Beautiful Disaster

New Blog

2010-01-11T12:31:00.002-06:00

Excerpt from new blog.... PLEASE UPDATE YOUR BOOKMARKS

Sitting here, in my nice warm zebra print snuggie, I have finally taken the time to update my blog. New Years came and without telling anyone out of fear of failure, I secretly made a resolution that I was going to make over and keep up with my blog this year. So here I am, 11 days into the new year with a new look and hopefully a new desire to submit quite a few more posts than 2009 saw. For some reason, my original blog would not let me change the layout look so I had create a complete new one . I will eventually get around to archiving but until then I will just be proud of myself for taking the first step to reentering the blogging world. Maybe now some of the self imposed stress of getting it done can now vanish. ***Don't forget to add this new blog address in your bookmarks :o)***

Most definately, undeniably, most reliably

2009-08-24T13:43:00.004-05:00

Poison Ivy!!!

It's growing in my backyard AND on me! :(

(must finish my homework then I will come back and post a long awaited update and a revamp this blog!)

Must be the Year of the "Bird"

2009-06-06T18:18:00.002-05:00

Belmont 2009 "Summer Bird" was the winner! Loved it!
There's always next year, Calvin!

Kentucky Derby 2009

2009-05-02T18:10:00.004-05:00

WOW! That is all I have to say! Mine that Bird was phenomenal!!! (Not to mention the pay off at 50-1)

2009-04-28T22:05:00.003-05:00

I so wish I had enough time in my day to update! Maybe I will just have to make time soon! Finals week at Cameron is the first week of May so hopefully I will have time before summer school starts. Oh yeah! I'm graduating in December!!! WOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!

I will leave you with a pic of me living life in the "fast lane".
I'm the "dog" (driving the SUV) getting ready to chase the "rabbit" (dodge charger) during my week long law enforcement tactical driver training class. We had a BLAST!!

Renaissance Style

2009-04-19T11:55:00.010-05:00

E's class had a field trip to Dallas this weekend. On Friday they went to 6 Flags and then Saturday they went to the Scarborough Fair, Renaissance Festival, in Waxahachie , Texas. I had to work on Friday but I decided to go to the Saturday event. I drove down to C's house on Friday afternoon. We spent the evening at a restaurant visiting with his friends. Good times! On Saturday we drove to Waxahachie and had a great time. I was so excited to get a chance to take pictures. With work and school being so demanding lately, I haven't had the time get my camera out and play in a long time.

Leather handbags and tissue holders.... kinda creepy yet sooo interesting!

We also saw some very interesting individuals!

My favorite picture from today has to be the Elephant and the Bald Eagle. (I don't know why, but they are)

We also saw a few things I could have done without and it will take a while to erase them from my memory (don't ask). Let's just leave it at some things are better left unseen.

All in all it was a very fun day! I learned alot about the Renaissance Era, including the fact that I am so very glad I didn't live during that time!

Love is in the air!!!

2009-04-02T22:44:00.002-05:00

He asked me to marry him!

March 31, 2009

Finals week

2009-03-02T21:28:00.001-06:00

I am beginning to wonder if I will EVER graduate!

Every day night sounds

2009-02-11T23:19:00.004-06:00

What I have to listen to every evening around bedtime!

Oh the joys of living on the edge of a military installation!

Burrrrr

2009-01-15T22:12:00.001-06:00

As soon as I thaw out I will update! It's just too dang cold!

Mooned

2009-01-10T19:53:00.001-06:00

Still loving my new lens I got from Christmas... I can't wait for warm weather so I can out to the mountains. This moon pic was taken 01/08/09 at 6pm from my driveway :o)

2009-01-08T19:46:00.003-06:00

Come visit my friend's wonderful site! She is very talented. Go check out the new blog site at Reclaiming the Home Blog and leave her a comment. She has a give-a-way going until Sunday night to win either a piece of her own handmade jewelry or 2 gift cards to Starbucks at $5 each!

BOOMER SOONER!

2009-01-08T19:24:00.002-06:00

2009-01-04T08:47:00.001-06:00

Year in Review

2009-01-03T08:30:00.002-06:00

2008 has come and gone and I am ready to welcome in a new year! 2008 has some great up's but it had some very down low's and I am ready to move on....

January 2008 ushered in E's 16th birthday, officially making me old.
February 2008 started my love affair with my new camera!
March 2008 brought a new family member to us! Mr. Man Tucker Van-Brat Bell
April 2008 spent taking pictures, enrolling in school, and getting estimates on the backyard overhaul.
May 2008 unveiled a possible neck diagnosis of sprained/ strained tendons due to stress..go figure!
June 2008 included a Bell family reunion in Waxahatchi, a Hall of Famer trip to Houston, and a new backyard fence.
July 2008 started with the annual 4th of July Party at L's and then the ever so stressful promotional test for supervisor. E's officially a ice cream scooper!
August 2008 begins with an attack of the bees and ends with a new school year for us along with a new school for E. oh and the book release party for Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Myer (i didnt finish the book til December)
September 2009 started with my Promotion as a supervisor and ended with the the destruction of Galveston from Hurricane Ike...
October 2009 changed the life of my bf forever.. He got saved! YES!!!!!
November 2009 found itself riddled with happiness and sadness. Mom and Dad had a wonderful, wonderful 40th wedding anniversary party. E spent Thanksgiving with her dad for the first time in 14 years and she got sick while there and Cana left this world.
December 2009 left me attending funerals, searching for the Christmas spirit and nursing my annual head could. One bright moment of the month was receiving my new zoom lens from my wonderful parents!!! They are awesome!

Here's to a NEW year! Welcome, 2009!

Rudolph?

2008-12-19T02:50:00.006-06:00

Check out the Reindeer gift bags I made for the girls at work! It included homemade turtles and Pretzel trees! I'm just in the crafty kinda mood this year! Next year I will be making snowmen! I already have it planned out!

Btw, the homemade turtles are awesome, thanks to my brother's recipe! Take pretzel twists and put a rolo on top, heat til chocolate is soft and smash a pecan in the center! Easy schmeeeesy!

P.S. If anyone finds my missing Christmas spirit, please tell him I need him desperately and to return very soon!

10 days til Christmas!

2008-12-14T23:08:00.005-06:00

Jack Frost has finally hit and it's really cold! I'm loving every minute of it! I just wish I could get into the Christmas spirit! I don't know why but it just doesn't seem like 10 days til Christmas! I have finished my shopping and only have a few candies left to make. The tree is up and trimmed and I only have 4 gifts left to wrap but it just doesn't seem like Christmas time. Hopefully some snow will help! We are predicted some this week and I sure hope it comes to fruition! We are having Christmas as my house for the first time ever this year and so I need a boost in the Christmas spirit department! I did however get motivated and I am proud to show off my new Christmas project for this year! I made angels out of old church hymn books!

Isn't she cute!?! When we went to my brothers house for Thanksgiving he took Ruties house to visit. She had one of these angels sitting on her fireplace mantel and I just loved it. I mentioned how adorable it was and she said that she was making them. I asked her where she got the books and she said she had a stash from her church since they got new ones and she gave me some! How awesome is that? I took a picture on my phone then I came home and had my angel made in about 5 hours! She turned out so cute! I gave it to my bf's mom for Christmas and she just loved it! I am now finishing one for E's teacher at school! I will make a tutorial if anyone is interested! Thanks Ruthie!!! Your the best!

Burr!!!!

2008-12-10T02:12:00.002-06:00

Blowing (50 mph) winds with ice cold temps cut right to the bone! I love the wintertime and snow but I sure could live without the winds. Hot chocolate, heat blankets and cozy fires are my favorite and today I was able to enjoy all three for the first time this season. It was awesome! It just makes my evenings so "relaxing" and comfortable! I love it! Tomorrow evening I will enjoy the same but will add wrapping gifts to the list, even though I HATE wrapping with a passion! Maybe I will just sit back and enjoy the fire, heat blanket and hot chocolate while I watch E wrap gifts.... what a great idea! Woot!!

Another semester of college will be history come tomorrow evening after I take my final. I am so happy to get this semester over with! It's been a pain in my boo-tay! I have had too many irons in the fire this year and it has made school hard. I am still carrying an A in my class but it hasn't been easy. Hopefully tomorrow I can make a good grade and keep my A. After this semester, I am going to take off a semester and get things back in order/settled then I am going to try and bust it out so that I can graduate in late 2009. That's the goal anyways.

Things have been hectic lately and I am so ready for the holidays to be over! Thanksgiving was no where near what I expected! E spent it with her dad and so my mom, dad and I went to my brothers in Keller, TX. We had a good time spending time with C and shopping but it just didn't seem/feel the same without E. Then there was issues with her having asthma attacks and not having her inhaler with her and me being out of town and not being able to get to her. Then she got the flu and was begging to come home but I was still in Keller. sucked. On top of all of that, my cousin took her life the day after Thanksgiving. Rushing to my Uncles house in Midland for the services, I had to leave E to finish out her flu cycle at her dad's. double suck. I am canceling Thanksgiving next year!

I will be updating with anniversary and Thanksgiving pictures in the next couple of days. I have lots of them to share!

* New blog layout is in memory of my cousin, Cana. She loved bling! *

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

2008-11-26T09:33:00.006-06:00

Here is wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! I will be going my brother's house in Ft Worth this year :o) since E is going to her dads :o(

I will be back soon to update with 40th wedding anniversary pictures! The party was awesome!

Lifestyles of the Highway Patrol

2008-11-15T21:01:00.006-06:00

And for the rest of the story!!!!

Me:"Highway Patrol"

Unidentified Caller: "Yes, on I44 at mm 92-93 there is a porcupine trapped. He is up against the concrete barrior and he cant get around."

Stunned Me: "Trapped? What do you mean trapped?"

Completely serious as a heart attack Unidentified Caller:"He is trapped up against the concrete center wall near the bridge and he can't cross the road because there is too much traffic. Someone needs to shut down the highway so he can cross."

Hysterically laughing inside Me: "Okay, I will send a unit right out there!"

Unidentified for a reason caller: "Thank you so much, I would just hate for it to get run over and killed! I'm not a peta person or anything but this is just cruel."

All powerful animal loving -Like I can shut a major artery of a highway down for a small animal to cross the road and not believing this caller called the emergency line for this-ME: "No, problem."

Mischievously rubbing my hands together and contemplating just the perfect trooper to give this ridiculous call to and choosing the one who would have the most fun with it, I dispatched it.

Me: "Y399, have a report of a PORCUPINE at mm 93-94 that is "trapped" against the center wall and is needing help crossing the road."

Not even trying to conceal his laughter Y399: "OK, I am on my way"

20 minutes later, the radio comes to life

As serious as he could be Y399: "Headquarters, our little buddy isn't here any longer. Apparently he made it across the road without a crossing guard today, I'm back in service."

I LAUGHED SOOOOO HARD!

Oh the Lifestyles of the highway patrol!

Gosh, I love my job sometimes!

Update on the porcupine reported as a hedgehog the next day:

Mr. Hedgehog/Porcupine met his demise the next day near the center wall at mm 94 southbound side.... where are the crossing guards when you need them???

Gosh I hate my job sometimes!

Obagi Update Day 27 and Day 39

2008-11-12T13:51:00.004-06:00

Since I am behind, I will post Day 27 and Day 39 on my Obagi transformation.

Still not sure about the so called "transformation" but I am starting to feel a small change. My skin is becoming somewhat firmer and I am peeling/flaking. My forehead seems to have had the most change so far (including more breakouts). I still don't know if I would/could recommend this system yet. The time frame is WAY off from what I was told in the beginning.

Promotional Ceremony Pictures as promised!

2008-11-11T20:11:00.005-06:00

Dad and I waiting for it to start.... Figures I would have major hair issues on a big day!

Being sworn in by the Commissioner of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Having my stripes pinned on by the Chief of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and my Daddy!

Speech, Speech!! " I would like to thank my parents for supporting me throughout my career with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Without them, I wouldn't be standing here today (DUH, I cant believe I said that...lol) ahem. I would especially like to thank my Dad, he has been my strength. That's all...."

How lame of a speech was that? I had NO warning that I would even have to say anything at all...

Be Still

2008-11-11T00:15:00.003-06:00

So, I go shopping at Hobby Lobby the other day to finish up the decorations for my parents 40th wedding anniversay and what do I find? Vinyl Wall Lettering! What else do I find? My favorite Bible verse in the Vinyl Wall Lettering! And to top it all off? It was on sale for 50%off! Needless to say, it is now on my wall in my bedroom! I "heart" it!

Name Change

2008-11-10T12:58:00.001-06:00

Blog name has changed from Stone by Stone to Beautiful Disaster!
I will be updating soon!

WOOT!!

2008-10-26T12:12:00.005-05:00

We are going to regionals, I repeat, WE ARE GOING TO REGIONALS! Woot! They did it! The LAAS Lobos won 2nd place in yesterdays robotics competition! According to E, they were in 1st place the entire weekend up until the final round and lost one event which put them 2nd overall. It was really fun hearing all about it! She had a blast and I can't wait for December when we get to go to Ft Smith Arkansas! I will be on a mission to try and get a picture of this alleged "robot" for you to peek at before December. It's really neat!

Anyways, nothing else new to report except that I didn't get finished mowing, but it was for good reason. Do not let anyone ever tell you that tree trimming is easy or fun cuz they would be lying! Dad, Mom and I trimmed and hauled I don't know how many tons of tree branches and wood. My muscles are saying that it was AT LEAST two tons maybe two and a half tons worth....lol We still have another half ton left. But I can say that I have almost a full truck bed full worth of cedar for firewood this winter. I will be getting some more mesquite too! Woot! I feel like the little grasshopper gathering and storing away for the winter. At least the hard work will help keep us warm this winter while providing wonderful enjoyment of a fireplace! I *heart* my fireplace! (Note to self... call a chimney sweeper and get the fireplace prepared for this winter).

Well, until next time..... Happy Fall from Tucker!

Happenings and Day 20

2008-10-24T08:55:00.006-05:00

Whew~ It's been a while. I have been so busy with work that I have met myself coming and going a few times. That's not fun, take my word for it. I am hoping that things will slow down soon but I have a feeling that it will only get worse until Christmas is over! I am loving my new position at work... it's great! I will just be happy when the time comes where I am really familiar with all the ropes and am not having to try and hang on so hard...lol

After freezing my toes off 2 nights in a row, I finally broke down and turned on the heater this morning. I love the winter.. I LOVE sleeping with the windows open and letting the crisp cool air in but when I wake up and my feet are FROZEN and the temp in the house is 59 degrees, it's time. They issued a freeze warning tonight so it's probably best that I did...lol. My poor child has been doing her yearly begging for me to turn it on for a week now and I hesitate every year. I want to get the most out of the fresh cool air as I can. I noticed yesterday as I was out and about that even though the weather was in the HIGH 60's, EVERY person I saw was buried in coats and hoodies with ear muffs and mittens on and just shivering. They act like they are so use to the summers being 105 or more and when the temp drops below 80 it's cold. (actually, that is the honest truth.. but I am abnormal) Cold? Schmold... I'm lovin' it!

E is leaving today for their 2nd competition in robotics. I dropped her off at school last night for their final practice and went in to talk to her teacher and I was AMAZED! These kids built a robot out of scrap metal. It travels, has moving parts and picks up things... I could not believe it! I knew they were building one but had NO IDEA it was as awesome as it is. This school is awesome!!! The competition they are going to tomorrow will determine if they get to go to regionals in Arkansas in December. If so, I am totally taking a video camera. I have already taken the time off at work and am prepared for fun so GO LAAS LOBOS!!! Beat them all (cuz I wanna go to regionals).

Ok, now for Obagi stuff. Here is day 20.
I still don't know how much I am liking this system and don't think I am at the point yet to where I could recommend it to anyone but I have seen a few changes. All of my dark spots are fading and I have felt a little tightening in and around my eyes and forehead. The wrinkles in my forehead are not near as deep and around my eyes feels alot better... not where I want it to be yet but i am only 20 days into the 60. The peeling isn't too bad however I did have to lay off of one of the night creams (well, i kinda conveniently forgot to use it two nights in a row) because the peeling/flaking describes it better/ around my lips and chin were getting kinda heavy. But it's still very manageable right now. I don't expect it to get much worse. I will use the night cream 5 out of the 7 nights and it works good for me. My face is also starting to feel alot smoother which is nice. Overall, I am still not totally sold on it but I am only 1/3 way into it. I will keep you updated!

And for a final note. I will be changing my email address the first week in November. ATT Yahoo/sbcglobal really upset me 2 weeks ago and after spending 3 days on the phone with them because I could not connect my desktop online. They got me hooked up through dial up which will now not work on my router which will now not allow me to connect wirelessly with my laptop and they said that was all they could do for me.... I'm calling bull hockey on that one. It is their Internet service that is the problem. I do not pay dial up fees, I pay for high speed. It has never given me problems before and now that it is, I am expected to take the word of an outsourced techie geek that cannot even speak my language who says that they can't do anything to help me fix THEIR problem? I think not. I am switching to cable Internet. It is local so if I have any problems, at least I know that I will be speaking to someone who knows English very well and lives in my city, in my own state and in my own country, and can come to my own house if the problem cannot be fixed over the phone..... sorry, just a little frustrated! Needless to say, I will be sending out email notices soon. If you do not get a new email address notification from me sometime after the 4th, then PLEASE let me know and I will let ya know my new address.

One last picture of my sweet Toby boy peering out the storm door into the blustery cold day...(*rolling eyes...lol) Normally he is outside but since it's too cold, he is veggin out in the new warmth of the living room.

I'm off to go mow my parents 3 acres for the last time this year! Better grab my ear muffs and mittens....NOT!

oh dear blog

2008-10-23T22:10:00.000-05:00

I haven't forgotten you... I have just been busy. I will share pics soon!

What is your word worth?

2008-10-16T23:15:00.005-05:00

GRRRRR! I am sooooo furious that I could just scream! UGH!

All I have to say is that I am so very thankful that God gave my daddy wisdom enough to teach my brother and I at an early age what integrity meant and that you are only as good as your word!!!! I have taken that lesson to heart and tried to display it to the best of my ability in my everyday life. When I run across someone who doesn't, it just blows me away. I don't understand how they do what they do and do it without blinking an eye. I can not understand how they are so willing to sell their integrity for something so small. It is just beyond me!

Thank you Dad for having morals and integrity, principles and a conscience. Thanks for displaying honesty and sincerity in your life and for being a great role model. Thanks for being a part in molding me into the person I am today and for living your life as the example. I can not thank you enough. I love you!

2008-10-15T11:08:00.001-05:00

Peel on baby, Peel on!

ROCK ON!

2008-10-14T13:48:00.003-05:00

From the school Gala. They did an awesome job and I am so happy with my pics (finally)... they are sooc and the top one is converted to b&w. Stay tuned for more!

Micro-derm abrasion

2008-10-14T13:38:00.006-05:00

Day 9

I decided to go talk to the girl who sold me this Obagi stuff and find out why I'm not peeling like I was told I would. She was surprise to find out I wasnt further along than what I was also so she decided to give me a micro-dermal abrasion for free. I have never heard of this and was scared out of my wits...lol It actually wasnt bad at all. No pain or anything until later that night when I put this stuff on my face again then it burned..lol So, now the stuff should start working better. Here are pics before and after the abrasion.

and one with makup on cuz i cant stand it! lol

Stay tuned for awesome pics of E

What's that new skin your in?

2008-10-09T11:43:00.009-05:00

I've been a little unhappy with my skin for quite some time now. I don't like how it looks, the texture of it and the discoloring of certain areas around my chin and cheeks. The sight of the large pores has really got me down as of late. I have also been noticing some increased *coughwrinklescough* under and above my eyes and on my forehead. *sigh, sucks getting old.
I started using bare essentials makeup and never could get it right. I think it was because I didn't have the right colors. Anyways, I love the makeup and will still use it now that I got the right stuff. But it doesn't solve my skin problem. I have never been very vain or high maintenance, or at least I don't think so. I have been known to go to wal-mart without make up on numerous occasions. I don't wear makup on my night shifts. I just deal with the breakouts and sun damaged blotches and go on. But since I am closer to 40 than I want to be and hearing that 40 is the new 30, I want to look more like 30 again. I want tighter healthier skin so.......I have made a decision! I am going to try the Obagi skin care system. I am hoping that I get some good results from it. I have done quite a bit of research on it and seen before and after pictures and they seem quite impressive. My bro did a chemical peel last month and the Obagi system is kinda like that except way milder for a way longer period of time (18 week system vs. a 1 day treatment/1 week heal time). It also offers a blue peel after 6 weeks if you want but I dont know if I will do that, I hear it's a very uncomfortable burn. Anyways, I started it October 3rd and decided that I will be posting it on myblog so that I can keep my results in once place. The pictures that I will be posting on here are very embarassing to me so please do not laugh. I know I shouldn't be embarassed by them (after all, I walk around everyday in public with this face) but to point it out on my blog and show you seems kinda.........weird. Anyways, I took Day 1 pics and day 6 pics so far. I will post pics as I take them. With this system, I should experience dry skin and flaking/peeling, a little swelling and redness for the first 6-8 weeks then it starts subsiding as the new skin cells start making their way to the surface. I'm not looking forward to the peeling part but hopefully the end results will be worth it.

Here is day 1:

Today is day 6 and after 6 days, I figured I would be peeling or something but I haven't noted any yet. What I have noticied is that my skin tone is starting to even out some. I have also had noticable redness and a slight swelling for the first time today. They say it takes a couple 3 days for your skin to start reacting to it so maybe mine took a little longer. I am not experiencing any dryness yet either.

I wish I would have taken the day 1 picture in natural light like I did on day 6, but oh well. I will from now on. Anyways, that is the first through day 6 of the transformation I am attempting. Stay tuned....the pictures will only get worse before they get better.

What's all the "Rave" about?

2008-10-06T12:13:00.004-05:00

Why didn't we have fun things at school like they do now? Maybe they did and I just hung with the wrong crowd and didn't enjoy stuff. Anyhoo! E's new school had a great party the other night. They decorated a room with black paper and black trash bags and then painted in on them with florescent paint. They took out all of the florescent white lights and replaced them with black lights and then had a "rave" dance party- minus all the drugs and alcohol of course! They had a great time. (Some of the younger boys kinda like E .... see last picture!)

