~Journey With The Jimersons~

Legacy

2010-09-02T13:01:00.007-05:00

Kimberly Kay Hight.

Kim.

Kimbo.

Kimmy Kay.

Kimmy.

Kim Jimerson.

Mrs. Kim.

Momma.

Mrs. Jimerson.

Kimjim.

Kimberly.

and the latest, Kim-er-gins (thanks to Jordan & Raeann!)

These are all names I've heard throughout the years of.....well, throughout the years of being...ME! What do people call you? What do they THINK of when they hear your name? What do people think of when they hear MY name? I hope they think good things! I'm sure you hope the same about yourself. We all want to be a good example (or at least I HOPE you do too) to all of those around us. As you know, with Michael being a youth minister, we have so many kids that we call 'our kids,' who watch everything we do. You have people who watch every move you make too. Is that a good thing?? Or do we need to make some changes?!!

What do our children, families & friends think of when they hear our name? Ask them! Their answers may be quite revealing! Kaylee brought home a mother's day card she had made in school last year. She had written this:

Kim

pretty, wonderful,

loving, kissing, hugging

I love you,

Mom

Yes, that just really made my heart smile! Those are the things she thought of when she was making the card for me. I got a note on facebook from one of my 'other kids' one day that ended with "Love you favorite one," And that made my heart smile too. It's a little "insider," but doesn't it make you feel good when we know people love us and think good things about us?? Of course, the card Kaylee made was for Mother's Day, so it HAD to say nice things!!

But what do our children, families & friends think of us on the days when they don't HAVE to be nice?! Do they think

(Your name)

mean, unthankful, angry,

bad mouthed, sorry attitude,

talks about everybody & always loses her temper,

grouch.

Every day we are leaving fingerprints on those who are around us. What do we want our kids to think of when they think about their parents? What do want our families to think of when they think about their daughter, son, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, or cousin? What do we want our friends to think of when they think about their friends?

Do we want them to think we are someone who loses our temper quickly and they never know what to expect from us? Or someone who says they'll do one thing, but ends up never doing it? Do we want them to see that we are someone who is easily angered or someone who is gentle and kind? Do we want others to see us as someone who is permanently attached to a phone, book, computer, job or other 'things,' or someone who is there for every big and small moment in their life no matter what? Do we want them to see a person who goes to church on Sundays & Wednesdays, but doesn't act like it on the weekends or during the rest of the week? Or would you rather them see you in church on Sundays & Wednesdays, and also see that you live for Christ throughout the entire week?

Every day, our words and actions are being watched. Every day, those words and actions are developing a legacy that will be passed on in the character of our children and others around us. What's a legacy, you ask?

Legacy - something handed down.

What are you handing down? What kind of legacy will you leave?

"I want to leave a legacy. How will they remember me? Did I choose to love? Did I point to you enough to make a mark on things? I want to leave an offering. A child of mercy and grace who blessed your name unapologetically, and leave that kind of legacy." Legacy by Nichole Nordeman

"The happiest moments my heart knows are those in which it is pouring forth its affections into the lives of others." - Thomas Jefferson

Yes, we work with youth. We have lots of kids that we pour our heart into every day, whether it's Brayden & Kaylee or some of "our other kids." And we LOVE it. So it's easy for us to say that we're setting examples in the lives of others, and we pray that we show them the example that God would have us show.

But there's also people in your every day life that you're setting an example for as well. You're pouring your life into them whether you know it or not. People watch people. They see each of us in the good times and they see us in the bad times. They watch how we respond to stressful or hurtful situations, and they LEARN from it. Are we teaching them to be the way God would want us to be? Or are we showing them and teaching them the way satan would have us to act?

Some of the happiest moments your heart could know can be when your pouring your love and your life into others. We can truly have a 'happy heart' if we allow God to use us to leave a legacy worth leaving. A legacy that points to Him and blesses His name unapologetically.

Life..... What kind of life you live today will be the legacy you leave behind.There's no dress rehearsal!! We're living the real live performance right this very minute. You can't go back and re-do things. Live each day like there's no tomorrow!! And be an example that you won't regret even if someone grows up to be 'just like you!'

So....what do people think of when they hear your name?

Deutoronomy 6:5-9 NLT

"And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."

Sweet, Sweet Summer Time

2010-08-02T10:35:00.026-05:00

I'm not mentioning any names, but I have been told by someone ~~ahem, Debbie~~ that it was time to update my blog again! Was it not enough that I updated the youth group's blog every day while we were gone to SOAR the first week in July.....oh wait, it's already the first week in August. I guess it IS time for me to write SOMETHING again!

Summer time....summer time....Sweet Summer Time!!

It's been a busy summer, just as expected. After my last blog update, we headed to church camp at Budd Creek and had a wonderful time. The services were awesome, the class times were awesome, we had one saved from our group -- which was AWESOME, game times were awesome, our kids were awesome, the weather was awesomly HOT, and although it was funny at the time, Jeff & Michael throwing me off the back of the golf cart was NOT awesome (just ask my tail bone - I'm pretty sure it's broken!)!! We made lots of memories and had a great time!!

Some of that same group, plus a few others, went to SOAR in Dallas the next week. I think this was one of the best SOAR conferences I've been to. The missions work, conference sessions, music, villages, free time....everything was great! You can read all about it at http://www.landmarkengland.com/

Once again, our kids were awesome and we had such a great time...even if ~~Raeann and I~~ a couple of people were caught being like monkeys jumping on the bed!!

Surely, WE would never do such a thing!!!!

But anyway....Yes, I said "our" kids. We have lots. And we love 'em all! Throughout the summer, we've had a house full. And I love it! They just stop by throughout the day ~ all throughout the week. Sometimes they stop just to visit a while, eat supper, watch tv, play basketball,

or play games on the Wii or x-box.....or maybe just goof off!

Sometimes they sneak over to the house without us knowing (or sometimes with us knowing), and do a little decorating.......on our cars!

One night, Raeann, Big Face & MeMe came over at 1a.m. just because they were out and about on the 4th of July. That was after Michael had sprayed them down with the water hose because they were passing by in the back of a truck popping bottle rockets toward the house! Anyway, Raeann & I had been texting (as usual), so they came in and got a drink and some popsicles, and visited a while since they knew I was awake. Then Mjim scared us all to death with a BB gun, because he heard voices in the kitchen and thought someone had broken into the house! haha!

No matter what our kids come for, they always have POPSICLES & we always have fun!!

If I've heard, "hey, get me a popsicle!" and then, "what color do you want?" once in the last few months, then I've heard it a million times!!

Oh, these are the sweet, sweet days of summer!! :)

One day recently, while Kaylee was in Hot Springs with Reilly & Margaret,

her room got a makeover.

While Michael & I were putting a coat of paint on the walls, within about 30 or 45 minutes, Brayden, Raeann, Jordan and Derek decided to see how many popsicles they could eat. They ate 38, and spelled YUM! with the wrappers. They only stopped at 38 because their hands were too cold to hold anymore!

So our summer has been filled with some busy days, but we've had lots of good times and made many memories with 'all our kids.' I'm actually sad that it's all quickly coming to an end. Before long, everyone will be back into the routine of school. Speaking of school.....remember back in May when we had Senior Sunday & graduations?

It's almost time for these kids to start their first year of college. Before now, most all of 'our' kids have been able to live at home and go to a college nearby. This year, we've got kids actually moving off to college -- and I can't stand it one bit!!! So what if they'll be close by, that doesn't mean I have to like it! Right? (That also doesn't mean we won't be driving to see them!!) I've pretended like 'move-in' day was far, far away ever since graduation in May, but now it's sneaking up on us pretty fast.

Not to mention, Brayden is starting the 8th grade and Kaylee will be in the 5th grade!! Where has the time gone??!!! What happened to my babies?!!

Besides, people with 13 and 10 year old kids are OLD!!! I guess I'm finally going to have to face reality! My older kids are moving off to college, and my own kids are growing up wwwaaaayyy too fast!! This makes for a REM (really emotional mom) just like I was in May -- so yes, once again, I'll be crying soon. Who am I kidding? I already have my 'moments!!'

Brayden has been working out all summer at the school, and started football practice today. We are ready for some football!!!

Kaylee has started back to dance already too. She's excited because Sydney will be teaching her solo dance this year!

All too soon all my kids will be back in school, and the house will be quiet & lonely throughout the day, and we'll be back in the groove of homework, ball practices & dance rehearsals. Our trips to Wild River Country, the River Market, or late night trips to Lonoke or Little Rock "just because" will become fewer. Summer 2010 will be a memory, but oh, what memories we have!

Yep! It's all happening too quickly, but for now, I'm just gonna sit back with my "happy heart,"

relax, have a pink or blue popsicle, and enjoy the rest of these sweet days of summer with Michael, Brayden, Kaylee and "all our other kids!"

Whew!! We've sure been busy, but Life is good!!!

It's Hot Outside!!!

2010-06-21T00:31:00.003-05:00

So the last two days, the outside temperature gauge in my car has shown that it's been 101 degrees. Really?? Today marks the first "official" day of summer and we already have triple digit temperatures? Holy cow!!! What's it going to be like by the middle of July??!!

We're are starting our busy part of summer this week. We head out this morning for church camp for the week. Did I mention that it's 101 degrees outside??!! We have a group of 31 going to camp this year. We're all excited, and I HOPE we have everything packed!!! (it's midnight as I write this & I don't plan on packing another thing!!)

We will get back from camp on Thursday, I have to work Friday, Saturday & Sunday, wash clothes and pack again to leave for SOAR 2010 on Monday morning. We are taking 22 youth & sponsors to Dallas for our SOAR conference. We're looking forward to that as well! It's a busy couple of weeks for us, but we are ready to spend that time with ALL our kids! Both camp & SOAR are wonderful times of worship and learning about God, and it is such a blessing to see our kids loving and worshipping God, and having a great time without all the pressures and influences from worldly things that surround them in their daily lives. And yes, that was a terribly long run-on sentence, but remember it's midnight, and I've got packing on my brain! I'm hoping I packed my toothbrush!

I have much to blog about, and I'll eventually get to it. We've made it through graduations (yes, I cried!) and birthdays, a dance recital & an athletic banquet, other end of school banquets for some of our other kids, senior Sunday (yes, I cried!), and are now enjoying having the kids out of school. I have even let MIchael, Brayden & a couple of my other kids highlight my hair!!!
Kaylee just got back from GMA camp and had a great time. Brayden has been working out at the high school almost every morning, if not twice a day. He's getting prepared for football season, and can't wait for it to start!

I'll catch you up with pictures and such after our trips. Pray for us over the next two weeks as we travel and spend time with our kids. These trips are always special times with our 'other kids,' which also happens to include our own kids too! You can keep up with our travels at http://www.landmarkengland.com if you'd like.

Considering I have to be at the church in 7 hours, and won't get much sleep because of those fun, late nights we'll have the next 2 weeks, I probably should catch a few zzz's while I can!! Did I mention that it's 101 degrees and we're going to church camp???!!! Who's idea was this anyway!???! Have a great week, friends!
Until next time....

All About Our Kids - Double Digits,Teenagers & Seniors

2010-05-13T09:05:00.015-05:00

I think I've started my last couple of blog posts saying something about how long it's been since the last time I posted, so I won't do that this time!! :) We'll just overlook that little uneccessary fact, and I'll update this blog just like I've been 'instructed' to do by a few people......so, umm, Debbie, Ralph, Brayden, Kaylee & Raeann: I'm doing this JUST for you! :)

There's so much happening these days, that we are constantly on the go. Then there's SO much I want to blog about!! I always say I'm "overstimulated," and just don't know where to start blogging! Maybe that means we are doubly blessed so I have so much I want to share with you!

We've had a few birthdays in our house since my last post! In April, Brayden became a teenager!!! Yep....he's 13 now! Where has the time gone? Brayden makes me laugh daily....he's such a clown, but such a good kid too. He's SO much like his Daddy, it's not even funny!! He reminds me often that he 'only' has 3 more years until he drives, and 5 more years until he graduates high school. I always pretend I'm not listening or tell him to hush! I don't want to think about it! It really is crazy to think that we have a TEENAGER in the house now! I used to think that people with teenagers or kids in 'junior high' were OLD! *I'M* NOT old!!!!

Mjim has a birthday TODAY, so I can't say that for HIM, but I know that *I'M* not old!! haha! Just kidding, Mjim....you're not old either!!! You're just inching your way up that 'hill' everyone always talks about, and in a couple of years, they'll all say you're 'over the hill.' But that's okay --- I'm climbing that hill right behind ya! Wait for me at the top, okay? And then we'll pretend that our birthdays have reached a stopping point!!

Not only have the guys of the house had birthdays recently, but the baby of the house is a year older now too! She reached 'double digits' on Monday of this week. Seems like yesterday she was just born! Kaylee is another little social butterfly like her brother, and she keeps us on our toes -- she keeps us all lined out sometimes too! :) She reminds me of myself more and more each day. I'm not sure if that will be a good thing or not!! lol.

It's a busy time of the year for us. We've been going here & there with dance, ball, choir, archery and just end of school year stuff. Kaylee & I also went to Prescott recently for the state high school track meet to watch Raeann. She did a great job, and it was nice to get away for the day.

We also got to visit Penny & Caitlin for a little bit, and some other friends who we miss SO much! Here's a picture of Kaylee with Missa & Aly......

That's quite a difference from the picture of them all when we moved 6 years ago!

We don't get down there enough to visit like we'd like to, but it was nice to see our friends for a little while since we had the chance.

Mama and Lisa & her kids came up for Mother's Day this past weekend. David and Gail had gone to Jacksonville to be with their mom's, so we missed spending the day with them, but we still had a fun Mother's Day eating lunch and visiting with my mom and sister, neice & nephews.

Everyone says it looks like I'm gonna be the smallest in the family before too long. Kaylee's inching her way up and will soon pass me!

This Sunday is "Senior Sunday," when we recognize our graduating seniors at church. If you remember my post this time last year, you'll remember that I'm a REM (real emotional mom) especially this time of year. Something about the end of the school year and graduation always gets me! We have 5 of our kids who are graduating this year.....not just any kids, mind you......but 'our kids.' These are the kids who were starting the youth group when we moved to England, so we've gotten the privilege of watching them grow over the last 6 years. They weren't all here when we moved; we've gained some along the way, but just the same it's been an awesome 6 years. Looking back at some old pictures this week, I've seen just how MUCH they've actually grown. But just seeing them grow physically is not the only changes we've seen in these kids. They've grown both inside and out, and I am so very proud of each one of them. We haven't only been around them on church days/nights or on summer trips. We've been through LIFE with some of these kids, and they are very much a part of our lives, and they very much own a piece of my heart!

They are truly a part of OUR FAMILY. Some of 'our kids' come over on Sunday and Wednesday nights...or any other night of the week for that matter. Our door is always open for them all, and I love nothing more than to have a house full here eating supper, playing games on the Wii, or just hanging out! With that being said, we are all four going to miss our seniors when they move off to college in the fall. (I'll be a REM then too!! lol)

Ashlyn, Lance, Sydney, Derek & Raeann -- we are proud of you all and love you very much. You'll never know just how much you each mean to our family. We're praying for you as you "Find Your Wings," and can't wait to see what God has in store for you. Yes, this 'other mom' of yours will "cry as you take off, but I'll cheer as you fly."

"I pray that God will fill your heart with dreams;

And that faith gives you the courage to dare to do great things.

I'm here for you whatever this life brings.

So let my love give you roots, and help you find your wings."

Mark Harris "Find Your Wings"

CONGRATULATIONS, Seniors! We are so very proud of you & we love you - I mean it!!

