The Life & Times of The Walker Household (Dwayne, Paige & Nick)

Happy 40th Anniversary -- We Love You !!

2009-05-29T00:00:00.003-04:00

May 30, 1969

My parents said "I Do."

This Year, We Celebrate Their

40 Years of Marriage

Congratulations Dad & Mom

We Love You Very Much!!

Here's To The Next 40 !!

Love, Paige, Dwayne & Nick

Nick ---- YOU MAKE US SO PROUD!!!

2009-05-26T19:05:00.003-04:00

Today, we had a meeting with Nick's teachers to discuss his transition to the 9th grade (Heritage High School) in the fall. ISN'T THIS EXCITING????

Kind of ironic if you think about it ..... As an 8th Grader ... He has Finally Arrived!! KING OF THE MIDDLE SCHOOL .... but, still, he WANTS TO BE IN HIGH SCHOOL ...... Well --- WISH NO MORE .... only now .... as of August 3rd .... he will again return to the BOTTOM OF THE FOODCHAIN as a FRESHMAN at HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL!!!

But --- don't let me get side-tracked .... back to our parent/teacher meeting. THE TEACHERS COULDN'T SAY ENOUGH GREAT THINGS ABOUT OUR NICK!!!!

Among their comments were:

He is SOOO Polite
Nick is such a BRIGHT and WELL MANNERED student
I wish all of my students were as respectful as he is
Nick is SMART --- He blew my socks off with his verbal report that went along with his Volcano Project
Nick is an excellent reader - we are reading a novel he has already completed and several times he has read aloud to the other students
Nick is going to do great in High School
Nick has a lot of initiative - you can tell he wants to do well
He is extremely proud of his work, especially the projects he has turned in - He always is excited to find out what his grade will be
Nick is doing great here and making lots of friends - On his first day, we had arranged for some students to hang out with him during certain periods - but, he didn't even need that - He came right in and met his own friends and has been gaining new friends everyday since!

So --- OVERALL --- Nick's teachers couldn't praise him enough!!!

Way to GOOOOO Nick!!! We are SOOO proud of you !!!

Monday -- Memorial Day -- Pool Party At The Browns!!

2009-05-25T21:41:00.001-04:00

Please forgive me ........ I neglected to take any pictures at the pool party today ........

Instead of being the adult in charge --- I had fun with the kids!!!

AND --- Too bad I didn't have my camera --- I am sure EVERYONE would have LOVED to see me AFTER Mr. Nicholas and Ms. Carley PUSHED ME into the POOL and then MADE me jump off the DIVING BOARD!!!

But --- too bad .... so sad .... I am the author of this BLOG -- therefore, I say what, I say when ....

Happy Memorial Day Everyone!!!

The Walker Crew!!
Dwayne, Paige & Nick

ESPN Zone ----- UNLIMITED SUNDAYS!!!

2009-05-24T21:17:00.003-04:00

Well --- since we have all had such a QUIET and RESTFUL weekend (NOT), we decided that maybe we should find something ELSE to do on SUNDAY besides just lounge around (ha!) ......

SO --- ESPN GAME ZONE sounded just like the PERFECT THING!!!

2 Hours --- Unlimited Games ---

ALL for $1 EACH !! ?? !! ?? !! ?? !! ?? !! ??

This was just toooooo good to be true!!! So --- for a full 2 hours -- we played every driving game, shooting game, bowling game, fishing game, basketball game, football game, etc. known to man!!!

Dwayne even injured his pinky finger-nail while whoopin' up on Travis and Nick in AIR-Hockey!! Now - that is SERIOUS Gamin' !!!

Then -- after we had played til' we couldn't play no more --- we ventured out to a BBQ restaurant that had been advertised as "ONE OF THE TEN BEST IN GEORGIA" on the TRAVEL CHANNEL!! And -- It lived up to our expectations!!! Just a hole in the wall -- but boy -- it was good!!

Soon after that --- we arrived back at home where I promptly THREATENED every last one of the boys (Travis, Nick & Mr. Walker included) that if they even THOUGHT about waking me up from my nap they would regret the day they were born ..... and ..... just for good measure .... I also stated that UNLESS SOMEONE HAD DIED OR WAS ON THEIR WAY TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM -- I didn't want to talk to anyone on the phone if they called either!!

3 Hours later ...... Carley & I emerged from our BEAUTY-REST nap ~~~ Refreshed and ready to cook a huge country style dinner of Fried Pork Chops, Mashed Potatos & Cherry Chocolate Cake!! YUMMY!!!

What a FUN day!!! And, We Still Have MONDAY To GO !!

Stylin' & Profilin' (At Six Flags!)

2009-05-23T22:38:00.000-04:00

So -- as we were winding down our day .... I had my camera out to take a few last pictures to commemorate our first visit this season ....

Well --- Actually I had the camera on VIDEO ... and just let it roll. The following pictures are some "still" shots that I got from that video.

They are pretty cool --- and I just liked them!! Hope you do too!!

Six Flags Over GA !!!!! More Flags .... MORE FUN !!!

2009-05-23T21:34:00.008-04:00

Use #1 of our SEASON PASS ---- TODAY!!!

The Saturday before MEMORIAL DAY!!!

In attendance was: Me, Nick, Carley & Sass-A-Frass (aka Sandi).

I had actually PLANNING FOR RAIN, RAIN and more RAIN ----- all so I could teach Mr. Nick and Miss Carley a lesson!! The lesson being --- That I am NOT an old senile woman .... just because I say that should it rain they will be miserable at Six Flags ..... that they will close down the rides, that it will be messy and nasty, etc. etc.

BUT ---- all of my planning and scheme was for nothing ...... it rained for only a short period of time .... and that was mostly while we were on the LOG WATER RIDE and wet already!! But, we did have a brief period to PLAY in the rain ..... and it stayed around just long enough for SASS' pant legs to GROW 5 more inches ..... SO -- she sported a rolled up look the rest of the day!!

BUT, then, IT POURED DOWN ALL THE WAY HOME!!! I could hardly see the road to drive home. HOW CONVENIENT!!!

SO -- We arrived at 12:15 and stayed until 7pm!! Now -- that makes for a long day!!!

Our rides included: Goliath (SCARY), The Log Ride, Thunder River, Dahlonega Mine Train, The Georgia Cyclone and the Bumper Cars.

The HIGHLIGHT of the entire day was when I LOST my cell phone ................... Talk about a panic!!! BUT --- God was smiling down on me and a nice lady found it in the bumper car I had driven!! Apparently it had fallen out of my pocket during one of the "collisions" with my kids (and that DOES include SASS)!!

So --- here are a FEW MORE pictures from our day ....... Night Night ....... Enjoy!!

Blue Frogs ... GREAT Friends!!

2009-05-22T23:16:00.003-04:00

Tonight was DATE NIGHT!!! Yay!! So --- Dwayne and I were joined by Randy and Natasha Roosekrans for an evening at The Blue Frog in East Atlanta.

The Blue Frog is a quaint little Mexican food restaurant that features absolutely delicious food, great drinks and good TIMES!!!

Thanks guys for making our date night a FABULOUS TIME!!! Let's do it again REAL SOON!!

Houston ....... We Have a Problem ...... Come In Houston!!

2009-05-22T10:00:00.002-04:00

~ H O U S T O N ~

~ WE ~ HAVE ~ A ~ PROBLEM ~

Finally --- Here we are .... Friday morning and today is PAYDAY for Mr. Nicholas!!!

Well --- after the week started out SOOOO well, Tuesday's Civil Rights project threw a wrench into things ......

Since Nick and I proceeded to spend ALL EVENING on the project ..... his Tuesday evening chores were neglected ..... thus ...... a FROWN face and MINUS $3 !!! (sorry Charlie .... but no free passes are given around here .... NOT EVEN FOR HOMEWORK)

Wednesday ..... Couldn't get on track ....... the trash sat in the kitchen trash can all evening until the stench got so bad even Andy was holding his nose .......... and Mr. Walker had to holler from the basement bathroom for toilet tissue to be delivered since the cabinet had NOT been stocked as planned ......... another FROWN face and MINUS another $3 !!!!

Then along came Thursday ...... and THREE WAS NOT NICK'S CHARM!!!
Dust Your Bedroom ---- NOT DONE
Sweep Your Bathroom Shower Area ---- NOT DONE
Clean Both Sinks in Your Bathroom w/Cleaner ---- NOT DONE

Another FROWN face and this time MINUS $4 ......... Just thought I would make it a bit more painful on the 3rd day !!!

BUT --- apparently the DEPRESSING total of $10 for the week was enough to SHOCK him back into reality .....

FRIDAY = SMILEY FACE !!!!

So --- $10 was awarded -- Which I feel certain will be squandered tomorrow at SIX FLAGS !!!

BUT --- Next week ---- we will try a NEW approach ..... As of tomorrow (Saturday) morning, Mr. Nick's total will be $0 and each day he will have to do his chores in order to EARN his pay ..... NO FREE RIDES HERE !!!

~ Maybe that approach will be a bit more ~

~MOTIVATIONAL ~

What a GREAT Job on the BED Today!!

2009-05-21T08:09:00.000-04:00

Hey --- Nick is taking to our rule of "make your bed every morning" quite well!!! Just take a look at this PERFECT job he did today!!!

AND --- I just want to know ..... Don't you think this kid is just HANDSOME ?????

I do --- and apparently all the GIRLS at his SCHOOL do too!!!! I hear rumblings about all the girls thinking he is HOT ..... and they are not just coming from him!!!

LORD HELP US !!!!

Yet ...... Another PROJECT!!!!! Great!!!

2009-05-20T23:08:00.001-04:00

Well --- here we are again .... another project has been assigned ...... and guess what ..... it is due tomorrow!!!

Now --- In Mr. Nicholas' defense, he did inform me of this project last week, but assured me that he was able to work on it in class and finish it during class time ...... NO AT HOME WORK WOULD BE REQUIRED .....

Well --- just to make sure that we (meaning me, Nick and the Teacher) were all on the same page, I had shot off an email to Ms. Logdson (the Social Studies teacher) to confirm the task, her instructions for completion and verification that it would be an in-class assignment. She did in fact confirm that they would have AMPLE time to work on the project ... and if they worked diligently, they would finish it in class.

So --- last Saturday while we were out and about, Mr. Nicholas informed me that he had chosen to do the collage option for the project and would be needing some poster board. Not a problem there --- we quickly purchased 3 pieces of poster board and we were all set!!

Monday morning rolled around and Nick said there was no need to take the poster board with him then because they would not actually start putting the project together until Tuesday .... and then ... Monday evening, it all fell apart ....

While we were relaxing .... chilling and taking it easy, Nicky-Boy asked me if I would "assist" him with cutting-out and separating his pictures for the collage. Still ---- I didn't see the problem that was about to hit us SQUARE BETWEEN OUR EYES!!! Being the HOME-WORK LOVER that I am (NOT), I willingly agreed to pitch in and help out!!

OMG ----- My first thought was ... what kind of dinosaur printer did you utilize to print these pictures .?.?.?.?.?. AND - that thought was quickly followed by ---- why do we have 7 pictures of MALCOLM X' face when each picture is suppose to represent a different part of the event that we are illustrating .?.?.?.?.?.?.?. THEN --- IT HIT ME ...... All of the in-class work that he had done so far was NEVER going to accomplish creation of a SUCCESSFUL project ..... Unless his teacher was VISUALLY IMPAIRED and had not read the project instructions that SHE HAD PREPARED HERSELF .....

So --- much to Nicholas' dismay ..... I informed him that on Tuesday afternoon/evening, when he got out of school, we would be spending as much time as it took to complete the collage .... START TO FINISH in one evening .....

