Good morning!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I know I did! Chad and I took the boys to town with us on Friday night and did a little shopping. We had a candle light dinner...at CHIC FIL A!!! It was so funny! We went to walk in and I thought something was wrong with their electricity...we almost left! Turns out, they were celebrating Valentine's Day with a candle light dinner. The boys really thought that was cool!

I got me some new Dr. Maartin's, we got a new propane for the fireplace (we've been in our new house almost a year and we're just now setting it up!), and Chad got a new subwoofer for our surround sound system. He is in hog heaven! We spent a lot of money, but it was nice. We don't do that very often.

Saturday night, Chad and I joined a friend of mine and his wife for dinner at Applebee's. We had a really great time. Yesterday, I had a lingerie party and we had a blast! I love buying that stuff. The boys went and did the grocery shopping for me while us girls played with pajamas (LOL). It was nice to not have to go do it...I hate grocery shopping!

Anyway...I must get back to work now. I hope you have a sunshiney day!

It's love day and I can feel it in the air! There are roses, balloons, and candy everywhere here at the office! I woke up at 5:30 as usual this morning, went in to take a shower only to find a small, shiny, red box on the bathroom counter. Beside it was a single rose. I opened the box and there was a beautiful watch inside! My hubby is such a sweetie! I love it!! As I was leaving for work, my youngest son told me that he loved me more today because it is Valentine's Day! So sweet! I tortured myself trying to figure out what to get Chad for Valentine's Day...he is so hard to buy for sometimes. As I was walking through the store last night, I remembered him saying something to me about not ever seeing Pearl Harbor. So, I bought him the movie on DVD and got a sweet card to go with it. I think I did well...he liked it! We have decided to wait until tomorrow night to go out to dinner so that we don't have to rush home from work and all that mess. Everything will be packed tonight anyway. So, I am looking forward to tomorrow night.

It's raining here today and is supposed to get really nasty this afternoon....severe thunderstorms are in the forecast. :o( I guess I can just consider it showers of love!

Back to work now! Have a sunshiney day!

Good morning friends!

I hope your morning is off to a great start today. I know mine is! The boys got up and got dressed like clockwork this morning. It was so nice. Tanner...bless his little heart. He's got this terrible cold and his little nose is so red from blowing it so much. Austin got a cough too. I will be so glad when it warms up so that everyone can get well.

Well, just one more day until Valentine's Day! Do you have any big plans? I'm not sure if we're doing anything or not. Chad hasn't said a word about it. Do you get your husband something each year for Valentine's Day? My husband says it's a woman's holiday and doesn't want me getting him anything. Is that normal?!? LOL

I guess I better get back to work. It's supposed to rain here today, and tomorrow, and all weekend. Blah! I just don't really care for rain in the winter...summer is okay. Anyway...back to work! Have a sunshiney day!

Happy Wednesday bloggin' buddies!

YES! Another "A" in the gradebook for me! Woo hoo! I am trying so hard to make the Dean's List again this semester. I was worried in the beginning, becuase it is going to be such a tough one, but so far so good! It really does a girl good to get an excellent grade on something when you've worked so hard for it, you know?!? I sure hope y'all don't get tired of hearing me talk about school...it's just darn important to me and I love sharing it with everyone! I wish that all of my online buddies could come to my graduation in May...THAT would be cool! :o)

I don't really have much else to blog about today...I do want to thank everyone that has adopted the new adoption at my shoppe in support of our troops. It leaves a warm feeling in my heart knowing that there are so many out there that are praying for our soldiers. Thanks!

Have a radiant day!

Good morning!!!

Yesterday was a pretty good day. I had a nice steady pace here at work...not too busy. I went straight home from work. NO LIBRARY!! Woo hoo!! I guess the only thing that saved me from going to the library last night was that Austin had an early basketball game. They are usually at 8:00, but he played at 6:30 last night. It was nice to actually be able to go home from work for once. Austin played really well last night. He scored several points. They won! We have only lost one game so far this season.

I have to tell you what Tanner did this weekend. It was just Tanner and me Sunday evening and we played and goofed off a little. Then he decided that he was going to go to his room and play for a while. I was laying on the couch, watching Lifetime :o), taking a little break. Tanner came in and crawled up on the couch with me. He looked up at me and asked, "Mom, how far is it to the moon?" I told him if he had asked me that back in 8th grade I could have told him. LOL (I'm sure I've learned that at some point in my life). Then he asked, "Mom, how far is it to the top of God's head?" Once again, I told him I didn't know, but that it was a long, long way. He looked up at me and said, "Well that's how much I love you!" Isn't that just the sweetest thing you've ever heard?!? Melted my heart!

I updated my Adoption Shoppe yesterday too. I added some really great adoptions from Cassandra and Renee...you must stop by and check them out. Two of them are in honor of our troops overseas. Let me know what you think!

This or That Tuesday

1. Bacon or sausage?
Sausage
2. Eggs: scrambled or not?
Scrambled!
3. French toast or regular toast?
French toast
4. Pancakes or waffles?
Pancakes
5. Mufins or bagels?
Muffins...preferrably blueberry
6. Coffee or tea?
Coffee...lots of it!
7. Juice: orange or grapefruit?
Orange
8. Hot or cold cereal?
Hot...I love grits!
9. To put in cereal: bananas or strawberries (or some other fruit)?
None of the above!
10. Eat breakfast at home or at a restaurant?
I don't usually eat breakfast during the week, but on the weekends I eat breakfast at home.

Good Monday Morning, Friends!!

What a weekend that was! We had MORE snow this weekend! Arkansans are just in shock! I think this is the most snow we have had in 10 years, or more. We always just get ice! The boys absolutely loved it! We did a little sledding yesterday. My sister Casey and my niece Kaitlynn came over to join in on the fun! We had a blast. After that, Austin (my oldest) went back to his little "girlfriend's" house for some more sledding. He had a wonderful time! Tanner and I just hung out at the house. Chad had to work, so it was nice to spend some quality time with him. We giggled a lot, I tickled him, he tickled me...

I actually got into bed early last night...about 9:30. Needless to say, I am raring to go today! I didn't touch one single textbook this weekend either. I get so tired of studying, so I just swore it off this weekend! Friday night, I Tanner and I went to dinner with my sister, my friend Leah and her boyfriend (and my friend) Blake. Then we went to see How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. It was hilarious! You must go see it!

I would like to wish my friend, Karen a Happy Birthday today. She is the wonderful artist who made the graphics for my blog.
Happy Birthday Karen!!!

I would like to start today's entry by wishing my good blogging buddy Julie a Happy Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day, Julie!

It's really, really cold out today...about 18 degrees when I got up this morning! I had class last night and I guess it was okay. I've really enjoyed this Business Law class so far, but last night it was a little uninspiring. We were talking about Administrative Agency Law...FCC, FDA, EPA etc. Boring!! You know, it amazes me that those agencies have so darn much power. They can pretty much do anything!

I added another new adoption to my Adoption Shoppe today...Stop by and take a peek! It's a cute blog adoption!

The boys were really excited to see me when I got home...that is always the perfect end to a long day! I don't have much planned for the weekend. I need to study for a big Biology test that is coming up next week. It's going to be a tough one.

I guess I better get back to work...it's Friday, so here's my Friday Five...

1. What did you have for breakfast this morning? If you didn't have breakfast, why not?
I didn't have breakfast this morning. I don't eat breakfast mainly because I am always trying to lose weight, but also because I never have time to eat in the mornings! I would have to get up earlier to arrange my morning routine so that I could fit breakfast in, so I just don't eat.

2. What's your favorite cereal?
My favorite cereal is Golden Grahams.

3. How often do you eat out? Do you want that to change?
I eat out for lunch every day with a bunch of friends from here at work. As far as in the evenings with my family, we don't eat out that much because of my busy schedule with school.

4. What do you plan on having for dinner tonight? Got a recipe for that?
We will probably have something simple. Chad has a meeting to go to tonight, so the boys and I just might go to McDonald's or something! No recipe needed! :o)

5. What's your favorite restaurant? Why?
My favorite restaurant is Red Lobster...why? Because I love seafood!!!!!

I expected to wake up to a sheet of ice all over everything this morning...much to my surprise, there is SNOW everywhere!!! The boys are so excited! School was canceled for Austin's school today so we let Tanner stay home from preschool too. They are with their grandparents and I am just sure that they are out playing in it right now! It's so sweet to watch them get so excited about the snow. Austin was running through the house yelling this morning from the excitement of school being canceled! They BOTH went out to feed the puppies this morning...which is unusual. I guess they just needed a reason to be out in it!

Busy day here at the office today...I hope you all have a wonderful day and stay :::warm:::

Good Wednesday Morning, Friends!

