10-28-08 Busy Days

On Sunday morning we had to be on the soccer field at 7 am. Needless to say we had to get up very early...5 am or so. When we started the drive it was so foggy you couldn't see 2 feet in front of your face. I thought to myself...great!!!...they won't even be able to see the ball from one end of the field to the other. However, when we arrived at our destination it wasn't that bad. It was very cold and the ground was frozen. We played a team that we have played many times before and never have won. The whole team played awesome and we tied 2-2. I think this was a huge moral victory for our team. Sunday night Landon was invited to a Halloween party that was originally supposed to be on Friday night. He had a really great time...he was Indiana Jones and he looked great!
On Monday we have been very busy with homework, supper and our regular routine. I worked last night unexpectedly for a friend and I slept Monday while Landon was in school. I am working again tonight and we will have more of the same routine for the rest of the week. Please say a prayer for Landon and school work. He is trying so hard and he is now done with soccer and I think that will help. Have a great week!

Rainy Days 10-24-08

Just a little note to catch everyone up on the week. We have been busy with work and school, Landon has been working very hard in study habits and he had several tests today and he seems to think it paid off. We will let you know later. On Wednesday night he went to church and he earned his first badge in AWANNA's, that made him very happy. He has had two nights of soccer practice because they have their last tournament this weekend. I hope the weather cooperates, it has been raining most of the day. He is excited because his Mom Mom and Pop Pop are planning to come to the game as well as his Popaw. I know they enjoy watching him play. I will update tomorrow and let you know how that goes. Have a great weekend!

God Bless You All !!

Sunday and Soccer 10-19-08

Last night on Saturday the boys played at 8 pm. They played a team that was a year older than they were and they were awesome! We won 7 to 2. On Sunday morning however we did not fair so well. We played a local team that we have played several times before and we have never beaten them and I think the boys get a mental complex even before the game starts. They played well but they lost 5-2. That was our last game for the day and then we went as a family and volunteered in the concession stand from 4 to 5:30pm and we cleaned up and closed it for them. Needless to say there wasn't a whole lot of sleeping going on for me after working last night. I probably won't be bloggong a lot at the beginning of the week due to sleep and homework. Have a great day!

Soccer Saturday 10-18-08

Much to a few peoples disliking I haven't had a lot of time to blog this week. Just a few things to catch you up. Last night we went to DB's homecoming game, it was cool for the first time this year. It was a great game though and we won 28 to 7. I took this picture before the game here at the house.


This morning was very cool and Landon said he was glad to finally get to play soccer and it not be so hot. Last Sunday when they played the boys were so exhausted from the heat. This morning was a totally different story. I think the parents were freezing but the boys love playing when it is about 50 degrees. They played well and they won their first game 3-2. They will play again this evening at 8 pm. This is the first time that our club has hosted the Appalachian Fall Festival. The leaves are beautiful right now. I heard several people from out of state say how beautiful it was here.

After the game we had to head home because we were going to baby sit the neighbors new baby while they went to watch their other son play football. Of course we were all too happy to help them out. We all love little babies...as you can see even Landon. He was so thrilled to get to feed Cooper but when it came to changing him, that was up to me. He is so cute and really brings back memories of when Landon was so tiny. We had an awesome day...he is such a great baby!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. I will let you know how well they do in the soccer tournament. Thanks to Popaw for coming to watch Landon play today.

Monday Madness 10-13-08

Today started very early for us. Brian went back to work and Landon off to school. He had to be there very early because he was chosen to be on the school news team. He was very excited to be selected. He loves to read and he doesn't have a camera shy bone in his body. After school he said he did very well and the neat thing was he got to report on the World Cup and it's history. As you know he loves soccer so this was very interesting to him.

After I dropped him off it was time for all the chores I had put off over the weekend. This is my only day off as I am working the next 10 out of 11 days...bummer! I picked him up today because we had a yearbook meeting after school. He was chosen to be on the yearbook staff and he is excited about taking pictures and helping to create the book for this year. This is a picture of him working on the posters for marketing the yearbook. They learned about what it meant to "market" something and how to advertise. I think this will be a great learning experience as well as fun.

After that it was time for dinner and homework. One of Landon's favorite things to do...math (ha! ha!). He didn't have soccer practice and it was a beautiful evening so he played outside for a while. Brian went to a meeting so he could be a field marshall at the soccer tournament this weekend. I have to get ready for work now. Have a great evening!