Oh Trust Me .... He wasn't the only one that wanted to throw in the towel and just take an "F" on the project .... BUT --- as he has heard me say over and over through-out these past few weeks ...... "That choice was just UNACCEPTABLE!!"

So --- Tonight, we attacked our project with much vigor ........ Our evening included grumbling, complaining, moaning, pacing a whole in the carpet in my office, glue stick being smeared from one of my desk to the other, accidentally ripped pictures ..... so forth and so on ......

In the end (and 5 hours later), the project was all finished!!! AND ---- we even went above and beyond and completed the "optional" items on the instruction sheet that would give us "extra credit" ..... WOW --- we ROCK!!!

The Proud Student!!!

The Finished Product

The project had to be a collage of 8 different events that occurred during the period referred to as the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950 & 1960. Each of the 8 events had to have a minimum of 5 pictures. NOW --- the previous requirements were those necessary for a "B" .... but, My Daddy always taught me that nothing less than an "A" was good enough .... so, We followed the "A" guidelines ...... 9 Events, 7 Pictures each !!!!

The Murder of Emmett Till

16th Street Baptist Church Bombing

Chores ---- YAY!!!!

2009-05-18T20:51:00.002-04:00

Well --- there comes a time in every young man's life when he just has to STEP up and PITCH in around the house ......

And -- as expected .... Nick doesn't really think that this particular STEP in his young life is necessary ..... but, I have explained to him in great detail that CHORES are a task that if he masters now will really make some little girl real happy some day when he asks her to marry him - - and then shortly after the honeymoon he turns into a DOMESTIC GOD !!!! She will worship the GROUND HE WALKS ON !!! Not sure he is buying into it ... but, nonetheless, this is a STEP that he is REQUIRED to take ...

Thus, today we began keeping track of his chore list and his progress. He has started the week off with $20 and a list of items to complete each day. If at the end of the week he has performed all of the tasks on his list then he will get a PAYDAY on Friday ...... Let's hope for the best .......

As of tonight, he has managed to keep his $20 and earn a BIG SMILEY FACE on the board .....

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK NICK!!!

Yummy .... My Own "Gourmet" Cook

2009-05-15T21:59:00.002-04:00

Ladies & Gentlemen --- After 15 years of marriage and a few years of courting before that, Mr. Walker has finally learned to cook ....... and not only is he cooking ..... he is "gourmet" cooking!!!

Tonight's Gourmet Delight: Savory Chicken & Mexican Sausage w/Spanish Rice cooked with Fire Roasted Tomatos!!! YUMMYYYYYY!!!!!

So YES -- What you have heard is correct !.!.!.!.!..... I have officially decided to go on STRIKE --- and from now on, Mr. Walker will be in charge of all of our dietary needs!!

Just take a look at "Perfection at Work" !!!!!

Voila!! A Volcano Cake - Sciene Project

2009-05-14T22:15:00.005-04:00

Well --- What do you know?? We pulled it off ... and I for one am quite proud of our creation.

First, we started with 6 layers of RED VELVET cake .... then, layered them ... cutting each one just a tiny bit smaller than the one before and icing with creamy CHOCOLATE icing as we went!!

Once our cake was assembled and iced, we crushed up the RED VELVET trimmings and mixed it with crushed OREOS to make RED HOT LAVA which we then layered around the bottom of our volcano and strategically placed it all down the sides to give the appearance of our VOLCANO being covered in MOLTEN LAVA!!

Next, a tiny bit of green grass was placed on the outer edges of the MOLTEN LAVA LAKE at the base of the VOLCANO ......

Since our VOLCANO is quite hot and right in the middle of an ERUPTION ....... we placed bands of RED, ORANGE and YELLOW HOT LAVA cascading down the sides of our MOUNTAIN!!

Once our hot LAVA was in place, it was time for our BIG FINALE ----- 16 CANDLES in a scooped our VOLCANO CRATER right on top that will be lit tomorrow during science class to demonstrate the VOLCANO actively on FIRE!!!

You know what ......... NOT TO BAD for a Kid that was just sure we couldn't do it .... and a Girl that wasn't quite sure either ...... Good thing we were both determined NOT TO EMBARASS OURSELVES in front of the entire SCIENCE CLASS!!!

So ... Here it is ... Our FINISHED VOLCANO!!!

AND --- My absolute FAVORITE PART of the EVENING ???? Making Sir Nicholas SWEEP up the OREO crumbs he dropped all over the floor!!! We discovered HE REALLY DOES KNOW HOW TO USE A BROOM!!!! It doesn't get any better than that !!!!

$36 Dollars Later ..... Now What ???

2009-05-14T18:43:00.002-04:00

So -- Nick came home on Monday and informed me that "WE" have a science project that will be due soon.

The following was the conversation that ensued after his announcement of our task:

Paige: That is great, what is YOUR science project about?
Nick: Well, WE are going to make a Volcano Cake.
Paige: A Volcano Cake?? Do you know how to make one of those?
Nick: NO -- but, YOU can Google it ... and find out how to do it. The teacher said there are some things online that you can look at.
Paige: Ok, well, I am so glad that I can do that for ME ... SO -- when is MY science project due?
Nick: Ummm.....Thursday or Friday .... well, maybe Monday.
Paige: Well -- as long as you are sure .... Do you have an instruction sheet from the teacher?
Nick: No - she didn't give us anything, she just told us we have to do it.

So .... we continued to banter back and forth ..... and absolutely no further information was gleaned from the conversation .... well, let me re-phrase that .... no USEFUL information was gleaned from the conversation.

Fast forward one day to Tuesday ..... Still no further information about the MOVING TARGET DUE DATE ...

Moving Right Along ... we arrive at Wednesday night ..... Suddenly -- we have a date!!!

Our project is due FRIDAY ..... As in not tomorrow, but the next day ------ Well Now, that doesn't leave much time ......

That means that WE (also known as "I") had to make it to the grocery store TODAY during the day so that WE (most likely "I") can prepare the masterpiece VOLCANO this evening ....

So .... here we are in REAL TIME ...... $36 dollars worth of "supplies" later ...... WHAT THE HECK DO WE DO NOW ?????

STAY TUNED .....

A Lesson In FINISHING What You START!!

2009-05-05T17:15:00.001-04:00

Well -- today when we arrived back to the house after running quite a few errands, it occurred to me that if I do not get this yard under control --- and I mean soon --- We might lose Nick in the grass!!

So, as I was frantically digging through my purse for the landscaper's card that I had collected yesterday while having lunch in Chili's, I simply asked Nick if he knew what I had done with that landscaper's card??? Well --- he immediately wanted to know what I needed his card for ???

My answer?? ----- Well, someone around here has to cut this grass!!!!

His answer?? ----- What do we need him for?!?!?!?!? .... I know how to cut grass ... where is your lawn mower???

So -- that was that .... quicker than a lightening bolt, he was in the house and stripping down into a pair of shorts and an old T-shirt to get out in the yard and plow through the jungle!!!

BOY ... HE HAD NO CLUE WHAT HE WAS IN FOR .....

These pictures were taken from the front office window while I was "spying" on him to make sure he wasn't having a heat stroke!!!

BUT ---- In the end, we both got one of Dwayne's 'famous' speeches ... and were both admonished for the grass cutting project!!!

You see ..... Nick decided he was toooo hot .... and we had way toooo much grass for the dinky little lawnmower that we own ..... SO --- I took pity on him and allowed him to put the lawn mower away for the day if he PROMISED that he would finish the small patch of grass out by the mailbox/road no later than this coming Saturday before all of the MOMMIES came over for Mother's Day. He agreed and we had a deal ......

Well ----- to make a very long lesson short ..... We now both understand that it is a matter of INTEGRITY ... and when you start something ... you NEVER quit until it is completely finished!! EVEN WHEN IT IS SOMETHING YOU VOLUNTEERED TO DO !!!

Thanks NICK!! I truly enjoyed having to sit in on that speech with you ...... Don't bother asking for my compassion again .... I have learned my lesson :-)

Lots of People To Meet

2009-05-03T15:15:00.000-04:00

Well -- we have all been settling in to our new home life quite well ... and everyone we know is very excited to meet Nick!!!

We have had quite a parade of visitors the past few days ... but unfortunately, the camera was only used when our Nephew - Travis came over ....

Aren't these two of the most HANDSOME young men you have ever seen??

Welcome to Georgia -- and Your New Home !!!

2009-05-02T18:45:00.000-04:00

Well -- Today he finally arrived!!!

Introducing ----- NICK!!!

A Fabulous Get-Away (Just for Us Girls !)

2008-04-15T20:42:00.001-04:00

Ewwww......This past week has been SOOOO stressful!!!! You just wouldn't understand!

My girlfriend Phyllis (aka PP) invited me to join her for a few days at her condo on St. Pete Beach so we could draft our BUSINESS PLAN for the remainder of the Year!!

Let me just say it has been quite an imposition to tolerate these accommodations ...... She has fed me meal after meal after meal, made me lay out in the sun at the beach, near the pool and on the back deck of the condo. She has made me walk 4 miles every morning on the beach and only allowed me to stop for refreshments during the walk on the way back !!

Did I mention that one day she kidnapped me and made me go over to the Hard Rock Casino on the Indian Reservation ????? AND, I was barely able to talk her into keeping enough money to pay the valet to get the car back !!!

THANK GOD FOR LITTLE PAW-PAW (PP's Father). He came over every evening, took us out to a luxurious dinner and didn't even ask us to pay!! Paw-Paw is the BEST !!

So, in closing, just take a look at the place I have had to endure all week ................ it has been tough !! AND, To top it off .... we might have to go back. We didn't get the business plan done ...... didn't even get anything down on paper.

Happy Birthday To .... Mr. Walker (Already, Again ??)

2008-04-10T23:36:00.002-04:00

Well, once again, it was Mr. Walker's birthday today. Is it just me, or does it seem that everytime I turn around, all attention is on Mr. Walker ????

Well, today, he turned 43!!!! Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen .... the little boy is becoming a man (if not in maturity, then simply in years).

So -- since Mr. Walker's favorite place is (you guessed it) The Brick Store Pub, I obliged and took him down there for dinner.

Just a low key evening .... you know now that he is getting older, he is not allowed to stay out as late as he use to. He has to get home early to take his Geritol.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DARLINGGGG!!

Speaking of a Rising Star ....

2008-04-01T20:31:00.001-04:00

Take a look at this picture of our nephew Travis!!

He has just recently got his portfolio finished and has signed on with a modeling agency. He hopes to sing and act.

GOOD LUCK TAG !!! We are rooting for you !!

(Remember .... I am expecting you to take care of me when I get old (like GrandMama).)

XOXO
Auntie Paige

A Star Is Born ...... Announcing ...... Carley D !!!

2008-03-21T00:00:00.001-04:00

Well -- following in her big brother's footsteps, Carley has decided to try her hand at being a RISING STAR !!!

Tonight, we went to Carley's play -- How to Behave Like a Child ---

It was great .... I wonder if when they both grow up and become big stars ..... if they will remember their 'dear ole Auntie Paige' ?????

And the Award Goes To ........... MR. WALKER (of course)!!

2008-03-18T16:00:00.001-04:00

Well -- Mr. Walker has outdone himself once again ... Guess who was awarded the FIRST EVER --- East Metro Board of Realtors SPIRIT Award for 2007 ??? YEP --- you guessed it ..... Mr. (Spirit) Walker himself !!

SO -- here is the real scoop ..... because you know I always tell it like it is ....

SEE -- if it were not for me always cracking the whip on that boy .... he never would have won the award. It all started back several months ago when the idea was hatched to nominate Mr. Spirit for the award. Since this was the very first year this award was being given, when the criteria for the award was published ..... it just SCREAMED "Mr. Walker". So -- the events were set into motion.

Letters were written, recommendations were made, nominations were given .... so forth and so on ..... and after a long few months, finally, today ---- the awards banquet arrived.

