The Posey Family

New Hobbies

2010-01-17T15:18:00.000-08:00

I almost feel like a regular ole Suzy Homemaker! I have been wanting a sewing machine for a while now, and Jake bought me one for Christmas. So here is the finished product of my first sewing project, an apron. I still need a lot more practice! =0)

Another thing I have ALWAYS wanted to do was learn to crochet. I made these scarfs and was pretty surprised with myself. They are not the best but I am satisfied with them.

Now I am on a hunt for another easy sewing project. Any ideas or suggestions?

I'm Baaaaack

2009-12-19T06:02:00.000-08:00

I thought I would rejoin the blogging world after being gone for almost 2 months. My f key and a few others won't work so I am getting use to using the on-screen keyboard....so if there is mistakes, please forgive me! =) I am trying to get use to using the left shift key bc the right one doesn't work either.

Where do I begin? So much has happened since the last time I posted. So the easiest for me will be to do it bullet style.

We did two rounds of clomid that resulted in BFNs! I didn't like how the meds made me feel (headaches everyday, wanting to bite every ones head off, pissy moods, crying moods, and weight gain), so I decided not to take it anymore. Trying to just leave it in God's hands.

I recently found out that stress makes endometriosis spread and grow more quickly, so I am trying to be less stressed..yeah, right! If you know me, I stress a lot...so if you have any pointers let me know! ha

The dog trade didn't happen.

Jake and I have went out of town several times just to get away and watch movies in Fort Smith. We usually rent a hotel room, go walk around the mall, then go watch a movie. I absolutely love these trips with my hubby! Plus we get to go to Starbucks at least twice, which is an added bonus. ;)

Santa came a little early and I got one of the things I wanted. Jake continued to insist that I would want to open 'this' present, so I finally did. {He knew I would want to take pictures of the kiddos and their Christmas party} What a sweety....aaaahhhh! Really wanted the purple one of, but they only had black and silver when he got it! I love it anyways.
Finally got all the kitchen cabinets painted and the doors put back and took pictures for the before and after.

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

Well, that's about all I can think of at the moment. I do have one more story, but I thought I would save it for another post.

Look what I won...

2009-10-28T17:01:00.000-07:00

...a giveaway from Lisa at Quilting Girl! I am finally getting around to posting the pictures. She made me these two cord covers. They are so cool ;)

(I have been wanting to move my makeup mirror to the other side of my sink, but thought the the cord looked horrible. Problem fixed!!!! The cord cover matches the counter and paint and I think it looks tons better. =)

They are so cute and match perfectly! I love them, thanks so much Lisa.

Faith and a whole lot more!

2009-10-12T16:00:00.000-07:00

I found this cute note pad at Hobby Lobby a couple of weekends ago, and thought I just had to have it. I read it at least 3 times a day! Just keep Faith, I repeat this daily. Helps me to get through the hard times! "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" Hebrews 11:1

Now on to some ramblings!
I have a few weeks worth of posts stuck in my head!
First off, I was so depressed to see this picture...!
I so want to be that skinny again and I LOVE my hair in this picture!!!

Second, me heart melts when I look at this picture...Uncle Jake REALLY has fallen in love with Baby Jackson.
FYI...one reason I am MIA is because we have spent the last 3 weekends in Ashdown while Jake helps his sister and BIL put on a new roof. Hopefully, this will be the last weekend. It would be a little easier if he was getting paid to do it. (I won't even go there!!!!!!)
I love these pics...

____________________________________________________________________
One more thing...we are doing a swap! We are dog swapping (Athena, a dog we have had for about 4 years) for my SIL's chocolate lab. We just feel that Leela (the lab) will make a better fit for our family. Bo and Josie will LOVE her, but we are so afraid that if we take Athena away Bo will get depressed. She practically raised him from a pup! So wish us luck and that it all works out good. It's a long story of why we have decided this (maybe later) but I just hope we are making the right decision!

My Baby is 1 year old!!!

2009-10-01T15:31:00.001-07:00

I have sooooo been slacking on posting (AGAIN). I always think about things to blog about and never get around to doing it. In my head they are funny, interesting...ect., but when I sit down to type ....it's just not there. Well, my baby Josie Posey turned 1 year old on Sept. 20th, and I didn't even dedicate a post for her! =( Yes, we are those people that call our dogs our "babies", and when we talk to them I am mommy and Jake is daddy!

Getting her daily bath!

Funny story about this picture...notice the towel she is using as a pillow? Well, that is the towel I had grabbed to use as our "wiping" towel. Yes, we wiped her feet and behind after she came back in from outside! Anyways, that towel was folded up behind the door against the wall. She moved it where it is and used it as a pillow! Smart dog. ;)

Given her bubba kisses. (This is one of the most loving dogs I have ever known!)

Big girl now!

BTW...when we rescued her we were told she was a pit. Obviously you can tell she is not full blood pit, her mom was a pit. But who knows what the dad is, we think she might be part heeler. She has the spots and the smarts of a blue heeler. (You can only see the spots on her skin when she is wet) So she is our little mystery dog! =)

Handbag Heaven

2009-09-30T15:04:00.000-07:00

I sooooo want to win! I love purses. Go check out the giveaway at Fantabulous Frugal to enter too!

Well it is about time!

2009-09-21T16:11:00.000-07:00

I think in my last post I said something about a classroom project and kitchen photos. I am sorry to say we are not quite done with the kitchen (still have some small details we are contemplating)...but I do have some before and after photos of my classroom project! YAY!

Before.....Kristy and Holli do you remember this?

After... with a new coat of paint. It is my new art center! (and if you read Susan's blog you will notice it is the same color as her room!) I had bought the paint before I even started teaching (about 6 years ago) on clearance for a dollar and now I am putting it to some good use. =)

28 years ago on...

2009-09-10T22:05:00.001-07:00

9-11-1981

My mother had me in tears when she posted these on facebook! I just wanted to share.

My Labor Day...

2009-09-08T16:20:00.001-07:00

...was completely labor free! On Saturday I did a little cleaning and started a painting project for my classroom. (Just the necessary dishes and some laundry) Sunday I slept most of the day. I woke up once and Jake had cleaned, so I vacuumed and dusted and then went back to bed to lay down. On Monday I did ABSOLUTELY nothing but sit my butt right here on the couch, while the hubs FINALLY put our cabinet doors back on, mowed and finished up my classroom project. This is sooo not like me, I don't know what got into me?!? I did make small meals and kept him fed. It sure did made it rough going back today after having a very lazy 3 day weekend.

Coming up...picture of the kitchen (can you say FINALLY) and pictures of my classroom before and after project!

Back to school!

2009-09-03T15:58:00.000-07:00

I want to start off by saying how sorry am for being a bad blogger, and that I hope I haven't lost any followers. I am still debating weather or not to even keep this blog! BUT, in my defense, this is what my classroom looked like 10 days before school started. I didn't even get to officially move anything in until 2 days before school started!!! Talk about stress. Thanks to my wonderful husband I was able to get it done!

Beginning to look like a kindergarten classroom! Still a work in progress.

Now for the best part.....new furniture!! =)

I love how colorful the room is now! This is my favorite part of the room! My purple and yellow teacher table. Jake bought me the purple chair for an "early" birthday present, and it matches PERFECTLY!

a little BEFORE and AFTER:

**Another thing I wanted to let you know,I have been trying to read most of your blogs, but I have been very BAD at leaving comments. Actually, to be honest I haven't left any at all. Sorry =( Maybe when I get out of this FUNK, I can get back to normal.)I had a cyst on my right ovary rupture on Thursday, the pain and bleeding are finally gone, but I am still trying to get over "it"! (emotionally and physically) I just keep praying that God will give me peace and patience, because I know it will happen in HIS time.

THANK GOD TOMORROW IS FRIDAY!!!!!!!

You're FIRED!!!

2009-08-12T14:08:00.000-07:00

Yes, you heard me! I am firing my painter. Why? Because, what should have only been maybe a week long project has turned into a 2 week project. (Project: Painting Cabinets in the kitchen).

Note to my painter:
Reasons for termination.

1. Well, like I mentioned.....it has been 2 LONG WEEKS.

2. You were stupid enough to think the lid was on the gallon of paint when you decided to shake it and WALLA paint ALL over the floor and my leg...ooppps, I mean YOUR leg! **

3. It's been 2 WEEKS...I soooo want doors on my cabinets. =(

Well, I guess I can't fire you because I need someone to finish the job!!!!

On the plus side...I finally finished the doors to the cabinet. YAY! So now I have to get them ready for the hubby to hang them. I will post some pictures as soon as we get done!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*and no I didn't get a picture....I couldn't move due to the fact that I had paint ALL over my legs! So I just had to stand there while I waited for the hubs to come back in the house! He just doesn't understand this whole blogging thing so I was a little hesitant to get my camera to capture this most embarrassing moment! but if I would have, I imagine it would have looked a little like this....

Minus the t.v. and kids..it was a stove and refrigerator. And in my defense it was only up to my knees on one leg and the other foot!!!

Overload of Feelings

2009-07-27T05:31:00.000-07:00

I want to start this post by saying thank you to all of you that prayed for us. I received a lot of sweet comments on my last post about our struggle to have a baby, and it made me feel extremely blessed that I have special blog friends like you!

(I had a whole paragraph explaining our day, but it ended up being more of a page to just get to my point....so I will try to summarize)

Friday:

We end up arguing on our way to Fort Smith, so it was a LONG trip. We ended up not talking to each other for about an hour of the trip. So I just prayed the whole way to the doctor's office. We end up feeling better after the test was over, and started to talk a little more. ha

They had told us that it would take them about an hour to get the results to my doctor. I called the doctor's office a couple of hours later hoping to as least talk to the nurse and ended up just leaving a message. It was about 7:00 at night when my phone rang, it was the doctor!!!! He had called to tell me that Jake is fertile and his count looked fine! Not the highest, but ok and to keep trying. PRAISE the LORD! As soon as I hung up the phone I started crying. Tears of Joy.

I just have so many feelings right now, but the main one is happiness! Knowing that nothing is wrong with us medically helps me to be at peace a little easier. That night in bed I kept thanking God that nothing was wrong and that I understand that it will be in HIS time. I just need to keep that in mind each month if I see a negative. So many things happened Friday that seemed like coincidences, but it was God trying to show us he is listening and in charge.

