I know, I know!!!!!

I know that it's been a while since I've posted to my blog. Life gets busy and time just flies!!!!! I promise to get back in the game......I just need a little push! I guess I just figure that there just isn't anyone out there who really want to hear about my really boring life. It's a busy life.......but it's boring.

Ok.....so I just want to let ya'll know that I am still alive and breathing!!! Now, I must go and chase down Jackson! He is into EVERYTHING now. Never a dull moment with a 10 month old! HA!

In Remembrance - April 19, 1995

14 years ago today, the world that I knew as secure and "safe" came to a screeching hault. No one in Oklahoma City that day ever thought that something so horrific, terrible and disturbing would or could ever happen in our own backyard. We all learned a lesson that day. It can happen to anyone, anywhere at anytime.

Today, I want to remember those who were lost that day and those that were left behind. The following are a few of the lives that have touched my life. Maybe not directly, but through the people that they left behind.

Scott D. Williams

"Scott Williams, 24, of Tuttle would have been a new father in about two months. His wife, Nikki Williams, is expecting their first child, a girl they already had decided to name Kylie."He was a wonderful person," said his aunt, Linda Lekawski. Williams, a salesman for William E. Davis and Sons Food Inc., was making a delivery to the child-care center at the federal building."

Miss Baylee Almon

Baylee Almon, who celebrated her first birthday the day before the terrorist bomb took her life, is described by family members as having a loving, heart-filled smile. An amateur photographer snapped her photo as a firefighter carried her away from the destroyed building. The photo appeared on the front pages of newspapers and magazines worldwide. Of all the thousands of photos taken at the site, the photo of Baylee captured the horror of the bombing and took it straight to the heart of a sorrowful nation.

Chase Dalton and Colton Wade Smith

"Brothers Colton Wade Smith and Chase Dalton Smith wanted to be together all the time, said their mother, Edye Smith. "They loved each other. They didn't want to go anywhere without the other," she said. The Oklahoma City boys died together in the bombing, shortly after Edye Smith dropped them off at the America's Kids day-care center at the federal building. The boys' father is Tony Smith. Edye Smith said the boys would be walking down the street and pass someone and Chase would quickly say, "Hi, mister. How're you doing?" Also, Barney was their favorite television show. "They were happy. They were real free-spirited," she said. "They were sweet." Chase, 3, and Colton, 2, were the only children of Edye Smith. "You can never hug and kiss your child too many times," she said."

A Sad Day......

Today my sister Jennifer had to do the unthinkable when it comes to the care of your beloved pet. She had to have her 7 1/2 year old Besenji - Kenya to sleep. I hated that Jenn had to do that but we all know that it was in Kenya's best interest. She had a stroke about a year ago and just hasn't been right ever since. Jenn found out over the weekend that most likey Kenya had a brain tumor. In recent days Kenya began to getting aggressive with Jenn and my nephew Aiden. This was not KiKi's temperment at all. Jenn knew it was time.

I think that I've cried a bucket of tears today myself. Just remembering that everytime I've stayed with Jenn and Scott, Kenya ALWAYS slept with me. She would always curl up next to me when I was sitting down and just wanted me to love on her. I'll miss you KiKi!!!!!!

I'm thinking about you today sis! Love you very much :)

We Survived and are Still Alive!!!!

Well, I know that it's been a few days since I last posted. I'm sure you're wondering how we all fared with all of the sickness that we've had as of late here at the Springer house. WE SURVIVED AND ARE STILL ALIVE!!!!

It all started with Miss Morgan almost 2 weeks ago. She came to me right before bed one night complaining of her throat hurting and feeling achey. Of course, I blew it off as, Um.....it's Sunday night and someone doesn't want to go to school tomorrow. That's what I get for jumping to conclusions cause before I could say anything she added that she didn't want to stay home from school because of a fun project that they were going to be working on and she didn't want to miss it. I knew then that she was serious and really wasn't feeling well.

A few days later, Ryan called me from work complaining that his sinuses all of a sudden were draining like a faucet and that his throat was beginning to get sore. By nights end, he too had fallen to the dreaded disease. I was doing all that I could to keep little Jackson and myself away from my disease ridden family. If I could've wrapped Jackson and myself in bubble wrap and put in a disease-free plastic bubble, I would've done it!!!!! By the time Friday rolled around, Ryan was taking the day off because he didn't have a voice and was just feeling really cruddy. Saturday morning he woke up early (which he NEVER does) and told me that he needed to see a doctor. I should've scooped up Jackson right then and ran for the hills.

