Mommy and Daddy Visit School!

Friday, October 10 there was a special celebration in Anni's class to show off the class' writing skills and achievements. Each child was given a folder in which to keep daily written or illustrated work. I think the idea is to understand the concept of expressing oneself creatively. Since Anni is only beginning to write letters, most of her work was of the illustration variety. But Mommy and Daddy were proud!
The teacher took our picture while Anni was showing us all of her pictures. Many of them were pictures of Mommy, Daddy, Annie and Bit Bit (the dog). She's all about the family! I was happy to see that. She was so proud of her class. She took us around and introduced us to her friends.
We finally got to meet the children we had been hearing about for the past 6 weeks. She really loves her teacher and I am so thankful for that. She seems to really care about the kids and communicates weekly with parents. I failed to get a picture of Mrs. Johnson. I'll be sure to do that next time.I was a little sad though. James and I and one other parent were the only ones to show up for the celebration. We tried to visit all the other kids tables to let them show off their work too. They all seem so little. My heart breaks to think they are disappointed. But I think we spread the love pretty well. Anni seemed to act as hostess taking us from table to table telling us who was who. She always seems to be so sensitive of other people's feelings. I think she felt bad for the other kids too.
This is Anni's beautiful masterpiece of buttons and letters and of course the portrait of Mommy and Daddy dancing at the top.

All in all it was a great time. She's growing so fast. I don't want to miss a minute of it. I know this may not be such an exciting blog for most of you out there, but my little family is one of the most precious gifts God has given me, so that's what I write about.

We love you Anni. Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you!

God Must Really Love Me!

This past weekend my wonderful hubby surprised me with an early birthday present. Our little family headed to the mountains of West Virginia Friday night and then on Saturday night James took us to a concert perfomred by my all-time favorite artist; Craig Morgan.

Anni is also a fan and this was her first concert. It was fun to watch her get excited about the music and the lights, although the poor thing was up way past her bedtime and barely made it through the show. But she had a blast! Especially when his encore number was her favorite song: International Harvester. Of course before the show we hit the t-shirt table and Daddy had to get an official Craig Morgan glow stick for the girl. Then it was time for the show. We had great seats only about 11 rows back. It was a pretty small venue. The show was absolutely awesome!!!!

During the show there was much talk of the new CD that will be coming out on the 21st. (the other half of my birthday present). One of the new songs is entitled, "God Must Really Love Me." Craig Morgan is a decorated army veteran and has a firm belief in God, family and country. Many of his songs speak of how God has blessed his life.

While he was singing this song the words jumped off the stage at me.

The fact that I am alive today is proof that God must really love me.

Its a simple thought but sometimes I

think we try to make God's love so complicated. But the truth is, He just really loves us. The proof is all around us. The miracle of a baby's birth or a beautiful sunset and the majesty of his creation.

During the song I looked at James and Anni and almost cried. God must really love me! If i died today, I couldn't ask for more than God has already blessed me with. I have no reason to complain.

I went to this concert excited about seeing a famous artist whom I admire and respect and was given much more than a good show. I was amazed to find my self reminded of what a great God I serve, and how much he loves me!

Look Out World! Anni's 5!

We've all had those days that just do not go as planned. Well, Anni turned 5 on Monday the 15th and we didn't get to celebrate until Saturday, but we had plans. We found a Chuck E. Cheese about an hour and a half away and we planned to surprise Anni with an all-day event. Shopping for presents first then end at Chuck's place. Well, as usual things happened and James ended up on call and we couldn't go that far out of the area. Good thing we had not let Anni in on the plans. I was really bummed, because Anni doesn't have many friends her age and we weren't going to have a traditional party and I wanted the three of us to have a special day together. But I was determined that everything would turn out okay! We asked Anni where she wanted to go shopping for her presents and she screamed, Walmart! But after we offered her the "toy store" (aka Toys R Us) she changed her tune. She had not been there since before Christmas and I think she had forgotten it existed, but she soon remembered. When then started our day at TRU and she had a blast. She had to ride everything, play with everything, and of course wanted everthing. We made our purchases and asked the birthday girl where she wanted to go for dinner expecting "TACO BELL" or "PIZZA HUNT", neither of which are on mommy's diet! Well, at the top of her lungs she cries, "I wanna go to Cwackow Bawwowl!" (aka Cracker Barrel) We both looked at each other and I said, "works for me."
Of course after dinner we had to stop at the toy section, then the traditional game of checkers on the porch. Anni just steals all the game pieces and declares herself the winner. Gonna have to work on that, but hey she's only 5! It is so fun to watch how much she loves life.
Next, we headed home to play with the presents.

