HAPPY BIRHDAY MOMMA!!!

This past weekend Levale, Mom, Dad, Ticer and I went to Orange Beach for a long weekend. It was mom's birthday on Saturday, so we all went to celebrate. Despite the sunny, but really cold weather, we had a blast! We ate great, slept late, played cards, and relaxed. Our friends, Ashley and James happened to be down there as well, so we got to spend time with them! Saturday night there was a Mardi Gra parade. Levale and I had never seen one, so we went and joined Ash and James to watch it! The floats were so neat. It's amazing how much time and effort people put into them! It was so nice to be able to go to my favorite place and just relax. Thanks Daddy for taking us, and HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY MOMMA!!! I LOVE YOU!At Fresh Catch for Mom's Birthday DinnerOne of my favorite floats, the dolphin. They all looked this good!Me and Ash with all of our beads we caught. It is crazy, how much they throw out...the streets still had some on them Sunday!!!

Last, I will add a picture of the beautiful beach. Friday morning Levale and I woke up a little early (for us) sat on the balcony in the freezing cold, and admired God's BEAUTIFUL creation. Thank you Lord for sharing it with us.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

Levale's High School Jersey Is Retired

This past weekend we went to Thomasville for Levale's jersey retirement. It was a full day Saturday, but we had so much fun. Saturday morning the Thomasville Bulldogs had practice, so Levale headed to watch. At 12 they began an "Old Timers Game". They had a great turnout, and it was so neat to watch them come back together & play the sport they all love. Levale didn't really play, but he did stand in the outfield. He wanted to be a part so bad, but figured it wouldn't be a good idea if he got hurt playing before the season. It was really funny to watch some of the guys...let's just say I bet some of them had a hard time getting out of the bed Sunday morning!!! Following the game, they had a Home Run Derby tournament. Levale did play, and he hit one HR!!! My parents arrived after the HR Derby game, and we all headed to Nanny and Pop's to change clothes for the dinner. At the dinner, they recognized Levale for all his accomplishments from high school through last season! It was amazing to sit there and listen to them all. He has so much to be thankful for. The good Lord has blessed him with talent that most guys dream of. Levale gave a short speech, and did such a wonderful job. He ended his speech with Proverbs 3:5-7 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." WOW!!! Levale said that not only for the players of the THS team this year, but also for us (me and him). We are still uncertain if Levale will be playing professional baseball again next year. Our good Lord knows, and we need to trust His plan. If this is the end of baseball Levale has gotten to fulfill his dream, and do things most little boys dream of! I am so proud of my precious husband! Please pray that we will have patience in the coming weeks, and that the Lord will reveal His GOOD & PERFECT plan to us.Levale's best friend, DY and his girlfriend, Laurie. We love them, and wish we got to see them more often!!!Three of the Four Seniors and the Coaches on the 1999 Georgia State Champion Team...The Thomasville Bulldogs. From L-R: Coach Adcock, Daniel Young (DY), Levale, David Chambers, and Coach McDougal.

Me and Levale with my parents. They drove 3 hours there and 3 hours back! They do SO MUCH FOR US!!! We could NEVER repay them! Thank you Mom and Dad! We love you so much!

Me and Levale with his parents and brother, Thomas. Thank you so much for raising such a wonderful young man. Because of you two his dreams came true...Thank you for driving him all over creation to baseball camps, and supporting him through the ups and downs! We love you!

Also, THANK YOU to everyone else who came to support him. It mean so much to us both. We love each and everyone of you!!!

I must say once again...I AM SO PROUD OF YOU HONEY!!! I LOVE YOU!!!

TAG! I'M IT!!!

I've been Tagged by Tipi. I was given these rules:

A. First list 10 honest things about yourself - and make it interesting, even if you have to dig deep!
B. Pass the award on to 7 bloggers that you feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap.

Here goes:

1. I always have been, and probably always will be extremely PRISSY! I love the color pink...ANYTHING and EVERYTHING! I like to wear heels, dresses, and skirts. I never played softball, basketball, or volleyball. I tried tennis and golf as a little girl, but got way too sweaty. Yes! I was that girl who loved to cheer and tumble!!!
2. I LOVE to cook and clean. Call me crazy, but there is just something about them that is relaxing to me. I am always up for trying new recipes. If you have any good ones, send them my way!
3. I have recently become a "product junkie" (thanks Paige Casto)! I love to try different kinds of lotions, face wash, makeup, lip gloss, chapstick, shampoo/conditioner, hair products, soaps, perfumes, and the list goes on and on! On any given day I will have five different lotions or perfumes under my cabinet, and won't be able to decide which one to wear that day!
4. I lived in five different states the first year Levale and I were married! We started out in Alabama, moved to Florida for Spring Training, then to Pennsylvania to start the season, got moved up to Ohio in June, got moved up to Washington DC in September, and finally back to Alabama! I got a nice warm welcome to the "baseball world!" I wouldn't trade it for anything in this world. I miss my friends while I am gone, but I have been lucky to have the most amazing group of women on the road! I won't know what to do with myself when baseball comes to an end...I think I will be extremely bored!!!
5. I can't wait to be a mommy! I want to be that mommy that carts five kids around at one time! I want to plan FUN activities so all the children will want to come to our house! I absolutely adore children!
6. Although I do travel eight months out of the year, I HATE TO FLY!!! I get so scared. My tummy starts turning, and I lose my breath as the plane takes off and starts to land . I have very bad plane anxiety. Levale never believed me because he always flies with the team, and I fly alone. He got to see first hand to and from Aruba! I have found now that I do MUCH better with drugs!!!
7. I love candy. All types, colors, sizes, and shapes! Anything with sugar in it does wonders for me! My daddy wanted to name me "Candy" which would have fit my obsession, but my mom said NO WAY! I'm glad he didn't...no offense, but I think it sounds like a strippers name!!! :-)
8. I am the biggest cry baby! I cry when I am happy, sad, excited, hurt, when I hear songs, read books, see pictures, watch TV/movies, EVERYTHING!!! I will sit in church and not be able to sing a song because I can't regain my composure. Poor Levale!
9. I want to learn to sew! I have been helping at the Methodist church, and all the kids have the most precious clothes. I have got to learn to make them. I figure that will be a great new hobby for me!
10. I think elderly people are the cutest things ever! I love them all! The sweet ones and the salty ones. I enjoy listening to their stories. They are all full of wisdom and knowledge. All they need is a little TLC...I miss working with them so much. They made me laugh, cry and smile all at the same time!

Now, TAG YOU'RE IT...
Sue Bacsik
Erin Wagner
Kelly Gross
Beth Register
Stephanie Perrault
Lindsey Alsobrook
Mindy Basquin

MERRY CHRISTMAS...(extra late)

I know, I know! It has been forever...things have been crazy around here. I hope everyone had a very Merry CHRISTmas and a Happy New Year! I thought I would just put together a little summary of our holiday season, since I am so behind.
We went to Thomasville to spend Christmas with Levale's family the entire week before (of) Christmas. We had so much fun! Levale hunted pretty much everyday, and I spent most of my time with my mother-in-law, Betty Sue/Nanny, and our niece, Alex. She is at such a fun age. Nanny, Alex, and I spent lots of time shopping, cooking and baking.

Nanny and Alex baking cookies for Santa...YUMMY!!!

On Christmas Eve, we went to Maw-Maw's where Mr. Jimmy's (my father-in-law/Pop) entire side of the family gathered to have wonderful food, fellowship and a quick game of "Dirty Santa"! We had a wonderful time visiting with Levale's extended family that we don't see very often!

Alex and cousin Sadie

Maw-Maw opening presents

Levale's Cousins and Aunt Lynn getting ready to play "Dirty Santa"

This is a "Family Tradition"...this is passed down to the newly-weds each Christmas!

After we left Maw-Maw's Levale's two brothers, Thomas and Erik, Alex, Levale and I went back to Thomas's to wait for Santa to come visit Alex! Thomas, Erik, Levale and I had a BLAST playing with the toys Santa was bringing Alex! We laughed A LOT!!!

Thomas with Alex's new dog, Tisha

Levale, with his wig, and Erik trying to smash down Alex's bean bag

My Family, Christmas Eve in our Christmas PJ's

Christmas Morning Alex woke us up around 7am! We went to check out what Santa had brought her. She got so many neat things, and loved them all! It was so much fun to watch the sparkle in her eyes, and to hear all the things she would say about each present she received!

Alex and Tisha...she was amazed that Santa remembered she wanted Tisha
Alex with her new lap top in her bean bag chair like her daddy's

After Alex finished with Santa's presents and opening presents from her daddy, we all headed over to Nanny and Pops to see what Santa had left at their house!


The Speigner family in our Christmas Pajamas (L-R) Erik, Pop, Thomas, Levale, Nanny, and Me

Alex in her pink party dress and new boots

Alex in her new red pea-coat from Pa-Pa and Levale

After opening gifts and eating a little breakfast, we headed back to Thomas's to shower and get ready for Christmas dinner. After getting ready, we arrived back to Nanny and Pop's just in time to nap, cook, and fellowship before Christmas Dinner. Levale's family does it different and does not have the traditional "Christmas Meal." I have to admit I was a little worried because I wasn't going to have my "normal" turkey and dressing on Christmas day. Boy was I wrong!!! Erik cooked a prime rib, homemade scalloped potatoes, broccoli salad, and rolls for our Christmas Dinner! It was AMAZING, Heavenly!!! He did such a good job, and I must say, he is quite the chef. Nanny's table was set with Christmas China and looked beautiful to top it all off!!!

Erik cutting the prime rib

Nanny's Christmas Table

On December 26, we woke up early, and headed back home! We had a 3 hour drive, and 4 Christmas's in one day!!! When we got home I was looking on our back porch, and noticed something new. I shouted for Levale to come. Santa had been to our house as well...sitting on our back deck was a BRAND NEW SET OF PATIO FURNITURE!!!! We had been wanting some for 2 years! I, of course, burst into tears and called my mom and dad. Mom had gone to pick it out in LaGrange, Ticer had taken the trailer back to LaGrange to pick it up, hid it at my Nana and Paw-Paw's, and Mom, Dad and Ticer brought it to our house and set it up on Christmas Eve in the rain!!! Thank you so much Santa!!! We love it. We have enjoyed using it already!!!