Sunday afternoon, I noticed that Jackson (whom in his 8 short months of life has NEVER been sick) wasn't acting right and had a slight cough. Then the sneezing and the crying began, yep that was me! I too was becoming a casualty of the sickness monster. Of course, I don't have the luxury of sleeping it off or even just taking the day off to recoup! I'm mom and life as we know it would come to a screeching hault! So I say that to say that this stuff is hanging on with me. Jackson recovered quickly!

So here I am, alive and well! I think that I'm beginning to feel human again. Hence, another saga in the day (or shall I say weeks) of the Springer clan. May we all stay well for a very long time. I can't handle another few weeks of constant sickness! I'm so ready for the weather to warm up and stay warm. We all could use some springtime fresh air!

Hope you and your family are staying well!

A Nose In Need

OK! I have to admit that I have been defeated!!!!
I did however put up one heck of a fight. I didn't go down easily.....however, I am down for the count.
Yep.....sniffling, sneezing, stuffy head, aches, chills, coughing and my teeth hurt!!!!!! When you go to brush your hair and that hurts, you know that you are sick.
Now that I've updated you on my misery, I'm gonna go lay down while Jackson is taking his nap.
Hope everyone else out there is alive and well! I'll catch up with ya'll in a day or two! AAAAA CHOOOO! Excuse me! Cough Cough

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!

Well, yesterday Ryan woke up feeling worse than he has all week. He actually took Friday off (which he NEVER does) because he felt so bad and he had no voice. He decided that it was time to see a doctor! Wow! I knew he was seriously not feeling well because he avoids going to the doctor like one tries to avoid the plague.

The diagnosis: A really bad sinus infection! I could have told him that!!!!!! Sheesh, should've gone to med school!

After taking NyQuil every 6 hours and a few rounds of antibiotics, Ryan is feeling somewhat human today. At least that is what he is telling me. I'm so glad cause he is no fun when he isn't feeling well!

Morgan is feeling better. I'm glad cause she is not one that you want to be around when she is sick. So not like me at all. When I'm sick, I want my mommy. Morgan wants to seriously HURT you if you come near her.

Now, I say all of that to say this.........I woke up this morning with a sore throat and a stuffy nose!!!! I keep telling myself, "You're NOT getting sick, You're NOT getting sick, YOU'RE NOT GETTING SICK". You see, I just don't have time to get sick. Plus, there is a rule in the Springer House........Mom isn't allowed to get sick! I don't have the luxury of laying around and sleeping it off. I still have an 8 month old to care for (by the way, he is remarkably well!) but I still have my everyday stuff to deal with. If my world comes to a screeching halt and the whole world comes to an end, so to speak.

Well, I'm gonna go take some more Sudafed and suck it up! I'M NOT GETTING SICK!!!!!!!


**I almost forgot! I told you that I would let you know how the Jonas Brother Movie turned out......It was surprisingly good! We ended up going to the 4 PM showing, so there wasn't alot of screaming pre-adolecent girls! I highly recommend it if you have a pre-teen girl in your house. :)

When Will It End?????

OK! So at least the dog decided to cooperate last night! Jackson however was up again every two hours. I think that my body is beginning to get used to the fact that it just isn't going to get the sleep that it needs. I think that I'm on auto pilot!

Today, my husband is home from work. He has been battling sinuses for the past week. Ryan and sinuses aren't a good mix since he is in radio and has the afternoon drive show. To make a long story short.........he has no voice!

I've decided that since Ryan is at home today that I will surprise Miss Morgan this afternoon when she gets home from school and take her to see the new Jonas Bro. 3D movie. Yay me!!!! I look forward to spending an hour and a half with a bunch of screaming out of control school girls. I'll make sure to take plenty of Advil before I leave. :)

Ok! So now ya'll are caught up on what's going on in my world today! Just another ordinary day for Miss Jana. I'll give ya an update on the movie tomorrow.

Until then..........

A Very Long Night And A Long Day Ahead

Between Jackson and Maggie (my 80 lb. bassett hound) I was pretty much up all night last night. Seemed like as soon as I would just get to sleep, Jackson would start crying. I'd get back in my nice warm comfy bed and start to get back to sleep, Maggie would start to wimper. I'd get up let her outside to do her "buisness", get her back in her crate, and then try to get back to sleep. Only to have Jackson, once again start to cry. It was a very long night!

