CPA Won and they advance to the

Region Semi-Finals!!!!

CPA 62 Giles 30

Way to go Drew!!!!

This is a new thing for the public to be able to vote for the Dove awards so .....

The voting page is up. Alright Chapman fans, lets see you show up.
You can cast your vote for Steven in the Artist of the Year category right now!
You may vote once online and once via text messaging.
Vote Today!
VOTE ONLINE by clicking here.
VOTE BY TEXT by texting DOVE SCCHAPMAN to 72648. (vote codes are not case sensitive)

Today is my dear friend Samantha Medina's 39th Birthday! We celebrated by sharing a number 1 and a number 3 from McDonalds for lunch and a touch up for me. I told her I would treat her to any place in Rivergate with a drive thru window and that was her choice. So as the color processed on my hair, we ate our lunch and caught up on all the latest news with each other and laughed more times than I can count. As you can tell by the picture, I was the one that got the best end of the deal with the work she did on my hair!

Happy Birthday sweet friend and I hope you have a wonderful 39th year!

Starr, Samantha and me (The Cool Kid Club)

Yesterday, after waiting for 2 months, the Christmas gift to Brad from Mom, Patrick and me finally showed up! We ordered the Kindle from Amazon.com. It is an amazing little gadget for someone that loves to read as much as he does. You can load books, magazines, newspapers and music to it. He spent some time last night putting some books on it and he just loves it. It is so light and thin and it will be his constant companion I am sure.

We met Mom and Paul at Woody's for dinner last night. Wednesday night is 2 for 1 Fillet night there so we all had a delicious fillet. Paul told me during dinner that he brought me something back from the cruise that he wanted to give me when we left. Imagine the look on my face when he presented me with a 3 Liter bottle of Crown Royal! I have never seen a bottle this big in my life! Starr has already said that she would be happy to come over and help me enjoy it. (Russell and Wayne we will share some too!)

Now to my thoughts on American Idol last night......

***Jasmine -I liked the song and I thought she did a good job.

***Matt G- I didn't really like what he sang but I like him, he tried to be to with it and it made him look like he was trying too hard
***Nick Mitchell - No. Just no. I thought he was funny but he should be on some other type show and he is taking up other peoples votes
***Allison- I felt like she was screaming but she will probably get a lot of votes. I think I voted for her because she is 16 and I admire that.
***Kris-the judges have pretty much warned the contestants not to sing Michael Jackson, Sting, Whitney Houston or Heart songs, that includes "Man in the Mirror"
***Megan Joy-She’s pretty (except for the arm tattoo) and talented. I thought the little shaky dance she did was cute, I voted for her
***Matt -I want to like him because of his story but I don't think that song will get him anywhere I felt embarrassed for him for some reason

***Jesse-I think she sings well but it's her attitude (see below)

***Adam- He is a good performer and singer I just can't vote for a man that wears mascara and eyeliner

And the "talking back" to the judges DRIVES ME CRAZY! A lot of the contestants have been talking back, so I am wondering if the producers are encouraging it. I really, really don't like it! Jesse was the worst in the talking back category last night. Simon said she was forgettable, but not before calling her performance "too cool for school". That cracked me up!

Danny Gokey is still my favorite!!! Another update coming tomorrow!!!!

I have really tried to be more frequent in my blog writing but some days I just don't have anything to talk about. This week the Bachelor was the update show where "The Women Tell All" and I hated that Jillian was one of the ones sitting in the group. I think Jason will regret not choosing her. They are really trying to leave us in suspense with the previews of the "After the Rose Ceremony" and rumors say that he picks Molly and Melissa causes a scene so I guess we have to wait for the most dramatic rose ceremony ever!

I have been hunting for a special baby girl gift for our Maddux baby coming soon and I ran across this car seat! Now how cute would this be for a baby girl!

and... she could wear this hat as she rode in her car seat!!! I don't know if Chris Maddux would like this on his baby girl too much!

and here is a recipe that I want to try soon that I thought I would share....

Paula Deans Tater Tot Shepherd’s Pie
1 1/2 pounds ground chuck

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (10.75-ounce) can cream of celery soup

1 (10.75-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup

1 (15-ounce) can niblet corn, drained

1 (15-ounce) can English peas, drained

3 tablespoons browning sauce (I don't know what in the world this is?)