Yes!!! Another Biology test out of the way...another "A" in the grade book! Woo hoo! I am so excited I could just run around the building (well maybe not...it's too darn cold out and I am certainly not in good enough shape to be running anywhere)!! I have studied my butt off for this class. Our instructor is a "Dr." of Biology, so he eats, breathes, and sleeps this stuff and just gets so freaking excited about it. It's hilarious to watch him get into what we're doing in lab.

When I got home from class, hubby told me I needed to wake Tanner up (my youngest). So I went in to kiss him and I woke him up. I asked him why he wanted me to wake him up, and it was like a switch went on...the tears started falling. Broke my heart! He said that he doesn't like going to bed without me tucking him in (when I'm at school). It was so sweet. I assured him that I tuck him every night that I get home from class, but that he doesn't always know it because he's asleep. So he gave me a big kiss and a hug and was back to sleep in a matter of seconds. Isn't that just so darn sweet?!? Austin...he's another story. He was off to dreamland without another thought...probably dreaming of Brittany! LOL

They are calling for a half inch of ice here and we are under a Winter Storm Watch. Good ole Arkansas weather...70's this past weekend and now we are going to be iced in. Yeah buddy...no wonder we're all so sick! I hope you all have a radiant day and stay WARM.

Good morning friends!

I hope you are all doing well today. I had a busy weekend, as usual! Saturday morning, I went to get my hair done bright and early. I get it foiled every three months and it was definitely time to get it done! My hairdresser is the best...she laughs at me when I wait too long to get it done! :o) So, I'm blonde again (my hair is naturally blonde, but it is getting darker as I get older...Jennifer takes care of that little problem for me)! I got my eyebrows done while I was there too...I thought we were going to have to take a brush hog after them! LOL

After I finished up there, I went to help my sister get settled into her new house. I am so very excited for her. She and Kaitlynn finally have a place that they can call their own and they are so deserving of it! We unpacked for a while, then went to Austin's basketball game (which he won), and then went to town to get some things she needed for the house. After that I went home to get ready for the Sweet Pea Pageant. My friend Robin's daughter was in it...she looked absolutely adorable! After the pageant, I went back to Casey's (my sister) and we all curled up and watched a movie...Saving Sarah. It was a really funny movie!

Sunday, I took the boys to see Kangaroo Jack...Great movie! The boys loved it...so did Austin's little "girlfriend" (considering that they are nine years old, I'm not really sure that's what you'd call it)! We decided we'd take her along with us. It was so funny to watch him getting ready for their "date". He was so nervous and he asked his dad what he should say to her when he went to the door. Well, when we got there, her entire family was there to see her off! Her grandfather was sitting on the couch with a shot gun (as a joke of course!)!!! At any rate, they had a great time and really enjoyed the movie. They have been "boyfriend and girlfriend" since first grade...they are now in the fourth grade. Isn't that a little young? I mean I know that kids do stuff like this, but are my kids supposed to?!? LOL :o)

Gotta get back to work...have a radiant day!

Good afternoon friends...I would like to post this graphic in memory of our fallen heros. Have a blessed day.

1. As a child, who was your favorite superhero/heroine? Why?
My favorite superhero was Wonder Woman! I remember watching that show all the time!!

2. What was one thing you always wanted as a child but never got?
I can't remember not ever wanting something really bad and not getting it...hmmm...I'll have to think about this one! :o)

3. What's the furthest from home you've been?
I am the furthest I've ever been from home right now...I am from Georgia and I am now living in Arkansas.

4. What's one thing you've always wanted to learn but haven't yet?
I want to learn how to speak fluently in French. I took it as a course in high school, but it was just an introduction course. I would love to be able to speak it well.

5. What are your plans for the weekend?
I am getting my hair done at 9:00 in the morning, moving my sister tomorrow afternoon, and studying tomorrow night. Sunday, I am taking the boys to the movies to see Kangaroo Jack.

Have a super day!

Good Thursday morning, friends!

I've done some work on my adoption site today...I really had hoped that I would get more requests for my adoptions than I have. I'm not quite sure how to "advertise" it though. What do y'all like when you are looking for adoptions? Anything in particular? Suggestions please!! Be sure to stop by and check it out...::click here:: Don't forget to join the mailing list so you'll know when I add something to it! I added an absolutely adorable adoption from the Dreamland Dollhouse today. I love her stuff! This is the first one I have bought from her, andI am really excited about it. Also, I would like for you to all give me your honest opinion on the adoptions that I have there...like them? Don't like them? Help!

We are yet one more day closer to the weekend! Woo hoo!! It's going to be another busy day here at the office...month-end stuff to do. Blah! :o)

I've got a busy weekend planned as well. My sister has finally gotten her own place!!! She is so very excited. I am happy that she and my niece will finally have their own place to stay. Since she called off the engagement, she has been staying with a friend of ours and with me, off and on. She so deserves this...I can't wait to help her get moved in.

Back to work for me! Have a fabulous day!

Good morning everyone!

Happy Hump Day! We're half-way to the weekend! Woo Hoo!!! I hope you're all having a wonderful week. I'm really busy here at the office today, but I wanted to leave you all with a thought...

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

Have a radiant day!!!

Well, it's Tuesday!

Yet another Monday, out of the way! It was a busy one too, I might add! Austin lost his first basketball game last night...in overtime! It was a great game. He was just so darn tired afterwards! I have yet to figure out why they schedule those games so late. His game didn't even start until 8:00. But, all in all, we had a good time!

Hubby and I had a terrible argument last night...I don't even remember what started it all, but I just get tired of fighting with him. What's the point?!? I'm not sure what's causing him to be so unhappy with me, but he just knit-picks everything I do and it seems as though I never to anything to his liking. What is up with that?!? He decided that he wanted to ignore me and avoid me after our argument last night...whatever! If he doesn't straighten up, and soon, I am not sure what I'll do but I can't go on living like this. He has got to tell me what's going on in the little head of his...I can't read his mind!

Okay...enough of that. Thanks for listening! I hope you all have a wonderful day! :o)

Good Monday morning, friends!

What a great weekend! Austin won his basketball game Saturday...his team is 3 - 0 now. They are so excited to be undefeated! His team is doing really well. Yesterday, I went to my friend Robin's and we did some scrapbooking while we watched the Super Bowl. That wasn't much of a game! But, it was fun.

A thought...

I was in the bathroom, getting ready for work this morning, and my four-year-old came in...he looked up at me and asked me if a sweater would go with jeans. Now, this isn't really anything unusual for him to do. But for some reason, at that moment, my heart was swelling with happiness. I looked at him and realized that he will be five years old in 2 months. He will be starting T-ball and school this year. It is amazing to me how time flies. I can remember sitting in class back in high school...wishing my life away...wishing graduation would hurry up!!! Now, I wouldn't wish for tomorrow for anything. As long as I've got today, just one last chance to be with my children and watch them laugh, watch them pick on each other, listen to them gripe about what I've fixed for dinner, and hear them tell me that they love me, I couldn't ask for more! I am so blessed to have such wonderful children.

Good Saturday morning, friends!

I am so thrilled to be blogging on the weekend!!! I hardly ever have the time to do that. I fell asleep on the couch last night at about 9:15, and I am up and at 'em this morning! Everyone in the house is still asleep, it's quiet, and I have the entire house to myself! I am having my usual glass of Diet Coke while I'm sitting here checking my messages and visiting my friends. It's so peaceful. I went out for a cigarette (don't smoke in the house), and it is down right cold outside! They were saying on the weather the other day that Arkansas has not seen weather this cold in over seven years!

Austin has a basketball game today, so we are looking forward to that. We've only played two so far this season and we've won both of them. He is really looking forward to baseball season...that's what we really love! I really love baseball!!! :o) Tanner will start playing this year as well...boy are we going to be busy!!!

Well, I'm off to do a little blog-hopping. I hope you all enjoy your Saturday.

1. What is one thing you don't like about your body?
I don't like my flabby belly, but since it's because of my children, it will be okay!

2. What are two things you love about your body?
I love my eyes. I've always been told that I have pretty eyes.

3. What are three things you want to change about your home?
I have a brand new home, built to my specifications, so there isn't really anything that I would change about it just yet.

4. What are four books you want to read this year?
I want to read Red Dragon, Black Hawk Down, and the new Harry Potter book.

5. What are five promises you have kept to yourself?
I promised myself to be the best mother I can be, to finish college, to obtain a good job, to be a good wife, and to build a new house. I have kept all those promises to myself.

My, my, my...what a busy day!!!

