Kids these days...

When Paul and I moved here almost three years ago, we both felt like we were pushed by the mighty hand of God into Attala County. That was further reinforced when shortly after Paul was approved for his position at Ethel, I got a job at the Star Herald (a place that employ es less than 10 people).

I told him that I would get involved with the teens at Ethel High School more than I ever did at South Pontotoc and I am so blessed for it.

Whether its a short conversation at a ballgame or a passing by in Wal-Mart. We all have the chance to make a difference in the lives of teens.

They are so remarkable b/c some of them do not know the potential they possess. Some come from backgrounds that are far from normal but they manage to smile and excel at school and sports and other activities.

For the past month, I have been sitting in Attala County Circuit Court reporting on cases where I find that high school dropouts are throwing there lives away on drugs, thefts and sometimes murder.

It upsets me. It worries me. It makes me want to take action.

When do we say "No more. Not in my community."

It takes all of us to raise these children. They are our future. Give back in your schools, churches, and community groups.

I wear the hats of "Mrs. Dees," "Mama Dees," and "Newspaper lady" and I am the lucky one.

So far behind!

I feel like I haven't blogged in forever and that would be true. Hopefully, I can get caught up this week about our crazy busy lives and random thoughts by me!

Pre-birthday shopping and what a deal!

While Paul and his coaching counterparts are off in football meetings, I headed out on a cold shopping trip to the Tunica Outlet Mall. A little pre-birthday shopping and my annual pre-birthday trip to Tunica. My birthday is a week from Sunday on Feb. 14.

First things first, I got to have a Sonic Breakfast Burrito & Diet Coke. Can't eat to much Sonic as I am on a quest for a new pair of jeans. Plus, I haven't had any Sonic since the one in Kosciusko closed on New Year's Eve for renovations. What a treat!

I did get a few deals and, since I am a little bored(waiting on the men folk to get back and take me to dinner), you people who read my blog get to see and read all about it.

I got 50 cent earrings and $6 brown boots. Who wouldn't want to brag about that?

I did pay a pretty penny for the Shape-Ups. Tennis shoes that help with muscle tone. Next week, I am getting back on the exercise wagon!

Got a few pieces of clothing too. Major Major sale!

So I am a little behind on the blogging...

During football season, it's always easy to blog because there is so much going on and I have 100 things to share. Then, when it's over...well it's over and I have nothing to blog about. Here are a few tidbits.

First things First!
WHO DAT! WHO DAT! Saints in the Super Bowl -- who would have ever thought that would happen. We have done two stories on the local Saints fans. Check them out www.starherald.net

My husband, the greatest Saints fan ever, now has all the gear -- fleece pullover, Brees jersey, two caps, a framed photo of the Superdome, the official NFL Superbowl program, two tervis tumblers with the fleur di lis, a bad of WHO DAT Zapp's Chips. I think he is ready!

Also, if you are looking for some Cajun recipes to spicy up your Super Bowl party, check out www.starherald.net Got some great recipes. The Cajun Brownies are awesome!!!!

My new "guilty pleasure" -- Farmville.
Farmville has made it's way into the Dees household and we are totally addicted. Paul and I have been having a race to see who can get to the highest level first in the online farming community. I think I am going to slow down on the farming soon as I am to level 26. Paul is a head but I am close.

It's been a lot of fun the last two or so weeks.

Powerlifting
The second Ethel Powerlifting team is going to District next weekend. IF you have never been to a meet, it's really neat. We are hoping all the kids do well and that some make it to the State meet. Reigning state champ, Troymun Hawthorne is lifting again this year.

Lucky food, as if!

You are all to familiar with the New Year's Day tradition of eating Black-eyed peas, Ham and Greens for luck in the coming year.

I did just that and, so far, I wouldn't say that I was having the worst luck ever but it hasn't been good.

The Monday following New Year's started off well -- Got up early enough to walk on the treadmill,got to work on time and off to a board of supervisors meeting.

Walking through the back parking lot from the Chancery Building, I slip, fall down and tear a hole in my pant leg, scrap and bruise my knee and my hands!

I am just not the clumsy type so I was so fuming mad when I got in the office. What a Monday that was.

I am almost healed up!

Tuesday of this week, I have an allergic reaction to some hand lotion someone put on at the office. Sneezing, runny noses, scratchy throat, the whole 9 yards.

Seriously! Could I get a break (but not of the bone!).

Here is hoping for a great Monday!

So, where's the snow, Mr. Weatherman?

We have been eagerly awaiting snow at The Star-Herald office all week. Unfortunately, all we got was flurries. It is extremely frigid outside. Paul got two days off from school.


Flurries @ The Attala County Courthouse on Monday.


The Cheeks' frozen pond on Friday.

And Christmas is over...

The twins in the unwrapping frenzy.


Look what I got!


Robbie being sneaky and getting some icing.


Gingerbread house my mom, Lea (my aunt), and cousins Robbie, Grant and Glyn constructed on Christmas Eve.



First it was Memphis on the 13th. Then Christmas Eve lunch with Grandma and Grandpa, and the rest of that crew, Christmas Eve Service @ Rolling Fork UMC and then a few appetizers at the parents house followed by one present each. Christmas day was more presents with the parents and then a short drive to Valley Park for lunch and finally back to Kosciusko to do dinner with the in-laws.

This whole Christmas season, I have felt like I was running behind and that everything was rushed. It probably was because starting on Dec. 18, I was diagnosed with the bacteria for walking pneumonia and that medicine made me feel worse for 10 days.

I was able to get some Christmas cooking in and all the presents wrapped before we left KO and we were off to as Paul says, "The Delta."

We had many many good Christmases!