Gay Nelle Benson Jones

This post is a tribute to my wonderful mom! In honor of mother's day I wanted her to know why I think she's the best.
I was more than a trying child and she has always been VERY patient with me. Ever since I was a little girl I can remember her always taking me to gymnastics, church functions, cheerleading practice, games, etc... I was also one of three kids who had equally as busy lives. She always made sure we were involved in something and that it was good. Knowing that, you know that she had very little time for herself. While she did not have a formal job, she was daily volunteering at the church or school. When we got ready for school, she was getting ready for the day. To say that she was a stay at home mom is a joke because she rarely stayed at home. However, our house was always clean and dinner was always made. Here are some things I love about my mom.
I love the way she always made my favorite meal on my birthday and to this day she still does that. I love the way she let me sleep with her even when I was in my twenties (not every night just on occasion). I love the way she would ask me all about my date and if he kissed me and we'd giggle like school girls while I sat on her bed. I love the way I later found out that she only asked me those questions to make sure my breath smelled non intoxicated (I sure do appreciate that now as a parent!- very clever mom). I love the way she would always be the mom that dropped us off and picked us up- I never questioned who would be there for me. I love the way she loves my daddy and flirts with him all the time. I love the way she laughs from deep inside. I love the way she looks at me when she notices I've stolen jewelry from her and wear it like it's mine! I love the way she indulges me- if I asked her to go dancing tonight she most likely would. I love the way I can call her ten times a day and she acts like it's the first time we talked. I love the way she loves me unconditionally! I love the way we talk about growing old together. I love the way I can get a coke and snack every morning I drop the kids off and she keeps my favorite stocked. I love the way she emails me funny or sentimental stories. I love the way we can see someone or something in public and give each other eye contact and we know exactly what the other is saying. I love the way we can laugh at that incident until we almost wet our pants. I love the way she sets me straight when I am being petty, selfish or am just plain wrong. I love the way she takes time for herself and time for her man. I love the way she takes care of and respects her mother. I love that she cares for my children in the same way. I love that no matter what this earth holds for us that I'll be with her in Heaven for eternity.
She is my very best friend, my security blanket, my secret keeper, my accountability, my cheerleader, my heart.....my mom!!!!

Book Review

While I was basking in the sun I read a great book I wanted to share with you. It is entitled The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards. Since I have been mesmerized by people with special needs most of my life this book was fascinating to me. However, it is a book for everybody because it deals with the sacred moments we have in life that often we take for granted. Every little incident that occurs with your family helps shape who your kids will become. Do you spend too much time at work or at play? Are the moments you have at home quality moments or are you just there taking up space? These are challenging, soul searching questions you ask yourself when you read this book. If my children were born with a disability would my life be better or worse? At first thought we might think worse, but read the book and find out what happened to this family. Here's a summary of what happens:

This stunning novel begins on a winter night in 1964, when a blizzard forces Dr. David Henry to deliver his own twins.
His son, born first, is perfectly healthy, but the doctor immediately recognizes that his daughter has Down syndrome. For motives he tells himself are good, he makes a split-second decision that will haunt all their lives forever. He asks his nurse, Caroline, to take the baby away to an institution. Instead, she disappears into another city to raise the child as her own. Compulsively readable and deeply moving, The Memory Keeper's Daughter is a brilliantly crafted story of parallel lives, familial secrets, and the redemptive power of love

Time for a break

George has once again secured a wonderful FREE weekend to the beach for us. He buys his materials from Mayer Lightning and in return they give us a trip! We went last year and it was wonderful. We stay at Sandestin and for those of you who have never been- you won't stay anywhere else once you go! We started going there after our first trip this time last year and our kids love it. It can be pricey but if you watch it close you can get a deal. When I take a vacation, I do it right and Sandestin pampers you like no other.
We will play all day Friday and then Friday night enjoy a steak dinner. Saturday, George will get up early and play golf most of the day and I will sleep in and get a massage at the spa around 11:00. This is all complimentary from Mayer Lighting- how great! They will have a condo open 24-7 that is stocked with food and drinks. On Sunday I'll spend a little time at the beach before we head home.
I love this trip! For those of you who don't know me so well, I love to be by myself. I could survive on a desert island without anybody else. So- this trip is right up my alley- a day at the beach all by myself with a good book!!!!!
I'll try to take some pictures, but no promises since I am planning on bumming it!

Play that funky music......

My husband is in a band! I wish he would have decided to do it earlier in life when I actually hung out at bars and got into the whole band thing. Oh well, now I can at least sleep with a band member! They played at Clay May Days and will also play at Dog Daze in Trussville and Oneonta's festival in June. The lead band member is Mark Dunn who plays an incredible saxophone!!!! Bryan Haskins plays keyboard and is lead vocals. George is the drummer. Mark Jr. is the lead guitarist and Greg Reid is the bass player. They were really good!! You should hear them.

Sing it Baby!

My precious ones sang in church last Sunday night. They were both very comfortable on stage for which I am thankful. Stone was very serious and did every motion and sang loudly. He had been threatened within every inch of his life if he acted like a clown!! I'm glad to know it worked. Sadie also did the motions and sang every word. I was a proud mommy!