Hey! It's Just A Dollar!!

http://www.givetheguyadollar.com/ Say what?!
 Listen to this!! I am so excited to be a part of this wonderful new charity! You're going to love it!
About 2 months ago our friend J.C had mentioned an idea to us (Mikey and me) of starting a non-profit organization in the near future. He said it would be a local charity and be aimed at helping those in financial distress. We of course said that would be awesome and if he needed any help, to just let us know and we'd be more than happy to help. Well, a few weeks later he asked if we'd be interested in being on the board of this charity. We of course said Yes!!  (How exciting!!) . The name of the charity is "give the guy a dollar." And that's basically it. We believe that no one person can help with just $1, but together, our $1 can change a life. We ask for $1 donations (of course any more is definitely accepted) and 100% of that dollar is given to the recipient.We,the board members make absolutely no money! None! Not a single one of us! It is truly a non-profit organization. The board consists of a variety of people with one thing in common. We have a heart for helping those in need.
Now. We feature only 6 recipients a year. They get their picture and bio on the home page of the website (http://www.givetheguyadollar.com/) and they get every single penny we raise! They stay on the website, and receive donations for a total of 12 months!!! The recipient owes us nothing!  How does a person become a recipient you ask?? Well they're nominated. That's all. We decide as a board who to choose based on severity of the situation. It really is awesome!!! We also sale T-Shirts ($15) and Bracelets ($2-$5) and all of that money goes to the recipient as well.
Our first recipient is Shawn Butrum! Shaun's bio and picture is on our website right now (http://www.givetheguyadollar.com/) and he has an amazing story!! I encourage you to go take a look. Shawn's church hosted a rummage sale, spaghetti dinner, and silent auction for him and his family all day Saturday. Give the Guy a Dollar was able to attend and introduce itself to the public eye. It was such a fantastic thing to see so many people pull together for ONE cause. Together with the church we raised over $11,000 for Shawn and his family.... in a single day! That is an awesome act of God, and nothing more! 
If you get a chance, check out the website....and if you feel led, donate a dollar to help "the guy"....and if you know someone in need, whether it be from a natural disaster, a terrible illness, or just an unfortunate turn of events, nominate them. It's so easy and could change that person's life forever!....  Hey, It's just a dollar.
http://www.givetheguyadollar.com/

Thankful Thursday!

Well Hello there! Happy Thursday!  ...and let me warn you. This blog, or post, or whatever you call it, does not have a single word of sarcasm in it!!! Write it down! lol
I'm stealing an idea from Kim (Let it Snow) for my blog today. She does a blog on Thursdays and tells what she's thankful for...be it friends, family, etc. She calls it "Thankful Thursdays".... So here it goes.

Let me say this first. In our Bible study last week, Blake said something and it really stuck with me. It's paraphrased, but you'll get the idea. He said that no matter how busy he was during the day, he always made time for his wife. Regardless. He said if someone asked them to do something (dinner, movie, etc.) and he hadn't really spent quality time with his wife, he would pass on the invite and just sit and soak up his wife's attention. Although that is wonderful, he said he doesn't do that for God...the one who gave him his wife. I know I am guilty of that. I see my husband every day, and even if it is at midnight, I spend time with him, watching tv, talking, just giving him attention (and he does the same). God (or praying) is usually the very first thing we cut out of our day... breakfast or coffee or nap or a shower or the radio..etc. all seem to come BEFORE God and at the end of the day we never find time to give to Him when He is the one who allows us all of these things. Blake said we should all try to cut out time, no matter how busy or hectic to just take time out to thank God for his blessings and just talk to Him.   Makes sense, right? Well it does to me. I have made it a point to say "Thank You" for at least one thing (usually turns into several) each day.  I'm not trying to get all "Holy" on you, but I am very guilty of being selfish and I know I am undeserving of all the wonderful things I have been given. It's just kind of heavy on my heart is all.  Anyway.

