Cherry Mash

new stuff and possible giveaway

2011-08-02T20:32:00.000-07:00

SOOO, I decided to really push my jewelry and other stuff. So, i need to start really pushing my etsy shop. I realize i am really happy when I am crafting and I need to support my habit. it would be nice to support my family a little, too. I am going to post them in my shop soon. When I do i'll do a giveaway here. So keep watchin! If you want to go browse my etsy store now click here

boring

2011-07-07T11:15:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty boring today. i got a big wholesale order for scrabble tile necklaces. Started fun but now that I have super glue and epoxy all over my hands and everything else, i'm over it for this week. But, I can ship them as soon as the glue dries. I made some cowgirl domino pendants that are going in the etsy shop hopefully today. I also have some ideas floating around my head for some stuff.

couple things

2011-05-31T22:43:00.000-07:00

I have 11 followers. This so surprised me. I'm touched. lol seriously,I thought maybe I would have three and those would be my Mom and sisters. Surprisingly, they aren't followers at all. lol So, thanks to my followers and I am very sorry that recently there has been nothing interesting. i'll try harder.
Next thing. A lot has been swimming around in my head. I mean a lot. I have unrest and it's driving me nuts. I have known half the reason for it. Wanderlust is defined in the dictionary as

a strong, innate desire to rove or travel about. Well, I have that. i always have. i cannot bear to sit stagnant. I have to be planning a trip, or taking a trip, or coming up with ideas for trips. The problem is is that I am not rich, no where near it. So, I do more planning than anything else. But, I know these trips will happen one day. Joe and I do travel more than most. but, it's a priority to us. thankfully Joe has "wanderlust" too. It would be hard to be married to someone who didn't understand. Before we had Bella we would be laying around the house and one of us would say something like "I bet the sunrise at sandrock is amazing' then we would just grab the keys and drive the two hours to see the sunrise from sandrock. being Mommy and Daddy, you can't always do that. So, long story short, I want to travel and all this recovery hasn't let me do it.
The other thing that has led to my unrest is not having a goal. I am a very goal oriented person.
Even if it's a small goal. i have to have a goal. Just not knowing how long until I feel 100% has made it hard to plan things. Like I thought I was recovered enough to really hit the gym with force. WOW! was I wrong! baby steps are better. I have to figure out what direction I want to go in next. I had dinner tonight with my sister and an old friend of hers. The friend was so inspiring and I am so glad I got to meet her. She is moving to Paris TOMORROW! Yep, France and tomorrow. Her 8 year relationship ended and she found herself out of work. She was out of work for 2 months when she applied online for a job in France. Well, she got it and she is going for a fresh start. that is so amazing and inspiring to me. I'm so impressed and can't wait to hear and see pictures of her journey.She is so brave for taking such a big step. Last week a friend of Joe and is died in a motorcycle accident. He was really the nicest guy you would meet and soo talented. I was reading over his blog last night and he wrote that he was making some big changes this year and letting go of baggage and just going to change things. I am so sad he didn't get to do that. I know he wanted to move to Washington state and make a fresh start there. He talked about it for years. I guess what i am taking away from these two people is to just do it. Be brave and take a leap of faith because you don't know how long you have . Sounds trite but somehow when it's pushed in your face like this you HAVE to see it and know it's true. So, I may not be moving to France or Seattle (you never know) but maybe my big brave step may be school or something. Not sure. I have to figure it out and take the step.

Bored Bored Bored

2011-02-08T22:40:00.000-08:00

So, I had brain surgery Jan. 18 and with a few exceptions I have spent the time in bed watching tv. Well the first week in the hospital I didn't watch tv. But, anyway. i think today was the last day. I'm done, it's time for some mischief! Last year was so good and bad. i can't even say bittersweet. There isn't a word created yet to describe it. Maybe I should be like Sarah Palin and make one up. hmmmmmm.....maybe later. But, I was looking back through pictures and I had ups and downs for sure but the ups were so great. I miss them! I want a huge up. I actually think I had a pretty good one. When I woke up from surgery and was still really groggy my parents kept telling me I was okay. I was really scared before and wasn't sure I would make it through. But, my parents kept telling me I was okay and they told me I kept saying "Amazing. I love you" It is pretty amazing to survive 2 heart surgeries and brain surgery in a year and a half. So, never mind missing the ups. Can you tell I didn't plan out this post at all? It's just 2a.m. and bored and thinking way too much for this time of night. I know this because I have been also thinking I wished I was a country singer. lol okay, night!

Home again!

2011-01-02T18:32:00.000-08:00

So after a lot of debate we took a spur of the moment trip to Kansas to see my family. We had planned on going but because several different things came up we decided we wouldn't go. Tues rolled around and we had to make a drive over to Alabama to drop the goat off. My wonderful husband said " well we are leaving the state. Let's just keep driving and go to Kansas ". Lol. In case your geography is rusty Alabama is no where near Kansas. But my Joe knew I would be sad if we really didn't make the trip. I kept trying to come up with responsible excuses not to go. Money , we aren't unpacked from our move , rude to show up peoples house last minute. But Joe kept urging me. So we ran home packed a dew bags made a few phone calls and loaded the goat.
First stop was to drop the goat at joe's aunt's house. We hadn't seen them in years and it was really nice to see them. We left and headed west. Well north west. Made it to ft smith until weather was too bad. Woke up the next day and made it into Wichita after lunch. Stayed with my aunt pat and uncle rob. Even though it was shirt notice they welcomed us with open arms. It was so nice to have the time to talk and just be with them. My aunt pat us Luke a grandmother to me. We had dinner with some cousins. Really not enough time. I jokingly said it was drive by visiting. Lol
The next day we headed to my uncle Gail and aunt sallie's. This is one of my favorite places on earth. The farm is gorgeous to me and always makes me feel Luke a little kid again. I love nothing more than to sit at their kitchen table with a pop and some sort of snack and talk for hours with my cousins and aunt and uncle. One of my younger cousins lives to ride horses and she asked me to go our for abeude with her. She is so sweet and so easy to be around. I wish we lived closer and we could go for more rides together. Bella played and played. Joe worked and worked. Lol. He helped my uncle and cousins put in a fence. Notice a theme? I think I have said cousin a bunch. Hut that's because I have a lot of them. Lol. My aunt cooked a big dinner for us. Homemade noodles and roast. Soo yummy! Sadly we had to leave.
My grams house is where we spent the rest of our trip. I love my gram soo much. She just amazes me. She is more up to date on fashion trends than i am could probably out run me, has taken a hot air balloon ride over the African savannah, and sky dived when she was 73. I love sitting on the floor going through old photo albums or just sitting at her kitchen counter talking as she cooks. We had a great new years eve dinner Joe and I had our favorite tacos. Just not the same in Georgia. My cousin Leslie came and met us. I so appreciated she took the time to come see us. Back at grams we rang in the new year with a champagne toast.
We ended our trip with a nice long visit with my cousins Dixie and Floyd. For being such a short trip to Kansas and for it being so last minute, I was so grateful for all the family we got a chance to see. There were still so many more I whacked had had time to see. But that just means we will have to plan another trip !

feelin snazzy!

2010-09-19T14:48:00.000-07:00

For the past several weeks I have been really stressed out. Nothing new. I am and always have been a "worrier". I have tried really hard to not worry so much. I try to pray about it and then let it go. If I can't do anything about it I have to let it go. That has helped tremendously with my stress level. But, something I can't help but stress/worry about.
I have SVT (super ventricular tachycardia). It is a pretty common thing and a lot of people who have it do not have much trouble with it. They get flutters or heart racing sometimes. But, you know me! Everything to the extreme. lol Mine has always given me trouble ever since I was 15. I have been on beta blockers on and off forever. But, thats not something I was looking forward to doing the rest of my life. Taking medicine like that for most of your life isn't good. In recent years other health issues have come up so this has taken a back seat. But, this year I had some really scary episodes. So, my cardiologist said enough was enough and I needed to have the procedure to fix this. But, my stupid insurance refused it. I filed a complaint with the insurance commissioners office (thanks Mom and Dad for pushing me to do this) and they finally came through. I had my procedure scheduled for Sept. 15. But, on Sept. 1 as I was sitting on the couch with Bella My heart started not beating right and then racing. When I tell people my heart was beating fast I am sure they think "oh well, when I run or do aerobics my heart beats fast. What's the big deal?" Well, it's not the same. For starters mine will be beating at 75 and in a split second race. It's not gradual. It's all at once. Second, it's not a normal fast beat. It's a hard beat that feels unnatural. So hard it shakes my body and it's hard to breath and it hurts. I can barely talk when it happens. This particular time I could tell it was different from the start. It was just sooo fast I couldn't count the beats. I grabbed Bella and raced to the car. I know I should have called an ambulance but most of the time the crazy beats will stop and be normal as fast as they start. But, I wanted to be at least on my way to the hospital if it didn't go back to normal on it's own. Which has been the case in the past. SO, I get to the hospital which is ten minutes away and it starts beating at a normal pace almost the second I get there. SO, I call Joe and tell him I am fine. but he tells me I should go in anyway since it happened for such a long time. Right when I get off the phone with him, it starts right back up beating harder than before and I felt like I was going to pass out. My vision was getting darker. But, I called Joe and he told me to at least open the door to the car in case I did pass out so maybe someone would find me. But, I managed to get out of the car and literally drag myself into the front of the hospital. It was the hardest walk I have EVER taken. The whole time Bella was holding my hand and crying. It was horrible. I kept telling her everything was fine but she could see it wasn't. I felt horrible for her. We made it in the front door of the hospital and I collapsed. The person that worked there and checked people in had the nerve to smile and say "how can I help you" ummm..I think it was pretty obvious by Bella and I crashing through the door I needed some medical help. I told him I have a heart problem and I needed help now. He pointed down the hallway and said the E.R. was that way. I could barely breath let alone walk. Luckily, there was a nurse who heard the whole thing and gave the stupid guy an irritated look and put me in a wheel chair. Poor Joe had called the E.r. and told them I might be int he parking lot. So, they were already looking for me. We live in a VERY small town and I have always been a little more than scared to go to the hospital here. Ever see the Saturday Night Live Skit "Appalachian E.R."? Yeah... But, to my wonderful surprise they were great. They new just what to do and unlike some other E.r. visits I didn't have to waste time trying to explain to them what was happening. Joe had called my boss to come to the hospital (she lives almost across the street from the hospital) to sit with Bella. She got there pretty fast and stayed with Bella in the hallway. It's an incredibly long story from here. But, it was horrible. My heart rate was 250 and they couldn't get it to come down. they gave me this medicine that stops your heart. I have had it before and it is horrible. It is a weird feeling to have your heart not beat in your body and be aware of it. The Dr. said "you know this medicine makes you feel like you are dying?" Yep, i do. But, after my heart stopped and then started again, it started at the 250. they couldn't get it to budge. So, I had to have a second dose. Again, terrible. but after a few minutes it gradually started to fall. After a long while it went back to a normal rate. The whole thing was miserable and very painful and lasted for about an hour. Joe finally got there and my boss to Bella with her. I was put in ICU and spent a lonely night there. Luckily, my good friend Lara sat with me so Joe could go home and take care of some things . But, when he came back he could only stay for 30 minutes. I got to go home the next day. But, on Tuesday Sept. 7 I had the surgery. i was soooo nervous I cried almost all the way there. My Mom and Dad who had been on a cruise celebrating their anniversary, met us at the hospital and sat there the whole time with Joe. Thankfully, I was in capable hands. My Dr.'s are awesome. And I have to say I had a lot of prayers going out for me. Thank you to all who prayed for me. I can't say thank you enough for all the cards and prayers and well wishes. I am feeling a lot better. It wasn't instant. The procedure itself was NOT fun at all. Pretty miserable. My Mom told me that when they brought me out of surgery and into recovery i cried anytime anyone would talk about it. It took more than a few weeks. But, I am doing a lot better.