Four months + 10 days =

2010-03-08T14:01:00.010-06:00

Anyone know what 4 months + 10 days equals?? That's how long it's been since I updated this blog!! And believe me, I've heard about it! Between Ralph, Debbie S. & my own Brayden, I've been told plenty of times that I need to update it, but I just haven't taken the time to do it. Actually, I think what happened, was I didn't write about a couple of things that were going on in the "Journey With the Jimersons,' and then SO MUCH happened that it just got out of hand and I didn't know where to start....updating the blog was overstimulating me just a tad....so obvious to you, I just didn't blog at all!!

By the way.....here's a Christmas card I was planning to put on the blog, but guess what?? I didn't do it! We had a drive thru nativity at church in December, and one night, Michael & I were Mary & Joseph. Brayden was a soldier and Kaylee brought us coffee and hot chocolate!

Merry Christmas!!!! :o)

So what HAS happened in all that time??? Well, let's see..........
Considering my last post was October 26, 2009, we've finished a football season -- Brayden's 7th grade team was undefeated! He also played with the junior high team and they did well too. Then we had Thanksgiving and Christmas, and all the activities around that time of year, including trips to Magnolia & Jacksonville. We spent a couple of days before Christmas in Rusk/Jacksonville this year. We stayed with Shanna's family and had a great time! We also got to visit both of Mjim's grandmothers.

Here's Grandmother......She'll be 94 next week, and she STILL danced a little Charleston jig for us!!

Here's MawMaw....

.
Our visits were short, but we were glad to see them. We spent Christmas Eve afternoon in Magnolia, then came home and spent Christmas day at home. Christmas was wonderful - afterall, it's the best time of the year!! (And I turned a year older!)

2010 has kept us busy so far. But then again, we didn't expect anything less! We're always busy! We've had basketball games, dance competitions, a concert and a cruise. And we've had a church-wide Valentine's fellowship, snow days (I was "snowed in" at work overnight), scholarship signing days, and did I mention basketball, basketball, basketball!!??!!

Soon after the new year, basketball season started for Brayden, and Kaylee dance competition season started for Kaylee. She actually signed up to play basketball too, but only got to play a couple of games and go to a couple of practices, because they practiced the same time she has dance practice. Anyway...Brayden had a great 7th grade season, and was he asked to play with the junior high team too. That was the highlight of basketball for him this year!! They played well -- and made it to the district tournament. They lost by 2 stinkin' points at the buzzer in the semi-final game of the district tournament, placing them 3rd in their district. Way to go, guys!!
Kaylee has been in 2 competitions so far. One in Hot Springs where she got an "Emerald" medal, and another in Little Rock, where she won a 1st Place trophy! She's doing a solo this year, along with 2 group dances. She has done well, and we love to watch her dance!

They wear green wigs for one of their group dances. Don't they look awesome?!!!!

(If she ever comes home with green hair and a hair cut like that in real life, I'll ~~scream~~!! But they look fabulous on stage!!)

You can click on the picture to make it bigger. Look at that face! I don't know WHERE she gets that attitude from! :o)

Let's see, what else......Oh! we've also been out of the country since my last post!! Our church sent Michael & me on 'The Great Escape' cruise/retreat. We had a great week with friends on a cruise to Cozumel.....well, after we finally were on our way! The waves were so bad, the ship couldn't dock in time for us to load up! We were 12 hours behind schedule, and the first day of sailing was pretty rough. Our room was I didn't get sick, but ALOT of people did. It was pretty funny to see everyone going around with their little white bags in case they needed to....ummm.....toss their cookies! Michael got a little quesy and had to go to the room for the afternoon. It's easy to see how everyone got so sick! Our room was on the 4th floor, and the 35 foot waves were hitting our window!!

Cozumel was beautiful, and I was lovin' me some sunshine!!! We definitely had a fun-filled week! We're SO thankful for our church family, and thank you all for sending us on this retreat!

Ralph & Carolyn surprised me with tickets to the Martina McBride concert.....she is my favorite, and I've waited a long time for her to come to Arkansas! I was more than excited! So, the day after we got home from the cruise, Michael & I headed to Little Rock to watch the concert. It was fabulous! The closest thing I could get to having my picture made with her was standing by this poster!!

Well, no wait a minute!! We DID get in the same picture!! She rode over us in a moon chair, so Michael snapped a picture of us when she was over our heads!! haha!

The snow was beautiful and the kids loved being out of school so much during the week....they went to school at 10:00 one day, and a full day on one day....they pretty much got a winter break!! I had to work on the day it snowed so much! It took me over an hour to get to work that morning, when it usually takes only 30-35 minutes! The roads were too bad for me to drive home that night, and back the next morning so I stayed in a hotel in Little Rock over night with a co-worker of mine. Even though we weren't home during the snow days, we still took a few minutes for some fun at work!! We took pictures outside and had a snowball fight!

Michael and the kids had fun at home too! (I would've rather been home with them!!)

After a few days, though, I was ready for the snow to be GONE!! I've been ready for warm weather and sunshine ---- like today!! :o) I've got the windows open and love the sunshine that's pouring in. Brayden is at track practice, so I think Kaylee & I will go enjoy the sunshine!

There's more to write, but it'll have to be in another post. This one has gotten to be too long!! I just wanted to catch ya up on everything that's been going on in our lives. Stay tuned.....I'll be back soon! :o) I still have to brag on my 'other kids,' and I'll also introduce you to the hula hoop champ!!!

Until next time....

Happy Fall, Ya'll!!

2009-10-26T18:10:00.008-05:00

Grab a seat and come have some White Chocolate Chip Pumpkin cake and a cup of coffee while I fill you in on the last one and a half months of the Jimerson journey! Yes, friends, once again I've been reminded that I haven't updated the blog in a while! I TRY to update more often, but other things seem to get in the way. Then, by the time I have a chance to update, I've got SO much to tell you about that I just don't know where to start!!!

So anyway --- here we are. Almost November! I can hardly believe the year is coming to an end SO quickly! We've been busy with school, church, and work, and enjoying the fall weather -- except for all the rain!

The kids are doing well in school and staying busy with football and dance. Brayden ends his football season this week, and will go right into basketball season. He had to sit out this past week because he got hurt in practice last week. They were practicing tackles, and he went head first into another guy. It snapped his head back and pushed it downward. He was hurting in his neck and the middle of his back. Anything that has to do with the head/neck/spine ~~scares the living daylights out of me~~ is worth being seen about, so I wanted to have x-rays done to make sure everything was okay. I was at work and Michael was in Stuttgart with a load of beans, so David and Gail picked Brayden up and brought him to the hospital. I went down there when they arrived and got him checked in, went back upstairs to give report, then went back down to wait with them in the ER. Although, we didn't have to wait long! I just knew we'd be there all night long, but they got us in really quickly, and we were out of there in 1 1/2 hours after several x-rays showed that everything was perfectly okay! I think I might try wearing scrubs and my name badge every time we have to go to the ER! Brayden was pretty sore for a few days, and not able to practice or play for 3-4 days, but praise the Lord everything was okay!

The 7th grade team is undefeated; they've played so well! We're hoping for another win this week to make them undefeated throughout the whole season. Brayden also plays some with the 8th-9th graders. They've played well this season too -- but the final scores just haven't been in their favor very often! We've had a great time cheering on the Lions ---- even in the rain!

Kaylee has been going to dance each week, learning her group dances and also a solo dance. She's excited about that! We'll get to see her dance this week at Parent Week. So I'll have some pictures to post after that! She'll have some competitions after the first of the year, so they're working hard to get ready for those. I took some pictures of her a few weeks ago. She LOVES getting her picture made. She also LOVES to ~~be nosey~~ know what's going on around her at all times. This afternoon after school, I was asking her what they did in science. This was her reply: "We didn't actually get to any of it, because everyone was talking SO much. Like, Jill* was mad at Cindy* because SHE said Jill* said that she was fat, but I was sitting RIGHT BY Jill* and she totally did NOT say anything about her!!" (names changed to protect the 'innocent!' lol) By the time she finished telling the story, I had to think a minute to remember that I had asked about science class!! And she did say that in writing they did something that "revolved" (her word) around science, so I guess maybe they DID get to do something in science class today!! Cracks me up! If you need to know something -- just ask Kaylee!!!

Since I last updated you, we've been pretty busy! Two of our OK's* (other kids) were named Homecoming Queen. Sydney was Queen at CHS. She asked us to sing at their afternoon ceremony, so we donned our black & gold and went to support their school!

Then the next week, Raeann was named queen at EHS. Of course, we were there to cheer on the purple & gold as well!

Both girls were BEAUTIFUL, and we are so proud of them! They were just old enough to start in the youth group when we moved to England, so I'm really sad that they are seniors this year! I'll really be a REM* (really emotional mom) again this coming May!

After the cold & rainy homecoming game at England, we had 5th quarter at the church. We ended up having 80+ kids come eat pizza and play games. We had a fun time!

Here's a picture of Raeann & me. I was ~~showing her who's REALLY queen~~ just trying on her crown!!

I've also done a couple of 5K's since my last post. I went and ran with some friends here in town in a Red Ribbon 5K at Pine Bluff. That was my first race since the half marathon back in March. My time was about 6 minutes slower than my last 5K, but after taking the summer off from running, I'm just getting back into the groove. And we had a fun time, and are making plans to run together again, so that's all that matters!!

The next week, Kaylee, Reilly and I went to the Race for the Cure and walked with some friends from work and had a great time.

That night, we went to the state fair & rodeo, and froze our buns off!

Michael has been busy with church/youth stuff. We've had See ya at the Pole, 5th Quarter, and we're having a hayride, etc this week for the youth. He's also been driving a truck for Ralph hauling corn, rice and beans. If it'd ever quit raining long enough they'll be able to finish cutting the beans, and be able to pick the cotton too.....except, Ralphie -- remember that Mjim NEEDS 'family time' quite often! (This is a trick to see if Ralph is still reading, since he's always the one who says I don't update the blog often enough!)

We've also had a little 'magic' around the house. Have you tried this trick yet? Mr. Broom stood tall in our kitchen all night long a week or two ago..... something to do about the autumn equinox phenomenon or something like that? I'm sure if we tried it again, it would still work, but we were pretty fascinated by the fact that our broom stood alone all night long! Now if I could just figure out a way to make it sweep all by itself - we'll REALLY have something to brag about!!

I guess I've rambled long enough, and should go for now. I'm not making any promises, but I'll TRY to not take so long to update the blog again next time! I hope you are all enjoying the cooler weather, and the beautiful colors of the leaves that are starting to change! We definately are!!

So enjoy the rest of the week, don't forget to 'fall back' and set your clocks back one hour Saturday night, and have a HAPPY FALL, YA'LL!!!

Happy 2 year Liver Day, Mjim!!!

2009-09-09T10:29:00.004-05:00

Remember this? It's what we came home to after Michael's liver transplant TWO years ago!!

It's hard to believe, but two years ago today several of us reading this blog filled an entire waiting room at UAMS waiting for Michael to get out of surgery after receiving his new liver!! TWO YEARS! Where has the time gone?!! I am so thankful to have friends, family & church members who spent the day with me there. It was definately a long day, but totally worth it when we finally got a phone call in the waiting room saying, "Mrs. Jimerson, your husband is out of surgery. Everything went very well. His new liver started functioning like we want it to within minutes after it was transplanted." Wow! A new liver!! When you really think about it, transplants are amazing --- a whole organ from someone else's body functioning as new inside another person! It's definately a gift that keeps on giving!!!

Needless to say, it's been a busy, busy 2 years. We're still going, going, going like we've always been. Michael is as healthy as I am, and we're so very thankful for God's miracles and blessings!

Just look at him.........

Does it look like anything's holding him back?! I'd have to say, 'no!'

Isn't life good????

But, sometimes life takes us through some troubled waters or unexpected paths, but if we just suit up with ~~our floaties/swim ring/life preserver~~ God's love & protection, then He'll guide us through our troubled times. Your 'troubled water' may be financial problems, family troubles, friend troubles, work related problems, troubles at school, or even health problems like needing a new liver, but God is a God who can move those mountains....He can...and He will....and He DID! He's got each of our lives planned out. "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

We may have some rough water to tread at times, but God promises that His plans are for good and not for disaster. He'll give us a future and a hope. We don't always understand why we have to go through the things we do, but God knows.

We're so thankful that He's led us through the last few years, and still guides us today. He'll lead you too, when you're faced with "troubled waters" and hard times in life. Keep your faith, and you'll soon see the good times ahead!

1 Peter 1:6-7 (New Living Translation)
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

That's right! Don't give up!! God never promised us an easy life. He just promised He'd be there to carry us through those times in life. So, go grab your life jacket and let's jump in!!

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (The Message)
So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.

Happy 2 Year Liver Day, Mjim!!!

We love you ~ Kim, Brayden & Kaylee

Back to School!

2009-08-19T09:24:00.008-05:00

I can't believe it's already that time of year again! This morning, the kids easily got up, ate breakfast, got dressed and headed to start a brand new school year. Yet, this year was a little different --- they went to different schools. Yes, my friends, Brayden has 'graduated' to a new school and now attends the high school here in our town! Wow! Where has the time gone. A couple of years ago, England shut down the middle school, so now all 7th thru 12th graders go to high school. Can't say that I like that idea, but....they didn't ask me! :o)

Naturally, on the first day of school every year, Mom has to take pictures! It's a 'tradition.' What else would you expect??!! Any other day of the school year, we'll be rushing to get dressed and out the door, but today, we had some extra time before we got the kids to school (and they were early to school), so we went out for some quick pictures.

I can't believe how fast they're growing!

So, here's our big 7th grader! Yes, he looks like a high school kid -- but he's only 12!!

And here's our giggly 4th grader!! She's so grown up!! :o)

I think I'm going to be the shortest one in our family in a few years!!

And Daddy might not be the tallest one either!

Brayden thinks it's funny that he can look over me now. He came up to me when I was getting ready to take a picture, and acted like he couldn't see me. Here he is saying, "Where's Mama?? Where'd she go??!!" I was right next to him, looking up to take a picture -- "Here I am.....down here!!!"

Here's our 'annual' picture.......

See how much they've grown since last year!

The first day of school is not all 'hurry up and smile' for the camera -- it's a silly, goofy, fun time as well.

Silly kids........

Tricks are for dogs!

KIDS -- We sure love 'em!

I took Kaylee to school this morning, and helped her take all of her supplies in. Luckily, since Brayden is at a different school, we don't have to buy ~~enough stuff to supply the whole school~~ as many supplies! Michael took him to school and dropped him off with all the other 7th graders. Just like last year, before I left the elementary school, I sat in my car and prayed for our kids, every one else's kids, teachers and administration for the England School District. Yes....remember, I'm a REM (really emotional mom), so I did shed a tear or two. There's just something about thinking that my kids are getting older so quickly! But I know God will take care of them, and we're looking forward to an awesome school year.

They were both excited about starting school, so I can't WAIT to hear all about it when the bell rings at 3p.m.! For now, I'm 'home alone' with the dog in a quiet, quiet house and need to get busy with some cleaning. Maybe I should find a 'house school,' so it can learn how to clean itself! Anyone know of such a place???!!!!!

Until next time....

Hello from Alaska!!!

2009-07-21T18:56:00.007-05:00

We are here in beautiful Alaska, and have already enjoyed the 2 days we've been here! (And the cruise hasn't even started!!) Yesterday, we had a 'free' day to enjoy Anchorage. We went to Earthquake Park, a museum, a pedestrian bridge where locals fish for salmon. We saw tons of salmon in the water! Then we drove 40 miles away to Wasilla to go to Walgreens!! A girl has to have fingernail polish & remover, and I left mine at home!!! JUST KIDDING!!!!! We decided to go to Wasilla, because that's the home of Sarah Palin....and guess what??? We found her house!! We had found an address somewhere, and found what Michael THOUGHT was her house. I thought he was crazy, but we found out that was, indeed, her house!!! A tour guide we ran into, told us of a place across the lake from her house where we could get a good view! We also went to an Iditarod Museum.

