Good ol' Days!

Awe, the Hall Children! I think this is the only pic of the three of us!

Mom and me! She hasn't changed a bit.

The only time you will ever see Blake in SA gear!

Me and my sweet sister! She is the best.

My Blake with one of his many girlfriends (Ms. Josie Crawford)!

A few weeks ago St. Albans High School celebrated 100 years. Can you believe it? They had a parade, special festivities at the game, and just some good fun at SAHS after the parade! It was really kind of exciting. It reminds me that I am getting old though. Almost 20 years out of the good ol' SAHS. There were so many people there much older than me, still rootin' for the Red and Black. There were many classes that cheered for the entire parade!! My family has definitely made our roots in Putnam County for the Green and White of Winfield, but I am very thankful for the time spent and the lessons learned at SAHS. I am most thankful of the small town atmosphere we were raised in and the great morals our parents taught us collectively. As I try to raise my two boys, I am reminded that it does take a village and am thankful for the 'village' that helped raise me.

I have to say that Blake was so excited to be in the parade, which made me have more fun than I probably would have. It's funny how events that occurred 20 years ago, still feel like yesterday. I remember that Homecoming Night with the pouring rain and how my wonderful friend Scott French somehow kept me on my feet! We walked across the football field, in I don't know how much mud!!! We made it and patiently waited until they surprisingly announced my name! I was very shocked, and somehow still smile when I think of that night. I was Little Miss Red 1990, as Mr. Tommy Morgan would jokingly call me. Such a trivial thing, is forever etched in my little pea brain. The funny thing is that my dear hubby of 13 years will still call me LMR 1990!!! (He thinks it's cute, and I think he just likes to give me grief!) Anyhoo, the point is that all of our life events help mold us into the person we will become. I feel I am very blessed to be the person I am, married to the person I am. Both of which, came out of the same tiny SA town. I am glad we have the same morals, principles, and experiences. I also hope we can instill these same standards into our maturing children. I pray our kids can somehow grow up with the same small town beliefs which is best described by Andy Griffith... “never let your friend down; never break your word, and when you make a promise never break it.”

Sickness in the Morris House

Well the little Swine Flu bug has hit the Morris house! Brett was pretty sick yesterday and all day today. He is hanging in there like a little trooper, but really feels bad. I started running a fever late last night! This is some crazy stuff. We have been quarantined to my and TJ's bedroom. Blake took off to mama and papa's house, and says he isn't coming home. But why should he...I mean he gets everything he would ever imagine or want there!!!

So, until next time...wash those hands and clean clean clean! Hope you have a better week than us!

Sitting and Waiting

Well today marks day number 5 in the hospital with dad...I actually wised up and brought my computer today. For those of you who know him, know he is not a patient man. I guess the Lord does give you what you need, because he is being so patient. Maybe he just doesn't feel well, but he is doing so well with this waiting thing. He is starting to feel better, and hopefully we will get out tomorrow. As I sit here, I think of all the patients I have treated or been involved with and am awe struck by their ability to endure the waiting day in and day out. Dad's down time has made me think so much that I don't know if I have the strength to endure a long standing illness. I guess the Lord provides what you need in all things. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is "I can do everything through him who gives me strength"-Phillippians 4:13 , I try to hold true to this day in and day out. I hope you the same strength that Jesus Christ can give you. He truly is the key to everlasting life and the reason we are so blessed. Dad told me when I got here this morning that he prayed and talked to the Lord like he had never done. Within an hour, he felt like getting up and taking a shower. He looks like a different person. I know that the healing hand of God has been placed upon Dad and he will recover. This is just a small speck in the life we live towards eternity! My love and prayers.

Grandparent's Day!

When grandparents enter the door, discipline flies out the window. ~Ogden Nash

Wow, how true are these words? I once asked my dad why he let my boys get away with so much...and he said, 'well I just didn't know I would love them like I do'. To which I had to say, 'well then what did you feel for us?'. He just laughed and said it is just different!!! I am so very thankful that my kids have the pleasure and honor to spend so much time with my parents. They looooveeee their mama and papa. TJ and I had to goto Cleveland on Monday and I was reminded of my dear and sweet grandma who lived there. Ironically we pulled into a hotel that was less than a block from her old stomping ground! She loved Cleveland so much and would never come live with us in WV because we 'didn't have anything for her do'. She walked the streets of Cleveland like it was St. Albans. My dad just said that granny walked in places that he wouldn't go without a gun!!! She just loved that place. I probably didn't spend enough time with her, especially in her beloved city. Oh, and did I say she loved her Cleveland Indians. I think in some way she instilled that into my boys as they love the Indians. And, I also happened to marry a fabulous Indian's Fan! I think she sent him to me so I would enjoy Cleveland like she did!

