World's Biggest Fish Fry!!!!!

So what does a family do for fun in Paris, Tennessee???

Go to the world's biggest fish fry. Now in my last post I mentioned this event and must correct a mistake. This is not ONLY the country's biggest fish fry---it's the WORLD'S biggest fish fry.

We had a blast. The fish was-uuuuuhhh--fishy. I don't really care about fried fish. But the carnival was great. We had so much fun and I was cracking up half the night. The people watching was incredible. We saw Joe Dirt's brother, an old lady flicking ashes into a baby stroller and the guy in charge of the massive slide for toddlers was bent over in his chair with 3 empty monster energy cans, popcorn and cigarette butts scattered around with one in the permanent position hanging from his mouth. (and yes, I did entrust my kids with the extremely alert and qualified man.)

I rode the slow ferris wheel with the kids.

Pat rode the giant pirate ship with them and the lady in front of her nearly threw-up all over them. She was soooooo close to losing lunch.

Brent rode the tilt-a-whirl with them and looked as though he could lose lunch. It was so funny to see the kids laughing while Brent was crying. OK---not crying but he was not looking hot. I shouldn't tease him because I was too wimpy and flat out refused to even go on with them.

I'm no fool---tilt-a-whirl can make ya hurl!!!

The kids thought it was the best day ever'!!!!

Well, duh! mommy even had deep fried Oreos. Are you kidding me??? Everything is better with an extra layer of batter and tossed in grease.

Oh, by the way, Makayla is addicted to an IPhone app of Big Buck Hunter. She is her father's daughter.

This has been a great week. I have the best in-laws and they are so much fun to be with.

Today we made homemade ice cream and took it easy.

Tomorrow---back to work. We will pack up the camper and head to Pickwick Lake for the next Elite Event. Brent reeeeeally needs a good finish.

Vacation in Paris!!!! (tennessee)

Moving on from a less than stellar tournament....on to another mini-vacation.

We are now in Paris, TN. Brent wanted to spend some time practicing for the upcoming Kentucky Lake tournament and take Mason out fishing. Mimi and Papa drove down to meet us for the week and the kids are lovin' it. They missed them so much and we are so glad they took the time to come visit.

No trips to the urgent care last week!!! I was so relieved. Mason's asthma is doing OK and his allergies are mostly under control... They should be....He is on a million meds.

They played with Laker, Oakley, Jordon and Spencer all week. We really had a great time (except for the no paycheck thing.)

Mason finally lost that trouble-making tooth. He looks so adorable with that giant gap in the front of his mouth.

Now we are enjoying some family time. Brent, Mason and Papa went fishing all day. Mason was so excited. He caught his first striper and plenty of bass. How cool to picture Mason fishing out on the lake with his daddy and Papa. Great male bonding and Mason will remember these days. Makayla, Mimi and me went shopping and touring Paris (it's just fun to say.) We grilled out tonight and enjoyed smore's from the campfire. It's so great to be counting calories and making smore's 2-3 days a week.

We timed it just right. It seems that the biggest fish fry in the country takes place in Paris this week. They have a huge carnival with a three day fish fry and even shut down all the schools for the parade on Friday. (I'm kinda having a 'Joe Dirt' flashback.)

This is one of the great things about traveling the country in a camper. We run into these out-of-the-way places with interesting stories. Most people would never intentionally schedule a vacation to these small towns; but it is so great to experience real America!!!!

OK!!! Lot's of Gem Quotes in the past few days. Many are from today. I may just be slap happy---but I was cracking up with some of these quotes.

"Dogs can't get married. They can't pick out rings." Oakley

"No mom, Laker's in charge'" Mason (I was trying to convince him that MOMMY is in charge.)

"I love you 300+300+300,'" Makayla

"I'm trying to give him a wedgie!!" Makayla

"My tooth keeps getting stuck sideways," Mason

"Welcome to the Makayla show," Makayla

"Can we put the 2 liter bottle in the fire and watch it melt?" MIMI

"Put another piece of steak on my toes," Mason and Makayla

"Her privates or my privates??" Mimi (probably had to be here for this to be funny..but it is.)

