Decisions, Decisions.....

Eric and I are in the market for a new sofa. The sofa we currently have is starting to look pretty worn and the cushions are starting to break down to the point that I have towels folded up under neath them to help out. At your first glance you wouldn't notice the wear and tear but if you seen it everyday you would definitely notice. Anyway we found a beautiful Natuzzi red leather sofa at a local furniture store and now we need to decide if it is the one we want and if its worth the money. We really like it but neither of us want to be the one that says "yes" lets get it. I've talked to a few friends that have Natuzzi and they say its worth the money. So to my blogger friends if you have any advice on this subject please let me know. Thanks

Its almost Christmas...

Yep its almost Christmas and I am so excited!!! Christmas Eve will be here in just a few hours and then the family togetherness starts. Tomorrow evening my Dad, Step-Mom, Brother, and Sister will come to the house and we will have dinner and then open gifts. My Brother n law most of the time doesn't make it because he has to work and we never know if Eric will be there or not. It usually stays pretty low key. Eric and I get up Christmas morning and open gifts together when we can but we never know what his schedule will be like.

The CRAZY Christmas doesn't happen until we go to my Mom's parents at noon on Christmas day. We pack 20 to 25 people in my Grandparents fairly small house and let the fun begin. Somehow we all manage to find a place to sit and eat. Imagine being in a busy restaurant with people being very loud, and some being rude all asking for 5 different things at once, well that's what its like. You get to a point where you cant hear yourself think. Its a little more than my Sister likes to deal with but I love it. I wouldn't have it any other way. After we eat we all cram into the living room for our dirty Santa gift exchange. That gets pretty hilarious to because we all end up fighting over a 6 pack a beer or lottery tickets....really redneck I know. Eventually that game ends and then we spend the rest of the day laughing and drinking and playing games in-which my little cousin wins every-time.

Later that day we will head to Eric's Grandmas where they will play cards into the wee hours of the night if possible. They like to play pretty serious so I usually try to hang back for a little bit and visit before I play. They don't really appreciate it when you are playing a game and trying to visit. They don't mean any harm by it, its just how they play.

As I wrap this blog post up we are 30 minutes before its officially Christmas Eve and I cant wait to spend time with my families. Even though we can be pretty dysfunctional it makes me who I am and lets face it will make for some good blog post.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

This and that

The other day at work Maria and I were talking about how we have been doing hair almost ten years. It seems crazy that I have been doing anything for that long but I have. We started talking about clients we have had in the past and our current ones and then inevitably started talking about the clients who we don't see anymore. Some people constantly shop hop so its not unusual to see them a few months in row and then not see them for a few, that happens and you don't think much of it. The ones you do think about are the ones that came to you for years and you felt like everything was going well and then all of a sudden they cancel their next appointment and then you don't see them again. We joked that it almost feels like getting broke up with. The thing is there could be a million reasons they aren't coming to you but you always wonder. Did I say something to offend them, were they completely unhappy with their hair? What did I do? I realize that people don't need to tell their hair stylist why they left them but it does leave some of us wondering what we could do to improve. I am a huge people pleas er so it has been a work in progress to not dwell on why people stop coming to me as their stylist. Anyway just a little of this and that in the mind of a hairdresser.

