The Hancock Family

kiki creates...

2011-04-04T22:03:00.005-04:00

rosettes!

Check out her blog for some crazy cute ideas &

this Rosette tutorial...

I wanna put these all over everything!

Photo from Kiki Creates

Click the post title to go straight to her blog or
click the photo to go straight to the tutorial...

BHLDN...

2011-02-16T22:52:00.000-05:00

has me wanting to say "I Do" all over again!

Of course to the man of my dreams...

Mr. Hancock

aka.mybabydaddy

Maybe for our 20 year anniversary???

Look #1....

or...

Look #2...

When envisioning the options...

Look #1 or Look #2...

please picture me at a svelte 130!

"I Do"

Oui:I Do

Currently working on...

2011-02-08T16:21:00.000-05:00

Me!

photo from Martha Stewart Whole Living

Soul Restoration

Resource: Brave Girls

Resource: Whole Living

Finances

Resource: Financial Peace University

Frugal Living:Couponing

Resource: TrueCouponing

Resource: TheCouponProject

Personal Mission, Vision & Values

Resource: FranklinCovey

Inspired by: Erma Bombeck

Family Mission, Vision & Values

Resource: SimpleMom

Social Networking {for my sites} Mission, Vision & Values

Resource: TheCouponProject

Dear Lizzy: Cozy Cards...

2011-02-02T22:34:00.003-05:00

Came across the cutest blog through...

http://www.livinglocurto.com

Dear Lizzy: Cozy Cards: "Gift cards are not my usual present of choice but after making some fabric envelopes I want to buy everyone some plastic to their favorite ..."

Photo from Dear Lizzy {http://elizabethkartchner.blogspot.com}

How to be AMAZING...

2011-01-05T21:46:00.000-05:00

Let iT go aNYWAY...

some people may say that failure is not an option...

i am guilty of thinking that...

even saying that...

i have finally learned that in order to be AMAZING...

sometimes you have to Let iT go aNYWAY...

you have to fail at something...

you have to let something go...

i have learned that failure is often our greatest teacher...

i have finally come to a place where i can Let iT go aNYWAY...

"iT" would be material things for me...

things i feel like i have worked hard for or earned...

these things i will let go this year...

i have finally come to a place in my life...

where i understand that i am not defined by what i have...

but who i am...

i am not defined my failures...

but how i decide to use them...

Join me on the Brave Girl journey to Soul Restoration...

just click the image above to register by January 10th!

Soul Restoration...

2011-01-04T21:41:00.001-05:00

I am ready... Are you?

Just click the image above to sign up by January 10th.

Whippy Cake: Small Business Model

2010-12-27T05:52:00.000-05:00

love this...

Whippy Cake: Small Business Model

A Poinsettia Ball, but not before...

2010-12-05T22:22:00.000-05:00

my friend Carey Leader came over & helped transform Courtney into a young lady fit for a ball...

hair & makeup fit for a princess...

she totally spoiled Courtney by bringing her a hot pink & sparkly cocktail ring...

and a headband with bling...

we took pictures...

lots of pictures...

pictures by the tree...

and of course the shoes on her feet...

most important pictures with her daddy...

Beautiful girl!

Thanksgiving & Thankfulness...

2010-11-25T21:39:00.003-05:00

for the blessings in my life... for...

my family...

family: The love of my life {the man of my dreams} & the children of my dreams {two of the most amazing kids ever}.

my framily...

framily: n. Friends or blood relatives to whom we would actually choose to be related, because the relationship is mutually respectful, close, supporting and affectionate. The favorite people in our lives we would include in our family, whether they are blood-related or not, typically because we love them.

God's grace...

grace: n. Unmerited gift of the divine favour in the salvation of sinners.

I am so blessed!

What are you thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Join me on the journey...

2010-11-23T23:44:00.002-05:00

of SOUL Restoration...

I cannot tell you how much I am looking forward to this journey of restoration! A journey I will take with friends. I look forward to journaling through the process and sharing the experience with you.

I look forward to saying farewell to the year that saw...

-my oldest go from tween to teen

-me unable to help people I love as they have struggled

-me turn 36

-us face seemingly insurmountable debt because of the loss of value in our home

-me unable to forgive

-me very sick

-me in surgery twice

-us bearing the weight of being middle class

-me feeling inadequate

-me bearing the weight of being overweight

-me infuriated with the political leaders of this country

-me struggle with obedience

-me unable to focus

-me exhausted

-me unable to quiet my mind

-me stuck

-me with high blood pressure

-me bitter with extended family

-me lose my patience

-me almost lose my mind

I look forward to saying hello to...

-Joy

-Love

-Rest

-Peace

-Growth

-Thanksgiving

-Christmas

-SOUL Restoration

-Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University

-me

BOO Ya'll...

2010-10-22T22:05:00.002-04:00

So we kicked off Halloween with a...

B.Y.O.P. party

{bring your own pumpkin}

So much fun it was... I really need to post photos!

The invite below {sans home address} was created on Scrapblog.

I love me some scrapblog!!!

So I love the idea of delivering treats to unsuspecting friends & neighbors...

We'll be wrapping up October BOOing some of our friends, teachers & neighbors this coming week... can't wait!

I've seen a ton of cute & colorful "You've Been BOOed" signs, but decided I wanted to create my own look. Feel free to use them... and, send me a note to let me know how it went! Have fun!

"We've Been BOOed" sign for the recipient to put on their door or window... lets everyone know they've been BOOed!

{Would it really be so bad if someone was BOOed twice?}

Tags for my BOO bags...

My favorite bags to use are from the produce department at our local Publix... they're too cute and they're inexpensive!

One of my greatest desires is to see the return of genuine community...

Brighten someone's day & BOO em!

BOO Ya'll,

Kim

i love office supplies...