I have literally worked on this presentation ALL day long. My eyeballs are killing me! Looking at this computer screen all day is tough on the eyes! But, the presentation is coming along nicely and I think my boss will be pleased with it. I sent him the rough draft a few minutes ago, and I am now awaiting his approval. Whew! :o) Off to school! I've got a test in my Business class tonight. Have a good night!

Good morning friends!

I don't have much time to blog this morning...gotta get to work on my presentation. Just wanted to wish everyone a great day! I'll be back later today to blog...

I would like to start by wishing my friend, ::Jana:: a

I hope you have a great day, Jana!
:..:..:..:..:..:..:..:..:..:..:..:..:..:..:..:..:..:..:..:..:..:..:..:..:..:
What a peaceful way to start the day!!

This morning was completely opposite of yesterday morning! Yippie!! :o) When I got the boys up, they got up, got dressed, ate breakfast, and brushed their teeth just like clockwork! I could not have asked for a better morning. Thank you all so much for your encouraging words yesterday. I don't like to leave ranting and raving in my blog, because I know that we all have our own problems, but I was stressed to the max yesterday...all day...it just got worse as it went.

I have been working on a huge Power Point presentation for the big Management Meeting here at work. I spent four hours on it yesterday. In the midst of working on it, my PC froze up and I lost everything. UGH. I was so upset. It was really difficult trying not to cry yesterday. I was bound to have a bad day with it starting off the way it did! But, I cut out of work a little early, went to the mall to get my hubby's birthday present (yesterday was his birthday), then I headed to class. Took my Biology test, which was terrible, but I'm not worried about it, and then I headed home to celebrate hubby's birthday...at 9:00! Then, I ran a nice hot bath and soaked...a perfect end to a terrible day!

Today is a new day and I am just happy to be alive! Life is grand! Have a radiant day...

Good morning!

What a day it has been already...I'm so stressed right now I could just cry. Why is it that kids can stress you out so much? I mean, they are such little creatures, yet they have such big mouths!!!!!!!! I went in to get the boys up this morning, as I always do, and Austin just woke up in a bad mood. I'm not sure why that is! I told him to get dressed, and he got mad because he didn't have anything to wear. Well, I find that hard to believe because he has a closet full of clothes. There just wasn't anything in there that he WANTED to wear. Then, I picked out shirt for him, and he changed when I left the room. UGH! I then told him to brush his teeth and he proceeded to yell at me and tell me that he had not eaten yet. So I went to finish getting ready for work and then went to tell him to fix his hair...he looked at me and said, "why should I fix my hair?" Good grief! Then the spanking came. It just breaks my heart to spank my kids, but I'll be danged if a 9-year-old is going to speak to me that way!

Thanks for listening to me vent this morning! I have to get to work...I hope you all have a radiant day! :o)

Good Monday Morning!!!

What a weekend that was! Friday night, I met my friend for dinner at Red Lobster and it was great. We had a nice long talk and caught up on everything. We talked about her marriage, my marriage, our kids, what she wants out of life, etc. After dinner, she and I met my sister and two other friends for a movie. We went to see "Just Married" and it was hilarious!!! We all needed a good laugh, so it was nice to see something so comical!

Saturday, I spent some much needed time with the kids. We hung out at the house, watched movies, etc. They wanted to spend the night with their Papa, so there I was all alone, at home, on a Saturday night. The boys were gone, Chad was at work...then the phone rang. The girls wanted to go out! So, we headed to dinner and then went for some dancing. A great time was had by all!

Sunday, was a pretty much a catch-all day. Chad and I slept in and the boys came home around 11:00. We cleaned house, did some laundry, and played outside. The weather was really nice. I made a quick trip to Wal-Mart to pick up some things that we needed. When I got home, Chad had gotten called into work again, so I called my friend Colleen and we did some studying for a Biology test that is coming up tomorrow night. We accomplished quite a bit...it's nice to have a friend in class with me to study with. I hate studying alone! After she and her son went home, the boys and I piled up on the couch together and watch Stuart Little 2...for the 4th time this weekend!! =)

Anyway...back to work! I hope you all have a wonderful day!

1. Where do you currently work? I currently work for a trucking company in Arkansas, USA Truck. We run about 1,800 trucks and have over 300 office employees.

2. How many other jobs have you had and where? In my younger years, I had several jobs. I've worked at a steak house, a drive-in (like Sonic), a bow & arrow factory (back in my partying days...worked with the partying schedule!), I am an EMT, so I've worked on the ambulance, I've been a secretary for an ambulance service, and I've worked as the help desk coordinator for the computer department at a chicken plant. Now, I am an Executive Assistant to the VP of our company.

3. What do you like best about your job? I like having the freedom to do things like post to my blog while I'm at work! :o) I also like the feeling of being important. Being support staff for the executives here is very important and is a very visible job.

4. What do you like least about your job? I don't like coming to work to get a job done only to find people come in to complain about their jobs...they should just be thankful they have a job!

5. What is your dream job? My dream job is owning my own scrapbook store...I hope to be able to make it happen some day.

Talk about some cold weather!!!

It is one cold day here in Arkansas! Right now it is 27 degrees with a wind chill of 9 degrees....woooooeeee! Cold, cold, cold! It was snowing when I got up this morning and when I went out to leave for work, I felt as though I was back in Chicago!!! The wind was blowing something fierce (weather man said 30 miles per hour). =) Well, then reality set in and I realized that I wasn't in Chicago, I was here, at home, in real life, in my real cold car, heading to my real job, where I work with a bunch of real lazy people! LOL =)

The company that I work for has been invited by the college (that I attend) to attend the basketball game tonight. We get to take our entire family for the game with free admission, free snack at half-time, and free, reserved parking. The boys are really looking forward to that! It should be a lot of fun to visit and hang out with my friends from here at work, outside of work. I will head over there after class tonight to meet everyone. Hubby is bringing the boys and my sister and my best friend are coming as well...we all work here together.

I am really looking forward to dinner with my friend tomorrow night. It should be a lot of fun and hopefully will get us both back on track with our friendship.

Anywho...gotta get back to work. Y'all have a great day! :o)

Good Wednesday morning, friends!

Today is a new day...obviously! =) Thank you all for your comments and e-mails over the last couple of days. My friend Sean is holding up well and he will be back to work on Monday. I think spending time with his family and friends has helped him overcome the numbness he has felt recently.

You all may remember the friend I was telling you about that lost her job and is having nuptual troubles. Well guess what?!? She e-mailed me yesterday and wants to meet for dinner Friday night, just her and me, so that we can talk. I am really looking forward to it. I figured she would come around eventually, but I sure have missed her! Maybe this will be a new start for us and we can get our friendship back on track. Now if I could just get my marriage back on track, life would be perfect. MEN! Ugh!!

Anyway. I have to go to the library tonight to do some studying for Biology. I hope to be home in time to watch The Bachelorette...that show can be so addicting! Is anyone else watching it? I think it's great that they are letting a woman do it this time. The men were having way too much fun with it!

I have to get back to work, but wanted to share this with you first. My new friend Kori sent it to me...neat! Thanks Kori!

Getting to know you...

1. LAST MOVIE YOU SAW IN A THEATER? Sweet Home Alabama

2. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING? My Biology textbook =)

3. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOARD GAME? Monopoly

4. FAVORITE MAGAZINE? PaperKuts (scrapbooking magazine)

5. FAVORITE SMELLS? Cinnamon

6. COMFORT FOODS? Ice cream & chocolate!!!

7. FAVORITE SOUNDS? The sound of my boys laughing

8. WORST FEELING IN THE WORLD? Hearing someone tell me that my grandfather passed away

9. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING? Is it 5:00 already?!?

10. FAVORITE FAST FOOD PLACE? Wendy's

11. FUTURE CHILD'S NAME? More children in my future isn't looking too promising, but if I do ever have another one, I would choose Aubrey for a girl and Tucker for a boy

12. WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT IN LIFE? My family

13. FINISH THE STATEMENT, IF I HAD LOTS OF MONEY... I would pay off all my bills, my car, my house, and take an extended vacation.

14. DO YOU DRIVE FAST? Yes

15. YOU SLEEP WITH A STUFFED: Husband!

16. ARE STORMS COOL OR SCARY? Cool

17. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR? 1983 Ford Thunderbird

18. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR? Purple

19. FINISH THIS STATEMENT. IF I HAD THE TIME I WOULD... Open my own business

20. DO YOU EAT THE STEMS OF BROCCOLI? No!

21. IF YOU COULD DYE YOUR HAIR ANY COLOR, WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE? My hair is the color that I want it to be...blonde

22. GLASS HALF EMPTY OR HALF FULL? Most days it is half full

23. HOW MANY DIFFERENT TOWNS HAVE YOU LIVED IN? 7

24. FAVORITE PLACE TO RELAX? In my jacuzzi

25. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Baseball

26. SAY ONE NICE THING ABOUT THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU. She's very sweet in her e-mails

27. WHAT IS UNDER YOUR BED? My wedding gown and old pictures

28. OF ALL THE PEOPLE YOU E- MAIL This TO, WHO'S THE MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? I didn't e-mail it to anyone...just posted it here

Good morning all...