Bye Bye Midnights, Bye Bye

2008-09-29T08:13:00.004-05:00

Looks like I am saying goodbye to a lot of things lately. One of those being Midnight shifts! WOO.FINALLY.HOO! Although they are my favorite shift because there is no "brass" around, I am sad to say that I must let them go since I AM now the said "brass"! Oh how sweet it is! :o) I will be working my last "hoot" shift on Sept. 30th and will move to day time hours. I will be filling in on the hoot shifts if someone happens to call in sick or just decide that they need to be off because they said so type of thing (ughhh.....don't ask!) but I wont be working them full time anymore!

Nil desperandum, my dear! Across the desert lies the promised land!!!! Adieu, Alf Wiedersehen,Gesundheit, Farewell....said in my best Gene Wilder voice from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.. gosh I love that movie!

Oh and I have to add a must see!!! Tina Fey ROCKS! Dead ringer, if you ask me!

Out with the old, in with the new!

2008-09-22T14:29:00.005-05:00

Goodbye, Old door! I will miss you!

Hello, New door! Thanks for making me smile!!

This door was not the one I picked out nor is it the one I ordered and expected to be installed today. They totally messed up the entire order including the storm door but after demanding that they fill the empty hole they created by destroying the old door when taking it out, I ended up with a better door than what I originally ordered. Yay for mistakes and the good things that come from them in the end!

That was a close one!

2008-09-19T21:41:00.004-05:00

Whew! I thought I had locked myself out of my blog..... I have been trying to log in for 2 days now and wasn't smart enough to figure out what my password was... glad there was an "idiot" button to help me reset it! So yeah, my new laptop crashed and I have spent the last 2 days reformatting since Dell support couldn't help me fix it..."you will have to reformat since the OS files are corrupt beyond repair"... ugh! How it happened, I have NO CLUE. Luckily I was able to save all my files and pictures this time! Woo hoo, I didn't lose a thing (except passwords..........LOL)

FYI

2008-09-16T16:46:00.004-05:00

Ok...........I must say that I kinda like a little OU action since I do live in Sooner Nation but to carry it over to my blog has been a little to much for me to handle. I WILL be choosing another layout soon! lol I can't handle it much longer! (give me a day or two).

Off to watch E's first Cheerleader event of the school year. She use to be in Cheerleading in 2-4th grades and would have continued but the private school I moved her to didn't offer it. This new private school she is attending this year does and she was just overjoyed. Needless to say, I warned her this morning as she was walking out the door that the momma paparazzi would be
making her appearance this evening and I didn't want to hear one complaint about it. hee hee

Stay tuned for pics!

Storms

2008-09-16T16:06:00.006-05:00

I'm so incredibly sad! Galveston was hit hard! The pier in my previous picture is indeed gone! The destruction is massive. Having dealt with flooding in my own home (minor compared to this) I know what water can do but to experience it at that magnitude is beyond my comprehension. Thank God we live inland. Tornado's are one thing but add water to them and it's a whole new ball game. I keep thinking of a Casting Crowns song every time is see pictures of Galveston and Houston, not to mention the other smaller communities effected. It's called Praise you in this Storm. Here are the lyrics:

I was sure by now,God,
that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God
who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
I will lift my hands for You are who You are
no matter where I am and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm.

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You and raised me up again
My strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
And as the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"and as Your mercy falls I raise my hands
and praise the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth!
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth!

Chorus

So fitting If you ask me. This song constantly reminds me how much we NEED to rely on Him during our storms of life. How we need to thank him for the storms of life even through the tears and sorrow. Even though we are going through storms, He is still there whispering "I'm with you." and drawing us to Him. Lord, Help me to continue to praise you in my own storms of life!

P.S. My friends in Bryan, TX came through Ike without much damage but my aunt, uncle and cousins were also fortunate in a way. Their homes lost portions of the roofs and my aunts garage roof was caved in. My cousin's house had quite a bit of roof damage where it caved in at certain areas of the house but no standing water. The fences are gone and outside play sets are nowhere to be found. My aunt said that their housing addition was completely flooded except for her house and a couple of houses around them. It was a miracle. All of the damage is fixable. I'm just thankful that they are all safe. Houses, roofs, play sets fences, trees are all replaceable, their lives are not!

God be with Galveston!

2008-09-12T13:32:00.008-05:00

I am glued to the TV! Having spent some wonderful times in the Houston area this summer and the Galveston area last summer, this storm really bothers me. I wish I weren't so obsessive with storms but when it comes to weather, I am. I can't help it. My prayers are non-stop for the people in the path of Ike! Waves are already at 20 ft crashing on the the sea wall. It just breaks my heart....:o( Hearing that there was a mandatory evacuation on Galveston Island and that only 50% have evacuated, just amazes me! What are these people thinking? Are their material things more important than their lives or the lives they are keeping there with them? Come on people, are you really wanting to drown? They are saying that tonight, Galveston Island will be under water for a period of time. Jamaica Beach and San Luis Pass is already flooded. Gosh I am so sad!

Here are a few pics I took when I was in Galveston. This is a monument along the seawall depicting a man holding his wife and child as the water rises. Its was placed in memory of the 1900 hurricane, the "Great Storm", that killed an estimated 6,000 and 12,000 individuals.

Once the"Great Storm" hit, Galveston realized that they needed a seawall to help prevent this again. Here is a picture that I took of the seawall from the water side.

Here is a pic of myself standing in front of the pier in Galveston. The one that the news keeps showing on TV and the same one that they say will not be there tomorrow. I'm just so sad!!!

God be with Galveston!

P.S. Please keep my friends and family safe. My aunt, uncle and cousins have evacuated their homes and offices in the Beaumont/Port Arthur area and are further inland near Tyler, Tx. I have some friends in Houston and in Bryan, Tx. Keep them in your prayers! Shelly, Todd and kids, I am praying ya'll stay safe!

Silence

2008-09-11T20:47:00.003-05:00

We will never forget
9/11/2001

2008-09-06T15:49:00.002-05:00

NEED I SAY MORE?

Look at me now!

2008-09-05T11:53:00.005-05:00

Okay, so it's not such a secret! But the wait is finally over! I GOT PROMOTED! I am so happy! The phone call came early yesterday morning (well, 08:30, early for me). I had the ringer turned off in my bedroom since I am currently on midnight shift and sleep during the day and so I missed the call from HR! Thankfully the Troop Commander was kind enough to call my cell phone... Here was the conversation: Keep in mind that the TC is a very dry-sense-of-humor type of guy. He loves to try and make you think your in trouble all the time only to get you shaking in your boots then start laughing! He uses this "mean", very stern, disciplinary voice along with "the eye". I think it was one of those "If you keep doing that, your face will freeze like that" faces that momma always warned us about...lol There are days in which I never really know if he is serious or joking until then very end when he is either standing there just staring at you or stomping his feet with his head back, hand on his belly, laughing hysterically at the dumbfounded look on your face. Needless to say, this conversation was no different. At first I was like "crap, what did i do now?" then it turned into "Shut the front door so no one can see me jumping, screaming, rolling on the floor, excited, trying to be professional and hiding it until I got off the phone" reactions. You know, the ones where your so excited you could pee your pants! Anyways, here's how it went:

TC: Kami? (in his "mean" voice)

ME: Yeah

TC: What are you doing? (stern voice)

ME: Apparently not answering my home phone! (duh)

TC: Why? (disciplinary voice and I could almost see "the eye" through the phone)

ME: Because my ringer is turned off???? (meekly...lol)

TC: Why would you want to do that? (stern voice)

ME: So I could sleep? (duh again)

TC: Well, if you are gonna be a SGT then you can't turn off your ringer. You have to be available. (stern voice)

ME: Really? (trying to tame my excitement)

TC: Go turn on your ringer! CONGRATULATIONS!!! (insert the hysterical laugh here)

ME: WOO HOO! (yes i really said that out loud..lol This is also where I am hiding the fact that I am so excited that I feel the need to pee my pants...lol))

TC: It is also retro-active to Sept. 1, 2008.

ME: Wow, great! What do I do now? (What do I do now??? Of all things to say...lol I was trying to sound professional and obviously failed miserably).

TC: (Chuckling) Nothing, I will take care of the transition on the paperwork side of things and all you will have to do is step into the position! Congratulations again, you will do a good job!

ME: Thank you!

TC: Okay, see you tomorrow!!

ME: Okay, Bye! (instantly screaming "Thank you God, Thank you God" all the while, jumping up and down, raising my hands like a crazy woman!!!) It was really a site to see! I'm just thankful no one else did...lol!

Needless to say, I got nothing else accomplished the rest of the day because I turned on the ringer and my phone rang OFF THE WALL! It was a fun, crazy day!

Shhhh!

2008-09-04T13:24:00.003-05:00

I gotta secret!

(and a bad picture..lol)

Digital LO

2008-08-29T22:10:00.002-05:00

Sewing 101

2008-08-27T09:29:00.009-05:00

Give me paper, scissors, and scrapbook supplies and I can just go to town without a problem. Set a sewing machine, thread and fabric in front of me and I am clueless as to what to do! Who knew sewing a straight line would be so difficult much less cutting a straight line on fabric. I have been seeing all these really cool camera straps online and I finally decided to attempt to make my own. I mean, come on.... how difficult could a square be? Apparently pretty difficult, if your name is Kami! After numerous phone calls to my mother, a few mis-cuts due to my bad measurements, various Google searches for tutorials, 2 visits from my mother to show me steps, 3 scrapped attempts (crooked) and 5 hours of my day, I did it! I made some camera straps! After spending 3 hours on the first one and getting the hang of it, I spent another 2 hours and whipped out 4 more! I now have 5 straps! WOO HOO! I'm so proud of myself! They are not designer quality by any means but I love them! Fighting with that stupid sewing machine was all worth it! I think I will stick to scrap booking and leave the sewing to my daughter and mother! My brain doesn't work in inches!

School

2008-08-24T18:32:00.006-05:00

Things are finally getting back to normal for the new school year for both E and myself. I enrolled in 11 hours this semester but have decided that with my new (still pending) job position that it would be wise to drop out of all but my online class for the time being. I think that trying to learn learning new responsibilities at work and trying to hold down a nearly full time schedule in school along with E's new school schedule and this thing called life, it was in my best interest to just keep one class. There is always next semester. The online class I am taking is a computer class so it shouldn't be too difficult. However, after I bought 240 dollars worth of books for this class, I better learn something!
E started a new school this year. It has been totally awesome for her. Her attitude has really changed. She is talking about how she is going to strive to be on the honor roll and how she is really excited about school. This new school really focuses on academics and the arts. She is doing things in this school that has not been afforded to her before. Multimedia classes, broadcasting, fine arts, Spanish and Latin, along with all of the core subjects. She is growing already and only has 1 week under her belt. I'm very proud and excited for her! I think I made a good decision and this was a great move!

The jobs are going good. E is still working at the ice cream and candy co on the weekends and I am still waiting to hear about my promotion. I have heard numerous rumors that I got the position but I can not bank on it until it is in writing in front of my face. We shall know sometime next week! Just keep saying prayers!

I have new pics of 7 month old Tucker. It is just amazing how much he is still changing. When I went over there this weekend, he didn't even look like the same dog! He is really lightening up a lot. He is just beautiful! Rotten but beautiful. He has a great personality. His bark is so deep. I would definitely think twice about breaking in the house if I were to come face to face with him in the night!

Back to busy!

2008-08-22T10:17:00.003-05:00

Well, as you can tell from the lack of blogging, i am no longer on vacation. I will update tomorrow with all the happenings around here.

New room

2008-08-09T23:53:00.008-05:00

This is going to be another short post but I just wanted to share more of E's new room. We got it put back together tonight and she loves it! It is still missing a few details but all in all it turned out real well!

The picture over her bed!

The arrow is a magnet bulletin board.

New curtains

I will try and get a pic of the whole room tomorrow. We are exhausted and too tired to try for any more pictures tonight!

Here is one of Tucker, since I havent posted one of him in a while. Look how much he is lightening up!

Tomorrow I shall show you my new cross and a quilt from my great grandmother!

One final shout out! Woo Hoo! One of E's friends was crowned the new Rodeo Queen for 2008! She was great! WAY TO GO, N! We are proud of you!

Favorite Picture of the Day

2008-08-08T00:14:00.007-05:00

Lawton Ranger's Rodeo August 2008

How gorgeous is this saddle? The guy's not bad either *wink*! (Click on the picture for a closeup of the details)

( I was in cowboy overload....yummmmm)

More Photoshop fun

2008-08-07T14:50:00.002-05:00

color pic is SOOC and then my black and white conversion with a slight tint

Photoshop

2008-08-07T02:05:00.002-05:00

Just playing around in photoshop! Thanks to youtube I am learning a little more everyday! FUN FUN FUN!

Continued Bee Saga and Sneak Peek

2008-08-05T22:12:00.013-05:00

Sorry to leave you hanging with the bee story. I have been preoccupied with some crazy stuff the last couple of days. I wish it were bee related because then it would be much simpler to deal with. Tears are never easy! I will just leave it by saying that E and I have definitely learned lessons the hard way this week and now it can only get better. And it starts by walking into my bedroom to see my daughter in the Word! No matter what we are going through, God always draws us near to Him! Such a sweet, sweet picture!

Ok.... back to the bees!

I am trying to remember where I left off. I think it was with the professional bee keeper who called. She was telling me that I should just leave them alone because they will eventually leave. Since they are not aggressive and I can stand outside near the house where they are and I can mow without aggravating them then I have a very mild mannered queen, which is good I am guessing. She told me how they will send out scouts to find a new home and how the queen will then create a swarm and then move to the new home. I have decided to leave them alone and hope that they move on. I am just afraid of that never happening. There are millions of them! She told me that 1 lb of bees equals 30 thousand bees. That's just crazy! Soooo needless to say, unless someone else has another good idea of what I can do, they will be living in the siding of my house for a while. She also informed me that it is against the law to kill them. They are good for the planet since they are one of the main sources for pollination... Who knew! Oh and here is a picture of my injury!

It's still real sore and wearing work boots proved to be just a little painful! Notice the white paint? That is from today's project. We completed painting E's room.... well.... almost! I bought the wrong kind of white paint. I got primer instead of regular paint so I will have to get more before it is totally completed but it's good for now. It is not completely put back together yet so you will just have to settle with sneak peeks!

YES! That is a black wall!

More Bee Drama

2008-08-03T00:38:00.001-05:00

A very wise sensei told me just this morning that "in order to become successful, you must become smarter than the bee". (Thanks, Dad! *wink) Guess what.... I'm injured and I give up!

Yep, while climbing up the ladder into my attic to try and squash my fear that the attic is full of bees, a free weight that I have stacked up there fell and landed on my left hand and left ankle causing me to fall backwards off the ladder. Nothing broke except my pride and a river of tears down my face, thank goodness, but it sure hurt pretty bad. The 14 lb weight felt like 2 tons when it hit both left extremities. Instant bruising and goose eggs appeared and will remain for a few days I am sure. After the pain somewhat subsided and the numbness wore down a little, I climbed right back up the attic stairs like a good grasshopper, and tried to assess the bee situation up there. After seeing about 5 of them inside the attic by the light bulb near the front wall, and having one race towards me, I hightailed it out of there on one foot as fast as I could. I have thus concluded that they are in the attic also and they are smarter than me! What's a girl to do???? NOTHING!

Right after the traumatic attic fiasco, the phone rang and it was one of the men that had called this morning. WOO HOO, God does answer prayers! He happened to also be in the pest control business. He said that they are definitely not Africanized bees and are just regular honeybees. He said for me to quit wasting money with pesticides and use a straight Dawn dish washing soap and water mix....WHAT??? GET OUT OF TOWN! I was shocked. He said it will drop them faster than any pesticide and its safer. He also told me that if I decided to kill them I needed to think about the problem that will then rear it's head....... the honey! Once the bees die there is no longer a source of air conditioning caused by the bees wings and the wax on the comb will melt. Once that happens the honey will start dripping down the walls thus ruining the walls and attracting more unwanted insects. It will entail tearing out and replacing the walls. After that phone call a professional beekeeper returned my call confirming all that the first guy said and also added a few details about leaving the hive alone.

TO BE CONTINUED

At the stroke of Midnight.....

2008-08-02T11:36:00.006-05:00

Breaking from the bee saga!

Last night was the famous "Breaking Dawn" book release/costume party at our local mall. Being the nice, wonderful, loving, best mom in the world, pushover chauffeur that I am, I took E. The first 60 people who signed in with their reservations were able to get a line number and a souvenir red ribbon. We were able to snag #50! Woo hoo, brownie points for mom! An online friend that I met a few years ago (and haven't seen since) called and said she was bringing her daughters so I was able to snag her #55! It was great catching up with her again and meeting her adorable children! ( Kristen, we WILL have to get together and do lunch or something again soon, okay?) Anyways, E decided to wear her homecoming dress for her "Bella" costume. She looked so pretty and was so excited for this book release! Honestly, I can't wait to read it myself! The party ended up being pretty lame compared to what I had imagined in my mind. Something elaborate in L-town? I should have known better! It was just an open room with guitar hero (setup as a scavenger hunt event), a few other games and some posters stuck on the walls. They had a couple of hosts who were dressed in character that were running the show and it was pretty much chaos. Contests for the best "B Y O E" (Bring your own Edward) proved to be the highlight of the girls night, besides getting their hands on the actual book of course. According to E, the "Edward" that won the contest was rather cute. She blushed every time he looked her way. E and Kristen's daughter, K, got brave enough to go ask for a picture and since I just so happened to conveniently have my camera, I obliged them. Sorry I cut half your face off, K! The rest of the evening was spent standing around chatting with friends and waiting for the midnight hour. After our book purchase, we caught a few more final pictures and headed home. We were able to be out of there by 12:30 and home by 12:45 so it was not too terribly bad! E lasted about 30 more minutes, reading of course, then hit the sack since she had to work today. All in all, she had fun which meant that I accomplished my goal. That was all that mattered! Here are a few pictures!

E and half of K with "Edward"

K and E with their books

E and a few of her friends

Kristen's wonderful family

and last but not least-

Kristen and I

The morning after!

2008-08-02T09:33:00.004-05:00

AWWW, poor, poor fierce hunter! He can't go outside because the mom refuses to submit him to potential swarming bee attacks and he is not too happy about it! On top of the sad teary eyes and long sorrowful meows, this is what he has been doing all morning.... poor, poor, pitiful kitty!

After inspection of the hidden hive this morning, I discovered that the spray may have done a little damage, albeit not much! It seems that the ones that were not hurt by the spray are frantically trying to carry the dead out of the nest and dump them on the driveway and front porch! I found numerous ones this morning in Toby's water bowl that sits nest to the garage door and scattered around. I did walk to the front of the house to see what it looked like and there are not as many hanging around outside the hole but there were numerous ones flying in and out of the hole carrying more! I was able to collect a sample of them and take a picture. I used Photoshop to zoom in and get a better look so the pic isn't too clear and they look shriveled but it should help to identify them. I have also called 5 people this morning and was only able to get a hold of one man who said that he didn't handle bees anymore due to the strict policy that the police department has put on them. I am actually thinking that the pd was expecting this guy to eradicate or remove without payment but that's my opinion. Needless to say, he was not willing to tell me anything but did give me a name and number of a man who would tell me what I was potentially looking at if it was a big nest. I have also left messages with 2 other men and hopefully someone will call me back soon! I am just praying that the magnitude of this nest and the damage I see in my head are no where near reality! I think I have let my imagination run wild with this....lol I keep seeing the scene in the movies of the killer bees attacking the house and filling the windows blocking out the light!!! Okay, not really.....but close??? I will be using another can of "FOAM" spray this afternoon or evening when they are all gathered back at the nest unless someone calls and tells me otherwise! Wish me luck!

Un-BEE-lieveable

2008-08-02T02:19:00.010-05:00

Ever hear buzzing sounds???Ever had a few bees fly by your head???? Ever feel the need to run for your life????? I DO!

Today, I was practicing on my focus and with lighting and was taking pictures of E. After finishing indoors, I drug the reluctant and whiny teen outside to do the outside lighting photos. After a few horrible shots, I happen to notice a few bees flying around. Wishing I had a macro lens, I followed the bees to see where they were coming from. I watched as they flew towards the front of the house and land on the siding...........that's when I saw it! Bees galore! There is a knot hole in the cedar siding on the front of my house and they have apparently moved in. Thinking that there were only a few more just inside the hole, my mom and I decided to get the wasp and hornet spray and spray inside the hole (well, she did the spraying and I took the pictures from a safe distance...lol).

Boy did we get a surprise!!!!! I don't know how big the nest is that is inside the wall but bees started coming from everywhere. There are millions of them, I know this because I counted every single one of them as they flew out past our heads! Not to mention the one that landed on mom's head that scared us to death. Oh and the buzzing sounds.... Oh my goodness.... there had to be millions of them because the sound was unbelievable. I went into the garage where this knothole is and you could even hear the buzzing sounds of the millions in the garage through the wall! (Ughhhh I can still hear it and it gives me the heebie jeebies). It was just like in the movies when a swarm of bees were on the rampage. Did I say it was LOUD?! It was un-BEE-lievably loud! If you will look closely, I even caught a picture of one in flight, go me!!! (rolling my eyes)

Well, needless to say, the spray did nothing! These bees are still alive! After deciding that it was the wrong kind of spray, I went to Wally World to get more. I found some that is suppose to kill on contact. I figured if that didn't work nothing would. After coming home and wasting another can of faulty bee spray, I am convinced that I have bees straight from Hades! (advice of the day: If it says "kills on contact", DON'T BELIEVE IT! They are lying to you! It's false advertisement)

I did a little research online tonight about bees and now I am a little worried that these may be the africanized honeybees.... you know, the ones that are bad. By the way, the Internet and I now have a love/hate relationship. I pulled up pictures of them and they are very very similar to the ones that have taken up residency in my walls and behind my eyelids when I try to sleep. I have called the local police department to get some numbers for local beekeepers and I will be burning up the phone lines tomorrow morning. For some reason, I have a slight suspicion that my bee problem is much deeper than what 2 full cans of bee spray can obviously handle.

We have it!!!!

2008-08-02T01:37:00.002-05:00

In our hot little hands! Woo hoo!

Challenge Photo

2008-07-29T14:14:00.002-05:00

10 minutes from home (my parents home)

In my rear view

2008-07-24T23:59:00.005-05:00

Of all the sunset pictures I took yesterday and tonight, who would have thought that these two one would turn out to be my favorites! The first one is SOOC minus the matte frame. The second one has color adjustments along with the matte frame.

