HG TV Dream Home Giveaway

Imagine winning the gorgeous 4,000-square-foot Colorado home complete with furnishings, $250,000 from LendingTree.com and an SUV! Don't forget to enter to win the HG TV 2007 Dream Home. Take a tour of the home. It's beautiful!!! You have until February 16 to do it!!!

You can see the HG TV Dream Home 2007 on the HG TV channel on the following air dates:
•Saturday,February 03, 2007 6:00 PM ET/PT
•Thursday,February 15, 2007 6:00 PM ET/PT

HG TV Dream Home Giveaway

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/hg-tv-dream-home-giveaway.html

Wordless Wednesday - Troubled Crane

Wordless Wednesday - Troubled Crane

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/photo-sharing.html

Poem of the Week

Footprints

One night I had a dream--
I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord
and across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints,
one belonged to me and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that many times along the path of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest
and saddest times in my life.
This really bothered me and I questioned the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you would walk with me all the way,
but I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life
there is only one set of footprints.
"I don't understand why in times when I needed you most,
you should leave me."
The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child,
I love you and I would never, never leave you
during your times of trial and suffering.
"When you saw only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."

...Mary Stevenson

Poem of the Week

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/poem-of-week_30.html

Tips and Tricks Tuesday

Simple Home Remedies

1. If you are choking on an ice cube, don't panic. Simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat and presto, the blockage will be almost instantly removed.

2. Clumsy? Avoid cutting yourself while slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop away.

3. You can avoid arguments with the Mrs. About lifting the toilet seat just by using the sink.

4. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use an egg timer.

5. A mouse trap placed on top of your alarm clock will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.

6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives. Then you will be afraid to cough.

7. Have a bad toothache? Smash your thumb with a hammer and you will forget all about the toothache.

8. Sometimes, we just need to remember what the rules of life really are:

In life, you only need two tools - WD-40 and Duct Tape.

If it doesn't move but should, use the WD-40.

If it should not move and does, use the duct tape.

9. Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

10. Never pass up an opportunity to go to the Bathroom.

Tips and Tricks Tuesday

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/tips-and-tricks-tuesday_30.html

Let's Go Fly a Kite...

This weekend was pretty restful. Griff was off the whole weekend. Saturday it was almost 60 degrees. Benjamin was able to ride his 4 Wheeler that he got for Christmas. Sunday Benjamin was able to fly his kite that he got from his Aunt Vickie and Uncle Dave. Benjamin enjoyed every minute of it, even though it was about 40 degrees outsite.

See Kite Video

Let's Go Fly a Kite...

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/lets-go-fly-kite.html

Benjamin's Doctor Visit

I had fun taking Benjamin to his annual physical. I picked him up from school and he was so excited to see me. I told him that we were going to see the doctor. His first response was..."I am not going to get a shot am I?" I reasured him that "No, you are not going to get a shot. She is just going to look you over and make sure you are healthy." We then get to the doctors office and get into the room and Benjamin starts singing "5 Little Monkey's jumping on the bed" I thought that was very appropriate for the doctor's office. She checked him out and asked what kind of gown he wanted and she told him that she would bring both so he could choose. What I thought was cute is he asked if he could go with her. She said "Yes" and they were off. He came running back and soon followed was the doctor. She was laughing because not to many adults can find their way back to the rooms. When the doctor left and I began to help Benjamin change into the gown. Benjamin got modest and said..."Nobody is going to see me are they" I said no, just mommy and the doctor"..."oh, OK" The funny thing is he just made that statement and then proceeds to go to the door to peek out to see if the doctor was coming. The doctor comes in and uses reflex tool to check his knees and she says to him, "Did you feel your knee jump?" Benjamin says,"Nope". The doctor proceeds to check is other knee and what does Benjamin do???.........He kicks his leg up and says,"I felt it."....I about died laughing. That is our little comedian. She checked the rest of him out and that was the end of the visit. I think that was the best doctors visit so far...Benjamin sure did make it fun. The time went by very fast. We did learn that Benjamin has 20/40 vision. So I made an appointment with an eye doctor to check his eyes out more thorough.