Today I am thankful for (among many other things) my health. I went for a run this morning. (basically had to force myself out the door) Running is a great way for me to clear my head and think. I began to get a bit labored after, I don't know, 10 minutes, and here's where the deep thinking came in. I have asthma. It used to be terrible... I mean out of control. Couldn't participate in gym class b/c I would have to use my rescue inhaler several times. I remember in Sunday school when I was about 5 until I was about 15 I would pray "for my asthma". It was a prayer request every single Sunday. It has been about 1,000 times better in the last 4 or 5 years. (thanks to a great doctor and meds.) 

Anyway, I ran this morning. Back to the subject. I was thinking of how many people would love to walk, much less run, just one time, much less every day. I am incredibly blessed with a healthy heart, lungs, legs, eyesight, arms, ears (I am VERY blessed with ears),  just everything. I am overall healthy. I can do things everyday that a million people only dream of doing. Things that are simple for me. Things like swimming, walking, running, jumping.... Things I take for granted a lot. 

So... Thank you Lord for my Health!! I am so very grateful!!

(and sorry for the rant, it's just what's been on my mind lately)

Everyone have a good and thankful Thursday!!

Happy Monday to Ya!

So. I know it's been a while since my last post (forgive me, a thing called "Life" has gotten in the way a bit!)  :)
There's absolutely no way I could explain all the hectic things that have gone on in the past month...but here's a quick update on the fam.... because I know you're sooo interested!
-First. Mikey and I have joined with a few friends to create a small group. We aren't cool enough to have a name, so we just call it a small group/Bible study type deal. Our schedules are pretty lame and (honestly) do not allow us to go to church... It is nearly impossible with work. And we both LOVE to eat, so we must work. It stinks...but it's what we have to do right now. Anyway, back to the point. Blake Bostick is leading the study. Our study (this 6 weeks) is on a book called "Sacred Marriage." We're on our 5th week. So far it has been great for all of us. I can not describe the feeling I get when I pray with Mikey. (Sounds corny...I know) I feel like I've made my "Dad" proud. You know? We've never prayed together prior to this study. And do NOT judge me for that either!! lol "Betta check yo self before you wreck yo self!!" But seriously. It is awesome.
Moving right along...
-My aunt Rachelle and uncle Donnie were in a bad motorcycle wreck a few weeks ago. Both were airlifted to the Med. Donnie was released the next day with only a broken shoulder blade (or blades...not sure) and fractured wrist. Minimal damage compared to what could've been. Rachelle got to go home Thursday! Whoop! She has 2 broken legs (one was very severely broken), broken ribs, bruises, etc. She won't be able to put pressure on either leg for about 3 months...but Hallelujah she's at home and her family is taking extra-extra good care of her!
-Now. Back to the Aunt Jenn business!! :)
As I announced a couple of months ago, my sister is pregnant and I will be an aunt in February!! She is doing well. I think the morning sickness and summer heat is kicking her butt, but she's hanging in there. She went to the doctor last week and the baby is doing just fine. Heart rate is normal...everything looks good! :) I'm hoping for a Kennedy...she swears it's a Mason. We'll find out in September! AHHHH!! This is so exciting!! I bought her her very first pair of maternity pants (capris).... she's at that stage (13 weeks) where her regular pants are fitting "a little tight" :) I absolutely can not wait until her belly gets big and round!! :) :)
-Now let me say a big CONGRATULATIONS!! to Mrs. Lee Caldwell for winning Republican nominee for the primary election. ( I think that's how you word it ) A lot of people (not us..we only put in one....possibly 2 total hours) put in a lot of hours in this terrible Mississippi summer heat campaigning for her.... and it surely paid off!! So..YAY for Mrs. Lee!!
-We've also been dealing with some 'family' issues... I won't go in to detail..partly because it's very ridiculous and stupid but severe.  (and let me say...this goes back to the title..McCrory by MARRIAGE!!! Hint, Hint!! ) Just keep Mikey's, I mean, Our family in your prayers. It always seems like the ones who give all they have to give to help others always get burned the worse. Everything will be fine...nothing time (or a good butt whoopin') won't heal, but a few family members are having a really tough time dealing with these issues.
-OH!! I started Zumba! I absolutely love it! Went 3 days last week with my girlfriend Danielle, and we looked like crazy fools, but it was sooo fun! I started sweating about 5 minutes in to it, but I will be super hott in about 3 more weeks...or at least I should be! What little butt I have, I feel like it's going to be worked off! Kat (the instructor) has no mercy on us! :) I will leave this class knowing how to belly dance and (white girl) booty dance! So watch out Southaven!! And bless Mikey's heart for having to deal with me.  :)
-Sorry to bore you to death...but that's our last month in a nutshell. I'm still alive and kickin'....lol God help us!
AND let me just say that I am very thankful for my job. I see lots of little blessings and miracles each day I work and it makes me realize how fortunate I am for my health and happiness and family...even though they are...ummm.. uncontrollable. :)
-Everyone have a good week!!