Well -- it started promptly at 11am. Mr. Walker arrived ..... dressed in his Aeropostale jeans, Sketchers sneakers and his button up white shirt. Thankfully, he left his flip-flops at home ...... (remember, Mr. Walker is "doing" real estate his own way). After a few gasps from the "old-time" suit and tie agents that were scattered around the room, Mr. Walker made his way to his table. NOW, NOTE: He had no idea he was even nominated for anything ---- much less that he had won something .....

So --- after about an hour of various people being recognized for their contribution to the Realtor board, etc., you can imagine Mr. Walker's A-A-D-D (adult attention defecit disorder) was in full force and effect. AND -- I failed to mention that I had the other part of his family that works in our business (Tammy D) sitting on my other side. Her A-A-D-D was in full force as well ..... so much so that she UNKNOWINGLY proceeded to eat her strawberry shortcake as her 1st course .... rather than as her dessert, and she wondered why I found that funny .... but, I don't want to get side-tracked ..... back to the story.

Anyway .... as Squirmy (aka Mr. Walker) was just about to decide he couldn't stay and sit through the ceremony any longer ..... it was finally time for the BIG AWARD section of the banquet !!!

IT WAS GRAND !!! They read this wonderful speach about his enthusiasm for real estate, passion for helping people and zest for life ............................ and through it all ....................... he was fiddling with his fork, flipping through is program, etc. etc. ............. and then it happened ......... AND THE AWARD GOES TO --- (tum ta da ....) --- DWAYNE WALKER WITH KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wish I had a million dollars for the look on his face when they called his name on the loud speaker !!! I think he suddenly had flashbacks to his old school days when he got caught daydreaming during reading class!

BUT ---- he quickly realized that he had just won a BIG AWARD .... and of course, he jumped right up, didn't skip a beat and graciously accepted the award on behalf of all the little people that had helped him get where he is today! After he got back to his seat ... I explained to him what he had just won. HE WAS VERY EXCITED ..... AND HONORED TO BE GIVEN THE AWARD .... it was awesome !!!

Here are a few pictures of the day:

(Hey -- I didn't even have to pay to get my picture made with him ....)

Dwayne & the KW Girls (from L to R: Sue Springer, business coach, Joyce Kuglin, team leader & Alicia Barnes, operating partner)

(This is our friend Phyllis Currie ---- WE ARE SO PROUD OF HER !! She has been in the real estate business for 25 years -- and she was awarded 2007 REALTOR OF THE YEAR !!! CONGRATULATIONS - Phyllis!!)

Hey Big Spender !!

2008-02-22T00:33:00.000-04:00

Well -- Me and my mother had a girls weekend and took a little trip up to Cherokee, NC for a few days to get away !!

You know, I had envisioned a quiet weekend away with lots of relaxation and rest ...... but, instead, the woman ran me ragged. She didn't even get her suitcase unpacked before she found her "Player Card" and decided it was time to hit the slots !!!

Geesh !! After a day of playing, she called in a few favors to the casino "boss" and got us a few more points on our cards ..... WHAT FUN !!! Do you know that they will give you chocolate turtles for FREE if you put enough money in the slot machines. We estimate that those turtles were worth about $45 each ..... Now that is a BARGAIN !!!

SO -- even though we were not on any sort of lucky streak .... we kept trying anyway ....

We laughed and entertained everyone from one end of Cherokee to the other ........ all in all ..... GREAT WEEKEND !!

Winter Wonderland ~~~~~~~~~

2008-01-19T19:00:00.000-04:00

Well -- as if we were not happy enough here at our new house ..... today when it snowed, we really thought we were in a cozy little cabin up in the mountains and had our own "winter wonderland."

It was absolutely GORGEOUS .... I wish you all could have seen it in person.

No worries though, I suffered out in the cold to get these gorgeous pictures. AND, Mr. Walker was nice enough to wait on me in the warm, running Hummer while I snapped away. (To make matters worse, I suspect he was even using his seat heater ..... I'm just sayin'..........).

But, I would be remis if I didn't mention that I was scolded a couple of times, when he thought I was taking too long ................ You see ................ he was afraid that the ice might melt on the road, before he had a chance to get out there and try to flip the Hummer over on its side. He had his plan all down ---- if the Hummer didn't perform on the ice just as he thought it should, he was going to take it back and request a refund. FORTUNATELY for the people at the dealership, they dodged that bullet!!!! We slipped and slid around sufficiently on the ice!! Mr. Walker was a very happy all-terrain stunt driver for the day. Whew .... glad it only snows once every 10 years here in GA !!

Anyway -- take a look at these pictures ----- SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL !!!

Happy Birthday TAG !!! WOW -- 15 !!

2008-01-06T00:55:00.000-04:00

WOW -- I cannot believe that TAG (aka "mini-me to Mr. Walker") is 15 !!!

ATTN: ATTN: GET OFF THE SIDEWALKS !!! GET OFF THE SIDEWALKS !!!!

Just kidding -- from what I hear, he is a good driver. I just have not yet had the opportunity to turn the keys over to him when I was actually in the car. Mr. Walker took him out the other day and he drove the Hummer -- and from what I hear, he was a natural. I only heard minor whimpering and shrieking coming from the car when Mr. Walker called me from his cell phone. AND -- the Hummer and all occupants made it back home safely .... so I assume all is well that ends well.

So -- tonight, we hosted a "night-time" party for Travis and about 30 of his closest GIRL-friends. I would like to emphasize GIRLS, because I think I may have only briefly seen 2 or 3 other guys the entire evening. MR. WALKER IS SO PROUD, HE IS ABOUT TO BURST !!!!

Here are a few pictures for your viewing pleasure ~~~~~~~~~~~ HAPPY 15th BIRTHDAY TRAVIS !!!

Sassy Is Growing Up .... And Out On Her Own

2007-12-30T12:00:00.000-04:00

Well, not exactly on her own ..... after all, her trusty and loyal companion Gizzy is her roommate ....... but just when she thought it was safe to go out into her own living room ..... guess who showed up ???!!!?!?!?!?

None other than Mr. Walker and HIS trusty and loyal companion BR549.

The two boys insisted on getting a picture with Sassy (so she could "display it proudly in her new apartment").

SASS -- I am sure you have this picture printed and prominently placed on your mantle ..... right ??

God help you .... let's just hope they forget how to get back to your apartment.

XOXO ---- We love you Sass -- and we love your new home !!!

She Didn't Let Us Down ....

2007-12-28T23:15:00.000-04:00

Well -- today we are "officially" celebrating our Christmas since David & Becki are home.

Since dad has been recovering from his surgery, the plans to come over to the Walker residence were scratched and instead, Mr. Walker and I transported the turkey, ham, dressing, etc. over to the Milner-household for Christmas dinner.

Even though the actual dinner was a treat, the highlight of our evening was the Red Velvet Cupcake. Now -- I will admit to you that it was a Cupcake large enough to share, but none the less a Cupcake.

I don't care what you say -- I still maintain that Mother took half of the recipe and made a donation to someone else besides us ...... afterall -- take a look at this picture. For comparison sake, we held up a quarter so you can see the size ......

I must admit though .... it was very yummy ... maybe my favorite one so far. And we had a fabulous time speculating as to what Mother had done with the remainder of the cake !!!

So anyway -- after all of the cupcake excitement and then discovering the water heater in the basement was leaking and had completely emptied into the laundry room closet, we completely forgot to take any pictures of the family ... I guess we will have to do family pictures at Easter --- after we all dry out and recover from this Holiday Season.

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!

The Walker Family Christmas (Not a New Tradition)

2007-12-25T19:00:00.000-04:00

Our celebration with Mr. Walker's parents has been the same thing for the past 15 years and we always have a great time ......

But this year ... Christmas at the Walker's was a bit different. Mom got the bright idea to "shake things up a bit" and since we are such a fun-loving family, we decided to go along and see how it turned out.

Well -- our festivities started out by Mom making an all-night visit to the ER/Newton County Hospital and then proceeding to come home, lay on the couch and not cook Christmas Dinner.

See ... I told you we were a "fun" family.

So -- Sorry guys -- no pictures .... they were lost somewhere during the mad dash to empty the cupboards and organize their contents into a Christmas Dinner that would have made Rachel Ray set up and take notice. Hmmmm.....maybe Tammy and I should write a book .... 30 minute Christmas Meals .....

Not to worry though -- Mom is on the mend and all is right with the Walker's once again.

Hugs and kisses to all ---- & Merry Christmas.

An Unbelievable Feast !!

2007-12-25T00:30:00.000-04:00

Well --- here we are again ... Christmas Eve, and as usual, Mother has really just gone for the gusto and outdone herself. The sandwich tray she served up tonight turned out to be the best one yet. Not only did we have cheese and meat, she also fancied it up with a little lettuce and olives for decoration.

WOW -- what a Christmas Eve feast !! She even broke out the "fine china" for us this evening.

AND -- you have to see the Christmas Tree this year .... it would have made Charlie Brown himself proud !!

So .... David, Jr., Becki and Trey were not here tonight to share in our celebration. They are coming home the end of the week. I can hardly wait to see what she has in store for us then.

BUT -- in her defense, I did have to FORCE her to spend Christmas Eve with us .... she wasn't about to rob me and Dad of our "tradition" !!

Got to run now ... I think I hear Santa on the roof.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL .... and To ALL A GOOD NIGHT !!!

My Deepest Apologies !!!

2007-12-14T23:14:00.000-04:00

Well -- OK -- I have been beaten into submission and I plan to start keeping the blog updated more frequently from now on. It is just that since I have gone to work with Dwayne .... there simply are not enough hours in the day to get everything done. YOU ALL KNOW THAT HE IS A FULL-TIME JOB........but I plan to do better and start sending him to bed early without dinner so I can BLOG more often.

Thank you so much for your patience .... It has actually been nice to know that you guys miss my updates .... makes me feel all warm and cuddly inside :-)

We LOVE Our Home

2007-12-13T22:00:00.000-04:00

We absolutely LOVE our new home !!!!! At least once per day, either me or Mr. Walker makes the comment that we LOVE living in this house !!!

So -- since some of you have not had the chance to come over and see since we have moved in, I thought I would post some pictures. Keep in mind that this house will be a "work in progress" for quite some time. We have purchased some new furniture, we are still waiting on some to be delivered and we have BIG plans for other things in the future. The FUN part is .... we are loving every minute of putting this house together.

I cannot wait until everyone gets to see it in person !!!

Just to highlight some of the big things we have done ..... (i) We have completely furnished the basement with a pool table, pub table, dart alley, wet bar area, big screen TV for movies and a standard sized Texas Hold-Em styled game table complete with chairs. We have not yet decided on the decorating theme yet, so you will notice the walls are still bare .... but we are close to making our decision. (ii) We moved the entertainment center from the old house's living room into our master bedroom, so now I have a big screen television that I watch every night until my eyes slam shut (that usually takes about 7-8 minutes); and (ii) we are still awaiting new furniture for the sunroom off of the kitchen. We find we spend a good bit of time in that room, so we have purchased some furniture that provides more seating in the area for guests.

Enjoy these pictures:

FOYER ENTRY

LOOKING INTO SUNKEN LIVING ROOM

LIVING ROOM WET BAR AREA

MASTER BEDROOM

WET BAR AREA IN BASEMENT

BILLIARD ROOM

VIEW FROM BILLIARD AREA

THEATRE AREA

Vegas In December

2007-12-09T19:00:00.000-04:00

Well -- I must say, out of all of the times I have visited Las Vegas, this was the first time that I have ever needed a jacket. What a trip .... the desert at 55 degrees !!

You see, we had to visit Las Vegas because there is this little event that Las Vegas hosts every December called "COWBOY CHRISTMAS.

