The Gang's All Here!

I love Saturdays! Like this morning, I'm horizontal on my favorite red couch upstairs just playing on the computer! Not that there's not a hundred different things that I need to be doing, it's just I haven't got going yet. Everyone is still asleep and I think that's part of what makes days like this feel so good-I know that my husband and kids are safe at home. During the week, I know that Mark is at the Canton plant dealing with employees who think that threats, knives and guns are the way of conflict resolution, so it's nice to know he's at home away from all of that on the weekends. Even being at deer camp gives me a sense of comfort! I also know the Zachary's truck is sitting out in front of the house and not in motion--enough said. Thankfully, I've got a few more years before Leigh Ashley is driving. Everyone is home.... for now and I'm content.

Leigh Ashley and I went to the movie last night to see Bride Wars. It was really good. We went with Stacey, Jake and Bailey Mangum. We went to Tinsletown in Pearl because the movie started at 8:30 instead of 9:30..... big mistake! You wouldn't believe all of the police and security guards present. Apparently, it's not the safest place on the weekends! From now on, we'll stick to our Parkway on Lakeland no matter what time the movie starts. We went over to O'Charlie's to eat afterwards since they didn't close until 11:30. Stacy had a blast looking at Facebook on my phone. Jake and I convinced her that she needs to set one up. Not sure how that's gonna turn out because that girl knows EVERYBODY! She'll live on the computer (if she figures it out)! Through a little coaching, she's now in the high tech world and knows how to email and text! Jake is such a great kid and we share the same birthday! I tell Leigh Ashley if marriages could be arranged, I would arrange the two of them to marry in about 10 years or so!

Stacy and I first met at USM. Then years later, I was invited to join Junior Auxiliary of Rankin County and didn't know one member! Ann Conner, who is a dear friend and cuts my hair, gave the president at the time my name. I had recently moved to Rankin County and didn't know anyone. I went to the membership coffee at Darlene Dotherow's home and walked up to the desk that was set up on the front porch to pick up name tags. This beautiful woman's name tag said "Brenda Vernamonti" on it. I asked her if she had a daughter named Stacy and she immediately said "is your maiden name Rayner"? She remembered me. Brenda and I formed a friendship over the years as we worked on projects together and traveled to conventions. During this time, Stacy lived away since John was playing for the Chicago Bears. When John retired and they moved back home, we stayed in touch through Brenda. When the kids started school at First Pres together, Stacy and I rallied together in this thing called life! I'm so blessed with her friendship! We help each other out with transporting kids back and forth to dance and other activities, but most of all we know that we can always count on each other to be there when needed. Her kids are like my own. They aren't "company" in my house.... just part of the family. Leigh Ashley calls Brenda and Steve... Mimi & Da Da like their grandkids call them! We've had lots of fun times together and hope for many, many more in the future!

Anyone who has kids that go to First Pres, makes the daily trips up and down Riverside Drive.... known as the "bumpy road" by my carpool kids. Yesterday, there was a terrible accident in which a teenager from Murrah High School was killed. Stacy said that on her way to pick up her kids at school, she saw that car spin out of the parking lot and driving like a crazy person. She said they came up beside her and she looked at them in shock of how they were driving. One hour later, a kid is dead. If kids could only realize that there's no guarantees for another day. If they could realize that a few thrills isn't worth living with the memory of a friend who died as a result.

Well, the family is awake and it's time to plan our day. Hunting is on tap for the men of the family, but I haven't decided if I'm going or not. Leigh Ashley is going over to Martha's house and I really need to stay home and fulfill my role as "technical support officer" of the house. Zachary argued me down that LimeWire won't hurt computers. Needless to say, he learned otherwise. He even admitted it, but guess who is left to repair the mess?!?!? I try to look at it this way.... at least I've got my kids here to have the messes!