and stretched a bit.

We made it to the border and picniced at the welcome center. There, we ran into a couple on vacation for North Carolina whom I learned were headed to Lakeland. Small world!!

The kids took a little nap after lunch and we pulled into King's Avenue Baptist Church at 4:15pm. We visited with a few people there then went to eat pizza at a pizzaria.

We got back to the church about 6 and fellowshipped for about an hour then went to Coldstone's for some ice cream and laughs with the Whitakers and the Woodards. It got a bit crowded there so we left and got some coffee.

Today, we went to Grandma Drake's to see Sadie, swim in the pool, and have lunch.

**I have decided I didn't miss the humidity at all, missed the traffic even less, don't care to ever see a love bug, mosquito, or palmetto bug EVER again, but it sure is good to catch up with old friends!!

I promise to post pictures whenever I get the chance

I love my kids!!!

2009-06-08T17:44:00.003-05:00

Landon (to Aunt Say-rah): "I got ho' wheels...BEAT DAT!!"

On Saturday morning we were all doing yard work. About 12:30 this conversation happens:

Jael: "What time is my Karate class today?"
Mommy: "sweetie, it was this morning. we missed it because we were doing the gardening.
Jael (said with extreme sassiness and hands on hips): "I am so mad at you. I told you I wanted to go every single day and I meant it. What time is class tomorrow?"
Mommy: "tomorrow is Sunday...they are closed tomorrow"
Jael: "uggghhhh!"

Mady's Red Belt Dash

2009-06-04T13:47:00.001-05:00

Guess who got their WHITE belt today!!!

2009-06-02T18:44:00.003-05:00

Out of the blue, Jael has started to show interest in Karate, so I decided to let her try out a beginner's class today. Master Butturini and Mr. Blackburn both thought she did a great job!! With some extra practice at home with mom and sissy's help, she'll be well on her way!!!

"Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star"

2009-06-02T09:23:00.002-05:00

Farewell to Nan

2009-06-01T07:06:00.002-05:00

This was our farewell evening with Nan...we watched "The Wizard of Oz" the night before our "Dorothy" went back to her "Kansas". We wish you well, Nan, in all you do. The girls are missing you terribly and still refer to the bedroom and dinner table seat as "Nan's room" and "Nan's seat". They love the little stuffed animals you left for them. Thank you so much for loving my children and sharing your life with us. You are and will always be part of our family.

Memorial Day morning at The Cove

2009-05-29T15:15:00.003-05:00

(no Mady is not drowning her sister!!!)

(he was actually singing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star)

Tree felling, clean-up, bonfire

2009-05-29T14:27:00.005-05:00

Before...

After...

This is why you have children...so you can BRIBE them!!

Here's to praying the wildfire doesn't spread into the neighborhood

"it's as hot as fire over there"...and she's not even a rocket scientist!!!

lovin' the s'mores

what do you mean I only get one...Ms. Angie got TWO at the same time!!!

2009-05-27T17:35:00.000-05:00

I have so got to learn how to balance my "Facebook" life with my "blogger" life...here are several posts and I will put up more tomorrow to get you all caught up.

Preschool Performance II

2009-05-27T17:03:00.003-05:00

"God helps me do good things"
"every day I can do my best"

Preschool Performance I

2009-05-27T16:40:00.004-05:00

something about "God Made the World and God Made Me"
about 40 seconds into it you hear Landon yelling "Jael"

Sunday, May 17

2009-05-27T16:29:00.004-05:00

We let Jael take some leftover cupcakes to Sunday School class to share with her friends.

Sassy Landon

2009-05-10T17:08:00.002-05:00

Nanny, nanny, boo-boo, you can't catch me

Watering the grass and the kids

2009-05-10T16:55:00.001-05:00

Dog Park

2009-05-10T16:41:00.003-05:00

Look at that wind up...he's ready for the pro's.
Cutest little butts in the world
Paco and Pepper
What a happy dog

I need some "me time"

Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-10T14:10:00.002-05:00

Jael's 5th birthday celebrated at school.

