The Time Traveler's Wife
by: Audrey Niffenegger

This book is absolutely one of the greatest books I've ever read! (EVER) It's one of my top 5 for sure, could be top 3 books ever. I am such a reader and have lists of things I want to read. However; buying for a reader isn't always easy. I know, because I have friends & family members that are readers and I buy books for them. You never know just what will interest them, what they've read before, what genre they are into. Dawn, who became my assistant and great friend this year at preschool, gave me this book at the end of the year. Dawn, you rock!! This book also rocked, rocked my socks off!!

When I read the title, I wasn't so sure. Time travel, seriously? I read the back, hmmm... still not so sure. Sounds like a cross between science fiction and fiction, I just don't know about this one. But.. I love to read on cruises, so I'll pack it along with some others.

HOLY MOLY, WOWIE ZOWIE, HOLD THE PHONE! This book is edge of your seat, very complex, makes you smile, a little shocking, what in the world is going to happen, a deep love story and are you kidding me? All thrown into one!! I spent a good deal of the first half of the book confused, but it's ok. Confusion is expected in a way with this book. You really aren't meant to put it all together, that's the way the story flows. I became WILDLY obsessed when I got home though, with websites on the book and rereading sections of the story to put it back in order, for my small brain to comprehend. Do NOT think about trying to figure it out the first time though, just read it.........

Oh and I found out through the website, there is a movie coming out in December, Christmas Day! Rachael McAdams, whom I adore from The Notebook, plays Clare. Eric Bana plays Henry and I can't wait! I'm sure I'll continue to love the book more, but I love when the books & movies go hand in hand. (For you Nicholas Sparks readers, did you know "Nights in Rodanthe" is coming to theaters in September? Diane Lane & Richard Gere!)

The website forum is very interesting for anyone who enjoys that type of thing. The author actually comes on from time to time answering questions. It was her first novel and to win so many awards, gain so much success, it's awesome to hear what she thought as she wrote it.

Clare befriends Henry, he's the time traveler. When they first meet she is 6 and he is in his 40's. This is the beginning, well .. the beginning for Clare anyway. The story unfolds in just amazing ways and I'm not sure I can even describe it to you. Read it, I say!

I have a ton of quotes I love. I just recently found two HUGE boxes of notes myself from my past. They were in my parents attic, instead of long ago tossed out like I'd thought. So I have been reading through them all again, slowly but surely. They are bringing back all sorts of hilarious (albeit somewhat dramatic) moments of my life from 4th grade-high school. Craziness. Things I'd long forgotten, but it all comes back in such great detail as I read it through the eyes of my closest friends. That makes me love and appreciate this top favorite quote all the more. In this age of email, instant messages and texts, most people wont have these to go back and read through. Times change for sure. Though I've tossed away garbage bag after garbage bag of these old notes, I am keeping a box of them to remember, the craziness that made me, me!

"...take down the love letters from the bookshelf, the photographs, the desperate notes, peel your own image from the mirror. sit. feast on your life..." by: Derek Walcott

(that feast on your life part, I love it more each time I read it)

A funny quote that is typically how complex the book is.

"I don't usually tell myself stuff ahead of time ... I don't even like having myself around, so I try not to drop in on myself unless there's no choice." - P.21

When Clare, at the young age of 6, is trying to figure out what in the world is going on with her new friend.
"I worried all day about pants for the man cause he seemed like he really wanted pants." . . . "Well, I guess he just made up that he was coming and he didn't want pants so bad after all." P42 & P43

And one more before I get carried away, there are SO many!


"... it's better to be extremely happy for a short while, even if you loose it, than to be just okay for your whole life." ... P239


My Mom tried to read it twice and couldn't. She tried too hard to figure it out. If you buy this book (and you SHOULD, no matter what kind of books you like) please, please be patient with it when you begin. Do not try to figure it out, you can't. It's the beauty of it though and eventually you will understand and it will flow, it will all unfold in it's own time. I tried to read so fast through the last chapters because I was so caught up, I couldn't get going fast enough. I read it in a day and again, took this book on our cruise everywhere I went. I took it with me to eat, to shows, to bingo, I stayed awake until I was done. Go ahead, pick it up .. then you wont be able to put it down.....

Summer Reading
2008 - Part 1

My reading this summer can be summed up in one word, strange and slow. By this same time last summer, I'd read 28 books. (I went back to count, no kidding) This summer so far I have read 11, not counting two I couldn't finish because they were boring me to tears. Last summer I started a reading journal. I write down just a few sentences (or a few pages) for the books I read so that I can go back and remember them. I SO wish I'd been doing this years and years ago. I've found funny quotes to hang onto and quotes that touch my heart, then there's everything in between. I have been busy this summer with days at the pool, lake days, crocheting, cross stitching, visiting friends and working in the nursery. Still, I am just not finding books that suck me in like normal.

I need reading HELP! I am at a stand still. I have all of these favorite authors, whose books I devour the day or two after they come out. That list is growing quite lengthy, but right now there are no new ones. I have found my fantastic summer finds already and am afraid there aren't any more of those to come this summer. We have a surprise beach trip that we're taking in a few weeks and I don't know what to read. I want something that I can't put down, something that either makes me laugh out loud, warms my heart, is super fun or a fabulous page turner mystery. I have two stacks of books in our guest bedroom right now and I just went through them. Some I bought and some are borrowed, but right now NONE of those really strike me as "I can't wait to read". Ugh! So unlike me. So help my reading friends, make some recommendations so I can do some research and buy a few new books before our beach trip!!