Eye to Eye

2008-07-23T22:43:00.002-05:00

Look into my eyes.... Drop the sock monkey or else!!!!!!

It has finally hit me!!!!

2008-07-23T10:49:00.003-05:00

I have come to the conclusion that very few, and I mean very very few people post pics SOOC (straight out of camera). I have been attempting to capture the perfect shots. You know, the ones where people are like "WOW, your good!" shots. I look online at way too many photoblogs and "how to get the best shots" websites and almost all the pics make me say "WOW, why can't mine come out looking like that?". I have been really obsessing about this lately. I try and battle and fight and get frustrated because it isn't happening and then I give up and look online more as to what I am doing wrong. I stay up til 2 in the morning researching. I go to bed dreaming of pictures (and cameras not working..lol) and I wake up with utter confusion as to why I just am not happy with my photo taking skills. It has become a total vicious cycle. I woke up this morning and while laying in bed deciding if I want to start my day or not, as usual, it FINALLY hit me! Most of the pictures I see are post processed.... I have been expecting too much! Seeing pictures of storm clouds in the distance that are just a magnificent color while seeing perfectly green grass up close is not SOOC. Seeing a perfectly white shirt on a man who is standing next to a very large mural of a parrot painted on the side of a perfectly colored red brick building is not SOOC. Seeing rain droplets hitting the ground and bouncing back up and hanging in mid-air all the while retaining complete clarity and color is not SOOC. Seeing landscape photos of an abandoned farm house showing it's perfectly aged wood and wear and tear all the while keeping the perfect sky coloring and snowcapped mountain terrain interesting is not SOOC. It's all post processed. It is all tweaked to make it seem to the viewer that it is SOOC. Granted, it takes a good photographer to capture the feelings and motions in these pictures but the final photo is created in the post processing stage. I have been focusing on the wrong thing this entire time. I have been wanting perfect pictures from the click of my shutter! I have been expecting the impossible with the equipment I am working with. I have been missing what it is all about. It's not about the perfect colors, the best location or the high tech equipment for the perfect picture. It is about the emotions captured, the movement seen and the motions stopped in mid-air to create a stunning photo. It's about what you are photographing. Its about the old rusted shed that has taken a beating from too many bumps from the lawn mower. It's about the wood used to make the old outhouse left abandoned in the pasture only to become a breeding place for nasty bugs, snakes, spiders and such. It's about the concrete and paint used to create the perfect watering hole for the beautiful creatures of the air. The colors and all can be fixed in Photoshop. It can be tweaked. Where has my brain been? Why have I been so focused on the wrong concept? My obsession on perfection instead of the emotions has really sparked new motivation! No more focusing on getting the right moment to create the perfect pose. From now on, I am going to just snap away and whether the subject of my photo is ready or not wont matter. I want emotions and depth! I want sincerity and beauty…. Who cares about the colors, it’s all fake anyway!

Off to--> mow and hit the old rusted shed again<-- take more photos and then obsess about the perfect post processing action! If anyone knows of great post processing actions for Photoshop 7.0, please ... please … please help a girl out!

2008-07-22T22:44:00.002-05:00

I carry a gun cause a cop is too heavy. bwahhhhahahah

Now that's what I'm talking about!

Another Moon Picture

2008-07-22T12:25:00.002-05:00

Just another moon picture and a test post from my Flickr acct!

Flickr

2008-07-22T12:23:00.001-05:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

FINALLY

2008-07-22T11:16:00.001-05:00

I think I am all caught up now on my past archiving back to blogger. The xanga blog was just really a pain in the butt. As pretty as it look and easy to navigate, it wouldnt let me link to my favorite sites without upgrading and it made it hard for my friends to view. I finally just came back to blogger! So..... Welcome to my new home again! This will be my new blog from now on.

so with that........BLOG ON!

July 20, 2008

2008-07-22T11:11:00.000-05:00

Bad dreams and good friends!
Bad dreams last night..... bad, bad dreams! I dreamt that I couldn't get my camera to work and missed the best shots of my life. Shots that were worth TONS of money. (guessing I was a professional photographer or something of the liking to make money for photos) I borrowed Kristin's camera and I couldn't get it to work either. It was just horrible. Those shots are now burned in my mind and will haunt me forever! Bummer!
On to better things.........I took E to work today and ended up seeing a girl that I use to work with at my very first job ever! She had the most beautifulest (is that a word?) red hair back then-and still does- and I always wanted to have it. I was just in love with her hair! Well, she has passed it onto her daughter. Gorgeous, I tell you! Her daughter is 1 year younger than mine and just as short...lol Anyways, we plan on having lunch sometime in the near future. I'm excited! We always had a good time when we were younger so heres hoping we still do and can rekindle an old friendship!
Well, thats all for now...I must go to work...... sigh. I can't wait til Aug for another 2 week vacation!
over and out!

July 19, 2008

2008-07-22T10:58:00.001-05:00

Moon Beams

Holding the moon in the palm of their hands!

Freeze! Or I will... I will.... I will start laughing!

While driving the girls around, I took advantage of the full moon and tried to get some fun shots. I know absolutely nothing of what I am doing and it is sooo frustrating. Why is it that when I start something new (like photography), I expect so much out of myself. I hate it that I am not getting the kind of shots that I want. I want so much to just be able to pick up my camera, know which settings to put it on and not worry how they will turn out. I guess practice makes perfect but still.... I want it now! It's discouraging when I think i get some decent ones and then get home an upload them to dicover that MOST of them are bad! I have horrible hands shake too!!! The Moon pics below were taken with a tripod. I do have to say that even though these are not the best, I love the moon beam effect I was able to capture by setting my iso on 1600.

Just some more fun ones that I played with in photoshop. This is an abandoned creamery building in the industrial part of my town. I was only able to get just one half way decent pic of the moon near this building.

And last but not least. Here is a July pic of Tucker. He just recently went under the knife and now he is offically a 58 lb sissy boy..... (neutered). Isn't my mom pretty?

What is Today?

2008-07-22T10:54:00.002-05:00

TEAM JACOB

What is Tomorrow???

TEAM EDWARD

I know you "Twilight" lovers can totally appreciate these shirts!

We are waiting anxiously for Aug 2!!! Can you tell?

july 13,2008

2008-07-22T01:33:00.001-05:00

Sunday, July 13, 2008
Woo Hoo! E comes home tomorrow! I am so excited! I can not wait to get back to normal again. It's just not the same waking up in the house with her gone. Not like she gets up when I do, it's just knowing that she is there that makes me complete! If you have children, you know what I am talking about.

Here is her picture, taken while we were on vacation. This was in Old Town Spring, just north of Houston. She loved this bench and just begged me to buy it for her! Didn't happen. Instead I bought her a collection of rubber duckies....

july 11 2008

2008-07-22T01:32:00.000-05:00

♥I cannot think of a better song to just sit back and "Be Still" to. This song is from the Live Unplugged cd. My bestest BFF in the whole wide world gave me a copy of it when I saw her last summer! I have all but worn it out! I just love it. It is the perfect worship cd. When my heart is longing to just worship and be calmed this is the cd I turn to every time! It just really speaks! I can't get enough!♥

Word has it that my supervisor will be leaving soon, possibly the middle of Aug. This is a plus in the fact that it opens up the position that I have tested/interviewed for. I am currently listed as the number 2 person on the promotional list and the number 1 girl has accepted a position in a different part of the state! Sooo.... that obviously makes me TOP PICK! Woo hoo! Lord willing, I should be able to promote soon! Keep saying those prayers for me!

Day number 3 of nasty mouse guts presents left for me at the front door by my ever so loving and devoted feline. I told him it was ok to skip the presents but he just seems to insist! Tonight he actually brought it to the door alive and started to meow wanting to bring it inside... like that was gonna happen! Thanks but no thanks! I do have to say tho, that I wouldn't mind seeing some bird feathers as a present one of these mornings. Those stupid Scissored-tail Flycatchers. As beautiful as they are, they are the meanest birds I have ever seen. They scream and attack him every time he walks out the door. It's like they sit and watch the front door just waiting to plunge straight for his tail end. He has scabs on his back from them dive bombing him! GRRR! I have tryied to google search what I could put outside to try and scare them away, like maybe a fake snake or an owl, but I have yet to find what they are scared of. It's sure not my cat!!! And to think I was gonna be nice to them and put a bell on him! Ain't happening now! Flame me but those birds deserve everything they get if he catches them!

E is currently at her dad's house and has been for the last 2 weeks. I really miss her lots! I am excited for Monday to get here. It seems like she has been gone FOREVER! While I have missed her a lot , I have to say that I have sooo enjoyed my nice clean, spotless house for the last 2 weeks....lol No laundry, no dishes, no clutter in the living room. It's actually been quite boring! She will be home for 1 week then it is off to Falls Creek (summer church camp) for another week. School starts next month (for both of us) so we will try and pack in the rest of the summer stuff the rest of this month! We were going to attempt to go to Rock the Desert again this summer but I just don't see it happening with the gas prices the way they are. Although I must say that they did drop 10 cents today, big whoop! I guess I shouldn't complain.

Woo Hoo! I have some friends now! Thanks girls! I feel loved now!

Ok, here's a closing picture from our vacation! I was able to test out my cousins new zoom lens and I am hooked! I played with it quite a bit while we were at the pool and was able to catch a few action shots! Even though you cannot see his face, I think this is one of my very favorites! Oh and by the way, I have officially opened another "Help Kami get a new zoom lens" fund. All donations are welcome!

January 2007 Archive

2008-07-15T10:58:00.002-05:00

none

February 2007 Archive

2008-07-15T10:58:00.001-05:00

February 2007
February 26, 2007
I hate painting.... did i mention that I hate painting? Are you tired of hearing me gripe about painting? Well, hopefully I won't be doing any more for a long while... I finished my scrapbook room and am almost complete with the master bath re-do. I took pics of before and after in my sb room and i will post them but I must say the after picture does not do the wall justice. It came out a weird color on the picture but the actual wall is really pretty.

So, here is before:

And here is after:

The edges of the wall look messy but that is just the tape that is still there. It will be a clean edge when I remove the tape after it's dry. I wish i could get the true color for you but either my camera or my moniter is not calabrated right. I think I am really going to like it. I am going with black accents. I will post final pictures once it's all put back together. The masterbath color turned out gorgeous. Its a mocha cream color now and I think I really like it. I am thinking of maybe a french cafe theme. Is that bad for a bathroom?

Whew! now, with all the painting done, hopefully I can post normal posts instead of all this stinking home improvement stuff that has consumed me lately.

Posted at 10:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
Hmmm
Either IE is all jacked up tonight or my work has caught onto the sites I visit most on IE and locked out all pages that require a sign in. Lucky for me I installed firefox about 6 months ago (before authorization was required to dl anything). I'm so sneaky! lol

I was hoping to get some home improvement stuff done today but I have not been feeling good at all. I stayed in bed most of the day. I can't tell if it is actually an illness or the fact that I have a giant standing in front of me, staring me down and saying "I dare you". (that giant being my home improvement projects and packing) I have 14 days to get them finished and I am no where near even 1/4 done. I do work well under pressure but I hate that I stress myself out over it. Things don't just "roll off" of me like they use to. When I get stressed in one area of my life, all areas become stressed and I start to question EVERYTHING! I am feeling the beginnings of it already. I need some magic pixie dust!

Posted at 01:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

February 24, 2007
Red Ochre and Bathroom Pics

This is the color I chose for my scrapbook room. I can't wait to get it finished. I thought it was a fun color. I couldnt find any greens that I liked so I chose this instead. I hope it looks good when I get it finished. I also got a cream color paint for the master bathroom. I will add pics when i get it painted.

And now for the long awaited bathroom pictures. This is the upstairs bathroom. This was the room that was the easiest so far. I went with an italian theme. This shelf will have a small tree sitting on the floor underneath it to finish it off!

The flower picture will have some greenry added to it soon and the pictures behind the toilet will be rearranged also when i figure out what else needs to go with it!

All in all, this bathroom turned out pretty good and my favorite so far. Too bad its a bathroom that rarely gets used.

Posted at 08:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Will it ever end?
*Sighing a BIG sigh* I am very unhappy with the color that I painted the master bathroom. It was supose to be a chocolate color but it looks like MUD! I was going for chocolate/cream accent look but what I got was a cave look. I am going to go get more paint tomorrow and start over again! I hate the home improvement process. I wish I could just snap my fingers and it would all be done. While I am at it, I am going to grab a 2nd gallon of paint for my scrapbook room. I just don't know what color yet! I am kinda wanting green but you can bet it wont be chocolate!!! What do you think of this green? I stole this picture from 2peas!i'm thinking of maybe black accents. I am taking suggestions...Help me decorate! I keep saying I will post pictures when the tile/carpet is laid but I need to post pics now so that I can get opinions. Maybe I will do that tomorrow... stay tuned!

Posted at 02:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

February 23, 2007
Introducing.....
PINK ICING

Yes, I know, my video skills leave much to be desired and thanks to YouTube, I get to show you how much my skills lack! I suck at it! lol

This was E's girl band for the school talent show 2007! And for those of you who know E, this is such the typical her! What a blast! They did an awesome job and got the biggest applause. I was so proud of them all. Now, my ears can finally rest from hearing this song being practiced over and over and over and over and over! Barlow Girl is not my favorite right now!

Posted at 07:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

February 21, 2007
Oh my aching back!
"Mom, you could do that for a living. It looks good!" NOT, NEVER, EVER. Texturing is not my forte! However, I must say, it DID turn out pretty good! I finished the texture last night and I painted tonight. My back is sooo glad it's finished. I hope I can actually move my body tomorrow. I also got the upstairs bathroom painted and the border paper up. 2 projects down, many more to go before March! I will post pictures of the finished products after the tile is laid.

Posted at 11:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

February 20, 2007
Oy!
I sure bit off more than what I wanted! I decided that I needed to paint the bathrooms before all the new flooring is to be installed. I chose the paint and figured it would be simple. I have painted many, many rooms before. I got the upstairs one painted yesterday (minus the border paper) and all i had to do was the master bathroom. There is this glossy wallpaper on the wall and I figured I could just paint over it....WRONG! The paint wouldn't go on evenly nor would it dry. I decided to go ahead and suck it up and peel it off. Much to my surprise, there are 3 layers of wallpaper on this stupid wall. 1 trip to Home Depot later, I am texturing the walls. This is not how I wanted to spend my evening...sigh.

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February 19, 2007
How cool is this?

Extreme Home Makeover is in our city building a house for a disabled family and we were fortunate enough to go visit the set. I was really hoping to get a picture of the HOT Ty Pennington but I was unsuccessful! I wish I could take credit for these pictures but I can't. They were taken by one of E's friends. I couldn't get as close as she did. They are still awesome, none the less. E was able to go out to the set yesterday and watch them move the dirt around after they demolished the house by a tank. Today the house is almost complete outside. They are working at hyperspeed! It is crazy. The family is very fortunate to recieve a gift as great as this. Let's just hope they are as grateful for this house as the people who are helping build it are grateful for being able to help. If you are interested in reading about the family recieving this gift you can see it HERE. The episode will air April 8th.

Posted at 08:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

February 15, 2007
Be My Valentine!
E got up this morning to a ringing package. I told her to get Mike on the phone for me and so she dialed the number I gave her (since she doesn't know his number). Her Valentine's Day package started ringing! It was the funniest thing. She was confused at first then I told her "oh wait, that's not Mike's number.... It's YOUR number". She was so excited. She received some chocolates, a stuffed unicorn, a card and her cell phone! After we went over the rules, she was on it, non-stop. I love making her happy! *pictures will be added soon, I am at work and cannot access them right now.

Mike and I will be celebrating our Valentines Day on Friday. With my schedule being flipped to night shifts and his long day shifts during the week, it makes it hard for us to do anything that isn't pre-planned and the middle of the week is just almost impossible. One of these days, it will all work itself out. Besides, V-day should be an everyday thing instead of being reserved for once a year! We did spend the evening on the phone and decided that we are going to the Nextel Nascar race April 15th at the Texas Motor Speedway! His birthday is April 5th and so it will be his gift! Ever since I introduced him to Fantasy Nascar he has just been like a little kid with a new toy! I love his innocence when it comes to this sport, maybe I will win something for once...lol

Walking through my house yesterday, I suddenly became overwhelmed with all of the stuff I am going to have to move. I will give you one guess as to which room is the worst, most overwhelming room of them all. Yep, it's my scrapbook room. Next is E's room, then my bedroom. I have things tucked everywhere. Why o Why do I do that? I am such a pack rat! I inherited it from my daddy! (Thanks, DAD!!!) I get it in my head that "maybe one day I will need that" and I shove it in the drawer and forget I have it. Then I go buy more. *sigh I can tell this packing is not going to be fun.... I am hoping that cleaning out the house will also help me feel refreshed almost like a cleansing myself. We shall see! It was also brought to my attention that I posted the wrong date on the install... It's March 12th not the 19th. It should be completed by the 19th. I still can't wait! WAHOO!

Posted at 04:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

February 13, 2007
New eyes!
New Glasses! After 3 trips trying to pick them up and the prescription being wrong, I finally got them and I am in LURVE!!! I see the world different now. It's amazing what a new pair of glasses will do for a girl!

I also set up the appt for my tile and carpet to be installed. I happen to luck out and because I waited, I am now able to get the WHOLE house done! I am so excited. I will have tile in my kitchen, dining room, 1 hallway and 3 bathrooms. Carpet will be going in the living room, the loft and the 3 bedrooms. I really got a killer deal on the whole thing. Waiting really paid off, just like Paula said it would! I have been searching online to find the color combo i chose but I have had no success. I can say that the tile looks similar to this and the edges are not straight, they are wavy. I plan on posting finished pics! I can not wait! The install is set for March 19th. 3 weeks is all I have to get this house cleared of clutter and packed up (minus the furniture) and moved into the garage! YIKES! I better get started soon! Anyone have any boxes?

Posted at 10:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)

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March 2007 Archive

2008-07-15T10:55:00.000-05:00

March 2007
March 30, 2007
Pictures
I am having a slight problem uploading my pics into a photo album so I will just post them here for now....

**Note to all of those who are waiting pics of my carpet ........those picture will be posted tomorrow so stay tuned**

Lupe, these are for you! My backyard flooding problems and if you say a word about my need to mow then no more carne asada for you, my man!

This first picture is my driveway (click on the photo's and it will give you a full size view):

I explained all the pictures to Paula so she can relay it to you! But there is an idea of the flooding problem I have been facing! Thank goodness it has finally stopped raining. I think we added at least 2 more inches to the rainfall we had yesterday. I went around town and took some more pictures of the creeks and ponds near Emily's school about 3 miles away from my house and it is just amazing. Here are some of those pictures. Keep in mind that they are sucky pics since I was shooting from inside my truck! But you get the idea!

Posted at 07:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Ack!
2 more inches of rain expected!!!

Warning: Vent ahead! i RARELY speak of work in my blog at all because I like to keep work at work and visa-versa but I just have to get this out!

This portion of the post was deleted to protect the "GUILTY" >:o|

Ok, vent over! sorry!

Posted at 05:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

March 29, 2007
Free Carwash
What could be the worst news that could come from me right now? Would it have anything to do with my new carpet and tile? YEP!

My house flooded again today! Just shoot me now! Please, someone just put me out of my misery! I woke up to my kitchen and dining room in standing water! A wave of nausea immediately hit me. My new tile!!!! (at least it is tile, right?) I ran and grabbed my shop vac and started sucking out the water. I then ran and checked my bedroom and closet and thankfully there was no water there. I got it all dried out on the tile and I then discovered the carpet wet in the living room. We got so much rain that it was coming in through the walls. Needless to say, I lost my cookies. All I could see was the final dollar amout I just spent on new flooring. It quickly became obvious that my tummy could see it too! It felt like someone just punched me in the gut over and over again. After spending a few minutes praying on the porcelin throne, I went out and worked on the drainage ditch and laid the pipe (in the rain) and cleared the drainage point at the gate from the massive amount of grass cuttings that built up from E mowing yesterday. When I opened the gate, it was like opening the flood gates! There was no way Moses could have parted the red "clay" sea that was flowing from my backyard!!!! Everything is now flowing really well so that is a relief. I have fans going on the portion of the carpet that got wet and hopefully it will all dry out soon.

After deciding that I could not go to class tonight because it was already too late for me to take a shower, get ready, feed e, and rush to Cameron, we went to grab some fast food for dinner. I was not about to even think about cooking anything. On our way to MickyD's we dicovered that they had several roads blocked off from the flooding. Apparently alot of the town was underwater. My dad said that Wolf Creek was overflowing and he has never seen that happen before. The creek near my house was over half full also. It is crazy I tell ya, pure craziness!!! Thank goodness the rain has eased up for now and I dont think we will be getting any more tonight. The forcast calls for 60% chances of Thunderstorms tomorrow also....OY! Hopefully my hard work today will help me for tomorrows rain!

I just found this article :

Downpours causing flooding

March 29, 2007 03:10 PM CDT

LAWTON-- The heaviest rains have finally moved out of the Lawton area. Left in behind is widespread flooding across the entire city of Lawton.

7 News has received numerous reports of people being stranded by high water. At this time no injuries have been reported.

Emergency management officials are asking that folks stay put until the storm passes and the water recedes. Crews have blocked many streets but are reminding people not to drive through standing water no matter how deep they think it is.

Low lying areas and streets prone to flooding will continue to be hazardous areas and should be avoided.

Be sure to stay with 7 News for the latest on the storms and the flooding.

THere are pictures of flooded streets all over! I guess I can be thankful for 2 things.... that it wasnt worse and I got a free carwash out of the deal!

Posted at 07:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

March 28, 2007
Mad old people
Can someone please explain to me why the oldies radio station is playing songs that were popular when I was growing up? I am not talking just 1 song here and 1 song there. I am talking EVERY song almost. Songs that I like, songs that I love. Songs that bring back some wonderful memories of my teen years. Songs that I would blast in my room just to make my mother go insane! Why is it on the oldies station? They are classics not oldies!