2009-05-08T11:11:00.002-05:00

I love me some weeds

2009-05-07T17:50:00.002-05:00

...she's precious and she's all mine!!! She came inside today and said "I picked these for you; you got to put them in a cup with water so they'll grow. "

To Anna Council from her family

2009-05-05T22:37:00.000-05:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

We're off to see wizard...

2009-05-04T17:21:00.002-05:00

the wonderful Wizard of Oz. I HAVE THE BEST GRANDMA IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD--SHE'S A WONDERFUL SEAMSTRESS!! THANK YOU GRANDMA CAROLYN!!

Movie Night

2009-05-01T20:39:00.000-05:00

If you can call Wishology Part 1 a movie.

Popcorn, Hot Cocoa, Action!!

Week #1 without James

2009-05-01T17:44:00.003-05:00

Monday went good--Karate for Madyson and home for dinner (actually it was breakfast!!)

Tuesday was ok--Mady and the neighbor girl had a big drama queen moment, but it got resolved and all is well.

Wed was easy--Karate for Mady, Bo for me, and AWANA for the girls! Yeah for busyness!

Thursday was exhausting--both Mady and I took a third karate class so we could go ahead and test for our next belt in Karate and we called daddy to celebrate. I also got a shot of Landon "chewin' de fat". To top it off, Mady had an impossible time falling asleep due to Friday's planned school field to the zoo.

Landon talking to daddy

Madyson with her new hi-blue belt and Ms. Koza

Mommy with her new green belt and Mady with her new hi-blue belt

Woke up to a rainy Friday. I spent the morning shopping: I got me a bathing suit and wrap, Nan a graduation present, and a few small things for Jael for her birthday which will be from the siblings. Found out that Mady's zoo field trip was CANCELLED due to the rain this morning...they are going to try and reschedule it for next Wednesday. After bringing Nan home, we took Mady to her BJJ class and then came home to a pancake dinner. Tonight's plan include watching part 1 of 3 of the Fairly OddParent's "Wishology" movie. We'll have to wait and see what tomorrow brings; I'll letcha know--eventually!!

Daddy in DC

2009-04-25T16:41:00.003-05:00

I went to the DC area this week for a work related class with Tu McLendon. Thursday night Rob (a.k.a. Tour guide barbie) gave us a night tour of the nations capitol. The kewlest thing that happened was helping a lost child find his tour group. Took about 30 minutes and the use of our phone.

We ate at Capitol City Brewing just a couple of blocks away from the Whitehouse and the Capitol Building. Pretty interesting to eat in a place where our politicians rub elbows with lobbyist on a regular basis.

Chocolate Pudding!!

2009-04-23T18:27:00.003-05:00

OH MY!!! 'nough said.

Backyard Picnic

2009-04-23T18:25:00.003-05:00

Nan's Birthday Party

2009-04-23T18:08:00.005-05:00

Nan's birthday is actually tomorrow the 24th, but the kids will be at the church for PNO (Parent's Night Out) and James is flying home, so we'll be out on a dinner date...look out Maryville, here come the party animals, right!?!

I decided "why make a cake with a demanding four year old and sick toddler when Wal-Mart has some on the "oops, we over baked 40% off rack"!!!

Here are the pictures from the family party:

A very grateful and surprised Nan

the girls had to be in it too

Mady made her a card

she couldn't leave TN without some orange and white

thought a nice fitted jacket might be a good addition to her wardrobe

she insisted on wearing the UT shirt right away

Drive up

2009-04-13T07:48:00.003-05:00

I will say this for the last time, I promise: US129 was not made for a mini-van!! You know you're in trouble when there is a sign on the side of the road that reads "Last stop for beer for 70 miles"!!! I think James found some statistic that it has 318 curves in 11 miles...they even named it "the tail of the dragon". But, for as nasty and nauseating as it was, I must admit, it was quite beautiful.