Help!

2009-07-23T07:59:00.001-07:00

As you can tell I am trying to change my header. I can't get it to fit in the box. It is always to the left, and I have no idea how to re-size it. Any input or help would be appreciated.

I am off to go spend the day with my parents and my sweet little niece! =) I am in desperate need of family time!!
Hope you all have a great day.

MIA!

2009-07-21T16:43:00.000-07:00

It has been soooo long since my last post....26 days to be exact! I just haven't been in the mood to share my thoughts or feelings. I have had my share of ups and downs, and lately I have let the downs completely control my moods. I have come to realize I need all the comfort and support from friends and family that I can get. So I have a lot of catching up to do.
First off, I got my blood work back and the doc said everything looks good on my end. My hormones are fine and I am ovulating, so that is not the problem. Now Jake has the stress on his shoulders, so this has been a very difficult thing for us both. I just don't want this to be a blame game. (It's your fault, or it is my fault.) I just wish he understood that part.

Well, anyways I have realized I need to focus on the positive things in my life. Instead of stressing over not being able to get pregnant, I should enjoy the time I have with my husband. He is wonderful and tries so hard to make me happy. I should be happy with that....right?

We went fishing Sunday and had a WONDERFUL time! We always have a good time, but this trip was extra special because I caught the biggest fish!! YAY!

Here is a picture of a rainbow on our way there. I have never seen the end of a rainbow until today. (I really wish I could have got a picture of it.)

This picture is of my FIL. I thought it was pretty funny bc his shirt said "Fish fear me and women love me".

Here is our caught of the day. We threw back a LOT of fish, so these were our "keepers".

Please excuse how horrible I look, it was hot and then we got rained on!

It was just ONE of those days that you think back on and smile. We had great converstion time and great fishing. And a few suprises all throughout the day. =) Deer, ducks, gar and HUGE catfish. I love nature and being outdoors.

2009-06-25T10:16:00.000-07:00

What?!?!

2009-06-25T07:25:00.000-07:00

So here was our conversation from yesterday:

Him: Did you know that it is healthier NOT to make your bed?

Me: What? Really?

Him: Yeah, they say bed mites survive in warmth so when you make your bed you cover them up and they live under the covers. So when you leave it unmade they won't live.

Me: Gross! So I guess this means I don't have to make the bed anymore?

He always comes home with FYI things he hears on the radio and Paul Harvey! I usually google them, just bc that's how I am. =)
I guess I won't question this one!

Happy Hump Day!

2009-06-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

I am finally feeling better. Yay! That time of month always gets me down. Emotionally and Physically. Yesterday my SIL and I started the grapefruit diet, so I am feeling pretty good today. I have started a workout/diet journal to hold myself accountable! I am going to get in shape...I just have to force myself to start. In college, I did TaeBo and was in the best shape I have ever been in. So I know I can do it, I just have a problem getting motivated. So hopefully by the time school starts I will be able to wear some of my "skinnier" clothes. Wish me luck! =)

Today is also the day we get satellite! I finally broke down and ordered it. Plus, I am getting DVR, yeah I know I am a little behind. I am soooo excited because our old box went out MONTHS ago. We are getting tired of picking out of our movie selection.

Giveaway!

2009-06-22T16:58:00.000-07:00

Lisa at Quilting Girl is having a giveaway to celebrate her 25th post. It's for a Blissful Head Massager, and I want to win it! =) Check out her blog.

The last one!

2009-06-18T06:25:00.001-07:00

June 10th

I got these pictures for my dad. Big Nascar fan. June 11th

Our last day in Daytona. The first sunrise I woke up early enough to see!

This guy was pasted out on the beach. He was there for a long time. The tractor that rakes the sand in the morning didn't even wake this guy, it just drove around him. I guess he had a pretty rough night!

These dolphins were amazing.

June 12th

We went to adventure landing (arcade/waterpark/go carts) and played some arcade games. The funniest part is when we played co-op guitar hero and got booed off! It was embarrassing bc we had kids standing around watching us, probably thinking "why these old people, that suck, playing this game?"

June 13th

No pictures bc we just hung out at the hotel and rested!

I didn't get a picture of the pool, so I borrowed one off their website. =)

June 14th

The flight home!

Well that was our vacation! Thinking back now it seems like all we did was eat. It was worth the extra exercise I am going to have to do now! =)

Vacation Part 2

2009-06-17T06:47:00.001-07:00

June 9th

Happy Anniversary Day!!!

We started our day with a little self photography.

Then we headed down to the Ponce de Leon Inlet to the Marine Science Center. Where we saw a skeleton of a bottle nose dolphin.

This grouchy looking guy!

This cool looking crab. A blow fish.

A small white flounder. I kissed a sailor! lol
Then we saw the sea turtle rehabilitation. Huge turtles!!! I posed inside a shell. Saw two bald eagles! (and a bunch of owls) This is the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse. The tallest lighthouse in Florida.

Yep, we climbed all 203 steps to get to the top. I saw older men that were a ~~little~~ lot heftier than me going to the top, so I thought no problem. Yeah right, I was huffing and puffing half way up! Boy, did my legs kill me for the next couple of days. Then we went back to the hotel and got to watch some dolphins playing.

Vacation Part 1 (Warning~ Picture Overload;)

2009-06-15T11:24:00.001-07:00

We're back....I thought it would be neat to post about our vacay in parts. Mainly, because I have tons of pictures to share, but it will also give me things to post all week!

June 6th

We got to Jacksonville around 12:00 on Saturday. That night we went to one of his friend's house to have a cookout. Last year we did the same thing, and they tried over and over to get me to try an oyster. NO WAY! But somehow they did, and let me tell you......YUMMY! I am hooked now. So I was excited to go back over there this time. Let me just tell you that I ate my weight in oysters, well maybe not THAT much!

I guess eating oyster make you act silly! lol

June 7th

Sunday we slept in and got around and went to an island Jake use to play on as a kid.

Is is called Dutton Island. Named after the owner. I found this neat bc I know a Dutton.

Then went to Hanna Park. (This is where we got married.)
Jake playing around doing his karate kid "Crane" imitation! lol

He found all of these shark's teeth. We had just got to the beach and he was telling me how to look for them and he bends over (no joke) pulls back some sand and there is a tooth. It is the biggest one in the picture. It was like a dog sniffing out a bone! I could not believe it. Lucky dog, because I didn't find any. =(

"Look what I found!!"

That night it was a full moon. Beautiful!

June 8th

We get packed to head down to Daytona. On the way we stopped at a Target in Ponte Vedra(VERY nice neighborhood in Jacksonville), then head down to St. Augustine. I promise there is a point to my story. St. Augustine is about 30-45 mins, depending on traffic, from Ponte Vedra. We decide to stop at a gas station to get drinks, this is when Jake noticed he didn't have his wallet. We searched the inside of the car up and down. As he was looking in the trunk my phone rings and it is a lady at our hometown bank. She asked if we were in Florida, which I answer yes. At this point I think she is calling to ask what are all these outrages charges are or that we went over our limit.....the list goes on. Well, she explains to me that some lady called and said she found Jake's wallet. WHAT? I am about in tears now. Thank God!! We drove 45 mins back to Ponte Vedra to get it. Thanking god the whole way! The lady was so nice, she wouldn't even take any money from us for returning the wallet. What a God send. We didn't let it ruin our moods, because we knew we were blessed!

So on our way BACK down to Daytona we stopped at a beautiful part of the coast to get some pictures. Both of these were done with a self-timer, not bad. =)

We stopped and took pictures of a this castle. lol...I know, I am a dork!!!

The view from our room at the Acapulco hotel and resort.
That night we went and ate here.....
Yep, I ate fried shrimp, coconut shrimp, boiled shrimp, and some shrimp that was long. You get the point. =) I would have to say it is the best shrimp I have had. But that is comparing it to our seafood restaurants. Doesn't compare to anything around here! I only thought Red Lobster was my ALL time favorite.

Bunco Fun!

2009-06-04T04:49:00.000-07:00

Some of our bunco group went to a regional bunco Monday night! A luau themed bunco, we all had a blast. Sorry Holli and Susan it took so long to post the pictures!

I love this picture!

I wasn't going to post this one, because I look horrible, but everyone else looks great! (Yes, my eyes are open...barely!) This is some of our hometown group. (I had to sneak a couple in of Susan and our driver on the way there!)

I have one more workshop today! YAY! Then it is busy, busy work packing and getting ready for Saturday. We are actually leaving tomorrow night. We have an early flight so we are staying in Fort Smith tomorrow night. =)

I have seriously been contemplating whether I should talk about this on the blog or not. But, I am super excited. Not only is it our vacation but it is "suppose" to be the week I ovulate. Actually, (if I did my calculations right) it will be on our anniversary. Double Yay!!! I would really appreciate any prayers that this is my time. This month will be my 12th cycle TTC.

I also would appreciate prayers for a safe flight there and back. This is only my second time to fly and I am getting nervous. I cried on the very first plane because I was so nervous. (Yeah, that is what I do...I'm a crier. When I am nervous, mad, scared, stressed, and sad of course.)

Update on my friend. I heard she was doing better. The power of prayer is awesome. Thank you all!

Happy almost Friday to you!

T-BALL AND MORE PRAYERS NEEDED

2009-05-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

I love summer for many reasons.
1st- Summer Break (enough said!)
2nd- Vacations
3rd-Softball (I didn't realize how much I love watching softball until last night) It was so cute to see all those little guys running around. PRECIOUS. I always loved to watch my sister play, but that has been years ago. I can't wait to have a child (or children) so I can enjoy watching them play!

I tried to upload from photobucket but they were so large it cut off half the pictures!

Prayer Request Update:

The first update I got about her said, "She is very badly burnt, she has 1/3 of her skin and has major back bones broken...she is in the burn center in Little Rock." The second update said, "I keep hearing things are not good that she may not make it because of her spinal injuries."
She is in desperate need of all of our prayers.

I'm off to go plant my cannas and some flowers. Oh, I forgot to add that to the list of why I love summer.