**Note: We DID stop at Walgreens!! I forgot my polish remover, okay???!!!!

This morning (Tuesday), we boarded a glass topped train and took a 4 hour train ride to Talkeetna. It was really neat to be able to see all the scenery in that train ~ especially when we got to see the top of Mt. McKinley! We also had breakfast on the first floor of the train. It was great --- even the reindeer sausage that I ordered!!!

After we got to Talkeetna, we walked around the quaint, little town for a while before heading to the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. This lodge has no air conditioning!!! What??!!! But, the nice thing is -- we don't need it!! The window is made to open and there's a fan in the room. It's perfect in here, although I think it may get a little chilly tonight! The view from the lodge is absolutely wonderful. It was clear today, and we got some really pretty pictures of Mt. McKinley. The view from our room overlooks Mt McKinley too! Some rain has moved in, so we can't see much of it right now, but we're signed up for a 'Mountain Call,' so they're going to call us if it there's a clear view again before we leave --- even if it's in the middle of the night....but remember, it never gets dark here!!! (That's about the craziest thing ever!!!! At midnight, it looks like it's only about 7p.m. or so!)

This afternoon, we went out on a 6 passenger plane. We were scheduled to fly to see a closer view of Mt. McKinley and land on a glacier, but because the rains had moved in some so we didn't get to do the entire trip. We flew for an hour around the glaciers, and saw some awesome views anyway! They're not landing on the glaciers for safety reasons right now because they're too soft. But it was a really fun excursion anyway --- even if part of the flight was bumpy! Look how official we all look with our headsets on!!!

Now we're about to wrap up today, and look forward to riding back to Anchorage tomorrow, and then on to Alyeska for the night. We've seen signs of moose crossings, and other signs of bear sightings. We've seen DUCKS. That's right, folks....the same ducks we see in Arkansas. We're still moose-hunting! We're determined to see one while we're here!

Until next time..........i'm off to use my Walgreen's purchase!!

You can click the link to the right of the page to see all our Alaskan Vacation pictures!

Where, Oh, Where Are You Tonight????

2009-07-16T22:55:00.009-05:00

Why did I leave you here all alone???? or something like that.....
I can't believe it was the end of May when I last posted on this blog! I was reminded by Ralphie today that I haven't posted in a long time, so I thought I'd better catch up. I'm SURE that ya'll have ~~been missing me!~~ made it just fine through the summer so far without me!

I've actually THOUGHT about blogs, and what I wanted to write, but I haven't had time! I've either been at work or on a church trip for the most part of our summer. I "only" work three 12 hour shifts a week, so that means we've been gone ALOT! We did go camping the first week in June. We went to the Buffalo River and camped a few nights. The water was COLD, but we enjoyed floating the river and hiking, and had a great time.

The next week was Vacation Bible School. It was a great success! I plan to post a video or two from VBS soon, so stay tuned!

We had a little break the next week. Michael & I celebrated our 16th anniversary during that week. Nothing special planned -- although we went out for ~~a romantic~~ dinner with our kiddos! :o)

Then we headed to Greers Ferry to church camp at Budd Creek. It was HOT the whole week, but our group of 21 had a wonderful time. I don't think I've ever been to that camp when it was that hot! For a while, I thought I was back in the Gary, Texas, church camp heat!!!! We learned a lot about FELLOWSHIP, and enjoyed fellowshipping with each other & our friends from other churches as well. Check out the picture of Michael & Jeff having a water fight!

They have the titles of "Camp Director & Assistant Camp Director," but they're nothing more than kids themselves! But I'll give them the credit they deserve ~ They do a great job getting the camp together & all planned out! We had a very good camp. Did I mention how HOT it was at camp??!!

The next week, we continued learning about Fellowship at SOAR 2009 youth conference. It was in Grapevine, Texas, this year at the Gaylord Texan. What a neat place!!!! And what a GREAT time we had at SOAR. I think this year was one of the best I've been to. We took a group of 20 and had another week of fun times. We went to a Rangers game & to Six Flags too while we were there. Our kids were AWESOME, and that makes the trip that much better. We really had a fantastic trip!

One morning, SOME of the group posed for a picture.

My room didn't get that 'memo,' so we were late for the picture! Fashionably late, mind you!

This is the first year that Brayden & Natalie are 'officially' old enough to go to SOAR!

Tim Hawkins entertained us one night after worship. He is hilarious! We all loved him, and the kids & I stayed afterwards to get autographs & pictures.

Now, what have I been doing since that trip that has kept me too busy to update our blog? Hmmm......work has kept me busy, and just our day to day activities have kept me from sitting long enough to write anything down! One week at work, we had 26 babies in the nursery at work. HOLY COW!! We were like the old lady who lived in a shoe...we had so many babies, we didn't know what to do!! I LOVE my job, but that week wore me out!

So, here I am....writing a novel & posting 2 months worth of photos ~ just to catch you up on your Journey with the Jimersons!

This weekend, we're spending our time packing our bags once again. This time, we're packing separate bags from the kids. Michael & I are packing warmer clothes, while the kids are packing summer clothes. Sunday afternoon, while the kids head to Magnolia to spend some time with Nana, and then back to England later on to spend time with Gran & Grandaddy, Michael & I will be heading to the airport to fly out to Alaska!! We are excited about the opportunity to go on a cruise in Alaska, and can't wait to get some time to relax and enjoy God's creation! We've never been on a cruise before, so this is all new to us...... wait a minute --- a trip WITHOUT kids (our own OR our youth) is new to us!! What will we do without kids begging to go here and there, or do this or that, or complaining about where we've chosen to eat??!! We won't know what to do without having to do a head count before we go anywhere to make sure that our whole group is with us!! And we'll be gone for FOURTEEN days???!!! Yikes!!! We might have to go to the "teen room" on the ship just to get our 'fix!' haha!!

We'll be traveling with Ralph & Carolyn, so remember us in your prayers, and if you mention anything to me about our trip before we go, don't put glaciers/ships/crash/Titantic in the same sentence as our 'Alaskan cruise!!' :o) haha! Remember our kids in your prayers too -- I know they'll be fine, but this Mama & Daddy sure will miss them!!!

Chapter 25....

Now that I've written a book, I'll close for now. Check back soon for another update. I'll try to update a few times during our trip too, and I'll DEFINATELY have lots of pictures to share when we get back! I'll be in a "person who loves to take pictures" paradise!!!

I'll try not to keep you hanging for so long before I update you next time!! :o) You are keeping me up WAY past my bed time just so I can update you on our busy summer!! Let's just blame it on Ralph -- he's the one who reminded me that I hadn't posted in a while....hmmmm.....maybe that's not such a good idea; he might get the bright idea to throw me overboard while we're cruising Alaska!! So I'll just say 'goodnight,' and I'll 'see ya next time!'

Until then.....

6th Grade Graduation

2009-05-29T10:40:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, Brayden reached a milestone --- he graduated 6th grade!! Just hearing the song, "Pomp and Circumstance" makes me cry! Add a 5 ft 9 inch boy, who not too long ago was only 6lbs 10 oz to that mix, and you have a "REM." (No, that's not part of the REM (rapid eye movement) sleep cycle - that's a 'Really Emotional Mom!')

So, I wasn't soooo bad, but I've had my moments of tearfulness through this last month of graduations. For 16 years in youth ministry, we've had 'our kids' graduate high school, etc, and I've cried every year....this year was no different. I was teary eyed at England's high school graduation too! Those tears are a mix of emotions -- they are sad/happy/they're so young-how can they make it on their own/they're so excited, it's just a great day feelings -- yes, a very big mix of emotions!! I'm just ~~terribly scared for MY kids & their decisions about the future in this crazy ol' world~~ really happy for OUR kids (our own kids & our youth, who we call our own).

But this is not about REM's, so let's go back to Brayden.........he's only 'half way there.' I can't imagine him graduating HIGH SCHOOL just yet!! He posted lyrics from Bon Jovi's song "Livin' on a Prayer" on his facebook status on the day of graduation...."Ohhhh....we're half way there....Ohhhhhh. Livin' on a prayer." He's quick to tell me that he's only got 6 more years 'til he graduates high school!

They had a very nice graduation program. Some of us parents got together and put it all together, and we are so very pleased at the outcome. Awards were handed out, Craig O'Neal from Channel 11 spoke, and then they got their diplomas. It was a nice graduation. And now, those kids are heading to HIGH SCHOOL. Yes, in our town, 7th grade thru 12th grade are all on the same campus. (This REM will become a RNM (real nervous mom) come August 17th!!)

We're proud of Brayden, and the great person he is. One of his teachers found us after graduation because she wanted to tell us what a wonderful person Brayden is, and what a joy it is to be around him.....EVERY DAY. WE know he's ~~just like his mama~~ a 'good kid,' but we're the parents!!! We're supposed to think that!! It makes us so proud to hear that others say he's a 'good kid' too... - especially so much that his teachers make a point to brag on his behavior and how nice, kind, fun and caring he is to everyone. God has blessed us with great kids!!!

Brayden is taller than all his teachers!!

So, now graduation season is over and so are the tears. Am I the only "REM" at these things???? No, I don't think so!!!........but I'll admit, maybe I'm a little like MY mom, and just a complete sap who cries about everything! So what!! I LOVE MY KIDS!!

Our High School Seniors - Congrats, guys! We love you!!!

CONGRATULATIONS on graduating 6th grade, Brayden! We are so proud of you!!!

Don't ever forget that your "REM" & Dad love you!!!

To everything there is a season....

2009-05-29T10:13:00.004-05:00

A time to laugh; a time to cry; a time to mourn; and a time to DANCE! Ecclesiastes 3:4

Kaylee had her dance recital a couple of weekends ago. She loves to get dressed up to dance, and the kid LOVES to perform! She's pretty fun to watch, if I say so myself!

Here are a few pictures so you can see for yourself!

(she's 2nd from the right - check out that attitude!)

(sitting in the middle)

All the competition groups were in the "Lion King" finale. Kaylee was a hyena! They all did a WONDERFUL job in the production! These kids work REALLY hard all throughout the year -- and it all paid off during their recital!

She was SO excited that Gran & Grandaddy and Nana & Jim, and everyone else came to see her dance!

WAY TO GO, KAYLEE-GIRL!!! We're SO proud of you!!

Gotta love that smile!

And another birthday makes THREE!

2009-05-18T12:06:00.003-05:00

Three birthdays within a month of each other.....Brayden's was April 17th, Kaylee's was May 10th, and Michael's was this past Wednesday, May 13th!

Due to the extremely busy-ness of our lives during this time of year, Michael was unable to celebrate his birthday by having a night out for pizza & a movie with friends like Brayden did, or a sleepover with 10 girls like the Kaylee had. Sorry, Mjim!!! He WAS showered with gifts that morning before the kids went to school, taken out for a birthday lunch, and surprised by the youth with a birthday cake and gift. What more could you ask at the age of 29 37!?!?!?

All three of us (Brayden, Kaylee and I) have Ipods, but Michael has just always used one of ours - he didn't have his own. But he does now.....and I-Tunes loves seeing us log in to our account, because they know we love to get new songs!!

HAPPY 37th BIRTHDAY, MICHAEL!!
I'll spare you the baby pictures on the blog for all the world to see, but we love you just the same!! The kids and I are so blessed to have you in our lives! We love you!!!

Birthday's Galore

2009-05-14T16:20:00.005-05:00

This weekend was an extremely busy one, and I'm late at updating the blog!
Not only was Sunday Mother's Day, but it was also Kaylee's 9th birthday!!!

So, this past weekend, Kaylee had a sleepover to celebrate her birthday. We had TEN girls spending the night Friday night. Yes, I did say TEN!! Ten giggly, squealing, energetic girls! Brayden was smart, and spent the night with a friend! (That was probably in his best interest, because I feel that if he had been here, he would've ended up with lipstick all over his face during his sleep!!)

The girls all got here around 6p.m. Friday night. They played & sang a while, then we ate pizza for supper, and opened gifts. They played and sang some more, we took a few pictures, and then we started decorating pillow cases. The girls enjoyed that. They also enjoyed snow cones and more singing.........do you see a pattern here?? They LOVE to sing!!!

We ironed on pictures of the girls on their pillow cases & they finished decorating them. They turned out really cute. Then the girls had a fantastic time doing "blind-fold makeovers. " Oh my word!! They demolished each others faces with lipstick and eye shadows.......at the same time..........with their eyes closed! They laughed and laughed. It was pretty funny, and pretty messy too!

Around 11:45p.m., they were all spread out around the living room in their sleeping bags. We started a movie - and they were all QUIET....................................for about an hour! Then I heard giggling and jumping around. They got quiet again (after being reminded).............for another hour. Then I heard someone sneaking through the house. Around 3:30, I reminded the 6 girls who were still awake that it was time to go to sleep. And we didn't hear anything else from them until about 8:15a.m. We had Krispy Kreme's for breakfast. Played & sang some more. Ate cake. Sang and danced some more and the girls all left by 11:00a.m. The girls had a blast!! Whew!!! It was a fun, but busy weekend!

I can't believe my youngest child is already close to 'double digits.' Time definately flies when you're having fun!! And we DO have fun with our two kiddos! They definately keep us busy.

Sunday, the kids woke me up with Mother's Day cards, a beautiful flower bush for outside, and a new watch. After church we grilled burgers, then Kaylee got to open more presents! Lots of clothes, a purse, new stuff for her ipod she already has, and a new bike.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KAYLEE!!

We love you, and are so very proud of you. We are so thankful that God blessed us by putting you in our lives. The last nine years have flown by, but you have grown into a wonderful young lady. It's so much fun watching the young people God is growing our kids to be.

"You're my honey bunch, sugar plum, yumpy yumpy yumpkin. You're my sweetie pie.

You're my cuppy-cake, gum drop. Snickem snickem snore. The apple of my eye!"

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

2009-05-10T15:26:00.005-05:00

When I sat down to write a new post for the blog yesterday, I got an email saying that one of my friend's blogs had been updated. So, I checked it out, and she had already put into words what I had in mind for my new post for our blog.

So, I'd like to welcome my very first 'guest blogger' to our little place on the web! Kim B. is a good friend of mine. She's a great person, and I'm thankful to have her family in our lives. She's Brayden's "Mom #2," since her son is one of Brayden's really good friends. I hope you enjoy her views of 'Mom's day' as she writes from her heart, and speaks of her experiences as a mom and as a daughter.
Thanks, Kim, for allowing me to share your post!!!
Happy Mother's Day to my Mom, my mother-in-law & all of my friends & relatives who are moms....I love you!!!