The main book I could not get through no matter how hard I tried - "Wicked" - I have been hearing about this book for years, how fantastic it is. I hear rave reviews of it on Broadway and people swear the book is amazing. "You'll love it" they said. I have been trying for the last month to plug through, much less "love" it. Ugh, yuck, ick, I can't do it!! I hoped I'd be sucked into the fantasy world of Oz and fascinated by the characters. Just what makes The Wicked Witch of the West .. Wicked?? The language, characters and fantasy world was just too much for me. It reminded me a little of the Harry Potter books, they are a little harder for me to read than most of my books. The thing is, I fell in love with the characters and was so interested in the things Harry would get into (and out of). They take me awhile to plug through the first few chapters, but then I'm hooked again. (Well, not anymore, they're over) But no matter how hard I tried, I just can't continue "Wicked". This one is going in the trade/sell stack and on we go-

I've read 3 Phillip Gulley books this summer. One of them is called "For Everything a Season" and it's short stories about there being a time for everything, like the Bible tells us. It's full of heart warming and funny stories, I enjoyed this a lot. It's not one of my favorites, but a good read if you like the short "true" kind. Then I read 2 more of the "Harmony" books. If you read the "Mitford" series, these are a grea deal alike. The narrator is a Quaker pastor and the town is filled with fun, crazy characters. The stuff that happens is a hoot and I love these books. There are a few more in the Harmony series and a few more of his short story books, they're on my "to read" list. *Speaking of Jan Karon & Mitford. I also read "Home to Holly Springs". The 1st book in her brand new Father Tim series. I enjoyed it b/c it was Father Tim and there was a good story going on. I didn't "love" it though and was a little let down. I will continue to read them b/c I am invested in the characters, but I don't count down the days or anything"

Now... for my top 6 books of the summer so far. (3 of which I read the first week of summer, on our cruise) Drumroll please-

#6- "The Memory Keepers Daughter" by Kim Edwards. This book reminds me of some I was reading about 4 years ago when I read the Oprah book club books. It's a great fiction book! It's not in my typical comedy/romance, trashy/romance, Christian/chick fiction, inspriational or mystery fields. It's great though. I saw the advertisement ages ago on the Lifetime station, there was a movie make of it. I missed the movie (and in searching can't seem to find they're ever going to play it again) and thought it would make a great read sometime. I found it online for under $.25 and ordered it a few weeks ago. It is great!
Spoiler Ahead, but not really if you read the back of the book: It's about a man and woman who have a baby. Circumstances make it so the husband has to deliver his own children. They think there is one baby, surprise it's twins. The 2nd baby is born with down syndrome and in the time period (late 50s, 60s maybe?) families usually sent those children away. So the father decides to send the 2nd baby away, telling his wife that the baby died. It goes on to unfold on how the big secret effects the family, even though they don't know there's a "secret" there to unfold. Very good book, has some strange moments, but good.

#5- "Fearless 14" by Janet Evanovich. I can't believe this is #5 on my list, not higher. I love these books though and with James Patterson having two out as well.. it was hard to put them in order. Anyway... I wonder each time there is a new Stephanie Plum book, can it REALLY be as good as the others?? Is there really more story to tell with Stephanie, Morelli, Ranger & Grandma. The thing is, YES, there is always more story to tell. Each and every one of these books is just as fun to read! They all keep me guessing and every single one makes me laugh out loud!!!! *usually Grandma moments* I love these, hope they keep coming and wish they'd make a movie series. I think that Sandra Bullock was born to play Stephanie Plum!

#4- "Sail" by James Patterson. Why can't every mystery type writer be this good? Why can't they all keep me in total suspense, make it where I can NOT put the book down until I'm done. Those short chapters, he's so onto something with that!!! This one, written with a co-author as he often does, is fantastic as always! A family is off on a sailing adventure together, trying to get their family to regroup and get their act together again. Of course, in true James Patterson style, there's a big mystery and chaos thrown into this family vacation. Great, great read and I can't say more without getting into the story. Then YOU wouldn't want to keep turning the page. If you haven't read a James Patterson book before, WHY NOT????? They are fantastic!!!!

#3- "Sundays at Tiffany's" by James Patterson. This is one of the few (3 or 4 maybe?) romantic fiction novels that he's written. It is very ... hmm... odd. It's a strange story about an imaginary friend or is the friend imaginary? It's a true page turner and a very short book to begin with. I read it in one afternoon/evening while we were cruising and took it with me everywhere we went. The story is about a lady named Jane (I love that name more and more these days) and her imaginary friend, Michael. You just have to pick this one up to find out what happens. I could NOT put it down!

#2- "Love the One Your With" by Emily Giffin. I absolutely love this author. This is only her 4th book and one of my best friends, Misty, introduced me to her. I loved that first book ("Something borrowed") and I have counted days until each release of her books since then. This book is wildly edge of your seat, what will happen. Ellen & Andy have a perfect marriage. They live in New York, he's from Atlanta. (There's some southern charm thrown in this one) He is her best friend/college room mates brother. They are all one big happy family. Can you ask for better than that? Then.. she runs into her ex boyfriend and then the drama begins. It's a great story though and you wonder how in the world this one can possibly work out???


Ok and now for the #1 book. It is truly one of my top 5 books of all time. It ranks right up there and I am going to read it again, maybe on our trip. I was CRAZY shocked by how much I loved it and became obsessed with the story in a wild way. This post has gotten crazy lengthy though (as all my reading ones do) and I doubt anyone has bothered to stick with me here. (Other than Misty, I love you girl!) So... I will let you sit on the edge of your seat, wondering what my favorite book is so far this summer, until next time!

Stephen Mark Tanner III
"Trey"

On July 8th @ almost 9PM we got a fantastic gift from Heaven above.
Our newest great nephew, Trey, was born.

This picture is completely and totally "borrowed" from Trisha's amazingly talented photographer sister, Molly. Molly, you deserve all the credit and I hope you don't mind me sharing this one!

Today, FINALLY, I got to meet him for the first time! Things came up all over the place that kept us from meeting him last week and I was getting close to having a nervous breakdown to get my hands on this precious little one! I was able to visit with Mark, Trisha and Trey this morning for a little bit and hold this sweet little boy. (Then I got a second peek as they came to Steve & Teresa's while we were still there!) It is the most amazing thing in the world to see these tiny people as they begin this journey of life. He just sleeps so peacefully, wakes up a moment to eye you, gives a big stttreeeeetttcchhh and then he's sleeping soundly again.