2010-09-05T09:19:00.000-04:00

warning: this post has a link to the most amazing office supplies. you are hereby under strong advisement to navigate away from this post & links if you have an addiction to office supplies.

see Kim work...

and get organized with...

these totally cute letter boxes...

in ocean...

from see Jane work...

they will be the perfect addition to my...

postal sorting table from...

Vintage...

that I got a year ago for...

my 15th anniversary...

From Tween to Teen...

2010-06-20T20:29:00.007-04:00

13 years ago this month we welcomed the only other girl to capture Curtis' heart...

Where on earth have we been...

2010-06-14T00:15:00.002-04:00

End of the year projects & events...

Courtney's interpretation of the mythology character she was assigned...

Logan testing for his green belt...

Breaking the remnant piece of his testing board...

Curtis & me enjoying the day at the park watching Logan test for his green belt...

Award ceremony the following Friday...

P.E. talent show...

National Junior Honor Society induction ceremony...

This one deserves a post all it's own, but I'm including it in the year end. There are so many people that have played a significant role in Courtney's life who I wish could all be in the photo.

Special thanks to... Mrs. Morrison, Mrs. Brackman, Mr. & Mrs. Murphy, Nana, The Kast Family, Mrs. Butler, Mrs. Roll, Mr. & Mrs. Mobley, Dr. & Mrs. Rutland, Mrs. Arthur, Mrs. Lynn, Mrs. Sowell, Mrs. Zimmerman, Mrs. Fennel, Mr. Hartley, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Snell, Ms. Wise, Ms. Nestor, Ms. Sanders & Mrs. Lineberger...

{names are not listed in any specific order}

Blackberry pickin...

With friends...

SUNnFUN FLy-In 2010

2010-04-22T23:23:00.000-04:00

So this year was a little different. The field we normally park in was not open parking this year... It was $5... and they weren't taking debit!

Normally we see these balloons on the other side from a distance & then watch them rise over the hangers... and then over our heads as they take off. We will definitely be prepared with cash next year... because we missed our secluded {and we need secluded because Logan always has to pee}spot in the field in line with the race route.

At the sound of heat rising... we see some of our old favorites... along with a bajillion other people who felt like intruders...

the sleepy girl & the momma...

the sweetest boy & the momma...

Courtney, Logan & Me...

Logan was totally into the event this year... he has always loved it & been excited, but this year was different. Courtney was keeping her seat warm in the vehicle & said she was enjoying the view from there... code for "someone might see me in my pajamas... without makeup on or my hair done... with a momma who's rockin the same {sans bra, in a cami & cardigan, with pj pants}... and a little brother who's looking a little like Alfalfa {and just peed next to the vehicle in front of this swank neighborhood}...

We moved to this view point along the route once most of the balloons were filled & preparing for take off...

the new photographer...

great photo Logan...

doing good man...

totally engrossed...

mmm... I so wish the race route went over our house... I don't think the people living in the swank neighborhood appreciated the view quite as much as we would... just saying...

our favorites this year...

We had a fabulous time this year... though we missed the daddy... again this year. Maybe his schedule will be better next year. Oh... and maybe our friends {who are like la familia}the Kast family will join us next year...

SUNnFUN FLy-In 2007

2010-04-17T00:02:00.000-04:00

We have a family tradition that has us up before the crack of dawn, to get the perfect spot, to check out the annual Balloon Launch at the SUNnFUN Fly-In...

Blankets, pillows, pjs, sleep in the eyes, sleepy babies & a sunrise... all snuggled up in the back of the suv waiting anxiously to hear the sound of heat rising...

Then over the hangers... balloons launch...

As I look forward to tomorrow and the annual Balloon Launch... I think of one of my favorite years...

The balloons got so close they were having a conversation with the kids & waving at them...

2007 revisited...

Logan, Courtney & baby

old favorites...

best view for baby...

beautiful day...

mmm... sweet boy

The Boy is an Orange Belt now...

2010-02-06T19:41:00.003-05:00

Today was testing day...

Logan tested for his orange belt &

did an amazing job...

Master Jae said to the proud momma {me}

"Logan did a great job... he was very composed"...

Belting ceremony next Friday!

Pig Fest 2010...

2010-02-05T17:00:00.016-05:00

This past weekend we were...

Ok, so I don't drink...

but I do enjoy some Whiskey Bent BBQ each year...

The Smoke Shack never disappoints...

Only in Polk County...

Don't know who this guy is...

but that chicken looked &

smelled delicious...

Not in a million years...

New on my list of favorites...

Character's BBQ

These guys were a trip & their pulled pork & sauce...

were so delicious!

I'm picking up sauce when I go to Atlanta in June...

Yum!

The kiddos...

Concentrating on the Win...

Could it be...

I think it might be...

Courtney & her friends...

Getting some lemonade...

Logan...

putting down a man size plate of ribs...

It is... it is... Myron Mixon...

from Jack's Old South...

seen on the TLC show Pitmasters...

We like to watch him on Pitmasters, but really like him now... the guy just oozes good-time personality & professionalism. He was cool about taking a picture with us & others.

I told him "if you want a real chic to compete against instead of Lee Ann you just call me." He just chuckled!

I had high hopes for her when they aired the preview... but she's really just a whiner & way out of her league {along with Paul Petersen}.

I could out BBQ her, on any given day, in pearls & peep-toe shoes, in my favorite blue jeans... with a baby on my hip {of course... I would have to borrow one... a baby that is}!

Love the show!

Our fabulous neighbor & his oldest...

Mr. Murphy & David...

Back around to Pink Butts BBQ...

where Curtis is cooking corn...

in a t-shirt...

that has a considerable amount of pink on it...

for the "mans man"...

Curtis' Uncle Danny...

Cousin Amanda & her hubby Frank...

Curtis' mom & step-dad with Logan...

a.k.a... "meme & papa"...

That baby loves his daddy...

The Hog Whisperer...

Pot Belly Pig...

Newest addition to the Pig Fest tradition...

at least we hope they will continue to come out each year...

my director, his wife & their little guy...