4th- I actually get to work in my flower beds! (I have been so wore out after school this year, I haven't done a thing besides pull weeds.) Yay!

Happy Friday. =)

Urgent Pray Request

2009-05-28T05:30:00.000-07:00

It's amazing what I found out on myspace!!! An old friend of mine that I went to school with was in a really bad car wreck Friday night. I am trying to find out more about it. Like I said, I found out what happens in this small town through Myspace. Crazy! Well, it sounds like it was a extremely bad wreck and they think she might not make it. So I am turning to you guys for prayers. I will updated as soon as I found out some details. Until then, please pray for my friend, Holly.
Thanks!

Happy Almost Friday =)

Better late than never!

2009-05-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

My sister graduated last Friday night from SAU. Wow, what a long drive to Magnolia, but it was well worth it. I am so proud of you, Lisa. I didn't get any good pictures of the ceremony because it was dark and I didn't have my good camera.

Lisa and I

(Boy do I look rough. I left right after school ended and didn't have time to freshen up!)
Mom and Dad
My sweetie pie, Kenzie, with her Daddy.

I was just about to go get ready for a BBQ at the in-laws when I remembered I never posted about the graduation, so the title fits. =)

We ended up eating out last night and just grabbing a movie and coming home. Yeah, I know exciting. But by the time we got to town it was already 7:00 and I guess we are just getting old, because we didn't want to wait for the 9:00 show! lol We watch Benjamen Button. Has anyone else seen this movie? Wow, I just don't know what to think about it.

Road Rage!!!

2009-05-15T14:51:00.000-07:00

OK, seriously people.....wait before I start my rant. If you are a "tailgater" you may or will be offended by this post.

OK, so I am enjoying my peaceful drive home, soaking up the sun, got the radio full blast! Wonderful....until I look in my rear view mirror. Come on lady get off my butt! I am so serious, this is one of my BIGGEST pet peeves. Didn't you learn anything in driver's ed? Or did your parents ever mention that you don't need to drive so close to someone? My gosh, I am already going 7 miles OVER the speed limit, how fast do you actually have to drive? If I didn't love my car some much you would be eating my bumper, you young punk! The thought actually crossed my mind to slam on my brakes. I know breathe deeply and exhale...stress kills the body!

Enough of that! I got a call from my hubby saying he wanted to go out since he was feeling better. =) Yeah, but the only problem is....we only have one movie theatre, which by the way only has 2 screens. So the choices are Hannah Montana (NO thanks!) or Angels and Demons (not sure about that one.) So I think I might just talk him into some bowling. Might as well work off the calories I am about to eat. Or the third option is to say home and pull weeds out of the flower beds, let me think.....nah! I think dinner and a movie sound a lot better or even better bowling. So my vote is bowling! Wow, after playing volleyball for about an hour and a half in a HOT gym today and bowling I might just burn some much needed calories. Which I should have started months ago, since I will be on the beach in just a 22 days. And I am so not ready to see myself in a swimsuit!

Happy Friday to you all!

I REALLY want to win.....

2009-05-10T17:41:00.000-07:00

....this swimsuit!

If you go to this blog you can enter to win, too! Frugual Mommy of 2 Girls always has awesome giveways. =)

Check this out!

2009-05-07T16:50:00.000-07:00

There is this AWESOME blog The Young and The Precious and you just have to go check it out! Jill is hilarious and has the most precious little girl! She is having a 100th post giveaway. =)

One Month!

2009-05-06T17:25:00.000-07:00

Wow! Only one month until I will be here and doing this...

And waking up to this....

Thinking back it seemed like it would take forever, but now it is so close to being here I can hardly believe it!

Does anyone else have any special plans for the summer?

It is Teacher Appreciation Week.

I got a nice surprise this week, sure is nice to have someone tell you how much they really do appreciate you. =)

Happy Hump Day!

Introducing...

2009-05-04T17:45:00.000-07:00

Jackson Lee Hamby born 4/30/09, 8 lbs 10 oz. by emergency c-section. Mommy and baby are doing fine. He is the cutest little thing. BLACK hair to boot! I was giving Jamaica (SIL) a hard time bc neither her or her husband have black hair. Jake's mother did make the comment that his hair matched mine, after I joked about sneaking him out. ha...ha...

Just so big bother Alex wouldn't feel left out, I attempted a picture of just us. What is it with 5 years old and having their picture taken? He was pretty amped up on a blue 24 oz slushy! The last picture kinda proves it. He was going 90 to nothing. He rode with us to the hospital in Texarkana, and boy did he talk our ears off!

All you can see is a blur! No sugar for that boy when he stays with us!!!! lol

Happy Monday to all! (if there is such a thing?)

New Nephew!

2009-05-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

We are once again proud Aunt and Uncle to a beautiful baby boy! Jake's sister had Jackson last night. I get to go see tomorrow, so I will be sure to get pictures to post. =)

Little background: Jake has 4 sisters (yes, he was the only boy out of 5!!!) I have 1 sister. So how many nieces and nephews?? We have 4 nieces and 5 nephews! Wow, I actually had to make a list, just to count.

Hopefully, what I am feeling now is not a cold! Because, I really want to be cuddling that sweet little boy tomorrow. Thank goodness my sweetie offered to cook dinner since I wasn't feeling well! I know....aaawwww. lol =)

Happy Friday Everyone! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Laughter is the best medicine!

2009-04-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

I just had to share this little conversation with you, because I got a pretty good laugh from it. =)

**Student's name has been changed for the protection of the child**

Me (during nap time): "Who ever is making that noise needs to stop!" (I knew who it was, but this is my nice way of saying, this is your warning!)

Me (about 2 minutes later): "Okay, Bob I told you to stop with the noise making others are trying to rest, so go pull a color."

He gets up and walks over to change his color.

Me: "Bob, what's up? You haven't had a color change in a long time. Plus, you were my character kid today."

Bob: "My pill is wearing off."

Me: (giggling) "Okay, well then lay down and try to rest."

I had to leave the room because after I started giggling it turned to pure laughter. So I had to share my story with the other teacher. =)

It's never to late for the Easter Bunny!

2009-04-26T18:29:00.001-07:00

We had a great day with my family. It was our "late" Easter day together. It got delayed because of the tornado. So we finally got to have it today, and what a great day to have it. Beautiful weather! It sure helped to get me in a better mood. But there is nothing better than the beautiful laugh of a 3 year old, to do the trick. I tried to capture the day in pictures...isn't that what all bloggers do? I thought I would make up for the last post I made. So be prepared there is a lot of photos to follow.....

First, Kenzie hunted her Easter Basket from the Easter Bunny aka...Granny & Pop and Jake & I. (Well, I guess it would be second, since we ate first....but no pictures of that. =)

Time to bounce on the frog from us, I mean the Easter Bunny.
Finally, stop so aunt Kimmie could take a picture. =) She usually sticks her tongue out every time I try to take one of her. Silly girl.

Now time for picture with Aunt Kim! After about 4 shots and a little bribing I got this one. Good enough for me.

I did talk her into "modeling" for me! By this point she had ditched her sandals and had on a pair of basketball house shoes. This girl is always making me laugh.

After hunting eggs, it was time to get a picture of the girls. (Of course, mom would not get in the picture.)

Take one...tongue is sticking out.

Take two...hand on mouth and me with a funny face! lol

Take three...may have a winner. Wait where is Lisa looking?

Then the boys practiced casting in a bucket! I guess only in AR??? Jake got pretty close to making it in. =)

After that the boys go fishing for real this time. Kenzie and I decide to go for a ride. Then we met them at the pond.

I could not resist putting this one on here. That face just made me laugh!! (I have no clue where the safety glasses came from!) She was out in the shop with Pop so I am guessing that is where she got them and she wore them for the rest of the day!
I did get the CUTEST picture of her with her daddy!!

After playing hide and seek it was time to go. I just had to include a pic of her face! DIRTY. What a great day!

STRESSFUL!

2009-04-25T07:41:00.000-07:00

That's right my whole week has been that way. I just blamed it on PMS and a few other things. I've always thought that I was able to handle stress pretty well, but this week has really changed my mind about that idea. Yeah, right!!

I don't know what is going on. I just feeling horrible, on the verge of crying! Really? Yes, that bad. So this morning I slept in and thought I would play around on blogger before I start cleaning house. I start off making a ticker for our vacation. (WHAT? Only 1 month, 1 week and 5 days until we will be in Florida.) I see a little hope...but then that gets me in the mood to update my blog layout. BAD idea. Everything is going wrong, and then my NEW computer starts to act funny. I can just feel my blood pressure rising. So I am giving up, it is going to have to stay that way until I can handle the stress a little better. I can't figure out anything. Plus, I have not lost a single pound and I can not fit into any of my summer clothes. Just one more thing pushing me closer to depression!

I get to go spend the day with my family tomorrow. Hopefully, this will help my mood. A little mommy time, yes I am a BIG mommas girl. Plus, I get to spend the day with my favorite little niece. She always seems to make me laugh.

I keep trying to look on the brighter side, like how Jake cleaned the kitchen the other night when I feel asleep before he even got home. So I don't have much to do in there. But the laundry on the other hand....it never seems to get put away!

Well, if you have made it this far. Thanks for listening (actually reading) to me rant and being extremely emotional!

It's been awhile!

2009-04-19T09:58:00.000-07:00

**Warning** Random things to follow, so I thought a list type of post would be appropriate!

1) I am still here! I think I mentioned in the last post we have had Jake's family staying with us. We had 6 people Friday and 7 people stay Saturday. Then just his brother and his fiance for the rest of the time. They finally left Friday. I feel bad saying that bc we love spending time with them but after a whole week (and one day) we were ready to get back to normal. Are we only?

2) I am procrastinating so bad, when I should be cleaning now. I just can't seem to get motivated! (Which has been the story for a while now!)

3) Well, I am excited to say that my BF found out she was having a girl last Friday. So I will actually get to make a Girly Diaper cake this time! I am beyond excited about this. I am also giving her a baby shower. I hope it ends up being easier than I am thinking....she lives 2 hours away so I am going to have to be extremely planned and organized! On the plus side I got all the plates, cups, napkins, banners, and table clothes already and got a DEAL! They are so cute!! Did I mention I got a deal. A local Dollar store is going out of business so everything was half off! The best part they don't look cheap. (well, at least I don't think so!)