Oh and if you must know WHY i was listening to it..... The carpet installers asked me if i minded if they listened to the radio while they worked. Of course I didn't and I just prayed that I didn't have to listen to cry in my beer music or screaming acid music all day. Nope, it was the Oldies station. I thought I was just gonna have to scratch my eyeballs out of my head to even out the bleeding from my ears when I heard it was the oldies station. Next thing I know, I am singing along with Dust in the Wind and Escape. Then it dawned on me... I bet there sure are a bunch of mad elderly people out there having to listen to my classic rock on their oldies station! *rolling my eyes*

Posted at 02:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

March 26, 2007
Just daily stuff!
Wow, who knew that growing things could be so fun! I am just amazed at how much my little seeds are growing and how quickly. That squash plant is double in size from what it was yesterday, with another one sprouting now too! The only thing that has not made any progress at all and the one I wanted the most is my cantaloupe. I hope I have done everything right and they will start growing soon. I love me some cantaloupe. As a matter of fact, that is the whole reason I wanted a garden was for cantaloupe and squash! Hopefully I will be successful in this endeavor and be able to share the wealth with my neighbors!

My new carpet is set to be installed in less than 6 hours! I am soooo ready to get my house back in order. Having the flooring done in the entire house gave me an opportunity to purge alot of stuff including furniture. I am going to be purging more as I put my house back together. Half of the stuff that came out is NOT going back in. I am hoping to have a garage sale by the end of April. On second thought, free-cycle has really worked so I may just stick with that! Who knows.

We really could use some rain! We have had it in the forecast for the past 5 days with as much as 80% chances and so far we have zilch. The farmers around here are starting to get a little anxious. I would too if I had my entire income riding on rain! Please pray we get some for our area crops and farmers! We have had quite a few really beautiful overcast days. Perfect for photography pictures. Too bad I have not been able to take advantage of it. Maybe in the next couple of days I can.

Yay! It's date night with Mike! We are gonna do the dinner thing tonight! Apple-bee's is sure sounding good! I also get to rub in the fact that I pulled out, yet again, another Fantasy NASCAR win! WHEEEE! They hate me!

We attended the new church yesterday and it was nice. The people were extremely friendly and I even saw a few faces I hadn't seen in YEARS! I think I will try it again next Sunday to get another feel for the pastor and Sunday school. He is anything but typical. I went in very critical yesterday due to something I had heard on Saturday and so I was don't think I was focusing on the entire service but rather looking for the mistakes. I hate it when I do that. I try my hardest not to walk into things with pre-conceived ideas and get my own opinions of things but for some reason, especially when it comes to my places of worship, I find it hard to do when I get a "warning" phone call the day before about what this person said or what that person did.... I want truth. I want teaching from the Bible. I want a humble leader. Needless to say, I am going to attend again, with an open mind, and draw my own conclusions. Thank goodness Jesus doesn't walk in and automatically assume guilt on us!

Well, I guess that is it for another boring update from me! Until next time!!!

P.S. Jillian, I hope you haven't abandoned your blog... I am needing to see some pics of my babies!

Posted at 03:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

March 24, 2007
Squish Squash and Chives
Day 7: Here are pics of my baby!

After posting that he was growing, i guess he decided to give the other seedlings a pep talk cuz when i checked it this morning I had lots of chives and even some cilantro and tomoato plants peeking thru. Yay, it's multiples! :o)

Sorry for boring you with my veggies but I'm excited! I get my garden tilled this week. A friend of mine has a new tiller and is going to come over and do it for me! Yay for friends!

Posted at 05:47 PM in Gardening | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
It's Amazing
It's amazing the things can be accomplished when we just sit back and let God work! I am so hard headed sometimes that it means I have to be completely broken in order to see Him and what He is actually doing. Coming to that point of broken-ness is so hard for me because I feel so vulnerable. But it is during that time when His presence is the strongest in my life, filling my life with new hope, new passion, and more love than my heart can handle. Sometimes it is so hard to invite broken-ness but the end result is so amazing! Thank you Lord! (and Paula for listening to me bawl for days straight)

Guess what! I am the proud mother of one single lonely squash plant! Out of 48 seeds (different kinds), I have 1!!! Woo Hoo! It is now my prized possession...LOL. I think my chives are starting to try and poke through also but that squash plant is just standing so tall! I am so proud! I will try and get a picture in the morning but my camera battery is almost dead and my charger is packed away. I will see what I can do!

E and I went bowling tonight with some of the youth from church (not the new one) and we had a good time. She bowled a 74 and I made out with a 96! I am so proud since I usually never get close to the 90's. I just hope my back will be ok tomorrow! It was fun getting to spend time with E doing something fun! Her whole spring break has been spent being grounded (which expired today) so getting out of the house was a much needed break!

The Bristol race is this weekend. One of my favorite races of the year and I can not wait to see I can retain my fantasy points lead. Mike and Dad are so jealous! Mike is so funny when it comes to losing... but I do have to give him credit... he is taking it well. It is so cute to see him researching and researching his drivers so he can get "just the right one" for the race... (Too bad it hasn't worked for him yet) He did get 14 qualifying points this week and I got zilch but I'm not too worried. 200 pts isn't THAT easy to make up! Wish him luck, cuz he is gonna need it! I LOVE NASCAR!!!

Posted at 02:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

March 22, 2007
Mountains and Twinkles
How many times do I have to go around the same stupid mountain? Why is it so hard to give up control? What will it take for me to learn to let go and let God? Sometimes I just wish I had the knowledge of that fine line between perseverance because it's God's will and the full blown seeking of self will. I'm tired of the tears! I'm tired of the trouble in my heart! I am tired of not dealing with it. Lord, make me deal! Make it be easy to be salt and light!

On a happier note: We tried out a new church tonight and I really liked the youth group. The youth pastor was quite nice and so was his wife. They have the cutest little boy named Boomer, can you tell they are Sooner fans??? They really seemed to be "into" the kids. Emily really, really enjoyed it and made a few new friends. She has already decided that she wants to participate in Disciple Now 2007 with this church and so I will be signing her up this week. She has talked non-stop about it since we left the services tonight. It's nice to see that little twinkle back in her eyes that has been missing since the fall out of the youth group at the church we are currently members at. I'm thinking that we will be attending this new one soon. We are going to visit on Sunday and I am quite excited about it. While I was there tonight I ran into an old friend that I use to work with at the Sheriff's Department. He was telling me all about the church and how it has grown and all about the pastor. By the way, the pastor's name is Bubba...Bubba Clark to be exact...LOL Apparently, he is not your TYPICAL southern baptist preacher. I am excited to experience it for myself. With a name like Bubba, how can you be just TYPICAL!

Posted at 03:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

March 19, 2007
Yes!!!
It's the little things!

Fantasy Nascar has started and we are now 5 races into it and I am STILL in the fantasy points lead! I love being ahead and watching them squirm because they are being beat by a girl!!! Such fun! Points: Kami-1139 Dad~1096 Tom~1024 Mike~942 I love it!

No change in my indoor green house for now! I will be excited when I see some growth. I need to get busy and get my little garden spot in the backyard prepared! I can't wait to see if I have a green thumb or not!

Today is the final day for the tile completion! I am just sooo in love with it! I never thought I would WANT to clean house...LOL It will be even better once the carpet is in!

Happy Birthday Daddy! Your the greatest, wisest man I know and I wish you the best that life has to offer you. Oh and get ready for your beating on the Wii. It's on now! (Nascar and Wii, boy you sure will be tucking your tail now...lol)

Spring break! At least Emily gets to enjoy it! I am working extra shifts this week since we lost ANOTHER dispatcher! I dont know how much longer we can go on like this. There are 4 of us working a 24/7 job. If you do the math, it is almost impossible to do it with just 4 people. Please pray we get help soon!

And finally, a sneak peak of grouted tile...(I KNOW, I KNOW... enough already with the tile... I'm excited, I can't help it!)

Posted at 07:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

March 17, 2007
Mary, Mary
How does your garden grow? I don't know yet, this is my first attempt. I am hoping it does well. I planted cantaloupe, two types of tomatoes, onions, squash, cilantro, rosemary and chives. Hopefully I can record the progress on a daily basis... we will see. So, consider this day one!!!!

Update on the home improvements: All of the tile is down and grouted except the master bathroom and the dining room. It is looking awesome!!! The carpet was scheduled to be installed on Monday but the tile guys are not going to be finished until late Monday. I received a phone call late yesterday saying that there was a mistake in the carpet order and that i had a choice of either waiting another week for the carpet install so they can reorder the carpet or come in and pick out something they had in stock. I went in and looked at the selection and was just NOT happy with any of it. I decided to wait for another week until the original carpet I chose comes in from the warehouse. I figured since I have been walking on concrete since Sept of last year, what is one more week? I will post pics of the final stuff later. I also found a new couch and love-seat that I just fell in love with today. I am really considering getting it after the first of April. I don't know if I want to put in my old beat up couch back into my "new" house...kwim? I was talking to the lady at the furniture store and she said that half of the profit of everything they sale goes towards Emily's private school. The owners of the furniture store are also the founders of Trinity Christian Academy. Isn't that awesome? I was totally sold at that point. Not only does the sale benefit me but also my child's education. I will be doing business there for a long time!

Posted at 08:18 PM in Gardening | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

»

April 2007 Archive

2008-07-15T10:54:00.002-05:00

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April 2007
April 30, 2007
Ay yI yI
Looks like i will be spending the day at the laundry mat! Thanks to a heating element that went out on my dryer! It's less than a year old, how can it already be broke??? This is craziness! Do you know how long it has been since i visited a laundry mat? Oh my goodness... I don't even want to even think about it. Is it bad that I think I am too good for a laundry mat? Maybe it is a good thing my dryer did go on the fritz.... maybe I need a good dose of humbleness. How easy is it for us to take everyday things for granted? Speaking for myself, it is not so much the laundry mat itself as it is the convenience of being able to dry my clothes at home. I can not even count the things I use daily that grant me convenience and ease and I use them without even a second thought. So many things that others would love to have. So many things that I "could" live without. What is really bad was the first thought that went through my mind..... "Great, there goes the IPOD Nano I was going to buy this month!" How selfish is that?

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April 27, 2007
Update
I just realized that I did not update anything on my last MRI. I heard from the doctor last week and they said that the 2 areas of mass in my liver are "stable", meaning they have not grown any. Everything looked like it did back in January. They did reorder my bloodwork. I guess they want to make sure my liver is still functioning properly before I am released. If everything comes out good with the bloodwork like I am expecting, I am guessing that they will tell me I have to have all of this done again next year. Wahoo!

Now, here is me rocking the new Mary Kay!

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April 25, 2007
Time for Change
I have had too many things on my mind lately and have been going through alot. Most of it is not mentionable on here but I think it is time for some change in my life. It's Time for a change in attitude, change in lifestyle, change in character, change in looks. So, i started off with the looks. :o) Why is it that when I feel down that out, the first place I go is to the beauty spa? Is it because it makes me feel better about me?Is it because it is the easiest to change with the quickest results? And that is OK, right? Well, for whatever reason, I spent the afternoon at the beauty spa and treated myself to a new haircut and new color. I have decided that I am tired of the maintenance of keeping my hair dark because of the gray so I went to a light with blonde hight-lights. I have had dark on my hair so long that the gray really sucked up the red. The blonde is going to help it to grow out. I didn't realize it but I am completely gray. What is funny tho is it is not gray, it is white. I can not wait to see what it looks like all natural. I am going to continue putting blonde highlights in it until all the red is out and then just gradually go white. This should be interesting.

This last picture is the actual color. I am not sure why the first 2 are so dark. oops, I have on no make up either. Oh well, I bought some new Mary Kay stuff that I will be flaunting tomorrow!!! How is that for change? Maybe it will help me change my attitude, my lifestyle and character. It should at least give me a boost!

Let me just say HI to a long lost friend. Lynn, you rock girl!!! I can not wait to get caught up from not being in touch for the last 20 years. I love classmates.com!

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Time
I am going to be doing several posts on " Time "

The first one will be on ---------> Time for Change

Stand by for pictures

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April 23, 2007
Prayers please
I am going through something that has just rocked my world...... If you could, I would appreciate a few prayers for strength and perservernace. Life altering issues are never easy! Now if i could just get the tears to stop!

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April 21, 2007
Lazy Bones
Lazy Bones has taken up residence on my new couch! He has gotten more use out of it than I have lately! Oh the life of my house cat, I'm jealous!! And lookie, I even caught catchlights in picture #2! :o)

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April 17, 2007
*Yawn*
Today had to be the longest day of my entire life, or so it seemed anyways. Night shifts are getting to me. I am getting to the point that I cannot sleep during the day very easily anymore. There seems to be not enough hours in the day. While nights are (or use to be) my favorite shift, I can not wait until June when I can get a break from them for a while. I go and go and go and go and then I crash. Well, I feel a crash coming on and I don't have time for it! Here was my day today:

6:30am Get off work
6:45am Arrive at home and change out of monkey suit
6:50am Let the dogs outside and clean up the mess in the kitchen( dog sitting for mom)
7:00am Wake the dead (E) and listen to her beg "just 5 more minutes, please"
7:10am Wake the dead again
7:20am Wake the dead who is really gonna be dead if she doesn't get up this time.
7:25am Listen to her explain that she didn't get to sleep until 3 am and then cry and beg to stay home from school...(this is a normal Monday occurrence, she hates Mondays)
7:27am Reiterate the fact that she needs to just get dressed because she IS NOT staying home today.
7:45am Remind her that she has 15 minutes before we are walking out the door in pj's or not!
7:50am Put a load of clothes in the washer and turn on the dryer to finish drying clothes put in it yesterday!
8:11am Finally walk out the door to take her to school.
8:12am Return to the house because she forgot her lunch
8:24am Finally drop off the walking dead to school... oh the drama!
8:40am Arrive at Walmart to pick up a new mop and hamburger meat for supper
9:20am Walk out of Walmart with $85.00 worth of crap!
9:30am Arrive at the hospital for my scheduled MRI at 10
9:40am Check in and then am informed that my appointment isn't until 10:30 instead of 10 like I thought. OK, good thing I brought a book!!
10:15am Finally get taken back to the MRI machine.
10:50am Wait in Radiology office to get a copy of the test to take to my doctors, which by the way I forgot to drop off...*sigh, add it to my list of things to do tomorrow*
11:10am FINALLY receive copy of results and leave the hospital
11:40am Arrive at my parents house to finish mowing 2/3 of the 3 acres. I chose to do this today because it is suppose to rain ALL day Tuesday and all i can say is IT BETTER RAIN!
1:50pm After running out of fuel in the mower and giving up, head home.
2:00pm Stop and drop another $50.00 in my gas tank... stupid fuel prices ($2.69 a gallon)
2:30pm Arrive at home and unload my $85.00 worth of crap from the truck.
2:50pm Take a shower
3:15pm Call and make arrangements for L's mom to pick E up from choir at 4 and take her to dance class since I need to go to bed. Also call school and advise them that I will not be attending the Teen Choices class tonight at 6. I am just spread too thin today.
3:20pm Sweep and mop the kitchen floor with bleach....I can't stand it any longer!
3:50pm Start cooking the taco meat for E's supper!
3:55pm Remember that E wont be home until 7 (after dance class) so she may not be hungry..oh well.
4:30pm Sweep the kitchen floor again after dropping a huge glass frying pan lid and watching it shatter all over the place... I'm talking tiny shards of glass not big chunks!
4:50pm Lay down in the bed and watch some Live Coverage of the Virginia Tech shootings... how sad not only for the families of the deceased but also for the rescue/recovery workers. I can not imagine the scene that they were forced to walk into! But by the grace of God, go I!
5:25pm Force myself to turn off the "train wreck" on TV. Train wreck as in it's so awful that you don't want to watch but you cant make yourself stop watching.... (I'm so tired, I'm not tired)
6:00pm Finally doze off, i think.
7:00pm Wake up to E coming home from dance class, wanting me to smell candles (no i wasn't dreaming).
8:30pm Wake up again to E telling me she is going to bed.
9:30pm Alarm goes off....Time to go back to work!

Tomorrow, I am not doing ANYTHING! I plan on taking E to school and sleeping the entire day away or at least until 3 when I have to go get her and then get ready for my night class at Cameron!

*sigh, when will it ever end?

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April 13, 2007
When I was growing up my mother rarely baked things. When she did, it turned out less than edible...lol I remember she tried to bake homemade biscuits one time and they turned out like hockey pucks... we teased her for a long time about that one. Her specialty lied in the meat and potato parts of the cooking arena and boy could she make a mean steak and rice dinner (forgive me for not knowing the name of it). She would cook things for dinner that I had no idea what was in it nor did i care because I was too busy inhaling the delicious contents. She was always coming up with "weird" meals and they were usually pretty good, except her stuffed bell peppers. I hated that meal only because I hated bell peppers, and I still do to this day. But she rarely made desserts from scratch except for the occasional batch of cookies that were wonderful. There was one thing she did make that I remember oh so well and it was Monkey Bread. I had no idea how she made it. All I knew was it was the yummiest thing on the earth.

Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago. I ran across the recipe for the long forgotten Monkey Bread. I printed off the recipe, went straight to the store to get the ingredients and came home with the intentions of baking. Needless to say, I was not able make it that week nor the next week. I finally broke down today and baked it. Oh my gosh, the memories that flooded my head while i was eating this stuff. I was really surprised how it brought me back to my childhood days of not a care in the world. Back to a time where everything was taken care of by my parents, all I had to do was eat, sleep and play...oh and be nice to my pesky brother! Life was simple then and Monkey Bread was the best! Today I tasted a little piece of my childhood again... a little bite of Heaven! Thanks, Mom!!!

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April 12, 2007
I have attempted to mow my parents 3 acres for the last 4 days in a row. The riding mower they have has seen it's better days! Well, after jacking with it all i could, it finally died yesterday and I have yet to even cut 1 blade of grass with it this year. Needless to say, I will be mowing in style now on a new John Deere! She is being delivered today! This baby will cut my mowing time in half! WAHOOO! I'm so excited! Now, to just get an ipod to help pass the time away. (It has an ipod hookup, how cool is that?) The only thing this bad boy wont do is refill my drink when I start feeling overheated! (For the price ticket that was on this thing, it should) Is it bad that I dreamt of this lawn mower all night??? I can't wait to mow.... OMGosh, did i just say that out loud??

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April 11, 2007
Quivers in my Livers
Time for my 3 month checkup and other MRI to check to see if my liver is still doing ok. This MRI will be to check to make sure the "fatty infiltration" masses have not grown. If so, then we are going to proceed with a biopsy to confirm that it is just "fatty infiltration" and not something else. My appointment is scheduled for Monday, April 16th at 10am. No food or drink after midnight... yeah like that is gonna happen with not drinking since I am working nights>>>>> *rolling eyes*. I can deal with not eating but not drinking? That is like telling someone who works a normal 9-5 day job to go to work at 9 and not drink anything at all until 7pm for this test... i just don't see it happening! If i were sleeping, it would be a different story. Oh well, I will do my best! I am curious to see what the results are gonna be. I will update as soon as I know something.

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May 2007
May 30, 2007
Updates
I was all prepared to give a just oh so happy update about the happenings around here to include pictures of my "high school" daughter but I recieved some bitter sweet news this morning that put a slight damper on my mood.

My grandfather passed away this morning. He was 77. He lived with emphysema and we knew he was gradually getting worse and it wouldn't be long but I just didn't expect it so soon. How can you ever prepare for something like this? He was my last living grandparent. I will miss him so much! i do take comfort in the fact that i know he is now breathing the freshest air with the greatest of ease in the presence of our Sweet Jesus!

I will be out of pocket for a few days. We are leaving for Amarillo, Texas in the next day or so. I will get back into the swing of things and update when I return from the funeral. Keep us in your thoughts for traveling graces!

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May 22, 2007
In Memory of:
Mandy Sue, my fur baby sister.

We had to put Mandy to sleep this morning. She would have been 18 years old in July. My brother, C, got her when he was 15 and I was 18. She was the cutest schnauzer ever!! We just loved her to death. When C moved to India, Mandy latched onto my dad and became his dog and never looked back. She has been through a lot in her almost 18 years and I can promise you that she was spoiled rotten, pampered and very much loved. Due to her failed hearing and loss of most of her eyesight, and her arthritis, I knew this day was coming. I just didn't expect it to be today. How do you prepare for a loss like this? Mandy was like a fixture at my parents house. I could always go there knowing that she would be there to listen to me cry, whine, gripe, and tell my secrets too. I feel guilty saying it is almost a relief to know that she is gone because I know she isn't hurting anymore but the selfish part of me wants her here so my heart can quit hurting. I can not imagine what my dad is going through!

Rest in Peace, Mandy Sue! Thank you for your devote spirit and unconditional love! Know that you will truly be missed! I love you!

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May 20, 2007
Another Prayer request
Gosh, I am just full of them these days!

Please keep my pastor, Bubba Clark, in your prayers. Thursday while he was officiating a funeral for a local retired police officer, Bubba's house burned to the ground. They lost everything. It's ALL gone! Thank goodness noone was home at the time. They have 4 kids and only the clothes on their back. I cannot imagine losing every thing i own. But this is just a reminder of how, in a blink of an eye, everything in your life can change.

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May 19, 2007
John 15:13
Things have been hectic at work the last few days. The position I hold in the workforce places me in contact with tragedy. Death is just a fact of life I am forced to deal with on a daily basis. This week has been extremely hard. There have been 12 fatalities in the surrounding areas in less than 24 hours. If that isn't hard, I don't know what is. One of the fatalities was a Fireman Lt. from Tuttle and his 10 year old son. Today a local area deputy was involved in a fatality accident and he was life flighted to a trauma center in OKC. He is listed in critical condition but is expected to make a full recovery.

My heart hurts for the families impacted by fatality accidents but it is especially heartbreaking when it is one of my own. Rescue workers are there to help save lives, not try to fight for their own life. If you wouldn't mind, please pray for ALL rescue workers in your area and throw in an extra one for the families of the ones injured and killed in my area today. The job that they do and the positions they place themselves in is a dangerous one yet they do it on a daily basis despite the lack of respect, thanksgiving, and pay that they receive.

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Jeff, thank you for the job that you do!

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May 16, 2007
Have you ever?
Have you ever felt like you missed one of the biggest blessings in your life because you didn't listen to what God was telling you? Well, I do. I don't know what the blessing was but I know it was a BIG one and I missed it! My heart aches because of it. I have prayed and prayed about it and it is almost like God is giving me the silent treatment. The separation is absolutely heart wrenching and depressing. I can not explain the feelings I have over this situation. It is something I have never felt before. I feel like such a heel!

I will leave you with the pics of the creek. The water level is down almost completely but there is still 80 %more water in it than what there normally is.