While we were in the toy store we asked Anni what she wanted for her birthday. First she said she wanted "lots and lots o bawbees" and "lots and lots o tuff to go wiff em", which she got. Then she spied something and went crazy! "Daddy Daddy! I want one of dem! Pwees, pweese, peese!!!!"

Yes folks, a Hannah Montana skateboard complete with gloves, elbow pads and knee pads. And I wish you could have seen the look on James' face when he asked her if she was sure she wanted to learn to ride a skateboard and our beautiful five year old daughter assures him it will be okay because Cody has one and he can teach her! Cody is the boy next door that turned 14 years old the very next day. James' eyes sort of glazed over but he held it together. Needless to say, the girl got the board, and she didn't do half bad! I was impressed! It was funny how when Cody came out to see us, James suddenly said it was time for the skateboard to go in the garage. Then it was late and we had to go in for our little cake which again is not on Mommy's diet but I cheated just this once.

Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear Anni. Happy Birthday to you. (And many more)


Before I go, I must relate a funny story that happened the next evening. We went into town to get a few groceries and when we returned home Anni was helping James get the groceries out of the trunk of the car. In the process he accidentally smacked Anni in the middle of the forehead with a box of Capri Sun Roarin' Waters. Of course, he dropped his bags and checked her out saying, "I'm sorry baby are you alright?" She grabbed her head, rolled her eyes (so sarcastically) and said "yeah Daddy I'm alwite!" While she was walking over to me, I tried to make light of the situation. I thought it might hurt and was going to smooth it over while I was checking her over myself. So, I said,"I saw Daddy try to knock you out! What are we gonna do with him?" While rubbing her forehead, in a perplexed tone of voice, she shook her head and said, "I don't know...................we can't kill him!"

I almost peed my pants. James is now sleeping with one eye open! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! You gotta love the girl!

My Little BullPup

Well, I promised a blog about Anni's first official day of Kindergarten and here it is!
Waking up earlier was not very fun for Anni but she has adjusted very well. Once we were out of bed at 6:45 we had to get dressed in just the right outfit. Anni was not very happy with any of my choices, however, I was not thinking wearing a bathing suit to school would have been well-recieved. In the end Mommy won the battle.

We packed our new princes backpack and High School Musical Lunchbox and then it was time for breakfast. Anni requested milk and waffles with grape jelly; the breakfast of champions no doubt. Then it was out to the car.

Getting into the spirit of things Anni had to pose by her new BullPup magnet on the back of the car. It didn't show up real well but Anni's cute anyway. Then it was time to buckled in and head off for the big day! I think Anni was a little nervous, but she is such a trooper, it was hard to really tell. When we arrived at the school, we were routed to the cafeteria, then to Mrs. Johnson's room. Anni looked a little overwhelmed and I thought she might cry, but I realized this was the first time she had been in the school with "all" the rest of the kids. Of course, they were everywhere. The hallways were crowded and bustling with activity. She held on to my pants leg for dear life. I stopped and told her, everything was okay, and that we wouldn't leave her until we got her settled in with her teacher. As we approached her classroom door, Mrs. Johnson stepped out, and all of the anxiety simply drained from Anni's little body. Mrs. Johnson was Anni's Teacher the last week of the Jumpstart program this summer and she new from the Kindergarten orientation day, that Mrs. Johsnon would be her official teacher this year. I was so happy to see her relax and feel secure with her. Mrs. Johnson is a good Christian woman and goes to the church we attend. Again, God is taking care of us.