Done with Summer

2010-07-26T10:07:00.000-07:00

I have a definite love hate relationship with Summer. I love that it is warm enough to go swimming. I love how happy it makes Joe to have a garden. I love all the cliche summetime fun stuff, watermelon, grilling out, the pool, the lake, sleeping in, lightening bugs..blah blah blah. But, I hate my summer clothes. Shorts are one of my enemies! The heat is killing me! We have a heat advisory!! Really!? To make things even worse my A/C went out in my van. i cried. pathetic I know but I was so sad.
this summer has just not been one of the best. money is tight. like it is for everyone. But it still sucks! I have gained a bunch of weight. So, not fun either! I am also very sad because I have a really good friend who i love dearly and i have seriously neglected her. i have been so soooooo busy and i let life get away from me. She is now moving very far and I am very sad. i understand why she has too and I am proud of her. But, I think i took her being so close for granted. I just kept thinking things would slow down and we could hang out more. I will miss her so much!!
I am just ready for a new season. Fall makes me feel refreshed and inspired. So, I am very ready for something new!! This summer just hasn't been the best and i am hopeful for Fall to be better.

book/magaizine organizer

2010-06-06T21:52:00.000-07:00

So, I have been sewing the past few nights. I made book/ magazine holders for Bella and I and will be making one more for Joe tomorrow night. I will be selling them in my etsy store or just through email. They have rubber that goes in between your box spring and mattress so it won't slip I think they are super cute and Joe can no longer give me a hard time about the mess of books I leave on the floor on my side of the bed because they are all neatly in my organizer!.

no words

2010-05-17T08:03:00.000-07:00

This is just one of those times, I don't know what to say. We are all just pretty worn out. My niece Kinsey has been in the hospital 22 days. She went in with a high fever and not being able to walk. They thought she had a bone infection and put her on very high powered antibiotics. Now they are to the point they aren't sure if it was that to begin with and they aren't sure what it is. She is doing really well besides REALLY high fevers and some low labs. They have done almost every test you can think of and still don't know. So, we are just holding our breath to see what happens/

Twilight Fail

2010-03-17T13:46:00.000-07:00

Dude, your not that tough!!

see more Epic Fails

The Runaways

2010-03-16T23:24:00.000-07:00

So, I am super duper excited that The Runaways movie is opening this weekend. Not sure I will have time to see it this weekend, but maybe next week. This movie looks amazing. i would love to say that I am super cool and just new about the Runaways just because ...but, i first heard them because they were on the dazed and Confused soundtrack. The song was Cherry Bomb. I would play that song over and over in my beat up Buick on my way to high school thinking I was sooo cool. I have always have a fantasy of being a rock star. (can you see me rocking out in skin tight leather jump suits just like Joan Jett? Great mental image, huh? lol) But, at this point in my life, probably not gonna happen. But, i can live vicariously through the movie. If you see me with a 70's mullet Joan jett haircut you will know I was inspired by the movie!

i found a neat website

2010-02-02T20:21:00.000-08:00

Sometimes i feel like such a complainer. I have had all this heart junk this year. I'm just tired of health issues and I am sure everyone is tired of hearing about it. But, I have this other thing going on. I have a Chiari malformation and it frustrates the crap out of me. I have known about it since I was pregnant with Bella. I had such a crappy time being pregnant and I had some issues that ended in me having to have a CT scan. Which is no fun in general but kinda scary when you are big and pregnant. But, they found my chiari. But, they didn't know much about it and neither did the neurologist i went to see about it. I have been told so many different things about it. I have been told that it is what it is. that it doesn't progress. Well, medical research is great! lol They have discovered that it does. i started having pain in my head that i can only describe as a HUGe rush of pain that stops me in my tracks. The pain started a couple of years ago and I went to the Dr. about it and they kinda just shrugged. I have mentioned it to all the Dr.'s I have seen hoping someone would know what it is. Over the past year and recent months it has gotten worse. it is so painful it stops me in my tracks. I sometimes will have to brace myself when it happens. It only lasts a few seconds but it's horrible. I mentioned it the last time I was in the emergency room and they sent a neurosurgeon to talk to me. ( he kinda looked like Chris Isac which wasn't a bad thing lol) It was amazing because he knew what I was talking about and he confirmed it was from my chiari. He started talking to us about brain surgery and it sounds HORRIBLE. Not a little bad but HORRIBLE. So, we all decied we would wait until I just can't stand it anymore. unfortunatley, I have read that a lot of people's symptoms start occurring in their early 30's so this may be only the beginning. Like everyone else in life, i don't know what life has in store for me. This could be the only symptom I have. It's not fun but I can live with it. or I could develop more. who knows.
But, to my initial point. i found this really cool website that explains what a Chiari is and has pictures of people with them. It also has support groups, and fact sheets. I cannot tell you how cool it is to find all of this when for so long I have felt very alone in this. I have to admitt that My sister Kelli had first found the Chiari websites but when I had Bella my symptoms that time were gone and then when they started again, i just didn't want to face it. I guess you could call it denial. But, now I need to face it.
here is the link to the fact sheet in case you are interested.

http://www.conquerchiari.org/awareness/Chiari%20Awareness%20Sheet.pdf

Kansas

2010-01-15T20:49:00.000-08:00

I was born in Tulsa, we moved to Texas, then to Georgia. In Georgia we lived in Marietta, then another house in Marietta, then to Acworth. I then, on with Joe, I moved to Atlanta, then Fairburn, on to Cartersville, back to Marietta, to Woodstock, Cumming, then finally to where we are now Dahlonega. Some of you have moved a lot more than that. But, to me that is a lot! It's funny though, if someone asks me where I am from I say Kansas. lol I honestly have never lived there. But, that is where my family is from and most of them still are. My Dad moved us to Georgia for work but I don't think they ever really intended on staying or they were just in denial. We all still talk about "moving back" I'm not sure it will ever happen but, it's a nice dream. I call Kansas home for many reasons. During all those moves, all the different places, all the concrete towns with their walmarts that look just like the town before, all the changes here, I can go back to one house on Poplar Street in Wellington Kansas and open the cabinet over the coffee pot and my little juice glass with Dopey on it sits. I can walk out the back door and there's a tree that I climbed 4 feet off the ground up in and thought I was stuck and wailed wanting someone to get me down. I can go back inside and go to the living room where a box of paper dolls that I have played with all my life still sits. I can go out to the garage and get in an old truck that my grandfather once drove and I can drive to town and get carry out pizza that we thought for years didn't deliver only to find out it does but gram thought it was silly to pay the $2 delivery fee when we could just get it ourselves. Silly us! I can take a LEFT at that pizza place and drive past the co-op that my Grandfather and now my Uncle has sold grain at, turn around and keep going and the houses start vanishing to a old building that is a small radio station where my Dad used to work, down some rural roads that various members of my family have driven countless times to an old farm that in my mind hasn't ever changed. There's a garden out back we picked vegetables in, there's a silo out front my sister climbed but i was too chicken, there's a big metal shed where you can surely find some relatives of mine working on some machinery. Go back out to the rural route I drove in on and take a left down a ways is a house my cousin now lives in, before that my grandparents lived. Back into town past the prettiest flat land you will ever see, is a church my parents got married in, Bella was dedicated, some of the best Christmases I can remember happened and 3 of my grandparents funerals were held. you can also pass an auditorium where my Dad's band once played. All the changes in my life good and bad and in between I can always count on those things. Depended on them to be there. As I get older the people and places I have depended on so much are fading. There is nothing I can do to stop it. there are people not sitting in their chairs like they always were when I walked in the door, there is land that no longer has a family name on the deed and I know within time my dopey cup will be gone, too. But, I will always call Kansas home.

A couple of random things

2010-01-07T15:34:00.000-08:00

I read on someone else's blog that they weren't sure if anyone read it. I have felt a little silly writing a blog. Almost like, "why do I think what I have to say is so important?" But, I read other people's blogs. I think it's so fun to read other people's stories and a great way to keep up with friends. I also went back and read through my own posts and love it. It was like a little scrapbook. there were things I had forgotten about and some things I just enjoyed reading and remembering again. So, een if no one is reading it I will write it for me.

So I know I said I was going to come back to my blog....

2010-01-05T11:08:00.000-08:00

I kinda let that drop didn't I? lol Well, I ment well.
We had a wonderful Christmas and i hope anyone who might still read my blog did ,too!
We had a great New year. we went caving with some friends and family. i love caving! it was one of several great things joe brougt to the table that is our relationship. lol Seriously, I can't imagine not caving.
But, with the New year somehow I buy into the hype and reflect on last year and think about what I did wrong and how I can change it. Isn't that what resolutions really are? I am actually pretty okay. I mean there are things I want to do differently and change. (my big rear end that I am sitting on is one. where did that come from?) But, all in all, I think I had a pretty kick ass year last year. One of my very favorite things to do is travel. I hate being still or stagnant and i got to do a lot of traveling. I had some pretty scary health stuff, but I pulled through with help of great Dr.s and amazing friends and family. I also made a bunch of new friends this year and held on to some friends that are near and dear to me. And best of all we made it another year. If you think about it, that's the best thing of all..we made it another year.
Which brings me to the next thing. my birthday is comming up and yes I am getting older. i am really really okay with that. I mean isn't that the point! lol But, recently people (well, one really) has been focused on where they are in life vs how old they are and what they have to show for it. For sure, i would like to be rich, and there are things that I haven't accomplished and probably never will. (I don't think I am going to win an oscars or have a commercial I am in played during the super bowl at this point. I mean you never know. But, i doubt it.) i guess I judge things differently. AS long as my family is happy, the people around me are happy, I am really okay. I used to have all these high expectations on what I was going to do with my life. I still do sometimes. Hmm.. that sounds weird. i still expect a lot out of life and strive for things and set goals. But, I am not crushed if I am not suoper rich and famous or something. i love being a Mom and wife. my goals are more about my family and their happiness than they are about what kind of car i drive or how big my house is. Okay, I was all riled up when i started writing this. But, I have kinda simmered down and lost steam. lol so, whatever..Happy New year!

Do you ever just feel like shopping?

2009-10-30T06:56:00.000-07:00

I am definatley in a shopping mood. If you have ever read Confessions of a Shopaholic, well, I confess that is me but I am on a MUCH smaller scale. It is probably a good think I am not rich because i might shop all the time. When the character, Bex, describes shopping and how happy it makes her..I totally get it. But, we differ in a lot of ways. I will NEVER pay full price. It is very very rare that I do. I love a bargain and will not buy it unless it is. It is not fun for me to shop and pay full price. Tottaly ruins the whole experiance. Well, I have to take this back a little. If I am shopping on etsy or something like that , I do pay the asking price. If it's handmade I undertsnad the work that goes into it so I will happily pay the price. But, otherwise. no. But, it's half the fun to me to hunt for the bargain. Like a couple of weeks ago I got the best pair of levi's jeans at JC Penny for $8 and a cute shirt to go with them for $4! Brand new and really cute. I needed a gown for an event back in July I found one for $14. It was orginally $200. It doesn't matter that I left the dress at home and had to buy a new one once I got there, right? I still plan on wearing the orgial dress somewhere. It is huge and bright orange but I think really really pretty. Maybe I just need to wear it to the grocery store or something. lol
I am also different from bex in the fact that I don't always buy anything when I go shopping. More times than not I just window shop and that is still just as fun. i am not all that materialistic but something about going to the mall, I just love! Since NM is comming out there are a ton of new things I want. But, I will have crossed new lines on insanity if my whole closet is filled with T related stuff! But, here are a few thing I am drooling over. See, this is fun..virtual shopping!
I normally prefer handmade Twilight stuff because the people who read the books get it. But, this stuff is pretty cute!

I haven't fallen off the face of the earth...not yet anyway

2009-10-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

i have been sooooooo busy!!! i mean really crazy insanly busy!! Oct. is normally crazy for us anyway but we added two conventions to the mix! We were in Orlando then Chicago and then The caving convention we go to every year. Then to top it off this weekend was GoldRush in Dahlonega. It is a HUGE festival right on our town square! Being a manager at a restraunt on said square I got to work this weekend. It wasn't too bad I had to run the shows Fri. and Sat. night. Just really really late nights.
I have badly neglected my etsy site. Which today I am going to do some housekeeping on it and restock. I have gotten into stamping lately and I made these really reallu cute necklaces for Halloween. You will have to stop by and look. they should be up in the next few hours!

www.scarlettadesigns.etsy.com

Amending nat's birthday fantasy

2009-07-08T10:45:00.000-07:00

Natalie commented that the only thing missing from her fantasy birthday was some Twilight. So, it being her birthday I had to correct that. So, here you go Natty.
After we eat all the wicked Cake (because in this fantasy, cake is calorie and fat free) we are walking home and we get harrassed by some guys and this guy comes to our rescue. Better?

Happy Birthday, Nat!

2009-07-08T06:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my awesome friend, Natalie! I think I have the day right. That would be so typical if I got the day wrong. But, in case I am right here is the birthday day I wish I could give Natalie.
First i would arrange for someone to bring you breakfast in bed. We have to be real ( a little) If I tried to drive to your house and bring it to you, I would oversleep and it would have to be lunch.
Then we would spend the day in a great spa getting facials and mani pedi's
Then we would go to our own private ColdPlay concert and this is would be your cake (and it would say "happy Birthday, Natalie" Not Zoe. lol

Happy Thoughts

2009-06-17T12:03:00.000-07:00

So, I realized that my posts recently are very "debbie downer" type. So, much I I am getting tired of myself. LOL So, to change my attitude and attempt to be more upbeat. I will show you there have been good things going on. I have been going a little stir crazy waiting on my consultation with the surgeon next week. I am hopinghe will say "oh, it was a fluke. Your fine. Surgery can wait." My friend told me that was called denial. lol I told her Denial is a nice place to visit. lol ANYWAY, We Bella finished her first year of Kindergarten and it went really well. I hated having to work so much. But, her teachers were awesome. They always greeted her with hugs and that helped. We had very few days of crying and not wanting to go. She finished the year with Feild Day. She got a first place ribbon for Simon Says. It cracked me up that she didn't get a ribbon for a foot race or tug of war but, Simon Says. I was proud. lol Bella is also taking swimming lessons. We are hoping it "clicks" this year and she will swim. Keeping my fingers crossed that the third year of swimming lessons will do the trick. She starts Vacation Bible school next week. So, we are doing good. depite my complaints and gripes, I am very thankful for every moment and every second.

