Hello everyone!!

I hope you are all doing well. I am so very sorry for not posting or visiting much over the last week or so. I have been so busy!!! Please forgive me!

Let's see...what have I been up to...

Friday, I had to work from midnight until 8:00 a.m. I slept all day Saturday and got up about dinner time to spend time with my boys and hubby before they all went to bed. Sunday, I had to work the midnight shift again and didn't go to bed when I got home from work. Instead, I just jumped in the shower and got ready for the air show! It was great! I think the Air Force did a wonderful job with it and we all enjoyed it so very much. There was a lot of us that went...Chad, me and the boys; Leah and Blake (friends of ours); my sister and my niece; Larry & Robin and their two kids (also friends of ours). It was great! The Thunderbirds were certainly my favorite part. Gotta love 'em!!!

After the air show, my sister, Leah, and I went out to dinner. We went to Chili's, had dinner and a drink and just spent some time laughing and visiting. It was so nice. We just don't get to see each other much these days. We used to all work together and now we all have new jobs with weird schedules (well...my schedule is weird) and time just seems to slip away. Leah is getting married in December (just go engaged 2 weeks ago), so we have got our work cut out for us in preparing for her big day. It's going to be fun! I love planning weddings and I am so very happy for her!

Of course yesterday and today I had class, and I don't usually go home after class because it is such a long drive back to my ponderosa. I usually just go to my sister's and hang out there until time for me to come to work because she lives here in Alma and I work in Alma.

So, here I am...posting from work. Shame on me! But, I just had to visit everyone and update you all on what's been going on. I talked to a couple of girls that I go to school with and they have gotten their Nursing Entrance Exam results back, so I should get mine tomorrow. LET'S HOPE SO!!! I am tired of waiting!!! I'll let you know as soon as they come in. Keep your fingers crossed!

Well, I guess I have rambled on long enough. I need to get some studying done. Y'all have a great Wednesday!

-hugs-

Happy Thursday!

I hope you are all having a super week. I have had a busy week thus far and I am ready for it to slow down a bit! Yesterday, I had a Chemistry test over two chapters and today I had an Anatomy & Physiology test over the bones. Whew! I am glad to have those out of the way!

Thank you all for the sweet e-mails and tags about my little ordeal with hubby...he and I had a nice long talk and hopefully things will get better. He just needs to realize that he and I had an agreement when I started back to school and he needs to stick to his end of the deal. I do what I can, but with school and working full-time I just don't have much spare time these days. At any rate, we've talked about it and I think things are going to be much better in the future.

Anyway...I'm off to rest for a bit and then get ready for work. I will visit you all tomorrow, I PROMISE! I just haven't had much time to do much blogging the last couple of days.

Oh, one more thing...I should be getting the results of my Nursing Entrance Exam back just any time now, so keep your fingers crossed!!!! I'll let you know how I did when I get it in the mail!

Have a radiant day!
-hugs-

Well...It's Monday!

You know, I usually try not to gripe and complain when I come to my journal to write but sometimes a girl just can't help it. I am having a terrible day. Why is it that I have to keep telling myself that I am doing the right thing by going to school to get my education and holding down a full-time job, yet my husband continues to criticize me, gripe at me, and complain that I don't cook and clean and whatever else he sees fit to gripe about it. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He was mad because I kept going over my minutes on my cell phone, so I had the plan changed. Then he got mad because I was using too many megabytes on the phone to check my e-mail, so I had the plan changed and quit using it as much. Now he is mad because I got a letter in the mail stating that I have to re-pay my student loans because I graduated in May...well I don't have to...I just have to prove that I am still in school. No big deal! He griped because I slept until 3:00 yesterday afternoon...but I had worked from midnight until 8:00 a.m. When was I supposed to sleep? He gripes because he does all the laundry and the cooking and the cleaning. Well, we made an agreement that he would take over all that when I started back to school. Am I suppsed to quit school?!?!?!?!? Is it too much to ask to come in from a long day and just ask how each other's day was and spend some good quality time together without griping and carrying on? I don't think it is, but I could be wrong...

Maybe I am just stressed, but it seems as though he is constantly picking me apart. I don't know how much more of this I can take. I am sorry to have unloaded on you all like this, but I just needed to get it off my chest. Anway...I hope you're having a great day.

hugs-

T.G.I.F.

I hope you've all had a great week! I know mine has been a busy one! I skipped out on school today and spent the day with my mom. She is flight attendant, so I don't get to see much of her these days. We went to lunch and then did a little shopping and it was so nice to spend some quality time with her. After that, I had to get back and pick up Tanner and my niece from school early (they dismiss early here on the night of the homecoming game) so that we could go to the homecoming parade. Austin was riding in it with his little league football team. He loved it and the little ones and I had fun watching the parade. Tonight we went to the football game and the weather was just perfect! I love going back to my old high school and watching the games...it's so fun seeing some of my former classmates!

I saved a life at work last night! :o) A lady called 9-1-1 because her house was on fire. It was about 1:00 a.m. and she had been asleep. The smell of smoke woke her up and she was trapped in her bedroom. Thankfully, she slept with her door closed because the fire was right outside her door. I was terrified, my heart pounding, but I couldn't let her know that...she was gagging and choking and having a hard time breathing from all the smoke. She was in a state of panic and I calmed her down while instructing her on what to do. She was afraid to jump out of her window because it was quite a bit of a drop. I was on the phone with her trying to convince her to jump for quite sometime. Needless to say, she jumped out of her bedroom window (after throwing the cordless phone out first) and lived to tell about it. I felt really good about it when it was all said and done. I have been commended by the fire chief and some of the other firefighters that were there, so I guess I can brag a little. ;o) All in a day's work!

Anyway...I've got to get off here and get ready for work. It's going to be a long night because I have not had any sleep today. I hope you all have a super weekend!