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May 13, 2007
Tickled White!
How awesome is it that my brother got mom the Snow White Precious Moments Figurine for Mother's Day also! YAY!

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May 12, 2007
I'm tickled TINK!
I have been busting my brain trying to figure out what to get my mom for Mother's Day this year. She is sooo very hard to buy for. She has everything she ever needs and if she doesn't, she will just go to the store and get it. When I asked her what she wanted this year she gave me her typical answer, "Nothing!" Well, that makes my job as a daughter who is trying to honor my mother on her special day very difficult. I know it is the thought that counts and not the material things that matter but do they make the giving more special than just the thought! I have never been able to get her "expensive gifts". Usually it is just dish towels, at her request, or a new house coat! I am tired of not being able to give her something that she enjoys. What does she enjoy? Precious moments figurines. She has tons of them. She has a very large collection of them. So many that I never know which ones she has which ones she doesn't. I usually have to ask Emily. Well, this year I decided that it was time to give her something that she really likes. Precious moments has a new Disney Princess Signature Series out and I just fell in love! They have Cinderella, Snow White, Ariel, Belle, Sleeping Beauty and Tink! I am so excited to see her face when she finds TINKERBELL starring back at her when opens her gift!

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May 09, 2007
Flood gates Wide open!
Can I just tell you how much I HATE WATER? It is sooo not my friend this spring. This creek is about 1/4 mile away from my house and is busting its banks. What you can not see is how deep this creek really is. On normal days it is usually totally dry and about 25-30 feet deep. Today, well as you can see, it is threatening several neighborhoods. The City manager and other officials had an emergency management meeting in the housing edition to let us know that the flood gates at the dams at 2 lakes have been opened (8 gates at one and 9 gates at the other) and must remain open until the levels go down due to a state ordinance to keep a regulated/safe level for the dams. Having them open is causing the flooding in this creek and surrounding creeks, therefore threatening our homes. The water level at the dams were expected to crest at around 6 pm. Once that happens the water level in this picture will be over the bridge. (This pic was taken approx 3pm). They were also very concerned with the expected storm that is suppose to hit this evening. The did say that if we get more rain that the flooding is inevitable. A 3rd dam is starting to crumble in the town near my parents and if that happens, their house will be flooded also. Evacuations have already been done in Medicine Park and the surrounding areas. The wildlife refuge is also included in part of that evacuation.
I want to thank everyone for their continued prayers. I honestly believe they are working because the expected storm we were to get this afternoon/evening with torrential rainfall never happened. It moved to the south and east of us. I have yet to see a single raindrop from it. Thank you, Sweet Jesus!
I will be trying to get more pictures as the water levels go down so you can get the full impact of how high this really is! (plus it is going to make a great scrapbook layout).

Paula, get ready cuz I am ready to move to the desert!!!!!

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May 08, 2007
And the rain came!
Pray, people, pray! It's raining and we are in flood warnings.... I have been outside since 6:30 this morning digging more ditch and "saving my house" again! No rain got in this time but it was within millimeters of it! I just hope that this will work! The ground cannot handle any more rain! We had 3 inches dumped on us yesterday and my drains did very well however now the ground is soaked it is failing. We are expected 3 more days of storms also so I am pleading with you! If your the praying type, I could use all of them you can spare!

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May 07, 2007
Found: My Mojo!
Today I started organizing and putting my scrapbook room back together today. I figured I couldn't let National Scrapbooking Day go by without at least drooling over my hoarded stash! Well the drooling lead to fondling and fondling lead itself into out right pleasure.... OH.MY.GOSH!! People everywhere need to write this down on their calendars!!!!!!! I made history! I scrapped! I actually scrapped! It has been ages since I actually did a "real" scrapbook page and tonight I did 4 8x8 pages for the family reunion scrapbook! They are super simple but oh so super cute! I am wanting to finish this album this week! Only 12 pages to go! I need to get it out of the way for our vacation in July so I figured why not start now? I was in heaven. I am still a little rusty but *singing in my best Celine Dion voice* It's all coming back to me now! No one laugh at them or my mojo just might fly right back out the window!

The blank tags are where the names will go once I identify them all! ( I have a large family)

I have no idea why these pictures are going in here all jacked up so I guess i will just have to deal with it!

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June 2007 Archive

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June 2007
June 26, 2007
Challenge
Here is the newest LO i did from a Scrapperie Challenge.

Items that I had to use:

5 words in the title
4 circles
3 photos
2 different fonts
1 subject (in your Layout)

This is one of E's friends. I blacked out her face due to the fact I don't have her permission to plaster her face on my blog! (YET!!!)

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Movie Review
Evan Almighty

This is the cutest movie. E and I decided that it was time for a girl's night out. We decided to go to the movies and saw "Evan Almighty". I just couldn't convince her that she needed, and i mean NEEDED, to see "Ocean's 13". Being bald or having gray hair isn't as visually appealing to a 15 year old as it is her mother, i guess. *shrug*

Evan Almighty was by far 100% better than I thought it would be. It had some really good truthful biblical references in it also. I totally recommend it for the entire family. It was totally worth the 14 dollars (with E's student discount) to see. Yes, I about fell over when I had to pay 8 dollars for a movie ticket for myself, and I won't mention 5.75 plus tax for large popcorn... I remember when it only cost 2.50 and we thought that was outrageous then. Gosh I'm getting old. Would I pay it again to see this movie? Absolutely!

Off to watch "Bridge to Tarabithia" now since I rented it and it's due back tomorrow...lol

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June 25, 2007
Christmas in July
For our family reunion in July we have a tradition of exchangeing home-made Christmas ornaments. I just finished one that I am making and it turned out so well. I cannot wait to share it with everyone at the reunion. Now, off to finish 24 more!

*disclaimer... the pic is'nt too good but it gives you the idea!

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June 20, 2007
Time
I guess it's time to update! I have been so busy lately I haven't even had time to breathe! I wish i didn't have time to eat tho! maybe that would help jump start me on this diet i have been less than motivated or dedicated to start. I had my garage sale this last weekend. I didn't do too bad considering the rainy weather and having to close it both days at 1. But i made enough money to fund my summer vacations, now if only the gas prices would continue to drop around here. They went from 2.85 to 2.78 overnight. I am so thankful. We sure could use a break in that area of our lives. It sucks that we are so "dependant" on something like oil/gas that we physically feel the impact in our society when it is unavailable or unaffordable. It makes me think about how "dependant" we SHOULD be on God instead of man-made things to function. He is always available and He even paid in full the price of life.

Vacations are coming up and I am getting super excited! It seems like I work and work and work only for these few weeks during the summers. I live for my vacations. This year is our family reunion in Midland, TX. We are leaving July 3 and returning July 8 only to leave again July 9 thru the 15th. E will be going to Falls Creek July 9 and I will be going to Galveston to spend the week on the beach! Super, super, fun! I plan on relaxing, collecting lots of shells, getting lots of pictures of the gulf, and getting sunburned! Oh and eating some fresh Gulf port Oysters and shrimp! YUMMY, no wonder I cant get started on this diet... i love food! Once this vacation in July is over, we are going back to Midland in August for the Rock the Desert Concert Aug 11 and 12th. I think I already mentioned the bands that are playing for this 2 day concert. E is super hyped up over this one!

Ok, enough update for now. I have to go pick her up from kid's camp over 30 miles away. She is a camp counselor this summer and she just absolutely LOVES it! I'm so proud of her!

Ciao!

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June 15, 2007
just popping in
to say I'm alive. I am in the middle of a 2 day garage sale and working my 8 hour shifts on top of that. I cannot wait until it is over....Garage sales are TOO MUCH WORK! I'm exhausted! I will update in a couple days!

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June 11, 2007
Beautiful Light!
We spent the day at my parent's house doing yard work and such. During my mowing time, I have nothing else to do while I am sitting on the mower so a lot of the times I pray and just think. Even though I hate mowing with a passion, it is time I get to spend with God. Today was no different except that today I just sang worship songs in my head when I wasn't looking like a crazy fool talking to myself (praying out loud)! It was a really great time with Him, despite the mowing and stupid bugs! Oh and I must report that I saw a horny toad. It was the first one I have seen in YEARS. I can remember catching them when I was a little girl and playing with them all day. I tried to catch it but the sucker was just too fast. I sure don't remember them being that fast when I was little. Then again, maybe I am the slow one now! lol Anyways, it was the coolest thing!

After supper, E and I packed up the truck and was fixing to leave not realizing what we were getting ready to experience. That is when the magic appeared! Lightning bugs... they were everywhere. I bet there were millions of them. I have never seen anything like it in my life. My parents have 3 acres with numerous trees and bushes and it looked like every tree was lit up for Christmas with flashing lights. It was the most beautiful thing I have seen in a long time. E was just so mesmerized by them. I whispered to her "You know, God made each and every one of those bugs just so we could enjoy this moment, this night". She said "Yep, I have read the book." I looked at her puzzled and she said "you know, the one that says God made firefly's just to put a smile on your face". I have never heard of the book but it was so right! Not only did we have a smile on our faces, but we had a smile in our hearts too! It was one of those moments that you had to just experience yourself to get the full extent of the beauty God shared with us tonight. Who would have thought that nasty old bugs could produce such peace, such comfort, such beauty and such a priceless moment. No picture or video would have done it justice. Thank you, Lord!

Psalm 50:2
From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.

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June 08, 2007
Funky Funk and Fun Stuff
I guess it is time to try and pull myself out of the funky funk I have been in lately. It has been so bad that I haven't wanted to do ANYTHING, to include updating this blog. Dealing with death of loved ones left me really down and I have let the circumstances steal my joy. I think it is time to reclaiming it! I am joyful, I am joyful, I am joyful **must keep repeating to myself**

I am happy to introduce the newest member of the family, Tommy.

I took Toby into the vet the other day for a check up since he is 10 and was sleeping alot. Since we just put Mandy down due to old age, I wanted to get Toby checked out. The doc said that it wouldn't be a bad idea to get him a companion to help keep him active. The doc just happen to know of a cat that he was going to have to put down today if he couldn't find a home for him. The owner started traveling alot and had kicked him outside and they just didn't feel like they were providing him a good home since he wanted to be an inside cat. Needless to say, I broke weak! I brought him home from Death Row and am in the process of getting him into a routine. Toby was not happy to say the least but he is starting to warm up to the idea. At least he is not hissing and growling every time Tommy walks by anymore. Tommy has really taken up with E. He has taken over her bed at night and just loves all over her in the middle of the night! I think it is just so cute! We have fallen in love with him. Emily and my boys, Tommy and Toby, are my joy right at this moment!

Now for some Fun Stuff from Kristin!

This game is SCATTERGORIES...it's harder than it looks! Here are the rules:
* Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the questions.
* They MUST be real places, names, things...NOTHING made up!
* If you can't think of anything, skip it.
* You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question.

Your Name: Kami

1. Famous Singer/Band: Kutlass
2. 4 letter word: Kiss
3. Street: Kickapoo (yes, it is in Shawnee)
4. Color: Kangaroo Brown
5. Gifts/Presents: Kites
6. Vehicle: Kia
7. Things in a Souvenir Shop: Kipper snacks (I'm desperate for answers here..lol)
8. Boy Name: Kevin
9. Girl Name: Katie
10. Movie Title: Karate Kid
11. Drink: Kahlua
12. Occupation: Kennel worker
13. Celebrity: Kevin Costner
14. Magazine: Kids discovery
15. U.S. City: Kalamazoo
16. Pro Sports Teams: Kansas City Chiefs (Is that cheating?)
17. Fruit: Kiwi
18. Reason for Being Late for Work: Kitchen flooded!
19. Something You Throw Away: Kites?
20. Things You Shout: Keep your JOY!
21. Cartoon Character: Kermit (if he doesn't count as a cartoon then he should!)

Whew~ that was hard!

I am going to be revamping the looks of this blog soon, thanks to Kristin's help( as if she isn't busy enough as it is). Stay tuned for JOYFUL changes.

July 2007 Archive

2008-07-15T10:50:00.002-05:00

July 2007
July 18, 2007
Hi!
Yes, I am still alive. Just got back from vacation and trying to get back into the swing of things... Look for a "good" update soon! I just don't have time to do it today. It never ceases to amaze me that when you return from being off work, how much they want to work you extra... I am working 12 extra hours this week due to others being sick and an extra "paid" shift. Hurry up 2017 so I can retire!!! :)

I will leave you with this picture that my cousin sent since i was "smart enough" to leave my camera sitting on my bed when we went to the family reunion. ....... peace out

August 2007 Archive

2008-07-15T10:50:00.001-05:00

2007
August 31, 2007
I'm back, I think???
I think it is time to get back into the swing of my blogging. I have been so un-interested in my computer lately. I would much rather just veg out on my couch watching endless episodes of The Sopranos and Six Feet Under but even that has become un-satisfying. Uummm, did i just type that out loud? I use to never watch TV. I rarely turned it on and if I did, it was just for the noise or a babysitter for E. Now I live for the days of vegging..... Survivor, Sopranos, Gray's .... Hurry up Fall season of TV! Gosh, I need a social life!!!

A few of my friends have started an ABC posting and I figured I would use it as a good starter to get back into the swing of things... so without further ado:

A is for.....

Awe- The word brings this picture in my mind of the Cave Entrance at Carlsbad Caverns. I visit the caverns every time I visit Paula (3 times since last March) and each and every time I see the entrance I get this sense of amazement and wonder. Each time, it just takes my breath away and no, it's not from the smell of bat guano that permeates even the food in the food court at the bottom. Seeing the mouth of the cave and then going down inside and seeing the amazing rock formations and the Big Room really brings God into perspective for me. He made all of that. He created such a beautiful place just for us. I remember the first time my parents took my brother and I to the Caverns. I remember the trails lined with rock and the colored lighting inside which have now become asphalt trails with railings and all white lights . I even remember the food court at the bottom, but I was not old enough to understand the magnitude of the entire place. (I will add my own pictures later) Seeing it numerous times as an adult really has made my love for it grow. I can actually see God's design in it all. Phooey on the geological scientists that say it was created over a 250 million years ago when sulfuric acid dissolved the surrounding limestone. God made this place with His own hands. It has His fingerprints all over it and no man, scientist or not, can convince me otherwise.

Anxiety- I had a "slight" anxiety attack today. After spending almost 2 stinking hours in Wal-mart today grocery shopping, tired and frustrated after seeing how much our city/state tax (over 17 dollars) was charged on said groceries we left. As I was driving home, I got this overwhelming feeling that something was wrong with my parents. The longer I thought about it the worse it got. I grabbed my cell phone after pulling over into Subway parking lot and started calling my parents house, no answer. Mom's cell phone, no answer. House, no answer. Dad's cell phone, no answer. My fear started getting worse. I could not figure out what was going on. I had E to start calling also from her cell phone. I'm telling you, I was standing inside Subway with tears rolling down my face. I just knew something was wrong. After over 10 mins of calling, we finally reached my dad who said they were out with friends eating supper at Apple bee's. I can not explain the relief I felt. Why did this happen to me today? I cannot explain it but I can tell you it scared the snot out of me. It started me thinking about what I would have went through and done if something really bad HAD happened. The fear of losing my parents, even just one of them, was staring me in the face today and I crumpled like a small helpless child that was lost in the crowd and I panicked. What will I do? Where will I go if I need to talk? Who will I call when I just need to hear someone's voice? Who's 3 acre yard will I have to mow so I can work on my golden tan in the summer? (just kidding) Who will be my voice of reason in times of trouble? Mom and Dad, you are not allowed to go to supper with your friends at Apple bee's anymore.

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August 26, 2007
Sorry
I have some personal things going on in my life right now so I haven't been updating often. As soon as I get things sorted out and back on track I will be back in full force! Be patient!

Oh and if you happen to subscribe to podcasts, The Village Church out of Dallas, Texas has an awesome one... I got a new Ipod for my birthday and it has been glued to my ears since. The Village Church has some great teachings and I have been really inspired by alot of it. I just wanted to pass it along to those of you who might like to check it out!

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August 08, 2007
Another Vacation!
Well, I am now on another 2 week vacation from work and boy am I so glad. Its nice to be able to step back for a little while, recoup and then get back into it, only now a days, i want to step back for longer and longer periods of time. I will take what I get tho!

We are headed back to Midland tomorrow for the Rock The Desert Concert! We are soooo excited! I have been trying to get to this concert 3 summers in a row now and it has finally happened! We are hoping to have a blast!

The kid's are ready to leave yet not! Can you tell? This is the look I was given when I told them that I was taking pictures of our entire trip like i did last year! they both made faces!

They both will be happy to get away from the yard work I have been making them do!!!

Needless to say, Rock the Desert, here we come! Then it is Carlsbad or bust! I have already been told "NO PEDRO SIGNS" this time! hee hee

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August 02, 2007
Yo!
Ever been NOT in the mood to blog? That is soooo where I have been lately! I don't quite know the reason either. I haven't even been digging my computer either! Is it the summer bug? We still have one more 2 week vacation to Midland and Carlsbad (YAY) and then it is back to the school year routine. I am not looking forward to it either. Vacation=yes School=no!

BLAH BLAH BLAH

I will leave you with a post of E's new teeth. She got her braces off in July and she now has the prettiest smile I have ever seen in the whole wide world! She walks around now, smiling and bobbing her head around saying "Look, I got my grill off!" LOL

Here's my baby!

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September 2007 Archive

2008-07-15T10:48:00.000-05:00

« August 2007 | Main | October 2007 »

September 2007
September 16, 2007
Blowout!
OKLAHOMA - 54 UTAH STATE - 3

Need I say more???

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September 14, 2007
GO OU!!!
K is for...Kindness and...

Kickoff- Look what I stumbled upon!!!! A friend of mine had these 2 extra tickets she was so kindly giving away and so I snatched them up! Emily is so pumped! This game isn't on regular TV either.. It's a PPV game this week and we get to experience it in person and COMPLETELY free! Along with the tickets came 2 tickets to the Sooner Blast Tailgate Party (also free)! My friend ROCKS in the kindness department this week!!!!
Now, if I could only get out of having to work the midnight shift after this game, all would be right in this world!

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September 11, 2007
Rememberance
I have pondered and pondered about what I should post for I but never could think of one. I even thought about skipping it and maybe coming back to it later but then it hit me..........literally.

I is for...

inSOMnIA- Why is it that I am constantly plagued with this? It seems to go in spurts tho and right now is a SPURT!!! It may have something to do with the fact that I got off work at 06:30am and had to be back at 2:30pm that same day and i HAD to sleep but no matter what I did, it didn't happen. I tried laying there being still, I tried praying, I tried getting up and doing the dishes, I tried reading a book, I tried singing songs in my head (why the wizard of oz theme song was playing in my head over and over and over i have no clue..). Then I tried listening to my ipod with is an I word that I am totally in love with right now. Nothing worked. Oh well, there is always tomorrow.

J is for...

Journaling- The other day i was catching up on my blog readings and I stumbled across a challenge that I soooo want to do. It's a journaling one called This is Me Journal . I am so bad about journaling in my scrapbooks and I have been meaning to just make a journaling SB anyways so this might just be the kick in the pants that I need to get motivated to do it! I am a few behind so I will have to play catch up but I am going to try and do it. Of course, as out of practice as I am, mine wont look quite as good as the girls on this site. I already have a few ideas and can't wait to start! There is another Scripture's Challenge at GottaPixel that I am really interested in doing also.

Fall is in the air and I LOVE IT! I woke up at 4am this morning and of course laid there wide awake until a decent hour so I could get up and go walking. Yep, day 9 and I am still walking 2 miles a day. woo hoo, go me! I walk out of the house at 6am and the air was so crisp! I was in heaven! I hate the summers with a passion. 100 degree weather is not my friend. I think I may open the windows and air out the house some today! Nothing like brisk clean air to get you in a great mood! 63 degrees at 10:30 am! Now that is what I'm talking about!

I want to close out this blog post in Rememberance of the 9/11 attacks. Today is the 6 year anniversary and it still seems like yesterday! My heart and prayers go out to all the victims families, to our Troops and for this Nation. We will never forget!

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September 08, 2007
A few issues~
I have had something on my mind the past couple of days that is just eating me alive. If some of you don't know, I am a dispatcher for the state. I love my job and one of my main goals is to make sure every one of my troopers goes home safely, each and every night. Dec 26, 2003, one of my troopers never made it home. Trooper Nik Green was murdered on duty by a man who was high on methamphetamine and had a rolling meth lab in his car. I wont go into the details of it due to the fact that they hurt my heart every time I talk about it. This was my worst nightmare come true. I almost quit my job because of the stress of losing a friend, co-worker, and fellow Christian. He was a great man! With that being said, the man that murdered Nik was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death by lethal injection. I am totally for the death penalty but it still didn't seem fitting enough punishment for the monster that killed my friend. I struggled with my beliefs about the whole death penalty issue and whether it was right or not to hold so much hatred for this man. I finally came to a point that I let alot of it go because I knew that Nik was spending is days with Jesus and to want him back here on earth would be too selfish. I dealt with my feelings about Ricky Malone by thinking he wasn't worth time even thinking about. He is sitting on death row, where he belongs, and that was the end of that! Or so we thought. This week, Malone filed an appeal and his death sentence was overturned. The newspaper and news media have plastered Malone's face all over the newspaper and TV along with the video from Nik's dashboard video camera that recorded the heinous murder. Thank goodness that the conviction held but the overturned death sentence was due to Malone feeling like the District Attorney's closing statements were "egregiously improper and unfairly prejudicial. "It was improper for the prosecutor to so blatantly suggest that Malone's jurors should sentence him to death because the family member's victims were counting on them to do so." Who wouldn't???? "What kind of a person can put a high velocity weapon to a man's head while he's praying and pull the trigger?" "Alot of people can't put a stray dog down that way--- This man put a human being down that way. Anything less than the death penalty would be a travesty." This news of the overturned sentence has really opened alot of wounds that were just starting to heal, not only for me but for all of my co-workers and Nik's family. Knowing the hurt I am feeling over this, I can only imagine what his widow and 3 girls, his mother, his sister and other relatives are feeling. Please keep them in your prayers as we all will have to relive this all over again! Please pray for me as I am still struggling with the forgiveness part of obedience. It's soooo hard to love one another as Jesus loved us when dealing with a murderer! But what makes Malone any different than mankind that killed Jesus? *sigh see what I mean? 70x7 is not my strong point in this situation! I guess I need to start praying for Malone's salvation which will be easier than the forgiveness part. I guess this will qualify under my H is for... hatred, healing, hope!

