Projects in Action

For Christmas, my parents got us some very creative gifts! We will definitely be busy for a while =)

Chap got a new 'Skill Saw'. I don't know alot about these things, but I do know that my dad was just as excited to get it open as Chap was (aren't they cute?!) Anyway, Chap has finished the fireplace mantle and the flower boxes outside...however, his 'to do' list is only getting longer =)

I got a new sewing machine, which I was thrilled about! I don't know a LOT about sewing, but that doesn't mean I can't learn?!

After I opened it, my mom quickly added one condition: I had to make her a quilt. Ha! I'm pretty sure it will be a couple years before I learn the quilting business, however, I did promise her the first "creation" which was this pillow that matches her new bedroom. Not sure if you can see, but embroidered on it is "No Place Like Home". Amber and Carter were kind enough to take a trip with me to the fabric store so I could get my new sewing basket and sewing essentials...thank you Amber & Carter!! =)


If Chap new how to post by himself, he'd probably add the fact that I had to keep my portable DVD player plugged in directly beside my sewing machine so I could watch and re-watch the machine tutorial over and over and over again. Ha!

My next project will be to make a doggie bed for our 'new' indoor dog =) Hopefully, after that I can move on from 'pillows' to something a little more exciting...

Happy Snow Day!

Hooray for snow days!! Alright, I know it isn't quite a 'winter wonder land'...but hey, it's still exciting! Yes, Chap and I were those kids glued to the news last night and watching every second of 'weather in motion' on weatherchannel.com. School was finally canceled this morning, and unfortuneatley, Chap did have to work today...so Brodey and I are trying to make the best of our snow day. We checked it out, still not quite enough to play in...but it was fun watching him sniff around.

I hope all my kids are enjoying their day off, and I’m SURE they are all watching and appreciating the historical inauguration ceremonies today so we can have great discussions tomorrow! =)

The 'Marley & Me' Effect

I took one of my old students, Bailey, to see ‘Marley and Me’ this past week. We both decided to read the book over Christmas Break, and a lunch/movie date was a perfect way to celebrate. Little did I know the effect it would have…

First of all, if you’ve seen the movie, and you have a dog, then you understand what I mean when I say you leave the movie a sobbing mess. Bailey and I immediately drove to my house to pick Brodey up and take him to the vet. He needed some more heart worm medicine, and since the beast seems to have enlarged since our last visit, I figured it would be smart to take him to get weighed on the ‘large animal’ scale they have...which I’m glad I did because he’s gained 10 lbs since our last visit a couple months ago, making him 105 lbs. This places fattie in the higher dosage/more expensive heart worm medication.

If any of you have ever met Brodey, you would understand why we decided to make him an ‘outdoor dog’ after moving into our new house. He has rather large jaws that seem to hold an enormous amount of slobber, which can be unleashed at any time without warning. Well, obviously after the movie this would change. Brodey got an extreme bath the next day so that he could come inside and hang out with his loving parents (yes, we put towels out for him to lay on and have been following him around with a slobber rag to wipe away any disasters).

Needless to say, Brodey has thoroughly enjoyed the effects that “Marley & Me” has had on ME. Our once outdoor, slobbering dog has now become an indoor, slobbering dog.

Christmas in Arkansas

It's been about ten years since we've been back to visit my grandmother as a family. Chap and I did make a trip out there about 2 years ago just so I could show him what an amazing place it was. Hot Springs Village has 9 golf courses and 12 lakes making it a host to many firsts for me...this is where I learned to water ski, fish, golf, and drive (the golf cart training surely benefited my skills behind the wheel).

Some of my fondest memories are here in Hot Springs Village, so to be back again with my parents, brother, cousin, aunt, uncle, and husband was very special. We had such fantastic trip and visit with my grandma, I'll just share a few of the highlights!

The first day we were there we walked the golf trails to the lake behind Tutu's house.

Christmas Eve we visited Tutu's church and then came back to her house for a YUMMY meal she prepared for us!

Christmas morning we had a wonderful and emotional time opening gifts. The official title, "Retro Christmas" came into effect after we opened the amazing antique treasures Tutu passed along. It was a memorable morning that will be cherished forever!

Later on that day we walked down to the golf course Tutu lives on for some warm up rounds (The annual 'Berky/Gourley Moon Cup' tournament was to take place the following day).
Lots of memories on this course that my grandparents and dad enjoyed for many years.

That night we enjoyed lots of food and more family when The Berky's arrived!

My Aunt Annie with her new 'Write Plate'. Love you Annie!

The cousins with Tutu on Christmas! (Not quite the same without Bryan's frown face=)

Lots of laughs and memories when you have this group together! Here Auntie Annie and my dad were re-capping dad's heartache when his second grade teacher asked him to simply mouth the words to 'Joy to the World'... =)

Even the rain didn't stop our fun, the last day we had the Moon Cup golf tournament. The Gourley family did win this year, but it sure was a collaborative effort. I'm sure the Berky's will come back strong next year!

The last night Tutu took us all out to eat at the Club. We had such a good time, I miss it already.
The RV landed in Greenville at about 1:30 AM. It was a wonderful trip with so many new memories created. I am grateful for our family and the chance we had to spend time together! Even though distance and time seperates us, it's always so comfortable and happy when we get together. Love to Tutu, Aunt Annie, Uncle Andy, and Drew! I miss you guys already and hope to see you soon!!!

Rollings' Christmas 2008

Well, I was too busy watching movies on my new portable DVD player (thank you Marilyn), reading my books, and hangin out to do any more posts in the RV. It was actually a fun trip! Definitely the only way to travel 14 hours with the fam =) Since we're spending Christmas in Arkansas we did the Rollings' Christmas a little early...which I am very grateful for them re-arranging their Christmas schedule for us!! So, here's the re-cap (early Gourley Christmas will follow).

Big cousin Rollings with Smith and Addison. Smith found Rollings quite hilarious! When Rollings would sing and dance around, Smith cracked up!! It was so cute! You can tell who that boy is going to look up to when he gets a little older =)

Uncle Chap and Smith Christmas morning

Addison and Poppy

Christmas morning, Keesha got Ms. Addison laughing lots...here was one of her action shots =)

We had a wonderful Christmas with the Rollings! Having two sweet angels there makes us that much more thankful for all of our many blessings!

Cruisin' America

Here we go! We just began the journey to Arkansas! We have a LONG trip ahead of us, so I'm sure I'll find some time to do a few posts =) Here are the 'before' pictures...

Chap being silly....strrrreeetch! Don't you just love the Lampoon hat?!

Our new home for the next day.

Mom's new home for the next day (she's already in the bed with curtain closed!)

Who's ready for vacation?!

Christmas Break 2008!

One of my favorite days of the year is finally here!! Today is the last day before break, the day we get to werar PJ's, exchange gifts, have hot chocolate, and watch 'holiday' movies (this is all after we take our tests of course....yes, I am that witch).

This year, our team opted for the matching pj's/scarf uniform set by Target (except Brad, but he's a guy so that might have looked funny =) I love my fourth grade team so much! It makes coming to school that much more fun knowing that I have such great friends that support me and love shopping at Target just as much as I do!

Happy Christmas Break 2008!!!