No DSL!?!? :(

It's one thing after another at this place!!

Today at 12:30 pm we lost our Internet. Dave was on the phone for an hour with some AT&T lady (who was probably just trying to do her job) trying to convince her it wasn't the modem that is must be outside the house, since we have three separate lines and none of them would work. She argued that no one else had reported the problem!! Well . . . they're all at work! So off Dave headed for the office and I just cut my day short. They sent a dude out here, arrived around 4:00 pm, came to the door to confirm we were having trouble, went out and looked at the box across the street, came back to inform me that it was a "universal" problem effecting all those around and not just us!!! Duuuuhhh!!! So he would dispatch someone to fix the issue and we'd be back online by 6 tomorrow evening. Thank the Lord it didn't take that long!! Gotta' love those smarties at AT&T!!

On a good note, I hope, NCS called and Charity's pre-kindergarten testing is next Thursday. I just pray she passes . . . she's been working so hard on all the things she "behind" in. God knows if she doesn't. I guess He'll have to clue us in on Plan B.

I hate, hate, hate Chinese food . . . or whatever that stuff you get at the buffets is. But for some odd reason, maybe low sodium, I've had a hankering. Dave was shocked to say the least, but off we went. Had my fill, a plate and half (mostly veggies) and a scoop of butter pecan ice cream to wash it down. I'm good for another couple years. And now I'm on my third bottle of water, I guess it's not all bad!!

I regressed. Because Dave wanted to go out tonight, I'm a little behind in getting the house clean for Charity's play date with Tynan tomorrow afternoon. So I had to pull out the list. I have pre-made one for all the rooms in our house, so it's just a matter of checking off the 17 areas. It's when I start adding all this additional stuff that needs to be done that I get off track. I have to be sure I get as much done this evening as possible, so I don't run out of time tomorrow. Lists can't be that bad, especially when my brain is such mush as it is now.

Scrubs Be Gone!!

Had no heat in bottom 2 levels. M.J. Frick and $154 bucks later we were warm by noon. Poor Gramma probably froze to death last night, while we were nice and toasty on the 3rd level (we've got electric heat up here.) Told her next time that happens to come stay in our guest room. . . . . something to do with this Fox Ridge furnace and a power surge? the guy said. He replaced 2 yesterday in this subdivision! Crazy!!

Rough AM for Gramma: then she went to leave for her appointment and had a nail in her tire, so she had to take our car. That happened so much with all the new construction, but man!! everything's done . . . not sure where it came from.

Since Gramma had another appointment, it was me and Charity this morning . . . again not so productive XRT day. It's a full time job just feeding her. Every two minutes she's "starving". Definitely must be a growth spurt . . . by next week she's be back to eating like a bird.

Gramma was home around noon and won't find anything out until next week on this series of exams. So I tried to get caught up on work from my lazy morning.

My XRT weekly Tuesday meeting was cancelled (Hallelujah!!) . . . so since Tammy called me yesterday about these stupid scrub skirts I'm supposed to be sewing for her . . . figured I'm just going to knock these last 3 out tonight. And I did!! YAY!! What a task that was!! I think she gave them to me in December? Anyway just can't describe the weight that's lifted off me . . . . now onto all Charity's projects!! My, my!!

These two lovies danced in the playroom while I sewed!!

Happy Birthday, Dad!!

Just 19 days after mine, well, and 29 years prior my dad celebrates his birth date!!

Happy 56th Birthday, Dad!!

4 Generations of Bridghams ~ January 2008

Dad, Papa B (my paternal grandfather), Myself & Charity

So we called to wish Dad a "Happy Birthday" and Charity who usually never dares talk to him, did awesome!! When he answered the phone, she immediately said "Happy Birthday, Grandpa!" He said it was the best present he got all day!! :o)

He asked why she was so talkative to him all of sudden. So I explained Gramma and her started this thing a few months back where every time they see a school bus they say, "Hi Grandpa!", because he's a school bus driver. She even told me the other day I needed to start saying "Hi Dad!" when I see "him" driving the bus! So I told him, "I think it's because she talks to you everyday!!"

Acne and Iron Issues

Notes to Self:

* Didn't get much XRT stuff done today . . . laptop is not cooperating . . . surprise! Not looking so good for tomorrow either. Gramma has a doctor's appointment most of the morning, (praying every thing's okay with this check-up like last week's.) so I'll have the lil' Char-myster. Not a good recipe for getting this done.

* Need to get Tammy's 3 scrub skirts done before Wednesday. (Cannot wait to get these out of my house!!!!)

