Family Collage

Family Collage
Lots of Love in this Bunch!
*The compositions herein are not to be copied, reproduced, printed, published, posted, displayed, incorporated, stored in or scanned into a retrieval system or database, transmitted, broadcast, bartered or sold, in whole or in part without the prior express written permissions of the sole author Tory Minus. Unauthorized duplication is strictly prohibited and is an infringement of National and International Copyright Laws.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Rocket City Adventure!

Hi, friends! Just popping in to share some photos from my birthday weekend in Madison, AL. Hope you enjoy!

Just five miles east of our hotel, there was plenty to do at the U. S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. Truly an amazing attraction!

Spent the majority of Friday evening shopping in The Bridge Street Town Centre - Home | Bridge Street Town Centre. This was such a nice place to visit, not only for couples enjoying a date-night, but also for families with young children. Even pop-sensation, Usher, owns a townhouse in this luxurious shopping district. You, too, can own one, but it's going to cost you somewhere around $500,000.00. WHEW!!!

After purchasing a few surprises for the kiddos, we settled inside for dinner and a movie at Monaco Pictures. It was really fun trying sushi for the first time!

The carousel near the lake was absolutely beautiful!

Talk about Southern charm, the Anderson Brothers Hardware store is virtually unchanged since its opening in 1879. Nostalgic hardware, gifts and local crafts are sold here in Alabama's oldest hardware store.The store's interior retains much of its original furnishings, such as rolling ladders to reach tall shelves, and a pot-bellied stove that still warms the building in winter and a hand-operated rope elevator.

Me standing near the checkout counter purchasing a few "happies" for the exhausted babysitters back home.

Upon arrival at home, I noticed these beautiful Mums on our doorsteps given by my thoughtful nieces, nephews, and siblings.

Once inside, Carlie and Conner helped me tear into the beautifully wrapped presents.


This lovely charm bracelet was a gift from Catie, Carlie, Conner, and Courtney!

Given that we share the same birthday, a special lady from our church, Mrs. Naomi Black, and I always exchange presents on our special day. As always, she knew exactly what I'd like: a book, of course, In The Eye Of The Storm written by Max Lucado.


There was no better way to end a fabulous weekend than enjoying delicious cupcakes made by our sweet Carlie Elaine! Yum, Yum!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Birthday #33...Ready Or Not, Here I Come!


Bags packed. Check. Babysitters (a.k.a. parents & in-laws) mentally prepared - (Is this possible?) Check. Reservations confirmed. Check!!!

Yes indeed, I'm one excited lady today! The reason? In less than twenty-four hours, Trae and I will be en route to our weekend getaway (Sunday is my 33rd birthday) where we plan to rest and relax, do a little sightseeing, and enjoy a dinner & a movie Friday night!

So please check back early next week to see how I celebrated this special day.

Have a great weekend, everyone! Tory

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Spontaneity At It's Best!

Well my friends, after years of travelling to the white sandy beaches of Gulf Shores, AL with an entourage of family and friends by my side, helping me with troublesome umbrella strollers, countless suitcases, bulging diaper bags, etc..., I was brave enough to "go it alone" this past weekend and drive my children to the beautiful "oil-free" coastline for a few days of fun in the sun.


This wasn't a planned vacation for me and the kiddos. You see, just before dawn broke on Sunday morning, I stirred from a peaceful night's rest to the sound of my husband getting ready in the master bath nearby. After being out of commission from work for three days due to a vicious stomach virus, Trae was anxious to return to his hay bailing responsibilities in Sumter County. Apparently, two-hundred bails worth of hay on the ground was plenty incentive to get Trae showered, dressed, and out the front door within a matter of minutes.

So, with the house completely silent, I flipped on the table lamp in our bedroom and began to ponder how the kids and I would spend the remainder of our holiday weekend in Millry. There was plenty for me to do at home: laundry (ew!), finish painting the trim work in our upstairs hallway (double ew!), or I could remove the wilted summer plants from our flower beds (ew, ew, ew!). Hmmm... Each chore seemed extremely productive but also sounded exactly as A DREADFUL CHORE!!!! And then I asked myself, "Isn't Labor Day intended to be a day of rest and relaxation, surrounded by those you love immensely (or completely alone if you enjoy solidarity)?" The wheels began to turn inside my head, contemplating the perfect day of relaxation for our family.

A few hours later, after Catie and Conner arrived home from a sleepover at their cousin's, the first words that rolled from Catie's lips, "Um, Mom? Can we please spend the night at the beach?" As you can see in the images below, it didn't take much for Catie to convince me to pack our bags, throw some snacks and drinks in a cooler, and make last-minute reservations for our over-night stay in Gulf Shores. And I must admit, being spontaneous with these youngsters felt absolutely INCREDIBLE!








I hope you enjoyed a wonderful Labor Day weekend, too! Tory