I'm not sure who took this one. This picture belongs to Molly too, I think. (If not Molly, then Aimee) Whoever it is, you did good work and I hope you don't mind me "borrowing" it. Here are 3 generations of Stephen Mark Tanners! (My brother in law, Steve. My nephew, Mark. My great nephew, Trey!)




I can NOT believe I am posting this picture because I am slightly scary! This is what happens in the summer when I do nothing more than put on a bathing suit, brush my teeth, throw a t-shirt & shorts on over it all and head out. I was heading to swim for the day, so I didn't mind my slightly scary appearance. I only share it b/c Trey is so darn sweet!



Anyone who thinks God no longer performs miracles obviously hasn't held a newborn baby recently. *Sigh*... A piece of Heaven on Earth no doubt!


(Why didn't I take a picture of Mark, Trisha & Trey this afternoon when I saw them again? I still had my camera with me. Ugh! I hate that I didn't do that. I blame it on being brain fried by the sun!)


Edit: I have already started calling everyone the wrong name. I read this thing a dozen times before posting and still, I called him Tanner. I'm sorry little munchkin and welcome to a lifetime of being called all sorts of things! (My Mom calls me by my aunts name and heck, I'm an only child!) Thanks to my sis in law for noticing.

~Tanner Weddings~

May I proudly introduce you to
Mr. & Mrs. Luke Tanner!

Tonight we proudly welcomed the newest Tanner to the clan. Newest since just Tuesday when Trey arrived, but I'll get to that next blog I promise. Luke is the youngest of Andy's nieces and nephews and tonight he married Naomi, one of the sweetest girls on the Earth. The wedding was beautiful and the reception just gorgeous to look at. They are too sweet and we're jealous they're headed off an cruise in the next few days! Andy has felt old as his nephews and nephews have married off one by one and started having babies of their own. I feel the same way with Luke, I have all these memories of little Luke at children's camp and things when he was a little guy and my buddy. Wow! All grown up. They make a fantastic couple and we pray God's blessings on their marriage now and always! We love you both!!

I am so in love with Tanner who isn't old enough to be a ring bearer, but is old enough to have his own tux! He's the cutest thing!!








Yes, Miss Layla was all about the corn on the cobb! She is SO FUNNY, I love her so much it's crazy!! The food was like a back yard bbq with lights in trees, lanterns and candles hanging down in the trees. It was so pretty and we had mini hot dogs, mini hamburgers, corn on the cobb, baked beans, bottled Coke and the such. What a fantastic idea!! Wish I would have thought of that 9 years ago! Great, great idea!!




How sweet are first dances??
Is she the cutest bride ever or what??

Was it really 9 years ago??? I love this amazing man and his wonderful family that has become mine!








Miss Flower Girl, Layla Grace, with the bridge & groom!




My brother & sister in law, Steve & Teresa. They had a busy week welcoming their new grandson on Tuesday and marrying off their baby on Saturday!! Wowie!

And one more of Layla, simply because I can't get enough of her!

If the music stops, so will I.....

I knew this would happen. I even told Andy a few weeks ago that it would. Yesterday, it happened.

The Easter Bunny (gotta love that guy) brought me an IPOD shuffle 2 years ago for Easter. It's the tiny small one and I love it. It is PERFECT for taking when I walk in the neighborhood. I have it stuffed full of my favorite music. Everything from musical show tunes, praise music, contemporary Christian, country, rock, southern rock, you name it and it's on there. I have a certain section that is dedicated my "walking music" so that it's all fast paced music that keeps me moving!

A few weeks ago I accidentally pressed the pause button and the music stopped. The music stopped and so did I. I just stood there, dead still. When I realized what had happened, it cracked me up. What? I can't keep walking without music? It seemed that I couldn't. I told Andy, if the battery ever dies while I'm walking, I may never make it home again.

Sure enough... yesterday morning, before I even got out of the front door. It stopped. Battery dead... what's a girl to do? I had things to do and couldn't wait on it to charge. It was walk now or never. I sucked it up and out the door I went. I walked slowly and without purpose, I missed my music. (Can you feel the drama?) I decided I couldn't take it and after just a measly mile, I headed for home. I plugged that sucker in and she's all charged now and ready to go again!

So, what is some of my walking music you ask? You're dying to know I'm sure.. here are some things on the walking music section, not all and in random order.

-A Little Less Conversation -- Elvis
-I Got Rhythm -- From "Girl Crazy"
-Rock N Roll All Night -- Kiss
-Some Days You Gotta Dance -- Dixie Chicks
-I Believe -- Wes King
-Little Good Byes -- SheDaisy
-Come Together -- Third Day
-Leaving Tonight on a Freight Train -- Kinchafoonee Cowboys
-Livin' for Jesus -- Third Day
-Redneck Yacht Club -- Craig Morgan
-C'mon Feel The Noise -- Quiet Riot
-Catchafire (Whoopsi Daisy) -- Toby Mac
-I Love Rock N Roll -- Joan Jett
-Come on Back to Me -- Third Day
-Mountain of God -- Third Day
-Thank You -- 33 Miles
-Mighty to Save -- HillSong
-What Kind of Gone -- Chris Cagle
-Made to Worship - -- Chris Tomlin
-You Are So Good to Me -- Third Day
-Our Song -- Taylor Swift

-Call My Name -- Third Day

-Dive -- Steven Curtis Chapman
-"Trolley Song" -- From Meet me in St. Louis
-Beyond the Sea -- Bobby Darin
-Aint No Mountain High Enough -- Diana Ross
-I Wont Dance -- Frank Sinatra
-Summertime -- Kenny Chesney
-Jungle Love -- Steve Miller Band
-When the Rain Comes -- Third Day
-Back in Black -- AC/DC
-These Thousand Hills -- Third Day

Post from yesterday deleted for lack of participation. If you saw it, you know what I mean. If not, well.. you didn't miss anything exciting.

He's here!