Anyhoo, as we just finished celebrating a wondering Grandparent's Weekend, I am reminded, humbled, thankful for the grace and love my grandparents and parents have provided me. I truly hope I instill the same principles into my boys. As I wait for dad's upcoming surgery, I have to think of the wonderful man he is, and the blessings he gives me daily! I should thank him more often, and hope to do that in the future. I hope each of you remembered to share Grandparent's Day with yours or at least just remembered them!

Football is here!

Ethan and Brett! I don't know what they are doing...

The whole crew!

Look at that shotgun...as a D-teamer! They rock!

Blake taking a break! Playing both sides gets hard!

Blake playing some D...outside linebacker that is!

Brett getting ready to go!

One of my other boys!

Well it's official, I am a true psycho football mom! I never thought it would happen, but I have crossed over the deep end of midget league football! In case you don't know I have two boys and they both play football. Brett started his first year of B team and Blake padded up with the D team this year! I hate it and love it at the same time. I also have to say that I love these football boys. They are so darn close and just really seem to 'love' each other. They all look out for each other and just genuinely care for one another. I didn't really expect this out of boys, but have to say I am really glad they are like that!

I also love the relationships TJ and I have made off of the field with our WMFL parents. These are some of the best people I know. My brother has friends that he still hangs with from midget league football and I hope my boys are the same. I have to say that these guys (in particular Derek and Jeff) are a part of our family and I pray that my boys friendships remain the same.

So, with that said, I posted some of my pics from our first two games. Brett is number 11 and Blake is 31!!! Some of my kids and some of 'my other boys'! Have a great season whoever you root for...for me it's GO HERD AND GO GENERALS!! Nothing like game day!

Teresa

Brett and Coach Larry, getting ready to play some D!!

My Geris!

Well, most of you know how much I love my geris! I do think I have the best job in the world (most of the time) because I get the privilege of making a difference in the lives of the people we treat! I laugh everyday at work and hope I make an impression on the geris I touch. I had some 'footage' of an event we had in July. It was our 1st Corn Hole Competition featuring the Blue Jays and the Red Robins. We even had cheerleaders! Of course, what would an event be without cheerleaders:) I know you can't enjoy the competition as much as we did, but here is a little taste! They have worked so hard and we just had a blast!

Below are some of my favorite geri quotes!!!

"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."-- Mark Twain

One of my favorite residents...we took our own photo!

"You can only perceive real beauty in a person as they get older."-- Anouk Aimee

Another fav...she is so fiesty!
"Old age is no place for sissies." -- Bette Davis

A sweet little lady!

"Old age isn’t so bad when you consider the alternative." -- Maurice Chevalier

I hope you embrace the 'geris' in your life! They truly are a blessing to us all.

Teresa

Our Disney Trip...June 2009 (a little late)

Breakfast at the Polynesian...No Minnie so Blake was happy

Waiting for a car ride!

Brett and I after we rode the cars.

Ahhh, the Magic Kingdom

At SeaWorld

OK, I never posted the pictures from our Disney Vacation. Probably because I was so sick, I wanted to forget it!!! No really, we had a fabulous trip and I posted just a few of the many pictures I took. It was our third trip to Walt Disney World, so this time we ventured out some. Brett loved SeaWorld, and Blake just wanted to hang by the pool. Like I said earlier, I was very sick...I think I survived the Swine Flu (yes really)! But, I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as we did:)

Teresa

My honey!

"In premodern times (ancient Roman, medieval, and early modern history), a husband was supposed to protect and support not only his wife and children, but servants and animals of his domain, and the father (as the “patron”) was awarded with much authority, differing from that of his wife".-Wikipedia

"A man joined to a womanin marriage; a male spouse"-answers.com


OK OK by definition a husband is as stated above! A man in marriage, a spouse, blah blah blah. I just feel like the hubby I have is so much more than that. We have made it well past what most thought we would and I think we get better with time. I think of TJ as my best friend, my confidente, my rock, my strength, my reason for headaches sometimes, my encourager, my biggest fan, my harshest critic, my reason for being the best I can be, my vacation companion (as I plan and he goes along!!), my number one eater in our house (haha), my grown up kid, my calm within the storm, my number one man!!!