Happy 10th Anniversary- April 15, 2010

10 years of wedded bliss!!!!

I cannot believe Brent and I have been married 10 years. It's strange that it seems like yesterday...but seems like a million years ago at the same time.

I am not going to pretend it's all oowey-gooey and we cannot stand to be apart because we are sooooo much in love. Let's face it- we aren't 16 years old. I will say this--

He loves me!

Whether I am sweet or hateful...Brent loves me.

If I am pretty or ugly... Brent loves me.

If I am sweet or mean...Brent loves me.

Peaceful or vicious; sick or healthy; confident or insecure; strong or weak; fat or fit; patient or impatient; giving or selfish; supportive or stubborn....He always loves me.

Let's be real people...I have been all of these things and more.

After 10 years, I am feeling pretty lucky to be married to someone I trust completely with my emotional well-being. There are times he drives me crazy and makes me so mad I cannot see straight. But the good far exceed the bad and I know he always has my back...No Matter What.

For my anniversary- I wish for nothing material. I want no jewelry or fancy presents. I simply want a joyful life with my family. I want to work even harder to make the next 10 years even better. I want to put in the extra effort and give a little more! (I will be expecting...I mean 'hoping' he does the same.)

He is off to a great start by sending me a wonderful text at 5:40am telling me that he loves me and loved the past ten years.

Life is what it is...Make it good or not. So much is in our own hands. Leave the rest to God.

OK! OK!

next subject.

Mason went to bed crying last night because I could not yank his tooth out. We tried for about two hours. Come on child...Enough blood. Give it till tomorrow!!! (The tooth fairy had a full work load for last night. Probably a union thing. Stimulus money will have extra tooth fairies working to save our economy soon! No tooth will be left behind!)

And a special shout out to all the home school moms---You must be made by God filled with patience, kindness and jellybeans. This is HARD! I am running low on sugar and either Mason and Makayla have an attention problem or Mom does. I am pretty sure it is a little of both. We are working hard and I have enormous respect for all teachers and home-school moms.

(I can hear take-off in the back ground. Good luck Brent!!!)

Smith Mountain Lake, VA

Back to work!!!
We are safely in Virginia and ready to take on the third Elite Series Tournament. Brent had a public appearance tonight at a local church with some of the other pros. He said it was a great time and he hopes to do more of these events.
I worked to...I had a public appearance at Robin's house and watched kids play. (Trust me- it's work to make sure no child is seriously injured.)
I am really looking forward to this week. I am starting our next women's bible study with my wonderful friends. I love spending the time with these girls.
This week is also my 10 year wedding anniversary.
I have three things on my wish list for my anniversary week.
1. No trips to the urgent care and good health for the family.
2. Brent to have an awesome tournament.
3. 50 more years with my man.

gem quote of the week.
"Why do the call them DUMB beetles? Is it because the roll poop into a ball?" from Makayla regarding the documentary on dung beetle. -this is pretty dumb.

Dedicated to my husband's boyfriend's wife. (ha)

Aaaahhhh...to be home.

Oh wait. Nothing peaceful about it.

We come home and it is mass chaos! We all start running in a thousand directions trying to see all the friends and family we can. It is crazy and stressful. I love to go home but it is FAR from relaxing. I had a wonderful girls night out and Brent has been fishing. I know!!! Does the man ever get tired of fishing???? NO. But at least here he is getting to take the kiddos and have some fun. He is testing baits and we are having a Trout fish fry tomorrow.

Mason got to visit his class at Ray Marsh and Makayla has been with Grace, Clare, Alison, Emma and Keaton everyday. Mason will be ready to hang with the boys when we hit the road.

Easter was wonderful and COR had a great service. The kids had a blast and that's that people! I will have more time to gossip later.

I feel like I have a million more things to tell you all. I love that so many people are reading this. Keep the pressure and guilt on me and I will keep writing.

Gem Quote-

"You just spent $400 at Costco?!? Well, Maybe Mason will give you the penny he found in the parking lot," Makayla says optimistically. (the penny was never given to me.)