From http://www.ekjm.blogspot.com/
From a Mom's Perspective:
A little blue line...a queasy stomach...a moment (or two or fifty) of puking mid-meal & going back to finish...a growing belly...a flutter of movement (is that gas?)...a growing belly...a lot of kicks (is there a little football player in there?)...a few moments of tightness in the uterus (is it time?)...a little bit of pain...NO, A LOT of PAIN, sweat, & tears...a welcome cry...a sigh of relief...a new little life in your arms...first pee, first poo...first bath...first smile...first laugh...first word...first haircut...first steps...first boo boo...first bandaid...now it talks, now it walks...uses many bandaids...first pee, first poo in the potty...first day of kindergarten...no more scheduled naps...elementary years fly by...first one's first year of middle school...second one's last year of elementary school...
That's where I am.
My mom used to tell me the story of my birth every year on my birthday...she still does it sometimes, or at least, she'll start the story with the same words & we'll have a chuckle. But as a Mom, it is a story whose details stick with you the rest of forever. It's a story of blood, sweat, & tears. For some it's a story of patience for the day the phone rings and she drops to her knees thanking God that she gets to get on a plane & go get her baby from some other point on the globe. For some it's fostering a sweet little baby that one day legally becomes your own. However it happens, it is a story of unfathomable, unconditional, love. It is a heart-wrenching, gut-stabbing, life-changing love. Whether there is one child or 18, that love is enough. Mom's love IS enough. Mom's love IS enough for the rest of Mom's years, and beyond...when she leaves this earth, her love continues in her children's memories. I can NOT imagine my life without the experiences that these little people bring me. Some days it seems like I want to pull my hair out strand by strand, but when they day is over and we've said our night-time prayers and I peek in their rooms to get that one last look at them sleeping, I am so thankful that God allowed me to be a Mom.
On the other side of things:
She took the pain to bring me into the world...she loved me...she held me...she fed me...she changed me...she loved me...she got up in the night with me...she rocked me....she soothed me...she loved me...she picked me up when I fell...she wiped me off...she kissed the boo boo...she rubbed my tummy when it hurt...she loved me...she read to me...she helped me learn to read...she helped me through school...she loved me...she let me yell, scream, & spout off...she loved me...she let me learn to drive...she let me have fun...she let me cry when he broke my heart...she loved me...she watched me graduate...she moved me to college...she moved me back home...she let me take some chances, make some mistakes...she loved me...she watched me find the love of my life...she watched me say "I do."...she loved me...she watched me bury my firstborn baby girl...she cried with me...she watched me have my baby boy...she cried with me...she watched me graduate college...she loved me...she watched me have another baby girl...she cried with me...she loved me...she watched me as they grew before our eyes...she let me whine & gripe when things were bad, sad, scary, or crazy...she loved me...she watched me send them to school...she cried too...she watched me be a sports mom...she watched me work, play, juggle, & struggle...she loved me...
That's where I am.
All through the years from the moment she held me the first time, my Momma has loved me. Through every moment of every thing, she's been there. Nothing good or bad has happened in my life that my Momma wasn't there for me. I can't imagine all those moments without her. She loved me & she LOVES me. Happy Mother's Day, Momma. I love you.
Another Point-Of-View:
Some that I know do not have their Moms anymore. Whether it be illness or other tragedy, Mom is gone. I know days like Mother's Day are difficult when she's not here to be honored. But, she IS honored on Mother's Day...honored for being a Mom...honored for loving her kids...honored for all the same moments that you spent with her when she was here...honored for all the same moments that she spent with you when she was here...honored for all those things that she went through with you when she was here...from your beginning to her end...she loved you...and you love her...& we still say Happy Mother's Day.

I'm so thankful that God chose me to be 'Mom' to Brayden & Kaylee!
They, along with their dad, has made this day special for this Mom!!
Happy Mother's Day!!!!

Brayden's Birthday Bash

2009-04-23T21:40:00.007-05:00

Brayden had a great time last weekend on his birthday. After school on Friday, he opened a few gifts at home. He got some money, clothes, cologne, and his very own .22 rifle. He was thrilled and couldn't wait to shoot it! (More on that in a bit!)

Then we headed out to pick up a few of his friends for dinner and a movie. They all were on their best behavior -- actually, they were TERRIFIC -- and I think they had a great time. We went out for pizza, and Brayden was shocked that the employees came and made a big deal out of it being his birthday! He opened presents from his friends before we left.

Then we went to the movies to see "Seventeen Again." The story line was good in the movie, but I wish they would've left out some of the language! Here's a picture of the group after the movie.

Kaylee had spent the night with a friend on Friday night, so Saturday morning, Brayden got to go shoot his new gun.

BraydenMichael

(Okay - so these two pictures crack me up -- they stand the exact same way!!!)

He and Michael went to a shooting range just outside of town and had a great time shooting ~~money~~ shells out of the end of that gun!

Then I showed up!!

Does this look like a CSI: trainee or what??!!

Seriously....Don't you see the resemblance??!! haha!

I can even shoot a gun! I hadn't ever shot anything more than a BB gun before now (or a water gun!), but I've got a pretty good aim, if I say so myself!!!

Oh yeah---- this post is about Brayden's Birthday Bash, not CSI:....or me!! So, yeah, Brayden has a pretty good aim too! He & Michael are both pretty good at shooting the little targets that were set up.

Michael, Brayden and I had a fun afternoon - and the weather was perfect...just before the rain!!

We finally packed everything back up, and went to get Kaylee. (Then went out to eat fish that night.)

Since last weekend, we've had 6 ball games (softball or baseball)! That's crazy!!! Brayden is playing baseball, and got a pretty good hit the other night. They've won all 3 of their games so far. Kaylee is playing softball, and has gotten some good hits as well. They've won 1 of their 4 games so far. They get better each game, so I bet they'll hit a winning streak before we know it!

Michael is umpiring some games here in England this year, so we've just set up a tent at the ballfield, and made our temporary home there for the next couple of months. For dinner, we eat the leftover hot dogs, chips and pickles that people throw on the ground, and..........okay, so we haven't done all that, but we HAVE spent plenty of time at the ball fields already! We wouldn't know what to do with our time if we weren't so busy!

We've got more ballgames that I'm sure you'll hear about (and I'll post pictures too), and Kaylee will turn NINE years old in a couple of weeks. So, stay tuned!!

Until next time......

Happy Birthday, Brayden!!!!

2009-04-17T08:47:00.005-05:00

I can't believe 12 years has come & gone since Brayden was born in the Jimerson family! He's growing up WAY too fast! Let me share our morning with you.......
We woke Brayden up, he got a bowl of cereal, got dressed, and then sat down to watch a little tv before going to school. He also heard the "Happy Birthday" song a few times throughout the morning.

I put a Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pie on a plate and put a candle in it, then Michael & I took it to him in the living room. Michael sang a ~~wonderful~~ loud & obnoxious version of "Happy Birthday." Here's how it went:

(Brayden's words are in bold letters)
Happy Birthday to youuuuu (OH NO!)
Happy Birthday to youuuuu!!! (Oh wow! It's an Oatmeal Pie) (I think he was rolling his eyes!)
Happy Birthday to Braydennnnn..........(he was then laughing, as if his parents have lost their minds)
Happy Birthday to you!! (this is SO hillbilly!!!)

Hillbilly???? What's he thinking!? What a nut! He's a great kid, and we are so very proud of him. We're taking him and some of his friends out to eat pizza, and then to a movie tonight to celebrate his birthday.

Check out how much his FEET have grown! These are some cleats that I bought him yesterday - a size 9 1/2!!! But look at the tiny little white shoe beside them! These were some of his FIRST shoes, and of course, he couldn't even keep them on. My, how his feet have grown!

Happy Birthday, Brayden!!

We love you & thank God for blessing us with you in our lives.

And even though you're TWELVE years old, and bigger than your Mama, I will STILL tackle you & give you 12 "birthday spankings" today (and any other time you need it) -- even if I have to get your Daddy to hold you down!! And I won't forget the 'one to grown on' -- although I think we might have to slow down on the growing a little!!!

"I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be."

~Dirty Feet~

2009-04-02T13:28:00.005-05:00

Dirty feet? What kind of blog title has she come up with this time?! Michael brought the sermon at church this past Sunday, and it was a little eye opening to hear that his sermon was about the same subject I'd been spinning around in my mind for a blog entry! So I decided it's time to write.

When I think about dirty feet, I think about Brayden & Kaylee going outside in their socks, or bare feet and coming in with filthy feet. Or maybe going to the lake and trying to get your shoes on without the sand on your feet. I also think about my babies at work. Some of my friends at work get a kick out of my "OCD" tendencies (haha!!)-- wanting things to be a certain way, written in the same handwriting on the report sheet, the desk cleared off and organized, or things in the 'right' place, so I've never mentioned this to any of them. I've just never made a big deal out of it. But when I'm footprinting and then bathing a newborn, I have to make sure to get every speck of black ink off their feet! That ink is not always the easiest thing to remove. But those babies' feet have to be CLEAN when I bathe them!!! I just can't stand the thought of taking a baby to his or her mom with dirty feet!!! Don't you like for your child to have clean feet?

John 13: 1It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. 2The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. 3Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

Jesus wants His children's "feet" to be CLEAN as well. That's us!! In fact, He did a servant's job of cleaning the feet of the disciples at the Passover meal just one night before He was beaten to death and hung on the cross. What??? JESUS washed feet?? In those days, it was custom for everyone to have their feet washed upon arrival to the place they were going. Their feet were unmistakably filthy! Nikes weren't made then - they wore sandals and walked everywhere! But Jesus took off His outer garments, tied a towel around His waist, and washed the feet of each disciple. He did this even knowing that one of them was going to betray Him. Did He skip over Judas because of what he knew, and only clean the other's feet? No, He even showed love and kindness, and SERVICE to Judas.

Peter just couldn't believe Jesus was washing his feet, and told Him in verse 8, "Thou shall never wash my feet!" But Jesus said that if He didn't wash their feet, then they'd have no part of Him. Well, that changed Peter's mind!! He wanted Jesus to wash his whole body then! But Jesus said, "He that is washed needeth not except to wash his feet, but is entirely clean." So if we've accepted Christ as our Savior then we are clean...that doesn't mean our feet are always clean!

Sometimes in our walk with Christ, we get in the mud (sin) and get our 'feet' dirty. We get mixed up with the wrong friends, we say or do the wrong things, or go against what we know is right. Lets think of the footprint ink as sin. Ya know, if I don't get that ink off the baby's feet, it starts spreading around. It gets on the babies legs, my hands or arms, the care center, or the blankets the baby is lying on. If you're around sin, you'll inevitably get into sin unless we ask God to intervene and keep us from it. Then we have to ask Him to forgive us. If I don't use the baby soap to get rid of the ink, it spreads and never goes away. And thankfully for us, that soap is like Jesus, who is there to wash our feet and make us clean again.

Our walk with God doesn't end there, however. If we read down to verse 15, it reads, "For I have given you an example that you should do as I have done to you."

Are you kidding me? I have to wash somebody's nasty ol' feet? Maybe not necessarily washing feet, but we are called to SERVE others. Jesus did! He washed their feet, for heaven's sake!! GROSS!!! But He wasn't above doing servant's work -- neither are we. We are called to serve others, no matter what the task.

Think of someone who you don't get along with. Did you know you're also called to serve them too? It's easy to serve those who we love. It's easy to serve those who love us. But we've gotta also serve those who grate on our nerves and drive us insane too! One way that the world knows we belong to Jesus, is when we show love -God's perfect love- to others.

Jesus designed us to serve others. In order to do this, we have to forget OUR needs and focus on others. We can't be selfish, but we should "Be humble, thinking of others as better than ourselves. " Philippians 2:3.

Let's not get so caught up in our own lives that we fail to look for those who need to be served.

You see, when we follow Jesus, we live a changed life. And in the process, we get our feet dirty, when we mess up. Our feet are symbolic of our walk with Him. Our daily walk has to be cleansed frequently and kept clean. We should be like David in Psalm 51 who practiced repentance and asked God to cleanse him and give him a willing spirit. Then we can follow Jesus' example and serve others too.

Jesus took the time to serve the disciples just hours before His trial and crucifixion.

That doesn't mean it was easy for Him. (It wouldn't be easy for us to serve our enemies.)

That doesn't mean it will be easy for you.

But it DOES show us that God will never call us to do what He hasn't already done.

Spring Break Fun!

2009-03-26T10:59:00.008-05:00

This week has been fun -- despite the rain we've had on and off! It seems like the sun comes out, and then the rains come down! We've enjoyed both!

Brayden & his friend didn't let the rain stop them Tuesday! They played basketball and baseball out in the rain all afternoon!

We met my sister & her kids for lunch in Little Rock that afternoon before the rain. It was good to see them for a little bit while they were in town for dentist appointments!

Wednesday was a beautiful day! The kids & I went to Little Rock and spent the sunny afternoon at the doggie park, then went to other parts of the park too. Even Maddie had fun on the slide! (Translation: The kids had fun putting Maddie on the slide! See picture below!) We weren't planning for a photo shoot, but I took a few pictures anyway! The covered bridge at Burns Park is a great setting for pictures -- we'll have to go back again when we're 'dressed' for pictures!'

I had baked a cake that morning, so Kaylee & I decorated it when we got home from the park. Check out our Easter basket cake! It was lots of fun to decorate, and it looks & tastes great too! Kaylee loves to bake!

Tonight, we're going to see Chris Tomlin in concert. We all LOVE his music, and can't wait to go! Our youth group gave us tickets for Christmas, so we're excited to get to use those tonight.

We're planning to have another fun day tomorrow. Who knows what we'll all end up doing -- it just depends on the weather!

Hope you have all enjoyed your spring break too! Just a few more days until it's back to the ol' routine. Enjoy the break while you can!!!!