Im like a kid......I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

There is no denying it, I love Christmas! I love everything about it. I love the hustle and bustle, the decorations, the parties, all the lights and obviously celebrating the whole reason for this Holiday. Since I can remember Christmas has been a happy time. A time that even if things weren't going great they began to look up at Christmas. If family members were fighting or what have you that put that all to the side for the Christmas Season. The other night Eric and I were reminiscing about Christmas memories and it made me feel so warm inside, like I was smiling from the inside out. I am not ewwy and gooey about many things but Christmas I am. If I could afford it my house would be so decorated it would belong at the North Pole. I am big on Christmas traditions and try my hardest to keep them as long as I can. Christmas Eve has always been spent with my Dad and his side of the family. We used to do it at my Grandparents but since they have both passed we now do it at my house. Being at my Grandma Bonnies for Christmas is some of the fondest memories I have. We would arrive at Grandmas early and start getting ready for the celebration later that night. We would make cookies and practice for our "Annual Christmas Concert." I am not exaggerating to say that I was 19 years old when this tradition stopped. At that time a few of the younger cousins had taken over most of it but us 4 older ones still played a part. Christmas morning we would open presents with Mom and then head to our other Grandparents house and wait for the madness to begin. It was a whole different story at this grandparents. We didnt put on a concert or bake cookies but still have great memories of all of my cousins and I playing with our toys and when the weather was right sledding. We had a gift exchange each year and we are such a big family it really was madness when we all started opening gifts. Now so many traditions have ceased or changed in some ways but the feeling I get at Christmas remains the same. It makes me feel more thankful for all my blessings, and there is nothing better than remembering back to past Christmas's when I was a child.

Christmas List

I got this from Steph at Watching Airplanes. If you wanna play, copy and paste these questions into your own blog post.

1. Have you started your Christmas shopping?
Yes. I will be finishing up tomorrow or that is the plan.

2. Tell me about one of your special traditions.
We have so many family traditions and I am constantly trying to start new ones. One of my favorite ones that no longer exists is spending all day Christmas Eve at Grandma Bonnies getting ready for our festivities that night. Me and my 4 cousins would always put on a little Christmas concert for our family. A newer tradition would be making candy with my Mom and Sister.

3. When do you put up your Tree?

Usually the day after Thanksgiving.

4. Are you a Black Friday shopper?
Eric and I went to Midnight Madness in Tuscola this year and we won't be doing that again.

5. Do you travel at Christmas or stay home?
We have places to go but they are all within 20 miles or so.

6. What is your funniest Christmas memory?
One of my funniest Christmas memories would be my sister on a scavenger hunt to find one of her gifts. We hate surprises so it was torture.

7. What is your favorite Christmas Movie of All time?
Home alone or Christmas Vacation.

8. Do you do your own Christmas Baking, what’s your favorite treat?
Yes, with my Momma and Sister. My favorite is Ritz crackers with peanut butter in the middle dipped in chocolate.

9. Fake or Real Tree?
2 Fake trees.

10. What day does the actual panic set in to get it all done?
I dont usually panic about it.

11. Are you still wrapping presents on Christmas Eve?
Not usually.

12. What is your favorite family fun time at Christmas?
Playing the dirty Santa gift game at Grandmas.

13. What Christmas craft do you like the best?
Just Christmas Candy

14. Christmas music? Yes or No, and if yes What is your favorite song?
Yes, and I dont know what my favorite would be.

15. When do you plan to finish all your shopping?
Tomorrow!!!


Now it's your turn to copy and paste these questions into your own blog post.
Merry Christmas!!!

A collection of Facebook Status Updates.

Okay so I feel like lately I have had an abundance of Facebook Status updates but don't want to be that annoying person that updates their status every 5 minutes so I thought I would just blog about them in a Random blog post.

-One of my best friends got married Saturday and it was an awesome time getting to catch up with friends. Congrats James and Gretchen.

-My damn pre-lit Christmas tree has more lights that have burnt out!!!

-I need to get my Christmas shopping done but just haven't been feeling up to it.

-My New York Giants beat the Cowboys yesterday and that made me SO Happy!!!

-I am getting through Wurthering Heights and its actually getting good!

-Dear people that drive HWY 33, get off my ass if Im driving to slow I cant go faster than the person ahead of me.

-I have clothes that needed folded and they are just going to have to wait.

-I love the new electric heater Eric bought me. I can get our bedroom really warm in a matter of no time.

I guess thats all for now. I am sure there will be more random post to come!

New Flannel Sheets!

There's nothing better than new sheets, except for new FLANNEL sheets! Last summer I sold our old flannel sheets on our yard sale and since its gotten cold I have heard nothing but complaints out of Eric. Every night when we have to crawl into our cold sheets he says I wish we had our old flannel sheets. I finally broke down and ordered some from Amazon.com and they came on Friday. They are amazing! They are so cozy I fully intend to sleep in tomorrow just to enjoy them.