I got $91.26 worth of stuff for $45.63!!! I got all the decorations plus some other things to put on the diaper cake. I also went a little crazy and bought a bunch of gift bags, tissue, ribbons and cards. I also got about 3 years worth of Easter stuff for my classroom.

FYI...in case you were wondering she doesn't read my blog or at least I don't think so. I really didn't think anybody would read so I haven't really told anyone about my blog!

4) On the school front. Our Grass men got mouths and haircuts. I got the cutest pictures of all of them holding up their cups. One little boy picked out the "girly" mouth and even puckered up when I took his picture. (Completely on his own, not my idea.) I laughed so hard I could hardly hold the camera. They were so excited to take them home. Thanks, Jill for the great idea! New project: Sweet beans and green beans. These were leftovers so I just put them in a cup. We planted the others in a planter that lets them see the roots grow.

It rained Friday when we were suppose to do our egg hunt! So some of the parents spread them out all over the gym floor. It took them longer to spread them out than it took the kids to pick them up! It was such a fun sight. We had almost 350 eggs!

Attention anyone: I wanted to do something really cute with my class for Mother's Day. Do you have any cute and EASY projects to share? I want their mother's to have something to treasure forever!

Someone got a haircut!

2009-04-13T18:41:00.000-07:00

Not me, though! This guy did....It had grown so much it would not stand up straight.

Look how much they grew over the weekend!

I also got a nice surprise today, a parent sent me some carnations for Easter. Wasn't that so sweet? So I just had to share! =)

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T14:39:00.000-07:00

It doesn't feel like Easter around here. Jake and I intended to go to church this morning then spend so time with family, but that didn't happen. I just couldn't get out of bed this morning. **kinda telling on myself** I slept until about 10:30 and on top of that, I just woke up from a 2 hour nap. So while everyone is gone I will try to get this post in and kinda explain the weekend we have had.

We have been over at my BIL's grandparent's trying to help them with their roof and clean up. I haven't been on the roof, but I spent all day Friday and Saturday cleaning up. I am sore from head to toe, right as I am typing I am sitting here with a heat pad on my back.

Side note**The reason they are my BIL's grandparents and not my husband's too, is because they are half brothers and it is his mother's side of the family. We just wanted to help out as much as possible. I haven't even drove around town, but just from what I have seen it is horrible, to say the least! I did make a block around their house and drove down main street.

This is their house and those are the pile of trash and tree limbs we gathered up. That was just in the front yard!

Then this nice guy on a bobcat came by and offered to help, so he scooped up the roof shingles and piled them up. I am just amazed at how many volunteers came out to help. The Red Cross vans came by at lunch and dinner offering hot meals. And on top of that it wasn't only red cross, but local churches that did the same. Wonderful people!

This was the house across the street.

We have had people staying with us since Friday, so this is the only time I have been alone. So I thought I would take advantage of it and blog. Jake's brother and is wife will be staying until their grandparent's house is fix, so no telling how long that will be. I will try to keep up with reading and commenting on your blogs, but I don't think I will be blogging much. Well, it's not like I blog everyday anyways! *giggle* =)

Happy Easter everyone. I have been thanking God all weekend for the safety of my family and today I am thanking him for his son, and thanking Jesus for the sacrifice he made for me.

Sad Day =(

2009-04-10T11:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a website that has some footage of the damage done by the tornado. One of the videos is an aerial view of its path.

http://www2.arkansasonline.com/videos/2009/apr/10/3522/

All of the websites and radio stations are all saying that 3 people were dead. But I heard that there is actually 9! (You know how it is....it might just be a rumor.) So hopefully it is just a rumor.

If you are in Mena or know someone that is and needs plywood, they are selling it at Hatfield Lumber for $8 and are donating some if people can't afford it. So Jake and I bought 20 sheets to donate to some of his half-brother's side of the family. We needed 30 so they gave us the other 10 sheets. I thought that was a wonderful thing for the company to be doing!

Prayers Needed!

2009-04-10T05:18:00.000-07:00

I know Holli and Kristy have already posted about this. But the people of Mena really need our prayers right now. The tornado did major damage and there are still people trapped. (As far as I know) I kinda feel left in the dark, I hate not knowing anything. I just know that my family is ok and there was only minor damage to their homes.
Please pray for the families that lost their loved ones and that they don't find any more fatalities.

Spring has sprung!

2009-04-08T18:14:00.000-07:00

I just LOVE spring. And if you have been reading my blog you know that I also LOVE flowers. Well, I thought I would share what I have been enjoying every day since about Sunday. My azalea bushes. You should have seen them when we bought the house....they were WAY taller than the windows. I ~~butchered~~ trimmed them and the last couple of years, they have just been gorgeous.

Here is the latest picture of our "grass" men. I think it is so cool to see how much they grow over night. The kids absolutely love it!!

(if you notice in the background, I can not turn down ANY art work from my students. So this is were it all gets displayed.)

See my little helper (to the right) trying to get in on the picture. She was all trying to pose while I was taking the picture. lol

It was a pretty good day. First, it was the last day of testing. Second, I got to pick the colors of my new classroom! I don't know why, but this was SOOO exciting for me. I even got to help pick out the tile flooring. =) And on top of ALL of that I got to spend the evening with my 3 favorite babies....my dogs. They love getting out of the fence and being able to play in the front yard.

So here is to the simple joys of life! =)

Class Project

2009-04-06T19:58:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Jill I have started a cute project with my class. We are making homemade Chi pets. We are calling them our grass men! I had planted mine on Tuesday night, and by Friday there was just a few little, short sprouts. So after reading Jill's blog about hers I thought I might need to add more seeds to make mine have a full head of "hair". So Friday I added more seeds and dirt. I just thought I would share what I discovered this morning when I got to work.

The grass had pushed up the new layer of dirt and seeds. I found this pretty funny!

Our "grass men" minus their mouths.

Well, I better get to bed. The next two days are going to busy and stressful. Testing!!

Good Night

I'm finally done!

2009-04-04T08:33:00.001-07:00

That's right I'm done and I have 2 and half hours until I need to be on my way to Ashdown for my SIL's baby shower and I just got done with it. Of course, I had to blog about it before I go hop in the shower and get ready. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. So I am sure it will not be the last one I make. If my friend Steph finds out she is having a girl I am going to kick myself in the behind, because I saw the most precious bows on sale for 50 cents the other day and they would have been perfect for a girly diaper cake.

Before I show you the finished diaper cake, I want to tell you how I got the theme for this one!

It starts with the very first one I made....

....I bought the same ribbon with the intentions of making it the same. So when I went to the store to buy the same wash clothes and teddy for the top they didn't have anymore. I was a little bummed so I just went to Wal-Mart and found this little guy......

Isn't he so cute? I loved the colors, so I thought I could color the dots on the ribbon to make it match! At this point I had ALL of the diapers tied up with the brown and blue ribbon like the other cake.

So I had to undo SEVERAL bows and knots and retie SEVERAL bows and knots to get this.....

My wonderful husband sat and colored every single dot on all the ribbon, expect for one bow! Of course, he had his price. Two new fishing rods....he would have gotten them anyways, but I guess that means I can't complain that they cost almost $50 each!!!! (I really don't have room to complain bc I got a new laptop!) So win-win for me. =)

Okay the finished product......

The front and back. (The picture doesn't do it any justice, it is so bright and cheerful looking)

I had a bow I made and didn't really have a spot for it so I just pinned it to a blanket I got little Jackson and so now I don't have to wrap it bc it matches the cake.

So what do you think?

Not in the mood!

2009-04-03T15:45:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to finish the diaper cake I mentioned in the early post. But, this week has been a pretty hard week for me. My great uncle passed away Tuesday, and we just had his funeral today! He was a GREAT man and I am going to miss him. I just keep telling myself he is in a better place and is not in pain anymore. He battled cancer for 5 years.
I have to get on the ball though, because the baby shower is tomorrow!!!!! I have the hardest part done, all I have to do is put the finishing decorations on. If I do say so myself, it is pretty darn CUTE! But I will let you be the judge of that. I will have pictures of it tonight. (hopefully) So check back. =)

**Hair update. Thank you all for your input and opinions. I decided to just leave the length (which, right now is shoulder length) and dye it darker. I would take a picture of it for ya, but my eyes are pretty puffy and I am sure I look like crap.

Need your advice!

2009-03-28T08:58:00.000-07:00

My hair is at "that" stage. The in between stage and all I want to do with it is put it in a ponytail or sloppy bun!
So I got out photos of all my past hair styles and want you guys to give me your honest opinions. Please, because Jake just says "I don't care". Even though he does....cue story! Well, when I met him I had really long hair and after I cut it off short he has hated ever since. He just tells me he wishes it was long like before. NOT going to happen since my hair is so thin. Okay so here are the pictures.

1. This is how long my hair was...

2. Shoulder length...

3. Short and dark...

4. Short and light...

5. Just a little above the shoulders and straight. (I had to throw in a picture of my buddies!) They always have awesome hair.

I really would love your advice! Enjoy your weekend.

Everyone is doing it...

2009-03-27T16:14:00.000-07:00

..."The How Well Does My Husband Know Me Survey" that is.

So here it goes. My answers are in ( )

Song- Gives you Hell (I have a lot of favorites but as of now, I love this song. Catchy!)

Food- Mexican (bingo)

Color- purple (easy)

Time of day- 3:30-4:00 (boy did he get this one right! Getting off work. =)

Drink- water...he said, "I know its not your favorite but that is pretty much all you drink, so I guess my second choice is wine." (That's right buddy)

Store- Old Navy (This use to be my favorite, but now I would have to say Hobby Lobby or the Dollar Tree...again to many favorites.)

City- St. Augustine (YES! And Jacksonville is my favorite too.)

Candy- Chocolate (Yes)

Flower- Lily (Yes)

Holiday- Christmas (Yes)

Restaurant - Outback (yes)

Movie - Twilight (okay this one was hard for him, but that is the first thing that came to mind. I have WAY to many favorite movies. So I am giving him credit for this one.)