Wild Hair 10-12-08

Sunday morning brings church at our house. We have been attending a new church and Landon has been so excited and enthusiastic about going and learning the word of God. They have an awesome Sunday School class and he told us again this morning what a great time he had. It truly warms my heart to see him so happy. They also have a great AWANNA program on Wednesday night.

After church we got this "wild hair" to take off and go to Dollywood. It was a beautiful day and we knew it may be our last chance to get there before the harvest celebration ended. I love this time of year with all the pumpkins, flowers and scarecrows. The decorations at Dollywood are amazing during this time. I took just a few pictures and then I left Landon alone so he could ride until they closed. We ran into several people we know and visited a while with each of them.... we had a great time.



On the way out of the park several funny and scary things happened. We were headed to the tram stop to go back to our car and as we approached the entrance to the store there was a lady that was sitting on a stool right beside of this cart that was selling ornaments. As Landon walked through he looked her way (thinking it was a manequin) she said hello to him and litterally scared him out of his shorts!! She apologized several times but couldn't help laughing so hard she had tears coming down her cheeks.

The scary part was when we were waiting on a tram and looked over and saw this HUGE spider beside of us. I initially though it may be fake but it was very real. It had to be 2-2 1/2 inches long! Gross...I cannot stand spiders. Landon was the one who got close enough to take this picture.

As we were coming back we decided to put the top down on the convertible. For those of you who don't know, my husband Brian, bought a new car about 2 weeks ago. A mustang convertible...what I call his midlife crisis car...no just kidding honey! He has sacrificed for years so that I would always be the one to have a new car and I really feel as if he deserves that car. He is a great husband and father and always puts his family first. I love you honey...and I hope you enjoy your car. We certainly had a good time in it with you today! Have a great week everyone!

Soccer Saturday 10-11-08

Saturday morning brought soccer to the Salyers' family. One of Landon's favorite sports. He had two matches today and it was a beautiful autumn day. This time of year you never know what you are going to get. Landon played great in both games. We are so thankful that he is playing again. For those of you that don't know, Landon tore his meniscus in his right knee last Spring which required surgery to repair. He is just now getting back to full strength and he really is not 100% yet. His coach said he is doing great.


He was able to play up front some today and he scored two goals. That felt really great because he has played defense a lot since he was injured.

If you will notice he still has to wear a brace when he plays and he has to be real careful stretching and warming up. I think it has taught him to be more grateful for the skills that God has blessed him with.

We really did have a great day. Landon's Popaw came to see both games and a friend from his school came to the first game. He and Brooke are good friends and have watched each other play sports some this past year. I better get off of here and get some laundry done. Hope everyone has a great weekend. Off to church in the morning!

Football Friday 10-10-08

Friday night is all about high school football in September and October. Tonight before going to the game we met my parents and went out to eat. I was so glad to see them and they brought my nephew Thomas, he and Landon were able to catch up some on how things were going. We had a great time and a great meal. I miss seeing my parents everyday. For those of you who get to see your parents often you are very blessed.

After eating we went to the local high school game and it was an exciting game and very close through the first half. Luckily we were able to pull out a win and everyone went home happy...except for me who had to go off to work. I guess we all have to do things we don't necessarily like to do. I would love to be a stay at home mom...but I don't think that will happen. This is a picture of Landon at the game. He really enjoyed watching the game. A lot of the time he likes to go off with friends during the game but tonight he wanted to watch. As I was sitting there with him I thought to myself...it won't be long and he will be here as a student. I try to enjoy the time I have with him because it seems to be going so fast.

All is Well 10-09-08

Today Landon was feeling much better and he went back to school. He had homework and then soccer practice. Brian took him to practice and I went to his school for a meeting about an overnight camp that they will be attending. He is looking forward to going. Thanks for all your prayers...we are thankful that what ever virus he had was short lived. God is good...all the time!!
Have a great evening!

A Little Under the Weather 10-08-08

When I came home from work this morning it was raining. I woke Landon up for school and he was not feeling well. He ate a little breakfast and said he was feeling somewhat better. He wanted to go on to school because he had an assessment test this morning. I came home after driving him to school and I went to bed because I worked last night and I was exhausted. Around 10 am the school nurse called and said Landon had been to the clinic several times and they had tried everything to get his stomach to settle but now he was throwing up. I told her I would pick him up right away. He never says he is sick unless he really does not feel well. I got him home and he was sick to his stomach with a low grade fever. After taking a nap and "losing his lunch" a few times he feels better this afternoon. He has been able to eat toast and seems to be doing a lot better. A couple of his friends have called to check on him and that has made him feel even better. Thanks A.J. and Hannah! It is always good to have friends that are concerned with your well being. I hope everyone else is doing well. We are continuing to get some much needed rain and we are just resting up for another work night and school day. Brian is working overtime tonight and Landon and I were gonna go to church but with his fever I guess we will stay in. Take care and God bless! Please say a prayer for Landon that he gets better.