2009-06-14T06:14:00.000-07:00

So, it didn't work out. Things got too stressful and too crazy. I'm kinda at a loss for words. This was extremly hard. I could go on and on about how crazy things were and how this was effecting my family. I feel so bad for the baby. But, I have to think of my family first. We were trying to do something good and trying to help a baby. There was so much we didn't count on. I'm trying not to be too detailed since this is public blog and who knows who will read it. But, basically, we had no support from DFACS. We were kept in the dark about evcerything. I know that is to be expected in Fostering but this was excessive. The last person who was supposed to be calling the shots, was. Joe and I had a meeting with the Social Worker's supervisor on Friday. We had several concerns for the way this was headed. She apologized over and over. We dropped him off for his visitation and when I came back to pick him up the supervisor met me at my car and said she had great news that they found a great placement with a family member for the baby. They were excited about it. She thanked us and apologized again. She also let me know that this is not the typical fostering situation and she hoped this didn't deter us from fostering int he future. next time, if there is a next time, we will definaltly try to foster a child from a different county. This town is way too small!!! I wasn't expecting to not have him come home with me. I feel like this has worked out, but it was hard just to get back in my car and walk away. I wanted so bad for it work out and to help this baby. The supervisor told me that we had served a good purpose and she felt like it happened for a reason this way. Because the family member he went to wasn't able to take him last week and if we hadn't been there he wouldn't have had anywhere to go. But, since we were there he had a good home until the family member could take him. That made me feel better. It was still a miserable day. I had some great friends go shopping with me. They were very supportive. however, when I went into work to pick up my check, the Baby's mom had been there all day and told people that I just abandoned her baby at the DFACS office. That Joe and I had showed up at DFACS and just dropped him off saying we were done. No one belived her. But, it hurt. AGain, too small of a town! I felt I had to defend myself and say that is NOT what happened. We didn't know he wasn't comming back home with us. Having to walk away was so hard and continues to be hard and to have someone throw it in my face just hurts. We never expected any of this. We had the best intentions and hopes. Just a week ago, we weren't expecting a baby at all. And now, ..gosh my head is spinning and I have all kinds of new hurts. This wasn't the right time for any of this, Joe and I knew this. But, we thought we should try for the baby's sake. I firmly believe there is a reason for everything. Right now just sucks. I know I was vague and cryptic and if you call or email, I will explain. But, because this is a public blog I have to be this way.

Mi Vida Loca!

2009-06-10T20:39:00.000-07:00

Sooooo several posts ago I was talking about a gorl who brought her baby into my work a lot. Well, no said baby is living with us. it kinda snowballed and just happened all of the sudden. He was living with her family and that didn't work out and Joe and I voluntered. Honestly, I didn't think it would happen because we don't really know her or the baby. But, We just felt like this is a child in need and we should step up and it least put it out there. Last Thursday we got a call from DFACS asking if they could do a homestudy. So, Joe came home from work and they came and did the homestudy and we were sent for drug tests and background check. I still didn't think it would happen or if it did it wouldn't be that fast. But, yesterday they called us at 3 to come it at 4 and by 5 he was home with us. this is temporary as his Mom is working to get him back. I hope she does because I know she loves him. I can't say this isn't stressful and at a time when I have been trying to cut the stress in my life down and this may not work out. But, I felt "called" to try. I don't say that lightly. I just felt like things were laid out to at least try to give him a safe home for at least a little while. The baby is just awesome. He is the smiliest baby. you can just look at him and he will give you a huge smile. I am not worried about him. He is great. the stress comes from the people in his life. There is a little drama that we are trying to stay out of at all cost. If we get drawn in we are not going to do it any longer. Bella is our first priority. So, if it even looks like things will be stressful for her. We will end it. So, there you have it.

Seriously funny

2009-05-29T22:37:00.001-07:00

Can't wait for November

2009-05-27T20:53:00.000-07:00

It's my pity party and I'll cry if I want to!

2009-05-20T21:33:00.000-07:00

Let me get this out of the way first. I am very grateful to be alive, I am VERY thankful for my Doctors and modern medicine, I LOVE my family, my Mom is being super Mom, and my husband is super supportive. All that being said, I am going to have a pity party. I promise that after this post I won't do it again. I'll suck it up, put my big girl panties on and deal with everything straight on. But, just for this post...
Pardon me, but I'm pissed. I had so many things fun planned for this summer. So, many things I was looking forward to. (I know that by going through this now, it will alow me to have a ton of other things to look forward to) I have trips planned, little day trips with Bella, get togethers with my friends, family vacations. But, I'm on pause and in Limbo.
I had my horrible test yesterday. It was described as unplesent. A BIG WHATEVER TO THAT!! It was horrible! I was in what they called a Twilight sleep. Yep, I did giggle when the nurse asked me if I have ever been put in a Twilight sleep. I thought "every night". (I don't have to keep reminding you guys I'm a nerd, right? It's understood at this point) But, then they sedated me. Tottally not a fun Twilight sleep. They need to change the name. Anyway, they sprayed the back of my throat to numb it. But, then I just couldn't swallow and started choking on my own spit and they had to use the suction. The funny thing about the sedation part was that the Dr. would order the nurse to give me the medicine through my IV then leave the room. he would come back and I would be just sitting there looking at him, then he would order more and leave again. He did this two times. I guess I was supposed to be out with the first, but I am still the ADD child that everything works in reverse on. My Mom would give me medicine when I was little, that was supposed to make me drowsy and it would rev me up instead. Sorry mom! Finally it worked, but I still remember the bite guard and my body trying to throw up while they put the scope thing down my throat to look at the back side of my heart. It was miserable. But, I did go to sleep at some point because apparently i was back for two hours but it seemed more like 20 minutes to me. One minute I was gagging and people were holding me down, the next my mom was putting my cupecake converse on my feet. (thanks again, Nat) I had really expected the Dr.'s to say that the hole they were trying to see better wasn't a big deal and we aren't going to worry about it. I got the call from the Dr. on the way home. He said it was bigger than they thought and it needs to be closed. Apparently, the Dr. who did the procedure had already told my family that it wa sbig, but I wasn't all there for that. When I got the call, I just cried. I don't want this. I know the procedure to fix it is not as bad as it could be but , i still don't want it. I don't want to worry my family or friends. I want to be the strong one who takes care of them. To make things even more frustrating, I can't get into see the surgeon until June 25. My Dr's office is trying to get me in sooner. I'm just nervous because they are pretty sure that I did have a TIA or mini stroke and this opening or hole they found was the cause and I am at risk for having a full blown stroke. That's why I feel like I'm in limbo on pause. So, there you have it. That was my pity party. I promise not to do it again.

hmm..I've been avoiding this post

2009-05-14T19:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I had my Cardiology appointment on Tuesday. I have been avoiding writing about it because I am just ...well..I don't know. I guess just not wanting to deal with it.
A couple of years ago I had a echocardiogram because of my SVT stuff. When I talked to the Dr. about the findings, I was just expecting the same old same old. I have had I think at least 4 and nothing really ever comes from them. SVT is one of those things that you have to see it while it's happening. But, this time the Dr. said "well, we found a hole in your heart" I was stunned and I asked him what that means and he said "well, it's the size of a pinpoint and it means that maybe when you are a lot older after a long trip you could have a stroke" I was really hurt by the way he just swept it under the rug. I asked my primary care Dr. about it and he said if it was that small to not worry about it and take a baby asprin, which I do. So, when I went to the neurologist following the episode a few weeks ago I mentioned this. He said we needed to check this out and so that is what sent me to the cardiologist. One I had never seen before. i was really impressed. He really listened and asked a bunch of questions and took his time. But, he was concerned about the possible hole because he said this could be the cause if it was in fact a TIA (aka mini stroke). He sent me to the Eco Lab at Emory hospital. The Dr. called on his cell phone and talked directly to the person who would be doing the Echo. I was impressed I didn't have to wait and I liked everyone was communicating. He also let me know the person doing it was the best. So, I went again expecting nothing special. Same old Same old. I had myself convenced that the hole wasn't really there that they had made a mistake and that was why it was just swept under the rug so to speak. But, after taking just a few minutes on different areas, but spending what seemed like forever on just one spot, i kinda figured they found it. She left and said she was going to get a Dr. He was super nice and let me know that they did see the hole. They saw blood going in between the wall of my heart and they weren't sure if it was a whole or a gap. It was explained to me that when we are in the womb our hearts are more or less open and blood and other stuff mixes and then if grows together. Kinda like curtains clsong. It overlaps and seals. They are wondering if mine didn't seal since they see the moving through that wall. Apparently it is somewhat common but they are concerned since i had that episode. He said a whole bunch mroe but it is a way long story and this is already a super long post. But, basicallly I have to go in to the hospital on Tuesday and have this procedure where they sedate me and stick this thing down my throat so they can see the back side of my heart, where they think the problem is and then do something called a bubble test. NONE OF THAT souds like fun. But, that is what's going on just so everyone knows. If I haven't called or retuned calls, this is why. I have been busy with this and working a lot. But, I am scaling back the work because I am overwhelmed. So, again, we shall see.

More Disney Pics because we are Disney Dorks

2009-05-07T11:01:00.001-07:00

2009-05-06T22:12:00.000-07:00

So, we had a wonderful week last week. We went to DisneyWorld. After what happened two weeks before we weren't sure we should go. Several people were worried about us going, including me. But, I really really wanted to have this family time. I work so much I feel like Joe, Bella, and I are never together at the same time. But, the trip went great. The pictures speak for themselves. I am going to post more tomorrow. I haven't downloaded from the second camera, yet. I was such a goober when bella met Cinderella. I cried! Very embarrassing! But, It was right when we entered the Magic Kingdom. They randomly pick people to grant wishes to and right when we walked in the picked Bella and took us into Exposition Hall and this man called out "announcing princess Bella" and he dropped a curtain and Cinderella was right on the other side and said "well, Hello,Princess Bella" Bella's face was priceless. I just started crying. i couldn't help it. Disneyworld does that to me. Also, I couldn't help but think that two weeks to the day I was laying in a hospital bed unable to speak right, read, and had trouble walking. At that point I was so scared of what was to come and if things were going to return to normal or get worse. So, to stand there with Bella and Joe at Disneyworld was just such a blessing. I am so grateful. I am so scared it will happen again, but I am trying to not worry and just treasure family time.

Still frustrated

2009-04-23T19:23:00.001-07:00

I went to the Dr. yesterday and what an ordeal that was!?! My awesome friend Tiffany drove me. Since it is about an hour from our house and Joe had to work, Joe wanted to make sure I had someone with me. I'm so thankful she went. She was so helpful, but also offered comedic relief. We got there at 6:45 a.m. I met with the Dr. and he said he thought everything made him think it was a T.I.A. or a mini stroke. He said it didn'[t have anything to do with my chiari. He also said he wanted me to meet with another neurologist that could help me more. He left the room to set up the appointment and came back in to tell me that the Dr. was in the building and he was going to get him so he could meet with me now. My Mom had arrived by this time and we were both thrilled. I was super bummed at the idea of having to wait more weeks to see another Dr. for answers. So, we met with the others Dr. and I was so relieved to have my Mom. I know I am a Mom myself and a grown adult, but sometimes I just want my Mom. AND she was a big help filling in the timeline of last week's hospital visit. He also said everything would lead him to believe it was a T.I.A. as well. But, since I had three "episodes" in a two hour period, that would mean I would have had three blood clots and that seems unlikley, but everything points at a T.I.A. but he wantd to do more tests to rule it out. Does that make sense?He said it could also be this other thing, but I forgot the name. It was a big word that started with an H that is a type of migraine that was caused by something weakening the left side of my brain at that time. He said whatever it was at that time, not enough blood was getting to my brain. he sent me down to the lab to get blood work done. When I was taken back the lady started to take blood out of my right arm and discovered a mass. She said it looked like a blood clot and she wasn't going to take blood from that arm and I had to go back up and see my Dr. She took blood from the other arm. So, we went back up to my Dr. to have him send me down to radiology for an ultrasound of my arm to make sure it wasn't a clot. The mass had gone down a lot by the time I got back to get the ultrasound. She said I could go because i had blood flow. We finally left the hospital at 2:30. So 8 hours at the hospital and I still feel like i am where I started. But, all the Dr.'s were excellent and really listened and seemed dedicated to helping me figure this out and prevent another "episode" So, the next step is a cardiology appointment May 5th. So we shall see.