Here is my Friday Five

1. What vehicle do you drive?
Black 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

2. How long have you had it?
Since 1999 :o)

3. What is the coolest feature on your vehicle?
They're all cool! I love little gadgets on cars.

4. What is the most annoying thing about your vehicle?
That it is so old! This is the longest amount of time I have ever owned a vehicle!

5. If money were no object, what vehicle would you be driving right now?
If money were no object, I'd be driving a Cadillac Escalade. But since it is an object, my next vehicle (which will be very soon) is going to be a Chevrolet Tahoe.

-hugs-

Good morning my sweet friends!


Did you see that wonderful award on the main page of my blog? How sweet is that?!? I was so excited to find it in my mailbox last night that I just couldn't wait to get it up on my site, so I did it at 1:30 this morning! Thank you Country Graphics & Friends!!!

Won't you please come join us at C.G.F.??? We would love to have you!

We have had some absolutely beautiful weather here for the past few days!!! It has been sunny and only getting up to about 70-75! Gotta love fall!!

The nursing exam ...well, it was long and it was tiring and it was drab, but it went well! 3 1/2 hours later it was over! The test really was not as hard as I thought it was going to be but, I guess we'll find out just how hard it was when I get the results back! The National League for Nursing will be sending the results directly to us so I should be getting a letter in about two weeks. I will certainly let you all know!

Well, I've got a busy day planned today. I'm going to work out this morning before class, then to class, then to meet the girls for our "Wednesday Lunch" and then I'll be off to work at 4:00. It's a never-ending thing for me! I sometimes wonder how I manage to find the strength to keep going! I guess I just keep telling myself that in the end, it will all be worth it!!!

Anyway...I guess I better get off here. I hope you all have a radiant day!
-hugs-


...In loving memory of Gennie...

Good morning!


I don't have much time to post this morning, but I wanted to drop by and tell you all hello. I have class this morning, work-out after class, and then at 5:00 this afternoon I have to go take my nursing entrance exam. I am very nervous about it, but I have to take it to get into nursing...so I will! :o)

I'm off to visit my reads. Y'all have a great Monday!

Here is my Monday Madness:

"Name your favorite..............."
1. quote: "Friends are like stars. You can't always see them, but you know they're there."
2. movie: Grease
3. color: Purple
4. beverage: Diet Coke
5. font: Scriptina
6. meal: Lemon chicken with rice
7. book: Too many to name
8. word: Love
9. animal: Cats
10. fragrance: Tommy Girl

-hugs-

Some sad news...

Remember the sweet baby kitten I told you all about? Well, Gennie (pronounced Jenny) passed away today. I was so sad. We have bottle-fed her and loved her and nurtured her for the past three weeks but I guess she just couldn't make it without her mother's milk and care. We got medication from the vet and we were feeding her milk especially for kittens. In the end, it just wasn't enough. My husband and the boys burried her today and tomorrow they are going to make a cross for her grave. Tanner really had a hard time with it, but I think he will recover.

Well, I just wanted to share the sad news. I hope y'all have had a wonderful weekend.
-hugs-

Happy Sunday!

I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend. Please forgive me for not blogging much this last week. I have had a busy few days and between work and school, I am a little tired. I have to take my nursing entrance exam tomorrow afternoon at 5:00 p.m. I am a little nervous about it. My scores will determine how soon I get into nursing school, so it is a pretty big deal!

I am at work right now, but when I get home, I am going to do a little sleeping and then my family and I will probably spend the day together watching the NASCAR race. We enjoy watching it and it is a good way to do some relaxing and lying around!

Well, I hate to cut it short, but I need to get back to work. Y'all have a super day!

Here is my Sunday Brunch:

1. Which season is your favorite?
I love summer!!! It is definitely my favorite!

2. What kind of weather do you like the most?
Hot, hot, hot! I do not like to be cold!!

3. What kind of weather do you dislike the most?
Cold...freezing cold weather makes me hurt!

4. What is the worst kind of weather you have ever been in?
Chicago! I have never experienced cold weather like I did when I went to Chicago last December!

5. Have you ever been out and about in severe weather when you were
advised not to?
Absolutely not! I am terrified of bad storms.

-hugs-

I have an announcement!!!

Good evening morning, my friends! I have some very special news that I would like to share with all of you! My B.O.B. Tammy and I have been working on a new online group for girlfriends and I think we are finally ready to open up shop and begin taking memberships! I am so very excited and I hope that you will all join us. The name of our group?? Well...it is

:| Country Girlfriends Forever |:

Please stop by and visit us by clicking on the link above. Remember...we are still in the process of building our website, so there are some pages that don't have any information on them yet, but we are working on it! I have many great wishes for this new group and I just know that you're going to love it!

Well, it's late and I have to be up early in the morning to take the boys to school, go work out, go to school and then off to work. Boy! I've got a busy day tomorrow! I hope you are all having a wonderful week!

...big hugs...

Good Monday Morning!


We're off to a new week, and boy have I got a busy one! I've been working on my sites and I added a great new Nikki Doll to my Adoption Shoppe...please stop by and check her out. She is adorable!! Click >here<

Today is my day off at work, but I have class at 11:00. I think after class I will come home and clean this house! It sure does need it. Today is my workout day too, so I'll do that while I am out and about. I have really enjoyed going to Curves. I sleep better, I eat less, I smoke less, and I feel so good when I leave! It's great! I am so glad that I made the decision to start going. Now, when I start seeing some results it will be even better!!! Maybe I should start a weight loss blog...what do you think? It might be fun to see my progress in writing!

Well, I've got to go get my sweet little kitty's bottle ready and get her fed...she is crying! I think she thinks she is starving!

I hope you all have a wonderful day today. I know I am going to. The weather is beautiful...highs are supposed to be in the upper 70's and the sun is shining beautifully. Here's my Monday Madness:

1. If you had the means, what type of limousine would you rent?
I would rent a black, stretch limousine that is fully loaded!