He did really good! But I guess since we have been together for almost 7 years, he better know me. =)

Back in Business

2009-03-26T18:54:00.000-07:00

First off, I have to officially admit that I am COMPLETELY addicted to the computer. After a couple of days without my laptop...well, lets just say....IT SUCKED!! So we broke down and bought a new one. I really didn't know what I was missing. This thing is amazing. I do have to say that my old one served a long purposeful life. My parents bought it for me when I started college in Fort Smith. So I was WAY overdue for an upgrade. Movin on up! "We" have actually been talking about upgrading to DVR. YES, I must be the only one around without DVR. Actually, I have missed Internet more than TV. (See, our only satellite box went out last Sunday!) I just haven't been in a hurry to send it in or call for a repair.

OK....so I thought I would upload some photos that were suppose to be in the last post.

Here are the ceramic tiles for the kitchen.

Lunch on Tuesday

(sorry it is a little blurry, its from my phone.)

I am working on another diaper cake for my SIL, so hopefully I will have a post soon about it.

The Good or the Bad?

2009-03-24T16:04:00.000-07:00

Jake always says, "Do you want the good news or the bad news first?" I always say the good news, since I know he is joking.
So I will start with the good news first. I got to have lunch with my 3 favorite gals today. Kenzie, Mom and Lisa! The only picture I got was of my ALL TIME favorite gal, Kenzie. SSSSHHH, don't tell my sister or mom. lol! (I can't post the only picture I have bc of the bad news I have...explanation coming) We got to eat a Papa P's. (Exciting? Yes, bc Jake hates it. Mexican=heartburn. Since I have never experienced it before I will take his word for it!!)

Okay, on to the the bad news. Bad news is I had to get my old desktop from my mother. Yes, the one I purchased back in the 90's!!!! Hence, no photo of lunch! I am currently trying to work out the kinks! I will have to say that it was a lot EASIER to get connect to my DSL with this old dinosaur than with my laptop, BUT I can not get my camera to connect to it. My laptop...BTW bit the dust. RIP, my dear old friend. I enjoyed the wireless freedom while I had it! You wonder why this is bad news? This old fart can't even keep up with my DSL! I started this post around 4:00 it is now 5:19 and I am not even done!

Anyways, I can't leave you with bad news. heee...heee. This time last year I was planning my our wedding. This time I am planning our vacation/anniversary. It didn't feel official until today, when I booked our flight and hotel. YIPPEE! Florida here we come. I am so excited! We have been talking about where we were going and what we were going to do. But until I made the hotel and flight arrangements it just didn't feel real, but now it does. Come on summer vaca!!!!!
Other good news...I got a NICE surprise from my dad. He bought me the cutest plaques for my kitchen (once again no pictures. =( But they match my kitchen perfectly!

Here is to a GREAT day. =)

I'm Still Here!

2009-03-21T07:09:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy, stressful, and busy last couple of weeks. I guess that it all caught up to me last night. I got home around 6:00, checked my facebook and blogger and could barely keep my eyes open. So I am guessing I fell asleep in this same chair around 6:30. Jake got home from work and woke me up. I didn't move....so I fell back to sleep. At some point he finally got me in bed and I didn't wake back up until 8:30 this morning. I don't think I have ever sleep that long before!! Bad thing is I don't feel any better, I feel worse. And now my back hurts EVER worse than it did before...ugggg! Oh well enough complaining.
I just hope I can get a lot done this week, because I have been putting things off lately. Saying "I will do THIS on my Spring Break." So I have a lot to do. Now the only problem I have is...Where do I get the energy to do it all????
Goals for this next week:
1. CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN
2. Clean the "cloud room" (I'll explain this in another post...lol)
3. Get my flower garden ready.
4. Get our satellite fixed...Yes, I have been without TV since Sunday. So I missed all my favorites this week!
5. Get my old computer from mom's house, since my laptop is about to call it quits. I seriously have to had the monitor at about a 70 degree angle with the bottom on my chest and type with one hand. Loose wires I am guessing.
6. Clean my car.
7. Finish painting trim all throughout the kitchen and guest bathroom.
8. CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN!!! Oh wait I already mentioned that, yep you guessed it I will be cleaning all week.

Wish me luck! I'm a going to need it and a bunch a Excedrin Back and Body pills!!

Bake Sale and a Donkey Ball Game

2009-03-14T19:46:00.000-07:00

Today we had a bake sale to raise money for our class to buy caps and gowns for our Kindergarten graduation. I would have to say it was a HUGE success since we made $228 more than our goal. Is that amazing or what? I was almost in tears when we counted the money. I am overwhelmed by all the generous people in this community. I guess people felt sorry for us since we were sitting out in the freezing rain all morning...lol! I ended up coming home and soaking in a hot bath just to thaw out. But it was worth it. =)
We had so many baked goods left we decided to the try to sell the rest at the Donkey Ball Game tonight at the high school. That's right I got see some of our faculty members, including our superintendent, ride (or at least try to ride) donkeys! It was hilarious to say the least. I think I laughed the hardest watching them play the musical donkey game. The bad part is I FORGOT to take my camera! Susan, I feel for ya girl, they did stink! You were a trooper. I am not sure I could have done that.

What's Up?

2009-03-09T19:42:00.000-07:00

Why does it always seem that EVERYTHING happens at once? Well, it has been one of those Mondays. First of all, we had a funeral to go to for one of Jake's buddies. That's bad enough in itself. OK, so here is the story. I get home from work about 12:00 and start getting Jake's clothes ready. Jake's brother and SIL had came in for the funeral and are staying with us. So all 3 take a shower within 30-45 minutes of each other. It's about 30 minutes before we have to leave for the funeral and his brother walks in the kitchen and yells that there is water every where! Our hot water heater had leaked ALL of the kitchen floor!!!!!!!!!! We use all the towels in the house plus some blankets to soak it up and keep it away from the carpet and get it away from the cabinets and walls. We get the water "contained" and have to leave. We ended up having to buy a new water heater and they just now got it in, and of course after ANOTHER trip to town for more parts.
Well, now after all the excitement I have to go get ready for work. Plus wash some towels for tomorrow morning. I'm praying for an easy week.

BirthVerse and little more

2009-03-08T08:57:00.000-07:00

My friend Monica sent me an email that had this website. You just enter your birthday and you get your BirthVerse. My was...

Proverbs 9:11 NIV
For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.

It just gets me to thinking about things and how I need to get back into church. This is something that has been heavy on my heart lately. I can honestly say the happiest I have ever been in my life is when I had a strong church family and I was TRULY serving God.

Now for the little more.... my last before and after. That is until we do more updates to the house, which we talked about last night on our way to and from Ashdown. We are starting our LIST today and setting the goals of when we want them done by! YAY!!! =)

These are my FAVORITE before and after photos!!!!!!!!!

Yes, that is a pool right in front of the porch and those are Christmas lights still hanging in July!

Sorry about the crooked picture!

NOTICE...the black spray paint from when they painted the shutters! It took me forever and many chemicals to finally scrub that off.

I didn't get a before picture, but before this it was a ~~flower~~ weed garden made out of cinder blocks! I'm talking about GHETTO!

Sorry I went a little crazy with the after pictures...I love them though!

Spring Fever

2009-03-07T04:32:00.000-08:00

Yep! I have it bad. Yesterday was such a beautiful day that I opened windows and doors as I cleaned. I have just been down in the dumps lately, and yesterday was glorious. I have so many things swimming around in my head right now. (That's why I am up at 6:30 on a SATURDAY! This is not normal for me.) So I am going to apologize in advance for the randomness of this post, I just have a lot to get off my mind. I have decided to make a list, that way it will be a little more coherent.

Inside My Head

I came home yesterday and my dog has a bad eye infection. So I have been watching and medicating it and hoping it gets better.
I have been walking around with a black eye all week, so now everyone thinks I'm a member of the battered wives club! I had a whole post written up explaining how I got it from the above mentioned dog and his big head. He head butted me when he jumped up on me as I was bending over. (Which is a BAD habit I am trying to break.)
I read it to Jake and he tells me it is to long and people don't believe long explanations! What? Well, I'm screwed bc that's the only way I could tell the story. Anyways, no one asked so no need to explain.
Oh, and I forgot to mention he also scratch my neck in the process of the whole thing. So I pretty much sported a turtle neck all week to cover the unsightly bandage on my neck! And yes I forgave my fat headed dog, he can't help he has a big, hard noggin!
I am really concerned about a situation at work. I just keep praying that they listen to me and make the right decision. There are 17 little ones that it will effect! This one is pretty much why I was awake so early.
It didn't work again this month! I kinda got my hopes up AGAIN bc I was a day late and I am NEVER late, always early. Jake has been trying to stay positive for me, we were talking about it and he just mentioned us being in Florida in June and how cool it would be if that is were it happened. =) How sweet!
There is a dent on the side of my car!!! I am thinking that some idiot hit it with their cart at Wal-Mart. I love my car, so I was in tears when I finally noticed it. I know it's just a car, but it is the only new car I have had so I am pretty partial to it. And on the CAR front my rear view mirror fell off! WTH??? I know bad luck for me this week. I think I was a little to rough moving or something...who knows. VW are tough cars that's why I don't understand!!
I am hosting a baby shower Monday and am SOOOO proud of what I made for her. I have been wanting to share so bad, and since the date got changed from Thursday to Monday I just can't wait any longer! I hope she likes it.

I seriously worked on this thing for a week. I would ~~redo~~ do a little each night.

Here is the side view.

I love surprises!

2009-02-28T11:38:00.000-08:00

I just thought this was the sweetest thing. On the way home from work the hubs stopped and picked me some daffodils. How precious is that? One more reason I LOVE spring time, the flowers blooming.

He sure knows how to make me feel special. =)

What are some things your husband does to make you feel special?

Before and After: Part 2

2009-02-28T05:54:00.000-08:00

I have my morning coffee and I am ready to post about part 2 of the remodeling. A little back ground first. We bought this house in the summer of 06 and worked all summer and most of the fall and winter remodeling and updating a little here and there. I think we were physically, mentally and financially wore out and haven't done much since then. So needless to say there is room for a lot of improvement. Hopefully this spring or summer we will work on getting the wood paneling out of here and put up some sheet rock! =) And new counter tops and cabinets in the kitchen. I am totally stoke about this!!!
It only to my husband the WHOLE 3 years to finally figure out he didn't like the paneling. (Something I have been telling him since the beginning!) Isn't that the way it goes? lol

I guess I will show you the master bedroom and bathroom next since that was the most major improvement!