Yesterday was such a beautiful day! The sun was out and it was warm enough to go outside without a jacket. It was perfect!!!! Then I opened the blinds this morning after such a long night to find that it is so foggy outside, I could hardly see the neighbors house behind me. Then to find out that we are in for rain and thunderstorms all day today. Yippee!!!!! And to top it all off.....Jackson is still cranky! Oh what joy!

With all that said..........I WILL try to find the good in it all! I'll just say a little prayer and keep going!

Been Gone For A While!

Hey everyone! Sorry that I have been gone for awhile. I promise to pick things up again. Just need to get my thoughts in order. Hope everyone is well!

Jana

A Letter To Family & Friends

Dear Family & Friends,

On the day of inauguration, I wanted to reach out to all of my friends and ask that at some point today, you take a moment to pray for the future of our country - if not for our sake, for the sake of our children and their children. Despite your political views, the current state of our country demands prayer. Pray for our new President and his advisers. Pray for the state of affairs in the midst of an economic downfall. Pray for our children's education. Pray WITH your children for the future of our country. Pray for the job situation - I personally know several people who have recently lost their jobs. Pray for our military and their families.

I am thankful for the vast majority of Christians in this country, but ashamed at our silence in recent years. I challenge you to prayer and testimony, especially over the next 4 to 8 years. Stand up for what you truly believe in and prove that we have a freedom of speech and freedom of religion, which is part of the reason we live in the greatest country in the world.

I'll be praying and testifying - I am not ashamed. I was not ashamed to write this letter to all of you, regardless of what you believe. Delete if you want to or pass on to your friends and family - whatever you choose is fine with me. Personally, I've never felt more called to faith than at this point in my life and I intend to pray hard, daily, on my knees, with absolutely no shame. God is the only one in control of our future but we have to ask for His help and pray unceasingly. I know I'm right with God. Are you in?

~If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.~

Happy Birthday David Ryan Springer!!!!!!

Today is my husband, Ryan's 37th birthday! I hope that it has been a good one for him. I haven't seen him at all! I chatted with him just briefly.

I'm a terrible wife! I haven't had a chance to get a card or a gift this year! These frigid temperatures that we have been having has kept me indoors. I just haven't wanted to get Jackson out in this mess. By the time Ryan gets home from work, the temps are just unbearable.

We are planning on going out to eat tonight. I guess Eskimo style! I'm going to bundle up our two precious offspring like the kid from A Christmas Story! You know, the one that looks like a tick and can't put his arms down. I'm sure it will be quite a sight to see.

I will at some point this weekend, go and get him a gift. Not sure what to get the guy who pretty much already has everything! I was thinking a new pair of shoe, but he has more shoes than I have so , I think not! Maybe a new shirt? Nope, he takes up more space in the closet with his wardrobe than mine! Maybe a nice piece of electronics? I don't even dare to go there. I bought him a laptop computer two year ago for Christmas. Well, I don't even want to re-live that fiasco! I'll keep ya updated on what His Princeliness ends up with!

I love you Ryan Leigh! I hope you have had a super duper wonderful day!

~The picture above is a rare picture! Ryan doesn't like sports, so this is really hilarious! I can just see him in the outfield picking daisies and praying that the ball doesn't come to him!!!! LOL!

Jan. 13, 1976: The Day My Life Dramatically Changed Forever!

Tuesday January 13, 1976 started off like any other day for me. Except when I woke up that morning my Nannie and Paw Paw were at the house and my mom and dad were gone. Where had they gone, you ask? I had absolutely no idea, but I didn't really care because Nannie and Paw Paw were there and I knew it was going to be a gloriously fun day!

I ate my breakfast, played a game of hide and seek with my grandfather and I'm sure I watched Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, Sesame Street and The Electric Company. Ah....now this was the life. Who could ask for anything more? I'm sure I had a little nap that day after a really nice lunch. I woke up ready to play some more with my Paw Paw. Oh and play we did! I worked up quite the appetite, so my Nannie made me a nice little snack. I was eating that nice little snack when IT happened! At precisely 3:30pm my fun little world changed dramatically FOREVER!

The phone rang and my grandmother got all excited! She hugged my grandfather and was asking alot of questions. Of course, it really didn't bother me at the time because I new that once she got off the phone life would resume and the fun would begin once again. NOT SO MUCH! She picked up the phone and made call after call after call! She was so happy! Of course she was, I was the center of her universe! Or so I thought.