2. Where would this limousine take you?
This limousine would take me to a very expensive, candle-lit dinner with my husband and then to a party of some sort (a very nice party)!

3. Would it just be transportation for you to get to a social gathering, or would the ride BE the social gathering?
I would definitely take the limo to a social gathering.

4. Who would you take with you in this limo?
My husband...and no kids!

5. Have you ever ridden in a limousine? If so, where to? If not, would you like to?
I have never ridden in a limousine. I would love to have the opportunity to ride in one!

-hugs-

Gosh!

It has been a while since I last blogged...please accept my apologies. I have a had a very busy week with school but things are settling down a bit now. Thank you all for stopping by to check on my the last few days. I truly appreciate it. I had a big test in Anatomy & Physiology this week, so a lot of my time was spent preparing for it.

Remember the kittens I told you about?? Well, we nursed them back to health and took them to the Humane Society to be adopted...well, all but one! We kept one and she is a cutie. I love sitting and feeding her with a bottle...it's just so sweet. She is a little Calico and just absolutely adorable. In case you don't remember, I rescued five kittens from underneath a generator at the police department where I work. Their mother had abandoned them. My new kitten's name is "Gennie" since we found her under a "Generator". What do you think?!? I promise as soon as I get the pictures developed, I will post them here for you!

Well, I have now been a member of Curves for Women for a week now and I am loving it! I haven't quit smoking, but I have cut way back! I have only had two cigarettes today...now that's pretty good for me considering I usually smoke a pack each day. I am not going to push myself because I don't want to stress myself out, but I am working on it!

I guess I should get off here so I can go visit all my reads and then get into bed early...I have class tomorrow! I hope you have all had a super weekend and that your week will be even better.

Here's my Sunday Brunch

1. What is your favorite board game?
I love to play Monopoly

2. What kind of card games do you like to play?
I like to play Uno, Phase 10, and Solitaire

3. What is your favorite outdoor game?
Basebal!!!

4. What is your favorite sport to watch?
Baseball!!!

5. What is your favorite television game show?
Jeopardy, Hollywood Squares, & Wheel of Fortune

-hugs!-

Good Monday Morning!!!


I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! My weekend is just getting started, since I am off on Sundays and Mondays! :o) I don't have much time this morning because I have to be in class in a couple of hours, but I wanted to journal a little before I leave.

I have made a big decision and I am really excited about it...I am going to join Curves for Women today!!!! I will be 30 years old in a couple of months and it is high time I started taking care of myself! If I could just quit smoking, all would be good! Maybe I need to set my goal to quit smoking when I get my braces off. By then, I will be well into nursing school and maybe a little stressed. I don't know...I just don't think I can quit. I've tried so many times before without success.

Anyway...enough rambling! I've got to get ready for class. Y'all have a super day today!
Here's my Monday Madness:

1. Which one of your five senses do you feel is the strongest?
I feel as though my sense of hearing.

2. Which of your senses is the weakest?
Hmmm...I'm not sure about this one. I guess I would have to say smell.

3. Which one do you feel is the most valuable to you and would never want to live without?
I don't think I would want to be without sight!

4. In general, which of the five senses do you think people use most? Why?
I guess people use sight the most because it is a constant thing...

5. Which of the five senses do you feel YOU use the most? Why?
Definitely sight!

-hugs-

Well, Austin's first football game went well yesterday. Although they didn't win, he played like a champ...just as I expected he would! The rain held off until after his game, which was nice too. I still think he is a little unsure about playing football. He hasn't played since 2nd grade and it was really a shock to us that he even wanted to play this year. But, as long as he is having fun. That is all that matters!

We did a good deed this weekend...
At the police department (where I work) there have been some kittens crying for the past couple of days and I was starting to get a little worried about them. It had been raining for days and I hadn't seen the mother around. The poor little things were soaking wet, starving, and cold. Well, we decided to take them home with us...all five of them! We are now nursing them back to health and they are doing much better. The boys are loving taking care of them. I just hope that they all survive. Tanner is starting to get attached and I am afraid that if any of them don't make it, he will just be devastated. At any rate, they are all just adorable and we are doing the best we can to nurse them back to health. When they are old enough, we will take them to the vet to get shots, get them fixed, and have them dipped for fleas. I took pictures of them last night, so as soon as I get them back I will post them for you here. They're cute!!

Well, I am going to visit all of my reads now. My sister is coming over to watch the NASCAR race today. I will probably only sleep a few hours today since they are coming over, but I am sure we will have a great time! I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday!

Here's my Sunday Brunch:

1. What kind of music do you listen to most often?
I like all kinds of music, but most often I listen to rock.

2. Do you sing outloud in front of people?
Absolutely!!! I love to sing.

3. How big is your CD/music collection?
Large! I have tons of CD's...probably too many! I've never counted, but I've probably got 100 or so.

4. When you are with your spouse or significant other, do you listen to what you like or what they like?
We both like the same music, so that is not usually a problem.

5. Do you like to listen to your favorite music loud?
Very loud...especially when I am in the car by myself. :o)

-hugs-

Happy Saturday!

I wanted to drop in real quick to wish you all a wonderful weekend. It is about time for me to get off work, so I will be spending my day sleeping today. Austin has his first football game this afternoon, so I am looking forward to that! I sure hope I don't have to sit in the rain! But, being the experienced, dedicated mother that I am, if it rains I will still be there in the stands!

I had a great time with Tanner's class for lunch at the school yesterday. He was so surprised to see me! I took cookies for all the kids and they really enjoyed that!

Well, I am going to have to make this a short post today. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

-hugs-

Hi Friends!