I just wanted to jot a few thoughts down...the death of my friend's father has really got me to thinking. I guess anytime someone passes, it makes people think. You see, I have not seen my real father but only one time in 16 years. It saddens me to know that I have a dad that cares nothing about seeing me...but, such is life I suppose. I have done my best to make him a part of my life and that is all I can do. If he chooses to remain a "distant relative" of mine, then I don't suppose there is anything I can do about it. He will grow old knowing that he has a daughter that loves him and misses him.

I want to close by saying thank you to all my wonderful blogging friends. You are all so very supportive. While I understand that the last thing you want to do is to read someone's sad, depressing stories (because we all have issues in our lives that need to be dealt with), you all continue to pour out your prayers and friendship and leave wonderfully friendly tags on my board and e-mails in my inbox. I must say that I am so very blessed to have made so many friends on the Internet and I can only hope that some day our paths will cross and I will be so fortunate to meet at least one of you. I hope you all have a great day. The funeral is at 10:00 this morning, so I will be out for a couple of hours...

Good morning, friends.

I hope you are all doing well today. I am sad today. It's not very often that I do get sad, but my heart is aching for one of my best friends. My friend Sean and I have been friends for about 3 1/2 years now. We met here at work and we talk about a lot of things. I can confide in him and he does the same with me. He is very special to me. Well, we got some sad news Saturday morning. You see, Sean's dad had gone out for his daily morning walk and never came back. He collapsed to his death on the side of the road early Saturday morning. He was a good man and is known and loved by everyone in our community. His death was very unexpected. Sean feels as though he has lost his friend, his hero. To add to the sadness and stress in his life, his wife has a lump in her breast that was supposed to be removed in surgery today. That has been postponed until next week when things settle down a little. But, he is strong and I know that he will make it through this just fine.

I need to get back to work now, but thanks for reading what is troubling me today. Please remember my friend Sean and his family in your prayers today. I know you all will, because you are all wonderful friends! =) I don't know if I'll be blogging tonight or tomorrow, as the visitation is tonight and the service is tomorrow morning. Until next time, take care.

1. Where are you right now?
I am at work, unfortunately!

2. What time is it?
Right now, it is 9:30 a.m. 

3. What are you wearing?
I am wearing jeans and a sweatshirt. (it's casual day here at the office)

4. Any people or animals around you? Describe them. 
There are lots of people around me! I work in an office of about 300 people. Some of them work, some of them complain about working, and some of them do absolutely nothing! =) 5. What are your plans for the weekend?My plans for the weekend are to study and relax. I will be consumed with studying for the next few months...

Busy, busy, busy!!

I just cannot believe this Arkansas weather we are having! It has been so beautiful here for the last few days. Here we are, in the middle of January and the weather is like spring time. Yesterday it was up to 70 degrees and today it is supposed to be 65. Wow! It sure is nice! But, they are calling for snow this weekend...good ole Arkansas weather! =)

Gosh, I have been a busy little bee! =) I have spent at least 2 hours every night this week on campus trying to get my schedule for school straightened out. You would think that I would have learned not to procrastinate by now! But nope...always waiting until the last minute! I've got it all straightened out now and I dropped a couple of classes. I decided that I've just pushed myself too hard in my previous semesters and it's time to slack off a bit. I only have 3 classes for this semester now, but it's still a lot and it's considered full time. I've got Sociology, Biological Science, and Business Law. NO ALGEBRA! Woo hoo!! LOL =) Sociology and Biological Science are Internet classes, so I can take them from home, with the exception of the lab which is on Tuesday nights from 6:50 until 8:40. Thursdays I have my Business class from 5:25 until 8:05...gosh that's a really long class! I will be spending Wednesday nights in the library for study night with a friend of mine. She and I ended up in the same class together and didn't even know it until afterwards! I guess 3 nights per week isn't that bad. I am just glad that I don't have any math classes! =)

My friend, that's been having all the trouble at home, started a new job yesterday. I haven't gotten to talk to her about it yet, but she was really excited to be going back to work. She has been unemployed for a few months now so I am sure she will be glad to be getting back into the swing of things. She has changed doctors and he changed her medication, so I am hoping that she will get back on track.

I've got to get back to work now. I hope you all have a radiant day!

Good morning friends!

Sorry about not posting yesterday...it was a terribly busy day here at the office and I just couldn't find the time. I had a good weekend. I hope you all did as well. Sunday was good. I enjoyed visiting with my friend and scrapbooking. Dinner was great too! Her husband makes the best chicken and he knows that it is my favorite, so he fixed it for me! My friend and I didn't really talk much about the situation other than her doctor appointments. He has put her on medication that is helping her with her chemical imbalance and things seem to be looking up for her and her husband. Although I enjoyed myself, things were a little awkward for me. It has just been so long since I have seen her, it was like it was one of the first times we were together or something. Just weird. Hmmmmm....

Anyway, I got all my classes scheduled yesterday. I have two classes on the Internet that I will take from home, with the exception of my Biology, in which I have to go to campus for my labs. Then I also have three other classes that I am actually taking on campus. It's a full load, but worth it. I am so ready to get this Associate's degree!

I guess I better get back to work...still trying to get caught up from all the holidays and the trip to Chicago! I want to share a couple of gifts that I received over the weekend...I was so honored to get them:

Thank you so much, LuAnn!  I am so proud to be a favorite
read of yours!

 

Tammy...you're such a sweetie!  Thank you!

 

Nancze...what can I say?!?  Your e-mail was just so
sweet.  Thank you!

Wow...I'm getting to post on Saturday. That's a rare occasion! I am usually so busy and out-of-pocket, that I don't get to do much Internet-surfing on the weekends.

What a great day today was! My husband and my youngest son decided to stay home and build a pen and a dog house for the new puppies. So, I took Austin to town to spend the money that he got for Christmas. We went out for lunch at a little Mexican restaurant here in town and they have the best food! I love eating there. Then we went to Toys R Us and stayed in there forever...he had such a good time. He likes to be able to go places without little brother always tagging along...I guess that's okay. Then we went to a little Western Store to pick up some Wranglers for Tanner. That's what he wanted to spend some of his money on, so we went by to pick those up for him because he really wanted to stay and help his Dad. After that, we went by Hibbett Sports so that Austin could look at bats...he thinks he needs a new bat to go with that new glove he got for Christmas (always something!) =) And then we were off to Wal-Mart to get some things that we needed here around the house. It was nice to get out for a while and Austin and I had a great time. He was so good.

I want to thank you all for the encouraging words of advice left in my inbox & on my tagboard regarding the issues with my friend. I haven't seen her in weeks, and I am really missing her. My kids are wanting to go play with her kids, as they are missing them as well. So, we called today and we are going over there tomorrow so that the kids can play. I don't really think that she is intentionally shutting me out of her life, I think that she is just so tied up in what is going on in her life that she isn't sure how to deal with it all. I don't think that I will bring it up tomorrow while I am there. If she wants to talk about it, I will certainly listen. But, this is something that only she and her husband can deal with. I think that's the best way to handle this situation. We are going to do some scrapbooking tomorrow and they are going to fix dinner for us, so we should have a great time. I am really looking forward to it. I really do miss her so much. I just want things to be they way they were before all this mess.

I just fixed a light dinner for the kids tonight...hot dogs. Austin has a friend over for the night and they are all watching movies. Chad had to go to work for a while, so I am just playing around here on the Internet. I rented a couple of DVD's for Chad and me to watch. I got Trapped and Bad Company. I've seen the previews and I have heard they are good...looking forward to watching them. Anyway. I better get off here and get some stuff done before Chad gets home and gets ready to watch these movies. I hope y'all are having a great weekend!!! =)

Good Friday morning! I guess this is my last weekend of freedom since school starts back for me on Monday. I am really looking forward to this semester, believe it or not! I sometimes wonder if I am doing myself any good by going to school. My poor kids think I have abandoned them when class is in session because I am gone so much. I know, it is one of those sacrifices that we all have to make in life, but I just hate missing so much time with them.