Benjamin's Doctor Visit

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/benjamins-doctor-visit.html

Thursday Thirteen #4

Thirteen fruits I like to eat 1. strawberries 2. grapes 3. cateloupe 4. peaches 5. Kiwi 6. cherries 7. apples 8. blueberries 9. pears 10.oranges 11.pineapples 12.blackberries 13.raspberries

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Thursday Thirteen #4

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/thursday-thirteen-4.html

Wordless Wednesday - Serenity

Visit other Wordless Wednesday Participants.

Wordless Wednesday - Serenity

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/wordless-wednesday-serenity.html

Benjamin's first Progress Report

Yesterday, Benjamin received his first Progress Report (.pdf format) from school. They do an itial evaluation at the beginning of the school year and then a progress report on how well he has done since then. When we told Benjamin that we were proud of him, he said "I know I'm smart, and I am strong too."(while flexing his muscles) He is definitely all boy.

Benjamin's first Progress Report

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/benjamin-progress-report.html

Poem of the Week

Remember ..

As I walk through life,
I look at all I have done.
I had wandered aimlessly,
And wondered what I have become.

I have been through so much,
It is amazing I made it through.
The lessons I have learned
I am shocked I pulled through.

The times I wondered
What life was all about.
The trials experienced in life,
Can make all the good come out.

We try to make it day by day.
Remembering what we were taught.
Just remember some time to pray,
It is important,
We need it every day.

Life can be short.
Unexpected at that.
We try to take its punches,
Just hoping it won't break our back.

Remember who you are,
Who you want to become.
Everything will fall into place,
When the time comes.

Don't forget I love you's,
Every chance you get.
The time maybe short,
There is no time to regret.

Life can be exciting,
As we all have found out.
Eventful, even busy
There is no time to be left out.

Remember who you are,
And Who you want to become.
The time can be short
Don't leave things undone.

Remember your families,
They are the only ones you've got.
To carry you in times of need
They can not be bought.

Remember they love you,
Either here or there.
They will always be with us.
Help for things to bear.

By: Dawn Jensen

Poem of the Week

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/poem-of-week_22.html

Benjamin's Drawing - A Person

Benjamin has learned how to draw a person at school. I was very impressed when this was sent home.

Benjamin's Drawing - A Person

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/benjamins-drawing-person.html

Monday Madness

1. Did you make any resolutions this year?yes, to loss some weight, be more organized.
2. If so, which one do you think you'll really stick to? If not, is there something you're going to try harder to accomplish?being mor organized
3. Do you have a fear of any small rodents/insects/etc? If so, please share. I am afraid of rats, snakes, and spiders.
4. Share something exciting that's going on in your life. My son is learning how to draw a person (he is three).
5. Did you wonder what happened to Monday Madness these past few weeks? Yes, I sure did. I started participating and then all of a sudden it stopped. I am glad it's back.
And the final question: Do you have a favorite gameshow announcer? Not really.

Visit other Monday Madness Participates.

Monday Madness

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/1.html

Good bye Gamecube, Hello Wii!!!

Well I never thought I would see this, but Griff went to Best Buy this morning at 10a.m. (the store opens at 11a.m.) and stood in line to get the new Nintendo Wii. The reason why I thought I would never say this is because every year the day after Thanksgiving, I stand in line to get a good deal. For instance, this year I stood in line to get the robo dinosaur (retail: $100, I got it for $50). Anyway, Griff would always say, "You are crazy". Well today he is officially crazy because it was not only cold, but it was raining. Best Buy in their ad said they only had 20 in stock. Well, when he got to Best Buy there were at least 20 in line. They handed out the tickets and guess what, HE actually got a TICKET.
Well, everyone else who got at ticket went back to their cars. Griff decided to brave the cold and stood first in line until the store opened. Just because you have a ticket doesn't guarantee you will get one. Well HE GOT one!! He was like a kid in a candy store. He came home and he was grinning ear to ear!!! He even got to use his gift cards he brother Nick gave him for Christmas.(Thank you Nick)

Good bye Gamecube, Hello Wii!!!