Gosh! I hate not being able to blog from being so busy! I feel like y'all are all going to forget about me if I don't get to visit or write for a couple of days! :o) The weather is finally starting to behave like fall here. It has only been up into the 80's this week and they are calling for rain for the next three days. I know most people don't like rain on the weekends, but it is good sleeping weather for me since I sleep during the day on Saturday and Sunday! I do wish that the rain had waited a few more hours to come today. My youngest son's kindergarten class was supposed to go to the fair today and I was going to go with them. Tanner was really excited about me riding the bus with him. I just called the school and the trip has been cancelled. :o( They are going to be eating their sack lunches that they packed to take with them in the classroom today, so I thought I would surprise Tanner and go eat lunch with them! He won't be expecting me to come since it is raining, so he'll be happy I'm sure!

Thank you all so much for the well-wishes on my tests. I think they went okay. I feel really good about my Chemistry test but I won't find out my grade until Monday. My A & P test is another story...I made a D on it. I was one question from making a C...how frustrating! But, I will chalk it up as a learning experience and do better on the next one. This test was over cell tissue, which I find really boring. I think once we get into the good stuff, I'll enjoy it more and do better on the tests!

I was thrilled to open my mailbox and find this sweet gift from my friend Claudia this morning, so I thought I would share it with you all...

Thank you so very much Claudia!!!
-hugs- to you my sweet friend!!


Here is my Friday Five for this week:

1. Is the name you have now the same name that's on your birth certificate? If not, what's changed?
The name that appeared on my birth certificate was Fisher. During my freshman year of high school, my step-father adopted me and it was changed to Seal. Now, of course, my name is Wilkins which is my married name. :o)

2. If you could change your name (first, middle and/or last), what would it be?
I don't think I would change my name. It is a gift that my parents gave me as a child and I don't really have any problems with it. I guess it could be worse! :o)

3. Why were you named what you were? (Is there a story behind it? Who specifically was responsible for naming you?)
I think the only story behind my name is that my parents liked it. I am not named after anyone in our family or anything like that.

4. Are there any names you really hate or love? What are they and why?
I really love my boys' names (I guess that's why I picked them)!! I also like the names Aubry, Grace, and Madelyn for little girls...but I don't guess I'll ever get to use them myself!

5. Is the analysis of your name at kabalarians.com accurate? How or how isn't it?
This was a really neat analysis "thingy"! Mine is below...I think it is pretty accurate except for the part about being reluctant to taking on a demanding work-load or responsibility. I am a hard worker, so that part is not right. Here's my analysis:

The name of Rebecca creates a friendly, sociable, charming nature, but causes you to be too easily influenced by others. While you find it easy to meet and mix, and can appear agreeable and compromising in conversation, you can become dogmatic and forceful if pressed too far. Others learn that you cannot be told what to do and you seldom change your mind once it is made up. You prefer situations that allow a degree of independence, but are reluctant to take on a demanding work-load or responsibility. In a position dealing with the public, you could do well because of your friendly personality, interest in people, and desire to please. When asked, you are able to give others good advice that you would probably not follow yourself, but must guard against being too opinionated in controversial matters.

Sorry for such a long post today! I hope you all have a super day!
-hugs-

Happy Tuesday!


What a busy couple of days I've had! I sure do miss being able to blog every day, but sometimes I just can't seem to find the extra time! We've had beautiful weather here the last couple of days. It's been in the upper 80's but so much cooler than the 100+ degrees we've had in the past month or so. We finally got some rain and I think fall is well on its way! As much as I love summer, I must say that I am looking forward to some cooler weather.

School is going well for me...just keeping me busy! I have a big test in Chemistry tomorrow and a lab/practical exam in Anatomy & Physiology on Thursday so wish me luck! Later this month, on the 29th, I will be taking my NLN exam (nursing entrance exam), so I will be preparing for that as well. I have to do well on it to be placed at the top of the waiting list for nursing school. Your prayers and well-wishes would be greatly appreciated for that exam!! :o)

Well, I hate to rush, there's so much more I could tell you!!! I have to be at work in 45 minutes, so I better get off here. I hope you are all doing well. I visited all of my reads today, so I am feeling accomplished! Many hugs to you all!

Hello friends!


I hope you are all doing well and have enjoyed your weekend. I have spent most of mine working, so I've been sleeping during the day. I am at work right now, but wanted to post real quick and say hi. The last few days have been busy between work, school, home, and other stuff! My best friend Robin had surgery Thursday, so I had to check on her a couple of times over the weekend. She had a breast reduction done and she is doing fine. Since my breast reduction 3 1/2 years ago, I have felt so much better. No shoulder pain, no back pain, and no neck pain! It was the best thing I ever did.

Austin has decided that he wants to play football this year, which is really odd. He played football in first grade, but he didn't like it. Since then he has only played baseball and basketball. So far, he has had to practices and he seems to be enjoying it. He has been gone all weekend...he's stayed the night with Taylor two nights in a row. It seems as though he is never home these days. I guess the older they get, the less they are home but I didn't expect it to be this soon. He is only 10!

Tanner...well, he's just Tanner! He has the cutest personality and he is so full of life. Chad and I both had to work all night last night, so I took him to my sister's to stay for the night. We (all the officers and me) always go eat breakfast on Saturday mornings, so I went and picked him up when I got off work this morning and he had breakfast with all of us. He really enjoyed it! I think he had the officers laughing the entire time we were there. Ah...kids!

Well, it is after 3:00 a.m. here and things are starting to slow down a bit here at the police department, so I guess I'll go get some studying done. I hope you have all enjoyed your weekend and that your week will be great.
-hugs-

Good morning!


Well, the test went okay I guess. I am just glad it is over. :o) Why do I let myself stress so much over a test?!? If I would just be calm, go in, take it, & get it over with (like most people do), maybe I wouldn't get such an upset stomach and a headache!


I have spent most of the morning updating my home page and my adoption shoppe. I would love it if you would stop by and let me know what you think! Here's the links: Wilkins Lane & Adoption Shoppe. Thanks!