2009-04-19T22:24:00.000-07:00

So, I have had a crazy week. I hav been thinking about blogging, but not sure what to say. I haven't wanted to worry anone needlessly, but I am up late because of tornado warnings and thought I would just go ahead and post.
Exactly a week ago I was sitting at my Mom's house posting about our wonderful Easter. We stayed the night at my Mom's house. Joe went to work and I slept in. When I woke up I checked my email and my Tm stuff. I answered a few and posted a little and then as if a switch had been flipped I couldn't read. I could at that point, see just fine, but th words didn't make sense. It was like I didn't know how to read. I got a little panicky and went and got my sister. By this point I was a little lost. I couldn't see very well and was having a very hard time talking. It was like there was a disconnect from my head to my mouth. Then my right arm went numb. My Mom and sister decided I needed to go to the er. On the way to the hospital it kind of went away and then came back two more times in the car. Each time lasting 5-10 minutes. The last time in the car was the worst. The right side of my face went numb. It was so weird. half my tongue, half my mouth, half my face was numb. My right arm was completley numb and my heart felt like it was racing. It was awful and so scary. I didn't get a Ct scan or an MRI for a good two hours after the last "episode". I was realesed eight hours later. The Dr. said he wasn't really sure what happened. They didn't see any signs of a stroke in my scans. But, the first Dr. who treated me in the ER wrote "stroke protacal" on my chart. The Dr. that released me said I needed to see a neurologist because he wasn't sure what to do and I was stable. He was honest enough to say if it was a heart attack or a gunshot wound it would be more up his alley, but this was outside of his payscale. At the time I wanted to strangle him for saying that. But, now I really appreciate that he wasn't so full of himself that he could admit he didn't know and he didn't give me some guess that would stop us from trying to figure out what really happened.
So, thanks to my Mom and Kelli I have an appointment with a specialist in neurology on Wed. When I was pregnant with Bella I found out I have a Chari malformation. Basically, it means part of my brain hangs down in my neck a little and can put pressure on my spinal column. There is a good chance that this is the cause of what happened. I have spent the week being scared. I have been really overwhelmed by how great everyone has been. If nothing else this has shown me that I hav a lot of pople in my life that love me and I am truly thankful for all of them. I know I have actd a little cranky and a littl grumpy to some people this past week and I am really sorry. i am just frustrated and scared and it's comming out as grumpy. I am so grateful for everyone's support right now. hopefully, after my Dr.'s appointment on Wed. I will post that is was nothing just a fluke.

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

We had a great Easter and I hope everyone else did, too. Holidays are hard because we live far and our parents live not close to eachother. So, we really have a hard time splitting the time. This Easter we just went to my parents house. I had to work Sat. night and didn't get home until 2a.m. and then I HAVE to read before I fall asleep. (a little OCD of me, but it's my nightly unwind ritual and I like it) So, we had the best intentions to go to church, Joe's parents, and then to my parents. But, Big Shock, we over slept. Brenna had a similar issue and she spent the day with her in-laws. So, we had a small layed back Easter and it was really nice. We missed all the people we couldn't be with. Bu, Joe and I rush around ALL the time. We always are on a schedule and it was really nice just t be in one spot and get to enjoy the day. Oh, I cut my hair AGAIN! It went much better this time, but I have mixed feelings about it. I love it in the mirroe, but I look like a goober in pictures. Well, whatever.

2009-04-08T19:48:00.000-07:00

For whatever reason the link for our Etsy site was not working. So, I am posting it again. www.scarlettadesigns.etsy.com

2009-04-03T12:33:00.000-07:00

i am going to be dork for a minute (who am I kidding? It's a way of life for me!) But, I just saw someone from Forks, Wahington read my blof. I think I know who that someone is. (Hey! TJG) But, I still thought it was neat!

New Etsy store

2009-04-01T22:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, awhile ago I said I would share what I have been working on. I just uploaded a bunch of stuff, but not all, to my new Etsy store. My friend Andrea and I decided to open the store together. This way we can be each other's motivators and cheerleaders. So, we just post when we are finished with something. Right now, it's just the stuff I have made. But, I know Andrea has some really neat things in the the works. The things I have listed are just a few of what I have done. I have had so much fun creating this stuff and I hope you guys like it, too. I also make personalized pendants. I have one with Bella's picture on one side and her name on the other. So, check it out.
http://scarlettAdesigns.etsy.com

Frustration

2009-04-01T13:58:00.000-07:00

Joe and I have gone back and forth about more kids since Bella was born. I know the answer and I think I have always known, but have been to scared to admit it. We definitely want more. But, how our next child gets here is another thing...I have health issues. getting pregnant is not an issue. But, staying healthy while pregnant is another. If you were around me when i was pregnant with Bella, you know what I am talking about. I couldn't drive, had HORRIBLE headaches, would lose my vision and speech sometimes, and I had issues with my heart. I almost completely lost my appetite in the beginning and lost weight. All that being said, somehow I feel that it would be fine a second time. Either stupidity or just hopeful, not sure. I know those close to me hope I don't have another baby. I understand their fears for me and I also understand it's stupid to risk my health. It's selfish. I know. But, something inside my head says it will be fine. We have thought about adoption. we have thought about that even before Bella was born. I have no doubt we would love another child as our own. i have a strong pull towards wanting to adopt. But, money is a huge issue. I guess I should say Lack of money is the issue. This is the frustrating part. There is a girl that comes into where I work and she has a three month old little boy. She is friends with a lot of people that work with me and she would just get dropped off at the restaurant and sit with him for hours. Sometimes my whole shift. I would hold him and carry him around. He is so precious. I can tell she loves her son, but there are somethings that worried me. Obviously sitting in a restaurant for hour and hours with an infant is the first thing, but there is a lot more. She is on probation and has a history of drug use. She said she was clean and I believed her. But, when I went to pick Bella up from school I saw another women carrying the same baby around. I know it was rude, but i had to ask. She told me she was the baby's step- grandmother and she was taking care of him now. Because his mother was in a lot of trouble and was in jail. She had to go pick him up from a local bar at 2 a.m. one night because his Mom was too drunk. I am happy someone is taking care of him, but it made me very sad for him. I can just see a future of back and forth between grandmother and mother and his mom in and out of jail. Hopefully, it won't be this way. Hopefully, this is a wake up call to her. But, the odds aren't good. It makes my heart hurt. I know it's wrong and a little self righteous of me, but I wish I could take care of that baby. I have no claim to him and he obviously has family members to take care of him and love him, but I wish he could have something stable.

Misc.

2009-03-26T08:39:00.000-07:00

I have been absent from everything. All i have been doing is working. I just counted and I have worked 30 hours so far since Monday and I am supposed to work a double. So, 12 more hours. I'm not complaining AT ALL! I am grateful to be working and I really do love where I work. But, I miss my Bella and Joe. I have been trying to make the time Bella and I have special. Just Bella and I went to Fernbank Museum on Monday and we had the best time.

I was tested and I FAILED BAD BAD BAD!!

2009-03-16T22:04:00.000-07:00

So, if I were a paranoid person and also thought the world revolved around me, I would think that someone from Wal-Mart read my blog and decided to test my resolve as far as boycotting Wal-Mart. Because today I was tested and I failed...miserably. They found my weakness....they have Twilight shirts for cheap, I mean really cheap. I crumbled and got two. ****I am hanging my head in shame*****They even had a flat screen tv by the shirts playing outakes from twilight. So, like a fool I stood there and watched the tv. Bella then looked up at me and said "why is everyone excited about twilight?" I just shook my head and said "I have no idea"

ummmm...REALLY?!

2009-03-16T07:15:00.001-07:00

There are so many things about this picture that I am questioning. I think I could design a better dress..I take that back I think Bella could do better than that.

Spoiler

2009-03-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

Don't watch if you are reading the twilight series or intend too because this will give everything away. Otherwise, it is one of the funniest things EVER!! *****it takes a minute to load, so if it gets "stuck" rewind and start over to give it time to catch up with itself. Also, Pause the music on my blog first*********

Walmart

2009-03-08T22:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I try not to be contiversal or political on my blog..well anywhere really. I am trying to live stress free, which is a tall order these days. But, simply..my heart can't take it. I internalize stress and I have some heart issues, not big ones, but stress will turn it into big ones. ANYWAY, I just watched "Wal-Mart: The High Cost Of Low Price". Everyone should watch this. I already have disliked Wal-Mart, but I have thought about it as a "nessacary evil". For example: I like to do crafty things and living in this small town, we do not have a craft store. We have a Hallmark type store that tries to have craftt things, but not really. So, I head to the Wal-Mart when i need something. But, if Wal-mart wasn't here, there would probably be a great craft store with a bigger selection and better quality products. But, Wal-Mart is here. So, we don't have independent craft , shoes,or clothes stores. Wal-Mart shuts down the independent retailer and shuts down towns. I understand that their prices are cheap and especially now that means a lot. But, if you do ALL of your shopping with one company and that one company does NOT buy American, all of our money is going over seas. It's a vicious cycle. Think about a small town full of small shops, then Wal-Mart comes in and it offers products at a much cheaper price so everyone goes there. So, the stores start closing because no one is shopping there. So, jobs are lost and now you HAVE to shop at Wal-Mart. If there is just one store in town, where do you work? Wal-Mart. So, you shop and work at Wal-Mart. Kind of sounds like the old "company store" thing. I am sure this is hard to imagine in a big city, but it happens a lot in small towns. next time you drive through a rural area try to find the "down town" area of a small town and then find the Wal-Mart. I could go on and on. I could tell you about the little town that my family is from and how it used to have a vibrant main street full of stores, but now it's mostly empty, but the Wal-Mart has a full parking lot. But, just watch Wal-Mart:the high Cost Of Low Price. I am going to TRY to not shop at Wal-Mart again. I say try because like I said, I live in a small town and we do not have many options here and money is tight. But, I am not supporting a store like this.

It's my birthday! WOOHOO!

2009-03-03T12:40:00.000-08:00

My friend Natalie posted a little fantasy birthday for me! You have to head to her blog and check it out. For the record, I would want the first cake!http://happyhavoc.blogspot.com/2009/03/its-glass-is-half-empty-day-whiny-whine.html
http://happyhavoc.blogspot.com/2009/03/its-glass-is-half-empty-day-whiny-whine.html

2009-03-03T12:25:00.000-08:00

Sorry I f I left you hanging with that last post. It was a scary weekend. I am sure kelli would think that is an understatment. Kinsey is my sister, Kelli's youngest. She is not even 2 yet and has spent a good portion of those 1 1/2 years sick with something that noone can figure out what it is. She has had a HORRIBLE rash. when I say rash..well...it doesn't really even begin to describe it. You can head over to her blog and look a few posts back to see what I mean. Fortunatly that has cleared up. But, last week kinsey was sick with what her Dr. diagnosed as the flu withought doing an actual test. She was on Tamaflu but got worse. Thursday she had slept all but two hours of the day. So about 20 hours and her diaper was dry. So, Kelli called the nurse line or Dr. I am not sure which and the told her to take her to the ER. There, they thought cancer was a possiblity but it was ruled out. Still scared us all to death. They kept her overnight. But Friday she took a turn and things went down hill. i don't have all the specific numbers and all the medical details. But, her blood level should have been at 11 and it was at 4.6. Because of this her heart was having to work a lot harder than normal and they were fearing cardiac arrest. this is when I posted the last time. We all ran straight to the hospital to be with them. When I saw her she was so white. I cannot even explain how what she was. Her lips were even white and she was just lathargic. So sad to see her that way because she is the exact opposite. She enede up having two blood transfusions and was finally released on Sunday. The scary thought is they still do not know why this happened. she appointments with Dr.'s to try to find out. It could happen again. So, as of right now she isn't completley better but she has improved. We still need prayers an positive thoughts. Shawn was laid off last week and Kelli is in school. Things are tough. I know they will get through this, but I wish they could win the lottery or somehting. So, they would at least not have to stress about money and could just be with eachother.

2009-02-27T09:44:00.000-08:00

I do not have time or a lot of details. I am literally running out the door to go back to the hospital. I just know the power of prayer. I guess I just feel helpless and this is all I know to do. Kinsey is reall really sick and we need major prayers today. PLEASE!!! I will updat elater.