1 tablespoon garlic salt

1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/8 teaspoon poultry seasoning

1/4 cup sour cream

1 (32-ounce) package frozen tater tots

Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, combine ground chuck, onion, and garlic; cook over medium-high heat until meat is browned and crumbles. Drain well.
In a large bowl, combine meat mixture, soups, corn, peas, browning sauce, garlic salt, red pepper, paprika, salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, and sage. Spoon into prepared baking dish. Top evenly with tater tots.
Bake 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until browned and bubbly.

Makes 8 - 10 servings.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Hi Daddy,

It's Hazel and today, February 18, 2009 you would be turning 76 years old . I have in my mind that in Heaven, we get to be the age that was our favorite. I have no scripture or fact to base that on but you know better than anyone that would not stop me from thinking it. Rewind back to all the times you asked me "What were you thinking?" I wonder what year you would choose to be your favorite age. I know this birthday of yours in 1998, your last earthly birthday was pretty awesome. I can't remember if we ate at your house or if Mama made us each a sack lunch because it was "Game Day" and we had to be sitting in our seats at least an hour before Drew and the Commodores started to warm up. We all have on our various forms of black and gold and our "Drew Crew" buttons. The "Madison Clampettes" I mean Clines, would cram into the Buick with you as our driver and head to the interstate. As on cue, someone in the car, usually Mama would ask if you had the tickets, and up until you could no longer speak, you would say "What tickets"? We would all bust out laughing like this scenario had never been played out. When you could not speak it anymore, you would mouth it and Patrick would say it for you.

I hope that you still get to grill your famous meals for birthdays.

I hope you get to play golf whenever you want to and that you can hit the ball for miles!This is the way that I like to think you are now. You are sitting on the beach with a nice umbrella , a cold drink and a great view so that you can see us. Again, nothing factual to base this idea on but just let me go with OK?

No traces of numerous surgeries, rounds of chemotherapy or radiation burn. Oh Daddy I miss you so much. I still pull out your brief case (the fancy leather one that Ray got you that you were so proud of) about once a week and look at all the things you carried in it every day. The essential things that you needed all the time with you. The family pictures that you kept in the folder. The big envelope with all the box scores about Drew, the 8x10 picture of Corinne as the Prep Queen , (?) , the signed program from Ron Mercer, magazines showing the latest men's shoe styles, the folder with all the statistics comparing utility bills by month , by year all in your most perfect penmanship. I do the very same thing now. You taught me so many life lessons and I hope that I am passing on to Patrick. Each day when I wake up, when it is so hard to move or to stand I can hear you say "suck it up" and that is what I do.

Life does go on but I wish so much that you were here to be in the middle of this family united and multiplying. The little ones bring so much joy and laughter into our life. I hope that you love Brad and know that I did find "a good one". He takes such good care of me and he loves me so much and I love him right back.

Happy Birthday Daddy, I love you and I can't wait to see you!

A long and random post....

What about these cuties!!!! Anni wanted to have her cousins Emma and Ava over for a sleepover for her birthday. They had a big time together. They partied some more at DiDi and G's while the parents went out for Valentine's day. Sarah James was also celebrating her birthday. Maddux was definitely outnumbered!

There is always some type of entertainment or performance when the cousins get together. Here the girls are performing a song that Emma wrote.

And look how big our little Will Carter is getting! I still have not seen him in person and he is now almost 3 months old.

Our Mississippi boys celebrated John Ed's birthday last week. I think these cutie pies will give "Little sister" lots of entertainment when she gets here!

If you are watching American Idol, keep your eye on this guy Danny Gokey! He stole my heart when they introduced him back several weeks ago. I am so drawn to the stories about the contestants. When he told about his wife dying I just sat and bawled! I read about him on the internet and found out he was a praise leader at his church and his story is so sweet. We all need to vote for him! I also like Keith and Brent, they are just good ole boys trying to make it in the business and they sing great!

NEXT..........