Until next time........

~~~A Weekend of Mysteries~~~

2009-03-17T09:30:00.003-05:00

Hey!!! Remember me????? Yes ---- I'm back in blog-land!!! Since our trip to Disney, I just haven't taken (or maybe I haven't had) the time to sit down and write much. I think I even promised more Disney pictures, and I didn't do that either!!!! SORRY! :o)
I'm back now, and hopefully, I'll be able to blog a little more often.

This weekend was filled with ~*MYSTERIES*~!!! First, on Saturday morning, Michael had gone outside to the shed, and came in telling me there was NO WATER in my pond!! What??? That thing was almost TOO full just days ago, but now there's no water? It had rained 2 inches in the previous 2 or 3 days, so why in the world was there no water?????!!!!!! It was just plain WIERD! We couldn't figure it out! Michael took out the pump last night, though, and figured out what had happened. He cleaned the pump a few days ago (when it was very full), and something came loose -- I guess we never noticed a flooding of water in our yard since it had been raining anyway! I THINK my fish lived, I've seen a couple swimming -- they did have a little water to live in. They had just started swimming around again after the cold temperatures of winter a few days ago.......they may be in shock now!! ha!

Don't pay attention to the way everything looks -- nothing is blooming yet, and we haven't had a chance to get out there and work in the yard or clean out the pond!

At the same time we discovered this 'no water in the pond' mystery, we were all working on Brayden's science fair project. He had been looking up information on telegraphs, and researching how to make one. He'd found instructions on how to make your own, and had been following that. SO, he and Michael made a GREAT looking telegraph, hooked it up and what do ya know????? IT DIDN'T WORK??????????

Why would someone want to post instructions on a science fair website and the instructions be WRONG????? HELLO????!!! Don't they know everyone waits until the last minute to do their projects, and don't have time for the thing to NOT WORK???!!! (Or are WE the only ones who waited until the last minute --- umm, I don't think so!) Anyway, Michael - aka Mr. Gadget man - worked with it, then he and Brayden were finally able to get the telegraph working. After it was done, Brayden REALLY wanted it to "beep," and not just "click," so they added to the project, and made another type of telegraph too! I don't have a picture of the finished project yet -- it's at school, but I'll get one soon! Here's a picture of them working, and another picture when they finally got it to work -- they were SO happy!! I was just glad they figured out the mystery of why the telegraph wouldn't work!!

Then finally, on Sunday, I woke up, laced up my shoes and ran in the Little Rock Half Marathon. You're wondering what that has to do with a mystery??? Well, it's a mystery how I ever made myself run ONE mile --- much less 13.1 miles!!!!!! I've never been a runner, but I guess after running for 6 months, maybe I am now!!

It was fun..........it was hard.........and yes, I'm VERY sore.......but I did it -- now I can say I've 'been there, done that, got the t-shirt AND the medal!!!!' Around mile 8 or 9, the mystery to me was -- why in the world did I sign up for this?!!! ha!! But after it's all said and done, I'd do it again. By the way -- I finished in 3 hrs 4 minutes.

I'll post more about the marathon another time. This is getting too long!! And I still haven't posted about Brayden finishing basketball, starting baseball, and Kaylee's dance competitions, Michael umpiring baseball, or his 18 month post-transplant check up (everything's good)!

Whew --- maybe I shouldn't wait a month before I post again! There's too much catching up to do! Until next time......

Happy Birthday, Grandmother!!!!!!

2009-03-17T08:58:00.003-05:00

And Happy St. Patrick's Day to all of you!!!

Today is Michael's Grandmother's (Gail's mom) 93rd birthday!!!! We wish we could be there to celebrate her special day, but we couldn't make it to Jacksonville, Texas, to see her. Gail & Stacey are there, though, to help her celebrate! And even though she probably won't see this blog, we still want to wish her a very happy birthday today!!!! So, Happy Birthday, Grandmother! We love you!

Well, today is St. Patrick's Day --- are you wearing GREEN??!! I wore GREEN to bed last night so I wouldn't be 'green-less' today! Ya can't pinch me!!!!!!!!!! The kids wore their green today as well. I fed them GREEN eggs this morning,

and packed GREEN lunches too! Brayden didn't want to take his lunch today, but Kaylee has green polka dot bread for her sandwich, a pickle, green apple, pinapples in green jello, and a green bottle of diet Mt. Dew!!!

I also decorated some cookies for dessert last night. So we are all set for St. Patrick's Day!!

Hope you all have a fun day as well!!

Until next time......

Happy Reunion!

2009-02-18T20:48:00.003-06:00

Last Thursday night in Orlando, Kaylee was pretty tired after a long day at one of the parks. We were all getting ready for bed, and she came to me with tears rolling down her face. When I asked her what was wrong, she sadly replied, "I miss Maddie Belle." Yes, folks, my tender hearted "Kaylee girl" missed her little doggie just ONE day into our week-long vacation.

Maddie, on the other hand, got to spend the week with Gran & Grandaddy, and probably had a wonderful time!

Well, this afternoon when we had made it home to England, we pulled into Gran & Grandaddy's drive way. Before we knew it, Kaylee was out of the car and running into the house saying, "I'm going to get my Maddie Belle!!!!!!" She was SO excited!!!! Several times throughout the week, Kaylee had talked about how she missed Maddie.

Here they are after she came back outside. What a happy reunion!!!!

Tonight, Kaylee was lying on the couch watching American Idol and Maddie Belle, in her new little Minnie Mouse dress, found a spot and snuggled right next to her. I believe it was a 'happy reunion' for both of them!!!

So much fun!

2009-02-17T21:44:00.005-06:00

I don't know WHY I thought I'd be able to update the blog very often this past week! We've gotten to the parks when they opened, and left them as they closed. That doesn't leave very much time for sleep, much less time to write & post pictures! So, I apologize for not doing better, but a girl's gotta sleep after a full day of fun & miles & miles of walking!!

Not only have we not had much time to update the blog, there's just SOOOO many pictures to choose from - I'd never be able to get everything on here! I've taken over 1400 pictures alone!! :o)

We have been packing up this evening, so we can fly out of Orlando tomorrow morning. We should arrive home sometime tomorrow afternoon to the 'real world!' We're eager to get home, but will definately miss the 'fairy tale world' too. It's just such a fun place to be, and we have had a fantastic time!!! We have had dinner with Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore & Piglet. Then we also had dinner with the princesses~ Belle, Cinderella, Aurora, & Ariel. We knew the girls would enjoy that meal, but were suprised that the boys enjoyed their time too! Ariel asked them to kiss her on the cheek! I think they both have a crush on Ariel now! haha.
This morning, we had breakfast with Donald & Daffy, Goofy and Mickey. Then the kids were all picked to dance with some African dancers! What a hoot!! We got lots of pictures & video. You'll HAVE to see the video to appreciate this! haha!

We've been on the rides, shopped, and walked until we couldn't walk anymore, and have had a magical time!! I promise to make a slideshow later on this week and post it here so that you can see more pictures if you'd like.

I better close for now so I can get a little sleep before we have to get up to leave.

Pray for us as we travel tomorrow!

Until next time......

"Hello" from sunny Orlando!

2009-02-13T21:39:00.006-06:00

We are having a great time in Florida! So far, we've gone to Hollywood Studios and to the Kennedy Space Center.

Yesterday, at Hollywood Studios, we had a great time riding the rides, seeing the shows, and watching a motorcade/parade of past American Idol stars. This was something we found out about after we got to Florida, so we rearranged our plans so we could see the stars.

Today, we went and toured the Kennedy Space Center, and got to see the space shuttle that is scheduled to lift off to space soon. It was supposed to launch yesterday, so we bought tickets to watch that, but they've ended up postponing it until the 22nd or so. We enjoyed the day, anyway, except for the Florida gators we saw on the sides of the highway on our drive there! Ugh, that would freak me out for alligators to be something I saw everyday along the side of the road!!!

It was neat to get a chance to see the space shuttle on the launch pad, and all the other space shuttles that have launched in the past. We just got in from eating at T-Rex, and are all stuffed! It's like Rainforest Cafe, except it's all dinosaurs rather than 'rainforest animals.'
Tomorrow, we are heading to Magic Kingdom --- I love that place! It's probably Kaylee's and my favorite park. It's always so fun to get that first glimpse of Cinderella's Castle as you're getting closer to the park. It's just a 'magical place,' and like I said ~ Disney World is 'the happiest place on Earth!!!'

Hope everyone is doing well.........

Oh, before I go - let me just brag a bit on this weather! You'll notice that the title of this post is 'Hello from sunny Orlando!' Well, it's not only sunny, but it's also in the 80's. What PERFECT weather!!!! We couldn't ask for anything more.

Until next time....

P.S. I'll try to add a slideshow of the Idol stars when I get a chance!

M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E

2009-02-10T22:26:00.003-06:00

Our countdown calendar has finally reached the day we've all been waiting for!

Our bags are packed (almost), and the kids are in bed. We'll board the plane to Orlando, Florida, tomorrow morning (Wednesday) at 8:00a.m. and head toward the 'happiest place on Earth,' to spend a week with Mickey & his friends --- and our friends too ~ Ralph, Carolyn, Bryan, Beverly, Sydney, Natalie & Jonah! We're all ready for the trip, and can't wait to make memories that we'll treasure for a lifetime.

You know me - I've got my camera all charged up, and will take PLENTY of pictures! Please pray for safety as we travel, and stay tuned to the blog for updates and pictures! I'll update it whenever I can.

Until next time, let's all join and sing,

"M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E!!!!!!!!"

Catching up.......

2009-02-01T00:09:00.007-06:00

What a weekend we had!! Saturday, alone, was busy enough to make anyone exhausted!! It started out with Brayden leaving at 7:30a.m. to go to Beebe for Quiz Bowl. I couldn't go because we had other plans for the night that I needed to make sure I was home in time for. Michael had a first responders class for the fire department from 8-12. So, Kaylee & I went for a 'girls morning out,' and did a little shopping and had lunch.

Brayden called me a couple of times while he was gone, updating me on how their team was doing. They did GREAT! They won 4 out of 5 of their games!! They were excited, and we were proud!

After Kaylee & I got back home, Michael was getting ready to go to the church. We were supposed to be there by 4p.m. in order to get ready for our Senior Adult Appreciation Banquet. The youth sponsored this event, and served a meal & provided entertainment as a way of showing their appreciation to our "Senior Saints." The youth decided on the theme, "Cherish Your Treasures, and also what they wanted to include in the program. They did a WONDERFUL job ~ we are SO proud of them! I'm posting a video so you can see part of the program. This is a song from our 'Cross Sticks' ministry. The kids really enjoy this, and it's always so neat to watch after we've taught them a song. I LOVE seeing our kids participate in our services. They did part of their program in church on Sunday, so enjoy the videos I'm posting is from that day. (Oh, you can go to the bottom of the page to stop my Disney music from playing so you can hear the videos!!!)

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

They also sang a few songs. Brayden will officially be in the youth group this summer, so he participated in this too. He played the bongos on a song, and also sang a solo. I'll also post that too! I can't believe we have a child old enough to be in our youth group!! We've always called our youth kids 'our kids,' but never had our own child included in that group! He and Kaylee are both growing way too fast! If you'll look at the family picture that was taken Saturday night, you'll understand why I'm thinking that I'll end up being the shortest in our family one day!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

It's a busy week - I'm filling in in the nurse's office at the elementary school some this week, along with my other 3 days of working. We've got a dance competition and a basketball game this Saturday. Michael still has a few nights of his first responder's class. I'll work three days next week, and SOMETIME in all this busy-ness, we've got to pack for DISNEY WORLD! We're still counting down the days!

Enjoy some pictures of 'our kids!

Until next time....

We've got our Mickey ears on!!!

2009-01-27T12:19:00.001-06:00

Baby, It's Cold Outside!!

2009-01-15T11:12:00.008-06:00

I hope everyone is staying warm!! I'll tell ya, 24 degrees at noon is just TOO COLD for this girl! And it's expected to get down to 13 tonight??? I'm so thankful for our warm home & extra blankets!

We've gotten back into the groove of school and other activities after our Christmas break. Brayden has started basketball. They had their first game last Saturday here in town. They played really well. Unfortunately, they fell short by just 2 points! I was proud of Brayden, though -- he made 4 of the 15 points that were scored! He really enjoys football & basketball, and is having a great time with his practicing and games. His height is a plus for him, since he's the tallest 11 year old in town!

Kaylee's dance group finally got to perform their version of the Nutcracker this past week at dance. They had planned to do that for the parents the week before Christmas break, but they had to cancel practice because of the ice. They did a fantastic job. I had to go to Lonoke from work, so I didn't have my camera with me. I took a couple of pics with my phone -- not the best, but they are pictures, nonetheless!! They are getting geared up for a couple of dance competitions coming up. They got their costumes in this week, too. Kaylee is so excited!

We've also enjoyed the swimming pool at the community center lately. We go swim sometimes when we have some free time and after homework is done during the week! Kaylee's friend went with us last week.

Our family is also counting down the days to our trip to DISNEY WORLD! We all made a countdown calendar about a week ago. We only have 28 days left to go, and are super excited! !!We went in 2006 & 2007 with our wonderful friends, the Jones' and Oliger's, and had a BLAST! We have so many pictures and memories of those trips, and hated that we decided not to go last year. We couldn't let them go back in 2009 without us going too!! :o) So, we'll be heading out February 11th for a fun week with the Jones & Oliger families.....and we'll get to spend Valentine's Day with Mickey, Minnie, their friends and all the princes & princeses too!

Here's our countdown calendar!

Ya'll have a good weekend! Stay warm!

Until next time...

HaPpY nEw YeAr!!!!!

2009-01-01T11:40:00.004-06:00

Happy New Year, everyone!! We brought in 2009 at the church last night playing games and having fun! We even had fireworks at midnight! Click on the picture and check out our New Year's hats!!!!

A brand new year.......who's eating peas and cabbage today??! I've got mine cooking as we speak....ummm...as I type! :o) What else do you think of each time a new year comes around???

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS! Of course!

I recently read a quote that made me chuckle:

"A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other." Author Unknown.

How many January 1st's have we started out with the same resolutions? I think we all want to lose weight every year. We oughta all weigh nothing by now!! Or how many years have we said we're going to get bills paid off? We should all be debt free by now!! How about the resolution to spend more time with our family...or with God? We should all have flawless relationships with our families, and the closest relationship with God by now!!

But ya know, no matter how many times we've tried to start over, or make the same new year's resolution as we made in years past, it's never too late to REALLY start over now! Another thing I read recently:

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning.....but anyone can start TODAY and make a new ending."

We have the opportunity to start NOW for a better outcome in 2009. We had a great 2008 in our family, but I look forward to what 2009 brings as well. Maybe you didn't have such a great 2008. And who knows, some of us may experience some hard times in the future. Living life is like running a race. Yesterday, I took the kids out with me when I went running. I kept looking back to make sure Kaylee was still following behind me on her bike. I got a new little 'gadget' for Christmas that maps my runs and tells me how fast I'm running and how far I've gone. I know the times that were slower, were probably times I was looking back behind me.

There's no hope in the past, or looking behind. We can't anticipate or be optimistic about anything that happened in 2008. We can remember the past and be proud that we succeeded in something, and we can even regret things that may have happened in the past, but our hope is only found by going forward or looking ahead. So, we must 'forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead.' (Philippians 3:14) Yes, we have goals - we want to lose weight, or be debt free -- but don't be so focused on the future that we forget about today. Our journey is sometimes just as important as the outcome! What if we knew about Jesus' birth and death, but nothing of His life -- His journey. It was Jesus' life that made His birth, death, and resurrection so powerfully significant and gave it meaning.

"The past is history. The future is mystery. The now is a gift --- that's why they call it present." (John Sklare).

So as we forget what is behind-2008- and look forward to what lies ahead-2009-be sure to accept the gift of today - our journey of life.

Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 3:13b-14

From the Jimersons to you -- Happy New Year!

On New Year's Day and the whole year through,

I hope the kindness you've given to others returns many times to you.

May hope, love, and warmth be in your heart's possessing,

and may the New Year bring you and yours many blessings.

We love you all!!

Until next time.......

Kim

Making Memories....

2009-01-01T10:39:00.006-06:00

We had a wonderful Christmas this past year. Yes, I'm just now getting a chance to post pictures -- better late than never, though, right??!! We have enjoyed having the kids home the last two weeks. They've enjoyed being able to sleep a little later, and getting to enjoy their things they got for Christmas all day without having to do homework & their after school activities too. Surprisingly, Brayden told me a couple of days ago that he's ready to go back to school. Something to do with seeing all his friends; go figure!!!