* Clean House for play date on Thursday.

* Call Nashville Christian School to confirm we're on the roll . . . I'm getting worried.

* Purchased new Acne Treatment . . . we'll see if this works. Definitely need to get it underway. Mom's got the countdown on her myspace page and as of right now we have 16 days, 14 hours, 3 minutes, and and 12 seconds until Charity and I get to Maine. Hope that's enough time to clean this face up!! The box says "See Results in as little as 3 Days!" I sure hope so!!
* Did make my dentist appointment for May 28th. Yay! Got that off my list.

* And found the receipt for my dying Rowenta. I only purchased it on July 1, 2007 . . . so it's under warranty. Another yay!! Not sure what we'll do without it if we have to mail it away for repair as the manual says . . . . . huummmm. Life without an iron . . . . don't think that will work out so well.

. . . may tomorrow be even more productive than today . . .

I'll go where He sends me . . .

So we just got home not too long ago from Spanish Church!! Wow! I can definitely say we've been around the globe today!! Well, Dave has: starting with the Asian service this morning, than the Children's Play and finally ending with helping Kiersten with the Spanish service this evening. Charity and I skipped out on the Asian service this morning and took the opportunity to sleep in.
But wow . . . what a long, productive day. And Dave did his first baby dedication this evening, the cutest little chica I've ever seen!! God moved and touched the family!! Awesome!! Then they broke out the authentic Mexican food! My fav!! I looked at Dave and said, "Las Palmas in the Prayer Room, I like this prayer meeting!!" Ha! I've definitely overdone it today with the points!!! Looks like tomorrow's going to be a fast day . . . and I won't even be able to say Las Palmas and prayer in the same sentence!!

Saturdays Rock!!

Today's the day we beautify the front porch . . . we're going to get flowers for the hanging baskets. And a few more shrubs for our front landscaping. Then we're planning dinner at the park. Dave's at a Ministry Development Workshop now . . . Charity and I are thoroughly enjoying our relaxing, not-having-to-rush-anywhere morning!! I love Saturdays!!

A Concert by Charity

Captured today . . . singing to Webkin and Build-A-Bear!! So cute . . . I love the songs she writes!! She always wants me to make a movie, even if I just want a picture. Little movie star!! And then she must review her production!!

My Teddy Bear Picnic

Charity and I had a great time at our picnic yesterday. First we dropped Gramma off at St. Thomas for her tests.

Then we had to go get our picnic supplies. Got to be Kroger!! Charity loves their kid-size carts. I say, "Ankles beware!!"
But we made it . . . and got the goods!!
It was such a perfect picnic day!
Enjoying her Lunchable and Smart Food! Yums!!
She said, "This is what you're supposed to do when you're done eating!!" I love it!! She must have learned that from me!!

After a brief (very brief . . . like just long enough to catch a pic!) snooze, it's time to explore all these stairs!!
TA-DA!!! I am the climbing queen!!
Such a great day and I'm so blessed to have been able to share it with someone so special, Charity!!

Bad Iron . . . Picnic Lunch

I don't know what it is about IRONS. They just don't last in this house. It's taken me 3 hours to iron my jean skirt!! And not too long ago, we splurged and got this Rowenta at Macy's. Already it's not working. Whatever!! We'll get to the bottom of this and we shall have a new iron!!
. . . . . . . .
So Gramma has her appointment today to find out more about why her colon is swollen. We're just praying it's not her cancer spreading. Since she's not allowed to drive home, Charity and I will bring her down to St. Thomas and then Dave will pick her up.

I have decided I'm going to work 8am-11am, take Gramma to her noon appointment and then work 2pm-5pm. In the meantime Charity and I are going to have a picnic lunch on this beautiful day. Both of us are soooo excited!! It's going to be fun!!

And the Dove award goes to . . .

Every year I've got to go . . .

We never had cable growing up, but there was one very important show I had my Grammy record for me year after year. The GMA Dove Awards!! I loved it and I would watch them over and over. It thrilled me that so many awesome artists where in one building all in one night!!

Call me stupid, but when I moved to Nashville, I didn't put two and two together and completely forgot about this star-studded event being held right here . . . . guess I was too busy packing up everything I own, changing addresses, hugging necks and leaving behind everything I ever knew including the televised Dove Awards. If I would've remembered, it might have moved me a little faster . . . . just kidding!! :)

This is my 3rd year attending the live event and equally as exciting!! First thing I did upon meeting Mysty, Kim and Scot was nearly plow Aaron Shust over. He was outside doing some XM Radio thing, but I guess he was in my way before my brain could figure out what had happened. I was flipping out to Mysty. "Yeah." She said. Golly, can't get her too excited about anything! I thought it was pretty cool!