A close friend of ours promised us a fabulous time complete with more shopping than a girl could image, a fast-paced rodeo, good food and great fun. Well ...... so what that all of the shopping was for cowboy hats, cowboy boots and sterling silver jewelry ......... it was shopping none the less. Thank goodness for the side trip to the Macy's store.

Anyway .... the trip to the rodeo turned out to be a DUD, but overall, I would say we had a great time. Besides .... who wants to see the bull-riders in person when you can watch on the hotel TV ???

I would like to mention just a couple of things though ..... this was the first time that Mr. Walker and Mr. Roberts have ever utilized public transportation (aka "the bus") on a regular basis. I must commend them for doing their part to conserve their 'dineros' (instead of renting a car). The didn't seem to mind at all !! As a matter of a fact, I think they are on board with foregoing the car when we take our trip to Colorado in 2008. I am sure the buses in the Rocky Mountains are very reliable !!

Also -- we spent our mini-vacation at the Hotel Flamingo right in the heart of the Las Vegas strip. The Flamingo was the very first hotel on the strip way back "in the day" and the hotel has a wonderful natural habitat for the real pink flamingos that call the hotel home. You could imgine our surprise when they found a flamingo they wanted to have their picture made with ..... Leave it to our guys to always want to help conserve the environment.

The last day of our trip was spent exploring "old town" Vegas down on Freemont Street. It was a blast - and Mr. Walker managed to win back most of our money on at the Craps table. In fact, I was the only one that came back with a lighter load ...... but, Mr. Walker shared some of his good fortune with me .... so I am a happy girl.

VIVA LAS VEGAS !!!

A New Address For The Walkers !!

2007-10-29T18:53:00.000-04:00

Well -- By now, most of you have heard the news that we are in the process of buying a new house. For those of you that have not heard, do not get all bent out of shape ... it happened quite quickly and I am sure we just have not talked to you yet !! BUT - we are scheduled to close this Friday .... and then, the fun will begin !!!

Here are some pictures of the new place (although, the pictures do NOT do it justice .....). Everyone will have to plan to come and visit as soon as we are all settled in.

AND -- we have already been told .... Thanksgiving will be at the Walker's this year !!!

NO-Biketoberfest

2007-10-21T18:00:00.000-04:00

OK -- Here we are in beautiful Daytona Beach, Florida for our annual BIKETOBERFEST party ....

This year ..... I don't need to have a long commentary on the events ..... I think these two pictures pretty much sum up our good time ............

I suppose there is always NEXT year ....

OktoberFest ... For My Birthday

2007-10-05T23:55:00.000-04:00

I have always wanted to visit Germany ....... so for my birthday, we did the next best thing.

OKTOBERFEST at ATLANTIC STATION in ATLANTA !!!

We had barrell races, the boys drank stout German Beer, me and Foxy made friends, the boys made friends, etc. etc. A fabulous time was had by all.

Now -- I don't think we could have had this much fun if we had flown all the way to Germany for the event !!

Breezes in Grand Cayman

2007-09-25T18:30:00.000-04:00

Today -- we are in the Cayman Islands at Georgetown, Grand Cayman.

The Traditional "Boat" Picture

David & Joan (copying us....)

For those of you that are not aware, we are very close to Hell. Now, don't get all upset .... Hell is an actual place here. You can go there and mail a post-card back home and it will be postmarked from Hell ..... but to me, it looks like we are closer to Heaven !! This is a beautiful place ... but in my book, any tropical island is close to Heaven !!

We proceeded to get off the boat and make our way to a little restaurant that overlooked the docks and enjoy the culture and soak up some sun and fun !!!

(Me and June !!!)

(Mr. Walker & Matthew !! ....... Notice Mr. Walker is trying to pick up chicks with his shirt .... It says "Is Your Name Summer - Cause You're Hot !")

(Me and my boyfriend David (aka Babe))

(Dwayne & ONE of his girlfriends ... Sass)

Da' Boys

WE HAVE HAD A BLAST TODAY ..... and our outing today has been incident free (with the exception of the bruise on my leg from the tender boat stopping abruptly while I was standing up ...... and before you ask .... yes, I use to stand up on the school bus too when I was suppose to be sitting down !!).

Ta Ta .... I have more relaxing to do !!!

Putting On The Ritz ...

2007-09-25T00:45:00.000-04:00

I must say, tonight, we were the best dressed group on this boat ...... I suppose you could even say we were the talk of the town !!

Tonight was the Captain's Cocktail Party and Formal Dinner. WHAT FUN !!!

We all got dressed up in our most fabulous party attire and paraded ourselves through the boat like we thought we were somebody. And, as a matter of a fact, we turned quite a few heads !! I suppose this group from Conyers can get all dressed up and look pretty good when we try !!

I don't even think anyone spilled anything at dinner ..... Mr. Walker behaved himself quite nicely, and June didn't even hollar out that anything was "NAESTY !!". We are all definitely learning to conduct ourselves in a civilized manner !!

Me, June and Sass attempted to coerce the Captain into letting us drive the boat, but all we got out of him was flirting and a firm squeeze ..... he really seemed to like us "southern girls".

A Lazy .... Shady Day At Sea

2007-09-24T18:00:00.000-04:00

Well -- I suppose there could be WAY worse places to be than in the middle of the Ocean on a luxury ship with servants waiting on you hand and foot ...... even when it is raining!!

Our day at sea was not exactly what we had hoped for .... after all, we are all Sun Gods and Goddesses ...... but, I suppose we have 6 more days to sun our buns ..... So -- today, we took it easy just hanging out and relaxing and exploring the boat.

By the end of the day, we actually all ventured out to the pool, the sun peeked out of the clouds, and we had a lovely time !!

Ladies & Gentlemen, Do Not Attempt To Get This Relaxed At Home ... It requires a Balcony Cabin, a Lawn Chair & a Flowery Bathing Suit !!

Notice the Big Storm Cloud ? It ain't stopping us !!

S N O W C O N E !!

Of course .... what else ??? Bryan ... and a drink ....

Go Get on Your Bathing Suits Ladies !!!

In The Morning, In The Evening ... YEAH ... We'll Have Fun !!

2007-09-23T19:00:00.000-04:00

All Aboard !!!!!!!

After a great evening with Bob & Linda, this morning we got up and made our way over to the Port of Tampa to board the boat. We got here quite early and didn't have to wait in any line to board. The buffet was all ready for us when we arrived as were the yummy fruity drinks .... and as soon as we boarded, we met up with all of our gang !! 16 of us in all !!

THIS OUGHT TO BE SOME WEEK !!!

(June .... pace yourself, it is only the 1st day !!)

(What a good looking crew !!)

(Awww.....Paige & Sandi.....together again.)

(Mr. Walker was off to a good start ..... on his best behavior and everything)

(This will be our home for the next week ..... I'll take it .... not too shabby !!)

AND ....... THE HORN CANNOT BLOW UNTIL WE FINISH

MUSTER !!!

Our New Friends Bob & Linda

2007-09-23T00:30:00.000-04:00

WHEW!! We didn't think it would ever get here, but here we are. This morning (or should I say last night) me, Mr. Walker, Heather & Bryan all loaded up in the Hummer and left Atlanta bound for Tampa, Florida.

We all had our own responsibilities on the trip ...... Mr. Walker was our driver .... Foxy (aka Heather) was in charge of ALL entertainment and conversation. She was a CHAMP at keeping Mr. Walker awake ALL NIGHT LONG. Manimal (aka Bryan) was in charge sharing the backseat with yours truly and he soon discovered that he was very adept at sleeping the entire way. Upon this discover, my role of sleeper was transitioned to one of making sure Bryan's 100 lb leg stayed stretched across the entire seat and never fell off into the floor. I did this by staying awake and holding his leg up on the seat ..... No need to work out my right bicep or tricep for a few days.

Anyway -- our ultimate reason for this road trip (other than Foxy and Mr. Walker learning a new song in the middle of the night) was to ultimately board Carnival's luxury ship The Legend for a 7 day cruise to the Caribbean this coming Sunday, BUT FIRST -- WE MADE A PIT STOP !!

OK -- see, Bryan participates in a little sport called "Team Penning" (horses, cows, arenas, dirt, usually rain, etc.) and during such activities, from time to time he actually runs across people who think of him as a "friend" ...... And so, our adventure begins.

Bryan and Heather invited us to go visit their team penning friends Bob & Linda in Tampa before our cruise began. What a TREAT!!

Bob & Linda really rolled out the red carpet and we had a wonderful time. We went boating, explored sand bars, had several lovely meals and had a GREAT time in general !!! WE CANNOT WAIT TO VISIT AGAIN !!!

I wonder how much it would cost for me and Foxy to request this kind of accommodations on the boat ??? We will ask the Cruise Director upon our arrival to the port !!

WOW .... That was Fast !!!

2007-09-03T13:15:00.000-04:00

Well -- we just had his shower ............ and here he is:

Joshua Sandberg Newton

Arrival: 2:08am, September 3, 2007

Weight: 5 lbs, 13 oz

Lenght: 19 3/4 inches

CONGRATULATIONS !!!!

The Baby Bump .....

2007-08-18T17:00:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it ..... in a few short weeks, my friend Lindsey is going to be Joshua's momma !!!

It seems like just a few days ago that she rushed into my office and announced (in a whisper, I might add) that she had a SECRET ....

Well -- there is no keeping it a secret now ..... The BUMP Has Grown !!!

Today - the girls got together for a baby shower for Lindsey ......... Congratulations Lindsey !! The next time we see you ... we expect Baby Joshua to be in tow !!!

Swimming 101

2007-08-05T21:00:00.000-04:00

Today -- we had yet another ......... POOL DAY !!!

It has been so hot this summer -- we didn't want the season to get away from us without really enjoying the hot weather and the sun !!! Afterall, we are only a few short weeks away from our GROUP CRUISE !!!!! We do need to make sure we can all swim and we all have tans by then.

So -- today -- we opted for pool day .... and swimming lessons for the boys .... complete with FLOATIES !!!

Everyone was completely safe during the entire lesson ...... under the watchful eye of our yellow-clad bikini lifeguard JUNE !!!

And, we had a new mascot today as well ........... Ms. Riley ........ This is June's new baby ..... and let me tell you, she is a pistol. 1.25 lbs (yes, that is right, 1.25 pounds !!) of nothing but Trouble (notice the capital "T") !!!!! WHAT FUN !!!!

Goodbye from POOL DAY !!!

A Birthday Celebration for Ms. Faith

2007-08-03T23:00:00.000-04:00

Tonight we were able to snag a few hours with our favorite girl -- Ms. Faith !!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU .... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU !!!

Faith's birthday celebration is NEVER complete without a trip to The Cheesecake Factory, more food than 4 people could ever eat .................. and ................. Cheesecake, Cheesecake and MORE Cheesecake !!

(Before Cheesecake ....)

(AFTER Cheesecake ... See the smiles ???)

(OK ... OK .... Please Don't Make Me Eat Anymore Cheesekcake !!!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAITH !!

And Finally -- Our MVP of the Cruise

2007-07-30T00:15:00.000-04:00

As I have made mention in previous posts, Mother enjoyed spending her "down" time in the "game" room located on Deck 7 ......

Well -- we have all unanimously agreed that the MVP of this Voyage would have to be none other than ...............

Da Da Dum ......... (drum roll please) ...............

THE CASINO HOST !!!!!!!!

He has absolutely made Mother's visit .... including all the FREE coke she could drink (although he would have preferred she had a bit stiffer drink) and a FREE bottle of wine at dinner one night ........

My question is .......... MOTHER -- EXACTLY HOW MUCH WAS YOUR SIGN AND SAIL CARD ???????????????????????????????

Goodbye to Carnival's Holiday .................. See you next run !!