Whew~ now that I got that off my chest.......

I am happy to report that I have logged 12 miles under my belt this week. Yeppers~ I am still walking my 2 miles a day. I am even waking up before the alarm goes off because I am excited....lol Never in my wildest dreams would I think I would ever be getting up at 6 am to exercise. Today I was up at 5! I am also happy to report that I have lost 4 lbs. Where I've lost it is still a mystery because I cannot tell but who am I to argue with the scale? I do not have a goal as to how many pounds I want to lose so what I do lose seems like a bonus. My main goal is to just start exercising and making it a habit! Today was day #6 of walking and I told myself I was only going to do it 5 days a week so I have done really good. Getting up this morning and thinking "I already did my 5 days I can relax today" didn't feel right. I felt like I was missing something... can this be a habit starting to form???? I am also very excited to share that I have cut my caffeine intake 80 percent! I am down to 1 1/2 Pepsi's a day. Yesterday I only had a 1/2 of one. I am drinking LOTS of water (9:30 am and I am already on bottle water #4) ... so much I think i will drown at times but it's working. My stomach ulcers have seemed to calm down somewhat also this week and I am all for that!!!! All and all, it's been a good week!

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September 05, 2007
F is for...

Family- Mine is the greatest in the whole wide world. Aren't you jealous? LOL I have the most wonderful parents. They are so supportive of me and I would not be where I am today without them. They have shown me what it is like to live and love. My parents have been married for 39 years this year. What a testimony that is now days. I don't think they know how thankful I am that they have dedicated their lives to one another and been a living example for my brother and I. I love you, Mom and Dad.

G is for...

Graduation- O.M.Gosh! I can not believe that I graduated high school 20 years ago this year. My 20 year reunion is in 2 months. This can not be real. Someone wake me from this nightmare! But I must say that the Class of 1987 ROCKS! (The decade of big hair bands and the real "rock and roll". ) Those were the days! Getting together with a few of my fellow classmates has been great! It really upsets me that we lost touch with so many after graduation. I am really excited to see a few of my good friends after so long. (Don't you just dig the purple eye shadow in my Senior picture? I was HOT! or at least I thought so!!!) These are the name tags that I am creating for the reunion. I am still playing with one more design but so far this is my favorite!

FYI- Just thought I would add that I am 3 days into my 2 mile daily walks now and boy do my hips and butt muscles hurt! I am dying! Someone put me out of my misery! I sure didn't want to go walk today but I made myself walk through the pain! This better be worth it!!!!

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September 03, 2007
D is for...

Death- Yes, I know it's a dark, heavy subject and something I was desperately attempting to stay away from listing in my ABC postings but it is such a reality in our lives. No matter how much we want to avoid the subject, it is life and it is hard to prepare for. My best friend's Aunt Nene passed away yesterday. It saddened my heart when I heard the news last night. I was blessed with the privilege of meeting Aunt Nene on her birthday, during my trip to New Mexico last month. She was the sweetest lady. Very petite and very pretty. Although her body was riddled with cancer and very fragile, you would never know she was in the amount of pain that she was in. Her face had a continuous smile on it. According to Paula, she had such a faith that never wavered! As hard as it is to lose our loved ones, I can not help but be comforted in the fact that they are with Jesus! Aunt Nene, Memaw, PaPa, Mamaw,Papaw, Nik, and many others are sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to His stories. They are walking hand in hand with our Savior. They are kissing the face of God! They are not hurting any more! They are living in their mansions that He built for them. Will you be living in the mansion He built for you when you die? Will you be able to walk the streets of gold that are so pure that you can see through? Will Jesus say to you "Well done, my good and faithful servant"? If you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ or if you just want to hear more about this man they call Jesus, please contact me. I will be more than happy to help you claim your mansion!

E is for...

Exercise- Believe it or not, I walked 2 miles today (intentionally). It has been on my mind about starting to walk since they finished the road construction on my street and put in the best sidewalks and I won't mention that I have a 20 year high school class reunion coming up in 2 months. I have been putting it off and putting it off and so this morning, after I got off work, I came home and put on my walking shoes, grabbed Brinkley and my ipod and MADE myself do it. I walked and I walked and I walked and I walked and I walked some more ...lol Since the sidewalk goes for 4 miles straight south of my house, I only walked 1 mile south then of course had to walk the 1 mile back. I am happy to announce that it only took me forever 45 minutes and I feel sooo good. I will be doing it again tomorrow and the next day. I want to shed some poundage. One of these days I will be able to say that 2 miles was the easiest. During my LONG walk, I listened to a pod-cast sermon about being quiet so that we can hear that still small voice and how in our society we are not geared towards silence. We are constantly having to have the TV on for noise or the radio going or an ipod in our ears while we walk. Heck, I have to have a fan going just so I can sleep. God speaks in the silence. He speaks like a gentle breeze when we are quiet. It really made me think about how busy I always am and how "not quiet" I am even when there is no TV or radio on. Even in the silence, I am loud. My thoughts never stop, my brain never takes a break. I am constantly trying to figure out how to get out of this big mess or that one, or what I am going to do about supper, or how much laundry I have, or what excuse I can use today to get out of exercising. He wants us to be quiet. He wants us to just "Be still". I think I am going to have to truly make a conscious effort to shushhhh. I want to hear Him!

Ok, that is enough for today. Enjoy your Labor Day!

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September 01, 2007
B is for...

Ballgames- Yes, I caved and entered some fantasy football leagues. Like I don't already have enough stuff going on. I am currently 2nd in my Nascar league. Why do I punish myself like this??? I don't even like football! Okay... maybe just a little.

Brinkley- My mother's dog...bark, bark, bark. That is all she does. Although she is getting better, she thinks that she is my personal body guard when she is at my house. The need to protect me from my own cat or my own daughter is top priority in her life. Will i survive for 8 more days???

C is for...

Cats- It is with regret that I must inform you that my newest cat, Tommy, went to live at a new home today. I am very happy to announce that he has gone to a great family. A girl that I work with came over the other day with her 2 youngest kids. Her little girl fell in love with him and L mentioned that they were looking for a new cat. It was the perfect opportunity to offer him to her. Tommy and my oldest cat, Toby, DO NOT get along. I have had Tommy for over 4 months and they still have not adjusted to each other. There is this hatred and resentment between the two of them and I have tried everything short of finding a new home for Tommy. I am very happy about this decision and I know that Toby be also.

Caffeine- I am so addicted! The thought of having to give it up at my Dr.'s request has sent me into overload. I don't know if I can do it. I want to but I enjoy my caffeine! I love Pepsi! Chocolate...ehh I could live without, but Pepsi... never! Quitting cigarettes almost 2 years ago was horrific yet it pales in comparison to quitting caffeine. I know that it is because I am through the withdrawals of nicotine and it is behind me and caffeine is not but still! Waaahhhh.... Stupid ulcers!

E started her first job today! She applied and got hired at a local veterinarian cat clinic. She will be cleaning cages, doing some prep work for surgeries, and assisting the vet with anything that needs done with the cats. It is a part time position, 2 hours a day. She loves it so far. I am so proud of her. What is ironic about the whole thing is I worked for the same veterinarian right before I got pregnant with her. Who knew she would later grow up to work for the same man! Gotta love it!

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October 2007 archive

2008-07-15T10:47:00.000-05:00

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October 2007
October 19, 2007
Lions and Gorrillas and Snakes??? oh my!
A couple of days ago we took a road trip to OKC to the Zoo! It has been forever since I have been to the OKC Zoo and boy it sure has changed alot... for the better! The layout of the place is still pretty much the same but they have built new larger areas for the lions, gorrillas, tigers and bears. They use to be in a smaller pen but now they have LOTS of space to roam. I think its just absolutely great! I also was impressed with the snake house. They redid it and it isn't just boxes with snakes in it anymore. They have really done alot of improvements. I got quite a few good pictures! Although I still long for my cannon DRebel, this one did a decent job! Here are a few of the 112 pics that I took....lol The last 2 snake pictures(the yellow and black one) are my absolute favorite. I do not care for snakes but the picutres are awesome. You can see down his nostril, how cool is that??? Most of these pics are SOC except for the dirt spot on the glass that I removed from the black and yellow snake pic and the glare from the glass on the closeup of the gorrilla. Photoshop is awesome! The only picture that I wish I could have gotten good was of the Lion. Words can not explain how majestic and beautiful he was. It just took my breath away. He was sitting in a position that I just could not get a good shot of him. Maybe next time.

After the zoo, we went to Bricktown and ate at Toby Keith's I Love this Bar and Grill! The atmosphere was a little lacking but the food was fab! Maybe I am just really getting so old that I just really did not care for the whole "bar scene" feel inside. We talked to our waitress and she said that Toby Keith can not even play in this place because he has a contract stating that he can not perform within a certain radius of the Ford Center and you guessed it.... this resturant is like 2 blocks away from the Ford Center. What kind of deal is that... cant even play in his own resturant. The waitress did say that he comes in their quite often to sign autographs though. Big whoop! Not that I am a resturante conisour but I must say that although I loved the food, this is probably not a resturant I would frequent often.

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October 13, 2007
Can I cry now???
My baby is growing up! I'm sitting here on pins and needles waiting for her to get home so I can find out how it went. I am so excited for her yet so sad that she is getting to the age that dating is more fun than MOM. Here she is in her dress and with her date, J. Click on the images for full size version.

And we can't leave out her best friend, L.

While I was getting ready to post this she came home! All she keeps saying is... "Mom, I had so much fun!" "We danced and danced." I'm outta here so we can sit on my bed and I can listen to her stories and giggle all night!

Ciao!

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Homecoming
Well, the time has come around again this year for the Homecoming dance. E was asked to go to the dance again this year with one of her good friends, J. Last year she was not old enough to go but this year is a different story. I am sooo not ready for my baby girl go be so grown up. The boy she is going with is not old enough to drive so his mother is chauffeuring them to dinner at Applebee's then to the dance, then home. This gives me a little more comfort knowing that there is a responsible adult driving. I am just a bundle of nerves!

Today we are busy with the preparations such as: cleaning the house, getting her hair done, and the whole getting dressed part. I promise to take pics and share them soon!

So I guess I left off at K with my ABC posts so I should continue, huh! I have such a habit of starting things and not finishing them (in a timely manner, if at all). I need time to think about what to post about for L..... Stay tuned for L-Z.

I will leave you with a pic of my "Fall" Door Decoration. I found her at JoAnn's for 4.99 on sale. We have named her Georgia (don't ask, because I don't have a clue..lol).

P.S.

I sure could use a good color pop action if anyone wants to share!!!

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October 03, 2007
Whoa!
I didn't realize it has been so long since I blogged last! Bad me! I guess I just got caught up in the day to day stuff and my computer has been low on my list of priority things.

I don't know that there is really alot to update on except the fact that I am not getting enough sleep! My allergies are killing me and its really effecting my sleep! Don't you just hate that? I am eagerly awaiting the first freeze of the year so that these allergies will go away. I normally don't even have allergies but this year, with all the rain, is wreaking havoc on me. I'm living on drixoral!

I am happy to announce that I have officially lost 10 lbs. Telling myself NO and laying off most of the caffeine has worked wonderfully! I am excited to see the scale moving downwards instead of upwards for once!

It's homecoming time again and E was asked to another dance this year! J asked her and she couldn't be more excited! They are going to Applebee's for dinner then the dance (in 2 weeks). We went shopping for a dress and shoes and she is going to look fab! I am excited to get pics!

I have FINALLY gotten my scrapbook room back in some kind of order that I can actually work in there now and so I have been dipping my little fingers back into scrapping! I hope to be able to do it at least once a week now that i have organized chaos! My journal of me book is coming along nicely too! I have 3 pages done and am now only 10 behind! I am also working on an album for my aunt and have 2 holding for my cousins of the Bell reunion. This is the one I was not able to attend so it is kinda making the process of putting them together a little difficult. I have 3 pages of it done also. 6 pages in 2 weeks, not too bad considering I hadn't lifted a finger (paper wise) in almost a year! I can't wait to finish them.

I will leave you with 1 picture from the reunion album then I'm off to get ready for work....I hate evening shifts!

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November 2007 Archive

2008-07-15T10:45:00.000-05:00

« October 2007 | Main | December 2007 »

November 2007
November 29, 2007
be patient
famous last words huh? New banner in the making... Just hang on it's not complete yet!

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November 27, 2007
I love Winter!

O is for OU! who beat the pants off of OSU this last weekend! woo hoo!

P is for Pecan Pie... and boy did I have my share over the weekend!

This year TCA had their annual fund raiser to help offset the cost of tuition so that the school can actually survive. This year was a little different then in the past. They actually had a silent auction. Every class made something to be auctioned off the night of the "Fall Fiesta Fund raiser". E's class had the hardest time figuring out what to make. Her class consists of 7 boys and HER! (Yes, you heard me right! She is the only girl in her entire class.) Getting boys to "make" something crafty was nearly impossible. E's teacher Mrs. H ended up taking the entire class (all 8 of them) to Hobby Lobby to see what they could come up with. Needless to say, they walked out of there with a creation put together by E herself. She did an awesome job too, if I must say so myself. Who knew she could put together a type of arrangement that she did. Hopefully she got my mothers knack for design rather than mine. My mom and brother can put together (decorate) a wall/room without any difficulty at all. Me? I can do it on paper only (scrapbooking). The only reason my walls have any decor on them at all is because my mom comes over to decorate for me...lol Needless to say, after it was all said and done, the school sucked 200.00 out of my parents for her class auction item. My mother was not going to let anyone else win it. I must say, the school did quite well this season.

Q is for.... heck, i can't even think of anything. Maybe I will come back to it.

R is for... Reading!

Thanksgiving has now come and gone and we are moving on into Christmas time! I love the winter time! Have I yet mentioned that winter is my most favorite time of the year? It slows me down and gives me a chance to do things that I love the most. I love snow and coldness and a fireplace to snuggle up next to and read books! I just love it~ I just finished reading a 3 book series by Terri Blackstock (Paula, you should have a package in the mail soon containing these books, gotta love me!) and I started reading "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis. This book is ginormous! I didn't realize that The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was book 2 in the entire 7 book "Chronicle". I started and finished the first "Chronicle" yesterday and cannot wait for this evening when I can sit next to my fireplace, all nice and cozy, and continue reading. I love the winter!

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November 20, 2007
Can you believe?
M is for memories! ENOUGH SAID!

N is for November and nice weather! Can you believe that it is November 20 and it is currently 84 degrees outside? This month has been unseasonably warm. It really makes me wonder/worry about January and Feburary. With it being so warm so late in the year, I am fearful of a very wet, snowy, beginning of the new year.

I took some pics of the trees in my yard/neighborhood. I just love the different colors of oranges/reds. Fall is my favorite time of the year, even if it is in the winter time! Can you believe that I even had a rose bloom yesterday? Roses 2 days before Thanksgiving.... who'd a thunk it!

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November 12, 2007
L is for...
LONG LOST FRIENDS!!!

This last weekend was my 20 year high school reunion! It seems almost impossible to believe that I have been out of school for that long! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think i was going to be "one of those people" who hit their 20 year mark, but I did!

Despite my "self loathing" part about how fat I have become since high school, I was able to get up the nerve to actually go. After sucking it up and stepping out of the boat, I am really glad I did. Seeing a lot of my old friends was such a joy. Reminiscing was so much fun. When I think of a reunion and the people that I want to see again, there were only a handful of girls that even enter my mind. I missed the opportunity to see these girls at my 10 year reunion due to job conflicts so it really meant extra to me to see them now. Needless to say, 20 years does a lot on a persons brain. Memories are lost and friendships fall by the way side but I must say that pure no memory at all of all the times we shared together hurts the most. Talk about bitter sweet! One of my bestest friends in high school didn't even remember us being friends. I am still boggled by the thought! She didn't remember my car that use to break down while i was taking her home all the time. She didn't remember us being on the phone at all times of the day and night. She didn't remember ANY of it! She sat next to me and just looked at me like I was a complete stranger to her! My feelings were just absolutely crushed. I expected some people to not remember me since I didn't show up until my junior year but not her! I walked through fire with my parents because of her...(she is black and my parents were very prejudice at the time). I keep telling myself that I am not bothered by this but frankly, I am! Do I hate her now? Absolutely not. It just makes me realize how much weight I put on my friendships. When I call someone my friend, I mean it! I put my heart into it. It's not something I take lightly.... maybe that is the reason that I have very few friends! And the few friends that I can say that I have, are friends for life!

Other that the major let down of that one classmate, the rest of entire reunion was a blast! There were a few others that did not show up that I would have loved to have seen but all in all it was awesome! We laughed, we danced, we drank, we remembered! I was even able to get to know some people that I never knew in high school and I am thankful for that!

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December2007 Archive

2008-07-15T10:43:00.000-05:00

« November 2007 | Main | January 2008 »

December 2007
December 29, 2007
Choose your poison
Coach? Chanel? My bro is the man!

I'm loving me some "C" right about now!

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December 25, 2007
Merry Merry Christmas
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from us to you!

We are spending Christmas with my parents so I will be updating with pictures when I get home!

Can you say "CHANEL" or how about "COACH"? *I feel faint* Wahoo!

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December 20, 2007
Argggg
Why is it that people refuse to do their jobs? Do they not realize how much it affects another person when they don't? I received a denial letter today from my life insurance company due to the lack of my Dr's office submitting the requested medical records.... Come on people! I faxed the request to my Dr. (at their request) November 26th and they had until Dec 12th to fax the requested records to the Insurance Co. Did they???? Obviously NOT! I am so MAD! Now I am having to deal with the Insurance company to see if I can get an extension on the application. What a bloody nightmare!!! Cross your fingers for me.

Vent over!

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On the 12th day of Christmas
Ever wondered what the song means when it sings about the 12 days of Christmas? I learned it at a Christmas party last week and thought it was the coolest thing and now I am sharing it with you!

The song goes, "On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…"

The "true love" mentioned in the song doesn’t refer to an earthly suitor, but it refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person. i.e. the Church.

1st Day: The partridge in a pear tree is Christ Jesus upon the Cross. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge because she would feign injury to decoy a predator away from her nestlings. She was even willing to die for them.
The tree is the symbol of the fall of the human race through the sin of Adam and Eve. It is also the symbol of its redemption by Jesus Christ on the tree of the Cross.
2nd Day: The "two turtle doves" refers to the Old and New Testaments.
3rd Day: The "three French hens" stand for faith, hope and love—the three gifts of the Spirit that abide (1 Corinthians 13).
4th Day: The "four calling birds" refers to the four evangelists who wrote the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John—which sing the song of salvation through Jesus Christ.
5th Day: The "five golden rings" represents the first five books of the Bible, also called the Jewish Torah: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
6th Day: The "six geese a-laying" is the six days of creation.
7th Day: The "seven swans a-swimming" refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.
8th Day: The "eight maids a milking " reminded children of the eight beatitudes listed in the Sermon on the Mount.
9th Day: The "nine ladies dancing" were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.
10th Day: The "ten lords a-leaping" represents the Ten Commandments
11th Day: The "eleven pipers piping" refers to the eleven faithful apostles.
12th Day: The ‘twelve drummers drumming" were the twelve points of belief expressed in the Apostles’ Creed: belief in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, that Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary, made man, crucified, died and arose on the third day, that he sits at the right hand of the father and will come again, the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting.

So the next time you hear "the Twelve Days of Christmas" consider how this otherwise non-religious sounding song had its origins in keeping alive the teaching of the Christian Faith.

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December 10, 2007
Ice, Ice, Baby!
Vanilla Ice has nothing on this ice tho! We are currently in Ice Storm 2007 and amazingly enough it has been rather calm. Although ice is covering everything, the roads are just wet. The temp hovering at and around 30 and the fact that there has been no wind has probably helped with keeping the roads clear and electricity on. A few of you know when I say NO WIND for southwest Oklahoma that it is a significant miracle. No wind here is like no iceberg to the Titanic!

There is absolutely no wind sweeping through the plains today! Instead you can see ice blanketing it all, including the buffalo! I felt so sorry for them. I slowed down to take their picture and they ever so slowly turned their heads to look at me. I looked into their eyes and I swear I could hear them pleading for warmth... OK, maybe I couldn't physically hear them but my heart sure could. Coldness hurts, even if your a big manly beast or not.

The weather is forcasting a little more ice today and then a rise in the temp tomorrow so we should be melting pretty quickly only to have another storm around the 20th. I just hope Old Man Winter will listen to me this next time when I order snow instead of delivering ice!

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December 07, 2007
More Christmas-y crafting!
I didn't quite get everything accomplished yesterday that I wanted to but I am quite satisfied with what was done. I tend to make my to-do lists almost impossible to complete in one day! I am working on scaleing down those lists so that I won't feel so overwhelmed and not do anything at all.

Let me preface this next part by telling a story. I went to E's school to take pictures of all the students in her class (all 8 of them) along with a group picture and I had each kid to write on precut paper squares a little note to the teacher. This was all done for the mini-album that I am creating. I am still nervous about this gift because the last time I made this for one of her teachers it was not well accepted. As a matter of fact, the teacher looked at it and said "Oh, thanks!" and then sat it down and didn't even look at it. My feelings were SOOOOO crushed. I am still trying to get over that! Anyways, back to what I was saying.... After taking the pictures and notes, I went to walmart and uploaded the pictures from my memory card into their photomaker and had the pictures printed. I then went to JoAnn's and Hobby Lobby and many numerous other places. Blah Blah Blah.... fast forward to that night after I finished making the vases and starting the album. I went to get my camera to take pictures and I couldn't find my memory card. I tore up my car, dumped my purse, checked all pockets to no avail. I just started bawling! I know that some of you are laughing at me for crying but without my memory card, my camera is useless therefore, my life is no longer complete! Anyways, I was just so sick to my stomach. I couldn't believe I was so careless as to lose that stupid little thing. The next day, I took E to Wal-mart to finish her shopping for Christmas and she surprised me with a new memory card! It's even bigger than the one I had. (I sure love that girl!) I can now take pictures and my life is again complete! Laugh all you want but unless you are obsessed with pictures and scrapbooking (not that my pictures and scrap pages are the best in the world), you just wouldn't understand!

Sooo..... with all that said...... Here are a few pictures from the mini-album. One down, one to go!