Next thing I know we were putting on our coats, hats and mittens. AWESOME! We were going to go on a little adventure. I loved going to fun places with my grandparents! They always took me to best places. Again, not so much on this day! We ended up at a hospital. A HOSPITAL! What the heck are we doing here, is what I'm sure my little four year old mind was thinking. We walked up to a window outside the hospital. Now my curiosity was getting the best of me. Why were we not going inside? It's cold out here for goodness sake! (I found out later that they would not allow children under the age of 10 to visit patients.) Then the curtains were pulled back and there stood my daddy. DADDY! Now where have you been all day? Work? And why are you at the hospital? Oh, and there is mommy! Why is she laying down in a bed? Cough due to a cold or something?

Then IT happened! My daddy held up this wad of blankets that seemed to be moving a bit. A puppy maybe? Oh cool! I wanted a puppy! Not so much! He turned the little bundle around and there IT was! This toe-headed, pale, and wrinkled baby doll? Then my grandmother said "THE WORDS"! The words that would forever be burned into my ears! Look Jana Leigh! It's your baby sister!

BABY SISTER? Whoa! I don't ever remember asking for or ordering one of those! Ya'll just need to send that back! But, they didn't send it back. In fact, they brought it home. Can you believe that? They actually brought that crying, scrawny and stinky thing home!

Now, 33 years later, I can say that I am glad that they brought that crying, scrawny, toe-headed, wrinkled and stinky thing home. Even though we didn't get along very well growing up and actually hated each other for awhile, she was probably one of the best things that ever happened to me. God knew what he was doing on January 13, 1976 at 3:30 pm. He gave me my best friend! He gave me my sister!

Happy 33rd Birthday Sasquatch! May the next 33 be just as good! Love you girl!

~The picture above is of Jennifer at age 3 or 4 years of age.

Remembering Where I Come From and Good Southern Manners

When I woke up this morning I realized that I had to make a mad dash to Wal-mart so that I could get what I needed for supper tonight. I also realized that it is going to be insanely cold the next few days, so I had better be prepared with another meal, just in case.

While at our lovely Champaign Wal-mart, I was reminded of how unmannerly people here are. A man, knowing that I was trying to get to a product that he was standing in front of, refused to budge from where he was standing. I stood there for a few seconds and then politely said, excuse me but may I reach in front of you to get that can of kidney beans? He looked at me as if I had grown horns from the top of my head, grunted and moved.

As I was checking out, the cashier didn't look at me one time nor did she try to acknowledge my presence. The only thing that was said was " $63.10". When I was finished paying I said to the cashier, " Thank you very much. Have a great day". You could tell that she wasn't expecting me to say that to her. She stumbled over her words as she tried to say thank you.

Ryan and I have been amazed at how rude the people here are. Now, not everyone in Champaign/Urbana are rude, but for the most part they are. I can't tell you how many times I have gone to open a door only to have a man walk in front of me and not hold the door open. Things like that just erk me! If someone does something nice, you say thank you. Not so much here.

Now, where I come from you would be considered uppity or uncivilized if one were to do the things that I just talked about. Very improper! So, I have compiled a list of simple southern manners that everyone should know. I am raising my kids to use these manners and I am trying to instill them in my husband as well.

If you're not from the U.S. South, you may wonder why we southerners behave the way we do toward one another in terms of manners. Having proper manners in our everyday actions is a way of life in the South. They stem from our famed southern hospitality. Manners matter in Dixie. Good manners make life more pleasant for everyone, and you can never take them too seriously in the South. Having bad manners will cause other southerners to question your upbringing. So, if you want to know more about southern culture, are planning a trip to or within the South, are planning to move to the South, or are from the South and need to brush up on your manners, then this article is here to help. Remember that good manners are not reserved for special occasions. They are something you do every place and every day, and our friendships and relationships are based on how we treat others on a daily basis.

MANNERS TO LIVE BY:

Above all, say "please" and "thank you". Always saw please whenever making any sort of request. You may further express thanks by saying something like "Thank you very much, I really appreciate it." If you don't get what you want, say something like "well, thank you anyway." You should also use "May I," "You’re Welcome," "Excuse Me," and "Pardon Me."

Also say "yes sir" or "no sir" and "yes ma'am" or "no ma'am" at all appropriate times. If you don't use these you may be viewed as arrogant or disrespectful, or uppity.

