"The Last Song"

So, would you rather read the book or watch the movie first? I would definately rather read the book first. Mainly, because if I do watch the movie first, that's all I can picture the whole entire book. I can't sit here and act like I am a big reader. I actually never read a book throughout all of high school! But once in 2008, my cousin had a Nicholas Sparks book at my house. I picked it up and didn't put it back down, soon followed all of the other NS books. I have read them all except for, "The Wedding", and "Three Weeks with my Brother". I don't know what it is about his books that get me all wrapped up! I mean, they don't even make guys like the ones in his books! Do they?!

Right now I am almost finished with "The Last Song". I will tell you why this has bothered me so much that I would actually blog about it. I got a little behind and before I could read this book, they came out with the movie.

Now, I have been good and not

 actually watched the movie yet.

 But, THIS is who is in the movie...

Yes, she is a good little actress.

However, I can't look at her or read my

 book without picturing THIS as my

 main character

Am I the only one that has this problem?!

First Days of First Grade

We have been so busy these first few weeks of school! Caden doesn't "dislike" school, but I think he was a little spoiled to hanging out with Mama this summer! My stomach stayed in knots this summer waiting for the letter that would reveal our teacher for the year. We were so very very excited when found out that we would have Mrs. Cleveland! During these days, we have had all SMILEY faces :) which is a big deal!! We have signed up for cub scouts and soccer, and already began studying spelling words and vocabulary. Needless to say, we won't be having much free time this fall! The first week of school, I stayed everyday and helped the teachers with anything they needed. I just love seeing all of those little faces ,but I wondered if people thought that I just couldn't part with my little buddy!

Caden and Mrs. Cleveland

(Please excuse our fake smile!)

Nervous maybe?

Freezing in the lunchroom!

Day 2!

We are looking forward to a wonderful year of first grade!

Our Last Weeks of Summer

We did not go to the beach this Summer, instead we hung around and had our own mini adventures! Here is a look at what we've been up to these past few weeks of Summer.

Six Flags

Caden with the Joker

Our silly hats!

Karlee and Caden

Caden did well at Six Flags. I was impressed with the fact that he didn't whine and complain the ENTIRE time about how hot it was and how much walking we were doing. He did act like it was the end of the world when I didn't immediatley run and get him popcorn the second he requested it! I was proud that he rode pretty much everything he could. I did assure him before we went that he did not have to ride anything that went upside down! All in all it was a great first trip to Six Flags!

Treetop Adventures

Caden and Landon

Treetop Adventures has only been open for a few months. It is a great place to take the kids with go carts, putt putt, laser tag, an arcade, and mini bowling. The boys had a great time and won lots of tickets!

Lunch with the Girls

Deborah and Klarah, Becca and Norah Belle

Me and Caden, Lindsay and Rylee

We had lunch at Old Towne Grill to catch up while Becca was home! This is us with our babies!

Becca's Baby Shower

Most of our friends from high school

(I was not ready!)

I have never been to a baby shower as big and cute as Norah Belle's! It was a Candy Land theme and just too too cute! She got lots and lots of goodies!!

Alabama Adventure

Caden was making his own slushie!

So proud of his slushie!

I was so blessed to be able to stay home with Caden this summer and will always cherish the memories we have made. I can not believe that he will be going back to school on Monday. He will be in first grade and that seems impossible! I teared up as I was walking down the "big" hall the other night to meet his teacher! I am looking forward to a great year and making many more memories with my baby!

Vacation Bible School Traveler

This Summer, I did not work, therefore, I was able to take Caden to all of the vacation bible schools that he was invited to in our little town. I actually missed him when he was at them! Although three of them had the "Saddle Ridge Ranch" theme, all churches were fun and different. He met many new friends, and it helped us make our decision on which church we would like to begin attending after visiting a few in the past year.

First, he went to First Baptist Childersburg. This is my family's church and my "home" church!

"Saddle Ridge Ranch"

 Marble City Baptist

 

"High Seas"

They made blankets to send to children in Africa

First Baptist Oak Grove

They raised money for AL Baptist Children's Homes

Caden's name was chosen for a pie in the face!

First Baptist Sylacauga

He was holding up his crafts at the gas station, yes!

First United Methodist Sylacauga

Caden with Mrs. Beverly in "Egypt"

What better fun to have this summer than this?

He learned more about his Savior and it was all FREE!!

Six Flags First Timer

I am not exactly how old I was when I began going to Six Flags, all I remember is that we went every summer and I loved it!! Tomorrow will be Caden's first time going! I hope he isn't a scaredy cat!! We shall see!

Becca Baby

Rebecca Lynn Riddle Caviness

Let me tell you a little about my Becca Baby! First of all, she is most definately one of the coolest girls you will ever meet. She is not, and never has been, afraid to be herself. We first became friends in the 1st grade at A. H. Watwood Elementary School, which just so happens to be the best elementary school ever!

She is the one on the left,

yep in the different shirt.

This girl has always had a style of her own!

This is just a newspaper clipping of us

with our other bff, Jere.

I have so many pictures of

Becca and I at this age,

but not many available right now.

Becca was the first "tom boy" I ever met! She loved Ninja Turtles so much that she slept with a stuffed red one every night! When our friends played Power Rangers at recess, she always wanted to be the red, which was Jason, yes, a boy! Of course, I was pink and Lindsay (the other girl in our picture above) was the yellow. But, even though she didn't have the same girly interest as Lindsay and I, we were all three the best of friends through elementary school. We were all three at each other's houses every weekend, and I don't really know why I remember this, but it took Rebecca sooo long to finish one pop tart! I had scarffed mine done before she was halfway finished!

We grew apart in middle and high school,

but were still there for each other.

Here we are right after Caden was born.

Here we are as Jr's with our friend, Erica

After high school, Becca and I both went to cosmetology school. She had the passion that I did not and has been sucessful in her career. She met the man of her (and her mom's) dreams and they married in 2008.

Dallas and Rebecca

Immediately after they wed, Dallas

had to head overseas for one year.

Her husband, Dallas

During his time away, Becca and

I would still hang out sometimes.

At Caden's 6th Birthday Party

She loves Caden, and he loves his Becca!

After being away from her husband

for one year, she had to move to Germany

for them to be able to live together.

I am so happy that they get to finally

get to be together, but I sure miss her!

Soon after, we get great news!

They are going to have a baby girl!

Norah Belle Caviness

When it comes down to it, Rebecca is probably hands down the best friend I have ever had. She was here for me when NO ONE else was. Even though she was miles and miles away, she kept me strong. She prayed for me and sent me bible verses. She made me laugh and reminded me that I had hope in my future. I love this girl and can not wait to see her this weekend for her baby shower and to just hang out!

Did I mention she was gorgeous?

I love you Becca Baby,

Thank you for being here for me always!

Wordless Wednesday (Almost!)

We have a police officer in Sylacauga that was hit by a drunk driver early morning on July 5. The town has been great to come together to raise money for the family. We saw this lemonade stand on the corner downtown and stopped to get a glass. They will also have a car wash, motorcycle ride, bracelets, and car magnets to raise funds. His condition is getting better everyday, but he still needs the prayers.