I feel so blessed to have him in my life and I hope he always knows that. We have created a fabulous life and I so appreciate him. I know sappy isn't my style, but I love my man and wanted you to know!!!

Teresa

Mama and Papa

I was just piddling around and discovered a few of my favorite pictures. Mom and dad had been gone for a week and Blake just realized they were at the ball field. I think the look on Blake's face just says it all. He loves his mama and papa. As they age, I know they won't be here forever; but we do celebrate and love them with each day we have. The boys depend on them so much that I don't know what they would do without them. I hope and pray we have them for many years to come! They are such a blessing to us. Anyhoo, hug your folks today; they are to be cherished!

Teresa

Let's play football!

Well, we started playing some football last night. My boys were so excited, and I have to say so darn cute. I know that football players are not supposed to be cute...but look at them! I have always tried to not love it, but I just have to admit openly that I love Winfield football. Blake gets to wear pads for the first time this year, and he is so pumped. He is ready to,'jack somebody up'. How many of you remember when he quit! Wow, what a difference 2 years make. Brett moved up to B team, so we will have to see how that works out for us! Anyhoo, give a cheer for the Green and White of Winfield and until later...

Teresa

Well we are finally back from vacation to Orlando! It was so hot we broke heat records while we were there. I will post more later. Have a great weekend!

I am...

I am a mother. I am a wife. I am a lover of the geriatric world.

I am a daughter. I am a sister. I am a little bit self conscious at times.

I believe in the power of the Lord. I believe in the power of prayer.

I believe in the human soul, and it's will to survive.

I am a optimist, most of the time. I am sad to be growing older.

I am madly in love with my husband, and believe I am in the minority these days.

I love Sunday afternoon naps with the boys nestled in beside of me.

I also love to tuck them in at nights after a long bath.

I love to travel. I love the beach. I love to take photos of my precious boys.

I love baseball, football and basketball. And, even Nascar!

I am both a boy's girl and girl's girl. I love people in general.

I am faithful to my friends. I am true to my inner instinct. I do hold grudges however!

I am proud to live in WV...even though I dream of big cities sometimes.

I am glad for my heritage and the hard work of my parents.

Lastly, I love this crazy life I lead. And wouldn't change it for the world.

Family Time

Today is Memorial Day, a time to reflect on those that have lost this battle we call life on the battlefield. I am truly grateful for the many who have fought and still fight for our freedom. They truly are the heroes of our generation. I read the book The Greatest Generation, and have to say that 'our generation' truly can not compare. The book discusses the fight of both the men and women of the WWII era and the sacrifices they all made for our often misguided freedoms. In reading it, I have to admit we truly aren't worthy and even capable of completing what those folks did. They truly held the spirit of the USA to their heart and did whatever needed to succeed at home and in the war front. I hate to sound like my dad, but 'our generation' really just doesn't get it. For anyone who reads, I highly recommend it...you might have a different view of our county and the freedoms it possesses!

Anyhoo, our family has had a great weekend with friends and family! I truly do enjoy having people in my home and 'entertaining'. We had some great fun in the neighborhood last night. Fire pit and all...we extinguished our fire around 2am. You know we are all too old for that stuff. I am paying for it today. But, I love me some Huff and Raines Family, and of course Mr. Withrow. I don't know if our 'other neighbors' appreciated it, but we did have a blast.

I am very blessed beyond belief to be surrounded by people who truly love me for who I am. And, they also love my kids like they were their own. So, today I say to all of you enjoy your fam and friends...they are what makes this crazy life worth living!

Pressure...

Today Brett has his first round of WESTEST testing at school. I really can't believe he is old enough for formal testing. I can kind of remember my testing in elementary school. I have to say there is much more pressure on these kids today. Brett is saying that he has to do well because it determines funding for the school. I didn't even know or care how we were funded in my younger years!! Brett is usually not a kid who gets too upset or stressed about things, but he is a little concerned about this testing! It makes me wonder of the pressure we are putting on our kids...

Both of the boys are now playing organized sports and they love it!!! But, I have to say they both feel the pressure of it also. Blake was 'yelled at' by his dad last week and he wasn't real happy about it. He wasn't having a great game, and he 'needed it' per se! He did straighten up and played better, but really it was killing me that he was yelled at!!