Our newest nephew arrived last night, about 9:00ish or so. Proud Pappy, my brother in law, called to let us know. We didn't get any details yet, he had JUST made his grand arrival. Everyone was great though and we look forward to meeting him this evening. Pictures and details to come!!

More on the Magic of Disney
..and a VERY lengthy review of "Monsters Inc."

First let me start by saying, Andy and I are both having serious Disney withdrawals. It has been almost 6 months since we've been to Disney World and we can't take it. Yes, we went 7 times last year and no, we never got tired of it! Andy said this weekend "I wish I was walking up to get in line for Test Track". We are true Disney addicts, thank heavens Andy has it as bad as I do. I have friends who say "How in the world do you like it so much? Don't you get tired of the parks? The movies are cute, but come on, there's more out there." You just can't explain it to people who don't have it like you do!! (Believe me, I've tried)

The fact is that I cry when I walk down Main Street at the Magic Kingdom on both the first and last day of any trip. I will wait in line for 45 minutes (if I have to) to fly with Peter Pan for about 3 minutes. I listen to sound tracks from the rides and parks when I'm not there. I have several versions which include but are not limited to .. bootleg music from the parks & soundtracks from rides, Disney produced park music, movie music and Disney bluegrass music. I love the movies, all the movies. Animated, live action, classics, new Pixar, it doesn't matter to me. I love the merchandise and have a fantastic t-shirt, stuffed animal and snow globe collection. (Stuffed animals are my favorite!) I have been active on several Disney related websites and in fact found some of my best friends that way, who knew I'd go on to have life long friendships with these crazy people!

I've been blessed to share my favorite place on Earth with many of my favorite people of the years. I was going with my parents from the time I was a little munchkin myself and later as a kiddo and teenager, they let me take friends along for the fun. (Amanda and Stephanie are the two that I remember right off the bat) Then Andy & I started our adventures there with our honeymoon and many, many, many trips to follow. Andy & I have now gone with my parents on a handful of trips, it's great to put my childhood Disney love and grown up Disney love all together in a trip! We've gone with friends, the Kahle clan and the Shallenberger clan all love Disney as much as we do, which is fantastic! We've met friends down there from all over the world; Orlando, Illinois, California, Arkansas, New York and Sweden!! (Yep, Sweden!) We've taken trips with brothers & sisters in law and look forward to a Tanner family trip next year! (If you back out, you're going to break my heart you know) Then... there are the Disney Cruises, by far my favorite cruises of all time! We've done the short Disney Cruise twice and the magic surely continues out on the sea. Andy said last night how fireworks anywhere else doesn't compare when you've seen them over the castle with the music playing or better yet, over the ocean on a Disney Cruise!! I digress with my love of Disney travel.....

Last night I pulled out my brand new 2 disc version of Monsters Inc. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the extras on these movies and couldn't wait to see what goodies I'd find in Monster world. I decided to watch the movie first, I think it's been a few years since I've seen it. It was bed time for Andy or he would have watched with me, he likes the movies too!

Every time I watch a Disney movie, I am always joyously surprised about how much I adore each and every one. I have favorites yes, but they are all amazing in their own way. Sulley (John Goodman) has to be one of the most lovable characters ever created by Disney, despite the fact he's.. well, a monster!! When I see him at Disney's Hollywood Studios, I just want to run hug him every time!! Mike (Billy Crystal) is a hoot and full of energy, just like Billy Crystal. Randy Newman songs and music run throughout, there is nothing greater in Disney films than music that sets the stage, tugs at your heart strings and sticks in your head for days!! How can you not love "You've Got a Friend in Me" from Toy Story????

The detail in these movies are fascinating when you stop to notice!! I do love Pixar despite many "old school" Disney traditionalist who'd want to shoot me with that confession. There is something to be said for both kinds of animation I believe. The details in monster world are crazy: door knobs that are horns, paperwork and posters around that are designed for monsters, the props/characters that go into the "other worlds" when the monsters step out of monster world, the kids rooms and on and on and on... It's just one of the things that sets Disney movies out of the league with all the others! (I love the wall paper in Chicken Littles room that looks like chicken wire, for some reason that one comes to mind too)

The plot: Mike & Sulley are best friend monsters who work at the energy company in Monstropolis.. To get energy for Monster world, they must capture screams of children in our world, thus .. the monster in your closet. Then the worse thing to ever happen, happens .... a CHILD gets into Monster World!!! The monsters are terrified and much chaos follows. The child, Boo, is the cutest thing ever. Her unintelligible babbles (and singing when she's on the potty, yes on the potty) are the sweetest sounds! There are things to make you laugh out loud, a plot to be solved and some touching moments as well.

Which brings me to all my thoughts last night while I was watching... about our baby, our child, who we hope finds us very soon. Disney movies are fun, made for being family friendly and I can't wait to have someone else to share them with. Then I panicked a little, it seems to be happening to me on and off about becoming a parent with random situations. This one was: how will I know when our son or daughter is old enough to handle a movie about MONSTERS, after all, without being scared of them?? But, reality kicked in, thank heavens for that. My reality though.... Reality that the day we bring our little one home, we'll be listening to Disney music in their room. They will begin seeing and hearing Disney movies way before they have any idea what movies are all about. They will visit Disney World quite frankly, probably before they should and will become little Disney addicts right along with us! Andy & I have been talking about it for years when we are at Disney World, how we can NOT WAIT to have our own little one there with us! We have made plans, "when our son or daughter is with us...." for years now. We both confess that it's one, of the thousands, of things we can't wait for!!

Moving along..

If you haven't seen the "out takes" at the end of this movie, you have missed something incredible. I think this is my favorite part of Disney movies, when the characters have out takes. Are you kidding, who thinks of this stuff?? I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!! It's in the details...