Santa was good to the kids this year -- they must've been good all year long. I tend to agree. In my opinion, we really do have great kids! They both got everything they wanted. Brayden go a new cell phone, a Nintendo DS, a Tony Romo jersey & clothes from all those places he'd asked for clothes from. Kaylee got her chocolate & turquoise colored bedroom stuff complete with a feather lamp, a Nintendo DS, and clothes. All together from all of our Christmases with family, they each got more things than I care to list here!! Surely, the economy is not hurting after Christmas!! :o)

Michael & I had a great Christmas too & got lots of things we wanted. I also had a great birthday that day!

I'll hush now and post some pictures. I hope you all made lots of memories on this special holiday like we did.

Brayden reading the Christmas story from the Bible @ Gran & Grandaddy's.

Checking out what Santa brought.

Thanking each other for the gifts they gave.

Dad's checkin' out the kids DS games!

Merry Christmas!!!!

2008-12-23T23:14:00.004-06:00

Christmas day is just about here, and we'd like to take a minute to wish you each a very Merry Christmas! With all the hustle and bustle of the season, it can sometimes be easy to forget why we even celebrate. Don't leave Christ out of Christmas this year --- He IS the "reason for the season."

I just love Christmas!!! I love the sights, the sounds, the smells, the traditions, the memories.....I always love getting out the Christmas decorations and just sitting in the dark room with only the Christmas lights on. Ya know, many of you are part of our Christmas decor! One of my favorite things is to get out all the Christmas ornaments and remember who gave us which ones, and the memories they each hold -- we think of you every year when we decorate the tree! I also enjoy getting Christmas cards in the mail! Thanks to all of you who have thought of us, and sent us a card!

We're thankful for all of you, and hope that each person that reads this blog enjoys this week ~ the most wonderful time of the year!

So here's our 'Christmas card blog' for each of you, because you are in our hearts & minds this Christmas. Click the card above to enlarge it!

"SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS" anon

I have a list of people I know

All in my address book.

And every year at Christmastime

I go and take a look.

And that is when I realize

That those names are a part

Not of the book they're written in

But of my very heart.

For each name stands for someone

Who has crossed my path some time

And in that meeting they've become

A treasured friend of mine

And once you've met some people

The years can not erase

The memory of a pleasant word

Or a friendly face.

So when I send a Christmas card

That is addressed to you

It's because you're on that list

Of folk I'm indebted to.

And you are one of many folk who

In times past I've met

And happen to be one of those

I don't want to forget.

And whether I have known you for

Many years or few

In some way you have a part in

Shaping things I do

This, the spirit of Christmas, that

Forever and ever endures

May it leave its richest blessing

In the hearts of you and yours.

Merry Christmas!!!

Until next time...

NOW it looks more like Christmas!!

2008-12-08T20:34:00.009-06:00

Whew! What a weekend! We've packed nearly a month's worth of activities into the last 3 days!! Friday night & Saturday night, we had the Drive-Thru nativity at the church. It was beautiful, and we had a great time. There were lots of cars coming through both nights. But let's back up to Friday afternoon for just a bit. The kids and I went to the church around 3:30 just to see the nativity, and to see where we were going to set out the luminaries along the drive. Well, ya know a 'live' nativity isn't complete without 'live' animals, so there were 2 sheep in part of the scene. These sheep --- well, they were spooked when people got nearby. We were out there just talking to Grandaddy & Ralph, and the sheep weren't much interested in conversation. They squeezed themselves through one fence, and then hopped over another! And off they went!!!!!

At first we tried to walk towards them so we could happily lead them back to their pen, but they didn't cooperate too well. The next thing we knew, they had crossed the highway, ran out into the cotton fields across the street (which was nothing but mud), and gotten too far (and too fast) for anyone to get close!! When a couple of guys did get close, they ran, jumped the huge ditch, went back across the street into another field, in front of & then behind a house --- but at least they were on the same side of the street as the church again! After about 1 hour and 15 minutes of chasing them -- and I DO mean CHASING -- they were reluctantly put back where they belonged!! I couldn't do anything but laugh!! It was hilarious. I mean, these two sheep went into a neighborhood area in people's yards, etc. One of them was finally caught in someone's garage because he was too dumb to know how to get out!!! Sadly, I didn't have my camera with me, but I did try to take some pictures with my phone.

As if that weren't enough excitement, I got up to run in the Jingle Bell Run Saturday morning. Two girls from work, Tonya & Buffy, and I went to downtown Little Rock and ran a 5K as discussed in my last blog. We had a great time!! And yes, I ran the whole way!! :o) Michael drove us & took pictures throughout the run. He took pictures of us at the beginning, then drove to the State Capitol and took pictures of us there, then made it back to the finish line. I actually beat him to the finish line, so we didn't get those 'I MADE IT' pictures until a minute or so after I actually finished. It was a fun day, although my hip didn't appreciate it much the next day! We've already got plans to run again next year. I've told Michael he's got a year to get ready to run with me too!!!

On Sunday, the kids performed during Open House in downtown England. Their Piccadilly group performed "Santa, It's Melting!" Brayden was Santa & Kaylee was an elf. How cute they were! They did an awesome job too! They never cease to amaze me at how well they memorize their lines!

Our busy-ness didn't end on Sunday. I spent the day decorating the house -- it's finally beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here!! Michael & his friend worked on the lights outside. The kids put their ornaments on the tree after school, went to Piccadilly practice, then Brayden & I went to PTO (parent/teacher organization) at the school. The 6th grade band played for the first time. They were GREAT!!!! Remember back in August how I complained about the loud, 'honking' of the saxophone when Brayden played. Boy, has he come a long way! He plays several songs and can pick out just about anything when he tries!

While we were there, Michael & Kaylee went to the nursing home here in town. Our church had a Christmas party there for the residents. They had a fun time, and Kaylee sang 'Away In a Manger' for them all. I heard she did a fabulous job!

This has become a VERY long post, so I better go for now. Hope you are all enjoying the season!! With all the Christmas activities going on, I'm sure I'll be posting again soon!

I'll be sure to keep you posted.

Until then....

Much love from the Jimerson family

It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2008-12-01T15:40:00.012-06:00

Well, our blog been decorated for Christmas, our house will soon be 'transformed' into a Christmas wonderland as well! I love to decorate for Christmas! I just haven't had a chance to get started yet.

We had a very nice Thanksgiving week. Although I had to work on Thanksgiving day, we enjoyed the week with the kids out of school, and spending time with our family and friends. We had an addition to our family during Thanksgiving too!! Shanna, Michael's oldest sister, left Maddie Belle with us. She's a little yorkie, and we have all fallen in love with her. Michael ~who for several years has been known for saying "if it poops, eats or breathes, we can't have it"~ has even enjoyed having her around. He LOVES the fact that she likes to sit in his recliner and watch tv with him! She's such a little lap dog. The kids are thrilled to finally have a dog! Brayden likes to take her for walks, and Kaylee & I have enjoyed dressing her up with bows and Kaylee's Build-a-bear clothes!! THANKS SHANNA!

Look how cute she is!

On Dec. 1st, the kids participated in England's Christmas parade. We had a fun time, despite the fact that we froze to death!! I HATE COLD WEATHER! Their Piccadilly group dressed up for the parade - Brayden was the Grinch! Kaylee was an elf! Maddie Belle even dressed up and walked in the parade!! There's no grinches in this house -- We all love this time of year --- we'll soon be taking our yearly drives around to look at Christmas lights in Little Rock! I'm sure this year will include stopping at Starbucks for a nice, warm drink. We've been there quite often since we've had cold weather. Even Brayden & Kaylee love going to Starbucks!

As usual, we have a busy month planned. Lots of Christmas parties & programs. This weekend, we are having a drive-thru nativity at the church. We're looking forward to that, and once again, will probably freeze!!! Did I mention that I HATE being cold???!!! And speaking of being cold, I'm planning on RUNNING outside Saturday morning! A few months ago, a friend & I got this crazy idea to start running. We had decided we'd run a 5K at the end of the running program we'd started. Well, guess what??? We made it to the end, and so we'll be running with some other friends from work in the Jingle Bell Run this Saturday in Little Rock!! It's an event that raises money for the arthritis foundation. Here's a shameless fundraising effort --- if you'd like to sponsor me or our group, you can do so by going to http://jinglebellrunlittlerock.kintera.org/elegantelves and then click on my name or 'general team donation.' All proceeds go to the Arthritis Foundation in their efforts to prevent, control and cure arthritis.

If you'd like to be waiting for us at the finish line with oxygen, your kindness would be appreciated!!! Right, Tonya??!! haha!!

We hope you're all enjoying the holiday season. With all the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, and the busy-ness of the season, it's easy to get too busy to remember the REAL reason we celebrate! We celebrate because of Jesus' birth. HE is the reason for the season. And what more reason do we need to spend a season of giving to others, being with others, making memories with others, and remembering the One who came to save the world and allow us the opportunity to do all those things we love at such a special time of the year! And with that run-on sentence, I'll end this little post! Stay tuned to this webpage for more pictures throughout the month. Keep in touch, and have a 'holly, jolly Christmas!!'

Until next time....

Kim

Almost Turkey Time...

2008-11-11T11:11:00.006-06:00

Well it's been almost a month since I've updated the blog, so I thought I'd better do that now! Alot has happened in the last month -- just to name a few: we've finished the football & cheerleading season, had a Harvest Festival & Hereafter House at the church, been to the eye doctor, hauled beans, been sick, and had 15 days of vacation!

This year's football/cheer season was fun! The team Kaylee cheers for went undefeated -- those little 3rd & 4th graders can plan some ball!! Brayden's team did well, too, but it took them a while to get in the groove of winning. They won several & did a great job. Here's a picture from one of their big wins -- with only 12 teamates showing up! They were worn out after this game!

Our Harvest Fest went over well at the church! They had tons of games & food, and loads of fun. Kaylee was actually the only one who enjoyed that fun -- the rest of our family was a part of the Hereafter House. I can't even begin to describe it - It was just awesome. There was around 280 people who went through it. I think about 10 or 11 were saved because God used the story-line we had, and moved in their hearts. Several re-dedicated their life to Him as well. I'm very proud of Brayden. He had to play the difficult part of a school boy who shot some classmates and then himself. He was in the 'hell' scene and did an awesome job with his lines, and acting the part.

Michael took the kids to the eye doctor while I was at work one day in the past month. Poor Brayden has my 'bad' eyes. His eye sight had changed quite a bit since last year, so he got new contacts & glasses. Kaylee's appointment went well. One of her eyes is perfect; the other is just a little blurry. So the doctor gave her some glasses. Michael called me at work and told me they had ordered Kaylee a pair of glasses. I could only imagine what they had picked out!!! I was pleased, though. Here is a picture of her in her cute, new glasses.

Michael has been helping drive the trucks to haul beans & rice to the dryer and Riceland the past several weeks. I think they've finished up on that now, but he's had a good time helping Ralph out with his farming this summer. And I think they're starting work on something else now!

At the end of my 15 day vacation from work, both Brayden & Kaylee spent some days home from school with me!! They weren't playing 'hookie,' they were sick. Kaylee had the lovely stomach virus, and Brayden, well, he's just been sick! He had fever for a few days, got well, got it again, and ended up having to go to the E.R. early one morning last week. I don't get overly excited about much when someone is sick, but Brayden had me worried that morning!! His body was shaking terribly, he was breathing 40-50 times a minute, he got really clammy & pale, and his lips were turning blue. So yes, we loaded up and headed to the E.R. Of course, by the time we were on our way, he had quit all that, but they still did several tests and decided he just had some sort of severe viral infection with a "flu-like virus" and bronchitis. Both kids are MUCH better now, but I seem to have caught some of Brayden's 'germs!'

Although it ended with a busy few days, I did have a nice break from work. I got most of my Christmas shopping done, and Michael & I rearranged and cleaned out our bedroom, and got other things done around the house. We are getting ready for Thanksgiving now. The kids are out of school all week next week. I'll have to work on Tuesday, Thursday (turkey day) and Saturday, but we're still excited to see some family and enjoy the week. We have SO much to be thankful for. Speaking of being thankful, we are thankful for all of you ~ our family & friends ~ and are so very blessed to have you in our lives.

Enjoy the week & have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!

Until next time......

A hike worth telling about....

2008-10-14T13:05:00.010-05:00

Last Friday, the kids were out of school, so we took a trip to Petit Jean Mountain. I had seen pictures of a beautiful waterfall before, and I wanted to see it in person. We'd climbed Pinnacle Mountain before, so we thought we'd hike Petit Jean too. You have to hike a mile down to the waterfall -- only the first 1/2 mile is climbing down a rock trail that goes down over 200 feet! Wasn't so bad....and what a beautiful site when we get to the end of the next 1/2 mile!! As you can see in the pictures, the scenery is just beautiful. What you can't see in the pictures is that we're pretty tired and very sweaty!! Michael had carried a backpack full of brown shoes for each of us to change into for our photos. If we were going to take fall pictures, I wanted everyone wearing brown shoes -- not ugly ol' tennis shoes!!! We never worried about SHOES once we got down there!! Who cares if there's tennis shoes in the pictures -- it was too hot and too much trouble to have our shoes match our outfits!! He also carried the tripod in the backpack, along with a brush, hairspray & a bag with my powder and lipstick in it. We ONLY used the tripod!! I had worn a camal pack - backpack down, so don't feel too sorry for Michael! (Although those shoes DID weigh more than the 1/2 gallon of water on my back!)

We stayed down at "Cedar Falls" for a while taking pictures, climbing over the rocks & water and having fun for a while. After a little snack, we started hiking back to the top. This is when I wanted everyone to drink ALL the water out of my pack so I wouldn't have to carry that weight on my back!! :o) The first 1/2 mile wasn't so bad. But, remember that 200 foot drop that we hiked down the first 1/2 mile of the trail? We were having to climb back up that trail this time! We took a couple of little breaks on the way and we finally made it to the top. Good thing we'd already taken pictures, because we were drenched in sweat at this point!

Even though that last 1/2 mile of the hike was harder than the first 1/2 mile, we had a great time and were thrilled to have gotten to be at the bottom of such a beautiful waterfall. These pictures will have to do for now (and I like them just as well), but maybe later on in the season we can take more fall pictures --- we'll make sure to wear our brown shoes too!!

On a different note, I've gotten SO many emails the last couple of weeks about McCain/Obama...Obama/McCain...... I am more than ready for this election to be over with!! While I do pray that the RIGHT man will be chosen, and have my own prefernce/opinion, I got an email this morning that pretty much sums it all up -- NO MATTER who gets voted in as President.

Top 10 Assurances No Matter Who Wins the Election
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.

2. Prayer will still work.

3. The Holy Spirit will still move.

4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.

5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.

6. There will still be singing of praise to God.

7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

8. There will still be room at the Cross.

9. Jesus will still love you.

10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.
...................and God approves this message!

Isn't it great to know Who is really in charge???

Enjoy the pictures!

Until next time.....

Brayden's photography at an overlook after the hike.

A beautiful sunset at the end of a fun-filled day!

Happy Fall, Ya'll!!

2008-09-23T09:35:00.004-05:00

I love this time of the year! Hope you are enjoying the cooler weather as much as I am. I love opening the windows in the mornings and letting the cool air fill the house, along with the smell of my pumpkin scented candle! I'd probably say that this is my favorite season of the year -- but don't hold that to me in a few months when I say spring is my favorite season! I took this picture of Brayden before he went to school this morning. He is running for 6th grade student council, and had to make a 'campaign sign' to hang up in the hall way. He had a good time putting his handprints on his sign. He said, "This is what I did when I was 5!!!" Hard to believe that was only 6 short years ago!

Speaking of Brayden....... Michael & I were downloading some pictures the other day from my camera and heard Brayden playing his recorder in the background. Starting in 3rd grade at England Elementary, the kids learn to play recorders in music. He was playing "Amazing Grace," and while working at the computer I was thinking to myself 'he's really learned to play that song well & it's definately a nice relief from the loud tone of the saxophone!'

Then we looked up.
He was playing the recorder with his NOSE!!!!!!!!
Michael & I both just fell out laughing! What else could we do??!!
Our son ~ the talented nose playing recorder kid!