I hate to rush, but I've got to get to class. I will try to write more when I get home. Have a super day!
-hugs-

Well, the long weekend is over!

I hope you all enjoyed the weekend and had a safe one! I worked Friday night and Saturday, but I enjoyed Sunday afternoon and yesterday! Sunday, we all piled up on the couch and watched the NASCAR race. It was a good one! I sure enjoyed seeing my sister and getting to spend time with her. Yesterday, I went for a quick shopping trip with my friend Robin early and then we spent the whole day scrapbooking! Boy was that fun! I haven't gotten to scrapbook in so long...it was such a blast! After that, we went to my niece's 5th birthday party. It was nice to see everyone there too! Gosh...I saw my sister twice in two days! How lucky can a girl get?!? :o) We went back to Robin's after the party for dinner. Her husband Larry fixed baked chicken, rice, & green beans. It was absolutely delicious! He puts this amazing jalapeno seasoning on the chicken and it just makes the chicken scrumptious!

We finally got some rain and it has cooled off tremendously! It's great!! However, now we are all under Flash Flood Warnings! We sure did need it though...
I hope the rain will hold off long enough for me to get out of class today. I hate making that long walk in the rain, carrying a heavy backpack, a purse, and an umbrella! :o)

The boys had a rough start this morning. Tanner was mad because he wanted to wear the same shirt that he wore Friday and he and Chad butted heads about it...that woke me up. So, I talked Tanner into another shirt and got him dressed. Then, Chad found a note from one of Austin's teachers that said that he didn't turn in his math assignment Friday. Austin swears that he turned it in at the end of the class and that she forgot to correct the note in his planner. So I had to write a note to her to confirm his story. Kids! Chad doesn't have much patience for stuff like that in the mornings...I just wish that he wouldn't get so frustrated with them. But, all is well now and they are on their way to school!

I have some studying to do this morning...I've got my first big test in Anatomy & Physiology today. I'm a little nervous about it. But, I guess the first test in a class is always a little hard because you don't know what to expect. You know, it amazes me the technology that we have for school these days!! I will be taking my tests with a remote control in the classroom. How weird is that!?!? The instructor will put the questions up on the board and then we will enter our answer with the remote control that we had to get from the book store. It's really cool! We all had to register our "clickers" online and they each have a code. The test scores will be available immediately and we can track our scores all semester. Pretty neat!

Well...I gotta get off here and go visit every one on my reads list. I haven't gotten to do that in a while so I'll do that before I start my studying. Y'all have a super day today!

Happy Saturday!
(what's left of it)


I hope you all had a great day today! We finally got some rain today...all of about 2 minutes worth! I slept most of the day, but when I left work this morning they were calling for rain all day. Ha! Fat chance! But, I guess we will take what we can get. When I got up this afternoon, had a wonderful dinner going. He fixed meatloaf, masked potatoes, corn, and rolls. It was absolutely delicious!!! What a guy!



The boys just finished up their second week of school and they are both doing great!! Tanner is loving kindergarten and gets good notes from his teacher each day. Austin is loving switching classes still and he is doing fantastic in all of his classes as well. My classes are going well too. I have my first big test is Anatomy & Physiology on Tuesday, so I will probably study all night tonight.

My sister is coming over in the morning to watch the NASCAR race with us. I don't get off work until 8:00 in the morning, so I guess I'll only be getting a few hours of sleep! But that's okay, because I am looking forward to spending time with my sister and my niece! My niece's birthday is Tuesday, so I am going to have to get her something really special for her birthday. We are all gathering at their place on Monday night for cake and such. It should be a lot of fun!

Well, I have to be at work in 45 minutes, so I better get off here. I hope you're all enjoying the long weekend!
-hugs-

Good Morning!



I thought I'd stop in and post real quick before I head off to school! I don't have much going on thus far, but wanted to say hi to everybody! It's cloudy outside, so maybe we'll get lucky and finally get some rain today! Well...gotta go get ready for class! Y'all have a super day! I'll be back to visit everyone when I get home.

Here's my Friday Five:

1. Are you going to school this year?
Yep! I've been back in school for almost three years now! :o)

2. If yes, where are you going (high school, college, etc.)? If no, when did you graduate?
I am attending college at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith

3. What are/were your favorite school subjects?
My favorite subjects has always been English & Literature

4. What are/were your least favorite school subjects?
Math! I am not a math person!

5. Have you ever had a favorite teacher? Why was he/she a favorite?
Yes...Mrs Edington was my most favorite teacher. She was my Home Economics teacher. After high school, she was Austin's (my oldest son) very first baby sitter!

-hugs-

Hello Friends!

I've had a rather busy day today. I got home from work about 1:00 this morning, got into bed around 1:30, got up at 8:30 and I've been going ever since! I'm really starting to get tired! I had class plus my lab today, so it was my long day on campus. I had to be back at work at 4:00, so here I am again, posting from work! I asked one of our officers to leave the door unlocked to where this computer is so that I could do some research for school. I love this computer! It is so much faster than my home PC. I will be so glad when we can DSL from my house. I hope it's not too busy here at work tonight so that I can get some serious studying done for my Anatomy & Physiology class...we've got our first big test on Tuesday.

I really am missing my boys. The only time I see them on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays is when they come in to kiss me by on their way out the door for school. I get to talk to hubby on the phone during the day, but I don't get to talk to my little guys at all unless they call me here before they go to bed. I just keep telling myself that in the end, it will all pay off because I will have my education!

It is still miserably hot here. My lawn is just about dead and we are still under a burn ban. It was raining when I got out of class today, it rained so hard on me today on my way to work that I had to pull over. When I got back into our town...DRY. It hadn't rained a drop here. UGH! We really do need some relief here. If you've got rain where you are and could spare some...send it our way!!! :o)

Well, I better get off here and try to get some studying done. Y'all have a great night!
-hugs-

What a day!!!