Then there is the bonus material. This may very well be my favorite bonus material of all time. It lets us look around the Pixar buildings where it all happens, the secret room (that even Roy Disney has visited) is just craziness. The monkey, what's with that? You get to see how much work goes from story boards and pencil drawings, to animation and character development, to adding color, details, shadows and lightning. It's a crazy process and I have no idea how people are so creative. I am thankful they are though! (I loved the entire walk through tour of animation at Disney's Hollywood Studio. I still love the tour, though it has changed a ton over the years.) I loved each and every minute of the extras and watching the movie again with commentary on. So much to soak in. (I especially love the "virtual ride" that you get to take on the "Little Mermaid" DVD extras, how cool is that????)

If you haven't pulled out a favorite Disney animated movie lately, do it, you wont be sorry!!!!

God Bless America!! Happy 4th of July!!

Finding the Happy

Take a look to the links on the right.

Go ahead, I'll wait ...

See the one that says Aimee - Life with Layla and Tanner? See it?

Now, please click on it and go see the video of our great niece Layla singing to her baby brother Tanner. (It's a post down from the newest) She then (not so) gently helps him with his little drooling/spittle problem. Hilarious- Continue to watch and as you are giggling at her singing, which is truly the sweetest sound, watch little Tanner's face. He absolutely loves his big sister beyond imagination.

It's priceless, it's precious, it's pure sunshine!

I love them so much my heart bubbles over~

Just when you need it.

I have to confess that I don't always read forwarded emails. You know the ones, you'll get money, you'll die if you don't, you're greatest wish will come true, if you "really" loved God, yadda yadda.. you'd send this on. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. Today, I got one. It had this quote involved, it was truly just what I needed today. It's something I already knew, no brand new realization. A nice reminder though. May someone else need it today as well. *Thanks Kim*

"This is God. Today I will be handling all of your problems for you. I do Not need your help. So, have a nice day. I love you."

June Happenings

I thought I'd blog about summer June happenings at the Tanner house. It's been a busy summer, but nothing over the top for excitement.

Adoption: We got our final approval the last few days of May and in early June were "in the books" officially. We know our birthmom letter is going out through the agency, our website is linked to the agency website and it has been seeing tons of hits daily. (Though many of them are family, friends and curious other couples from the agency.) We have sent packets of information to many of our family and friends, appreciating that they are helping us get the word out. I can't say thanks enough to those of you doing legwork in putting our letters, brochures and cards out there. I've had friends let me be their "guest blogger" to share our story and many of them have our adoption site as a linky on their blogs, myspace and facebook accounts. You guys are awesome!! I love you!! Thanks for your continued prayers for our patience, the right birthmother to find us and a healthy baby too! We know God's timing is perfect and are practicing patience.

My parents: My parents are getting very antsy about the building of their new house. The grading has yet to start, the permits are taking forever and it's a drawn out process. They're so ready. Meanwhile they are enjoying sitting on the porches and watching the wild turkey (who now have babies out there) come and go in the evenings, there are about 45 turkeys out there. They're also enjoying watching the handful of deer come in for evening grazing as well. It's really a great place over there, they are blessed to have found such a great piece of land. (1.1 miles from their previous house, this one had a house that they could move into while they build and it's pretty land with creeks, woods, a lake and animals at the back)

We're also spending one day a week at the lake on the boat, I love the lake. On Fridays it starts off that we have the place to ourselves, as the afternoon wears on we're joined by those headed up for the weekend. Dad's been fishing and caught stuff here and there, we enjoy splashing around in the water and Mom is getting lake reading time in. Poor Andy, who has to work. I am soo ready for us to get up there with the camper!!

This is the property where the house will go:

This is their most recent toy. They are having a ball riding all over the place and in the woods behind them. On my first ride as my Mom drove, I reminded her about the last go kart ride I took with her when I was 6... and she dumped me in the front yard. I held on tight in the golf cart this time. Yes, they're in bathing suits in this picture b/c we're about to head to the lake. This is the driveway and front yard of the house they're living in on the property.

Family: I have been going to swim @ Steve & Teresa's one day a week. It's great to spend time gabbing with them and enjoying their gorgeous pool. Sometimes Aimee is there with the kiddos and Layla keeps US ALL on our toes. A few weeks ago she approached me with "hold it, hold it" and before looking, I stuck out my hand... to be in charge of her quarter size FROG!! Silly girl!

There have been showers galore for the upcoming Tanner celebrations. Our newest nephew Trey is expected to arrive in the next few weeks, his Mommy in waiting, Trisha, says she's ready!!! She & I spent an afternoon together a few weeks ago and I love her to pieces! Naomi and Luke are only a few weeks away from their big day to say "I do" as well. We're looking forward to the wedding! So much excitement coming in July!!

The afghan that I made for Trey

Friends: I spent a day a few weeks ago with my friend Shelley at the pool, lounging around. A dip in the pool and yakking with a friend is my idea of a perfect summer day. I was able to visit with another friend and her two little guys a few weeks back as well. She let me rummage through her yard sale stuff for things I could use in preschool, for free. She's great to me! This past week we had a girl get together at the house and after dinner and great crazy conversation, we played Wii. I think we have Misty hooked.

Home: Speaking of Wii, we love it! Andy is so NOT a video games kinda guy. He likes to move around and doesn't enjoy typical video or computer games at all. After playing one night at Shelley & Rob's house though, he said we had to get one! We started with Wii Play (cow racing is one of our favorites) and Wii Sports (nothing like beating each others head in with boxing). We played every evening. Then as an end of the year present from school, I got Carnival games and we've had so much fun with that. (My Mom's favorite too, they came up the other night for supper and Wii night) Andy got Tiger Woods golf for his birthday and we've had a blast with that too. We each made players that look similar to us, have crazy personalities and it's a hoot. It's been a fantastic investment and at least we're getting a workout when we're up moving and playing with it.

Here is the screen for a Carnival game, where you'll notice MY WII
is jumping up and down b/c I WON!

Andy Lee throwing something Wii...