Cult Collaboration

#31 Ben McCrory           

 My nephew Ben plays competitive baseball for the Mustangs! (Go #31!!) Well, this past weekend we all went to Ridgeland, MS to watch my him play for the state championship. Well, the Mustangs didn't win a single game, but we all had a fun and comical trip. Love making memories with those crazy kids!

    Side Note: When I say 'we' I mean ALL of us. (and here's where the cult comes back into play. And for those of you who do not know what I'm talking about...refer to my previous post) I'd say we had about 30 cult family members down there. It was more of a convention than a meeting. Several chapters were present... We had Southaven, Durant, Madison, and Kosciusko. Can you imagine all of us out cheering for ONE little 7 year old? Well, we were. God bless those we sat by. 

           Now we know that when we all get together SOMETHING is gonna happen. We will never have a normal, event free trip. Never. At least ONE bad or exciting thing is going to happen to one of us. We all know this and pray to God that it isn't us this time.   

    Here's how the weekend started off. (And please, Shu Shu, do NOT kill me for this, it is written out of humor, not hate) 

Mikey, me, Benji and the kids all leave with the team Thursday afternoon. We get to the hotel around 4:00p or so. Shu Shu had reserved all of our rooms together so that we could be next door to each other. I tell the man that we are to be 2 of the 3 rooms reserved under Shu's name.  We check in and go directly to our rooms. No problem. The boys get ready and we go eat a quick dinner and then head straight to the ball fields for game number one. Shu Shu and the other half of the family had to work, and couldn't leave until 4 or so. They arrived in Ridgeland and went directly to the ball fields... just in time to see the last 30 seconds of the game...that the Mustangs lost. After the game we head back to the hotel. (Shu and them still have to check in b/c they came straight to the ball fields.) Mikey, me, Benji, and the kids are up in our rooms showering and getting ready for dinner when Mikey gets a call from Kim. It went something like this. "Mikey come down here. They gave our room away and Momma is going off on the man. Do y'all want to leave and stay at the Holiday Inn across the street with us?"

And here we go. We go downstairs to the lobby and see Shu Shu at the reception desk, red in the face, telling the man that she needs to speak to the manager. Apparently the man did give their room away and lied about it. He said she didn't have an assigned room to begin with. Well...that may have worked had she not had a conformation number for all 3 rooms she reserved. She demanded a room with 2 beds (there were 3 adults and a child...that makes sense) but the man told her the only room he had available had a king sized bed with a cot. I thought, well, this is an easy fix. Mikey and I could just swap rooms. There's only 2 of us and our room had 2 queen sized beds. So I go up to the counter, a bit optimistic, and tell Shu, quietly, that it's not a problem. "Why can't we can take the room with 1 bed and y'all can have the room 2." We hadn't unpacked yet, so it wasn't a hassle for anyone. Dear God in Heaven above. You would've thought I asked her to kill her first born. She said, firmly holding that pen in her hand that was about to snap, "because at 7:17 I got a call and they asked if I still wanted my room with 2 queen sized beds. I said yes, we're running late. Do not give my room away." I tried to reason with her. Hell, everyone did. Security came to the reception desk. Shu ended up calling every number she could find and it got her nowhere. She unwillingly took the room with 1 bed and a cot for one night an hour later, and (Thankfully!) got another room the next morning.