2009-02-26T08:24:00.000-08:00

So, let me give background first so this doesn't sound weird. When I used to teach Tae kwon Do there was another higher ranking instructor who taught at the same school I did. I was the only female instructor and it was tough. not everyone was super nice. But, this one guy was. he helped me with my forms and gave me pointers and just an all around nice guy. Don't get the wrong idea. He was just a good friend. joe liked him a lot, too. I have always gotten along better with guys as friends and being married it not all that approprite to have guy friends. but, this guy would hang out with Joe and I and he is just a stand up nice christian guy with no other motives other than being a good friend.
he moved to Texas a few years ago and we tried to keep in touch but we somehow lost touch. but thanks to facebook he found me yesterday. he is in the Army and stationed in Afganastan. I can't tell you how much I hated to hear that. We talked for awhile on Facebook this a.m. Weird, it was nght there. He has gotten hurt. Not seriously and he has recovered. I just got frustrated with the news. All we hear on the news is bad and how much people hate us and whiny whiny people. If I have to hear about the economy one more time...... But, intrest in the soldiers still fighting for us has kind of gone away. I'm guilty of it. But, to see pictures of my friend there jolted me back. I don't care where you stand politically or what you think about the war everyone should be praying or thinking positive thoughts or whatever you do. They are there fighting for us. When we were chatting this a.m. we started talking about protesters and that crazy Cindy Sheehan women (she was the one who's son died in iraq and she turned into a big protester) and I said she is such an idiot and I was glad no one listened to her anymore. he said he felt sorry for her andyes the protesters "bolied his blood" but that's what he was there fighting for. So, we could say what ever we wanted and have that freedom. What a good attitude! I tend to just be bitter. So, i am stepping off my soap box, but I just wanted to share. I am on a mission to send him double stuffed oreos. I used to send care packages to Joe's brother when he was over there. i loved to do it. Something small, but I felt like I should be doing something. i asked my friend what I could send and all he wanted was double stuffed Oreos. We shall see if they make it. He said his family has tried to send him packages and they have never made it. So, I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Cupcakes

2009-02-23T09:01:00.000-08:00

Aren't these the cutest? I want them! But, they are $49.99!!!!! So, it's not gonna happen. I do have a birthday next week. But, our trip is probably my Valentine's, Birthday, and Anniversary, and Christmas present and I am NOT complaining. If I never get another gift again, It was worth it!! I feel like I should be giving gifts instead. So many people helped us take this trip. From nice people at work who helped me get out early the night before we left, to a friend who watched our animals, to my sisters who were supportive and didn't make THAT much fun of me for going to Forks, to my parents who took such good care of Bella for us. Thank you, Thank you! I feel very blessed with such good friends and family.
A friend just got these for her daughter and I thought they were adorable. For whatever reason, I love cupcakes. Not just to eat them, but I think they are so cute. It probably has to do with Bella's love of cupcakes and that we have to make them so much due to her allergy.

Day 7

2009-02-20T22:23:00.001-08:00

Okay, this is the last post I will make from the Pacific Northwest. We had a full day and we are tired! We woke up early and headed into Seattle. I had an article that I ripped out of a Budget Travel magazine a year ago. I had no plans to come here, but it looked like a neat town. The article was a walking tour of the downtown area. I can't believe I kept up with it. We walked forever. we went to this really cool Japanese store. It was huge and filled with everything from housewares to Sea Urchin. They had a neat food court,too. We ended our walking tour at the Pike's market. It was overwhelming. It was packed. But, a really neat place. the last thing we did was get drinks and a snack at the Athenian in the market. My dad had sugegsted we go there and i am glad we listened. It was my favorite part of the market. Crazy mix of tourist, locals, and fisherman. We sat in a tiny booth next to big windows that looked out over the water. We had yummy Thai food for dinner.
We have had a truly truly amazing trip that I will NEVER forget. Seattle was really neat, but the Forks area is my favorite. The whole area is almost magical with the huge trees and amazing vistas. (that's a Joe word) I was so excited to see where the book was set, but even if there was no twilight I would have been happy to spend a week here. So, I am thankful to the book for pointing us in the right direction. I hope with all the attention it doesn't loose the charm.
Thank you for taking the time to read my posts. It has been fun to share this with everyone.

Day 6

2009-02-20T07:42:00.000-08:00

Again, I have to be quick because we are running out the door. Yesterday, we had another great day. We headed out to Mt. Rainier. It was further than we thought, but a nice drive. We stopped at Cabela's, which is a lot like Bass Pro Shop. But, acording to Joe, there is a difference. We spent awhile there. I figured Joe had put up with my Twilight stuff all week, I could sit in a camp chair and let him wonder. We then headed to the mountain. We did not expect all the snow. There was a ton. Most of the park was closed because of the snow, but we got pretty far up the mountain. They had an area just for playing in the snow. I wished Bella was with us because she would have loved it. We spent most of the day at Rainier. It is amazing. We headed back to the city and went to the flagship R.E.I. I know I complained about chain stores in my last post and then we went to two. lol We headed back towards our hotel and found a dollar theatre. We had the best dinner. We shared a huge Gyro chicken salad with Pitas. it was sooooo good. We then saw a movie and headed back to our hotel.

Day 5

2009-02-19T09:39:00.000-08:00

I was so sad to leave Forks. It was such an amazing place. There si so much to do and see right around the town. I could have spent days more there. But, we moved on to Seattle. We woke up early on Wed. and headed out to try to find Elk. We had only seen a squirel and a racoon on this trip. We did find some and pretty fast. We headed back to the Hoh Rainforest. The drive out there is beautiful. We walked around for a little bit and headed back into town for breakfast. Again, we had a huge breakfast. The yummiest veggie omlet ever!! We finished up some last minute souvenier shopping and headed out of town. Again, beautiful drive. The drive by Lakce Crescent was unreal. The lake provided a perfect mirror image of the mountains. i know I keep saying the same adjectives, but I can't come up with anything better. We wanted to drive up Hurricane Ridge, but it was closed. We drove as far as we could and got some great pictures. we took a ferry from kingston into the Seattle area. On the ferry I kept telling Joe to look at this neat cloud and he said "honey, that's not a cloud that's Mt. Rainer." beautiful! Our hotel is just a little out of town in an area called Bellevue. thanks to my sister in-law we got a really great rate at a Marriott. (thank you, Kim) This area is a lot like Buckhead. A big change from forks. I am sure I will like Seattle better. I'm not really into chain stores and restraunts and this area is full of them. However, I was very happy about the Barnes and Noble we walked around in last night. So, we are off today to get a better look at Rainer.

Day 4

2009-02-18T11:37:00.000-08:00

We had another wonderful day! I will keep this short. We are leaving Forks and heading for Seattle. I am sad about leaving. Forks is just amazing!
Yesterday, we slept in for the first time on the trip. We ate at Sully Burgers for lunch. They have a burger called the "Bella Burger" I decided I was not going to get it just for the name. but, it had everything on it I would want so i got it anyway. it was one of the best burgers I have had. It even came with fake vampire teeth! After that we headed back into LaPush and hiked to Third Beach. it was a long hike out to the beach and then over drift wood. it was beautiful. We walked down the beach to the left and there was a waterfall comming off the cliffs into the ocean. it was just beautiful. We then headed up to the Makah Indian reservation. it's about an hour drive. It is the furtherest North West you can get in the Contential United States. Again, AMAZING!! We got there in time to hike out to a point and watch the sun go down. After that we drove back to Forks and had dinner.

Day 3

2009-02-17T08:26:00.000-08:00

The problem with this trip is that I can't decide what my favorite day is. Everyday has been wonderful and yesterday was just awesome. We woke up early and had another huge breakfast. Biscuits and gravy and a big waffle with strawberry topping. We split it, but still. From there we walked downtown. That sounds misleading...downtown Forks is maybe 5 little stores and two asian restraunts and a mexican restraunt as well.I am not being negative, i love that is so small. There is a store that is completley Twilight stuff. Can you belive I did not by one thing? I didn't not one. I did get postcards and Forks magnets in the pharmacy and I might go back for a sweat shirt. But, to be able to do this trip, we are on a super tight budget. We then walked to the highschool and then back to our motel. All the tween girls had checked out of the Twilight themed rooms. So, they let me go peek in. We then went to Tina's house (see post below). After that, we drove around and looked at the twilight sights and then drove to Lapush. In case you haven't read the books, La Push is an Indian reservation. Again, no words. The reservation itself was intersting. We deove by a trailer with a totem pole being worked on in the front yard. You can tell that money is not pletniful. But, it was
beautiful. First, Second, and Third Beaches are in La Push and they are breathtaking. First Beach was easy to get to. You could drive right up to it. I hate to keep saying "beautiful" over and over agin, but I just can't come up with the right words. There were people surfing. I had on my down coat with a big insulated rain coat over it, with mittens and hand warmers and I was freezing and they were surfing! They did have on wet suits, but still!!! Second Beach was tougher to get to. It was a nice hike in and then you had to climb over a ton of driftwood. After my fall the day before Joe was trying to hold on to me. I tried in vain to explain it was a slick log that made me fall. We walked along the beach and then sat down on driftwood to watch the sun go down. Again, no words. Amazing. The hike out was a little spooky. It was sooooo dark in the woods heading out. We headed back to Forks and had pizza delivered. I was the one to fall asleep almost as soon as I was done with my pizza. I think we have gotten more sleep on this trip that we have in the last month. Joe was amazed that he slept 12 hours the night before. He usually get home from work around 10 or 11 (sometimes later) at night and gets to bed around midnight only to wake up by 6 to go to work. He was pulling 14-16 hour days before we left. Poor guy. If he did come home early it was so I could go to work. He was working 7 days a week, too and I work Friday, Sat., and Sunday nights. So basically we never saw eachother. So, this trip has been awesome. Just to get to talk and hike and even just eat a meal together. We can't really afford this trip and it kinda exhausts me to think about how hard we will both have to work to get back on track money wise. But, I wouldn't trade anything. Again, I am thankful!

Answers to Questions

2009-02-17T07:56:00.000-08:00

First, Did we come here just because of Twilight? Yes and No. The book definatley pointed us in this direction. Joe and I try to take a trip, just the two of us every year. I, as you know am a little obsessed witht he books and Joe read them and liked them. ( I think he read them just so he could talk to me because that was all I could talk about at the time) The description of this area in the books just sounded amazing so we wanted to see it in person. However, I think if there wasn't so much to see outside of Twilight stuff, I do not think joe would have gone for it. But, even if you have never read and never plan to read any othe books, you should still see this place. It really is like another planet. It's beautiful!
Second question, Is it crowded with Twilighters? A little. It's not overwhelming or irritating. It's fun. I think I posted before about the teen girls who stayed in the Twilight room above us. Thankfully, they checked out yesterday. We did run into them in a store and they were still shrieking and yelling. It's funny, I think there are more grown women here for Twilight than tweens. The people who live here that I was expecting just to be over it, are into it, too. Everyone is so friendly. I did meet one guy that was stalking a Twilight display in the grocery store, waiting for people to look at the display only to hand out pamphlets on how reading books and watching movies about vampires is wrong. Obvioulsy he hasn't read the books. Anyway, it is Twilight crazy, but in a good way. I sadly do not think it will stay like this for long. I bet it will be crazy crowded in the spring and summer.
My Mom wanted to see the Cullen house so, i will post those pictures and other Twilight pictures from around town. Oh, I also met up with another TM, Tina. Joe and I went to her house and I just had the best time. She is super super crafty. I was so happy to talk Twilight and crafts. I was really so impressed with her. Her son was killed 4 years ago. Her grandson, along with other players on the football team, has been invited to play in a tournament in Australia. As you can imagine, the cost for them to go is huge. But, Tina and others from the town are rallying around them trying to raise funds. One way they were doing this is by taking pictures of people in the football players letter jackets for a donation. Tina, insisted that we do this, too, but she wanted no money from us. So we did. I thought Joe looked so cute. Is he a good sport or what?! Tina has also made bookmarks, the cutest photo albums, soap, and picture frames all to benifit their cause. What a Great Grandmother. I so wish I was rich and could just give them the money. Don't feel too bad for Joe having to listen to the Twilight and craft talk. Tina had an amazing yard with a ton of different plants, a beutiful pond, and stonework. So, they talked about that for awhile. While i can fully appreciate and enjoy landscaping, I do not know all the names of plants and all the technical stuff the way Joe does. Anyway, we had a great time and it was a highlight.