Kim and Scot Robbins met Mysty and I there. I think they solely went because Sis. Twila's song "Orphans of God" was nominated for Southern Gospel Recorded Song. But for me that's just the icing on the cake!! Unfortunately her nominated category was up quite early in the pre-televised show and kinda' put a damper on our spirits, since "Get Away, Jordan" by Ernie Haase & Signature Sound took the lead. :( Hopefully next year. Scot & Kim actually left to get something to eat and were back before the televised portion at seven. You can get your money's worth of music that's for sure!

We did end up heading out a little early. I attribute that to Mysty's age . . . just kidding!! (I love razzing her!!) But it was all good, because Mysty, Mike & Twila and I headed over to Romano's Macaroni Grill! Yum, yum!! I love it but I didn't need it in the least. But I guiltlessly enjoyed my absolutely, scrumptious Chicken Parmesan. Theirs is the best I've ever, ever had. I also am madly in love with their Chocolate Ravioli, but resisted!!

Saw Nirva and her husband walking across the parking lot as we were driving off. Nirva sings backup with lots of people. Tonight she accompanied Natalie and Wynonna. But my favorite artist that she assists is Tobymac!!! If we would have just left a couple minutes later, I could have chatted. I just met her in December. She went to Frisk with my good friend, Marcia and they also go to the same church. Nirva is whom I owe my gratitude for getting Marcia and I our backstage pass to meet Tobymac at Winter Wonder Slam. I love that girl!! Marcia & Nirva!!

In all it was a great night with "the best Gospel" music, entertainment and friends. I was inspired by Twila's positive attitude despite not winning for her 2nd year in a row. She's remains so positive. I think we all get more upset than her!! She's just thrilled to be nominated, which I can definitely understand. What an awesome achievement! And since she took home a BMI award for Top 25 Songs Played on Radio and 2 Harmony Awards for top Southern Gospel hits this week, she's got good reason not to be down! And me too, just to say I know someone so talented!!

Here's a couple of my favorite performances of the evening (I'll save ya' $60!):
The Clark Sisters




Natalie Grant & Wynonna

*B*O*W*S*

I've got this awful things for bows!! I love 'em!! I always have. So when I saw this Juicy Couture ad in a Macy's sale flyer, I fell in love. I so would wear this bow!! (But unlike the model . . . I would probably put some clothes on with it!! :o)This big, ole' bow brought back a whole lot of memories. There used to be a day when I didn't go out of the house without something in my hair . . . and it was more than just hairspray!! So I dug up this old picture to see just how bad my fetish was. (BTW ~ that wallpaper dates back to the early 1900's!! My parents didn't do too many updates to our old house, but at least they added a bathroom . . . eventually, but that's a story for whole other blog!!)

* My 1996 Bow Collection *

Bows were the "in" thing back at Maine Camp in the early to mid' 90's. And my sister and I were it! We had THE largest hair bow collection in the state. And when we went to camp, we always made the most girlfriends because everyone wanted to borrow our bows!! After a couple years of that, I figured I could start selling them and had quite a little business going there in my dorm out of my suitcase!! Mostly thanks to our very Southern, Louisianian pastor's wife who got us into this trend and taught us how to make them. Oh, those were the days!!

I'm so thankful Jesus gave me a little girl to share my bow adoration with . . . and even more so that she puts up with it!!! (At least for the time being!)

Not PIZZA HUT!!

So Charity's got this thing where every time we're out she decides she's absolutely famished and needs another meal, which is always fine with us since she lived most of her life in the "failure to thrive" category.

Well usually it's a chicken nugget Happy Meal or a chili from Wendy's. What does she decide tonight, but that she wants pizza!!! You're kiddng me!?!? Nope . . . so through the Taco Bell/Pizza Hut drive-thru we go. And they're out of pizza, so they make her one fresh!! It sits steaming and smelling oh-so-good in my lap all the way home.

Of course, she doesn't finish it all, but I was sooo good. I stuck those 2 remaining pieces in the fridge for her for later. Yay, for Mommy!! I refuse to be a Pizza Face any longer!!

Beautiful?