OK, so what can I say about the girl that has the 8 babies to add to the six that she already has? I just don't understand this at all. So many loving couples in this world that want to have a baby and can't, and this lady is allowed to do this? What is wrong with this picture? I think the doctor that implanted her is the biggest culprit of all.

Next...

I love Jason the bachelor. I think I felt so sorry for the way it turned out for him last season that I really hope he finds his wife this season. I love watching him with his little boy Ty and I feel like he is really serious about finding love. I was sad when he sent Jill home last night but my second choice is Molly so we will see in the "most dramatic rose ceremony ever"!

Next....Can I just say how disappointed that I was when they announced the stars that will be on Dancing with the Stars and Donny Osmond was not in the lineup! He was on the Bonnie Hunt show last week and more or less indicated that he would be on the show. I will have to find someone else to support and maybe he will be on next time.

And last for today but certainly not least.....some adorable pics of Courtney and Tracey in NewYork City!!! I would have loved to have been with them. I pride myself in teaching Courtney the art of a fine handbag!!!

Now doesn't this just look like a scene from Sex in the City?

Another February Birthday!

Happy Birthday to our sweet Sarah James Maddux who turns four years old today!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Tonight my Valentine took me to Woody's for a delicious dinner. We only had to wait about 30 minutes for a table and it was well worth it.

Lauren also got flowers from Brad. It was her first time to receive flowers and she was so delighted!

Yesterday I got a delivery of the best tasting tangerines from Florida sent by Carolene. She is still at her house in Florida waiting on the weather to warm up here. I miss her so much and I can't wait until she gets home.

Valentine Day Early....

My husband is just the best! A dozen beautiful red roses and it's not even Valentine's Day yet!

Happy Birthday Anni!!!!!

Happy Happy birthday to sweet little Annita Grace Routh who turns 6 years old today. She is at home very sick but knowing her, she will be celebrating!

This breaks my heart

This is our little Cord Ramsey this morning in the hospital getting tubes in his ears. Leslie let Corinne know that everything went fine and he did great. They are probably on the way home by now. Connor and Cannon had a big day planned at school for Valentines day and Russell was in charge of getting them to school with valentines, treats and teacher gifts. I am sure there was a stop at the doughnut store as well.

Think Spring

I just received this delivery from the Ivy Basket from Mom and the Sisters. It says to Think Spring! It is so much more beautiful in person than the picture shows. It certainly brightens up my day and my house. Thank you Mom and Nita, Jacque, Corinne and Tracey, it is just what I needed! I am going to think spring and hope that the coldest days of the winter have already passed!

Look at the cute earrings Starr is wearing, she made them herself! She is very crafty in her new craft room!

Yesterday I was determined that I was going to leave my nest. I have missed my last 3 appointments for a manicure and even my free birthday manicure that Starr gives. So, I loaded up on my medicine and headed out to the salon. I got an awesome Valentine manicure with a heart and a sparkly on it. I was covering my face to spare you all the from the sight of it! I left there and met Mom at Friday's for lunch. Corinne had sent us a coupon to buy a meal and get one free and that is always fun to eat free. We left Friday's and headed to Stein Mart in Hendersonville. It was the first time I have been in the new store and I could easily move in there and live happily ever after! We were hunting for some cruise attire for Mom to take next week on the cruise she is going on. We found some very cute things for her and I found this cute thing for me:

It is a cookie jar that I saw in the paper back during Christmas time and I loved it so it came home and I put it in the office instead of the kitchen. I am going to put scrapbook supplies in it.

So now I am resting from my big day out yesterday. I left the house 5 times in January so I am hoping that February will be at least that or maybe more!

Look who is TWO!!!!!

Happy Birthday to John Edward Maddux who is 2 years old today!

I talked to Tracey this afternoon and she and Courtney are having a ball in New York City! I would give anything to see Courtney's face as she takes it all in. Yesterday they went to the Art Museum and saw the play Wicked and loved it. Today they had been on a tour of Radio City Music Hall and even had their picture made with a Rockette! When I talked to them they were eating in Macy's Grille and they were going to the Blueman Show.
They are going to China Town tomorrow and Courtney is hoping to score big in her shopping! I wish I was right there with them and Mom leading the way!