2009-02-15T20:36:00.001-08:00

I had to add more pictures

Day 2

2009-02-15T19:51:00.000-08:00

My Dad predicted that we would probably wake up early because of the time change. He was right we were up at 6a.m. After yesterday we had planned to take it easy today. But, after breakfast we were ready to get going. We waled next store to our motel and ate a big breakfast. Then we headed to the welcome center to take pictures then to the Thriftway and Forks Outfitters. There were pictures of wildlife that locals had hunted and it scared me. Joe just rolled his eyes, but there were pcitures of big mountain lions and bears. We then headed back to the welcome center because they were open and we could get our maps. The lady that worked there was explaining the map to me and she said "Here is the Cullen house, go to the door and read the note Esme writes everyday. It's sunny so you probably won't see any of the Cullens out and about" I politley laughed and looked up from the map to see her face was very serious. So, they are taking this very seriously. (just in case you don't know, the Esme and the Cullens and charecters in the book that is set in Forks) All over town there are posters and signs for the movie and the book. I loved it. The motel we are staying in has Twilight themed rooms. Joe has been awesome and such a good sport. There is no way I could make him stay in a room with Edward posters everywhere. But, the girl at the fron desk said I could peek in them tomorrow. From there we headed to the Hoh Rainforest. There are just not words to describe this place. I just can't. It is simply amazing. This is somewhere everyone should see. The trees were amazing. We hiked 2 miles in the Rainforest. After the pictures in the Thriftway, I was on edge. I carried my pepper spary in my pocket. joe was very disappointed we didn't see any wildlife. I was relieved. From there, we went to Ruby Beach. It is named for the suposed garnet sand. It didn't look red at all to me. Not even a little. But, it was amazing, too. You have to climb over large driftwood logs to get to the beach. I was worried about that because of Joe's hip, but I was the one who fell. I slid and fell off a log and fell all the way to the ground on my side. Not wanting to scare Joe, I jumped up with both hands in the air yelling "I'm up! I'm up" He just laughed. i think I am going to have a big bruise on my thigh in the a.m. After that, we went to Kaloch beach area abd to beach 1. It had and amazing view. On the drive back we stopped at the Big Cedar tree and as it's named promised it was a big cedar. Then we went to the world's largest Cedar and it was big, too. We thought they were about the same size. By this time it was 5:30 and we were hungry and tired. we hadn't eaten since breakfast for the second day. Normally that would be fine, but we did a ton of hiking and I don't think we were caught up from the day before. At dinner I am sure our waitress thought something was wrong with us. I could have put my head down on the table and went to sleep. The restraunt was sort of a hole in the wall, but really really yummy. We went back to the Thriftway becasue I am "my father's daughter" and I had to get cookies and milk. (my Dad is notoriious for having to have cookies in milk most nights) The highschool was having a bakesale to fund a band trip, so I got some homemade cake from them and soymilk and rice krispy treats from the store. Yep, I am on vacation!

Trip Day 1

2009-02-15T07:31:00.000-08:00

WARNING, Super long Post ahead. I don't want to forget anything from our trip and I love that when we get back I can read my blog to remember. Okay, let me start off by reminding everyone of my awesome Brit gun crazy neighbor that is watching our house while we are gone. That being said we are having an amazing trip this far. I had to work Friday night and didn't get home until after midnight. Then we finished packing and drove to my Mom and Dad's house. We got there about 2ish. I had a dream earlier in the week that we overslept and missed our flight so I decided to stay awake until we needed to leave for the airport which was 5 am. I have to say kissing Bella goodbye was sooo hard! Luckily, she was asleep or it would have been a big production. We made our flight and my hope was to sleep. But, they had these really neat touchscreen tv on the back of the seats and you could pick what you wanted to watch and the True Blood series was available. So, I opted to for some Bill over some sleep. The flight was soo neat. We flew right over the Grand Canyon, whih I had never seen before. We had a layover in vegas and then arrived in Seattle around 2. I did get a little sleep after True Blood and a little on the second flight. But, I think colectively I only got maybe 2 hours and we had a snack on the plane and a pretzel dog as we ran to make our connecting flight. We stopped at a mexican restraunt for appetizers and drinks. We then drove on to Port Angeles. That was a beautiful drive. I drove and Joe was getting so frustrated because I wanted him to take pictures and he kept missing the shots. We got to Port Angeles around 6pm. We were still a little full from appestisers so and our dinner reservations weren't until 8. So, we waled around looking in the cute little shops. Port Angeles is an adorable town. Kinda of like a Dahlonega on the water except with more. We had drinks at a restraunt on the water and left to make our reservation. It started raining and we had to run through the rain to our restraunt. Some background on the restraunt for those of you who don't know. Joe booked our reservation at this particular restraunt back when I had my hair trauma. It is the same restraunt that in "THE BOOK" the main charecters have their first date. In "THE BOOK" the hostess is kinda a butt, well the author must have visited this restraunt before she wrote it because she was right on the money. I got nervous that it wasn't going to be good, but wow, , Joe and I both thought it was probably the best meal either of us EVER had. Seriously. In the book they had mushroom ravioli. So, of corse I had to be the dork that I am and have the same thing. The description was "mushroom Ravioli in Browned Butter with Blood Orange sauce" It was amazing. I felt like I was on Top Chef. Joe had a steak thing and it was yummy, too. We topped it off with Tiramsu and coffee. We were exhausted and had to drive a little over an hour into our hotel in Forks. joe drive and I am so glad he did. It was super curvy. We are used to curvy road since we live in a little mountain town, but this was different and kinda spooky. It was so dark we couldn't see anything except right in fron of us, but the GPS let us know just next to the toad was a body of water. We finally made it to the motel around 10:30pm. I was geeking out because the town has gone Twilight crazy and i loved it. The lobby for the motel had the movie poster and other Twilight related stuff everywhere. they had a picture of one of the boat captains from Deadliest Catch on the wall. Not twilight related, but still cool. We were so exhausted, I can't even describe the exhaustion. But, we both agreeded that it was so much fun and we can't wait to get started today. If you made it through this super long post, thank you! I know it's long and apprecite you taking the time.

Cheesy Gushy Love songs

2009-02-11T14:51:00.000-08:00

So, I am going to be really cheesy gushy mushy for Valentin's Day and make a mixed Cd. I am looking for suggestions. Right now I have I will follow you into the dark by death cab for cutie and yellow by cold play and a few more I am tossing around, but what's your pick?

WHATEVER!!

2009-02-09T23:21:00.000-08:00

Okay, so apparently Lady Gaga's "thing" is to not wear pants! Seriously. Did she just decide this or did she forget one day and decide it worked out okay so she wasn't wearing them anymore. Well, all I have to say is, I don't want to hear anyone making fun of me for Twilight being my "thing". At least I wear pants!

Joe assures me she has someone to tell her if she forgets her pants, but I dunno

2009-02-09T14:36:00.000-08:00

Okay so did anyone see this? I have asked several people and they just look at me like I'm from Mars. Joe and I were watching Jay leno and Lady Gaga performed. I like this song, it's fun. But, it looks to me like she is just wearing pantyhose. Not leggings or something, but pantyhose. Has my head been in a book for way to long and I don't know this is the latest fad. I mean they are even a little saggy. It's not like she had on cute underwear to show off. I just don't get it. I kept wondering if maybe she ran out of the dressing room and forgot her pants or skirt, but Joe assured me she probably has an assisitant or something to tell her if she forgets her pants. So, that means this was on purpose. HMMMMMM... Then again, i don't really get her glasses/goggles that she put on in the end. I guess my Golden Girl hair is going to my brain and I just don't get kids today! LOL

where can I find....

2009-02-02T21:36:00.002-08:00

Where can I find a raincoat? I need one by Feb.13? So, I am not sure I can buy one online, but maybe. But, I really need a raincoat for a good (cheap) price. Any suggestions?

where can I find....

2009-02-02T21:36:00.001-08:00

2009-01-31T20:55:00.000-08:00

So, thank you for being so supportive of my hair. I know I am being silly. It's just hair and it grows, but it made me feel ugly and stupid. Thank you for putting up with me.

2009-01-29T19:54:00.000-08:00

any better? I tried to smile. The back is kinda weird, too!!!

How did this happen

2009-01-29T19:34:00.000-08:00

I am trying to laugh about this, but I really want to cry! REALLY! I HATE MY HAIR. I am thankful to have hair at all, but I look terrible. I specifically asked her to leave the long pieces in front and she DIDN'T! She put color on it and it was a boring drab red with highlights that looked gray and then she fluffed my bangs!!!!! WHAT!? REALLY? I am not a fluffy bang person!!!!! So, after crying in my mini van I followed my sisters advice and put some bright red on it. That made me feel a little better and I tried to style it better myself, but it's just horrible. I was just trying to get a cute hairdo and instead I have a "passabel" hairstyle. Like maybe I can "pass" for someone who does not have a stupid haircut!! The picture are after I tried to sttle it. I know the picture probably would have been better had I smiled, but there is no way right now!

Sexy Back

2009-01-29T18:58:00.000-08:00

I am not sure how the girl who did my hair today translated me saying " I want a textured, feminine, non "momish", pixie haircut that does not make me look like a boy" into this
BUT SHE DID!

I probably shouldn't share this, but what the hey?

2009-01-23T20:35:00.000-08:00

So, I have been crazy crafting this week. My house literally looks like a Hobby Lobby blew up in my house! My kitchen table alone is a nightmare. That is the picture above. I probablky shouldn't share how messy I am, but it's not really a secret. Joe and "B" are having to climb over stacks of paper and random stuff. But, they are awesome and knos this makes me happy , so they are choosing to ignore the mess. I started makeing glass jewelry and wall hangings, I am part of a TM Valentine's Day card exchage, and part of another homemade card exchange, part of an ALtered Book club with our first mail date on Tuesday, I think that's it. Oh, i took a crotchet class this week, too. AND I have worked this week. Hopefully, I will have some very cool stuff to post about later when I'm done.

this might only be funny to me

2009-01-22T07:00:00.001-08:00

i was at McDonalds the other day. The manager was working the counter and handed my nuggets to me. I asked him for some Polanysian sauce, forgetting that's Chick fil's sauce. He looked at me really strange and I said "oh, I forgot where I was, I mean Sweet and Sour sauce" He smiled and said "no problem its neat to hear what they call it in a different countires" hmmmmmmm........I didn't realize Chick Fil A was a country.

2009-01-19T22:30:00.000-08:00

A long time ago I worked at UPS loading trucks. It was a really really hard job. I went to work at 3am and got off at 9am and it was always cold. I remember I started on my birthday and there was a huge storm when I drove in. As I was getting led to my hub I heard guys making bets on how long I would last. Red Flag should have gone up then. I lasted three months. What did me in was we had a conveyer belt that the packages came down on and if it got clogged we would have to stop the belt and I would climb up the belt and unclog it. I can't remember exactly what happened, but I fell or tripped or someone turned on the belt. Either way I remember thinking if I got hurt and was laying on the floor, I'm not sure anyone would help me. I was sure they would just step over me. I quit after that. Everyone was just rude and it was a hard place to work.
So fast forward to this past Saturday night. It started snowing here in dahlonega right after I went into work. I know to people outside of Georgia, it's not a big deal, but it was exciting stuff at work. Dahlonega is a mountain town and the roads are windy and steep. The guy that works the sound's wife got in an accident on her way home because the roads were icy. I started to get a little nervous leaving work. I tried to call Hoe thinking he could come get me in his truck, but he didn't answer. As i walked out the door the floor manager made me take her number in case I needed help and made me promise to call her as soon as I got home and then the owner suggested I come sleep at her house. Such little things, but it's nice to know that people care. The roads were slick and policemen were standing on the roads slowing people down. I made it all the way to our road with no problems. But, the street leading to our drive is VERY steep and straight up. It was solid white. I made it half way up before I started sliding sideways. I tried to back down, but I started sliding sideways the other way and couldn't see behind me. I sat there for a couple of minutes not knowing what to do and calling Joe over and over. He never answered. I finally decided to just put the emergency brake and hazard lights on and get out and walk the rest of the way. It's no that far, but it was cold and creepy. and of corse, I scared myself and ended up running the last steps home. I burst through the door to find Joe asleep on the couch. He jumped up and looked at me half frozen. I said I got the car stuck and he asked how. I just opened the door and pointed. He stepped in the doorway and said "hey it's snowing" REALLY! In Joe's defense he had worked hard all day and he walked down and got my car and checked on my goats.

Did anyone else see that?

2009-01-15T06:46:00.000-08:00

Seriously, Joe and I laughed so hard!! Did anyone else see Ryan Seacrest TRY to high five a blind guy? WOW!

Stinkers

2009-01-12T06:36:00.001-08:00

So, it has been 4 days, AT LEAST, since I have talked to Kelli, Brenna, or Mom! I have emailed you people, I have a new phone and do not have your numbers. Sure that sounds silly, but I didn't memorize the numbers because they were in my phone and no I didn't learn from last time I had to change phones and lost my numbers, I did not write them down. Also, in my defense as far as not having Mom's number, I was with Mom and her cell rang and she didn't recognize the number so I answered it for her, it was Dad at home. She got a new number, too. SO CALL ME!

2009-01-12T06:28:00.000-08:00

MAYA ANGELOU'S'
>
> BEST POEM EVER
>
> A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
> enough
> money within her control to move out
> and rent a place of her own,
> even if she never wants to or needs to...
>
> A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
> something perfect to wear if the employer,
> or date of her dreams
> wants to see her in an hour...
>
> A WOMAN SHOULD
> HAVE .
> a youth she's content to leave behind....
>
> A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
> a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
> retelling it in her old age....
>
> A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
> a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
>
> A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
> one friend who always makes her laugh.. and one who lets her
> cry...
>
> A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
> a good piece of furniture not previously owned by
>
> anyone else in her family...
>
> A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
> eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
> and a recipe for a meal,
> that will make her guests feel honored...
>
> A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
> a feeling of control over her destiny..
>
> EVERY WOMAN SHOULD
> KNOW...
> how to fall in love without losing herself..
>
> EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
> how to quit a job,
> break up with a lover,
> and confront a friend
> without ruining the friendship...
>
> EVERY WOMAN
> SHOULD KNOW...
> when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...
>
> EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
> that she can't change the length of her calves,
> the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..
>
> EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
> that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...
>
> EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
> what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...
>
> EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW....
> how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...
>
> EVERY
> WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. .
> whom she can trust, whom she can't,
> and why she shouldn't take it personally...
>
> EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
> where to go...
> be it to her best friend's kitchen table..
> or a charming Inn in the woods....
> when her soul needs soothing...
>
> EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..
> What she can and can't accomplish in a day...
> a month...and a year...