    Whew! Thank God that was over! The next few days were fun. Terribly hot, but fun. All of our McCrory Chapters came to support Ben and the Mustangs. We played 3 games in 3 days. Now, at the fields, we all cheer for ALL  the kids, we gripe about all the kids..even our own, and we help all the kids. That's just how it works.... so we thought. One of our star players took a while to warm up in one of the games...he was missing the ground balls, fumbling with the ball and glove.... just petty stuff. And Really, they all took a bit to warm up. Well after the kid misses the ball a few times, Shu YELLS "Get your head in the game..!" Well, that's not really a big deal to us. If anyone ever said that to Ben, well he probably needed to get his head in the game. I don't think this other family agreed. From that point on, we got dirty looks and the cheers from the other tent began to fade. The temperature went from about 97 degrees to 200 in a matter of minutes. Mike got Shu's attention and told her to watch what she said about that one kid. We later find out that that particular family doesn't really like constructive criticism. Huh. Well, F them. She didn't mean anything by it..... And I say that out of love.

    Other than those two instances, I think the rest of the trip was pretty enjoyable. We did a little shopping at the mall...and we met Gail Pittman at her store! (Kim was more excited than I) We ate at some wonderful restaurants. Cock of the Walk was delicious!!! Awful name, Awesome food! Mikey acquired a new nick name while we were down there. "PawPaw". He's 33 and one of Ben's team mates said "Look y'all, there's Ben's grandpa!" hahahaha And it stuck! lol The hotel had a free happy hour! So of course, we made it every day! :) And 3 of the nights we spent just hanging out with family...real family and our ball team family. Kids were running the halls at midnight and up at 8 am. It is always so much fun to hang out with such great people. We left without a win, but I think it's safe to say that we all had fun   
 We left Sunday morning and headed to Durant to see some of the family. Aunt Macel made us all lunch. Home made fresh creamed corn, corn bread, fresh shelly beans, and fresh home grown tomatoes.  Slap yo momma it was good!! We left her house as full as a tick and went just around the corner to Uncle Bubba's house. He is THE Head Master (pictured to the left) of our cult family. We visited with him for a little and then got back on the road. Finally made it home about 4:30 Sunday evening.

That's our weekend in a nutshell. Hope you enjoyed....and Shu's expense :)

Did you say Aunt Jenn?

Happy (late) Father's Day to all the dads out there...because I'm sure I have a ton of men reading my blog. :)

We celebrated Father's Day with my dad Friday since I had to work Sunday. My dad, step mom, and Mikey and I met at my sister's house for a cookout. You know, steak, grilled corn on the cob, baked potatoes, bread, the whole nine yards. And, let me just say, that it was delicious. Props to the brother-in-law for a great job on the food.

Since we were very young, Kerrie and I always compete for the BEST gift (whether it be Christmas, Bday, Father's Day, ect.) and the best card.  Always have, Always will.  Well, since we have 4 men to buy for this year, I knew my gift wouldn't really be that great. I mean it was good, don't get me wrong...we just had to be a little conservative this year. Anywho. Kerrie assured me that she, of course, had the best gift this year. She wouldn't tell me what it was, she just said it was better than mine. (She always says that, but it's never true!..just ask my dad!! hehehehe)