I'm pretty sure he'll be ready for a rib next year...

Last, but never least...

thank you Lonnie at Bubba Grills...

for bringing me sauce...

and, the baked potatoes stuffed with pork...

were the best!

Savannah after Thanksgiving...

2009-12-16T20:29:00.012-05:00

Curtis & I took our first vacation together without the kids... since they were born. Though we missed them, we had a fabulous time! We didn't drive one time while we were there. The way the city is laid out on grid just makes it so easy & enjoyable to explore the city on foot... and we did just that. Our first day we probably walked conservatively 6 to 7 miles soaking in the history of Savannah.

I wore my camera like a third eye. I wanted to capture every inch of a city that we absolutely fell in love with at first sight. We could see ourselves living there one day... many many moons from now!

So... many people believe that Savannah is one of America's most haunted cities. I don't know... But what I do know is that the photo below is straight from my camera and was taken only seconds before the one below it... Hmmm?!?

Same shot seconds later!

The photo below is of a building that I am totally in love with... attached to a home that I am equally in love with. Unfortunately, it caught fire some years ago causing significant damage. It was broken & beautiful at the same time.

So when I say we walked everywhere... I mean everywhere. Including Riverstreet several times... a day! The many stairways to Riverstreet were built by slaves, for slaves, with scraps. They were steep, narrow footed, and uneven.

Vinnie Van Go-Go's was hands down one of the best recommendations we got from our carriage tour guide. A cash only dive with delicious pizza!

On Sunday we went on the Paula Deen Tour & our stop for lunch was Uncle Bubba's. We got to skip straight to the front of a long line at Uncle Bubba's since we were on the tour. Pulled pork & cheese grits... yum! Bonus to the tour... you get a voucher allowing you to call & make a reservation at The Lady & Sons skipping the long line.

We stayed at The Marshall House. The service was fabulous & everything was very clean!

An 11pm walk about the city will stay with us forever. It was quiet, beautiful, unassuming.

In the stillness of the night... a celebration!

On Monday we went to The Lady & Sons. No waiting in line for us since we had our voucher from The Paula Deen Tour!

This would be Jelly Roll ringing the dinner bell... the smile on her face... contagious...

This would be Jelly Roll... the look on her face... priceless...

Last stop... The Paris Market...

We will definitely be going back...

I don't think I've introduced our newest family member...

2009-12-02T19:00:00.004-05:00

Granger Wren...

a beautiful Chocolate Lab...

who is not so little anymore...

but is still super sweet...

he loved Sasha's eyes right out of her head...

they say...

beauty is in the eye of the beholder &

he definitely loves her!

Thanksgiving...

2009-11-27T02:46:00.000-05:00

Thankful for the time spent with family & friends today!

The boy can catch 'em...

2009-11-25T21:11:00.005-05:00

The kids spent the weekend in Crystal River fishing with their meme & papa. Between the two of them they caught 12 keeper fish. It was a great way for them to kick off the Thanksgiving break & gave us time to get stuff done around the house! We have been overwhelmed with our schedules & have needed desperately some time to devote to things around house.

Celebrating 15 Years...

2009-07-29T22:22:00.003-04:00

With a gift to ourselves of course! July 19th we celebrated 15 years of marriage! We knew back in May, as soon as we saw this magnificent/massive thing [a postal sorting table], that we would be celebrating not by going on some grand trip... but by getting something that we both loved for the house! It took Curtis & three of his friends [oh... and my supervision] to get it moved!

If you live close you should definitely check out one of my favorite shops... Vintage! If you don't live close... drop Angie a note to get on her email list. She is such a pleasure to deal with! The red chairs next to the postal sorting table are also from Vintage... love em!

Beautiful Girl...

2009-06-10T15:21:00.003-04:00

I can't believe my beautiful girl

was 12 yesterday...

She has been and is a joy & a blessing to my life!

I love you always sissy...

you make my heart smile!

Coming soon...

2009-05-24T08:04:00.003-04:00

to a wall in my home from one of my favorite stores... Vintage!

Photo from Vintage!

A Day at the Gardens...

2009-05-11T22:46:00.002-04:00

Things could be worse...

2009-05-08T23:56:00.003-04:00

I'm slowly getting back in the swing of things. This year has delivered yet another setback, but I am reminded daily that... things could be worse. Yes... even worse than dropping $4,300 on a house you're so upside down in you may never recover financially. And, incase you haven't figured out what the mess below is... it's a brand new septic tank & drain field... yep... a $4,300 eco friendly holder of poop! All the butchered white pvc would be our irrigation... we're experiencing a drought so who needs it anyway...

Just a few current blessings...

1. family (husband & kids)

2. friends that are like family

3. home

4. employment

5. a great new boss

6. school is almost out

We interrupt this blog to...

2009-04-05T09:36:00.003-04:00

Dig a new drain field! I am keeping up with everybody, but just haven't had time to leave comments! Be back soon!

p.s. Jackie... email me if you're heading to see your daughter. You said to email you, but I didn't see a link to do that on your blog or in your profile.

Wedding day shoot...

2009-03-22T15:24:00.002-04:00

Just a few photos I took yesterday at a wedding day shoot assisting friend & photographer Mandi Peace!

New toy...

2009-03-20T21:51:00.002-04:00

Check out Animoto.com. I have had the best time playing around with this & there is a free version!

Brian & Nikki Maternity Shoot...

2009-03-17T00:10:00.004-04:00

The Hancock Family Meets The Wheat Family...

2009-03-02T21:41:00.005-05:00

This past Sunday we met the Wheat family for dinner at Downtown Disney in Orlando while they were here vacationing. They are just the nicest family and we enjoyed getting to spend time with them. Their little guy Noah is the cutest! We have family in the area they live so we sure hope to see them again and possibly meet some more blog friends! If any of you are down this way... just let me know... we'd love to meet you!

Rachel & Me

An afternoon at Picasso's Cup...