Several fundamental tenets of southern manners:

-Be humble - Always put others first and yourself last ("after you..."). This is rooted in Bible Belt theology. Acting uppity, selfish, or self-centered are certainly not good manners.

-Be courteous - This stems from the Golden Rule ("Do unto others as you would have them do unto you).

-Behave yourself - When in public, don't be rude, brash, loud, uncouth, coarse, or cause a commotion. If you do act that way people may think you weren't raised properly and don't know better.

-Be friendly - Act this way towards everyone whether you know them or not.

-Be modest - this is similar to being humble. In other words, don't brag on yourself.

~Here are some other tips (but this is not an exhaustive list of course):

-Always ask for something, but never demand it.

-Refer to females as "Ladies".

-Chivalry of all forms is well appreciated throughout the South.

-Hold doors open for others.

-If you're a male, walk on the street side of a sidewalk when accompanying a lady.

-Men stand when a lady enters the room.

-Remove your hat, if you're a male, when entering a building. A hat should also be removed (by men) during the national anthem, the raising of the flag, funeral processions, and prayer.

-When at fault, own up to it and say you're sorry.

-Say "pardon me" or "excuse me" when having to walk in front of someone or if you bump into someone.

-Err on the side of being too nice.

-Know proper table manners and always use them.

-Make eye contact with people and say "hi, how are you" or an appropriate greeting to them depending on the time of day ("good morning", "good afternoon", etc.).

-Conduct small talk with others whether you know them or not (particularly in stores and restaurants, etc.).

-Respect elders

-Be gracious and extend hospitality whenever possible. Offer guests in your home food and drink.

-Don't interrupt.

-Shake hands with a firm grip.

-Don't be in a rush and impatient all the time. Things move at a different pace in the South.

-Keep your word.

-Stand by your family.

-If someone has had surgery, a new baby or a death in the family, organize the neighbors to all take turns fixing dinner for the affected family.

-Welcome new neighbors.

The pictures above are of the town that my family is from: Madison, Ga.

Picture #1 is of The Morgan County Courthouse seated in Madison.

Picture #2 is of downtown Madison.

A National Championship and Severe Dry Eye Syndrome

The Florida Gators beat the Choklahoma Sooners last night for the National Championship title and trophy. The final score was Florida 24 - OU 12. WOO HOO! I actually rooted for Florida for the one and only time in my life. That was probably the hardest thing to do for this avid UGA fan. Trust me, when it was all said and done, I had to take a very long bath to scrub the nasty gator off of me. I felt so dirty after rooting for them. So wrong!!!!!! However, it sure is nice to keep the National Championship title and crown in the overall best college football conference, the SEC, for the third year running! So awesome!
I went back to the eye doctor for yet another agonizing visit today. I was diagnosed with severe dry eye syndrome back at the beginning of December. Man has is been a struggle. At the beginning of November I started having what I thought was really bad allergies or possibly pink eye. Both eyes were really red, my eye lids were red and swollen (looked like I was wearing bright red eye shadow) and it hurt so bad just to blink. Felt like I had sand in them all the time. And they watered like crazy!
After doing everything that I possibly knew to do I was at my breaking point and finally called the eye doctor. The very minute he saw me he said " you have severe dry eye syndrome". He looked at my eyes with his special machine and confirmed what he already had thought. My eyes looked like raisins. Oh, gross! So he put me on some over-the-counter meds to see if I could get some relief. It helped, but still was bothersome. I went back a week later and he then put me on a steroid eye drop. If I got relief from that then he would most likely put me on RX Restasis. I about had a heart attack when the pharmacist told me that the eye drop would cost me $50 and said that I was lucky that I had insurance. Had I not it would have been $150. NO WAY! It was worth the money because my eyes felt tons better.
I went back to Dr. Burgwald right before Christmas and he told me that I may need to consider Restasis. Only problem is that it would cost me $100 a month. I almost passed out! I asked him if I could continue on the steroid a little longer but only use it once a day and keep up my OTC regime. He said yes, and wanted to see me in two weeks to reassess.
Which brings me to today! I'm much better, sorta. I can't continue taking the steroid for much longer. Could cause major issues down the road for my eyes. So I have one of two options. 1. Go ahead and swallow really hard and pay the $100 a month for the Restasis or 2. Have tear duct plugs put into my eyes. Oh, I thought that I would pass out at that thought. See, I have a really hard time putting eye drops in my eyes. I can't stand to have anything near my eyes. It wasn't until two years ago that I started wearing sunglasses because it bothered me. Dr. Burgwald reassured me that I wouldn't feel a thing. He told me that this really is my best option. He told me that this is what he would do for himself and would have his wife or kids do if it were needed as in my case. He told me to go home and think about it and call him on Monday.
So, here I sit. Wondering what to do. I'm leaning toward having the tear duct plugs. Uggggg, decisions! If you or know of anyone else who has had this done, please let me know. I'm totally stressed over this whole thing. I've always prided myself on having really good eyesight and just perfect eyes in general. Oh, he did say that my vision is perfect.......BONUS! I'll keep ya posted on my agonizing decision.
Until then............