James and the kids on the suspension bridge

what a wonderful view...nice pick babe!

L: "ta-da"...showing off God's beautiful masterpiece!

Marina and Boat ride

2009-04-13T07:18:00.002-05:00

This cabin came equipped with it's very own 21 foot pontoon boat, too. An extra added bonus that all the children (from 2 to...Grandma Carolyn) got to enjoy. We may have been over by two people, but we just figured Landon and Amy didn't really count yet. (In most places 2 and under are free, right?)

Almost Heaven

2009-04-13T07:03:00.004-05:00

The name of the Lake Burton cabin was Almost Heaven...however it was "almost hell" getting there. I am so over windy, narrow roads whether they go up a mountain, down a mountain, or through a mountain; I did them all and I can now say, "been there, done that".

One of the spectacular views from our balcony

A view from the tippy-top of the mountain we stayed on...
who needs the Y when you can climb a steep mountainside?

James beat me up there, but he didn't have a whiny 4 year old slowing him down

Speaking of whiny four year olds, here she is freezing

Mady climbed her first "waterfall" and dad captured the triumph

Eggs

2009-04-13T06:58:00.003-05:00

Here ae a few of my kiddos dying Easter eggs yesterday:

Hoppy Easter!!!

2009-04-12T19:16:00.002-05:00

So I did this at 8pm and not 8 am...I was up in northern GA on a mountainside at 8 this morning!!!
Besides, I just had to wait for BOTH Landon and Jael to scar their face before taking a nice picture; isn't that the law these days? Landon fell and busted his lip and scratched under his nose yesterday at the marina and then Jael fell on the driveway and got a big knot right in the center of her forehead...makes for GREAT pictures, doesn't it!?!

Thanks for the Easter outfits Grandma and Grandpa Drake; they fir great and look lovely!!!

Little Ponderosa Petting Zoo

2009-04-03T09:35:00.002-05:00

Lando

2009-04-02T13:00:00.000-05:00

Finally on Facebook

2009-03-31T13:17:00.002-05:00

Yet another gobbler up of time...oh well, we'll see how addicted I get to it.
If you know me, look me up; I'm still new at this whole "searching for friends" thing and some of my friends have hundreds of friends, of which I may know five! Though, I have already come in contact with some wonderful "long lost friends".
And, no, I haven't forgotten about posting recent pictures...just trying to get the four of us healthy again...tomorrow may be the day.

I'm late...

2009-03-30T17:24:00.002-05:00

on wishing my sister a hap-happy birthday. She turned 31 yesterday and OOOPS!! with three sick kids and James gone, I just didn't have the energy to do anything but push buttons on the remote control.

So HAPPY BIRTHDAY 'TARAH!! (I guess that's how you would spell it if we spelled it phonetically as to how Landon pronounces it.)

Two Weeks!!!

2009-03-28T19:04:00.003-05:00

Has it really been two weeks since I last posted!?! I'm turning into those bloggers I always complain about...yes Jim Bird, I mean you!!

I would love to say that I have been so busy that I haven't had time...so we'll go with that!

The girls had Spring Break two weeks ago and James was gone to Florida that week too. Aside from Madyson having some sleepovers and playdates, we really didn't do anything until Saturday. That day we took the kids to Little Ponderosa Petting Zoo, in Clinton, TN. That was an awesome day and a good "family time". I do have pictures of that which I'll hopefully post tomorrow while the kiddos take their naps.

This past week my mom, sister and "baby Amy" came up and over for a quick visit. We got some planting done in the front yard and a bit of cleaning done on the inside. Infortunately, Jael got sick with a bad fever Wednesday, so they had to cut their trip short. Turns out Jael has Influenza B!! OH JOY!!!