School Pictures 10-07-08

Today is the day that the Lord has made. We shall rejoice and be glad in it. My dad, Landon's Pop Pop, is turning 70 years old. For those of you who don't know this past year has been a difficult year for my dad. God is so good and He has worked miracles in my dads life. Dad was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer. Right after the first of the year he started radiation therapy after having a biopsy. He did great with all of his treatments and he is cancer free now. We have so much to be thankful for. Happy Birthday Dad...I love you!!

While I was on here tonight I thought I would post a pic of Landon's fifth grade school picture. He has grown up so much and I cannot believe he will be in middle school next year. He is doing so well in school and we are very proud of him. His dentist appointment went well today and they told us at this point he may not need braces after all. We are going to wait for all of his permanent teeth to come and then reevaluate. While we were in Florida he lost another tooth, and that makes several over the last few months that have come out.


I want to ask everyone to pray for Brian's dad and for my mom, they have both not been feeling well. I trust in the Lord and His awesome powers of healing and I know He answers prayers. Have a great week!!

Life As We Know It! 10-6-08

It was really hard getting back in to the swing of things today. Landon did not want to get up for school and I can hardly blame him. I myself had a hard time as well. I love traveling, it's the part of going back to work that is hard. I could definitely see myself as a world traveler if I didn't have to work. I just thought I would say hello to everyone and I will try to keep you updated as the week progresses. Landon has a dental appointment tomorrow as well as soccer practice. Take care and I hope everyone has a great week.

Home Sweet Home!! 10-5-08

This was the day everybody was not really looking forward to. We were up early and headed to the airport by 9am. As we were driving to the airport the boys were wishing we had another week that we could stay in Orlando. We all had a really great time. I want to say thanks to the Robbins' family for inviting us along. We are very thankful for such great friends. You all have become like family to us. Before we left Landon and A.J. took an art class at Hollywood Studios and I thought I would share Landon's artwork with you. Not bad for free hand artwork. Landon says that he is definitely not an artist but he had fun taking the class anyway.

When we arrived at the airport in Orlando we had time to spare so Landon thought he would draw a little to practice. We bought him a book that gave instructions on how to draw Disney characters. The lady at the ticket counter was very nice to let him borrow a pencil.

We landed in the Tri-cities at 1:15pm this afternoon. It is amazing that you can be home in an hour and ten minutes from Orlando. So much better than driving 11-12 hours with many stops in between. We are all unpacked now and ready to settle back in to the routine of school and work. I have enjoyed blogging this week and I will try to keep up now that we are home.

I would like to send out a few thank you's to several people for really helping us out. Thanks to Cassie for making this blog possible and for praying for our safe return. Thanks to Nana and Papaw for taking us to the airport and for picking us up. We really enjoyed your company and Landon was glad to see you both. Thanks to Cindy, Randy, Blair and Brooke for getting our mail and watering our plants. I would also like to say congratulations to our neighbors Chuck, Vanessa and Chaz for their new addition to the family, little Cooper is so cute! I am glad to be home but sad this vacation is over. God Bless You All!!

Our Last Hoorah in Orlando 10-4-08

When we woke up this morning we really did not have a definite plan for the day. We knew it was our last day so we wanted to make the most of it. We decided to go back to Seaworld for half the day and then go to Aquatica for the rest of the afternoon. At the last minute the other Lisa and I decided that we would be the taxi for the day and we would go shopping. We went back to the outlet mall and we looked at all the things that we didn't get to the first day. We then went and picked them up from Seaworld and took them over to Aquatica. Afterwards we went to the Florida Mall. That has to be the biggest mall I have ever seen. It even has a currency exchange inside the mall. The security guards cover so much ground that they ride on Segways. For those of you who do not know what that is, it is like a scooter that you ride on standing up. They are really cool. Needless to say we covered a lot of ground shopping today. We had a great time while the guys were at the water park. At the end of the day the boys wanted to go to the largest McDonald's in the world. You would not believe this place. It is very over whelming. It is two stories tall and the menu is unbelievable. They have a gourmet menu including pannini's, pizza and pasta. It was so busy but the boys were able to play for a while.