A challenge for myself

I don't consider myself a big reader but I am challenging myself to read a few of the classic novels. You know like "To Kill a Mocking Bird, Wurthering Heights, Pride and Prejudice, The Great Gatsby, you get the idea. I have heard so much about these books and how great they are so I want to find out for myself. Currently I have two of the books on my dresser and have started neither of them so I am not doing so hot on my challenge. I supposedly read "To Kill a Mocking Bird" in high school but do not remember reading it. I guess I am posting this so when I do or don't do my little challenge I will have to answer to someone about it. Wish me luck.

Dear.....

So I have recently had a complaint about my lack of blogging. My good friend at Sugar Sweet Thoughts is disappointed in me and we cant have that. I told her I have felt like I haven't had anything nice to say and she assures me that it is okay. I have decided to take an idea that I have seen on Must Love Tots blog, Dawn hope you dont care...click here to check out Dawns awesome blog, and click here to check out my good friends blog, but first read this....

Dear RailRoad,

Why must you always ruin my plans? Don't get me wrong I am extremely grateful that you employ my husband and allow us pay our bills. Its just here lately you have not really been working well with our social calendar. Not only that you do not give your employees the respect they deserve, to you they are just a number. I feel very loyal to you Mr. RailRoad and I don't think you feel the same. I constantly defend your honor to RailRoad haters and what do you do? You take points away from my husbands almost perfect point system on a b.s. call. I will continue to defend you and be a positive voice for my husband to hear but ya gotta give me a little positive reinforcement. On another note please dont take it upon your self to get slow and lay him off, thanks for your time. Irritated Wife.

Dear Laundry and Dust,

Laundry please put yourself in the washer and then the dryer and then put yourself away. Thanks. Dust please leave my home immediately, please and thank you, Bad house keeper.

Dear Fun,

Fun, why have you left me? I have looked for you high and low and you just aren't there. I get dressed up and ready to find you and nothing. I am constantly disappointed. Its not as if I have a horrible time but the fun that I desire is missing. Am I to old for fun? Did fun just pack its bags and leave? Are you on vacation? Even Eric doesnt know where you went and he is usually the fun keeper. So fun if I have done something to make you mad in any way please let me know so I can apologize.

Dear New York Giants,

Please shake off your last 4 losses and get your crap together and win! You have an off week so

take this week to learn from your past mistakes and come back the great team you know you

can be.

Grandma Bonnie

I have been blessed with having many influential people in my life. Some good some not so good but all play a part in making me the person I am today. One of the most important people I have been blessed to have in my life was my Grandma Bonnie. She was like a second mother to my sister and me. She was strong, honest, and loving everything you could ever want in a grandmother. Since my parents were divorced when it was my Dads weekend it pretty much meant that we were going to be at Grandma and Grandpas. Honestly my sister and I didn't want it any other way. Grandma spoiled us. Not by buying us lots of things but in other ways. We had our own room there which occasionally we had to share with our other two cousins but that was okay we knew it was ours. We would spend hours playing dress up or barbie or house whatever our minds could dream up. We would sing, dance, put on plays the things you do as a child that can't be bought. She did her best to teach us to be ladies, to treat people with kindness and try to do what is right. She was a very traditional Grandma but at the same time understood that we were young and would inevitably make mistakes. Some of the best times were sitting around the table listening to Grandma tell stories of when she was a little girl. She would sip on her coffee and we would get so caught up you actually felt like you were living her memory. If there was blogging back then she would have been the blogger of all bloggers. She actually wrote a memoir and had a few of her stories published in magazines here and there. I admire her writing very much.