Well, Dad and Dreama finally arrive at the house... They greet the pups and get lots of kisses from them :) Between Kerrie and Me we have 6 dogs. Yes, six. 
Anyway...We're always very anxious for Dad to open our gifts...that way we can spend the rest of the evening rubbing it in that the other one's gift sucked. :) Well, Dad sat down and Randy handed him our gift. He read the card, which of course was the best, and he pulled out a black and white striped Polo shirt.  He of course said it was nice, he needed it, all the junk they say to make you think the gift was 10000 times better than it actually was. I look at Kerrie with a "Take That!!" look and again, she assures me that her's is better. Well, here he goes to open Kerrie's gift.  He read the card, which I'm sure was lame compared to mine :) and we all stared at the gift bag as he opened it.... He pulls it out and looks at whatever it is for a minute. Then holds it up for us to see. I'll be damned, it was a baby bib that said "I Love Grandpa".  She's pregnant!
We all congratulate her and Randy and of course I start weeping....and can't stop. Even through dinner.  :) She is due Feburary 13th. I'm already calling the baby my neice. I just know it's going to be a girl. Already.
I'm going to be an aunt to MY neice (or nephew) for the first time ever!! I will have a little baby to love and squeeze and play with and spoil rotten....and then send back home to mommy. I can NOT wait!!  Kerrie has always wanted to be a mom, and she'll be great at it, no doubt. I'm awaiting the days when I can rub her big round belly and talk to the baby :)  (yes, I'm weird like that, I love little pregnant bellys) Dad and Dreama will finally get another baby grandbaby they've been asking for the last 2 years.
Kerrie won the best gift this year, hands down.  And, I really couldn't argue with that.
However, I did have the best card!! :)

My Daddy and Me

McCrory Cult, Indeed

Hold on y'all!! It's about to get bumpy!!
Now as Jennifer Read I lived a very normal life. Very. One happy, close knit family. Church every Sunday, Lunch with grandma and grandpa,No cursing, No staying out past curfew, Always say Yes mam and No sir.... You get the idea. I had no idea that obscurities even existed.... Until I met my husband. God love it.  (and after we met, coincidentally, my Read family slowly, uh how do you say it, got issues.... but nonetheless) Hence the name, McCrory by Marriage.
Now. On to the real story.
First I'll give you one definition of Cult :2. A relatively small group of people having religious beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange or sinister.
A cult you say? Do those even exist anymore?  Oh, you can bet your bottom they do...and right in Southaven, MS!!
Before I get in to this whole situation (and you could be here for days) let me give you a little back round info. on the "McCrory Cult" origination.
My brother-in-law went through a very terrible divorce that took about 3 years to finalize.
Now his Ex.... Well, I did have a very descriptive paragraph about her but was told by my husband to edit it out because apparently she just wouldn't "get" my sense of vulgar humor. Let's just say she's "precious."
Well, anyway, our families do not cooperate with each other. No, that would be too easy and civilized-like. 
The others (I will not mention names, but meaning NOT the McCrorys) seem to think that since we all stick together and back each other up, regardless, that we are in fact, a "cult".  I'm sorry, for some reason, the word "Family" comes to my mind instead.
Now, back to the definition of a cult.  (A relatively small group of people having religious beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange or sinister) We are a relatively small group....probably 25 or so, we do have shared beliefs...I think they're obvious, and others do think they're strange... If you think "strange" is backing your family up on absolutely anything, no matter how ridiculous it is, sticking side by side and defending each other, loving each other even if you disagree with them, and standing firm in what you believe to be right... Well, then yes. Maybe we are. 
Well, since someone of the other 'party' have called us a cult (they get such bad raps around here!!), we've kind of run with it... They say it out of hate, We make a freakin' joke out of it.  It's actually quite funny to us...more like an ever-expanding game. We've decided that as ridiculous as calling us a cult sounds, we'll come up with even more ridiculous crap to add to the story. <We're what you call 'Good Sports.'> Since we have family in other towns, we've come up with "Chapters". We have a Southaven Chapter, a Durant Chapter, and a Jackson Chapter! Stay tuned for a Chapter near you!! :)  <lol>  Our leader (we say) is in the Durant Chapter...the eldest of all the McCrorys. He is sure to kick butt and take names if anyone comes close to messing with any of the members.
So we're always looking for new places to have 'cult meetings'...so far we've got ball fields, restaurants, family rooms, parks, and churches down pat.  We'll take any suggestions or recommendations!! lol
I know it sounds a bit ridiculous, but it's fun way to make light of the situation.... and thank goodness the McCrorys (and God!) have a since of humor!
Since the divorce and the last custody hearing, my brother-in-law has remarried and life is somewhat settled down. ( ... at least until a member of the other 'party' reads this) He does have custody of both of his kids, always has and always will (which is no surprise) and they love their step mom to pieces. Life is good.
I can say this about my family. That's exactly what they are. Family. Through and Through, Good and Bad, Love or Hate. We're Family. Funny, Happy, Depressed, Hopeful, Joyful, Sad,  You name it, We've all been there....and we wouldn't have it any other way. 