Another Wonderful Day At Sea

2007-07-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

Did I mention that this cruise has been relaxing, relaxing, laid back and a bit more relaxing ??????

Well -- If I have not, let me share with you that we have been so laid back and relaxed so far, that we are all completely worn out --- therefore, today - we all decided to just kick back and relax some more !!

So -- there are very few pictures from today -- due to the energy required to actually man the camera, organize the perfect poses, etc. etc. ...... not to mention ..... saying "cheese" would have been out of the question.

So -- in these final hours of our cruise -- let me share with you a few photos of the day ......

It has been a wonderful time .... and we are sad for it to be over ..... but, we will definitely do it again ..... and next time ........ we will bring all of you with us !!!!

Nite Nite ..... for the last time this voyage .....

PS -- I am only 1 day away from Mr. Walker !!!

Cozumel ... or Bust !!

2007-07-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

WOW ---- It sure does seem like it took a REALLY long time to get here .... seems like it was at least a month ...

Anyway ---- when we woke up this morning, we were just minutes away from our port of call, COZUMEL !! There was the nicest welcoming committee that greeted us upon our arrival .....

I have been here a couple of times before so I had prepared the group for the really HOT weather we would experience. In Spanish, that would be CALIENTE weather. See, my studying last night really paid off !!!

Anyway, Mother decided to stay on the boat. Something about trying to stay cool, etc. etc. .... but, I secretly think she was planning a rendevous with the cute little shiny thing that takes her nickels, but I didn't make a big deal about it .... after all, we are all on vacation, so ... whatever floats her boat.

BUT, David, Trey and I all went ashore for a FABULOUS afternoon of Mexican Folk Music, shopping and experiencing Mexican cuisine at an authentic Mexican food restaurant.

After David and Trey hitched a ride in the "Senior Frog" mobile, we proceeded to begin our search of the "best Mexican cuisine" in Cozumel.

We were not disappointed. We found a out of the way little place called "Toro's Place - 2 Bueno 2 Be True". For those of you that do not speak Spanish as well as I do -- that means 2 GOOD 2 Be True.

It was a great place -- and the kitchen was wide open for inspection ..... no chihuahua being served up here ......... although, we did opt for cans of coke - rather than tap water ......... I'm just sayin' .....

These pictures were taken right after lunch from the balcony of the restaurant which overlooked the main city street right by the ocean.

After a long hot day of touring the city, we decided to head back to the ship .... stopping of course to snap a few photos here and there. Afterall, you never know, in a month or so, two hurricanes might threaten the city ..... and we would hate to have missed getting pictures of how it was before.

Now ..... I could bore you with more details about the rest of the afternoon .... leaving Cozumel, dragging Mother from the "game" room, etc., etc. ..... but I would much prefer just to show you the highlight of our evening .....

Ladies and gentlemen: PRESENTING "WARM CHOCOLATE MELTING CAKE" !!!

So -- after that, I must say good evening. My stomach is full and I must go lay down now ...... too much of a good thing often requires a nap immediately afterwards .....

Nite Nite .... Tomorrow is another full day at sea.

PS -- I sure do miss Mr. Walker !!!

Our Fancy Photos

2007-07-28T00:30:00.000-04:00

So .... we had our photos professionally made in honor of Captain's Night tonight. Take a look:

Long Days At Sea

2007-07-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

Today was a full day at Sea .... and I must say .... Days at Sea are my absolute favorite !!

Sitting in the sun, watching the ocean water pass by as you cruise to your next destination, eating everything in sight including chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate ... what is not to love ??

Me, David and Mother enjoyed the day lounging around .... and enjoying the activities the boat has to offer.

We ALL have had a big day !! Trey has met every SINGLE young lady on the boat ... and rumor has it a couple of them like him .... he is fancying himself as quite the ladies man on this boat !! HEAVEN HELP US !! (Sorry I have no pics of the girls ..... I couldn't ever get them all in one place for a photo-shoot).

Mother and David have spent a bit of time indoors playing "indoor" activites .... the one arm bandit has struck and Mother has the fever. David is toying with some game having to do with the number 21 ... although I am not quite sure exactly how many has found ....

Between all of the excitement of cruising the high seas and playing games indoors, mother took a little time out to stalk FUNSHIP FREDDIE .... take a look ....

Tonight was the Captain's dinner, so we all got dressed up in our favorite outfits and went to hob-nob with the Captain .... FunShip Freddie was in attendance ... and this time, he willing submitted to a picture .... rather than Mother having to sneak around behind him and just steal a photo op ...

Dinner was delicious and we all enjoyed a fancy meal ... fit for the Captain himself.

Tonight was also the Midnight Buffet, but since we had all eaten so much at dinner ... me, Mother nor David enjoyed any of the buffet ..... although I hear Trey took a date to the buffet and they shared a chocolate treat !!

Well -- I must sign off for this evening .... Tomorrow we are in Cozumel and I must be adequately prepared .... I am going to study my spanish dictionary now ...

I sure do miss Mr. Walker !!!

A Long Ride to Mobile...

2007-07-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

Well -- it finally arrived ... the day that me, Mother, David and Trey would embark on our adventure to Mexico aboard Carnival's fun ship - HOLIDAY !!!

We struck out from Atlanta this morning around 4:15 AM .... much to Mother's dismay. She felt that we should have left around midnight ... just to be sure we did not miss the boat. Actually, I believe the reason she was so interested in leaving early is because .... my dear Mother gets some of her best sleep when she is in the car .... the picture tells the story .... Apparently her grandson is following in her footsteps ....

Our trip down to Mobile was pretty-much uneventful .... with the exception of our frequent stops at McDonalds, Starbucks, etc. etc. Although we were careful not to wake the sleeping passengers ....

Once we arrived, we immediately boarded the boat and started enjoying our vacation. We eased into our vacation by having lunch on the LIDO deck and then kicking back for a little rest on the boat.

Once we had finished lunch and explored the ship a bit .... the FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS was ....... MUSTER !!!! Attention all cruisers .... Man Your Stations !!!

After Muster, our afternoon was filled with a friendly game of shuffleboard, fine dining, and hanging out and enjoying each other's company.

One interesting thing we saw today was lots and lots of oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico as we were leaving Mobile. I had never seen an oil rig in the middle of the Ocean before .... it was very interesting. They were EVERYWHERE .... Who says we do not have oil of our own in this country ?????

After a long day ...... we were happy to turn in early to get some zzzzzzzzzzzzzz's ...... Tomorrow is a FULL FUN DAY AT SEA ..... we must be adequately rested !!!

Our towel animal this evening was an OTTER ... or at least that is what David and Trey are saying it is ....

Night Night !!

PS .... I sure do miss Mr. Walker .................

Whew....What a Day !!

2007-06-23T20:30:00.000-04:00

After a long, HOT day in Atlanta, we all went to dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse right near Dad's subdivision.

Nonnie & GrandDad of course just about broke the bank by ordering an entire entree to share. Geesh .... they must think money just grows on trees !!

I suggested to Nonnie that she just stay with me and Mr. Walker for the rest of the week rather than go to anyone else's house ..... but Nonnie was afraid I wouldn't let her rest (she has obviously forgot her wake-up call this morning) .... so she decided to go on and stay with Mother and Dad ~~~~~~~ Mother bribed her by promising she would let her sit on the couch all evening if she wanted to !!

We have had an ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS VISIT !!!! I am sad that my portion of the Georgia visit is over !!

The Man Himself.....Brian Jordan

2007-06-23T18:45:00.000-04:00

As we were preparing to leave the subdivision ~~~~ Brian Jordan walked up ..... right beside our little golf cart. He was a super nice guy !!! Both Dad and Mr. Walker immediately took me up on the suggestion that they should ask him for a picture !! YEAH !!!! GO BOYS !!!

Les Jardin .... I Want To Live HERE When I Grow Up !!

2007-06-23T18:30:00.000-04:00

Our visit to Dad's subdivision was quite a treat. Les Jardin is a development on the South-side of Atlanta that former Braves baseball player Brian Jordan developed and is selling. Just going through the front gates of the development was unbelievable !!

I think I found several things in these houses that I will definitely have to include in my next home ..... here are a few of them:

MR. WALKER'S NEXT THEATRE:

MY NEXT KITCHEN:

MY MASTER BATHTUB:

A FUN SHOWER FOR MY GUESTS:

Mr. Walker and I debated as to whether or not we should just buy one of the houses that is already finished ..... afterall, the check would have only been written for $525,000 (minus commission, of course). BUT, we decided to wait and take the gamble that my dear ole Dad will assist us in building one in CONYERS ...... it might cost us a bit less .......

Ham and Roast Beast Sandwiches !!

2007-06-23T15:30:00.000-04:00

After we finally convinced Nonnie & GrandDad it was not a good idea for them to follow us on the Harley ..... we all piled into the Hummer for a trip to pick up Mother and then go over and visit Dad where he was hosting a Development Preview Day at 'Les Jardin'.

Mother was kind enough to serve us ham and roast beast sandwiches for lunch .... oh and she also prepared some potato chips ..... she really shouldn't have gone to that much trouble. After all, I suppose we could have got a hot dog at the 7-11 on the way.

THANKS MOM !!!! You are the best !!!

Do These Senior Citizens Ever Get Tired ???

2007-06-23T13:00:00.000-04:00

After breakfast, we decided it was time to head out to Mother and Dad's house for a full day of fun !!

BUT -- before we could even get out of the driveway -- Nonnie and GrandDad insisted on having a photo shoot with the Hummer .....

Then .... it happened ..... THEY SPOTTED THE HARLEY !!!!! And, they decided they needed to HOP on the HARLEY for some FUN !!!

Whew .... they are wearing me out !!!

Our Visit With Nonnie & GrandDad

2007-06-23T12:00:00.000-04:00

Mr. Walker and I have been so excited that Nonnie & GrandDad came for a visit. We have not seen them in a while and it was so nice to visit and catch up.

This morning, we were all gently awaken to hollering coming from the kitchen at 7:30 am (on a Saturday morning, I might add) ....

When I first begin to hear the racket, I wasn't quite sure what it was .... just being woke up from a deep sleep, I had no idea what was going on .... then, after I came to just a bit more, I made out these words which were almost being sang ..... rather than spoken ~~~~~~

"GOOD MORNING PAIGE--EE, GOOD MORNING DWAYNE ---- COFFEE IS READY !!!! I AM JUST GONNA GO OUT HERE - ON THIS HERE PORCH !!! "

To that ..... Mr. Walker's response was ~~~ "Who the heck is that CRAZY LADY hollering from the kitchen ???????"

After a couple doses of the coffee (which made Nonnie's hair stand on end .... b/c me and Mr. Walker enjoy drinking crude oil ....) and a delicious home-cooked breakfast, we were ready to take on the day.

They Arrived --- RIGHT ON TIME !!!

2007-06-22T18:00:00.000-04:00

After a full day of traveling .... the seasoned tourists arrived in Atlanta - right on time !!

WELCOME TO ATLANTA !!!!!

I would be remiss if I didn't relay what a GREAT flight Nonnie & GrandDad had......

At age 76, GrandDad had NEVER flown before. Upon arriving at the Airport in Waco, Texas, he proudly announced to the gate attendant that this would be his VERY FIRST AIRPLANE RIDE !!! Low and behold.....he and Nonnie were AWARDED a FIRST CLASS ride from Dallas to Atlanta !!

WHAT A WAY TO TRAVEL !!

An Evening Out to the Brick Store Pub

2007-06-16T12:59:00.000-04:00

Every once in a while, we actually venture out of the thriving metropolis of Conyers for a fun evening in Hotlanta !!

When we do .... we usually end up at The Brick Store Pub. It is a Belgium styled pub in the heart of downtown Decatur, GA.......that is close enough to Hotlanta to count...right ??