We've been working (playing) in the nursery here and there. There was so much stuff, thus no room for baby, in there that we had to regroup and take stuff back out. It's a work in progress and we both like going in there to just sit and dream of our baby to be. I've got a plan in mind now for finishing hanging some things and getting "the trees" painted on the walls. I can't wait to have a name to hang over the crib as well!! I'll post a blog with pictures soon, I've taken them all along the way. We have our name list down to 9 boy and 9 girl names. (Which is funny b/c a few years ago we had one picked out of each. Now we've added all sorts of new choices to the mix)

Anniversary: We celebrated our anniversary by going to eat at the Melting Pot, fondue is so yummy. We ate ourselves silly and I went into a chocolate overload that I have yet to recover from.

Pets: Our furry friends are all trying to stay cool this summer. Millie decided to be an escape artist and figured out how to get from "her side" to "our side" of the backyard last week. She'd be found back on the deck in the shade and staring in the window. We've got her escape route closed again now. Casey is wet every time you see her, she loves her kiddie pool and is in and out all the time. Gizmo is permanently attached to one of their A/C vents, it's now where he naps all day long.

Or seen here Gizmo naps on "his pillow" at the bottom of our bed
while I am folding clothes in the bedroom.

There you have it, June happenings at the Tanners. Andy is currently on a "boys weekend" golf trip to South Georgia. I meant to send a camera down there with him too, oops. One more week of June, the summer flies by-

Vampire's Beware!

Tonight I made green bean casserole as part of our supper. We both love it, as does most of our family. It's one of my Mom's favorite foods, she can eat just that for a meal. I digress.... There is a story here, work with me through the recipe.....

Tonight I made green bean casserole and the recipe goes like this:

Mix together:
2 cans of drained green beans
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup of milk OR 1 extra can of cream of mushroom soup (I use soup instead of milk)
2/3 lg. can of french fried onions (cheapie generic brand are best)
dash of salt, pepper and garlic

Pour into casserole dish and bake on 350 for about 35ish minutes, add remaining french fried onions. Bake an additional 5-10 minutes until french fried onions start to brown.

Ok... I tell you all of this to say... I went to sprinkle my garlic powder tonight. I didn't look at it as I popped one side of the lid and sprinkled, all over. As the garlic smell almost made me pass out on the spot, I turned to look. I had "sprinkled" with the side of the jar that is for pouring, not sprinkling. HOLY MOLY!! I tried to dump, scrape, spoon out as much as possible. What can you do, I cooked it anyway.

Whewwww weeeee... there were bites that had so much it could kill you, other bites weren't so bad. Needless to say Andy has brushed his teeth, twice now I think and has chewed half a pack of gum. He said "normally I'd take just that for lunch tomorrow, but what if I had a meeting?" The remaining casserole got tossed tonight. We wont have to worry about vampire's getting us in our sleep, we're protected by a fog of garlic at the Tanner house!!

9th Anniversary
June, 12th 1999 - 2008 @ Noon

It was 9 years ago today that I became Mrs. Andy Lee Tanner. Sometimes it seems like just the other day, more often than not, it seems like 39 years instead! (In a good way ;) It's often hard to remember life before marriage. Andy was my best friend and favorite person on Earth pretty much from the moment I met him. Some people say "marriage is hard", "we have to work at it". I nod my head or smile, I have NO idea what they are talking about. I know that God meant for us to be together and quite frankly, marriage has always been pretty darn easy for us. I'm pretty sure that's the way God intended it to be. We've gone through times that weren't so great, but we go through them together. We've made hard decisions, always figuring things out together.

A few months ago, during an adoption interview, a social worker asked me when we argued how we handled it or what we disagreed on. I thought and thought, I racked my brain, I felt so cheesy and I laughed telling her I couldn't think of a thing and to come back to it. We came back to it and I finally thought of something. We have a very hard time figuring out where to eat when we go out. It's a long drawn out conversation of "what do you want" "I don't know, what do you want" "just pick" "no you pick" "what do you NOT want" "what did you have for lunch" "tell me 3 places and I'll pick" "well, I'll at least take one away and then you can pick" Yep, that's it. That's the only thing we can't agree on and it boils down to, no one wants to decide. I'd say we're doing alright!...Funny thing was, it's the same thing Andy told her too, same story...We were meant to be!!

This isn't to say that our opinions are always the same on things, not at all. It's not to say that we share all the same interests, far from it, we're both quite independent and pretty darn different. It's to say that, these aren't arguments or disagreements. Andy & I cherish the fact that we're different, accept it and never think twice about it. The bond of how we are alike is so great, the rest isn't a thought.

I love this photo of the day. Sums it up great!

June 12, 1999: What a day! I remember when we first started planning the wedding it was so exciting: flowers (tulips!), food (extra choc. covered strawberries), dresses, songs, etc.. By the time it got closer, we were ready to head somewhere for a quick ceremony and just start life as the Mr. & Mrs. I realized it wasn't all about the ceremony, but committing our lives to be together forever. We did have a big 'ole church wedding though and it was quite beautiful, if I do say so myself. Our loved ones were there with big smiles on there faces.

The day started off with my best friend & I grabbing a biscuit @ Martins and heading to my cousin's beauty shop for hair. It was SO EARLY that morning and although I had been really nervous 2 days prior, I was ready to "get on with it" on the morning of the wedding. Meanwhile Andy was having breakfast with his best friend, Gordon and his wife, at IHOP. Then Amy & I headed to the church to finish getting beautiful and start the pictures. It was time to see Andy and the conversation went something like this "you look great" "so do you" "I love you" "I love you too" "I didn't sleep last night" "I was at Walmart with Mom @ midnight" "ready to do this thing" "yep"-

The ceremony was great, makes me smile now to think about it. My little flower girl, God bless Shelby who is a teenager now, was a little hyper. She was playing with her basket, offering it to the pastor and then spread out: hand's folded, head bowed and on her knees for prayer. I had no idea then, but the video sure was funny! My Grand daddy, whom I miss so much, said a welcome and prayed a prayer that was close to the longest on record I'm pretty sure. That makes me smile too! The next big thought is of my Daddy raising my veil, giving me words of wisdom and telling me how much he loved me, right? Um, no! He told me he loved me and "we shoulda done this in Gatlinburg"! Silly man- Priceless!!