The nasty sink before... ....and after!

The ugly pink walls and flooring before.... ....and after!

What is up with the rose paneling? Or the 80's flooring??? I'm so glad I could look passed the ugliness! If only you could have SEEN it before the owner moved out, you would think I had lost my mind! Right Kristy?? lol What can I say we got a great deal!

The hubs did his own style of texture to cover up the paneling. I think is turned out nice.

**And with all this work we have ahead of us maybe I can lose the 20 pounds I have gained since the picture in the previous post! That's what helped me to lose it in the first place, manually labor!**

Before and After: Part 1

2009-02-21T12:10:00.000-08:00

I was scanning some picture onto my computer of the before and after of our house. I thought it would be a good idea to document it on here as well as be able to share it with all of you. It was a lot of work and I am proud of it. Even though we are SO FAR from being done with the remodeling I am happy with what we have accomplished so far.

I will start with the kitchen:
Before:

(notice the ugly blue "stick down" tile, and how it dosen't even cover all of the floor!)

After:

(New cabinets and counter tops are the next on the list, that is when we save up for them.)

(please excuse the unorganized mess above the washer and dyer, this pic was before the hubs did his organizing magic!)

I made the curtains. =) If you can tell they match the chair covers.

(New folding doors are another thing on "the list")

I will leave you with one more after photo! I found this photo from the summer before last right after I had lost about 40+ pounds.

More to come!

Award Time!

2009-02-20T14:37:00.000-08:00

I am SOOOO excited that Kari at Where my Treasure Is gave me an award. Thank you Kari, it made my day!!

The rules of this award are:
1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

I nominate:
Kristy @ The Hall Family
Jill @ The Young and the Precious
Monica @ Ralls!
Shauna @ My Life, My Story
Stacy @ The Frost Family
Dana @ Life is a Beecher
LeAnn @ Tollesons4him
Maggie @ Life With Boys
Lisa @ Quilting Girl
Shauna @ Trying to Stay Calm!

My Pink Collage

2009-02-16T08:57:00.000-08:00

I wasn't going to post this, because I am just a tad bit picky about some things. I guess you could say I am a perfectionist when it comes to crafts, pictures and other odd things. That is why I don't do many crafts. For example, I have been working on this collage for about 2 hours to get it just right! So since I spent so much time on it I am just going to put it up. (Some of the tops of the pictures got cut off, like the angel! I just got tired of messing with it.) **I got the idea from Kristy at The Hall Family**

The following is just in case any of you would like a description of the pics. I don't blame you if you stop reading right now! Ha....Ha

1. My bargain chain pull I got at Lowe's for $1.50. That thing was regular about $5!
2. Gladiolas from last years garden.
3. A pretty glitter heart candle from one of my students.
4. More gladiolas. Can you tell that they are one of my favorite flowers?
5. Two favorite B&B Works scents....Sweet Pea and Cherry Blossom.
6. Azalea flower from last spring.
7. Yummy Twizzlers.
8. Home Interior Angels Jake got me for our first V-day together.
9. Peppermint Lotion
10. The pink flowers in my bedroom.
11. My favorite issue of All You.
12. The "pink" section of my closet.
13. The sweet card Jake made me! BTW... that is the "Key to His Heart" (Just in case you were wondering what in the world that was sticking out! LOL)
14. I just love this little tin with safety pins.
15. You guessed it....more gladiolas. These were from 07, but I just loved all these pictures.
16. Kenzie's Valentine
17. The pink in my favorite scarf....wait it's my ONLY scarf.
18. Cute pic of an azalea bloom.
19. Precious Moments bell. It says Love Goes on Forever.
20. My beautiful angel that got her head chopped off!
21. Close up of another gladiola.
22. Heart tin
23. The wine glasses I decorated for Lisa and I a New Year's. You can't tell but I painted our initials on them.
24. A picture frame that is the shape of a purse with pink feathers. I got this from a secret pal one year...I love it Kristy.
25. Last but definitely not least. This is my ALL TIME favorite gladiola. It was so gorgeous, bright pink in the center and white around.

Attention: Kristy and Monica

2009-02-15T12:30:00.001-08:00

OK, I figured out how to make a signature!

Step 1: Go to this website and make your signature. You don't have to sign up just click on proceed.

Step 2: Save image to your computer.

Step 3: Upload it to photobucket.

Step 4: Go here and follow the directions. It guides you through step by step.

**It was almost halfway done on my html screen.

Have Fun!

What a day!

2009-02-15T05:41:00.000-08:00

I would have to say it was a pretty good Valentine's Day. We had decided no flowers this year. Just a nice romantic dinner and tanning session package. My co-partner had told me about a nice restaurant in Hochatown, OK called Abendigos. We decided it looked nice, but didn't even think that we had to have reservations, duh! Well, we get there and that is exactly what we needed...reservations. Rewind....we had just drove 50 miles to go here....fastward.....so we drive about another 10 miles to Brokenbow. It turned out OK, because I got to eat at my favorite Mexican Restaurant, Papa Pablanos. (Which by the way, we have one in our town and their salsa is a lot better!) I didn't have anything but a Slimfast all day, so by this time McDonald's sounded good!
So I have decided that I would much rather have a nice romantic dinner and movie at home! It wasn't to romantic to be in an overcrowded restaurant at a table right beside a family of 15! Not only were they LOUD, they had a boy at the table that was even louder than all the adults put together! Tristin was his name!!!

OK, enough of that... the food was good and I got the sweetest ♥handmade♥ V-day card ever! So it's all good.

How was your Valentine's Day? Do you agree that it is a little overrated? Maybe JP and I should just celebrate our own V-day, and pick a day when they don't double the prices of flowers? Sounds good to me. =)

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T07:20:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share the Valentine's Card I made for my niece!

I noticed after I had already saved it on my flash drive that I put a period after my name instead of a coma. Oh well I don't think a 3 year old will catch it, but it sure is driving me crazy!

Hope everyone has a wonderful and romantic Valentine's Day.

XOXOXO

Little Peek

2009-02-11T16:39:00.000-08:00

Okay, so if you read my last post I said I was starting a new project. So here is a little peek at the unfinished production!

The Problem:
A rubber plant tree that has out grown it's pot and two cacti that are in desperate need of light.

(before)

Project in the working:

Can you believe someone threw these away?

Yes, I got these out of a dumpster, and NO I am not a dumpster diver. Even though my husband would love that! =) This is my first time GREAT find!

I ~~got the nasty off~~ sanded the paint off and...

Spray painted them.....

Re potted the three plants...

(after)

As you can tell I still have an Asparagus Fern that needs to be hung! (On the table)

OK! Off to see American Idol!

I ♥ Workshop Days!

2009-02-11T13:44:00.000-08:00

I love the fact that I get to sleep in on the days I have workshops, now don't get me wrong there are some workshops that just drag on and I hate. But today was a much needed break away from my little ones. Not only did I get to sleep in later, I was ready early and got to catch up on reading my favorite blogs. Since I fell asleep after biggest loser last night! Now that I am not completely worn out, I am about to go start a project that I have been wanting to do all week! So hopefully tonight I will actually have something worth blogging about!

Before I leave I do want to share one little project I did last weekend. It's not the prettiest thing in the world, but I am so proud of it!

I have a lot of ~~fake~~ costume necklaces that were getting twisted around in my jewelry box so I thought this would work. I told Jake what I was wanting to do and he found some sort of insulation strips they were throwing away at work. They work just like cork board! So I hot glued them together and bought some fabric at Wal-Mart and.....WALLA a necklace holder! Total cost: $1.50 for the fabric.

Happy Hump Day!

Name Game

2009-02-08T18:04:00.001-08:00

I found this on facebook and had fun doing it. So I thought I would share! Some of them are hilarious.

1. YOUR REAL NAME
Kim Posey

2. WITNESS PROTECTION NAME (mother and father's middle names)
Kay Lavern (my dad would kill me if he knew I shared his middle name!) lol

3. NASCAR NAME (first name of you mother's dad; father's dad)
Ramond Alan

4. STAR WARS NAME (the first three letters of your last name, first two letters of your first name)
Poski

5. DETECTIVE NAME (favorite color, favorite animal)
Purple Dog

6. SOAP OPERA NAME (middle name, town where you were born)
Natasha Mena

7. SUPERHERO NAME (second fav color, fav drink, add 'the' to the beginning The)
The Brown Tea

8. FLY NAME (first two letters of your first name, last two letters of your last name)
Kipo

9. ROCK STAR NAME (current pet's name, current street name)
Josie Polk 36

10. PORN NAME (first pet, street you grew up on)
Sugarbear Polk 90

11. GANGSTA NAME (first three letters of your real name, plus izzle)
Kimizzle

12. GOTH NAME (black, and the name of one of your pets)
Black Bo

13. STRIPPER NAME (favorite perfume, favorite candy)
Fire and Ice Peanut Butter Cups

Bad Blogger!

2009-02-06T14:11:00.000-08:00

It has just been one of "those" weeks. On top of being visited by AF =(, the kids in my class were horrible. "Must be the weather", everyone says. Well, it must be SOMETHING!!!! Plus, I just haven't had much to share and honestly was not in a good mood. On the bright side, today was better.
I have been having computer problems well actually computer cord problems. The wire was really loose and if you moved it just a little I lost power. So having an old laptop...you know the battery is shot, so needless to say you would have just a minute before it shut off. The other night it completely broke, so no computer. Man that sucks, I did get some laundry done though. Boooooo on that! The hubby fixed the cord last night, so I'm back in business! I can actually type now. YAY!

Hope you all have a wonderful, relaxing weekend.

Tag, I'm It!

2009-02-01T05:44:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Jill, so here goes..

Step 1: respond and rework—answer the questions on your own blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention, add one more question of your own.

Step 2: tag—eight other un-tagged people.