I have tried to log on to the Internet for hours upon hours today, and just couldn't get through. I thought something was wrong with my ISP, so I called them and tried to get them to fix it. They couldn't find anything wrong with it. Then...I tried to call hubby and the call wouldn't go through. Low and behold...the phone lines were down!!! How frustrating is that?!? At least I finally figured out what the problem was! I am posting from work now...I have been going insane without Internet access all day! UGH!! :o) I called the house a few minutes ago and the phone lines are finally working. Apparently, it was a county-wide thing. When I got to work, the 9-1-1 phones were not working properly either. At any rate...things are back to normal now!

I had class this morning. You know, I am really worried that this intructor that I have on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday is just going to drop dead in class one day. He seems so old and fragile and he told us last week that he has been having kidney problems. He can't stand up for any length of time because he tires out so easily. It really worries me. I think maybe it is time for him to retire. He seems to really enjoy what he's doing. He's a chemist (among other things), and has been for 50 years, and is very intelligent. He's just too sick to be a teacher. Bless his heart...

Well, I guess since I am at work, I better get off here. I will try to sign on again later before I go home and try to visit some of my reads tonight. I hope you've all had a wonderful day!

-hugs-

...Good morning...


How is everyone today?!? I hope you're all having a great week so far. Mine is off to a good start I suppose. I have discovered that I am going to be losing a little bit of weight this semester!! LOL The reason is because I am having to walk from the parking lot in the "back 40" to get to the part of campus where I need to be. You wouldn't believe how far I am having to park from class! It's not so bad now, but when it is 20 degrees outside...oh, it's going to be cold! Speaking of weather, we are still in the middle of a drought here. It's terrible. Now, don't get me wrong, I love summer time but it is just so dry. The temperature is at least 100 every day, the heat index gets up to 110, we've not had any rain in weeks, and now we're under a burn ban. I know this must be really hard on the farmers and those that work outside.

My classes are going well. I am really enjoying my Anatomy & Physiology class. My Chemistry class is going to go well too...all of our tests are going to be open book!! Can't beat that! This is the first time I've ever gone to class during the day...I usually go at night. There is a big difference! All the young kids that live off their mom and dad's money go during the day. They can be really annoying! Freshmen fresh out of high school...you'd think they would act a lot older than they do! I realize that not all college freshmen are that way, but some of them really need to grow up!

I guess I've rambled enough, so I will go. Gotta get ready for class. Y'all have a super day!

Testing

Hi!

Happy Sunday!! I hope you've all had a great weekend. Gosh, it is one hot day here. It's over 100 degrees outside! The heat index is like 110. I just rolled out of bed...got home from work at 8:30 this morning and I was tad bit tired. I usually try not to sleep so late on Sundays since I am off, but I was really tired. I think I have just run myself too much this past week.

I don't have much planned for my days off other than school. I bought some new graphics this weekend and I would like to switch my blog over to those. They are really pretty graphics from Buttercup Graphix. I've just recently discovered her work and she has some really fantastic stuff! I can't wait to get those graphics up so you can all see them. I would like to come up with some sort of new layout, but I have yet to make up my mind. I need to do a lot of updating and re-arranging here, so be ready for lots of changes!

Well, not much else is going on, so I guess I will close for now. All my boys are outside working on hubby's truck. He's got a 1965 Chevy pick-up that he re-did a few years ago and now he's wanting to repaint it. It's white now, but he's got an itch to re-do it. I guess if he enjoys being out in this sweltering heat, more power to him!

Y'all have a great Sunday!
...hugs...

Hello!

Happy Friday! I hope you've all had a wonderful week. Please forgive me for not blogging and visitng much this week. It's been a hectic week for me. With the kids starting back to school, me starting back to school, orthodontist appointment, work, etc...I've just run my butt off this week! Things are starting to settle down now and we should all be settled into our new schedules by the end of the weekend.

Here's my Friday Five:

1. When was the last time you laughed?
Last night! My best friend Amber stopped by to see me at work and we visited for quite some time...she always makes me laugh.

2. Who was the last person you had an argument with?
My oldest son, Austin. We had an argument last week.

3. Who was the last person you emailed?
The last person I sent an e-mail to was a group that I belong to, Website Mommies.

4. When was the last time you bathed?
Yesterday morning...I will be taking a nice long bath in the Jacuzzi here in a bit. :o)

5. What was the last thing you ate?
I just had a hamburger and fries at lunch. We went to a little "hole-in-the-wall" place called the Cottage Cafe. They have really good home cooking there.

I went to class this morning and had lunch with one of my girlfriends and my hubby. It was nice to sit and visit! Now...I am going to visit all my blog buds and then I am going to take a nap. I have to work midnight until 8:00 a.m. tonight, so I'll need the rest. Before I go, I want to share this picture with you...it's my son and me on his first day of kindergarten (if you look real close, you can see my braces, but the scan didn't turn out very well with this picture for some reason)...



Have wonderful Friday and enjoy your weekend!
-hugs-

Whew!

It is hot outside!!

The temperature here is 101 right now with a heat index of 111. Geez!!!

What a week this has been! We all started back to school this week and it has been busy, busy, busy!!!

Austin and I both started back on Monday. He seems to really be enjoying it so far. I think changing classes makes him feel big. My little guy is really enjoying kindergarten. I can't believe he is actually in "big boy" school. It was really hard for me to leave him there. I did well while we were there, but as soon as I got into the car I cried! I know, it sounds crazy, but well...he is my baby!! I took pictures, so I'll be sure to post some for you all to see when I get them back.

Other than school and work, it's been a quiet week so far here (of course, that keeps us busy enough). I promise to visit you all tonight when I get home from work! Have a wonderful day!
-hugs-

Happy Sunday!