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December 05, 2007
Feeling Christmas-y and Crafty!
This year I decided to make Christmas gifts for E's teachers at school. I am usually very nervous doing this because I am my own worst critic! I am making scrapbook mini-albums of the kids in her class for the teachers along with a vase full of Christmas-y oh-so-smelly-good potpourri. I also found a wooden star that I am going to alter for my front door. Since I have been off for the last 3 days, it has consisted of nothing but Christmas shopping and cleaning. I have 2 more days off and those will be filled with crafting and I can not wait! I have put it off for the last 2 days of my mini-vacation because I feel so stinking guilty for "having fun" when there is house cleaning to do. Crazy I know, but that's me! Maybe that is why I haven't gotten any crafting done in a LONG time, but by golly, tomorrow is the day! Wish me luck.

Here is a picture of the Christmas Vases that I threw together. I actually am loving how they look sitting on my TV so much that I don't want to give them away. Is that bad???

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December 03, 2007
Happy Birthday, bubba!
(yesterday) To my baby brother, Corey! Born on Dec 2, 19hundred something.... Even though your bigger than me, I am still older and can take you! Hope you have a great one!

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December 02, 2007
Tagged
I got tagged in email so I thought I would bring it here!

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends. Okay,
here’s what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!! Just Copy
this entire post and paste into your blog. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Ti's the Season to be NICE!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper is from the devil!!!

2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial

3. When do you put up the tree? Weekend after Thanksgiving, however, this year I am running a week late!

4. When do you take the tree down? depends on my mood, most of the time it is the 2nd week of January

5. Do you like eggnog? ewwww, NASTY!!!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? 10 speed bike and a portable radio... we sat and listen to the theme song of "WKRP in Cincinnati" while sitting on our new bikes in our bedrooms! those were the days!

7. Do you have a Nativity scene? Yes, I have several.

8. Hardest person to buy for? My dad, Mr. has it all!

9. Easiest person to buy for? Emily, Miss want-it-all

10. Worst Christmas Gift you ever received? I got coal in my stocking one time as a gag from my mother... She always threatened it but I guess i was really bad that year!

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Snail mail, but since stamps are getting so stinking high now days, i may switch to email ones... is that to impersonal?

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? "Its a Wonderful Life", I have it on DVD! My next favorite is "The Nativity Story"

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I try to start early but always end up starting in December. I;m such a procrastinator.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not that I can remember.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Christmas salad (old family recipe)

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear

17. Favorite Christmas song? What Child is this.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? We travel about 10 miles! Does that count as traveling?

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? There Dasher, and Dancer, and Prancer and Vixen, and Comet, and Cupid, and Donner, and Blitzen...but do you recall, the most famous reindeer of all??? Rudolph the Red Nosed reindeer. Had a very shiney nose.... (sung in my most cheerful christmas voice) :o)

20.Angel on the tree top or a star? A most beautiful Angel with white feather wings and a beautiful flowing dress that I got half price at Hobby Lobby last year! It was the best sale ever!

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas eve. Christmas day is reserved for the gifts Santa left the night before.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? When people are afraid to stand up for what they believe... I mean "Happy Holidays"???? Come on people!

23. What is the "corniest" family tradition you do, or miss doing? Playing Santa's helper by passing out the presents... Only one person is blessed with this job every year and has to wear a Santa hat while doing it!

24. Ugliest Christmas Decoration ever invented? I cant think of any

25. Which looks best, theme trees or homey trees? I like themed ones. This year mine is purple and silver. However, next year I think I may go homey for once.

26. Gingerbread or sugar cookies? Sugar cookies decorated with homemade icing

27. Do you like Fruitcake? I don't know that I have ever had it but I am afraid of it because of the stories I hear.

Whew~ That was fun! Now it's your turn. I tag Paula, Shannon, Kristin, Shelly L., and Jillian.

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January 2008 Archive

2008-07-15T10:41:00.000-05:00

January 2008
January 19, 2008
Happy Sweet 16!
My baby is 16! She is just the most beautiful thing ever! I am so proud of the person she is turning out to be. I will post more pictures later I just wanted to get this one up before my my computer crashes. Something is seriously wrong with it!

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January 12, 2008
Rockin' and Swingin'
There is a glare on this page but I left it there on purpose so you could get the full effect of the GOLD on this paper. I am totally loving the new Rockstar Stack! The papers are just so yummy! It makes me want to just rock out while I'm scrappin! This paper is just perfect for our concert pictures from last summer that I haven't started on yet!!! Soon, I promise myself, soon!

I have done 4 LO's and painted 3 small canvas pieces in the last week! The canvas pieces still need final touches but I am so proud of myself. It feels so good to get back into the swing of things. Love it, love it, love it!

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Pay it Forward
Pay It Forward Challenge!!
here's the gist....

"Pay it forward rules: I will send a handmade gift to the first 5 people who leave a Comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange, and who make the same pledge on their own blogs . I don’t know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward."

(if you do join this challenge, you dont have to PIF to 5 people.... you can PIF to 1, 2, 3, or 10! just PIF!)

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January 06, 2008
Caught up!
Hold out your hands to feel the luxury of the sunbeams.

Helen Keller

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Catching up
2 more POTD and then I will be caught up! (Kinda not the point of picture OF THE DAY, huh?) Oh well.

(Taken today for yestedays prompt)

"I am beautiful no matter what they say"

Christine Aguilera

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POTD
"Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are"

Mary Jean Irion

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January 04, 2008
Imperfection
"Life is too short and too amazing to spend time worrying about imperfection "

Ali Edwards

Music is something that I have always loved. While growing up I took violin lessons along with piano lessons. I tried and tried to learn to read music but I just couldn't. I passed violin lessons in school with an A and I also had my piano teacher fooled for almost a year by getting them to play the music piece for me so that I could hear it first. I CAN'T read music. Play it for me once and I can play it back almost perfectly but set sheet music in front of me and it's like trying to read a foreign language. Oh how I envy people who can just sit down and look at sheet music and play beautiful music.

Guitar Hero is the closest to making beautiful music and I can come anymore! *wink

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January 03, 2008
Out with the old, in with the new!
We are in with a new year so why not go in with a new look! I went in for my usual cut and color for the month and came out with 4 new shades of blonde and and a new style! I'm still not convinced of the cut yet but either it will grow on me or it will grow out!

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POTD
Picture and song lyric for the day! (This is part of a 365 day challenge that I won't be able to keep up with on a daily basis but I am going to use it as inspiration for photos and such! Thanks Christina for posting this on your blog!)

Here is my version!

"I´m gonna make a change,
For once in my life
It´s gonna feel real good
Gonna make a difference
Gonna make it right
I'm starting with the man in the mirror"

Micheal Jackson

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January 02, 2008
2008 Accomplishment/Goals
It's that time of the year again to think about accomplishments and goals for 2008. When I was asked today if i had any New Year's resolutions I automatically got a knot in my stomach and thoughts of failure quickly overcame me. I immediately said "I'm not making any promises I can't keep." Yet, here I am about 3 hours later blogging about it. I guess it's because deep down inside, I really want to be able to keep those promises to myself. So here goes..........

Last year I made a resolution to de-clutter/simplify things in my house. I honestly think I can say that I have accomplished that goal. Getting new carpet and tile installed in the entire house in March of 2007 and having to move EVERYTHING really helped me clear out alot of stuff. I did notice however, that by the end of 2007, I started adding little by little again. So again, this year, my goal will be to continue with the "less is more" concept and simplify further.

I am also setting a goal to be doing some really great photo shoots by December of 2008 and in order to meet that goal I must buy the camera of my dreams. I have been talking about this for the last 2 or 3 years and something always comes up and I spend my money on other things. Well...by golly, this year is the year I AM GETTING THAT CAMERA! My goal will be to pay off my carpet loan by March and then have my camera by July. (Earlier if all goes as planned) If the need overcomes you to donate to the "Kami's camera fund", please feel free!!!!! *wink...grin

Here are a few more goals:

~Spend more time with God daily
~Take time to listen
~Teach E to drive
~Tell family how much I love them on a more regular basis
~Show more compassion and kindness for those that I DO NOT LIKE but am forced to be around
~Volunteer somewhere doing something for someone...(I know it's broad but I need to do some research)
~Get a pedicure (I have never had one)
~Actually send my best friend her birthday card on time
~Not touch my saving account (except for my camera purchase)
~Meet new friends and get out more often
~Drink more water
~Spend more time in silence (no TV/DVR or Computer)
~Put more effort into the yard work at my house and my parents (both are definitely suffering)
~Exercise on a regular basis
~Listen to more audio-books
~Finish at least 200 scrapbook pages this year
~Share my faith A LOT more
~Focus on eating healthier

Wow, that list is definitely longer that I thought it would be but I also believe that with just a little effort, I can accomplish all of these. Some of these will be more difficult than others and I honestly can say that the hardest ones for me will be the yard work one and the meeting new friends and getting out more often. I hate the summer (why I am living in Oklahoma is beyond me). Heat and sweat are not my friends unless I am near a beach!!!!!! On the meeting new people issue... I am such a home-body any more that I would much rather just come home and spend time in my own home doing things I love like scrapbooking, crafting, reading and TV than put out the effort in getting out and doing things. This might be a toughy!

Wish me luck! Now off to grab a bag of chips, a Pepsi and watch the Biggest Loser on my DVR.

HA HA ........... Just kidding!

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February 2008 Archive

2008-07-15T10:40:00.000-05:00

February 2008
February 28, 2008
Talent, Talent, Talent
Well, I'm back for the long overdue update!

Let me start with a picture of Mark Hall and the band members of Casting Crowns! The concert was Feb 7th and it was GREAT! I must say it was one of the best ones I have been to yet and I have gone to my share of concerts. This pic is SOC. I was so surprised that it turned out so well being we were so far away from the stage. Of all the pics I took, this was the only good one. The huge Jumbo-Tron focused on Mark Hall helped my picture turn out the way it did. I kind of like it! It will make a great scrapbook page along with the tickets, once I get back in the mood to scrap! lol

Things have been busy here with work, school and sickness on top of not feeling like I have had anything of importance to say lately. 2 weeks ago, E had the flu and I have been down with it the last 4 days myself. This stuff is just nasty. I am going to go back to work tomorrow and hopefully all will go well.

I got an email a couple of days ago saying my camera has been shipped! WAHOOO! It is expected to arrive tomorrow. I am so excited! LOL He needs a name! It must be a him since I feel like I'm entering into a new LOVE AFFAIR! hee hee I have butterflies. I am taking E for a photo-shoot at Elmer Thomas Park this weekend. Hopefully I will be able to learn a few things on this new camera from that shoot. I am so excited... did i already say that? I feel faint!

Tonight was E's talent show and boy did they do a great job. E and her friend A did a great job on their song. They sang "Holy" by Nicole Nordeman. It was just awesome. And with that said, I will leave you with the video of their performance. Enjoy!

*I can't figure out how to make the video show up here so here is the website to view it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZwZuookXcA

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Fly by
Just thought I would do a "fly-by" before I am out the door to E's talent show tonight to say that I will be back with a way overdue update tonight! Stay tuned!

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February 20, 2008
I'm so Excited
And I just can't hide it! Look what will be in my hot little hands by no later than March 19!!!

Specifications
Product Description Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi - digital camera
Product Type Digital camera - SLR
Dimensions (WxDxH) 5 in x 2.6 in x 3.7 in
Weight 1.1 lbs
Color Black
Supported Flash Memory CompactFlash, Microdrive
Sensor Dust Reduction Yes
Sensor Resolution 10.1 Megapixel
Lens Aperture F/3.5-5.6
Focus Adjustment Automatic, manual
Min Focus Range 11 in
Focal Length 18 mm - 55 mm
Optical Zoom 3 x
Camera Flash Pop-up flash
Red Eye Reduction Yes
Microphone None
Viewfinder Optical - eye-level mirror pentaprism
Display LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.5" - color
Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 720 mAh ( included )

Yep that's right! I ordered my camera! I also ordered an extra lens so I can get really extra cool shots! I am so excited I can hardly contain myself. I will be stalking the mailman for a whole month!!! Anyone know of any good websites for cool camera bags???

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February 15, 2008
Repost
Just as a reminder to myself!!!

2008 goals

~Spend more time with God daily
~Take time to listen
~Teach E to drive
~Tell family how much I love them on a more regular basis
~Show more compassion and kindness for those that I DO NOT LIKE but am forced to be around
~Volunteer somewhere doing something for someone...(I know it's broad but I need to do some research)
~Get a pedicure (I have never had one)
~Actually send my best friend her birthday card on time
~Not touch my saving account (except for my camera purchase)
~Meet new friends and get out more often
~Drink more water
~Spend more time in silence (no TV/DVR or Computer)
~Put more effort into the yard work at my house and my parents (both are definitely suffering)
~Exercise on a regular basis
~Listen to more audio-books
~Finish at least 200 scrapbook pages this year
~Share my faith A LOT more
~Focus on eating healthier

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February 07, 2008
Guess what tonight is????? The most greatest concert evah! Casting Crowns: The Alter and the Door Tour. And guess who has tickets! Yep! We are headed to Texas tonight for a night of awesome music and worship! I am so excited! I will update with pictures (hopefully) later!

Are you jealous???? :o)

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February 05, 2008
They say if you dont like the weather in Oklahoma just stick around a day or so! 81 degrees yesterday and 39 degrees today! That's typical Oklahoma weather for you. Personally, I like it cold so I am not complaining too much about today.

Don't forget to vote! Go Huckabee!!!

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March 2008 Archive

2008-07-15T10:38:00.000-05:00

March 26, 2008
Tucker

Tucker
Originally uploaded by krbeah 8 weeks old and just a sweety. His ears are starting to stand up more.

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Tucker

Tucker
Originally uploaded by krbeah Look at this sweet little face! He is really growing!

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March 22, 2008
Spring has sprung!
And boy do I have spring fever! Even though things are still so dry here and the grass looks as dead as it can get, the flowers are starting to bloom! Trees are budding and flowering and it is just so pretty. It's like a breath of fresh air! Even the weeds are blooming and showing signs of coming out of a sleepy winter (if that is what you call this last couple of months). Things are coming alive again just like our Savior did after being unjustly crucified on that Cross so many years ago. Going from total earth-shattering death to complete eternal-giving life in a matter of 3 days. As Point of Grace sings "The cross that cost my Lord His life
Has given me mine; There's a bridge to cross the great divide; There's a cross to bridge the great divide".

How can we ever be thankful enough for the new life that HE gives when the price for it cost Him his own life? Thank you, Jesus for your unselfish love!

Here are a few pictures of the flowers I have taken in the past couple of days.

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March 10, 2008
Flickr
This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

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Dogs, birds, and what??
Just thought I would add a few more pictures. I am having a blast with this new camera. I am still trying to get use to all the settings so alot of the pics are still way off but I'm loving it!

This is the newest addition to my family. Meet my new brother, Tucker! He will be 8 weeks old in 2 days! Mom and Dad decided that it was time to get another dog and so they searched and searched for just the right breeder of German Shepards. They found one out of the Ft Worth area and picked up this little guy last week. He is just awesome! Despite getting very sick when they got home with him, he pulled through and is now on the road to a full recovery. His strength is coming back every minute of every day! He's adorable!

Here is a cool picture I got of a cardinal bird that frequents my mom's bird feeder in her backyard. There is a male and female that are just gorgous and as luck would have it, I just happen to be standing at the window, focusing my camera on the bird feeder when Mr. Cardinal showed up. Lucky shot, if you ask me! I tried and tried to wait out Mrs. Cardinal but she wouldn't land when I was near the window. Maybe it was my hot pink shirt reflecting off the window that worked against me.

The next few are just random pics I took in the yard. I was just playing around with the camera. All of the pics I have posted today are SOC except for resizing and the B&W converstion on the last one.

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March 07, 2008
Lose and Gain
Ok so... ever since I got my new camera in the mail I have been doing nothing but drooling! It's a full fledged romance! I'm in love!

Let me start off by saying that I bought a 500 gig external drive to go along with this new camera so I could use it as storage for all the new pictures I was taking. I hooked it up 2 weeks ago and have moved all my current pics off my hard drive. 3 years worth, as a matter of fact. Well, guess what! Sunday night, the external drive crashed and I lost 3 years of my life. Talk about gut wrenching! The first photo shoot I did with my new camera is GONE! ADIOS! SEE YA! HASTA LA VISTA, BABY- GONE, WITHOUT A TRACE! I cried and cried! Luckily I saved about 7 pictures from the first photoshoot on a thumb drive that I took to my parents house to show them. I was thankful for that. As for the rest of the 3 years... I guess I just live and learn! I will be burning photos to disc at least every 3 months from now on.

With all that said, here is 4 of the 7 pictures I took from my first photo shoot ever!

The next 3 pictures were taken yesterday at a local Veteran's Memorial Park in town. I would really like to find a good black and white conversion for some photos. The one I have just doesn't look right. I am also LOVING the tree picture. I took it at sunset and the reflection is from one of the marble benches that sit in front of the WW2 Memorial. Just so "sick" as E would say!

So, what do you think???

p.s. All of these pictures are SOC except the B&W one. All I did to them was add my watermark stamp in photoshop.

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april 2008 archive

2008-07-15T10:36:00.000-05:00

April 2008
April 26, 2008
Wow! As many times as I have reminded myself to come and keep this thing updated, it's amazing how many times I forget. Well... I would actually say forget.... I just don't take the time to do it. Shame on me!

Things have been going great lately. Just working hard and playing hard. I can NOT wait until school is out for the summer. I can sleep in! I am slightly looking forward to next year when E will be driving herself to school... woo hoo! That is IF I can get over my fear of her driving in the first place and let her drive more. She has had her permit since Feb and I haven't let her drive many places at all. Once to walmart, and a few times to school. I am having a VERY HARD TIME letting go. My baby needs to stay my baby forever.

I have been trying to work on my photo taking skills and have had a few opportunities to try my hand at some action shots... Just like the time last week when I went 4 wheeling with some friends of mine on the river. It was a blast and I was able to catch a few action shots that were decent. I am just loving this camera even though I'm having focus issues..lol Nothing says spring is here like a little.... AIR!

I enrolled in school again! I am bound and determined to finish my degree sometime this decade. After realizing that it would probably be wise to seek guidance from a university adviser, I made an appointment to sit down and discuss what I need to graduate. After mulling over all the paperwork it has been determined that I lack 28 hours. They are also considering giving me 12 hours "work related" education credits from all the furthering education courses I have taken at my place of employment which knocks it down to 16 hours. I currently am enrolled in 11 hours for this next semester which in turn knocks it down further to 5 hours......Ohhhmagosh! I could actually graduate this decade, indeed! Hmmmm.... I think I love my adviser!

On the home front, I am currently getting more estimates for my backyard overhaul. I am going to have to HIRE out someone to solve my drainage/flooding issues. I was up til 3am, 2 weeks ago sucking water up with my shop vac out of the dining room and kitchen from a thunderstorm that decided to dump 4 inches of rain in a 2 hour span of time. I am so darn tired of dealing with water in my house that it isn't even funny. I panic at the word rain...I hate it! So far, the estimates range from 2550.00 to 4600.00 and that is just for the new drainage system. That does not include rebuilding the landscaping or replacing the french doors and guttering. *Sigh Hopefully I will have the problem all solved by this time next month before the spring thunderstorms really kick in.

Last weekend we went out to my parents house to mow the yard. While mowing, E was helping out my dad in the garage. They were welding a piece of bar onto the new mailbox so that they could concrete it in the ground. E came out of the garage and with all of her drama queen ability said "Mom, Pawpawk saved this for you!" I asked what it was and she said "I don't know but since you save everything, I figured you could use it in your scrapbook room!" It was an empty wire spool I just looked at her and rolled my eyes! Am I that bad of a hoarder??? If so, then I came by it honestly because my dad is the worlds worst! LoL

We went to OKC Bricktown on Thursday to have dinner with my parents who were there for a medical conference. I just love going to Bricktown! There are so many great photo opportunities in the City! We ate at the always delicious "CrabTown". I think it is one of my favorite eats in OKC. Of course, crab legs are my favorite food! We didn't have a whole lot of time to spend taking pics and doing stuff since we didn't get up there til after 6 and it was 9 before we finished visiting and eating. I really wanted to experience the new river-walk that was installed at bricktown and E wanted to go through the Arts Festival that was downtown also but there just wasn't time. We are going to have to plan another trip soon! I did however, get a change to snap a few photos and managed to capture my most favorite picture so far! It may not look like much to you but it means the world to me! It literally brings tears of joy to my eyes! Neither one of them knew that I took this picture. It is one that will definately treasured FOREVER!

Well, that's pretty much it for an update minus the issues at work that I cannot discuss here. Let's just say that I have a great dislike for liars! NUF SAID!

I will leave you with a few pictures of the ever growing Tucker! He now weighs in at 26 lbs and is 3 months old, the moose! Look at those paws!

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April 10, 2008
*Sigh*
It is that time of the year again! Let the flooding begin............. :(

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My Flickr

May 2008 Archive

2008-07-15T10:35:00.000-05:00

May 18, 2008
Preakness
Why am I such a sucker for horse races? I have never been interested in them before but for the past 2 years now I have been glued to the TV during the 3 biggest races of the year. Today was the Preakness and after the Kentucky Derby incident 2 weeks ago, I swore off picking horses. I did watch Big Brown win but I sure was not going to participate in rooting them on. The Belmont is in 3 weeks and it will not surprise me if Big Brown becomes a Triple Crown winner! That horse is AMAZING! I will probably be watching it but again, I will NOT be making picks. I just can't do it anymore!

On another note: I can't remember if I mentioned in a previous post about taking E to the carnival. I got some really great shots of her and her friends. I was testing/practicing my action shots and was able to capture some neat ones. As soon as I get them resized i will post them on here. They had a blast and I had a blast taking pics!

Somehow in the last 2-3 months I have managed hurt my neck. It is almost like having a constant crick in my neck..... don't ask me how cuz I have no clue. I have been living with the pain thinking i could get it to go away just by time and heating pads but this has not been the case. I went to the Dr the other day and he said that I have somehow managed to strain/sprain the tendons in my neck. The only thing I can think of is just stress from work and being tense all the time. Not to mention the way the computers and radio are set up at work, not very user friendly. Needless to say, hopefully I will be able to get some relief soon from the medicines. Boy, I can't wait for my vacation!