I have been having some issues with one of my friends and I am not sure what to do about it. She and I have been friends for almost 3 years now and we were unseparable for a long time. We have a lot in common, we get along great, and I love her to death. But you see, she has been unfaithful in her marriage and her husband now knows about it. They are both very miserable in their marriage, they fight all the time, but they think that staying together is the best thing for the children. In a way, I agree with them. But, if they are so unhappy, it is going to reflect on the kids too. I am not so sure that this is the best thing for them. She and I have talked about it several times and she says that if she has to be unhappy for her children to remain in their home, then she will. That bothers me. The kids are both very unhappy...you can see it in their eyes. And now, my friend is shutting me out. It upsets me. She is shutting everyone out. Her husband won't "allow" her to go do anything...not even just lunch with me or scrapbooking at my house. I hardly think that is right. Granted, she has been unfaithful and he has some trust issues with her, but why keep her imprisoned in her own home? I just don't know what to do. I feel as though I am losing her friendship and she needs her friends right now. She has lost her job because of the affair too. The whole thing just keeps snowballing. My goodness...what is a girl to do?!?

Well, I guess I have rambled on enough about that. Thanks for listening! Here is my Friday Five:

1. Do you wear any jewelry? What kind?
Yes, I wear jewelry! I wear my wedding ring on one hand and one of my other rings on my right hand...just depends on what clothes I am wearing. I also wear a watch and earrings. I have two holes in each ear, so I usually wear something small and then the usual earrings to go with whatever I am wearing.

2. How often do you wear it?
Every day!

3. Do you have any piercings? If so, where?
I only have piercings in my ears...I'm too chicken to get them anywhere else!

4. Do you have any tattoos? If so, where?
No tattoos...once again, I'm too chicken to get one!

5. What are your plans for the weekend?
I have no plans for this weekend. I just want to stay home and spend time with my husband and my kids before I go back to school next week.

Hello friends! Happy New Year! Our party went well. We had about 20 of our friends over and we had a blast. I always enjoy entertaining our friends and everything went well.

I'm a little sick today...coming down with a pretty rough cough. I hope it doesn't turn into something worse. I just hate being sick. I think maybe it is just because of all the stress of the holidays and running myself ragged for the past few weeks.

I guess you can see that I changed my graphics today...I just LOVE them! I had Tara make me a set and I am absolutely in love with it. She has some really great graphics! And guess what...turns out she is from Arkansas too! =) If you'd like to see her work, you can visit her by clicking ::here:: I think you'll enjoy your visit to her site. She has beautiful graphics! I am so proud to have this set made by her. Which leads me to my next thought. In case you didn't notice, I changed the name of my blog too. I wasn't real crazy about Becky's Blatherings, so I changed it to Becky's Babble...I like that better! You can pick up my new linkie by clicking ::here:: It's the blinkie that goes with this set...it's a cute one! =)

Well, I guess I better get back to work...the paperwork has really piled up with all the holidays and my trip to Chicago. Speaking of which...here are some pictures from Chicago for you.

This
one is Amber and me (left to right) at the "Crash Pad" which is where
we stayed.  It's my Mom's apartment in Chicago...where she and 7 other
flight attendants stay when they're in town.  It's a really neat place.

 

This
is us in a club on the 96th floor of the John Hancock building.  The view
from up there was absolutely astonishing.  I can't wait to go back!!!

 

And
this one...is us riding the "L".  It was so cool!  You can
see everything riding into town on the "L".

Have a radiant day! =)

My very last post for this year! =) I have been a busy little bee today! I added several new adoptions to my adoption shoppe...some really cute ones! I hope that you will all stop by and check them out.

I am looking forward to the new year. I have set some goals for myself for next year. I am trying to refrain from setting "resolutions" because that never seems to happen. Therefore, I am setting "goals" for 2003! I have lost a lot of weight over the past several months and my goal for next year is to firm it all up! I am the proud owner of an 8-Minutes Abs & Buns video and I am going to use it...religiously! I am going to have to make the time to walk and lift the dumbbells to get rid of the flab on my arms. Do you have any goals for the upcoming year? Share them with me!

Hubby and I are throwing a big party tonight. I am looking forward to that. This will be the first time we've entertained in the new house. There are several of our friends coming over so that should be a lot of fun. I have started a list of things that I need to stop and get...I just hope I don't forget anything! I want to wish all of you, my blogging buddies, a very happy, healthy, and prosperous new year. Be safe tonight and have a great time bringing in the new year! =)

Wow! It's been a while since I've blogged...I don't think I've ever waited that long. The holidays were great, I enjoyed spending time with my family, and the kids really enjoyed it. But, I'm glad it's over. It's just so stressful. Should it really be that way? I've taken the Christmas decorations down, all the new gifts are put away, and life is slowly getting back to normal. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday as well. The boys had a wonderful Christmas, as always. It's funny, I don't remember getting that much stuff for Christmas when I was a kid! LOL They were really excited to get the puppies. They are just so darn cute! Austin named his Ozzie and Tanner named his spot. Now we are in the process of building a pen and a dog house for them. They are going to be big dogs, and they are already growing quickly, so we need to get that done!

I added a New Year's adoption to my Adoption Shoppe. ::Click here:: to stop by and take a look. It's a cutie!! I've also had several new people join our Bloggin' Moms clique. I think it's going to go over well. If you'd like to join us, ::click here::I'm in the process of having a new custom blog set made now that the holidays are over. I can't wait to get it so that I can re-decorate!

I guess this will be my last week of freedom. The new semester starts Monday. This is it...after this semester I will have a college degree! Just an Associates, but it's a degree! I will have about 18 more months after the upcoming semester to completing my Bachelor's. I absolutely cannot wait! I could not have done it without the support of my family and friends. I think I've probably got the best friends in the world. They are so quick to offer to pick up the boys if I need them to. They never ask questions, they just do it. Isn't that great?!?

I've got to get back to work now. I hope you all have a wonderful Monday. =)

Well, it’s Monday and only 2 more days until Christmas (if you count today)! It's sleeting outside, so the roads are liable to get bad today and tomorrow. I hope not, as that would prevent me from going to see my family for Christmas. It has been a busy weekend. I finished up some last-minute shopping this weekend and did a little cleaning around the house. There is still so much cleaning left to do! It’s a never-ending thing. Do any of you seem to have that same problem?? Surely I can’t be the only one that has all this cleaning to do…holidays or not…it just never goes away!

This will be the first Christmas without my Grandpa…he died this past June. It saddens me to know that my Granny is going to have to be by herself all the way down there in Georgia this Christmas. She was here for Thanksgiving, so she won’t be able to make it back to Arkansas for this holiday. I’m sure she’ll be fine, but I wish she didn’t have to stay in that house all alone. She’s got her mom, but she is staying in an assisted living home and isn’t actually there with her. I am sure that some of our other family will be there…I guess it’s just not the same. At any rate, life goes on, as it always does. Knowing that Papa is in a better place makes it a little easier, I suppose.

The boys are really excited about Christmas…we are getting them each a puppy this year. Boy, are they going to be excited! =) Tanner has been asking for one for quite some time so he will just be thrilled! My husband is on his way now to pick them up. I cannot wait to see their faces when they get them Christmas morning. Tanner told me Friday night that if he could only have one gift, that is what he would want.

My husband and I haven’t been getting along all that great for the last few days…I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because of the stress of the holidays, maybe it’s the fact that he hates his job, who knows. I just hope it passes soon. I hate arguing…with anyone!

Well, now that I’ve complained a little today, I guess I’ll stop now. I am not sure if I will be able to journal tomorrow or Wednesday, so if I don’t I want to wish each and every one of you that visit me today wonderfully happy Christmas and to remind you to enjoy this special time of year.

Merry Christmas Friends!!!

Good morning!

I hope you are all doing well today. I am still very tired, but I plan to take care of that problem this weekend! Lots of rest for me!! Hubby and I did a lot of gift wrapping last night...it was fun. The boys were so excited to wake up this morning and find all those gifts under the tree. I think they were starting to get a little worried because I hadn't wrapped anything yet!

I've been trying to add all the new gifts that I have received to my site...I'm getting there, slowly but surely! I did add a new adoption to my adoption site. Be sure to stop by and visit:
::Click Here::
I also added a mailing list so that everyone can be notified of new additions to the site. I'm hoping that the adoption site goes over really well because I have certainly enjoyed making it and buying the adoptions!

I've got to get back to work, but I'll try to come back and journal some more tonight. I've got a lot on my mind, so I am sure I'll have a lot to say! Have a great day. =) Oh, here's my Friday Five...

Friday Five

1. What holiday or holidays do you celebrate this time of year?
We celebrate Christmas.

2. What was the best gift you have ever received?
The best gift I have ever received would have to be my children. They are a gift from above and I am so very thankful them and the happiness they have brought into my life.

3. What was the worst gift you've ever given?
I'm not sure...I'm sure I have given someone a bad gift somewhere down the road, but it certainly wasn't intentional!