Everything is going well around here. In case you were wondering, we DID make it to Michael's newly scheduled appointment last week. All of his scans and blood work looks great! Some of the doctors/pharmacists we saw could not believe how well Michael has done, and how quickly he was able to quit taking some of his medications. We are blessed!

Kaylee is still loving her cheering, dancing & acting. She learned 2 new cheers last night at practice, and was bright eyed & bushy tailed this morning cheering before school. She kicked her leg up after one of the cheers, so I did the same. I'm pretty sure she didn't think I could do that, but I proved her wrong! :o)

Enjoy the day!
Happy Fall, Ya'll!!!

September 9, 2007

2008-09-08T18:48:00.012-05:00

APPOINTMENT REPORT: Well, I'd love to report good news in this update, but Michael seemed to have missed his appointment which was scheduled for ---- YESTERDAY! Somehow, the doctor's office said he was scheduled for the 8th, but we both understood that his appointment would be on the 9th. SO, I'll have to post an update again next Monday after his newly scheduled appointment. So no, I don't have 'good news,' but I don't have 'bad news' either.......we're just OVER booked & can't keep up with our schedules apparently!!! :o) Thanks for all the emails you've sent Michael. Believe it or not, he has NOT looked at this blog yet, and asked me at lunch if I told everyone to email him! How could he think **I** was in on that???!!!
Talk to ya next Monday! Kimjim

Wow! I can't believe it's been a year since Michael had his liver transplant! This is what we came home to after Michael had his surgery last year. It just seems unreal ~ I guess time really does fly when you're havin' fun! Tuesday will be the one year anniversary of Michael getting his 'new' liver ~ without cancerous tumors! We are truly amazed at how well he has done, and are especially thankful that he has been completely healthy throughout the past year. He's been able decrease his medications and is now only taking 4 pills in the morning & 4 pills at night.

Monday, I made this cake to celebrate his 1 year anniversary of his transplant. In case you didn't know, that pink thing on the left is a LIVER! So i'm not an artist, and writing with icing on a cake is DEFINATELY not my forte', but hey, who cares! When I picked the kids up from school, I told them that I was making a cake with a liver on it for Daddy. They thought I'd lost my mind and was putting livers, as in chicken livers, on it! They're so funny.

Michael has an appointment with his transplant doctor Tuesday morning, so if you'll check back later, I'll be sure to put an update on here.

Ya know, I started this blog thing about a year ago for the purpose of keeping everyone updated on Michael's surgery and progress. Who knew I'd still be writing & posting pictures a year later. God has greatly blessed us and we can't help but share with you all our joys....and even share with you, the harder times like liver transplants and such!

One of my favorite verses over this last year has been Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Even though we have to journey through things we've never thought we could possibly make it through, God knows what plans He has for us. Thankfully, for all of us, God's plans for us are for good, to give us a future and hope, and He guides us through whatever is thrown our way. No matter whether we lose someone close to us, lose everything we have, get sick, lose our job, have unpaid bills up to our eyeballs, feel like your world is crashing in, or if you 'just' need a liver transplant -- no matter what is happening in our lives or what is going to happen, we can know that God has a future for us. And that future that God has planned is a future of hope and prosperity!

Thanks, once again, to all of you who have prayed for Michael and our family over this past year. You'll never ever know how much it means to us, knowing that so many people care & have prayed for us. We know without a doubt that it was your prayers that helped us through. Just think of it like this ~ you've had a part in one of God's miracles! :o)
9-08-08

Don't tell him I said so (like he's not going to read this!), but let's send him lots of emails on his 1 year 'anniversary.' I love getting so many responses after I've posted a new blog. I know he'd love it too. Send him a note if you get a chance to mjim@centurytel.net

Until next time....
Happy 1 year post transplant, Mjim! We love you ~ Kim, Brayden & Kaylee

Go Lions Go!

2008-09-02T21:48:00.007-05:00

School is in full swing, and going great so far. We've switched gears from the busy summer schedule to our busy fall schedule which includes (but is in no way limited to) church, school, football practice, cheerleading practice, football games, dance and drama/theater practice.

A couple of weekends ago, we had "Family Night" at the high school football field. This is when all the football players and cheerleaders from 2nd thru 12th grade are introduced each year. It's always neat to see a field full of kids in their purple & gold uniforms all excited about the upcoming football season! Of course, we have our own 'little' football player & cheerleader rooting for the Lions. They've had a great time at the practices & games so far. Brayden's actually the biggest guy on their team & Kaylee is a walking cheerleader. She's ALWAYS cheering. I think our whole family knows the words to EVERY cheer ever made! Between her cheering and Brayden's saxophone practice, our home can be quite noisy!

Speaking of noisy.........Have you EVER heard a beginning saxophone player????????!!!!!!! It sounds like an 18-wheeler honking through our house sometimes! :o) Surely, ***I*** never sounded like that when I first learned 20 years ago! (No comments, Mom!) We've all 'practiced' our talents on the saxophone lately, and Michael is always asking me how I can make it sound so "smooth & connected" and Brayden's sounds so choppy and....ummm.....like a honking 18-wheeler going through the house! Maybe that's why the band director wants them to practice so much??? Just a thought.....

I just wanted to share some pictures of our lil' Lions.

Stay dry --- Gustav may have us all traveling by boat soon!

Have a great week ----

Until next time...

Kim

It's Back to School time!

2008-08-18T10:26:00.023-05:00

Three years ago in 2005, I took this picture. Kaylee started Kindergarten that year, and Brayden was starting the 3rd grade. I've taken a picture similar to this each year since then........................look how they've changed!!

2006

2007

And here they are in 2008!

Brayden started his first day of 6th grade and Kaylee started 3rd grade today. I had requested off work today so that I could get them off to school on their first day, but I have to admit, it was too quiet around the house this morning!! The first day of school is always bittersweet. The kids are so excited and ready to start, so you can't help but be excited with them. But then, on the other hand, you can almost see that your kids are growing SOOO fast right before your very eyes!! Somehow I seem to get teary-eyed EVERY year on the first day of school! Today was no exception, as I sat in my car and prayed for the kids this morning before I left to come back home! And although it was a nice change to have a little bit of quietness and to have the house straightened up all day without having the kids here to leave all their stuff laying around, I was more than ready to go pick them up this afternoon at 3p.m.!!

They've already done homework, I've signed tons of paperwork, and now they're reading for a little bit. Both Brayden & Kaylee enjoyed their first day of school, and got in the car bubbling with information about their day. We think they are going to have a great year - they got good teachers and a good class of kids. Funny how they both ended up in a class with ALL their friends!!!

God has blessed us with great kids if I do say so myself! We're a very busy family, but we are thankful that we have this opportunity, and enjoy every minute that we get to raise our children. Who ever knew that being a parent meant being a cheerleader, coach, taxi driver, homework helper, teacher, and oh, so much more! Yes, indeed, we feel very blessed!!

There will be lots to 'blog' about throughout the upcoming months so be sure to check back often! The kids are finished reading -- they've decided to wrestle and giggle in the living room floor now! I better go referee...another part of my job description!!! :o) I'm sure you can hear Kaylee squealing, "Mooooooooooooooooommmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!! HELP MEEEEE!!!!" in the mix of her giggling!

Hope you enjoy seeing our kids growing up as much as we do.........

We're off to football practice!

Until next time......

Spider-Mom?? Not quite.......but......

2008-08-13T13:18:00.007-05:00

Well, I'm sorry to say (not really!) that I don't have any gross pictures of my arm rotting from the brown recluse bite I got. Other than some pain, swelling of my arm, and severe itching all over my body for about a week, all i have to show for getting bit was a little knot under where he bit me. Apparently, I didn't get very much venom from the spider before he was squished under my arm.

I do, however, how a little picture of Kaylee's face! She....ummm.....had a little problem with the street in front of our house. Somehow her head met the pavement, instead of the wheels of her bicycle the other night!!! Yes, she had a bicycle wreck and scraped her face, shoulder and hands. It's healing up, but it does look like she'll be starting school with scatches and scrapes all over her face.

It hasn't slowed her down any! She and Brayden have both become bike riding kids this summer!

We have Open House at the school tomorrow night. The kids can hardly wait to find out who their home room teacher will be this year (and what friends are in their class!!)

Football & cheerleading practices have started, and it's starting to seem a little like school time. I'll post more pictures next week once school is underway!

Until then.........

It's hot outside, Gertrude!

2008-08-03T15:14:00.008-05:00

Holy cow!! We were in Hot Springs for a little while yesterday --- look at the outside temperature reading from my car!

107??? It is HOT out there! Hope everyone is staying cool ~ and praying for rain! We desparately need it here. The cotton field across the street (and all around England) is thirsty!!

We signed the kids up for their fall activities yesterday as well. Brayden starts football practice this Thursday night. He'll be #94 again this year, and can't wait! Kaylee is signed up to cheer for the 2nd thru 4th grades football team. She'll probably cheer for her brother's team too. She can't wait for that either! She's already been dancing again. They had a dance 'boot camp' this past week, and she auditioned for the Superstars competition team. She was thrilled to get an email from Mrs. Lana the other day stating that she'd been selected as a Superstar dancer for this year!! They'll have their first competition in February.

Michael was officially freaked out the other night! I got bit by a brown recluse! OUCH! Yes, that hurts! He wanted to take me to the ER at 10:30 Thursday night, but I KNEW I'd be there forever, and had to work at 6:30 the next morning, so I wouldn't go. I did let the doctor's look at it on Friday morning, and they prescribed some antibiotics --- well, an hour after my first dose, I broke out in a rash all over my body! So, I'm not taking antibiotics at this time (some dr's said I didn't need to), but will probably have to eventually. In case you haven't heard the stories I've heard the last few days, a brown recluse bite kills the tissue & skin around the bite. Many have to have the necrotic (dead) stuff cut out. I'm hoping & praying mine doesn't get that bad! Anyway -- I was cracking up because he was so worried! I told him I'd been through him having a liver transplant ~ I think I can make it through a spider bite! :o) My arm, however, is still constantly in a lot of pain & I itch all over, and we noticed a small black spot starting to form this morning. If I get a nice looking hole in my arm, I'll be sure to keep you updated with pictures!! :o)

Did I mention that I hate spiders????

I should go for now. I'll post our "first day of school" pictures in two weeks! Brayden's already dreading having to wear the same color shirt as his sister, just so Mom can get her annual 1st day of school picture!

Below, you'll find some pictures of us on the pedestrian bridge from last week when we went to the River Market in Little Rock. Notice how Brayden is catching up with his dad's height now!

Have a great week!
Until next time........
Kim

Good weather all week + A ton of fun = Great Vacation!

2008-07-25T10:03:00.007-05:00

We recently came home from a great week of camping at Lake Ouachita. We couldn't have asked for a better week! The weather was perfect, the water was perfect, (the A/C in the camper at night was perfect), and we enjoyed hanging out at the campsite, tubing, swimming & skiing in the lake, grilling, and spending time together all week. The kids would stay on "Big Bertha" or "the Screamer" all day long if we'd let them! (See pictures below!) We also enjoyed our 'company' who came up to spend a day throughout the week -- The Jobe's, the Erickson's, Gran & Grandaddy, my sister's family & my mom and friends.

In a previous post, I believe I'd said we were going to the beach this week. Those plans were altered a bit. With $1000 per gallon gas prices, we decided to save that $$ and go somewhere close by instead. So we cancelled our condo reservations and loaded up the camper. Looks like that was a great decision, since there seems to be lots of rain at the beach this week! Okay, so gas isn't quite $1000 a gallon, but give me credit on the raining all week! Who wants to spend a week at the beach with DOLLY the hurricane hanging too close for comfort??!

Before we left, Michael got a call from his transplant coordinator. They had looked at his most recent lab work and decided it's time to decrease his anti-rejection medicines again! What great news!!! When he came home after his transplant almost 11 months ago, he was taking 21 pills in the morning and 18 at night............well, now he's down to only 4 pills in the morning, and 4 at night!! Amazing, isn't it???

WHEW!!!!! We've hit the end of our busy summer schedule and are now gearing up for the next page of our busy-ness! It's almost SCHOOL TIME!!!!!!!!!

I took the kids school shopping yesterday. Even Brayden & Kaylee are starting to get ready for school to start!! They can't wait to find out who their teachers will be (ya know that's 'top secret' here in England!! haha!), but most of all they are ready to see all their friends every day of the week! I can't believe they'll be in 6th & 3rd grade! That just doesn't seem possible. The beginning of school also means the beginning of a new sports season. Bjim can't wait for football to start! Kaylee's getting ready for dance to start up again. And they were both talking yesterday about how they can't wait for Piccadilly (drama/theater) to start again. We're always busy, but as long as they enjoy their activities(and do their part at home & school too), I don't mind being their taxi! Actually, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I better wrap this post up before it gets any longer! A fun-filled summer, a great vacation, decreasing meds, and 2 kiddos full of fun --- how could we ask for more?! We are so blessed!

Enjoy the last part of your summer! Don't get too hot!!! I think we're heading to Magic Springs tomorrow for another day of fun.

We'd love to hear from you....................

Until next time............Kim

Too many pictures ~ too little space!!

What Would YOU Do?????

2008-06-27T10:23:00.012-05:00

What would YOU do 9 months after having a liver transplant??? Go water skiing -- what else??!!! We met Stacey and her family (that's Michael's youngest sister, for those who don't know) at the lake a couple of weekends ago and spent the day there. We skied and rode the tube & swam and had a blast all day long.
I guess the saying 'Ya can't keep a good man down' is true --- Needless to say, a "little" surgery hasn't stopped him from doing what he wants to do.

Well, we've hit the busy spot of summer! Last week we went to church camp, this week we've had VBS, and next week we're taking the youth to a youth conference (SOAR) in San Antonio!! It's always the highlight of the summer for the youth, so we're looking forward to it. We'll leave on Tuesday on a chartered bus with another church group from Little Rock, go to Sea World on Wednesday, then have the conference Thursday thru Saturday. I get to, I mean I HAVE to, miss the 10 hour bus trip down there because I have to work Tuesday. I'm flying out after I get off work and will meet them in San Antonio just a few hours after they arrive! Gotta love the friendly skies!!!

Keep us all in your prayers.
I better go. I'm posting some pictures from the lake. Enjoy.........

Hope you're all enjoying your summer! We definately are!
Until next time........
Kim

Brayden back in the boat after tubing & Kim taking pictures before tubing....

Kaylee and Aspen after tubing & Jackson, Jordan, Aspen, Kaylee & Brayden after a long day at the lake!

Three months later...........

2008-06-03T17:57:00.010-05:00

It's been a while since I've updated this page! Wow ~ The last thing I put on here was about it snowing! We're far from snow today - it's about 93 degrees today! We've enlarged a pond, gone to Space Camp, had Easter, Spring Break, dance recitals, baseball games, Mother's Day, theater performances, church activities, birthday parties, last days of school and sunburns since the last news of snow. Whew!

Sorry for not updating sooner.
We're officially in the busy season of summer! We've got church camp, Vacation Bible School, SOAR (youth conference in San Antonio), and a trip to Gulf Shores all planned out for the next 8 weeks! That's not including our work schedules and other little things here or there that one of us is involved in!! :o) But..........we wouldn't have it any other way!

The kids are a year older since my last blog. (Oh and Michael is a year older too!) Brayden turned 11 on April 17th, and Kaylee turned 8 on May 10th. They're growing up WAY too fast for me! I wasn't expecting my 11 year old to be taller than me already!! And I don't mean just the same height ~ he's TALLER than me!! In the picture to the side, we're about the same, but just since Easter he's grown taller! Kaylee's hit a growth spurt too -- her little skinny legs have gotten so long! Her hair, on the other hand, has gotten shorter! Whoever said kids grow out of cutting their own hair was wrong! She cut part of her bangs and ONE side of the back.....THEN, before I saw what she'd done, she asked if she could get her hair cut! ha! Well, she got it cut! Not too short, but she did get about 6 inches off the back!

I'm sure I've written about them being in a theater group here in town before. Well, the Piccadilly Little Theatre performed this past weekend. They did an AWESOME job with the production "The Three Little Pigs Out West"!! I'll be sure to post some pictures --- Brayden was thrilled to be voted "Actor of the Year!" He was 'Baby Bear' and Kaylee was the cutest chicken you've ever seen!!!