1. What are you wearing right now? green stripped pajama pants, matching green top and ankle socks.

2. What's the last thing I read/ are currently reading? I was reading The Host by Stephanie Myers, I just can't seem to pick it back up to finish it. I have The Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz waiting on the shelf that I may just have to start soon. I also read a lot of books to my class!

3. Do you nap a lot? Never, but I sure could use a siesta some days.

4. Who was the last person you hugged? my mom and dad goodbye last night

5. What's your current obsession/addiction? reading other people's blogs and blogging of my own sometimes.

6. What was the last thing you said out loud? "Goodnight" to Jake

7. What websites do you always visit when you go online?Blogger, facebook and myspace

8. What was the last item you bought? besides groceries last night, I bought myself the Wii Fit last week.

9. What is your most challenging goal? To continue to workout and do yoga everyday.

10. If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished- anywhere in the world, where would it be?This is easy, of course I am going to say Jacksonville, Florida. **Beachfront Please**

11. Favorite Vacation spot? Again I would have to say Florida, I would take any beach =)
*Can you tell I don't travel much?*

12. Say something to the person who tagged you: Glad I found your blog. Your funny and sweet and I could totally see us getting alone in person.

13. Name one thing you just can't resist no matter how bad it is for you: Chocolate, I know in moderation it is actually good for you, but the keyword there was moderation. Can't do that so well.

14. What is your favorite item of clothing? it would have to be my jeans, any of them!

15. What is your favortie hobby besides blogging? gardening, I am sooooo ready for Spring.

16. Name one thing you can not live with out: my love and family! Who can name just one?

17. If you could have any other job besides your current job, what would it be? (I'm replacing the hairstyle question...)
I'm with you Jill I would love to have my own business, like a little boutique that sells wedding dresses and wedding accessories.

18. What's your favorite drink from Sonic? (I added this one...surely, you're not surprised?!?) Cherry Limeade

OK, so I tag...
Monica
Kristy
Shauna
Holli
Dana
Stacy

....It was almost 8!

Does anyone know how I get one of those cute little signatures for the bottom of the post?

25 Random Things

2009-01-31T04:37:00.000-08:00

I was tagged on Facebook, so I thought I would share it here.

1) I spend to much time on the computer.
2) I am a homebody! I am always home, besides work.
3) I don't spend enough time with my family. (see above)
4) My birthday is Sept. 11
5) I have a bullet that ricocheted and hit my leg. (it didn't even make a scratch, I just happened to feel a little peck and looked down to see the bullet)
6) I use to weigh 190 pounds at my largest!!! I'm only 5'4'', so I had to fix that. I lost over 60 pounds in college.
7) I want children.
8) I have three dogs that I love very much. (In case your wondering they are all outside dogs, expect one that is half in, half out...if that makes sense! =)
9) I don't have any "girlfriends" outside of work.
10) I had a destination wedding on the beach in Florida
11) I flew for the first last summer and cried on take off because I was so scared.
12) We have lived in our house for almost 4 years and still have not finished remodeling. (got burnt out after so much work the first year!) **Update as of last night**- He FINALLY fix the sink in the guest bathroom and the shower!!! YAY for him.
13) I want to move to Florida.
14) I am the worse decorator ever.
15) I have no sense of style.
16) My favorite shoes are my Doc Martens boots, I like to wear them whenever I can. (see #15...no heels for me)
17) I have a hard time expressing myself.
18) Thank goodness for spell checking bc I am a bad speller.
19) I am very shy (some people just think I am a snob...so far from the truth!)
20) I want to lose 15 pounds and get back in shape.
21) I listen to rock music.
22) I am not a morning person.
23) I am very competitive. Expecially at games that my sister and I play against the boys!
24) I use to hate reality TV shows. (not anymore)
25) I love to watch all CSIs.

I know the title said 25 things but I just thought I would add a couple more that I left off....

26) I have to iron everything I wear. Even if it just came out of the dryer. OCD, I know!
26) I am not a very organized person, except for my closet. All colors have to be grouped together and all the pants have to be sorted and grouped as well!

oooooooooh my!

2009-01-28T15:43:00.000-08:00

I am playing the letter game that I saw on Jill's blog. It looked like fun so I am joining in! You get a letter and list 10 things you love that start with that letter.The letter I got was O. At first I thought it was going to be really hard, but thanks to my husband it wasn't. I do have to be honest and give him credit for thinking of most of them. I told him what I was doing and that I was having a hard time coming up with O things, so for about 30 minutes he keep throwing out O words, and they were all things I love! He does know me well. ;0)

1. Olive Garden- My favorite dish is their Chicken Alfredo. Yummy!

2. Old Navy- I don't get to go much anymore, but I just love the fun environment and great prices.

3. Ocean- I have only been to the Atlantic Ocean, and can't wait to go back.

4. Onion Petal from Arby's with the Sour Cream Ranch. Double yummy!!

5. "Off" days- I love it when I can have a day during the week to just be lazy.

6. Outback- Yeah, another restaurant but I love their bread and cheesy french fries.

7. Oranges- I love when I get a real juicy orange, you know the kind where the juice runs down your hand!

8. Ozone- Got to love our ozone!!

9. Oil of Olay moisturizer.

10. Owen Wilson movies =)

A bad day that got better!

2009-01-27T15:55:00.000-08:00

I am talking about yesterday. Yes, it was one of those BAD Mondays. See yesterday was the 100th day of school, so needless to say my class was pretty ~~excited~~ WILD. My day did get better though. First, I got my first blog award!!!! YAY! Thanks Kristy. As you can tell from the excessive use of exclamation marks I am overly excited. =)

A few easy to follow rules before nominees can accept:
1. Put the logo on your blog or post. (check)
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show GREAT ATTITUDE and/or GRATITUDE
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post. (don't no how to link, I did finally figure out the slash through words!)
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received the award.
So... here's to you, ladies!
I nominate... So here is the deal, all the people that I would nominate Kristy has nominated or I have seen that the already have this award. There is only two:
Monica at Life in the Fast Lane.
Holli at The Plunkett's

Second, I finally won at Bunco last night. Whoooo hoooo! I never win anything, so this made my day...wait it made my week. It was an awesome prize, thanks to Holli. I L.O.V.E bunco night!

Third, I got home and checked Kelly's blog and Harper is doing a lot better. Finally got to see those beautiful eyes. Praise God!!

I'm getting off to go put my PJs on, hopefully I will be able to stay in them tomorrow! Teachers and their wishes =p Ha, ha

Needing Advice

2009-01-24T09:15:00.000-08:00

Most people dread tax time, but I am actually excited to start doing my taxes this weekend. (not excited to do them myself!) Why? We have been saving to go back to Florida for our 1 year anniversary, so that means (hopefully) more money to go towards that fund. We have talked about making a yearly tradition to go back every year for our anniversary. It is getting so close to that time!! JAX beach...here we come. =)

So if anyone reading this is a tax return expert...Do you have any pointers for me? I did them myself for the first time last year and still a little nervous I might miss something.

Speaking of the beach, I bought the Wii Fit last night! I LOVE it. If you every have a chance to get one or use one I would totally recommend it. I think it is just what I needed to get motivated! I have set my goal, so hopefully by June I will back down to the size I was last year. Unless God has other plans **wink*wink**, which would be fine with me. =)

Since we started trying to get pregnant I have completely let myself get out of shape and gain weight. Which I am not proud of! I was worried about working out around "that time", I was afraid it would effect things. Does anyone else know? I would love some advice on this topic.

Have a wonderful weekend! =)

Christmas Revisited

2009-01-21T14:27:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share one of my Christmas presents with you. My father in law made this for me this year, it was suppose to be a wedding present. He has known I wanted a hope chest for years, so he put an IOU in envelope at our wedding shower. Cute!! He finished it at Christmas time. When they brought it over the other night it was like Christmas all over again. I love and cherish the things he makes for me. =) Sometime I will have to take pictures of my jewelry box he made. (and a few other unique things!)

It is so much prettier in person....

He even personalized it with our names and wedding date!!

It's huge! Right now it is still sitting in the living room until I find the perfect spot for it. =)

Goodbye B&BW Wallflowers!

2009-01-20T15:22:00.000-08:00

I absolutely LOVE Bath and Body Works. Any product, any scent....until now! I have used Wallflowers in the past and have always enjoyed them. Nothing better then walking into a yummy smelling house after being around stinky kids all day! I Joke, I joke!!! Anyways back to my point, I had the scent Brown Sugar and Fig, after a couple of days of having it in the plug I noticed the smell would make me have headaches. I took it to work and same thing, headache! So I ended up giving it to someone I work with. My MIL gave me Japanese Cherry Blossom for Christmas, so I finally broke it out Monday night and plugged it in. I got home today and the smell had completely filled the room. It didn't take but about half an hour and I started to get a headache. I unplugged it, and "walla" NO headache. I find this strange because I have NEVER been sensitive to smell. Does anyone need some Wallflowers? =)

10 things I have learned this weekend...

2009-01-18T10:32:00.000-08:00

1. There are a lot of amazing woman in the blog world. I already knew this, but after seeing the out pour of prayer request for Kelly and Harper on SOOO many blogs, it confirms it!

2. I can worry about a complete stranger. The last couple of days I have been praying and thinking about Harper, Kelly and her family. They are on my mind constantly. I am pretty sure that if you are reading this you are having the same feelings.

3. I get tired and whiny when I have to spend 2 hours in Lowe's, unless it is looking at new kitchens and kitchen cabinets. (Yes, I do whine..."I am so ready to go now, I want to go to Hobby Lobby.")

4. I can spend hours in Hobby Lobby and not get tired and whiny.

5. The store Bed, Bath and Beyond is a sensory overload. I love this store. (As you can tell it was my first visit to one! =)

6. I am ready to move back to Fort Smith.

7. I would go broke if we did move back.

8. I love wine!

9. JP and I can get to Fort Smith and back without arguing. =)

10. I believe the Wii will be the answer to my exercise problem. Have fun while working out, a win-win for me. I can't wait to get the Wii Fit to go with it, then I will be set.

JP's birthday was Friday! He doesn't read my blog so I didn't do a post for him. I felt kinda bad anyways. (Have no idea why!?!) I am going to make him read this just so I can say, "Happy late birthday to my wonderful husband".