2009-02-14T17:54:00.003-05:00

with Logan...

Courtney was sick so she couldn't go, but we had

a good time just hanging out & painting some

hearts for Valentine's Day to hang from our

chandelier with some ribbon!

And speaking of painting... look what has arrived!

I know for sure some of you will recognize the logo

on the box. Kim did a beautiful job on the "C" for

Courtney's room. It looks so cute hanging above

her dresser. Let me just say her work is amazing,

the packaging impeccable, and the enclosed thank

you note is just the sweetest. I know... I've got to

get some photos of it up in Court's room. Soon.

Blog interrupted...

2009-02-14T16:28:00.008-05:00

by life...

Contrary to what Weight Watchers thinks...

I'm not still at the Pig Fest!

I have been...

1. On a one day retreat with 12o college students. Three meals, snacks, a rotating schedule of overlapping activities, training, and praise & worship... exhausting!

2. Completely overwhelmed by the fact that my director, mentor & friend is leaving SEU. Her husband Dr. Mark Rutland, President of SEU, has been called to preside over ORU. It was tempting to pray they wouldn't leave, but that wouldn't have been right. The series of events leading up to this transition are clearly the work of God. His hand has guided everything leading up to this moment and it is clear that it is His Will.

3. When somebody leaves a position that position is filled... which means a new director for me. Rev. Charlie Dawes will now direct FIRST Teams, which is the program I work for at SEU. I consider the opportunity to work with Charlie a privilege & blessing. At retreat I had an opportunity to get to know a little more about his wife and she is just a wonderful person. A bonus... they're expecting their first baby! Keep them in your prayers!

4. Courtney has been sick... which was sidled by a whole other set of issues that I will be posting about soon. She is fine now, but the issues still have me bent.

5. Logan is getting sick now.

6. My sister called last week and a lifelong friend of hers was murdered in front of his 3 children on Friday, February 6th, in a parking lot dispute. Please pray for the children & family of Dutch Schwerin. Some of you in TN may even have known him or know his family. Absolutely senseless & tragic!

7. Curtis & I have had 1 three hour break from work & the kids since January 6th. Not really a break, but an opportunity to grab a meal and go purchase dress shirts for Curtis. Other than that we have been in perpetual motion.

8. Dieting! Dusted off the old Weight Watchers stuff and signed up for free 1 week trial online. I did not enjoy the online experience. At 5'4 & 182 pounds it told me I am obese. At first I thought it said if you eat anymore you will be obese... but no... it said I am obese now. Oops! Seriously... I weigh about 15 pounds more than I did in the family photo on my blog. Good news... I'm down to 176 as of yesterday & will continue to work on it.

9. Going through diet coke withdraw!

Ok... I'll just stop here with #9.

I have been reading everybody's blog, but haven't had time to make comments & make it through my favorites... all listed on the right side of my blog. I'll be catching up tonight though since Curtis is working!

Lakeland Pig Fest

2009-02-03T20:46:00.011-05:00

Lunch from Bubba Grills...

A film crew...

For who?

For our favorite guys to get BBQ from?

Maybe... we sure think they're worthy of the spotlight!!!

(their bbq & sauce is out of this world good)

(order your sauce today)

Actually they were all here for this guy...

Food Network's Jamie Oliver

No... he's not naked...

but, he is The Naked Chef

While we were there we saw our neighbor Mr. Murphy...

and his boys David & BG...

Rice Crispy Pigs anyone?

Courtney & Logan at his favorite Pig Fest activity...

the driving simulator...

We left shortly after this and he was asleep before we got out of the parking lot!

Logan's Birthday Celebration #3... Yes #3

2009-02-02T18:49:00.008-05:00

It was freezing so the kids & I just spent the day inside... in sweats. Logan was totally engrossed in his new Lego set from Charles...

and now thinks he needs lots of Lego sets...

don't all boys?

Curtis finally made it home and the kids rushed out to play ball with him while he got the grill going. Yes... it was like 38 degrees and the kids were outside with no jackets and one with no shoes.

Logan showing off his mad basketball skills!

He has gotten really good at basketball...

especially for 7 years old!

Curtis shooting one of his challenge shots!

What you can't see in this picture is Logan hanging from handle to adjust the net height and bouncing up and down to make it a moving target... over concrete... no jacket... no shoes... and it is freezing for Florida at 38 degrees. Nice!

Dinner... Logan's requested meal.

Let me just say these were the best ribs...

competition worthy!

Logan's Birthday Celebration #2

2009-02-02T18:26:00.006-05:00

We had family over,

grilled some hot dogs

and made chili.

Yes... that is a bag of beans Logan is holding. We went to Pottery Barn to get Logan a bean bag... after calling to verify they had the "oversized" bean bag in stock in the store. When we got there we were told they don't have the "oversized" bean bags in the store... only available on line. So... I put some beans in a bag to get a rise out of Logan and give him a hint of what is to come. It didn't bother him at all! He said he was going to plant them in the yard to see is they might be magical!

Logan's first set of big boy Lego's...

he read every card before getting into the gift (good boy)...

my mom sent him a real hammer & pry bar...

our neighbors (the best neighbors ever)...

Mr. & Mrs. Murphy...

Logan tells everybody they're family!

and every 7 year old needs a parking assistant for their jeep!

Logan's Birthday Celebration #1

2009-02-01T21:31:00.007-05:00

With everything going on we Logan ended up having a "Birthday Week" (a week of little celebrations) instead of a Birthday Party. We started off by going to T-Rex, in Downtown Disney, with our good friends... The Peace Family!

Curtis & Courtney

Courtney & Logan

the Hancock family

Logan at the Harley-Davidson store...

cool dude...

with a super cute girl... Madeline!

A Mid-Year Morning...

2009-02-01T21:14:00.003-05:00

at Panera with friends...

Courtney & Dominique...

Michael & Logan...

sister & brother.

Random Things About Me...