We have started the last phase of replacements/upgrades on the house for it's going on the market. We got some painting done, the front door hung, some minor electrically work completed and a new mailbox put in place. This afternoon Rhonda came by said she would list the house first thing Monday morning.

I will try and get pictures up tomorrow afternoon, but at least you have the reader's digest version of my past two weeks.

M's grades

2009-03-14T13:23:00.002-05:00

12 A's in 13 classes...not too shabby!!!

S+

93.2%

97%

S

97%

S+

98.4%

S+

98%

S+

S+

S+

90%

Last weekend at Coolridge Park

2009-03-14T08:09:00.001-05:00

Friday the 13th...

2009-03-13T11:33:00.004-05:00

...IS A LUCKY DAY FOR ME!!!

I wasted time at Target, the Dollar Store, and Party City waiting for Marshall's to open. I actually managed to get out of all three stores only spending $4...that's a miracle in and of itself!!

Got to Marshall's and found what I was looking for...inexpensive workout pants!! I purchased two pair for about $15 or so. (I refuse to spend big bucks on something I am only going to sweat in!!) As I was checking out, the lady at the register said that Off Broadway Shoes was giving away free gift cards for $5 just for walking in the door. Landon has just about outgrown ALL of his shoes so I figured I would take advantage of that promtion and get him a pair of sandals. I get inside the store and the lady at the door hands me my gift card and a free Nike T-shirt. I scan the store quickly looking for the kids section and don't see it...turns out they don't have a kids section. What to do now!?! I woman in a shoe store with a gift card!?! Ummmmm, do we even need to go there!!! I walk over to the tennis shoes because I need a good pair of everyday, white slip on tennys. Find a pair and try them on...$30, more than I like to spend, but still not too bad. I decide to go ahead and open my gift card and my jaw hit the floor...$200!!!!! Needless to say I walk around alot freer and with a skip in my step. I grabbed a pair of everyday brown leather sandals to go with my blue jeans, white open toed sandals for church and a pair of fancy flip flops since I am moving to FL this summer and head up to the counter.

$150...I NEVER would I have that on four pairs of shoes!!!

I felt like those ladies on those make over shows that say those exact same words...I am such a cheap-skate, and I say that with pride. So, not only do I have the remainder of my gift card, it turns out that you also get a 10% payback voucher with every purchase all the time. That came out to $13 and change; add that to my $50 and change I have already, I get ANOTHER fun shopping day. Amazingly enough, I find out that they are running this deal tomorrow and Sunday, too. The first 100 customers through the door get the gift card and T-shirt. Guess where I am dragging James first thing tomorrow morning!?!
One more thing: the manager came out to take my picture...not a clue as to what it's for, but that rarely happens right!?!

Just for my friend in Kansas...

2009-03-10T16:24:00.003-05:00

...but everyone can read it of course!

James went to Florida this past week, worked Monday to Thursday, and drove home Friday. They are letting him work from home this week and having him drive back down to FL next week. The bad thing is that next week is the kid's Spring Break; the good news is that Nan is going to go down with James and spend the week with Bill and Evelyn Brown. She is looking quite forward to the trip. I am glad, too, because I was thinking of things to do to entertain a 2 year old, a 4 year old, a 9 year old and a 17 year old...not too many things make all four happy. She will have a very relaxing time there and hopefully enjoy herself.

His new job is much more laid back than he is used to, but he thinks he can adjust! I am still not 100% sure how to explain what he does, but I will give it my best. He does pre-sells work a sells company. He will go into an environment, ask questions about what they need help with, assess the situation and then advise them on what hardware they need to buy. He will set it up and show them the perks and downsides to everything. It is called "VAR", couldn't tell you what VAR stands for, but that is the kind of work he does. He will actually be working with Tu Mclendon...did you know them when they went to Kings? (Tu was in the Air Force, Victoria sang and James taught their son Alex in Children's Church...they also had a younger daughter Ivy.)