After getting over the shock of new furniture, Levale and I began our 1st Christmas of the day, OURS!!! We like to do our Christmas by ourselves with Maggie, so we waited until we got home. Of course, I got spoiled and was totally SHOCKED AGAIN, so I cried some more!

I LOVE my new purse!

Levale had already gotten his BIG present, a bow in October. He got a bunch of little things. This is his favorite!



He HAD to try it on!


Mags trying to get into her present after she had already opened them, and I had put them into a Zip-Lock!

After we had our Christmas we headed over to Mammy's for lunch and Christmas with Mom's side of the family. We ate my "normal" turkey and dressing and it was DELICIOUS, definitely worth the wait!!! After lunch we opened presents.

Kathryn, Me, Levale and Mary Carlton...the only cousins present the day after Christmas!

Me and Levale with our Sweet Mammy

My little family in front of Mammy's tree

We left Mammy's and went to Nana's to do Christmas with her and Paw-Paw. Levale had gotten his Christmas early so he could begin using it during Hunting season, so Nana, Paw-Paw and I opened presents!

Nana and Paw-Paw with their rival trays

Me and Levale with our Nana and Paw-Paw

We left Nana and Paw-Paw's and went to do Christmas with my family. We had dinner and opened MORE presents (we had already gotten the patio furniture)! Mom always takes down her Christmas decorations the day after Christmas. This year she left them up, and even reset her table with all her Christmas China to make it feel like Christmas! Thank you Mom! We ate shrimp and grits, salad, and rolls. Another WONDERFUL meal!!! Afterwards, we started opening presents!


Mom's table decorated for "Day after Christmas Dinner"


Ellie Grace opening her present from Maggie

My BIG present!!!


Ticer and Morgan opening presents


Mary Carlton

Mom with her new tennis shoes

And Daddy with his Duck Boots

Opening our first "Couple's Gift"


You can always tell Levale's FAVORITE gift because he does a modeling show! This is his new safety harness. Ticer was checking to make sure it worked!!!

Every year since I was born my daddy gives me a piece of jewelery. This has become our little tradition. This year I got John Hardy earrings.

This Christmas was wondeful! We enjoyed spending quality time with our family. Both of us are so blessed to have been raised in such loving, Christian homes. Although we had such a busy Christmas, we must not forget the REAL reason for the season. Thank you Jesus for loving us, and forgiving us time after time. Thank you for dying on the cross to save us from our sins. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS, I'M SO GLAD IT'S CHRISTMAS!!!

A Day In The Life of My Precious Husband

Tuesday was a BEAUTIFUL day! Levale woke up bright and early, as usual, and started working in the yard. Nine o'clock rolled around and I got up and began doing my morning ritual: fixing coffee, checking e-mail, and watching the news. About nine thirty Ticer comes in to fix some breakfast and check out our plans for the day (his way of wanting Levale to go play)! An hour later, Levale, Ticer, and I were headed to the hunting land in Tuskegee; Maggie, trailer, golf cart, and deer food in tow!We had so much fun riding the golf cart, feeding the deer/ducks, and playing with Maggie. I was able to enjoy God's beautiful creation as my precious hubby does everyday! I got to see the outdoors through his eyes, and I must honestly say I had forgotten how nice it is to just be outdoors! Thank you Lord for YOUR BEAUTIFUL CREATION!!!Ticer and Levale about to feed the ducks! Maggie even got to help!

My sweet little worn out angel! She was so tired that when we got home she got a bath and went straight to bed!!!

What a Wonderful Wedding...

This past weekend Levale and I went to spend the weekend in Culman, AL. Our great friends, Courtney and Davis got married on Saturday, November 22. We had such a great time at all their wedding festivities and got to see many familiar faces. Levale and I are so thankful for our dear friends. My prayer for their marriage is that they will keep God at the center, and turn to Him for everyday strength. Congratulations Court and Davis! We love you both and look forward to making many memories together!The Beautiful Bride and GroomMe and the Bride

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to my WONDERFUL husband...two days late!!! Levale and I just celebrated our FIRST Anniversary on Monday! I can not believe it has been one year since the day we said "I do". Levale surprised me, and we went to The Virginia Highlands in Atlanta. We stayed at a quaint little Bed and Breakfast, The Gaslight Inn, and had a blast. He shocked my shoes off, and totally went ALL OUT! When we arrived, I was greeted with a dozen roses, rose petals, wine, chocolate, and many more little surprises! We enjoyed walking through all the shops, an intimate dinner at the Vine, and an hour couples massage!!! Needless to say, Levale was just as AMAZING as he is every other day of the year. The Good Lord has truly blessed me with Levale, and I am so thankful for him. Happy Anniversary my love!!!

The Gaslight Inn

Dinner at the Vine