The sad truth is when Grandma passed away in 2001 I was 19 and it wasn't until then that I truly understood her influence. For awhile I felt anger because I wasn't there when she died, I felt my family had lied to me about how she was doing. We were on vacation which Grandma told us not to miss but anyway.... After the anger passed I realized that when I was younger, I cant say for sure how old Grandma was diagnosed with colon cancer. She fought like hell and beat the cancer, she beat the cancer because she knew she needed to be there for me and my Sister. My Uncle Doug told me not long after Grandma died that at one point she said to him,"I will beat this cancer because I have to help raise Bridget and Shelly." I think that she knew that there would be times that even with our parents best intentions that we would need someone to be a shoulder to cry on or a safe place to go. You see I was mad that my Grandma had been taken from me before I was ready but the thing is that I had been blessed to have her in my life for years longer than what could have been. I think of her almost every day and wonder if she would be proud of me and sometimes wish so badly I could ask her for advice. I miss her and will always hold her closely in my heart.

Happy Halloween

Last night Eric and I decided very last minute we would dress up and go out for Halloween. I typically do not enjoy dressing up but Eric does so I took one for the team and called my sister to see if she could deck us out in cowboy gear. Her and her Husband are what I would consider actual cowboys so she had all the stuff. So 2 hours after we knew Eric would be home to go out we were all dressed up and ready to go. I felt ridiculous which is why I don't like dressing up but anyway Eric looked really hot as a cowboy I must say. I knew I always had a thing for a country boy. We ended up getting 4th place in the costume contest which I thought was decent seeing how it was so last minute. So for your viewing pleasure here is what we looked like.....

Yah I got an award!

I just got a fabulous blog award from Steph at Watching Airplanes! Thank you so much for the award. All I have to do is pass the award onto 5 Fabulous Blogs and write about 5 things I am obsessed with right now. Sounds pretty easy so here I go...Oh and don't forget to go check out Stephs blog too!

Here are the 5 things I am currently obsessed with...

1. Hand sanitizer and Lysol. I have let the fear of the flu get to my head and I can't spray enough lysol and sanitize my hands enough. I know its crazy but Im around people all day and so I figure better safe than sorry.

2. Two and a Half Men. It is seriously so funny. We started DVR'n it awhile ago and then just decided to make good use of Netflix so we have stared watching from season one. It is one show Eric and I both enjoy watching it and actually makes Eric laugh out loud and thats not easy to do.

3. Fall trees. For 2 days I have been trying to get some beautiful pictures of our fall leaves. I am no professional but one day I thought it is really a beautiful time of year here so I should try and capture it.

4. New York Giants and Eli Manning. I have not always loved to watch football but when your husband does fantasy football you inevitably watch enough to end up liking a certain team. I even had a dream about meeting Eli and then insulted him about loosing his last game. Only I can insult people even in my dreams.

5. Coffee cups. I love coffee so that means I love coffee cups. I would like to eventually have all mis-matched coffee cups all with a story behind them. It doesnt have to be an elaborate story but ones from places we've been or just different looking ones.

Now time to pass out the Fabulous Blog Award..and they go to....

Rachels Rants

Crazy Shenanigans

Pitt Rehab

I'd Rather be Laughing

My So Called Wonderful Life

We've been busy

Within 2 weeks my Sister and Eric's brother both bought new houses. Both of which need painted, new lights hung and even some carpet ripped up and new trim put down. Both houses are in good shape just need some TLC. I am so happy for both of them and we have been doing everything we can to help them out. Eric has been a little more in demand I must say, he has been building a half wall, dry-walling, hanging lights, and soon to come laying trim. I often take advantage of all the things that Eric can do around the house. If he doesnt know how to do it just show him once and he picks up on it. I have been busy helping my Sister and her Husband paint. I am going to go today and we should get it all finished up and ready for Eric to lay the trim. They want to move in around November 1st so we have some time but the sooner the better I say. My Sister gets distracted easily so its a full time job keeping her focused when I'm there. We have a lot of fun working together even though we are so different in our ways. Eric and I couldn't be happier for our siblings and have enjoyed helping them get their house's ready to become homes. Love you guys!

Turning the other Cheek.