Aside from the pre-sells side of the job, they go to conventions and conferences and set up tables and they also are asked to take lots of classes to stay up-to-date and fresh on current technology and what-not. I guess James will have to write an accurate blog to tell you all he does, but that is the jest of it.

We are planning on putting our house on the market just after Spring Break. We are praying for a quick sell so we can move to Lakeland right after school lets out in May and not have to carry two mortgages. Our house is in an ideal area, Farragut, with a great public school system, and is close to tons of shopping, lots of churches, all three interstates and lots of the major streets. Plus it is an older home in an established neighborhood so the price range will be right for a young family.

I think that is all I can relay for now. Hope you followed it and enjoyed it. More to come later.

Landon sayings

2009-03-10T11:50:00.002-05:00

1) I had to take the doggies to the vet on Thursday morning for their annual check up and shots. The ladies had me weigh the dogs on the oversized scale which is right in the front center of the lobby. Once Paco and Pepper get off, Landon chimes in with "me, too; me, too; me too" and hops up there. We had time to burn before the room was ready for us so I weighed both Landon and Jael. Landon, just over 26 months, weighed in at 30 pounds where as Jael, who turns 5 in May, weighs only 38 pounds.

2) Landon and I went to Target yesterday morning in between dropping off the girls at school and my karate class...he loves to look at all the movies, books and toys, even if we don't buy a single thing! So, we get up to the automatic doors which he can now open by himself, and he spreads his arms wide and yells at the top of his lungs "open Sesame Street!!!" and of course he says it again for the second set of doors, "open Sesame Street!!!"

3) James and I generally let the girls pray for our dinner meal so they will be comfortable with the whole idea of prayer. Well, Jael recently learned a sing-song prayer from her friend Foster. Now, after Jael is done praying, Landon has to say it too. "God uh fod-der, God uh fod-der...hehehe...AMEN!!!!!" (translated reads: God our Father, God our
father...giggles...AMEN!!!!!).

4) At the playground this morning, he followed J around like a lost little puppy wanting to do everything she did...even slide down the gi-normus windy slide. He did it and jumped up so proud of himself saying " I did it, I did it".

5) Whenever I put Landon down for a nap I always "sing" You are my Sunshine and we laugh and dance and have a ball. Today, he said "no sunshine...Bob". So, I am sitting there desparately trying to remember the lyrics to the VeggieTales theme song. We got through it and he said "tank ooo, uv ooo, ite-ite" (thank you, love you, night-night"

I HATE my DVR!!!

2009-03-05T21:36:00.002-05:00

Or should I say American Idol! Apparently, the time keeper of the show fell asleep and it lasted longer than one hour allotment, so I missed the ending. And to top it off, there are 13 and not 12 so I have NO CLUE as to all the drama behind it all!! If anyone caught the last segment I would love to hear how it went. At least that Tatiana chick didn't make it...I don't care how good she sings, she was ANNOYING!!!!!!!!!! And I really like that blond Megan girl...she is very different in a good way.

OK, I am done venting. With James in FL still and the kiddos asleep, I figured this was the next best thing. Feel free to leave your feelings if you like, just keep it clean!!

BLUE BELT!!!

2009-03-04T18:56:00.003-05:00

This belt promotion changes EVERYTHING!! With the blue belt, Madyson is now required to take the advanced classes!! That means a new schedule for me to figure out...oh joy. But we are soooo incredibly proud of our little lady, that I will do it with pride and maybe a forced excitement.

James unfortunately couldn't be there since he had to be in FL this week, so I called him on the cell phone when I knew it was coming and he got to hear the applause and the kind words Ms. Koza said to Madyson as she awarded her the belt. So I had the cell phone stretched out over my head with my right hand while I was filming it with my left. I know I had to have looked funny, but it was well worth it to have daddy "there".

Well, I gots to get Lando to bed before I leave to go pick up the girls from AWANA.