2009-01-19T21:56:00.012-05:00

Logan & Me 1/19/2009

Jackie at Empty Nest Full Life has tagged me to share 7 random things about myself.

1. I am addicted to Starbucks Coffee, home related magazines, and... diet coke (again)!!!

2. Nine years ago when some people I knew were meeting people online and then meeting them in person I told them they were absolutely crazy and that I would never do that! March 1st, 2009, my family will be meeting one of my sweetest blog friends and her family... yes... in person!

3. According to the StrengthsQuest Clifton StrengthsFinder, my Top 5 strengths are... Strategic, Communication, Futuristic, Maximizer, and Belief.

4. My favorite meal is breakfast.

5. I like vanilla birthday cake with butter cream frosting so much that when we have birthday cake in the house I will eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

6. I'm totally over Jon & Kate Plus 8!!!

7. I still haven't finalized my New Year's Resolutions!

So there you have 7 very random things about me!

To read 6 more... go here!

The people I would like to hear from are:

1. 19 Butternut

2. Just Stuff

3. Mary The 1st I Am, I Am

4. The Acting Mom

5. The Peace Family

6. Straight From The Heart

You've been tagged directions:

1. Link back to the person who tagged you... me!

2. "Tag" 6 or 7 people and link them to your blog.

3. Leave comments on the Blogs you tagged.

4. Let them know they've been tagged.

Prayer Request...

2009-01-19T16:07:00.002-05:00

My father-n-law is back in the hospital. He has an aneurysm at one of the entry sites. Comforting (being sarcastic) to know that he complained about the site over and over again before being discharged from the hospital!

Happy 7th Birthday Baby...

2009-01-17T14:24:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday Logan

We love you!

Update...

2009-01-14T21:45:00.004-05:00

on my father-n-law...

aka Papa

We have since found out that he had to have five arteries replaced instead of four. He is feeling really rough right now, but is progressing as expected. I don't know if I can stress enough; if you are going to the doctor or are in the hospital... have an advocate present. Some scary things have happened from the time he arrived at the hospital! We took the kids to see him today. They did great... until it was time to leave... Courtney totally fell apart. I still in my heart feel like it was the right thing to do. If, God forbid, something should happen I would not want to have deprived her of seeing him. Your prayers have meant so much to him, to me, and to my family!

Please continue to pray for his complete recovery!

Guard your heart...

2009-01-12T21:29:00.005-05:00

Courtney & Logan with...

their Papa.

Two months ago he had an ekg & stress test as part of his physical for work... required by law. His doctor signed off on his forms... giving him a clean bill of health. In December he saw a cardiologist because he had a single incident of chest pain. The cardiologist asked him why his doctor signed off on his physical. Friday he had a heart cath. Today he had open heart surgery... a quadruple bypass.

Guard your heart...

ask questions

demand clear answers

request copies of your records...

for each visit

get results in writing

get second opinions

question your doctor again

have an advocate present...

at each visit

change your lifestyle

change your eating habits

reduce your stress

save your life!

share the information linked to this post...

save someone you love!

please pray for his recovery!

iheart faces adults

2009-01-12T20:01:00.002-05:00

Logan & his daddy

iheart faces kids

2009-01-12T19:54:00.003-05:00

Raegan

New Year Resolution...

2009-01-09T17:09:00.007-05:00

So I was checking out Beth at Pages of Our Life, because I always love her posts, pictures & links... she had a post with... yes, a link to a great new photography website... and a Giveaway!!! And... the great new photography website http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com is... having a Giveaway!!!

Check them out...

the Giveaway/Contest ends soon!!!

So what does this have to do with my New Year Resolutions??? You wouldn't know... because I haven't posted them... because I've been working on Valentine's stuff... and now I've started working on the resolution that I said I would post, but haven't!

New Year Resolution #1

(no... losing weight isn't #1 for me)

Learn to use my new camera!

A project for...

2009-01-05T17:56:00.008-05:00

Valentine's! That's right... Valentine's Day! The New Year is here and I haven't posted my resolutions yet, but I've completed a major project for the upcoming holiday. My friends and I have wanted these chair backers from Pottery Barn (photo from Pottery Barn shown below). They were $19 a piece! We were able to make 6 of them for just under $40. The inside flap of the envelope is lined in gingham... too cute!!!

for...

Raegan & Madeline

Charles & Ann

Logan & Courtney

Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-01T00:00:00.002-05:00

Christmas Day 2008...

2008-12-30T22:58:00.006-05:00

Our little tree...

Logan got a remote controlled helicopter...

stocking stuffers...

some jeans for school...

Logan got Courtney the last book in the Twilight series...

more stocking stuff...

Curtis's mom got him a set of Obama coins!?...

Seriously!?*

Our day was nice and quiet. Curtis's mom & stepdad came over and we opened gifts & ate breakfast. Then all of us went over to his cousins house. The gift game was terrible... I have never seen so many people put such little thought (some none at all) into something that should be so much fun! The only reason we went was so the whole family could be together. Curtis's Nana wasn't going to go if we didn't and all that would do is create more tension in the family. I really wish I had taken some photos of his Nana, but I didn't. Nobody took pictures of anything! I got a new camera, so I'm hoping to get her over to the gardens and take some photos with the kids before we go back to school. Thing 1 (aka... Courtney) & Thing 2 (aka... Logan) had a great Christmas. They really didn't ask for anything and loved most of what they got!

The evening was so peaceful & quiet! The kids were exhausted and Curtis had to be at work early the next day, so they all went to bed early. I just took the opportunity to enjoy the peace & quiet and my favorite decoration in one of my favorite rooms!

Merry Christmas!!!

'Twas the night before Christmas...

2008-12-30T20:28:00.005-05:00

the stockings were hung...

the milk was poured...

the carrots counted...

~~cookies~~ coca cola cake from

Mitchell's Coffee House for Santa...

(Santa was thrilled, so we'll definitely be doing this again)

and one last gift count stolen in the dark

before they turned in!!!