Tonight I feel down, I feel like Im sad for really no reason. So instead of complaining I am taking another road and going to list a few things I am grateful for in-spite of the fact I feel so low. I do this from time to time but if you want to check out a blog that does it everyday, check out Jordan @ Wide Open Spaces.

1. Having a few minutes on a Sunday morning to laugh and chat with Eric.

2. A beautiful fall day that allows me to drive the jeep and feel the wind in my hair.

3. A 10 year olds birthday party.

4. Girl Scout cookies...enough said.

5. Carry out at Buffalo Wild Wings.

Have some respect People!

In the past 2 days I have witnessed 2 things I find very disrespectful. The first one was last night driving home from dinner. We meet an ambulance and we were the ONLY ones that pulled over!!! In fact the truck behind us rode our ass as we slowed down and pulled over. Do they not teach in drivers ed to get out of the way when there is any emergency vehicle coming? Please people show some respect that could be your loved one in there someday. The second thing was this morning when I was leaving work. I work across from a church and as I was leaving there was a funeral procession starting. I continued to stay at the stop sign as all the cars left the church. However other cars were not so kind. They were trying to pull out into the street and go around the procession. Again when I see a funeral procession you NEVER pull out in front of them and if you meet them you respectfully pull over! In the funeral processions I have been in it means a lot to a person to have perfect strangers pull over in respect for your loved one. Its a small gesture but still nice.

When will I learn?

Are you wondering when I will learn what? Well I'm going to tell you...When will I learn that I can't force my Sister and Dad to form a better relationship? I can't make my sister forgive Dad for the things that he has done in the past no more than I can make him apologize for not being there at times when we were younger. I have forgiven Dad for so much and have become extremely close to him in the past few years. I don't like going days without talking to him. I have always hoped that my Sister and Dad would get there to or even close to there. Well it's sadly probably not going to happen! They are both very stubborn and my Dad did something to my Sister that she may never forgive him for. When she was 16 or 17 he signed away custody so he wouldn't have to pay child support because he didn't agree with her riding bulls. She has never came out and said it but I know that hurt her more than anything and to be honest it hurt me to but not the same way. I don't want you all to think I have some dead beat Dad, its not like that. Financially Dad was always there and always tried to help out Mom when he could, but my parents divorced when my sister was 3 months old so they have never really bonded like Dad and I did.

The reason all of this is coming up after 7 years is because of my little brother who is 10. Actually he will be 10, tomorrow is birthday party and my sister isn't coming. She is cleaning on their new house which I think is great but she was going to come today and see him but didn't. She said she is uncomfortable and honestly still holds a grudge against Dad. Now if you've read my post before my Sister is EVERYTHING to me, I mean she is my person, always there for me and supports me. I want my little brother to experience that as well .So I find myself trying to make their relationship out of the few times the my sister does come up here. So, when will I learn? I guess today! I cant make my Sister and Dad's relationship better only they can and I cant make my Sister and Brother close time will tell that on its own. It's hard trying to be the fixer in a family like mine, especially because I'm the one who gets upset when it doesn't work out. For now I am going to call my Sister back and make sure she is okay because I can't stand that she is hurting over something I brought up.

Random take 2 or 3 or.....

So I am in a mood, like a mood that I just cant shake! This is going to be a random post about whats on my mind. First off I am sitting at home feeling sorry for myself while my two girlfriends are out having fun. Yes I said it and I sound like a little baby. Thursday nights have become a night where we go meet up with a few friends have a few drinks and Eric plays pool. Well this Thursday we had decided to take a Thursday off. That was before Eric got called to go to work and I am sitting at home by myself. Eric had no problem with me going but I felt like no we said we were going to skip this one so I should stay home. Not only that but my two girlfriends are single and obviously I am not. Mind you I am happy about being married, I love Eric. I wouldn't want to be out in the single scene. I just don't want the people that live in this small town to get the wrong idea. I have to go out without Eric sometimes but I feel like I should keep it minimum. I know, I know, Eric says screw what everyone thinks but unfortunately I care to much about what people do think so I just can't. Any how the girls sent me a picture they printed off of me, which I'm not sure how they got but anyway the text said, "see you're here with us". I know guilt trip right?! That's where this first random part of my post has come from, basically me feeling bad for myself due to no ones fault but my own!