I hope you've all had a wonderful weekend! Chad and I had a great time at the party we went to. It was nice to get out and do something on the weekend, without the boys. We hardly ever get to go out and it will be even harder since I am starting back to school tomorrow. I rented us a DVD today, so we'll be curling up on the couch together to watch that later. I got Bringing Down the House. I have heard that it is really funny, so I hope we like it!

Austin is home from Chicago! We had to go pick him up from my dad this morning and I think he is glad to be home. I think he is even actually ready to go back to school tomorrow. He's had a very busy summer and it'll do him some good to have some down time from all the running around. Today is his 10th birthday. Can you believe it?!? My son is 10 years old!!! He is so excited to have 2 digits in his age! LOL We are having the family over tonight and we are going to grill hamburgers and hot dogs. They didn't want to go to Chuck E. Cheese's with us last week, so we are all gathering here tonight. We gave him his birthday presents this morning. He LOVED his new X-Box! I haven't seen him get that excited in a long time! :o) In fact, I haven't really seen him since he opened it...he's been in his room playing it ever since.

Well, everyone will be here in about 30 minutes, so I better get off here. I'll visit you all later tonight.
=hugs=

Good Friday Morning!

Are you all having a great week?!? I have. I am glad it is Friday. I have to work midnight until 8:00 in the morning, but I took tomorrow night off. I am so glad to actually have a Saturday night off!!! Hubby and I are going to go do something with some friends...should be a lot of fun. Yesterday, I had to go to campus to get all my books and stuff for school. I have only three classes this coming semester and my books cost $465. Is that not ridiculous?!? I couldn't believe it. They charge outrageous prices for our text books. But, I have to have them so...so be it! I got into the class that I was on the waiting list for, so my schedule is probably going to be a tough one. I have Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, and Psychology. Whew! What a load! :o)

I took Tanner to get all of his school supplies Wednesday. He is so excited. We had to get one of those mats for him to nap on. He has been laying on it constantly. He thinks it is the coolest thing. He hates taking naps, so I hope that when he starts school Tuesday that he won't give the teacher any trouble over it.

Austin is still in Chicago and having a fabulous time. I talked to him last night and he is not ready to come home yet. Mom said he ordered a 20 ounce steak, baked potato, and a salad and ate every bit of it! That's a lot of food for a 10 year old!!! They went to the Cubs game yesterday and he really enjoyed that. We watched the game on TV here, but didn't see them! (as if we really would have)

Anyway...I've rambled enough I guess. I am taking Tanner and my niece, Kaitlynn bowling today. So, I need to get off here and get ready. I hope you have a radiant day today!

Here's my Friday Five

1. How much time do you spend online each day?
One to two hours

2. What is your browser homepage set to?
My homepage is set to my blog

3. Do you use any instant messaging programs? If so, which one(s)?
I use AOL AIM and Yahoo Messenger

4. Where was your first webpage located?
My first home page was a Yahoo Geocities page

5. How long have you had your current website?
I have had my current web site for almost a year

=hugs=

Hello!!!

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend. We did...a very busy one at that. Austin is now in Conway with my mom and will be leaving for Chicago tomorrow. He is very excited about the flight and the Cubs game. He loves to fly!! Tanner is a little disappointed that he isn't going...I explained to him that he could go when he got a little older. I think Mom is just a little nervous about taking Tanner to such a big place with him being only 5 years old...which I can understand. Maybe he will get to go next year.

My lingerie party went great last night. I had 9 girlfriends come and we had a great time! It was a Petra party. They have such cute stuff!! We really had fun trying it all on, playing games, and eating...the important part! LOL You really must find a consultant in your area and have a few girlfriends over for a party...they are such a blast!

Tanner will be starting kindergarten next Tuesday, which really has me worked up. I think I might need a valium before taking him. I am really starting to feel old. Is that strange?!? His open house was tonight (which I had to miss because I had to work). He and Chad really enjoyed meeting his teacher. His teacher is his best friend's (from preschool) mom...and boy does he think that is cool!! Tanner is so excited, he can hardly stand it. He thinks that riding the bus to his day care after school is the greatest...what is up with that?!?! I remember riding the bus and I absolutely loathed the idea. Then, what was even worse was that when I finally was old enough to drive I had to take my freakin' sister everywhere! :o) LOL I know it is all new to him and eventually, someday, he will hate riding the bus. But, I guess we'll let him enjoy it while it's all still fun for him.

I guess you all know that I will be starting back to school Monday too. I am really looking forward to it...Nursing school is something that I have always wanted to do. I am glad that I am no longer having to pursue a business career, since nursing is my ambition in life. (when I worked at my previous place of employment, they would only pay for business classes) This semester I've got Earth Science, Lifespan Psychology, and Chemistry for Health Occupations, and hopefully I will get into the Anatomy & Physiology class that I want. This should be an interesting semester for me! Wish me luck...I might need it!

Well, it's late (or early, whichever you prefer), I just got home from work, and I am tired so I guess I will hit the sack. I will visit you all when I get up in the morning. I usually chat with my B.O.B., Tammy, via Yahoo in the mornings and I haven't heard from her...I hope she's doing okay. I'm sure she's just busy. Anyway...I'm rambling now, so I'll go! Have a super Wednesday!!

=hugs=

Hello

I hope you all had a wonderful Sunday!! I got off work at 8:00 this morning, got into bed about 9:30, and slept until about 1:30. I watched the NASCAR race with the boys and hubby. After that, we all got ready for the big birthday party. Austin will be 10 next Sunday (so we had his birthday party today since school starts the day after his birthday). He decided to have it at Chuck E. Cheese this year. He really likes to play all the games and spend his tickets on those cheesy little toys they have. LOL :o) We had a great turn-out and they all had a great time. Austin will be leaving for Chicago Tuesday or Wednesday. My mom is taking him up there to watch a Cubs game. They did this last summer and he had a fabulous time, so they're going again! He's really looking forward to it.