Crappy New Years pictures

2009-01-07T09:02:00.000-08:00

So, remember how I lost my camera? Well, I found it. But, not before having to use a disposable one for New Years. I REALLY appreciate my digital camera. The pictures came out HORRIBLE. Everyone's eyes look weird and all the pictures are so dark you can't hardly see what it is. We had such a nice New Years. We went up to the TAG property and met some caving friends. We had a potluck and had a ton of yummy food and we played Scrabble (I won, woohoo) and did puzzles and just talked. There were dairy free cakes there, too. You have no idea what a big deal that is in my famiy for Bella to have a dairy free cake that I didn't make. I always pack something she can have like oreos or moon pies, but to just show up and there be a cake that is dairy free. Bella was VERY pleased. Anyway, the next day we went hiking at Cloudland Canyon with Joe's sister and her husband. We just had the best time. i was so bummed about the pcitures because the day was just gorgeous, but my 1970 looking pictures are all I have so enjoy.

Hello, My name is Erin and I'm an addict!

2009-01-05T09:06:00.000-08:00

LOL, has anyone else seen the same movie 10 times....in the theatre? Joe said he is scared for when the Dvd comes out. But, he feeds my addiction. He took me to see it last night. IT was playing at the Holly theatre. The Holly is an old stage theatre in Dahlonega. They usually do stage productions, but they put up a screen on the stage and Joe and I sat on the front row. It was neat and felt VERY small town. You could see the stage background through the movie screen. It was this shimmery glitter stuff. lol, it kinda helped in one scene.

2008-12-31T07:48:00.000-08:00

fdsf

Thanks for the comment BREN!

2008-12-30T09:42:00.000-08:00

Well, Brenna is right, that first picture sucks. I look like a EMO teen boy! Gosh, I hope I don't look like that all the time. I cannot find my camera. So, Joe took the pictures with his blackberry and all I got were two chances. You would never know people used to pay me money for taking my picture. Oh, I just had a thought! I think I look like Eddie Munster! Wasn't that the son's name on the Munsters. crap, I look like a Munster!

New Hair AGAIN!!

2008-12-29T20:15:00.000-08:00

So, I decided to go back to red. I REALLY liked being blonde, but I feel more like myself red. Also, it's really expensive to keep the blonde up. The new red is a little darker than I might like, but it's growing on me. It's a little shocking to me. Oh, and Joe took the pictures and is way over taking my picture. He wouldn't wait for me to make a semi normal face. It's my fault because I am never happy with the pcitures and I make he take several trying to get a good one.

Christmas Spirit...a day late

2008-12-26T11:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I have had the HARDEST time getting in the Christmas Spirit. I have gone through the motions. Listened to the music, baked all the stuff, watched the movies, but still just kinda blah. Not Bah humbug, but just blah. Usually, I have on the Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving and listen to nothing else at all. But, this year I have found myself starting out with "holly Jolly Christmas" and then somehow get to "walk like a ZOmbie" .....
I really think it's because a lot of our traditions, we just can't do this year. Joe and I usually take Bella to Nashville for the ICE exhibit. It's amazing! But, this year we are short on time. Joe's sister and Brother-in-law usually have a big caroling party, but not this year. And the biggest thing I am missing is Kansas. I think there are just 2-3 times in my whole life I have not gone back for Christmas. When I was younger we were there for Christmas, but now everyone in my immediate family can't go, We go the day after Christmas. But, this year I can't go. Joe tried very hard to make it happen. He found a great deal on tickets and was going to suprise me. He even called my boss so I could get the time off. My boss called him back and told him that he had rearranged the whole schedule and I could have all the time off I needed except for this Sat. That is really nice and I really appreciate him trying to accomadate, but the deal Joe found had to fall over that Sat. So, now I have a bunch of time off except for Sat. For me Kansas and Christmas go hand in hand. I feel this desperate need to be there. I have a big family and I am close to most of my cousins and VERY close to my Aunts and Uncles and I can't begin to tell you how much my Gram means to me. My Grandfather dies last Feb. and I never realized how much I would miss him. My Gram and I can talk and talk. We are very similar in a lot of ways. My Grandfather was more quiet and our relationship was different. But, he was just someone I loved and counted on being there. A permemnt fixture. Now, that he is gone I am realizing that more of those "fixtures" will not always be there.
Kansas always held the perfect Christmas for me. I loved that even though we lived far and didn't get to see family as much as we wanted, when we came back we just fell into place. I know things change and I have traditions with my little family that I hold so dear but I can't help miss the candlelight service at the church in Wellington (when they turned off the lights and it was just the candles,it was magic to me when I was little), the way snow literally glistened on the fields, the hot candy and carrot cookies at Gram's, the cousin reunion on Dixie's, Christmas at my Aunt Pat's house, sitting around the table at the farm just talking and eating. I still can feel it, smell it, just everything.
I know this is a huge post and if you have made it this far, thank you for reading and having patience. Please, don't get me wrong. I am so grateful for what I have here in Georgia. I can never put into words how thankful I am for Joe. Whatever I can say is just not enough and seems trite. The reason I named this Christmas spirit a day late is because I did find my Christmas spirit, yesterday. I had SUCH a good Christmas with my family. We just had the best time being together. I am so thankful for my sisters and their families, my parents, and my Joe and Bella.

Crazy lights

2008-12-23T08:30:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend we stayed at Joe's parents house to celebrate christmas with them. Saturday night, Joe's parents and one of his brothers and his wife went to a Christmas party while we stayed at the house with Joe's sister, Jane and her husband Peter. We had Bella and the brother at the party's kids. They had made cookies earlier in the day. So, Peter and Jane had a great idea to box them up and take them to the firehouse and police station as a "thank you and Merry Christmas" The girls made Christmas cards and were so excited to give them to the fireman. It was the cutest thing to see these sweet little girls handing out the Christmas cookies and cards to the fireman and policemen. The fireman and policemen seemed really suprised and very grateful. After that we drove around and looked at Christmas lights. (I learned that I don't have much patience when I am sitting in the very back of our mini van next to two giggiling girls) I was very impressed. There were two house inpaticular that just went NUTS! I don't know when these people start setting up, but I wouldn't be suprised if it was before Thanksgiving. It's really neat to see people do things just for fun. I am so tired of people cancelling fun things due to the "economy". Life goes on people! Anyhow, enjoy the pictures.

Swap

2008-12-22T06:27:00.001-08:00

we spent the weeking with Joe's Family to celbrate Christmas. When we got home late last night I was so excited to see a package on my front porch! I was like a little kid, I ran up the stairs and grabbed it. I was so excited when I opened it. My cousin Leslie had my name in the Winter swap my sister, Brenna organized. It had slipper socks, bath and body works hand soap, a beauituful scarf, adorable home made notecards, homemade snack mix, notepads, and a really cute ornament. Thank you so much Leslie! I LOVE<>

Here we go again,

2008-12-15T09:03:00.001-08:00

About every six months or so, Joe and I go through this. We start thinking about having another baby. Not to go into too much detail, but my pregnancy with Bella was not a cake walk. I know a lot of women go through a lot worse than what I did, but not being able to drive was a big pain in the butt. This time I wouldn't have the luxury of Brenna driving me around. The driving issue was due to the horrible migraines that I would get that effect my vision and sometimes speech. At one point we thought I might have a tumor. I really have a chari malformation. It's where a part of your brain hangs down into your neck putting pressure on your spinal chord. Sounds crazy, but mine is not as bad as it could be. I also had some heart issues, too. But, the delivery went great and Bella was beautiful and perfect! So, it was completley worth it.
For awhile the conversation of having another baby was about giving Bella a sibling. I was really worried about her being alone. But, that has changed. I don't worry about that so much. She won't be alone. It's morphed into more wondering if our family is complete. How do you know? I have talked to some people who just know they are done, but the feeling lingers for me. We have thought about adopting, but we just do not have the money and frankly I am a little frightened of putting Bella through possibly loosing a sibling. I know even if we had a biological baby there is a chance somthing could happen. I am also nervous because I know some people who kinda scare me away from having more kids because of how gard it is. i am not scared of hard, but we have kind of hit our groove. I just don't know what to do.
This is a little off the subject, but a lot of people have told me to pray about it and I have for years. Sometimes, I think because we haven't had another child, that is our answer. But, I really would like to feel peace about it and I just don't. I get frustrated when i hear people say "god said" or "god spoke to me" Do they mean they heard God speaking to them or do they just get a feeling. Because I can make myself think things. Don't get me wrong I have seen god work in my life. I see it and aknowlede it. give it full respect.
I don't know if it would even be possible. Last time we were thinking about having a baby, I asked my primary Dr what he thought and he litterally winced and said that I needed to ask my obgyn and if thought it was okay then he would recommend a high risk dr. for me. I asked my obgyn and he did the same thing and said I needed to get my cardiologist on board. So, I went to the cardiologist and didn't even get to the baby talk because he said he found a small hole in my heart and that kinda threw me for a loop. my primary said that he didn't feel like the hole was a big deal. I never get straight answers. So, as I am writing this I realize this might all be a mute point or a "moo" point.

2008-12-15T08:43:00.001-08:00

I am trying to redecorate my bedroom. It the last place always to be cleaned and if company is comming I throw stuff in there and shut the door. So, it's just a ridiculous mess. I picked out a new paint color for the walls. It's a gray. Sounds dreary, but I have bright things on the walls and the comforter I want id purple. So, it might work. i always think painting is going to be so much fun and then not even half way through I decide that it is not so much fun! joe painted bella's room a really pretty pink color and hung these cute cupcake things everywhere. I have to give him a lot of credit. i don't know if other husbands do this, but he gets really into helping decorate the house. Sometimes, I don't love the things he wants to put up (wooden Johnny Cash picture, I love johnny Cash, but the picture is a really upclose picture decopoged to a wooden board. Joe didn't make it or I would just let it go) But, I can't say much because he didn't say one word when I asked him to hang my autographed Framed Twilight poster in our bedroom.

Girl Power

2008-12-10T14:56:00.000-08:00

I am not a feminist, man basher. I love my husband and men in general. But, sometimes there are things that just make me proud to be a woman. It sounds kinda silly, but last Sat. we had this great singer/songwriter perform at the Crimson Moon. (another reason I love my job, I get to see amazing people perform) Her name is Jenifer Daniels. She was just amazing. Imagine a really enthusastic Sarah Mcglaughlin (I know I didn't spell it right, but you get the point). She was really great. It makes me wonder how she is not at the top of the charts and songs like Womanizer are number 1. (I have to admit that I like that song, but it doesn't take much talent. I could have Bella say womanizer over and over again and put music behind it and get close to the same outcome. I'm not Brittney bashing, because she is a guilty pleasure for me. Her music rocks on the treadmill..I'm way off point) ANYWAY, she was HUGE pregnant, with TWINS and singing so beautifully and dancing around the stage and playing her guitar. She just was amazing. Did I say amazing? cause she was. The pictures are kinda bad because I took them with my phone, but I loved the way she had to play her guitar on the side because of her baby belly. check out her website www.jenniferdaniels.com

To answer your question

2008-12-07T23:20:00.001-08:00

Yes, I do take a bad picture, and often. But, thank you so much for asking.... Why was it a good idea to stand like this and right in front of everyone else in the picture?

DisneyWorld has a strange effect on me, like a "I have to try on every stupid hat" effect

hmmmmm......well, I dunno...

Best for last, this is what Joe calls "Dj Wifey" When I call Joe on his Blackberry, this is the picture that shows up. He thinks it soooo funny and EVERY time he says "yo, yo, what up DJ Wifey" and laughs like it's the first time I've heard him say it. I will never live this picture down.

Me in all my TWERD glory!!

2008-12-04T06:06:00.000-08:00

So, I made a wreath for the very first time. Joe spray painted the wreath black for me. The picture isn't very good. The flowers on the bottom are not as white as they look. They have more red in them and the apples are shiny red. The wreath is probably REALLY ugly, but I have worked on it so long, I can't tell.

Inspired by Nat

2008-12-03T05:42:00.000-08:00

Okay, so i am very fed up with my hair. I like the blonde, but it's fried. I have liked the short, but not as much as I liked the bob I did have. I'm just kind of over it. I wish I could be one of those people who really doesn't care what other people think, but i have had more than one person tell me I was better as a red head. Joe doesn't care either way. I could literally have bright purple hair and he would think thats just fine. (he's the best) There is a hair style that I have really really wanted, but felt I was too old to try it. Then I saw the same picture on Natalie's blog and I commented to her that she should go for it. But, I'm too chicken. I can't decide what to do with my hair!!!! It's stupid to stress this much about hair, but I think it looks horrible right now. The bottom picture is what I want, but am chicken to try. The top one is what I feel I look like in the a.m.