Second random thing on my mind.....People screening their calls! Why do people do this? I mean I have been known to screen calls from family members but never my friends. If you call me and I don't answer its because I really couldn't get the phone. The sad thing is I don't just have one friend to call out on this little issue. All my friends do this! How about a quick text that says hey swamped right now ttyl. I'm not taking this personal because I really don't think it is, but don't blame your children because thats a cop-out. I am sure that this may make some people unhappy and I'm sorry but its how I'm feeling right now. Tomorrow when this mood flys over I am sure this will all seem so petty, but tonight it was blog worthy and I already feel better.

Check her out!

Im happy to announce that my friend and neighbor has started a blog. You need to check her out! She has 4 little girls, a husband, and 9 sisters and brothers! How could she not have an amazing blog? Her name is Rachel so give her a big blogger welcome and click here to check it out!

Happy Birthday Eric!

Today is my honey's birthday, so a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! This morning about 5 a.m. I woke up to use the little girls room and as I stumbled to the bathroom I thought I should go make Eric a big birthday breakfast before he goes to work at 7. I was thinking he would really like that, if only I was a better wife I would definitely go do that.....that thought was seconds before I fell in the toilet because my wonderful husband left the damn toilet seat up!!! After that I was like nope no birthday breakfast for him, my wet ass is going back to bed!!! I even forgot to give him his card before he left so now I am going to make him something good for dinner and bake an apple pie because he likes that better than cake.

Happy Birthday Eric! I'm glad you're finally the same age as me!

Whats my Problem?

I am still having bloggers block. I can't seem to get things down in writing. Eric and I were off all last week together and did fun things all week but when I would sit down to blog about them it just seemed so boring, I was like I wouldn't want to read this crap and I did it. I am still feeling this way but thought I should attempt to blog something so people wouldn't think I fell off blogger earth. In the past week I have been to a St. Louis Cards game, gone to Moonshine for a yummy hamburger, did some great shopping with my best friend, visited an oil rig,(yes an oil rig, that should be a blog entry in itself), went to see Rodney Carrington, found that I love the beer Land-shark, and slept in way to much! It was a great week off to say the least.

I know it's early in the week but this week is looking good too! Today I went and looked at my sister and her hubbys house they are going to buy. It was very nice, needs some cleaning and paint but other than that will make a great home. Tomorrow is Eric's Birthday so I am sure I will try to plan something fun for him. Hopefully my blogger block will pass soon, but if it doesn't please stick it out with me, would ya?

A Great Weekend

Girls Night Out +

Tailgating at an Illini football game +

Great Sunday for some jeep riding =

A Fantastic Weekend!

Oh how I love a rainy day

My Saturday started by my alarm going off at 5:50 a.m! Yep that's right 5:50 a.m. Maria and I had to start doing up-do's for a wedding here at the house at 6:30. I had the coffee pot set up so it was ready and waiting! We didn't even have to get out of our pajama's. We got their hair done in good time and by 9 a.m. I had my whole day ahead of me. I decided to run into Effingham to get my god son's birthday present and a bite to eat. It had started raining pretty good while I was in town so I decided that the rest of my afternoon would be amazing laying around on the couch maybe catching a nap and sitting on my laptop. I love rainy days because it gives you an excuse to be totally lazy and just lay around and catch up DVR'd tv, facebook quiz's, and eat anything you want. The bad side of a lazy rainy day is now I need to get motivated to do something and that is tough. I may have to have another pot of coffee just get myself up and going again. It's only 6 o'clock and it feels likes it's much later. Happy Labor Day Weekend everyone.

Bloggers Block

I've been sitting here at my computer for the last hour trying to think of something to blog about. I had typed a few ideas in my phone the other day and none of them really seem blog worthy now. I have no funny, witty stories to tell, not even a grip worth typing out to tell people. Its like I have been hit with a bloggers block mac truck. Hopefully this weekend we will do some blog worthy stuff and will be able to share it with you all!