4. Where will you be celebrating the holidays? Are you hosting? Going away?
Looks as though we will be staying home this year...the weather man is calling for some snow and ice and it will make travelling to my mom's difficult. I hope it waits until after the holiday.

5. If you could spend the holidays with someone who isn't around, who would it be with? Why?
I would want to spend the holidays with my real dad just once. He lives in South Carolina and I am in Arkansas. I have seen him one time in the last 17 years. I have no real memories of spending Christmas with him as a child, although I am sure that I did.

The Ballet & Chicago!!!

Happy Thursday friends!!! We have finally returned home and things are starting to settle down a bit. The ballet Saturday night was fabulous! It was as good as I remember it being when I went as a little girl. The Nutcracker has got to be the best ballet I have ever seen. It is just so relaxing and fun to watch. I had to jostle hubby a time or two to make sure he was awake, but oh well…I had fun!! =)

Chicago…well, well, well…where do I start!?!?!? We arrived in Chicago at 3:00 Sunday afternoon, rushed to the apartment, changed and then headed out for a night on the town. We had dinner at this great little Italian restaurant called Danny’s. It is just a little ‘hole-in-the-wall’ type of place, but it is owned and operated by Italians and the food was absolutely fabulous! I think I had the best Chicken Parmesan I have ever had! After dinner at Danny’s we headed to a little tavern called Mr. C’s. Mr. C’s is where all the pilots and flight attendants go to hang out while they are in Chicago…it’s a great place! We played pool, visited, and had a couple of drinks. I met some really great people there!

Monday morning we got up and headed to Michigan Avenue…the Magnificent Mile! OH MY GOSH! Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., Neman Marcus, the stores were great! I saw a coat in Saks that was $22,000. Can you believe that?!? I can think of better things to spend $22,000 on!!! LOL We had lunch at Hard Rock Café and walked ALL day long…it was great! Later that evening, we went to the John Hancock building and had a drink up on the 96th floor in the lounge. We could see for miles across Chicago! It was nighttime and the lights and buildings were absolutely striking. I was so amazed at the view from up there. After that, we headed to the Bulls game!!! 2nd row seats, our own waitress, a ride home by the announcer of the Bulls, we made national television, and the hot dogs were great (even though they were $4.50)!! After that, we went back to Mr. C’s to hang out and we didn’t get into bed until 7:30 the next morning (what’s the point of going to Chicago if you’re going to sleep, right?!?).

Apparently, the weather was bad in St. Louis (which is where we had to change planes before coming into Little Rock), so our first flight was cancelled and we were moved to a different flight. Then that flight was delayed for 1 ½ hours. Luckily, the flight that we were supposed to catch in St. Louis was still on the ground from delays as well, so we were only 45 minutes behind schedule coming home. Amber and I still had a 2 hour drive from the airport, so we were thankful for that. We got home about 10:30 Tuesday night and I have yet to catch up on my sleep, but I’m getting closer!! =)

Thanks to everyone that stopped by to say hi while we were gone and all the wonderfully friendly e-mails that I had in my inbox. Things are back to normal now, so I should be able to start making my rounds daily again. Have a great afternoon! =)

Good Sunday morning friends! I have a few minutes before I need to get ready to go to the airport, so I thought I would journal a little. Mom, Amber and I are getting very excited about our trip to Chicago! We are going to the Bulls game tomorrow night...2nd row seats (courtesy of Red Kerr, who used to play for the Bulls and is now their voice/announcer). My Mom is personal friends with him...pretty cool! =) The Oprah show isn't looking too hopeful, but we are going to try.

I miss my boys and my hubby already! Tanner couldn't figure out why I was going out of town without his dad! Austin...well he just couldn't care! LOL He is just at that stage to where he is too cool to care! LOL

I slept in this morning, which was nice, so I better start getting around. I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend. Have a radiant day! =)

T.G.I.F.

Oh my gosh, that had to have been the hardest test I have ever taken! There were 30 algebra problems on the test and it took me 2 1/2 hours to take it...can you believe that?!? By the time I got out of there I was so tired I hurt. But, at any rate, it's over and I am now on Christmas break! Woo Hoo! Thanks to all of you for the encouragement on my tag board and in my e-mail. You are all a wonderful bunch of friends. Now if I can just get this next semester under my belt, I'll have a college degree to hang on my wall (an Associates, anyway). I will be so glad to get my Bachelor's and get this done!

Tomorrow is a big day for me...going to the ballet!! I can't wait. My hubby isn't really looking forward to it, but he knows that I am so I guess he is going to tolerate it. I told him that he would be a cultured man after attending a ballet! :o) After the ballet, Amber and I are leaving for Chicago! WOO HOO! We are going to try to get in to see the Oprah show, but I don't know if we'll be able to swing it or not. We are going to a Chicago Bulls game, going shopping, and some other fun things. Mom will have her laptop, so I should be able to journal a little while we're there to let you know how it's going and how COLD it is!

Back to work! Have a wonderful Friday!!!

My apologies for not journaling yesterday...I've been getting ready for finals and today is the day! I will finish this semester up tonight! Woo Hoo!!!! I've also been busy opening up my new adoption shop. Click here to visit...I hope you'll like it. There are only a few adoptions available thus far, but I will be adding more soon. Let me know what you think!

A friend of mine and I are flying to Chicago this weekend to hang out for a day or two. I am in great need of a mini-vacation and it is going to be so much fun! I have never been to Chicago before...I'm sure there will be lots to do while we are there.

Gotta get back to work! I'll let y'all know how the final goes tonight. Thanks to you all for the good luck wishes! Have a radiant day! =)

Will you vote for me again? I would really appreciate it! Click here. Thanks! Here's my Tuesday This or That...

Tuesday This or That

1. Real or artificial tree?
At the moment, I have an artificial tree. I'm a little nervous about using a real tree because of the threat of it drying out and catching on fire. (Strange, and maybe a bit anal, I know but that's just me!)

2. Real or artificial wreath?
Real wreath...on the front door.

3. Open gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day (or do you do another holiday such as Hannukkah)?
We open gifts on both days, Christmas Eve with one family and Christmas Day with the other (inlaws and such).

4. "It's A Wonderful Life" or "Miracle on 34th Street"?
"Miracle on 34th Street"

5. Outdoor decorations, or just indoors?
Both! I have tons of lights on my house and tons of decorations inside!

6. "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" or "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer"?
"Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer"

7. Miniature lights or the larger ones?
Miniature lights

8. Store-bought or hand-made ornaments?
Both! I love making crafts and I love the ornaments that my children make each year.

9. TV Specials: The Grinch or Charlie Brown?
Charlie Brown

10. Will you be staying at home for the holiday, or going visiting?
Going visiting! My mother lives about 2 hours away, so we will be going to visit her on Christmas Eve. My husband's family lives right next door to us, so we will be spending Christmas Day at home with them.

Hello friends! I had to take a break from the books for a bit and thought I would check my sites and my mail. I've had just about all the Algebra I can stand for a day!! I gave my speech Friday night, and did quite well on it. I made a B. It's not the A that I wanted, but I guess it'll do! I have to take my final in my Music class tomorrow night and then my Algebra final Thursday...it's almost over!!!!

It's been a quiet day around here. The boys have been outside playing most of the day...the weather has been nice for this time of year. I think it is supposed to turn off cold tomorrow, so they'll be glad they got to play outside. Hubby and I did a little house cleaning this morning and I've been studying ever since.

Tomorrow is mine and hubby's anniversary...7 years! It doesn't seem as though we've been married that long. I don't think we are doing much tomorrow night, but he did buy tickets to the ballet. Who would have thought the MY hubby would take me to the ballet! I am so excited I can hardly stand it!!! We are going to see the Nutcracker. It should be a lot of fun. It is going to be at the new Performing Arts Center at the high school that I graduated from...it's a very nice facility. Click here to see it...beautiful!! I absolutely cannot wait!!! Now, if I can just talk hubby into wearing khaki's...LOL. He hates to dress up almost as much as he hates going to the doctor! =)

Well, it's almost time to start dinner, so I better get off here. I hope you've all had a wonderful weekend...

Geez! I just couldn't find the time to get by here and do my entry today. It has been a crazy mess here at the office all day long. I am so glad it's Friday! T.G.I.F.

I have to give a speech tonight for my speech class and that will finish me up in that class. I'm a little nervous about it. I'm not very prepared right now, but I am going straight to the library after work so that I can polish it up a bit before I have to give it. I went to my last official class for Algebra last night...now I just have to go back to take my final next week. I guess we all know what I'll be doing this weekend....studying. But that's okay because it is almost over and then I'll be off for a month. WOO HOO!!!!