I am having a lingerie party here tomorrow night. I am really looking forward to seeing all my girlfriends and visiting with them. We always have so much fun when we're together. It seems as though I hardly ever see any of them in the summer time...we all stay so busy. At any rate, it will be nice to see everyone tomorrow night.

My B.O.B. and I have been working on a big project...I can't wait to tell you all what it is!!! When we get things up and running, I'll fill you in. It's going to be a blast!!!

Y'all have a super evening and have an even better week!
=hugs=

I have a story to tell...
>long post today<

I have refrained from writing about this until now because I have been really bothered by the situation. But, here's the story...

On Tuesday this week, I went to work at 4:00 in the afternoon just like any normal day. (as most of you know, I am a dispatcher for our local police department) Upon my arrival to work, I was informed that we'd had a kidnapping in our city the previous day. A very beautiful two year old little girl was abducted by her own babysitters. Her mother came into the police department the night before in a panic. The officers took the report and a massive search was launched. The next afternoon (the day I came into work), the local news stations aired the story on the 5:00 news...just one hour after my arrival to work. Within minutes, the phone lines were lighting up from people calling in leads and sightings of the little girl. To my surprise, one of the leads that I took over the phone and handed to an officer to check out was the lead that would take us straight to the little girl, Amber. The sweet little girl was returned to her expectant mother unharmed.

Some of you may be familiar with an abduction that happened in our town back in 1995. Morgan Nick was abducted from our hometown from a baseball field and has yet to be returned home. Her family has searched endlessly and still have not given up hope. Needless to say, we are all very relieved that little Amber is back home and safe and sound.

Why do I write this, you might ask? I was very pleased at the response of the citizens of our town and how everyone pulled together to bring this little girl home. In times such as these with the war and the economy being the way it is, Americans are still caring people. It amazes me the way people pull together in times of need. Who says America is falling apart??? Who says Americans aren't strong??? It is Americans with heart and Americans with pride in their hometowns, their states, their country, that returns missing children home to their parents within a matter of hours.

Another reason I am writing about this is because of my own children. Working with everyone at the police department really made me sit back and think about the good things in life and what we take for granted. I know that I am probably guilty of heading home from work each day assuming that my children are always going to be there waiting for me. Who knows if tomorrow will ever come? So I write this to you today to remind you to hug your children, tell them you love them, do something fun with them, read a book together...just spend a little extra time with them!

I hope that you all don't think I am preaching at you, I am just speaking my thoughts. I was really upset by the kidnapping the other day and it has really made me think about things. I hope you are all enjoying your weekend. I am off to visit my reads. Thank you all for being such wonderful friends and visiting each day.
=hugs=

T.G.I.F.

How is everyone today?!? I am doing wonderful. It's a beautiful, sunny & hot afternoon here. I think the storms have left us for a while...but we sure did need the rain! Isn't it terrible about the tornado that hit Florida so unexpectedly? My thoughts are with everyone there. I just got up...had to work graveyard again last night. I have had a busy couple of days...sorry for not posting or visiting. Austin's birthday party is Sunday afternoon, so we've been busy making plans for that. Monday night, I am having a lingerie party! A lot of my girlfriends are going to be coming...should be a lot of fun!

I am going to get my hair foiled today. I really needs it! My roots are looking pretty rough! :o) I think before I head over there, I will stop and tan. I haven't had time to tan in a couple of days now. I worked a double shift Wednesday night from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. I was so tired when I got home!! But...it will sure look nice on payday!

I guess I better get off here so I can get ready to go to town. I hope you all have a wonderful Friday.

Here's my Friday Five:

1. What's the last place you traveled to, outside your own home state/country?
The last place I traveled to was to Chicago (Arkansas) in December of last year. My best friend and I went up there for a weekend of fun with my Mom. It was great!

2. What's the most bizarre/unusual thing that's ever happened to you while traveling?
I can't really recall anything really bizarre or unusual happening while traveling.

3. If you could take off to anywhere, money and time being no object, where would you go?
Chicago...I love it there!!

4. Do you prefer traveling by plane, train or car?
Definitely by plane.

5. What's the next place on your list to visit?
I will be traveling to Atlanta with my mom next month to see River Dance. I have never seen it, so it should be a lot of fun. I am really looking forward to it!!!

Good morning!

It's raining out this morning. We sure did need some rain. Our lawn was starting to turn brown and wasn't looking very pretty. Hubby got the grass mowed and did the weedeating yesterday...thank goodness he got it finished before the rain. I sure hope it greens back up now.

I haven't done much of anythign today. My hubby is a little irritated with me, too! I just haven't had the urge to do much of anything around the house today. I guess tomorrow I've got my work cut out for me!

Tanner and I went into town and had Burger King for lunch...that's what he wanted, so that's what we had. Austin is at his friend's house again, so I guess I will be getting another "you're a bad mother" lecture from my sister. But you know what...I am not going to let her get to me this time! I don't tell her how to raise her children, and I'll be danged if she is going to preach at me!!!!

Anyway...I need to get off here. I've got to get ready for work. Y'all have a wonderful afternoon.
=hugs=

Good Monday Morning!!

My, my...it sure is beautiful out this morning. The sun is shining brilliantly this morning and it is going to be a hot .

I don't have much planned for today except going to pick up my paycheck and putting it in the bank. I may run by and tan and go to Wal-Mart and get a little shopping done. Other than that...I just don't know! My sister is having to move (if you'll remember, I told you that her landlord sold the land that her house is sitting on and she is moving this weekend), so I may go by and help her pack a little. My mom's birthday is tomorrow, so I need to go by the post office and drop her card in the mail....she might get it in time.

I do need to water all my plants sometime today...they are starting to look a little weak. The house could use a good dusting too! Chad cleaned the carpets yesterday, so they look real nice. I gues I should clean everything else to go along with it!

Anyway, I am going to get off here so that I can go visit all my reads. I hope you all have a wonderful day.
(((hugs)))