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/good-bye-gamecube-hello-wii.html

New words learned

Benjamin's new word he has learned is "sarcastic." Everything he says/does that he thinks is funny he says "Mommy,Daddy, I am just being sarcastic" He said that out of the blue one day and I couldn't believe it. Another word he likes to use is "ridiculous". He just says these words out of the blue. It's amazing.

Type the rest of your post here.

New words learned

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/new-words-learned.html

The Pursuit of Happyness

I would say this is the best struggle movie I have seen in a long time. This movie will inspire you. This movie is about a guy named Chris Gardner who is a bright and talented, but marginally employed salesman. Struggling to make ends meet, Gardner finds himself and his five-year-old son evicted from their San Francisco apartment with nowhere to go. When Gardner lands an internship at a prestigious stock brokerage firm, he and his son endure many hardships, including living in shelters, in pursuit of his dream of a better life for the two of them. You have to go see it and bring a lot of tissue.

The Pursuit of Happyness

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/pursuit-of-happyness.html

Food For Thought Friday

Chicken Pasta Skillet
This is a great receipe
Prep Time: 10 min
Total Time: 40 min
Makes: 4 servings

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
1 medium green pepper, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
1-1/2 cups water
2 cups rotini pasta, uncooked
1 jar (26 oz.) spaghetti sauce
1 cup KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Reduced Fat Mozzarella Cheese



SPRAY large skillet with cooking spray. Add chicken; cook and stir on medium-high heat 5 min. Add green pepper and onion; cook and stir an additional 3 to 5 min. or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
ADD water. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in pasta, making sure pasta is covered with water; cover. Simmer 15 min. or until pasta is tender.
STIR in sauce. Sprinkle with cheese; cover. Reduce heat to low; continue cooking 5 min. or until cheese is melted and mixture is heated through.

Food For Thought Friday

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/food-for-thought-friday.html

Wordless Wednesday- Nephews First Snow

Wordless Wednesday- Nephews First Snow

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/wordless-wednesday-nephews-first-snow_1171.html

Tips and Tricks Tuesday

If you are looking to add your own bullets in Blogger, this is a great place to visit. It explains it very well. Check it out!!

Tips and Tricks Tuesday

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/tips-and-tricks-tuesday.html

Our Budding Artist

Benjamin painting a toolbox he received. We are so proud of our little Artist. It took him approx. an hour and a half to paint the whole thing (with mommy and daddy's help of course).

Our Budding Artist

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/budding-artist.html

Weekend in Nashville, TN

We decided to enjoy the weekend and escape Huntsville and visit Nashville, TN. We stayed at the Embassy Suites Hotel near the airport. It was nice. Benjamin and Daddy swam and we took games to play. It was a nice relaxing weekend.

Weekend in Nashville, TN

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/weekend-in-nashville-tn.html

Poem of the Week

THANK YOU Dr. KING
By Alberta Schiele

I'm just a little girl
And I really don't understand oppression
I had never heard the word
Until it came up in my lesson

I don't know anything about slavery
Or the joy that freedom would bring
For I've only been mildly discriminated against
Thanks to men like Dr. King

No I've never been refused a seat
In any public place
Or forced to sit in the back of a bus
Or scorned because of my race

I know I have not lived very long
But I am very sure of one thing
Life is a lot better for ALL of us
So, thank you, DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING

Poem of the Week

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/poem-of-week_14.html

Car Troubles (Part 2)

Well if you read my previous post(car troubles no more) about my car getting towed like 2 times and needing new tires....well I have an update, my car quit working this past Friday, so we called our handy dandy AAA and they came and towed the car to a local mechanic...Harding Auto. I do say though, my car does like to fall apart in the driveway, so I was lucky there. Anyway, come to find out the fuel injector gave out. The car is 10 years old, never had any major ($$$) problems, just regular maintenance, so we are lucky and like everyone says, it sure does beat a car payment. I have a feeling by the end of 2007 we will have a new car.