Ahhh I'm still sick!

Im tired of being sick!

I want to go to work!

I want to be around people!

I want to go to lunch with the girls at work!

I want to go on a jeep ride!

I want to put my contacts in and put makeup on!

I am not a good sick person. One afternoon home sick from work is plenty. It's not like a snow day where you can do little things around in the house...oh no its more like lay around cough, sneeze, snot you get the picture. I'm trying to get some extra sleep because I know that will help my body fight this sickness but I can only lay in bed for so long till I just cant do it. Eric said if I was a good sick person maybe he would take me on a short jeep ride later this evening. Surely some fresh air will make me feel better or the allergies in the air will add fuel to the fire we shall see. Until then I guess I will try and sleep and find something on horrible day time tv.

Im sick again!!!!

I hate to say it but I am sick AGAIN!!! This may be like my 3 or 4th sick post since I started blogging and thats in less than a year!!! Well this time it started out as allergies and sinus's but has really gotten worse in the past two days. It doesn't help that I just went to the doctor today and ran myself ragged last week. I went to the doctor after lunch and thought I would go back to work after I got my meds. However I was running a fever and feeling worse by the second, so one of the girls at work moved my clients and I came home. I got myself all settled in on the couch to take a nap. Fast forward 30 minutes and I start coughing my head off! My eyes are watering then I sneeze a few times, cough some more and then finally have to just get up. I haven't been able to sleep the last 2 nights so I don't know why I thought this would be any better. I have tried propping myself up and thats not cutting it! I am really wishing I would have let Eric buy the recliner he wanted for the house instead of this trendy chair and ottoman! Live and learn. I guess I will try and get propped back up for another cat nap. A big Thank You to Stacy for making me go to the doctor and for also moving my clients.

My husband AKA Martha Stewart

I don't enjoy things like working in the garden, picking things in a garden nor canning things out of the garden. However my husband does. Even though I don't actually enjoy getting the stuff out of the garden I like to eat certain things. I like corn and green beans. I don't like tomatoes but do like having the juice for chili and soups. My Dad puts out a HUGE garden every year so much that Eric doesn't have to do one his self but can reap the benefits. This year Eric put up some corn which I said I wouldn't help with but reluctantly ended up helping anyway and then tonight at 7pm he decides he's going to put up tomato juice. I was like Babe really??!!! First I was like why do you enjoy doing this so much?! I really don't enjoy it one bit and two you don't start a project like this at 7 in the evening. Its now almost 10pm and he is still in the kitchen working on it. I hate to see what my kitchen looks like right now, hopefully not worse than when I took these pics. Thank goodness his cousin came over and Eric convinced him to stay and help. I guess on the up side we will not only have some really good juice for our soups but also for a few bloody mary's!

Eric and Cody working hard

I'm Proud to be an American.

On Thursday my Mom, cousin and cousin in law left for our trip to Great Lakes Naval Base to watch my cousin Morgan graduate from her Navy Recruit Training Program. It was a long drive up but so very worth it. I have never been to a military graduation so I didn't know what to expect but it exceeded every expectation that I had. We got randomly picked to go through a security check where we had to get out of the car and have the car searched which was really no big deal they were very nice about the whole process. Finally we got into where the graduation would be held and we all anxiously awaited the recruits to enter. It was absolutely the greatest thing I have ever seen. I cant even explain it, I wish I could because it was amazing. The flags, the band, the chorus (which Morgan was part of) the marching in perfect uniform. I loved it. There were over 700 graduates which made me so proud of all these young men and women who will leave their families to serve our great country. After graduation was over we made our way down to see Morgan searching our way through a sea of white uniforms. When we finally got to her it was such a proud moment, there were hugs and kisses and a few tears. Of course we all had a ton of questions so we made our way to a little restaurant so we could all try and catch up in the little time we had. Morgan's Mom, brother, almost step-Dad and step-sister were staying the weekend but we had to make our way home. It was so nice to see Morgan happy, even excited to start her A school training. She seemed so proud to belong to this new Navy family and it made my heart beam with joy. She has worked so hard to get here even with all the things she's been faced with the last few years. So on a finale note...Morgan, I am so proud of you and love you so much...and a big thank you and God bless to all the military men and women and their families.