Charades

2008-12-02T05:57:00.000-08:00

After our awesome Thanksgiving dinner we played Charades. Before then, I don't remember the last time I played that game. We had sooo much fun. Some of the things people had to act out were Dirty Dancing, leg warmers, thighmaster, break dancing, Sweatin to the oldies, and Mystery Alaska. This game produced great pictures.

Found it!!!

2008-12-02T05:51:00.001-08:00

I guess I should have asked Joe before I tore the house and my car apart trying to find it. He had it. But, here are the pictures from Thanksgiving.

2008-12-01T09:38:00.000-08:00

So, I have a bunch of great pictures from Thanksgiving, BUT I can't find my camera. I know it will turn up. Always does, but it's really annoying! I loose everything and so does Joe. Usually we always find what we are looking for, but gosh it's frustrating. How did we find eachother? So stay tuned...

Pet peeve

2008-11-25T20:42:00.000-08:00

I know this is silly, but it drives me nuts. for whatever reason my debit/credit card strip wears out fast. (Iknow, I know, maybe I use it too much) I order new ones from the bank and it wears out and never works when the cashier goes to swipe it. That's not even the part that frustrates me. What frustrates me is that I let them try to swipe it and then when it doesn't I always say "you will have to type the number in because the strip is bad" the they take a plastic bag and wrap my card in it and try to run it over and over and over again. I have NEVER seen this work, but almost everyone tries it and they get this look on their face like they have this special magic trick that they know and noone else does. So, i have to stand there and watch them try their "trick" and then eventually just type it in like I said to do in the first place. Again, not a big deal, BUT OH MY GOSH JUST TYPE IT IN.

2008-11-21T07:05:00.000-08:00

I am super excited to do this. My sister is organizing the swap and it should be fun. Check it out and participate!!!!! Don't be a weenie!

Twilight

2008-11-18T20:28:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I just got home from the Twilight sneek preview!!! I don't want to say to much in case you are going to see it. I don't want to spoil anything. But, It was very exciting to get to go see it.

SOOOO FUNNY!

2008-11-17T08:47:00.000-08:00

This cracks me up. justin timberlake is so funny in this skit. he is almost too good a dancer in the skit, maybe a little too into it. LOL

2008-11-17T08:26:00.000-08:00

We had such a fun night on Friday. Thursday was Brenna birthday and Friday was my niece Keelin's birthday. We had a slumber party at a hotel. We first went to American Girl at Northpoint Mall. That store is crazy. They have everything for dolls. Ear piercing, hair salon, a restaurant, etc. you name they've got it. It's not really cheap either. But, it's really adorable. I offered to buy Bella a small treat this was her reply "I only like Disney". Little stinker. Have you ever seen that show My Super Sweet Sixteen? I hope my daughter is not a future star of that show. After American Girl we went to Pf Chang's for dinner. So yummy! Then it was back to the hotel for cake and presents. We woke up on Saturday and swam in the pool. It was so much fun I think we should do it once a month!

Happy Birthday Brenna!

2008-11-13T18:20:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday To my beautiful awesome sister, Brenna!
5 things I love about Brenna:
1. she is an amazing Mom. She really is. She really thinks about things and tries very hard to do the best for her kids. She has a lot of patience with her two little boys. Both are under the age of 4.
2.She is a great big sister! I remember one time when we were kids that she was babysitting Kelli and I and I ran from the street to our front door which was down hill and I fell and smaked my face on the sidewalk. I screamed (I USED to be a little dramatic) and cried. She hugged me and gave me a big glass of Coke. i remember her saying Coke makes everything better. I think she was desperatly trying to get me to calm down so she wouldn't get in trouble with Mom. But, I didn't know it at the time.
3. She cans stuff. I think there is probably a better way to put it, but I can't think of one. She cans all different things from tomato jam to veggies from her garden. I think it is really really neat. I have always wanted to try it and I love that she figured it out.
4. She is a very talanted artist. I have always admired that. She is so creative.
5. She loves to read. i love that both of my sisters love to read. It's so much fun to pass around a book we love and get to talk about it and get excited about it. (when does the SHopaholic movie come out?)

I know this isn't new, but...

2008-11-06T11:28:00.000-08:00

I know this isn't a new video and everybody has probably seen it, but it still makes me laugh. There is not way you cannot be in a better mood after watching this. I just wish I was that cordinated. I almost fall down on a treadmill at a slow walk. Lol

Fall

2008-11-04T18:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I was on the front porch and Bella was playing in the front yard. I looked over and she was laying flat on her back looking straight up into a big beautiful tree. I hadn't noticed until then how pretty the tree is. I guess I need to look around sometimes. I got my camera and layed down next to her. It was just so pretty. We just layed there looking at the trees and sky. I felt really grateful that we live in such a beautiful place.

My ABC's

2008-11-04T06:55:00.000-08:00

My ABCs

A = Age: 28 No comments,please:)

B = Bed size: Queen

C = Chore(s) you hate: Chores? How does this apply to me? Just kidding, Kinda. I guess I hate doing dishes.

D = Dessert you love: It changes, but right now, Doughnuts and vanilla soymilk.

E = Essential start your day item: We have 3 alarm clocks and we set the alarms on both our phones and somedays we don't hear a single one. How did we find eachother?

F = Favorite actor(s): Johnny Depp,Christian Bale, Tom Hanks, Rachel McAdams, Helena Bohnam Carter (I am sure I spelled the last name wrong)

G = Gold or Silver: Silver

H = Height: 5'6 1/2 That 1/2 was once very important

I = Instruments you play: I am trying to learn to play guitar.

J = Job title: Mommy, DJ Wifey (Joe calls me this), and Waitress (I think your supposed to say SERVER, but I like the way Waitress sounds)

K = Kitchen color(s): It's a fruity wallpaper. it was already here when we moved in, but it's cute.

L = Living arrangements: Very happily married in a cute little house!

M = My name is: Erin

N = Nicknames: Erin Shmaren, Ernie Gale, Scout, and like I said before DJ Wifey (it's a long story that comes from a picture of Kelli and I. I might post it. It's silly)

O = Overnight hospital stay: Something when I was really little, but I don't remember it and when I had Bella

P = Pets: 2 old dogs. Lammy and Ashes, 1 cat Smokey, 1 unnamed fish, 2 goats Dobe and Huck

Q = Favorite quote: "I'm an early bird and a night owl. SO, I'm wise and I have worms." - Michael Scott It's not very poignant, but it makes me laugh But, seriously, there are two by Gandhi that I like. "Find yourself through the service to others." and "Be the change you hope to see in the world." Not exact quote, but you get the point.

R = Right or left handed: Right

S = Siblings: 2 Kelli and Brenna

T = Time you woke up today: 7:45 we over slept...did you read that part about the alarm clocks?

U = Unique about you: I'm not sure what to say, hmmm... the things I would put down, I know aplies to other people, so not so unique. well, I have a tattoo of a scooter on my ankle and I have played a cheerleader in over 3 times in various things. Okay, that's the best I can do.

V = Vegetable you love: snap peas and asparagus

W = Worst habit: so many!

X = X-Rays you've had: my teeth, my neck, and several of my head.

Y = Yummy food you make: I don't really have a standout, it's not for lack of trying. I do try to duplicate my Gram's fantastic chicken.

Z = Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Now you know my ABC's I want to know yours!

2008-10-31T12:14:00.001-07:00

I posted so much about dreading my new job, but I didn't ever post about it after. I pleased to say, I really like my job. It makes me appreciate the time I have with my family and I get to contribute, a little. The people there have been really great and helpful. Joe has really stepped up to the plate and does little things to make my days that I work easier. He's a sweetie. I hate being away from Joe and Bella, but sometimes I enjoy being there. Especially now, since it has gotten cooler and the leaves have changed. The square in Dahlonega is so pretty in the fall. I am usually the upstairs server and we have this great porch that overlooks the square. I can just people watch. A couple of times people have brought their guitars up and they just strum and drink coffee. It's so nice. Not a bad place to work. I have worked in some restaurants where it just feels like you are trapped and completely unaware of the outside world. They also have concerts there. Last night I was the Performance Hostess(basically I just took tickets at the door), but the opening act was so good. Her name is Caitlin Crosby. She is tall, skinny, beautiful, and very talented. How unfair! If she wasn't so sweet you'd want to hate her just on principle. Lol www.myspace.com/caitlincrosby
I just thought after all my complaining, I should be positive and thankful for right now.

Wicked

2008-10-29T05:55:00.000-07:00

So Friday of last week my friend Stephanie emailed me asking if I wanted to go see Wicked at the Fox and if so, did I have any idea on how to get a deal on tickets. I wanted to see it, but I just figured that I couldn't afford the tickets and I wasn't going. No Biggie, but Stephanie excitement (yes, I could tell by her email) about it, made me excited and really wanting to go. Ticketmaster had "limited" seating tickets. "Limited" was explained as you might not get to see the stage, but the tickets were A LOT less. So, I emailed Stephanie back and she said she was not opposed to sitting in the bathroom. LOL We got the tickets and fully expected to have crappy seats and not be able to see anything. Seriously, I thought we would be behind a wall or something. We were so excited when we got to our seats to find they were second row in the front balcony. They were fantastic seats. We were so close and could see really well. We could see down in the orchestra pit. The only thing we could find wrong with the seats is that there was not a straight on view of the stage, but we were thrilled to not be in the bathroom.
I have to say I was not as excited as I probably should have been, but I didn't know much about it. I have talked to so many people who after seeing Wicked are just completely enthralled and when they tell you about it, you can just see there eyes light up. hmmmm.... Don't get it, I thought. I am not one of those Broadway musical types. I hate to admit it, but I get bored. Sitting in one spot for that long is hard for me. I love Hairspray, but I got very bored during that at the Fox. I wanted to see Wicked because I love the Wizard of Oz. Well, I totally get it now. It was beautiful and amazing. I have seen a few shows at the fox, but none were like this. I just can't say enough. So, Thank you Stephanie for getting the ball rolling and inviting me to go with you. I had a blast!

2008-10-23T07:35:00.000-07:00

We went to Disney on Ice last night and I had to share. I was "that" mom. You know, the Mom that thinks her child is the cutest and most special. yep, that was me. In case you don't know and if you don't know, you don't know Bella, she is Disney crazy. Mickey Mouse in particular. It's not like the normal kid obsessed, I mean really. She has always loved Mickey Mouse. She will pick out shapes that might resemble Mickey when we go shopping or just out an about. Like, at the grocery store there was a sign for eggs and there was a grouping of three, she started squealing MICKEY!! She was 3! REally obsessed. (like I can talk, Hello? Twilight She comes by it honestly.) So, she was soooo excited about Disney on ice! She wore her Minnie Mouse dress. She was even more excited because my Mom went with us. When Mickey and Minnie hit the ice and the "when you wish upon a star" song came on, Bella's face lit up. Ear to ear smile! She made the same face the first time we went to Disneyworld and she saw Mickey in person. Seriously, priceless! We had such a great night! A much needed night. We, like everyone else, have been stressed about money, but it made me feel so good to get to do this for Bella. I want her to have memories like that and not memories of us being stressed. So, a bill may not get paid exactly on time, but it doesn't matter.

2008-10-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

So, I posted a comment on a friends blog that got me thinking. If the house was burning down what would I try to grab? Really, I know, if the house is burning down getting the family out it #1 and as long as everyone is safe that is all I can ask. BUT, if you knew everyone was going to get out safe and you had just a minute to grab some things, What would it be? I have actually put a lot of thought into it. Until recently I had a cabinet by the front door loaded with all of our pictures so it the house did catch fire I could throw the albums out the door. I recently moved the cabinet because we are moving the jukebox to that spot. But, I would for sure try to throw pictures out. My Mom's family and My Dad's family both had house fires and lost a lot of pictures. I have just a few of my Gram from when she was young. I would love to see some more. When we went back to Kansas for Christmas and then later for my Papa Bill's funeral, I had several different family members tell me I looked just like my Gram used to when she was young. I don't see it at all, but we are a like in a lot of ways. As many ways as we are alike, we are different. lol I would also grab a book that my Gram filled out. It is full of her favorite memories and thoughts on everything from music to candy to scriptures. I also have a journal I have kept for Bella and about Bella since she was born, I would grab that and I a quilt a friend made for Bella along with some other blakets that were gifts. Other than those things, I can't think of anything else. My wedding dress is at my Mom's. (I tried it on one of the last times I was there, so depressing. I think I weighed 110 maybe when we got married. Sick.) I have thought of cutting it up to make a quilt with along with some of Bella's baby clothes.
So, what would you save?

2008-10-15T06:32:00.001-07:00

Do I stink or something? I keep getting left out of things!