Then it was time for Mommy and Daddy to go home so we left our little BullPup to make her way into the world. It was scary but I handled it much better than the first day of Jumpstart.

At 2:30 I found myself sitting in the car counting down the minutes until Anni would be led out the door. The Kindergarten classes are brought out of the building through a different door than everyone else and walked to the recieving area by an aid so the parents can pick them up right at the fence. I waited and waited and then there she was. If you look really close you can see the pink lunchbox on the left side near the bush. That's my little girl. Only she's not so little anymore.

Fair is Fair!

After a pretty stressful month the Mitchell family decided to close out the summer with a night of family fun at the Page County Fair. We looked at live stock, rode rides, and had ice cream. Anni deserved the break as much anyone and she had a blast.

She loved the lights, the ice cream, the animals..... the night was an all around success.

My baby is not a baby anymore. She started Kindergarten this week. I can already see the beautiful (inside and out) young lady she is growing into. I am glad we got to spend this special time with her.

She's may be nicer but I'm Sweeter! Honest!

This is my sister Toni. She has always told everyone, "Gena's prettier, but I'm nicer." I'm not going to say there is much truth in that statement but, as of yesterday, I can honestly say, "I'm sweeter!" Yes folks as you can see I have documented proof that Gena Mitchell is way too sweet.


First you must understand how terrified I am of doctors and anything involving the possibility of discomfort, and while I seem to be making light of the situation right now, I can assure you I have been under extreme stress for the past four weeks, dealing with some health and emotional issues. Because of this, I had to visit my doctor yesterday, and I have officially been diagnosed, diabetic, which is not surprising since my parents developed the disease as well. My sister, God love her, although she has battled many other ailments, has perfectly normal sugar levels, which brings me to the point of this blog. HEY TONI! I'M SWEETER!!!!

Seriously, I love my sister. She's a nurse and knows my fears. She was, and still is, a tremendous help to me during this time. She let me cry and be irrational, and loved me anyway.

I cannot forget to mention a few other people who have been so supportive. Becky, I love you, thank you for helping me with the diet. We can do this! And Chelle, thanks for enduring all of the crazy text messages and knowing when to give me my space. I so wish we could be closer. Thank you, Steve too, for your love and prayers. They meant more than you will ever know.
Last and certainly not least, James. I could not have gotten through yesterday, or the past month without you. I love you.

For me, this journey is just beginning, but I'm doing much better today. God has blessed me with a doctor who is far more patient and understanding than I have ever known a doctor to be. I am constantly amazed at the grace I am shown by the Father. To think it would matter to Him that I am afraid. I have no words to describe how humbled I feel. Thank you Lord.

Georgia On My Mind

I know it has been quite some time since the blog world has heard from me. Please excuse my absence. I have been otherwise occupied with life and this is the first time I have either had the chance to post or felt like doing so.

Two days ago Anni and I returned from a two-week visit with my sister, Toni, in Valdosta, Georgia. It had been close to a year since the last time we were together and the visit was overdue.
My niece Becky and her two daughters had just moved down so our days were busy job hunting and just catching up on each others lives. Toni works a full-time job so my time with her was limited to evenings. We spent lots of time playing spades, hearts, Mexican train dominoes and darts. We had a blast. Lots of needed laughs for all of us

I realized that I don't miss the humidity of the South. It rained most of the time I was there but at least it offered some needed relief from the heat. I don't know how I survived before!

The morning I left was Katia's first day of Kindergarten, I didn't get a good picture of Becky which is why she is not shown. (Mommy was not a happy camper and I didn't think she would appreciate the only pic I had of her) Katia was a little apprehensive but excited. Her school is brand new so the building is bright shiny and new.
Larry is as crazy as ever (I'm sure it has nothing to do with living with Toni) and there doesn't seem to be any hope for change. At this point we wouldn't want him to change anyway! He keeps the family supplied with lots of laughs. There's one in every family.

Not much else to report right now. If I can recover from the two 14-hour drives in the past two weeks, hopefully I will be back regularly. Next time I'm definitely not going without someone to help me drive or I'm going to fly! What was I thinking? It was great to get to see the family though.