Then flash to us lighting the unity candle, symbolizing our lives becoming one with Christ. There was a conversation there that was all about "I can't wait to get to Disney World" "me either" "This time tomorrow we'll be in a park" "I can't wait"

Then it was done, we were Mr. and Mrs. Andy Lee Tanner. I am a blessed woman.

The reception was great. There was fantastic food, a gorgeous (and quite yummy with different flavors) cake and tons of people we loved. We took more pictures, visited and got lots of advice. (No dancing, we're baptist after all. :) Then it was time to get outta there and we were off, to my parents house. We squished my big 'ole dress into the car of the moment, a convertible mustang. We had to stop down the road b/c the girls sash's they tied on the car were blowing over Andy's face and he couldn't see to drive. We arrived at my parents and I remember getting out of the car, leaving beads galore behind. LOL!



We spent the afternoon opening presents and eating food that we didn't get to touch while at the reception, waiting for time to head to the airport. Mom & Dad took us and waved goodbye as we headed on to Orlando. Andy carried a very large, VERY HEAVY bag the entire time. He carried it through Atlanta and through Orlando. From car to plane, from plane to taxi, from taxi to hotel. "What is IN THIS?" he asked over and over. :) We finally made it to our room about 11:00 that night and were for sure wiped out. We sat down to open the heavy bag, LOL!! It was food!! I had got Mom to pack all sorts of left over food, cake and even a GALLON of punch!! Wedding punch by Ms. Melanie (not spiked thank you) is my favorite thing ever. Of course these days you could never travel on a plane with that, Andy couldn't believe he'd been carting around food and punch. LOL.....

We spent a week at Disney World. I was terrified it would be our first and last trip, "would Andy not love Disney like I did?" He hadn't been as much as I had and I was determined we'd do every thing, ride everything (twice), see every show and parade, meet every character, walk every space. It was exhausting!! Andy remembers very little of it and for years later would say "we've never done this before" while @ Disney. I'd remind him we did see it on our honeymoon, he just slept through it. Silly boy-

Little did I know he would love it just as much as me and we'd continue to visit every year, even getting annual passes. (Told you I was blessed!) I had one of those "commit this to memory" moments on a bus, in route to the Magic Kingdom the first morning. I told Andy, I'll remember this moment forever. "I'm married to the man I love with my whole heart, we're about to share a week at my favorite place and I can't imagine being happier."





We had lunch one day at Mama Melrose's. The waitress found out we were newlyweds and made everyone tap their glass with a spoon and we kissed. Awww..... He also wrote this lovely poem, the dork!!



We have lived in one home and bought a second together. We've bought new vehicles and traded for used ones too. We have church hopped, joined two churches that we truly loved, then returned home to our "home" church and our home church family at last. We have made friends, gone on double dates and had cook outs. We've added furry friends to our family. We've had to say goodbye to family we loved and were not ready to let go of, but we've also welcomed new lives to our family and seen that life continues. We've changed jobs, we've found places to work that fit like a glove. We've taken up new hobbies, learned new sports. We've spent weeks at the lake camping, weeks on cruise ships in beautiful Caribbean places, we've played in the snow in the mountains and went to small town festivals all over. I can't imagine anything being greater than the first 9 years together. Now we are getting ready for a new adventure of becoming parents together. We've talked about it, prayed about it and dreamed of it for most of our marriage. Now it feels so close and we are both so excited and can't wait!

Andy is amazing! He's patient, easy going, kind and has a huge heart. He loves animals and thinks kids are so funny. He's smart and wise, those don't always go hand in hand, with him they do. He's funny, a jokester, a typical boy and he makes me laugh (roll my eyes and shake my head too) every single day. He is a family man and knows what's important in life. He loves God and is consistent in his faith. He commits to things 110%. He's an outdoors kinda guy and loves anything outside. He's a busy body and has a hard time sitting still. He loves me, he tells me and shows me daily. He is the love of my life, my best friend, my partner in everything and I love him with my whole heart and I am blessed!!!

"Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do."
Ecc. 4:9

Layla & Tanner
at the ballpark

Andy & his brother, Steve, played on the church softball team this year together. One nephew played as well (Well, one of the teams) Tuesday and/or Thursday nights meant that part of the Tanner clan got together at the ballpark for cheering on the team. (aka: Just getting together to talk, hang out and glance at the game now and then.)




I did intend to take a team photo, I never got to that. I did take pictures of Tanner & Layla though. LOL, imagine that! Tanner smiles all the time, camera or no camera. Layla smiles, laughs and jokes continuously...other than when you pull out a camera.

Lots of walks around the field, digging in the dirt and other such ball park fun!!

Nassau

I keep forgetting to finish my trip report, I know some of you are on the edge of your seats. Ha-ha-ha. Our 2nd and last port was Nassau, this was our 8th time there. I joked with some of you that when we get off the ship they say "oh the Tanners, welcome back mon'". I spent the weeks prior to going back on cruise critic trying to see what we should do. We have spent our times there: twice just walking around, 1 carriage ride, 1 beach day at Black Beard's, 2 sting ray adventures at Black Beard's and one glass bottom boat trip. Everyone says "you've never been to Atlantis?". Nope, we've still never done that. My parents go to Atlantis when they are with us, but we've never ventured to Paradise Island at all. Various reasons...

This trip I had my ideas narrowed down. We ate breakfast and waited around a bit for the early risers to get off the ship, no sense waiting in lines.


You can see the Atlantis behind us:



Then we headed off. We walked around a bit downtown for awhile. I always laugh because they have everything we do: Subway, McDonald's, Burger King, Starbucks, etc.. I had to use a restroom (imagine that) and decided to check out the Starbuck's. It's soooo nice in there, just like one at home. It's upstairs and covers the tops of an entire row of stores. It's HUGE. They have free wireless internet, tons of comfy couches and chairs and you'd think you were at your Starbuck's at home.