Anyway, as usual, the party began when we all showed up.........we enjoyed each other's company, made new friends and even convinced other tables to join in on our party !!

BOY --- we are a FUN crowd !!!

(Me and Mr. Walker)

(Foxy & BR549 .... soon to be the Mr. & Mrs.....maybe....)

(Flexi & SnowCone)

(Sass & MadDawg)

(Me & Sass !!)

(Oh....I failed to mention the dance lesson ...... Sass took lessons from OPRAH on how to shake "it" ..... and she was teaching us everything she knows .....)

AND ....... FINALLY ...... after all of that fun at The Brick Store Pub, we needed to go eat somewhere else as well ...... so we scoped out this little TACO place on Cheshire Bridge Road and we all enjoyed CHIPS, SALSA, CHEESE and TACOS at 12 AM !!! FUN TIMES !!!!

Farm Night ... Being One, With Nature

2007-06-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

I love Farm Night .....

Sometimes, we all get together and spend time on the Farm .... Bryan and Heather's Farm, that is. Mr. Walker and myself would never be able to own a farm.....that would require that we actually enjoy mowing the back forty and feeding BIG four legged animals.....and not having allergic reactions to the barn cats .... No thank you .... we are City Boys and Girls .... but nonetheless, we are always up for a visit.

(Miss Lily)

Anyway, tonight we all got together for a cookout, a friendly game of Boys against Girls TABOO and a visit with Mr. Creepy ... the Farm Night Mascot !! (Boy .... I sure wish Gizzy would have been there instead ....)

After approximately 102 minutes we all discovered that our cook for the evening, BR549 had skimped on us and the ECKERD brand charcoal that he had purchased just wasn't up to snuff ....... My chargrilled chicken was ALMOST cooked and the cheese on the hamburgers NEVER melted. Thank God SnowCone was there to be our "tester" and make sure nothing was tainted with salmonela...

BRYAN -- You are fired !! Next time we will nominate

a new cook !!

After an appearance from Mr. Creepy -- we all settled in for an evening of TABOO. It was quite fun .... although we discovered that Joan becomes somewhat of a "deer in the headlights" when faced with a word game ..... Next time might I suggest TIC-TAC-TOE ...... she might enjoy that more ...

(Introducing....Mr. Creepy...)

Anyway - much to our chagrin .... the Boys won .... and ..... Sherri was more than happy to bestow their prize for winning the game !!

Oh -- one more thing ... apparently the ground is a bit shaky out at the Farm .... Joan had quite a bit of trouble getting her "blinkers" parked on the stool ..... Easy girl !!!

(Sorry for the FUZZY pictures ... I told you the ground was shaking ...)

BTW -- Mr. Walker was on his best behavior ..... he had a backache ..... therefore I have nothing to report as "bad behavior." Sorry he disappointed us .....

The Little Girl .... Got Married !!

2007-06-09T20:00:00.000-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO HOLLY & JESSE ~~~~~

Wow -- I cannot believe that Holly is married....it seems just yesterday that she was running around the condo in Conyers WIDE OPEN and was just a little girl....but, today, she is a young woman embarking on the adventure of her lifetime !!

(Isn't She Beautiful ???)

Congratulations !!!

(Mr. Walker & Mr. Roan (the Father of the Bride)

(The remaining Roans...Susan, Heather & Steve)

Let Summer Begin !!!

2007-05-31T20:30:00.000-04:00

Well -- it is officially here .... the beginning of our SUMMER FUN !!!

Today, we officially kicked off this season at June & Babe's pool. For those of you that do not know.....June and Babe (in their real lives) are Joan & David....but we figure JUNE & BABE are much more fun !!!

Yesterday, we all attended Matt's high school graduation party at the pool, but with the children around, there was no room in the pool for all of us.....so today, we just chilled out and relaxed by the pool -- just the ADULTS...(if that is what we must be called....).

INTRODUCING --- GIZZY .... the pool MASCOT !!!

(As you can see.....GIZZY was quite the TROOPER....He even joined us in the pool for a SWIM !!! All the potato chips Aunt Heather was giving him must have given him ENERGY !!)

(Here is the whole gang.....HELLO JUNE.....we are trying to take a picture here....)

(Well....what have we here ???)

(Sass & Foxy .... and BR549 right behind them ...)

(The Dancing Queens !!)

WHEW....That was fun !!!

Let's Do It AGAIN !!!

Fifteen ALREADY ???? My...How Time Flies !!!

2007-05-20T08:35:00.000-04:00

Well -- here we are ..... 15 years later !!

I cannot believe it........

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TREY !!!! I am sorry I sold Betty !!!!!

Happy Birthday -- FOXY !!

2007-05-13T23:30:00.000-04:00

Today was Heather (aka Foxy)'s Birthday. With it also being Mother's Day - we didn't want Foxy to feel slighted -- so we all met up tonight at our house for a little get together to celebrate the day !!

We had the most lovely time .... too bad birthday parties only happen once per year !!!

Foxy & The Boys

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOXY !!

(Bryan .... showing off his new smile)

(FOXY and PRECIOUS)

(YUM YUM....we love cake !!)

(David & JUNE)

(Dee & Benny)

(Mama Brown & da'Boys..)

(Me and My Hunny..)

13 Years Today -- And Still Going Strong !!

2007-05-07T11:00:00.000-04:00

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US !!!!

WOW -- 13 years of Wedded BLISS !!! I can't wait to see what the next 13 holds !!!

Our Final Days...

2007-05-04T18:45:00.000-04:00

Our last few days were spent playing on the beach and enjoying our vacation.

Soon -- it is back to reality ---- at least until our CRUISE in September !!!!

YEAHHHH !!!

Bike Week Festivities

2007-05-03T21:24:00.000-04:00

Much of our week was full of riding our bikes and hanging out with the bikers......ok -- mainly just people watching....

I have no idea what most of these people are thinking......actually -- I guess most of them ARE NOT thinking !!!

Here are some bike pics for your viewing pleasure.

(See what I mean ???)

(And...introducing Sissy !!! Don't even ask....)

An Exciting Afternoon of Golf

2007-05-01T19:01:00.000-04:00

Today, Mr. Walker and David were nice enough to pay an additional $20 each so Joan and I could ride in the golf cart while they frantically searched for their golf balls all over Bay Harbour Golf Course in Panama City Beach, Florida.

Next time, I think I will opt for $20 worth

of Pineapple Willys treats !!!

So -- for approximately 17 hours today, we rode around in the sweltering heat and watched the boys hack, I mean hit the ball around the course.....it was quite exciting. Can't you tell we are totally AMUSED ?

It was so exciting, Joan and I started searching for alternate activities....like fashion modeling to occupy the time....

Once Mr. Walker realized that he had made a donation of about 23 balls to the course - he decided to join us for our next photo shoot....

The prize for best hacker goes to ------ DAVID BROWN !!!! RAH RAH !!!

Joan and I have learned that we eat out of bordom... After consuming at least a 6 pack of DDP (Diet Dr. Pepper, for short) each, 2 bags of potato chips, a candy bar, COMBOS and anything else we could find to munch on ----- Finally -- the end was in sight !!!! THE 18TH HOLE !!!!!

We were just about home free when Mr. Walker suggested we play another 9 holes on the neighboring course ------- at that point, I decided to WRESTLE him to the ground and take his clubs !!!! Don't mess with a TIRED, BORED and HOT woman !! Not to mention ... hungry !!

After one final picture on the 18th hole of Mr. Walker with his SOLE remaining golf ball -- we packed up our toys ------ and went HOME !!!

TOMORROW -- Joan and I plan to watch the grass grow. We have stocked up the refrigerator in anticipation !

Bikes, Bikes and More Bikes

2007-04-29T14:55:00.000-04:00

This week we are going to enjoy riding our bikes and I thought I would share with all of you the view from my perspective ...

Sunday...a LAZY day at the BEACH

2007-04-29T14:00:00.000-04:00

Today - we decided to make the most of the BEAUTIFUL weather and sun our buns on the beach !! Afterall - we cannot be riding around on our motorcycles without a tan.

Our relaxation was cut short though when our guys were approached by a Hollywood Producer and asked to pose for a new calendar spread....

(BRYAN -- the NEW David Hasselhoff.....for a new show BABE-WATCH)

(An upcoming summer month of the 2008 Calendar....and yes, they had an extra stand-in....some poor unsuspecting guy they found on the beach...)

(Mr. Walker is going to be the new "Heff" in the upcoming season of "The Girls Across Town")

(It is apparently tough work being BEACH STARS...)

During all of boys' carrying on -- the girls were relaxing and very quietly hanging out on the beach ---- minding our own business. I think we even got in a few cat naps here and there ..... ..... .....

(Do you like my turquoise ?????)

Watching the Day Drift Into the Ocean

2007-04-28T21:16:00.000-04:00

After our long travel day, it was nice to hang out on the balcony and watch the sun go down. Mr. Walker refers to it as "another day dying" everytime he sees the sun set into the ocean. It is gorgeous - and always something we look forward to every year.

JOAN

HEATHER

ME..ME..

Pineapple Willys -- Our Long Standing Tradition

2007-04-28T19:00:00.000-04:00

Our tradition is still going strong !! FIRST STOP ---- PINEAPPLE WILLYS and a smooth "Pineapple Willy" !!! (In a souveneir cup, of course)

The trip just wouldn't be right without our first stop on the beach being Pineapple Willys complete with Grouper Fingers, Chicken Fingers, Chips and Salsa, Onion Rings and lots and lots of dipping sauces !!! But let's not kid anybody .... Priority #1 -- the fruity drink with coconut and pineapple !!

Yum Yum !!!

(Where on earth is my hat ???)

(Sherri -- he is being a good boy !!)

Thunder Beach -- Vrrooomm...Vrrooomm

2007-04-28T11:00:00.000-04:00

Here we come !!

THUNDER BEACH 2007 !!

Every year we make the trek down to the "Redneck Riviera" aka Panama City Beach for Thunder Beach. It is a full week of donning our best biker wear, fun in the sun and living it up as BIKERS !!!

Today we made the trip down --- the boys rode their bikes while the girls followed along behind them in the truck and pulled the trailer which Mr. Walker had lovingly packed with every single possession that we own including a DVD player, the gameboy, 3 different cameras, 4 coolers, leather jackets, rain suits, etc. etc. I hope a bike doesn't break down -- there is no room for that !!

Here we go !!

(Why am I suddenly SKEERED ??)

(Do you know how to crank that thing ??)

(Oh....Hello !!)

(I got the map -- let's go !!)

And, just 15 days Younger ......

2007-04-25T23:30:00.000-04:00

Well -- Mr. Walker turned 42 on the 10th, and his good-buddy Bryan Roberts turned 42 just 15 days later !!

Did you all know that Dwayne and Bryan were born in the same hospital in Atlanta -- Georgia Baptist ?? AND -- it is a good possibility that they were in the nursery at the same time ???? I suppose that COULD have happened....but I highly doubt Ms. Sybil Walker was hanging out in the hospital for 15 days....anyway.....that is their story -- and they are sticking to it !!

Heather threw a "cake and ice cream" party for Bryan complete with his baby picture on his cake .... .... .... .... MY -- he hasn't changed a bit !!!

After cake and ice cream - we all hung out at the farm .....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG OLE BRYAN !!!

Go Shawty -- It's Your "birf - day" ! !

2007-04-10T11:15:00.000-04:00

Well -- today is Mr. Walker's 42nd Birthday !!! He just gets better and better with time !!!

Eat your heart out ladies --- HE IS TAKEN !!!

And Now...We have a Birthday....DADDY !!!

2007-04-05T14:28:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Daddy !!

PS -- once again, I was bad...not a single picture from the birthday celebration at The Atlanta Fish Market.....I guess we will just have to go again !!

Next ??? HAPPY BIRTHDAY -- David Jr !!