Car Troubles (Part 2)

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/my-sister-in-law-was-rightwhen-it-rains.html

PollPub.com Vote

Do you like Grey's Anatomy

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http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/pollpub.html

Food For Thought Friday

Chicken au Gratin Broccoli Bake

2 cups boiling water
1/2 cup milk
1 pkg. (10.23 oz.) VELVEETA Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
5 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (about 1-1/4 lb.)
PREHEAT oven to 375°F. Combine boiling water, milk, Seasoned Potatoes and broccoli in 13x9-inch baking dish; top with chicken. Reserve Cheese Sauce for later use.
BAKE 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from baking dish; cover to keep warm.
STIR Cheese Sauce into potato mixture; top with chicken.

Food For Thought Friday

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/chicken-au-gratin-broccoli-bake.html

Wordless Wednesday - Disappointed

Check out other Wordless Wednesday participants!!

Wordless Wednesday - Disappointed

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/wordless-wednesday.html

Visiting Jacksonville,AL Video

Visiting Jacksonville,AL Video

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/visiting-jacksonvilleal-video.html

Visiting Family in Jacksonville, Alabama

Griffer, Benjamin, and I went to visit family in Jacksonville. We got to visit with Aunt Vickie, Uncle David, Dave,Devon, and Madison. We had so much fun!!! See the pictures above. Vickie and David own their own nursery called Bloomin Miracles. They are the largest wholesale nursery of Japanese Maples in the Southeast. Be sure to check out their webpage. Their nursery is awesome and I am not bias or anything :). It was a nice visit. Benjamin and Madison played on the awesome swing Vickie and David have. I think that was the biggest hit. We got to bring back memories and picked up food from Jeffersons. We can't wait to come back and visit.

Visiting Family in Jacksonville, Alabama

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/visiting-family-in-jacksonville-alabama.html

Congrats to my Brother!!!

I just got word that my brother was just promoted to Vice President of Program Management of WWT!!! I am very proud!!! Congrats Chester!!!

Congrats to my Brother!!!

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/congrats-to-my-brother.html

Thursday Thirteen #3

Thirteen Places I like to visit 1. St. Louis, Missouri 2. Las Vegas, Nevada 3. Washington,D.C. 4. New York, NY 5. Nashville, Tennessee 6. Atlanta, Georgia 7. Branson, Missouri 8. Cocoa Beach, Florida 9. St. Petersburg, Florida 10.Birmingham, Alabama 11.Portland, Oregon 12.Chicago, Illinois 13.Gulf Shores, Alabama Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Thursday Thirteen #3

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/thirteen-of-my-favorite-places-to-visit.html

Car Troubles No More

What an evening. Went to pull the car out of the garage and low and behold a flat tire. I am so glad we have AAA because we had to use them twice in one day. They came and put the spare on and we got to the gas station and the spare stopped working, so we called AAA again. We had them tow the car to NTB. What an evening. Luckly the whole process took 2 hours. Needless to say Griffer went early this morning and got 4 new tires put on the car and we are back in business.

Car Troubles No More

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/car-troubles-no-more.html

Poem of the Week

The Road Not Taken
By Robert Frost

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Poem of the Week

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/poem-of-week.html

Tips and Tricks Tuesday

3 Column Template for Blogger Beta

If some of you were wondering how I was able to get blogger to be three columns, instead of 2, I went to Bloggero.com. Check it out. Here is the deal. First download the file and then go into blogger and go to templates and upload the file. Just remember that none of your extras will be there so you might want to download your current template to your harddrive so you have that code. That is all you have to do!!! Pretty easy and it is pretty cool.

Tips and Tricks Tuesday

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/3-column-template.html

We are Marshall

What a nice weekend. It rained yesterday for a few hours, but other than that it was a nice day. Griffer and I went and saw the movie We are Marshall. This was a great movie. It's about a football team who dies in a plane crash and the school has to rebuild the whole football program. This movie is based on a true story. It is very inspirational!!! You have to go see it!!!

We are Marshall

http://madisonwilson.blogspot.com/2007/01/we-are-marshall.html