For those lost souls...

2009-03-03T08:44:00.002-05:00

James has taken a job that will be based out of Lakeland FL...that's half way between Tampa and Orlando right off of I-4 for you non-Floridians. It came up out of nowhere and at the 11th hour...more like 11:59 but who's counting.

James got a Facebook message from a friend in FL (Tu Mclendon) on a Thursday night which lead to a phone interview the next Monday and then a flight to Albuquerque, NM that Tuesday. He took a four hour plane ride to NM via Dallas, had a three hour luncheon in the airport, and then a return light via Dallas back to TN. By the time he got home that night, he had a PHENOMINAL offer waiting for him in his inbox which he accepted on Wednesday, his 2 week deadline for PA.

He decided to drive down there yesterday for a handful of days to meet everyone on his team and maybe get a slight feel for the area so we know where to look for homes/churches/schools/etc.

Please, please, PLEASE pray for a quick, good sell on our TN home (we can't take a year and a half to sell this one like we could with our FL house). Also, the girls need prayers for moving too. Jael seems to be excited about it, but I don't think it's registered with her that her friends, especially Foster, won't be moving with us. Mady, on the other hand, is totally siked about being able to see Abbey but SOOO doesn't want to leave her school/church/karate school/new friends behind. Me...I just don't want to box everything up and deal with the headache of selling this house. James will need pray for travel and being away from his family often. And as for Landon...he's totally oblivious to the whole situation...I think he will adjust just fine.

I thihnk I gave you the Reader's Digest version of everything...if you have questions, just ask.

Breakfast with the Council Kids

2009-03-03T08:41:00.003-05:00

Oatmeal or my new obsession...100 piece puzzles!?!

Who needs a spoon when ya got fingers!?!

Sick Girl

2009-03-03T08:34:00.002-05:00

This was Jael at 9am yesterday. She refused to let me put her in bed...she wanted to fall sleep on the couch while watching a movie, just like her Daddy!!

Jael had an annoying little cough on Saturday which turned into a slight fever Saturday night and Sunday morning. Monday she was throwing up and dry heaving so she stayed home from preschool and fell asleep while watching Crurious George. She woke up about 9:45 and seemed to have "snapped out of it". Needless to say, I decided to go while the time was right so we headed to the grocery for our weekly trip. She has been fine ever since...except for that annoying little cough that just won't go away.

The votes are in...

2009-02-25T20:36:00.002-05:00

and since the Nassar's are the only ones that voted, they win! Actaully, we had made our decision to take the FL job before seeing their comment, we can still give them credit, right!?! It is back to FL we go...oh joy. I really am excited about all the opportunities...I just dread packing and moving AGAIN!!!

Anybody want to help on the TN end or the FL rnd, just let me know.

Anybody want to buy a house?

FL or PA?

2009-02-25T11:49:00.001-05:00

We will decide tonight!!
If you want to give us your opinion, we will listen. Both jobs have perks and problems, pros and cons, good and not-so-good aspects, so it will ultimately be determined by what James wants to do with his and our future.

Only one of the many things she did

2009-02-17T14:25:00.003-05:00

Apparently Jael was so busy doing the many things that Aunt Sarah planned, there wasn't much time to take pictures. From what I've gathered they ate and played at Chick Fil A on Friday evening, went to Monkey Joe's and Gymboree on Saturday, went to a "little mountain" and Chuck E. Cheeses on Sunday then came home on Monday. I haven't quite figured out when they made the green play-doh yet...maybe she'll tell me one day. Oh yeah; Aunt Sarah somehow managed to get J to stand still long enough to not only blow dry her hair, but also to straighten it...look at how big my baby looks:

The Beginning of the End

2009-02-15T16:07:00.002-05:00

James is on his way to MS for his interview with Cellular South tomorrow. They are going to grill him tomorrow for all he's worth then have him escorted around town to look at apartments he might be willing to stay at until summer. After Tuesday, we have MS vs. PA and we will have to wait and see who comes up the winner.