Our plan was to catch the #10 Jitney (city bus for $1) to head to Cable Beach. On our way to find the bus we decided that the Hilton British Colonial was just right there and we had rather just stay there than catch a bus and find somewhere else to hit the beach. It's so close to the British Colonial, you can see the ships from there. We'd looked at it many times from the ship and wanted to check it out anyway. The hotel is very pretty and we walked straight through the lobby and out back to the pool area. It's great! There are hammocks in the shade trees everywhere, looked like a great place to nap. Then we talked to the pool/beach guys and realized we had to pay for our day pass in the lobby. Andy paid while I picked a spot. (There were TONS of chairs open, plenty to choose from) I found us chairs with a tiki hut shade & table too, Andy was pleased.



It was $20 for the day, each. We were able to use their towels, chairs, pool chairs, pool and restroom facilities. It was well worth it and so convenient. There was also a bar/grille there where we ate lunch. They had all sorts of sandwiches, seafood. salads, burgers and that sort of thing. It was a little pricey, I think my salad was $6 and Andy's conch fritters about $8. It was easier than walking back to the ship though, all was good.




The views were great and we enjoyed watching the boat traffic come and go. The boats are back and forth continuously for excursions and water taxis to and from Paradise Island. From time to time you can hear the music from Senor Frogs next door and it's a great day. They had sand toys there for the kids to play with and everyone there was super nice. It wasn't crowded at all, about 30 people out there all day.



When we were ready to head back, about 5:30, we walked back through town and stopped at some of our favorite stores. I'd hoped to find a pink swim suit cover up that I'd seen last month, but of course it was gone. We have some stores that we tend to stop in each time we're there and look for new ones too.

I would recommend this to anyone, anytime and any age. It's an easy walk to get there, no taxi or bus ride, much cheaper than a beach excursion from the ship and fantastic day.

Looking back at where we were, from the ship:



We planned to eat dinner and hop back off the ship and maybe check out Atlantis. We were there until 5:30 AM the following morning. By the time we ate, watched a show and hung out awhile though... we decided we didn't want to head back out after all. We watched the sun set from the back, our favorite little sitting area.




Another great day in Nassau, we really enjoy it there.

Approved and Officially Waiting

We are thrilled to be 100% approved by everyone who is involved! Our website should be linked very soon and our letters are on their way to the main office, we're "in the book"! We're waiting on our baby to find us! Thanks for your prayers, support and love!!

Freeport / Port Lucaya

Okee Dokee, seems I haven't blogged about our two port days on the most recent cruise.

We went to Freeport first. Freeport is an industrial port, nothing to look at for sure. I remember when we went there on our first cruise and it was Andy's first view of the Bahamas. (I had been before) He wasn't impressed. There is nothing to do or see when you step off, you must go somewhere!

Thankfully, I have very reliable friends @ Cruise Critic that hook me up on fantastic information. (Did I just say "hook me up"??) They've always steered me in the right direction!

We hopped off a little while after docking and breakfast, let the ones in a hurry move along. We hopped off and asked the super nice gentleman right off from the ship where we should wait on a taxi to Lucaya. There was a large grassy area right there beside the paved turn around for the taxis and buses. Buses for excursions to the right, taxis to the left. We waited about 5 minutes for the next taxi/van.

I get motion sick, BIG time in cars or vans!! So I asked the super sweet driver if I could sit in the front, of course "no problem 'mon". He didn't say that, but let me of course. It's $5 per person, one way to Lucaya. Not so bad! We were off... The ride is about 15 minutes, nothing scary or crazy either. (Unlike the St. Thomas mountain drives or Nassau crazy people) They do drive on the left and when turning it does tend to shock me each time.

They drop you off directly in front of the Isle of Capri Casino, which is very nice. (looking through the door anyway) You can walk directly across the street and there is the market place. It's a very pretty, clean, nice little area for eating or shopping. They have everything from t-shirts to jewelry, knick knacks to cameras. There are all sorts of places to eat from Quiznos & Subway, to local cafe's. You can eat burgers, hot dogs, chicken, sandwiches, salads, seafood, you name it. Inside or out, all up to you.


The market place area, not a fantastic picture. It is very nice! Of course I see yellow tape in my picture , I would get the only spot where they were working. They were working on patching part of the pavement & roof though, upkeep is important there.



There is a straw market there as well, you've seen one and you've seen them all though. We have been "over" them for quite some time. At the back there is a great marina, it looks like you're in Florida. There are beautiful boats galore. You can also take snorkel, sight seeing, fishing trips back there... like from a pier in Florida or something. Very pretty!!


The marina area, the resort way behind us is a place where they offer dolphin excursions: swim with and just experiences with. Such a pretty area!!



Then we decided to hit the beach. Back across the road, right beside the casino is a resort called "Our Lucaya". It's one resort, made up of two hotels. The Westin & the Sheraton. (You can google either hotel or Our Lucaya resort) It's wide open, you just walk through down a sort of board walk area. You walk straight back to the beach. You can pay $15 a day per person and use all of their facilities. You get a beach chair, chairs by the pool (with big ole comfy cushions) use of the pools and restroom facilities. They give you an armband. So we spend $40 for the day total and it was fantastic!!! Oh and right back in front of the casino to catch a taxi back, waited 5 minutes and had a really funny lady driver, she was a hoot!! She was talking about sharks and why she wont go in the water, cracking me up.

The view from my chair!



This is the Westin, looking up from the beach. It's kind of cloudy already that day, not a great picture. You can see the pool a little bit.



We came home to immediately look online and look into flying down and staying right there. It is such a great place. Andy said the entire day "I can NOT believe how nice this is" He didn't expect it to be so pretty, it is! (MUCH nicer, neater, than Nassau. And we love Nassau don't get me wrong!) We are also looking at taking this same exact cruise again and doing the same things! Both of us would recommend it to anyone, anytime of any age!!

It did end up raining on us that afternoon and we had to cut our day a little short, but it was fantastic just the same!