We didn't get to stay long because we had to come back and get ready for our flight tomorrow. I can't beleive that our trip is over already. We have had a great time this week with our friends. I really am convinced that creating memories are so important to our children. I also believe that you don't necessarily have to go on vacation to do so. Everyday we are able to be with our children is a blessing. I feel truly blessed to be a mom. I love you Landon and I hope you had a great vacation!!

Disney's Hollywood Studios 10-3-08

We went to Disney's Hollywood Studios today. I know it sounds like a broken record but really the weather has been gorgeous! Even though it has been warm there has been a breeze that you just don't get in the summer time. We arrived early and of course we went straight for the big rides.

First up was my personal favorite, the Hollywood Tower of Terror. This is the coolest ride in the park. It is so smooth and every time you ride the sequence of falls are different. That is what makes it so awesome. I think we must have rode this six or seven times all together. The lines again were minimal and it made it so easy to just keep riding.

When we first arrived early in the morning this is a picture of the wait time. We thought it was so ironic that it was not ten or twenty minutes but unlucky thirteen. We of course were teasing the boys about it before we got on the first time.

This is Landon and A.J. standing in front of the big Mickey hat right in the middle of the park. They thought it was really neat that it had a place that you could shop underneath the hat. Landon, A.J., Brian and I stayed until the park closed. We watched a big production called Fantasmic and then Joe came back and picked us up.

After we watched a Disney Animation show, Landon wanted to have his picture made with Mickey. I am glad he is still at the age where he wants to do this with some of the characters. It won't be long and he will not be interested in this anymore. I remember when he was seven and we brought him to Disney for his first time and we had to stand in all of the character lines. I can't believe how much time has passed already.

Well as you can see we had another great day. We actually ran into some people we know from Kingsport. It truly is a small word. I am not sure what we are going to do for our last day tomorrow, I will let you know later. I am trying my best not to think about this vacation ending but I'm afraid it will come whether I want it to or not. I hope you all are doing well. Say a prayer for us to have safe travel on Sunday and we will see you all soon. Landon says he loves you Nana and Papaw!! God bless everyone!!

Aquatica 10-2-08

We went to the new Seaworld water park Aquatica today. The weather once again was beautiful and sunny. The crowd was minimal and the boys didn't have to wait long for anything. It really was a lot of fun. There were water slides that went right beside the dolphins and they were enclosed in the dark until you went by the dolphins and then the tubes were clear.



I think that the most fun we all had was the rapids pictured below. A.J. said that it was a lazy river on steroids. Instead of inner tubes it was required that you put life vests on. The currant was so strong it was hard to stand up. I think you cruised around the river at 15 mph. I was attempting to take a picture of Landon and A.J. and as soon as I focused on them Brian came floating by behind them.

We finished the day with dinner at Don Pablo's, a very good Mexican restaurant. We all ate so much that Landon and A.J. had to stop at the world's largest McDonald's to go to the bathroom...as put in their words...they had to drop the Brown's off at the superbowl. Only mothers with boys would think this is funny. All in all it was a great day. I think we are getting up early to go to MGM...Hollywood studios tomorrow. I hope everyone is having a good week. Take care and God bless!!

Epcot 10-1-08

We decided to go to Epcot today thinking that it will be busier toward the weekend. I think we made a great decision. The lines were not long at all and we got to do everything and really we were finished fairly early. I did not get many pictures becuase it was blazing hot and the boys were moving from ride to ride very quickly. This is in the front of the sphere at the front gate.

It really was a beautiful day even though it was 90+ degrees it was breezy and not as humid as days previous. We all rode Soarin which is really one of the best rides at Epcot. Brian, who nomally does not ride, absolutely loves this ride. You feel as if you are truly flying over the ocean and Napa Valley. Test Track is another awesome ride that goes 65 mph and has stops and turns that are amazing. Landon and A.J. rode Mission Space but the adults passed on this one. I am not up for those spinning rides anymore....I guess I am getting old.


We just finished supper as well as dishes and the guys are all at the swimming pool. My friend Lisa and I are sipping coffee and enjoying the peaceful moments. We love our kids but sometimes it is just nice to have a quiet minute to ourselves. All of you moms know exactly what I am talking about. Bye for now...possibly off to Disney's Hollywood Studios or maybe Seaworld's new water park, Aquatica!!