Later today . . . so I asked Dave what my face resembled?
His response: "My beautiful wife." (without hesitation).
And I thought for sure he'd agree with me that I'm turning into what I eat!!
I love HIM!!! xo xo xo

Pizza Face

My face hurts so bad!! I ate pizza and now this!! I love pizza so much! It is my favorite!! Why can't this happen when I eat brussel sprouts? I can't live life without pizza. I'm calling the
dermatologist in the morning because I have to get this cleared up before Family Portraits in May . . . less than a month away. I'm going to be sooooo scary. No more pizza!!

I Hope You Dance

I love what Bro. Becton preached this morning!! He merged together the well-know scripture text of II Samuel 6:22 and Lee Ann Womack's 2000 hit song, "I Hope You Dance" to create an very thought-provoking sermon. This is one of my favorite scriptures and just as it refers to King David, it also reminds me of my "David" since he is quite the uninhibited worshiper. But I hope I never act like Michal! Check out his sermon: http://firstchurchnashville.net/

Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!” II Samuel 6:22

I Hope You Dance

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,
May you never take one single breath for granted,
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed,
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

I hope you dance . . . . I hope you dance.

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin' might mean takin' chances but they're worth takin',
Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth makin',
Don't let some h*** bent heart leave you bitter,
When you come close to sellin' out reconsider,
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

I hope you dance . . . . I hope you dance.

I hope you dance . . . . I hope you dance.

(Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along,
Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder where those years have gone.)

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance . . . .Dance . . . . I hope you dance.

I hope you dance . . . . I hope you dance.
I hope you dance . . . . I hope you dance.
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along,
Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder where those years have gone.)

Sunday School sure is fun . . .

I think we're finally there. Been since September since Charity just walked into Sunday School like a big girl, without Dave or I having to stay for awhile to get her settled in. Didn't do so good with that change, let's hope the rest of her life is not the same!! Whooooo! At least she's in that class until she's six!!

. . . finally today, she just walked in and off I walked!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!

Turn Up The Music

Yep, it was a good Friday!! An awesome Friday to be more specific! Got home sometime after one this morning, so it was so nice that I could sleep in this morning, well a little . . . Charity was up by 9 AM.

Last night's concert was amazing. The great event celebrated Mercy Ministries 25 years of existence. Founded by Nancy Alcorn, a truly phenomenal woman with a burden and dream for helping girls ages 13 - 28 in all types of crisis situations. Nancy is a true example of what Christ wants from each one of us. She's the type of person I would love to spend just one day with!! What a testimony to what one woman can do when she sets aside her weaknesses and limitations and puts on the Lord's strength and endless resources. Over the past 25 years, Mercy Ministries has expanded from one home to numerous all over the globe!! And hundreds of girls' lives have been changed! What a true ministry!!

Me sporting my new Mercy Minsitries shirt!! I love it!! "Speak mercy a voice that brings change!!"

* Point of Grace started the night off and though they're not my favorite group they had a nice performance and you can always sing along with their ever, popular songs. I really enjoyed their new song "How You Live (Turn Up The Music)". It's got a great message! * Next was Mandisa. That girl can tear it up! With Mary Mary's "Shackles" she got us up and dancin'! * On to CeCe Winans, another classic. I grew up listening to BeBe and her and always have enjoyed their music. She's got real smooth style. * BarlowGirl was the next group. Wow!! Those girls ROCK . . . . literally!! The can play, sing and preach!! I can't get over the drummer playing such a major role in the vocals, too!! I don't know now she beats the drums so hard and can still belt it out like she did. "Million Voices" was such a cool song, with a powerful origin. * Natalie Grant - truly amazing! Of course her last song was "Held", is one of my top 10 favs ever. Wow!! She sings with such passion and power!! Definitely the best vocal performance of the evening! * And to top the evening off, Israel and New Breed, who always do a dynamic job leading a congregation to a deeper level of worship. We closed the evening out with "Say So".

So fun! And for $15, where can get nearly 4 hours of great Christian music entertainment!?!?!

But for us girlies the night wasn't over yet . . . of course, we had to get some eats. Tammy (might I add . . . I appreciated getting to know this fun-loving gal!! :o) suggested we go to MAFIAoZA'S Pizzeria in the Gulch and though we couldn't get the velvet-curtained table, it was a delectable dining experience. Had a nice and greasy slice of pepperoni pizza pie!! Yummers!! Weigh-in's not going to be good on Monday, I can tell!!