Freezing Cold Weather and Frosty's

So, I pick up Morgan from school this afternoon and as soon as she gets into the car she asks me, "Mom......can we stop by Culver's for some frozen custard"? I, of course, swung around and said "Girl, are you crazy it is freezing outside"! And I left it at that.
So what do I do? I pull into the Wendy's and order her a chocolate frosty and myself a vanilla frosty! I HAVE GOT TO BE OUT OF MY MIND! Sure was good though....... :)

Reality And Recipes

Well, today was the beginning of our family returning to reality after two weeks of vacation. Ryan went back to work today. Although it was so nice to have him around helping me with things around the house and helping me with Jackson, it was time for me to bid him a fond farewell. I love my husband, don't get me wrong! But after two weeks of constant togetherness, well, it was time for some "alone" time!

Morgan will return to school tomorrow! She was given an extra day of Christmas vacation this year via Mother Nature. The last day of school (oh, the horror of missing the class Christmas party) was cancelled due to bad weather. I too will bid her a fond farewell! In the morning you will hear me skipping though the house singing a version on " It's the most wonderful time of the year" as we are getting ready for school. It has been nice having her home as well! She has helped me alot with Jackson and a "few" things around the house, but I will not miss the 24/7 drama that comes along with her being at home. If I hear "I'm so bored" one more time, I may just explode!

Jackson, well, I'm looking forward to him getting back on his "pre-Christmas vacation" schedule. Poor little guy is so confused as to when he is suppose to sleep and eat. I can't complain, he has really hung in there and looks like he will survive.

Before I go, I wanted to let you know that I am beginning to post some of my recipes. At the right of the page under "Recipes From Our Kitchen" you will find some links to things like, Beverages, Soups, casseroles,ect. This is a work in progress so you will have to check back from time to time to see what is new. I love looking for new recipes so I hope that you will enjoy this.

Well, better run for now. Time to feed little guy and I'm sure his sister is hungry too! She STAYS hungry!

UPDATE.....

GEORGIA WINS!!!!!!


Georgia 24 - Michigan State 12

What way to start 2009! The game was intense for the first half and then the DAWGS came back in the 3rd quarter a swinging! Here is to starting the new year off right. I just hope that the 2009-2010 season will be much better than the 2008 season.

WE WANT A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!

Happy New Year & Georgia Bulldog Football

Happy New Year! Can you believe that it is already 2009? Where did the time go? Seems like yesterday it was Jan. 1, 2008. I hope that this year doesn't fly by as quickly as 2008.
Our family wishes you and your family nothing but peace, hope and lots of happiness in 2009.
Ok, so we have all of the New Year well wishes out of the way..........Now it is time to get down to business! It's time for FOOTBALL!
Georgia plays Michigan State at 12:00 p.m. CST. on ABC. GO DAWGS! HUNKER DOWN HAIRY DAWGS, HUNKER DOWN FOR A FIGHT! Glory, Glory!

Saying Goodbye to 2008

Well here we are! On the threshold of yet another new year. With only a few hours left in 2008, I am remembering some of the highs and lows that the year has brought to the Springer's.

In April, my step-brother Mark got married. His new bride is just as sweet as she can be and beautiful to boot! We all just love Kirstin and feel that she is a positive addition to our family. Along with Kirstin comes Miss Marley. She is Kirstin's sweet little girl. We all just think she is a doll. Mark........ya did good!

In June we welcomed our little Jackson. Jackson was born on June 20 at 8:10am via c-section. He was 7 lbs and 12 oz. He was only 18 1/2 inches long. Short little thing! He is an absolute joy to have in our family. Words alone can't express what this little bundle of joy means to me. He just melts me. I finally got my future Georgia Bulldog football player! Hold on Dawgs.......He's a coming!