I almost forgot our visit with Santa...

2008-12-30T19:17:00.007-05:00

Down Snowy Way...

a walk among magnificent ornaments...

through an icehouse like no other...

to see Santa we go...

notice in the fun facts...

Santa says "No cookies this Christmas!"

We had a great time

but Logan was totally over the

chilly 9 degrees it takes

to keep everything frozen!!!

Yea!!!

Not much farther!!!

Defrosting on ICE!!!

Our view as we took in hot chocolate & pastries!!!

Look who we got to keep on Christmas Eve!

2008-12-30T18:53:00.004-05:00

Our friends Loni & Nate both work for Publix and both had to work on Christmas Eve... so we got to keep their sweet little girl... Cameryn!!!

She was so sweet!!!

With mom's permission we did a little craft...

We painted her little foot and put her wiggly little print on a memory box.

We can't wait to keep her again!!!

Baking with Aunt Ginny...

2008-12-30T18:21:00.006-05:00

Courtney & Logan spent a day baking with their aunt at Nana's house. Courtney took the camera and captured a few moments from the day!

Making snow balls...

& sillyness!!!

Making chocolate covered peanut butter balls. Yuck!!!

This stuff is the best!!!

They had the best time!!!

She let them do everything...

everything they don't get to do at our house!!!

Our Washing Machine Went On the Fritz...

2008-12-30T17:17:00.010-05:00

just days before Christmas. Luckily our friends were going shopping out of town for the day, so we went to their house to do laundry. Lots of laundry... and it is sheet day for the week... so we didn't just have lots of laundry... we had tons of laundry!

We made ourselves at home and put our keys up right away in the treat basket. I have nothing to do but hurry up and wait on laundry to cycle so here goes with a few photos around the house... since Mandi's last blog post was 4 months ago!

Mandi had just made the cutest towel with Madeline's footprint and Raegan's hand prints!

This is just above the old wash stand that holds the treat basket & towel.

We brought sweet tea to help us through the day!

Courtney decides to organize Raegan's room while we are there.

Logan makes himself at home in Madeline's room playing the Wii. Her room just got a redo and her daddy painted this on the wall for her!

This can't even be blamed on the redo. Sister... get some photos in that frame!

Courtney discovered what still remains an unidentified object/thing!

What on earth?!

Nice job sister... all neat and tidy for the 2 year old to tear in to!

We are starving...what is in the pantry?

Yum!!!

My pedicure Mandi did, days short of a month ago, still looks great!

Cute wreath Mandi!

Christmas cards that Mandi created for others... nice!

Cute tree topper! Whose idea was that? Oh wait... that was my idea!

Love it!!!

The Peace family returns from shopping and Logan, Madeline & Courtney play on the computer while they wait for dinner!

Thanks for letting us hang out at your house all day Mandi & do our laundry!

The Saturday Before Christmas at Meme & Papa's House...

2008-12-30T17:06:00.003-05:00

Courtney & Maggie Daisy

Kaitlyn (cousin) & Courtney

Logan

A Gift...

2008-12-20T22:10:00.005-05:00

for someone I admire. I love the way she loves her family. The way she loves God shines through her family... they are truly an amazing family! An inexpensive wall tile with photos I took in October of two of the most precious people in her life.

Where has the time gone?

2008-12-10T21:43:00.010-05:00

Oh... How I miss this little stage in their lives!

Christmas 2002

Where has the time gone?

Courtney is just growing up so fast. The American Girls are taken out a little less often...her time is now spent reading and talking with her friends. Junie B. Jones is a distant memory replaced by Twilight & New Moon. Book reports are replaced by book reviews, discussions, and interviews. One thing has remained the same... she is still so sweet and attentive to Logan... the big sister reading to the little brother & helping him with his homework.

I love it!

Logan is growing up just as fast. His first Christmas I could hardly get him off my hip and his little teeth were just coming in. Today he lost his first tooth! So many nights I've spent with him reading favorites like Goodnight Moon and Go Dog Go... now he reads stories to me all on his own!

So sweet!

They were so sweet and still are!

Would the Real Dining Room Please Stand Up?

2008-11-30T12:21:00.016-05:00

When I originally posted this picture in my post A little bit of evening fall... some of you thought this was our dining room.

It is actually just a drop leaf table and sideboard we incorporated into our very long narrow living room to fill space. It is probably one of the spaces in our home we use the most. The kids eat breakfast there, do homework there, projects, crafts, Curtis & I eat meals there a lot (we don't get to eat as a family often because of Curtis's schedule so I feed the kids and wait on him). Our living room is one of our favorite spaces also because it is totally open to the kitchen on the one side and the other is an entire wall of sliders that opens the space up to the porch & pool area.

A view from the family room in the front of the house. This is the piece that got a redo and works perfectly in the space. Yes...the lamps are the exact same as those in the living room on the sideboard with different shades. After looking at 9 different stores in 3 cities and online...they were the only ones I liked that were reasonably priced.

From the family room in the front of the house. Not much can be put in this room because it has 1 window and 3 doorways...but it is perfect for us!

A view from the kitchen. We got the table & the linen on it from Vintage...one of our absolute favorite places to shop!!!

A look at the front of the redo. I know the lighting is terrible...I should have taken a picture before I brought it in...that is where my camera is at it's best.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday!

It's A Beautiful Life

2008-11-29T00:03:00.002-05:00

Logan & Courtney

Christmas 2002

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T21:04:00.004-05:00

O Lord, with humble hearts we pray

Thy blessing this Thanksgiving Day

And ask that at table place,

Where grateful folk say words of grace,

That Thou will come to share the yield

Thy bounty gave to farm and field

We pray thy love will bless, O Lord,

Each hearth, each home, each festive board;

And that Thy peace will come to stay

Where candles glow, Thanksgiving Day.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

What on earth has the Hancock family been up to?