Both of my sons rode in our local Christmas parade last night, so I rushed back from school so that I could watch them. Tanner rode the float with his day care classmates and Austin rode in the fire truck with his best friend. They loved it! They looked so cute. Hubby drove one of the local queens around in the vette...he loved that! LOL I watched the parade with my best friend (one of them!), Amber and her daughter Cambrey. We had a really great time! And boy was it cold!!!

Well...gotta get back to work so that I can get out of here on time and go work on that speech. I will try to journal some this weekend...I got some pictures back that I need to add to my site too. Have a great afternoon!!!!!!!!! =)

Good morning! Gosh, it sure is cold here today! We had some snow yesterday, but it wasn't enough to stick...sadly enough. We don't get much snow here in Arkansas, so we usually look forward to it!

It's busy here at work today...not much time to journal. I did create a new clique for all of us bloggers last night. I thought it would be fun to make my own. It's called Bloggin' Moms. I would love to have you join if you're interested. Click here if you are!

I also added a new adoption to the Adoption Shoppe at Wilkins Lane. Be sure to stop by and check it out...it's a cutie!

Would you vote for me again today? I would really appreciate it! I will be back later to write more. Have a radiant day!

Good morning friends! My goodness is it cold here this morning!!! Arkansans up north from us got quite a bit of ice/sleet last
night, so there are several schools closed up there. No such luck down here in the valley! My kids were so disappointed to hear that they still had to go to school today! Not much time to journal today...I have to go to a funeral so I need to get some work done. A very good friend of mine lost her dad Monday night, so I will be gone for a bit. I hope that you all have a radiant day. Would you vote for me today? Thanks!

I thought I would share some of the pictures that we took on Thanksgiving while visiting my family. The aren't very close-up because my dad was standing so far away...I will share mine with you when I get them back later this week. =)

My Boys (Austin & Tanner) & Me

 

My sister Casey and my niece Kaitlynn

 

My Mom & Dad

 

My youngest son Tanner and my niece Kaitlynn

Wow!  Look at what I found in my inbox after the
Thanksgiving holiday!!!  I am so blessed to have so many friends on the
net!

Thanks
so much Erika!!!

And here's another!

Thanks
so much Jen!!

Now that Blogger is finally back up>>>Good morning friends! I think I am finally getting back into the swing of things...I hope you are all doing well today and enjoying the joyous holiday season. I know I am!

I found the perfect gift for my son this weekend. I was so excited! You see, my son is an excellent baseball player and when he played in the USSSA World Series this summer, we promised him a first-baseman's glove (it's a big thing for ball players). I have been on the hunt for one ever since. It amazes me that most first basemen throw left-handed yet it is so hard to find first basemen's gloves that go on the right hand...rather strange, isn't it?!? Well, I found one this weekend...woo hoo!!!!!!!! Austin is going to be absolutely thrilled when he opens that gift this Christmas. AND it's a Nike glove, which is really cool....when you're 9 years old!

While we were in Oklahoma City for the World Series this summer, I saw a lady that had the cutest pair of shoes on and I just had to have them...I searched and searched to no avail so I finally gave up. Well I found those this weekend too! I was meant to have those shoes...I just know it! They were the last pair, they were on sale, and they were my size!!!!! LOL :o)

Well, I suppose I have rambled on enough this morning...gotta get back to work. But before I do, could I ask you all to vote for me again? I would really appreciate it!! Click here if you think my site is worthy of the vote. Thanks so much and have a radiant day! =)

Good Monday afternoon!!! Boy what a weekend we had! I had so much fun with my family...it was so nice to see everyone. My grandmother is on her way back to Georgia and we are all back to our normal routines. Now if I could just get caught up...that would be even better! This four-day weekend is going to kick my tail this week! =)

I would like to thank everyone that has sent me blog awards and winter greetings...I will get them all added tonight. I am going to send winter/Christmas cards out to you all, but I need to figure out how to add text first!! LOL Poor, poor me...I am just ignorant when it comes to this graphic stuff!! Maybe someone will feel sorry for me and do it for me! (just kidding) :o)

Well, I must get back to the grindstone and get some work done. I hope you all have a wonderful afternoon! =)

Hello everyone! I am enjoying spending time with my family so much!!! Thank you all so much! I promise to make my daily rounds tomorrow...I have just shopped until I am exhausted!!! LOL We have had a blast...now if I could just get some Christmas shopping done and quit buying for myself. LOL!!! Thank you all for the Thanksgiving wishes...I would have dropped by to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving, but this is my Mom's laptop, and I think it is attached to her in some freaky way...she's always on it! Anyway, we are having a blast. I hope you all enjoy your weekend. Until tomorrow...

Man oh man!! Am I looking forward to the 4-day weekend!!!! I am so excited about seeing all my family, I can hardly stand it! I hope that you will all have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

I've got to get back to work now...have a great day!

Whew! I am feeling much better today! Thank you all so much for the well-wishes on my tag-board and in my e-mail. I just hate to be sick...and boy did it hit me like a ton of bricks...I was fine and then all of the sudden, I was sick. Ugh!!!

I guess tag-board is having another bad day...seems that no one's is working today. I think I will switch mine to that ZonkBoard...isn't that what it's called? That one always seems to be working when I visit those that have it.

I am looking forward to the Thanksgiving holiday...how about all of you?!? I am going to be spending the 4-day weekend with my parents (they live about 2 hours from here, in Conway). My grandmother from Georgia is going to be in to visit as well...it's always nice to have her here in Arkansas with us. It's such a long trip for her.

I guess I better get back to work so that I can get caught up before the long weekend. See y'all tomorrow! Have a great afternoon! =)

Hello everyone...just a quick note to let you all know that I am very ill with the stomach virus and I am going home from work. I should not have even come in today! If I am feeling up to it later, I will make my rounds to my daily reads. Have a great day.

Good Friday morning to you!!! Boy, I have had one busy week! I'm sorry it's been so long since I have blogged...it's just been crazy! Yesterday, I was invited by my son to his Thanksgiving Dinner at preschool...that was a lot of fun. It was so cute to see him singing all those sweet Thanksgiving songs. When we finished eating, he started crying...he didn't want to stay if I was leaving! His dad had told him that morning that if I came, he couldn't cry when I left. But, you know, it's not every day that he gets to "skip preschool"!!! So, I took him to his grandparents' house and let him stay there for the rest of the day.

I had algebra class last night....it's getting close to the end. WOO HOO!!!!! I just have one more quiz, one more test, and then the final and I will be FINISHED!!!!! =) I am so excited to be closing up this semester...it has really been a tough one.

Once again, I ask for your support! Would you please vote for me? I would really appreciate it! Thanks! Gotta get back to work now...have a radiant day. T.G.I.F. =)

Ahhh! Another day in the life of the trucking business!!! Just two more weeks until the DOT comes back and then hopefully things will settle down here. I sure hope so...I don't need to be working so much while I am getting ready for finals.

Not much to write about right now...I need to get to work. But, I will come back later and write more. Could you do me a favor? If you think Wilkins Lane & my blog are worthy, would you vote for me? I would really appreciate it! Thanks so much! Have a radiant day. =)

Lookie, lookie at what I got today!!! Thanks so much Amy!

Oh my gosh! I have the best news!!!!!! As most of you who visit me know, I am an avid scrapbooker. Well, guess what!?!?!? I am going to be opening my own scrapbook store! I am so excited I can hardly stand it! This has been a dream of mine for so long, I can't believe that it actually might come true!!! One of my best friends and I ::Robin:: are going to go into business together...it's going to be great. I absolutely cannot wait! WOO HOO!!!!!

Now, that I've gotten that out of the way! =) I have to tell y'all what my son did this morning...Austin, the 9-year-old. I walked into the kitchen to kiss him bye as I was leaving for work. He had this sheepish little grin on his face and I couldn't figure out what he was grinning about. Well, I turned to look at the T.V. and he was watching Denise Austin (the aerobics girl)!!!!! He looked at me and said "Isn't she cute, Mom?!?" Oh my gosh...I can't believe he did that! Girls calling the house, sitting with girls at the football games, watching girls on T.V....what's next!?!?!

The joys of motherhood!

Have a radiant day!

We had a wonderful trip to my parents' house. That drive with all the construction makes it a longer drive, but I will be so thankful to have better highways to travel on when they are finished. They were getting really bad! It was so nice to visit with them for the entire weekend. The boys had a blast! My mom is a flight attendant, so we don't see much of her because she is always gone. I try to take advantage of every opportunity to go see her! Well, I have got to start getting the boys ready for bed...I need to spend some time with hubby tonight since I have been gone all weekend. I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend! =)

Hello everyone! I am in Conway visiting my parents...we are having a nice weekend. It is nice to just sit around and hang out with Mom while Dad takes the boys out running around on the farm. It is beautiful up here...we are on 1200 acres and the fall foilage is absolutely beautiful. It is so very serene and quiet up here.