This is only about a third of the Southaven Chapter on my brother-in-law's wedding day of 2010...all in our Sunday best!  ... Not quite the cult you pictured, huh? Especially the lady in the blue? :) Those kids are the world to everyone! There will certainly be future posts about them....they are a handful!! :)

McCrory Cult Member #1

Okay, so it's about time for me to post about my McCrory family. I'll start off with the most 'normal' of us, to kind of ease in to it. 
My father-in-law, Bill or BB,  is a very wonderful man, and I sincerely mean that. He is absolutely the cornerstone of the McCrorys. Without BB, I firmly believe that the entire Southaven Chapter of the family would fall apart.  (I'll explain the 'chapters' in another post....that's where it gets interesting)  BB can fix anything that's broken, make a joke out of any wrong words, make delicious homemade dinners, can get anyone a deal on a car from any dealer in the tri state area, he can light a fire under any of us when need be (which is quite often between all of us), he can resolve any family argument.... I could literally go on for hours, but you get the picture.  He is very generous and helps anyone he can (like all of the original McCrorys), IF they don't piss him off first. lol Once you piss a McCrory off,it is hard to get back on their good side.
BB had a rough year last year. He was hospitalized a couple of times due to his gallbladder, and his heart. He had a pacemaker put in earlier this year, and I'll tell you what. He is hard to keep up with, even for me!! And I'm  36years younger than he is!! Someone asked how he felt since the pacemaker and he said (and I quote him) "Instead of feeling like 62, I feel like two 31 year olds!" He is very funny...most of the time. 
BB is the extreme opposite of MeMe (my mother-in-law) and the perfect match for her. There is no other place I feel more welcomed than at their house. I am very, very blessed to have such a great Father-in-Law.  And I'm not sucking up to him, f.y.i. He doesn't have a 'Blog' and probably doesn't know how to even look at mine! (Isn't it strange how some people say you're sucking up to someone when you are trying to genuinely say something nice and whole heartily mean it?)
The reason I bring him up is because he is helping Mikey build an arbor over the back patio. It's almost done and it is fantastic!! There is no way in God's green Earth that Mikey could've done it without him. Trust me. 
I've got a million stories to tell about him... this is just the most recent :)
Now...let me tell you this before I go any further. 
{When Mikey and I started dating, he bought a hammock, the kind with the metal frame you buy at Lowe's. Well, he had barely put the dang thing together and jumped in it and told me to join him. I was soooo scared to get in that thing only because I knew who had put it together. Well, I wish I would've listened to my instinct, because as soon as I laid down with him, the whole thing collapsed and I got nailed in the nose with the metal piece the hammock actually hooked to. That was about 270 pounds nailing me square in the nose. I mean it hurt. It hurt bad. I immediately start crying and hold my face, thinking my nose was going to fall off. Mikey can barely stand up from laughing so hard. He can't even get out "Are you okay." Talk about pissing me off. That did it. He laughed for about half an hour. Nonstop. He is very insensitive. Very. I remember it like it was yesterday. He told everyone and their mommas.... Like he does with everything. Bringing it up only makes him laugh, still to this day, and me cringe at the thought of the pain. Well, he called Lowe's and took the broken one back and got another one... Lucky me.} 
BB has been over about 3 times a week for the past week or two trying to get this arbor built.  Last night he was over and took a very short break from the arbor and sat down on the hammock. Well, the hammock, YES the hammock Mikey put together about 5 years ago,  collapsed and he fell straight to the ground....in slow motion. lol I was laughing, and asked if he was okay. He, who was also laughing, said"yea, but I don't know why you're laughing, you've done it too!!" lol  Thankfully, he didn't get nailed in the nose! lol
That's how fabulous he is. He can laugh off anything and still make you feel stupid!! lol 
This is BB and MeMe from February of this year. I love them both.