2007-04-02T14:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to my Brother !! Yes -- he is the oldest ... just in case any of you were wondering............

Hope you have a

BEAUTIFUL day !!

11 Years Old ?? My....How Time Flies !!

2007-04-01T13:00:00.000-04:00

I can remember like it was yesterday when Ms. Carley was brought into this world. Seems like only days ago ... and now -- she is 11 ....

And for those of you wondering .... no I am not being sentimental !! I am having a POOR ME moment .... I suddenly feel OLD !!!

Anyway -- today is CARLEY'S 11th BIRTHDAY !!!

So -- there are NO pictures of the SLUMBER PARTY that I willingly dreamt up !! YEAH -- that is right, I willingly suggested that I (the childless one) host a slumber party for my 11 year old niece and 3 of her friends......

Well -- I quickly came to my senses and decided not to do it all alone -- so -- MS. FAITH had to join me. I figure if she can handle ANDY for an entire week alone -- surely she could assist me with the young-uns.

THANKS FAITH !!

Sorry for no pictures....but, that minor detail slipped my mind between pizza, movies, popcorn, coke, cake after the movie, staying up until 3:30 am and trying to figure out how to bring 4 eleven year olds down from their sugar high.............Maybe the cake and Reese's wasn't such a good idea.....

Anyway --- HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARLEY !!!!!

The NIFTY FIFTIES !!

2007-03-23T23:00:00.000-04:00

Well - I must give PRAISE where PRAISE is due !!

Our nephew Travis was one of the STARS of a play tonight that was put on by his middle school -- and he was FABULOUS.

He absolutely stole the show.....now I know fo sure that he is in fact his Uncle's Nephew !! At one point, the entire audience was laughing and applauding just for him.

I think we may have a budding star on our hands !!

Just don't forget your old Uncle Dwayne and Auntie Paige when you are a BIG STAR !!

Happy Birthday -- To You !!

2007-03-23T10:00:00.000-04:00

Today is my PRECIOUS Father-In-Law's birthday. Is he not the CUTEST thing you ever saw ??

I believe this is his 50th birthday...too bad he is married to a 60 year OLD woman...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD !!

In an "island" state of mind....

2007-03-03T23:45:00.000-04:00

A group of us got together tonight and decided to go on an excursion......an excursion to the Bahamas !!! Well, Bahama Breeze that is.

What fun !!!! We had great food -- and tropical drinks --- and all the excitement just wore us out !! No energy for anything else!

Take a look at our evening !!

PS -- You know you are getting old when you have dinner --- and then straight home to bed...................

(BABE ... Are You Smilin ??)

(I don't know about you ..... but I think he looks like he is up to NO good !!)

(Yeah -- him too .....)

(Not my boy ..... never !!)

A Personal Reflection of the Trip...

2007-02-23T10:00:00.000-04:00

So -- I know what you are all thinking.......Mr. Walker must have been on his absolute best behavior because there was no mention of his antics.....

Well -- I must say I chose to leave out those stories for the sake of allowing the kids to have the spotlight......

I won't mention the incident where Mr. Walker was suppose to be looking for Travis who had been missing for a few hours.....Travis turned up, but had not seen Mr. Walker.....who was eventually found napping on his bed...in his stateroom with REESE'S wrappers laying all around .... I am glad Travis had not fallen overboard !!!

OR...the fact that he put the boys up to flirting with the girls on the boat for sport....

OR....the instances where he swore the boys were out of their stash of REESE'S that I had provided for each room.....only to find out they were not eating theirs and eating ours instead !!!

OR....my personal favorite....when he threw a fit and pounded his feet and hands on the floor because I refused to help him pack his suitcase when it was time to leave.

I won't go on .... you get my drift .....

Long Live Mr. Walker !!!

HOUSTON....We have a Problem...

2007-02-22T23:00:00.000-04:00

I have always wanted to say that .....

Anyway -- we opted for a PIT STOP at Kennedy Space Center in Port Canaveral. While there ?? Why Not ??

Our favorite part of the excursion were the IMAX movies....don't we look cute in our glasses??

The Space Center was awesome and someday we might return when we have much more time to look around....there is just too much to do and see and we didn't have near enough time. Here are a few photos though:

Our PROfessional Pictures

2007-02-22T17:30:00.000-04:00

At any given moment on a cruise boat, a photographer (other than me of course) might step up and snap a picture .... so you better be ready !!

Here are a few of the PRO-fessional pictures we had made while on board.

All good things must ......Come to An End

2007-02-22T15:00:00.000-04:00

You know what they say ..... ALL GOOD THINGS MUST EVENTUALLY COME TO AN END.....

Me, Meghan and Carley want to know though......What will we do without Alberto????? And -- who is going to turn down our bed and bring us chocolates???? I wonder if Mr. Walker could be trained.....

We sure didn't want to leave!! We all got up bright and early this morning for our trip home. We were sad to be leaving, but we were all VERY GLAD we had all been together and on this cruise!!

Mr. Walker packed up the Hummer and we waved goodbye to The Elation one last time........No tears though....we'll be back someday !!

Our Last Full Day.....Nassau

2007-02-22T00:15:00.000-04:00

So far, our weather has been absolutely GORGEOUS and today was no different.

FIRST STOP in Nassau: STARBUCKS !!!!!!! This is mine and Mr. Walker's favorite place in Nassau.....as a matter of a fact....we really don't care for much else..........but, the kids wanted to do and see everything......

So we did:

Once safely back on board and away from the STRAW MARKET, we spent our last afternoon and evening aboard the ship enjoying the sun, the sunset, having a fabulous dinner and then packing up to go home......DON'T MAKE US GO.....WE DON'T WANT TO LEAVE !!!!

Half Moon Cay - A Private Island

2007-02-21T00:45:00.000-04:00

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, that is right....we got to visit our very own private island.....ok, us and about 2000 other people, but we wouldn't want to be stingy now would we???

This place must be similar to where Gilligan and the Skipper wrecked their boat......so, for a minute, let's imagine....Mr. Walker....the SKIPPER: Zachary....GILLIGAN: Travis....the PROFESSOR: Meghan....MARY-ANN: Carley...MRS. HOWELL: and me, Paige.....GINGER (leave me alone...It is my story !!).....

OK -- enough of that. On the island, we played on the beach, took nature walks, sunned ourselves in the sand and, did I mention we napped in hammocks ??? It was an AWESOME day !!

Take a look:

NO -- This is not ALL for me !!!

See ???

I told You !!

Chillin' After Da Walk

After we got back on the boat, at dinner tonight, our waiter had everyone join him for a little dance. The song was "Hey, Hey, Baby....I wanna know...if you'll be my girl....". My newphew Travis was AMAZED that I had ever heard that song before.....BOY --- I am not THAT old....but who doesn't know that song ???? Anyway -- they did a fabulous job dancing for us !!

After dinner -- came --- THE BAG GAME !!!! Now, for those of you that do not know what this game is, each team comes equipped with a bag full of everything under the sun you can think of.....and the host then calls out things and if you have it --- you win. Well, we did get HONORABLE MENTION thanks in no small part to Meghan's WARM bra...and Travis wearing RED lipstick. Take a look at Carley....she was about to pee her pants !!

The only thing left to do this evening was sign up for a HOT SALSA/LATIN Dance Class....and Travis was more than happy to agree.....I cannot imagine why !!!

Well -- with that -- we are headed to Nassau.....see you tomorrow !!

Port of Call #1 --- Grand Turk

2007-02-20T00:15:00.000-04:00

After a long and FUN day and evening at sea, we arrived this morning at Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It was absolutely beautiful. The water is turquoise blue and you can see all the way to the bottom.

All of the kids had a little bit of money (even after Zachary's $22 convenience store trip) and it was BURNING A HOLE IN THEIR POCKET....so we decided to take a trip through the shopping mall at the main port. Sunglasses seemed to be the HOT item and everyone was looking for a deal but, I believe the only purchase that was ACTUALLY made was Carley's styling sunglasses. Everyone else opted to wait for the famous STRAW MARKET in NASSAU.

After our shopping expedition, we spent the rest of our time on the island chilling out near the ocean just soaking up the sun and eating CHICKEN WINGS!!! My question is .... couldn't we have just gone to WORLD OF WINGS in CONYERS?? Just kidding....judging from this picture, wings in Conyers must not be this good and I am glad the boys didn't miss out!!

While we were on the Island, we discovered Travis truly is his Uncle's Nephew. Travis made friends with the waitress and she even told him to come back in a couple of years when he was just a bit older and she would go out with him.....His Uncle was so PROUD !!

The rest of our day was very lazy and upon returning to the boat, we set sail for Half Moon Cay. The seas were RIDICULOUS and from what we hear, half of the boat is sick......I do know I have personally witnessed several people getting sick in the hallways....thank God I am not on the clean up crew tonight!!

We did have one passenger get sick....Ms. Carley. It has been pitiful, but a trip to the INFIRMARY has fixed her right up....I am thinking of getting my nursing degree.....AND, I must say, my patient seems to be happy with my care !!!

They promise the seas will be more calm in the morning....let's hope so !!

Night night...don't let the cruise ship bugs bite !!

FUN Day at Sea !!!

2007-02-19T00:30:00.000-04:00

RISE AND SHINE!!

I greeted my cabin mates this morning with the BRIGHT FLASH of my camera. You see, I got up at 7am and headed up to the gym for an early morning aerobics class. Apparently I had more energy than they did and they were not real excited to see me after I made it back!! No one even had sympathy for me trying to do STEP aerobics on a moving boat!!!

OH Well -- it is our FUN DAY AT SEA!! AND, there is way too much to do here to stay in bed !!!

THE DAY'S TO-DO LIST

TO DO #1 --- Lay in the Sun and make sure to put your sunblock on in a way to miss most places so you have WEIRD shapes of burn on your arms and back....I won't mention any names, but the one that is male, age 14 definitely (who's name rhymes with Gravis...) won this contest...........

TO DO #2 -- Rate the Belly Flop Contest while sitting on the side of the pool and getting drenched....

TO DO #3 -- Play PUTT PUTT Golf in Paradise....

TO DO #3 -- Get Dressed up for CAPTAIN'S DINNER, get a lesson on eating LOBSTER and then pig out on STEAK !!!

TO DO #4 -- Smile Pretty for the Camera!! CHEESE !!!

TO DO #5 -- Take HUMAN GROWTH HORMONES targeted at specific body parts....

TO DO #6 -- Chill out with the ones you love !!!

NIGHT~~~NIGHT !!

Bon Voyage !!

2007-02-18T00:00:00.000-04:00

It is finally here !! Our long awaited cruise. We all woke up quite early this morning and left Conyers at 3:30 am for our drive down to Port Canaveral to board The Elation !!!

WHAT WERE WE THINKING!! Do you know the sun doesn't come up until around 6:15 am in South Georgia these days...and I believe that STARBUCKS waits for the sun to come up before they start steaming the milk and brewing the espresso??? Well, fortunately, a STARBUCKS just south of Macon was open and ready for us when we got there!! I am not sure we would have made it all the way to Florida without them!!! $32 later...we all had drinks. Quite a small price to pay for happiness....

After Starbucks, our ride was quite a bit more lively....less sleeping and more yacking!! About 10 miles further South on I-75 I was rethinking the EXTRA shot thing......But -- we finally arrived --- all in one piece and ready to BEGIN our adventure !!

Checking in --- SEAMLESS....unless you count me, Meghan and Carley almost getting arrested by ROBOCOP. Apparently they are serious about the big signs that say "NO PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED IN THIS AREA".........but, we were able to sneak our photo anyway !!

Once we were checked in it was time for exploring the boat, raiding the buffet and rummaging through out CABINS !!!

Mr. Walker, Travis and Zach's cabin was decorated by T. Smith Law Group as a special treat. BOY -- WAS IT FUN !!!! It really made our send off special !!!