Keep us in your prayers especially over the next couple of days as we decide the course for our future. Once we know and they know, then y'all will know. However, if you find out before we do, please let us know!!!

Look at my beautiful girl

2009-02-14T11:44:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, I drove to Chattanooga and met up with my sister, Sarah, and her daughter, Amy. Since Monday is a school holiday, Sarah wanted to take Jael for THE WHOLE WEEKEND!! So we met at Hamilton Place Mall right off of I-75. Sarah was waiting for us by the Food Court entrance with a super surprise for J...a small cookie cake with her name written on it in BOTH pink and purple icing. All five of us ate a small piece and then we headed to the local toy store and walked around for about an hour or so before heading our separate ways.

Jael has been looking so forward to this trip for so long. "Baby Amy" as our kids call her light up like a Christmas tree when she first saw Jael and got even more excited when I placed J's car seat next to hers in the back of Aunt Sar's car.

I can only assume J is having the time of her life! She totally adores Amy and I believe the feeling is mutual.

J wanted me to see how beautiful Aunt Sarah did her hair, so I thought I'd share it with the world; well at least the portion of the cyber world that checks our blog.

Have fun sweetheart and HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!! wE LOVE YOU!!!!

Y

20% Chance of Snow

2009-02-02T20:31:00.003-05:00

MY FOOT!!! About 8:20 is morning the weatherman was predicting an 80% chance of rain (while it was raining, mind you) and a 20 % chance of snow. By 9:30 I couldn't see the road in front of me through the thick snowfall. By 10 the school decided to dismiss at 10:30...the bad news is that we were in karate class and didn't hear the announcement. Lucky for Mady I had to be there at 11:30 to pick up J from preschool. They had a wonderful time in the slush and snow; sledding and snowball fights and making snowmen, a fun time was had by all!!

When I see Landon in the first picture, all I can think of is Ralphie's kid brother from "A Christmas Story".

I survived

2009-01-31T20:04:00.003-05:00

12 screaming 9ish year old girls plus Jael, Landon, Nan and James!!! The gang started showing up about 5:30 and all played downstairs and set up camp before eating a nice nutritious dinner of pizza bagel bites, french fries, chips and soda/lemonade. After a short break we progressed to the living room for presents...girl loaded up on goodies from all her little friends. Then it was back to the table for cake. After polishing off most of the mini-loaves that I lovingly made, they went back downstairs for an evening of Wii, computer, arts and crafts and who knows what else, but it's all good. Considering we had THAT many girls, we only had one minor incident and one temporary injury. About 10 the girls decided to watch Jumanji with Robin Williams. We invoked a "non technology" rule shortly after midnight when they got a little rambuncious and accidently woke up Landon. That required no Wii, no TV, no computer, no nothing except talking in an inside voice.

I ended up falling asleep about 12:30 or so and then my little rugrats were both up before dawn. I rolled out of bed, finally, about 7:15 after a restless sleep. I drank two cups of coffee and then the first of Mady's friends came up the stairs just before 8am. We had a living room full of hungry girls by 8:30 so it was off to the stove for me...hot cocoa and pancakes galore!!! I easily made 45-50 pancakes. Then the girls did a quick craft and started getting ready to leave. Once the bags were by the door the girls ended up in the backyard on the playset. The last dad left here about 11:45 this morning.

A great time was had by all and Madyson truly had a memorable 9th birthday party...and a wonderful first slumber party.

Nintendo DS

2009-01-29T19:42:00.003-05:00

Madyson has really been wanting a DS so we broke down and gave in and got her one for her birthday. We picked out two games for her, one math game and a seek and find game. Landon and Jael got her some accessories for it. And the best part of this picture (for me!) is that it doesn't give away her haircut!!! As I said in the last post (or next one depending on when you are reading this) you will have to wait and tune in later. In the meantime, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!!!