Happy Birthday Shelly!

I would like to wish a big Happy Birthday to my sister. She normally hates her birthday because of her birthday curse. Yes I said curse...for the last I don't know how many years around her birthday something bad has happened. Here is just a few of the big things that have occurred..both our Grandparents passed away within a week of her birthday(not the same year), she and Jimmy where in a horrible car accident where she almost went through the windshield, she had to move reluctantly from her home on her birthday one year, Jimmy burned his eyes with a welder last year a day before her birthday. I am sure there is more but no need to go into more I think you get the idea. Well this year the curse was broken! She had a great birthday and the week before was good too! Mom and I made our way down to her house and we ate lunch and then went to the beach. They say a picture is worth a thousand words so here you go...

My sister doesn't own a pair of sandals so she went to the beach in her boots! I guess thats why we love her so much. She doesn't give a crap what people think about her she is just her. Hope you had a GREAT Birthday Shell, I love you.

What's up with the sickness in the summer??

Only a couple of weeks ago Eric and I were sick with some nasty stomach flu and now Eric has an upper respiratory infection or at least thats what the Dr. at our Prompt Care Clinic says. His mouth is full of sores, so is his throat and his face is swollen because of his glands. I have heard of more people being sick this summer and its not right. Its summer we are supposed to be soaking up the sun, having fruity drinks, and hanging out with friends. Instead I am inside disinfecting anything Eric touches because I don't want any chance for this summer sickness to spread to me.Please no more summer sickness in our house we've had enough! Hope everyone else out there is avoiding this summer sickness going around.

My sister is stronger than me

You all know how much I love my sister, I am her biggest fan but also her toughest critic. My sister has always been strong physically and emotionally but tonight she is doing something I am not sure I could do in her shoes. She is attending her 5 year class reunion. Now unlike me she didn't enjoy high school so this is a big deal for her. She had a two close girlfriends in high school but most of the other girls were not so nice. She ended up dropping out her junior year and getting her GED. I cant' say that the only reason for this was her fellow classmates because there was way more to it than that but I am saying that I am really proud of her for going back and facing anyone that doubted that she would do something with her life. I love you Shell.

Another Blog Worthy Product

I have found another product that I feel is worthy of making my blog. It has been a saving grace for my hair this summer. It's called Moroccan Oil. Its a whole line of Shampoo, Conditioner, an oil treatment, intense curl cream, hydrating styling cream, a shine spray and a few other products. I have to say I have only used the shampoo, conditioner, and the oil treatment but I will be checking out the other products very soon.

Okay...So why I love this product. It tames down any frizz, it makes my hair super soft and touchable! Oh and the shine is amazing! I use it everyday and the oil has yet to weigh my hair down and I am using probably more than I should. If you want to know more of the details on why this product works click here to check out their website it will be easier than me going into all the technical stuff.

I got a new camera!!!

Eric and I seem to have the worse luck with our cameras, and with worse luck I mean Eric dropped ours one night like 4 times and it was bye bye Kodak Easy Share. This is our 3rd digital camera in like 4 years. Our previous 2 cameras were Kodak and I loved them they were easy to use with a decent amount of features. However after much thought and researching I went with the Cannon Power Shot. Its 12 mega pixels, 3x optical zoom, with lots of options that I am not sure how to even use yet. I haven't had a ton of photo opportunities but thought I would post a few of the pictures I have taken.

Me and Eric. I thought this picture was pretty good.

Aren't they pretty

Me and my best friend. I like this

one but we are a little shinny.

I hope to be able to figure out all my features because I hear really good things about Canons. I also will defiantly be making sure Eric puts the built in insurance around his wrist when he is using it.