2008-11-23T00:00:00.011-05:00

In addition to all of our busyness we have been sick, but we're on the mend!!!

Some of what we've been busy doing...

Logan's little fish Macaroni died...I actually think I killed him when I cleaned his tank. I went to retrieve him right away when the kids told me he was dead and this is what I found. I felt terrible when I saw his little note!!!

Courtney had a project due for Geography. They had to create & map their own country...an island with 3 cities, 15 physical features, 2 forms of transportation, a legend/key (hanging from the map it serves as her map key and the key to the Capital City of Peace). She also had to create a flag for the country. Courtney included some of our favorite places in her cities...

Pupbucks=Starbucks

Pawblix=Publix

Barkbuster=Blockbuster

Great job sister...I would totally live there!!!

Our next bit of busyness...a cornucopia for Curtis's fall display at Publix. Oh the things you can make out of chicken wire and a pool noodle!

The finished cornucopia in all it's glory at the store. The kids & I took it to the store after I put the finishing touches on it. I wish you all could have seen the people staring at us taking this thing into the store on top of a grocery cart. People were looking at us with a strange curiosity like we all had a third eye or something.

Then there is this. It belonged to my husband's father who died when he was only 2. Ugly to start with and 32 years of being dragged/moved from one place to another hasn't done it any good. I really wanted to trash it, but was guilted into refinishing it. I'm actually glad I did keep & refinish it!!!

Sorry...no photo of the refinish yet!!!

Voting DRAMA Part II...

2008-11-04T21:48:00.002-05:00

2 transfers

2 precincts

3 trips

4 hours

1 Vote for McCain/Palin

Worth it? Absolutely!!!

Voting DRAMA...

2008-11-04T07:59:00.003-05:00

-Curtis and I updated our voter registration information at the same time when we moved to this house.

-My Voter Registration Card has been updated and has all the correct information on it.

-My Driver License has been updated and has all the correct information on it.

-I have voted at this precinct before.

-Curtis's name was on the list and mine was not.

-My name had been changed in the system to... Dawn Renee Hancock. This Dawn Renee is in the system with my address, my DOB. Interesting!

Because of the name issue... they have said the only way for me to vote is to be transferred back to my old precinct... hence the VOTER AFFIRMATION FORM above!

I hope all went well where you are!!!

Get out and vote tomorrow...

2008-11-03T18:42:00.004-05:00

REFORM*PROSPERITY*PEACE

VOTE McCain/Palin

November 4th, 2008

p.s. Sandy Toes at Shell In Your Pocket

had some excellent thoughts!!!

Also check out... Dr. Snyders

A Random Act of Kindness...

2008-11-03T16:26:00.005-05:00

So after my weekend, being sick all night, having a sick kid at home, and having the most unfortunate conversation with the rudest person (JoAnn Reese) in Employee Group Benefits at Publix (btw...I love Publix...just not rude people)... Logan and I loaded up and headed to Starbuck's drive-thru for a coffee and an organic apple juice. When I moved to the window to pay I got the warmest greeting and smile from Amberley who works at Starbucks. She told me that the man in the car ahead of me had paid for my order! That Random Act of Kindness made my day!

Check out the following links...

HelpOthers.org

the random acts of kindness foundation

The Weekend from H... E... Double Hockey Sticks...

2008-11-02T23:46:00.008-05:00

1. The kids and I pulled everything out of the garage on a day that it was not supposed to rain.

2. I painted the garage floor.

3. It not only rained...it poured.

4. Said paint is taking a really long time to totally dry.

5. We had to have a plumber out...on a weekend.

6. We had to have the septic people out...on a weekend. (thankfully he, a fellow supporter of McCain/Palin, let Curtis help dig so that he wouldn't have to charge us for another hour...because our tank is under the porch...and because he knows we're going to need the change we're saving if O'_ _ _ _ is elected!!!)

This is Curtis with Cadillac from Averett

What sports...stopping so I can get a photo for my blog!

7. Said paint is dry to the touch on Sunday, but still a little tacky...

8. Because it is still raining on Sunday!!!

9. I am in the mood to throw stuff away...so we have a trash pile that could rival anything from Sanford & Son!!!

10. My mother-n-law & father-n-law voted for O'_ _ _ _. What???

A Quiet Simple HALLOWEEN...

2008-11-01T07:07:00.006-04:00

We had a wonderful relaxed evening. We started off with a little trick-or-treating, went to our neighbor's house for a little Halloween party, and we were off to see family & friends.

Logan as Jack Sparrow & Courtney as Elizabeth...

at Ms. Charlotte's house...

with Mr. & Mrs. Murphy...

a late night Candy Swap at the Kast House...

with Jack Sparrow, a cheerleader, Ugly Betty, Elizabeth, a pro fisherman (not photographed) & Dave as a bumblebee (check out Dave...smallest member of the Kast family)!

YES 2 MARRIAGE...YES on 2

2008-10-17T12:38:00.003-04:00

We will be voting "Yes" on Amendment 2!

marriage=an institution of God designed as a lifelong covenant relationship between a man and woman.

yes2marriage.org

We went to see the possum....

2008-10-12T13:44:00.006-04:00

No...not this kind of opossum...

"No Show Jones"...

"The Possum"

Curtis won the tickets from 97 Country for answering a trivia question!!!

George Jones may be getting older, but he did not disappoint. He put on a great show after his opening act...Jason Byrd. He is old country...his voice just takes you back to a simpler time in life & he has a gospel collection with one of the greatest versions of Amazing Grace I've ever heard. We got his newest CD signed last night...Burn Your Playhouse Down. Great Music!!!

A little bit of evening fall...

2008-10-06T21:49:00.006-04:00

One of my favorite times of the year...it's fall, evening now, the house is clean, the kids are in bed, quiet but the sound of some favorite music playing softly, nothing but the glow of the lamps and the muted television, the warmth of fall decorations fills the space we live in. The photo captures my favorite picture "Grace" by Eric Enstrom... beautiful to me always, I find the message perfect for this season. Not one of the four seasons, but the season of our lives that we are in now. A man praying over a simple meal. I am reminded of the many blessings in my life in a season where people are having to choose between a simple meal and the other necessities of life.