Such a great evening, music, friends and good food!! Perfect!! . . . That is, minus the dude that started molesting Allison's van as we sat at a red light. I guess he was probably looking for some money or something, but for some reason he put both hands and his face up to Tammy's window!! Yikes! I nearly died in the back as Tammy screamed, "YOU DUMB DUMB!! ALLISON, DRIVE, DRIVE FAST!!" Allison wasn't able to go very far since we were the second car at the red stop light. Lucky for us Tammy's bold vulgarity scared him away!!! But then again, every Girl's Night Out has to have some additional excitement. I'm still laughing at Tammy's reaction, nearly 12 hours later!! Oh dear!! ROFL!!!

Got home and Charity woke up the second I walked in the front door. She erupted Dave up out of his deep sleep with a loud "Hello!" We three cuddled and chatted about each other's evening events until Charity fell back asleep and I brought her into her bed. Finally very early this morning, I crawled into bed thanking God for such a very wonderful Friday!!

Turn Up The Music

Wake up to the sunlight
With your windows open
Don’t hold in your anger or leave things unspoken
Wear your red dress
Use your good dishes
Make a big mess and make lots of wishes
Have what you want
But want what you have
And don’t spend your life looking back

Chorus
Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances
Let it all out
You won’t regret it
Looking back from where you have been
'Cause it’s not who you knew
And it’s not what you did
It’s how you live

So go to the ballgames
And go to the ballet
And go see your folks more than just on the holidays
Kiss all your children
Dance with your wife
Tell your husband you love him every night
Don’t run from the truth
‘Cause you can’t get away
Just face it and you’ll be ok

Chorus
Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances
Let it all out
You won’t regret it
Lookin’ back from where you have been
‘Cause it’s not who you knew
And it’s not what you did
It’s how you live

Oh wherever you are and wherever you’ve been
Now is the time to begin

So give to the needy
And pray for the grieving
E’en when you don’t think that you can
‘Cause all that you do is bound to come back to you
So think of your fellow man
Make peace with God and make peace with yourself
‘Cause in the end there’s nobody else

Chorus
Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances
Let it all out
‘Cause you won’t regret it
Lookin’ back from where you have been
‘Cause it’s not who you knew
And it’s not what you did
It’s how you live

‘Cause it’s not who you knew
And it’s not what you did
It’s how you live

It's going to be a better Friday . . .

Okay, I'm beginning to not dislike Dave for taking vacation days when I have to work. This morning not only did he make the coffee for us, he brought mine up to me while I was still in bed!! Aawwww!! I love Him!!

And we all know how I feel about my lovely coffee . . .

And tonight's the night!! The Mercy Ministries 25th Anniversary Celebration concert!! Whoo hoo!! A whole mess of us girls (and a few guys) are going to it!! I can't wait!! Work can't be over fast enough!! It's going to be soooooo much fun and awesome music!! Here's the lineup:

~ Point of Grace ~ BarlowGirl ~ Natalie Grant ~

~ Mandisa ~ Israel Houghton ~ CeCe Winans ~

It's gonna' be a GOOOOOOD FRIDAY!!

Natchez Trace Parkway

Family Fun day took us down the Natchez Trace Parkway today. It's a nice, slow ride that has lots of stops along the way. So we figured for a cheap and interesting day we'd head out and see how far we'd get.

Charity (having a bite to eat on the road) Lil' Brother came along!

Natchez Trace Parkway . . . that's what it says!

First Stop

Crossing a bridge . . . you can see for a long way! And the perfect day for a ride!

A Second Stop, a beautiful overlook.

Horton hears a who!

Ok, at one point in the journey we had to option to go on the "Old Natchez Trace". Very bad idea with a sedan. Wasn't sure it we were going to have to be towed out of there!!

Next stop: Gordon House Historic Site

Charity "reading" up on it!

Charity's slanted view!

Yet another beautiful overlook. Lil' Brother was finally released from his boring seat in the car to enjoy the view!

Me and the kiddos! Jackson Falls was the highlight of our small stops along the way and you can see why. Not only was it beautiful but refreshing!

The final stop on the "Trace". The grave site of Meriwether Lewis (Lewis & Clark). Of course, Charity was most fascinated by the salamander at the grave site!

Eewwwwww!! Yuck!!

We strolled into Hohenwald for some lunch. Didn't find too much, but a Mexican American restaurant did the trick. Then we were on our way back to Nashville. This time we took a little different route. Got to see some major tornado damage. Acres and acres of trees down. Drove by Lake Benson, where the church camp is, so we could familiar ourselves should we need to visit there in the future.

Charity didn't waste anytime once the wheels were rolling . . . and she was out!