I've got tons of pictures to sort through, so I'll keep the writing short. I'm sure you'd rather see the kids than read what I have to say! Everything is going well for all of us. We officially have a 3rd grader and a 6th grader in the house now. We've all enjoyed swimming in the pool the kids got for their birthdays when we get a chance to swim. I'm lovin' the sunny weather! And although we'll be quite busy the next couple of months, we're looking forward to all of our trips, etc. Afterall, we wouldn't know what to do if we weren't on the go all the time!!!!!!

Enjoy the warm weather ----- and enjoy the pictures!
Until next time.....

Kim

Birthday Bash!

Mother's Day @ the Old Mill

Baby Bear & ChickenMore Piccadilly Little Theatre pictures!

Snow Much Fun!!

2008-03-07T17:52:00.011-06:00

The kids were a little upset when they woke up this morning and there was no snow. We just knew we'd wake up and there'd be snow all on the ground. But, they had to go to school afterall.

Well, it finally started snowing here in England this morning around 9:30 or so. Guess what? It's 6:30p.m. and STILL snowing, and doesn't look like it's going to stop anytime soon!! We've been out in the snow all afternoon. The kids got out of school at 1:00. We picked them up a little earlier than that, though. They (we) couldn't wait to play!!! We played until we were frozen, came in and ate muffins and drank hot chocolate, then went back out for round two!!

That is when we built our snow-babe! We had a man's hat on 'him' at first, but after a trip to the shed looking for arms, I spotted my box of hawaiian party decorations, so our snowMAN was transformed into a hula girl! We all pitched in and had a great time. Now we're all back inside thawing out again!!

Enjoy the pretty white stuff if you have some too --- stay warm, and stay safe.

Until next time....

Kim

Mom's way behind!

2008-02-04T18:39:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I'm falling down on my job! I just got a card out of my camera and realized several things have happened since I last updated my page! We've danced, played basketball, gotten braces, danced and played basketball some more! And I have pictures to share!!! Don't you just love this picture of Brayden?! He was about to get his braces put on. Shhh...don't tell him I showed everyone this picture!

Can you believe this weather? It's 75 degrees on February 4th!!!! I walked outside for a little while this morning, and enjoyed not freezing my bottom off...but I won't hold my breath! I know it'll be back in the 40's by Wednesday! I'm ready for warm, sunny weather (that stays that way for more than a day or two) so we can go to the lake and spend all day outside!!

Well, I'll quit rambling and post the pictures now. Some are from one of Brayden's basketball games, some from Kaylee's dance competition last weekend, and then some of Brayden's brace face! :o)

Have a wonderful week!
Don't forget to vote on Tuesday!!!!!!

Until next time........

Kim

Look at that hair!

How could I forget our "Star of the Week?" Michael and I spent a little bit of an afternoon in Kaylee's classroom a couple of weeks ago because she was the "Star of the Week." Michael played the guitar and we all sang songs, then we played a few games of BINGO. I *THINK* the kids had a good time --- so did Mom & Dad! Here is a picture of the group singing with Michael, and also a picture of the poster that was hung outside the room with her picture, a note from me, a little info about Kaylee, and notes from all of her classmates.

You are what you eat!

2008-01-17T14:32:00.000-06:00

How many times have we said, "You've eaten too much candy! You're gonna turn into a piece of candy!!" Well, guess what happened????!!!!! Brayden and Kaylee turned into candy!

Their drama group from the Picadilly Theater here in town, did a little program for some preschoolers the other day. Brayden was a tootsie roll and Kaylee was a blue M&M! Just wanted to share some pictures!

Everything is going well here. We're staying busy with basketball games, dance and drama. Michael is helping coach Brayden's basketball team this year. Their game last week was forfeited because the other team couldn't make it, but I'll be sure to post some b-ball pictures soon! Kaylee is dancing this Friday night at a basketball game in Little Rock. She tried her costume on yesterday. It's red sequins with feathers at the bottom ~ you should've seen the way she moved when she got it on! ha! She's a hoot!!!

Brayden is getting braces next week too, so I should have lots of pictures to update you with in a few days. He is so excited, he wanted to get them put on the day after we found out he was going to get them! I'm sure once he gets them on, though, he may change his mind about being excited about them!! He's most excited about getting to choose the colors of the bands they put on them ~ I think he's already planned for blue and white bands first -- he's a big Indianapolis Colts fan!

B-U-S-Y!! Did I mention we're staying busy??!!!

Well, I guess that's about it for now. Enjoy the pictures, and have a great weekend!

Until next time.....

~~HaPpY nEw YeAr~~

2008-01-02T09:32:00.001-06:00

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas last week, and hope that 2008 is filled with many great things for everyone! We had a great Christmas! I had to work Christmas eve, but we had Christmas together and a few days after that. We went to Magnolia Christmas night and came back the next day. Michael and the kids went to Texas for a few days, while I stayed home and worked a couple. I ended up getting sick and not having a voice a couple of days after Christmas (I STILL don't have my voice back all the way, much to Michael's pleasure!) Then this week, we've been home. I took the Christmas stuff down yesterday during that MISSOURI game -- I think the Razorbacks forgot to show up at the Cotton Bowl!!!! But anyway - we've had a wonderful holiday.

As I look back at 2007, I can't believe how fast the year went, but I also can't believe how much happened in that year ~ from me starting a new career as a RN to Michael getting a new liver!!!! Wow! How could you ask for more!! :o) Ya know, those two things alone are proof to us that LIFE, itself, is a miracle!!! I can't count how many newborn deliveries I have been to this past year, but each birth still amazes me. I get to see a glimpse of God's miracles every day that I work!! And now Michael has had someone else's liver working perfectly inside him for almost 4 months! Amazing how that can happen too!! We take so many of His everyday miracles for granted. I hope we can all slow down and take time to see God's hand in our lives each day this year. And always remember "Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow." James 1:17, NLT

On a lighter note....

Can you believe I DID NOT eat black eyed peas and cabbage yesterday??!!! The whole 'good luck and money' thing has never worked for us anyway, so maybe not eating the traditional New Year's meal won't be too hard on us!!! haha!! I actually had bought the peas and cabbage and planned on eating it, but we went out for dinner instead. Oh well.......maybe I'll fix that for today!

I guess I should wrap this up before it turns into a novel!

We get back into the swing of things this weekend. The kids start back to school on Friday and Brayden has his first basketball game Saturday. We're also excited about a new family moving to England this weekend. A friend that I knew growing up in Magnolia is moving here with her husband and 3 kids. Small world, huh?!!! We're thrilled that they are coming! Who'd have ever thought our families would end up fighting England mosquitoes together this summer!!! :o)

Happy New Year, everyone!!!

Keep in touch, and I'll do the same.

Until next time........

Kim

Fayetteville = Football, Fun & Fall

2007-11-13T19:12:00.001-06:00

Well, it's about time I update this blog! We spent the first weekend in November in Fayetteville. The kids were out of school on Thursday and Friday, so we surprised them with tickets to the Razorbacks vs. South Carolina game! I'm sure you saw me on tv -- I was the one in the lower deck wearing red!! Did you see me????!!!!! What a game to go to!! This was the kids (and my) first Razorback game, and I have to say we picked a great one! Would you believe we were even on the 'big screen' at the game!?! It was before the game started, but it was pretty funny -- you'll have to look at the picture below to see us -- guess what I was doing??? TAKING PICTURES! ha! Who would've thought?!!

We had a great time and the fall colors were gorgeous that weekend in Fayetteville. We went one morning to Devil's Den State Park and took some family pictures - I'm very proud of the way they turned out! Who cares if we looked like idiots with a tripod taking pictures of ourselves!!!! :o) I'll post some of those pictures as well.

Michael's transplant coordinator called last week and said that his blood work looks AWESOME. She said it looks SO awesome that they wanted him to lower his dose of anti-rejection meds. So instead of 7 mg, he is taking 5 mg now. He didn't complain a bit about getting to take LESS medicine!! So far so good on the lower dose....

Well, I'm finally working the day shift now....WHOO HOO! I love it!!! It's so nice to sleep at NIGHT instead of during the day!! :o) The kids are doing great too. The Tuesday before we had planned to go to Fayetteville, the school nurse called me and said Brayden had a sore throat and was coughing. I just went and picked him up and took him to the doctor to have a flu test. If he was getting the flu, I wanted to be on top of things and get some meds quick. That's all we need is a house full of sick people when Michael's immune system is low!! That test showed POSITIVE within minutes! So we were all on Tami-flu for a while. Michael had already had a flu shot. Brayden's flu was like none I've ever had!! He and I spent the day in Little Rock on Wednesday. He never once felt bad after that sore throat and a few coughs on Tuesday morning! Maybe his 'flu' wasn't a bad case because you would've never known he had the flu!

We are looking forward to going to Prescott Thursday night for an anniversary service at Central Baptist Church. It will be fun to see everyone again! I can't believe it's been over 3 years since we moved from there!

I guess I should go. The kids are at drama practice and Michael went to a fire meeting. I got off work early today because we were over-staffed, so I'm going to get some things done around the house.

Enjoy the pictures and keep in touch!!!

Kim

Some friends of ours went to the game too, so we found them and took pictures of the kids with the mascots. Brayden got his picture made by D-mac's car! It's taller than he is!

A night of fun times...

2007-10-31T21:48:00.000-05:00

Tonight we had a harvest festival at the church, filled with hot dogs, games, candy, cupcakes, costumes and lots of fun! We brought home so many cupcakes, I'm not sure what we'll do with them! I think Kaylee won a whole tray of them in the cupcake walk!

I thought I would post some pictures from tonight. Brayden dressed up as a clown. They had a party with their drama group the other night. He dressed up as a pig in a blanket that night -- he wore a hog nose, and was wrapped in a blanket. How easy can you get??!! But he won the most 'creative costume' award! Tonight, he just decided to be a clown. How fitting! Kaylee was appropriately dressed as a DRAMA QUEEN! What more can I say??!!! The title fit her perfectly! I dressed up as the Cat in the Hat, and two of my friends were "Thing 1" and "Thing 2!" Michael - well, he said he dressed up as Michael Jimerson, the liver transplant patient. I did, however, get a picture of him in someone's clown wig!

Back to winning awards -- Kaylee's class at school had a couple of weeks to do a project on famous Arkansans. They all drew a name a few weeks ago and that's who they were to do a project on. Kaylee drew Bill Clinton's name. Joy joy! :o) But, I guess it was an easy project to do. We went to Hot Springs and got some pictures one weekend, and went to the Clinton Library in Little Rock last weekend. She presented her project today, and won GRAND PRIZE in her class! Whoo hoo!

I guess I'll call it quits for now. Did I mention I've got NINE days off from work??!! Wow! I'm not sure what to do, although Brayden has been with me the last two days. He came home from school yesterday morning and after I took him up to the doctor's office, we found out he has the flu. His test was positive within minutes! There are several in his class with the flu, but he doesn't act (or feel) a bit sick! (You can see in his clown picture that he doesn't look like he's got the flu!!)

Hope you all have a great weekend. We're heading to Fayetteville in the morning for a few days! I'll write again soon........

B-dog the clown

Kaylee's sash tells all - DRAMA QUEEN!

Thing 1 (Beverly), Cat in the Hat (me), Thing 2 (Patricia)

I think Gran is missing some teeth!!!

Debra the clown!!!!!!!!!!
Michael stole Debra's wig!

Look at this cute little red M&M! This is Beverly's
grandson, Gabe. I helped deliver him about 7 weeks ago!

So much to say...

2007-10-24T10:12:00.000-05:00

Where do I start?? It's been several weeks since I've written on here! Let's see........

Michael went back to the doctor this week for his 6 week post-op appointment. He's now able to drive -- although he started driving again three weeks ago. Everything still looks great, and he won't go back again for 6 weeks, when they'll start adjusting his medications so he won't have to take so much. Since he went for this appointment the morning after he played football in the yard with 15 or so of our youth from church, I'd say that he's, indeed, feeling fine! Yes, I said FOOTBALL. What happened to 'no contact sports for 6 weeks after surgery???!!!' Thanks for your continued prayers, calls, cards and emails. There's no way he could have done so well without prayer!

The kids are doing great! They were out of school yesterday for parent-teacher conferences. I went to talk with their teachers and got good reports. You know, I had the"you're kids are the best in school, they are just perfect, and give me no problems in class. I wish all my students were like yours" kind of conferences!! Just kidding!! -- but they ARE doing well and I got good reports from both of their teachers. They are out of school again next week for 2 days, so we're planning a trip to Fayetteville for a couple of days. We're taking them to a Razorback game that Saturday .... shhh...they don't know it yet! :o) Brayden ended his football season last week. They ended up with a really good season, and Brayden already can't wait to play again next year! Kaylee is full swing in dance. They are performing this weekend, in fact. She doesn't walk anymore -- she dances everywhere she goes! They're both enjoying their drama class - they performed a few weeks ago and did a great job.

I've had another blessing since I posted last. I've been working the night shift at the hospital for a few months, but I only work TWO more nights!! I've been moved to the day shift. I am SOOOOOOOO excited! I can sleep like a normal person and not keep vampire hours now! I'll still work just 3 days a week - but hey, that's full time for a RN who works 12 hour shifts!! I have really enjoyed my job...I can't believe it's almost been a year since I graduated nursing school. (That means Christmas is coming soon!!! Have you started shopping yet? I have!!!)

I guess I better wrap this up. I'll post a couple of pictures for you all as well.
The weather has FINALLY gotten cooler here in Arkansas! I can finally enjoy my fall decorations in the house without thinking I've gotten them out in the middle of summer!

Hope you are all doing well.
Until next time...................Happy Fall, Ya'll!

We went to Hot Springs last weekend to fill up some jugs of water for our dispenser.

Here's a picture of Kaylee & Aspen (her cousin) from the other day.

Here's one of Mjim in football action ~ new liver and all!!

A new update for you...

2007-09-30T22:33:00.000-05:00

Well, I decided to create a webpage to "blog" updates and such for all of you to keep up with the Jimerson family. Hope you enjoy!

It's been 3 weeks since Michael's surgery, and he is doing absolutely wonderful! He went back to work a few days this week, has gone to Brayden's ballgames the last two Saturdays, and done more of his usual activities than I can remember! He led the singing at church again today and did well with that too. His blood work has continued to look good...he got his 61 staples out this past week...and got a good report from the doctor at his visit last Monday. We see them again in 3 weeks, just to make sure everything still looks good. Meanwhile, Michael is able to get his blood drawn 2 times a week here in England, so we're not having to drive to Little Rock for that. Speaking of driving, Michael hasn't been released to drive yet, so I've been his chauffer. He may have survived his liver transplant, but he might have a heart attack if I have to drive him around much longer!! I don't know WHY he thinks I can't drive!

I was reading a book this afternoon, and a part of it really stuck out to me. Ya know, just because we're Christians doesn't make us immune to facing problems in life. We all have problems, or valleys, that we have to go through. God promises, though, that He'll guide us THROUGH those problems and valleys..."And though I walk THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for YOU are with me." (Psalm 23). It doesn't say that He will guide us around our problem, or help us take a detour around our valleys....but we don't have to be afraid or worry because He promises to be right beside us, carrying us through those hard times. God has DEFINATELY been with us the last few weeks and for that we are so thankful! We thank YOU too for all the prayers, calls, visits, cards, emails, food, etc...... You all mean so much to us and 'thank you' just doesn't seem to be enough!

I better go for now. Keep in touch and I'll do the same.
Have a great week ---
Much love,
Kim

Here's a few pictures:

This one is what we saw in our yard when we came home from the hospital!

Here is a picture of the kid's first day of school.....

Look at this football player (Brayden) catching the ball in the rain!!

Kaylee had fun in the rain too!!!

~Journey With The Jimersons~

Legacy

Sweet, Sweet Summer Time

It's Hot Outside!!!

All About Our Kids - Double Digits,Teenagers & Seniors

Four months + 10 days =

Happy Fall, Ya'll!!

Happy 2 year Liver Day, Mjim!!!

Back to School!

Hello from Alaska!!!

Where, Oh, Where Are You Tonight????

6th Grade Graduation

To everything there is a season....

And another birthday makes THREE!

Birthday's Galore

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

Brayden's Birthday Bash

Happy Birthday, Brayden!!!!

~Dirty Feet~

Spring Break Fun!

~*~*~A Weekend of Mysteries~*~*~

Happy Birthday, Grandmother!!!!!!

Happy Reunion!

So much fun!

"Hello" from sunny Orlando!

M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E

Catching up.......

We've got our Mickey ears on!!!

Baby, It's Cold Outside!!

HaPpY nEw YeAr!!!!!

Making Memories....

Merry Christmas!!!!

NOW it looks more like Christmas!!

It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Almost Turkey Time...

A hike worth telling about....

Happy Fall, Ya'll!!

September 9, 2007

Go Lions Go!

It's Back to School time!

Spider-Mom?? Not quite.......but......

It's hot outside, Gertrude!

Good weather all week + A ton of fun = Great Vacation!

What Would YOU Do?????

Three months later...........

Snow Much Fun!!

Mom's way behind!

You are what you eat!

*~*~HaPpY nEw YeAr~*~*

Fayetteville = Football, Fun & Fall

A night of fun times...

So much to say...

A new update for you...

~~~A Weekend of Mysteries~~~

~~HaPpY nEw YeAr~~