He didn't think I could dunk him!

2008-10-04T21:23:00.005-04:00

The Publix location my Curtis works at raised $30,000 for United Way and the associates decided they wanted to dunk the managers as their reward for raising the funds! So on Sunday afternoon, September 21st, they got what they wanted!!!

So you're probably wondering what the ice in the dunk tank is for. No...it's not to make the water freezing for those getting dunked...though that would have been a great idea.

The guys who set this thing up tapped into the hot water system for the store when they filled it and the water was scalding hot. It had to be iced just to cool it down enough for somebody to get dunked in this thing!

This just cracks me up!!!

Ok...so he...my hubby...said...and I quote...

"you will never be able to dunk me."

So...ball #1...with a flip of my wrist & swish of my skirt...

nothing!!!

So...ball #2...with a flip of my wrist & swish of my skirt...

I dunked his tail!!!

I'm still laughing because he was caught totally off guard,

which he admits was totally captured in this photo!

He didn't think I could dunk him!!!

We love Publix!!!

SEU Big Give

2008-10-03T21:18:00.004-04:00

A day of...

community service & community!

Courtney & Ann

Logan & Charles

Courtney & Raegan

Logan & Maddie

A rainbow appears...

the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow...

Southeastern University!!!

In the evening...

SEU put on...

the most amazing fireworks...

that I was so engrossed in...

I forgot to take pictures!

FIRST City Celebration at SEU...

2008-09-19T14:24:00.005-04:00

These are photos from FIRST City Celebration, an annual event for the freshmen class. A variety show with sketches and videos. The students are so talented...they did an awesome job planning the event & hosting the evening. We had a great time this year!

Me & Mrs. Rutland (my director)

The Hancock Family

The Hancock Kids Behaving...Badly

FIRST Teams Mentors with Dr. & Mrs. Rutland and me!

The Mentors with Mrs. Rutland & I!

I love my job!!!

And who wouldn't?

I get to work with an amazing director/mentor

and these guys!

I was tagged...

2008-09-14T14:44:00.009-04:00

a month ago by Rachel... who I wish lived closer to, because she is just the sweetest person and seems like any one of my best girlfriends that live around here. Well, I am supposed to tell you all six random things about me you don't know and then pick six of you to do the same, so here goes:

1. I would wear jeans (from the Gap...my favorite), a cami/tanktop & a cardigan every single day if I could...with flip flops, sandals, or peep toed shoes of course!

2. I love poetry & sayings, but can't stand anything really gushy or cutesy!

3. I am adopted!

4. I love to get pedicures, but rarely go because I am deathly afraid of getting some sort of fungus!

5. Other than store-bought or restaurant food...I don't eat food prepared by anyone unless I personally know them and have visited their home on multiple occasions...Like at church functions or work or holiday stuff (yuk)!

6. I want to live in a renovated warehouse in some up&coming downtown with a first floor filled with huge tables, fabric, sewing machines, books (tons of books), craft stuff....paint, brushes, paper...you name it! I would spend my days (wearing my every single day of the week...outfit of choice) with young mothers and their children teaching them that they are worth every bit of their being...teaching them how to connect with their kids on a creative level. Teaching them how to sew beautiful things for their children that they could never afford to buy (I've wanted stuff for my children that we absolutely couldn't afford, but luckily I knew how to sew).

Enough random things about me! Here are the rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you

2. Post the rules on your blog

3. Write 6 random things about yourself

4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them

5. Let each person you have tagged know by leaving a comment on their blog

6. Let the tagger know when your entry is posted

I tag...Mandi, Audra, Vikki, Scrapper Mom, Jackie, Darlene

Dear Jonas Brothers...by Courtney Hancock

2008-09-13T08:13:00.008-04:00

Our schedules have been so hectic I've barely kept my head above water. I think there is a light at the end of the tunnel though and I'll be back on track. Well our good friend Nashan got us tickets to go see the Jonas Brothers on Thursday, September 4th. Yes...almost ten days ago! There were 15 of us on the trip...six adults and 9 kids. The kids, every one of them, were perfect!!! Courtney wrote them a poem before the Jonas Brothers concert before we left using their song titles. I think it's cute so...

here it is...

Dear Jonas Brothers

I have one last request...to hang out with you.

Because You've Got Me Going Crazy.

This is a SOS moment.

My heart is Burning Up for You.

I will be your Love Bug.

And if I don't see you Tonight.

I will see you In the Year 3,000.

And when I see you...

You will Look Me in the Eyes.

I hope you say we're more than Just Friends.

Cause That's Just the Way We Roll.

I will Hold On to your music.

I have to say I'm Still In Love With You.

So for now Goodnight and Goodbye.

by Courtney Hancock

"My Beautiful Mess" of a friend makes mornings special...

2008-08-31T10:19:00.004-04:00

My Beautiful Mess of a friend Vikki got me the cup & saucer on an exploratory trip we took to Old Time Pottery last month. She also gave me the silver knife (along with some silver forks), which was passed to her from her aunt. It made me feel a little guilty to take it, but I have to say it makes me feel special when I use it...which would be almost daily! It is the best spreader!!! And a cup...with a saucer...just adds something to the morning. It's a little more formal & will make you feel just that much more important!

If you have silver that you're just storing...get it out and use it & find the saucers that came with your cups & use them!

Have a great Sunday!

We ate snails for dessert!

2008-08-31T09:48:00.003-04:00

little momma & co. had the best recipe featured on SITS. snails...the best snails we've ever had!!! some of our snails made trails over to our neighbor...mrs. murphy (hey!!! mrs. murphy...good morning). check out little momma & co. (they are just the cutest family) and then head on over to SITS for some more recipes!