Miss Morgan not only became a big sister this year, but she turned 10 years old. FINALLY, double digits! Oh the teen years are going to be SO MUCH FUN! Can you sense the sarcasm in that statement? She is now a 5th grader and is just as smart as she can be. This year she has been accepted into the gifted and talented program at school. This will be of great benefit down the road when it comes time to decide on colleges. Of course, her mother would love to see her attended the University of Georgia!

My sister Jennifer moved from Lake Saint Louis to the Lake of the Ozarks. She and Scott love it there. They say that life is like that of Mayberry. They also got a new baby this year, my new neice dog Beacon. She is a Boston Terrier. She is absolutely the cutest thing! Very laid back for a Boston! Miss Hailey turned 8 this past May and still as sweet as she is beautiful. She is such a breath of fresh air. Mr. Aiden turned 3. What a little dynamo. He is always on the go and he knows that he can melt the hearts of his Aunt Nana and Aunt Wessica! By the time he is 20, look for him to grace the cover of People magazine as the sexiest man alive!

Let's see, Ryan's dad became very ill this year and was told that he would need a liver transplant. We had some very tense moments waiting on a liver. He finally got one in August. We can't tell you how amazed we are at how well he has responded to his new liver. He is almost back to the same old David that we know and love. Please keep him your prayers and pray that he doesn't go into rejection.

We found out in October that my dad is diabetic. This was a shock to all of us. He had been out mowing the grass and was struck in the leg by a stick. He doctored it himself and thought that it would get better. Well, it only got worse. He was put into the hospital because of the infection and because of blood work that had to be done, found out that his blood sugar was off the charts. He was very lucky not to have gone into a diabetic coma at some point. Divine intervention my friends. We found out before it was too late. Daddy has had trouble adjusting to the new lifestyle but is doing much better now.

My little sister Jessica once again found a lump in her breast. She had it removed and thankfully the lump was benign. Bless her heart, she is only 25 and has had to have two masses removed. We hope that this doesn't become a trend. She and her boyfriend bought a house this year. This is a huge move for her. We are just hoping now that Kyle will put a ring on her finger! They too got a new baby this year. They also got a Boston Terrier. Her name is Zoey! She is something else. Wired!!!!!! We all love her.
My beloved Georgia Bulldogs! What can I say? They blew out Hawaii in the Sugar bowl on Jan. 1st. We went into the 2008 season rated #1. We were on the cover of SI. Only to screw it up and finish the season with 3 big losses. The loss to Georgia Tech..........well, I can't even bring myself to even finish that thought. We'll get them next year! We lost our beloved Uga VI on June 28. Only thing to say about that is "Damn Good Dawg!" He served us well and will never be forgotten. We welcomed his son, Uga VII on Aug. 30 during pre-game ceremonies at the Georgia/Georgia Southern game. We are all so proud of him already! The Dawgs will play Michigan State tomorrow in the Captiol One Bowl. Go DAWGS!!!!!!!!!
Well, I guess that sums up 2008 for us. We hope that 2008 was good to you and your family and pray that 2009 will only bring you love and good times.
Until then.............

Laundry, Layouts And A New Laptop

Well, our Christmas vacation has come to an end. I can't tell ya how hard it is to leave home every year and head back to Champaign. As we back down the long driveway at my dad's house, I always get that huge lump in my throat and fight back the tears. I tend to be a bit weepy all the way to the Georgia/Tennessee line. But, I usually shake it off by the time we get to the the north side of Chattanooga. Reality hits me between the eyes by then!

With the end of vacation always comes the ominous mountain of laundry. You know, the dirty clothes always tend to make their way in with the clean. Just how does this happen? So, in order to make sure that you get ALL of the dirty clothes clean you realize that you MUST wash everything. Ugggggggg. Laundry and I tend to go round and round in a vicious circle.

Ryan got me a new laptop computer for Christmas so he has been transferring all of my STUFF from the other computer to the new. I didn't realize just how much STUFF I had on the other computer. Of course, I also have had to endure the lectures on how laptops work and all of that techie stuff that Ryan insists that I know. I just smile and say, yes Ryan you have already told me that like 10 times now. I get it!

As you can tell, I have changed the background of the blog. Out with the old and in with the new! Now I need to work on the music portion. I really don't think that you want to hear Christmas music going into the new year. I sure don't!

Well, better get back to the massive mountain of laundry. I think that I need a maid for 2009! RIGHT!