Don't Miss the Biggest Full Moon

2009-01-10T11:24:00.000-08:00

Tonight the moon will be the brightest and biggest of 2009. I am excited to see it, I missed it last year!

2009-01-10T07:51:00.000-08:00

I wasn't sure how to title this post, so I just left if blank. Well, I just got news from my best friend! She found out she was pregnant. We actually started to try at the same time. So I'm am thankful God has answered yet another prayer. **OK so the reason for the nameless post** Good news on such a sad day. I just knew this was MY month, but (without TMI) I woke up this morning to a not so happy surprise. AF made her visit EARLY! So I guess that is 4 more days of not having to worry about it.

This post is extremely hard for me. Mainly, bc I usually don't like to share my personal info and feelings with complete strangers. I don't want people to think I want sympathy from them or to fell sorry for me. I have read SO MANY blogs of women that are going through the same thing. It helps me to remember to stay strong and have faith in God when I read all of their encouraging words and read about their strength. I know God does things in his time and that I just need to have faith in him.

**Warning, this is a long story**

Since I have shared this for the first time I thought I might share a little more about my situation. (I have been contemplating sharing my story for a while now. So I am stepping out of my comfort zone.) My husband and I have been together for 6 years. We got engaged in Nov. of 07 and decided then that after we got married in June we would start trying to have a baby. (Big, BIG step for him, I have ALWAYS wanted to have kids.) So needless to say I was so excited. I had been having problems with my periods for about 3 years. Every year I would go to my family doctor at least twice a year and tell him my symptoms and he could never find out what was causing my problems. He just told me not to worry that it was normal. Well, in May of 08 I decided to go to a doctor out of town bc I knew something was wrong. I mean as soon as I told him some of my symptoms he just had that LOOK, like he knew exactly what it was. So long story short, I ended up having several cysts removed from my uterus. The doctor had said, "No wonder you hurt so bad, one was almost as large as your uterus!" And on top of that he did a laproscoptomy and discovered I had endometriosis. My insurance doesn't cover the very expensive treatment for it, so the doctor said becoming pregnant would make the endo dormant. He didn't act or say that I couldn't get pregnant so that gave me a little comfort. But nothing yet. So there you go, that's my story. If you made it though thanks for reading.

God is Great!

2009-01-03T06:50:00.000-08:00

We took my grandfather to Little Rock on Wednesday to have some skin cancer removed. I am happy to say that they were able to cut all three stops out at once and they got it all! He doesn't even have to go back next week. The doctor said if it comes back (which there is a good chance it won't) it won't be for at least another 5 years. The power of prayer is amazing. Praise the Lord.

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T18:10:00.001-08:00

It was a fun filled evening. Lots of food and games. We played guitar hero, which the girls totally rocked at, cards and some dominoes. My sister and I are extremely competitive, so we make a great team because we usually dominate all the games we play!

Kenzie played the little photographer most of the night. Some pretty good pictures for a 3 year old.

Josie had to make an appearance.

Things I have done in my life:

2008-12-30T07:09:00.000-08:00

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disney World
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis (it was in a jar)
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked (broke down on the way home from Hot Spring at about 1:00 in the morning…long story. Ha!)
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort (back when we use to get snow here!)
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted (does a pencil drawing count?)
48. Gone deep sea fishing (hopefully this summer when we go back to Jacksonville)
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling (not yet! See #48)
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching (does seeing Shamu count? Ha!)
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check (oops, by only a dollar!!!)
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chicken pox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby (praying for this one)
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee (several at one time, ouch)
100. Seen Mount Rushmore in person
101. Learned to play an instrument

Wow, there is so many things I have not experienced and some that I am grateful I have not experienced.

Not Me Monday and some other stuff

2008-12-29T07:20:00.000-08:00

*I did not play Guitar Hero ALL day Friday and neglect housework.
*I did not get sore muscles from playing the Wii for hours.
*I did not take down the Christmas tree yesterday and leave all of the nicely packed boxes in the middle of the living room. (Which are still there!)
*I have not been lazy during my Christmas Break.
*I did not give in and let Josie sleep on the bed again. (such a sucker for the little puppy face =)
* I have not neglected doing my lesson plans for work next week.

Now for the other stuff...

I feel like there is so much to say (since I have not posted in like 6 days).

Well, I got the earrings. Yay!!!! I absolutely love them. We had a wonderful Christmas with our family. I didn't get very many pictures. I guess our families are camera shy!

Of course we had to get one with Josie.

I didn't get a lot of good pictures, but I did love this one of Kenzie. She loves being the doctor and fixing your boo-boos.

I didn't get ANY pictures of our Christmas with his family. =( What was I thinking? I had a nice surprise from his dad. A hope chest, I have wanted one for YEARS. He had given me an IOU at our wedding shower and he finished it for me for Christmas. I always love the things he makes for me and will always cherish them. I will have to post pics as soon as we get it home.

I also wanted to ask that you say a little prayer for my grandpa. He has a rare type of skin cancer on serveral places on his head and face. My mother and I are taking him to Little Rock on Wednesday to have some of the spots removed. So hopefully the cancer has not spread or gone to deep.

Kelly Clarkson, Reba and American Idol =)

2008-12-23T15:34:00.000-08:00

Three of my favorite things: Kelly Clarkson, The Reba Show and American Idol. This episode is one of the funniest ones I have seen. My favorite part was at the end, where they make fun of the judges of American Idol (it starts at about 5:30 on the video). Cheyenne's impersonation of Paula was hilarious!

Boring Life??

2008-12-23T06:14:00.000-08:00

I must have one, because it seems like I never have much to blog about. Sometimes I even wonder why I started one. I don't blog everyday. I am always thinking of things to write about, but when I sit down and start typing it never comes out the way I want it, so I just delete it and go on.

Maybe I will have something more interesting to write about tomorrow. We are having our Christmas here at home tonight, because tomorrow we will be leaving to start our Christmas celebrations with family. We always go over to my Grandparents on Christmas Eve and then spend the night with my parents. After we eat breakfast and open presents with my family we head over to his parent's.

I'm pretty excited about this Christmas, besides it being the first Christmas as husband and wife it is also the first year Jake has bought me a surprise Christmas present. I LOVE surprises. Usually, he makes me go with him to pick my presents out. I hinted around a lot about a certain pair of earrings from Zales that match the diamond in my ring. Maybe he got the hint. ;) I have my fingers crossed.

I hope you all have a safe and Merry Christmas!

What a wonderful day!

2008-12-16T11:00:00.000-08:00

It has been a wonderful day for many reasons! First, I am getting caught up on laundry. All of the laundry was clean it just needed to be folded and put away(yuck!) After reading several other blogs, I find that I am not alone! That is one chore that is hated.

Second, I have got to spend the day with this little sweetie....

We have had fun playing (my excuse to take breaks from cleaning and laundry) on and off all day.

I'm finally getting in the Christmas spirit. Maybe it is all the wonderful Christmas music I am listening to??? Or it could be that school was canceled because of inclement weather??? Yep, I think that might be! =) And that I have all my Christmas presents wrapped!!! Yea!!

I have not decorated the house as much as I usually do, so I thought I would just share some pics of my favorite Christmas ornaments. We have been collecting ornaments every year we've been together, so when I saw these in a gift store, I just had to get them. We got these three on our Honeymoon in St. Augustine. I LOVED them, and was so excited to put them on our tree.

I made this one last year. We got engaged in November and I could not find one to represent that wonderful moment. =( It's not fancy or anything, but I was proud of it! I just wrote the month, day and year we became engaged and of course our names.=)

I got this the year we bought our house.

Of course, this is another favorite! My mom bought this one for me the first year I started teaching.

Well that is all for now, thanks for reading! I hope that you all are having wonderful day, too!

So many things to do...

2008-12-06T08:28:00.000-08:00

First off is cleaning the house, but am I? No, I am reading blogs and printing recipes. Yummy recipes, that I am so excited to try!

Second, take down our Fall decorations outside!!! It is December, 6 and I still have this in my yard....

We haven't even put up our Christmas lights!!!! =( I bought a bunch of new ones on clearance last year and was so excited to put them up this year. To defend myself...I have been sick and there is only 3 weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. So that makes me feel a little better.

Before I go to start on my "To Do" list I thought I would share some pictures from Thanksgiving. I tried and tried to get my niece Kenzie to pose for me, but she wouldn't. What she would do is make funny faces and a few scary faces. She had me laughing so hard!

Here is the silly girl with her mommy, my beautiful sister, Lisa.

I'm finishing this post with a video. From the creative mind of a 3 year old....

If you couldn't tell what she is saying... "Crab Boom, Crab Boom, with spinkles on him....". I tried to get a close up of the book that she was "reading". She amazes me every time I am around her. =)

Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend.

2 new loves....

2008-12-04T17:37:00.000-08:00

My loving husband went to the store the other day for me (since I have been sick for what seems like forever), and brought home this....

I have never been a fan of hot tea, I was even a little upset he wasted money on it. After he convinced me that it would help to make me feel better, I try some and fell in love. YUMMY! I now look forward to having my warm tea and reading blogs at night.

Ok, now for my 2nd new love. The "Lean, Mean, Fat Reducing" Machine. Yes, the George Foreman Grill. I know I am a little behind because this has been out forever, but I truely do LOVE this machine. This baby can cook a steak in 6 minutes!!! Needless to say we have had steaks two nights in a row. (Where was I at?) I am so excited to try chicken breast now! Big shout out to mom and dad for the Christmas money that helped purchase this wonderful invention. =)

Joining the Blogging World

2008-11-30T13:27:00.000-08:00

Hello, my name is Kim. I enjoy reading blogs of others and thought I would join in...so here it goes. I was married on June 9th of this year in Jacksonville, Florida.
We have no children (yet), but we do have 3 dogs that seem like our children!

My husband Jake with Bo our Pit.

Athena

And the newest addition to the family:
This is my niece, Kenzie, with our new puppy Josie.

I thought I would include my very first painting craft in my first post. I am not a very "crafty" person so I am proud of the results, I recycled our small Halloween pumpkin. I do have to admit that Jake had to help me, he drew and cut out tree and star stencils for me. =)