Speaking of vacations.... I a sooo ready for June to get here. I can't wait to get to see family for a few days then move on into Galveston for a few days on the beach! There's nothing like some fun in the sun and sand. We are going to Houston also and I can't wait to show E the Houston Space Center. I remember going there when I was younger and thought it was just the coolest thing. I have pictures of myself and my dad standing in front of a huge rocket booster and I am hoping to be able to recreate the picture again only like 25 years later.... how cool will that be? Now I just have to pray I can find the old pictures...lol

Well, I guess that is enough of an update without pics...I will get some uploaded soon!

P.S. Only 3 days left of school! WOO HOO!!!

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May 07, 2008
Rain, rain go away!
And dont come back anytime soon. Or at least until after I get back from Houston........ We have had some major storms the last 2 days. My anxiety level has been through the roof! I am just so ready to get this backyard remodel and drainage problem fixed so that I can rest easy when it rains. Today, after the storms all passed, I instantly got a migraine headache from the anxiety buildup. After taking a 2 hour nap, I am wide awake, feeling great and raring to go and it is 11 pm (insert eye roll here). Needless to say, I am currently baking bannana nut muffins for breakfast in the morning and then I will be scrapbooking the rest of the night/morning! Given my history with baking and my Angel Food debacle, pray my muffins turn out okay. Gosh, I am so pathetic.

Here are 2 pics of storm damage from today. The first is my neighbors tree and the second one is my backyard swing.

Subject change: I got a new bathing suit today...WOO HOO! It is real cute, complete with skirt and all. This is a big thing for me. I hate shopping for clothes at all much less a bathing suit. I never have like clothes shopping, EVER! I know, I'm weird but its a good weirdness for me! Anyways, with that said, Houston and Galveston.... Here I come!!!

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May 06, 2008
Who knew??
Who knew that Angel Food cake quadruples itself in the oven. I about burned my house down tonight trying to be Martha Stewart. I followed all the instructions on the box and for some reason it made double the batter. (maybe I did mix it a little too long). I ended up having to use 2 pans due to the double mixture and apparently I filled the pans too full. Next thing I know, I am smelling burnt marshmallows. I open the oven and the entire bottom of he oven was covered in burning batter. Thank goodness for self cleaning ovens!!! Needless to say, we didn't get dessert tonight and no I don't have pics of the said incident!!! There is a reason Angel Food cake comes premade!

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May 04, 2008
Crazy Beautiful!
Trainer Larry Jones paid tribute to his fallen filly saying, “She ran the race of her life.”

As tradition has shown itself, I sat down today and chose my three horses that I wanted to win the Kentucky Derby. I never put money down on them but I like to make my choices and "pretend". I did a little research and chose the 3 horses purely because I loved their names and their looks. I never choose them by their odds or how they have run in the past. I just go off of their names and how pretty they are. My first choice today was Eight Belles, merely because of her name. RecapturetheGlory was my 2nd choice because of the name again, and Col John came in 3rd in my picks because I thought he was a beautiful horse. Then again, what horse isn't beautiful. Well, that tradition has come to a complete and utter stop, as of today! After the horrific fall of Eight Belles and the tragic end of her life, I have vowed to NEVER again pick horses to run in a race. It took me over 30 minutes to quit crying after the Derby was over and I am still on the verge of tears as I think about it. I have been told that horses love to run and I understand that fact but I honestly believe Eight Belles would be alive today if she were ALLOWED to run and not FORCED to run. She would have NEVER pushed herself so hard that both her front legs would bust beyond repair. It just makes me sick to my stomach to think about what man and the almighty dollar has done to exploit these horses. And to think that I "pretended" makes me just as guilty. I don't know if I can or will watch the Preakness in a few weeks. It just doesn't feel "right" anymore.

On to happier things........

My daughter is the most craziest girl I know and I love her to death. She makes an ordinary outing into something so crazy and special for all of those around. She decided that her friend and her needed a "photoshoot" and gosh... who am I to turn down that request! We decided to go onto the Army base and take pictures out at Geronimo's grave site. We then went to the bluff where Geronimo jumped off of, on horseback none the less.

It was at Fort Sill that Geronimo made a daring escape attempt, riding his horse off Medicine Bluff into Medicine Creek. A popular movie depicted the character yelling out his name as he jumped. This is why even today people yell "Geronimo" when jumping from high places.

Needless to say the whole trip was fantastic and here are the pictures to prove it! Notice the tree theme! Simply CRAZY BEAUTIFUL!

I also had to add a few digi pages!

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May June July 2008 Archive

2008-07-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

Weekend update and favorite Picture of the Week

This is currently my favorite picture of the week. I love how bright the flag turned out against the dark sky. I had to wait until the firework smoke dissipated in order to get a good dark sky. This pic is SOOC, no edits. I have one more of this flag that I took that is also my current favorite but it has a big mulberry tree branch in the foreground so I will have to fix it before I post it. Happy birthday, America!
E left June 30th to spend a few weeks with her dad and I tell you what, it sure is lonely around here without her. I so totally miss her. I found myself just looking through my pictures tonight just so I could feel like she was home with me...(i'm goofy, I know). This whole 4thof July weekend just wasn't the same without her home. Not to mention that she called the 5th to tell me she had a black cat blow up in her hand and now she can not hear out of one of her ears! I am so aggravated because I don't allow her to do fireworks. Maybe a sparkler but never black cats or big ones. Her dad apparently has no problem with it.....grrrrrrr, but I will save that rant for another day. (I'm unhooking) *update- I checked on her today and she said her hearing is starting to return to normal. The ringing has somewhat subsided but that I still sound like a chipmunk on the phone. If it doesn't return back to normal in a few more days I will be taking her to the doctor. Stupid, stupid, stupid idea to whomever created black cats. They are evil!
I did get invited to L's house for a BBQ and fireworks on July 3rd (we both had to work the 4th, darn Lynard Skynard concert!) It was alot of fun and very relaxing. I love the summer evenings/early nights when you can sit outside in the nice warm air, drinking ice tea and looking at the stars for hours or until the mosquito's start feeding. Thursday night was the perfect night for it. We ate brisket, dogs, yummy potato salad and L's mom's famous cherry cobbler and then watched the big kids shoot off fireworks. L goes all out on the 4th every year! I swear she had over 500 dollars worth of fireworks (which is way too crazy for me) I was talking with L's mom ,G, and told her that I even though the 4th of July was my favorite holiday ever, I just do not understand why people like to do fireworks. I'm glad they do because I love, Love, LOVE watching them I don't understand the fun in shooting them off myself. I think it is because I was never allowed to do them when I was little. We did a few sparklers and colored smoke bombs and little snake things but I don't remember ever being allowed to do the big ones. They were too dangerous. L had some massive ones though and boy were they pretty. I'm talking about the ones that could be seen AND heard for miles and miles. Everyone had a great time. It was alot of fun, but still not the same without E. I was able to capture a few fireworks pictures that turned out kinda unique. They are no where near perfect but definitely... unique and SOOC.
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July 04, 2008
Feelings of Freedom
While we were in the Houston area last month, we went to a little town square that had numerous little shops of everything you could think of. Jewelry shops, Handbag shops, Candy shops, Clothing shops, Toy shops, Amish furniture shops, Rubber ducky shops, and even Gourmet Dog Treat shops! Just a smorgasbord of "little shops". They had an old country shop where this picture was taken. I took it because I loved the way she had it all laid out. The colors next to the antique looking, paint peeling bookshelf gave it a very homey, country, Proud to be an American, feel. I snapped the picture as I was walking out of the shop not realizing it would be perfect for today's post on freedom. Cool, eh?
free·dom

/ˈfridəm/ [free-duhm] –noun
1.
the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint:
Freedom is what today is all about! Freedom to express ourselves the way we wish. Freedom to worship in the way we see fit. Freedom to roam about the country as the gas prices allow. Freedom to choose to be free or imprisoned for not paying for the 100 dollars worth of overpriced gas that we pumped into our vehicles! As one of the wealthiest countries in the world, we take for granted everything we have, including the choice to be free. I was born into freedom. I do not know what it is like to not have freedom in my life. I do not know what it is like to be told what I had to do for a living, what I could wear, whom I could talk to, whom I had to marry, whether I could go to school or even which God I could serve. Ashamed that I am admitting this but I do not actually KNOW what the meaning of freedom is because I have never been without it! Don't get me wrong, I know what the word means and what it stand for but, what does it "feel" like? I experience the feeling everyday but what does it "feel" like? I get up and choose my own clothes, I choose to drive my very own vehicle (the same one that contains ridiculously overpriced fuel) to work everyday, I choose not to be married, I choose to go to college, and I choose to worship I AM. But what if I couldn't? What if that freedom were taken away? Then and only then will I know the true meaning of Freedom. Then and only then will I know what it "feels" like. I bet you that there are more Americans just like me walking around oblivious to the fact that they do not know what freedom "feels" like even though they are free. We have and enjoy freedom but we do not really know the feeling. Many of us Americans are even afraid to admit that we don't even have a clue of the true meaning of the word. On the other hand, there are many of my fellow Americans whom have served in the many wars this country has fought to retain our freedom and have had their freedom taken away only to regain it again if they are lucky enough to return to the Good ol' USA. They are the ones who truly know what freedom "feels" like. They know and have seen EXACTLY what it means to be free. They take on that role of warrior and protector of Freedom. They choose to be unselfish for the rights of the selfish. They are the ones who deserve the Freedom! Many American soldiers make this choice to defend only to lose their life for this country's freedom. Why? So that I can be wasteful? So that I can be lazy? So that I can complain about gas prices? So that I can sit back and watch this great country kill itself with greed and self indulgence? So that I can take it for granted? So that I can say I don't know what it "feels" like? YES! Thank you, American Soldier. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for the fact that my child will experience freedom in this country at a very expensive price. Thank you for my ability to not fathom what it is like to not be free. Thank you for my experience of knowing what the word means but not knowing what it really "feels" like.
I must also add that Christ also offers freedom. A freedom in Christ! Now this is a freedom that I do know the true meaning of! A feeling that I have experienced. A feeling I know! This is a freedom that surpasses all comprehension. A freedom that can not be taken away no matter what I do or say. A freedom that Christ fought for, instead of man. A freedom that offers peace during troubled times. A freedom where the war has already been won! A freedom that is offered not just to Americans alone but to everyone! A freedom that lasts an eternity! Thank you, Christ, for the sacrifice of your life! Thank you for the freedom to choose and the ability to know what it really "feels" like to be free.
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July 03, 2008
GOTTA LOVE IT!
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July 02, 2008
I am NOT!
I love audio-books! I have listened to 2 very awesome books in the last week. I currently have 3 more waiting in line for me to soak up. Today's book was absolutely AWESOME! (Thanks dad for loading my ipod with an awesome read, or should I say listen) The book is called I am not, but I know I amby Louie Giglio. I was so inspired by this book! Everyone should read this book! It really put in perspective how very little I am in the scheme of things in this big world compared to my infinite God who created the vast universe with just a word! When Moses asked God what his name was, God replied "I AM that I AM". This answer automatically made mankind's name "I am NOT". No matter what happens in this life, I will always remain "I am NOT". My name will always be Kami but I will always remain "I am not". I am not the creator of the world. I am not all powerful. I am not holding it all together. I am not the solution. I am not even number 1, however, God is! I AM is the maker. I AM is the Alpha/Beginning. I am is the Omega/End. I AM is calling the shots. I AM is all powerful. I AM is ruling over my life. I AM is Hope and I AM is in me! What an awesome feeling it is to know that we CAN sit back and Be Still knowing He is I AM.
I was so inspired by this book that I decided to finally start my Faithbook! I am going to attempt to make at least one layout a week focusing on my Faith, on God, what He is doing and how He is working in my life. It should prove to be very inspiring!
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Be Still
He never ceases to amaze me! No matter how much I doubt or how much I don't rely or trust in Him, He never leaves! No matter how much I try and hang onto things and do it myself, my way, He still is there reminding me that He is in control of EVERYTHING! There is very little I can do to make things happen the way I want them that is in His will. Of course I can make things happen or attempt to but His way and His timing are soooo much sweeter! This verse was thrown in my face (by text message, none the less) on June 18th when I was in the middle of needing comfort and strength very badly! (Testing for a supervisor position at work is a very rough thing, especially when your up against 30 others) God has his funny ways of talking to us!
Isaiah 41:10 (New International Version)
10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

He reminded me that He was there and helping me through and to not be afraid! I was very VICTORIOUS that day! I scored very high on both the written test and oral interview ranking in at #2! I couldn't believe it! My only goal was to go take the test and interview just to get my name on the list to say I did it. I totally blew my expectations out of the water! I never dreamed would rank that high since there was so much competition! Being there will soon be an opening in my area, this is a GREAT thing!

The day before yesterday, I began doubting myself again because I found out that the girl who got #1 wants to be promoted to my area. I began trying to think about how I could get her to think about promoting to one of the 2 other areas that were coming available and then I would be next in line. Then I started to bash myself, like i always do, about how even though I got #2, it was still not good enough. Then I started thinking about how I could possibly just promote to another area and come back when the opportunity arose. Just crazy stressed out thinking was worrying me for nothing. My calming force, my dad, talked to me and helped me get back into focus and realize that all of this "trying to fix it my way" was not going to do any anything but worry me and stress me out. This was all in God's hands. Dad helped me to really come back to "Be still and Know" that God is in control of all of this. 2 days later, (yesterday) I get a text message again...

2 Chronicles 15:7 (New International Version)
7 But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."
About 3 hours after this text message, I get a phone call from my supervisor saying that he just found out that the girl we thought was #1, and my biggest threat, was in fact not #1! There was apparently a mistake! (This has not officially been verified but it came from a high source). How absolutely awesome would it be if it were in fact true? You know, I wouldn't and couldn't expect anything less from an awesome God! He has really shown me throughout this promotional testing period how much He really is in control and how much He is taking care of things, just like He promised. I thank the Lord everyday that I serve such an awesome, wonderful God! Knowing He is controlling all of this and knowing He is carrying the worry of it all for me is a relief. Even if I do not promote and it breaks my heart, I will still trust Him no matter what! He has my best interest at heart!
* UPDATE*
It is official! I am still number 2. The information that my supervisor was given was indeed wrong. The girl who we thought was number 1 is still number 1. Am I worried? Not one bit! God's hands are all over this!
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June 28, 2008
Fish anyone?
We were invited to a fish fry at the Beaver Creek this week. A girl that I work with owns some land that this creek runs through. We decided to take her up on the invitation and drove out there. I tell you what. She really "roughs" it out there. Sleeping tents, port-a-potty tents, lawn chairs, fire pits, free air conditioning set on a warm 100 degrees and a lifetime supply of bug spray. She has been out there for over a week and it sure looked like it....lol It was definately a change from our last camping trip in an 69 degree air conditioned 32ft RV, fully loaded with a kitchen, tables, couches, beds and completely bug free (except the dead ones on the windshield).
L's kids are fearless!!! I have never seen a 5 year old girl (S) who will just stick her hands in a bucket of fish and then pull them out and kiss it! She was so funny! E was making all kinds of "EWWW nasty" sounds while 5 year old S looked at her like she was the crazy one! It was classic! My daughter is definantly not a country girl no matter how much she says she is (nor am I)! But it sure was fun, none the less!

and my favorite picture of the day.......

Posted at 05:19 PM Permalink Comments (0) TrackBack (0)
June 25, 2008
Think PINK!
Look what arrived today! Totally Pink! We will be redoing E's room with this new ensemble to include new curtains and PINK walls. It should be very cute once it is complete. I did not get the music note bed shirt because i thought a plain black one would look a lot better. I hope I am right! Stay tune for pictures of her new room.
Posted at 10:42 PM Permalink Comments (1) TrackBack (0)
June 24, 2008
*Sniffle* Vacations Over
I'm officially not on vacation anymore and it sucks! I hate coming back to "reality" after a great vacation. Back to the same ol' stuff you left behind. Work, cooking, cleaning, laundry, strange men working on my new fence pounding away as I am trying to sleep after a midnight shift... JOY! Back to life, back to reality. Back to the here and now... * sung in my best Soul II Soul voice...(I am so 80's). At least I can do it refreshed now, right?
We had an awesome vacation! We got to experience so many new things and it was just wonderful as always! And let me tell you, the Houston skyline is absolutely gorgeous at night! Completely and utterly too massive of a city for me but beautiful none the less.
Despite a few minor detours like having a flat on the motor home as we were leaving town and it taking over 8 hours to find someone who had a tire that would/could fix it, we made it to the family reunion safely. Seeing my cousins and their children was just great! We all had a blast! My aunt did a wonderful job planning the entire event. Hay rides, bonfires, paint ball, water slides, rock wall climbing, swimming, zip lines, blobs... we were never lacking of things to do. And wait til you see the pics of me in my paint ball gear! I tell you what, that is a rough and painful sport! Major, major fun but rough and painful! Why people invest and submit themselves to pain on a regular basis is beyond me. E said "the battle wounds are way worth it!" And boy did we have battle scars! My leg wielded perfect circles of a beautiful pink and purple combo for over a week! I still have one faint circle remaining as a testament to my undying desire to "search and destroy"!
*Pause in this post so I can get back to the reality of work, I didn't realize the time. I will finish this update with pictures later tonight!
Have a great day!
Posted at 01:14 PM Permalink Comments (0) TrackBack (0)
June 02, 2008
Vacation Baby!!!

I am officially on vacation and I am loving it already! No school, no work, no worries.... sounds like heaven to me!
We are preparing to go on our trip to Texas for our reunion in the Dallas area. I am excited to see some family that I haven't seen in quite a few years and also the the few cousins that I have not met yet. Should be exhaustingly fun! We booked a ranch and have plans for hay rides, bon fires, paint ball, water slides, and water trampolines in the lake! Sounds like lots of action photo's in the making. Hopefully I can get some great opportunities to get some fabulous shots! (Did I mention that I'm still in love with my new camera?) We are also having a devotional time before the reunion is over and I created a movie of all of us cousins showing us growing up, along with 3 scrapbook albums that have taken me WAY too long to complete. You can call me the queen of procrastination or you can just call me lazy, both titles fit quite well at times...lol! I am really happy with how they turned out but I fear how the receivers of the gifts are going to react. I just worry way too much about my creations. Being heartfelt should be enough but I still worry anyway. It's a weakness of mine!
After the reunion, E and I had plans to go to Galveston but we have decided to stay in the Dallas area for the week. We will spend the week with my brother and my parents. My bro and I are trying to plan a few fun things for the week to include having dinner at the Mid-evil Castle and maybe do a mystery dinner theatre Then there is shopping, lots of shopping!!!! I hate shopping! I never have liked it. Now my daughter is a whole completely different story. Along with my mother, E could shop from sun up to sun down and never get tired. I just don't understand it one bit! It's craziness, I tell you! E sure didn't get her shopping skills from me! I do good to just go into a store and grab what is needed and get out as quick as possible. The mention of the mall just instantly sets my mood to miserable! Looks like I will just have to suck it up for this week! I will paint on a happy smile and tell myself I am enjoying it! Mind over matter, right?
We are still planning to continue on to Houston for the end of the week to witness a once in a lifetime dream that my uncle has accomplished! He is being inducted into the Pro-Bowler's Hall of Fame. I wouldn't miss this for the world! He is one of my favorite uncles and to get to witness this first hand is just awesome! I am so proud of him. He is finally getting the recognition that he deserves for his achievement in excellence! How exciting is that?
Well, I guess I have rambled on enough. I should get back to packing and putting final touches on my creations. I will leave you with 2 pictures of Tucker who is now 4 months old and as big as a moose! I would say as big as a horse but a horse doesn't do this dog justice! First picture was March, second was May (2 months worth of moose growth)

Posted at 11:54 AM Permalink Comments (1) TrackBack (0)
May 23, 2008
Just a fun survey
Just something fun!!!
1. Do you like blue cheese? yes
2. Have you ever drank? Yes 3. Do you own a gun? Yep, Go ahead, MAKE MY DAY!

4. What flavor Kool Aid was your favorite? KoolAid is the most nasty thing EVA!
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointment? most of the time 6. What do you think of hot dogs? with Chili and cheese 7.Favorite Christmas movie? It's a Wonderful Life. (I ring bells on purpose...lol) 8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Pepsi, the breakfast of champions! 9. Can you do push ups? Can I? yes Will I? nope
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? silver rope necklace my dad gave me for Christmas 4 years ago. I never take it off! 11. Favorite hobby? scrapbooking and photography
12. Do you have A.D.D.? No
13. What's your weight? about a fourty pound sack of taters to much!!
14. Middle name? Reena' (with the french accent on the a' - its prounounced Renee) 15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment- My stomach is woozy from the glucose test I had to do an hour ago.
I wont finish this survey before it's time to go give more bloodwork.
I can't wait til I can have my daily Pepsi (after the bloodwork is complete)
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Pepsi, Pepsi, Pepsi 17. Current worry? Gas money 18. Current hate right now? Gas prices 19. Favorite place to be? comfy and cozy in my home surrounded by the things I love OR the beach!
20. How did you bring in the New Year? working, unfortunantly
21. Where would you like to go? Turkey, i want to see places and walk where Jesus walked

22. Name three people who will complete this? Not sure
23. Do you own slippers? Of course, I live in slippers in the winter. Ask me what color I DON'T have! 24. What color shirt are you wearing right now? pink with white polka dots 25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? No
26. Can you whistle? Nope, never could no matter how hard i tried 27. Favorite color? White 28. Would you be a pirate? Yep,just so that I could live on the Ocean! 29. What songs do you sing in the shower? I don't, it scares my cats! lol 30. Favorite Girl's Name? Emily 31. Favorite boy's name? Ethan 32. What's in your pocket right now? my cell phone> 33. Last thing that made you laugh? Tucker, dad's dog 34. Best bed sheets as a child? Holly Hobby sheets 35. Worst injury you've ever had as a child? I fell out of a moving car once, and was hit by a moving car on another occasion .... car's and I were not friends. 36. Do you love where you live? yes, but I would love it better if it were near the Ocean. 37. How many TVs do you have in your house? 5 38. Who is your loudest friend? I am the loudest of all my friends. 39. How many dogs do you have? none, and I dont want any either!!! 40. Does someone have a crush on you? I don't know but if so, he needs to make himself known!!! 41. What is your favorite book? Bible 42. What is your favorite candy? Currently it is Giant Chewy Nerds, they are da bomb! 43. Favorite Sports Team? NASCAR, any team that doesnt have Tony Stewart as a member. 44. What song do you want played at your funeral? I havent thought that far ahead yet!
Posted at 09:51 PM »