Well, I must get back to doing absolutely nothing!!! LOL Have a super weekend. =)

How are y'all today!?! I am feeling much better today...I just figure that most companies are making these cutbacks, so why bother even looking? The economy is bad right now and cutbacks such as these are inevitable. Live and learn!

Austin, my oldest is going through this
phase right now. Every time I call for him he says ! What is up with that?!? The things they do and learn...I tell ya! I hope it is just a phase and that it will pass soon...it sounds so rude when he does it!  

Like all the new smilies  I added them to the list of tag board smilies on my tag board...I think they're cute!  Yes, I
suppose I am easily entertained! 
And this work here on my desk certainly isn't getting done with me on this blog yacking about nothing  I guess I better get back to work! Have a wonderful day...I'll come back later and write more. 

Wooooeeee! I am on a roll! This is my second entry today...I am here to vent again, so if you don't want to read my belly-aching, I totally understand.

All of us here at work just got a memo telling us that they are cutting our benefits, but we are still going to be paying the same price. My life insurance has gone from $20,000 to $5,000...that won't even bury me. ::UGH:: What is up with these people. Almost every person that works here has worked their tail off for the last few weeks trying to get the DOT off our butts and save this company and this is the reward we get?!? ::GEEZ:: I am an educated person, and I know quite a bit about the trucking industry and business in general and I do believe that this is NOT the way you want to treat your employees. It's just not right. Well, if any of you are from Arkansas and know of anyone that is hiring...any help would be greatly appreciate! =) Have a great night...I'm off to Algebra...the perfect end to a perfect day! =)

I tell you what! We go from one extreme to the other here in Arkansas!! Yesterday it was beautiful out...about 70 degrees. Today, it is windy, cold, dreary, and dark out. I guess we are going to get some rain tonight, according to the weather man.

Why is it that people show up to work and then complain about having to work?!? That really just irritates the crap out of me! They want a paycheck, but they don't want to work. Geez!! =) ::enough venting::

I have class tonight. Just 3 more weeks of class and then finals! Woo hoo! I'm almost finished with this round. I am in desperate need of a break...these late nights studying are really starting to hurt! I will have 3 full weeks off before I have to go back for the Spring semester. That will be nice.

I have to tell y'all what my son did the other day. Ok...they both share a bathroom. Hubby told them to get their hair fixed and their teeth brushed so that they could leave for school/daycare. Tanner (4 years) was brushing his teeth and Austin (9 years) wanted him out of the bathroom so that he could fix his hair. Well, Austin irritated Tanner by telling him to hurry up so Tanner proceeded to brush ONE tooth at a time, just in spite of him. Now how funny is that?!? Those boys, I tell you, I am paying for my raising. Just like Mom said I would. FOUR years old and already picking on big brother...my goodness!!!

Well, I guess I better get back to work...this paperwork is calling my name! Y'all have a good night.

My, my, my is it going to be a beautiful day today!!!! The high is supposed to be around 70 degrees and I am looking forward to it. The sun is shining and it is beautiful here. I just absolutely love this time of year.

Today is going to be another busy day for me. I got a lot done here at the office yesterday, and I can just almost say that I am completely caught up. That is so nice! I love being caught up here at work...makes my days so much better.

Finals are coming up soon, so I will be getting ready for them over the next few weeks. Then, I will have yet another semester under my belt! Woo hoo!!! My kids are ready for me to be on Christmas break from school...I think they are tired of their dad trying to do my job! LOL Austin told me last night that "Dad doesn't study right"!! (whatever that is supposed to mean!) But, in the end, it will all be worth it.

Back to work! Y'all have a great day! =)

Good chilly, Tuesday morning to you! It is rather cool here this morning, after a really warm weekend. I am sorry it has been so long since I have entered anything into my journal. I have had a very busy few days!

Friday night, some friends of mine and I went to see Neil McCoy at our local Civic Center. It was great! The crowd was surprisingly small, so Neil was very personal with the crowd. He sang Happy Birthday to ME! How cool is that?!? It was great...and he is such a cutie! We waited out by his bus for an hour after the concert (like a bunch of idiots) and it paid off. We got his autograph!!! We were walking back to our car after that and we ran into one of the band members at the Holiday Inn (which we had to walk past). He bought us all a drink and we hung out with him for a while. It was really a lot of fun!

Saturday night, a bunch of us went to Red Lobster and then out to the club for a little line dancing. We had a blast! We were home by midnight, which is unusual, but we all had a really great time.

Sunday morning, I went to church to see my sister get baptized. That was really exciting. She is really thrilled to have Jesus back in her life and I am so very happy for her. I enjoyed the service. I think that I should probably get back into church...don't you?!? =)

Well, I must get back to work. This pile of paperwork is calling my name...can't you hear it?!? LOL I hope you all have a wonderful day and thank you for stopping by. =)

Friday Five

1. Did you vote in your last elections?
Absolutely! I think it is very important for Americans to vote for our country's leaders.

2. Do you know who your elected representatives are?
Of course! I don't think that I could honestly vote for someone if I don't know who they are and what they represent.

3. Have you ever contacted an elected representative?
If so, what was it about?No, I have not.

4. Have you ever participated in a demonstration?
No, I'm not sure that demonstrations are the way to get a point across.

5. Have you ever volunteered in an election? What was the result?
No

My goodness! What a great day this has been! I am so very humbled by all the wonderful gifts that I have received today. I have gotten wonderfully sweet e-mails, some beautiful graphic gifts, e-cards, and tons of entries in my guest book. You are all so very kind to think of me on my birthday. There aren't enough ways for me to express my gratitude. Thank you, thank you, thank you! =)

Just thought you all might be interested in reading
::Mean Mom::
Enjoy!

Stop by and visit Storrmey's Christmas site...it's absolutely beautiful! And she has some great recipes there too! ;o)

Well, it is refreshingly cool out this morning...about 38 degrees! I am so glad to finally see the sun shining. I don't think we have seen sunshine for about two weeks now. It has just been cloudy, rainy, and yucky for what seems forever.

For everyone who visits me today, I would like to thank you all for the wonderful birthday gifts you have sent me in my e-mail. I have been getting stuff all week and my birthday is not even until tomorrow! How great is that?!?!? =) I have big plans for the weekend to celebrate my birthday. There are about 20 of us meeting for dinner at Red Lobster and then we are going to the club for a bit for a little bit of dancing. I am really excited about it! I love to line dance and hang out with my buddies, so it should be a great time.

I must get back to work now. I hope you all have a super day! =)

Oh my goodness!!! Look what I got today...

Thank you so much Melody! It was so nice to check my mail and find this little award from Melody...made my day! =)

::ELECTION DAY::

I voted this morning! Don't forget to vote...it's very important!

I was late getting in to work this morning because I did go vote, so I need to get to work...I will be back later. Have a super day! =)

Which Season are you?

test yourself at fontlover.com!

Have you ever just wanted to lay around for the entire weekend and do absolutely nothing?!? Well, that is what I did this weekend. I didn't clean. I didn't do laundry. I didn't cook. I didn't do homework! I just did nothing. It was so nice. I think the kids actually enjoyed not doing anything this weekend as well...we all just watched movies, played games, and hung out. It was nice!

I haven't felt well for the last week and I think it is because I have just run myself ragged for so many weeks now. Finals will be coming up soon, so school is about to get even more stressful. But, I will have 3 weeks off in December and then I will start back in January...only to graduate with my Associates in May. Woo Hoo!! =) Finally...I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!!!!!!! I guess all this hard work and sleepless nights is finally going to pay off!

I must get back to work now...I'll try to write more later. Have a radiant day! =)

I need for you all to send me your birthdays if you haven't already...especially if your birthday is this month! You can find my e-mail address by clicking on the "contact me" link... =)

The Friday Five

1. Were you raised in a particular religious faith? I was raised as a Southern Baptist growing up in Georgia. When I was a child, the Southern Baptist were very strict, more so than today.

2. Do you still practice that faith? Why or why not? I still believe in God and I have faith in Him, but I do not attend church regularly.

3. What do you think happens after death? I think one goes to heaven or hell...simply put.

4. What is your favorite religious ritual (participating in or just observing)? I always enjoyed participating in communion...it's a very special ritual.

5. Do you believe people are basically good? Absolutely! I know there are some really bad people in this world, but for the most part, people are good. Just look at all the good people I have met through this blog...wonderful friends!