THANK YOU TRICIA !!!!

Here are a few shots of the afternoon activities:

Right before we were cleared to leave port......it was time for MUSTER!!!! We are now SAFETY EXPERTS and if WE had been on TITANIC...I am sure the outcome would have been QUITE different !!!

It has been quite a long day .... so dinner was a nice relaxing time. I only had to give ONE speech about nice manners and how to conduct yourself during the evening meal....too bad my speech had to last the ENTIRE meal.....

After dinner, Meghan and Carley managed to find the energy to take a SWING DANCE class.....I think their burst of energy was fueled by the hottie from Mexico that was the teacher....he quite a "hot tamale" himself !!!

Good night from the HIGH SEAS!! See you bright and early in the morning !!

2 DAYS AND COUNTING !!!!

2007-02-15T08:56:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, Dwayne and I are taking 2 of our nephews and 2 of our nieces on a CRUISE for their WINTER BREAK !!!

We are so excited ..... we cannot wait !!! I am fully loaded up on VALIUM and other necessities that might be needed when traveling with 4 kids !!

Our itinerary is as follows:

Cruising: Carnival Cruise Lines on The Elation

Saturday, February 17:
Depart Port Canaveral at 4:00pm

Sunday, February 18:
Day at Sea

Monday, February 19:
Arrive in Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) at 7:00am
Depart Grand Turk at 2:30 pm

Tuesday, February 20:
Arrive in Half Moon Cay, Bahamas at 9:30am
Depart Half Moon Cay at 6:00pm

Wednesday, February 21:
Arrive in Nassau, Bahamas at 7:00am
Depart Nassau at 3:00pm

Thursday, February 22:
Arrive in Port Canaveral at 7:00am

I am not sure if I will be updating the BLOG during our cruise -- but rest assured, I will keep an accurate diary of our "activities" and give a complete report upon our return....if not before.

TOODLE DOO !!

XOXO

So...I am a SLACKER...

2007-02-12T08:55:00.000-04:00

Forgive me !! I am a slacker, but, actually, there has not been anything too exciting to report !!

February has been somewhat of a quiet month so far.....

BUT -- stay tuned, because FUN is just around the corner !!!

A Date....DANCING WITH THE STARS !!!

2007-01-26T23:52:00.000-04:00

Me and My Hunny had a date tonight. We went to the Dancing With The Stars tour at the Gwinnett Arena. It was AWESOME !!!

The dancers and dancing was absolutely amazing --- and to top it off, one of the STARS was a BLAST from my teen-aged years!!! JOEY MCINTYRE!!!

Mr. Walker was not nearly as excited as I think he should have been. Afterall, he got to see in person --- one of my teen idols!! What is wrong with him???? Trust me, I would have shared in his joy if Catherine Bach (the original Daisy Duke) would have been there! I would have even insisted he stay late after the show to see if he could get an autograph!!

I just chalk his lack of enthusiasm over Joey up to his excitement about the popcorn, hot dogs and ice cream he was partaking of....I guess I can forgive him if I try.

Anyway, Joey swooned me with two new songs from his NEW CD (which by the way...coupled with a yummy piece of chocolate would make a FABULOUS Valentines Day present, hint, hint).

What a fabulous night !!

The ACTUAL Celebration !!

2007-01-25T22:24:00.000-04:00

So -- with the trip and all, we are just getting around now to the actual BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION !!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID !!!!! I think JOAN has a present for you !!

Gatlinburg, TN in the Wintertime...BRRRR !!!

2007-01-21T20:54:00.000-04:00

Our friend David's birthday is on Sunday, the 21st....so to help him celebrate, we decided to take a trip to the mountains of Tennessee for the weekend. Gatlinburg is beautiful this time of year with the lights and all, but BOY, was it COLD !!!

Wouldn't you know, we have had quite a mild winter until now ..... just our luck to choose a mountain trip on the coldest weekend of the year so far !!!

On Saturday, Donnie acted as our tour guide and took on a nice SCENIC ride through the forest to Pigeon Forge.....It was beautiful and we all throughly enjoyed seeing the mountains.

Once we arrived in Pigeon Forge, the girls spent the day shopping in the MANY outlet stores while the boys played "Mario Andretti" at the NASCAR Speed Park......I never knew riding GO CARTS would wear you out so much.....I have never heard so much complaining about being "tired" in all my life.....GET TOUGH BOYS !!!

Saturday night we took a leisurely stroll through downtown Gatlinburg and then off to bed right after dinner !!

What a fun trip....can't wait until next time !!

Now Look What She Has Done !!

2007-01-19T11:35:00.000-04:00

So -- my friend that is so desperate to be on the BLOG ?? Well -- look what she has gone and done now !! She is STALKING Ty Pennington !!

You know -- the HOTTIE from Extreme Makeover ??

Well -- Extreme Makeover is in town redoing a house out in Kennesaw and Sandi's Mother and her boyfriend are helping out on the house....and Sandi was able to get in on the action.

I am JEALOUS !!!!

YOU GO GIRL !!!

Golf with Lisa and TEE-Tom !!

2007-01-14T21:16:00.000-04:00

We played golf with the PRO -- Lisa and her sidekick Tom today. WHAT FUN !!!

Lisa is really good -- and we all learned a thing or two from her.....too bad I don't seem to be retaining any of my new found knowledge....

I BEST GET BACK TO MY GOLF LESSONS before SUMMER !!!

2006 Regional Awards for KW !!

2007-01-11T16:30:00.000-04:00

I am so proud of Mr. Walker !!!

The 2006 Keller Williams Regional Awards have just been announced and Mr. Walker received 2 -- count them -- 2 awards:

#1 -- He is the #1 TOP INDIVIDUAL AGENT in his market center !! That award is calculated on GROSS COMMISSION EARNED for the entire year

AND

#2 -- AND WE ARE MOST PROUD OF THIS ONE !!! Dwayne was awarded the WI4C2TS AWARD. This award is given to ONLY ONE person in the entire market center that demonstrates the most cultural attitude and activities according to the belief of the KW system.

The code WI4C2TS stands for: Win-win or no deal; Integrity, do the right thing; Customers/clients come first; Commitment in all things; Communication, seek first to understand; Creativity, ideas before results; Teamwork, together everyone achieves more; Trust, begins with honesty, and Success, results through people.

What a Year !!!!! We can't wait for 2007 !!!!

My First-Ever Round of Golf (New Years Day 2007)

2007-01-01T20:00:00.000-04:00

I am OFFICIALLY now a GOLFER !!!!!

As way of background, Mr. Walker has gotten back into golf over the last few months and we decided that it would be good if I started playing with him.....now, being that I normally get BORED on the FIRST hole of PUTT PUTT, I was a bit hesitant at first......but nonetheless willing to give it a GOOD TRY !!!

WELL -- I LOVE IT !!!!!! I took my first lesson on New Year's Eve at the PGA Golf Superstore here in Atlanta....and I don't want to brag, but I think I just might be a NATURAL !!!

So -- today, me, Mr. Walker, Donnie, David and Stephen went out for my very first 9 hole round at The Highlands in Conyers.

I did GREAT !!!! (Or at least that is going to be my story !!). The boys were quite impressed I think....I even beat a couple of them on the very FIRST hole!! NOW -- my overall score was lowest out of the 5 of us, but I can't stand to see grown men cry.....so, I took it easy on them THIS time.....

Along about the 7th hole, I noticed that I was in fact doing so well, that I really needed to do something to give the boys a break, so I lobbed my ball into the woods and then proceeded to spend the next 10 minutes looking for it.....finally, David convinced me that we should just leave it wherever it was for the next team to have as a souveneir....I reluctantly agreed, and as I came back out of the woods, I noticed that we had picked up a new player somewhere along the way......

An UMPA LUMPA !!! WHAT FUN !!! You meet all kinds of people while playing this game !!!!!

I can't wait until the next time I get to PLAY !!! Watch out boys !!!!!!

(My Bag is the pretty BLUE one on the LEFT !!)

(TEEING OFF -- from the RED Tees..)

(On The Fairway)

(Perfect PUTT !!)

(Are you allowed to use a cell phone on the PUTTING GREEN ??)

(YES, We are Watching...Go Ahead.)

Christmas Day, With the Whole Gang !!

2006-12-25T18:30:00.000-04:00

As our annual traditions go, Christmas Day is was spent with Mr. Walker, Sr. and my wonderful Mother-In-Law, Sybil as well as Tammy, Chuck and their crew !!

This year, we thought we would try something different. Instead of actually attending the annual event, we just sent a small momento of ourselves to be placed up on the fireplace in our honor ..... it was a big hit !!

JUST KIDDING !! We actually graced the family with our presence !!

I must say though, this Christmas was a bit disappointing. The kids are all getting older and not a single one of them got a spanking or spilled their Christmas dinner on the floor. I don't even recall any of them being threatened within an inch of their lives. Ahhh...I miss the good old days when they were younger and Christmas was all about screaming at them to wait until it was time to open the presents or explaining for the 100th time why they were not eating at the "big people" table.....

Mr. Walker was even on HIS best behavior (as he usually is when his mother and father are around).....BOY -- does he have them SNOWED !!

But, in spite of the good behavior, we had a wonderful time. There were presents galore and more food than we could possibly ever eat!!

As a side note to the food, I must say, Mom is really living up to the legacy that Nanny was known for. Mom's turkey and dressing was fabulous, the gravy was perfect, and the banana pudding would have made Nanny herself proud!!! Good Job MOM !!

MERRY CHRISTMAS from the WALKER side of the FAMILY !!

(Who bought these for me ??? Do I really look like a guy that would wear plaid pajamas ?????)

(Mr. Walker and his new GOLF jacket. It folds up into a small ball to go into his golf bag.)

(OOOOOOOH....I know just what to do with this !!)

(Reckon this perfume had gold in it ?? I have never seen anyone quite so excited about PERFUME....)

(CHEEEEESSSEEEE !!!)

(Chuck is Happy too ..... Not sure if he is happy about this perfume, or Tammy's goodies from a few pictures up...)

(My new JACKET !! My Mother In Law did GOOD !!)

(Me and Ms. Anna Belle...isn't she too cute ??)

(Now, this is HOLIDAY CHEER !!)

(Don't know what it is...but it must have been good, judging by the fact that Tammy was CLAPPING...)

(Tony Hawk...watch out !)

Christmas Eve, Minus One Turkey

2006-12-25T00:30:00.000-04:00

Well, after a long December, Christmas Eve has finally arrived -- and Mr. Walker was all ready to play Santa Clause.....

After much discussion and research on BigGreenEgg.com, Mr. Walker was all set today to cook up the BIG BIRD for our Christmas Feast...........Thank God For Ham !!!!!

Apparently, the BIRD didn't want to be cooked and eaten for dinner THIS YEAR and decided not to cooperate with Mr. Walker and what was suppose to have taken 3 1/2 hours, was still not ready to be eaten after 4 1/2 hours on the smoker. I wonder if opening and closing the top of the smoker every 15 minutes had anything to do with it ????

We finally held a family meeting around 8:30 PM to take a vote about whether or not to proceed with Christmas or to call it off completely.......but, Christmas Cheer prevailed and we decided to have our dinner with HAM only and save the BIRD for turkey sandwiches at a later date.

After a fabulous evening of Christmas movies, candy making, lots of eating, gift giving and spending time together, we tuned into the 11:00 news to find out where Santa's sleigh was and then all jumped into bed to make sure none of us were awake when he popped down the chimney !!

MERRY CHRISTMAS from the MILNER side of the FAMILY !!

(MOOSE MUNCH....another Tradition !!)

(Christmas Lovin')

(Mr. Walker....proud of his new cologne)

(Sorry Pierre....camera man must not like you...)