Locks of Love

2009-01-29T19:30:00.002-05:00

Madyson really wanted to donate her hair to "Locks of Love" on her birthday...and she barely made the cut...pun intended!! A low ponytail measured 11 inches so she had to go up the back of her head to make the 12 inch cut. This makes the cut longer in the front with a gradual upward slant. Unfortunately, before I got a good picture with her NEW BANGS, the camera battery died!!! So, you must tune in later for the complete new look.

Buzzcut

2009-01-26T16:28:00.002-05:00

James and I were ready for Landon to get another haircut, but not ready to pay for one, so we did it ourselves...not a bad job. And you just GOTTA love his little tongue sticking out the corner of his mouth!!

Sleepy heads

2009-01-26T16:24:00.003-05:00

Landon felt quite feverish last night and after throwing up we figured that he better stay upstairs with us for the night. (We tossed out the old staticy monitors a while back.) James wanted to lay with Landon til he fell asleep...and of course, James couldn't quite stay awake either.

Sumo Wrestling and Chicken Fighting

2009-01-24T15:56:00.004-05:00

IHOP

2009-01-24T13:00:00.003-05:00

After the karate tourny, James and I took our FOUR kids to IHOP for a delicious brunch. After about a fifteen minute wait, we got seated and were eating within another fifteen minutes. That's the beauty of pancakes...they taste great and they cook FAST!!!

Nan eating her first pancakes...YUMMY!!

Definitely a Council kid!!!

Landon showing off his "clean" hands

loving sisters...treasure it while it lasts!

Butturini Winter Tournament

2009-01-24T12:49:00.003-05:00

There are no official winners or losers here, just eight great students showing off what they have learned. Unofficially, Mady tied for third in her forms competition, did great in the sumo wrestling (pushing with body pads), did even better at the chicken fights (holding one foot with one hand, pushing on your competitor with your free hand in hopes that s/he drops their foot to gain balance or goes out of bounds), and did her best work yet in the sparring competition. James (or I) will post some of the videos that he took once we go through them all, but in the mean time, here are some pictures of Madyson, her friends, and two of their instructors: Mrs. (Diane) Koza and Mr. (Adam) Blackburn.

Poor pitiful Landon

2009-01-20T10:25:00.003-05:00

I'll save you another slideshow of our children playing in the snow, but I had to share this photo of Landon longing to be outside with the girls. I managed to get the girls dressed first and so James took them outside while Landon and I bundled up. He SOOOO wanted to be outside with his sisters from the second I opened the door. And, just so you know, he didn't have to wait long.

Artsy Snow Photos (by James Council)

2009-01-20T10:23:00.001-05:00

Snowman (by Jael Council)

2009-01-19T17:04:00.003-05:00

You gotta love the imagination and drive of a preschooler. Check out photo #9 of the slideshow to see just how big her snowman got...she decided her snowbaby was cute just the way (and size!) it was!!

The BEST Snow Day EVER!!!

2009-01-19T16:06:00.002-05:00

And it wasn't even a no school snow day since we were off for MLK, Jr. It has snowed nonstop since about 9 this morning (stronger at times than others, but still nonstop) and it's a strong possibility that it will continue to snow through tomorrow, too. Enjoy the pics of my kids with the neighbors kids, Kelsey and Michael.

Nick Vujicic - Good to watch when you feel down.

2009-01-12T20:48:00.002-05:00

Donations Accepted

2009-01-11T13:20:00.004-05:00

If anyone wants to help out and donate to the "Mady's Report Card Fund", thousand is spelled T-H-O-U-S-A-N-D...at $2 an "A", we may just go broke!! I guess the good news is we only have one kid getting a report card...in five years when Landon starts school we may need to rethink this whole thing.

So you think you know cold huh?

2009-01-11T08:31:00.002-05:00