They both love their perspective sports and will learn to deal with the pressure of the game, but sometimes I wonder if we started them too early! They are both good athletes and I am glad for the opportunity to watch them. But...wouldn't it be nice to enjoy the weekends and not having them worried about winning the next game.

Anyhoo, just a ramble by a psycho mom of 2 great boy athletes!! I love it really, and hope they continue to use the skills they are learning on the field, off of the field. I am a believer that they will be better kids and adults with sports in their life! Have a great day all!!

Mother's Day!

Today I celebrated my 9th mother's day! WOW, where does the time go? It seems like just yesterday Mr. Brett was placed in my arms for the first time. Today, I also have to think about my two beautiful grandmothers who are not with us. They have been gone for a while but I think about them so much! I know without their love and prayers I would never have become the person I am today.

I hope my children know how much they are loved, especially my their special mama...my mom! Her eyes just light up when she sees each one of them, and I have the say the feeling is mutual. Brett and I saw an older grandma at the Dr. last week and her daughter was helping her gently out the door. Brett looked at them and had the biggest smile on his face. I asked what he was looking at, and he said..."she is cute". I asked him if he would help mama when she neede it, and he said, "of course, it's mama...I'll do anything for mama!" I hope I have instilled in him a service heart and he does really help his mama when she needs it.

Today on Mother's Day, I celebrated by absolutely doing nothing! TJ gave me the opportunity to veg out and take a huge nap. I greatly appreciated it! Now, I am uploading pictures and taking a moment to write. I hope everyone enjoyed today, and also celebrated their Mother today. Mom's hold a very special place in all our hearts. They have given us all life, which we should be eternally grateful. I will say not all moms are as wonderful as mine, and I am sorry for that.

I hope we all remember that celebrating and cherishing our Mothers is a God given directive and privilege!! Tell your Mom you love her, and more importantly be ready to serve her when she needs it. I am sure she will appreciate it and also welcome the assistance!!!

Love the baby!

I had the opportunity to visit our newest member of our neighborhood, and also a good friend's baby yesterday. Ms. Landri is just so darn cute. My boys are so in love with her they can barely stand it. Blake loved that he put her to sleep yesterday evening. Brett could have stayed there all night. As my babies have grown up I have forgotten how precious and little newborns are. Her little hands, wrists, feet, legs, and her little smile is just so precious to me! All I can say is she is true gift from God.

My boys are now 9 and 6; I can't believe how quickly this time has gone by! It just seems like yesterday they were newborns themselves. I feel so blessed to have the life I live. Our boys are great young men, and I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband. I never dreamed I would have such a fantastic life. I know that God is in the center of my life and in control of what happens. I am so glad to have him in my life!!!

That's all for now, see ya soon on Morris Mania:) It never stops...

I am so proud of myself...

I can't believe I am figuring out this blogging thing. Just changed the background, woohoo!! See y'all tomorrow.

The Sandlot of SaddleDowns

Today started, of course, with a trip to the ballfield. Blake's game was cancelled but we still made the trip to look at the fields for later. They were a mess, but somehow those crazy coaches got one of the fields ready for gametime! We then had a busy day at the STE Carnival. The kids had a blast. But, I have to wonder how some parents think such an event is accomplished. I mean, we had to beg for parents/volunteers and then you see all of these people just walking around with their kids. My poor kids were on their own. I just have to question the commitment of some of these parents. They all loved their free tickets, and loved that 'everyone else' was doing the work! Oh well, it's the 80/20 principle right??

Then we were back in 'the hood' for the usual day of boys playing wildly in our yard. These kids just love to be outdoors. By dinner time there were about 10 hungry, little boys ready to devour the 2 pizzas I got them. They went through them in about five minutes flat. I think I am going to have to get a part time job to feed them.

I have to say I love being the go to house in the neighborhood. It reminds me of my childhood and life at home. My parents always provided for the whole neighborhood and we always had a house full. I hope my kids always want to be around me and TJ, and also hope the whole neighborhood wants to be here too. I love these times and hope they last forever. It is the busiest time, but the best as well. I love to get them in from the day and put them in the tub! They have used our tub more than we have.

Anyhoo, tomorrow holds its own set of fun times and experiences. It's off to church and then who knows what. The Sandlot of SaddleDowns is always open, so come on over!!!